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WE NEED BETTER: A petition was handed over to APS by dissatisfied workers. PHOTO: FOR ILLUSTRATION
WE NEED BETTER: A petition was handed over to APS by dissatisfied workers. PHOTO: FOR ILLUSTRATION

Fish factory employees petition for better pay

Frieda Molotho
Seafresh factory workers registered under the African Personnel Service (APS) have voiced their dissatisfaction with their working conditions and wages in a petition handed over to APS on Monday.

Since their transfer from Totus Consulting group, a human resources management company on 19 January, employees claim to have experienced neglect and inadequate compensation.

Nehale lya Mpingana, a representative of the workers, highlighted their grievances, including low pay rates and inconsistent contract renewals.

According to Mpingana, the transition to APS from Totus Consulting Group has resulted in a significant reduction in wages, with workers now earning N$2 952.67, a fraction of their previous earnings.

Out of a total workforce of 274, Mpingna claimed that only 82 employees hold permanent positions, while the remaining 192 are employed on a contract basis.

Contract disputes

One of the primary concerns raised by the workers is the recurrent renewal of their contracts every three months, coupled with a lack of alignment between their assigned tasks and the nature of their employment.

Despite being contracted to work with calamari products, employees said they often find themselves tasked with duties related to Tunacor.

In a petition submitted to the APS board on Monday, the workers outlined their demands, which include an hourly wage of at least N$25, a housing allowance of N$800 and a cold allowance of N$5 per hour for all employees. Additionally, they seek a transport allowance of N$1000 and compensation for non-production days, challenging the current policy of no work, no pay.

Lya Mpingana said the worker are planning a demonstration on 22 March.

“We are not issuing threats, but rather advocating for fair treatment and just compensation for our labour.”

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Namibian Sun 2024-09-21

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Nam 2.22 SAME | Oryx Properties Ltd 12.1 UP 1.70% | Paratus Namibia Holdings 11.99 SAME | SBN Holdings 8.45 SAME | Trustco Group Holdings Ltd 0.48 SAME | B2Gold Corporation 47.34 DOWN 1.50% | Local Index closed 677.62 UP 0.12% | Overall Index closed 1534.6 DOWN 0.05% | Osino Resources Corp 19.47 DOWN 2.41% | Commodities: Gold US$ 2 622.23/OZ UP +1.35% | Copper US$ 4.31/lb DOWN -0.0032 | Zinc US$ 2 884.80/T DOWN -0.23% | Brent Crude Oil US$ 74.74/BBP DOWN -0.0019 | Platinum US$ 976.09/OZ DOWN -0.0067