Major Reforms for Stevedores Announced, Set to Take Effect from July 1, 2025

Sweeping reforms are on the horizon for Seychelles’ stevedores—the backbone of the country’s port operations. During a press conference held on Monday, the Consultative Committee on Conditions of Employment of Stevedores announced a trio of long-awaited changes designed to improve working conditions and ensure fairer compensation for these essential workers.

Effective July 1, 2025, all stevedores will benefit from the following:

• Universal Gratuity: All stevedores will now receive a gratuity regardless of the length of service or employment status. This aims to provide financial security and acknowledge the often-precarious nature of dock work.
• Increased Per-Tonnage Wages: The payment structure based on tonnage handled will be revised upward, offering a significant boost to daily earnings—particularly important given the physically demanding nature of the job.
• Simplified Tax Structure: The new reforms include a streamlined tax model, intended to reduce confusion and ensure that deductions are clearer and more predictable for stevedores across all companies.

The announcement comes after months of consultation between government officials, port stakeholders, and representatives of stevedore crews. It marks a significant milestone in the effort to professionalize and stabilize the sector, which has long faced complaints about inconsistent pay, lack of benefits, and hazardous working conditions.

“These reforms are a win for our stevedores and a win for fairness,” one committee member said. “We’ve listened, and we’re acting to ensure that the people who keep our ports moving are treated with dignity and respect.”

Port workers and union representatives have broadly welcomed the changes, although some have called for further clarity on how enforcement and oversight will be handled.

With Port Victoria handling the lion’s share of Seychelles’ imports and exports, these reforms are not just about wages—they’re about strengthening the foundations of the national economy.