Tit-for-tat as unionist demands exit package
A former a unionist who was retrenched in May by the Namibia Wholesale and Retail Workers Union (NWRWU) says he wants his severance package in order to move on.
Joseph Primus, who was employed as a regional organiser stationed in Oshakati was served with a notice of retrenchment on 27 March, with the union saying they can no longer afford him.
Primus, who has been employed by the union for 15 years, expressed his disappointment with the union saying his retrenchment was unfair.
He added that claims of the union not having the money is an insult arguing they own properties that include vehicles and houses in Windhoek which can be sold in order to pay the workers instead of retrenching them.
“This is an unfair labour practice and an unfair retrenchment … what kind of reason is this, telling your employees that you do not have money while you have cars and houses in Windhoek which you can sell and pay the people?” Primus asked.
Primus said that together with other retrenched workers who are also unhappy, they took the matter to the office of the labour commissioner. They have not heard anything to date.
Hence, Primus said, he is willing to accept his severance package and move on, hinting that he wants to start a business and provide for his family.
“Just imagine, since May up to today I have not received my money. Some of us are married and we are breadwinners and we are expected to take care of our families.”
When contacted for comment, NWRWU secretary-general Victor Hamunyela explained that Primus and others were retrenched because the union was not making enough income to sustain all employees.
Hamunyela said those that did not want to accept the decision took the matter to the office of the labour commissioner.
He further said that the retrenched workers were not laid off to go to the streets but plans were made for sister unions to absorb them.
When asked about the severance package claims by Primus which has not been paid since May, Hamunyela explained that the money was there but because a complaint was lodged at the office of the labour commissioner, they were unable to pay them.
Hamunyela further said the delay was caused by Primus making reference to hearing which was scheduled to take place on 23 October but his representative did not show up.
“We are waiting for the new date,” Hamunyela said.
Attempts to get comment from the office of the labour commissioner proved futile.
KENYA KAMBOWE
Joseph Primus, who was employed as a regional organiser stationed in Oshakati was served with a notice of retrenchment on 27 March, with the union saying they can no longer afford him.
Primus, who has been employed by the union for 15 years, expressed his disappointment with the union saying his retrenchment was unfair.
He added that claims of the union not having the money is an insult arguing they own properties that include vehicles and houses in Windhoek which can be sold in order to pay the workers instead of retrenching them.
“This is an unfair labour practice and an unfair retrenchment … what kind of reason is this, telling your employees that you do not have money while you have cars and houses in Windhoek which you can sell and pay the people?” Primus asked.
Primus said that together with other retrenched workers who are also unhappy, they took the matter to the office of the labour commissioner. They have not heard anything to date.
Hence, Primus said, he is willing to accept his severance package and move on, hinting that he wants to start a business and provide for his family.
“Just imagine, since May up to today I have not received my money. Some of us are married and we are breadwinners and we are expected to take care of our families.”
When contacted for comment, NWRWU secretary-general Victor Hamunyela explained that Primus and others were retrenched because the union was not making enough income to sustain all employees.
Hamunyela said those that did not want to accept the decision took the matter to the office of the labour commissioner.
He further said that the retrenched workers were not laid off to go to the streets but plans were made for sister unions to absorb them.
When asked about the severance package claims by Primus which has not been paid since May, Hamunyela explained that the money was there but because a complaint was lodged at the office of the labour commissioner, they were unable to pay them.
Hamunyela further said the delay was caused by Primus making reference to hearing which was scheduled to take place on 23 October but his representative did not show up.
“We are waiting for the new date,” Hamunyela said.
Attempts to get comment from the office of the labour commissioner proved futile.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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