NUNW’s Munenguni urges workers to attend May Day commemoration

SWAKOPMUND, 13 APR – The second vice-president of the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), Phillip Munenguni is appealing to all workers to attend the May Day commemorations this year.
He was speaking to Nampa at Swakopmund on Thursday, where he noted that attendance by all workers is very important because it is their day.
May Day or Workers’ Day is a global day commemorating workers’ rights on 01 May every year, focusing on the historic struggle of workers against capitalism, exploitation and demands for safe working conditions, as well as respect for the dignity of labour.
This year, Namibians will gather at Khorixas in the Kunene Region to celebrate workers’ contribution to the economy and discuss issues affecting them.
“When we gather in large numbers, we are able to send out a strong message to employers on how workers should be treated. This is the only day we get to tell employers what workers are not happy with,” said Munenguni.
He said most workers in Namibia are underpaid and this calls for a national minimum wage.
Munenguni said it is crucial for the unions and Government, as well as other stakeholders, to have a social dialogue and come up with a decision on implementing a national minimum wage.
He explained that social dialogue is best because the current system used to engage workers’ grievances and implement solutions is not sufficient.
Considering that domestic and construction sectors already have a minimum wage, Munenguni said fisheries, mining, retail, farming and security workers should also see such benefits.
He further said he is concerned that most workers do not know their rights and are not aware of their right to be represented by a recognised union in the workplace.
Munenguni said even though shop stewards educate them, knowledge is still lacking.
NAMPA