WINDHOEK: Over 600 employees of the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) have rejected a 5.4 per cent once-off payment proposal by their management.
This follows negotiations held on Wednesday between the NIDA management and Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union representatives after regional and headquarter staff downed tools on Wednesday.
According to shop steward Marvin Tjikongo, wage and employment condition demands were sent to management last May, but fell on deaf ears. Employees were still striking on Thursday.
Tjikongo told Nampa that for grade A, the employees want an increment of 12 per cent, 10 per cent for grade B and eight per cent for C. They further demand a fixed amount of N.dollars 2 500 for seasonal employees.
‘On top of the normal transport allowance which is currently N.dollars 300 for our staff farming with cattle, grapes and dates production, we demand another N.dollars 300. For head office workers, we demand N.dollars 500 for transport allowance. On the housing allowance, we
ask for an extra N.dollars 500 for workers who do not reside in the company’s houses,’ Tjikongo explained.
NIDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Richwell Lukonga said in an interview with Nampa that the company can only afford the 5.4 per cent once-off payment.
‘That is where we are now. Negotiations are a give and take. That is all we can afford at the moment, but we will re-engage the union. The company has a cash flow situation so we can’t afford the demands made,’ Lukonga said.
Tjikongo has, in the meantime expressed disappointment, saying management did not consider any increment or employment condition.
‘They basically just want to give us a token. We consulted with our colleagues who are not in favour of this development and we decided we will continue with the strike, unless they decide to give us a 5.5 per cent increment on top of the once-off payment. We further demand at least an additional N.dollars 200 increment for transport allowance, to meet the company halfway,’ Tjikongo said in an interview.
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ource: The Namibia Press Agency