Govt called to book over the Ramatex debacle

GOVERNMENT was yesterday urged to ensure that the approximately 3 000 workers left jobless by the sudden closure of the Ramatex factory were given proper payouts.

One of the Congress of Democrats (CoD) groups and the Public Service Union of Namibia (PSUN) said the Windhoek-based Malaysian textile factory could not be allowed to escape its responsibilities. “All dismissed workers should receive all their entitlements as per law and according to the fairest labour practices.One year’s full pay (in lieu of one year’s notice) for every dismissed worker, severance pay and leave pay should make up the minimum demands from government and the unions’ side”, said Natjirikasorua Tjirera, from the CoD section led by Ben Ulenga.He said Government should explore the possibility of seeking international action against Ramatex because of the way in which the Malaysian company abruptly ended its business in Namibia.He suggested that the country should call for an international boycott of Ramatex products.Tjirera noted that his party, like others, had warned Government about “the dubious credentials of the Malaysuab Multinational Company”.”We raised concerns regarding the apparent excessive concessions offered by government to Ramatex, and warned against the possible deleterious environmental effects that could result from an over-hasty engagement with the textile company,” he said.Addressing a press conference in Windhoek, PSUN Secretary General Victor Kazonyati said there was “no use in crying over spilled milk”.The union called on Government to waste no time in engaging both national and international “institutions of goodwill” to try and help the company’s former employees as well as to try and salvage the factory.’LET’S TAKE IT FORWARD’ “It’s not worth looking for blame now.The situation is enough of a lesson.But lets from now on try and listen more attentively to criticisms that are raised,” he said.He said that he believed those responsible for bringing Ramatex into the country, and those who dealt with the company throughout, were “most probably prompted by good intentions”.”They may have thought things were going to be for the better,” he said when asked who’d dropped the ball.Kazonyati argued that Ramatex workers had acquired new skills while working for the company, and said that these could still prove useful.He suggested engaging managerial expertise from China, Indonesia or the Phillipines – countries where entrepreneurial skills in the textile industry were well developed – and continuing with Namibia’s experience in the textile industry.He further suggested that Government spend part of its N$10,5 billion development budget to pay a stipend to the “mostly women” employees of the company.”All dismissed workers should receive all their entitlements as per law and according to the fairest labour practices.One year’s full pay (in lieu of one year’s notice) for every dismissed worker, severance pay and leave pay should make up the minimum demands from government and the unions’ side”, said Natjirikasorua Tjirera, from the CoD section led by Ben Ulenga.He said Government should explore the possibility of seeking international action against Ramatex because of the way in which the Malaysian company abruptly ended its business in Namibia.He suggested that the country should call for an international boycott of Ramatex products.Tjirera noted that his party, like others, had warned Government about “the dubious credentials of the Malaysuab Multinational Company”.”We raised concerns regarding the apparent excessive concessions offered by government to Ramatex, and warned against the possible deleterious environmental effects that could result from an over-hasty engagement with the textile company,” he said.Addressing a press conference in Windhoek, PSUN Secretary General Victor Kazonyati said there was “no use in crying over spilled milk”.The union called on Government to waste no time in engaging both national and international “institutions of goodwill” to try and help the company’s former employees as well as to try and salvage the factory.’LET’S TAKE IT FORWARD’ “It’s not worth looking for blame now.The situation is enough of a lesson.But lets from now on try and listen more attentively to criticisms that are raised,” he said.He said that he believed those responsible for bringing Ramatex into the country, and those who dealt with the company throughout, were “most probably prompted by good intentions”.”They may have thought things were going to be for the better,” he said when asked who’d dropped the ball.Kazonyati argued that Ramatex workers had acquired new skills while working for the company, and said that these could still prove useful.He suggested engaging managerial expertise from China, Indonesia or the Phillipines – countries where entrepreneurial skills in the textile industry were well developed – and continuing with Namibia’s experience in the textile industry.He further suggested that Government spend part of its N$10,5 billion development budget to pay a stipend to the “mostly women” employees of the company.