Environment Ministry employees unhappy

EMPLOYEES of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) are becoming impatient with the leaders of the Namibian Public Workers’ Union (Napwu) because they say their grievances have not been addressed.

In a letter to the union, Ministry staff countrywide say they complained to Napwu in 2004 about salaries and working conditions, and the issue was brought up again at the last Napwu congress held in Ongwediva in March. A Napwu shop steward showed the list of complaints to The Namibian and said the MET workers’ salaries were lower than those paid in other ministries and they did not get overtime payment.The workers also want danger pay for working in “dangerous territory”.Camping gear, two-way radios and 4X4 vehicles for rangers doing fieldwork are also lacking, they claim.The shop steward also charged that there were no suitable cars for field staff.”We are not threatening anyone …We just want to know why no one is taking us seriously,” he said.”We need answers and we need to see results.”He emphasised that the matter did not involve one office, or one region, but was one of national concern.A Napwu shop steward showed the list of complaints to The Namibian and said the MET workers’ salaries were lower than those paid in other ministries and they did not get overtime payment.The workers also want danger pay for working in “dangerous territory”.Camping gear, two-way radios and 4X4 vehicles for rangers doing fieldwork are also lacking, they claim.The shop steward also charged that there were no suitable cars for field staff.”We are not threatening anyone …We just want to know why no one is taking us seriously,” he said.”We need answers and we need to see results.”He emphasised that the matter did not involve one office, or one region, but was one of national concern.