The UK government has launched a Seafarers’ Charter guaranteeing wages, hours of rest and training for thousands of workers in the maritime industry.
The move is part of the government’s response to the sacking of 800 workers by P&O Ferries last year without consultation or notice.
The announcement has been coordinated with the launch of a similar initiative by the French government during a visit to Paris by UK Maritime Minister Baroness Vere to meet with her counterpart Minister Herve Berville.
“Fair pay and protection against unlawful discrimination are the basic rights of any employee. Our seafarers deserve nothing less,” said Vere.
At this stage, the charter is voluntary and UK shipping companies are being encouraged to join.
“I therefore expect companies across the maritime sector to sign up to this charter, letting their staff know they’re serious about protecting their rights and welfare,” said Vere.
Under the charter, seafarers working in the UK will be guaranteed at least the minimum wage.
UK employers must not use threats of dismissal to pressurise employees into accepting new terms, and they should have honest and open discussions with their employees and representatives.
It sets a minimum overtime rate of 1.25 times the standard pay rate, and provides seafarers with a full-time indefinite contract and access to welfare benefits.
It also allows rosters to be adjusted to accommodate mental health, fatigue and safety, provides defined rest periods and allows for drug and alcohol testing.
UK Officers union Nautilus International welcomed the move but insisted that the charter must be made mandatory.
“To ensure maritime professionals on all routes in and out of the UK can benefit from the provisions within the charter, it must be mandatory as employers whose business model depends upon the exploitation of maritime professionals, will simply not volunteer to change,” said Nautilus secretary general Mark Dickinson.
The UK Chamber of Shipping said the charter would sit alongside best practice and guidelines developed in the industry while a 12-month review clause would allow any problems to be ironed out.
A spokesperson said: “This voluntary charter will be another tool in this area alongside the extensive guidelines and best practice the industry has produced in collaboration with unions and other partners over many years.
“With the charter due for review after 12 months it is important that any unintended consequences or areas for improvement are identified and resolved as part of the review process.”
