THE WALVIS BAY FISHING STRIKE OF 1968
Although it is not known exactly when the strike began, or how many workers were involved, it is known that it started during the week of June 17th and that more than 1000 workers were involved, with the number increasing as the weeks went by.
Although many of these workers belonged to different ethnic groups, it was reported in the Namib Times of Friday, 21st June that:"Several hundred Ovambos employed in the canneries went on an ‘unofficial strike’ this week". This specific strike however, differed from many others as it was more organised and the workers knew exactly what they wanted and would not go back to work until their demands were met. It turned out to have negative implications for these contract workers as over a thousand contracts were terminated and the workers sent back to Ovamboland. The Walvis Bay Fishing Strike of 1968 was a result of contract workers wanting all hours worked after 5 p.m., including all night shifts to be regarded as overtime and paid out accordingly. The Namib Times of Friday June 21st 1968 stated the reason for the strike as follows: "The Ovambos are objecting to certain conditions of employment, one of which they are demanding that night work be considered overtime. Details regarding other demands put forth by the workers are sketchy". The Namib Times reported that seven pilchard-processing companies were affected, i.e. Overtone, West Coast, Tuna and Namib, Oceana, New Western, Suid Kunene and Two Factory Ships. Another article, which appears in the Windhoek Advertiser of the 22nd July 1968, named one of the harbour companies affected by the strike as Steve Doring Pty Ltd.
As attempts to try and resolve the strike failed, the authorities called in the Ovambo chief to try and persuade the workers to get back to work to no avail. The strike was reported to have cost N$10 000 a day for each cannery..[1]