ITF informed that the International Bargaining Forum concluded the final round of negotiations for the 2019-2022 IBF Framework Agreement. ITF and JNG met in Manila from February 19-22 2018, for the final round of negotiations for the creation of the new IBF Framework Agreement.
The negotiations were challenging, because of the profit instabilities in certain parts of the industry. Both ITF and JNG acknowledged the need to support the growth of the market, but also the need for a sustainable and fair employment for the seafarers employed on JNG vessels worldwide.
The talks were successfully concluded, and the Framework Agreement was signed. The clauses of the agreement will be valid for a four year period, with a review of the wages after two years. The key points of the agreement can be summarized as following:
- A salary increase of 2.5% from 1 January 2019
- An increase in JNG members’ rebate from the ITF Welfare Fund to 16%, with an additional 2% available based on an incentive system
- Re-grading of the Warlike Area off the coast of Somalia to a High Risk Area and the addition of a Warlike Area 12nm off the mainland coast of Yemen
- Changes to various contractual clauses, including a revision to the article covering non-seafarers’ work effective 1st March 2018
- Enhanced welfare support for seafarers
Paddy Crumlin, president of the ITF, stated:
Seafarers and dockers face serious challenges on a daily basis and it is absolutely essential that their needs are at the forefront of these negotiations. These are undoubtedly challenging times, yet with mutual respect and collegiality, together we have come to terms on a new agreement.
