The joint project of the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU) and ITF Seafarers' Trust continues. In the Bulgarian city of Varna, MTWTU held an event to meet Ukrainian seafarers temporarily staying abroad.
The purpose was to provide current information and support seafarers in wartime. The MTWTU takes care of its Union members, regardless of location, assisting in any situation and world corner.
"Seafarers have always been one of the strongest communities in our country. Now, when Ukraine is going through the trials of war, unity and solidarity between us have become even more important. Regardless of where you are now - at sea, on land or in another country - you can be sure that the Trade Union is always near you, ready to support you in any circumstances", Oleg Grygoriuk, Chairman of the MTWTU, congratulated the seafarers.
During the meeting, the participants discussed issues related to the maritime industry in wartime, including updating seafarers' documents.
“Now the procedure for obtaining qualification documents by seafarers remotely and independently is completely official”.
As the country is moving toward digitalization, almost all stages of obtaining and updating qualification documents, the seafarer can now go remotely. However, updating or assigning a title sometimes requires information that can be difficult to find while abroad. Vadym Mundriyevskyy, an active member of the Trade Union and acting Chief Officer, talked about the updated processes in this area. Vadym, on his experience, made sure that now every seafarer can officially remotely receive qualification documents. Considering that not everyone has full access to the Internet and time for a thorough study of all the details, Vadym independently figured out all the details and now accompanies the seafarers, members of the Trade Union, in the processes of updating or obtaining the necessary documents.
One of the acute issues that worries seafarers abroad is the issue of military registration in Ukraine.
Advisor Chairman, lawyer Julia Pelykh, talked about military registration, the duties of persons liable for military, including updating data, the Unified Electronic State Register of Conscripts, Persons Liable for Military Service and Reservists "Oberig" and the application "Reserve+", specifics of providing administrative services to persons liable for military abroad, relevant questions from seafarers on these issues, as well as responsibility for violating the rules of military registration and law on mobilization. It was also noted that it is worth keeping the situation under control and, if necessary, seeking legal advice and support to avoid possible negative consequences.
In addition, Nataliya Yefrimenko, an ITF Inspector in Ukraine, shared important information about the necessary steps in case of problems on board ships, labour disputes, and the rights of crew members of vessels heading to warlike or high-risk areas.
Seafarers must be properly informed about their rights and available remedies in case of breach of contractual obligations by the shipowner or violation of the requirements of MLC, 2006, about the need to exercise these rights, as well as about the right to file complaints both on board and ashore recognized by the Convention,” Nataliya Yefrimenko emphasized in her presentation.
During the event, the participants considered the difference between "warlike areas" and "high-risk areas" regarding the definition of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). They received clarification on the rights of seafarers and the company's obligations if the ship is heading to a potentially dangerous area. The Inspector once again emphasised that the seafarer can receive all bonuses and double compensation only if the vessel is subject to the ITF Collective Bargaining Agreement or such right to receive additional payments is provided in the seafarer's employment agreement. Therefore, even at the stage of employment, it's better to check whether the ITF CBA is valid on the proposed vessel or not. If there is no specified agreement, check for the employer's obligation to make additional payments in the employment contract.
Another direction of the Trade Union's work, which, among other things, was considered within the event's framework- is the trade union's social work for seafarers in Ukraine and abroad.
Thus, LBSTUS Vice Chairman Elina Karavan noted that the Trade Union continues to provide social assistance to temporarily abroad seafarers. "For the prompt processing of seafarers' requests, we have implemented a chatbot that every seafarer can contact and resolve the issue in a short time".
Joint projects of the MTWTU with partners are also implemented, such as the UNION DENT clinic, campaigns for providing humanitarian sets, educational and informational events and meetings with seafarers and their families; applications for financial assistance for various reasons are also regularly processed.
The present requires more attention to yourself, your health, and the health of people close to you to overcome difficult situations and solve problems. Therefore, the topic of psychological health is more relevant than ever.
Psychologist Olena Senko, who has many years of experience working with seafarers, conducted a training about the psychological health of seafarers. Concepts such as psychological, psychic, and mental health, features of the maritime profession in this aspect and recovery were revealed.
Much attention was paid to the concept of "stress" as one of the leading causes of psychological health problems.
Olena gave practical and accessible recommendations for overcoming stress in seafarers' complex professional and personal lives.
The Trade Union continues its activities to care for seafarers and their families, regardless of geographical location!
