BTO SUR celebrates its 30th anniversary!

Today, the Baltic Territorial Organization of the Seafarers' Union of Russia celebrates 30 years since its founding on October 11, 1994. 

Throughout this time, BTO SUR has made every effort to perform the main task of all trade unions – protection of the socio-economic rights and interests of Russian seafarers. "We have a lot to be proud of," - the Chairman of BTO SUR Sergey Kaunin said. - One of the important results is that today more than 12,000 seafarers working on board vessels of Russian and foreign companies trust us to protect their labor rights." 

Today, BTO SUR includes the SUR Primary Organization of the Baltic Shipping Company; the Primary trade union organization of the research cargo fleet of St. Petersburg; the SUR Primary Organization of Saint Petersburg. These primary organizations now unite more than 12 thousand seafarers. 

Since September 6, 2024, the Organization has been headed by Sergey Kaunin. Prior to him, Alexander Bodnya served as the long-time head of BTO SUR. He not only was on the ground floor of the Organization, but also devoted the best years of his life to it. His personal contribution to the activities of the Organization, his expertise and experience, love for and devotion to the seafaring, fraternal attitude to each member of the trade union were greatly appreciated by the delegates of the BTO SUR conferences, who voted for him every time in the elections of the Chairman of the Baltic Territorial Organization of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia. 

On the day of celebrating the glorious anniversary, the Chairman of the Seafarers' Union Russian of Russia Yury Sukhorukov sent a congratulation to Sergey Kaunin, outlining that the 30th anniversary of the organization is primarily the work, skill and devotion of the people who were on the ground floor of its creation and participated in its harmonious development.

“30 years is a time of continuous work, including overcoming difficulties, new victories and stable growth; this is the age of maturity and expertise. Over these decades, an important path has been covered - a foundation has been built, a reputation has been earned, and most importantly - true professionals in their field have been trained. After all, what is an organization's birthday? This is another anniversary of the joint and coordinated work of its team. Today, the efforts of every member of the BTO SUR team ensure the continual protection of labor rights and socio-economic interests of union members. And at the same time, 30 years is just the beginning. Let all the best that has already been done be further developed, and may new ideas and endeavours  be successful ”, stated in the congratulation.

In the photo: the BTO SUR team and members of the Seafarers' Union of Russia