There have been 138 complaints filed at the Myanmar Seafarers’ Federation in 2020-2022, and 103 cases were resolved, with 15 pending, according to the federation.
The complaints included asking for salaries and allowances, death and loss while on board, health issues, and compensation for injuries and benefits for services, said Chairman Captain Soe Min Aung of the Federation at the sixth Plenary Session held on 9 January.
The federation worked together with the Ministry of Health from 20 May 2022 to 30 April 2022 in conducting COVID-19 medical check-ups and issuance of medical certificates for a total of 17,590 Myanmar seafarers.
Between July 2020 and January 2022, the federation provided the offshore seamen sign-on and sign-off services off the coast of Kawthoung for 1,025 Myanmar sailors to work on board and 1,028 sailors to sign off from 96 vessels. In addition, the federation arranged special charter flights for the return of Myanmar seafarers.
The federation also provided rice and cooking oil worth K3,765,300 for seafarers without pensions and handed over cash assistance donated by the Elderly Seafarers’ Health Care Working Committee. Although there are 1,160 members currently at the Myanmar Seafarers’ Federation (MSF), the federation also provides necessary assistance to non-members depending on the financial situation. — TWA/GNLM
