OHANGWENA RETAILERS FACE LABOUR VIOLATIONS - nbc

Most retail outlets in the Ohangwena Region are in breach of the Labour Act, particularly the national minimum wage regulations. This emerged during an oversight visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations. Committee Chairperson Justina Jonas said the findings point to a wider pattern of non-compliance with labour legislation and fair wage standards by some employers, particularly in the retail sector. In Eenhana, the committee found that Onawa Mini Market, which has operated for more than 30 years, continues to exploit workers through poor wages and unfair employment conditions. Of the company's 54 employees, only 10 are permanent staff members. Casual workers earn N$13 per hour, while permanent employees receive N$13.50 per hour, both below the legally prescribed minimum wage of N$18 per hour for retail workers. Workers also reported that they work 12-hour shifts, three days a week, without overtime pay or additional benefits. "It is worrying employers are saying they do not know the provision of the Act; there is an urgent need for public education in terms of labour rights, employees, as well as the obligation of the employer they need to do in terms of complying with labour, especially in the space where we are is a bit worrying. More education awareness in terms of labour laws', says Jonas. Meanwhile, the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU) says employees continue to face intimidation and threats when they attempt to join the union. NAFAU National Coordinator, Johaness Shauya, says the Eenhana Rani Group is also among companies allegedly violating labour laws. "We all know that employers must pay workers N$18.00; 90% of the retailers' industries here in Eenhana are not complying. Workers are working 200 hours and earning N$800 a month. When we ask them to start paying those workers, the majority of them find a way to dismiss them." The committee also uncovered labour law violations at Izzy Import and Export in Oshikango, where about 60 employees are reportedly being paid N$12 per hour, well below the legal minimum wage of N$18 per hour. Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa has called on businesses to comply with labour laws and implement policies that support both their enterprises and their employees. "What we have come to realise is that people do not know their rights on the ground. Consider Ohangwena being a rural area; information about the law is limited, we have a lack of knowledge of rights, and the labour act needs to be simplified and needs to come through to the region in a booklet where fundamental." The parliamentary committee will continue inspecting businesses across the region to assess compliance with the Labour Act and other relevant legislation.