Mineworkers Union of Namibia — labour union representing mining sector workers, advocating for decent work conditions and worker protection against outsourcing and casualization.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Mineworkers Union of Namibia
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Mineworkers Union of Namibia has served for 40 years since establishment in 1986
“Immanuel also congratulated MUN on 40 years of service since its establishment in 1986.”
Immanuel calls for worker voices in policyThe Namibian
Mineworkers Union of Namibia says assets held through investment structures have grown to more than N$900 million
“The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) says assets held through its investment structures have grown to more than N$900 million.”
Mineworkers’ union investment arm hits N$900mThe Namibian
The union recently represented employees facing retrenchments at Finestar Jewellery, Diamond Namibia, and Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter
“The union recently represented employees facing retrenchments and voluntary separation programmes at several mining-related companies, including Finestar Jewellery and Diamond Namibia and the Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter.”
Mineworkers’ union investment arm hits N$900mNew Era
Mineworkers Union of Namibia united with Namdeb and NAMITVEST Investment Holdings to improve access to investment opportunities for mineworkers
“Namdeb, NAMITVEST Investment Holdings, and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) have united to improve access to investment opportunities for mineworkers.”
Namdeb, NAMITVEST, MUN drive mining investmentNew Era
Mineworkers Union of Namibia engaged mines and energy minister to raise concerns about retrenchments
“The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) recently engaged mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse, to raise concerns about ongoing sector-wide retrenchments as well as other alarming developments within the diamond cutting and polishing industry.”
Retrenchments, policy uncertainty irks MUNNew Era
MUN warned that recent retrenchments at Almond Diamonds and Dash Diamonds point to precarious employment conditions
“The union warned that recent retrenchments at Almond Diamonds and Dash Diamonds points to a growing prevalence of precarious employment conditions in the sector, which begs for urgent policy and regulatory reforms.”
Retrenchments, policy uncertainty irks MUNThe Namibian
Mineworkers Union of Namibia signed a recognition and procedural agreement with Beifang in 2016
“We signed a recognition and procedural agreement with the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) in 2016 and have concluded wage negotiations four times successfully.”
Beifang Mining Technology Services: 13 Years of Building Namibia TogetherNew Era
Mineworkers Union of Namibia signed a three-year collective agreement with Northern Regional Electricity Distributor
“Employees of the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) have returned to work after the company and Mineworkers Union of Namibia signed a three-year collective agreement.”
Nored lightning strikes 4% … employees resume dutiesInformanté
Mineworkers Union of Namibia confirmed final agreement reached with NORED ending industrial action
“THE Mineworkers Union of Namibia has confirmed that a final agreement has been reached with NORED, bringing the recent industrial action to a close.”
NORED and Mineworkers Union reach agreement ending strikeThe Namibian
Mineworkers Union of Namibia commenced industrial action at all Nored's offices
“He said the MUN, representing the employees, has commenced with industrial action at all Nored's offices in the regions yesterday.”
Nored strike: Eight Namibian regions face power blackouts as workers down toolsEmployees of Finestar Jewellery & Diamonds Namibia, an Indian-owned diamond manufacturing company in Windhoek, say they have not been allowed to eat meat at work for five years under a company vegetarian culture. Workers protested over stagnant food allowances and demanded better wages, food and transport allowances, and improved working conditions.
18 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Employees of Finestar Jewellery & Diamonds Namibia, an Indian-owned diamond manufacturing company in Windhoek, say they have not been allowed to eat meat at work for five years under a company vegetarian culture. Workers protested over stagnant food allowances and demanded better wages, food and transport allowances, and improved working conditions.
18 October 2026 · The Namibian →
An editorial argues that Namibia's mining industry must move beyond merely recruiting women to creating workplaces where they can advance into technical, managerial and leadership roles, supported by safe conditions, fair pay and equal opportunity.
13 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's mining sector is increasingly using contractors and temporary workers instead of permanent employees to lower labour and operational costs, according to the Mineworkers Union of Namibia. Union secretary general George Ampweya warned that the practice has eroded decent work conditions, reduced wages and job security for outsourced workers, and called for regulation of outsourcing and equal pay for work of equal value.
7 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namdeb branch members of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia staged a demonstration demanding that the company recognise their newly elected branch chairperson, Laina Festus, who secured 510 votes in elections held from 18 to 31 August. The union argues that Namdeb's withdrawal of Festus's recognition as a part-time shop steward does not disqualify her from serving as branch chairperson, and is challenging allegations of misconduct against her that remain before the Office of the Labour Commissioner.
3 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Workers' unions are demanding that the government introduce paternity leave to allow both parents to care for newborn babies. The justice and labour relations minister announced increases in maternity and other SSC benefits effective 1 October, but said Namibia currently has no statutory paternity leave provision, though employers may introduce it at their discretion.
23 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of Filemon Mwashindange, its Uis Branch chairperson, who collapsed while on duty at Uis Tin Mine on Monday. The union is demanding meaningful involvement in the investigation and wants workers who witnessed the incident protected from intimidation.
15 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Fillemon Mwashidange, an employee of Uis Tin Mining Company and chairperson of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia's Uis branch, died on Monday while at work. According to MUN, Mwashidange collapsed while on duty; the company has not disclosed circumstances but the union called for work suspension in the affected area and counselling support for witnesses.
15 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel says workers and employers should prioritise talks and regular social dialogue to address workplace problems before resorting to strikes or demonstrations. He urged the government, employers and workers to use existing platforms to discuss labour issues collectively and proactively.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Trade unions are demanding a greater role in parliamentary workplace oversight visits, saying their involvement is crucial to address widespread labour law violations. Mineworkers Union general secretary George Ampweya said unions have welcomed parliament's efforts but questioned their exclusion, arguing parliament should focus on legislation while unions represent workers and address workplace disputes.
