Nedbank Namibia employees yesterday showed their dissatisfaction, frustration and disappointment with the current state of affairs at the company through an hour-long peaceful demonstration in the capital.
Through their union, employees stated that they are extremely horrified by the manner in which Nedbank Namibia managing director Martha Murorua and her management team have elected to deal with industrial relations, in particular the 2023 salary and benefits negotiations.
“For the past seven years, we have accepted your offer without any reservation, having understanding for the economic woes. However, every single time we reach a deadlock, the bank employs cunning, dishonest, manipulative and unethical ways to bank on our rights and reduce our collective bargaining power,” reads a petition directed to Murorua.
Murorua was not able to receive yesterday’s petition, and it was instead received by Nedbank Namibia exco members.
General secretary of the Namibia Financial Institutions Union (Nafinu) Asnath Zamuee said in the petition that the bank workers’ representative union demands that the deduction of union dues be continued, as stopping this would adversely impact the organisation. This, she stated, would not place the union in good standing.
Nafinu is the largest trade union representing workers in the local financial sector.
“We demand that Nedbank Namibia respects that our union represents all employees in the bargaining unit. Our grievances should be handled with seriousness and urgency. A response should be given to us within five days of receipt of this petition. In the event our demands are not met, we will be demonstrating ever second Thursday, until our demands are met,” stressed Zamuee.
Last week, the union accused Nedbank of being the worst employer in the financial services sector, and of not respecting local labour laws.
During a Nedbank media briefing yesterday, Murorua responded to allegations from Nafinu by emphasising that the rights and welfare of employees is paramount to the bank.
She stated that as per the interim recognition agreement signed between the two parties on 25 November 2010, Nafinu was not conferred exclusive bargaining status.
“Our contention is that Nafinu was not recognised under the interim recognition agreement of all employees within the bargaining unit, as provided for under section 64 of the Labour Act, Act 11 of 2007. Furthermore, Nedbank notified Nafinu on 24 March 2023 that the agreement was automatically rescinded as per the stipulations of the agreement,” stated Murorua.
The MD further touched on salary increments raised by the union, saying the bank has always given its employees salary increases in the bargaining unit above the prevailing inflation rates, even during the worst economic climate.
She added that the offer extended for 2023 includes salary increases of 7%, against the most recent recorded inflation rate of 6.1%, monthly transport allowance having been increased from N$900 to N$1025, a 14% increase, and a newly-introduced employee value proposition, which equates to monthly savings estimated between N$340 to N$750 for employees in the bargaining unit.
“On top of the increased monthly transport allowance, a concession was made to extend parking based on availability to the employees in the bargaining unit at a 50% reduction of the actual cost,” she pointed out.
Mururua said Nafinu lodged a dispute of interest with the Office of the Labour Commissioner on 8 May 2023. Nedbank’s doors are open for Nafinu to discuss matters, and the two parties are expected to meet today for an arranged meeting, she continued. Conciliation of the matter is scheduled for 7 July 2023.
The bank MD likewise noted that another matter under legal review relates to statements of malicious intent and false assertion of fact which will be dealt with through legal recourse.