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Article

29 Jul 2015

Author:
Verua Kavezeri, Namibian

Namibia: Murray & Roberts workers allege discrimination and raise labour, safety concerns; includes company comments

'Murray & Roberts workers unhappy', 29 Jul 2015:…[A] boilermaker at [Murray & Roberts]…[is] report[ing] unacceptable working conditions…[and] labour issues…A steel erector…confirmed the allegations…The two workers…accuse management of [discrimination and]…say that workers receive no danger allowance, although they work…in a dangerous environment. They allege that local workers are retrenched without prior notification and…[that] [l]ocal workers get paid less for the same work as foreigners…Edward Jardim…[Murray and Roberts’] communication executive in his response to the allegation[s]…said…an independent forensic…audit…[found] that all employees of the same employment designation, irrespective of nationality, receive the same remuneration…Jardim said that none of the workers at Murray & Roberts performs dangerous activities. He also…refuted allegations [of discrimination saying]…“All employees are treated within the confines of their respective employment agreement…” …[L]ast year Murray & Roberts…was...investigated by the Employment Equity Commission…[following claims that] [t]he company…recruited…without…advertis[ing]…positions...The investigation followed a demonstration by angry…residents…who…protest[ed]…[at] not being afforded the chance to apply for work at the construction site…