Maritime Union congratulates Government action on overseas fishing crews

The Maritime Union says the new rules to improve wages and conditions for overseas fishing crews announced today are good news for workers.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the announcement means the industry will be brought into line with the rest of New Zealand business.

“Despite a co-ordinated campaign by special interests in the industry, the Government has made the right decision and the principled decision.”

Mr Hanson says the move will lead to improvements in conditions for overseas crew, meaning less cases of abuse and shipjumping.

“Local workers will once again be able to afford to seek work in the fishing industry.”

Mr Hanson says there is a lot of work that needs to be done but the groundwork is in place.

“The Maritime Union believes that this move is a positive one for the future of the New Zealand fishing industry and those who work in it.”