Updates from around the globe on the ITF’s work to build a fairer, safer and more just world for seafarers. Our news section covers issues affecting all seafarers, wherever they may be, and what we’re doing to improve seafarers’ lives and jobs, now and in the future.
News
Wage theft exposed on BlueScope chartered ship
Wage theft aboard a BlueScope chartered foreign-flagged ship in Port Kembla has been exposed after intervention from the International Transport Workers’
Pirates and armed robbers still a threat off West Africa
Armed robbers continue to pose a threat to seafarers and shipping off West Africa, despite patrols by local navies.
Dozens of migrants drown off Djibouti
Dozens of migrants and refugees are feared to have drowned off the coast of Djibouti after two overcrowded boats capsized.
More people die in Mediterranean shipwrecks
About 170 people are feared to have drowned in two separate shipwrecks in the Mediterranean.
Cross-Channel ferry company flags out
The ferry company P&O is set to flag out its entire cross-English Channel fleet to Cyprus following more than 50 years of operating under the United Kingdom flag.
ITF opposes loss of Australian-crewed shipping service
The ITF has condemned the decision by the BHP company to cut the Australian crew from two iron ore shipping vessels and replace them with foreign crew on flag of convenience (FoC) vessels.
ILO aims for 100 states to sign MLC
2019 is the centenary year of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and it hopes to celebrate the anniversary by achieving 100 member states signing up to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006
ITUC joins opposition to BHP’s decision to end 100 years of Australian shipping
BHP Billiton the Anglo-Australian multinational mining company headquartered in Australia has dumped its Australian crew from two vessels that carried iron ore from Port Hedland in Western Australi
US seafarers come to the aid of stricken ship
The Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters (SIU) has revealed the role of its members in the rescue of crew from the stricken car carrier Sincerity Ace when fire bro
UK detains four foreign ships
The United Kingdom authorities detained four foreign-flagged vessels during December for failing port inspections, including poor conditions for crew and breaches of safety regulations.
UK ratifies work in fishing convention
The United Kingdom (UK) has become the 13th member state of the International Labour Organization (ILO) to ratify the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No.188).
Piracy and armed robbery at sea on the rise
Incidents of piracy and armed robbery increased in 2018, according to the latest annual piracy report from the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB).