ITF designated as undesirable organisation by Russian Federation

The Office of the Russian Federation Prosecutor General has declared the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) an ‘undesirable organisation’ on grounds that the ITF’s activities “pose a threat to the constitutional order of the Russian Federation”.

ITF refute the rationale upon which the Prosecutor’s Office appears to have made its decision to designate ITF as an undesirable organisation.

The ITF is a global, democratic, affiliate-led trade union federation. We exist to protect and improve workers' lives. ITF has offices in London, Abidjan, Amman, Brussels, Geneva, Hong Kong, Montreal, Nairobi, New Delhi, Panama City, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo, with members spanning the globe. Our mission and activities in Russia – and around the world – are to support and advance transport workers’ rights.

This designation will have significant ramifications for the 1.65 million Russian transport workers affiliated to the ITF at the time this designation was announced, and particularly for the almost 200,000 Russian seafarers – a significant proportion of whom sail on ships covered by ITF-approved collective agreements. 

ITF has continued to support Russian seafarers throughout the war, not only the many seafarers who benefit daily from the protections guaranteed under ITF agreements, but also those who have sought and received assistance from the ITF in the recovery of millions in owed wages and the repatriation of abandoned seafarers. Since January 2022, 11,405 Russians seafarers have been on board vessels that ITF has inspected with ITF Inspectors recovering almost US$4 million in owed wages on those vessels. ITF continues to treat Russian seafarers the same as any other seafarer seeking our assistance and support. 

The ITF stands firm on, and reiterates, our call for peace and an end to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. Throughout the war, we have stood steadfast in solidarity with all working people drawn into this conflict. We continue to call for a just and sustainable peace based on international human rights and humanitarian law. 

ITF’s solidarity fund for Ukrainian transport workers and their families has been used solely for humanitarian purposes, with funds provided to independent affiliated unions and maritime charities. 

We continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, Russia and neighbouring countries calling for peace, dialogue and diplomacy. 

ITF will continue to monitor the implications of the designation.

For more information, contact: media@itf.org.uk

About the ITF:  The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a global, democratic, affiliate-led movement of 740 transport workers’ unions recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve working lives; connecting trade unions and workers’ networks from 150 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for their members. We are the voice of 18.5 million transport workers who move the world.