Recent developments in seafarer employment include the introduction of a new global minimum wage and significant amendments to the UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill. The International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers’ Federation have endorsed the minimum wage, which will increase to $690 per month starting January 1, 2026, and rise to $715 by January 2028. This change follows negotiations in Geneva and aims to enhance global collective bargaining for seafarers.
In addition, the UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill, published in October 2024, has undergone substantial revisions. One key amendment focuses on collective redundancies for seafarers, requiring employers to notify the UK Secretary of State about proposed redundancies affecting seafarers, even if the vessel is registered outside the UK. This aims to strengthen protections for seafarers during redundancy situations.
Moreover, the Bill proposes to amend the Seafarers’ Wages Act 2023, expanding its scope to include ships registered outside the UK and introducing national minimum wage equivalence for non-qualifying seafarers. The implementation of these changes is expected to begin by December 2026, with further updates to be monitored closely.
