ITF’s Offshore Task Force looks into allegations of unfair treatment of Indian seafarers working on Indian vessels in North Sea during its three-day Meet in India
Though it is generally believed that the meeting of the Offshore Task Force of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) held in India for the first time from 22nd to 24th February 2010 was to share with the Indian affiliates the knowledge and systems adopted by the more developed nations in terms of what they have achieved vis-à-vis the minimum standards of employment and the best practices used by the industry, the ITF’s Offshore Task Force had other more important issues on the agenda.
The three Indian affiliates (Forward Union of Seafarers of India (FUSI), the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) and the Maritime Union of India (MUI) did receive the expected support for their campaign to organize the offshore oil and gas sector. However, the Task Force of the ITF was more concerned about bringing in equality in treatment of the seafarers operating on Indian flag vessels in the North Sea, Brazil, Indian offshore and other areas.
“We believe that no matter where we are in the world whether North Sea, Indian offshore or elsewhere,” said an official attending the meeting. “The seafarers should be treated no different when it comes to health, safety and training. We have learnt that there are differences in terms of wages and working conditions. However, it is good to see that the initiatives of our Indian affiliates are to work together with the ITF offshore to develop the industry standards on behalf of the workers.”
“There is another benefit that comes to India because there are at least six Indian companies whose Indian flagged vessels with Indian crews operate in the North Sea,” says Norrie McVicar, Chairman of the Offshore Task Force of ITF. “They belong to Great Eastern, Great Ship, Varun Shipping, etc. While their ships are welcome in the North Sea it is for us to protect the seafarers against unfair practices and social conflicts.
“There are reports that some seafarers on these Indian flagged vessels are not receiving the payment as per the agreement between the ITF and affiliates and we are conducting an investigation into these allegations. In case these allegations, if found to be true, than these Indian flag vessels will have to face serious consequences. It would jeopardize the whole project.” Mr. McVicar refused to mention their names.
The reason for ITF to take the allegations seriously is because it undermines all of the good work that has been done so far. And these allegations relate to payment of wages agreed between the ITF and the affiliates. The Unions are responsible for looking after the wages and working conditions of seafarers and also in terms of sickness and illnesses. Both FUSI and NUSI have a welfare system in place.