NZ finally ratifying maritime labour convention good news

It is great news that New Zealand has finally ratified the Maritime Labour Convention, the Green Party said today.

Foreign ships transporting New Zealand export goods will now need to meet minimum international standards to ensure the fair treatment of seafarers.
“This is a case of better late than never,” Green Party industrial relations spokesperson Denise Roche said today.

“As today is international human rights day it is excellent to see the National Government signing up to a convention that will address slavery at sea.

“New Zealand should have ratified this convention years ago.

“It is vital for our international reputation as a country that values human rights that foreign ships transporting New Zealand goods meet minimum international standards.

“Ratifying this convention will also be good for overseas crews.

“It is shameful that up until now overseas crewed ships could breach international labour laws.

“Those in the union movement have been pushing for this to happen for years and their hard work in standing up for workers has finally paid off.

“It is also pleasing that Business New Zealand in this particular case has got in behind supporting New Zealand ratifying this important international labour convention.”

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