600 temporary workers at Hangana Seafood have officially submitted a petition to management claiming discrimination and unfair labour practices.

Many of these workers say they have been on temporary contracts since 2018 and now seek permanent jobs. 

They claimed that the company's approach to the government's redress programme favours new hires over long-serving temporary employees, despite their years of experience and service.

The workers say their employment status deprives them of job security and maternity and sick leaves, among others.

They also accuse the company of terminating contracts for female workers who go on maternity leave and penalising those who take off because of illness. 

Patrina Kamanya, group spokesperson, asked how long they must serve as casual workers before being eligible for permanent employment. 

"Temporary workers are often excluded from benefits and recognition; even when we get incentives or acknowledgements, we are overlooked simply because of our employment status. We believe that addressing these matters is essential for promoting a professional, fair, and dignified working environment, not just at Hangana Seafood, but across Namibia."

The temporary contracts are from two to six months, and most of the workers are on a no-work, no-pay contract principle.

Hangana's Human Resources Manager, Sonia Mattews, received the group's petition.

They also handed over the petition to the Ministry of Fisheries' Chief Control Inspector, Malcom Block, as well as to the Labour Inspector, Hiriua Koambo-Kazauana. 

They all promised to hand over the petitions to the relevant authorities.