Winter bonus is a rare but nice allowance

The ITF inspector from St. Petersburg visited the m/v Federal Kivalina and Federal Champlain, which called the port. No deficiencies were found as both vessels are covered by the ITF collective agreement, are in good technical condition, and the seafarers are satisfied with the working conditions.

The Hong Kong company Anglo-Eastern Group not only ensures that the seafarers do not have any complaints, but also tries in every possible way to encourage their crews. For example, seafarers serving on the company’s vessels are paid a winter bonus which is additional allowance for working in cold weather conditions. On board the m/v Federal Kivalina and Federal Champlain, all officers, including junior officers, get a nice pay raise.

As ITF inspector explained, the winter bonus is an extremely rare phenomenon and is paid only on the initiative of the employer. In other words, the Anglo-Eastern Group considers the ITF collective agreement as the minimum employment standard, and additional payments to seafarers are accrued on top of this agreement. The company also provides a seniority bonus for length of employment and, a rejoining bonus for returning to the fleet or loyalty, and other incentive bonuses.

«The working conditions on board the m/v Federal Kivalina and Federal Champlain are really attractive, which, in fact, was confirmed by the seafarers themselves. For example, the overtime for ratings is higher than the guaranteed level. In addition, crewmembers receive payment for performing additional duties like cleaning and washing of holds and welding works».

The ITF believes that this is a brilliant example of social cooperation between an employer and a trade union which is affiliated member organization of the Federation.

«I would like to see as many of such examples as possible», - concluded the St. Petersburg’s inspector.