Workers’ Rights
Promoting social justice & fair labor practices
On the Camden waterfront, the Rev. James D. Von Dreele boards the tanker MV TOS Integrity to pay a hospitality call on its crew. Heightened post-9/11 maritime security means that seamen rarely are allowed ashore. Click here to see Pastor Bill Rex's story of caring for the crew of the MV TOS Integrity.
On behalf of merchant ship workers, Seamen's Church Institute:
- Bridges language barriers.
- Mediates problems with employers and government bureaucracies.
- Advocates for workers' rights, health and safety.
It is a sad reality that seafarers sometimes are mistreated by their employers or by U.S. authorities. Waiting to greet ships at the terminal, SCI often becomes the first line of defense for some very vulnerable people.
Mediating includes conflicts with employers:
- Non-payment of wages.
- Physical abuse.
- Inadequate food provisions or washing facilities.
- No heat in freezing temperatures.
- Arduous and dangerous working conditions.
- Abandoned and stranded crews.
Mediating with U.S. law enforcement includes:
Criminal detentions.
When foreign ships illegally dump oily water (because they lack clean technology), hired seamen often are scapegoated and detained – either as witnesses or defendants – for the pollution offense. While guilty ship owners are fined, seafarers and their families remain separated during these criminal investigations that can last 10-12 months. Llyod's List Article- Dirty Secrets
Port security and shore leave issues.
SCI helps seamen negotiate the increasingly difficult maze of port security. We provide authorized escorts for mariners on shore leave – a precaution that is expected to become mandatory at all terminals in September 2007. With port activity expected to double over the next 10 years, we have our work cut out for us. Without the assistance of Seamen's Church Institute, tens of thousands of law-abiding seafarers would find themselves captive on their ship, unable to enjoy the solace of dry land.