What Happened
In April this year, the Indonesian government ratified the 2007 International Labour Organization (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention, also known as ILO 188. This ratification marks an important step towards strengthening labour protections in the fishing sector.
The ILO 188 Convention seeks to establish minimum standards for occupational safety and health, fair wages, decent working conditions, social security, legal protection, and adequate rest for workers in the fishing industry. With the ratification, the Indonesian government has one year to prepare for the implementation of the convention, including reviewing existing regulations that govern the recruitment, training, certification, and management of fishing crews.
Why It Matters
For crew members like Endi, who work in difficult and hazardous conditions, the ratification of ILO 188 may mean a significant improvement in their working conditions and wages. Endi, 42, shared his experience working at sea, highlighting that despite low wages, he remains grateful to have a job.
The implementation of the convention may help ensure that fishing industry workers have access to safer working conditions, fair wages, and social protection, which can have a positive impact on their lives and those of their families.
The Mechanism/Science Behind It
The ILO 188 Convention is based on principles of international labour law and aims to protect the rights of fishing industry workers. The convention addresses issues such as occupational safety and health, crew recruitment and training, vessel certification and management, and social and legal protection for workers.
The implementation of the convention requires collaboration between governments, worker organizations, and private companies to ensure that the established norms and standards are respected and applied.
Broader Context
The ratification of ILO 188 by Indonesia is an important step towards strengthening labour protections in the fishing sector, but it is not an isolated event. The fishing industry is one of the most hazardous and exploited in the world, with thousands of workers facing difficult and hazardous working conditions every year.
The implementation of the convention may help improve working conditions and protect the rights of fishing industry workers, but it also requires collaboration and commitment from all parties involved, including governments, worker organizations, and private companies.
What Happens Next
With the ratification of ILO 188, the Indonesian government has one year to prepare for the implementation of the convention. This includes reviewing existing regulations, training officials, and collaborating with worker organizations and private companies.
The implementation of the convention may face challenges, including resistance from some companies and a lack of resources to ensure the effective application of the established norms and standards. However, the ratification of ILO 188 is an important step towards strengthening labour protections in the fishing sector and can have a significant positive impact on the lives of fishing industry workers.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay.