Nakara workers on strike
Over 120 Nakara workers have gone on strike, citing unhappiness with their wages and allegedly unsafe working conditions.
The strike is indefinite.
“We are waiting for the management to come and address us. We’ll stand [here] until we get a better offer,†said the workers.
Nakara employees told Namibian Sun yesterday that some of them have been working for more than 25 years and earn only N$5 000 per month. They demand a 10% salary increase and a transport benefit of N$170.
The employees also want better safety gear such as masks and gloves, claiming that some of them have damaged their hands at work.
They want the company to offer them medical check-ups every second month, saying that they work with strong chemicals which are dangerous if inhaled.
Nakara’s tannery is situated in Windhoek’s northern industrial area. Workers told Namibian Sun that they are at risk of contracting lung diseases from inhaling the chemicals.
“The masks are weak and the chemicals are strong. No medical check-ups are done. Even the gloves we get are weak,†the striking employees said.
An employee who lost two fingers said that the Social Security Commission paid him N$14 000 as compensation.
The employees, who requested anonymity, said apart from pension they get no other benefits.
An employee who has worked at the tannery for 27 years said he takes home N$5 000 a month. His hands were injured and he received no compensation.
Another worker said he earns N$2 000 per month. “I withdraw that amount in one day and it is finished. From that amount I have to send money home in the North to my wife and children, buy food, water and transport,†said the man. He said should the company give a 10% increment it would not make any difference.
About 40% of the workers say they walk to work because they cannot afford transport. They suggest that the company provide a bus for employees.
Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union branch organiser Alfa Murangi added that health and safety regulations require people to go for medical check-ups twice a year and this is not happening at Nakara. “The doctor only comes once a year and only ask questions,†said Murangi.
Nakara owner Kevin Davidow told Namibian Sun that the information the reporter received is totally incorrect. “Go back to your source and let them give you correct information, then I will comment,†said Davidow.
According to its website, in September 2011 Nakara was awarded the prestigious Tannery of the Year Award for Africa because of its commitment to technical innovation, environmental best practice, and commitment to its workers and the community.
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