Renthia Kaimbi
Workers at Beifang Mining Technology Services at the Husab Project are challenging a bonus policy that links sick leave to incentive payments.
The dispute follows the company’s introduction of a new shift roster on 3 February.
The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has confirmed the roster’s lawfulness and compliance with Namibia’s Labour Act, according to management. The change triggered unrest among workers.
Soon after the new roster took effect, the company recorded a rise in sick leave.
An internal memorandum shows that between 3 and 22 February, employees recorded 322 sick leave days. Management described the figure as higher than normal.
At the same time, the company’s Annual Incentive Scheme came under scrutiny.
The policy states that employees who take five or more sick days in a quarter lose their entire bonus. Four days of sick leave lead to a 50% deduction. Three days result in a 30% cut.
Workers say the policy punishes genuine illness and pressures employees to work when they are unwell.
In response to the spike in absenteeism, Beifang introduced stricter verification measures.
From 22 February, employees who take three or more consecutive sick days must submit detailed medical reports within three working days of returning. The reports must include diagnosis, severity and expected recovery period.
The company said it may require examinations by company-appointed doctors and may withhold sick leave pay while investigating cases. It also launched a review of all sick leave recorded during the current payroll cycle. Affected employees must provide written explanations and medical reports.
The management issued a warning, stating that they will treat confirmed abuse as gross misconduct. This could lead to dismissal and recovery of payments through salary deductions from 24 March.
Managing director Jinjun Li thanked employees who continued reporting for duty. He accused some workers of spreading false information, inciting unrest and engaging in group absenteeism.
The company claims tensions rose when certain employees tried to block night shift workers from reporting for duty. It said most of those involved had their contracts terminated with immediate effect.
Beifang said it had earlier paused disciplinary action at the union’s request to allow discussions. With no agreement reached, Li confirmed that the new shift roster will remain in place.
The company has deployed security personnel on transport buses and increased security on site. It urged workers to report intimidation through whistleblower channels.
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has criticised management’s actions. MUN general secretary George Ampweya said the suspension of workers is “a deliberate attempt to intimidate workers and the union and to circumvent orderly and lawful collective bargaining processes.”
He said recognition and procedural agreements set clear steps for resolving disputes and that these steps were not followed.
“We will vehemently oppose any undue, procedurally flawed, or retaliatory disciplinary action taken against our members and will pursue all appropriate remedies available to us.”
