Unvaccinated employees must test weekly, Namcor says

OGONE TLHAGE



WINDHOEK

The National Petroleum Corporation (Namcor) has effected its vaccination policy, having asked unvaccinated employees to present negative Covid-19 results every week - at their own cost.

In fact, one employee has been barred from the office over this issue, and could face disciplinary action if she does not comply with accompanying instructions for her time away.

Namcor human capital executive Maryke Kröhne informed talent acquisition assistant Karina Indongo to provide a negative Covid-19 test result, or stay away from the office for two days. If she subsequently failed to report for duty, she would face disciplinary action.

“Kindly be notified that if you are absent from the office after two days [forced leave] that the absence will be dealt with according to the disciplinary code,” Kröhne said in a letter seen by Namibian Sun.

Namcor introduced a vaccine mandate - requiring all eligible employees to get a Covid-19 jab - in October 2021. Employees were required to be vaccinated by 19 November 2021, a directive that led some of them to approach lawyers.

Possible civil litigation

Lawyer Richard Metcalfe warned that Namcor will face severe litigation if any of its employees are affected by the Covid-19 vaccines.

According to him, employees are willing to take the vaccine on condition the company takes responsibility for any negative consequences brought on by the jab.

“It is really astounding what nonsense is being spread and that people are being forced to have their constitutional rights exploited by employers simply because they are desperate to retain their work,” Metcalfe said.

He added that if an employee were to face adverse reactions to the vaccine, the “substantial” litigation for damages would likely bankrupt Namcor.

No legal justification

Trade Union of Congress of Namibia (Tucna) secretary-general Mahongora Kavihuha said there was no justification for Namcor to force its employees to take Covid-19 vaccinations.

He added there is no disciplinary action they could impose on Indongo.

“There is no single rule to force people to take vaccinations; [there’s] no such company policy saying that,” Kavihuha said.

“What employers are doing is very unfortunate,” he added.

Govt’s silence unacceptable

He also questioned the labour ministry’s silence, saying nothing was being done regarding the plight of workers not in favour of taking the Covid-19 vaccine.

“What is government doing about the plight of employees, why is the ministry of labour quiet on the matter? The matter needs to be arrested so that employees can be at ease. We are getting tired; each day companies are coming up with new measures,” Kavihuha said.

“We are operating on the law and everything should be in terms of the law. We are tired of the nonsense of these employers. What is happening is politics of economics,” he added.

Public Service Union Workers of Namibia (PSUN) president Pauli Sitentu warned that his union would take action against Namcor if proceed with disciplinary action regarding Indongo’s conduct.

“It’s unlawful and it’s unconstitutional. Her forced leave is also illegal; she must be given her sick leave,” he said.

“We will not stand for that.”