New Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy for shipping

17. December 2024

The Finnish Shipowners’ Association has published an Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy program to work towards a just, equal and non-discriminatory shipping sector. The program contains goals and a list of fourteen action points, that the Finnish Shipowners’ Association with its member companies are committed to.

All employers have an obligation to actively promote equality and develop genuinely non-discriminatory working conditions and practices. The now publiched policy program provides tools and encourages shipping companies and seafarers to take measures that promote equality and diversity in working life. The aim is to eradicate cases of harassment, discrimination, violence and bullying from the sector.

“In recent years, shipping companies have made great strides in improving the operating and management culture of shipping, as shown for example, by a recent study. However, much work remains to be done to achieve a shipping sector that is completely free from harassment and discrimination. This policy program and its measures are a concrete step towards our goals.” Tiina Tuurnala, CEO of the Finnish Shipowners’ Association sums up.

The Non-Discrimination and Equality Policy program focuses on three priorities:

1. The culture of the work community is changing. The operating environment for maritime work has changed significantly in recent years, and the young generation brings with it new expectations. The organisational and management culture must be developed to meet current needs. The change in culture must be integrated into everyday operations, both in the shipping company and on ships.
2. Different people are needed for all positions. A diverse work community is a resource for a company. Promoting diversity is an ongoing activity and is never completely finished. A diverse and equal work community is the best traction and retention power for the shipping sector.
3. Zero tolerance for all forms of harassment, discrimination, violence and bullying. The Finnish Shipowners’ Association and member companies are committed to zero tolerance for all harassment, discrimination, violence and bullying. Every individual in the work community has a responsibility to promote equality and non-discrimination through their own behavior and to intervene in any shortcomings they observe.

The aim is that everyone working on board a ship should feel safe, welcome and valued in the work community. In addition, the aim is that in the future, the sector will attract young people and that women’s participation in the shipping work force has increased significantly from the current level.

The program includes 14 concrete measures that will be promoted by Finnish Shipowners’ Association and its member companies. These include, developing best practices guidelines together with employee unions and conducting a regular survey of seafarers on bullying and harassment.

The Equality and Non-dicrimination Policy program can be found here: EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY for the shipping industry

 

For additional information, please contact:

Tiina Tuurnala, CEO

+358 40 547 6762
tiina.tuurnala@shipowners.fi