Question reference: S5W-36168
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 11 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 23 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding employment conditions for merchant seafarers working on ferry routes between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Answer
While the Scottish Government seeks to promote our Fair Work Framework and fair work principles in respect of all ferry services for which we are responsible, we have not held specific, recent discussions with the UK Government regarding employment conditions for merchant seafarers working on ferry routes between Scotland and Northern Ireland, although we are aware, due to ongoing engagement with trade unions, of concerns that unions have on these matters.
Shipping safety, seafarer welfare and employment conditions are matters reserved to the UK Government. The Maritime Labour Convention came into force in the UK on 7 August 2014. It sets out the minimum working and living rights for seafarers with the onus on operators. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which is accountable to UK Ministers, is responsible for auditing vessels to ensure compliance.
The Scottish Government expects the highest shipping safety and crew welfare and employment conditions and for these to be applied in the case of those vessels and personnel accessing Scotland’s ports and coastal areas.