Not so long ago wage deals for seafarers appeared to be agreed amicably, with negotiations held in luxurious surroundings — the last deal in 2014 was struck on the Indonesian island resort of Bali.
At the time, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and its traditional adversaries — the employers — shared common ground.
There were joint statements from the ITF and International Maritime Employers’ Committee (IMEC) on piracy, the Maritime Labour Convention, and welfare and training.
