Allexer Namundjembo
Industrial action broke out on Tuesday outside Plastic Packaging (Pty) Ltd in Windhoek after wage negotiations with the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (MANWU) collapsed.
Workers began picketing at the company’s premises, demanding higher salary increases than those offered by management.
Negotiations, which began in January 2025 have yet to yield an agreement.
The company confirmed the deadlock, saying it had tabled an above-inflation increase for employees but could not meet the union’s latest demands.
Plastic Packaging’s managing director, Nico Du Plessis, said the company remains open to dialogue but must consider wider financial realities.
“We have offered an above-inflation increase to the bargaining unit, aiming to balance fairness to employees with the need to protect the livelihoods of all 510 staff members,” Du Plessis said.
He stressed that the company’s lowest-paid workers earn more than double the official Namibian minimum wage, excluding overtime and bonuses that have been consistently paid for the past five years.
Du Plessis said Plastic Packaging also provides fully subsidised transport, protective clothing, pension contributions, death and incapacity cover, and a 50% contribution to medical aid.
“While we understand and respect the aspirations of our employees, we must also consider the broader economic context, including the removal of manufacturing incentives, the introduction of environmental levies, interest limitations, and slower sales growth,” Du Plessis said.
The union rejected the offer, saying workers deserved more given rising living costs. In a statement shared on its platforms, MANWU said the company could afford to meet the demands.
“The deadlock arose after the company refused to improve its offer. Workers have shown commitment and loyalty to Plastic Packaging, and their demands are reasonable in light of rising living costs. We will continue with industrial action until management responds adequately.”
During the protest, placard-carrying employees echoed accused management of undervaluing their contribution to the company’s growth.
