A DRASTIC new paradigm shift is needed by about 46 union organisations in Namibia or the two key federations to contribute towards economic growth.
Most unions in Namibia have been increasing their membership fee contributions to keep up with their administrative activities, something which is unhealthy, antique, and non-progressive.
My view is that unions should engage employers like business representatives of the masses to come up with new ways of keeping and attracting new membership for growth.
Unions need to become asset based even though the world is fastened to the information base.
Unions should start thinking of acquiring land in all parts of Namibia to increase their assets, create employee trust funds with the view of profit sharing rather than just bonus incentive systems which are short term.
If employees belong to a trust fund which is profit driven and each member has a share in it, you tend to find more dedicated employees with an extremely high moral towards production and in return reduce strikes and unnecessary short-term demands. This will give the unions a more holistic view in participating in growing the company or industries they operate.
A few unions have links with international labour movements through affiliations to one or several Global Union Federations (GUFs) and they can use this untapped opportunity to endeavour into business. Other spin-offs could be that more people will want to retire early and start their own businesses; reduce inequality; and communities will be empowered, etc. Some of the strategies that unions could explore are:
Buy land close to a prime area – sell plots/plot and plan (houses) to your members on a good rate. Create a Former Employee Empowerment Centre – a federation will be ideal to run this and increase SMEs for employment. People will start owning businesses plus reduce unemployment. Union federations need to establish an ICT centre to ensure a soft and real-time data base for union membership, and or other related activities such as those mentioned above in terms of growth and progress. In addition, this will create efficiency in managing and monitoring growth and other union intricacies.
It will also allow unions to have growth trajectories aligned to NDP4s versus that of federations and which are measurable.
Union leaders must create greater networking from other role players in the industry or employers to create long-term strategic partners.
Affordability and growth for members is a key aspect. Unions can leverage from donors who want to do business in Namibia.
Seeking donor funding is a successful proven model of development, and Africa in general being the fastest growing continent creates that niche for unions to bargain in a new flair.
In this manner, we will expedite economic growth, empower employees to become employers, contribute towards Social Corporate Responsibility within that industry and increase membership. In this way unions will create fishing nets plus by-products of their own.
I invite your views on how best our unions can assist employees through bargaining at: elia2700@gmail.com
• Erastus Elia is a HR practitioner with more than 16 years’ experience. He has worked in various industries including Energy, Financial, Beverages, and Construction. Amongst other qualifications he holds a Masters of Business Leadership (MBL) from the University of South Africa. He advises various employer organisations and unions.