Security tightened at Namib Mills amid strike
Private security personnel roped in
Security has been tightened at Namib Mills as a nationwide strike by members of the Namibia Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Namibia Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union – Naretu) entered its second day, following the company’s decision to pre-empt the planned industrial action by closing its gates on Monday.
The strike officially continued in the week, with union leaders insisting there has been no breakthrough in negotiations, although workers remain resolute.
Naretu leader Petersen Kambinda said the union was encouraged by members’ continued participation, despite what it views as increasing pressure on striking workers.
Videos posted on Naretu’s Facebook page show the presence of private security personnel at Namib Mills’ premises. In accompanying posts, the union questioned the company’s decision to deploy armed guards, alleging intimidation.
“Namib Mills has resorted to intimidating workers,” the post reads. “Why would they call in Xiphos Security Company? What are they responding to if no alarm has gone off? Why are they wearing masks and bullet-proof gear? Is this a threat to the lives of striking workers?”
Kambinda claimed the industrial action is beginning to affect operations. “Our random inspections indicate that their means of production are being seriously crippled,” he said, adding: “Industrial action is a power game, and we are in the driver’s seat.”
He confirmed that a meeting between the union and Namib Mills management took place on Tuesday, during which differences between the company’s offer and the union’s demands were discussed. However, he said the talks yielded no tangible progress beyond a mutual willingness to continue negotiating.
According to Kambinda, Namib Mills’ offer of an average salary increase of 10% includes housing and transport allowances, which the union considers inadequate.
“We are looking for at least a 5% increase in basic salaries and, for example, an additional N$500 for transport separately, not bundled together,” he said.
On behalf of Namibia’s largest grain processor and manufacturer of staple food products such as Top Score, Pasta Polana and Meme Mahangu, the company’s head of human resources, Amorey Pote, confirmed that the meeting had taken place at the union’s request.
Pote said the company used the meeting to urge striking workers to stop blocking Namib Mills’ delivery trucks. Although Kambinda agreed to this request, she said the situation remained unresolved, prompting the company to contract a private security firm to ensure the free movement of its vehicles.
She added that the company’s wage offer, first tabled in September, remains unchanged. “That was our final and best offer and it still stands,” Pote said. “If the union wishes to negotiate further, they must submit proposals in writing.”
The strike follows a voting process held last Thursday, during which nearly 700 union members voted in favour of industrial action.
— [email protected]
The strike officially continued in the week, with union leaders insisting there has been no breakthrough in negotiations, although workers remain resolute.
Naretu leader Petersen Kambinda said the union was encouraged by members’ continued participation, despite what it views as increasing pressure on striking workers.
Videos posted on Naretu’s Facebook page show the presence of private security personnel at Namib Mills’ premises. In accompanying posts, the union questioned the company’s decision to deploy armed guards, alleging intimidation.
“Namib Mills has resorted to intimidating workers,” the post reads. “Why would they call in Xiphos Security Company? What are they responding to if no alarm has gone off? Why are they wearing masks and bullet-proof gear? Is this a threat to the lives of striking workers?”
Kambinda claimed the industrial action is beginning to affect operations. “Our random inspections indicate that their means of production are being seriously crippled,” he said, adding: “Industrial action is a power game, and we are in the driver’s seat.”
He confirmed that a meeting between the union and Namib Mills management took place on Tuesday, during which differences between the company’s offer and the union’s demands were discussed. However, he said the talks yielded no tangible progress beyond a mutual willingness to continue negotiating.
According to Kambinda, Namib Mills’ offer of an average salary increase of 10% includes housing and transport allowances, which the union considers inadequate.
“We are looking for at least a 5% increase in basic salaries and, for example, an additional N$500 for transport separately, not bundled together,” he said.
On behalf of Namibia’s largest grain processor and manufacturer of staple food products such as Top Score, Pasta Polana and Meme Mahangu, the company’s head of human resources, Amorey Pote, confirmed that the meeting had taken place at the union’s request.
Pote said the company used the meeting to urge striking workers to stop blocking Namib Mills’ delivery trucks. Although Kambinda agreed to this request, she said the situation remained unresolved, prompting the company to contract a private security firm to ensure the free movement of its vehicles.
She added that the company’s wage offer, first tabled in September, remains unchanged. “That was our final and best offer and it still stands,” Pote said. “If the union wishes to negotiate further, they must submit proposals in writing.”
The strike follows a voting process held last Thursday, during which nearly 700 union members voted in favour of industrial action.
— [email protected]
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