Shoprite strike is over

Weeks of industrial action by Shoprite workers is over. The company struck a deal with the Nambia Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU) this afternoon and workers have three days to report for work. The agreement includes an increment of N$250 per month for permanent workers and no permanent worker will receive a salary of less than N$2 500 per month. Part-time employees will receive a wage increase of N$1,28 per hour, which means they may not receive anything less than N$12,82 per hour. Permanent employees earning N$9,71 per hour and above will receive a once-off payment of N$1 000 this month. The employees' back pay, from July 2020 to 30 January 2021, will be paid during February. The parties also agreed that employees will receive a late shift allowance of N$12 per hour. The agreement affects salary and wage increases of all employees who have been employed by the company from 1 July 2020. Shoprite Namibia director, Paul Malan said it was not easy to reach an agreement but added that the eventual outcome is good for business, as well as for the country at large. NAFAU's general secretary, Jacob Penda commended Namibians for standing by the union and the workers leading up to the fruitful conclusion of negotiations.