Seafarers face ‘significant risk’ in Strait of Hormuz, unions say
The International Transport Workers’ Federation and the Joint Negotiating Group have agreed to keep the Strait of Hormuz classified as a “Warlike Operations Area” until 9 July.
The decision follows attacks on two cargo ships in late June that forced the UN maritime agency to suspend an evacuation plan for vessels trapped in the area.
In a joint statement, the ITWF, which represents transport workers, and the JNG, which represents maritime employers, said seafarers on ships covered by International Bargaining Forum labour agreements will continue to receive double pay while operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
“This decision recognises the continuing and significant risk to life and the rapidly evolving situation in the area,” they said.
The International Maritime Organization said in late June that about 11,000 seafarers were stranded on roughly 600 commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
It said around 2,500 seafarers and 115 vessels were evacuated over three days before attacks on ships in the area forced the operation to stop.