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RMTnews :: may 2005
18
DISCRIMINATION against
seafarers is permitted through
an exemption in the 1976 Race
Relations Act. The government
have now been forced to
concede a further review of
sections eight and nine of the
Act and a consultation
document is expected very soon.
However, RMT has sought
legal advice and the union have
been advised that the
discrimination on pay rates is
not permissible under the EU
Free Movement of labour
provisions. This confirms a
recent statement made by the
EU Transport Commissioner.
AMMENDMENTS
In 2003 the government
amended the 1976 Race
Relations Act and the exemption
allowed for seafarers who are
recruited abroad to work on UK
ships. Despite attempts by the
government to pretend that the
legislation was being brought
up to modern day standards, it
still permits shipowners to
utilise foreign national seafarers
on UK ships on exploitative
rates of pay and long tours of
duty.
The amended Race Relations
Act made clear that the
exemption is based on domicile
as opposed to race, colour or
ethnic origin which was
previously permitted. In practice
the discrimination is still based
on nationality but the seafarers
have to reside and be recruited
abroad in order for the
exemption to apply,
discrimination on other grounds
is not allowed.
RMT has continued to raise
this discriminatory legislation
when campaigning for UK
seafarers employment. The issue
was recently highlighted by the
TUC Deputy General Secretary
Frances O’ Grady at the RMT
Parliamentary Biennial General
Meeting.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Arising from a statement by
the European Commission
transport spokesperson,
government lawyers have been
forced to examine whether UK
SHIPPING
The RMT campaign to end the continued
discrimination against seafarers under the
above Act is gathering pace
RMT BATTLE
DISCRIMINATION
AGAINST SEAFARERS