Shoprite workers secure new wage deal

Shoprite Namibia workers will receive salary increases and improved employment benefits after the Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) and the retailer signed a two-year wage agreement last Friday.

The agreement, which took effect on 1 July and runs until 30 June 2028, provides for across-the-board wage increases, higher transport and housing allowances, improved long-service rewards and guaranteed minimum working hours for qualifying permanent part-time employees.

Under the agreement, full-time employees will receive an increase of N$320 to their basic monthly wage during the first year, followed by a further N$400 increase from 1 July 2027.

The transport allowance has been increased to N$780 per month from 1 July, while the housing allowance rises to N$380 per month. Both benefits will be paid on a pro-rata basis to permanent part-time employees based on the number of days worked.

The agreement also improves long-service awards from 1 August, with employees reaching service milestones receiving shopping vouchers of up to N$2 700, depending on their years of service.

Allowances and discounts

Part-time employees who complete five years of continuous service will also qualify for guaranteed minimum working hours, while scanner operators participating in stock-taking exercises will receive a N$150 allowance from August.

In addition, full-time and part-time employees will qualify for an 8% staff discount under the Shoprite Group's staff buying policy.

In a statement, the union said the agreement followed a constructive collective bargaining process and reflected the commitment of both parties to maintaining sound labour relations and improving conditions of employment for workers.

The union also thanked its negotiators, shop stewards and members, as well as Shoprite Namibia's negotiating team, for reaching the agreement.