UK Seafarers' Wages Act Received Royal Assent Today

In a significant victory for thousands of seafarers navigating UK waters, the UK government has enacted the Seafarers' Wages Act, which greatly strengthens wage protections and working conditions for those employed in the maritime sector.

The new law follows the controversial dismissal of 800 UK-based crew members by P&O Ferries last year, who were replaced by foreign workers.

The Seafarers' Wages Act received Royal Assent on March 23, 2023, and is now in effect.

The legislation is designed to protect seafarers working on vessels engaged in international trade by ensuring they receive at least the National Minimum Wage. This initiative is part of the UK government’s broader efforts to eliminate unfair labor practices and close legal loopholes that have allowed companies to exploit workers with low wages.

The Seafarers' Wages Act is a key element of the government’s 9-point plan for seafarers, introduced in response to P&O Ferries’ abrupt dismissal of nearly 800 employees in 2022—an incident widely condemned by politicians and unions alike. P&O Ferries is owned by Dubai-based DP World.

Under the new law, vessel operators must provide evidence that their seafarers are paid wages equivalent to the National Minimum Wage, which is set to increase to £10.42 per hour next month, depending on age. Authorities now have the power to fine non-compliant operators and deny port access to those who repeatedly fail to meet these standards.

The National Minimum Wage compares with the International Labour Organization's (ILO) global minimum wage for seafarers, which is set at USD $658 per month as of January 1, 2023. This rate, agreed upon last year, will rise to $666 in 2024 and $673 in 2025. The previous minimum of $641 had been in place since 2018. These wage standards are governed by the ILO's Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), often referred to as the "seafarers' bill of rights."

Transport Secretary Mark Harper praised the new legislation, stating, "Our maritime sector is world-leading, thanks to the thousands of hardworking seafarers who keep supply chains running and transport passengers safely across our waters. These workers deserve fair pay, and I’m pleased to see the Seafarers' Wages Act become law, improving wages and protecting seafarers from exploitation."

The UK government is also collaborating with its European neighbors to ensure the welfare and fair pay of seafarers, exploring the establishment of minimum wage equivalent corridors within their respective territorial waters. During a recent UK-France summit in Paris, both nations committed to continuing efforts to improve conditions for those working in the Channel and protect them from exploitation.

In addition, the government is cracking down on employers who use controversial "fire and rehire" tactics, consulting on plans to introduce a Statutory Code of Practice.

These latest measures demonstrate the UK government's commitment to prioritizing the rights and well-being of seafarers, both domestically and internationally.