A key step toward better working conditions for fishers and stronger international labour standards. The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) welcomes the ratification of the ILO Convention No. 188 on “Work in Fishing” by Belgium and Côte d’Ivoire. Each new ratification strengthens the Convention’s role as a global benchmark for ensuring decent working conditions in the fishing sector.

Seafarers are often labelled as a “special case” and excluded from legislation protecting workers’ rights in land-based sectors, undermining their rights and protection. This must stop – seafarers are not second-class workers and should be covered by the EU legislation minimum standards applicable to all workers.

Cristian Castaño, FSC-CCOO, reflects on the globalised nature of shipping, international legislation, and the protection of seafarers’ rights.

The ETF and Europêche share a Q&A document about the ILO “Work in fishing” Convention 188, covering subjects such as the scope of the convention, working and rest time, and enforcement.

An ILO webinar on COVID-19 and maritime labour issues took place online this morning, with representatives of various industry stakeholders taking place, including Nautilus International, ETF affiliate, represented by Mark Dickinson.

The ETF welcomes the green light of the Italian Government for the ratification of the ILO Convention 188 “Work in fishing”. The ETF, together with ITF, will continue to ask as many countries as possible to ratify the Convention 188 and properly implement it. The Convention is a fundamental international instrument to protect fishers’ working conditions and rights.

Now it’s time to ensure that governments in Europe ratify and implement the Convention. The ETF Women’s Committee urges all ETF trade unions to promote fair and violence-free workplaces for women transport workers.