Kraatz Marine, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver and List (O&L) Group, successfully concluded its wage agreement with the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (MANWU) on Friday, 10 May 2019. The substantive agreement applies to all employees of the Bargaining Unit (Grades 1-5) and is effective for a period of three years (01 July 2019 – 30 June 2022).
The agreement signed affects 15 employees and entails an annual basic salary increment (5% in year one, 6% in year two and 6% in year three) – these increments are also applicable to housing allowance. The affected employees will also receive transport allowance, and are guaranteed bonuses for the three respective years.
According to MANWU spokesperson, John Hinyekwa, the aim of negotiations which started on 07 May 2019, was to improve the overall working conditions of the employees and to discuss other substantial issues that need action from both parties. Hinyekwa: “Despite the economic challenges that the country is facing, the Kraatz negotiating team has indicated that the company is doing relatively well compared to previous years and is predicted to do even better in the next 12 months. The parties have overall negotiated in good faith and the mandate of the workers have been reasonable throughout the negotiations.”
O&L Group Manager: Employee Relations, Shane Johr expressed gratitude in the negotiation process. Johr: “We are very happy as this was the first agreement within the history of O&L that was signed in such a short period. It is essential that we negotiate in good faith to honor the O&L Group purpose of ‘Creating a Future, Enhancing Life’. While it is high on our agenda to pay our employees adequate wages, we also need to be mindful and ensure sustainability in order to provide jobs in the future.”
Kraatz Manager: Human Capital, Roberto January says the company’s relationship with the union is in a very good space. January: “I want to thank MANWU and the employees/shop stewards for a speedy but moral wage negotiations. This is testament that the relationship between the parties have grown tremendously over the years and both have an aligned view on harmonious relations, and keeping employees’ best interest at heart.”
