Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) form the basis of modern seafarer employment. 

The joint platform for renewing the national collective labour agreement for the shipping industry was approved at a meeting of union delegates. Filt Cgil, Fit-Cisl and Uiltrasporti were involved. 

‘The joint platform for the renewal of the single Collective bargaining agreement for seafarers (CBAs) for the shipping industry has been approved during a joint meeting of union delegates. 'Filt Cgil, Fit-Cisl, and Uiltrasporti  in Italy jointly announced the document, noting that it "is the result of months of discussions among the three transport sector unions and covers the period from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029."

The document, which covers the period from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029

The document, which covers the period from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029, was approved today following months of discussions among the three transport sector unions, as outlined in the announcement made jointly by Filt Cgil, Fit-Cisl, and Uiltrasporti, according to Shipping Italy

Reshaping the strategic role of maritime transport.

The unions explained: “The platform emerges against an international backdrop marked by profound geopolitical, economic and technological transformations that are reshaping the strategic role of maritime transport. In this context, stable growth can only be achieved by valuing the workforce's skills and professionalism. Furthermore, the revitalisation of the Italian shipping industry must strike a balance between corporate competitiveness, job quality and adequate wages,” the unions explained

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The document is organised around three main elements.

The document presented is structured around three core elements — wages, protections and participation — and thirteen concrete demands. These include guaranteeing job continuity to combat contractual dumping, fully restoring purchasing power, and involving unions in managing technological transformations. The introduction of 'Stop Work Authority' was also included, which is the right of any worker to halt an activity deemed unsafe without fear of repercussions. Other measures included in the statement were measures to combat aggression (including online harassment), the strengthening of welfare and supplementary pension schemes, measures for generational turnover, and the recognition of maritime work as physically strenuous," the statement continued.

A unified contract that serves as a bulwark against social dumping 

This renewal, founded on continuity and unity," the statement concludes, "was meticulously crafted as the organic progression of a trajectory forged over the preceding two rounds of negotiations. That process saw the consolidation of a unified contract that serves as a bulwark against social dumping while focusing on strengthening two key areas: onboard safety and welfare. The maritime sector is a strategic asset for this country, and its workforce is the true capital on which to build for the future. A solid, fair contract is the means by which this can be demonstrated in practice.”

About: Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) 

 It is noteworthy that Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) are the backbone of modern seafarer employment, and it is important to understand how they work. In 2025, they remained the primary means by which unions and shipowners could establish consistent wages, working hours, welfare provisions, and dispute resolution mechanisms that were tailored to the realities of life at sea. The Seafarer's Employment Agreement (SEA) is the individual contract, and CBAs make sure there is consistency across fleets and provide stronger protections than minimum regulatory standards alone.

The key elements of a CBA to understand in 2025 are:
- Wages and overtime structures
- Hours of work and rest
- Leave and repatriation rules
- Accommodation and nutrition standards
- Medical cover and insurance
- Disciplinary procedures
- Grievance and arbitration mechanisms
- Training and career development commitments. Well-drafted CBAs often exceed the MLC 2006 minimum requirements, offering premium pay scales, guaranteed overtime, and improved welfare facilities to attract qualified crew members.

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