In recent days, as part of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), the forum in which the International Transport Union Workers' Federation (ITF) discusses the employment contract of with the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) which represents the employers, an agreement was reached on the basis of the which seafarers around the world will receive a wage increase of 5% over two years which will be divided into an increase of 3.5% as of January 1, 2026 and a further increase of 1.5% to starting from the first of January 2027. In addition, it has been have agreed to increase death and disability benefits in line with the 5% wage increase.

"It is essential - commented the president of the ITF and president of the Dockers section of the union, Paddy Crumlin - that seafarers who are facing increases in cost of living do not suffer wage cuts in real terms. Therefore, despite a series of difficult negotiations, we are pleased that we have achieved this goal. We cannot forget that the have faced very difficult times in recent years. years: from the pandemic to the continuous conflict situations that have affected maritime trade routes, up to the current turbulence policies that have affected trade as a whole. In all This, the seafarers have persevered and resisted, and deserve every hundredth of the wage increase that is rightly coming."

"It was not - added the ITF spokesman and First Vice-President of the Seafarers section of the union, Conrad Goose - a series of easy negotiations and, as always, the outcome has required a compromise on both sides. However, I am pleased to say that this is a positive and fair outcome for the who need a wage increase that reflects the changes we have seen in their cost of living. At the same time, it is vital to maintain the profession as attractive as possible for seafarers and potential new recruits, at a time when we find ourselves in facing an ongoing crisis of recruitment and retention of the staff".

The spokesperson for the Employers' Negotiating Group JNG and IMEC Chairman, Belal Ahmed, highlighted the difficult to carry out wage negotiations, "as - explained - the sector is preparing for what will be probably a difficult period, given the challenges posed by the globalization and world trade. One of the principles fundamental aspects of the IBF is to ensure the protection and promotion of a sustainable maritime sector; The agreement reached puts us in a favourable position, while ensuring a fair wage increase for seafarers who play such a role and keeping their remuneration package attractive".