Namib Mills has defended its wage offer to striking employees. The company said the proposal remains available beyond the 31 January 2026 deadline. Industrial action at the company is ongoing.
In response to questions about the strike, Namib Mills said the substantive wage offer tabled in December 2025 is still open to all employees in the bargaining unit.
In an email response signed by Stephanus Ackerman, the general manager of Namib Mills, the company confirmed that bonuses and back pay will no longer be paid to employees who do not accept the offer by the end of January.
Namib Mills addressed claims that some striking workers received as little as N$40.00 in January salaries.
The company said the January 2026 payroll was processed in line with labour legislation and internal procedures.
The company said it applies the "no work, no pay" principle under Namibian labour law. Employees do not earn salaries during the lockout period.
Namib Mills acknowledged the financial strain caused by the industrial action. The company said it has provided a pathway for employees to return to work. It added that the company is also suffering losses.
On the wage dispute, Namib Mills said it engaged with the Namibia Resolutionary and Transport Workers Union (NARETU) following recognition. The process included multiple negotiation meetings. Financial information was disclosed, and an arbitrator from the Office of the Labour Commissioner was involved, the company stated.
The company said the lockout followed union demands it considers unreasonable. It said the latest written demand amounts to an overall increase of about 36%. Non-financial demands were excluded.
Namib Mills said its current offer provides an average increase of more than 10%. The company said this exceeds the inflation rate. The offer includes salary alignment. It includes transport allowances. It includes minimum entry-level salaries. It guarantees a minimum increase of 5% where other benefits do not apply.
The company raised concerns about alleged misinformation circulated by the union.
Namib Mills said it remains committed to reaching a fair and mutually acceptable agreement.