SEAFARERS' PAY DISCRIMINATION REGULATIONS

Early day motion 1848, tabled 23 May 2011 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes the recent publication of the Government's regulations to outlaw pay discrimination against EU nationals and nationals from designated non-EU states working on UK flagged ships under the EU's equal treatment obligations; further notes that the Department for Transport's independently commissioned Carter report recommended in May 2010 outlawing all pay discrimination on board UK ships; further notes that thenew regulations fall short of the regulations published by the previous administration; believes that the regulations should be drafted in such a way as to prevent shipowners from avoiding these new anti-discrimination obligations; and therefore urges the Government to implement regulations which outlaw pay discrimination against all seafarers working in UK territorialwaters, apply on all ships bearing EU states' flags working in UK territorial waters and are accompanied by a properly funded and resilient enforcement regime.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, DUP 2, Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.