On May 27, the World Maritime University (WMU) released a report titled “Charting the Distinct Rights of Sea Workers in European Waters: A Focus on Decent Working Time,” commissioned by the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The study highlights the stark contrast in treatment between sea workers and their land-based counterparts, revealing their exclusion from various EU directives and substandard working conditions.
The report underscores that maritime governance prioritizes commercial interests over the health and safety of seafarers, leading to chronic overwork that jeopardizes their well-being and maritime safety. Current regulations allow sea workers to work up to 91 hours per week, significantly exceeding the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) recommended limit of 48 hours. Alarmingly, over half of sea workers report working more than 72 hours weekly, with 11.7% exceeding 91 hours.
Additionally, the study reveals significant gaps in EU labor protections for seafarers, who lack provisions related to night work and are excluded from several EU labor instruments. This raises concerns about jurisdiction in private employment disputes, indicating that existing frameworks are inadequate for addressing the unique challenges faced by maritime workers.
