Trade Unions in Namibia

Book excerpt: Namibia is characterised by extremely high levels in income inequality and high levels of unemployment - particularly among women and the youth. Wages and salaries are the main source of household incomes, although most rural households rely on subsistence farming. The majority of Namibian workers fall into the category of unskilled or semi-skilled workers, usually earn relatively low wages and enjoy few benefits. In some sectors, trade unions managed to achieve significant improvement in conditions of employment through collective bargaining. Unionisation rates are fairly high, particularly in the public sector, the mining industry as well as the fishing, textile, wholesale and retail sectors. Here, unionisation rates stand at above 50%. On the other hand, the small business sector, banking and financial institutions and domestic workers are still poorly organised. Despite its small population of about 1,9 million people, Namibia has about 30 trade unions, grouped into 2 federations and several un-affiliated unions. The largest trade union federation is the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) which represents 60 000 - 70 000 workers. The NUNW played a key role during Namibias liberation struggle and continues to be affiliated to the ruling SWAPO party. Unions outside the NUNW rejected this party-political link and formed a new rival federation in 2002, known as the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA). The Namibian labour movement was confronted with various challenges posed by governments neo-liberal economic policies. Various disagreements between labour and the state/employers became visible around the issues of privatisation, the introduction of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the emergence of labour hire companies. Overall, trade unions found it difficult to decisively influence such broader socio-economic policies in favour of their constituency. The Namibian Labour Act of 1992 constituted a major improvement for labour compared to the colonial labour legislation. A new Labour Act will be implemented soon and is expected to pave the way for the improved resolution of industrial conflicts. Comment Don :Finnish Embassy.