The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has acknowledged concerning reports of exploitation involving Filipino migrant fishers on Chinese vessels. Despite these documented cases, Executive Director Dr. Rhea Moss-Christian indicated that no formal complaints have been presented to the Commission regarding the working conditions of these fishers. This revelation came during the WCPFC-22 conference held in Manila.
Dr. Moss-Christian addressed queries about the newly adopted crew labor standards by the Tuna Commission, which were enacted to combat issues of abuse, forced labor, and unsafe working conditions in the fishing industry. While there have been serious allegations regarding the treatment of Filipino workers in China’s fishing fleets, she stressed that none of the cases have been formally brought before the WCPFC.
The new labor standards, although validated in 2024, will not come into effect until 2028, allowing member countries time to integrate their national requirements and prepare adequately. However, Dr. Moss-Christian noted that countries are permitted to implement these standards earlier if they choose to do so, and some have already expressed their intention to proceed ahead of schedule.
Preparatory efforts are currently in progress to facilitate the implementation of these new standards, with collaboration from Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). These new labor standards aim to establish the first binding regulations in the region designed to safeguard the welfare of fishing crews. They will stipulate minimum requirements related to contracts, wages, safety, medical care, and reporting mechanisms for cases of abuse.
The growing concerns regarding labor abuses, particularly among migrant workers from the Philippines, Indonesia, and various Pacific Island nations, have prompted increased scrutiny from Pacific governments, worker unions, and human rights organizations. The establishment of these standards represents a hopeful step toward improving the conditions for vulnerable migrant fishers and ensuring their rights are protected in the industry.
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