WINDHOEK – Meatco and the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) signed a memorandum of agreement on the non-renewal of fixed-term contracts of temporary employees resulting from the re-alignment of Meatco’s operations. The agreement was signed on Friday 23 August 2013 at Meatco’s head office.
Nafau has a standing recognition agreement with Meatco and is recognised by the corporation as the sole bargaining agent for bargaining unit employees.
In line with the standard employment contracts, Nafau and Meatco agreed that the corporation is a seasonal business dealing with livestock and perishable products. They also agreed on the fact that employment agreements entered into with the concerned staff are only for a particular season of that year and that subsequently contracts came to a natural end on August 31, 2013.
The agreement is that Meatco would pay the affected employees one month’s salary for August, a pro-rata bonus and leave accrued for the year worked. In addition, two weeks’ severance pay for each year of service will be paid for employees working a minimum of 12 months. A token of appreciation of N$1 500 for all those with four and more years of service and N$1 000 for those employees with less than four years of service will also be paid.
Additionally, Meatco will consider affected employees for future positions that may become vacant in the following six months ending January 31, 2014. They will also be considered for the Meatco Angel Fund Assistance through SME Compete.
The agreement is applicable to all temporary employees at the Windhoek and Okahandja abattoirs.
By Deon Schlechter