WINDHOEK – Hundreds of Hilton Hotel employees in Windhoek could go on strike anytime soon after the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU) and the management of the establishment reached a deadlock in wage negotiations on Tuesday.
The deadlock has led the employees to take a vote on whether or not to embark on industrial action at the five-star hotel. Nafau secretary general Kiros Sakarias, confirmed the deadlock reached between the two parties and the fact that the majority of employees have voted in favour of industrial action.
The next step is for the employees to notify their employer about the looming strike within 48 hours as prescribed by the law.
The starting salary for employees at the Hilton is between N$950 to N$1500 and employees are usually dropped off and picked up from their homes. However, the employees are unhappy over the fact that they do not receive any other benefits, except for a medical aid benefit that is not recognised by the majority of local doctors, according to them. The planned industrial action by an estimated 300 waiters, cleaners, receptionists and cooks at the Hilton is a direct response to what they describe as pathetic salaries. The employees also demand bonuses and a housing allowance, a benefit which Sakarias says is ignored by many companies. “Many foreign companies do not understand the Namibian concept of a housing allowance, they mix it up with a housing subsidy, but this is a rental allowance,” said Sakarias. He further said the strike action is likely to materialise since none of the parties is willing to negotiate. “Hilton Hotel Windhoek will stay empty, the towels will stay unchanged, and there will be nobody on hand to mix a cocktail or even prepare breakfast for clients,” said one employee.
Hilton spokesperson in Johannesburg Jenitha Singh however appeared unfazed or unaware about the looming strike. “Hilton Windhoek respects the rights of our employees to express their points of view in a lawful and non-disruptive manner. However, the well-being, safety and security of our guests is of paramount importance and the Hilton Windhoek will take all necessary steps, in cooperation with local law enforcement officials, to ensure that any such activities on adjacent public property do not interfere with those wishing to enter or leave the hotel. Any issues brought to our attention in a reasonable and rational manner will be addressed in a similar manner.”
By Kuzeeko Tjitemisa