Negotiation is a tool to agree or disagree and the purpose is to reach a win-win situation. The employers and all organisations must be careful not to appoint chief negotiators who are not going for solutions, but just focus on talking and creating an unwanted atmosphere.

When the members are marching they sense that there is will and the door for negotiations is open to solve the differences. I advocate for zero-tolerance of wild-cat strikes and this should be done through education of both parties.
As the newly-elected Mineworkers Union of Namibia southern regional chairperson I call upon all patriotic Namibian employers and non-Namibians investors to set an example, to refrain from just employing workers as tools, but to value them as human gems of organisations.
Just to cite a few industries, like security companies, mining and energy organisations where workers are paid 3 dollars per hour, this is irritating and disturbing. They are looking after millions worth of investments and are paid unfavourable salaries,
Think about the worker’s life and family. In the absence of social grants for all, in many cases one person is looking after 5 people in a family. The lowest salary to be paid in large established organisation is N$3 000 minimum. Projects that arise out of tenders must work for Namibians. Local labour should be used to attain skills.
Health and Safety is a concern and must be enforced at all times. It is the responsibility of everyone to maintain it, and workers must be provided with safety gear. If the carpenter is hammering nails he should be provided with a full-face safety shield and not only goggles, because the teeth or nose might be injured.
Secondly the issue of monthly (tax) revenue within Namibia is disturbing, while we have parliamentarians who are not adhering to it. The tax law needs to be amended soon to be calculated on the basic salary and not on over-time and allowances so that workers can take care of others. Workers are working extensive, extended hours, especially in essential services and have nothing to take home. This is disturbing.
Recognition agreements must be formulated and signed to guide parties in collective bargaining and should make provision for negotiations, which is better than individuals dealing with employers and creating misunderstanding.
Work permits are an issue and a bone of contention between the trade unions and the Ministry. Unemployment is rising. Two thousand people are graduating every year and remain unemployed. Work permits must be endorsed by visa / work permits committee members, if there are any in place and then by the Ministry. It is also time for the Immigration Act to be amended to read a Namibian and foreigner. We have to do away with permanent residence if we want to eradicate unemployment.

A people united shall never be defeated.

Metumo Isak
Chairperson of MUN Southern Region