Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) general secretary Petrus Nevonga has demanded a closed door meeting with parliamentarians regarding the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) workers’ strike in 2021.
Napwu was called to parliament for a public consultative meeting with the parliamentary standing committee on human resources and community development to address the “devastating” NBC strike.
In 2021, at least 600 NBC employees went on a nationwide strike demanding an 8% salary increment and for all workers in one-month contracts to be employed full-time.
The strike was held on a principle of “no work no pay” which led to the workers having to pay NBC back for the time they spent striking.
Nevonga argued that they operate and exist in an environment where there are other stakeholders involved in issues concerning the workers.
“If there is a committee assigned to address this matter, it should be done through normal off-camera consultation,” he said.
Nevonga reiterated that the committee does not have jurisdiction over Napwu and all employee problems should be treated equally and addressed accordingly.
“Our consultations should only take place at the appropriate level, without mixing subjects and issues. Even though this parliamentary committee is not involved in the labour issues we deal with, not only for NBC but for all institutions within our scope of operations, we handle labour issues,” he said.
He said similar issues in the past were addressed in accordance with the Labour Act, which provides provisions for recognition between the involved parties.
“The way this consultation has been arranged does not align with the terms and conditions of our operations. Therefore, we will not engage in this discussion,” he said.
Swapo Party Youth League secretary general Ephraim Nekongo said Napwu was invited to provide input on the NBC workers’ strike.
“We have consulted other involved parties, including some unions, and have engaged with workers in various regions,” he said.
Nekongo said they wanted to include Napwu’s input in their report to parliament.
Member of parliament Tjekero Tweya said the parliamentary hearings and meetings are generally open to the public.
“However, our rules state that while all hearings and meetings are public, members can decide to discuss a particular item off-camera if they find it to be sensitive and not suitable for public consumption. This particular item on NBC is a motion from parliament, and the issues are widely known,” he said.
Tweya said the committee had consulted with other stakeholders to understand the employees’ situation.
“The committee acknowledges their concerns, as they may face victimisation from those in power. Therefore, to protect these vulnerable employees, many meetings were held off-camera,” he said.
Tweya said Napwu was among the stakeholders identified for consultation.
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