The government of the United Kingdom last week passed the Seafarers’ Wages Act. The act significantly enhances pay protection and working condition for employees of the maritime sector.
The law received Royal Assent on March 23, came as an aftermath of a case that happened last year. P&O Ferries dismissed and replaced 800 UK-based with foreigners.
The seafarers’ Wages Act ensures no less than the national minimum wage to seafarers. The UK government aims to eliminate unfair practices and legal loopholes which could allow companies to give low wages. It is also a key component of the 9-point plan for seafarers which enhances seafarers’ conditions.
Under the new law, seafarers will receive no less than the national minimum wage which will increase to 10.42 per hour next month. This is also in line with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) global minimum wage for seafarers of USD $658 per month. And it will increase to $666 in 2024, and $673 in 2025. ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention also known as the “seafarers’ bill of rights” governs the minimum wage standard.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said in a statement, “Our maritime sector is world-leading. That’s down to the thousands of hardworking seafarers working tirelessly to maintain supply chains and transport passengers safely across our waters. These workers deserve a fair wage and I’m therefore delighted to see our Seafarers’ Wages Act become law, helping improve pay and protect seafarers from exploitation.”
Before the new law, seafarers working on international routes to or from UK ports did not get minimum wage. Unless they were a resident of the UK or worked in the country to an extent. Or worked on ships flagged outside the UK.
UK is also urging European Union (UN) to set minimum wages for seafarers. They have also pledged with France to improve seafarers’ conditions.
