A mão-de-obra da indústria pesqueira na Amazônia

Abstract

Fishery is a very important sector in the Amazon area. Commercial and subsistence fishing activities account for the main job opportunities in the sector, and fishing industries are the greatest income generators for the local population. The fishing industry in Amazon, however, struggles with several difficulties regarding raw-material and training. The seasonality of the species affects the production systems of the companies, which, in their turn, must shift their staff according to the commercial species. Because of this dynamics, some fishing companies use a rotation system, hiring during the harvest season and firing during the period between harvests; other companies use a working load system, keeping a steady staff and making up for the extra working hours during harvest by granting non working hours during the period between harvests. In general, due to this seasonality, fishing companies staff are low qualified and have lower hygiene standards. Uncertainty in keeping jobs, on the other hand, does not motivate employees to training. Some companies policy include keeping a steady staff. Such companies waste less raw material and their employees are better trained and are adapted to higher hygiene standards. In order to maintain a steady staff, these companies must develop a broader fishing strategy during the period between harvests.