Crisis forces Ongopolo to retrench

NEGOTIATIONS are at an advanced stage to try and prevent the loss of jobs at Ongopolo Mining and Processing in Tsumeb, which is said to be going through a serious financial crisis.

This came to light when a five-member delegation led by the Vice President of the National Union of Namibian Workers Alfeus Muheua paid a courtesy call on President Hifikepunye Pohamba at State House on Thursday to share ideas on some current labour issues affecting workers in the country. Muheua told reporters after his meeting with the President that the situation at Ongopolo was very critical but he could not shed more light or explain in-depth, saying the revelation of certain pieces of information might jeopardise ongoing negotiations.He said, however, that a certain company which he could not mention, proposed to take over Ongopolo, adding that the union is also doing its utmost best to save the workers’ jobs.Meanwhile, another issue that Muheua and his team brought to the attention of President Pohamba is the unsettled matter of Ramatex Textile Plant which, according to him is yet to retrench close to 300 workers soon.”The case of Ramatex is yet another headache but we promise to do our best to ensure that our members’ rights are protected.For instance, they [Ramatex] offered to increase workers’ salaries by 10 cents per hour and this is just laughable,” he said.He added that his union has done a lot and continue doing so to resolve this matter.He also announced that at the invitation of the government and the NUNW, directors of Ramatex will arrive from Malaysia very soon to discuss and find an amicable solution to the problem.While at State House, the NUNW delegation also invited the Head of State to its upcoming national congress that will take place on April 28.The President is said to have accepted the invitation.The congress, which is held after every four years, is expected to analyse achievements and challenges and to chart the way forward.New leaders will also be elected at this congress, Muheua added.Other members who accompanied Muheua to State House were Elifas Dingara of the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu), David Namalenga of the Namibian Food and Allied Union (Nafau), Evaristus Kaaronda of NUNW as well as Peter Nevonga of Napwu.- NampaMuheua told reporters after his meeting with the President that the situation at Ongopolo was very critical but he could not shed more light or explain in-depth, saying the revelation of certain pieces of information might jeopardise ongoing negotiations.He said, however, that a certain company which he could not mention, proposed to take over Ongopolo, adding that the union is also doing its utmost best to save the workers’ jobs.Meanwhile, another issue that Muheua and his team brought to the attention of President Pohamba is the unsettled matter of Ramatex Textile Plant which, according to him is yet to retrench close to 300 workers soon.”The case of Ramatex is yet another headache but we promise to do our best to ensure that our members’ rights are protected.For instance, they [Ramatex] offered to increase workers’ salaries by 10 cents per hour and this is just laughable,” he said.He added that his union has done a lot and continue doing so to resolve this matter.He also announced that at the invitation of the government and the NUNW, directors of Ramatex will arrive from Malaysia very soon to discuss and find an amicable solution to the problem.While at State House, the NUNW delegation also invited the Head of State to its upcoming national congress that will take place on April 28.The President is said to have accepted the invitation.The congress, which is held after every four years, is expected to analyse achievements and challenges and to chart the way forward.New leaders will also be elected at this congress, Muheua added.Other members who accompanied Muheua to State House were Elifas Dingara of the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu), David Namalenga of the Namibian Food and Allied Union (Nafau), Evaristus Kaaronda of NUNW as well as Peter Nevonga of Napwu.- Nampa