Operations at the Naute Irrigation Farm outside Keetmanshoop came to a standstill after workers downed tools over a wage increase dispute. 

The workers demand a 12% wage increase for Grade A category workers, 10% for Grade B category workers, and 8% for Grade C category workers. 

Additionally, they want housing and transport allowances as well as a N$2,500 monthly wage for seasonal workers. 

On the other hand, the company offers a 5.5% increase. 

"They are striking for wages because we used to get a wage increment every year in April, but this year we negotiated but we did not reach an agreement. From there, the issue was referred to the Labour Commissioner, and we didn't reach an agreement, and the Labour Commissioner gave us an unresolved dispute certificate. That's why we are striking," explained Rosalia Albert, NAFAU Branch Organiser. 

There is still hope that an agreement can be reached on the salary increase impasse, says Wessel !Nanuseb, a senior manager at the state-owned enterprise, the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA), which manages the farm. 

"We are operating under a moratorium as a state-owned enterprise that sets out that if there is any state enterprise that wishes to give an increment beyond the inflation-induced rate, they must prove where they source funds from. Unfortunately, as I have indicated, we don't have the resources to afford that sort of demand. So we are waiting for the union to see, you know, whether our latest offer is acceptable to its members, and then we'll reconvene this afternoon to see the way forward, but I think the parties are both positive about finding a solution to this unfortunate situation of a formal strike. That's all I can say at this point in time." 

!Nanuseb says the company will not incur direct losses since it is out of the production season, adding that the principle of 'no work, no pay' will apply.

He, however, did not rule out long-term adverse effects because of non-irrigation of the grape and date plants, a delay in harvest, and other crucial activities during the strike. 

The Naute Irrigation Farm, which is located about 40 kilometres outside Keetmanshoop, cultivates grapes and dates for export.