Cuba joins efforts to promote decent work at sea

© Alioune Ndiaye /ILO

© Alioune Ndiaye /ILO

GENEVA (ILO News) – On 12 June, the International Labour Office (ILO) received the instrument of ratification by Cuba of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006). Cuba is the 113th Member State of the ILO and the ninth Latin American country to have ratified this historic Convention. Cuba thus reaffirms its commitment to the protection of seafarers' rights and the promotion of a level playing field for shipowners.

In submitting the instrument of ratification, the Minister of Labour and Social Security of Cuba, Mr. Jesús Otamendiz Campos, declared: “The ratification by Cuba of the Maritime Labour Convention is a further demonstration of our firm commitment to the protection of labour rights and to the ILO. We are pleased to do so in the context of the 20thAnniversary of this important Convention”.

Upon receiving the instrument of ratification by Cuba, the ILO Director-General, Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, said: “I congratulate the Government of Cuba on this ratification, which demonstrates its commitment to promoting decent work at sea and making it a reality both for Cuban seafarers and for all those who call at the country's ports. The Office will provide the Government and the social partners with the necessary assistance for the full implementation of the Convention”.

The MLC, 2006, is the fourth pillar of the international regulatory regime for the maritime sector. Its provisions cover all aspects relating to the working and living conditions of seafarers on board and establish a detailed mechanism for the inspection and certification of ships that is now universal in scope.

The MLC, 2006 will enter into force for Cuba on 12 June 2027, that is one year after its ratification. For more information, please visit the MLC, 2006 webpage.