IBF reaches three year agreement
(Aug 5 2011)
The IBF (International Bargaining Forum) has reached a final agreement on a
three-year deal, which will be applied to all IBF agreements from 1st January
2012.
At a meeting held in Miami between 27th and 28th July, the IBF, which comprises
representatives of the ITF, on behalf of seafarers, and the Joint Negotiating
Group (JNG), on behalf of employers; agreed a 2% basic increase to be applied
on 1st January 2012, a further 2.5% increase on 1st January 2013 and a final 3%
increase to be applied on 1st January 2014.
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 included 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 IBF members 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, plus 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. However, the issue of reviewing the
extended area and compensation was held over for further dialogue in the near
future.
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, while
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 conclusion in difficult times, on difficult issues,” he concluded.
Giles Heimann, IMEC secretary general and joint secretary of the JNG said: “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.
“While of course, the specific outcome that will be focused 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,” Heimann concluded.
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