Niël Terblanché
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has issued its strong condemnation against the practices of Duiker Investments and Almond Diamonds Namibia, a Windhoek-based diamond cutting and polishing firm, for their recent actions involving the retrenchment of 27 employees
According to the MUN, the retrenched workers are all members of the union.
In a statement, the union said that it has also identified a myriad of other unethical and unfair labour practices at the company.
The MUN stated that workers have also registered grievances against the company such as the payment of low wages, employing expatriates without local understudies, and the unfair dismissal of its members.
The union, which has long been a bastion for workers’ rights, expressed its deep concern over what it describes as the unjust treatment of employees at Almond Diamonds Namibia.
According to the MUN, the issue of low wages is a glaring example of worker exploitation, depriving them of fair compensation for their hard work and contributing to economic instability within the workforce.
Furthermore, the union criticized the management’s refusal to increase salaries or review worker benefits since 2018, along with the hiring of 15 expatriates who have no scarce or special skills.
The union alleged that the employment of unskilled expatriates is costing the company over half a million in payroll expenses.
The MUN argued that the practice of employing unskilled expatriates violates equitable employment practices by not providing opportunities for local skill development which leads to the marginalization of local workers.
The union also shed light on the retrenchments of 27 employees, suggesting that these dismissals are not only unfair but also targeted at those who are affiliated with the union and have been active in organizing workers. According to the MUN, the company’s actions are evidence of a complete disregard for the right of workers to organize
The union stated that these actions are impacting the livelihoods of hardworking Namibians and exacerbating economic uncertainty for the affected workers and their families.
In a show of solidarity with the affected employees, MUN unequivocally condemned the company’s actions and referred a dispute to the office of the labour commissioner.
In this regard, the union called on relevant regulatory authorities, including labour inspectors, the office of the labour commissioners, and equity commissioners, to conduct a thorough investigation into the company’s conduct and to take measures to protect the rights and well-being of all workers affected by the company’s conduct.
At the same time, the MUN reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advocating for fair labour practices, upholding workers’ rights, and promoting equitable treatment in the workplace.
The matter was set down to be heard by the labour commissioner today/yesterday.
Niël Terblanché
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has issued its strong condemnation against the practices of Duiker Investments and Almond Diamonds Namibia, a Windhoek-based diamond cutting and polishing firm, for their recent actions involving the retrenchment of 27 employees
According to the MUN, the retrenched workers are all members of the union.
In a statement, the union said that it has also identified a myriad of other unethical and unfair labour practices at the company.
The MUN stated that workers have also registered grievances against the company such as the payment of low wages, employing expatriates without local understudies, and the unfair dismissal of its members.
The union, which has long been a bastion for workers’ rights, expressed its deep concern over what it describes as the unjust treatment of employees at Almond Diamonds Namibia.
According to the MUN, the issue of low wages is a glaring example of worker exploitation, depriving them of fair compensation for their hard work and contributing to economic instability within the workforce.
Furthermore, the union criticized the management’s refusal to increase salaries or review worker benefits since 2018, along with the hiring of 15 expatriates who have no scarce or special skills.
The union alleged that the employment of unskilled expatriates is costing the company over half a million in payroll expenses.
The MUN argued that the practice of employing unskilled expatriates violates equitable employment practices by not providing opportunities for local skill development which leads to the marginalization of local workers.
The union also shed light on the retrenchments of 27 employees, suggesting that these dismissals are not only unfair but also targeted at those who are affiliated with the union and have been active in organizing workers. According to the MUN, the company’s actions are evidence of a complete disregard for the right of workers to organize
The union stated that these actions are impacting the livelihoods of hardworking Namibians and exacerbating economic uncertainty for the affected workers and their families.
In a show of solidarity with the affected employees, MUN unequivocally condemned the company’s actions and referred a dispute to the office of the labour commissioner.
In this regard, the union called on relevant regulatory authorities, including labour inspectors, the office of the labour commissioners, and equity commissioners, to conduct a thorough investigation into the company’s conduct and to take measures to protect the rights and well-being of all workers affected by the company’s conduct.
At the same time, the MUN reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advocating for fair labour practices, upholding workers’ rights, and promoting equitable treatment in the workplace.
The matter was set down to be heard by the labour commissioner today/yesterday.
