NUNW wants to benefit from Swapo ties

WORKERS want to see benefits from the National Union of Namibian Workers’ affiliation to Swapo, its leaders said last week.

New NUNW President Alpheus Muheua said although workers had no problem with the affiliation of the biggest federation to the ruling party, they were conscious of the benefits that they still needed to derive from the marriage. He said the union’s fourth congress called on both NUNW and Swapo to strengthen the relationship for the benefit of both parties.”Congress also called on the NUNW leadership to make use of the affiliation accord and, through that, make use of the structures of the party at all levels of leadership,” Muheua said.The NUNW affiliation to Swapo has been seen by some as a stumbling block to trade unionism in Namibia.The NUNW, and the nine unions falling under it, in 1997 entered into an agreement with Swapo which states that although each party would maintain its independence and decision-making autonomy, the broader principles enshrined in the Swapo constitution would be the major guiding force.The accord has split workers along political lines, as some belong to other political parties and refused to have their membership fees spent on Swapo activities such as campaigns.At last Monday’s May Day celebrations, Muheua said the NUNW was committed to working with Swapo because it was affiliated to the party.That was where Swapo President Sam Nujoma told workers to balance their rights with the interests of the economy and the country.He said the union’s fourth congress called on both NUNW and Swapo to strengthen the relationship for the benefit of both parties.”Congress also called on the NUNW leadership to make use of the affiliation accord and, through that, make use of the structures of the party at all levels of leadership,” Muheua said.The NUNW affiliation to Swapo has been seen by some as a stumbling block to trade unionism in Namibia.The NUNW, and the nine unions falling under it, in 1997 entered into an agreement with Swapo which states that although each party would maintain its independence and decision-making autonomy, the broader principles enshrined in the Swapo constitution would be the major guiding force.The accord has split workers along political lines, as some belong to other political parties and refused to have their membership fees spent on Swapo activities such as campaigns.At last Monday’s May Day celebrations, Muheua said the NUNW was committed to working with Swapo because it was affiliated to the party.That was where Swapo President Sam Nujoma told workers to balance their rights with the interests of the economy and the country.