FAWU Secures Relief Fund For Lobster Fishers

The Food and Allied Workers’ Union ( F.A..W.U.) has once again been victorious in advancing and championing the interests of the working class.

Following very challenging wage negotiations with Oceana Lobster, a division of Oceana Group, the 78- year old militant union has successfully used its influence to ensure that a cautious settlement agreement on revised wages and other substantive terms and conditions of employment was signed.

Our members are Oceana Lobster have gained a 7,5% per hour guaranteed  increase will be applied to all rates across -the board from the 1^st July 2019. Another major gain as able to make in the negotiations was that the company will continue the granting of a “supplementary off-season allowance” in favour of all seasonal workers. These workers will be credited with 18% of their gross earnings to supplement benefits available from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The intention is for this fund, plus supplementary allowance to be used to assist such workers during the periods of the closed fishing seasons.

Amongst the things we pride ourselves over this victory is that this giant, powerful organisation successfully entered into an agreement for a “Relief Fund” , whereby both parties agreed that the company will consider a system of continuous income by ensuring that every seasonal employee will be paid at least 16 hours per week, during the inn-season period. We are pleased that after stormy years and a lengthy battle, we have finally won the “Relief Fund” which means no week shall pass by with no pay for our members and without being able to put food on the table, even though they are seasonal employees. Currently our members are earning R 46.80 per hour, this therefore means there is a guaranteed income of R 748.80 whether there is production or not.

This victory is a stepping stone and has emboldened us to continue to fight to improve conditions for all workers within the fishing industry. We call on workers not to repent, even amidst intimidation tactics by management, but to join this fighting union because when workers speak with a united voice their demands are achievable. As FAWU we will never desert or betray workers in the hands of the bosses, we shall continue to be their shield and spear at the point of production.

We also dedicate this sterling victory to our late beloved comrade Mthunzi Mhlakane, who sadly passed away in 2014 having started the negotiations for a “Relief Fund”. Wherever he is in the nooks and crannies of the universe, he joins his comrades in celebrating this ground-breaking victory for our members. Amandla!

Written by FAWU Fishing Sector Organiser Zolani Mbanjwa on 082 494 7940.