On May 1, the IUF-affiliated Tourism Employees Association of the Maldives [TEAM] and Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union [BKMU], the Yellowfin Tuna Fishers Union along with other sectoral unions in the Maldives held a rally to celebrate International Workers’ Day and raised demands for proper implementation of Industrial Relations and Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Following 11 years of union struggle in the Maldives, the Industrial Relations Act and Occupational Safety and Health Act officially took effect on January 2, 2024. As a result, the law now recognizes right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, health and safety rights and dignity of workers, a vital tool that all workers in the Maldives can collectively use to build union power to protect and advance their rights, improve wages and working conditions.
“Trade unions are essential for democracy; they advocate for rights to organize and strike as well as human & labour rights and freedoms. Decent work, job security and social stability are vital for the people of the Maldives” – TEAM General Secretary, Mauroof Zakir
Along with that trade unions called for fair pay, greater job security and creation of decent jobs and highlighted that workplace safety must be a priority in all industries. Employers and governments have an obligation towards workers to ensure their human right to safe work and environment.
On May 1, BKMU called for urgent action by the government to ensure that the Yellowfin Tuna Fishers receive fair price for their catch as agreed by the government. BKMU also called for greater government support in promoting sustainable development of the yellowfin tuna industry in ways that would provide greater benefits to fisheries workers and the people of the Maldives. BKMU members engage in pole and line fishing of yellowfin tuna and ensure sustainable catch.
