German shipowner prohibits seafarers from contacts with trade union representatives

The captain of the bulk carrier Bulldog (flag of Liberia, IMO 9728136) told about that to the Inspectors of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia when they visited the vessel for inspection. 

The bulk carrier is moored at the coal terminal of the Vostochny port under a coal loading. The registered owner of the vessel is Tau Ship holding Ltd, the operator and beneficial owner is Blumenthal JMK GMBH & CO KG, both located in Hamburg. 

Insurance Certificates are available on board. There is no collective agreement on board. 

According to Nikolay Sukhanov, FETO SUR Chairman, the crew of the MV Bulldog consists of 21 seafarers: the Captain, Chief Mate and Second Engineer are Ukrainians, the Chief Engineer and Electrician are Russians, the Third Engineer is Sri Lankan, the remaining 15 seafarers are Filipinos. 

The Third Officer got the SUR representatives into the mess room and asked them to wait for the captain. While waiting, the Inspectors talked to some crew members and answered their questions. Meanwhile, the captain contacted Blumenthal and informed them that trade union inspectors had arrived on board. 

Having received their instructions, the captain came to the mess room and told that the German shipowner prohibited them from engaging with trade union representatives and, even more so, from showing any documents related to the vessel, in particular, the working conditions of crew. However, the captain was happy to talk about other topics. He said that he was originally from Odessa, but currently lives with his family in Romania. The captain added that the relationship between Ukrainians and Russians on board the vessel is working, there are no any troubles.

-Though the inspectors couldn't examine the crew's individual contracts, they drew the attention of seafarers to the fact that their vessel is flying a flag of convenience, - Sukhanov said. - Maritime trade unions advocate that the salary for an AB Seaman working on board such a vessel should be at least USD 1,836. 

Besides, the SUR representatives emphasized that the ban on joining a trade union is a gross violation of human rights. 

The seafarers asked the SUR inspectors to send a notice to Blumenthal with a proposal to enter into negotiations with the seafarers' union and sign a collective agreement that would significantly improve working conditions on board the vessel. 

Before leaving, the SUR Inspectors handed the crew members fresh magazines "Maritime Unions Herald" and books on the rights of seafarers working on FOC vessels. Also, they invited the off-duty seafarers to visit International Marine Club of Nakhodka, there is a free bus that can take them there upon a request.

By the way, the Club is very popular among Filipino sailors. Over the past year, more than 3000 Filipinos visited it. The crew of the bulk carrier Bulldog thanked the SUR representatives for their support. 

Photo: FETO SUR