The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has officially red-listed Able Maritime Seafarers Inc due to its failure to address serious concerns regarding the pay and conditions of seafarers it employs. This action follows a wave of allegations against the Philippine-based crewing agency after the ITF raised questions about its practices last month. The red listing, available on ITFShipBeSure.org, serves as a warning to seafarers to avoid this agency and prompts regulatory bodies to initiate their own investigations.
According to ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale, detailed evidence against Able Maritime is substantial, and the agency has declined to engage in dialogue about remedying the suffering inflicted upon seafarers placed in poorly compensated, hazardous jobs. The situation has drawn attention as more families of affected seafarers have come forward, inquiring about unpaid wages, sometimes totaling over seven months.
John Lyod Restauro’s story epitomizes the plight many have faced under Able Maritime. Deceived into a last-minute contract switch that led him to work for Goundar Shipping in Fiji, Restauro had his passport confiscated and endured severely low wages, effectively placing him in a state of modern-day slavery. His recent return to the Philippines, after nearly two years, has fueled further outrage, with over 30 relatives of other affected seafarers now seeking assistance regarding their unpaid wages.
The ITF’s initiative to red-list Able Maritime is a major step in combatting the exploitation of Filipino seafarers. The Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is collaborating with the ITF to address this issue and has called for formal reports from those affected. An online meeting facilitated by ITF Inspector Arvin Peralta involved POEA lawyers and several seafarers to discuss the way forward, emphasizing the need for immediate actions against Able Maritime.
The ITF underlines that this red listing is just a preliminary measure in the fight against the exploitation of seafarers. They are committed to ensuring that all affected individuals have the support they need and that such practices do not continue unchallenged.
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