STAFF WRITER
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication , Labour and Industrial Relations has flagged traits of poor labour practices in some mining companies in the country. This follows a recent oversight visit to different mines in the country by the committee.
A report released by the Justina Jonas chaired committee released by Parliament last week has recommended that the Ministries of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME) and Justice and Labour Relations (MoJLR) take urgent, coordinated action to ensure that the mining sector upholds labour rights, promotes local employment, and protects the welfare of all workers, including subcontracted employees.
According to the committee the recommendations also identify areas where Namibian law and regulations need to be amended to align with labour rights obligations.
The Parliamanentarians also want mining companies to implement structured, measurable skills transfer programs to reduce reliance on foreign experts, particularly in technical and underground mining operations.
They also called for the promotion of apprenticeships, technical training, and mentoring programs for local employees, with progress reports submitted to MIME and MoJLR for oversight.
“Extend union recognition and labour rights to subcontracted employees, ensuring that collective bargaining rights apply to all categories of mine workers, aligning with ILO Convention 87 (Freedom of Association) and Section 7 of the Labour Act, 11 of 2007,” the report said.
According to the report the committee also want to mining companies to formalise employment contracts for all workers, including subcontractors, in line with the Labour Act to ensure clarity of terms, rights, and obligations.
“Amend the Minerals (Prospecting and Mining) Act, 33 of 1992, or include labour rights obligations in all mining licenses, making the protection of labour rights a mandatory compliance condition for license issuance and renewal,” the report said.
Key among the recommendations by the committee is the need for the mining sector to prohibit the use of outsourcing as a mechanism to bypass retrenchment obligations, and require that subcontractor arrangements comply fully with labour law protections.
On occupational Health and Safety (OHS) the parliament committee said they want the two ministries responsible for labour and mining to conduct regular audits covering both direct and subcontracted employees, with results submitted for enforcement action.
“Ensure provision of adequate PPE and comprehensive safety training, with strict enforcement of compliance by subcontractors, in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Regulation 156 of 1997,” the committee said.
The parliament also called for the guarantee that high-risk operations comply with legal safety standards, and impose penalties for non-compliance affecting any worker.
“Develop and enforce a formal subcontractor management policy aligned with Namibian labour law to regulate employment terms, wages, and conditions. Monitor subcontractors to ensure compliance with legal requirements on wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and benefits,” the committee said.
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