Brussels, 14/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 14 January, the European Parliament approved the draft decision authorising member states to ratify, in the interests of the European Community, the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007, of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The report by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL, Portugal) on the draft was adopted by the overwhelming majority of 671 votes to 16, with 6 abstentions.
Convention N° 188 on work in fishing had to be adopted after the ILO consolidated convention on maritime work, which did not include fishing in its scope, was adopted in February 2006. This fishing sector convention takes account of various aspects of the industry: improving facilities and safety at work, remuneration, medical care at sea and on land, rest time, employment contracts and social security.
On the same day, Parliament also adopted a resolution presented by the EP employment and social affairs committee approving the proposal for a directive implementing the agreement concluded by the European Community Shipowners' Association (ECSA) and the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) on the Maritime Labour Convention (2006). The resolution was passed by 646 votes to 20, with 5 abstentions. The EP believes that this agreement sets a fair balance between the need to improve working conditions and to protect the health and safety of seafarers. (L.C./transl.rt)