Joint press release: International Bargaining Forum Reaches Three Year Agreement

News Release The International Maritime Employers’ Committee (IMEC) August 5, 2011

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The IBF (International Bargaining Forum), which comprises
representatives of the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation), on
behalf of seafarers, and the JNG (Joint Negotiating Group,) on behalf of
employers, reached a final agreement during its negotiations, held in Miami on
27th and 28th July.
The conclusion, which has been hard fought by both sides, has
resulted in a three year deal being applied to all IBF agreements with effect
from <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:date w:st="on" Month="1"
Day="1" Year="2012">1 January 2012</st1:date> and includes an incremental pay
increase over the three year period. A 2% increase will be applied on <st1:date
w:st="on" Month="1" Day="1" Year="2012">1 January 2012</st1:date>, a further
2.5% increase will be applied on <st1:date w:st="on" Month="1" Day="1"
Year="2013">1 January 2013</st1:date> and the final 3% increase will be applied
on <st1:date w:st="on" Month="1" Day="1" Year="2014">1 January
2014</st1:date>.
Under the terms of a new methodology as agreed between the parties
during 2010, the percentage increase will be applied to an element which
includes both pay and union funding; however the specifics of the application of
the increases between Officer and Rating categories and funding elements, will
be decided at Local Negotiations between individual Union Affiliates and the
Employers.
Further cost items agreed during the negotiations include the
introduction of an incentive increase in ITF Welfare Fund rebates to the IBF of
an additional 5%, on top of the current 5%, if the number of vessels being
covered under IBF agreements increases year on year by 2%, 2% and 1% during the
years 2012 to 2014 respectively.
As well as discussing cost issues, the parties to the IBF spent
considerable time discussing specific amendments to the Articles of the IBF
Collective Bargaining Agreement that included such items as changes to the
period that is defined as probationary when a seafarer commences his or her
first term of employment with a Company and references to the ILO Maritime
Labour Convention (MLC).
The issue of piracy was debated at great length and a revised text
was agreed on warlike operations / high risk areas. The issue of reviewing the
extended area and compensation was held over for further dialogue in the near
future.
In addition to the specific amendments to the articles of the
Collective Bargaining Agreement, a revised Memorandum of Agreement was signed
which contains additional agreements reached during the entire span of the IBF
process that are open and currently relevant, with further items added during
the 2011 negotiations. These additions include principles to assist Companies
with the development of Disciplinary/Grievance Procedures and
Bullying/Harassment Procedures and commitments to maintain future Officer supply
through Cadet training and the provision of training berths on board IBF covered
ships.
Speaking on conclusion of the IBF Negotiations, Dave Heindel, Chair
of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, commented: “The last few years have put a great
pressure on both sides of the IBF to be seen to be acting responsibly in support
of both the Seafarers and those that employ them. The collapse in the world
financial market has led to employers wanting to minimise their cost increases
in difficult times; and has put pressure on those who represent the seafarers to
understand this financial situation, whilst ensuring that they are protecting
the interest and livelihoods of their members. The final agreement that we have
reached has demonstrated the ability of the two sides to work together being
both constructive and representative. This agreement bears testament to the
strength of the IBF process and its ability to reach conclusions in difficult
times, on difficult issues.”
Giles Heimann, Secretary General of IMEC and Joint Secretary of the
JNG commented: “The final outcome reached by the IBF is both a pragmatic and
mutually acceptable agreement for both sides. The IBF system has yet again
demonstrated the ability of both sides of the table to work closely together in
examining the core issues at hand; and through debate, negotiation, respect for
each other’s opinions and understanding, a solution has been found, which allows
us all to confirm that we have achieved a good result for our constituents.”
Heimann continued by saying “Whilst of course, the specific outcome that will be
focussed on is the pay increase, we should not forget that the IBF system of
partnership focuses on many other issues - during these negotiations, a great
deal has been achieved which supports the IBF process into the future, as well
as agreeing to the pay settlement.”
ENDS
Giles Heimann, IMEC Secretary General on mobile: +44 (0) 7825 515
465. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7680 8680. E-mail: <A
href="mailto:Giles.heimann@imec.org.uk">Giles.heimann@imec.org.uk</A>

Or
Sam Dawson, ITF press officer on tel: 020 7940 9260. Email:
<A href="mailto:Dawson_sam@itf.org.uk">Dawson_sam@itf.org.uk</A>

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