Maritime Labor Convention 2006 of International Labor Organization in force
The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006 came into force on August 20, 2013, to ensure the protection and welfare of 1.2 million seafarers of the world, including the 400,000 Filipino workers in international and domestic shipping. Adopted during the 94th International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 7, 2006, MLC 2006 is an international agreement under which countries and territories of the world, including employers, will observe, protect, and promote the standards of seafarers’ working condition.
The global shipping community hailed MLC 2006 as a milestone in maritime history, a significant leap forward in the campaign to improve the labor rights and labor standards of seafarers, and a watershed in international shipping.
The MLC treaty, ratified by 50 countries representing 75% of global shipping, is described as a “bill of rights” to help achieve decent work for the world’s seafarers, lay out comprehensive health and safety standards, and secure economic interests in fair competition for shipowners. It is the ‘fourth pillar” of the most important maritime regulations covering international shipping, complementing three key conventions adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), namely, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
The Philippines was the 30th ILO member-state that ratified MLC 2006 on August 20, 2012, through the adoption by Malacañang and concurrence by the Philippine Senate. Filipino seafarers comprise 30% of the 1.2 million seafarers worldwide. They man ships at sea – from luxury cruise ships to giant oil tankers and rigs and container ships. They have been cited for hardwork, honesty, perseverance, skill, technical knowhow, industry, reliability, dedication to duty, and their good command of the English language. They contribute 10 percent of overseas Filipino workers remittances that help boost the Philippine economy.
We congratulate the Department of Labor and Employment headed by Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz and Undersecretary Atty. Danilo P. Cruz, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, International Labor Organization Director-General Guy Ryder, and International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu, and wish them the best and success in all their endeavors. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!