Labour standards compliance is key to build a sustainable supply chain in the fishing sector

Indonesia is one of the largest fish producers and one of the most fish-dependent nations in the world, employing 2.1 million workers in wild capture fisheries alone. However, despite as a source of livelihood, the fishing industry is characterized by poverty and poor working conditions, especially at the lower tiers of the supply chain in rural areas and puts women workers at a further disadvantage.

To improve the labour laws compliance and working conditions in this sector, the ILO co-hosted a national event with the Indonesian Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI) from 8-9 December in Jakarta. The other goal was to develop a sustainable supply chain as it is the strong driver of financial value for the business.

The support of the ILO is given through its Improving Workers’ Rights in Rural Sectors of the Indo-Pacific with a focus on Women Project . Funded by the US Department of Labour (USDOL), the project works closely with regional and country level partners to achieve improved working condition, especially for women workers in the fishing and palm oil sector through labour laws compliance particularly on the occupational safety and health (OSH) and gender equality.

In this two-day event, over 50 members of AP2HI learned about the standards that protect basic workers’ rights, enhance workers' job security and improve terms of employment on a global scale as well as gender equality and non-discrimination in the context of the future of work. The members acknowledged labour standards weigh on the whole of any company’s sustainability footprint and failures within global supply chains contribute to financial risk, decent work deficits and to the undermining of rights at work.

Participants of the national workshop of AP2HI.Tedy Harmoko, General Manager of PT. NutrindoFresfoodInternasional, reconfirmed the harsh working conditions in the fishing industry. Thus, maintaining a safe and healthy environment at work has become a top priority for many fishing companies that rely on the commitment from both employees and management.

“The workshop provided by the ILO reminded us of the principle to put people first. Promoting labour standards compliance in the ever-evolving world of work is a way to attain the goal of decent, sustainable supply chain,” added Tedy.

The event also focused on labour standards on OSH and the ILO tools to improve the knowledge on the issue—the ILO’s E-OSH Learning , an online learning system to enhance knowledge and understanding of both workers and management regarding OSH principles.

Fransiska Sonya Puspita, Sustainability and FIP Officer from PT Pahala Bahari Nusantara, a frozen pre-cooked tuna loins processor company, highlighted the importance of OSH and employment. “For the next step, I would introduce the E-OSH Learning in my workplace to increase and invigorate the OSH awareness of management and employees,” she stated.