ITF, alongside the Joint Negotiating Group, has upgraded the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to a Warlike Operations Area.
This activates protections and compensation for seafarers working in the war zone, including the right to refuse to sail.
© @reuters.com
IMPORTANT: NEW RULES AND RIGHTS FOR SEAFARERS
Please share these updated rules for Seafarers on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf. These new rules apply to all seafarers aboard ships covered by International Bargaining Forum (IBF) agreements.
Greek seafarers strike over crews stranded in the Gulf, mariners can refuse to sail reut.rs/4rfXhlJ
The ITF condemns the horrific killing of civilian seafarers and ongoing attacks against maritime workers in the escalating war in Iran and the Middle East.
www.itfglobal.org/en/news/itf-...
We join our fellow Global Union Federations in calling for an immediate ceasefire and, for the sake of humanity, an end to this reckless escalation in Iran and the Middle East.
Read the full statement ⬇️
www.itfglobal.org/en/news/glob...
⚓️ITF and maritime industry partners have designated the Strait of Hormuz a High Risk Area amid the escalating war now posing direct risks to commercial shipping and seafarers in the region.
Read the full story ⬇️
www.itfglobal.org/en/news/join...
🗣️ “More bombs and retaliation will not deliver peace, democracy or security – they will only deepen instability and human suffering.” – Paddy Crumlin, ITF President
The escalating military action is not merely placing civilian lives at grave risk – it is already costing civilian lives and putting transport workers in harm’s way.
The ITF strongly condemns the illegal bombing carried out by Israel and the USA and the subsequent retaliatory attacks launched by Iran across the region that violate international law.
www.itfglobal.org/en/news/itf-...
✊ 🚛 ITF stands in solidarity with Korean truck drivers.
Too many companies are undercutting hard-won union protections by illegal deductions + dumping contracts.
KPTU-TruckSol is monitoring violations + preparing for targeted protest until Safe Rates are enforced.
#SafeRatesSaveLives
The ITF and its maritime affiliates, including @nautilusint.org, were at the forefront of the creation of the MLC 20 years ago, and will continue to work alongside governments and shipping companies to ensure that the MLC drives the journey to decent work.
ITF is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention - one of the most significant global labour treaties ever created. It provides strong protection for seafarers, demonstrating the power of unions to produce enforceable, global rules for workers.
youtu.be/QnFHhoFSONk
Solidarity with all public transport workers and @social.verdi.de members striking in Germany today and tomorrow for better wages and working conditions! 🇩🇪
#OurPublicTransport
Seafarer abandonment in 2025 rose to record high levels 📈
Abandonment is a disgrace and this crisis must be stopped. We're calling for:
- Verified ownership
- Ship blacklisting
- Investigation into Flags of Convenience
© @splash247.bsky.social
⚓️A global “bill of rights” for seafarers.
ITF marks the anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) — setting global standards on seafarers’ rights, safety and welfare.
www.itfglobal.org/en/news/itf-...
⚓ False flags and shadow fleets are symptoms of the FOC system the ITF has long warned about.
ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair Dave Heindel: these aren’t separate issues — they’re outcomes of a system that leaves seafarers exposed to abuse and abandonment.
👉 Read more: splash247.com/false-flags-...
🐟 Fancy your UK seafood with a side of exploitation?
Chris Williams from the ITF highlights the reality migrant fishers face:
🛑 Risk of modern slavery
🛑 Low pay
🛑 Extreme hours
🛑 Fear of reporting abuse
Read the full article 👇
www.ethicaltrade.org/resources/bl...
West African unions unite to tackle illegal fishing.
ITF and partners have launched the Dakar Declaration, a regional commitment to confront illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing — protecting livelihoods, food security and fishers’ rights across West Africa.
www.itfglobal.org/en/news/itf-...
“Once they're at sea, they've got them prisoner on board. It's a modern-day slavery.”
- ITF Inspector, Nathan Smith.
Abandoned at sea — 'shadow fleet' seafarers are being left without pay or a way home.
A BBC News investigation reveals the harsh reality facing seafarers left unpaid and stranded for months on the hidden ships running the illicit oil trade.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Today Air New Zealand longhaul cabin crew began a 48-hour strike for fair pay and conditions.
We send our solidarity to Lufthansa cabin crew and pilots who are also on strike today. Kia kaha.
- Mark Dickinson, General Secretary of @nautilusint.org
- ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton
The BBC exposes the human cost of the global surge in ship abandonment, revealed by the work of the ITF Inspectorate — with 6,223 seafarers left stranded on 410 vessels in 2025, the worst year on record.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Based on my recent interview with a Russian shadow-fleet officer:
BBC News - The shadowy world of abandoned oil tankers
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
“There was really nowhere we could go. The explosions were happening all around us.”
What was supposed to be a short delivery of cargo turned into a months-long nightmare. They were eventually rescued and repatriated thanks to efforts of @itfglobalunion.bsky.social but thousands remain abandoned
Governments cannot allow shipowners to get away this and must protect seafarers by regulating the industry to ensure transparency and accountability. And that starts with ending the Flag of Convenience system that is enabling the shadow fleet. (4/4)
As seafarer abandonment rose to record levels in 2025, some affected crews were on shadow fleet vessels close to conflict zones or unstable regions. This puts seafarers in life-threatening situations, lacking support and security. (3/4)
A shadow fleet ship hides its location and, like many 'Flag of Convenience' vessels, it's real ownership is deliberately ambiguous – tactics used to evade international sanctions. (2/4)
The abandonment of 'shadow fleet' vessels is putting seafarers at extreme risk... 🧵 (1/4)
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
