The wages commission has announced that it will set new dates for public hearings on the proposed national minimum wage for Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund as these hearings were cancelled due to the COVID-19 regulations.

The hearings were scheduled for 18 June and 05 July respectively.

“The postponement is due to the commission being cognisant of the strict COVID-19 measures announced on 15 June 2021, increasing COVID-19 infections and the need to strictly adhere to the measures. New dates and/or methods of conducting the outstanding public hearings in Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund will be determined by the commission and communicated to the public,” the commission’s chairperson, Marius Kudumo, said in a media statement on Tuesday.

The wages commission has thus far conducted public hearings in Windhoek, Aussenkehr, Keetmanshoop, Gobabis, Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Eenhana, Oshakati and Opuwo.

The last two hearings would have been held in Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund.

The purpose of the public hearings is to afford individuals, institutions, employees, trade unions, employers, employers’ organisations and members of the public the opportunity to make oral presentations regarding matters set out in the terms and reference of the commission.

“We would also like to inform the public that the commission intends to hold a second engagement in Windhoek. The objective is to afford the individuals, trade unions, employers and employer organisations and members of the public the last opportunity to make oral presentations and for the commission to clarify matters emanating from written presentations requiring clarification. It is also to fill information gaps from both oral and written representations received thus far with a view toward contributing to informing the findings and recommendations of the commission,” Kudumo said.

He added that the deadline for written presentations on the national minimum wage and supplementary terms and conditions of employment is 30 June 2021.

Source: Namibia Press Agency