Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Fishermen's Articles of Agreement Convention, 1959 (No. 114) - Panama (Ratification: 1970)

In the comments it has been making for several years, the Committee has drawn the Government's attention to the need to adopt measures for the application of Article 3, paragraph 4 (adequate provision in the national law to ensure that the fisherman has understood the agreement) and Article 6, paragraph 3(a), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (i) (particulars to be specified in the agreement) of the Convention. In its successive reports, the Government indicated that a new model fishermen's contract was being prepared and that a preliminary draft Bill for fishermen had been worked out with the cooperation of an ILO expert. This draft took account, in particular, of these provisions of the Convention. In 1988 the Government indicated that the Directorate-General of Consular and Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury would take the necessary measures once the system of engagement on board cargo ships had been defined. In its last report, the Government states that the above Directorate has not adopted any model fishermen's articles of agreement and that any such measure must be taken in consultation with the parties concerned.

The Committee hopes that these consultations have begun and that, in its next report, the Government will indicate the progress made in the application of the above-mentioned provisions of the Convention.

The Government is asked to report in detail for the period ending 30 June 1993.