Under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (‘MLC’), a seafarer has the fundamental right to:
- associate and to bargain collectively. This is the right to join a trade union of choice and to bargain collectively.
- freedom from forced labour. This is the right not to be treated as a slave.
- not to be subjected to child labour.
- the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
The MLC deals with related rights such as a seafarer’s right to an employment agreement, wages and regulated hours. These and other related matters are subject to routine inspection and certification.
As to the right to associate and collective bargaining, see article III(a) MLC and two other International Labour Organisation (‘ILO’) conventions (ILO C87 and ILO C98) that deal with the right to associate and collective bargaining. As to freedom from forced labour, see article III(b) MLC. There are two other ILO conventions (ILO C29 and ILO C105) that deal with freedom from forced labour. As to prohibition of child labour, see article III(c) MLC. As to freedom from discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, see article III(d) MLC. There are two other ILO conventions (ILO C100 and ILO C111) that deal with freedom from discrimination.
For more information
See the ILO Frequently Asked Questions (section C5.2) at http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/maritime-labour-convention/what-it-does/faq/WCMS_177371/lang–en/index.htm
July 2014