Windhoek: National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) Secretary-General Job Muniaro has issued a call for the reform of working conditions, the establishment of living wages, and the immediate implementation of resource nationalism.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Muniaro highlighted the challenges faced by workers, particularly regarding income inequality and treatment, with a focus on Namibia and the broader African context. His remarks followed the Sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment (STC-SDLE-6) held in Windhoek last month.

The summit underscored significant challenges in African labour practices, revealing labour markets marked by low wages, widespread informal employment, and limited non-wage benefits compared to other global regions. It was noted that nearly 90% of the workforce in sub-Saharan Africa lacks standard contracts, health insurance, or pension benefits.

Muniaro highlighted that despite their substantial contributions to corporate profits and national GDPs, many workers are deprived of essential human necessities. 'We must address the issues related to workers and their living conditions. It is essential to consider these matters on a continental scale to emphasise the necessity for improved wages,' he stated.

According to Muniaro, millions of African workers live in squalor, sleeping in structures made of plastic sheets, zinc, and cardboard. He said their salary structures fail to meet the rising cost of basic needs, while the workers are frequently excluded from vital safety nets, pensions, and medical aid.

'The economy cannot grow if we are not taking care of those who must take care of the economy,' Muniaro asserted, noting that it is an injustice to exclude workers from the wealth they actively create. The NUNW secretary-general advocated for coordinated action across all African borders to address structural imbalances and called for the tripartite structure of governments, employers, and trade unions to align their objectives without delay.

'Africa must take care of Africans. Africa is one of the richest continents with rich minerals, and we are the only continent that has the poorest population. That must be discussed and must be improved on,' he said. Muniaro, who has led the workers' union for 14 years, emphasised the need for a baseline strategy to ensure fair salaries, guiding political leaders and shifting employer attitudes. He argued that satisfied, well-compensated workers naturally foster economic growth.