Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana has emphasised the importance of ensuring that fishermen are given a fair deal in the international market.

The Minister said the fishing sector was extremely hazardous for workers and that the primary goal of the first discussion towards setting the proposed standard should be the regulation of fishers' working conditions.

Minister Mdladlana was speaking after being engaged in discussions in the Commission on Work in the Fishing Sector at the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, where he is attending the conference's 92nd session.

He said the first general discussion on the issue was underway and would be followed by a second general discussion at ILC 2005, where the standard would hopefully be ratified by the convention.

The Minister said it was vital that the new standard be as inclusive as possible in order to ensure the highest level of ratification by the members of the ILO.

Minister Mdladlana added that it was also important that the ILC go beyond merely integrating the existing standard but to also ensure that the new standard enhanced the fishers' rights.

He also said it was important to bear in mind that the formal work agreement that existed in the sector was much broader than an employment contract and it would impact on any changes to legislation.

"One of the challenges that I face is that important pillars of labour legislation, such as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS) do not apply to fishers in South African waters," the Minister said.

He said conditions of employment and wages were set by a bargaining council, but agreements were not currently being enforced.

"OHS matters are regulated by the South African Maritime Authority, and while it is generally recognised that OHS standards are good, this splintered approach is not ideal," said the Minister.

David Masango, BuaNews