Fishing unions warn of crisis amid 200 job cuts as more loom

The Namibian Seaman and Allied Workers Union (Nasawu) has warned of a deepening crisis in the fishing industry, after at least 200 workers lost their jobs and a further 150 face possible retrenchment.

The layoffs come amid reduced operations and worsening employment conditions, the union said.

On Monday, worker representatives voiced concerns about job security, working conditions and what they described as inadequate engagement between government and labour. They outlined their concerns during a media briefing.

Paulus Hango, president of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (Tucna), said many employees in the sector are being denied their right to decent work, as guaranteed under the Labour Act 11 of 2007 and the Namibian Constitution.

Hango singled out challenges at Gendev Fishing, a company owned by the ruling party Swapo, where factory workers have allegedly faced prolonged uncertainty over the past three years.

The union said some employees have been kept at home for up to seven consecutive months without being called to work. When recalled, they were reportedly given reduced hours and received only 50% of their salaries.

The company had applied to government for permission to fish within the 200-metre zone to sustain employment. Approval was granted from July to October 2025, but operations ceased after the permit expired.

Since then, workers have stayed home while continuing to receive half salaries, the union said.

“Even when they were allowed to fish within 200 metres, the conditions of employment remained poor,” Hango said, claiming that annual and sick leave benefits have been reduced, leaving workers with unstable incomes.

Closed-door talks

Namibian Sun reported yesterday that employees of Hodago Fishing (Pty) Ltd – a company in which Gendev Fishing Resources holds a significant stake – have not received salaries since November last year. The company had promised to release payments yesterday, but that had not happened by late afternoon.

On Monday, Tucna also raised concerns about retrenchments at Gendor and NovaNam Limited in Walvis Bay, where approximately 140 workers were reportedly laid off. In Lüderitz, a further 150 employees are expected to lose their jobs. Additionally, 60 fishermen employed by NovaNam aboard the vessel MVF Mar Del Cabo reportedly lost their jobs after the vessel caught fire while in dry dock.

Hango said fishing rights should not be extended without clear commitments on worker benefits.

“You cannot demand permission to fish within 200 metres while workers are suffering without decent jobs,” he pointed out.

He further criticised what he described as closed-door meetings between government officials and company management, excluding unions and shop stewards.

“It is not fair to discuss workers’ issues with management alone,” Hango stressed. “Workers have the right to be represented by their unions.”

Salary-safety nets

Beata Uutoni, speaking on behalf of more than 200 NovaNam workers who were sent home in January and February this year, said employees are dissatisfied with the employment contracts being offered.

“We want a positive work environment. We want health insurance. We want job security. We do not want ‘no work, no pay’,” she said.

Uutoni added that workers are calling for a guaranteed basic salary to ensure income stability during periods of low fishing activity.

“Honourable minister, we have families to look after. We have accounts to settle. We have personal needs. Government needs to help us in this situation,” she said.

Lipumela Slaskens from Omualu Fishing raised concerns about inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees handling ammonia and working in cold conditions.

He said requests for jackets, socks and overalls have not been fully met, with some workers reportedly receiving overalls only once a year instead of twice.

Workers also questioned wage disparities between the fishing and mining sectors.

“These two sectors are making millions every day, but in the fishing industry the basic salary can be as low as N$5 000,” Slaskens said. “We cannot qualify to buy houses and we are getting older. What are we getting?”

Senior leaders call on

He also underscored other concerns, including severance packages at retirement, delayed pension contributions, the absence of medical aid and the lack of medical check-ups for workers handling hazardous chemicals, despite repeated requests.

Transport to and from work is another concern, with employees reporting incidents of theft while walking to early-morning and late shifts. Allegations of favouritism in recruitment were also raised.

Union leaders warned that if conditions do not improve, the situation could escalate into a broader crisis within the fishing industry. They called on Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene and facilitate inclusive negotiations.

“Our position is that workers’ rights must be respected and prioritised,” Hango concluded. “There must be proper engagement between employers, employees and unions to improve conditions and ensure stable incomes.”