ILO, ICS and ITF reaffirm commitment to MLC, citing its role in protecting seafarers and global trade.
On the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), the International Labour Organization (ILO) has called on governments worldwide to formally recognise seafarers as key workers, underscoring their critical role in sustaining global trade.
In a joint statement, the ILO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) said the MLC has delivered measurable improvements in living and working conditions at sea, strengthened enforcement through flag and port state control, and created a framework to address emerging challenges in shipping.
Since its adoption, the convention has been amended to introduce stronger financial security protections for seafarers, safeguards in cases of abandonment, measures to tackle violence and harassment on board ships, and additional protections during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Protecting and advancing the standards of the MLC is essential for the dignity and welfare of seafarers and for the resilience and stability of global trade,” the organisations said.
Marking the milestone, the ITF Seafarers’ Trust (ITFST) announced €500,000 in new project funding for the ILO to support institutional capacity building and strengthen protection of seafarers’ rights in the Arab world.
The trust said the grant adds to its support for an ongoing three-year MLC enforcement project with the International Training Centre of the ILO. The programme has completed its first year in the Mediterranean, is currently focused on the Indian Ocean, and will move next to the Viña del Mar region along Chile’s Pacific coast. ITFST also continues to support open courses delivered through the MLC Academy.
David Heindel, Chair of ITFST, said the convention’s design allows for continuous improvement but requires sustained technical support. “It is vital that the ILO is resourced to share its expertise and respond to requests from states facing competing priorities,” he said.
Katie Higginbottom, Head of ITFST, highlighted the vulnerability of seafarers in a global labour market. “Internationally agreed protections are essential, and we are proud to support the ILO in continuing the mission of the architects of the MLC,” she said.
The MLC has been ratified by 112 countries, covering 96.6% of the world fleet, and sets minimum standards for working and living conditions at sea. It remains under continuous review through tripartite negotiations involving governments, shipowners and seafarers, ensuring its relevance two decades after adoption.
Source: Seatrade Maritime news
