Dear Brother Steve!

Dear Brother Steve,

May I congratulate you on taking the position  of the ITF Acting General Secretary, on behalf of the SUR and on my own behalf.

This is an important mark for you and for all of us, members of the global trade unionism. We may say you have been promoted the Chief Mate into the Master to steer the ITF boat.

We believe that you have everything for this challenge – you always strive for social justice, know how to find a common language with any opponent and win a dispute always finding persuasive arguments. At the same time, we know that you are always open for a dialogue to keep unity of the ITF family.                                               

Russian seafarers have enjoyed your support all along. The SUR many times has had an opportunity to see your fairness, scrupulosity and fair playing. We are looking forward for further cooperation – and just good friendship. We will always be there to support and assist you in realizing the ITF’s global projects.

On behalf of Russian seafarers, union members, I would like to wish you every success and many new victories, good friends and professional, trustworthy team.

Let the ITF prosper and get stronger with your leadership. And, by tradition, I wish you a tailwind and seven feet under the keel!

Yury Sukhorukov

SUR President