ILO, ICS, and ITF celebrate 20 years of the Maritime Labour Convention, emphasizing its role in enhancing seafarers' rights and working conditions.
The International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) issued a joint statement on the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006). The statement highlighted the critical role of the convention in improving decent working conditions at sea and strengthening social dialogue in global maritime transport.
The joint statement emphasized that the MLC modernized approximately 70 different maritime labor regulations by consolidating them into a single, comprehensive international framework. It was noted that the convention established binding minimum standards in areas such as wages, working and resting hours, health services, accommodation conditions, the right to repatriation, and social welfare. This has created a clear and consistent global foundation for decent work at sea.
The statement reminded that the adoption of the MLC was made possible through constructive and close tripartite cooperation among governments, shipowners, and seafarers, and recorded that this joint determination ensured that the convention provides strong protections while being applicable on a global scale. It was emphasized that this spirit of cooperation continues to play a central role in maintaining the strength and relevance of the convention.
The statement pointed out that since the convention came into force, there have been tangible improvements in living and working conditions on ships, with compliance being strengthened through flag and port state inspections and a structured mechanism for addressing emerging new issues being established. It was expressed that with amendments adopted in the last decade, financial security protections have been enhanced, support has been provided to seafarers in cases of abandonment and criminalization, and additional measures have been introduced against violence and harassment on ships due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The statement noted that geopolitical uncertainties and climate change have significant impacts on maritime transport and seafarers, reiterating the joint determination to ensure that the MLC remains strong and is fully implemented.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary, the organizations called on countries around the world to recognize seafarers as 'key workers.' The statement emphasized that the maintenance and enhancement of MLC standards are vital for the dignity and welfare of seafarers as well as for the resilience and stability of global trade.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
