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.”