There is no more funding support from the Labor Federation, and no official regulations, so the activities of the fishing union face many difficulties.
14 years ago, Binh Thuan was one of two provinces in the country that the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor allowed to pilot the establishment of a fishing union (FFU).
"Freeze" activity
Initially, the establishment of the fishing enterprises contributed to raising awareness among fishermen and building harmonious labor relations between workers and boat owners. This was a fulcrum for taking care of fishermen’s lives and protecting their legitimate interests. The fishing enterprises also actively contributed to protecting the environment, fishing grounds, aquatic resources, protecting security and order at sea and sovereignty over sea and island borders. However, over time, the fishing enterprises in Binh Thuan have mostly remained… in name for many reasons.
In August 2012, Phan Ri Cua Fisheries Association (Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan province) was provisionally established with 10 boat units and 151 union members. Recalling the early days of its establishment, Mr. Vo Mao, Chairman of Phan Ri Cua Fisheries Association, said that the birth of the union was like a breath of fresh air, promoting solidarity among fishermen. "When it was first established, in addition to funerals and weddings, the Fisheries Association also regularly held meetings every two months to discuss business at sea and disseminate regulations on exploitation at sea. It was very united," Mr. Mao recalled.
Authorities present flags, lifebuoys and necessities to members of fishing unions in Binh Thuan
The activities of the NDNC were maintained for about 5 years, then the funding from the Binh Thuan Provincial Federation of Labor stopped supporting them. At this time, the NDNCs in the province in general operated with great difficulty and at a standstill. Up to now, after nearly 8 years, the Phan Ri Cua NDNC only exists in name, and in reality has not organized any meetings or union activities for members. "After cutting off the funding support from the Provincial Federation of Labor for the NDNCs, the reorganization of the union's activities has not been carried out. I myself really want to maintain the NDNC, but without funding and without attention, it is very difficult" - Mr. Mao added.
According to Mr. Le Ngoc Linh, Chairman of Tuy Phong District Labor Union, when Phan Ri Cua Fisheries Association was established, the gathering of fishermen, dissemination of policies and laws at sea and care for policies were better. It is clear that local boats are united, helping each other to exploit at sea, and violations of IUU have also decreased significantly. However, after about 5 years of operation, the Fisheries Association began to show difficulties. "The lives of union members and workers depend mainly on the weather and fishing grounds; organizing meetings and activities is very difficult. Moreover, when the Executive Committees of the Fisheries Association have not been closely monitored, the activities gradually become formal, so they cannot attract union members to participate" - Mr. Linh said.
Need to have operating regulations soon
Currently, in Binh Thuan province, there are 5 offshore fishing groups with 548 members from 55 offshore fishing vessels participating. According to the Binh Thuan Provincial Federation of Labor, since its establishment, the offshore fishing groups have been supported in kind and in cash, worth more than 4 billion VND, because the Binh Thuan Provincial Federation of Labor has actively mobilized agencies, units, and enterprises inside and outside the province to sponsor. In addition, the Provincial Federation of Labor directly supports and equips 32 VX 1700 communication devices on fishing vessels and onshore (1 shore station in La Gi town), life buoys, and disease prevention medicine; pays 50 hull insurance, 2,000 crew accident insurance, and provides financial support for sunken vessels, damaged fishing gear, and crew members in accidents, etc.
However, due to limited financial resources, the staff of the Fishermen's Union are not entitled to responsibility allowances according to the regulations of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor. In addition, most of the Fishermen's Unions do not have financial resources, which affects the implementation of emulation movements and participation and organization of activities. In addition, due to the nature of fishermen's labor, the content and methods of operation of the Fishermen's Union in general are still confusing, and the regulations on coordination of activities between trade unions at all levels are not specific and clear, leading to many difficulties in organizing and operating the activities of the Fishermen's Union. In particular, although the Fishermen's Unions have been established for more than 10 years, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has not yet issued official regulations on the operation of the Fishermen's Union.
Faced with the above difficulties, the Binh Thuan Provincial Federation of Labor said it would focus on strengthening and perfecting the organization and promoting the activities of the Fisheries Association in order to meet the aspirations and wishes of union members. In addition, it would proactively arrange and allocate reasonable time for the Executive Board of the Fisheries Association and ship owners to fully participate in trade union training courses; training courses for captains, chief engineers of fishing vessels and expertise in seafood catching techniques and fishing expertise.
Need regulations on revenue generation
According to the Binh Thuan Provincial Federation of Labor, in the near future, the unit will study and propose to the competent authority regulations on revenue generation for the type of non-traditional fishing vessels to have operating funds. In particular, in addition to union dues contributed by union members, the unit will study contributions from profits from sea trips and other legal sources of revenue to create operating funds. In addition, the Provincial Federation of Labor will strengthen social security activities, care for and improve the quality of material life, helping non-traditional fishing vessel union members feel secure in going out to sea and sticking to the sea.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/chong-chenh-nghiep-doan-nghe-ca-o-binh-thuan-196250305211423117.htm
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