Labour minister Immanuel intervenes in Namib Mills strike

The strike currently ongoing at Namib Mills could end next week, following progress in talks mediated by the labour minister.

Minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel met with striking workers and Namib Mills representatives on Friday afternoon, according to a social media post by the ministry.

“All parties to the dispute resorted to Immanuel for a mediated settlement, after all of the parties to the strike, now lasting for nearly three weeks, refused to relent,” the ministry says.

It says Namib Mills and its workers were able to reach agreement on several issues, including a percentage for annual salary increment, equitable salary adjustments for job grades, increases in drivers’ night-out allowance, an increase in medical aid support, and not discounting bonuses.

However, a few issues remain unresolved regarding standard minimum entry levels, transport allowances, and the implementation of annual salary increments.

The minister ordered both parties to reach consensus on these issues by the end of next week.

Namib Mills workers, represented by the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu), have been on strike for three weeks following failed wage negotiations.

Naretu leader Petersen Kambinda on Monday called for Immanuel to intervene in the strike.

“This is a national problem, but we have not heard or seen intervention from the minister of labour,” Kambinda told reporters.

The Namibian on 14 January reported that Namib Mills offered a 5% increase on annual salary increments, equitable salary adjustments, and the non-discounting of bonuses.

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