Campaign news

Workers in the UK are earning as little as £2 an hour: Email your MP today

24th November 2009

RMT is campaigning to end exploitation in UK waters which can see seafarers earning as little as £2.00 an hour.

This super exploitation is legal because seafarers do not enjoy the same protection under minimum wage and equal rights legislation as other workers.

Gwyn Prosser MP is a member of the RMT Parliamentary Group and has tabled amendments to the Government’s Equality Bill which would outlaw this exploitation.

The Bill is being debated on 2nd December so please email your MP today asking them to back Gwyn Prosser’s amendments.

Simply copy the draft letter below and then email it to your MP by going to http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/

Please act today and please pass this message on to your workmates, family and friends.

Yours sincerely

Bob Crow
RMT General Secretary

Equality Bill – Please support New Clause 25 and Amendment 34

As one of your constituents I am asking that you sign and support amendments to the Equality Bill New Clause 25 (National Minimum Wage) and Amendment 34 (Race Relations Act).

Both amendments have been tabled by Gwyn Prosser MP and are supported by the maritime unions and the TUC.

The amendments seek to address the exclusion of foreign seafarers from the protection of the National Minimum Wage and pay discrimination legislation.

This lack of protection has led to seafarers on ships sailing between UK ports being paid as little as £2.00 an hour.

The government has been promising for some time to address this exploitation, and I hope you will support these changes and sign Gwyn Prosser’s amendments.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Tags: trade union rights (18)