THERE has been no progress in ending the strike at the Novanam fish-processing factory at Lüderitz, says Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers’ Union (Nasawu) President Paulus Hango.
Hango on Wednesday told The Namibian that wage talks are still deadlocked.
The workers called the strike at the beginning of last month over a wage dispute.
The are demanding a wage increase of 7,5 per cent plus back-pay to May 30 last year. The company has offered 5 per cent.
Hango vowed that the union would stand its ground.
“Come hell or high water there is no way we’ll budge on our demand,” he said.
However, he indicated that the union is willing to accept “a realistic offer”.
The unionist claimed factory workers earn “meagre” wages and also do not have medical aid or housing allowances.
“Novanam workers are paid N$8 per hour in comparison to N$12 other fishing companies offer their employees,” Hango said.
The striking workers would stage a mass protest tomorrow, Hango said.
Wage talks are expected to resume today.
Attempts to get comment from Novanam were unsuccessful.
luqman@namibian.com.na
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