Napwu ‘not consulted’ about NWR pay cuts
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
The Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) says it was not consulted regarding Namibia Wildlife Resorts’ decision to cut the basic salary and working hours of all its employees.
Napwu secretary-general Peter Nevonga said negotiations should take place with regard to any changes of conditions of employment.
Meanwhile, NWR boss Matthias Ngwangwama told Namibian Sun that they followed the relevant section of the Labour Act.
The tourism entity also maintains that cost-cutting measures are needed to ensure the sustainability of the company and that it followed all provisions of the Labour Act.
NWR spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano said the past 16 months have been the most challenging period that any tourism company has ever experienced.
“Each company within the sector took various measures to safeguard its operations and its employees’ livelihoods.”
Nesongano said NWR, being a state-owned enterprise, entered uncharted waters when the basic salaries of its board, managing director and senior management with Patterson E-grading were cut with 25% in September last year.
He said at the same time NWR and Napwu agreed on suspending salary increases for 2019/2020, suspending normal overtime, Sunday and public holiday payment and other allowances and benefits from March last year up to date.
“All these efforts were made to safeguard the well-being of its employees and the business.”
However, Nesongano said with the further challenges the industry continues to endure, NWR had to look at additional measures to sustain the business.
“On this basis, NWR, in line with section 12 (6) (a) and (b) of the Labour Act, 11 of 2007, will be reducing the remuneration and working hours for its employees from job grades A1 – F1 for operational reasons and, for a period not exceeding three months starting in August 2021.”
In the case of NWR, only the basic salary will be affected, said Nesongano.
WINDHOEK
The Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) says it was not consulted regarding Namibia Wildlife Resorts’ decision to cut the basic salary and working hours of all its employees.
Napwu secretary-general Peter Nevonga said negotiations should take place with regard to any changes of conditions of employment.
Meanwhile, NWR boss Matthias Ngwangwama told Namibian Sun that they followed the relevant section of the Labour Act.
The tourism entity also maintains that cost-cutting measures are needed to ensure the sustainability of the company and that it followed all provisions of the Labour Act.
NWR spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano said the past 16 months have been the most challenging period that any tourism company has ever experienced.
“Each company within the sector took various measures to safeguard its operations and its employees’ livelihoods.”
Nesongano said NWR, being a state-owned enterprise, entered uncharted waters when the basic salaries of its board, managing director and senior management with Patterson E-grading were cut with 25% in September last year.
He said at the same time NWR and Napwu agreed on suspending salary increases for 2019/2020, suspending normal overtime, Sunday and public holiday payment and other allowances and benefits from March last year up to date.
“All these efforts were made to safeguard the well-being of its employees and the business.”
However, Nesongano said with the further challenges the industry continues to endure, NWR had to look at additional measures to sustain the business.
“On this basis, NWR, in line with section 12 (6) (a) and (b) of the Labour Act, 11 of 2007, will be reducing the remuneration and working hours for its employees from job grades A1 – F1 for operational reasons and, for a period not exceeding three months starting in August 2021.”
In the case of NWR, only the basic salary will be affected, said Nesongano.
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