Namib Mills workers believe their strike could end in the next few days after the company has made several concessions.
“At this stage, we are 80% of the way towards an amicable solution,” Namibia Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu) leader Petersen Kambinda said on Friday.
After negotiations facilitated by the minister of justice and labour relations, the union and the company agreed on a new internal entry level salary, salary alignment, and other benefits.
The remaining issues in contention are the December bonus and back pay. Namib Mills on Tuesday offered to pay striking workers 50% of the December bonus, as well as five months’ back pay.
The union is pushing for the striking workers to be paid 100% of the bonus and seven months of back pay.
Communication between Naretu and the company has not broken down and the union is still willing to compromise on some issues, Kambinda said.
He called on the prime minister and president to involve themselves in facilitating negotiations.
“The issue will turn into a national crisis. The stock of products is depleting, especially Bakpro products,” Kambinda said.
Namib Mills previously downplayed claims of a national food shortage and said the company is able to meet demand.
Friday marks day 33 of the strike, which began after months of fail
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