Civil servants to decide next step this Friday
Two unions representing civil servants have until this Friday to determine their next step in a salary-increase battle they’ve been fighting since last year.
Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) education and strategic planning head Gideon Thomas said the union and its sister affiliate, the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu), have been given until Friday to finish a ballot process which will dictate their next course of action.
The process was put in place in May for the members to collectively decide the next step in their fight for salary increments.
According to Thomas, the matter is no longer in the hands of the government and the unions no longer need any feedback from the state regarding the next step.
"The regions have been engaged and we are sure by Friday they will have an answer for us as to what needs to happen next. We need to have values and stick to them," he said.
Big impact
Napwu and Nantu members demanded a 5% increase in salaries for the 2022/2023 financial year, to which government maintained its position of no increase for civil servants.
During conciliations, which resumed on 23 May, parties reached a deadlock, and a certificate of unresolved dispute was issued by the conciliator.
Namibian civil servants haven't received an increment for at least five financial years, dating back to 2018/2019.
"Whatever our members decide to do will have a big impact on Namibia because civil servants form one of the largest working groups in the country. Whether they choose to strike or [engage in] a slowdown, their pleas need to be heard," Thomas said.
Government has since only agreed to give increments on benefits, which include 14.5% on housing allowance for staff members below management and 12% for management.
Furthermore, for transport allowance, government is willing to offer a 14% increase for staff below management.
Both unions expressed their concern, stating that government is heeding their requests for the 2022/23 financial year, but not that of the 2021/22 financial year.
Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) education and strategic planning head Gideon Thomas said the union and its sister affiliate, the Namibia National Teachers Union (Nantu), have been given until Friday to finish a ballot process which will dictate their next course of action.
The process was put in place in May for the members to collectively decide the next step in their fight for salary increments.
According to Thomas, the matter is no longer in the hands of the government and the unions no longer need any feedback from the state regarding the next step.
"The regions have been engaged and we are sure by Friday they will have an answer for us as to what needs to happen next. We need to have values and stick to them," he said.
Big impact
Napwu and Nantu members demanded a 5% increase in salaries for the 2022/2023 financial year, to which government maintained its position of no increase for civil servants.
During conciliations, which resumed on 23 May, parties reached a deadlock, and a certificate of unresolved dispute was issued by the conciliator.
Namibian civil servants haven't received an increment for at least five financial years, dating back to 2018/2019.
"Whatever our members decide to do will have a big impact on Namibia because civil servants form one of the largest working groups in the country. Whether they choose to strike or [engage in] a slowdown, their pleas need to be heard," Thomas said.
Government has since only agreed to give increments on benefits, which include 14.5% on housing allowance for staff members below management and 12% for management.
Furthermore, for transport allowance, government is willing to offer a 14% increase for staff below management.
Both unions expressed their concern, stating that government is heeding their requests for the 2022/23 financial year, but not that of the 2021/22 financial year.
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