Maritime Union media release for immediate release Monday 9 October 2006

Maritime Union congratulates Government action on overseas fishing crews

The Maritime Union says the new rules to improve wages and conditions
for overseas fishing crews announced today are good news for workers.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the announcement
means the industry will be brought into line with the rest of New
Zealand business.

"Despite a co-ordinated campaign by special interests in the
industry, the Government has made the right decision and the
principled decision."

Mr Hanson says the move will lead to improvements in conditions for
overseas crew, meaning less cases of abuse and shipjumping.

"Local workers will once again be able to afford to seek work in the
fishing industry."

Mr Hanson says there is a lot of work that needs to be done but the
groundwork is in place.

"The Maritime Union believes that this move is a positive one for the
future of the New Zealand fishing industry and those who work in it."

ENDS

© Scoop Media