TransNamib declares employees’ strike illegal

WINDHOEK, 25 SEP – TransNamib Holdings has declared the industrial strike held by some of its employees on Tuesday illegal.
The rail company’s spokesperson, Ailly Hangula-Paulino in a media statement issued here described the strike as illegal under the Labour Act No. 11 of 2007, and said it is also not permissible under TransNamib’s policies.
The Act regulates basic terms and condition of employment, ensures the health, safety and welfare of employees.
It further regulate collective relations and provide for systematic prevention and resolution of labour disputes.
She said management has learned that the strike was due to employees not receiving a salary increment in 2017 and stalled wage negotiations this year.
“Management takes cognisance of the concerns of the group of employees, delays in wages should be viewed in the context of the Namibian economy as a whole,” she added.
She however went on to say that the company’s chief executive officer, Johny Smith addressed all employees and advised them that in order to reach milestones at the current critical stage, all employees need to be dedicated to maintain the entity’s customer image and mandate.
The Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa last Tuesday held a meeting with the board members on the issue, adding that any industrial action at the moment will only serve to undermine the effort and results of the meeting.
TransNamib, according to the spokesperson, has a long-standing recognition agreement with the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union as the sole legitimate bargaining agent of the employees.
“Management has consulted with Natau about this development and equally Natau has distanced itself from this illegal industrial action and the associated employees,” the statement said.
(NAMPA)