A FISHER union has been set up to look into the unfair treatment of Fijian workers on foreign vessels.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh said the Fishers Union had been activated through the Fiji Trades Union Congress, with additional support from the International Labour Organization.
“This is not an easy issue, these workers are out at sea, employed by foreign vessels,” he said.
For years, Mr Singh said, there was no organisation to address the issues faced by Fijians working on foreign fishing vessels.
“We are exploring the best ways to help them.”
He said the Government was working closely with agencies to support Fijians working on foreign fishing vessels.
“The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is responsible for these workers, and we work closely with them.”
He assured that efforts were ongoing to improve the welfare and rights of these fishermen.
