Fishermen protesting at the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) factory in Addu city Hulhumeedhoo have cut off electricity and climbed through the windows of the locked canteen, MIFCO said today.
In a message sent to the media, the state-owned fisheries company said that operations at the Addu Fisheries Complex (AFC) have temporarily come to a halt due to the protest. The fishermen have also threatened to take the factory under their control at 4 pm after forcing out employees, the company said.
On Saturday, protesters broke into the locked canteen through the windows and ate the food there, MIFCO said. Moreover, employees were forced to sleep outside on sailcloth last night after electricity was cut off at their accommodation block, MIFCO informed the media.
"AFC employees have been sleeping outside on sailcloth. The basic needs of employees have not been met, such as eating and using the toilet," the MIFCO message read.
About 100 employees work at MIFCO's Addu factory.
MIFCO factory workers sleeping outside.
Moreover, electricity was cut off at the factory last night as the company feared the protest could escalate and lead to damage to property and staff after the restoration of power upon request by police angered protesters.
"The demand of the fishers is to keep electricity cut off at the accommodation, admin building and cafeteria," MIFCO said.
The company paid out MVR 46 million owed to fishers before the Eid holidays, MIFCO said. A quick solution will be found after discussions with the government on releasing the remaining payments, the company said.
MIFCO urged the fishermen to continue their protest peacefully.
The company appealed against protesting in a manner that caused damage to property and deprived employees of food and shelter. MIFCO said it would work together with the relevant authorities to do whatever was necessary for the sake of its employees.
Police officers have been active at the Addu Fisheries Complex but police have not decided to obstruct the protest.
Police appealed for cooperation from fishermen with measures taken to ensure security in the area. Police also urged protesters to respect laws and regulations and to protect public interest.
