The Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK) has issued a call to the government to expedite the gazettement of the Maritime Wages Council (MWC), a move they believe is crucial for improving the employment conditions of Kenyan seafarers. The union argues that the establishment of this council is essential to protect seafarers from exploitation by unscrupulous employers who have been accused of underpaying and abandoning workers aboard vessels without notice.
Call for government action
Atie Swaleh Ramadan, the SUK secretary general, has been vocal about the plight of seafarers, highlighting the urgent need for the government to act. "We are asking the government to gazette the council. The ministry is taking long to effect this as our members continue to suffer under deplorable employments," she stated. Ramadan emphasized that the development of new laws and regulations governing the maritime sector is necessary to ensure better working conditions for more than 7,000 Kenyan merchant mariners operating globally.
The call for action was made during a function held on September 1, 2024, at SUK's new office in Mombasa. The event was presided over by the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general, Francis Atwoli, who pledged his support in advocating for the gazettement of the council. Atwoli assured those present that he would follow up with the Ministry of Labour to ensure that all pending wages councils are implemented without further delay. "We have talked to the ministry and the minister has promised to effect the wages council. This will ensure they are all gazetted so that they can effect the 60 per cent increment which was announced by President William Ruto," Atwoli said.
Support from trade unions
Atwoli also urged union members to put aside their differences and work collaboratively to advance their rights and interests. "I ask you to work together, because you all serve a common interest. The current office is focused, and it will derail you back when you start bringing chaos," he advised. His remarks underscored the importance of unity within the union to effectively advocate for the rights of seafarers both locally and internationally.
Importance of unity among seafarers
The push for the gazettement of the Maritime Wages Council comes at a time when the maritime industry is under scrutiny for its treatment of workers. The establishment of the council is seen as a significant step towards ensuring fair wages and improved working conditions for seafarers, aligning with international labor standards and enhancing the reputation of Kenya's maritime sector on the global stage.
