Shoprite loses bid not to pay workers

Ogone Tlhage

WINDHOEK

Retailer Shoprite has lost a labour dispute it appealed involving the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) over a pay rise dispute.

The Labour Court in February 2021 ruled that permanent full-time employees would receive a monthly salary increase of N$250 per month, but no permanent full-time employee would receive a salary less than N$2 500 per month.

Permanent part-time employees would receive a wage increase of N$1.28 per hour, but no permanent part-timer would receive an hourly wage of less than N$12.82 per hour. The court further ruled that back pay for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 January 2021 would be paid in an off-cycle during the month of February 2021 to all Shoprite employees. Meanwhile, late shift allowance of N$12 would be paid for all employees in the bargaining unit who clock out after 20:00 for every evening, the court said, adding that permanent part-time employees earning N$9.71 per hour and above would receive a once-off payment of N$1 000 in January 2021.

Dismissed with costs

Shoprite appealed against the ruling, but in its dismissal of the retailer’s application, the Supreme Court upheld the Labour Court decision made on 15 February and dismissed the appeal with costs.

More than 2 000 Shoprite workers - led by Nafau – went on strike on 23 December 2020, demanding better salaries and working conditions.

The matter was only been resolved after the 15 February 2021 court ruling in the workers’ favour.