The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has raised alarms regarding the exploitation of Filipino migrant fishers working on Chinese vessels. Despite documented instances of abuse, WCPFC Executive Director Dr. Rhea Moss-Christian noted that no formal complaints have been formally submitted to the Commission during a recent press briefing at the WCPFC22 event in Manila.
Addressing questions about the newly introduced crew labor standards aimed at eradicating abuse, forced labor, and unsafe working conditions, Dr. Moss-Christian highlighted an awareness of the troubling reports of exploitation. She pointed out, “There have been reports, there are documented cases of exploitation of Filipino migrant fishers on Chinese vessels,” but emphasized the importance of the absence of formal complaints to the Commission.
In response to inquiries regarding the implementation timeline for the labor standards set to begin in 2024, Dr. Moss-Christian revealed that full enforcement is not expected until 2028. She clarified that the extended timeline is intended to provide member countries adequate time to align with their national legal requirements and preparations, although countries have the option to adopt the standards sooner.
Preparatory measures for these labor standards are currently underway, with collaboration from organizations like Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) focusing on the working conditions for fishers. The issue of labor abuse affecting migrant workers, especially from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Pacific island nations, has garnered concern from regional governments, labor unions, and human rights advocates.
The initiative by the WCPFC to establish binding labor standards represents a pivotal move towards improving crew welfare. This new regulation, which targets the rights of migrant workers, stipulates essential requirements concerning contracts, wages, safety, medical care, and mechanisms for reporting abuse. This development not only aims to bolster labor conditions within the fishing industry but also signals a growing acknowledgment of the rights and welfare of the most vulnerable workers in this sector, offering hope for a more equitable future in the industry.