Labour Rights Class Action in the Maritime Sector: Lessons for Nigerian seafarers

Despite the fact that seafaring is a dangerous occupation due to the hazardous nature of vessel as a workplace, Nigerian seafarers’ labour right are violated by shipping companies without any kind of or sufficient redress. Aside from working overtime in an environment that is prone to health challenges, seafarers most times are underpaid or not paid as and when due, receive inadequate medical care, and their employments are whimsically terminated without recourse to the terms of the contract of employment and constitutionally enshrined right to fair hearing. Further, consequent upon the cost of litigation, duration of cases in Nigerian courts, and the dim prospect of getting another seafaring job, the right of Nigerian seafarers to seek redress for such breaches with a view to receiving compensation, modifying the behaviour of shipping companies, and preventing such abuses is jettisoned. This paper examines the existing labour relationship between seafarers and shipping companies in Nigeria and argues that the limited scope of class action in the country inhibits seamen from suing ship operators for malfeasance. The paper further argues that due to the difficulties in seeking redress by a seafarer against an erring shipping company, class action provides a viable option for seamen to sue defaulting shipping companies and to ensure that such malfeasance by shipping companies is prevented. Mindful of the overwhelming limitations of class action in Nigeria, the paper concludes that appropriate laws and institutional reforms should be made to improve class litigation in the country, while enlightenment programme should be launched to sensitise seafarers on their inalienable labour rights and the existence of class action platform to seek redress against defaulting shipping companies.