Namib Mills shuts gates ahead of today's industrial action
Namibia’s largest grain processor, Namib Mills, was hit by labour unrest yesterday after hundreds of employees affiliated to the Namibia Revolutionary Transport Union (Naretu) were met with locked gates at the company’s Windhoek head office.
The closure came a day before a planned nationwide strike planned for today, prompting loud protest marches outside the premises as workers accused the company of pre-empting lawful industrial action.
According to Naretu secretary general Petersen Kambinda, nearly 700 union members voted last week to participate in a strike starting today.
Company implements lockout
Namib Mills confirmed in a media statement that it had instituted a temporary lockout of employees represented by Naretu, effective from 07:00 on 12 January 2026.
“This step follows a prolonged period of wage negotiations and is permitted in terms of Namibia’s Labour Act (Act 11 of 2007), which allows employers to initiate a lockout in the event of an unresolved dispute,” the company said.
The company argued that the decision was prompted by what it described as unreasonable demands outside market norms, as well as the union’s alleged premature contravention of authorised strike procedures.
Namib Mills further accused the union of spreading misinformation to employees ahead of the strike vote, saying the lockout was intended to create space for constructive engagement.
“Namib Mills remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with the union and is prepared to return to the negotiating table at any time,” the statement said.
Union disputes company claims
Kambinda rejected the company’s assertions, insisting that the union’s demands are reasonable and aimed at fairness.
He said one of the key disputes relates to salary alignment, which the union wants to be implemented with worker participation.
“If two people do the same work and are appointed in the same financial year, they should be paid the same. At present, one earns N$6 000 and the other N$4 000,” Kambinda said.
He further accused the company of refusing to allow employees to choose their own representatives to the pension fund board.
“This reflects an attitude of supremacy over workers, as if people cannot think for themselves,” he said.
According to Kambinda, the union has indicated it is prepared to settle for a 5% salary increase for the current financial year, while Namib Mills is allegedly only offering 4%.
Management responds
In an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun, Namib Mills general manager ST Ackerman said wage negotiations have been ongoing since June 2025.
He said the company’s current offer includes a minimum increase of 5%, with some employees set to receive increases of up to 35% as a result of salary alignment.
“The offer represents an average increase of about 10% per employee, while Naretu is demanding an average increase of up to 35%,” Ackerman said.
He also disputed claims that employees are excluded from pension fund governance, saying workers are already represented through internally elected board members.
Operations continue amid dispute
Namib Mills said contingency measures have been put in place to ensure continued production and supply of staple food products.
“While employees in the bargaining unit are locked out, operations will continue with the support of management and non-striking staff,” the company said.
It added that deliveries to retailers are ongoing and that sufficient stock levels are available, although limited availability or minor delays may occur in certain product categories.
The company further assured the public that safety standards remain fully in place.
— [email protected]
The closure came a day before a planned nationwide strike planned for today, prompting loud protest marches outside the premises as workers accused the company of pre-empting lawful industrial action.
According to Naretu secretary general Petersen Kambinda, nearly 700 union members voted last week to participate in a strike starting today.
Company implements lockout
Namib Mills confirmed in a media statement that it had instituted a temporary lockout of employees represented by Naretu, effective from 07:00 on 12 January 2026.
“This step follows a prolonged period of wage negotiations and is permitted in terms of Namibia’s Labour Act (Act 11 of 2007), which allows employers to initiate a lockout in the event of an unresolved dispute,” the company said.
The company argued that the decision was prompted by what it described as unreasonable demands outside market norms, as well as the union’s alleged premature contravention of authorised strike procedures.
Namib Mills further accused the union of spreading misinformation to employees ahead of the strike vote, saying the lockout was intended to create space for constructive engagement.
“Namib Mills remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with the union and is prepared to return to the negotiating table at any time,” the statement said.
Union disputes company claims
Kambinda rejected the company’s assertions, insisting that the union’s demands are reasonable and aimed at fairness.
He said one of the key disputes relates to salary alignment, which the union wants to be implemented with worker participation.
“If two people do the same work and are appointed in the same financial year, they should be paid the same. At present, one earns N$6 000 and the other N$4 000,” Kambinda said.
He further accused the company of refusing to allow employees to choose their own representatives to the pension fund board.
“This reflects an attitude of supremacy over workers, as if people cannot think for themselves,” he said.
According to Kambinda, the union has indicated it is prepared to settle for a 5% salary increase for the current financial year, while Namib Mills is allegedly only offering 4%.
Management responds
In an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun, Namib Mills general manager ST Ackerman said wage negotiations have been ongoing since June 2025.
He said the company’s current offer includes a minimum increase of 5%, with some employees set to receive increases of up to 35% as a result of salary alignment.
“The offer represents an average increase of about 10% per employee, while Naretu is demanding an average increase of up to 35%,” Ackerman said.
He also disputed claims that employees are excluded from pension fund governance, saying workers are already represented through internally elected board members.
Operations continue amid dispute
Namib Mills said contingency measures have been put in place to ensure continued production and supply of staple food products.
“While employees in the bargaining unit are locked out, operations will continue with the support of management and non-striking staff,” the company said.
It added that deliveries to retailers are ongoing and that sufficient stock levels are available, although limited availability or minor delays may occur in certain product categories.
The company further assured the public that safety standards remain fully in place.
— [email protected]
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