New deal ends Seaflower strike

THE costly four-week strike at Seaflower Whitefish Corporation in Luederitz ended yesterday after union and company representatives reached a compromise agreement.

The workers downed tools on April 10, demanding a salary hike of between 16 and 18 per cent. On top of that, they wanted housing allowances of N$150 a month.The company yesterday agreed to increase the hourly pay rates for land-based workers from N$9,37 and N$9,69 to N$9,87, while the daily pay of sea-going workers will be increased from N$79 to N$82.In return, the Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers’ Union agreed to call off the strike with immediate effect.All striking workers are expected to report for duty within three days.The wage increases will not be backdated.Nasawu also accepted a reduction in compassionate leave days from 12 days to eight days with immediate effect.The agreement entitles workers to receive two thirds of their salaries during any breakdowns or extended maintenance lasting longer than a week, which prevent them from working.At least nine hours’ notice will be given to employees when there is no work, it was agreed.Workers will not be paid during the one-month off-season imposed by the Government to allow hake stocks to recover.The off-season will be in October.On top of that, they wanted housing allowances of N$150 a month.The company yesterday agreed to increase the hourly pay rates for land-based workers from N$9,37 and N$9,69 to N$9,87, while the daily pay of sea-going workers will be increased from N$79 to N$82.In return, the Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers’ Union agreed to call off the strike with immediate effect.All striking workers are expected to report for duty within three days.The wage increases will not be backdated.Nasawu also accepted a reduction in compassionate leave days from 12 days to eight days with immediate effect.The agreement entitles workers to receive two thirds of their salaries during any breakdowns or extended maintenance lasting longer than a week, which prevent them from working.At least nine hours’ notice will be given to employees when there is no work, it was agreed.Workers will not be paid during the one-month off-season imposed by the Government to allow hake stocks to recover.The off-season will be in October.