Namibia Drydock (Namdock) and Ship Repair has postponed the mass disciplinary hearings for its Walvis Bay workers, following a request from the Metal and Allied Namibian Worker's Union (MANWU).

The union, through its lawyer, Richard Metcalfe, says conducting mass disciplinary hearings of close to 500 workers in a day defies all notions of fair treatment of workers set out in the company's disciplinary code and procedure.

The employees downed tools on April 8 over alleged unfair working conditions.

Among their concerns was the alleged change in tea break hours without consultation.

When workers protested against that and other matters, the company thereafter charged the workers with illegal industrial action and summoned them for a disciplinary hearing on May 10 and 13, respectively, for the general workers and shop stewards.

The union, through its lawyer, says there are no provisions for mass disciplinary hearings in Namdock's policy.

Metcalfe asked how a fair hearing for about 500 people could be conducted in one day.

He says each employee is entitled to individually testify in his or her own defence and to call witnesses in his or her defence.

All the workers, he revealed, intend to plead not guilty to the charges.

Metcalfe noted that the hearings defy the company's assurance of fairness in the workplace.

The lawyer requested a postponement so that all workers are represented at properly convened hearings.

He says the charges concern the livelihood of the workers, and conviction could result in dismissal.

In response, Namdock Chief Executive Officer Albertus Kariko granted the request to postpone the mass hearings.

Other matters raised by the union, he says, will be addressed soon.