Etosha wage deal sets landmark goals

Etosha Fishing Corporation and the Namibian Seamen and Allied Workers Union (Nasawu) have signed a landmark Recognition and Procedural Agreement.
The signing of the agreement opens the way for the commencement of wage negotiations to be conducted and concluded within the next couple of months.
The signed agreement is unique in the sense that it includes artisans and supervisors in the bargaining unit.
Izaan Prinsloo from Prinslaw Legal Consult explained that many companies are reluctant to include managers and supervisors in the bargaining process. Etosha, however, embarked on a different route.
“The company previously followed the market trend and excluded supervisors. Employees in senior positions usually negotiate their own packages. There are some concerns that supervisors may influence other employees in the bargaining unit,” she said.
“A separate issue arises, being a conflict of interest if a manager is in the bargaining unit, due to him or her being expected to represent the interests of the company.”
Etosha Fishing Managing Director Pieter Greeff said the agreement would cement and support a mutually beneficial working relationship between the involved parties.
“It benefits both the workers, who make our success possible, and the company which has taken further progressive steps by including categories of previously excluded employment groups into the bargaining unit, in order to create a truly sustainable workforce for the future,” he said.
According to Greeff the company is also showing its dedication to a cohesive and sustainable working environment, through the agreement.
“The fishing industry is marked by turbulent times. It is necessary to forge and build strong relationships to support our place within the fishing industry, and the immense contribution it makes to the economy overall.
“We therefore look forward to a strong and inclusive relationship with Nasawu, and will honour the employee’s right to freedom of association, to set a benchmark in the industry through our commitment to sound labour relations.”
Greeff explained that the company was not affected by the on-going fishermen strike, due to it being active within the pelagic industry and its vessels being deployed in Angola.
Nasawu secretary-general Shitana Erkki thanked all those involved in the negotiation process, for coming up with a viable solution.
“The process was long, but worth it. We produced a valuable and very important document, with procedures on the way workers need to be treated, and the involved parties should adhere to it.
“Unions are not the enemies of companies and have a role to play in ensuring workers understand laws and procedures. We will motivate workers and engage management to find amicable solutions at all times,” he said.
Nasawu secured majority representation of Etosha Fishing’s land-based employees recently and is the recognised exclusive bargaining agent for seagoing personnel.
Etosha Fishing is a leading player in the fishing industry. The company employs 739 workers (708 land-based and 31 seagoing).
It owns four vessels and is considered to be one of the foremost round can production facilities in the world.
It is home to the iconic Lucky Star canned pilchard brand, and also spearheads value-addition to Namibia’s horse mackerel fisheries resource, through the Efuta Maasbanker brand.

OTIS FINCK