Nautilus International, a trade union representing workers in the maritime industry, attended the annual Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Liverpool. The TUC unanimously supported two motions put forward by Nautilus. The first motion called for the TUC to campaign for a global review of ship registration practices and the enforcement of Article 91 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which requires a genuine link between the state and the ship. The second motion focused on a just transition for maritime professionals in the move towards greener shipping, calling for future-proofed training and skills, safety measures, international regulation for alternative fuels, and a support fund for those unable to make the transition.
Nautilus emphasized the need for the voice of seafarers to be central in the transition towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry. They called for a transition that is timely, democratic, safe, equitable, diverse, funded, and just. The union highlighted the importance of protecting the domestic shipping industry and campaigned for the enactment of cabotage laws in the UK. They argued that these laws would retain skilled maritime professionals, preserve maritime knowledge and technology, ensure fair competition, promote safety, and bolster national security.
The TUC, in collaboration with Nautilus, will work towards achieving these goals and supporting the maritime industry in its transition towards a greener future. Nautilus also emphasized the need for a just transition that includes the voices of workers and ensures that no one is left behind.
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