We often hear of how the security industry is improving these days. And when new announcements are made, the Union of Security Employees (USE) is often cited as a key contributor. The most recent was the revision on the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) to allow security officers a faster career progression route.
However, we don’t often hear the voices of the individuals in the unions, those who are driving these changes on the ground.
I met up with three of them from USE executive council recently to find out what keeps them going. Meet Assistant General Secretary Ardi Amir, 39, Vice President Jason Chua, 60, and Exco Member Ng Tiong Hian, 32.
How did you get started with union work?
Jason: Soon after I became a branch official, I started to see the meaningful work the union was doing for our members. I remember one time, during the M Sanji Bursary Awards, there was a member whose five children got bursaries from the union. When you put all five children in a row, they looked like a step ladder, you know. They were so happy and were thanking us profusely. It is about the positive impact we create in the lives of our members, and that was what made me more and more passionate about being a union leader.
Ardi: I totally agree with Jason. It is the impact we create on the lives of our security officers that drives us forward, to help more, to do more. As a union leader, we have avenues to help security officers that we would not otherwise have had if we just stuck to our day jobs as operation managers or operation executives.
Tiong Hian: For me, I’ve always wanted to do my part to professionalise the industry. That is my primary objective. I hope one day the security industry is seen as a viable career for people. I don’t want it to be a job that people fall back on when there is a recession. I want to do my best to change this mindset.
As a union leader, what’s your relationship like with your employer?
Jason: The company I work for is very supportive of union work. They often encourage me to go for more union functions. I’m thankful that my company and union have a good relationship.
Ardi: Since I became a union leader a few years ago, I’ve done my best to become the bridge between the two. For example, if there are any announcements to be made, I am able to discuss them with my employer. Being a progressive company, my employers always find ways and means to help improve the lives of my members. These days, they keep asking me, “When is the next union dialogue? Are you attending?” They want to know what’s happening in the industry and being a union leader, I can provide valuable information to both my employer and my members.
Tiong Hian: My employer is also supportive and has good relations with the union. I guess it’s because of this trust between the company and union that they let me run the show on my own when it comes to union work.
When we say welfare, what does it mean to you?
Jason: It means better working conditions, better pay and better benefits.
Ardi: Better working-hours. Work-life balance is important.
Tiong Hian: For me, it’s all the above, especially better working conditions and working hours.
Jason, you are 60 this year. That means you’d most likely have to flow on in the next election. What advice do you have for younger union leaders who still have decades ahead of them?
Jason: Firstly, you must be passionate. Love what you do. Only then can you take care of our security officers. You must always have this with you. And when you have this, you will be able to do wonders. Fight for whatever you can for the benefit of your members. Keep pushing for things that will benefit our officers.
For Ardi and Tiong Hian, you both still have a few decades as union leaders ahead of you. What change do you want to drive?
Ardi: We need to further equip our officers with not only security knowledge but also tech knowledge as well. We’re entering the era of Industry 4.0. We’re transforming rapidly, and I worry what would happen if our officers don’t keep up. I’ll continue to raise awareness of this need, and I’ll be there with them every step of the way.
Tiong Hian: I hope that in my time as a union leader, people will see becoming a security officer as a viable career option. A good start to help change this mindset would be the shortening of the officers’ working hours. Another is to educate service buyers and members of the public to give respect to our officers. It can’t happen overnight, but we’ll push on.
