DBMN and workers sign wage agreement

DE Beers Marine Namibia, De Beers Marine South Africa, the Mineworkers Union of Namibia and the National Union of Mineworkers (SA) signed a two-year wage agreement for the 2005/06 period in Windhoek last week.

The agreement makes provision for wage increases and other conditions of service improvements and for the establishment of two sub-committees to review the total remuneration package concept and the alignment of conditions of service between De Beers Marine Namibia and partner companies. At the signing ceremony, DBMN Managing Director Otto Shikongo congratulated the negotiation teams for concluding the negotiations in the spirit of teamwork and partnership.”It is our shareholders’ vision to develop the two countries, Namibia and South Africa, to a level of economic development where the standard of living of its citizens is equal to that of the developed world.We are proud of that contribution to our countries,” he said.According to NUM Western Cape Regional Chairperson, Abe Maarman, the two-year gap before the next round of negotiations presents an ideal opportunity to work on the softer issues of teambuilding and relationships.”We totally and fully support the principle of sustainability.This is a relevant company, both in Namibia and in South Africa, and we will assist to maintain that position in the market,” he said.At the signing ceremony, DBMN Managing Director Otto Shikongo congratulated the negotiation teams for concluding the negotiations in the spirit of teamwork and partnership.”It is our shareholders’ vision to develop the two countries, Namibia and South Africa, to a level of economic development where the standard of living of its citizens is equal to that of the developed world.We are proud of that contribution to our countries,” he said.According to NUM Western Cape Regional Chairperson, Abe Maarman, the two-year gap before the next round of negotiations presents an ideal opportunity to work on the softer issues of teambuilding and relationships.”We totally and fully support the principle of sustainability.This is a relevant company, both in Namibia and in South Africa, and we will assist to maintain that position in the market,” he said.