Talat Butt

Appeal for International petitions and solidarity.

We, Kashmiri and Pakistani workers at Baltic star are experiencing racism and discrimination at the Boat which has been plying the rout between Stockholm and Mariehamn for the last 30 years. We are being super-exploited by the Boat management which has put us on a work scheme that is practically destroying our health irreversably. We are treated differently from Swedish workers at the Boat who have off duty between their schedules and who are also allowed pauses during working hours.
We are on a work scheme designed to make us work seven days a week, thirty days a month for three consecutive months without a pause. During this period, we are subjected to backbreaking menial jobs for 10.6 hours, working 5.3 hours without any pause. This is in violation of Swedish labour laws that stipulate that we are entitled to 15 minutes rest after every two hours of work (see attached press release).

We are appealing for urgent International help and solidarity. We are asking workers around the world, Trade Unions, political parties, anti-racist organisations, student and youth groups, activists, Internationalists and sympathisers to help us put pressure on the Baltic Boat management to follow Swedish and International labour laws and stop destroying our health through an impossible work routine. Our main demands are as follows:
A two week break after every two weeks of work like other Swedish workers.
A 15 minute break after every two hours of work in accordance with Swedish labour laws.

An immediate end to racism and discrimination at the boat by being treated like other Swedish workers doing similar jobs like us.
A Swedish Work Permit once the Boat acquires a Swedish flag.
Petitions can be sent directly to:
Baltic Star
Fax :- +46-8-100741
Tele : +46-8-4562200

Stockholm SEKO Seamen Union
Fax: +46-8-4116940
Email: dennis.sirvio.sk8@seko.se
Tele :- +46-8-58034351
Mobil:- +46-70-5777190

HQ SEKO Seamen union
Fax:- +46-31-429501
Email : sjofolk.goteborg@seko.se
Tele : +46-31-429420