BELGICA

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Inspection following complaint of social dumping

The Belgian Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Employment and Labor carried out inspections on board the 'Belgica' in Zeebrugge on Dec 11, 2023, following a complaint about social dumping. The Latvian technical crew of the 'Belgica' had filed a complaint with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). The French shipping company Genavir, which is responsible for operating the ship, is said to have tried to negotiate a collective agreement for the crew in Latvia. Since the ship is flying the Belgian flag, this violates the International Labor Organization (ILO) Maritime Labor Convention. The Belgica serves as an auxiliary ship of the Belgian Navy and has Belgian officers on board. The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is responsible for the scientific activities on the ship. Based on the results of the inspection, a decision will be made as to whether and what measures will be taken against the shipping company. The General Directorate of Shipping has confirmed that the inspections have taken place.