SHAME ON YOU

Did you pay for a job?

Some comments from a straw poll of seafarers who were asked if they had paid a manning agent:

“I paid my manning agent US$600 to get me a good job.”Yuri, Ukrainian, AB, bulk carrier

“This time I didn’t pay. But in Ukraine usually everybody pays – we just don’t tell people.”Ukrainian, technical electrician, cruise ship

“I paid nothing for the job I have now, but in the past I have paid the agent for a job.”Ronnie, Filipino, AB, bulk carrier

“I paid US$300 to the owner.”Fernando, Indian, 2nd officer, bulk carrier

“In my 20 years in this company (Japanese) I have never paid money to get a job.”Bambang Setyo, Indonesian, 2nd officer, general cargo ship

“I don’t pay. Our agency in the Philippines gives us the chance to arrange everything by phone so we don’t lose time or money going to Manila.”Filipino, deck boy, container ship

“The last time I paid was in March 2001, but my company knows about it – we consult the company regularly. I paid US$1,500, which is half a month’s salary. I know that at least three manning agencies in my home city are still taking money from crew, equivalent to up to 10 per cent of their wages.”Anatoly, Russian, captain, general cargo ship.

Quase sempre é o orgulho que os faz negar estas situações. Nesta industria todos o sabem, mas preferem olhar para o lado. Sabemos à partida, que com os dados viciados, " a coisa" mais cedo ou mais tarde, vai dar para o torto. Nós, por cá, tudo bem; Não damos para este peditorio. Mas vamos estranhar. Ainda bem que a EUROPA é um ESTADO EMINENTEMENTE SOCIAL.

SHAME ON YOU!