Unam strike now off

AN eleventh-hour intervention by Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba has averted a planned strike at the University of Namibia (Unam).

Unionists told staff at a lunch-hour meeting yesterday that management had agreed to a seven per cent across-the-board increase – backdated to January 2007. Staff wanted 12 per cent while Unam offered nothing, claiming its coffers were empty.Union sources said Mbumba informed them that Government had some funds that would be channelled to Unam, as staff were preparing to go on strike this morning.On Tuesday, Unam staff voted overwhelmingly to strike until they got increased wages and transport allowances.Yesterday they said transport allowances would be discussed when the 2008 wage negotiations started.Some 58 per cent of staff – from a 62 per cent turnout – voted in favour of a strike at the main Windhoek campus, Neudamm, Northern campus, Ogongo, Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Tsumeb, Otjiwarongo, Gobabis, Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Khorixas and Keetmanshoop.A joint statement issued by Unam, the Namibia National Teachers’ Union and Namibia Public Workers’ Union said the backdated payments would be made no later than May 15.Staff wanted 12 per cent while Unam offered nothing, claiming its coffers were empty.Union sources said Mbumba informed them that Government had some funds that would be channelled to Unam, as staff were preparing to go on strike this morning.On Tuesday, Unam staff voted overwhelmingly to strike until they got increased wages and transport allowances.Yesterday they said transport allowances would be discussed when the 2008 wage negotiations started.Some 58 per cent of staff – from a 62 per cent turnout – voted in favour of a strike at the main Windhoek campus, Neudamm, Northern campus, Ogongo, Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Tsumeb, Otjiwarongo, Gobabis, Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Khorixas and Keetmanshoop.A joint statement issued by Unam, the Namibia National Teachers’ Union and Namibia Public Workers’ Union said the backdated payments would be made no later than May 15.