Several civic groups including the Forum Silaturahmi Pelaut Indonesia (FOSPI), an association of fellow fishers from Indonesia, Global Labor Justice-International Labor Rights Forum (GLJ-ILRF), and the Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) held a press conference for the “Wi-Fi Now For Fishers’ Rights at Sea” campaign in Taipei on Friday, calling on the government to take action to protect fishers’ human rights in cyberspace. More than 20 other civic groups attended the gathering to show solidarity.
Founder of the HRC Mina Chiang (江玉敏) pointed out that ensuring rights to access Wi-Fi for workers at sea is a key to protect labor rights and mental health for the fishers. Chiang said setting up Internet access on board could help make fishers feel less isolated, and could reduce cases of forced labor.
Representative of FOSPI Achmad Mudzakir pointed out that there are about 22,000 fishermen working on 1,100 fishing vessels in Taiwan, among which about 2,300 are FOSPI members. FOSPI often receives various complaints and distressing news. Mudzakir cited several recent troubling news of suicide and missing crew members. FOSPI advocates for the importance of having Wi-Fi since neither the union nor the authorities have offered their support in a timely manner.
Taiwan’s fisheries agency has been encouraging shipowners to set up Wi-Fi on board by offering subsidies with their terms being quite flexible. Shipowners that allow workers access to the Internet for five minutes a week can apply for subsidies. Yet, as of now, setting up Wi-Fi access is not mandatory for shipowners.
FOSPI shared that the advocacy team will meet with Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) for further discussion next Monday. FOSPI also thanked fellow fishers, shipowners, and individuals and organizations for their support.