Trade unions continue to fight for workers' rights
Some companies agreed to give 6 to 8 % increments to employees this year
Trade unions representing workers in the finishing industry have actively negotiated for better conditions of employment for workers.
The president of Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union (NASAWU) Paulus Hango, says that trade unions representing workers in the fishing industry have been working around the clock to negotiate for better conditions of employment for workers.
"This year alone, we negotiated and signed a number of agreements. Some companies agreed to give between 6 to 8 % increment to the employees each year for a period of two years," Hango said.
He was speaking at the ministerial address by fisheries minister Derek Klazen, who spoke to the fishing industry in Walvis Bay.
Working conditions
Hango listed companies such as Seawork, Embwinda Fishing, Seaflower White and NovaNam Limited as some of the fishing companies that concluded two-year agreements with the unions. "Many workers were employed as permanent employees last year and other employees were employed as from 1 November on a permanent basis.
"Apart from employing workers on a permanent basis, some employers agreed to provide their workers with transport to and from work. Other conditions of employment which were agreed upon include housing allowance, as well as bonuses which many companies give in October or December during the closure of factories,"
"It is important for employers to know that the cost of living is at an all-time high and many employees cannot afford the basic needs such as food, transport, accommodation and school children needs. Employers need to know that the monetary aspects of a job are not the only factors that influence an employee's well-being at a company. Non-monetary benefits such as a healthy work-life balance and recognition for their contribution to work also play an important role as well."
Transparency needed
Hango added that employees must be remunerated fairly so that their morale remains high, as high morale ensures that employees are motivated enough to come to work every day and deliver to the best of their abilities.
"We are calling for clear and transparent communication about the level of salaries a company offers to its workers. How those salaries and compensations are calculated is essential for the company to ensure that their employees believe they are being compensated fairly.
"We request the ministry of fisheries to work together with trade unions to address issues affecting workers and to communicate directly with workers' representatives when discussing or allocating fishing quotas in order to address decent employment," Hango said.
"This year alone, we negotiated and signed a number of agreements. Some companies agreed to give between 6 to 8 % increment to the employees each year for a period of two years," Hango said.
He was speaking at the ministerial address by fisheries minister Derek Klazen, who spoke to the fishing industry in Walvis Bay.
Working conditions
Hango listed companies such as Seawork, Embwinda Fishing, Seaflower White and NovaNam Limited as some of the fishing companies that concluded two-year agreements with the unions. "Many workers were employed as permanent employees last year and other employees were employed as from 1 November on a permanent basis.
"Apart from employing workers on a permanent basis, some employers agreed to provide their workers with transport to and from work. Other conditions of employment which were agreed upon include housing allowance, as well as bonuses which many companies give in October or December during the closure of factories,"
"It is important for employers to know that the cost of living is at an all-time high and many employees cannot afford the basic needs such as food, transport, accommodation and school children needs. Employers need to know that the monetary aspects of a job are not the only factors that influence an employee's well-being at a company. Non-monetary benefits such as a healthy work-life balance and recognition for their contribution to work also play an important role as well."
Transparency needed
Hango added that employees must be remunerated fairly so that their morale remains high, as high morale ensures that employees are motivated enough to come to work every day and deliver to the best of their abilities.
"We are calling for clear and transparent communication about the level of salaries a company offers to its workers. How those salaries and compensations are calculated is essential for the company to ensure that their employees believe they are being compensated fairly.
"We request the ministry of fisheries to work together with trade unions to address issues affecting workers and to communicate directly with workers' representatives when discussing or allocating fishing quotas in order to address decent employment," Hango said.
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