KRAATZ Marine successfully concluded a wage agreement with the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union two weeks ago.
The substantive agreement applies to all employees in the bargaining unit (Grades 1-5), and is effective for a period of three years (1 July 2019 – 30 June 2022). Kraatz, which is located at Walvis Bay, is a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver and List Group (O&L).
The agreement signed affects 15 employees, and entails an annual basic salary increment of 5% in year one, 6% in year two, and 6% in year three. These rates are also applicable to housing allowance. The affected employees will also receive transport allowances, and are guaranteed bonuses for the three respective years.
According to the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (Manwu) spokesperson, John Hinyekwa, the aim of the negotiations, which started on 7 May 2019, was to improve the overall working conditions of the employees, and to discuss other substantial issues that need action from both parties.
“Despite the economic challenges that the country is facing, the Kraatz negotiating team has indicated that the company is doing relatively well, compared to previous years, and is predicted to do even better in the next 12 months.
“The parties have overall negotiated in good faith, and the mandate of the workers has been reasonable throughout the negotiations,” he said.
O&L group manager for employee relations, Shane Johr expressed gratitude over the negotiation process, saying they are very happy as this was the first agreement in the history of O&L which was signed in such a short period.
“It is essential that we negotiate in good faith to honour the O&L Group purpose of ‘Creating a Future, Enhancing Life’. While it is high on our agenda to pay our employees adequate wages, we also need to be mindful and ensure sustainability in order to provide jobs in the future.”
Kraatz manager for human capital, Roberto January said the company’s relationship with the union is in a very good space.
“I want to thank Manwu and the employees/shop stewards for speedy but moral wage negotiations. This is testament that the relationship between the parties has grown tremendously over the years, and both have an aligned view on harmonious relations, and keeping employees’ best interests at heart,” he added.
