SUR thanks Hye Kyung Kim for the support of Russian seafarers

On January 18, 2022, the International Transport Workers Federation informed about retirement of Kim Hye Kyung– the first female ITF coordinator in the federation's history. Her pioneering work and outstanding example paved the way for many women in ITF inspection offices around the world.

She joined the federation's large family in 1991 as an inspector from the South Korean Federation of Trade Unions (FKSU). ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale notes that Hye Kyung Kim has succeeded in the harsh world of shipping, demonstrating deep knowledge of the industry, the processes taking place in it, as well as dedication to the common cause of the ITF and a great desire to help people.

«Ms Kim is the embodiment of the ITF trying to do things right for women. I was so lucky to have Ms Kim when I started working for the ITF. She made me feel like anything is possible. Ms Kim is a calm, steady force who pointed the way for all of us to follow. She is always warm and welcoming and willing to mentor effectively. She has a sense of what is important and what is not, which was so helpful in sifting through international politics. She will be sorely missed, and I wish her all the best for a happy retirement»,-recalls Annica Barning, ITF Coordinator from Sweden. Steve Trowsdale, on behalf of the entire federation, thanked Kim Hye Kyung for her excellent work and wished her a long and healthy retirement.

The Seafarers' Union of Russia also cannot fail to note her assistance of Russian crewmembers who at various times found themselves in difficult situations in the ports of South Korea. «Without exaggeration,  Hye Kyung Kim provided great help to the Russian seafarers» - says Nikolay Sukhanov, Chairman of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers Union of Russia.

Indeed, thanks to her support and assistance, many Russian crews of ships under convenient and Russian flags were not afraid to hold strikes and received salary arrears. A bright example is the action of protest on board the m/v President in the port of Incheon on April 25, 2014. After the strike, organized by Kim Hye Kyung, the crewmembers received 70 thousand US dollars. And on February 19, 2016, again with the support of the coordinator, the Russian and Ukrainian seafarers from the vessel Easton were safely repatriated from the port of Busan with the payment of 120 thousand US dollars, amount which was owed to them by their employer.

«During the entire period of Kim Hye Kyung's work in the ITF, Russian seafarers have always received help and support from her»–N. Sukhanov once again noted. The Seafarers Union of Russia sincerely thanks sister Kim for the cooperation and friendship that existed for many years, and also wishes her a happy retirement.