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The ITF today applauded port state control in Canada and Denmark for their action in detaining two vessels under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) – and pointed out how the detentions prove the new convention’s potential.
In Canada the Lia M was detained, and in Denmark the Atlantic Carrier (see www.maritimedenmark.dk/?Id=17137) was held. Both were stopped over lack of employment contracts. In the case of the Lia M crew complaints included unpaid wages, a ‘collective bargaining agreement’ that lacked the vessel name, a date or a wage scale; crew with no money, no shampoo, toothpaste or other items; a crew member who had twice been refused access to a doctor; and crew members having been forced to sign blank contracts.
Following the intervention of PSC and the ITF both vessels are now MLC compliant.
ITF seafarers’ section chair Dave Heindel commented: “It’s great to see the MLC in action. These were serious infringements and remedial action has been swiftly taken. These detentions should be a wake up call to shipowners who are not complying with the MLC, and a further reminder to those countries who haven’t yet ratified of why they need to.”
The ITF is supporting the MLC with a range of advice and materials designed to help seafarers understand and apply it. These include a dedicated web area complete with advice and Q&As at www.itfmlc.org.
ENDS
For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk
International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail@itf.org.uk
Web: www.itfglobal.org