Erongo Governor halts strike

Erongo Regional Governor Cleophas Mutjavikua announced on Wednesday that the strike action by approximately 98% (160) of the workers at Walvis Bay Salt Holdings (WBSH) would end. Some of the workers returned and the rest are expected to report for work on Monday said the Governor after he met with officials from the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) and Walvis Bay Salt Company. The Managing Director of Walvis Bay Salt Holdings (WBSH), Andre Snyman confirmed that an amicable solution was reached and lauded Governor Mutjavikua for his input on Thursday. “The agreement reached will ensure that employees receive an annual basic salary increase of 6.5% for 2015 and an inflationary (CPI) increase on basic salary for 2016. The annual increase will be back- dated to March 1, 2015. A salary progression mechanism were also agreed upon and adjustments relating to this will be backdated to May 1, 2015. Allegations of salary discrimination on any basis proved to be unjustified and no adjustments were made as part of the agreement” said Snyman via a press release. He further pointed out that the strike was costly for stakeholders, country, company and employees in financial terms, since two export vessel orders had to be declined which amounted to a loss of revenue in the excess of N$15 million. Ishmael Kasuto the President of MUN confirmed that that the workers met their objectives and said their principles were not compromised. “Our aspirations were partially met. We appreciate the intervention of the political leadership, this shows collective and shared commitment towards the social wellbeing of Namibian workers,” he commented. Mutjavikua said he resolved to intervene when he established that the trial of strength was serious, and because the dispute was characterised by the use of power. WALVIS BAY OTIS FINCK