To mark Labour Day 2024, UnionAID brought together unionists and activists from Indonesia and Aotearoa New Zealand, united in their fight against exploitation in the fishing industry. The well-attended event showcased the strength of cross-border solidarity and collective action for workers’ rights.
The event centred around a screening of “Before You Eat”, a documentary exposing the harsh realities faced by Indonesian crew members on foreign fishing vessels, followed by a panel discussion that highlighted the strength of international collaboration.
“What happens in the issue that we’re campaigning on is happening at sea. No one can see that. And then it’s our task to bring that closer to the audience and add the sense of urgency among the policymakers to do something and to create a change,” said Vela Andapita from Greenpeace Southeast Asia, who moderated the discussion.
The power of collective action was evident as speakers shared their work. Through SBMI (Indonesian Migrant Workers Union), they have successfully handled 747 cases and secured 3 billion Rupiah in compensation for workers through both non-litigation efforts and court actions.
Miftachul Choir from Destructive Fishing Watch Indonesia emphasised the importance of worker-led solutions: “They understand the day-to-day situation, they know the context, and they know what kind of solution and alternative they would like to see.”
Maritime Union of New Zealand’s Victor Billot reinforced the crucial role of international solidarity: “Our job is to support them in any way we can. It’s been a real honour to be here tonight with some people doing some fantastic, important work for working people and fisheries workers.”
As Vela Andapita concluded: “We’re fighting against big, big industry, big companies, big nations… but as long as we keep fighting they’re not winning yet… Thank you very much once again for still being here doing what we do, working together, fighting for the future we always dream of, which is a more fair and just fisheries industry, and a more sustainable ocean.”
Support UnionAID’s project with Destructive Fishing Watch Indonesia
