Report of the fourth meeting (Part II) of the Special Tripartite Committee established under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (5–13 May 2022) - ILO Governing Body, 346th session

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries Albania*, the Republic of North Macedonia*, and Montenegro*, the potential candidate country Georgia, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

1. The fourth meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee on the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended, took place under challenging circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing crew change crisis, as well as the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.
2. Under these circumstances, the importance of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended, as a unique instrument in promoting decent living and working conditions for seafarers worldwide is ever more evident. It is telling that in May, we discussed a record number of twelve proposals for amendment of the Code of MLC, 2006. All the amendment proposals submitted strove to address evolving concerns, thus reflecting a more nuanced understanding and acknowledgement of the reality facing seafarers on the ground, especially in response to the many issues exposed by the COVID-19 crisis.
3. The EU and its Member States, cognizant of the urgent need to strengthen the rights of seafarers, particularly regarding the maximum period of service on board, have also submitted an amendment. It sought to address the fact that many seafarers are working on board vessels, without contact to their families, friends, far beyond the duration of their contracts and often even beyond the maximum duration of service set out in the MLC, 2006. This is to the detriment of their health and maritime safety as well.
4. We are very pleased that thanks to the constructive and engaged discussion throughout the second part of the fourth Special Tripartite Committee, eight amendments were adopted with an overwhelming majority at the 110th International Labour Conference. We consider that these will improve the living and working conditions of seafarers as well as provide more robust guidance to all members who are party to the MLC, 2006.
5. We remain convinced that our amendment proposal aligned with the intentions of the social partners and other constituents, with the primary aim of protecting and safeguarding the rights of seafarers. While we deeply regret that our amendment, due to lack of time and the condensed agenda, was not considered in full merit and was not adopted, we look forward to continuing these discussions at the fifth Special Tripartite Committee in 2025.
6. The EU and its Member States will remain engaged and constructive partners in promoting the safety of and decent working conditions for seafarers worldwide who, as key workers, play a vital role in keeping global supply chains intact amidst challenging conditions, made even more so by the pandemic and the changing geopolitical circumstances.

Thank you, Chair.

*Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia and Montenegro continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.