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International Bargaining Forum news (7/21)

Representatives of the International Bargaining Forum have issued the following news release IBF Press Release Bargaining Forum meets in Hong Kong Leaders of international maritime employers and unions came together for a two day meeting in Hong Kong on the July 16-17 to discuss issues outstanding from the last round of pay negotiations at the International Bargaining Forum in September 2007. Subjects under discussion included the criteria for the designation of warlike operations areas, which provided for bonus payment to the crew, the rules under which IBF wage increases are applied and the way in which the IBF agreements can be maintained as the premier international crew contracts for JNG members. In addition there was discussion over the rules which will cover the disposal of funds collected to promote the employment of ratings from developed economy countries that were agreed in the last IBF negotiations. Speaking at the end of the meeting, Captain Manji, the Chairman of the employers group, the Joint Negotiating Group said, “This was my first meeting as the Chairman of the JNG and I am grateful to my colleagues who provided expert advice and assistance. Many of the items for discussion were particularly sensitive and that was why they remained outstanding from last year. But we managed to make progress on many issues and we particularly welcomed the clarification received fro the ITF on the need to preserve the exclusivity of IGF agreements and on the rules dealing with the allocation of IBF wage increases.” The ITF spokesman at the meeting, Brian Orrell, said, “This was a very successful meeting at which we dealt with issues that will have a major impact for the seafarers that are covered by IBF crew contracts. We have asked the employers to create a mechanism that will identify the high risk areas for maritime transport more effectively and in these and other areas, we have received positive recognition that the problems of seafarers are understood and will be responded to within the IBF system that we have helped to create.” The outcome of the meeting will be reviewed and agreed at another meeting scheduled for the week of November 17, again in Hong Kong. The agreement expires in December 2009 with a new round of negotiations between the parties planned for next year. ###