Nautilus International, the union representing maritime professionals, has voiced its support for new measures by the UK government aimed at strengthening seafarers’ employment protections. These efforts are part of the draft Employment Rights Bill, which is poised to introduce a range of new safeguards for those working in the maritime industry. The bill focuses on enhancing laws around collective dismissal and securing wage protections for seafarers, marking a significant step forward in ensuring fairness in this sector.
Key Measures in the Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill, which will be introduced in Parliament this week, includes key provisions designed to safeguard seafarers’ rights. Among the most significant proposals is the move to eliminate the controversial practice of “fire and rehire.” Under this new legislation, employers will need to prove that there are no viable financial alternatives before terminating employment contracts, ensuring that workers’ rights are prioritized during periods of financial uncertainty. This provision aims to provide maritime professionals with greater job security, preventing companies from unfairly dismissing workers.
Another vital element of the Bill is the closure of a legal loophole that was exploited by P&O Ferries in 2022. Under the new law, vessel operators intending to dismiss 20 or more employees will be legally required to notify the UK government in advance. This measure ensures that collective redundancies within the maritime industry are better regulated, preventing operators of foreign vessels from bypassing UK employment laws.
A Victory for Seafarers’ Rights
Martyn Gray, Director of Organising at Nautilus International, praised the UK government’s efforts in delivering these crucial reforms. He noted, “We commend this government’s swift action in delivering these important first steps towards employment reforms within its first 100 days in office. Banning meaningless fire and rehire, a damaging practice that has caused widespread instability for maritime professionals, is a victory for seafarers’ rights and a strong message of fairness and respect for all workers.”
Gray also highlighted the significance of new wage protections included in the Bill. The legislation ensures that all seafarers working regularly on ferries in UK waters will receive at least the national minimum wage. This development addresses longstanding concerns about wage exploitation in the industry, particularly for foreign workers who have often been paid significantly less than their UK counterparts.
The Path Forward: Further Safeguards Needed
While Nautilus International welcomes these measures as a major step forward, the union is continuing to advocate for additional protections for seafarers. The current Bill represents only the first stage in what Nautilus hopes will be a comprehensive reform of employment rights for maritime workers. As the Bill moves through Parliament, the union will push for further safeguards to ensure that all seafarers, regardless of nationality or the flag their vessel flies, are afforded the same level of legal protection and dignity.
“This is just the beginning,” Mr. Gray added. “We will work closely with lawmakers as the Bill moves forward to ensure it delivers the strongest possible protections for seafarers and maritime professionals. We remain committed to ensuring that the maritime industry is fair, equitable, and safe for all who work in it.”
Commitment to Engaging Stakeholders
Nautilus International has expressed its commitment to engaging with the government and other key stakeholders throughout the legislative process. The union’s goal is to help create a robust legal framework that not only protects seafarers from unfair treatment but also guarantees fair wages and holds employers accountable for any violations of workers’ rights.
In collaboration with lawmakers, industry leaders, and maritime workers, Nautilus aims to secure comprehensive protections that will make the maritime sector a more stable and fair environment for professionals. The union looks forward to the opportunity to shape these new regulations and ensure they offer lasting benefits to the workforce.
In conclusion, the new measures proposed in the Employment Rights Bill represent an essential milestone in advancing seafarers’ rights in the UK. By advocating for even stronger safeguards, Nautilus International remains dedicated to improving the working conditions and protections for all maritime professionals. The union will continue to fight for fairness, justice, and dignity within the maritime industry as the legislative process unfolds.
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Source: Nautilus International
