On 20 September 2017, a fully loaded vessel, M/V “Dong Fang Hua Xin 12”, called at Xiuying Port for discharge of cargo. Half way through the discharge, 11 crew members refused to continue with the operation on the grounds that the ship had owed them over four months of wages. They were later taken to the local police station for investigation, on the grounds that they had impaired the operational safety in the port. The crew members called the filing judge of our court and asked for help. Upon receipt of the call, our filing court promptly explained relevant legal provisions to the crew members, telling them that they should duly exercise their rights but should not demand the wages by any illegal means nor impair the lawful rights and interests of the cargo interests. The crew members were then instructed to protect their rights by legal means. Meanwhile, the filing judge contacted the ship owner, explained applicable laws, and mediated between the parties with patience. The ship owner agreed to immediately pay off the arrears provided that the crew continued with the discharge. Three of the crew members were determined to leave the ship, and the filing judge provided them with guidance on filing a case.

At 9 o’clock on the next morning, the three crew members called to express their gratitude. They were on their way home after receiving in full their wages and travel expenses paid by the ship owner and completing required formalities for the severance. One of them came to the filing hall before he headed back to his home town in Hubei Province. He held the judge’s hand tight and gave his thanks. Our maritime judges were dedicated to solving the people’s troubles. Their efforts again lived up to our mission of serving the people with justice and contributed to maintaining social stability.