The Greek flag - reliable partner

The total commercial value of the Greek merchant fleet is $100 billion, which makes it the most expensive in the world, according to data for January 2018 from analyst company VesselsValue. Also, Greece maintains its leadership in terms of deadweight — the total tonnage of 4200 vessels under the Greek flag reached 308.8 dwt. Many of these vessels employ Russian seafarers whose rights are protected by collective bargaining agreements signed jointly by the Seafarers' Union of Russia (SUR) and the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO). 

- We have established long-standing friendly relations with the fraternal Greek trade union. SUR is even authorized to sign collective bargaining agreements upon consultations with PNO — individual to each employer. Besides, we develop a partnership with shipowners, as many our seafarers work on board the vessels flying the Greek flag, - Igor Shchekotin, a head of SUR International Relations, told.

The most significant contract was signed with the company Tsakos Shipping and Trading S. A. - a major carrier which is nearly 50 years in this business. In addition, the collective bargaining agreements cover the ships of such prominent companies as Springfield, Roxana, Medcare, Roswel and Optimum Shipping Services. In total, about 2,000 trade union members work on ships under the Greek flag, having the PNO/SUR collective bargaining agreement.

- The figure is impressive, but we do not stop there, - Igor Shchekotin said, - SUR is negotiating with other Greek companies, and we hope to increase the numbers of seafarers protected by ITF collective agreements.