What is Collective Bargaining?

• It is the process of negotiations held between employers and the union in order to reach an agreement on employment matters relating to wages, working conditions, benefits, leave … etc.

• The CBA once concluded by both parties will be registered with the Singapore Industrial Arbitration Court (IAC), certified by the president of IAC & gazetted as a legal document.

Why is SMOU CBA Unique?

Exclusive Coverage

• SMOU offer members and employers much more beyond the standard coverage of a CBA. The following schemes beneficial to both employers and members, are covered extensively under SMOU CBA:

1. Training & Upgrading : Singapore Maritime Training Fund (SMTF)
2. Protection and Retirement Fund : Seafarers' Provident Fund (SPF)
3. Medical Protection : Seafarers' Medical Scheme (SMS)

Benefits of having a SMOU CBA

• The SMOU CBA is your international guideline to ensure the working conditions and minimum wages for your seafaring officers are globally compliant and accepted.

• It increases your competitiveness amongst maritime employers in the labor markets for world class seafaring officers all around the world.

Enhances / Continuity of good relationships

• Increase employees security
• Good employer and employee relationships should not be taken for granted. A CBA defines the working relationship which is critical for continuity as people join and leave your company.

Key considering factors that would influence the CBA’s discussion

• Today, we all know that employer and employees have to work hand in hand towards achieving the same goals. To ensure this win-win state of play, business concerns besides staff /crew welfare are factored into the CBA’s discussion process.
• This involves customising each CBA in line with

  - Current Economic situations
  - Company & Employee’s performance

Companies should ensure that they are pursuing the CBA for the right reasons such as:

• To enhance & continue good employee and employer relationships.
• Ensure that their officers’ wages & working conditions are compliant & globally accepted.

CBAs are categorised as follows:

(a) SSA Singapore Flag Vessels / Singaporean officers

(b) SFA Singapore Flag Vessels / Foreign officers

(c) FFA Foreign Flag Vessels / Foreign officers and Ratings

• SMOU/SOS ITF TCC CBA
• SMOU/SOS IMEC (IBF) TCC CBA

For a specimen of the CBA or details, please contact Mr Gwee Guo Duan at gweegd@smou.org.sg