Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) was formed on 6 December 1987. At that time, Namibia was still ruled by an oppressive colonial regime and NAPWU was facing many difficulties because of its commitment to a free and independent Namibia. NAPWU officials were often harassed and even arrested but NAPWU continued to grow and became the strongest union in the civil service.

Today, NAPWU organizes workers in the civil service, including government ministries, municipalities, parastatals, semi-stated institutions, private hospitals and schools as well as any organization providing social services, and that is wholly or partially dependent on government fundng.

NAPWU has managed to sign recognition agreements with most of the municipalities, parastatals, old aged homes, private schools and hospitals as well as the Government of the Republic of Namibia and negotiates for better conditions of employment of its members.