Trade unions do not approve of the practice of long voyages

The Seafarers Union of Russia reminds that only the presence of a collective agreement of the International Federation of Transport Workers on board makes the working conditions of crewmembers transparent, guarantees them the protection and support of the trade union and ITF inspectors around the world, establishes a decent level of remuneration not lower than international standards, insurance coverage in case of disability or death. In addition, the ITF collective agreement contains more careful requirements for the duration of the contract in relation to seafarers than in the Maritime Labor Convention.

Some time ago, a Russian seafarer turned to the SUR with a request to help to sign off from the m/v Capucine R. His contract was expired long ago, and the company only offered to extend it. Twice the seafarer agreed, each time signing a contract for a month. In total, he remained on board for seven months – a period not typical for officer positions, where contracts usually last four months (plus/minus one). Rather short terms are primarily related to the level of responsibility in the officer position.

Colleagues from the Italian FIT CISL helped to solve the problem as this trade union and the shipowner signed an ITF collective agreement for Capucine R. The seven–month stay on board ended immediately after the social partners discussed the situation that had arisen, which was unacceptable for the ITF.

It should be noted that the MLC allows a seafarer to remain on board of the vessel for a period of no more than 11 months. However, the ITF does not approve of the practice of long–term stay on board, and even more so the extension of service by prolongation of the contract. This is due to the fact that working at sea and separation from family provoke the accumulation of fatigue and stress. In addition, it negatively affects those sailors who are waiting to join the ship as a replacement. If it is postponed due to the fact that a crewmember on board has re-signed the contract, then the relievers lose his place on the ship and earnings.

It remains to add that literally two days after contacting the SUR, the Russian seafarer from Capucine R returned home. The very next day, he contacted the union again – this time to thank them for their prompt assistance.