Maritime Seafarers Union-India Calls for Grievance Cell in Major Ports

Padmesh Prabhune

The Maritime Seafarers Union-India has called for establishing a ‘Grievance Cell’ for seafarers in all major ports.

Recently Ajit Yeshwantrao, President MUSI, met Shri Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State of PS&W, urging him to establish a ‘Grievance Cell’ and presented a proposal for it.

Speaking to Marex Media, Yeshwantrao said, “We have already sent a proposal to the minister Shri Shripad Naik and he has been very welcoming for the welfare of seafarers as the ‘Grievance Cell’ would be a good platform to promptly serve its purpose of effectively addressing the concerns of seafarers.”

One can’t overlook the importance of seafarers, for more than 90% of the world’s goods and fuel are transported around the world, thanks to seafarers. Without them the world economy would grind to a halt. This would place businesses and millions of jobs around the world in jeopardy.

There are a large number of stress, risks and challenges that seafarers face, often due to long periods away from home, isolation, long working hours, lack of shore leave, fatigue, high levels of work-related stress, accidents and maritime disasters, exposure to hazardous substances, and communicable diseases; not to mention piracy and criminalization.

Also at times inaccessibility to fresh food, unfavourable work environment, payment related issues, inadequate medical facilities, and sleep deprivation affect seafarers health drastically.

By establishing a Grievance Cell’ at major ports, pertinent issues could be addressed immediately, thereby providing instant psychological relief to seafarers.

-Marex Media