It was agreed that from 1st January, 2015, the ILO minimum monthly basic wage for an AB will be increased to $592 and from 1st January, 2016, the monthly basic wage will be increased to $614. ISF spokesperson Arthur Bowring led the shipowner group in the discussions held on 26th and 27th February, 2014 in Geneva.
In his opening statement, Bowring said that the current figure of $585 came into effect on 31st December, 2013 and noted that the purpose of the meeting was to ensure the maintenance of a safety net for seafarers particularly from developing countries.
He also referred to publications from UN bodies, such as UNCTAD, that underlined uncertainty in the global economy and challenges facing world trade and particularly over supply of tonnage in the shipping industry.
He said: “We believe the decision taken is an appropriate one that gives shipowners adequate notice to be prepared for the impact of agreed changes going forward to 2016.”