Diamond company's workers still not paid
Employees deeply dissatisfied
SDM's acting CEO Abraham Grobler confirmed the late salary payments, saying the company experienced an unforeseen delay in an international fund transfer during the month of April.
Disgruntled employees of Sperrgebiet Diamond Mining (SDM) near Lüderitz have expressed their dissatisfaction over delayed salary payments.
SDM's acting CEO Abraham Grobler said the company experienced an unforeseen delay in an international fund transfer during the month of April, which led to a delay in salary payments.
"The company sincerely regrets the delay and is attempting to rectify the situation as soon as possible. We fully understand the unhappiness caused by this situation," Grobler told Namibia Media Holdings last week.
According to a source who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of losing their job, some employees have been required to sign a document agreeing not to disclose information about their salaries.
The source further claimed that they asked the company for letters to give to the bank and to their children's schools to explain the situation. Allegedly, this request was denied.
Misunderstanding
Grobler denied these allegations, saying the employee who made the claims had misunderstood the confidentiality requirements.
He said he believes it is standard practice to expect employees to handle the company's information responsibly and confidentially.
"However, under no circumstances are any employees prohibited from speaking out about the late payment of their salaries," Grobler said.
Legal view
In response to enquiries about the legal aspects of companies requiring confidentiality from their employees and the disclosure of company information, legal expert advocate Marius Boonzaier said there are several aspects to consider. Without more information and background on the employee's employment contract or the company's policies, Boonzaier said it is difficult to provide legal advice on the matter.
"On the surface, I can't see why you wouldn't be able to disclose that information because it's information related to you as an employee. You're surely entitled to disclose your personal information," Boonzaier said.
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SDM's acting CEO Abraham Grobler said the company experienced an unforeseen delay in an international fund transfer during the month of April, which led to a delay in salary payments.
"The company sincerely regrets the delay and is attempting to rectify the situation as soon as possible. We fully understand the unhappiness caused by this situation," Grobler told Namibia Media Holdings last week.
According to a source who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of losing their job, some employees have been required to sign a document agreeing not to disclose information about their salaries.
The source further claimed that they asked the company for letters to give to the bank and to their children's schools to explain the situation. Allegedly, this request was denied.
Misunderstanding
Grobler denied these allegations, saying the employee who made the claims had misunderstood the confidentiality requirements.
He said he believes it is standard practice to expect employees to handle the company's information responsibly and confidentially.
"However, under no circumstances are any employees prohibited from speaking out about the late payment of their salaries," Grobler said.
Legal view
In response to enquiries about the legal aspects of companies requiring confidentiality from their employees and the disclosure of company information, legal expert advocate Marius Boonzaier said there are several aspects to consider. Without more information and background on the employee's employment contract or the company's policies, Boonzaier said it is difficult to provide legal advice on the matter.
"On the surface, I can't see why you wouldn't be able to disclose that information because it's information related to you as an employee. You're surely entitled to disclose your personal information," Boonzaier said.
– [email protected]
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