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.
