The wage dispute at Gendev Fishing Group has intensified after workers, represented by the Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union (NASAWU), rejected the company’s latest salary proposal despite a 24-hour deadline given by management.
In an internal memorandum dated 22 July, the company proposed increasing employees’ guaranteed monthly salary from N$3 850.95 to N$6 800, based on 195 working hours per month. The company described the proposal as a 120% salary increase. Workers were given until 8:30 on 23 July to accept the offer, failing which the proposal would be withdrawn.
According to NASAWU president Paulus Hango, none of the approximately 600 striking workers accepted the offer. Hango disputed the company’s calculation of a 120% increase, saying the proposal is linked to an increase in working hours rather than what the union considers a meaningful wage adjustment. “The union requested an 8% salary increase, but the company only proposed raising the hourly rate from N$29.60 to N$30,” Hango said. He further claimed that the company’s calculation includes housing and transport allowances, which he said makes the proposed increase appear larger than the actual wage adjustment.
The union is demanding a monthly basic salary of N$7 212.62, an increase in the annual transport allowance from N$950 to N$1 150, a 100% annual bonus, improved allowances, transport for both day and night shifts, a N$1 000 long-service award and annual provision of personal protective equipment. Gendev rejected several of the demands, citing financial constraints. The company proposed retaining the current transport allowance, paying a 50% annual bonus, increasing the strapping allowance to N$5 per hour, maintaining the existing cold allowance, continuing to provide transport for night-shift workers and paying a N$500 long-service award.
The wage dispute comes as Gendev is also dealing with other matters. Earlier this year, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered a forensic audit into the affairs of the majority state-owned company following allegations of financial irregularities. The allegations and the outcome of the audit should be distinguished from any findings that may ultimately be made. Gendev is also involved in a legal dispute with CitiProduce CC, which is claiming N$3.1 million over the alleged non-delivery of horse mackerel purchased in December 2025.
The matter was postponed to 30 July 2026 after Gendev filed an application for condonation relating to non-compliance with an earlier court order. The wage dispute remains ongoing.
By Rudi Bowe
