In order to drive down labour costs, there has been an increasing reliance on migrant workers in the UK fishing industry, especially from outside of Europe.

Fishing is already a harsh working environment. For migrant workers in the industry, add systemic discrimination and exploitation of migrants including unethical recruitment, wage inequalities and excessive overtime. A lack of worker protections and oversight and a significant power imbalance between worker and employer mean these fishers have few options to raise grievances or access support.

For more information on how the loopholes in the immigration system facilitates this exploitation, read our briefing and recommendations to government:

The Worker-Driven Social Responsibility model originates in the US as the Fair Food Program.

The driving principle of this model is that workers must have agency in ensuring their rights are enforced. It establishes legally binding relationships between workers and buying companies.

Central to these agreements is a code of conduct developed by workers. It defines a minimum standard of good working conditions. Buyers provide material support to their suppliers to help meet the standards established by the programme, and cease business with suppliers who violate them.

An independent monitoring authority will provide workers confidence that their rights will be protected. This includes rigorous workplace inspections, and a trustworthy complaints and remediation process – all independent of the buyers and suppliers.

Central to all this is workers having the understanding and confidence in the protections they have won. This is achieved through regular peer-to-peer education about their rights and the procedures in the Worker-Driven Social Responsibility programme.

Currently, FLEX is engaging the migrant fisher community, community organisations and  charities on the ground in Scotland. This includes collaboration with a partner union that has been supporting fishers with cases of abuse and is prepared to serve as the Worker Organisation in the pilot. A draft code of conduct reflecting the needs and perspectives of migrant fishers is nearing finalisation.

We’re also working with various industry stakeholders to understand the supply chain relationships, as well as their perspectives and concerns. A number of seafood buying companies have voiced their commitment in principle to join the pilot, and some have started to engage in conversations with FLEX and/or the future Worker Organisation.