The Revolutionary Union (RU) has made allegations against Rent-a-Drum management, claiming that workers were being retrenched in retaliation for joining the union in Swakopmund.

However, Johan Louw, the Regional Manager of Rent-a-Drum, has denied these allegations. According to him, the retrenchments are a result of a decrease in revenue and are not related to union membership.

Close to 20 workers at Rent-a-Drum Swakopmund were informed that they would be retrenched.

The workers employed at this recycling company are not happy with the decision.

One of the reasons mentioned by the company's Regional Manager for the retrenchment is the termination of the agreement between them and the Swakopmund Municipality, which expired on May 31, 2023.

"Additionally, we have been dealing with low recycling commodity prices, increased diesel prices, and a lack of export markets for some recycling products." These factors significantly impacted our revenue and profitability, making cost-cutting measures necessary. We want to assure you that the retrenchment wasn't targeted at employees who left MANWU to join another labour union. We respect our employees' rights to choose their union affiliation and don't discriminate based on that."

The manager emphasised that the retrenchment only affects the household recycling department.

Louw added that, should the Swakopmund Municipality release another tender to recycle household waste, Rent-a-Drum would apply.