By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK The executive committee of the recently established Namibia Transport and Taxi Union (NTTU) last Saturday appealed to the Minister of Transport for recognition in all decisions taken regarding transport in the country. This was said in a statement by the NTTU’s Secretary-General, Jeremia Hainghumbi, at the Ombili Community Centre in Katutura. The union that was established a year ago to represent the rights of taxi and bus drivers, has more than fifty members and intends to expand its activities nationwide. “The NTTU is painfully aware that the interests of its members must be recognized and protected. Until recently, the rights and the interests of taxi and bus drivers have been neglected which has led to exploitation by the owners of taxis and buses,” claimed Jeremia Hainghumbi. According to the Secretary-General, his union will enter into discussions, negotiations and collective bargaining with the aims and objectives to have the transport industry regulated and the voice of its members heard. “The union seeks to have representation in NABTA, regional and local authorities, the Ministry of Safety and Security and other stakeholder bodies. We are aware that the conditions of employment, health, safety and welfare of its members need to be substantially improved, minimum standards set and a code of ethics and conduct be agreed to for whole transport industry,” he said. The NTTU intends staging training and self-improvement workshops for its members. “We want to promote professional conduct among our members towards the travelling public and to observe at all times the existing road safety regulations. Furthermore, to have a network of taxi and bus drivers underscoring by communication relationships through which communities can express their aspirations and expectations with regard to the provision of service at a level where everyone is satisfied,” Hainghumbi said. The union also intends adhering to the country’s Labour Law as far as it concerns the transport industry. “The NTTU will see to it that its members are afforded the minimum conditions of employment with regard to remuneration and benefits such as annual leave, sick leave, overtime, Sunday time and public holiday entitlements. The right of belonging to the union and to participate in its affairs is a priority to us. So too will the requirements of labour legislation relating to dismissals be enforced,” he said. Hianghumbi also welcomed the current initiative being undertaken by the Minister of Works, Transport and Communication in drawing up transport legislation. “This will ensure the proper regulation of the transport industry, the focus being on road safety and standards. The union, as the only representative body of taxi and bus drivers, must be afforded the opportunity to be represented at all forums where transport matters are discussed and formulated so that the union can make inputs before final decisions are taken. The union appeals to the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication to take this into consideration,” he concluded.