The Federation of ASEAN Shipowners' Associations (FASA) has expressed opposition to the unilateral decision by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) to establish an ITF model wage scale, a benchmark on minimum wage for non-domiciled seafarers employed on national flag vessels.

In a recent general membership meeting, FASA viewed this initiative as a strong attempt by the ITF, a non-governmental organization (NGO) to unilaterally dictate a minimum wage scale on national flag vessels and which it opined is a clear violation of national policies.

"The underlying intention of this move by the ITF is also viewed as an attempt to force an increase in the International Labor Organization (ILO) minimum basic wage rate for able seaman," said FASA.

As the shipping industry has not fully recovered from the impact of the recent global financial fallout, and in light of a potential surge in crude oil prices, FASA is strongly against any impending move by any international seafarers employers' organization to enter into any direct negotiation with the ITF on any future increase in the ILO minimum wage rate.

FASA stressed that any such increase will put additional stresses on the financial strength of the shipping industry.

Following concerns about climatic changes and rising sea levels, FASA has reiterated that protecting the marine and air environment is one of the primary concerns of the shipping industry.

FASA members have pledged to work together to bring about reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping