German shipowners, the industry association, and the trade union ver.di have successfully negotiated a new contract for seafarers following their second round of talks on December 4. This agreement, effective for all crew on German-flagged vessels in the collective bargaining group, comes after significant disagreement in initial negotiations that threatened operations within the sector.
During the first discussions in November, ver.di requested a 9.5% pay increase for a 12-month contract, citing a 6.5% real wage decline over the past five years due to inflation. Conversely, shipowners had proposed a mere 2.1% increase in 2026 and 2% for 2027, prompting protests from dissatisfied seafarers at major companies including Hapag-Lloyd and BLE.
The finalized agreement stipulates a 3% wage increase in 2026, followed by a 2.8% rise on January 1, 2027, lasting until June 30, 2028. Ver.di negotiators expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting it as a crucial step toward improving seafarers’ conditions. They plan to strengthen their position in the industry for future negotiations, adapting to ongoing economic challenges in shipping.
