NBC wage negotiations go down swiftly

WINDHOEK STAFF REPORTER

In what the two parties hail as their smoothest negotiations to date, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) on Friday announced the conclusion of its annual wage discussions.
According to the new agreement, valid for the 2013/14 financial year, NBC staff are secured an effective salary increase of 6,2%, with a number of further benefits also agreed upon.
We are delighted to be able to announce that we reached consensus in record time on a range of issues, NBC Director General Albertus Aochamub said in a statement released by the national broadcaster after the wage talks.
We are very much indebted to our government that has made this possible through improved budgetary support and to our people who have continued to exercise maximum patience, Aochamub said.
Besides the salary increase, current car allowance for junior and middle management employees has also been upped by N$500 per month, while the company's current 'Rental Allowance' is to be replaced by a housing allowance of N$1 220 for all eligible employees.
NBC has also agreed to adjust the company's transport allowance from the current N$490 to N$570 per month - an increase of 16,3%.
This is an indication of the fact that those at the negotiating table were prepared and knew precisely what they wanted, and had the necessary mandate from their principals, way in advance, Napwu's Deputy General-Secretary Gabes Andumba, said of the concluded agreement.
It is something that we wish to encourage to avoid unnecessary conflict and strikes, he said.
Also part of the new agreement is a long-term service award for all employees, which promises each a N$500 payment after each five year period served at the broadcaster.
In addition, the union managed to negotiate for 20 of the company's 80 contract employees to be given preference in filling any opportunity for fulltime work that arise over the course of the year.