Recession-hit markets appear to be testing the solidarity of maritime unions affiliated to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) over minimum wage rates.
Traditionally, maritime unions in 150 different countries enforce the ITF minimum wage scale through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). Meanwhile, registered under flags of convenience that flout ITF agreements face boycotts around the world.
But earlier this year, the Ukraine Marine Trade Unions' Federation (Umtuf) broke ranks with its national maritime union’s ITF-approved CBA.
