Over 1000 fishing workers plan to march through Windhoek after creating a joint group. They met yesterday at Walvis Bay with union leaders to discuss poor work conditions. The workers claim they feel tricked by the government program meant to help them. Fish worker Matheus Gabriel wants employees to handle fishing rights instead of companies that mistreat them.
Workers say different companies divide their efforts as they all face similar problems. They want to set their fair wages themselves without secret deals from current unions. Julia Mbuiti claims the government treats program workers unfairly, with no basic pay guaranteed. Many fishers work without earning regular money despite earlier promises of stable jobs.
Union leader Joseph Garoeb says workers will approach farming officials as one united team. He believes every worker deserves at least N$8500 monthly based on available fish quotas. Since 2015, when these workers lost their jobs, 82 fishers have died waiting for proper employment. Another 16 became disabled during this time, and 104 more reached retirement age before finding good work.
Workers say different companies divide their efforts as they all face similar problems. They want to set their fair wages themselves without secret deals from current unions. Julia Mbuiti claims the government treats program workers unfairly, with no basic pay guaranteed. Many fishers work without earning regular money despite earlier promises of stable jobs.
Union leader Joseph Garoeb says workers will approach farming officials as one united team. He believes every worker deserves at least N$8500 monthly based on available fish quotas. Since 2015, when these workers lost their jobs, 82 fishers have died waiting for proper employment. Another 16 became disabled during this time, and 104 more reached retirement age before finding good work.
