Seafarers’ bill of rights - to come into force

“Seafarers’ bill of rights” to come into force

     The ITF and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) have applauded the entry into force in 12 months’ time of a key International Labour Organization (ILO) convention, which provides seafarers with rights and protection.

     The ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention 2006 was ratified by 30 ILO member states, the latest being Russia and the Philippines.

     The ITF and the ISF emphasise that the MLC, 2006 has been dubbed the "fourth pillar" of shipping regulation – alongside the International Maritime Organization, Safety of Life at Sea, Prevention of Pollution From Ships and Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping conventions. It is likely to be strictly enforced by flag states and port state control.

     Dave Heindel, chair of the ITF seafarers’ section, commented: “The MLC – the seafarers’ bill of rights – is a genuine agent for real change. It has the potential to make a real difference to all seafarers, regardless of nationality or the flag of the ship on which they serve. Its entry into force will be the culmination of over 10 years of collective effort by the ILO social partners. At last, we will have a ‘one stop shop’ for labour standards, which we are confident will be genuinely implemented and enforced on a global basis. It means that all seafarers should soon be able to enjoy comprehensive protection of their fundamental rights. It also means good employment practice across the industry so that responsible employers, as represented by ISF, are not disadvantaged by the irresponsible minority.”

     ISF labour affairs committee chairman, Arthur Bowring, stated: “This convention […] means that the labour standards which we have all agreed can be supported by governments, shipowners and seafarers giving us a uniform global framework of sound employment standards that is required by both shipowners and seafarers.”

     Under the tripartite ILO process, the ITF and ISF were responsible for negotiating the text of the convention with governments, on behalf of maritime employers and seafarers’ unions, prior to its adoption in 2006.