Attempts are being made to stop the exploitation of men and women who have joined the workforce as security guards in light of long hours, some even exceeding 24 hours.

To deal with the issue, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.) has told all security guard employers to remind them of their obligations as employers following excessive hours of work for the employees.

It is believed that security guards are pulling long hours on minimum pay and with most labour being sourced from rural communities, some even from Savaii.

Samoa Observer has spoken to security guards who billet inside their company office because of the geographical difficulty in travelling back home. A young woman said she would travel to Savaii at the weekend while spending the weekdays at the office.

The Ministry issued a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling reminding all security guard employers of their obligations stated in the Act 2014.

"The employers of all security guards and night-watchmen in the private sector and state-owned enterprises are hereby advised and be reminded of their obligations under section 47(4) of the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2014 (Act) and the Labour and Employment Relations Amendment Act 2023 as follows" the statement reads.

The act stated that: An 'employee' must have at least eight hours rest for each day or adjoining days of work; An 'employee' must not be required an employee to work for 12 consecutive hours on any day; and an 'employee' must have at least 36 consecutive hours of rest from work within any seven days.

"Please note that it is an offence for an employer to not comply with any provisions of the legislation and is liable to a fine of not exceeding 20 penalty units," the Act reads.

Meanwhile, one of the security officers who shared their stories about working extra shifts and hours to provide for his family is Paogo Toma Uia.

At the age of 64 years, he left his wife and 14-year-old daughter at home in Tiavea-uta, 61 kilometres away, to get employment as a security officer.

His limited classroom education has resulted in a very limited scope of employment opportunities. Being a security officer was one of the few opportunities that he has had. It was either doing this or being at home doing nothing.

He does not mind the work. It is long hours and tedious but his motivation is providing for his wife and child.

He said things were different when he was growing up. He said children have different needs now and he hopes that his hard work would result in his daughter getting a better education so she has the opportunities that he never had.

Many other employees like Mr. Uia go through long hours.