Private security personnel get pay hike

The Industrial Security Foundation (Sri Lanka) Inc., the industry group that promotes the rights and welfare of the commercial and industrial security trade, this week welcomed the pay hike granted to security personnel (civil security).

ISF said that the decisions made by Wages Boards representing 31 trades to increase the minimum wages to Rs.5000 approved by the Minister of Labour Relations & Manpower has now come into effect from May 1, 2007.

Accordingly the minimum wage for operational staff is Rs.5000 and supervisory staff Rs.5350, up by Rs.1200 per month.

Close upon 70000 personnel employed in the commercial and industrial security trade received their enhanced pay packet last week. The 32% pay hike will increase the minimum remuneration of a Junior Security Officer, working on an 8-hour shift roster to Rs.8701 per month, inclusive of Employer’s Contribution for EPF/ETF and payment for four weekly off days, according to an ISF press release.

Welcoming the government decision, Ajith Jayasekera, Senior Vice President of the ISF said, “The timely pay hike is a great relief and moral boost for the rank and file. Right now the security industry is facing a manpower crisis with 20,000 job vacancies existing, without takers. Wage increase and the expedition of the deregularization of deserters from armed services are bound to improve the situation.”