Tucna downplays effects of civil servant strike

Trade Union Congress of Namibia (Tucna) secretary-general Mahongora Kavihuha says a possible strike by Namibian civil servants will have a minimal effect on the economy.

According to him, the ramifications of the strike will only cause a temporary delay in service delivery.

"Workers will hopefully get the desired increase in salaries, which will result in a hugely positive outcome on the economy. Sectors like health will still operate, but on a smaller scale," he said.

Government and trade unions kicked off salary negotiations in March last year when the unions demanded - among other things - a 9% increase in basic salaries and a 9% increase in housing benefits.

At the time, the labour ministry said in a statement: "The government has no interest in depriving public servants of their benefits as we have made an offer in response to the demands".

Government agreed to a 4.5% increase in housing benefits and a further 10% for transport, but refused the demand for higher salaries.

This April, the response was revised and a 14.5% increase in housing benefits for non-management was proposed. Furthermore, a 12% increase for managers was proposed, amounting to a total N$334.9 million offer.

Massive impact

Contrary to Kavihuha’s placating comments, labour researcher Herbert Jauch believes a national civil servant strike will have a massive impact on many economic sectors and critical services such as education and healthcare, and economic activities will be disrupted.

"Many economic activities will be disrupted or delayed as government offices and services are also used regularly by private businesses.

“The general public will feel the impact mostly regarding education and health services, but also [regarding] access to social grants, national documents, etc."

The only weapon

Jauch highlighted that civil servants are not prepared to go another year without substantial adjustments, after more than half a decade without salary increments or inflation adjustments.

"The unions tried several times to reach an agreement but no negotiated settlement could be reached.

“In such a scenario, a strike is the only weapon left to workers.

“Although it will have negative consequences for the economy and the delivery of crucial public services, the unions probably hope that a short strike will put enough pressure on the government to accommodate some of the union's demands," he said.

Conflict of interest

The researcher said a potential conflict of interest was pointed out many times regarding the National Union of Namibian Workers’ (NUNW) links to Swapo, but until 2017, unions in the public sector still managed to achieve some wage increases or inflation adjustments.

"Since then, government has embarked on an austerity programme and despite the political affiliation of NUNW to the Swapo Party, this link did not help the unions to achieve a better outcome for their members," he added.

He said the unions are on their own "when fighting for better wages and the current deadlock is a real test of their ability to improve the working conditions of their members".

On whether the planned strike will go ahead, a national ballot for civil servants has been scheduled for 28 and 29 July.

The labour ministry added that government will not be obliged to remunerate any employees who will partake in industrial action.

"Our offer is the best offer the government can make during these times," a statement read.

The ministry of education has since announced that schools will be closed during the balloting process tomorrow and Friday.