Restrictions on freedom of association and collective bargaining are critical risks for seafarers and undermine the protection of all other labour rights at sea. Despite being fundamental rights under ILO Conventions 87 and 98 and reinforced by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), these rights are often weakened in maritime shipping due to the global, mobile and highly fragmented nature of the industry.
The widespread use of Flags of Convenience (FOC) creates regulatory gaps where shipowners can avoid or undermine labour protections, including trade union rights. Seafarers may be employed under jurisdictions that do not effectively protect freedom of association, limiting their ability to organise, join unions or bargain collectively. In some cases, seafarers face direct anti-union practices, including intimidation, blacklisting, dismissal or refusal of future contracts if they engage with unions or raise concerns.
Isolation at sea further exacerbates these risks. Seafarers may have limited access to trade union representatives, communication channels or independent support, making it difficult to organise or report violations. Hierarchical onboard structures and dependency on employers for continued employment can deter workers from exercising their rights.
Migrant seafarers are particularly vulnerable, as their employment and immigration status may be used to discourage union activity. The absence of effective collective bargaining weakens oversight of wages, working conditions and safety standards, allowing abuses such as wage theft, excessive working hours and unsafe conditions to persist undetected.
These risks highlight that freedom of association is an enabling right—its denial creates systemic vulnerability across maritime labour conditions and supply chains.