The results produced hardware tech for maritime communication—priced
around NT$220,000—supposed to reduce costs by 70% compared to
existing solutions.3
In February 2023, GLJ joined forces with other organizations,
including the Forum Silaturahmi Pelaut Indonesia (FOSPI), Stella Maris
Kaohsiung, the Taiwan Association for Human Rights (TAHR), and the
Serve the People Association, to launch the “Wi-Fi Now for Fishers Rights!”
campaign. This initiative urges the government to mandate Wi-Fi access
on distant water fishing vessels for migrant fishers. Its focus diverges from
previous campaigns that highlighted issues such as “blood-stained” fishing
grounds, physical abuse, illegal fishing, human trafficking, passport
confiscation, and withheld wages. Instead, advocacy groups in Taiwan are
increasingly directing the discussions towards a new issue, access to WiFi. Internet access is nearly ubiquitous for the general public, but Wi-Fi
remains an unattainable luxury for fishers working in remote seas that
could significantly reduce forced labor conditions. Many fishers report that
while at sea for stretches lasting between eight and fifteen months, they
cannot ascertain whether their hard-earned earnings are being sent to their
families. Furthermore, upon returning to shore, they often receive
devastating news, such as learning that their spouse has remarried or that
an elderly parent passed away. 4 By gaining access to Wi-Fi at sea, fishers
could monitor wage deposits in real time and lodge complaints against
unfair treatment. This connectivity would also allow them to share their
experiences with loved ones during downtime, foster morale, and empower
them to exercise their right to labor solidarity.
The push for Wi-Fi accessibility coincided with the debut of the legal
Taiwanese thriller series “Port of Lies,” which heavily highlighted the
Radio Taiwan International (May 18, 2022). “Connecting Fishers to the World: Taiwan Strait
Team
Project
Receives
AIT
Research
Funding.”
Source:
https://www.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2133291
4
Taiwan Association for Human Rights (February 20, 2023). “Offshore Fishers Cannot Wait
for Wi-Fi Access at Sea.” Source: https://www.tahr.org.tw/news/3322
3
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