A final agreement between NORED and the Mineworkers' Union of Namibia was reached last night at Ondangwa in the Oshana Region, bringing to an end the labour strike that began last Thursday.

The agreement was reached following a lengthy intervention by Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel, who has been in a closed-door meeting from Monday morning until nearly midnight with the two parties.

The agreement includes the provision of a 14th check and salary increment for the 2024/2025 financial year for immediate payment.

They also agreed to a 4% salary increase, inclusive of benefits for the 2025/26 financial year, effective 01 July 2025, and payable to employees in the bargaining unit.

The parties further agreed to a 4.3% increment for the 2026/2027 financial year, effective 01 July this year.

Employees are expected to return to work with immediate effect today, Tuesday.

NORED's board chairperson Johannes Uushini explains.

"We really want to thank our employees for exercising their democratic rights. However, we also would like to apologise to our customers for the delay in power restoration that has been a concern to the company; hence, we take it upon ourselves to commit and make sure that we resolve this dispute. We just want to alert our members that our operation will be back to full force to address all the inconvenience that has been caused during the strike."

Workers welcomed the outcome and many expressing relief that their expectations had finally been met.

Minister Immanuel also expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

"The settlement we witnessed here today simply affirms that even in difficult moments, even during the prolonged negotiations where respect is at the table, a solution is guaranteed. It does not only imply an end to a dispute, but it also affirms and strengthens trust, a preserved working relationship, and, indeed, a just workplace."

Nored has 260 workers.