Lahja Nashuuta

Namdia staff affiliated with the Mineworkers Union of Namibia have ignored the union’s instruction not to attend the company’s two-day transformative culture session held at Midgard Lodge near Okahandja.

Beverley Coussement, Namdia spokesperson confirmed to New Era yesterday that all 21 staff attended the session, including the union members while the remaining five were unable to attend due to personal reasons.

Coussement confirmed that there are indeed a few staff welfare issues that the entity and the union are trying to iron out.

“Namdia is actively engaged with the union regarding the salary increase, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for 5 September 2024 (today),” she said.

MUN Namdia branch spokesperson Sakaria Simon wrote to the diamond trading entity, stating, “Our union wishes to inform you that our members will not be attending the upcoming culture session at Midgard Lodge, scheduled for 2-3 September 2024.  The union feels aggrieved, as there are several outstanding issues that must be addressed,” the email reads.

Simon further said, “The decision to abstain from the session stems from the frustration and dissatisfaction among union members due to these unresolved matters. 

We hope that the management will understand the gravity of these concerns, and take prompt action to address them,” he said.

Through the email, the union urges Namdia to come to the negotiating table to resolve all outstanding issues amicably.

As to how the company is planning to deal with the staff welfare matters brought forth by the union, Coussement said Namdia is negotiating in good faith to address union members’ demands, while safeguarding the company’s interests. 

“We are committed to resolving issues through our established internal processes, ensuring that all employee concerns are heard and addressed in accordance with Namdia’s policies,” she said.

Coussement further said Namdia is dedicated to maintaining a strong relationship with MUN and the bargaining unit.

“Namdia is committed to fostering an engaged and valued workforce by addressing concerns transparently, and striving for excellence in employee relations. We aim to create a workplace that promotes collaboration, teamwork and excellence,” she said.