SWAKOPMUND – Swakop Uranium’s Husab Mine and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia have signed a three-year wage agreement, effective from 2023.
Husab Mine, situated about 60 kilometres from Swakopmund, has over 2 000 employees.
Employees of the mine will receive a 5.8% salary increment for 2023, N$500 for housing, and N$3 500 as a goodwill gesture, and will also be able to add a member to their medical aid. They will receive an increment of 5.5% for 2024 and 2025, respectively.
The parties earlier this week said in a joint statement that the successful wage negotiations are yet another significant milestone in labour relations at Swakop Uranium.
Husab CEO Qiu Bin said the negotiations were concluded harmoniously, characterised by mutual respect and trust.
“Given the prevailing economic situation, the parties believe that the wage settlement is in the best interest of both the company and its employees. The agreement reflects the intent of both parties to ensure the continued sustainability of the business and strengthening of labour relations at one of the biggest mining companies in Namibia,” Bin said.
MUN branch chairperson Milton Augumeb also commended both the union and the mine for conducting the negotiations transparently, and for the fact that they did not need mediation or intervention from a third party.
“We are grateful to the company for allowing us to negotiate, especially during these difficult economic times. Therefore, the employees pledged their commitment to reach the company’s production target of 4 700 tonness of uranium for the year 2023,” he said.
According to him, the pledge demonstrates the employees are pleased with the outcome of the wage negotiations.