Labour victimisation claims rock Namdia
Allegations of delay tactics to recognise union
Several employees, who spoke to Namibian Sun, claim that a decision to join the union has attracted the ire of the company.
Several employees of Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) claim they are being victimised over attempts to join the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN).
Several employees who spoke to Namibian Sun said their decision to join the union has drawn the ire of the company.
"Employees are being victimised. Employees joining the union will experience structured retrenchments; employees are being discouraged from joining the union," they said.
The workers claimed there were also instances of employees being called in and threatened over plans to join the union.
"People are being called in by management and being threatened. Some employees have withdrawn themselves from the union."
Namdia was also slow in recognising the union’s status, employees alleged.
"There are delaying tactics to recognise the union."
Application
Meanwhile, a letter seen by Namibian Sun shows that the MUN had applied to be recognised as a union by Namdia.
“Until such recognition process is completed and the union is recognised, the parties will not be able to enter a binding recognition and procedural agreement,” it read.
Attempts were made to contact Namdia spokesperson Beverley Coussement and company CEO Alisa Amupolo on the allegations.
Coussement promised to respond by the time of going to print, but failed to do so.
Several employees who spoke to Namibian Sun said their decision to join the union has drawn the ire of the company.
"Employees are being victimised. Employees joining the union will experience structured retrenchments; employees are being discouraged from joining the union," they said.
The workers claimed there were also instances of employees being called in and threatened over plans to join the union.
"People are being called in by management and being threatened. Some employees have withdrawn themselves from the union."
Namdia was also slow in recognising the union’s status, employees alleged.
"There are delaying tactics to recognise the union."
Application
Meanwhile, a letter seen by Namibian Sun shows that the MUN had applied to be recognised as a union by Namdia.
“Until such recognition process is completed and the union is recognised, the parties will not be able to enter a binding recognition and procedural agreement,” it read.
Attempts were made to contact Namdia spokesperson Beverley Coussement and company CEO Alisa Amupolo on the allegations.
Coussement promised to respond by the time of going to print, but failed to do so.
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