Namibia's mining sector is under scrutiny for its growing reliance on contractors and temporary workers, a trend that has sparked concerns over job security, workers' rights, and the erosion of decent work conditions. The Mineworkers Union of Namibia has warned that mining companies are using this approach to lower labour and operational costs, boosting profits at the expense of workers' salaries and benefits.
According to George Ampweya, secretary general of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia, the increasing use of contractors and temporary workers has contributed to reduced wages and job security, adversely affecting workers' economic security and well-being. The union is advocating for equal pay and comparable benefits for work of equal value, as well as full union representation and collective-bargaining rights for outsourced workers.
The parliamentary standing committee on poverty eradication, labour and industrial relations has also expressed concerns over the practice, describing it as creating a "dual labour market" that introduces cheaper contract labour. The committee recently conducted oversight visits to mining operations in several regions, including Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Erongo, ||Kharas, and Khomas.
The committee's findings indicate that some mining companies have retrenched workers or used voluntary separation schemes before hiring subcontractors to perform similar duties at lower wages. Committee chairperson Justina Jonas said evidence from workers' representatives and affected workers has proven the allegations, with some retrenched workers being returned to the same work through contractors.
The committee also identified concerns around insufficient monitoring and enforcement of employment conditions, including inadequate labour inspections and monitoring of subcontracted workers. There were also concerns over insufficient oversight of compliance with wages, working hours, overtime, leave, and other statutory conditions.
The mining operations of firms such as B2 Gold, Ohorongo Cement Plant, Cheetah Cement, Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, Rössing Uranium Mine, Navachab Mine, Namdeb, and Rosh Pinah Zinc were among those visited by the committee. The committee does not recommend an automatic prohibition on all subcontracting but believes outsourcing should not undermine permanent employment, workers' rights, decent wages, social protection, or collective bargaining.
The trend of outsourcing in Namibia's mining sector has sparked concerns that the industry may grow economically while decent employment shrinks. The Mineworkers Union of Namibia and the parliamentary committee are calling for greater regulation of outsourcing and better protection for workers' rights.
Key points
- The increasing use of contractors and temporary workers in Namibia's mining sector has sparked concerns over job security and workers' rights.
- The parliamentary committee has identified concerns around insufficient monitoring and enforcement of employment conditions for subcontracted workers.
- The Mineworkers Union of Namibia is advocating for equal pay and comparable benefits for work of equal value, as well as full union representation and collective-bargaining rights for outsourced workers.
