Updating the ILO’s minimum basic wage of able seamen. Report JMC/29/2001/2

This report describes the methodology of updating of the ILO's recommended minimum basic wage for an able seaman of US$ 435 as agreed by the JMC in 1996. It provides calculations based on sets of assumptions: updated list of countries and areas; changes in consumer prices; changes in exchange rates; purchasing power of the US dollar in January 2000 relative to January 1997; and average change in purchasing power of US$ 435 across selected countries and areas from 1 January 1997 to 1 January 2000. Consequently, the median value obtained represents a decrease compared to the recommended minimum of 1996. This is largely attributable to the current strength of the US dollar.