Oranjemund cleaners call off weeklong strike

WORKERS employed by Eopaleko company, which renders cleaning services to Namdeb at Oranjemund, on Monday called off a weeklong strike after the company management and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) had reached a wage deal.

A joint statement issued yesterday said: ‘This [strike] was surely a learning curve to both parties and the biggest winner is the fact that a conducive environment was created for future engagements between the parties.’ It said the workers had acted orderly during the strike. Eopaleko, owned by Swakopmund resident Andre Oosthuisen, entered into a three-year cleaning service agreement with Namdeb in 2010. The strike was called off after the two parties agreed on an 8,5% pay increase for supervisors and a 15% increase for general workers. Initially, the workers demanded a 20% increase for general workers and 10% for supervisors. They also wanted medical aid, food and transport allowances and an annual bonus. However, the workers agreed to give up those demands.It was also agreed that a pension fund proposal be completed by the end of September, while the financial assistance the company gives workers when visiting medical facilities will be reviewed and improved.