Do You Need Help?

Are you not being paid? Do you have health problems? Are your working conditions below standard? If you want to find a solution to your problems, you can get in touch with us.

The ITF works to ensure that seafarers working on ships flying a Flag of Convenience (F.O.C.) are guaranteed a proper collective agreement and are paid fair wages. We see that seafarers are sometimes forced to take their cases to local courts to secure their rights. In some instances, they resort to organising resistance on board the vessel. Different forms of action can be effective in different places; indeed, an approach that works in one country may not yield results elsewhere.

The first thing you should do is contact the ITF’s representative in Turkey, Selahattin Polat. The email address and telephone number you will need are: +90 216 494 51 47; [email protected]

When you resort to strike action to secure your rights, the laws in some countries may work entirely against you. You must bear this in mind. It is important to seek information in such situations. In many countries, however, the way to resolve a dispute is through strike action. However, it is worth reiterating that the legal framework of that country plays a decisive role. Do not forget that you have the right to strike in many countries, provided your ship is in port rather than on the high seas.

The principle that applies to all strike actions is to remain united, calm and resolute. Remember that in many countries, the right to strike is recognised as a fundamental human right under the constitution and the law.