Green Jobs in the Maritime Sector Social Aspects of Sustainable Maritime Development

1. Green Jobs in theMaritime Sector Social Aspects of Sustainable Maritime Development Antonio Rodriguez Fritz Regional Secretary ITF Americas International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF

2. Importance of the Industry • Shipping continues to be essential for the global commerce, and therefore for the development. International shipping carries around 90% of global commerce • Shipping continues to be the safest, most secure, most efficient and most environmentally sound means of bulk transportation. International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF

3. Importance of the Industry • Fisheries and aquaculture are necessary for poverty reduction and food security (environmental protection) • “oceans, seas and coastal areas form an integrated and essential component of the Earth’s ecosystem and are critical to sustaining it” International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF

4. Global Industry – Global standards • A green and sustainable shipping (including safety, environmental protection, security and facilitation) require Global Standards • IMO has enormously contributed to the institutional framework and the implementation of these Global Standards • However so, there is much to do in terms of the Social Standards International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF

5. Global Industry – Global Social Standards • Seafarers’ play and essential role, they are “important to everyone on the planet” (IMO) • Without Seafarers the industry could not operate, their work is crucial for the world economy, development and well being of hundreds of millions of persons. • The constant grow of global trade has brought an additional burden to Seafarers, reduce stays at port, faster turn-arounds, additional security and safety requirements, piracy, criminalization, etc. International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF

6. Global Industry – Global Social Standards • This has resulted in a shortage of well qualified, trained and Certified Seafarers, with the consequent impact on the industry • The IMO has recognized this and on June 25th is celebrating the Day of the Seafarer 2012. The Secretary-General of the IMO calls on flag states and port states for the recognition of Seafarers and the promotion of “fairer treatment” and effective training International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF

7. A green industry shall meanSocial Standards We need: • Decent jobs, with international labor standards (ILO-Maritime Labor Convention) • A safe industry with proper training to avoid accidents and environment pollution • Social Dialogue, Collective Bargaining and international minimum wages and conditions • The protection of Cabotage for national companies and national Seafarers to protect and promote the maritime knowledge and tradition as well as avoiding social dumping International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF

8. Conclusions • Sustainable development and sustainable transport cannot be reach “by decree” • Social dumping and unfair competition have a direct impact against safety and environment protection • Social Dialogue is responsibility of all the parties, governments, companies and trade unions. ITF is committed to its constant promotion and to the establishment of minimum, decent, labour standards and wages International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF

9. Thank you International Transport Workers’ Federation – ITF