The ITF has praised the recent updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) that officially recognize seafarers as ‘key workers’ by the International Labour Organization (ILO). During a meeting of the ILO’s Special Tripartite Committee on the MLC, governments, shipowners, and unions gathered to review and adopt crucial amendments aimed at improving the working and living conditions of seafarers. These changes include designating seafarers as key workers, ensuring better protections such as improved access to medical care, smoother travel arrangements, and stronger support in crisis situations.
Mark Dickinson, spokesperson for the Seafarers’ Group and ITF Seafarers’ Section Vice Chair, highlighted the significance of this recognition, stating that it marks the first time seafarers have been referred to as key workers in any ILO instrument. The move comes in response to the challenges faced by seafarers during the Covid-19 pandemic, with efforts made to prevent such situations from occurring again. The updated MLC also includes provisions to prevent violence and harassment, clarify guidelines on shore leave, and enhance onboard health protocols.
Notably, the revised Code now includes a commitment to review and enforce regulations on seafarers’ hours of work and rest in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address issues of fatigue. Additionally, guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers in legal matters have been reinforced to protect against criminalization and unjust treatment. Furthermore, resolutions have been proposed to address broader concerns such as seafarer abandonment and the human element in maritime safety, extending the mandate of the ILO-IMO working group.
