In compliance with the upgraded rate arrived at during the 28th Session of the Joint Maritime Commission of the International Labour Organization and after due consultations with industry associations and seafarer unions, the basic salary for Filipino Able Seaman is hereby upgraded under the following guidelines:

1.  All shipowners and principals shall pay the Filipino Able Seaman on board ocean-going vessels a minimum basic wage of US$385 per month;

2.  The upgraded minimum wage shall apply to only to contracts executed by Able Seaman upon the date of effectivity of this Orders; and

3.  Shipboard employment contracts executed prior to the effectivity of the wage increase shall remain valid and unaffected by this Order until their expiration or termination.

This Order shall take effect on 01 July 2000.

For compliance.

Adopted: 31 May 2000

(SGD.) BIENVENIDO E. LAGUESMA
Secretary