Allexer Namundjembo
The Mine Workers Union (MUN) has reached an agreement with the majority shareholders of the Kombat Mine, Trigon Metals concerning the retrenchment of 533 employees.
The general secretary of the MUN, George Ampweya, confirmed that the matter that has been brewing since last year has been resolved.
“The agreement outlines key terms, with an emphasis on supporting employees through equitable compensation. Every retrenched employee will receive one month of notice pay, along with severance pay equivalent to one week’s salary for each year of service. Employees will further be paid for any confirmed accrued leave days up to 31 January,” he said.
Ampwyea added that unpaid overtime will also be settled, and all employees will undergo exit medical examinations, fully covered by the employer.
“The employer will further be responsible for providing the 2024/2025 PAYE 5 certificates to all employees to assist with tax return filings for the tax year,” Ampweya said.
He added that outstanding tax-related payments or unpaid salaries will be settled, and each affected employee will receive N$2 500 to aid in their transition to their places of origin.
Revised certificates of service will be issued to correct any inaccuracies in employment start dates, and a recall list of retrenched employees will be maintained for 12 months from 31 January.
This list will prioritise rehiring if the company reopens.
“Any injury-on-duty claims are encouraged to be reported and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, requiring investigation and assessments by an Occupational Medical Practitioner. All affected employees will receive detailed payslips reflecting the total amounts due under the provisions of the agreement. The employer confirms that all retrenchment packages will be paid on or before 25 February, subject to income tax,” Ampweya said.
At the beginning of this month, the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) initiated a collective bargaining process with Trigon Metals’ Kombat Mine after the company announced plans to retrench the employees without prior consultation with the union.
The retrenchment came after the company had temporarily suspended operations for about six to nine months due to the failure of its two dewatering pumps.
