Road workers in South protest

ROSH PINAH – Close to 200 workers employed by Namibia Roads and its sub-contractors staged a peaceful demonstration here on Wednesday.

The workers upgrading the Aus-Rosh Pinah gravel road handed over a petition outlining their grievances to representatives of the various companies. They are demanding better accommodation, a food allowance and a transport allowance.They also accused some of the sub-contracting companies of bad labour practices, claiming that workers have to sleep in culverts without any proper sanitation facilities.The Roads Authority (RA) awarded the tender to Namibia Roads.The workers accuse the RA of not including employee benefits in the contract with Namibia Roads.They also blame the Office of the Labour Commissioner for not taking their grievances seriously.The workers earlier declared a dispute with the companies involved and requested the labour commissioner to intervene.However, they are now claiming that the labour commissioner’s office is dragging its feet in the matter.Even attempts by Works, Transport and Communication Minister Moses Amweelo to mediate between the parties have been unsuccessful.- NampaThey are demanding better accommodation, a food allowance and a transport allowance.They also accused some of the sub-contracting companies of bad labour practices, claiming that workers have to sleep in culverts without any proper sanitation facilities.The Roads Authority (RA) awarded the tender to Namibia Roads.The workers accuse the RA of not including employee benefits in the contract with Namibia Roads.They also blame the Office of the Labour Commissioner for not taking their grievances seriously.The workers earlier declared a dispute with the companies involved and requested the labour commissioner to intervene.However, they are now claiming that the labour commissioner’s office is dragging its feet in the matter.Even attempts by Works, Transport and Communication Minister Moses Amweelo to mediate between the parties have been unsuccessful.- Nampa