Gendev Fishing acting Managing Director Deon Grünschloss has called for a joint effort between government, the union, employees and management to secure sufficient fishing quota for the company following the resolution of the workers’ strike.

Speaking to workers after the end of the industrial action, Grünschloss said he appreciated that the dispute had been brought to an end, acknowledging that the strike had been difficult for both the company and its employees.

He said the successful implementation of the agreement would require cooperation between the Erongo Governor’s Office, the union, shop stewards, employees and management.

According to Grünschloss, securing adequate fishing quota should be a priority to ensure the company’s future operations and its ability to meet the commitments arising from the agreement.

He called for the company to look beyond its traditional reliance on horse mackerel and explore opportunities involving other species.

“Not only on horse mackerel, let’s look at other species as well,” he said, mentioning hake, pilchards.

He expressed confidence that, with the assistance of the governor, the various stakeholders could work together to establish a sustainable way forward.

His comments come as Gendev workers return from a prolonged labour dispute that centred on wages and employment conditions. The settlement between the company and employees has ended the strike, but both management and workers have stressed the importance of rebuilding the company and ensuring its future viability.

Grünschloss thanked the stakeholders for their involvement, emphasising that cooperation would be essential in moving the company forward following the dispute.

By Rudi Bowe