Maritime Labour Dispute Settlement, Lock-out, Strike and Unfair Conduct Related to Seafarers and Shipowners

Abstract

Maritime Labour Act, B.E. 2558 laid down the principle of seafarer and shipowner’s rights to form a union and bargain which allows seafarer and shipowner to bargain or request the rights or benefits relating to employment condition and working conditions. In general, a bargaining procedure might cause conflicts between two parties. Without a clear dispute settlement process, such conflict may lead to negative effects on the economy and society including to seafarer’s welfare. The Ministerial Regulation on maritime labour dispute settlement, lock-out, strike and unfair conduct related to seafarers and shipowners, B.E. 2564 is designed to solve those concerns by prescribing the rules, procedure and conditions relating to maritime labour dispute settlement, lock-out, strike, unfair conduct and others related matters for seafarers or shipowners. This article describes the meaning of maritime labour dispute, maritime labour dispute settlement process and unfair conduct consideration including notification and requesting submission methods to provide those involved in the implementation of this ministerial regulation better understanding.

Keywords: maritime dispute, lock-out, strike, unfair conduct