Seafarers’ Union of Russia

On the 25th of November, 1991 on the premises of the Ministry of Merchant Marine in Moscow, a union constituent conference was held. Representatives of seafarers working at the major shipping companies of the country decided on the establishment of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia. The first version of the SUR Charter was adopted at the conference. Mr. Victor Nekrasov became the first SUR Chairman.

The SUR became a legal successor to the “USSR Inter-republic union of seafarers”.

That date – the 25th of November, 1991 – can be justly considered as the beginning of the evolvement of independent trade union movement in Russia.

Over the years the SUR has grown and strengthened. Today it unites about 70 000 seafarers. The SUR has its territorial organizations in all maritime regions of Russia.

Five ITF Inspectors work in the organization. The SUR has its corporate legal department. More than 400 vessels are covered by the ITF approved collective agreements.

Since 1993 the SUR is an affiliated member of the International Transport Workers’ Federation.