Africa-Press – Namibia. The long-awaited meeting between the City of Windhoek (CoW) and its striking workers, initially scheduled for yesterday was postponed to Monday, 10 November.
The meeting was expected to bring both parties to the table to discuss worker’s grievances, which is centred around wage increases and poor working conditions. However, the planned meeting was pushed to Monday.
City of Windhoek public relations officer, Lydia Amutenya confirmed the postponement. “The meeting between the council and the workers was supposed to take place today, but it was pushed to Monday. I do not know the reason, I was only informed that it had been postponed to next week,” she said.
The workers’ strike began last month and has now entered its second month. The strike is mainly involving cleaners responsible for litter collection, street sweeping, and general cleaning services across various residential and business areas of Windhoek. Workers are demanding salary increments and improved employment conditions, including access to basic benefits. Initially, the striking group had set up camp near Chinatown, but they have since moved to the City’s main building in the central business district. On Wednesday, the workers gathered at the building intending to submit a petition to the council.
Worker representative, John Paporo expressed frustration over the postponement. “We were supposed to have the meeting today, but we were told it has been pushed to Monday. The workers are simply asking for their salaries to be increased so that they can qualify for basics such as medical aid. We are working under difficult conditions, and we do not have the necessary benefits to protect us in case something happens,” he said.
According to the Cow, the cleaners are currently raking in a total monthly salary of N$5 095.70, which includes a basic salary of N$3 300, transport allowance of N$800, alongside contributions towards pension, medical and social security.
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