Employee salaries are market-related, says Shoprite
“Employees are working extra hours without being paid overtime and we are being dismissed every day from work for simple misconduct such as being two minutes late for work or shorting one dollar from till machines,” the petition read.
NAMPA
WINDHOEK
Shoprite Holdings Namibia and its subsidiaries offer market-related salaries and working conditions that are in compliance with prevailing labour legislation.
The company said this in a statement issued on Monday after employees, who have been on strike for nearly two weeks, handed over a petition at Shoprite’s headquarters in Windhoek.
In the petition, which was received by deputy divisional manager Schalk Pienaar, the employees expressed disappointment in the company, which they said is not willing to address their problems.
The employees stated that they work under severe and unstable conditions and have been on strike since 23 December without any response from the company. However, Shoprite said it has a long-standing view that all employees are entitled to reasonable and decent working conditions and it offers market-related salaries.
“Dealings with our employees are always on principles of fairness and respect and in compliance with the provision of prevailing labour legislations. We also strive to maintain amicable relations with labour unions who are sufficiently representative of our employees,” the statement read.
Employee demands
The employees are demanding a salary increment of N$600, a housing allowance of N$450, a transport allowance of N$500 and permanent employment for those who have worked in the stores for over a year on a temporary basis.
According to the employees, most who work on contract receive a salary of N$1 200 per month and have to spend up to N$750 on transportation alone.
“Employees are working extra hours without being paid overtime and we are being dismissed every day from work for simple misconduct such as being two minutes late for work or shorting one dollar from till machines,” the petition read.
They said despite their reasonable demand for better working conditions, the company has refused to provide transport or a transport allowance and is only willing to give them a five to 10% salary increase, which translates to less than N$200.
“We demand the CEO of the company to meet with our union to address our plight as soon as possible. We are also demanding immediate intervention by the government… to find a solution to the matter,” they said.
WINDHOEK
Shoprite Holdings Namibia and its subsidiaries offer market-related salaries and working conditions that are in compliance with prevailing labour legislation.
The company said this in a statement issued on Monday after employees, who have been on strike for nearly two weeks, handed over a petition at Shoprite’s headquarters in Windhoek.
In the petition, which was received by deputy divisional manager Schalk Pienaar, the employees expressed disappointment in the company, which they said is not willing to address their problems.
The employees stated that they work under severe and unstable conditions and have been on strike since 23 December without any response from the company. However, Shoprite said it has a long-standing view that all employees are entitled to reasonable and decent working conditions and it offers market-related salaries.
“Dealings with our employees are always on principles of fairness and respect and in compliance with the provision of prevailing labour legislations. We also strive to maintain amicable relations with labour unions who are sufficiently representative of our employees,” the statement read.
Employee demands
The employees are demanding a salary increment of N$600, a housing allowance of N$450, a transport allowance of N$500 and permanent employment for those who have worked in the stores for over a year on a temporary basis.
According to the employees, most who work on contract receive a salary of N$1 200 per month and have to spend up to N$750 on transportation alone.
“Employees are working extra hours without being paid overtime and we are being dismissed every day from work for simple misconduct such as being two minutes late for work or shorting one dollar from till machines,” the petition read.
They said despite their reasonable demand for better working conditions, the company has refused to provide transport or a transport allowance and is only willing to give them a five to 10% salary increase, which translates to less than N$200.
“We demand the CEO of the company to meet with our union to address our plight as soon as possible. We are also demanding immediate intervention by the government… to find a solution to the matter,” they said.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article