It is defined several factors to determine the performance, and also evaluate the status of each port related to the other ports which are constantly utilized by the port directors. Meanwhile, factors such as the management and recruitment of specialized and skilled, but healthy and motivated personnel, and above all promotion and development of safety and health culture should be considered as the main complement and guarantee for being a successful port within the competition on the goods and capital. Thus, this study is aimed to identify and solve common problems of the bilge workers in the Iranian ports, including lack of adequate insurance coverage, adequate safety equipment, lack of necessary safety training, low wages, and other similar problems. The current study was performed using a survey method and rating the items based on the ANP model with the Supper Decision software package.
In this case study of the bilge workers of Bandar Imam Khomeini port, it was tried to provide solutions and strategies for improving the working and subsistence conditions of the workers observing the labour laws in the special economic zones and recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Special Economic Zones. The results indicate that, based on the main research objective, it was prioritized the workers’ insurance coverage with a normal factor weight of 0.181, followed by the timely wage payments after every working day with the final factor weight of 0.0618 among the main questionnaire items. Additionally, the results illustrate that it is possible to transfer the responsibility of supplying the bilge work forces from the workers union association to the private section companies and cooperatives which shall operate complied with labor laws in special economic zones under the supervision of the Department of Employment. As it would be an effective step forward to coordinate the existing rules and regulations with the ILO, and also improve the current working conditions of the bilge workers in this port and other ports of the country.