The NBCPSS has secured a major victory for compliance and worker protection in the private security sector!!!
On 25 February 2026, a very competent Labour Law Commissioner issued a jurisdictional ruling confirming that the NBCPSS has full authority to enforce its collective agreements against employers who use worker co-operatives to place security personnel, closing a loophole that has been exploited to deny workers their rightful protections under the Labour Relations Act and the Main Collective Agreement. This ruling is firmly grounded in the Co-operatives Amendment Act of April 2019, which is very clear that all worker co-operatives must comply with labour legislation, without exception.
During an inspection at the premises of a private security employer, over 1 200 workers were uncovered operating under a worker co-operative structure, wearing the employer’s uniform, working at the employer’s sites, under the employer’s supervision, and using the employer’s equipment. Despite signing contracts as “members” of a co-operative, the reality of their working conditions told a very different story.
To every employer in the sector, take note. The use of worker co-operative structures will not help you circumvent the application of the collective agreements. Your employees remain your employees, irrespective of the contract you have with a co-operative. Our inspectors will find you!
To every security worker told they are a “member” instead of an employee, that does not strip you of your labour protections. Report arrangements designed to undermine your rights to the NBCPSS. We will enforce.
The loopholes are closed. Labour law applies, full stop!
Full Jurisdictional Ruling Here.
