Africa-Press – Namibia. Employees of the City of Windhoek’s solid waste management division embarked on a protected strike on Wednesday, demanding better remuneration and benefits.
The employees, who are on fixed-term contracts, are responsible for litter picking, street sweeping and general cleaning services across the city, are demanding an increase in their current salaries of N$3 300 per month to N$8 000.
Group spokesperson John Paporo on Wednesday said the workers are calling for city management to come out and engage them directly in negotiations.
“We want them to come out so that we sit and negotiate, for us to find an amicable solution,” he said, adding that the group is waiting at China Town for the chief executive and the negotiating committee to respond.
He said about 511 workers are part of the strike, with more than 200 employees gathered at various points in the city during the morning. Others were stationed in town awaiting a response from management.
The City of Windhoek in a media statement said the strike follows a dispute over remuneration and benefit demands.
The municipality confirms that the action has been declared lawful and will proceed under agreed rules of picketing and conduct.
The city reiterates that the ‘no work, no pay’ principle will apply during the strike period, and that no replacement workers will be hired except where necessary to prevent danger to life, health or personal safety.
“Residents are urged to cooperate by disposing of waste responsibly and avoiding illegal dumping as contingency measures are implemented to minimise disruption to essential cleaning services,” the statement reads.
The City of Windhoek says it remains committed to engaging the workers and relevant labour representatives in good faith to reach an amicable solution.
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