CASES
Sweden: blockades scrap ISU deals
In March 2023, Sweden’s Service and Communications Union blockaded a bulk carrier that tried to dock in Uddevalla with an ISU-Lanibra agreement.
After first threatening court action against the union, within two days the ship’s owners backed down and signed an ITF agreement to continue their operations.
SEKO President Gabriella Lavecchia said of ISU’s representatives: “It’s all about exploiting already vulnerable people and deceiving authorities and the serious trade union movement to make as much money as possible.”
REPORT
SWEDEN
Ships turned away until companies capitulate, case 1: Bonette (IMO 9605061)
March 2023
In March 2023, Swedish ITF affiliate the Service and Communications Union (SEKO) took industrial action by blockading the bulk carrier Bonette after it sought to dock in Uddevalla on 12 March with an ISU-Lanibra agreement.
After initially threatening court action, by 14 March 2023, the ship’s owners capitulated and signed an ITF agreement and continue operations without further delay.
SEKO President Gabriella Lavecchia, condemned ISU, stating:
“It is obvious that ISU representatives are using their background and CV as a former employee of the international trade union movement to 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.”
Ships turned away until companies capitulate, case 2: Haato (IMO 9589786)
December 2024
In December 2024, the Haato sought to dock in Halmstad under an ISU-Lanibra agreement. When the port was informed that the ship did not have a valid ITF agreement it did not allow the ship to dock.
The ship’s owner initially sought to sue the Swedish Transport Workers Union for taking illegal industrial action, seeking an interim verdict to be given in two days – this was denied by the court.
Within two weeks, and facing mounting costs, the ship’s owner reached out to, signed an agreement with the ITF, and withdrew its lawsuit – ultimately bearing court costs and potentially facing claims from the charterer over the delay incurred.
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 […]
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.
Thailand: ITF answers seafarer’s plea for help
At no point did any ISU-Lanibra representative reply. After the ITF intervened, the seafarer received his owed wages.
Israel: Sham union agreement, stolen wages
Three months after failing to pay a seafarer in Thailand, the same ship – still under a sham ISU-Lanibra agreement – was abandoned in Israel.