Adolf Kaure
Namib Mills’ workers will start striking today, secretary general of the Namibia Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu), Petersen Kambinda, has confirmed.
This comes after 683 out of 710 employees voted to strike last Thursday.
“This demonstrates a clear fed-up position by employees. On Monday from 07h00, the union and our members are ready to commence the strike,” Kambinda said. “It is very unfortunate that employees have to resort to industrial action for a company as big as Namib Mills,” he added.
He continued by saying that “It is also very concerning that Namibians are subjected to exploitation in this fashion. The good thing is that at least the voice the workers have been waiting for is here, and Naretu will go toe to toe and eye for an eye with those addicted to mistreating workers.”
Temporary lockout
In the aftermath of the voting, Namib Mills issued a press statement, confirming the implementation of a temporary lockout of a group of bargaining unit employees represented by Naretu. The lockout will be effective the same day and time the workers go on strike.
According to Namib Mills’ general manager Stephanus Ackerman, the step leading to the temporary lockout follows an extended period of wage negotiations.
“The decision to implement a lockout was not taken lightly. It follows unreasonable demands beyond market norms. This is in addition to the early breach of authorised strike rules by the union through their actions of spreading misinformation to employees voting on whether to participate in a strike or not and was intended to create the necessary space for constructive resolution,” said Ackerman.
The general manager also maintained that Namib Mills is committed to reaching a fair agreement with the union and is prepared to return to the negotiation table at any time.
Furthermore, Namib Mills has engaged the Labour Commissioner’s office and has informed Naretu of its continued willingness to negotiate.
“The lockout will be lifted immediately upon reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. In accordance with the Labour Act, affected employees will have the right to return to work within three days of the dispute being resolved,” said Ackerman. “Our focus at this point is on creating the space needed for constructive engagement and a fair outcome for all parties. We remain committed to resolving the dispute lawfully, respectfully, and as quickly as possible,” he added. In response, Kambinda said Naretu has been in negotiations with Namib Mills since July 2025, and through the union, the workers have been very reasonable in their negotiations.
He, however, voiced that the workers are tired of being exploited by Namib Mills, leading to the union’s decision to take the company to the Office of the Labour Commissioner.
“The conciliator tried to assist parties to reach an agreement, which, after several attempts, failed. Hence, we were issued a certificate of unresolved dispute, and we agreed to the strike and lockout rules. On Friday, Naretu gave the company notice to strike, and the company also issued us a notice to lock out employees, of which both these two processes mean the same thing: employees who are not in agreement won’t render their services starting Monday (today) at 07h00,” Kambinda said.
Kambinda added that Namib Mills has got no standing to pass judgements of breaches.
“They attempted to raise these so-called breaches to the conciliator, which we dealt with decisively by placing facts on the table. We reject in the strongest terms any nonsensical suggestions or narratives that we breached any rules we signed,” he said.
Contingency plan
Namib Mills has activated contingency plans to ensure the continued production and supply of core food products during the lockout period.
The plans include a continuity of production, ongoing deliveries of product to retailers countrywide and the assurance that all Namib Mills sites will operate under strict safety protocols.
