Seafarers

Automation, the future of work, barriers to women and youth working at sea and the cabotage and Flag of Convenience campaigns were all on the agenda today.

Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry and Jens Uwe Schröder-Hinrich from the World Maritime University presented their study on automation in transport narrowing in the future of work for seafarers around the world.

Presenting the research Jens Uwe Schröder-Hinrich said that “The speed of #automation will be evolutionary, rather than revolutionary” as the economic benefit of autonomous shipping, as well as international regulation and government support, remain hurdles shipowners seeking to automate.

The results of a live poll revealed that 99% of delegates believe that their members will be affected by automation and technology in their jobs in the coming years highlights the priority of strategically tackling  automation.

ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton said that, “We need to make sure that we are brave enough to put automation on the agenda, then drill down to the reality.”

Delegates from around the world were resolute that ITF must be a voice in the conversation about automation, with firm commitments to continuing campaigning on automation.

The Seafarers Section Conference adopted motions to progress seafarers rights to ensure all seafarers are paid the same wage for the same job,  facilitate global visa policies, stop exploitation in the Mediterranean Sea and a pledge of solidarity for our brothers and sisters from Norway whose jobs are under attack.