Salt workers want bosses fired OTIS FINCK About 50 Mineworkers Union of Namibia members employed at Walvis Bay Salt Holdings (WBSH) demanded the removal of managing director Andre Snyman, HR manager Brumilda Britz and the workers’ representative, Greg Swartz.
The worker gave the company until 12 October to respond to various demands contained in a petition with 29 listed issues which Snyman received on Wednesday.
Snyman said he accepted the petition in good faith and took note of its contents. He promised to work through all the issues with management.
The workers accuse Snyman of nepotism, discriminating against black employees and victimising unionists.
According to them, Britz only acts in the interest of the MD, while Swartz allegedly does not have their interests at heart.
They also want back pay for all overtime worked from 2008 to 2015 and demanded that they be informed of the status of their shares and dividend payouts.
According to them Snyman stopped their quarterly variable payments when he arrived at WBSH
The workers also claimed that they are getting sick because of a dusty workplace and requested the government to investigate environmental issues at the Wash Plant and Ekango facilities.
They claimed that workers injured on duty are forced by the MD, with the help of the health and safety officer, to return to work.
According to the workers the company wants to obtain NOSA Star rating and therefore doctors are instructed not to book off employees who sustain injuries while on duty.
The workers also demanded that their sick leave cycle be corrected according to the Labour Act and said fixed-term contract workers should enjoy the same benefits as permanent employees.
According to them employees who have been on contract for more than six months should be permanently employed.
They condemned the interviewing of a laboratory analyst to replace four contract workers who they said had been at the company for more than two years.
Four quality controllers, who have been acting in the position since April 2016, allegedly do not receive acting allowances.
According to them these individuals qualify to be appointed in permanent positions.
They also called for the reinstatement of Helmut Gonteb as Wash Plant superintendent and the immediate return of Nelson Jatamunua.