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19 August, 2009
The Congress for the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union took place on 22 to 24 March 2007 in Windhoek.
Representatives at the Congress discussed the future of the union and challenges that the union faces.
The Congress discussed service delivery to its members and one strategy was to begin weekend study groups including in this programme worker rights, occupational health and safety and HIV/AIDS.
The Congress grappled with how to implement the unions gender policy including participation of women in the unions structures and leadership and affirmative actions towards better employment of women.
One of the biggest issues discussed was is labour hiring practices and subcontracting especially in the construction sector where workers are retrenched when building contracts end. MANWU is not alone on this issue, the Namibian National Centre, NUNW has recognised this as an important issue to address for its affiliates and has planned a demonstration in June on concerns over ongoing retrenchments.
At the Congress new leadership was elected and IMF congratulates the new General Secretary Bernard Simaata Milinga, President Jacobus Shirunga, Vice President Martin Mwoonde and Treasurer Birgitta Amukwa.
MANWU has about 3250 members and organises in several sectors including metal, construction, garage and service stations and vehicle retail.