Staff Writer
The Meat Corporation of Namibia (MEATCO) and the Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU) have signed the revised Recognition and Procedural Agreement.
The main highlight of the revised agreement is the change to the employees who fall under the Bargaining Unit as A1-B2 which is now extended from A1-B5.
“This means that all employees that fall within the Bargaining Unit currently will be represented by the Union during salary increment negotiations and other pertinent matters.”
Under the newly signed agreement, the parties had a task to review the provisions of the agreement and to update outdated provisions such as where the previous agreement made reference to the 1992 Labour Act (Act 6 of 1992) while there is a new Act in place i.e. The Labour Act (Act 11 of 2007).
Under the signed agreement, NAFAU is recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent representing employees who fall under the Bargaining Unit at Meatco.
“It also recognises and acknowledges that sound and equitable relationships between employer and employees are essential for the promotion of goodwill, productivity and economic well-being of Meatco employees. Furthermore, this recognition regulates the communication and negotiations between Meatco and NAFAU as well as conforms to the provisions of the Labour Law Act and related Laws of Namibia.”
“I would like to thank the committee that was appointed to review the draft document from both Meatco and the employee’s side. Although, there were very heated deliberations between the parties a positive agreement was eventually reached and now we have a document that is guiding us and in-line with the current Labour Act. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Meatco’s Management that witnessed the signing of this agreement and urged them to adhere to the provisions of the agreement going forward,” he said.
Meatco’s Chief Executive Officer, Mwilima Mushokabanji said welcomed the conclusion of the negotitions.
“The signing of the agreement is a reflection of a new season and century we see it as a renewal that defines an alternative future in terms of how we engage with the employees and NAFAU in the future. I think we see ourselves as one Meatco, the employees and NAFAU we will keep on relying on your wisdom and leadership so that ultimately the well-being of the employees remains supreme at all times,” he said.
“No organisation can survive with having employees who are not happy, rather they should look forward to coming to Meatco everyday excited and work to serve not because they are forced by policies but because the environment is inspirational and stimulates them to offer their best. As Meatco’s Management we will always thrive to make sure that is achieved without fail.”
The first Recognition and Procedural Agreement between Meatco and NAFAU was adopted in 2008. The current agreement will be in place until such time that either party proposes amendments to it.
