By; Mupiri Matthias
Walvis Bay, June 20 – Kraatz, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, inked a substantial agreement with the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (MANWU) at Walvis Bay on June 6, 2023, as part of their commitment to their Purpose, “Creating a future, enhancing life.” The substantive agreement will be in effect from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 and will apply to all 47 Kraatz bargaining unit employees.
The substantive agreement states that negotiating unit employees would get a 6.5% raise in basic pay and a N$220 increase in transportation allowance, for a total of N$520.
At the signing of the agreement, Kraatz Managing Director (MD) Eugene Louw recognized employees for their contributions to the company’s progress and those yet to come: “The fiscal year for 2024 holds the promise of countless new opportunities, and I am confident that as a Kraatz team, we will unlock all of them.” This demonstrates our dedication to you, our valued Kraatz workers. I am eager for us to meet our EBIT target and other objectives in line with our Group Vision for 2025.”
The Kraatz team’s enthusiasm for the future was also expressed by Tanya de Witt, manager of human capital: “Kraatz is devoted to the livelihoods of its largest asset, our cherished workers, and we believe that this agreement proves that. I am eager to begin yet another year of cooperation and friendship.
“The bargaining unit employees are happy with the 6.5% and that the wage negotiations went well overall,” said Kefas Shangala, Shop Steward Chairperson, at the signing. It was fantastic that all perspectives were included. It was helpful to have feedback from head office, represented by Dudley Fourie, O&L Group Manager: Employee Relations, and that the discussions were resolved calmly and quickly.” ~Namibia Daily News
