The UK and France this week unveiled a new charter calling for broader protections in the global shipping industry for seafarers.

The voluntary program had already received commitments from four major operators – DFDS Ferries, Condor Ferries, Brittany Ferries, and Stena. The UK government had previously promised to take a series of measures following last year’s mass firing of 800 crew members by P&O Ferries without prior notice.

The charter requires employers to pay seafarers for overtime (1.25 times the basic hourly rate), provide adequate training and development, and allow seafarers to receive social security benefits. It requires employers to consider fatigue and safety when scheduling shifts, allow adequate rest periods, and carry out regular drug and alcohol testing.

The new program was announced during a meeting in France on July 24 that was attended by UK Maritime Minister Baroness Vere and France’s State Secretary for the Sea Minister Hervé Berville. This followed a meeting earlier this year by the UK’s Transportation Secretary Mark Harper and his French counterpart Clément Beaune at which the two countries agreed to collaborate to improve conditions for seafarers employed on vessels sailing in the English Channel.

“Fair pay and protection against unlawful discrimination are the basic rights of any employee. Our seafarers deserve nothing less,” said Baroness Vere. “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.”

Another key element responding to union concerns is explicit language in the charter indicating that employers must not use threats of dismissal to pressure employees to accept new terms of employment. The charter calls for “honest and open discussions” between employers and representatives of the seafarers.

(Photo Gimeilo Abuda-ITF)