ITF Set To Open Talks In New Bargaining Forum

By ITF

The ITF Fair Practices Committee (FPC) - the joint seafarers' and dockers' body which overseas the ITF Flag of Convenience campaign - met in July and took a major step towards global social dialogue in shipping.

It authorised a negotiating team to open talks with shipowners and managers within the International Bargaining Forum (IBF).

The negotiations will include the objectives of achieving a balanced package of improvements in wages and conditions of employment for seafarers on flag of convenience ships operated by employers within the IBF. The FPC also agreed that the ITF worldwide benchmark for able seamen ratings will rise from $US1300 to $US1400 per month from January 2004.

Other objectives are outlined in the article.

(Transport International. 4.03, Issue 13, October 2003)