Int. Chamber of Shipping: Securing Key Worker Status for Seafarers
More than 100,000 seafarers from over 175 countries were stranded aboard their ships at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This silent humanitarian catastrophe put both the global supply chain and the dignity of seafarers at risk. In response, Woodrow supported ICS and IATA to launch a joint coalition - alongside Maersk and KLM - to secure recognition of transport workers as key workers and protect the people keeping global trade moving.
Impact
Over 50 governments officially designated transport workers as key workers, significantly easing travel restrictions and stabilising global supply chains. The campaign generated 7,000+ media pieces across 91 countries. The UN Secretary General and the Pope publicly supported the coalition. Over 400 organisations, including Shell and the World Economic Forum, committed to prioritising transport workers for Covid vaccinations. The work won the CIPR Best Global Campaign Award 2022.
Approach
We assembled a powerful industry coalition across aviation, shipping and trade associations to drive an integrated advocacy campaign. Key tactics included coordinated global media outreach, targeted policy advocacy and direct engagement with international policymakers. We launched open letters to world leaders, including CEOs of major global businesses, urging immediate action. A high-profile virtual summit convened policymakers, industry leaders and international organisations, spotlighting transport worker issues and calling for coordinated policy reform.
