Ship crews have received a boost to their minimum wage of 4.5% after "difficult negotiations" at the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) met in Geneva this week to thrash out pay for able seafarers.
After two days, an increase of $27 to $641 over three years was agreed.
The two sides said that the current rate of $614 was "below the purchasing power stated in the ILO report prepared for consideration at the meeting."
“This was a difficult negotiation with two very different assessments about what the future holds for shipping and seafarers,” said Mark Dickinson, the Seafarers’ Group spokesperson.
“We started slowly but gained momentum as the parties exchanged opinions and provided arguments to support their positions.
Strong opposition
"There was strong opposition from the shipowners side for a significant increase. However, I am pleased that at the end pragmatism and common sense prevailed and the social partners worked their way forward to recognise the fundamental role seafarers play within the industry."
Max Johns, the Shipowners’ Group spokesperson, added: “Following active discussions on the current difficult challenges facing our industry, and the importance of preserving future employment for seafarers, I am very pleased to advise that we were able to work together to come to an acceptable result for both parties”.
Earlier this year, the Nautilus International union had called for a $50 rise in the global minimum wage for crew.
