French luxury line Ponant has signed an agreement with the International Transport Federation (ITF) to safeguard the company’s non-EU staff.

The agreement, which came about after six years of negotiations, was signed last week in Marseille and will see standard minimum salaries raised, overtime hours reviewed, social security cover revised, an extension to the sick leave period and a raise in death and disability compensations.

It is in line with the ‘explore to inspire’ roadmap led by Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant, who places the human and social dimension at the heart of the company’s strategy to move upmarket, become more international and socially responsible.

“Ponant is above all a human adventure, firmly anchored in four core values: goodwill, responsibility, a pioneering spirit and expertise,” said human resources director Thierry Le Carpentier.

“It’s thanks to our employees’ commitment that Ponant maintains its course [and we] strive constantly to improve wellbeing at work, skills development, and inclusion.”

Hervé Gastinel added. “This agreement is a major commitment which positions Ponant at the best social level, on an international scale. Our seafarers can be proud of it.”