Staff Reporter
A STRIKE by close to 700 workers of Namib Mills (Pty) Ltd across the country has finally ended after two months, following an agreement between the union representing the workers and the employer.
Speaking at a briefing on 11 March 2026, the Secretary-General of the Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union, Peterson Kambinda, said that the strike, which lasted 59 days, could have been concluded within a week.
The dispute started in early January when workers decided to go on strike, demanding higher wages, housing allowances, improved transport allowances, and protection for their December bonuses.
“We have reached an agreement, and the agreement is that the benefits of last year will be improved. Members will receive a portion of their bonus on Friday, and their back pay will be paid next week,” Kambinda said.
He added that in the new agreement, benefits for 2026 have been incorporated, and from 1 July, members will receive these benefits as well.
“We are not just in the business of badmouthing our partners. Now they are our social partners as of this moment. Both our side and their side, we are committed as a union. We want disciplined employees, high production, and for employees to accomplish the targets given to them. The moment they make money for the company, we can be in a position to have better salaries,” the union’s Secretary-General said.
Kambinda further thanked the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, who he said had met with the union and employers about four times to help resolve the drawn-out industrial action.
Photo: Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union
