Erindi under investigation as 20 workers camp at gate
Labour minister Utoni Nujoma has confirmed that 20 people are camping outside Erindi Game Farm, 16 of them being dismissed workers demanding outstanding payments and four people who came to show solidarity.
In parliament last week, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Kazeongere Tjeundo accused the Erindi Game Farm management of unfair dismissal, ill treatment, racial segregation and discrimination.
In his response tabled last week, Nujoma said the dismissed workers camping in front of the gate have been instructed by the new workers’ union NACAFU to remain there till their demands are met. These demands include severance payment, outstanding leave pay and that disciplinary charges against them be withdrawn.
“Poor housekeeping within the entire camping site, lack of a medical facility or emergency kit, lack of proper ventilation in the informal structures erected at the camping site, and absence of ablution facilities were observed during the walk-through inspection. The investigation could not establish whether indeed the alleged act of racial segregation and discrimination was true,” said Nujoma.
According to him, the management of the Erindi Private Game Reserve was briefed on the findings observed by the ministry's labour inspector.
He added that currently, official records of the ministry do not reflect any complaint lodged for unfair dismissal or unfair labour practices by the alleged aggrieved employees, to date and urged these workers to report such cases to the ministry.
“It is however important to note that it is not in the power of the minister to ensure that the said employees are reinstated. Only the legal framework which is the Labour Law may take its course. Therefore, the matter may go through the correct arbitration procedures at the Office of the Labour Commissioner for a decision,” he said.
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In parliament last week, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Kazeongere Tjeundo accused the Erindi Game Farm management of unfair dismissal, ill treatment, racial segregation and discrimination.
In his response tabled last week, Nujoma said the dismissed workers camping in front of the gate have been instructed by the new workers’ union NACAFU to remain there till their demands are met. These demands include severance payment, outstanding leave pay and that disciplinary charges against them be withdrawn.
“Poor housekeeping within the entire camping site, lack of a medical facility or emergency kit, lack of proper ventilation in the informal structures erected at the camping site, and absence of ablution facilities were observed during the walk-through inspection. The investigation could not establish whether indeed the alleged act of racial segregation and discrimination was true,” said Nujoma.
According to him, the management of the Erindi Private Game Reserve was briefed on the findings observed by the ministry's labour inspector.
He added that currently, official records of the ministry do not reflect any complaint lodged for unfair dismissal or unfair labour practices by the alleged aggrieved employees, to date and urged these workers to report such cases to the ministry.
“It is however important to note that it is not in the power of the minister to ensure that the said employees are reinstated. Only the legal framework which is the Labour Law may take its course. Therefore, the matter may go through the correct arbitration procedures at the Office of the Labour Commissioner for a decision,” he said.
[email protected]
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