Manwu wants unsafe companies blacklisted The Metal and Allied Workers Union says companies that violate occupational safety and health (OSH) standards at the workplace should be blacklisted and not awarded tenders. This was one of the points discussed during the Manwu national congress held from 24 to 27 August.
According to Manwu the congress noted that there are several areas of the Labour Act that need to be improved to protect workers’ rights.
The union said health and safety standards and penalties for non-compliance should be stipulated in the Labour Act to protect workers.
Furthermore the union said that a national minimum wage of N$20 an hour should be introduced in Namibia.
According to the union workers should be reinstated promptly after winning cases of unfair dismissal.
It suggested that the labour commissioner’s office should speed up the handing of cases in order to prevent hardship for the workers involved.
On another topic the congress noted that there has been an increase in union rivalry.
The union said this is caused by the interference of former union leaders in the affairs of unions, and the formation of rival unions by former union leaders.
It said division among workers and union leaders is fuelled by disrespect, favouritism, lack of communication, and the spreading of lies and rumours.
The congress resolved that shop stewards must receive training that include the political and historical background of the union and be trained as facilitators to educate their co-workers.
It was also resolved that the union must focus on the interests of workers and not use leadership positions for political or business gains.
The congress noted that there is a lack of trust in the union’s branches and that workers are unhappy with the lack of urgency when dealing with problems brought to the organisers.
The congress elected Angula Angula as president and Ingrid April as vice-president of the union. Thompson Mate was elected as treasurer, Hilly Shamulele as deputy treasurer, and Cecilia Kamburu as national secretary. Richard Isaaks was elected as deputy national secretary, Justina Jonas-Emvula as general secretary and Enwich Kazonda as deputy general secretary.
ELLANIE SMIT