International Transport Employees Federation Formed In India To Protect Seafarer Rights

Representatives of seafarers’ unions and transport workers’ unions, seafarers’ welfare organisations and maritime charitable institutions from across India came together through in-person and online participation to establish the International Transport Employees Federation (ITEF) in Chennai.

ITEF aims to unite welfare organisations and trade unions under one platform to protect the rights, welfare, safety, dignity, and interests of Indian and international seafarers and transport workers. Participants discussed current problems faced by seafarers and the need for coordinated action.

Key Issues and Priorities

1. Seafarers’ rights and welfare: Abandonment, unpaid wages, delayed repatriation, employment exploitation, discrimination, and difficulties in obtaining justice.
2. Safety in high-risk maritime regions: Protection of civilian seafarers navigating high-risk areas, including the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf. Seafarers’ lives must not be sacrificed for commercial interests. Appropriate risk assessments, emergency evacuation arrangements, medical assistance and safe repatriation are essential.
3. Cadets’ and trainees’ mental health: Prevention of bullying, harassment, intimidation and excessive work pressure. Confidential complaint mechanisms, counselling, proper supervision and independent investigations into serious incidents should be strengthened.
4. Safe working conditions and vessel safety: Prevention of accidents caused by defective machinery, poor maintenance, unsafe vessels, fires, groundings and equipment failures. Applicable maritime safety standards, ISM Code requirements and effective inspections must be implemented.
5. Justice and accountability: Effective investigation of maritime accidents, workplace harassment, seafarer deaths and employment-related grievances, with appropriate accountability and corrective action.

A United Platform

ITEF will work towards supporting distressed and abandoned seafarers, pursuing unpaid-wage grievances, promoting fair employment practices, strengthening welfare facilities and improving access to legal assistance and justice. The Federation will also promote awareness and implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), and other applicable international maritime labour and safety standards.

Invitation to Organisations Across India

ITEF invites seafarers’ welfare organisations, maritime charitable institutions, seafarers’ unions and transport workers’ unions operating at major and minor ports across India to join hands with the Federation. ITEF also seeks constructive cooperation with international organisations, government authorities, maritime administrations, the Directorate General of Shipping, port authorities, Port State Control authorities, State Maritime Boards, terminal operators, maritime law firms, shipping companies, shipowners and international welfare organisations.

A Collective Voice and Commitment

The formation of ITEF marks a collective commitment to building a safer, fairer and more humane maritime industry.

Participating Industry Leaders Welcome the Formation

The following participating representatives welcomed the formation of ITEF and emphasised the importance of bringing welfare organisations and trade unions together to address seafarers’ problems through collective representation:

Mr. AmarSingh Thakur, General Secretary, All India Seafarers Union, Maharashtra
Mr. Vimalson, General Secretary, Leo Barnes Union of Seafarers of India, Tamil Nadu
Mr. Jagan Mohan Rao Naidu, President, Republican Maritime Union, Andhra Pradesh
Mr. Ch. Sathish Kumar, Vice-President, CSMW Union, Kakinada
Dr. Babu Mailan, Chairman, Indian Seafarers Welfare Organisation, Chennai
Mr. Praveen, Merchant Navy Welfare Association
Mr. J. Ravi, Blessing Maritime Foundation, Gujarat
Mrs. Jeslin, Oscar Maritime Foundation, Kerala
Mrs. N. P. Kumari, Director, Global Seafarers Welfare Organisation
Mr. Cubra, Centre for Seafarers Welfare, Paradip
Mr. Sandeep, Secretary, U Sea Transport Workers Welfare Association
Mr. R. Babu, Chairman, Republican Seafarers Association of India

Other participating representatives and union leaders also stressed the need for stronger coordination, cooperation and a united voice to protect seafarers and their families.

Invitation to Organisations Across India

ITEF invites seafarers’ welfare organisations, maritime charitable institutions, seafarers’ unions and transport workers’ unions operating at major and minor ports across India to join hands with the Federation. ITEF also seeks constructive cooperation with international organisations, government authorities, maritime administrations, the Directorate General of Shipping, port authorities, Port State Control authorities, State Maritime Boards, terminal operators, maritime law firms, shipping companies, shipowners and international welfare organisations.

A Collective Voice and Commitment

The formation of ITEF marks a collective commitment to building a safer, fairer and more humane maritime industry. ITEF firmly believes that every seafarer deserves dignity, fair wages, safe working conditions, protection from exploitation, mental health support and access to justice. No commercial interest should ever come before the life and safety of a seafarer. Together, ITEF aims to strengthen the collective voice of maritime and transport workers and advance their rights and welfare in India and worldwide.

Press Release