The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG), as social partners of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), have agreed to maintain the designation of the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters as a Warlike Operations Area (WOA) until 9 July 2026.
After review by the IBF Warlike Operations Area Committee (WOAC), it was also agreed that the WOAC will return to weekly review meetings. This decision recognises the continuing and significant risk to life and the rapidly evolving situation in the area.
Following the launch and then pause of the UN International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) evacuation plan after a cargo ship was struck exiting the area on Thursday 25 June, after another cargo ship was struck on Saturday 27 June, and while merchant ships continue to enter and exit the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters, the Committee strongly advises that all ships in the area follow advisories issued by the IMO, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), and regional governments involved in ship evacuations.
The WOAC also reaffirms its commitment to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and customary international law: all merchant ships must be able to exercise their right to navigate the high seas, exclusive economic zones and international straits without unlawful impediment. Passage through international straits must not be suspended. These rights apply as a matter of customary international law, irrespective of whether a given state has ratified UNCLOS.
The Committee recognises its duty to support a return to normal shipping patterns as rapidly as possible, given the vital role merchant shipping in the region plays in the global economy, including through the transport of fuel and fertilisers – while firmly holding that no attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is ever justified. The Committee urges all governments to maintain diplomacy and deescalate all conflict immediately.
The WOA designation ensures that seafarers on IBF-covered vessels receive enhanced protections and compensation if they are stranded or operating in the area. Seafarers already within the designated area are entitled to additional compensation and to request repatriation, noting the current, significant operational difficulties, while those instructed to enter it have the right to refuse to sail and request repatriation at the company’s expense.
Under the terms agreed by the IBF parties, seafarers serving on IBF vessels within or entering the designated WOA will be entitled to the following protections:
- A bonus equal to 100% of basic wage, payable for a minimum of five days, and for each additional day a vessel remains in the area.
- Doubled compensation for death and disability arising from incidents in the area.
- The right for seafarers to refuse to sail into the area, with repatriation at the company’s cost and compensation equal to two months’ basic wage.
- A recommendation for ship operators to implement enhanced security arrangements equivalent to ISPS Level 3.
These provisions reflect the standard protections applied to seafarers transiting Warlike Operations Areas under IBF agreements.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- The Warlike Operations Area was first designated as such on 5 March 2026. See here for more.
- Prior to this, the area was designated a High Risk Area on 2 March 2026. See here for more.
- For more information on the Warlike Operations Area, see here.
- For more information on the IBF, see here.
Media Contact: Mark Dearn | media@itf.org.uk | +44 7850 207412
About the ITF: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve workers’ lives, connecting more than 730 affiliated trade unions from over 150 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for workers globally. We are the voice for more than 16.5 million transport workers across the world.
About the JNG: The Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) allows for the coordination of the views of employers from across the world in the maritime industry. The JNG today consists of the International Maritime Employers' Council (IMEC), the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ), the Korean Shipowners Association (KSA) and Taiwan-based company Evergreen.
About the IBF: The International Bargaining Forum (IBF) is the forum that brings together the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the international maritime employers that make up the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG). IBF negotiations include both central negotiations and local negotiations which allow for development of core principles which can then be incorporated into specific local arrangements. This unique approach to pay negotiations is the only example of international collective bargaining.
