Data published in the ITF’s 2026 Bulletin and valid as of December 31, 2025, highlights the importance of inspections and international union solidarity in the maritime sector. As a result of ITF inspections, more than $60.9 million in unpaid wages was recovered, and more than 412,000 seafarers were protected under ITF agreements.
Data shared in the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Seafarers’ Bulletin 2026 reveals the scale of efforts undertaken to protect seafarers’ wage rights, identify contract violations, and enforce international labor standards.
According to data from the ITF FOC Campaign compiled as of December 31, 2025, a total of 10,668 ship inspections were conducted. Issues were identified in 8,403 of these inspections, while no issues were recorded in 2,265 inspections. In other words, problems were encountered in approximately 79 percent of the inspections.
According to the shared data, the issues included 3,185 cases of missing contracts, 2,678 contract violations, 1,597 cases of unpaid wages, 2,121 records of non-compliance with international standards, and 452 medical issues.
These data highlight the importance of effectively enforcing ship inspections and employment contracts to protect the rights of workers in the maritime sector. Receiving wages on time, exercising the rights outlined in their contracts, and working under conditions that comply with international labor standards are essential demands for seafarers. For these demands to be realized and applied to all seafarers, solidarity among seafarers and their struggle for their rights are essential.
