Africa-Press – Namibia. Government plans to reintegrate 222 workers whose employment was recently terminated from Walu Fishing, via agreements with four fishing companies through the Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP). The companies will each receive an employment redress quota aligned with the number of workers they absorb. The initiative forms part of government efforts to address historical labour grievances while promoting job creation in the fishing sector.
At recent consultations held with fishing companies and employees participating in the programme at Walvis Bay, the ministers of fisheries and labour relations, Inge Zaamwani and Fillemon Wise Immanuel, focused on preparing for new designation agreements that will govern employment under the revised fishing quota allocation system going forward.
Speaking on the sidelines of the engagements, Zaamwani said the consultations were aimed at ensuring both employers and employees understand their respective obligations before new agreements are signed.
“We have been engaging intensively with employers and employees to make sure that before we enter into new agreements under the new fishing system, everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, especially the employees regarding the terms and conditions of their engagement,” she said.
The minister explained that the ministries and employers reviewed lessons from the previous fishing season and clarified how newly allocated workers would be placed within their operations.
“One of the issues we wanted to address is the misunderstanding among some employees who believe that because they are fishermen, they cannot work in factories. We needed to clarify where exactly they will be placed,” Zaamwani noted.
Employees were also given an opportunity to raise their concerns and expectations, after which both parties were brought together again to confirm areas of agreement before contracts are finalised.
Zaamwani stressed that companies have been requested to submit signed employee contracts by next week, which will then enable government to sign the designation agreements and release the corresponding fishing quotas.
Meanwhile, Immanuel cautioned companies against unfair labour practices, urging employers to communicate proactively with workers before terminating contracts. He also reminded employees to fully understand the obligations contained in their employment contracts before signing them.
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