Africa-Press – Namibia. THREE days after the celebration of Workers’ Day and political rhetoric reaffirming the fight to safeguard workers’ rights, thousands of Namibian workers have been left without proper representation. This comes after the unions and employers’ federations that represent them have been banned from officially representing them in labour matters due to their failure to submit their annual returns to the Office of the Labour Commissioner, as required by labour laws.
“The Labour Commissioner has taken action against trade unions and employers’ organizations that have neglected their statutory obligations as outlined in the Labour Act. The Trade Unions and Employers’ Organizations found guilty are no longer authorized to represent employees or employers concerning labour matters, effective from the 5th of May 2024,” said Emma Nikanor, the acting Labour Commissioner.
She explained that according to Section 60 of the Labour Act, registered trade unions and employers’ organizations are required to submit their Annual Returns to the Labour Commissioner within six (6) months after the end of their financial years.
Nikanor said that, however, some registered labour entities have not complied with this requirement, despite receiving stern warnings from the Labour Commissioner late last year.
“Despite repeated reminders, a significant number of entities failed to submit the required annual returns. Consequently, the Labour Commissioner was compelled to cancel the registrations of the following non-compliant entities,” Nikanor said.
The trade unions that will be barred from representing workers include Namibia Building Workers Union (NABWU), Namibia Fishing Industry & Fisherman Workers Union (NFI & FWU), Namibia Fuel & Allied Workers Union (NAFAWU), Namibia Cabin Crew Union (NCCU), Namibia Security Guards and Watchmen’s Union (NASGWU), Union for Institutional and Household Employees of Namibia (UIHENI), and Namibia United Truck Driver’s Union (NUTDU).
The only employers’ organization that has been barred is the Namibia Bus & Taxi Association (NABTA).
“The aforementioned Trade Unions and Employers’ Organizations are no longer authorized to represent employees or employers concerning labour matters, effective from the 5th of May 2024. This action is part of an ongoing process, and the Labour Commissioner reiterates its steadfast commitment to ensuring compliance with labour laws,” Nikanor concluded.
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