Nafau, Hangana sign wage agreement

THE quality, quantity and size of fish landed will in future determine bonus payments to seagoing workers of Hangana Seafood in Walvis Bay.

Hangana Seafood, subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List group of companies, and the Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) have reached an agreement on wages, commission and new conditions of employment for its seagoing employees. A 5,2 per cent Cost to Company increase and the implementation of a new commission structure, replacing the Quality Bonus system, were approved.The commission structure is based on the achievement of company targets.According to Terence Makari, O&L Manager: Human Capital, the company is pleased with the outcome of discussions with the union, particularly since sacrifices had to be made in recent years by both the organisation and its employees due to uncertainties in the fishing industry.Despite negotiations starting only in November and other delays such as the festive season break, talks were positive and to the point, said Makari, and a conclusion was reached quickly.Nafau’s Branch Organiser in Walvis Bay, Johannes Kamati, encouraged other companies to strengthen relations with the union and its members to improve the national economy and avoid unnecessary strikes.A 5,2 per cent Cost to Company increase and the implementation of a new commission structure, replacing the Quality Bonus system, were approved.The commission structure is based on the achievement of company targets.According to Terence Makari, O&L Manager: Human Capital, the company is pleased with the outcome of discussions with the union, particularly since sacrifices had to be made in recent years by both the organisation and its employees due to uncertainties in the fishing industry.Despite negotiations starting only in November and other delays such as the festive season break, talks were positive and to the point, said Makari, and a conclusion was reached quickly.Nafau’s Branch Organiser in Walvis Bay, Johannes Kamati, encouraged other companies to strengthen relations with the union and its members to improve the national economy and avoid unnecessary strikes.