The Unique Union of Workers of New Boats of Peru (SUPNEP), which has more than 2,300 members nationwide, announced protest measures against the proposal of the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) to increase 400% fishing rights, since its implementation will affect the pockets of all fishermen in the industrial sector.
Franklyn Gonzales, general secretary of SUPNEP, informed that the Board of Directors is evaluating the date of the mobilizations that will take place simultaneously in Lima and Chimbote, given the attitude of the Minister of Production, Raúl Pérez - Reyes, of not answering the various meeting requests to discuss this and other issues that affect fishing workers, such as the Fisheries Retirement Fund.
"We regret that PRODUCE, on the other hand, calls a leader of another union with no representativeness in the sector, to support a proposal that turns its back on the working class," he said.
Gonzales estimated that the 400% increase in fishing rights will be equivalent to US $ 23 million in additional expenses for the fishing companies where their members work. "If we take the 10% corresponding to profits for the workers, we have around 8 million soles that will stop perceive the fellow fishermen, "said the leader.
He indicated that, thanks to the collective agreement between SUPNEP and the companies, the union members can work ashore during the closed seasons, where they receive a salary and its benefits, as well as effective days for their profits. "Also in this case they will be affected in their income," he said.
Gonzáles commented that the more the state chokes the companies, the more it will cut the income of the workers. "In times of crisis we have asked the State to implement social assistance policies for the fisherman, because, just as we contribute to the GDP in good fishing seasons, the State must be reciprocal and help us in times of lean times, "he said.