THE first round of wage talks between the Keetmanshoop Town Council and the Namibia Public Workers’ Union (Napwu) resumed on Tuesday with the two sides miles apart.
The union is demanding increases of N$200 a month for job grades 1 to 5, N$300 for grades 6 to 8, N$350 for grades 9 to 11 and N$800 for grades 12 to 14.
On top of this, the union proposed an hourly standby allowance of N$17.50, danger allowances of N$400 and fire brigade allowances of N$400.
The cash-strapped council first offered no increases, then upped its offer to increases of N$15 for job grades 6 to 8, N$17.50 for grades 9 to 11, N$40 for grades 12 to 14 and none for grades 1 to 5.
In addition, the Council offered a 2,5 per cent increase in housing allowances across the board.
A worker who was part of the union’s negotiating team said they rejected the ‘insulting’ offer and a strike is likely if the council did not come up with a better offer.
The talks are scheduled resume later this week.
luqman@namibian.com.na
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
