Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Hage Geingob has called on all stakeholders to protect workers’ rights and interests by promoting sound labor relations and fair employment practices. The president made this statement in commemoration of Workers Day, which is celebrated annually on 1 May. This year’s theme is “Workers United in Ensuring Productivity for National Economic Growth and Guarding against Unfair Labor Practices in the World of Work”.
The president assured that the government, through the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, will continue to prioritize occupational diseases, hazards, workplace hygiene, and life-threatening health issues that may affect working conditions. He also emphasized that unemployment is a significant issue that is being prioritized by the government.
“The Government is aware that unemployment disproportionately affects the youth and the unskilled. While the government will continue to create a conducive environment for job creation, the private sector must also be a major driving force in reducing unemployment, which is an important pillar in the fight against poverty,” he said.
President Geingob also urged all employers to promote a conducive working environment and fair benefits that align with the country’s processes, systems, and institutions. He added that stakeholders should engage in good faith in collective bargaining to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn on workers and to resolve labor disputes in a way that advances the interests of the Republic of Namibia.
The president explained that the fight for freedom in Namibia has its roots in the demands of workers for fair labor practices and better working conditions for the black majority. “During the liberation struggle, May 1, Workers Day, was an occasion for the oppressed workers of Namibia to unite and sharpen their resolve to accelerate their fight against the Apartheid regime and to break the chains of oppression,” he explained. He also paid tribute to fallen trade unionists who advocated for the recognition of labor rights, stating that their activism laid the foundation for a just and inclusive Namibia.
“May Day is a fitting occasion for us to hold hands and remind ourselves of the efforts we must undertake to improve the living conditions of every Namibian through hard work. In our collective journey towards shared prosperity in the Namibian House, I thank Namibian workers for their sacrifices, resilience, and hard work towards socioeconomic emancipation. Happy International Workers Day!” President Geingob said.
