DAY OF THE SEAFARER 2021

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2021 :: RMTnews 11 RMT marked Day of the Seafarer on June 25 by making a call for ratings to join a trade union to secure a fair future in the shipping industry. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that seafarers in the UK had a bleak future let alone a fair one as investment in training for the next generation of ratings was practically non-existent. “Seafarer exploitation is endemic, from the offshore energy supply chain to the short sea ferries which sustained our economy throughout the pandemic. “The number of UK ratings in employment or training has fallen by an estimated 10 per cent during the pandemic but those jobs have not left the country for ever, they are returning but are now filled by seafarers on sub-minimum wage, anti-union voyage contracts with little or no protection. “RMT urges all ratings and officers in the UK and across the world to join a trade union to deliver the fair, safe and sustainable shipping industry that is in all of our interests. “The current path is set by shipowners and they are banking on the current generation of Ratings leaving the industry without a fight. That would lead to a disastrous future of even longer hours, job cuts, fatigue and low pay for seafarers. Joining a trade union is the best way for seafarers to fight back collectively against this race to the bottom. “We know that shipowners and crewing agents rely on discrimination against seafarers to profit from an economically essential industry, yet governments across the world sit back and let it happen. A concerted industrial response from seafarers is essential to end nationality-based pay and other forms of seafarer discrimination which the Maritime Labour Convention does not currently address. “International regulations should not deter domestic governments from investing in jobs or training for Ratings on international routes. “The government here has extended the National Minimum Wage to seafarers on domestic routes but cases like the Glomar Wave, the growth of low cost operators like Irish Ferries and exploitative rates of pay being offered by crewing agencies demonstrate the need for further legislation and increased enforcement of current National regulations to close the many loopholes within the industry to secure a fair future for Ratings in the UK with quality jobs, decent rates of pay, pension provision and safe roster patterns. “On Day of the Seafarer 2021, RMT sends a clear message to seafarers in the UK and across the world that the road to a fair future will only be travelled together – join a union,” he said. The World Maritime University (WMU) and the ITF Seafarers’ Trust has launched the ground- breaking online Maritime Welfare Professional Development Programme (MARI-WEL) to be offered free of charge in recognition of the Day of the Seafarer and the ongoing sacrifices seafarers are making during the COVID- 19 pandemic. This year’s Day of the Seafarer theme, ‘A Fair Future For Seafarers’, recognised that seafarers deserved much greater appreciation for the essential work they do and a much better treatment as “key workers” as they enable global trade. Those charged with promoting the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers, and especially those serving the needs of seafarers during the global pandemic, must also be recognised and applauded. As a result, WMU and ITF Seafarers’ Trust are offering free access to the complete MARI-WEL programme. Developed by WMU, in collaboration with the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, MARI-WEL is delivered by distance learning via an innovative online portal consisting of a series of videos, lectures and activities – enabling participants to follow the programme from anywhere in the world. MARI-WEL is designed to meet the needs of anyone who works with or interacts with seafarers, both onboard and onshore. This includes ship management companies, crewing agencies, port chaplains, and welfare providers. The MARI-WEL programme is comprised of three in-depth modules that provide a wealth of invaluable information covering: • International/Interagency regulation and collaboration relating to seafarers • Psycho-social and occupational health relating to seafarers • Crew and resource management and land- based welfare relating to seafarers WMU president Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry said that the course was designed to develop people with an interest in seafarers’ welfare. “With the dire situation seafarers have been facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now, more than ever, seafarers’ welfare should be of great concern to all. It is their dedication and perseverance that has kept global trade moving despite a pandemic that has substantially changed our world,” she said. Katie Higginbottom of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust said that the course would be particularly useful for those wishing to improve their skill set and get a better understanding of the challenges facing the world’s seafarers. To learn more and to register for the MARI-WEL programme email: katie@seafarerstrust.org or phone 07909 806647. DAY OF THE SEAFARER 2021 SEAFARERS – JOIN A UNION FREE ACCESS TO MARITIME WELFARE TRAINING