Striking Furnmart workers reject 5% pay increase, want 8%

Employees at Furnmart stores across the country downed tools on Monday, launching a nationwide strike over wage disputes.

The strike followed staff rejection of the company’s 5% salary increase offer, amid demands for an 8% increase as well as housing and transport allowances.

The workers, who are represented by the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (Manwu), say the industrial action will continue until their demands are met.

Speaking during a demonstration in Rundu, Manwu northern regional coordinator Musohwa Matengu said employees officially commenced the strike on Monday after negotiations with the company failed to produce an agreement.

"We are simply demanding that Furnmart grant us an 8% salary increase, together with a N$500 housing allowance, but the company is failing to do that," he said.

Matengu said the company has offered workers a 5% salary increase, which employees have rejected as inadequate amid the rising cost of living.

"Things have changed," he stressed.

"The price of bread is high, fuel prices have increased and transport costs have risen nationwide, but salaries have remained the same".

Matengu added that many employees live far from their workplaces because they cannot afford to secure closer accommodation, often resulting in lengthy commutes and late arrivals.

"At least if we receive this N$500 housing allowance, we will be able to secure decent accommodation closer to our workplaces and improve our living conditions," he said.

At the strike in Ondangwa, employees told Namibian Sun that although they received a salary adjustment in 2019, their calls for additional benefits went unanswered.

The employees insist they will not return to work until an agreement is reached on an 8% salary increase, together with improved housing and transport allowances.

Better working conditions

Gisela Teofelus, who joined the company in 2021, said low wages have forced many workers to rely on credit to afford basic necessities.

"We want to buy the things we need with cash instead of constantly depending on credit because we cannot afford them," she said. "Since I joined the company, I have never received a satisfactory salary."

Another employee, Asia Aakunda, who has worked for Furnmart since 2007, expressed frustration that despite her years of service, she earns the same salary as newly recruited employees.

She stressed that the strike is not intended to undermine the company but rather to secure fair remuneration and improved working conditions.

"We appreciate and value the company, especially the commission we earn when customers make purchases. However, better salaries and benefits will improve the overall working environment and help attract and retain employees," she said.

When contacted for comment, Furnmart’s Mara Trins, an HR administrator, declined to comment.