The Fiji Fishing Industry Association (FFIA) has unveiled new Social Policy Guidelines aimed at promoting socially responsible and sustainable practices within the longline tuna sector. These guidelines are a significant step towards improving labor conditions and ensuring the welfare of workers in the industry.
The guidelines clearly articulate expectations for fishing companies and align the sector with global labor and human rights standards. They address six essential areas: occupational health and safety at sea, forced and child labor, employment contracts, corporate responsibility and transparency, as well as freedom of association and collective bargaining. This initiative is designed not only to tackle existing social challenges within the fishing sector but also to enhance compliance with international market demands, ultimately boosting the global competitiveness of Fiji’s tuna products.
Mere Lakeba, managing director of Conservation International’s Pacific Environment Impact, emphasized the importance of these guidelines, stating that they reflect a renewed commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of workers dependent on natural resources. Lakeba noted that the guidelines reaffirm a commitment to integrity and social support systems for vulnerable groups.
FFIA president Radhika Kumar expressed that the guidelines are pivotal in improving working conditions and the well-being of seafarers. By adhering to these protocols, companies can ensure that their employees operate in safe, fair, and dignified environments while protecting their rights and welfare. This move is anticipated to contribute to a sustainable and ethical maritime industry where professionalism and human rights are prioritized.
Developed through consultations involving government ministries, international partners, industry representatives, and workers’ unions, these guidelines are part of a five-year memorandum of understanding between Conservation International and FFIA under the Jurisdictional Initiatives for Tuna Project. The guidelines will be accessible on both organizations’ websites.
This initiative offers a hopeful outlook for the fishing industry in Fiji, as it not only strives to enhance worker protection but also promotes sustainability and ethical practices which are essential in today’s global market.
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