By Obrein Simasiku
WINDHOEK – Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Doreen Sioka, has labelled Namibia as being more peaceful and stable in terms of industrial relations compared to previous years.
“This is so because of a number of interventions that the ministry together with our social partners, trade unions and employer organisations have been able to put in place,” the minister said on Friday.
She narrated that on December 17, 2014, the ministry launched a minimum wage for domestic workers, which is set to take effect on April 1, 2015. The wage order will be supported by the full force of the law and will be enforceable to the Basic Conditions of Employment contained in the Labour Act of 2007, which already covers domestic workers.
According to Sioka, the minimum wage agreement should assist in the stabilisation of industrial peace, of which a signed agreement by employers and employees in the fuel sector were among the contributing factors, with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare facilitating the processes.
However, Sioka strongly warned that those who will not abide by the laws of the country will be dealt with accordingly, as it has been done before. Furthermore, she pointed out that the under-representation of people with disabilities at all levels of employment continues, forcing her to call upon the Employment Equity Commission to come up with mechanisms to remedy the situation.
She added that Namibia’s industrial stability and peace will be reinforced by regular workplace inspections, and she urged the Directorate of Labour Services to ensure adherence to the provisions of the Labour Act is not compromised at all.
“We must continue to intensify our inspections in order to prevent the exploitation of workers, as there are still situations where employees suffer at the hands of their employers,” stated Sioka.