Guards affiliated with the Isotita trade union are striking for their personal safety and demanding higher wages. They face dangers on the job and are advocating for equal pay for equal work, highlighting the pay discrepancy between hourly and public servant gamekeepers.
Why are guards striking and demanding higher wages?
Guards affiliated with the Isotita trade union are striking due to safety concerns, unreasonable work conditions, and low wages. They face dangers on the job such as violence, outdated equipment, and insufficient protective clothing. The strike aims to address the pay discrepancy between hourly and public servant gamekeepers, advocating for equal pay for equal work.
Trade Union Backs Guard Strike
The Isotita trade union publicly declared its support for the striking guards this past Sunday. These hourly paid guards, who are tasked with combating poaching, stood together in protest outside the presidential palace. Their demonstration coincided with a 24-hour strike, underlining their plea for immediate salary increases.
Safety Concerns and Unreasonable Work Conditions Cited
Guards voiced concerns over the dangers they face on the job. They pointed to the burdens of handling multiple tasks at once, which not only strains them but potentially compromises their safety. The use of outdated weapons and vehicles exacerbates this risk. Furthermore, the lack of appropriate clothing and footwear, as reported by Alpha News, adds to the precarious nature of their work conditions.
Decades of Injustice
The plight of these workers has been ongoing for an extended period, as indicated by the statement from Isotita. Over the past three decades, the guards have faced violence and threats that have extended to their families. Despite the risks, including bombings and arson attacks on their property, they have persevered in their roles to safeguard the environment and wildlife.
Discrepancy in Pay: A Rights Violation
The union has shed light on the significant pay gap between hourly gamekeepers and their public servant counterparts. Hourly gamekeepers may earn as little as €804.90, not accounting for shift allowances, and at most €1,411.96. However, public servant gamekeepers have starting wages of €1,242.58, which can soar to €3,276.58. The union condemns this as a clear breach of the principle of equal pay for equal work.
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Quick Recap
- Guards affiliated with the Isotita trade union are striking for their personal safety and demanding higher wages.
- The Isotita trade union publicly declared its support for the striking guards.
- Guards voiced concerns over the dangers they face on the job, including outdated equipment and insufficient protective clothing.
- The guards have faced violence and threats for decades, but continue to protect the environment and wildlife.
- There is a significant pay discrepancy between hourly gamekeepers and public servant gamekeepers, which the union sees as a violation of equal pay for equal work.
