Industrial relations at SMOU reflects the strong tripartite relationship between the Government, Shipping Companies and the Union.

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.

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