Nujoma urges unions to also prioritise members’ output

Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation Utoni Nujoma has challenged trade unions to also focus on productivity as a way of growing the economy and reducing unemployment rate in the country. 

The Minister added that labour unions should always remind the workers that productivity boosts morale and creates an organisational culture of excellence, resulting in an improved workplace environment. 

“When an organisation is highly productive and successful, incentives like salary increments, bonuses, pension and medical benefits will be made available to the employees. Hence the need to be productive at all times. Allow me to remind us all today that greater productivity benefits us all, it leads to better quality of goods and services for customers and ultimately leads to a better quality of life for all citizens,” he said. 

Nujoma said Namibia’s economy is currently crippled by high unemployment rate, poverty, high inflation, inequality and a spout of high crime rate and one way of addressing these challenges is by improving the country’s productivity level as productivity is an engine of economic growth and an instrument of inclusivity that enables us to prosper. 

“We are talking about increasing productivity by investing in essential knowledge, skills and abilities, or by better combining inputs, or embracing advanced technological innovations. There is a need for stakeholders and social partners to engage in dialogue on the subject of productivity. Employers must work with employees to set and clarify the mandate, vision, mission and core values of their organisations,” he said. 

The Labour Minister added that this will ensure employees understand their roles within the organisation and what is expected of them. It is essential that employers develop the capabilities of employees in order to effectively fulfil their roles and perform at a high level. 

The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation has dedicated this week to the general public under the theme “Let us Make Productivity Contagious”. 

This year’s theme is intentionally deliberating on how contagious productivity should become and how we must all, in our various sectors, play a part towards productivity, growth, sustainability and innovation. 

“I urge you all in your diversity to commit to promote productivity improvement during this week. Try to engage in activities that create growth, add value, eliminate wastage and use resources in a sustainable manner. As a country, we should practise the culture of doing more with less resources,” Nujoma said.

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