IEC materials to promote decent work in the fisheries industries in Namibia

Blurb: The EU funded Sustainable Supply Chains to Build Forward Better project in Namibia has developed information, education and communication materials (IEC) to support the promotion of compliance to national and international standards as well as decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.

Windhoek, ILO News) In their bid to promote decent working conditions in the fishing industry in Namibia, the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation (MLIREC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) developed some information, education and communication materials (IEC).  Developed under the SSCBFB (Sustainable Supply Chains to Build Forward Better) the materials are intended to promote compliance with labour laws and regulations of the country. The materials were designed to address various aspects of decent work, employment conditions, occupational safety and health for workers and management in the industry.

An official handover ceremony was held at the Windhoek Country Club.

Both the MLIREC and the ILO were represented. Among them were Mr. Ontniel Podewiltz, the Acting Executive Director of MLIREC; Ms. Aune Mudjanima, the Director of Labour Services; Mr. Jeremia Namalenga, the Public Relations Officer; and from the ILO, Mr. Adolphus Chinomwe, the Senior Programme Officer; Mr. Oliver Numwa, the National Project Coordinator; and Mr. Helmut Kafita, the Programme Assistant.

The  materials include the "Namibia Field Guide on Labour Inspections on Board Fishing Vessels" which provides inspectors with the necessary tools to conduct effective labour inspections on fishing vessels at ports, with regards compliance with national labour laws and maintaining consistent standards.

"Basic Employment Conditions for Decent Work in the for decent" is a comprehensive leaflet outlining the fundamental employment requirements for promoting decent work  both on-shore and off-shore, based on national and international labour standards.

The importance of safety at sea for fisheries workers  is highlighted in "How to Stay Safe While Working on a Fishing Vessel at Sea." It outlines the essentials of occupational safety and health that support the well-being and security of those working on fishing vessels.

A deep-dive research report from a comprehensive study of the sector carried out early in the project,  was also unveiled. It highlights challenges and opportunities for decent work in fishing supply chains and provides evidence that form the basis for policy advice, capacity development and other interventions by the government and the industry’s stakeholders to advance decent work. The recommendations in this report were particularly helpful in response to the COVID-19 crisis, which enabled the supply chains to be more resilient, fair and sustainable.

Furthermore, a guide based on national laws and Convention No. 188 that assist states in exercising their jurisdiction and control over vessels by flying their national flags as well as ensure compliance was also launched. This is titled "Guidelines on Flag State Inspection of Working and Living Conditions on Board Fishing Vessels."

Mr Otniel Podewiltz, the Acting Executive Director of MLIREC, concluding the ceremony expressed gratitude to the ILO and the SSCBFB project saying: “your dedication and support for our labour market by creating these vital materials is highly commendable.  We note that more materials to support the promotion of compliance and decent working conditions will be developed and as a country, we do appreciate the significance of our collaboration in elevating the working conditions and well-being of the fisheries sector for our country.”   

Representing the ILO Mr Adolphus Chinomwe, Senior Program Officer of the ILO, echoed Mr. Podewiltz's sentiments and further said “thematerials should prove beneficial to both employers and workers. As the ILO we look forward to the government's upcoming information and awareness campaigns for the fisheries sector. The various levels of the working force should benefit from the materials which will play a crucial role in influencing their livelihoods and working conditions of those working in this sector. Our collaboration has set a shining example of how joint efforts can foster positive change and create an environment that enables decent work in an industry that is part of the backbone of the nation's economy. Let us maintain the same momentum and collaboration as we implement Phase 11 ”.

Materials Handover, ILO - Ministry of Labour Industrial Relations and Employment Creation - YouTube

Keywords:

Fishing industry, conditions of work, occupational safety and health, fishing vessels, IEC materials, Namibia.