New convention opens new era for millions of fishing people

The International Transport Workers' Federation has described the entry into force on the 16th of November of the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 – ILO188 – as having the potential to open up a new era for millions of fishing people worldwide.

The ITF has been an active supporter of the new convention from its birth to this new landmark point.

"Fishers work in one of the most dangerous and often unpoliced professions in the world. Far too many of them are scandalously and criminally exploited.

This should be a turning point in their lives," said Johnny Hansen, chair of the ITF fisheries section.

"Our hope is that ILO188 will begin a new era for fishers, that will help to improve conditions across the industry – including by tackling the grotesque and disgusting examples of overwork, non-payment of wages, forced labour and human trafficking that we and others have long fought to expose.

"For the sake of justice, human lives and a better industry, we call on states to ratify and implement this landmark resolution, and ask the ILO to actively promote it worldwide," he said.

The convention aims to ensure that fishermen have improved occupational safety and health and medical care at sea, and that sick or injured fishers receive care ashore, that they receive sufficient rest for their health and safety, that they have the protection of a written work agreement and the same social security protection as other workers.

ILO 188 also aims to ensure that fishing vessels are constructed and maintained so that workers have decent living conditions on board.