Dear Namdeb Employees,
Most of you are aware of the devastating impacts of the current industrial action against the company. You are also familiar with the issue that led to the dispute between the parties. It is unfortunate that we find ourselves on the third day of the strike. As pointed out repeatedly through various internal communiqués, Namdeb management considers the strike to be illegal due to a flawed ballot process. This is following an unsuccessful conciliation process related to the MUN's BEC demand for affected Bogenfels employees to receive a double housing benefit
Regrettably despite our best efforts, we have employees who have chosen to ignore the fact that Namdeb management has made considerable efforts to minimize the impacts of closure at the Bogenfels operation.
When the industrial action commenced on the 16th August we had 53% of employees within the bargaining unit reporting for work. On the 17th there were 46% and today we have 47% who reported for work. I want to thank those of you who made the choice to come to work.
The Company and the MUN's BEC met yesterday on the 17th August as well as today. At this stage no amicable solution has been reached and talks continue.
Namdeb is in a highly sensitive period in terms of delivering on its short term business plans and maintaining shareholders confidence to invest in the longer term future. The strike is causing immense damage to these efforts, and the possibility of irreparable damage cannot be excluded. We are therefore considering our options along the following lines:
1. Civil action against the Mineworkers Union of Namibia to recover losses due to the illegal strike. The claim will be based on daily revenue losses, costs incurred, and opportunities lost. Potential long term consequences will also be considered.
The effects of the strike and the general demands of the MUN on the current and future viability of the Namdeb operations
2. Disciplinary action against illegal strikers.
3. Civil action against the Mineworkers Union of Namibia, as well as against individuals, in response to various personal attacks on members of Namdeb Management.
It is unfortunate that it has come to this point. During the last few years we have been on a journey to ensure the sustainability of Namdeb and were highly successful in creating exciting opportunities that potentially can take the business to 2050 and beyond. We made it clear however, throughout the journey so far, that all our stakeholders need to work together towards that exciting future.
I therefore urge all of us to exercise extreme restrain in whatever we do during the strike and call upon those involved in the strike to return to work so that we can resume operations. I also appeal to the leadership of the BEC and the members of the MUN Branch to reconsider their current stance towards management and engage in constructive dialogue on the issue at hand.
I sincerely hope that our employees will unite with management in finding a lasting solution to restore good relations and trust between the parties.
Inge K Zaamwani-Kamwi
MANAGING DIRECTOR
I should say that the MD is still being very nice in asking people to return to work and warn them in writing (the strikers already know all of this) of what steps might be taken.
It is time that someone steps up and take a lead in showing people that you cannot just strike and make demands because you are in the majority group - there are grave consequenses and if someone should suffer them, you as the striker should suffer along, because not only are you putting your own job on the line, but you are also toying with profitablility of the major group and by doing that you are also putting the job of your co-worker, who wants to work, in jeapordy!
And it is high time that the leaders of the Unions are being plucked back into place - they instigate these strikes most of the time and flame it up with rumours to the masses out there who only act upon promises of bigger salaries in the end of the day, but who do not understand how the whole machine operates! It is time that civil action be taken against them as individuals, for they are the only ones who really profit from all of this - they do not go without pay when the workers strike and do not pay, they do not forfeit their luxuries, they do not suffer hunger - no, they maintain their luscious lifestyles and smile all the way to the bank - viva for myself and bugger the people!!!!