A total of 168 employees were on Saturday recognised and awarded for their dedication and loyalty towards tuna-processing factory Indian Ocean Tuna (IOT), part of the Thai Union Group, during the organisation’s annual long-service award ceremony.

As is customary, employees who have served the organisation for 30, 25, 20 and 10 years were rewarded for their continuous contributions to the development of the IOT business, in the presence of Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Myriam Telemaque, among other invited guests.

General manager of IOT, Nichol Elizabeth, in his address thanked the employees for dedicating the best years of their lives to IOT, urging them to keep contributing towards the company who “puts its people first”.

“On behalf of Thai Union, we all appreciate and value you, the biggest assets for the company. IOT is made up of local people and expatriates from many countries all over the world and we must continue in the spirit of cohabiting together. This is your time to celebrate your sacrifices and that of your families, who support you in your journey,” Mr Elizabeth noted.

Mr Elizabeth continued on to talk about the major capital investments undertaken by IOT over the past year, noting €15 million in capital projects inclusive of the recently constructed expatriate employee accommodation on Ile du Port which totalled in at €5 million (R70 million).

“It is the basis of our company to make you, our expats, have better living conditions. We want to be the leader in Seychelles, in terms of migrant labour. We have come far, we have to keep our people happy in this company, in order to make this country competitive and productive. We are serving the European market, the biggest market in tuna consumption, we produce for big brands and supermarket chains and we cannot leave our people behind,” Mr Elizabeth further added attributing the firm’s successes to the efforts and productivity of its employees.

Minister Telemaque also addressed the awardees and employees commending IOT for being an exemplary organisation.

“All the employees who are today being recognised for their long service, I want you to know that I am really proud of you. We salute you for your efforts and thank you for your contribution, perseverance so that today you can reap the benefits,” she said.

“As an employer, IOT does and has done a lot to ensure its employees remain motivated. Other companies should follow their lead and their good practices so they too can have the same successes by a workforce that is engaged,” she said.

Employees were then presented with their certificates and prizes by Mr Elizabeth, Minister Telemaque and officials from the department of Employment.

Ten employees received certificates, a monetary compensation and a trophy for having served the organisation for 30 years while five others were recognised for 25 years of service.

Sixty employees were recognised for being with the company for 20 years and a further 93 for 10 years of service.

Awardees also had the chance to win some exciting prizes in a raffle draw. Prizes included several return air tickets to destinations including Dubai, Mauritius, Bombay, Johannesburg, or Antananarivo, sponsored by different airline operators. Other prizes included vouchers from travel operators.

Laura Pillay

The employees who have clocked 25 years of service in a souvenir photograph with guests (Photo: Jude Morel)

Complements of Seychelles NATION