Union wants urgent meeting to discuss NovaNam dismissals

THE Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) has requested an urgent meeting with the management of NovaNam fishing company in Luederitz to discuss the mass dismissal of 356 workers earlier this week.

Nafau president David Namalenga said in a media release that the union is doing everything in its power to arrange a meeting to resolve the dismissal of its members. Namalenga said the situation was extraordinary and must be treated seriously.”We might not understand the dynamics of the situation, hence it is critical that we meet and discuss and amicably resolve the situation.A country such as Namibia cannot afford to have 356 [workers] dismissed at one time.”He said the large number of dismissals would have a long-term impact on the employees, their families and the town of Luederitz.NovaNam management this week announced the immediate dismissal of 356 fish-factory workers who were involved in a protest in October last year.The company claimed that they had taken part in illegal industrial action and disobeyed orders to return to their workstations.Namalenga said he would personally attend the proposed meeting with NovaNam.Namalenga said the situation was extraordinary and must be treated seriously.”We might not understand the dynamics of the situation, hence it is critical that we meet and discuss and amicably resolve the situation.A country such as Namibia cannot afford to have 356 [workers] dismissed at one time.”He said the large number of dismissals would have a long-term impact on the employees, their families and the town of Luederitz.NovaNam management this week announced the immediate dismissal of 356 fish-factory workers who were involved in a protest in October last year.The company claimed that they had taken part in illegal industrial action and disobeyed orders to return to their workstations.Namalenga said he would personally attend the proposed meeting with NovaNam.