Strikes a worry: Govt

GOVERNMENT is concerned about the current wave of industrial action by labour movements, says Trade and Industry Minister Immanuel Ngatjizeko.

“My Ministry has been following with great concern the unfolding labour situation characterised by strikes and industrial actions as the order of the day,” the Minister told regional governors in Windhoek on Friday ahead of a joint investors’ conference later this year. “I appeal to our labour unions to exercise extreme caution in the pursuance of their labour rights.”Labour and skills were vital in the growth of any economy and could stifle or accelerate economic development, he added.”We are aware that unbridled and excessive militancy of labour have caused the total breakdown of industries and (caused) unemployment in some developed countries, because capital seeks refuge in countries with industrial calm and high skills and productivity levels,” the Minister said.It was Government’s mandate to attract new industries and to create jobs for the unemployed.”We will not allow this mandate to be compromised, especially now when the Namibian economy is obliged to create jobs like never before.””I appeal to our labour unions to exercise extreme caution in the pursuance of their labour rights.”Labour and skills were vital in the growth of any economy and could stifle or accelerate economic development, he added.”We are aware that unbridled and excessive militancy of labour have caused the total breakdown of industries and (caused) unemployment in some developed countries, because capital seeks refuge in countries with industrial calm and high skills and productivity levels,” the Minister said.It was Government’s mandate to attract new industries and to create jobs for the unemployed.”We will not allow this mandate to be compromised, especially now when the Namibian economy is obliged to create jobs like never before.”