Mariental: Employees of the Mariental Municipality on Thursday handed over a petition to the municipality's Chief Executive Officer, Paul Nghiwilepo, demanding a three per cent salary increment for the 2025/2026 financial year. The petition was received by Nghiwilepo on behalf of Mariental Mayor Ethel Isaaks.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the employees are represented by the Namibia Local Authority Workers Union (NALAWU). The petition reveals that NALAWU and the Mariental Municipality had previously engaged in salary and wage negotiations for the 2025/2026 financial year, during which both parties agreed on a three per cent increment and the phasing out of contract workers. The agreement was formalised through a memorandum of understanding pending approval by the line minister.

However, the union claims the agreement was not approved by the minister, prompting employees to raise their concerns through the petition. The employees stated that the request for a salary adjustment comes amid the current economic climate marked by rising living costs, inflationary pressures, and increasing household expenses, which they say continue to place financial strain on employees and their families.

"The three per cent increase represents a modest and reasonable adjustment aimed at providing partial relief from increasing living costs, supporting employee welfare and financial stability, as well as maintaining staff morale, motivation and productivity," the petition said. The employees also expressed concern that while the government recently announced that civil servants would receive salary increments soon, local authority employees were excluded.

In addition to the salary increment, the workers requested that the chief executive officer arrange a meeting between newly elected municipal councillors and staff members to address issues affecting employees. The petition states that the workers expect a response within seven working days, failing which they may refer the matter to the Office of the Labour Commissioner and consider peaceful demonstrations.

NALAWU Mariental Branch Executive Committee chairperson Linus Sinvula signed the petition on behalf of the employees. Nghiwilepo assured the workers that the matter would be brought to the attention of the municipal council.