Staying true to their company purpose of “Creating a future, enhancing life”, Pick n Pay Namibia, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L) and the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU) has signed a one (1) year substantive agreement, taking effect on 1 July 2022. The agreement saw the bargaining unit employees of Pick n Pay Namibia receiving a 6.5% increase on their basic salary and transport allowance which is in line with the NABTA rates. Pick n Pay Namibia currently has 21 retail stores across Namibia and employees over 1700 employees of which more than 74% are within the bargaining unit.
Graeme Mouton, Managing Director of Pick n Pay Namibia noted that the negotiation process was a true reflection of open and honest communication between the company and the union. He further stated that considering the increased strain that is put on our customers and employees by the increased food cost and increased inflation internationally, our employees have remained hopeful in our ability as a business to stay focussed on our vision. Said Mouton “The past two years have not been easy with lockdown hampering our ability to trade as normal. However, because we are part of a breakthrough organisation, we managed to restructure, ensuring that our employees retained their livelihoods.” He further added that as leadership, it was of utmost importance to ensure that the business continuously communicates and engages employees, ensuring that everyone knows and understands the financial health of the business and has opportunities to contribute towards improved productivity and service delivery. “We are both dependent on our customers and our employees. Without either, we cannot achieve our Vision 2025 of not just being sustainable, but a profitable business that benefits all. I want to commend every employee for their hard work and dedication towards achieving this. We can only do this together.” Said Mouton.
MD, Graeme Mouton and Willem Absalom, Deputy General Secretary of NAFAU shaking hands after successfully concluding the Wage Agreement on Friday, 5 August 2022.
Mr Willem Absalom, Deputy General Secretary, NAFAU spoke with gratitude towards the leadership of Pick n Pay Namibia, their negotiations team as well as the employees. He stated that the employees and shop stewards have made the process much easier in that they know and understand the business performance in the current economic climate. “Considering that there are those who are currently unemployed, we should be grateful. Considering that there are those who have not received increases to the tune of 6.5%, we should be grateful. And we as NAFAU are grateful for companies such as O&L and Pick n Pay Namibia who recognises their workforce and wants the best for each person. Thank you.”
