‘Treated worse than dogs’

CLOSE to 26 permanent workers of HR Technical Services Company that was last year awarded the tender to upgrade the sewerage system of Karasburg downed their tools on Monday in protest against alleged “racism and unfair treatment” by management.

In a letter to the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (MANWU), the workers air their grievances and demand, amongst others, the reinstatement of Junias Kapweya who had been retrenched after seven years service with the company. The workers further claimed that only “coloured and white workers” employed as artisans by the company received living and food allowances to the value of N$ 250 a week.”We have to be satisfied with the tiny piece of meat we receive from the kitchen – even the dogs of management get better treatment than us – they are served with huge pieces of meat daily”, fumed spokesman Josef Gariseb on behalf of the workers.”We are even denied access to hot water facilities while the “coloureds and whites” are given the privileged to enjoy hot.”The workers further demanded that the dogs at the work site be removed, claiming that the dogs were a threat to the casual workers’ lives.The workers further claimed that they are victimised by the manager’s wife who also used abusive language towards them almost daily.The newly sworn-in Mayor of Karasburg, Julius Kalopa, who is also the representative of the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) branch at the town, told The Namibian that they had requested the MANWU representative to act on behalf of the workers after his office had received the complaints.”According to information the MANWU representative sent from Keetmanshoop to represent the workers, management apparently refused to negotiate when approached,” he said.When approached by The Namibian, site manager Hans Rohlwink refused to comment, saying the company’s labour consultant had instructed him not to disclose any information to the media.”This is a complicated and misunderstood matter”, he said However, he stressed that “…unless the workers start working, there is no negotiating”.The workers further claimed that only “coloured and white workers” employed as artisans by the company received living and food allowances to the value of N$ 250 a week.”We have to be satisfied with the tiny piece of meat we receive from the kitchen – even the dogs of management get better treatment than us – they are served with huge pieces of meat daily”, fumed spokesman Josef Gariseb on behalf of the workers.”We are even denied access to hot water facilities while the “coloureds and whites” are given the privileged to enjoy hot.”The workers further demanded that the dogs at the work site be removed, claiming that the dogs were a threat to the casual workers’ lives.The workers further claimed that they are victimised by the manager’s wife who also used abusive language towards them almost daily.The newly sworn-in Mayor of Karasburg, Julius Kalopa, who is also the representative of the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) branch at the town, told The Namibian that they had requested the MANWU representative to act on behalf of the workers after his office had received the complaints.”According to information the MANWU representative sent from Keetmanshoop to represent the workers, management apparently refused to negotiate when approached,” he said.When approached by The Namibian, site manager Hans Rohlwink refused to comment, saying the company’s labour consultant had instructed him not to disclose any information to the media.”This is a complicated and misunderstood matter”, he said However, he stressed that “…unless the workers start working, there is no negotiating”.