The world’s 1.6 million seafarers have kept our shops full during the pandemic and responded magnificently to the recent upswing in global trade. Their work is arduous and isolating – 90 hour working week’s are common. Because of covid, many seafarers have not been home for two years. They are also the only group of workers who benefit from a global, legally enforceable minimum wage – currently $641 a month. At the end of April 2021, employers and unions will meet to agree a new minimum. A rise is vital. We must recognise the contribution of seafarers during this exceptional period, and enable the evolution of the high skills/high wage industry that global logistics require.
