Namibian workers ignorant about trade unions – Nujoma
Labour minister Utoni Nujoma says many Namibian workers do not understand or appreciate how trade union membership can benefit them, their families and the nation, adding that some may have negative attitudes toward these unions.
During his address at a Workers’ Day celebration in Rundu, Nujoma highlighted the importance of strengthening trade unions and promoting unity among workers.
“I know of no country in the world where non-union workers have better wages and working conditions than those workers represented by trade unions. We must work hard to demonstrate the positive value of trade union membership. I also encourage trade unions to consider multimedia strategies to publicise the gains that workers have achieved through your affiliate unions and to keep trade union activities and views in the public eye,” he said.
“In my opinion, trade unions can play a stronger role in economic growth and development by prioritising the organisation of unorganised workers and the organisation of workers in new areas of economic development,” Nujoma added.
He said trade unions should work to strengthen industry-wide collective bargaining as well as provide ongoing education, including computer literacy and strengthening internal union democracy.
Unification
The minister encouraged both old and new trade unions to create platforms to promote the unification of the labour movement and to create alliances between federations on matters of common interest.
“I am informed that 44 trade unions are registered with the Labour Commissioner. Fragmentation of trade union representation in sectors and unprincipled raiding of established bargaining units will never be in the interest of the workers. It can lead to unwarranted instability in labour relations. In unity, there is strength,” he said.
The minister added that a tripartite task force on the amendment of the Labour Act is expected to complete its work this month.
“Although the amendment process has taken longer than expected, I am confident that the social partners have been given full opportunity to make their input on the amendments. Among other provisions, the amendments will enshrine the right to occupational safety and health, and freedom from violence and harassment at work as fundamental rights and freedoms protected by law. Major amendments and administrative procedures will also be introduced to revamp the system of alternate dispute resolution to ensure speedier and more cost-effective proceedings.”
“The proposed national minimum wage will be submitted to Cabinet next week, and it is intended that Namibia’s first national minimum wage will come into effect later this year. Other labour and employment bills that will be introduced this year are the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, the Compensation for Work-Related Accidents and Diseases Bill, and amendments to the Employment Services Act, the Affirmative Act (Employment) Act and the Social Security Act,” he added.
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During his address at a Workers’ Day celebration in Rundu, Nujoma highlighted the importance of strengthening trade unions and promoting unity among workers.
“I know of no country in the world where non-union workers have better wages and working conditions than those workers represented by trade unions. We must work hard to demonstrate the positive value of trade union membership. I also encourage trade unions to consider multimedia strategies to publicise the gains that workers have achieved through your affiliate unions and to keep trade union activities and views in the public eye,” he said.
“In my opinion, trade unions can play a stronger role in economic growth and development by prioritising the organisation of unorganised workers and the organisation of workers in new areas of economic development,” Nujoma added.
He said trade unions should work to strengthen industry-wide collective bargaining as well as provide ongoing education, including computer literacy and strengthening internal union democracy.
Unification
The minister encouraged both old and new trade unions to create platforms to promote the unification of the labour movement and to create alliances between federations on matters of common interest.
“I am informed that 44 trade unions are registered with the Labour Commissioner. Fragmentation of trade union representation in sectors and unprincipled raiding of established bargaining units will never be in the interest of the workers. It can lead to unwarranted instability in labour relations. In unity, there is strength,” he said.
The minister added that a tripartite task force on the amendment of the Labour Act is expected to complete its work this month.
“Although the amendment process has taken longer than expected, I am confident that the social partners have been given full opportunity to make their input on the amendments. Among other provisions, the amendments will enshrine the right to occupational safety and health, and freedom from violence and harassment at work as fundamental rights and freedoms protected by law. Major amendments and administrative procedures will also be introduced to revamp the system of alternate dispute resolution to ensure speedier and more cost-effective proceedings.”
“The proposed national minimum wage will be submitted to Cabinet next week, and it is intended that Namibia’s first national minimum wage will come into effect later this year. Other labour and employment bills that will be introduced this year are the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, the Compensation for Work-Related Accidents and Diseases Bill, and amendments to the Employment Services Act, the Affirmative Act (Employment) Act and the Social Security Act,” he added.
[email protected]
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