Ex-Air Namibia Staff Still Await Full Severance Pay
More than four years after Air Namibia’s liquidation, hundreds of former employees are still waiting for their full severance packages despite a 2024 Namibian High Court ruling ordering compensation. Renier Bougard, a former employee and spokesman for the group, told Kosmos Radio on September 4 that the workforce has yet to receive the payouts mandated by the court.
Bougard said staff met with the new ministers of justice, finance and transport two weeks ago but have received no feedback. “We are giving them some time because our issues are numerous, diverse and complex,” he explained, noting that the new ministers are only now being briefed on the matter.
According to the Namibian Sun, more than 600 ex-workers are owed about NAD105 million (USD6 million). Many demonstrated in Windhoek earlier this year to express frustration over ongoing delays. Under Namibian labor law, Air Namibia’s liquidation served as formal notice of dismissal, triggering an obligation to pay severance.
A dispute arose over whether employer contributions to pensions, social security and medical aid should be included as “remuneration.” In August 2024, Bougard and 80 colleagues won a legal case requiring liquidators to recalculate severance to reflect full costs, including salary, allowances and employer contributions, and to pay any outstanding amounts dating back to December 2022.
Meanwhile, the government is studying the feasibility of launching a new national airline from scratch rather than reviving Air Namibia. Details about workforce hiring or whether former employees will be rehired have not yet been disclosed.
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