Renthia Kaimbi
A dispute over shift changes at the Beifang Mining Technology Services (BMTS) Husab Project has escalated, leading to the suspension of 10 employees and growing tension between management and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN).
The issue began on 24 January when the company’s human resources department issued a joint memorandum with the MUN branch executive committee.
The notice announced a mandatory shift from a reverse to a forward rotation, effective 27 January.
The memorandum, signed by human resources head Abraham Christian and branch chairperson Gebhard Shikongo, said the change was “imperative” to comply with Section 20 of the Labour Act, which requires a 36-hour consecutive weekly rest period.
The company said workers would not lose pay or benefits and outlined a once-off transition plan that included overtime payments.
Within a week, the union branch changed its position. In a message dated 31 January, the Husab branch executive committee declared the new roster unlawful and told members to continue to work as per the current arrangement.
The branch informed the minister of justice and labour relations, Fillemon Immanuel, about the workers’ objections.
It warned that taking disciplinary action against workers for rejecting the new roster would amount to unfair labour practices.
The branch also listed several employees by name, claiming they had suffered permanent or temporary injuries due to poor organisation of work, including long hours, fatigue and dust exposure. It accused the company of intimidation and threats of discipline.
On 6 February, MUN regional chairperson Niklaas Afrikaner issued a separate notice confirming that the company had implemented the new roster on 3 February.
Afrikaner said the union had raised formal concerns and begun dispute resolution processes but instructed members to fully comply with the implemented shift roster while the matter is being addressed.
He warned that no industrial action had been approved and that taking part in work stoppages could result in disciplinary action.
Later the same day, project management issued another memo referring to incidents and disruptive behaviour following the roster change.
Acting site manager Ming urged employees to follow the new schedule and said security officials would be placed on employee buses with immediate effect to ensure safety and compliance.
Management says the forward rotation ensures the required 36-hour rest period.
The local union branch argues that the change was imposed without proper process and says it is awaiting possible intervention from the labour minister.
The Windhoek Observer has learnt that branch chairperson Shikongo and nine other employees were suspended on Saturday.
They are accused of encouraging about 60 miners to take part in what the company calls an illegal work stoppage.
“On Saturday, only five operators were working. Only three truck drivers and two excavator operators were working,” an anonymous source told the Windhoek Observer.
With the national union calling for compliance, the local branch opposing the roster, and management enforcing the change, workers at the Husab site remain stuck in a deepening labour dispute.
