Maritime Labor Convention 2006
Comes into Force
August 20th of 2006 was widely covered worldwide by the media, with the entry into force of the new International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Founded in 1946, the ILO is the UN agency responsible for the promotion of worldwide dialogue on work related issues, labour rights, social conditions, as well as the formulation of specific programs and legislations.
The ILO works through what is called a tripartite system - that is, through a dialogue between three social partners: employers, employees and governments. The ILO has been always interested in the particular category of maritime labour, incorporating what was done by the League of Nations before the birth of ILO in the period between the two World Wars.
The maritime work is considered to be a sector worthy of special attention and protection because seafarers operate in a particularly difficult and dangerous environment. It is worth mentioning, in this regard, that a study carried out by the English Maritime Authority has revealed that the rate of mortality in the field of maritime transport is 12 times higher than that in the manufacturing sector - a percentage that, respectively, is disproportionately 81 times higher when it comes to the fishing sector.
In addition, the ship owner's image has changed throughout the years for various reasons. He is no longer the experienced and reliable manager that has an affiliation with his crew for reasons of familiarity and responsibility. Furthermore, the supervision of maritime labour, conducted by the national authorities, is diminishing
in many cases. The merchant fleets are no longer managed
by governments of maritime Nations (with their significant experience in carrying out such a task), but are registered with States that do not have the slightest will to effectively exercise supervision over ships flying under their flag....
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