Mine accused of mistreating workers

The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) says it has uncovered alleged deplorable living conditions of employees at Xinfeng Investment’s lithium mine, located outside Omaruru.

Accompanied by Erongo regional chairperson Benitha Imbamba, the MUN leadership undertook a fact-finding mission last week.

MUN general secretary George Ampweya said the trip was prompted by a plea from more than 100 mine employees.

“They told us about the deplorable living conditions, as well as safety issues they are encountering. Another issue is the language barrier between them and their employer,” he said.

Ampweya said employees are made to cook in their sleeping quarters, which are shared by up to 10 people.

According to Ampweya, the employees are not given adequate bedding as they sleep on thin mattresses.

However, Xinfeng spokesperson Aqisha Jooste says the mine has implemented comprehensive measures to create a secure and productive work environment.

“Creating an environment conducive to productivity is vital for both employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.

“Xinfeng Investments takes this to heart by investing in modern infrastructure, advanced equipment, and efficient workflows,” she says.

Jooste also addressed ongoing discussions surrounding labour union representation within their operations.

She says a dispute has arisen concerning the exclusive bargaining agent for employee representation.

Currently, MUN and the Revolutionary Union claim to have the majority representation, Jooste says.

MUN has criticised Xinfeng for its failure to provide proper protective equipment and adequate ventilation, as well as its failure to implement the necessary safety measures for employees.

Ampweya further accused the mine of dismissing employees who join the union.

“They hire people on a contractual basis. As soon as employees join the union, their employment contracts are terminated. We had a case at the labour commission, but the case could not proceed due to this precarious set-up,” Ampweya said.

During the visit, law enforcement officials had to be called in, as mine management allegedly attempted to deny the delegation entry.

“Typically, when the union announces its visit, they instruct employees to either go to the field or hide in the trucks. In February, when we arrived with the governor, we found no employees. That’s why, this time around, we decided to show up unannounced,” Ampweya claimed.
He emphasised that these issues will be resolved once the union gains bargaining power.

“The union is also committed to collaborating with labour inspectors in the area to ensure that Xinfeng’s operations are carried out in a safe and conducive environment for workers and that basic employment conditions are adhered to,” he said.

In the meantime, MUN has submitted its draft recognition and procedural agreement for consideration to the mine management.

The process is scheduled to take place this week, and if concluded, will lead to the withdrawal of the ongoing dispute currently before the Office of the Labour Commissioner – a case referred by the union regarding recognition.