Africa-Press – Namibia. NATIONAL Housing Enterprise (NHE) chief executive officer Gisbertus Mukulu says the 7% pay hike the parastatal’s employees are pushing for is not viable under current economic conditions.
At least 110 NHE employees have been on a nationwide strike since Friday.
“NHE staff members are still gainfully employed with full benefits despite the trying conditions prevalent in our country.
“It’s important to note that nothing positive can come out of a strike,” Mukulu says.
Mukulu says should the strike continue in its current form, it would worsen the company’s financial position.
He says the company will not be able to pay salaries or related overheads in the current environment.
“As management, we remain committed and open to finding solutions to NHE challenges.
“We are currently seized with finding funds that will ensure the sustainability of the organisation to be deemed a going concern.
“Industrial action at this junction linked to wage increase demands won’t solve our challenges,” he says.
NHE spokesperson Tuafi Shafombabi says the company will apply the no-work no-pay rule to the striking employees.
“The nationwide strike will disrupt and negatively affect the institution,” she says.
Some of the protesters on Monday said the strike is not only about a salary increment, but also about corporate governance.
“Employees are being victimised, and positions are being given to people who do not have qualifications.
“Overtime is being paid to non-performers, and requirements for positions are being relaxed to fit individuals. The house is rotten,” one of the workers, Virginia Tjitemisa, said.
NHE workers have been demanding a salary increase of 7%, and that the board is guided by the laws of corporate governance.
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