- (a) State the main purposes of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).(4)
(b) List SIX areas where the MLC Convention applies to workers at sea.(6)
What are the main purposes of the International Labour Organisation?
The main purposes of the International Labour Organization (ILO) are:
- Promote social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights: The ILO works to establish and uphold fundamental principles and rights at work, ensuring fair treatment and decent working conditions for all. 1. ILO: International Labour Organization – Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth www.un.org
- Create greater opportunities for decent employment and income: The ILO strives to generate more and better job opportunities for both women and men, fostering inclusive economic growth and reducing poverty. 1. About the ILO | International Labour Organization www.ilo.org
- Enhance social protection for all: The ILO advocates for comprehensive social protection systems that provide security and support to workers throughout their lives, including in times of unemployment, illness, disability, or old age. 1. International Labour Organisation (ILO) – Donor Committee for Enterprise Development www.enterprise-development.org
- Strengthen tripartism and social dialogue: The ILO’s unique tripartite structure, involving governments, employers, and workers, fosters cooperation and dialogue to address labour issues and develop effective policies. 1. Structure | International Labour Organization www.ilo.org
These core purposes translate into specific activities such as:
- Setting and promoting international labour standards: The ILO develops and adopts conventions and recommendations that set minimum standards for various aspects of work, such as working hours, occupational safety and health, and freedom of association. 1. International Labour Standards – ILO www.ilo.org
- Providing technical assistance and capacity building: The ILO supports countries in implementing labour standards and policies through training programs, advisory services, and other forms of assistance. 1. Technical assistance and training | International Labour Organization www.ilo.org
- Conducting research and collecting data: The ILO generates and disseminates knowledge on labour issues to inform policymaking and promote evidence-based solutions. 1. ILOSTAT: The leading source of labour statistics ilostat.ilo.org
- Advocating for social justice: The ILO actively promotes social justice and decent work through its various programs, campaigns, and initiatives. 1. Employment and decent work – European Commission – International Partnerships international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu
In essence, the ILO works tirelessly to create a world where everyone has access to decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. By promoting social justice and internationally recognized labour rights, it plays a vital role in building a more equitable and sustainable global economy.
Areas where the MLC Convention applies to workers at sea.
The MLC Convention, also known as the “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights,” aims to provide comprehensive protection for seafarers’ rights and working conditions. It applies to workers at sea in a wide array of areas, including but not limited to:
1. Maritime Labour Convention – ILO
1. Minimum Requirements for Seafarers to Work on a Ship:
- Minimum age: Sets a minimum age of 16 for seafarers, with stricter regulations for those under 18.
- Medical fitness: Ensures seafarers are medically fit to perform their duties. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- Training and qualifications: Sets standards for training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers.
2. Conditions of Employment:
- Seafarers’ employment agreements: Regulates contracts, including terms, conditions, and repatriation rights. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- Wages: Ensures prompt and full payment of wages, including during periods of unemployment due to shipwreck or other circumstances. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- Hours of work or rest: Sets limits on working hours and mandates minimum rest periods to prevent fatigue. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- Paid annual leave: Guarantees seafarers the right to paid annual leave. 1. Leave – Seafarers Rights International seafarersrights.org
- Repatriation: Establishes the right of seafarers to be repatriated at no cost to themselves under certain conditions. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
3. Accommodation, Food and Catering:
- Accommodation: Sets standards for living conditions onboard, including space, ventilation, lighting, and sanitation. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- Food and catering: Ensures that seafarers receive adequate and nutritious food and drinking water. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
4. Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare and Social Security Protection:
- Medical care onboard ship and ashore: Mandates access to medical care both on board and ashore. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- Shipowners’ liability: Establishes shipowners’ liability for sickness, injury, or death occurring in connection with seafarers’ employment. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- Health and safety protection and accident prevention: Sets requirements for onboard health and safety, including occupational safety and health measures. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- Access to shore-based welfare facilities: Ensures seafarers have access to welfare facilities in ports. 1. Right to access shore based welfare facilities – Seafarers Rights International seafarersrights.org
- Social security: Requires Member States to provide seafarers with social security protection. 1. Maritime Labour Convention – | ITF Seafarers www.itfseafarers.org
5. Compliance and Enforcement:
- Flag State responsibilities: Places obligations on flag States to ensure compliance with the Convention on their flagged vessels. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- Port State control: Allows port States to inspect foreign ships in their ports to ensure compliance with the Convention. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
- On-board complaint procedures: Requires ships to have procedures for seafarers to lodge complaints about any non-compliance with the Convention. 1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) – NORMLEX – ILO normlex.ilo.org
In conclusion, the MLC Convention covers a wide spectrum of seafarers’ rights and welfare, aiming to create decent working and living conditions on board ships. It encompasses everything from basic employment rights to health, safety, and social security, ensuring comprehensive protection for the world’s seafarers.