Rosh Pinah Zinc workers want specialist fired

Workers at the Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine have given management four working days to remove its employee relations specialist, Angeline Barnard-Hagen, or face “unforeseen action”.

In a petition, the workers express their disgruntlement about the “unbearable” conduct of Barnard-Hagen, whom they accuse of threatening and intimidating workers.

According to the workers, Barnard-Hagen's arrival created a hostile environment that has made workers afraid of losing their jobs.

“Workers no longer trust the office of the ER specialist. She has created an unsafe environment for workers. Every employee charged with an offence is found guilty and does not get a light verdict. Most of them get final warnings and this has affected the performance of workers negatively,” the petition states.

Last week, Mineworkers Union of Namibia regional organiser Elvis Bekele issued a statement expressing “shock” at the conduct of Barnard-Hagen, who according to him, was appointed solely to carry out constructive dismissals at the mine.

According to him, Hagen-Barnard doubles or triples any charge reported to her office in order to ensure that the employee is dismissed.

When contacted, Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine spokesperson Kondja Kaulinge said the company was not in position to comment at this stage.

JEMIMA BEUKES