Our Ref: HSR/2/1
Head Office Circular: NP/177/14
4th September 2014
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague
Zero Hours Contracts
On giving consideration to AGM item No.62 the Council of Executives noted and adopted the following resolution from their Health and Safety Sub-committee:
We note and support the contents of this Resolution to the AGM. The General Secretary is instructed to write to the Chamber of Shipping, the MCA and the Shipping companies raising our safety concerns over the employment of staff on Zero Hours Contracts. We further note the essential safety duties on board staff have to carry out and that full time employment will enhance the competence of these staff and their ability to carry out these roles in a safe manner.
We further instruct the General Secretary to raise this matter with our Parliamentary Group. The General Secretary is also instructed to write to the ITF/ETF to raise these concerns and to seek intelligence on how these issues have been dealt with in other countries. Reports to be placed back in front of this Council of Executives.
Branches and Regional Councils be advised.
I am acting in accordance with these instructions and will keep you informed of developments with this case.
Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
Acting General Secretary