Are Security Guards in India Being Treated Fairly? Let's Discuss Their Work Conditions and Rights

Hello community members,

Work conditions of security guards in India

I had some queries about the work conditions of security guards in India. I live in a DLF building in Delhi NCR, and the security services are outsourced to SVG. I spoke to a few guards and learned that they work 12 hours a day with no monthly holidays. If they take a leave, ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per leave is deducted. They are not provided with any medical insurance either.

Questions about legality and compensation

Can someone shed some light on this, please? Is 12 hours legal? Should they be paid more for working more than 8 hours? Why do they not have any access to leaves? Is this legal under labor laws? What steps can be taken to tackle this?

Hi Yamini, The work conditions you have described for the security guards are concerning. In India, the standard working hours for adults are 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week, as per the Factories Act, 1948. Any work beyond this should be compensated as overtime. Additionally, all workers are entitled to a certain number of paid leaves as per the law. It's important to ensure that these labor laws are being adhered to by organizations to address this issue and ensure that the security guards are being treated fairly and in accordance with the law.

Thanks,

Security guard employment conditions

Security guards are employees of the agency (SVG in your case) and, as such, they are to be paid wages as per the notification issued by the state. They should also be covered by the service conditions such as 8-hour duty, overtime wages for extra hours worked, weekly off, leave with wages, and holidays with wages like any other employee of an establishment. If the guards placed at your location are not receiving these benefits, you can approach the appropriate authorities and seek their assistance.

Permissible working hours

In some states, a 12-hour duty is permitted for security guards. I understand that the minimum wages notification will specify the wages per 8 hours or 12 hours, as the case may be.

Overtime and Working Conditions for Security Guards

Security guards usually work long hours, sometimes exceeding the standard 8 hours a day. In many places, there are rules that require employers to pay extra for hours worked beyond 40 per week. This extra payment is called overtime pay, intended to be fair compensation for the additional effort.

Security guard jobs often require 24/7 coverage, such as at hospitals or airports, which means working nights or weekends. The job can be challenging due to prolonged standing and exposure to various weather conditions.

Company Policies and Employee Representation

Different companies have varying policies regarding pay and treatment of security guards. Some companies negotiate with employees or their representatives on pay rates and working conditions, especially where unions are involved.

Compliance with Government Regulations

It's crucial for companies to adhere to government regulations on pay and working conditions to ensure fair treatment. Some companies may offer extra pay for work in risky or special situations.

Ultimately, whether security guards receive additional pay for working more than 8 hours depends on their location and the specific rules in place.

Good treatment and fair pay are essential to retain skilled personnel and maintain safety and security.

Overtime Wages for Security Guards

@Somnath.Aaryan, where is it mentioned that security guards working more than 40 hours a week should be paid overtime wages?

@Madhu,

Security guards are workers in a factory and employees under the Shop & Establishment Act. Under both acts, they are eligible for payment of overtime after 9 hours a day or 48 hours a week. The Payment of Wages Act, Minimum Wages Act, and in most states, the notifications specify that they must be paid overtime beyond 9 hours or 48 hours.

Thank you.