Fears grip industry as MLC deadline looms

摘要

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), also known as the Seafarers' Bill of Rights, comes into force next month, bringing with it fundamental changes to employment conditions and powers of redress. Significant financial and contractual changes will also be required. The convention, considered by experts to be succinct and well-organised, combining 37 International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, should even out the commercial playing field for shipping companies. The measures, to be enforced by port state control officers in ratifying countries (of which there are 43 at the time of writing), will root out non-compliant operators and stop them from undercutting their competitors through slashed prices.