ITF Successfully Negotiates Higher Pay for 250,000 Seafarers

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and a consortium of maritime employers have reached a new four-year labor contract, covering 250,000 seafarers and 10,000 ships worldwide. The agreement includes a wage increase of four percent for 2024, with an additional two percent raise in 2025. Wages for 2026-27 will be negotiated again that year. The wage agreement provides financial recognition for the contribution of seafarers to the global economy and acknowledges the sacrifices they have made during the pandemic. The specific dollar amount for the wage increase was not provided.

In addition to the wage increase, the agreement also focuses on ensuring a safe workplace at sea, free of violence, discrimination, and harassment. The employers’ negotiators have committed to reminding their shipowning members to respect national cabotage laws and to work on expanding free internet access for crewmembers. A new committee will be established to monitor areas of concern for seafarers, including the effects of new technology and green fuels, the transition to a climate-friendly future, and longstanding issues such as hours of work and rest, fatigue, crewing levels, and duration of service on board.

The ITF and the consortium of maritime employers have signed a new four-year labor contract, benefiting 250,000 seafarers and 10,000 ships globally. The contract includes a four percent wage increase for 2024, followed by an additional two percent raise in 2025. The specific dollar amount for the wage increase was not disclosed. The agreement also emphasizes the importance of a safe workplace at sea and commits to addressing issues such as violence, discrimination, and harassment. The employers’ negotiators have agreed to remind their shipowning members to respect national cabotage laws and work towards expanding free internet access for crewmembers. Furthermore, a new committee will be established to monitor concerns for seafarers, including the impact of new technology and green fuels, the transition to a climate-friendly future, and longstanding issues related to working conditions and service duration.

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