Salt works at Walvis Bay hit by wildcat strike

THE Mineworkers’ Union of Namibia (MUN) has condemned an illegal strike called by workers at the Walvis Bay Salt Refiners on Monday.

According to Johannes Kangandjera, the MUN Regional Organiser, the strike was called over protracted salary negotiations which had been ongoing since April. “The workers said they were tired of the negotiations not being concluded.”He said the union had advised the workers not to call an illegal strike, but the approximately 60 workers decided to down tools and block the company gate.The company apparently said they were still willing to negotiate, but only if the employees returned to work.The strike was eventually called off at 15h00 and the workers went back to work.The union official said the process had been drawn out for such a long time as the union demands were much higher than the company offer.The union is angling for a 15 per cent increase; the company is offering seven per cent.Both sides have apparently accused each other of being unreasonable.The salt workers staged a demonstration in August last year accusing the company of alleged discrimination and abuse of power.”The workers said they were tired of the negotiations not being concluded.”He said the union had advised the workers not to call an illegal strike, but the approximately 60 workers decided to down tools and block the company gate.The company apparently said they were still willing to negotiate, but only if the employees returned to work.The strike was eventually called off at 15h00 and the workers went back to work.The union official said the process had been drawn out for such a long time as the union demands were much higher than the company offer.The union is angling for a 15 per cent increase; the company is offering seven per cent.Both sides have apparently accused each other of being unreasonable.The salt workers staged a demonstration in August last year accusing the company of alleged discrimination and abuse of power.