Portugal - Maritime Labor: reinforcement of seafarers’ protection
It was published in the Official Journal of the EU the Council Directive (EU) 2018/131, of 23 January 2018, implementing the Agreement concluded by the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) to amend Council Directive 2009/13/EC of 16 February 2009.
The following amendments are to be highlighted:
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Provide of an effective financial security system to protect seafarers' rights in the event of abandonment and to assure compensation for contractual claims for death or long-term disability of seafarers due to occupational injury, illness or hazard
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Extend the legal concept of abandonment of the seafarer by the shipowner to include situations where the shipowner (i) leaves the seafarer without the necessary maintenance and support and (ii) unilaterally sever his ties with the seafarer, including failure to pay contractual wages for a period of at least 2 months.
The Council Directive (EU) 2018/131, of 23 January 2018 shall enter into force on 15 February 2018, and Portugal shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with it by 16 February 2020.
Contacts
