The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) successfully reclaimed A$30.7 million in unpaid wages for seafarers in 2024, following a record A$31.9 million in recovered wages during 2023.
Rising labour rights violations
It’s part of a troubling trend of rising labour rights violations aboard international cargo vessels.
Seafarers, integral to Australia’s A$138 billion iron ore export industry and other major sectors, often face challenges including inadequate food supplies, contaminated drinking water and withheld wages.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has been active in addressing these issues, conducting 2,264 inspections last year and handling 169 complaints under the Maritime Labour Convention.
AMSA issued access bans to 10 bulk carriers since 2020 due to wage theft and poor conditions, with the Liberian-flagged MSXT Emily among the most prominent cases.
Despite these efforts, the plight of seafarers remains dire, with advocacy groups pointing to systemic challenges and describing crews as an “invisible workforce”.
The Port Hedland Seafarers Centre, the largest in Australia, plays a vital role in supporting 10,000 crew members annually and educating the public on seafarers’ contributions to the economy.
In December, the centre distributed 2,000 care packages to crew members passing through the world’s largest bulk export port.
Resources companies comply
Major players in the resources industry, including Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue Metals Group, have implemented initiatives to address modern slavery risks within their supply chains.
These include compliance with the International Labour Organisation's Maritime Labour Convention, strict vetting processes for chartered vessels and collaboration with industry partners to improve safety and welfare standards.
While such measures aim to mitigate the risks faced by seafarers, advocacy groups stress the need for greater public awareness and continued regulatory scrutiny to protect the rights and well-being of this vulnerable workforce.