RANI Traders to take over 2,700 workers from EPSN
About 2,700 workers currently placed at RANI Traders CC through Employment Placement Services Namibia CC (EPSN) are expected to become direct employees of RANI under a new agreement aimed at resolving a long-running employment dispute.
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel told the Windhoek Observer that the ministry will monitor the process, with RANI expected to conclude employment contracts with the workers within three months.
“We will monitor the transfer process until its logical conclusion during the three months. We appreciate the understanding between the parties albeit it having taken too long,” Immanuel said.
Under the agreement, workers will keep their original employment dates and accumulated benefits when they move to RANI. Their basic salaries must not be reduced, and their years of service will continue to count. The draft contracts also state that employees will not have to serve a new probation period.
Workers must be informed about the transfer in a language they understand and must agree to it freely. They will also have an opportunity to ask questions and seek advice, including from a trade union representative, before signing their new contracts.
The agreement protects workers’ leave and trade union rights. It also sets ordinary working hours at a maximum of 45 hours per week, with overtime to be agreed upon and paid according to the Labour Act.
To oversee the change, RANI and EPSN will form a joint committee to deal with problems that may arise during the transfer. Disputes must first be addressed through discussions, although employees will retain the right to take labour disputes to the Labour Commissioner.
The agreement takes effect three calendar months after the last party signs it, unless both companies agree in writing to another date. RANI must also submit a report to the minister within 90 days after the transfer is completed.
The ministry has said it will monitor the process as the two companies work to move the workers into direct employment with RANI.
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