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.

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.

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.

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