The ITF and also JNG fulfilled from 1-3 September 2021 for crucial settlements on wage rise and also various other price components. Due to the pandemic, the social collaboration had actually accepted delay the begin of the settlements through 2021-2022, at first set up for March 2020.

The settlements were especially tough because of the earnings variants in the market, in addition to the enhanced functional expenses because of the pandemic. However, both events recognized the demand to identify the sacrifices that seafarers have actually made throughout the pandemic, remaining to maintain international profession relocating whilst not able to return house complying with the expiration of their agreements, and also getting no wage rise in 2021.

The settlements were effectively ended with the complying with contract:

• An rise in incomes and also payments of 3% from 1 January 2022
• An rise in incomes and also payments of 1.5% from 1 January 2023
• An rise in JNG participants’ discount from the ITF Welfare Fund to 20% to add to the IBF Seafarers Support Fund

Image Credits: itfseafarers.org

Prior to the settlements the social companions have actually had a duration of incredibly close collaboration, with both sides being deeply irritated by the therapy of seafarers throughout the Covid -19 pandemic by the globe’s federal governments. Blocked from accessing team adjustment to go house at the end of agreements, and also also prevented from numerous nations’ health centers; work and also company teams have actually been participated in collaborations to guarantee seafarers’ legal rights are brought back.

ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair Mr David Heindel was the ITF agent and also chaired the talks.

“From the initial risk the pandemic posed to seafarers, to the ongoing challenge of seafarers sometimes being denied emergency medical treatment by port states, to the global scandal that is the crew change crisis: through the last 18 months seafarers have shown exceptional professionalism and commitment. Therefore, we are proud we have managed to deliver increases to seafarers’ income. Their daily sacrifices to keep supply chains moving, delivering the goods critical to our recovery to billions of consumers and businesses is recognised,” stated Heindel.

A speaker for the Joint Negotiating Group of maritime companies (JNG), Captain Belal Ahmed resembled Mr Heindel’s message that the market was giving thanks to seafarers in really actual terms.

“Employers in the maritime industry, the shipowners, the management agents: the difficult and stormy waters of this pandemic have brought us closer to the crew. We see the sacrifices they have made, and, were within our means as businesses committed to being around in the future: we have endeavoured to recognise the seafarers’ efforts.”

Also from the companies’ side of the table, Chairman of JNG and also IMMAJ Mr Toshihito Inoue included that: “The pay agreement locks instability in the seafarer wage market going forward, allowing employers to better weather the volatilities in demand being experienced in various shipping markets since 2020”.

ITF President and also Dockers’ Section chair Mr Paddy Crumlin, that took part in the settlements in his ability as co-chair of the ITF’s Fair Practices Committee, invited the offer.

“This is an important outcome not only for seafarers but all maritime workers, as it shows commitment from reputable employers to the continued global collective bargaining process that is essential for the global supply chain. Multinationals in other sectors should strive to ensure proper framework agreements for their direct and indirect employees in their global supply chain,” stated Crumlin.

The International Bargaining Forum (IBF) Framework Agreement in between the ITF and also the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) establishes the terms, problems and also spend for the globe’s global seafarers functioning aboard vessels flying the flag of an open register assigned as the flag of ease by the ITF.

Reference: itfseafarers.com