Africa-Press – Namibia. The fishing industry has been cautioned against employee ‘poaching’ or luring workers employed by another company to come to work for them, as it destabilises the industry.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani says the practice also undermines the government’s employment interventions.
Zaamwani cautioned the industry over the weekend, following extensive discussions with fishing companies, unions and workers to address disruptions caused by demonstrations and ongoing demands for better employment conditions by some workers under the government’s Employment Redress Programme.
The programme was introduced in 2020 as a government response to the mass dismissal of fishermen who participated in a strike in 2015, as well as former Namsov workers who were left without jobs.
“We have observed a troubling trend of poaching among designated companies, where employees are lured with promises of better salaries. While workers have every right to seek improved conditions, this constant movement puts pressure on operations and leaves many workers at home without pay during transitions. That’s unacceptable,” she stated.
Zaamwani and the minister of Justice and Labour Relations Wise Immanuel, met with all affected parties over the weekend, leading to the signing of tripartite agreements with at least eight companies.
“Since the challenges of 2015, we have employed 2 414 individuals through this programme — 1 770 in the hake sub-sector and 471 in the horse mackerel sub-sector,” Zaamwani said.
The minister revealed that 17 companies applied to take part in the programme this season, with 14 operating in the hake sub-sector and three in the horse mackerel sub-sector. A total of 14 400 metric tonnes was allocated under the programme this season.
“Let me also remind everyone that our resources are limited. Climatic conditions and other external factors affect our Total Allowable Catch (TAC). As such, we could not meet the demand from all companies wishing to participate,” she cautioned.
She also raised concerns over reports that some designated companies inform the government that they have vacancies but later fail to deliver on those promises.
“We commend both employers and employees who have shown commitment to this programme. But moving forward, we will take note of companies not honouring their obligations,” Zaamwani warned.
Meanwhile, labour minister Imannuel said the conclusion of agreements with the affected workers marked a turning point for industrial harmony in the fishing sector.
“What transpired on 16 May is a clear demonstration of how important dialogue is. We cannot allow misunderstandings to divide us. We must work together under one roof, in unity and honesty,” he said.
He confirmed that an agreement was signed with representatives of the 280 employees who had been demonstrating since November last year.
“These employees will now return to work. Their potential employers have been made aware of government’s expectations regarding employment scope and conditions of service. Similarly, the employees have been briefed on what is expected of them under the Labour Act and acceptable industry norms,” he said.
Immanuel added that most of the affected workers opted to be represented by unions, which also took part in the engagements.
“The unions have shown their understanding of the designation obligations. Employers will now proceed to draft employment contracts in consultation with their legal teams and employees,” he said.
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