Following a deadlock in salary and wage negotiations, the Namibia Local Authority Union (NLAU) has declined Tsumeb Municipality’s 4% across-the-board offer.

Initially, the union was demanding an increase of between 7.5% and 10%. However, Union Secretary-General Chris Katjitundu said the council’s offer was insufficient, especially considering the high cost of living.

In a statement read by the union’s national coordinator, Lesley Mosegedi, Katjitundu said the council’s offer applies to the A to E structure, which unfairly includes management and councillors who already enjoy good benefits.

The union also expressed disappointment that the council is exploring options to retrench employees.

“The leadership of this organisation strongly condemns the attitude and behaviour displayed by the council during the negotiations, including the recommendation of possible retrenchments. It shows how low the leadership of Tsumeb Municipality can go. The management and council of Tsumeb show no regard for the wellbeing of employees. Their only viable option appears to be laying off poor employees under threat,” the statement said.

The union has since applied for the matter to be set down in the Labour Court.

An attempt to get a comment from the Tsumeb council proved futile, as the mayor declined to comment on the matter.