Lev Leviev Diamonds (LLD) in Windhoek, Namibia, has fired 153 striking workers. The dismissals come after the diamond polishing factory finalized a series of disciplinary hearings, which the workers did not attend. The hearings were a result of a workers' strike that began in mid-June and inspired by their claims of unfair labor treatment and hostile working relations. The workers said that the company’s lawyer was responsible for delays in finding a solution to their complaints.

In response to the illegal strike, LLD suspended the workers but later offered them a compromise deal. The workers were told that if they returned to work at the beginning of last week, all charges would be dropped against them. By midweek last week, the company held the view that the workers who were invited back would face disciplinary action for participating in the strike. According to the workers, only mediation between LLD and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) would lift their suspensions.

The general secretary of the MUN says that the union will appeal the dismissals.