Employees of Namib Poultry Industry - NPI staged a demonstration on Tuesday, raising serious concerns over workplace safety, wages, and union recognition.
The workers are demanding improved occupational health and safety standards, alleging that they are exposed to hazardous working conditions without adequate protective equipment.
According to the employees, these unsafe conditions have resulted in health complications, including reported cases of miscarriages, which workers believe are linked to prolonged exposure in the workplace.
The demonstrators also called for compliance with Namibia's minimum wage laws. They claim that several employees are currently earning below the minimum wage as prescribed by the Labour Act of Namibia.
Speaking on behalf of the workers, group spokesperson Paulus Hamutenya said employees are further demanding freedom of association.
He alleges that the company has refused to recognise the Namibia Retail and Allied Trade Union (NARETU) as their union of choice. Hamutenya claims this refusal is aimed at preventing collective bargaining and has led to the continued exploitation of workers.
"We note with serious concerns the apparent delaying tactics employed by management in recognising our union of choice. We firmly believe that union recognition will be beneficial to both the company and its employees, as it provides a structured and lawful channel through which employees can raise concerns and engage management constructively. Sound and harmonious labour relations promote stability, cooperation and productivity. Indeed, a happy employee is a productive employee."
Workers also raised concerns over management's failure to address long-standing issues, including extreme cold working conditions in some departments and alleged unfair treatment.
Additional concerns include inadequate transportation arrangements, with employees reporting safety risks when travelling during rainy hours and having to walk long distances to designated pick-up points.
The workers also cited disruptions caused by compulsory training and certification sessions held on Fridays, which they say make working conditions unbearable.
The employees handed over a petition to Namib Poultry Industry's Specialist for Industrial Relations, Wilbur Henckert, who confirmed receipt of the petition. Henckert said the matter will be forwarded to the relevant authorities, and management will respond in due course.
Henckert responded, "I'm not going to try. So it's safe to respond to any of the dates or the deadlines. I will try my utmost to at least inform you and to inform the employees as well."
The employees gave the Namib Poultry company 7 working days to revert to them.