Overview of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)

Summary

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), often referred to as the 'Seafarers Bill of Rights,' is an international labor standard adopted by the ILO that ensures decent working conditions for seafarers. Since its enforcement in August 2013, countries ratifying the MLC are required to implement its provisions through national laws, ensuring a safe and secure workplace, fair employment terms, and social protection for all seafarers. It prohibits forced labor, child labor, and discrimination, and promotes collective bargaining. Compliance is monitored through certificates, port state inspections, and ILO supervision, with mechanisms for seafarers to report violations and seek redress.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is an international labor convention adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• 🗓️ The MLC came into force in August 2013 and has been increasingly ratified by countries worldwide.
• 📜 Countries ratifying the MLC must implement its requirements through national laws, collective bargaining agreements, or other measures.
• 🚢 Ship owners in ratifying countries are obligated to follow the national laws or measures in line with the MLC.
• 🛠️ The MLC ensures minimum working and living conditions for seafarers, including safety, employment terms, and social protection.
• 🔒 It guarantees a safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards for all seafarers on ships to which the MLC applies.
• 🚫 The convention prohibits forced labor, child labor, and discrimination, and upholds the right to collective bargaining.
• 🏷️ Compliance with the MLC is verified through certificates issued by flag states and inspections by port states, even if the flag state has not ratified the convention.
• 📝 Seafarers have the right to make complaints if MLC requirements are not met, which can lead to a ship's detention until issues are resolved.
• 👀 The ILO supervises compliance with the MLC, ensuring that seafarers' rights are protected and upheld.
• 🛡️ The MLC serves as a 'Bill of Rights' for seafarers, establishing standards for decent work conditions at sea.

Q & A

What is the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)?

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is an international labor convention adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) that sets out seafarers' rights to decent working and living conditions, often referred to as the 'Seafarers' Bill of Rights'.

When did the MLC come into force?

The MLC entered into force on August 20, 2013.

What is required of countries that ratify the MLC?

Countries ratifying the MLC must implement its requirements through national laws, collective bargaining agreements, or other measures.

What obligations do ship owners in ratifying countries have under the MLC?

Ship owners in ratifying countries must follow the national laws or other measures that implement the MLC requirements.

What are the minimum working and living conditions guaranteed by the MLC for seafarers?

The MLC guarantees a safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards, decent working and living conditions, health protection, medical care, welfare measures, and other forms of social protection.

What types of labor are prohibited under the MLC?

The MLC prohibits forced labor, child labor, and discrimination.

What rights do seafarers have in terms of association and collective bargaining under the MLC?

Under the MLC, seafarers have the right to associate and bargain collectively.

How is compliance with the MLC enforced?

Compliance is enforced by flag states issuing certificates of compliance, port state inspections, and the possibility of ship detention until problems are addressed.

What can seafarers do if the MLC requirements are not met?

Seafarers can make a complaint on board or ashore if the requirements of the MLC have not been met.

Which organization supervises compliance with the MLC?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) supervises compliance with the MLC.

What is the significance of the MLC for seafarers?

The MLC is significant as it provides a comprehensive set of standards and protections for seafarers, ensuring their rights to fair treatment and safe working conditions.