Walvis bay: Workers of Gendev Fishing on Monday submitted another petition to the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, demanding urgent intervention in longstanding labour disputes and alleged unfair labour practices at the Walvis Bay-based company.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the petition, handed over at the ministry's head office in Windhoek, accuses Gendev Fishing management of breaching the 98-hour employment contracts, violating collective agreements, mishandling pension fund contributions, and failing to address grievances raised in previous petitions submitted in March and October this year. The workers also questioned the ministry's follow-up on directives issued by Minister Fillemon Wise Emmanuel during a meeting with them on 01 November 2025.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the minister, Deputy Executive Director for Labour Relations Aune Mudjanima told workers that while their concerns were noted, labour processes require time to ensure fairness to both the employer and employees. 'You indicated that you met the minister on 01 November. Today is the 24th. Some of the issues you raised may not yet show change within 23 days. We always give 30 days for correction, and only then do we move to the next step according to the law,' she said, explaining that the Labour Act requires at least 30 days for employers to comply with instructions before the ministry conducts follow-up inspections.
She assured workers that the ministry will assess each issue raised, including the alleged irregular handling of pension contributions, refusal to negotiate employment conditions, and the unresolved dispute filed with the Labour Commissioner in September. A formal written response will then be issued after verification.
Workers claim that 68 employees, some with over 10 years of service, remain on 'no work, no pay' arrangements and continue to face contract breaches. They also allege that management has refused to engage meaningfully with the Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union (NASAWU) since the dispute was declared.
Their demands include an urgent meeting involving the minister, Gendev Fishing management, NASAWU, and shop stewards, and they vowed to continue demonstrating until an agreement is reached.