Tonderai Katswara
22 April 2008
Windhoek — THE Namibian Employers' Federation (NEF) says it is not against the new Labour Act, and would work with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to implement the piece of legislation signed into law in December last year.
Speaking at the organisation's AGM in Windhoek on Wednesday, NEF Chairperson Elize Fahl said her organisation was committed to supporting the implementation of the new labour law - expected to be promulgated by May.
"I wish to make it clear at this point that the NEF is not against the new Act per se, but only with respect to certain clauses.
"The NEF has not only been working on the Labour Act, but we have also been closely involved in the progress of the Vocational Training Education Bill.
We are in the process of nominating our representatives to the board and look forward to assist in making this Act effective in as short a time as possible," she said.
The NEF has been vocal on certain clauses in the new law - for example the annual number of leave days - which it believes will hamper economic growth.
There has been much debate and disgruntlement over a number of issues, and the bill was only signed into law after years of heated debate between the Government, employers, trade unions and other relevant parties.
During 2007, the NEF's membership income increased by 14 per cent over the previous year, raising total membership fees of N$431 000 compared to N$379 000 in 2006.
By year-end, the NEF had 110 direct corporate members and nine associational members, representing more than 4 000 employers with a total workforce of over 100 000.
The organisation generated revenue of N$473 000 during the year under review, up from N$398 000 in 2006.
This was revealed in the NEF Annual Report for 2007, released during the AGM on Wednesday.
NEF Secretary General Tim Parkhouse said training played a bigger role in the revenue base, as there had been none in 2006.
"As a result of careful management of funds plus the prompt settlement of dues by many members, interest received on investments increased by approximately 50 per cent," he said.
The federation's board remains unchanged with the exception of two new members, Frank Koepplinger and Faustino Paulino, who filled vacant spots.
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