/your-rights

The purpose of a trade union is to represent the interests of its members. It may do this in a variety of different ways.

Where a trade union is recognised by an employer it may engage in collective bargaining, that is to say negotiating with that employer for an agreement governing wages and working conditions. Some unions provide other services such as legal advice and representation for members. Where necessary, unions may organise strikes or other industrial action.

The results of a major survey (2006) on the working conditions aboard car carrier vessels have provided some useful, if unsurprising data for seafarers’ rights campaigners. Erol Kahveci reports…

The message from 627 non-officer-ranked seafarers, or ratings, surveyed over the past two years in a major international study is clear: seafarers feel happier, healthier and more valued when employed on national carriers than on flag of convenience (FOC) ships.

Evgeniy Hizhyak, chief technical labour inspector of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia (SUR), describes the importance for seafarers of joining a trade union:

"I have been a member of the SUR since 1991 and took part in organising this union, which provides help and support for seafarers both in Russia and abroad. The union assists its members in claims for compensation following injury or death, solves any problems about receiving money owed to them in unpaid contractual wages and fights for decent pay.