‘Excellent result’ in ESIU/Tallink Group talks

19 September 2008

ITF Maritime Coordinator Stephen Cotton today described the three year wage deal struck between the Estonian Seamen’s Independent Union (ESIU) and Tallink Group as “a really excellent result”.

Under the agreement signed by the ESIU and Tallink, wages of the 2000 seafarers onboard Estonian flagged vessels operated by the company will increase by 25 per cent this month, 9 per cent in 2009 and 6 per cent in 2010.

Workers with more than four and nine years service will also receive a seniority bonus of 5 or 10 ten per cent respectively from April 1, 2009.

The union reports that negotiations began in January 2008. A one hour long warning strike was held on 4 August when five ferries were stopped in the ports of Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm.

“We acknowledge the company’s will to secure jobs and pay for the next three years“, said Kaia Vask, ESIU Chairperson.  “The increase will boost employees’ motivation and help to improve the quality of service on ferries. The seniority bonus system also recognises the input of skilled and experienced workers. The company management has additionally  promised to find solutions for other problems that ESIU raised around the negotiating table. This was a victory for all of us.”

Stephen Cotton added: “Both sides can congratulate themselves on achieving such a positive outcome, and we are also pleased to see that the ESIU not only made these gains for their members, but also significantly increased their membership during the negotiations.”

The ESIU has thanked the ITF and their fellow unions in Finland and Sweden for their support throughout the negotiations.

ENDS

For more details contact ITF press officer Sam Dawson (details below) or Evelin Tomson, Organisation Secretary, ESIU, Phone +3726116391; GSM +37256457733; email evelin.tomson@emsa.ee

For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk

International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail@itf.org.uk
Web: www.itfglobal.org

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