- ITF has called on Maersk to show responsibility for all its workers in its extended supply chain at sea and ashore.
- Maersk asked to make sure they have in place Personal Protective Equipment to protect against the transmission risks of COVID-19.
- Full pay to be provided in the unfortunate instances that a worker is infected or is into self-isolation as a precaution.
- To ensure the export and import of vital goods and medicines, crew changes must be carried out under proper infection control measures.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has called on Maersk to protect its workers in its extended supply chain at sea and ashore amid the coronavirus pandemic, says an article published in Safety4Sea.
ITF’s call for Maersk
The ITF made a statement to the AP Moller Maersk annual general meeting, after its calls for action in the wider transport industries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Responsibility
At this time of danger for the maritime industry, the ITF has called on Maersk to show responsibility for all its workers in its extended supply chain at sea and ashore.
Personal Protective Equipment
It called on the company to make sure they have in place Personal Protective Equipment to protect against the transmission risks of COVID-19.
Pay in unfortunate cases
It also urged for full pay to be provided in the unfortunate instances –
- if the virus is caught by any worker, or
- if that worker has to go into self-isolation as a precaution.
Crew changes
For ships to be able to sail to ensure the export and import of vital goods and medicines, crew changes must be carried out under proper infection control measures.
Increased restrictions
Sign on and off ships
According to ITF, because of an increasing number of restrictions being placed by national governments on movements in and out of their country, many seafarers are not able to move freely to safely sign on and off ships.
Identification of ‘key workers’
For this reason, governments need to identify the crucial role of seafarers in this crisis, and for them to be treated as ‘key workers’, regardless of nationality.
Flag states responsibility
ITF noted that along with maritime affiliates representing seafarers and dockers, they have asked the flag states to take proper responsibility for the wellbeing of all workers and passengers onboard their vessels when there are Covid-19 cases identified.
Operations with Melbourne port of convenience
In its statement to Maersk, the ITF also reiterated its concern regarding Maersk Line business operations with the Melbourne port of convenience.
ITF identified these issues and has recommended the company that it expects a constructive and committed ongoing dialogue to address them.
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Source: Safety4Sea
