Anti-ISU action: taking on the ‘sham union’

Vigilant Nautilus members can help maintain standards onboard by contributing to the ITF’s ongoing campaign

The campaign against the International Seafarers’ Union (ISU), a ‘sham union’ operating out of Slovenia, has intensified as the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is now taking formal action at international level.  

Building on earlier warnings about the activities of the ISU and its links to the commercial entity Lanibra, the ITF has filed a complaint against the Slovenian government, alleging a failure to uphold fundamental labour standards. 

At the heart of the complaint is the claim that ISU is not an independent workers’ organisation but is instead subject to direct employer influence. Evidence presented by the ITF points to overlapping leadership and ownership structures between ISU and Lanibra, a company that markets collective agreements to shipowners. These agreements are widely criticised as ‘cut-rate’ deals that undercut established international standards on pay, conditions, and safety.  

Such arrangements, the ITF argues, represent a clear breach of international law, including protections on freedom of association and collective bargaining. By allowing ISU to operate, Slovenia is accused of enabling practices that weaken genuine union representation and expose seafarers to exploitation.  

While previous efforts have focused on raising awareness and challenging ISU-linked agreements at company level, the formal complaint seeks accountability from the state. The ITF is calling on Slovenian authorities to investigate the relationship between ISU and Lanibra and to take decisive action to shut down the operation. 

For maritime professionals, the case highlights the continuing threat posed by organisations that mimic legitimate unions while serving employer interests. It also underlines the importance of vigilance across the industry, particularly where agreements fall outside recognised ITF frameworks. 

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Nautilus members who become aware of ISU-Lanibra agreements can contact us here. This will help the ITF ensure continuous improvement of global standards for all.