Ships facing union action on conditions

Four out of eight vessels inspected in Irish ports by SIPTU this week have been the subject of "blacklisting" threats because…

Four out of eight vessels inspected in Irish ports by SIPTU this week have been the subject of "blacklisting" threats because of poor working conditions.

One of them is being detained by the Department of the Marine for essential repairs. The inspections are part of a "week of action" organised by the International Transport Workers' Federation against widespread use of "flags of convenience" by shipowners.

SIPTU industrial officer Mr Tony Ayton said two of the ships facing notice of industrial action, or "blacklisting", are German-owned but registered in Antigua. Neither the Pelayo nor the Rheinmaster had agreements with the ITWF over pay and conditions. They have been given 14 days' notice to conclude agreements and if they fail to do so, ITWF affiliates will be free to take appropriate industrial action against them without further notice. Both vessels had been berthed in Dublin this week but the Pelayo left following inspection by SIPTU.

In Waterford, crewmen on a Syrian-owned vessel, registered in Cambodia, were being paid only $250 a month instead of the $1,200 minimum permitted by ITWF. SIPTU is still reviewing the situation because, Mr Ayton says, the average wage in Syria is only $140. SIPTU also has to decide whether to serve notice on the Greek-owned Arachovitika Bay. The Pakistani crew asked the union for help but they were all flown home and replaced by a Sri Lankan crew before Mr Ayton could visit the vessel. He said he has had difficulty arranging appointments with the captain and there were language problems in communicating with the new crew.

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However, the vessel does have an ITWF agreement, according to its Irish agent, Mr Gerry O'Kelly, of Dublin Maritime. He said the detention of the vessel in Dublin was due to work required by the Department of the Marine on its steelwork and machinery. Mr O'Kelly said the detention had nothing to do with working conditions and expressed surprise that Mr Ayton was not satisfied. He said the union was free to visit the ship.