Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation has already dealt with two cases involving workers who were reportedly locked out of their work premises due to their refusal to get vaccinated.
The issue of mandatory vaccination and whether or not to implement it is currently under the microscope, with the Deputy Director of Occupational Health and Safety at the labour ministry, Petrina Nghidengwa, adding her voice to the national discourse.
“The issue of Covid-19 and mandatory vaccination is an issue which is under discussion, but it is an issue of concern, hearing that some employers are forcing employees to get vaccinated or face termination of employment,” said Nghidengwa.
She added that currently, Namibia is guided by the Public and Environmental Health regulations as set out by government, which outlines that vaccination is voluntary.
She, however, added that the Section 39 of the Labour Act enforces that employers provide a safe working environment for employees and customers alike.
“Employers can, for example say, we do not want an employee to enter the premises if he or she is not vaccinated. As the ministry of labour we are aware of the responsibilities of the employers, as well as what the public health act outlines,” Nghidengwa said.
She explained that the ministry has dealt with two complaints so far where workers shared their concerns of being locked out of the work place due to their unwillingness to get vaccinated.
“The issue was resolved as we educated the workers, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, and we could convince them of the importance of getting vaccinated. We have heard of cases where some employees are being threatened with their job security, but the ministry of labour has provided other measures and guidelines that employers can undertake to minimise infection and the spread of the virus at the workplace. We are in support of workers getting vaccinated, and trainings and educational programs should be instituted to provide more awareness,” said Nghidengwa.
When asked whether or not the labour law which provides for creating a safe and hazard free environment can override the current public health regulations which advocates for voluntary vaccination, Nghidengwa could not give a definite answer.
“I’m not a legal expert, however, the ministry of labour is aware of the current provisions on the subject, which protects both employees as well as the employer. The ministry of labour has not yet had an official dialogue on the Covid-19 regulations and occupational health measure,” Nghidengwa concluded.
