20 January 2023
RMT Press Office:
RMT response to Low Pay Commission report regarding seafarers.
The LPC published its annual report yesterday, confirming that they have recommended to the Government that seafarers are exempt from the accommodation offset for onboard accommodation.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "We are pleased that the Low Pay Commission has listened to the RMT and acknowledged the unique position of seafarers and the inherent unfairness of employers charging crew for the cost of sleeping on the vessels where they work. We know that some crewing agents and operators, especially in the offshore energy supply chain are deducting accommodation costs from seafarers’ pay and the LPC has acted on that evidence in the interests of seafarers.
"It is vital that the Government accept the LPC’s recommendation that seafarers and exempted from the accommodation offset to make sure that shipowners and crewing agents are absolutely clear that they can no longer chisel some extra profit from the wages of the lowest paid seafarers. This would also set an important precedent in the fight back against the worst employers in the shipping industry, like P&O Ferries."
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