Windhoek: Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Fillemon Immanuel has called for stronger and continuous social dialogue among government employers and workers. The ministry in a media release on Monday said Immanuel made the call during the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) roundtable discussions in Oranjemund over the weekend.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Immanuel emphasized that organized labour plays an important role in shaping policies and decisions affecting workers and the world of work. He stressed the importance of workers' voices being meaningfully reflected in workplace policies, laws, plans, and strategies. The minister urged social partners to move away from working in isolation and make greater use of social dialogue platforms to address issues of common interest.
Immanuel highlighted that social dialogue should be prioritized before resorting to lock-outs, strikes, and demonstrations as means of expressing dissatisfaction in the workplace. 'We should not only turn to social dialogue when there is a labour dispute, but must cultivate a culture through which social partners engage openly, identify challenges and work together towards practical solutions,' Immanuel said.
He further encouraged MUN leadership to include other social partners in future engagements to identify inclusive solutions to challenges facing the world of work. Immanuel mentioned that tripartism and social dialogue remain important pillars of sound labour relations, adding that sustained consultation could help address labour challenges before they escalate into disputes.
The minister also urged trade unions to remain proactive in negotiating improved working conditions and to make full use of legal instruments available to them. He cautioned that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, are rapidly changing the future of work. He called on trade unions and employers to prioritize continuous skills development to prepare workers for opportunities and challenges associated with technological advancements.
Meanwhile, Immanuel called for mineral resources beneficiation and economic participation to translate into tangible benefits for Namibians. He stated that meaningful national participation should contribute to employment creation, industrial development, business expansion, and improved livelihoods, rather than being defined merely by local ownership structures or names. 'Nationalisation and value addition of our minerals should not be defined simply by letterheads or local names. Companies should invest in industries, create employment, expand businesses and improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens,' he said.