SWAKOPMUND - The relationship between government and trade unions stood the test of time, and is evident in the recently-averted strike of public servants.  The strike could have had catastrophic ramifications for the country’s economy, had it taken place.

This observation was made by President Hage Geingob in a speech delivered on his behalf by the minister in the presidency  Christine //Hoebes during the opening of the 10th Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) national congress underway in Swakopmund. 

The over 500 delegates are deliberating on issues affecting their members, and will also elect a new leadership today.

The congress is held under the theme ‘Workers Demand Job Security, Affordable Services and Promote Productivity in the Era of Covid-19 and Beyond’.  Geingob said the civil servants’ strike could have taken the country to the brink of economic disaster, had it taken place in the midst of tough economic conditions, compounded
by Covid-19.

The congress thus provides an opportunity to strategise on how government and unions can work together to ensure Namibia’s economic revival and continued path towards prosperity. “The strike was averted, and now we can resume working in unison towards steering our country to calmer waters. Government and the unions - Napwu and the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu) - are not only social partners, but revolutionary partners who always worked together in a spirit of harmony in the interest of nationhood,” Geingob stated.

According to the head of state, this relationship has been proven during the recently-concluded negotiations of salary increments and the improvement

of public servants’ working conditions, under a challenging economic situation.

“There was a lot at stake, and the ramifications of a strike would have gone far beyond what many could have
imagined. Fortunately, sacrifices were
made, not in the interest of individuals, but in the collective interest of our Namibian house. I have often said that it is difficult to build but easy to destroy,” he observed.

Geingob said government, the private sector and workers must redouble their efforts and work as one to increase productivity to improve labour relations and thereby bolster growth in all sectors of the economy.

 “Let this Napwu congress be the launchpad for Namibian workers to emerge from the gloom, loss and despair of Covid-19, and march towards improved job security, affordable services, improved productivity and social stability from the gloom and for social upliftment. Namibian workers are the builders of the present
and the future. On your shoulders lies the destiny of economic emancipation.”

Also speaking at the same event, Erongo governor Neville Andre urged the delegates to positively engage, critique and debate during the congress, and to set an example for their members.

 “We must always cherish our comradeship and unity. Unity is hard work, and if we are not careful, it can be lost in a single moment of insanity. It must be nourished every day by all of us. We only need to look at the fate of countless trade unions and liberation movements to see what happens to those who treat unity as a slogan,” he appealed.

The potentially devastating nationwide strike by civil servants was averted at the elevent hour in early August after government and the unions reached a compromise agreement, which Cabinet secretary George Simataa pronounced as “peace over money” at the time.

A week earlier, more than 80% of the civil servants countrywide who had embarked on a balloting process, voted in favour of a strike.

Government increased its initial offer from N$334 million to over N$924 million, meaning a 3% basic salary increase across the board, housing allowances for civil servants below management up by 11% and the transport allowance increased by 14%.

Napwu president Sarafina Kandere commended the government for the conducive environment created by the previous presidents, which enables Napwu to function as an exclusive bargaining agent recognised by the government.

“As a result, there have been no instances of uncontrolled job losses in the public service through retrenchments or the
advocated reduction of the size of the public service wage bill, as has been called for by those who are insensitive to the increasing unemployment rate in Namibia,” she said.