Fisheries workers 'need better rights'

Better protection is needed for labourers in the fishery sector, says the International Labour Organisation.

The Labour Ministry should standardise employment for workers in the sector, most of whom are migrants, the ILO's Nilim Baruah said.

Mr Baruah supervises the ILO's project, "Tripartite Action to Protect Migrants within and from the Greater Mekong Sub-region from Labour Exploitation".

He is encouraging employers to comply with the ILO's convention known as the Work in Fishing Recommendation No.199 by signing contracts with their employees.

The ILO is also encouraging employers in the fishery sector to adopt good employment practice.

If workers were treated fairly, they would reward bosses with increased loyalty, Songsri Boonba, deputy permanent secretary for labour said.

Mr Baruah met Ms Songsri yesterday to discuss how the Labour Ministry could help protect migrant workers in the industry.

The ILO also is working with Chulalongkorn University and the Employers Confederation to draft guidelines on standardising labour protection practice in all sectors.