Nautilus general secretary calls for urgent employment reforms and stronger legal protections for women workers at TUC Women's Conference

Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson has highlighted the severe challenges faced by women in maritime during a speech at the TUC Women's Conference, calling for urgent employment reforms and stronger legal protections.

Mr Dickinson reaffirmed the Union's commitment to tackling discrimination in the maritime industry during an address to the TUC Women's Conference on workers' rights in his capacity as TUC president.

'Women are on the front line of economic and social turbulence,' Mr Dickinson said, pointing to the persistent gender pay gap, occupational segregation, and childcare crisis that limits women’s career opportunities.

He welcomed the government's Employment Rights Bill, calling it 'the biggest boost to workers' rights in a generation' and urging its full implementation without compromise.

'Nowhere is the case for better work stronger than in my own industry, maritime. And nobody needs change more than women seafarers.

'With women making up less than 2 per cent of the global maritime workforce, inequality and discrimination are huge challenges. According to the International Transport Workers' Federation, most women are employed in the cruise and ferries sectors, often on flag of convenience vessels. And these women are doing some of the hardest, lowest-paid and least-protected jobs at sea.'

Some shipping companies still demand pregnancy tests before women join vessels. Maternity leave, sanitary provisions, and protective equipment remain inadequate, and many seafarers lack training in equality and inclusion, noted Mr Dickinson.

One of the most harrowing issues for women at sea is sexual harassment. A recent study found that two-thirds of women seafarers have experienced sexual harassment in their careers, with 6% suffering sexual assault in the past year alone. 'Just imagine being thousands of miles from land, assaulted by someone who is probably your line manager. Harrowing, frightening, profoundly disturbing,' Mr Dickinson said. 'An injury to one is an injury to all. Every trade union must stand with survivors of abuse and fight to stamp out these disgusting behaviours.'

As Nautilus International continues its push for stronger anti-discrimination laws and fairer working conditions, Mr Dickinson reiterated his belief in collective action. 'Stronger unions mean stronger rights. Let's get organised and fight for change.'

Nautilus International has signed the Maritime UK Diversity in Maritime Pledge and is using its Equality and Diversity Forum to amplify the voices of women seafarers.

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