Security union steps up ground engagement to tackle industry concerns

The Union of Security Employees (USE) is intensifying efforts to address workplace challenges faced by security officers, from pay and manpower issues to calls for faster technological adoption and better career progression.

A key part of its strategy is direct engagement with security officers on the ground. Through its monthly Kopichat sessions, USE gathers real-time feedback from workers across various sectors to better understand their challenges and aspirations.

The union brought this initiative into the heartlands, hosting its first on-site Kopichat session on 13 June 2025 in Sengkang. The move marks a renewed effort to make dialogue more accessible and inclusive for frontline officers.

The outreach in Sengkang is part of USE’s long-standing tradition of regular dialogue, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the wages, welfare and work prospects of security professionals in Singapore.

USE President Ardi Amir said: “We’ve always welcomed officers to our office for Kopichat. But now we’re turning the tables — going to them instead. It’s more convenient, and it helps us connect with a wider group of officers who may not have the time or flexibility to travel.”

Security Officers raise concerns over staffing and technology

Recent sessions have highlighted several persistent issues within the industry:

• Manpower strain: Officers shared that being deployed alone at sites and working extended shifts due to late reliefs is a source of ongoing stress and fatigue.
• Rank mismatches: Some expressed frustration at senior officers being assigned duties below their designated ranks, which they say affects morale and career satisfaction.
• Technology gaps: There is growing support for faster, broader industry adoption of security technology—not only to improve efficiency but also to support career progression through the Progressive Wage Model (PWM).

Tracking progress in the industry

Despite the concerns, some officers acknowledged progress made in recent years.

One officer recalled earning just over $300 per month two decades ago — a sharp contrast to today’s improved baseline wages under the PWM.

USE Executive Secretary Shirley Loo said: “Officers appreciate the difference the PWM has made. It’s important we continue pushing these gains further, not just in pay but in jobs design, welfare and career progression.”

Shaping policy through tripartite engagement

USE plays an active role in several tripartite workgroups—platforms where unions, employers and the Government shape workplace policies and standards.

The feedback gathered during Kopichat and other engagements directly informs discussions in these workgroups.

“There are workgroups focused on working hours, contract structures and more. The union’s job is to bring real, on-the-ground perspectives into those conversations, so policies don’t just look good on paper but solve the problems our officers face,” said Mr Ardi.

A voice from the ground

One security officer who attended the session on 13 June 2025 was Razali Nawai, a security manager at Tanah Merah Country Club.

He found the Kopichat session valuable, not only for expressing his concerns but also for learning that the union is actively engaging security officers across different locations.

“This kind of platform is important, especially when security professionals work long hours and rarely have time to speak up. Doing it after work, in the community, makes a real difference,” he said.

Mr Razali raised issues including excessive working hours, one-man deployments, and respect for officers. Despite the challenges, he said he remains optimistic.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day. But I believe USE is doing its part, and hopefully, we’ll see some good news in the years ahead,” he said.

Keeping the dialogue going

Kopichat remains an essential part to USE’s efforts. Held monthly, each session focuses on specific topics such as key employment terms or fair deployment practices. Officers are encouraged to attend and share their experiences directly with union leaders.

Ms Loo shared that these sessions are instrumental in keeping the union informed and responsive.

She said: “They ensure we remain connected to the realities of our officers’ lives. And they strengthen our voice when we advocate for change.”

USE plans to expand the Kopichat series to more locations around Singapore, with venues selected based on officer feedback and logistical feasibility.

For updates on upcoming USE Kopichat sessions, visit USE’s Facebook page.