Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Shelleygan Petersen
Published on 2024-03-06 15:00:00
The 23 parking marshals employed by Keyplots Investments (KPI) have recently returned to work after going on strike due to alleged illegal deductions of N$1,500 from their monthly salaries. Despite their return to work, the issue of deductions has not been fully resolved.
KPI, which is responsible for managing the parking collection for the Windhoek municipality, has been deducting significant amounts from the marshals’ salaries, which are reportedly only N$2,500 per month. This deduction has caused discontent among the workers, leading to the strike.
One of the workers mentioned that they have returned to their designated duty areas while the matter is being investigated. However, the City of Windhoek has distanced itself from the issue, stating that KPI is responsible for the employment and payment of the parking marshals.
KPI is a fully owned subsidiary of United Africa Group, co-owned by former Swapo member of parliament Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun. Operations manager David Angula confirmed the deductions and stated that the employees had signed acknowledgments of the deductions. He also mentioned that the deductions were made based on the amount of money missing during the individual workers’ shifts.
According to Angula, the company has policies in place for issuing warnings before dismissing an employee. He defended the deductions by claiming that the workers had stolen company money and acknowledged their actions, leading to the salary deductions.
The group of 23 parking marshals claimed that this was not the first time deductions had been made from their salaries. In December, the deductions ranged from N$200 to N$600, but the amounts increased significantly in January to between N$1,500 and N$1,700. This consistent deduction of money from their already meager salaries has caused frustration and dissatisfaction among the workers.
The ongoing issue highlights the financial struggles faced by parking marshals in Windhoek and raises concerns about their working conditions and treatment by their employer. It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and whether the workers’ grievances will be addressed appropriately.
In conclusion, the return of the parking marshals to work is a temporary resolution to the strike, but the underlying issue of illegal salary deductions needs to be addressed by KPI and the relevant authorities to ensure fair treatment of the workers.
Read the original article on The Namibian
