SNP SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT DEMAND IMMIGRATION DISCUSSIONS
SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands Rob Gibson today welcomed Scottish Government efforts to ensure Scotland’s fishing industry is not left crewless by the decision of the UK Government to repatriate Filipino Crew members, particularly on Scotland’s north west coast as he raised the issue at First Minister's Questions.
In answer to a question from Mr Gibson First Minister Alex Salmond said Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead had requested an urgent meeting with the UK immigration minister to discuss the issue and to ensure there was a sensible period of adjustment to any new immigration rules.
Under UKBA’s current proposals there are fears parts of Scotland’s fleet could be shut down due to a lack of crews.
Speaking after FMQs Rob Gibson commented;
“The UK Government must agree to an urgent meeting to resolve what could be a devastating decision for Scotland’s fishing industry.
“The Scottish Government’s efforts to secure a meeting will be welcome news to the industry.
“The UK Government has acted with no thought for the consequences of their decision for Scotland’s coastal communities and fishing industry.
“There can be no delay in getting this issue sorted out.
“The efforts of the industry and the Scottish Government to encourage new domestic entrants are welcome however the Filipino crew members provide a vital service that supports our industry and the UK Government should not be able to bring an arbitrary end to that role.”
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MIGRANT WORKERS IN THE SCOTTISH AND IRISH FISHING INDUSTRY
ReplyDelete“Forced or compulsory labour or just plain modern day slavery”
Media Release
12/06/09
In response to Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond concerns about the impact of UK Border Agency plans to “deport crewmen” from the Philippines and the effect this may have on the Scottish fishing industry.
Norrie McVicar, ITF Coordinator for the UK & Ireland expressed his own concern today that the First Minister Alex Salmond has taken so long to be concerned about the employment status of migrant fish workers worker’s, which have up until now had no legal status whilst working in UK territorial waters.
He went on to say that the First Minister was invited by the ITF almost a year ago to arrange a meeting with his government representatives and the industry stakeholders to deal with the exploitation of migrant fishing crews, which was highlighted in the ITF Report on MIGRANT WORKERS IN THE SCOTTISH AND IRISH FISHING INDUSTRY “Forced or compulsory labour or just plain modern day slavery” but he chose to pass this on to the West Minister Government even though the main abuses where perpetrated in his own constituency.
The ITF affiliates fully support the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive Bertie Armstrong call to have non EU migrant fish workers to be protected by Border Agency work permit regime as this would be in line with the ITF Road Map referred to below;-
ITF UK & Ireland Migrant Fishing Crews Proposed Road Map 2008/2009
The ITF is calling upon the respective Government departments in Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and HMG United Kingdom to:-
• Review the application and procedures for “Work Permit and or Transit Visas” for non EEA migrant fishing crews.
• Explore and report on the labour supply and training difficulties faced by the “Demersal” fishing industry with regard to the apparent necessity to employ Non EEA migrant workers.
• Where necessary and/or appropriate to employ non EEA nationals as fishermen they should be protected against abuse and exploitation and given the full rights afforded to a migrant worker within the current “Work Permit Regime”.
• Identify and expose vessel owners and crewing agencies which are involved in the exploitation and humiliation of migrant workers and who fail to comply with Human Rights Treaties and Conventions adopted by the ILO/UN Organisations.
• Develop minimum standards of wages and conditions of employment based on the EU Free-Movement of Labour principles including the application of internationally recognised wages and conditions of employment for seafarers.
• Develop structures and mechanisms which will secure the fullest support of the Maritime Authorities to be more responsible for fishing vessels inspection and to provide and enforce appropriate health & safety and fishing crew training.
• Promote the ratification of “ILO Work in Fishing Convention No 188/2007” and to implement the Convention into national law.
For further information contact:
Norrie McVicar ITF Coordinator Mobile; +44 (0) 7768652257