Dockers’ Clause welcomed


Maritime union Nautilus has welcomed the international Dockers’ Clause which came into force on 1 January 2020. 


The clause is designed to protect the jobs of dockers, but the union says it equally protects seafarers from working in unsafe conditions by setting out what maritime professionals should and should not do in port. 


The new clause applies to companies with an agreement negotiated through the International Bargaining Forum, which includes the International Maritime Employers’ Council and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). 


The amended clause is the result of a five-year ITF campaign to reclaim container lashing for dockworkers. It took effect worldwide in February 2018, with the exception of Europe and Canada, where it came into effect at the beginning of this month. 


It recognises the importance of having trained, experienced dockers undertaking this dangerous work with containers and the ITF says it will end the problem of fatigued seafarers undertaking lashing.


“Seafarers can already be required to work up to 91 hours a week — often leaving them fatigued, stressed and putting pressure on their mental health,” said Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson. “To also require them to do work which should only be undertaken by trained and experienced dockers puts them at great risk.”

https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/news/new-dockers-clause-takes-effect-in-ports