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:
- SSA Singapore Flag Vessels / Singaporean officers
- SFA Singapore Flag Vessels / Foreign officers
- 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
