Striking fishermen did not listen - Esau

Fisheries minister Bernard Esau has castigated fishermen who embarked on an illegal strike two years ago, saying they did not listen to the authorities. “We tried to tell the people, don't go on strike as you are stronger from the inside and not when you are out,” Esau said. In October 2015, more than 4 000 fishermen went on strike at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. The strike was declared illegal. The seamen demanded basic salary increases, higher medical aid benefits, overtime pay and housing allowances. Most of them were fired from their jobs, while a few returned to work after the strike was declared illegal. The fisheries minister, who was talking during a stakeholder engagement at Ongwediva this week, said the outcome of the impasse would have been different had the fishermen refrained from striking. The illegal strike placed the government in a difficult situation, said Esau. “We are in a country with laws,” Esau said. He added that the government was sympathetic to their cause, and the fired fishermen should have first right of refusal when new jobs are advertised. Rights holders warned Esau also warned fishing rights holders who side-line their partners after raking millions from fishing quotas. “It is really painful and I know of such people. I will not think twice before cancelling that contract, that is total misrepresentation to the ministry. “You have misled me and the cabinet and therefore I will cancel that contract and we will call the police to lock you up,” Esau warned. He added that the fishing industry played a vital role in the economy and there was a need to ensure greater participation by Namibians in the sector. “All vessels not owned by Namibians... it is clear for sure their chances of getting quotas or rights will be lessened,” Esau said. KENYA KAMBOWE

Striking fishermen did not listen - Esau

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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Striking fishermen did not listen - Esau

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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