New guidance on MLC implementation welcomed on UN ‘End Violence Against Women’ Day

Nautilus International welcomes guidance from ILO on how companies should prevent workplace violence

On United Nations day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Nautilus International has welcomedguidance from the International Labour Organisation on how companies should prevent workplace violence.

The guidance, which covers how companies should implement theoccupational safety and health provision of the Maritime Labour Convention, includes paragraphs on what constitutes workplace violence and calls on shipowners to develop workplace violence prevention policies.

The guidance also calls on shipowners to carry out training on the factors that contribute to workplace violence and the Union is encouraging companies to use thevideo, joint industry guidance and workbook especially developed by the shipping industry for this training.

The 20-minute video, guidance and accompanying training workbook identifies bullying and harassment practices which can occur onboard and calls for a zero tolerance approach and cultural shift onboard EU-flagged vessels in the future. Nautilus has also produced its own guidance‘Protect and Respect’ which includes its commitment to support members if they are bullied or harassed at sea.

‘The safe and efficient operation of any ship relies on good team work, and crew morale can be severely affected by a culture of harassment and bullying,’ explained Mr Dickinson.

‘This is particularly important to remember on days like the end violence against women day as it raises awareness of the issues and encourages all seafarers to speak out against bullying and harassment in the industry.

‘We hope that, through these resources, and the work the Union continues to do to combat bullying and harassment, that we can make a real difference in the workplace.’

Source: Nautilus International