Windhoek
After initially reversing plans to retrench over 1 000 workers earlier this year, TransNamib has reneged on its undertaking and could go ahead with the plan.
In a letter to Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union (Natau) dated May 26, and signed by TransNamib’s Executive: Human Capital Webster Gonzo, the company made it clear it would continue with its planned retrenchment to relieve some of its financial burden. TransNamib had shelved its plans after being pressurised by the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), and the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW).
“Management and the union resolved to relieve some of the financial burden by scaling down on the number of employees at the company through voluntary retirement exits from TransNamib as previously discussed,” read the letter.Contacted for comment yesterday, TransNamib Chief Communications Officer Struggle Ihuhua said,
“I can only reply to your questions by tomorrow (Wednesday). Firstly, I am not in the office. Secondly, I have to contact all relevant people to give you relevant answers,” he said.
Earlier this year, TransNamib announced that it would retrench 963 workers – about 43 percent of its work force – to reduce its N$40 million monthly payroll.
However, its planned retrenchment received wide condemnation from various organisations including the NUNW and SPYL and the retrenchment was later called off.
At the time, SPYL secretary for labour Paulus Mbango said, “It is scandalous that companies owned by a demarcating state will think of treating its workers in such an arrogant fashion, as if they were running a private company solely to maximise their profits.”
He said with jobless levels already far too high, especially among the youth, such a big retrenchment would be devastating both for individual workers and their families and for the country’s economic growth prospects.
Mbango said the SPYL would fully support the NUNW and Natau in their dispute over the restructuring plans.
The youth league said it would rally all of Swapo into mass action if the company presses ahead with the retrenchment plan.
The retrenchment would affect 445 civil engineers, 110 motor mechanics, 134 road ops, 227 in service delivery, 20 Rail South Africa operators and 27 communication and marketing personnel.