Sea change in industrial relations IInternational Transport Workers Federation secretary General David Cockroft (pictured) explains what the new International Bargaining Forum means from the trade union point of view
When the IBF was first set up we and others called it a 'watershed', but in the light of what it went on to achieve, 'sea change' might have been a better term. Within months of its creation the International Bargaining Forum - which currently includes the ITF, IIMEC (International Maritime Employers' Committee) and IMMAJ (the International Mariners' Management Association of Japan) - managed to square the circle and set new agreed standards for seafarers' pay and conditions. It remains a unique example of global union/employer dialogue and co-operation, and a testament to what can be achieved by negotiation and good faith - despite initial resistance and scepticism. It also remains open to new participants, and if it is to continue to achieve real success it must attract a wide cross section of all those in the industry. Ultimately, the ITF would like to see every flag of convenience ship owned by a decent shipowner become part of the IBF agreement. Each one that does sign up represents one further step towards good governance, and a victory for global dialogue. And each new participant in the IBF process adds new energy and representation to negotiations designed to assure security and fair competition on the basis of quality of service. The IBF agreement was hard won not least because it managed the difficult feat of improving things for everyone involved ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> $9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything. http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/vbOolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> JALESVEVA YAYAMAHE Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pelaut/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
