THE INTERNATIONAL Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has announced it has agreed to the Non-Seafarers’ Work Clause, together with the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) which represents maritime employers.
The clause mandates that tasks like lashing and unlashing cargo should be performed by trained and qualified dockworkers, and not by seafarers.
The ITF says the primary goal of this clause is to safeguard seafarers from the additional physical burden of cargo handling, thereby reducing fatigue and preventing accidents on board.
The global union federation said it addresses a “critical issue” that has emerged in recent years, regarding the practice of requiring seafarers to perform additional tasks, such as lashing and unlashing cargo.
The ITF says this practice not only exacerbates fatigue but also raises serious safety concerns, describing lashing and unlashing cargo are labour-intensive tasks that require specific skills to be performed safely.
“When seafarers are required to take on these duties, it adds to their already heavy workload, leading to increased fatigue,” the ITF announcement said.
“This fatigue can have severe consequences, including reduced alertness, slower reaction times, and a higher likelihood of accidents that endanger both the crew and the vessel.”
The federation argues that dockworkers, who are specifically trained for the tasks, are equipped to handle them efficiently and safely, and that by allowing dockworkers to manage lashing and unlashing, seafarers can focus on their primary responsibilities, thus enhancing overall safety.
Concurrently, the ITF highlighted that Unifeeder, a leading European feeder and shortsea operator, has taken significant steps to comply with the Non-Seafarers’ Work Clause by hiring local lashers.
It says this approach reflects Unifeeder’s commitment to improving safety and working conditions on their vessels, and not only protects its seafarers from additional strain but also aligns with international safety standards.
In contrast however, the ITF lined up feeder service BG Freight Line as having a money-over-safety approach when it comes to the practice of hiring local lashers.
“Instead, BG Freight Line continues to assign lashing and unlashing duties to their seafarers to reduce costs,” the ITF said.
“This practice not only contradicts the Non-Seafarers’ Work Clause, but it also poses risks to the safety and efficiency of BG Freight Line’s operations and thereby endangers the seafarers and the environment.
“Companies that choose to refrain from hiring qualified, local lashers undermine the unified industry standard serving seafarers’ wellbeing.”
The ITF signposted that by adhering to the Non-Seafarers’ Work Clause and hiring local dockworkers for tasks like lashing and unlashing, companies can help create a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable maritime industry.
