Security guards demand outstanding pay
Employees at Nord security company in Ondangwa claim they are owed outstanding salaries going back months.
On Wednesday, frustrated staff demanded answers from the company’s owner, Willem Liebenberg.
They claim the problem has persisted for too long, and many have been forced to accrue debt to sustain themselves and their families.
Mounting debt
One employee, Paulus Immanuel, claimed they have been told there is no money every time they ask for their outstanding salaries.
"We have children that go to school, and we are expected to provide for these children, but we cannot since we are not getting paid," he said.
The employees alleged that the company keeps on making empty promises while they suffer and are unable to provide for their families.
No money
Liebenberg told Namibian Sun last week that he is aware of the issue and that efforts are being made to address it.
According to Liebenberg, the issue is due to customers failing to pay their accounts.
He claimed he is still waiting for clients who owe him outstanding money of around N$200 000.
"We have clients that owe us money, and some take a long time to pay, so it disturbs the cash flow, and sometimes I am unable to pay all the employees," he said.
Asked about the way forward, Liebenberg said is seeking assistance from the bank and pleaded with the employees to be patient.
"I have already contacted the bank, and they have requested information, which I will submit, and as soon as I get assistance, I will pay all the outstanding money," Liebenberg said.
Hands tied
He said he sympathises with the employees, but his hands are tight as there is no money at the moment.
"I cannot provide a certain date at the moment because I do not know how long the bank will take," he said.
Some employees also accused the company of unfair practices, claiming that some employees receive monthly payments while others do not.
Liebenberg, however, denied this allegation, stating that he only makes payments based on the availability of funds at a particular time.
No excuses
Chief public relations officer at the labour ministry, Maria Hedimbi, confirmed a complaint was lodged at the ministry's offices in Ondangwa.
"Our officials had a meeting with the employer, and he promised to settle the outstanding amount before the end of February," she said.
Hedimbi added that employers have the responsibility to pay employees.
She also urged employers to notify their employees if they are unable to make payments in order to avoid arrest.
"The excuse that employers use about their clients not paying is unjustifiable, and the ministry is advising employers that they should make arrangements to ensure that employees are paid," she concluded.
On Wednesday, frustrated staff demanded answers from the company’s owner, Willem Liebenberg.
They claim the problem has persisted for too long, and many have been forced to accrue debt to sustain themselves and their families.
Mounting debt
One employee, Paulus Immanuel, claimed they have been told there is no money every time they ask for their outstanding salaries.
"We have children that go to school, and we are expected to provide for these children, but we cannot since we are not getting paid," he said.
The employees alleged that the company keeps on making empty promises while they suffer and are unable to provide for their families.
No money
Liebenberg told Namibian Sun last week that he is aware of the issue and that efforts are being made to address it.
According to Liebenberg, the issue is due to customers failing to pay their accounts.
He claimed he is still waiting for clients who owe him outstanding money of around N$200 000.
"We have clients that owe us money, and some take a long time to pay, so it disturbs the cash flow, and sometimes I am unable to pay all the employees," he said.
Asked about the way forward, Liebenberg said is seeking assistance from the bank and pleaded with the employees to be patient.
"I have already contacted the bank, and they have requested information, which I will submit, and as soon as I get assistance, I will pay all the outstanding money," Liebenberg said.
Hands tied
He said he sympathises with the employees, but his hands are tight as there is no money at the moment.
"I cannot provide a certain date at the moment because I do not know how long the bank will take," he said.
Some employees also accused the company of unfair practices, claiming that some employees receive monthly payments while others do not.
Liebenberg, however, denied this allegation, stating that he only makes payments based on the availability of funds at a particular time.
No excuses
Chief public relations officer at the labour ministry, Maria Hedimbi, confirmed a complaint was lodged at the ministry's offices in Ondangwa.
"Our officials had a meeting with the employer, and he promised to settle the outstanding amount before the end of February," she said.
Hedimbi added that employers have the responsibility to pay employees.
She also urged employers to notify their employees if they are unable to make payments in order to avoid arrest.
"The excuse that employers use about their clients not paying is unjustifiable, and the ministry is advising employers that they should make arrangements to ensure that employees are paid," she concluded.
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