ILO keeps seafarers’ minimum wage at $614

The recommended minimum wage came after an ILO Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) meeting held in Geneva last week, comprising of representatives of maritime employers co-ordinated by International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and seafarers’ unions co-ordinated by International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).

“The continuation of the current minimum wage until at least 2018, at the increased level which came into effect in January 2016 as a result of the previous JMC agreement, means that employers should benefit from a period of stability in what are otherwise very challenging markets for the global industry,” said Max Johns, spokesperson of German Shipowners’ Association.

The ILO pointed out that while the minimum only refers to the basic wage for the non-officer grade of able seafarer, the total minimum payable is actually much higher when account is taken of overtime payments and other pay related entitlements under the ILO Maritime Labour Convention.

The ILO Joint Maritime Commission is next expected to review the minimum wage during 2018.