Renthia Kaimbi
Unions representing workers in the fishing industry are facing accusations of conflicting roles following last week’s engagement between President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and industry stakeholders.
Concerns were raised about a trend where some union officials act as industrial relations or human resource officers, chair disciplinary hearings and dismiss workers they are meant to represent.
The secretary general of the Mining, Metal, Maritime, and Construction Workers Union (MMMC), Joseph Garo, said a distinction must be made between union representatives and labour consultants.
“I know of one person that might be a union member that is also a consultant. He can operate within the scope by law and represent employees and companies,” he said.
He said confusion arises when workers see union figures representing employers.
Garoëb raised concerns about unions that also hold fishing quotas.
He named the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union, the Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union and the Namibia Fishing Industry.
“The same companies that land your quotas, you have to represent their employees and workers are therefore questioning whether unions are relevant,” he said.
He said unions with quotas face a difficult position during negotiations.
“The elite are running the industry, and when these unions with quotas come to the table to negotiate for workers, all they’ll be told is that workers’ needs can be met, but it will eat into the unions’ share of the pie. Who do you think they will choose? If you have quotas, don’t find yourself in the same industry where you will compromise the workers,” he said.
He said unions must decide whether to act as quota holders or represent workers.
The discussion follows concerns raised by stakeholders about labour practices in the industry. Issues include non-compliance with the minimum wage, delayed salaries and lack of formal contracts.
Some companies have been accused of using a “no work, no pay” system.
Reports indicate that some fishermen under the Government Employment Redress Programme earn basic salaries of about N$2 200 and face payment delays.
Garoëb also questioned the decision by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to end the programme in April 2027.
“Is the president trying to create another ‘Okapale’? You can’t create another problem on top of an existing problem,” he said.
He raised concerns about reports that people not linked to earlier strikes were included in the programme.
Garoëb said the president did not address labour hire and conflict-of-interest issues during the engagement.
“You can only stop something that worked, but the issue remains unresolved,” he said.
He said labour practices in the fishing industry still need attention.
