Irish fishing vessels docked at port. (Photo: Stock File)

Migrant crew exploitation on Irish vessels continues, according to a report

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 01:00 (GMT + 9)

A new investigation on migrant fishermen working on Irish boats has revealed that severe underpayment, discrimination and exploitation are still rife in the industry.

The research was carried out by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) through in-depth interviews conducted in two phases with thirty fishermen.

The MRCI analysis shows that 65 per cent of the surveyed fishermen work more than 100 hours a week and that they receive an average wage amounting to EUR 2.82 per hour. Besides, it has found that discrimination, exploitation as well as verbal and physical abuse are common.

“Ireland cannot be proud of the food we produce unless we respect the people who produce it,” stated Edel McGinley, MRCI Director.

“Fishing is a tough job in a complex industry, and it’s even more difficult and dangerous for migrant fishers enduring chronic underpayment and shockingly long hours,” the director added.

The MRCI recalls that a Government task force was set up in 2015 following revelations in the Guardian newspaper that exploitation and signs of trafficking were evident across the Irish fishing industry.

This new report reveals that the Atypical Working Scheme developed by the taskforce has in fact compounded problems.

Edel McGinley continued, “As a result of this scheme, these skilled and experienced fishermen are being paid minimum wage for a 39-hour week – while, like all fishers, working much longer hours. This means their actual hourly pay is less than EUR 3.”

“This must be an immediate priority for Minister Heather Humphreys; people need to be sure that the Irish fish they buy is exploitation-free,” pointed out McGinley.

All in all, the report recommends that the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation should promote specific regulation in the sector - with relevant parties - in the form of a sectoral employment order or Joint Labour Committee, which sets out terms and conditions, and pay to ensure a basic wage and commission based on shared catch.

In addition, it considers that the Marine Survey Office should have responsibility for coordination of compliance in the sector and that the Atypical Working Scheme should be replaced with an immigration permission that ensures non-EEA fishers are paid equally and can move freely between employers.
 
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