The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) is pleased to announce the signing of a co-operation agreement with Bourbon, a major provider of marine services to the oil and gas industries in over 45 countries worldwide. The ITF states that this signing signals a continuing push for fairness and equality in the offshore industries.
The agreement, signed between French union the CFDT, the ITF offshore task force group (OTFG) and Bourbon, states that:
The purpose of the agreement is to create an open channel of information between CFDT / ITF OTFG and Bourbon about industrial relations issues in order to continuously improve and develop good work practices in all Bourbon entities worldwide.
Based on the Parties' common recognition of fundamental human rights and Bourbon’s own values, the purpose is to monitor the practical application of the agreed principles and to discuss any improvements in the working practices or any positive contribution the Parties may make to the eradication of poverty through economic and social progress.
The agreement also lays out provisions for dialogue, implementation, workers’ rights, local industrial relations, health and safety and environmental protection.
Paddy Crumlin, ITF president, applauded the move, commenting: “This agreement builds on existing agreements in the offshore industry and demonstrates the increasing awareness within that industry andbeyond of the advantages of forward-looking industrial relations and the huge importance of the MLC.”
Christian Lefèvre, CEO of Bourbon, declared: “This agreement is fully in line with the strategy of BOURBON to implement optimal conditions for the efficiency, safety and well-being of its collaborators under the flag of excellence.”
Bourbon has a workforce of 10,300 from 87 different nationalities, and a fleet of 458 vessels, with more being built.
Norrie McVicar, chair of the ITF task force group and signatory, along with the CFDT and BOURBON, of the agreement reported: “Bourbon seeks to operate under the banner Flag of excellence, and the ITF is pleased to work with it to deliver this objective and to promote the best possible implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC).”
