Allegations of unfair labour practices have been raised in the fishing sector. Former temporary employees of Hangana Seafood accuse the company of unfair labour practices, including failing to remit deducted tax contributions to the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA).

About 50 former temporary workers of Hangana Seafood marched to the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations in Walvis Bay to request an investigation into their claims.

The workers said they had been employed as temporary workers by Hangana Seafood for prolonged periods since 2018, but their contracts were terminated in October this year due to seasonal closure.

They claimed that the company proceeded to employ new workers to perform the same duties without recalling or prioritising former workers with experience.

Spokesperson of the former temporary workers, David Shikongo, said, "This constitutes an unfair labour practice, a violation of the principles of fairness, equity and good faith, and a circumvention of labour protections afforded to long-serving temporary employees."

The former employees further alleged that the company deducted tax from their wages but failed to pay the money over to NamRA, as they were informed that there is no record of the agency receiving the contributions.

"The combined effect of sudden job termination, replacement with new employees, and inaccessibility of tax refunds has caused severe financial, emotional and social hardship. This has affected us and our families, particularly in the current economic climate."

The former workers have requested the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations to conduct a full investigation into their allegations and to facilitate their reinstatement at Hangana Seafood.

Chief Arbitrator of the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Liwela Sasele, noted that, "I will make sure that it is delivered to the Minister. We will stamp it, give you another copy, and the original will be delivered to the minister's office."

The group also handed over a petition to the management of Hangana Seafood.

"We want our jobs back; please make sure that you give us proper feedback soonest, as I said before. This is the second petition to Hangana Seafood," said David Shikongo.

Christian Thindjavata is the HR Business Partner of Hangana Seafood.

"We hear your concerns. We hereby receive your petition, which will be handed over to management and responded to appropriately."