SWAKOPMUND: About 350 unhappy employees of the Dantago Clothing company in Arandis will embark upon a peaceful demonstration early Wednesday morning.The workers will be demonstrating from as early as 06h00 at the company’s offices in Arandis under the banner of the Namibian Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Nafau).

Regional Coordinator of Nafau, Hifavali Shikongo, told Nampa on Tuesday that the employees are demonstrating because they are frustrated with the delayed wage negotiations between the parties.
He indicated that wage negotiations started in May this year, and still no agreement has been reached.
Shikongo stated that only one meeting occurred during the month of August.

He noted that another meeting was scheduled for Tuesday this week, but upon arrival, the union was informed that the company’s managing director, Colin Williams, has left for South Africa. “Williams was aware of the meeting scheduled for today, but failed to inform us that he will not be in the country to attend the appointment,” Shikongo stated.

Dantago Clothing, a garment manufacturer, was started more than 10 years ago by Collin and Belinda Williams.The company is responsible for cutting, making and trimming clothes for clients like PEP Stores, Edgars, Fochini and Woolworths.Shop steward, Phillimon Malenga, explained to Nampa on Tuesday that the employees gave the company ample time to resolve the problem, but it failed to do so.

The employees are demanding an increase in their monthly wages, and also want an improvement in their conditions of employment.By Tuesday afternoon, the management of the company was not available to give comment regarding the peaceful demonstration, or the matter concerning the wage negotiations.