Unions don't comply with the law
The permanent secretary in the ministry of labour, Bro-Matthew Shinguadja, has lashed out at certain unions representing security guards, saying they are not complying with the labour law.
This follows a joint complaint by the Namibia Independent Security Union (NISU) and the Namibia Security and Watchmen's Union that security companies are not paying the minimum wage.
Hitting back, Shinguadja said the unions themselves were guilty of not complying with the Labour Act.
He added that no congresses had been held to elect new union leaders as required by law.
“Do these unions comply with the Labour Act? They are not in compliance. Those leaders are also illegitimate in terms of their standing,” Shinguadja told Namibian Sun telephonically.
Shinguadja also claimed that security union bosses were not submitting their annual tax returns on time. He also reiterated an earlier correspondence with the unions, saying that since the matter was before court, the ministry not get involved.
“They know exactly what the situation is; the issue is before court,” he said.
In response, Simon Kandondo of NISU said they were aware of the court case but it only involved one security company and not the entire industry.
“I don't know what he is talking about but there is only one case and it is for Rubicon. What about the other companies? Even the PS knows, he cannot use the case of Rubicon,” Kandondo said.
Kandondo admitted that his union had not submitted its annual tax return on time.
He said his union had been unable to hold a congress to elect new leaders but it would be done as soon as possible.
OGONE TLHAGE
This follows a joint complaint by the Namibia Independent Security Union (NISU) and the Namibia Security and Watchmen's Union that security companies are not paying the minimum wage.
Hitting back, Shinguadja said the unions themselves were guilty of not complying with the Labour Act.
He added that no congresses had been held to elect new union leaders as required by law.
“Do these unions comply with the Labour Act? They are not in compliance. Those leaders are also illegitimate in terms of their standing,” Shinguadja told Namibian Sun telephonically.
Shinguadja also claimed that security union bosses were not submitting their annual tax returns on time. He also reiterated an earlier correspondence with the unions, saying that since the matter was before court, the ministry not get involved.
“They know exactly what the situation is; the issue is before court,” he said.
In response, Simon Kandondo of NISU said they were aware of the court case but it only involved one security company and not the entire industry.
“I don't know what he is talking about but there is only one case and it is for Rubicon. What about the other companies? Even the PS knows, he cannot use the case of Rubicon,” Kandondo said.
Kandondo admitted that his union had not submitted its annual tax return on time.
He said his union had been unable to hold a congress to elect new leaders but it would be done as soon as possible.
OGONE TLHAGE
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