Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Employees of Pretorius Plant Hire Trust in Windhoek have downed tools in a legal strike led by the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (NARETU), following a protracted wage dispute and what the union says is a breach of strike rules.
NARETU’s commander-in-chief, Petersen Kambind, confirmed on Tuesday that the strike comes after wage talks between the workers and the company collapsed last year and were referred to the Office of the Labour Commissioner.
Kambinda said the company has since attempted to use replacement drivers, a move he says violates the strike agreement signed by both parties.
“This is a clear breach of labour laws. Workers are exercising their legal right to strike, but the company continues to operate illegally by bringing in scab labour. This undermines the strike and puts the safety of our members at risk,” said Kambinda.
Pretorius Plant Hire Trust specialises in the leasing of hydraulic and earthmoving equipment.
Kambinda warned that workers will escalate their actions to prevent what he described as unlawful operations.
“NARETU will not allow employers to violate workers’ rights with impunity. Pretorius Plant Hire Trust must respect the strike rules and return to the negotiation table in good faith,” he said.
Kambinda urged workers across the country to unite against exploitative labour practices and called on the government, media, and public to hold companies accountable.
Attempts to get comments from Pretorius Plant Hire Trust were unsuccessful.
Company owner Nico Pretorius was unreachable, and finance manager Carmen Pretorius did not respond to calls or messages.
