Walvis bay: The Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) has raised concern over deteriorating working conditions and looming job losses in the fishing industry. At a press conference held in Walvis Bay on Monday, TUCNA president, Paulus Hango, singled out Gendev Fishing and companies linked to NovaNam, claiming that many workers in the sector are being deprived of their right to decent work as provided for in the Namibian Constitution and the Labour Act.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Hango said workers have endured difficult conditions over the past three years, including periods of up to five consecutive months without work. He added that when recalled, employees reportedly work reduced hours and, in many instances, receive only 50 per cent of their salaries. He further revealed that although Gendev was permitted to fish within the 200-metre isobar from July to October 2025, workers' conditions did not improve.

'The issue to be addressed before giving Gendev the right to fish within the 200-metre isobar is how the workers will benefit in terms of improved conditions of employment,' he said. According to Hango, decent work includes the right to employment and a living wage. He said all matters affecting workers should be subject to collective bargaining under trade union protection.

In Walvis Bay, about 140 workers at Gendor Fishing, owned by NovaNam Limited, have reportedly been laid off. In Lderitz, a further 150 workers are expected to lose their jobs, while approximately 60 fishers employed by NovaNam are currently without work following a fire incident at the dry dock.

Hango attributed the layoffs to insufficient fishing quotas but stressed that rising unemployment and the high cost of living make further job losses unjustifiable. He called for urgent intervention to safeguard jobs and improve labour relations in the fishing industry, emphasising that sustainable employment depends on constructive engagement between employers, employees and government.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has defended its quota allocation processes, saying these are guided by scientific assessment and legal procedures, particularly for key species such as horse mackerel. Cabinet approved a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) that was slightly reduced for sustainability reasons. The ministry has also previously rejected claims of secret quota cuts, noting that quota decisions are based on stock data and consultation with stakeholders.