Furnmart and Home Corporation employees have embarked on a nationwide work stoppage, demanding a salary adjustment of 8% and a conducive working environment.

Over 80% of the company employees have reportedly joined the strike.
The striking employees expressed dissatisfaction with the company's annual 5% salary increase, which they say is insufficient to meet their living expenses.

They are demanding adjustments to transport and housing allowances to better support their needs.

The workers stated that they previously raised these concerns, including that housing and transport allowances be implemented as part of their package with the company, but such had allegedly fallen on deaf ears.

Home Corporation sales advisor and shop steward Steven Abrahams explained.

“The impact will be great because these are crucial positions that are outside. And my wish is if they can come to their senses very fast and call the union back to the table so that we don't have a prolonged strike and can reach consensus, reach agreement, and sign off on those demands of the employees, then I believe the impact will not be that great.”

“We decided that if the company does not want to add to our demands, we will continue the strike until our demands are met because, literally, economically, everything is up but our salary demands are not going anywhere,” added Patricia Nzima.

At Keetmanshoop, Furnmart employees said they decided to join the strike as a means to get their voices heard.

“What we are going through as workers: we are tired of footing to work; we are tired of standing in queues. We want improvement; we want better working and living conditions, and that's the only way we are doing it, and if it's through strike, then we are willing to protest,” said Zinedine Afrikaner.

“We are requesting better benefits in line with the income the company earns. The company continues to grow by opening new stores, purchasing new vehicles and opening many stores across the country. There are now 50 branches of nations. It is our request that the company consider increasing our salary from 5% to 8%," added Barry Bock.

NBC News reached out to Furnmart's head office in Windhoek for comment, but a representative declined to respond.

The employees are expected to hand over a petition in which their demands are detailed to the head office on Tuesday.