Labour unions failing to submit financial statements

The ministry of labour has voiced concern at labour unions and employers’ organisations that do not submit annual financial statements, saying they are not in compliance with the Labour Act.In late December, the ministry said only a small number of unions and employers’ organisations were heeding the call to submit financial statements.“The issue of non-compliance by some trade unions and employers’ organisations continues unabated. Only 12 out of the 47 registered trade unions and three out of the 17 employers’ organisations have submitted their annual returns to the labour commissioner. This represents a mere 26% and 18% of entities, respectively,” acting labour commissioner Kyllikki Sihlahla said.WarnedThe failure of labour unions and employers’ organisations to submit their statements was a concern, Sihlahla said.“Trade unions and employers’ organisations that have submitted their annual returns, some have provided written representations, while others have requested one-on-one representations. The minimal number of submissions of annual returns so far raises significant concerns, as some of these entities may lack transparency and accountability to their members, while others may dormant,” she said.Labour unions and employers’ would be deregistered for failing to submit financial statements, Sihlahla warned.“According to the Labour Act, the labour commissioner has the authority to issue a compliance order to non-compliant entities, which may include taking steps to rectify failure to comply. Failure to comply with the compliance order may prompt the labour commissioner to de-register such entities or seek intervention from the Labour Court to compel compliance with the compliance order, which may include an order suspending their registrations pending compliance,” she said.DeadlineLabour unions and employers’ organisations are required to submit their annual financial statements within six months, Sihlahla said.“The Labour Act mandates registered trade unions and employers’ organisations to submit their annual returns to the labour commissioner within six months after the end of their financial year,” Sihlahla noted.

Labour unions failing to submit financial statements

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-05

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Labour unions failing to submit financial statements

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-05

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