Namdeb Strike Leads to Legal Action, Lockouts

(IDEX Online News) – Namdeb is initiating legal action against a number of union officials and unionized workers. The step is the latest in a deteriorating battle between the diamond-mining firm and a group of employees.

The Mine Workers Union (MUN) declared a strike last week over worker benefits, a strike that Namdeb is disputing its legality.

According to a company statement, MUN’s is demanding that employees retain their housing and utility allowances, as well as being provided with free company accommodation, something Namdeb views as a double benefit.

Namdeb announced that it will lockout all employees in the Bargaining Unit excluding those within essential services. “The Company will allow locked-out employees to return to work once they have signed acceptance of the last proposal related to the Bogenfels employees,” the company said in a statement.

“The acceptance in writing confirms full and final settlement of the Bogenfels dispute. Therefore once an employee has signed he or she cannot go out and strike again pertaining to this issue.”

On August 20, Namdeb initiated civil action against the MUN, its branch officials in their personal capacity as well as all employees participating in what the company described as the unlawful and unprotected industrial action.

Namdeb is initiating a separate civil action against MUN members and certain MUN officials regarding defamatory statements allegedly made against management employees.