The ITF is supporting its Norwegian maritime affiliates that are advocating for cabotage legislation and the regulation of wages and working conditions for all seafarers working in Norwegian waters and on the continental shelf.
This week, ITF general secretary Steve Cotton joined the campaign and participated in maritime debate focused on cabotage in Arendal. Norwegian Trade Union Confederation (LO) leader Hans Christian Gabrielsen and Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) Director Deirdre Fitzpatrick also participated in the event.
During his remarks, Cotton stated that cabotage is a vital part of the ITF’s Flag of Convenience campaign since it ensures the right of national seafarers to work in their domestic trade. He went on to say that cabotage is equally important for developing world seafarers as for those in the developed world.
“Cabotage for the ITF means sustainable development for seafarers,” said Cotton. He also emphasised that Norway has always held a leading position in the international maritime industry and that Norwegian seafarers have played a major role.
LO leader Hans Christian Gabrielsen said “Social dumping at sea is just as serious as social dumping on shore, not only for the individual, but also for the local communities they are part of.”
SRI Director Deirdre Fitzpatrick presented a report commissioned by the ITF Cabotage Task Force last year to research cabotage regulations around the world.
The SRI surveyed 136 countries, of those 91 countries had some form of maritime cabotage restriction/protection. Many countries reported that the benefits of cabotage were fair competition, retention and transfer of maritime skills, promotion of jobs for local seafarers, promotion of local transport companies, safety, protection of the environment, national security and public service.
“Historically maritime cabotage protection has been widespread and the survey shows that this remains the case,” said Fitzpatrick.
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