MEATCO and NAFAU sign agreement on non-renewal fixed-term contracts

11 Feb 2015

meatco_and_nafau_agreement_0Meatco and the Namibia Food and Allied Workers’ Union (NAFAU) signed a memorandum of agreement on the non-renewal of fixed-term contracts of temporary employees resulting from the re-alignment of Meatco’s operations. The agreement was signed on Friday 23 August 2013, at Meatco’s Head office.

NAFAU has a standing recognition agreement with Meatco and is recognized by the Corporation as the sole bargaining agent for bargaining unit employees.

In line with the standard employment contracts, NAFAU and Meatco agreed that the Corporation is a seasonal business dealing with livestock and perishable products. They also agreed on the fact that employment agreements entered into with the concerned staff, are only for a particular season of that year and that subsequently contracts came to a natural end on in 31 August 2013.

The parties involved agreed that Meatco will pay the affected employees: one month’s salary (August) in lieu of notice, a pro-rata bonus and leave accrued for the year in question. In addition, two weeks’ severance pay for each year of service will be paid for employees working a minimum of 12 months. A token of appreciation of N$1 500 for all those with four and more years of service and N$1 000 for those employees with less than four years of service will also be paid. Meatco will also issue all affected employees with employment certificates.

Additionally, Meatco will consider affected employees for future positions that may become vacant in the following six months ending 31st January 2014. They will also be considered for the Meatco Angel Fund Assistance through SME Compete.

The agreement is applicable to all temporary employees at the Windhoek and Okahandja Abattoirs.

The agreement was signed by Executive: Human Resouces, Stanley Hoveka Mbura, the Executive: Policy innovation, Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Affairs, Vehaka Tjimune and Senior Manager: Industrial Relations, Willem /Nanub, the Organiser: NAFAU, Simon Muukapo, Branch Organiser: NAFAU, Protasius Shitongeni and Shop Steward, Abiud Tjipangandara represented Namibia Food and Allied Workers’ Union.