Unions join fishing industry

OGONE TLHAGEWINDHOEKThree trade unions, including a vocal critic of the exploitation of Namibia’s fishing workers, have been awarded fishing rights which now permit them to actively participate in the country’s controversial fishing industry.The Namibia Seaman and Allied Workers Union (Nasawu), The Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) and the Namibia Fishing Industry and Fishermen Workers Union (NFI &FWI) are among the 298 new fishing rights holders announced by fisheries minister Dr Albert Kawana last month.The unions used P.P.I Investments and N.N.I Investments as the vehicles to apply for the rights. Both companies were registered with the Business Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) on 14 August 2018.Namibian Sun understands the joint venture has been knocking on the doors of fishing operators selling their quotas. Some of operators who were approached, but declined the offer, now fear that the unions might be out to victimise them.Conflicting interestsThe revelation of the unions’ entry into the fishing sector has caused ructions within their structures.Questions have been raised about the wisdom of the move to join the fishing industry as an active player. Some members now want to know how the unions will juggle between chasing fishing profits and safeguarding the rights of their members to avoid exploitation.There is also talk that the union bosses are serving on the two companies in their personal capacity, and questions whether there are measures in place to ensure that the revenue accrued from the fishing activities find their way into the coffers of the unions instead of the pockets of the union bosses.These two union-controlled companies have since joined forces with three other right holders to form a joint venture called Blue-Pann Fishing.BackfireA fishing industry source who spoke to Namibian Sun said the move to join the industry could backfire.“How will these guys take these companies to task? Seeing that they are in a JV that has partnered with Tunacor, should a situation arise where Tunacor workers are unhappy, how will the union assist?” questioned the source who chose not to be named.Preliminary data obtained indicate that the three unions have a combined database of over 20 000 members.Fishing authorities had believed that the Spanish dominance in the domestic fishing arena was on the decline, partly because of their vehement campaign against the sale of quotas. Even so, local companies continue to sell their rights to make a quick buck.No conflictThe union bosses have denied allegations that the decision to enter the fishing industry would pose a conflict of interests and that they might be unable to fight for the right of the workers anymore.They claim that the decision to apply for fishing rights was to multiply the revenue streams of the unions because membership fees are not enough to run their operations.“The union can no longer rely on membership fees. The operations of a union are also very expensive,” Nasawu president Paulus Hango told Namibian Sun on Friday.He also denied claims that the Nasawu members were not informed about the decision to apply for fishing rights.“When we held a congress I was mandated to establish a business arm. It happens in many unions. Other unions are also involved in business,” Hango said.He also dismissed notions that the union would not be in a position to adequately defend its members.“There is no conflict of interest,” Hango said.The Namibia Fishing Industries & Fishermen Worker’s Union president, Daniel Imbili, also defended the decision to venture into fishing.“We have transport; it is on that basis that we entered so we can sustain ourselves, our official union people that support us as well as technical staff. Without rights, we cannot sustain ourselves,” said Imbili.He also denied that there would be a conflict of interest.“There is no conflict of interest, we don’t sit on the boards of companies,” said Imbili.Nafau secretary-Penda Jacob refused to answer questions on this topic when contacted.In 2018 Jacob called on the fisheries ministry to consult recognised unions for recommendations on individual companies applying for quotas.

Unions join fishing industry

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Unions join fishing industry

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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