Walvis bay: Over 200 fishermen who recently lost their jobs at Walu Fishing are set to be reemployed through the Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP). This initiative is designed to reintegrate 222 workers by collaborating with four fishing companies, each receiving an employment redress quota based on the number of workers they take on.

According to Namibia Press Agency, this plan is part of the government's broader strategy to address longstanding labor issues and boost job creation in the fishing sector. During recent consultations in Walvis Bay, key discussions were held with the ministers of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, and Justice and Labour Relations, Inge Zaamwani and Fillemon Wise Immanuel. These sessions focused on preparing new agreements under the revised fishing quota allocation system.

Zaamwani emphasized the importance of ensuring that both employers and employees fully understand their roles and responsibilities before the new agreements are finalized. The consultations aimed to clarify expectations and address any misconceptions, particularly concerning worker placements within the fishing industry.

Zaamwani explained that lessons from the previous fishing season were reviewed to ensure clarity on how newly allocated workers would be integrated into company operations. She highlighted the need to resolve misunderstandings among workers regarding potential roles in factories.

Employees had the opportunity to voice their concerns and expectations, leading to a collaborative effort to confirm areas of agreement. Zaamwani stressed the urgency of companies submitting signed employee contracts by next week, which will allow the government to finalize designation agreements and issue the corresponding fishing quotas.

Immanuel advised companies to avoid unfair labor practices and encouraged open communication with workers before terminating contracts. He also urged employees to thoroughly understand the terms of their employment contracts before signing.