Govt, unions in stalemate over salaries
01 December 2021 | Labour
ESTER KAMATI
WINDHOEK
Civil servants will have to face another year without a salary increase as discussions, which took place on Monday, between the negotiating unions failed to reach a consensus.
Deliberations between the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu), the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) and government proved fruitless, with Napwu general secretary Petrus Nevonga yesterday expressing dissatisfaction at the state’s insistence on a zero percent increment.
“It’s unfortunate that they have not offered anything, taking into account that for the past three financial years, civil servants have not received a salary increment and again they are maintaining their position of zero offer. It’s not pleasing at all,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference at the Napwu headquarters, he said the negotiating team reached a deadlock after government maintained that it did not have the budget to increase salaries.
The unions had proposed a 10% increment for the 2021/2022 financial year as well as an increase in kilometre rate to N$7. They further submitted a motor vehicle allowance increment of 10% as well as a 10% transport allowance, 9% housing allowance and a 25% home owners scheme for staff members increase.
Dispute
The unions committed to follow all necessary procedures to dispute the negotiation outcome.
For internal disputes, 30 days are given for a four-member sub-committee from the unions to renegotiate with a four-member government sub-committee.
“If parties fail to reach an amicable solution within the specified period, the unions will be left with no other option but to declare an external dispute with the Office of the Labour Commissioner,” Nevonga said.
Nantu and Napwu have urged their members to remain steadfast as they continue with the process.
“Remain calm while the sub-committee is exhausting the internal dispute procedures as provided for in the recognition agreement,” he said, assuring to keep members informed of the outcome.
[email protected]
WINDHOEK
Civil servants will have to face another year without a salary increase as discussions, which took place on Monday, between the negotiating unions failed to reach a consensus.
Deliberations between the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu), the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) and government proved fruitless, with Napwu general secretary Petrus Nevonga yesterday expressing dissatisfaction at the state’s insistence on a zero percent increment.
“It’s unfortunate that they have not offered anything, taking into account that for the past three financial years, civil servants have not received a salary increment and again they are maintaining their position of zero offer. It’s not pleasing at all,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference at the Napwu headquarters, he said the negotiating team reached a deadlock after government maintained that it did not have the budget to increase salaries.
The unions had proposed a 10% increment for the 2021/2022 financial year as well as an increase in kilometre rate to N$7. They further submitted a motor vehicle allowance increment of 10% as well as a 10% transport allowance, 9% housing allowance and a 25% home owners scheme for staff members increase.
Dispute
The unions committed to follow all necessary procedures to dispute the negotiation outcome.
For internal disputes, 30 days are given for a four-member sub-committee from the unions to renegotiate with a four-member government sub-committee.
“If parties fail to reach an amicable solution within the specified period, the unions will be left with no other option but to declare an external dispute with the Office of the Labour Commissioner,” Nevonga said.
Nantu and Napwu have urged their members to remain steadfast as they continue with the process.
“Remain calm while the sub-committee is exhausting the internal dispute procedures as provided for in the recognition agreement,” he said, assuring to keep members informed of the outcome.
[email protected]
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