Niël Terblanché
The Mine Workers Union of Namibia (MUN) has reiterated its opposition to what it describes as disguised retrenchments at the Sinomine Copper Smelter in Tsumeb, following the company’s announcement of a voluntary separation scheme (VSS) affecting up to 650 workers.
Speaking after a six-hour meeting with Sinomine management earlier this week, MUN general secretary George Ampweya said the union remained unconvinced by assurances that the VSS is optional and falls outside the scope of Section 34 of the Labour Act.
“The chief executive officer of Sinomine confirmed the VSS has been board-approved and is final. Accordingly, the union insists the matter falls under Section 34 and demands full involvement until its conclusion. Members, through their respective branches, remain firm in their opposition and are urged not to accept the VS in its current form,” he said.
Sinomine has defended its decision, saying the VSS is a voluntary process and therefore does not require consultation with the union.
The company recently announced a temporary suspension of smelting operations, citing global copper concentrate shortages and the need to reduce operating costs by as much as 40%.
The smelter will be placed under care and maintenance, a move that threatens the livelihoods of hundreds of workers.
Ampweya raised concern that the separation scheme may violate conditions set by the Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) during Sinomine’s acquisition of Dundee Precious Metals last year.
One such condition reportedly prohibited retrenchments for a specific period following the merger.
In a formal objection lodged with the commission, the union called for urgent regulatory intervention, citing deteriorating conditions at the plant.
“It is both telling and troubling that, while the Namibian worker sought protection from the regulatory authority, Capital responded with tea and gestures of hospitality. Any failure by the Competition Commission to act with urgency and integrity will speak volumes, and the truth, in that event, will be painfully self-evident,” Ampweya said.
The MUN insisted that it must be fully involved in the process, warning that the consequences of inaction may further erode trust in institutional protections for workers.
