Seafarers' Union of Russia joins its forces

The meeting of the Seafarers' Union of Russia Council is ongoing in Moscow. It has brought together SUR leaders from all over Russia, from the Baltic to the Pacific Ocean. The discussions focus on both pressing issues faced by primary organizations and long-term development plans. 

On March 26, the event commenced with an award ceremony. Lyudmila Izmalkova, Chair of SUR Kaliningrad Regional Organization, and Mikhail Davidenkov, Chair of SUR Karelian Territorial Organization, received commemorative badges "20 Years of Rosmorrechflot " from the Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Transport for their assistance in addressing the tasks assigned to Rosmorrechflot, as well as services and excellent results in work. 

While the awards symbolize recognition of the merits of the union, the current work requires no less effort. Thus, the SUR Primary Organization at PAO "Far Eastern Shipping Company" is negotiating the signing of a collective agreement with the Far Eastern Shipping Company for 11 vessels under the Russian flag. Following the expiration of the previous agreement, the SUR Primary Organization went through the procedure for confirming its authority under Art. 37 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation "Procedure for Conducting Collective Bargaining," and received the right to represent the interests of 810 employees of the FESCO branch, including 610 seafarers. 

- We are moving forward, adapting to new conditions and doing our best to our seafarers' benefit, - the Chair of SUR Pacific Regional Organization Valery Berezinsky noted. The SUR Youth Council has important issues on its agenda also. The young members of SUR plan to hold a literary competition and organize a round table as part of the implementation of the SUR Strategy for a Just Transition in Programs of Sustainable Development in the Maritime Industry of the Russian Federation. 

In particular, the Coordinator of SUR Youth Council Artem Boev told about the idea to arrange a large-scale discussion platform. 

- We want to gather key industry experts to discuss the challenges associated with the transition to alternative fuels, - Artem Boev said. - The main issues of the round table will be the training of specialists for alternative-fuelled vessels; crew safety when operating new technologies; job security for seafarers in the context of a fair transition. Together with experts and specialists, we will develop solutions to ensure the safety of seafarers and retain the industry workforce. 

The SUR Council members outlined that youth initiatives are part of a large-scale effort aimed at strengthening the industry and its human resources potential, and the meeting once again confirmed that the trade union remains a key platform for protecting the interests of seafarers, sharing experience and developing new ideas. Today, the SUR Council will continue its work.