ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006: the way towards ratification

• Main Author: Kivalov S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National University Odessa Law Academy 2019-08-01
• Series: Lex Portus
• Subjects: ilo; seafarer; maritime labour; labour rights; ilo 2006 convention; mlc; ukraine; ratification; accession
• Online Access: https://lexportus.net.ua/arkhiv-2/149-uncategories/ctat-i-vypuska-4-2019/411-kivalov-s-v-konventsiia-mop-2006-roku-pro-pratsiu-v-morskomu-sudnoplavstvi-shliakh-do-ratyfikatsii

The article is focused on the dynamics of national procedures for accession to the International Labour Organization (ILO) 2006 Maritime Labour Convention. It is noted that modern legal regulations for maritime labour possess a considerable level of unification, universalization and standardization, which has been achieved through the efforts of leading international organizations – the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the ILO, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Achieving the highest level of support and ensuring the best possible protection during stable work and in crisis situations are main principles for development the international maritime framework standards in the field. Besides the Convention sets up demands for state authorities to respond in a timely manner to changing international standards, to monitor them and to properly implement them into national law and relevant enforcement practices. The ratification by Ukraine of the Maritime Labour Convention will promote the implementation and enforcement the mechanisms of protection Ukrainian seafarers’ labour rights, the provision of decent working conditions, and the compliance of national legislation with current international standards. Accession to this Convention is a long-awaited step both for Ukrainian seafarers and for marine business. Different steps taken by Ukrainian authorities seeking the ratification of Maritime Labour Convention show the leak of systematic approach. The proper objective was included into few governmental programs both for development of maritime industry and for European integration but the terms for ratification have been delayed for several times. The main obstacles for Ukraine’s ratification the Convention are identified. Besides the article describes the author own efforts, as a member of Parliament, to promote the ratification process through communications with respective state authorities, as well as authorities’ reactions and responses.