ONGWEDIVA – Employees of the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) have returned to work after the company and Mineworkers Union of Namibia signed a three-year collective agreement.

This officially ended the industrial action that disrupted the supply of electricity services in Northern Namibia.

According to Nored spokesperson Simon Lukas, the agreement was signed on 2 March 2026.

He said all employees resumed duty on 3 March 2026, and the company has since restored its operations.

“The industrial action has formally ended following the signing of a three-year collective agreement between Nored and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia,” Lukas said.

He added that the company’s focus is now on restoring normal services and continuing to deliver electricity to customers across its supply areas.

“Our priority remains on delivering high-quality service, and we look forward to serving our customers again,” he said.

As part of the agreement, employees will receive several benefits over the three-year period.

These include a 14th cheque for the 2024/25 financial year, a 4% salary increase, including benefits for the 2025/26 financial year and a 4.3% salary increment, including benefits for the 2026/27 financial year.

Lukas apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused during the strike and thanked them for their patience.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the strike and appreciate the patience and continued support from our customers,” he said.

The strike started after employees demanded a 6% salary increase, arguing that their salaries had not been adjusted for several years despite the rising cost of living.

Acting president of the union, Mathew Mberiuana, earlier said workers had been calling for salary adjustments since 2019.

He said employees rejected a 3% increase previously offered by the company because it did not reflect the rising prices of basic commodities and the overall cost of living.

“When you compare commodity prices, the cost of living and living standards annually, everything has gone up. However, workers have not received any increase for the past seven years,” he said.

– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na