Nautilus International, the union for maritime professionals, has warned that the Seafarers’ Wages Act will not stop another P&O Ferries from happening again, says an article published on All about shipping.
Mass-sacking of seafarers
The Seafarers’ Wages Act received royal assent and became law on 23 March 2023. The act forms part of the government’s nine-point plan in response to P&O Ferries mass-sacking of 786 seafarers in March 2022.
Bilateral agreements
The union has welcomed the legislation that aims to ensure maritime professionals working onboard vessels that are regularly docking in UK ports are paid at least the UK minimum wage.
However, it warned that the legislation is not enough to stop another P&O Ferries from happening again and has called on government to implement a mandatory seafarers’ charter backed up by bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries.
Aim of legislation
Nautilus executive officer Martyn Gray said: “Nautilus International welcomes the passing of the Seafarers’ Wages Act. We support the aim of this legislation to ensure workers on vessels that are regularly docking in UK ports are paid at least the UK national minimum wage.
Exploitative crewing model
“However, the Seafarers’ Wages Act will not, by itself, force a change to P&O Ferries’ exploitative crewing model or stop another P&O Ferries from happening again. Government must do more to end the race to the bottom in terms and conditions for maritime professionals exacerbated by P&O Ferries. This must start with implementing a mandatory seafarers charter, backed up by bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries, that ensures wages and safe roster patterns reflective of local standards, not international minimums.”
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Source: All about shipping
