Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Former Hartlief Corporation Ltd employees who were dismissed in December 2022 say they are frustrated by delays in receiving an arbitration ruling from the Office of the Labour Commissioner, more than two years after their case was heard.
The case was heard in February 2024 by arbitrator Louise Likando, and closing arguments were submitted in April.
Since then, the workers say they have made repeated follow-ups but have not received a clear explanation for the delay.
They were initially promised a ruling in February, then again in early March, and now by 31 March, but none of these dates materialised.
“We were unfairly dismissed in December 2022. The way and manner in which we were dismissed were inhumane, unfair, degrading, and humiliating. It was arbitrary and malicious. We have exhausted all avenues, and hence we are reaching out to the media for assistance,” said Ruben Nghifimule, the group spokesperson.
National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) secretary general, Job Muniaro, has raised concerns about the prolonged delay, stating that such practices undermine workers’ rights.
“When such cases are not finalised, it becomes very frustrating. You have a case that keeps getting postponed from one day to another, then another year, and in the meantime, people’s lives are being affected. It is very worrisome because it raises questions about whether workers are truly protected under our laws,” Muniaro said.
He also criticised arbitrators for citing a lack of time to issue awards, despite the long delays.
“You wonder what time they don’t have because no awards are being issued. This process is putting workers under immense frustration. Some lose their vehicles and properties, and they are destroyed emotionally. This is not fair. Many issues need to be addressed in the Labour Act, and we are currently working on amendments to correct such unfair practices,’ he said.
When contacted for comment, Labour Commissioner Kyllikki Sihlahla said she had received feedback from arbitrator Likando, who assured that the ruling would be delivered by 31 April.
The workers believe their dismissal is linked to a strike in December 2021, when around 100 Hartlief employees demonstrated against austerity measures, including a 20% salary cut and the removal of several benefits such as bonuses, overtime pay, and staff discounts.
The workers were represented by the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU).
The Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group acquired a 60% stake in Hartlief Corporation Limited in 2019, a move that was met with resistance by some employees.
