EU sets about tackling working conditions in the fishing industry

The European Commission (EC) has adopted a proposal for a new directive that aims to improve the working conditions for the bloc’s fishermen.

The move follows an agreement that was reached three years ago to align European Union law with the Working in Fishing Convention 2007 of the International Labor Organization (ILO). Once adopted, the directive will implement the social partner agreement, which provides for a higher level of protection for E.U. fishermen.

"Protecting our workers and their wellbeing is a priority for the Juncker Commission. More than 100,000 people in the E.U. work in the fisheries industry, often under difficult circumstances at sea. The accident and injury rate can be 15 times higher compared to other sectors,said Marianne Thyssen, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labor Mobility. "Today's proposal will help to reduce the risks that fishermen face at work. The proposal is based on an agreement of the European sectoral social partners and an excellent example of their ability to work together to improve working conditions."

The proposed directive will improve the living and working conditions of fishermen. It includes minimum requirements for work on board (e.g. minimum age, medical certificate, information in the employment contract), conditions of service (working time limits, right of repatriation), accommodation and food and occupational safety and health protection, including medical treatment on board and ashore.

Furthermore, the implementation of the social partner agreement in E.U. legislation is expected to set an example for third countries to ratify the 2007 ILO Working in Fishing Convention. This is particularly relevant in the context of the fight against illegal fishing.

"The E.U. is leading the global fight against illegal fishing activities. IUU activity hurts the health and safety of fishermen. Today's proposal will improve the working conditions of fishermen at sea, reduce the incentive for illegal fishing and ensure a healthy and sustainable fishing industry that continues to attract skilled and qualified workers," said Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

The European fisheries industry is the fourth largest in the world, supplying around 6.4 million metric tons (MT) of products each year.

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