16 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia said a labour arbitration award in favour of the Revolutionary Union does not automatically affect MUN's recognition or bargaining rights at Rössing Uranium and Husab Mine. MUN general secretary George Ampweya stated the union remains the majority union at both operations and its status as recognised bargaining agent remains intact unless lawfully altered through statutory and contractual processes.
14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), founded in 1986 and now in its 40th anniversary year, is being challenged to prepare workers for rapid changes driven by automation, artificial intelligence, and the global energy transition, according to acting president Poco-Key Mberiuana. The union must move beyond defending against exploitation to ensuring workers remain relevant in a transforming economy.
3 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel has called for workers' voices to be reflected in national policy and economic planning, stating that Namibia must move beyond exporting raw minerals to beneficiation and value addition to create sustainable employment. Speaking at a Mineworkers Union of Namibia regional meeting in Swakopmund, Immanuel said the country can no longer export raw minerals while importing finished products at higher value.
22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Employment Equity Commission has not published its annual reports since 2019, violating legal requirements. The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations attributes this to budget constraints, staffing shortages, and software failures, but unions say the failure reflects incompetence and undermines monitoring of employment discrimination.
18 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia says assets held through Namitvest and Nammic investment structures have grown to more than N$900 million, funded through monthly payroll deductions from participating members. The union outlined its investment activities and recent interventions to protect jobs in the mining sector.
4 June 2026 · The Namibian →
High school student expulsions in August 1971 sparked mobilisation against Namibia's contract labour system under the slogan 'Break the wire'. In December 1971, 16,000 contract workers across Namibia went on strike to protest the system, beginning with 3,200 workers at Walvis Bay fish canning factories.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namdeb, NAMITVEST Investment Holdings, and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia have signed a Payroll Deduction Agreement enabling employees to invest in NAMITVEST products through automatic payroll deductions, aimed at improving financial inclusion and wealth building among mineworkers.
9 April 2026 · New Era →
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia met with mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse to voice concerns about sector-wide retrenchments and precarious employment conditions in the diamond cutting and polishing industry, calling for urgent policy reforms including the pending Diamond Bill and institutionalised tripartite engagement.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
Cheetah Cement has notified the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations of its intent to retrench 87 employees by 15 April, citing financial losses, import restrictions, and a blocked merger. The notice is a declaration of intent subject to ongoing consultations with the ministry and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia, and the final number of retrenchments may change.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →
According to the Fraser Institute's 2025 survey, Namibia's mining investment attractiveness index fell from 66 to 56, dropping its global ranking from 30th to 51st place. Industry leaders and analysts attribute the decline to uncertainty over local ownership requirements, delays in policy implementation, and concerns about new regulatory frameworks.
23 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Beifang Mining Technology Services, a foreign-invested mining services company operating in Namibia since 2013, reports N$2.2 billion in direct foreign investment, employs over 915 staff (93% Namibian), and spent N$712 million on local procurement in 2025. The company emphasizes its adherence to Namibian labour law, employee training and development, and safety standards in response to recent public discussions about shift operations exemptions.
6 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Employees of the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor have returned to work after the company and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia signed a three-year collective agreement that includes a 4% salary increase for 2025/26, restoring electricity services in Northern Namibia.
4 March 2026 · New Era →
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia has confirmed a final agreement with NORED ending the recent strike, which provides for payment of a 14th cheque and salary increases of 4% for 2025/2026 and 4.3% for 2026/2027. Union Secretary General George Ampweya said the outcome reflects workers' resilience while noting the dispute was avoidable and criticised governance inefficiencies, pledging the union's commitment to constructive engagement and service restoration.
4 March 2026 · Informanté →
Northern Regional Electricity Distributor employees across eight Namibian regions have stopped work over salary disputes, demanding a 6% raise and payment of a 14th cheque. The strike threatens widespread power cuts and economic damage to businesses in affected areas including Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto, and others.
1 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Nored employees began a nationwide strike on Thursday demanding a 6% salary increase, leaving the company's prepaid vending system offline. Customers are unable to purchase electricity tokens, affecting households, businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, and potentially water supply in some areas.
28 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Beifang Mining Services dismissed 11 employees at Husab Uranium Mine following weeks of dispute over a new shift schedule that complied with labour ministry guidance but reduced days off from five to four. The workers' union and company have begun discussions on resolving the conflict, with Beifang indicating willingness to seek a fresh exemption application backed by union support.
26 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia has expressed grave concern following a near-fatal pit collapse at a small-scale copper mining claim in Kunene Region, where a miner was trapped for several hours. Union Secretary General Fillepus Ampweya said the incident reflects unsafe conditions in the informal and small-scale mining sector, calling for strengthened regulation, intensified inspections, and enforcement of safety standards.
17 February 2026 · Informanté →
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia called for urgent reforms in mining labour practices, saying workers lack job security due to subcontracting and mechanisation without a human plan. The union demanded laws to protect permanent work, union access to all mine workers, and binding social and labour plans.
17 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Employees of the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor have gone six years without a pay increase despite union negotiations, prompting the Mineworkers Union of Namibia to refer the dispute to the labour commissioner. The union has issued formal strike notice, with protected industrial action scheduled to commence on 23 January 2026.
22 January 2026 · New Era →
Northern Regional Electricity Distributor workers will strike on Friday after a year of failed wage negotiations, with the Mineworkers Union of Namibia seeking pay increases and improved working conditions. The union says workers have not received pay raises in six years and that strike procedures were lawfully initiated, despite management's legal challenges.
21 January 2026 · The Namibian →