The National Housing Enterprise and Public Service Union of Namibia on Monday signed an agreement to end the employees’ industrial action that started on 24 February 2023. 

The month-long strike ended after the two parties reached a deadlock on a once-off payment of N$15 000, which was agreed upon by the negotiating team.

The employees were on strike against nepotism, favouritism and corruption in the parastatal, and they were demanding a 7% salary increment. 

At the end of January 2023, 90% of the staff voted to go on strike. 

Announcing the end of the strike, NHE CEO Gisbertus Mukulu said the strike came to an end on Monday, and workers are expected to be back to work on 11 April 2023.

“We reached an agreement with the union, and we plan to continue fostering good relations with the union for the benefit of the company and the well-being of our employees,” said Mukulu yesterday at the media briefing.

PSUN secretary general Matheus Haakuria read out the agreement, saying the no-work-no-pay principle will be implemented, and deductions will be proportioned over eight months, with the first deduction to be effected on the March 2023 payroll.

“The agreed once-off payment to the employees is payable within two days of signing the agreement,” he stated.

To ensure the company performs well and improves on its financials for future demands of increments, Haakuria noted the parties agreed to commit to the deliverables of the company to achieve targets, such as the enterprise resource planning,  integrated strategic business plan and financial audits of 2017, 2018 and 2019.

NHE is publicly-funded and mandated to provide and finance affordable housing to Namibia’s low-and middle-income
earners.

The housing enterprise’s total wage bill for the year is estimated at N$89 799 188, making staff cost the highest in the company.

“There shall be no retaliations, discriminations or disciplinary action by the employer against any employee who participated in the industrial action.
The employer agreed to waive the
 requirements relating to the payment of advances of 13th cheque, and allow employees to apply and access bonus advances in special circumstances in accordance with qualifying criteria,” he added.