We are not loafers – former Air Namibia workers
Ex-employees take aim at finance minister
"We have been treated like dogs at all the ministries; the finance minister has forgotten that he is a public servant," the group lamented.
Former workers of now-defunct Air Namibia camped out at its deserted headquarters on Monday, demanding outstanding payments and refunds on what they believe were unlawful tax deductions.
The handful of workers who could attend the protest - as many others have allegedly retired to villages or smaller towns after losing their jobs - have accused finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi of lying in parliament that he has an open-door policy. This after he reportedly denied them a meeting to discuss their grievances.
Renier Bougard, who spoke on behalf of the group, said they will not move until their pleas are heard and their money is paid.
According to him, after they announced plans to protest, they received a letter from Air Namibia’s liquidators last Friday informing them that they would receive payment within 30 days.
“That was insufficient, because it was not on black and white. Also, why now? People have lost their homes and we must wait for our severance package, but the Labour Act says it must be paid on the termination date. So we must be patient for 20 months, does that mean we can ask for interest on this money?” he wanted to know.
‘Treated like dogs’
“We need guarantees, because people are not dealing with us in good faith. We are not loafers, we worked for our money. We have been treated like dogs at all the ministries. The finance minister has forgotten that he is a public servant,” the workers’ spokesperson said.
“In the 20 months [since the airline’s liquidation], we have asked for so many meetings and we have not gotten one meeting but [Shiimi] told parliament we must come and speak to him.”
Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) spokesperson Tonateni Shidudhu said they will respond to the group today as they have to establish the facts around Air Namibia’s tax affairs.
Finance ministry spokesperson Wilson Shikoto declined to comment until he receives proof of the former employees' meeting requests.
[email protected]
The handful of workers who could attend the protest - as many others have allegedly retired to villages or smaller towns after losing their jobs - have accused finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi of lying in parliament that he has an open-door policy. This after he reportedly denied them a meeting to discuss their grievances.
Renier Bougard, who spoke on behalf of the group, said they will not move until their pleas are heard and their money is paid.
According to him, after they announced plans to protest, they received a letter from Air Namibia’s liquidators last Friday informing them that they would receive payment within 30 days.
“That was insufficient, because it was not on black and white. Also, why now? People have lost their homes and we must wait for our severance package, but the Labour Act says it must be paid on the termination date. So we must be patient for 20 months, does that mean we can ask for interest on this money?” he wanted to know.
‘Treated like dogs’
“We need guarantees, because people are not dealing with us in good faith. We are not loafers, we worked for our money. We have been treated like dogs at all the ministries. The finance minister has forgotten that he is a public servant,” the workers’ spokesperson said.
“In the 20 months [since the airline’s liquidation], we have asked for so many meetings and we have not gotten one meeting but [Shiimi] told parliament we must come and speak to him.”
Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) spokesperson Tonateni Shidudhu said they will respond to the group today as they have to establish the facts around Air Namibia’s tax affairs.
Finance ministry spokesperson Wilson Shikoto declined to comment until he receives proof of the former employees' meeting requests.
[email protected]
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