LPM takes aim at Namdeb for ‘leaving employees homeless’
• CEO urged to step down immediately
An internal dispute has reportedly led to Namdeb workers sleeping at a bus stop.
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) last week called the Namdeb Diamond Corporation “pathetic” after several of its workers had to sleep at a bus stop in Oranjemund after they were reportedly evicted.
The party has urged CEO Riaan Burger to step down immediately.
LPM’s councillor in the mining town Guame Stephanus shared a video showing Namdeb workers seemingly stranded at a bus stop after being forced to sleep in expensive accommodation.
“For a company that is perceived to be ‘reputable’ and ‘Namibia's pride’, it is evident that that is just a hoax. The aggrieved employees have proactively exercised their rights internally and yet nothing has come forth. Instead of resolving the matter amicably, the company rather forces the employees into accepting expensive accommodation facilities by stopping the transport from Daberas, including the meals, just to evict the employees,” Stephanus said in a statement.
LPM is now demanding that the company make provision for the workers to live 'for free', as per their conditions of employment. Should Namdeb refuse, employees should rent the accommodation for N$500 monthly, the party said.
“Pre-paid electricity meters can be installed by the company in each room. In the absence of any negotiations regarding the terms and conditions of employees, all conditions should remain as is. The employees affected should be given days off without deducting any leave days. Meals for employees affected need to be arranged until the matter is resolved. Furthermore, the employees should be allowed to access the accommodation units without any deductions until the matter is resolved amicably,” LPM's statement read.
Namdeb could not be reached for comment.
The party has urged CEO Riaan Burger to step down immediately.
LPM’s councillor in the mining town Guame Stephanus shared a video showing Namdeb workers seemingly stranded at a bus stop after being forced to sleep in expensive accommodation.
“For a company that is perceived to be ‘reputable’ and ‘Namibia's pride’, it is evident that that is just a hoax. The aggrieved employees have proactively exercised their rights internally and yet nothing has come forth. Instead of resolving the matter amicably, the company rather forces the employees into accepting expensive accommodation facilities by stopping the transport from Daberas, including the meals, just to evict the employees,” Stephanus said in a statement.
LPM is now demanding that the company make provision for the workers to live 'for free', as per their conditions of employment. Should Namdeb refuse, employees should rent the accommodation for N$500 monthly, the party said.
“Pre-paid electricity meters can be installed by the company in each room. In the absence of any negotiations regarding the terms and conditions of employees, all conditions should remain as is. The employees affected should be given days off without deducting any leave days. Meals for employees affected need to be arranged until the matter is resolved. Furthermore, the employees should be allowed to access the accommodation units without any deductions until the matter is resolved amicably,” LPM's statement read.
Namdeb could not be reached for comment.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article