FOA staff threaten industrial action

WALVIS BAY – Employees of the Fisheries Observer Agency (FOA) in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz have petitioned the ministry of fisheries and marine resources over stagnant salary increases, alleged financial mismanagement and poor working conditions.

The employees who protested in Walvis Bay on Friday are threatening industrial action if their grievances are not addressed within 14 working days.

Speaking on behalf of his fellow employees, Faustinus Mutangara said they are seeking urgent intervention from the minister to address concerns affecting their welfare and the functioning of the agency.

They are now calling for an urgent meeting with the minister and shop stewards to discuss the issues affecting the agency and its workforce.

According to Mutangara, they received a salary increase in five years, despite the rising cost of living and increasing financial pressure on their households. He said that they want a comprehensive salary review and the implementation of the salary structure that was developed after a job evaluation and grading exercise was conducted by Visions Consulting in 2011.

“The recommended salary structure was never implemented, and our salaries are determined at management’s discretion. Despite these challenges, we have been carrying out our duties, which are to protect the natural resources of our ocean,” he said.

Mutangara also said that the agency has been neglected by the government and the ministry despite rendering critical services to the fishing industry.

He told journalists that the agency has been operating without its own office infrastructure since its establishment in 2002, relying on rented premises in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.

“How can such a critical agency be underfunded and operate from rental spaces for a decade? he questioned.

The employees also expressed concern over delayed third-party payments, including bank loan repayments and insurance premiums, which employees say have resulted in penalties and additional charges from financial institutions.

The employees further questioned the governance of the agency, calling for an investigation into the appointment of its previous board of directors, which they allege was not in compliance with the Marine Resources Act.

They also want the minister to direct the agency’s chief executive officer to provide a comprehensive report on the alleged misappropriation of over N$316 000 by a former accountant.

The workers also called for a forensic investigation into the agency’s financial affairs, alleging that financial irregularities may have contributed to its financial difficulties.

Other concerns raised include alleged maladministration, the absence of an updated Integrated Strategic and Business Plan, and management’s alleged refusal to meet with shop stewards.

The employees also called on the ministry to investigate the agency’s financial affairs, which they claim have contributed to its insolvency.

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