Allexer Namundjembo
Drivers at Freshmark, a subsidiary of the Shoprite Group, have raised concerns over poor working conditions.
They point to high medical aid costs, food voucher deductions, slashed overtime, and delayed bonuses.
The workers also say the company refuses to recognise their union, the Namibian Revolutionary Transport Union (Naretu).
Although many drivers are registered members of Naretu, they say the company continues to ignore the union.
The company only offers bonuses after seven years of service, and workers report not having representation during wage negotiations.
“Not only are we not allowed to be with the union of our choice, but we also don’t have any representative to represent us in case of wage negotiations,” said one driver, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation.
“At least we must be allowed to have our union’s representative. I have joined Naretu, but they can’t represent me.”
The drivers say the company withholds most benefits, especially for long-distance assignments.
They argue the refusal to allow union representation violates Article 21(1)(e) of the Namibian Constitution, which protects the right to freedom of association.
Naretu Commander-in-Chief Petersen Kambinda confirmed that the union is in a long-running dispute with Freshmark.
“Yes, we are aware of the Freshmark issues. The firm is one of those companies that poke holes in our slow administration of justice,” he said.
He said the case has been with the Office of the Labour Commissioner for nearly four years.
The last meeting was in September last year, and the union is still waiting for a new arbitration date.
“The company knows the Labour Commissioner’s office is understaffed and uses that to its advantage. They continue to refuse union recognition,” said Kambinda.
He continued, saying that Freshmark’s employees have been operating without a recognised union for the past four years while they wait for Naretu to receive recognition.
Court documents seen by the Windhoek Observer show the first hearing was in 2022. The most recent session took place in 2024.
Efforts to get a comment from Freshmark operations manager Justin Poultin were unsuccessful. He confirmed that media queries had been sent to the company’s human resources department.
The Windhoek Observer asked whether Freshmark is aware of workers’ complaints, including high medical aid costs, Shoprite-exclusive food voucher deductions, lack of union recognition, overtime cuts, and delayed bonuses.
The company has yet to respond.
