ISU EXPOSED
ISU-LANIBRA: THE SHAM UNION UNDERMINING SEAFARERS’ RIGHTS
WHAT IS ISU-LANIBRA
ISU and Lanibra are two organisations working in concert to exploit seafarers for profit.
On the one side, the International Seafarers’ Union (ISU) is registered in Slovenia as a “trade union”. ISU signs substandard agreements that give shipping companies the appearance of having a “union” agreement.
On the other side, the private company Lanibra, run by the same people behind ISU, acts as an agent for shipowners – openly offering its services to sideline genuine trade unions.
ISU-Lanibra targets rogue shipping companies, selling agreements that slash wages, degrade working conditions, and strip away critical protections for seafarers.
Together we will expose ISU-Lanibra.
“It is obvious that ISU representatives… exploit
workers in the international maritime industry. It’s
all about exploiting already vulnerable people and
deceiving authorities and the serious trade union
movement to make as much money as possible.”
GABRIELLA LAVECCHIA, SEKO PRESIDENT
ISU IS A SHAM UNION
The ISU claims to be a seafarers’ union – but in reality, it is nothing more than an enabler of seafarer exploitation. Run by the same individuals behind Lanibra – a company openly selling anti-union services – ISU violates international and national laws that forbid “interference” by employers in a union.
Both international law and the law of Slovenia, where ISU is registered, forbid “interference” by employers in a union. But Lanibra – acting openly as an agent for shipowners – directly violates this.
This blatant conflict of interest jeopardises seafarers’ rights and exposes all those associated with ISU-Lanibra to reputational risks.
Genuine trade unions are uniting globally to defeat this sham union through collective action.
ISU: FAILS TO PROTECT SEAFARERS
ISU-Lanibra repeatedly fails to protect seafarers – even when they desperately reach out for help.
Despite claims that, “… seafarers can always call on their cell phones if there are problems”, ISU promises protection but delivers betrayal.
That reality is clear: whether it’s wage theft, abandonment or urgent medical support, when seafarers are in crisis, ISU is nowhere to be found. Instead, genuine trade unions must step in to defend seafarers’ rights.
ISU exists for profit, not protection. It’s time to expose and end their exploitation.
ISU: RISKY BUSINESS
Lanibra claims to be an expert on union actions, but its so called “expertise” repeatedly fails. Workers and their unions have won critical victories against ISU-Lanibra in Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands – forcing companies to scrap ISU-Lanibra and sign genuine union agreements.
Ships sailing under ISU-Lanibra’s sham agreements face fierce opposition worldwide. Militant, lawful union actions—blockades, boycotts, and court challenges – are disrupting operations and delaying cargo.
Our message for businesses, charterers, investors is simple: beware.
Partnering with ISU – a sham union that openly colludes with employers – means complicity in undermining seafarers’ fundamental rights and exposes you to serious legal, reputational and financial risks.
New Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) laws, strict ESG investment standards, and maritime initiatives like the Poseidon Principles means exploitative practices can no longer be ignored.
Those partnering with ISU-Lanibra will face union resistance, legal challenges, damaged reputations and financial penalties. ISU-Lanibra isn’t just morally bankrupt—it’s bad business.
Read more about how ISU-Lanibra undermines seafarers’ rights and the maritime industry in our detailed corporate dossier.
RESPONSIBLE COMPANIES:
DON’T RISK YOUR
REPUTATION
PROTECT YOUR CREW AND COMPANY – ENGAGE WITH A GENUINE TRADE UNION.
CASES
BRAZIL: SEAFARERS ABANDONED WITHOUT PAY
An international crew of seafarers on the Eleen Eva were abandoned in Brazil – and subject to wage theft of USD178,000. They reached out to ISU, but no one ever replied. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) stepped in to help: the seafarers were repatriated and received their stolen wages in full. REPORT Brazil – […]
UK: Illegal wages in P&O scandal
On 17 March 2022, 786 seafarers were summarily dismissed by British company P&O Ferries to be replaced by a far cheaper agency crew.
Greece: “Defamation, illegal acquisition, accepting the products of crime”
The Greek union, the Panhellenic Seaman’s Federation, has filed a lawsuit against ISU President Ludvik Jesenicnik.
Finland: stolen wages, ISU binned
Finland is a hot spot for trade union action against ships with ISU-Lanibra agreements: the Finnish Seafarers’ Union (SMU) has taken action against ships from 2018 through to today. In one case, after a ship docked in Rauma in 2020 and refused access to an ITF inspector who was made aware of crew complaints, the […]
Sweden: blockades scrap ISU deals
Sweden’s Service and Communications Union blockaded a bulk carrier that tried to dock in Uddevalla with an ISU-Lanibra agreement.
Australia: Fair Work Ombudsman investigates underpayment on ISU-Lanibra ships
If the complaints are upheld by the regulator, the companies could be subjected to heavy fines, compliance notices or litigation.