Published: 12 Dec 2019
Lashing is the operation which secures cargo (containers, logs, cars etc.) to a ship. The reason it’s the work of ‘dockers’ or ‘wharfies’ is because it is dangerous and requires specific skills and comprehensive training to complete it safely. The work is also vital in retaining the work of wharfies as the threat of automation, digitalization and artificial intelligence become increasingly popular in the stevedoring industry.
There are global campaigns by the ITF and ETF to ensure that Lashing is Dockers Work, you can find links to articles from the ITF here and from the ETF here. The ITF raise serious concerns about unscrupulous ship owner often forcing seafarers to perform this work. They highlight that a ‘frightening number of seafarers are killed because they have no ability say no to risking their lives to make a boss an extra dollar’. There have been significant improvements made by the ITF in the International Bargaining Forum to strengthen and add the Dockers clause to all ships with ITF Agreements.
The MUA Branch here in Victoria have campaigned AMSA to ensure all Masters of Vessels adhere to the Navigation Act 2012 (Cth). An outcome of this campaign has seen AMSA issue an open letter to masters stating that they would consider vessels unseaworthy if cargo was not secured correctly, also citing that it was illegal for ships crew to do lashing if ‘sufficient shore labour is available’. Unfortunately, the Branch still hears of ship’s crew being forced to do lashing work here in Victoria at the expense of valuable hours of work to our members. If you know of this happening, please contact the Branch!
