The National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) yesterday questioned government’s silence in the ongoing labour dispute involving Shoprite Namibia and its employees.

 “We are perplexed by the deafening silence of the Namibian government in this Shoprite issue, or is it perhaps that they are silent simply because they are protecting their own vested interest and since they are investors as well in Shoprite, through GIPF?” said the party’s secretary general Josef Kauandenge.

“Namibians of all walks of life should reject white monopoly capital and the exploitation of Namibian workers by these foreigners in our country. We must reject it with the contempt it deserves.”
Kauandenge claimed some South African-owned businesses continue to disregard local labour laws by paying their workers peanuts while raking in millions in profits. He also said his party supports calls to boycott all Shoprite businesses in a show of solidarity with the striking workers.

 “They must be forced to their knees so that they can run back to the negotiating table with their tales between their legs,” noted Kauandenge.
Yesterday, the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) and Shoprite Namibia went back to the negotiating table to find an amicable solution.

Namibian police officers could be seen guarding Shoprite outlets as striking employees sang outside. 
In fact, the police on Wednesday warned it would strictly maintain law and order, prevent crime and protect life and property at different Shoprite Namibia and affiliate stores countrywide.
On 23 December last year, a total of 2 042 workers went on strike after they could not reach an agreement for better pay and benefits with their employer.

The disgruntled workers are demanding a salary increment of N$600, a housing allowance of N$450, a transport allowance of N$500, and permanent employment for workers who have worked in the stores for over a year temporarily. 
Documents filed before court show that most of the employees are employed on a temporary basis for extended periods, ranging up to more than 10 years. These temporary workers are paid between N$300 and N$400 per week.  

This amounts to a monthly salary of between N$1 200 and N$1 600 on a five-day work basis.  
The permanent workers are paid between N$2 000 and N$3 000 per month. 
The employees do not receive transport allowance nor is transport provided by the company.  They also do not receive any benefits such as housing allowance or medical aid. - mamakali@nepc.com.na