Farm, domestic workers getting raw deal in Karas

KEETMANSHOOP – The Namibia Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Nafau) branch at Keetmanshoop has expressed concern over the way domestic and farm workers are treated in the Karas Region.

Nafau Organiser at the town, Cornelius Pienaar told Nampa on Friday that many employers were still maltreating domestic and farm workers in the southern region as these employees were not always aware of their rights. Pienaar said domestic workers were often afraid to speak out against their employers while the long distances in the vast region made it difficult for Nafau officials to visit all farms.The unionist said that most of the employers in the region did not adhere to the minimum wages set for these groups of employees.He said some domestic workers were still paid as little as N$120 a month.Pienaar noted that the situation was even worse with farm workers who were often summarily dismissed and dumped by the road side.”I am calling on these employers to stop these inhumane practices,” he said.He said the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) would strengthen its regional structures in future to ensure that all workers were adequately represented.The local NUNW affiliate unions are assisting farm and domestic workers, as their unions have not yet established branches at Keetmanshoop.- NampaPienaar said domestic workers were often afraid to speak out against their employers while the long distances in the vast region made it difficult for Nafau officials to visit all farms.The unionist said that most of the employers in the region did not adhere to the minimum wages set for these groups of employees.He said some domestic workers were still paid as little as N$120 a month.Pienaar noted that the situation was even worse with farm workers who were often summarily dismissed and dumped by the road side.”I am calling on these employers to stop these inhumane practices,” he said.He said the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) would strengthen its regional structures in future to ensure that all workers were adequately represented.The local NUNW affiliate unions are assisting farm and domestic workers, as their unions have not yet established branches at Keetmanshoop.- Nampa