ITF meetings focus on protecting cabotage and maritime jobs

During International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) meetings in London, discussions focused on protecting national cabotage rights to safeguard maritime transport, jobs, and national security. The Panhellenic Seamen's Union, represented by General Secretary Capt. Emmanouil Tsikalakis, participated in sessions addressing the pressures to liberalize cabotage and the rise of flags of convenience.

Global trends show an increase in countries implementing national cabotage legislation, rising from 91 to 105 according to Seafarers' Rights International. The ITF views this trend as a defense against social dumping, low wages, and the replacement of national crews with foreign sailors.

Regional developments include: - Australia: Positive assessment of national wage legislation and support for a strategic fleet of 12 domestic vessels. - Canada: Implementation of similar wage programs. - New Zealand: Opposition to the dismissal of 32 seafarers and attempts to replace vessels with flag-of-convenience units. - Chile: Legislative disputes that could potentially threaten up to 100,000 jobs by opening cabotage to foreign ships. - Other nations facing deregulation pressures include Germany, Norway, and Trinidad and Tobago.