How is the shift work affected if a hatch is not finished before sailing?

When a hatch is not finished before sailing, work can resume after the vessel has departed as per the collective bargaining agreements and practices commonly established within the ILWU framework. This means that workers are allowed to complete their tasks once the ship is at sea. This practice can help to ensure that cargo handling schedules remain flexible and operational efficiency is maintained, as it allows for the completion of the work that may have spilled over due to time constraints.

In essence, this approach acknowledges the realities of maritime logistics, where delays can occur, and it makes provisions for workers to continue their tasks under certain conditions, thus keeping the process fluid and accommodating unforeseen circumstances.

Other responses do not align with typical practices. For instance, stopping work until the next day would lead to unnecessary delays and inefficiencies. While additional hours might seem like a solution, they are often not permissible based on the existing labor agreements which regulate working hours and rest periods for workers on shifts. Substituting workers might also not be feasible depending on the agreements in place, as that could disrupt the continuity of work and complicate matters of accountability and training.