Spur vaccinations ‘not forced’

ELLANIE SMIT



WINDHOEK

In an alleged attempt to ensure the survival of his business, the owner of a chain steakhouse restaurant in Windhoek instructed his 300 employees to get vaccinated against Covid-19, or stop coming to work.

Nello Kadet, the owner of the Santa Fe Spur at the Grove Mall of Namibia, said he did not force any of his employees to get vaccinated, adding that they had a choice – get vaccinated, or stop working.

“I am dealing with customers and cannot risk contamination,” he said, adding that some of his employees do not comply with measures such as wearing masks.

“They do not protect themselves,” he said.

Kadet added that about 99% of his employees have already gotten the jab.

“It’s only those who are breastfeeding or have health issues that have not gone.”

According to him, when he first asked his employees to get vaccinated, they complained to the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) that he was forcing them. The union then called him, after which a meeting was scheduled with the union and the employees.

“I am not forcing anybody. It is their own decision, but it is my [restaurant] and if they do not [get] vaccinated, it is no work, no pay.”

‘Not fired’

He said it does not mean the employees would get fired, just that they cannot work until they get vaccinated.

“I cannot have people who are not vaccinated working with customers. It is not safe and a risk for my business. I have to protect everyone. If the place gets contaminated and shut down, how will I be able to pay salaries? This is for the benefit and safety of the people,” Kadet said.

Meanwhile, Nafau's deputy secretary-general Absalom Willem confirmed that a meeting was held between the union and the employees as well as the owner.

He, however, said an agreement was reached that the employees would get vaccinated after the owner explained his reasoning.