Norwegian signs up to workers’ charter
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
Norwegian Cruise Line has signed up to the International Labour Organisation’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which gives a set of rights and protections to its 17,000 crew members.
The company is the first cruise line to sign up to the convention and donated US$10,000 to the Virlanie Foundation in Manila – a charity designed to help rescued street children – to mark the milestone.
“We value our hard working crew and consider them our most important and greatest asset,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief executive officer. “We employ more than 17,000 seafarers from almost 100 different countries around the globe; respecting each individual for the unique talents they bring into our organisation. We offer a career path to reach the highest levels in our shipboard organisation to each person without distinction. Being the first major cruise line to successfully implement the new labour standards demonstrates that Norwegian also leads the industry when it comes to taking care of its crew members.”
The legislation covers fair pay and ensures decent working conditions for staff. It has been designed as a global instrument called the ‘fourth pillar’ and will complement existing laws enforced by the International Maritime Organisation.
Lloyd’s Register Group Limited, the company that inspected and audited Norwegian’s international fleet for compliance, stated: “MLC, 2006 is a comprehensive convention which fundamentally improves the living and working conditions of seafarers. Norwegian Cruise Line’s full compliance with MLC, 2006, well in advance of the mandatory compliance date, is indicative of visionary leadership and a commitment to excellence. The Norwegian Cruise Line team embraced the spirit and intent of the convention while embedding continuous compliance practices into their management process. This marks a significant achievement by Norwegian.”
Comments are closed.