LOCAL BLACK SEA TRADE UNION ORGANIZATION OF SEAFARERS

Guarding Seafarers' Rights Since 2006

The Local Black Sea Trade Union Organization of Seafarers (LBSTUS) was established in 2006 and today unites over 52,000 Ukrainian seafarers, working onboard the vessels of foreign shipowners

We create and maintain a positive image of the Ukrainian seafarer on the international labor market

We are constantly negotiating with shipowners from the leading countries in the maritime market, ensuring the attractiveness of Ukrainian seafarers and defending comfortable working conditions, wages and rest.

We help turn colleagues into close friends and strengthen family ties

We regularly conduct training seminars for seafarers, as well as family film screenings, events and holidays

Address from

Oleg Grygoriuk, Chairman

Dear seafarers,

Your contribution to maritime work and your dedication are extremely important to the international maritime community. Not only do you represent our country on the world's waters, but you also ensure the movement of goods and maintain safety at sea.

The Local Black Sea Trade Union Organization of Seafarers stands guard for your rights and interests. We are committed to supporting your well-being, ensuring workplace safety, and providing social guarantees. Rest assured that we will continue to work to protect your status and advocate for your rights against employers and authorities. Your professional skill and dedication deserve the highest appreciation and support.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us for any questions or issues. We are always ready to assist you in addressing any matters related to your professional activities.

Wishing you robust health, stability at sea, and success in your noble endeavor!

Joining the Union is Easy!

1.

Write an application
2.

Fill in the form
3.

Pay fees

join Us

15 Advantages of the MTWTU Member

1. Priority Right to Appeal to ITF Inspector

150 ITF Inspectors around the world process, as a matter of priority, the applications received from seafarers, who are members of their national ITF Trade Unions at home.

2. Protection of Labor and Economic Interests

If a labor dispute takes place, the Union represents and defends the interests of a seafarer.

3. Social Protection

The MTWTU provides representation and protection of the social interests of Ukrainian seafarers.

4. Free Pre-employment Consultations

Access to the unique ITF database allows the Union experts to obtain information on almost any vessel or its owner.

5. Free Legal Assistance

The MTWTU members have access to free legal assistance on labor issues.

6. Free Assistance in Labor Disputes with the Employer

During any labor dispute between a seafarer and an employer, the MTWTU protects the interests of the seafarer: negotiates with the shipowner or his representative, maintains contact with the seafarer and/or his family, monitors the fulfillment of the terms of the individual contract and/or the collective agreement and other regulations, as well as undertakes the actions necessary for the solution of the dispute in a way, positive for the seafarer.

7. Free Information and Training Activities

The MTWTU on the regular basis conducts training and information activities aimed at raising seafarers’ awareness of their labor rights, guaranteed by the provisions of the individual contract, the collective agreement and the norms of national and international legislation. In addition, the Union regularly meets with its members to discuss the most topical issues, such as: pensions, changes in the banking system of Ukraine, mobilization, alternative ways of passive income, medical issues and so on.

8. Health Care

Where necessary, the MTWTU members receive financial support to cover medical and treatment expenses.

9. International Projects

As the only ITF maritime affiliate in Ukraine, the MTWTU organizes and participates in various international projects. This opens up access to additional benefits for seafarers, who are members of the the Union.

10. Financial Support in Distress

The Trade Union provides financial assistance to seafarers in a difficult financial situation.

11. Access to Etertainment Activities

The Union regularly arranges entertainment activities for seafarers, which are absolutely free for the MTWTU memebrs.

12. Family Events

The MTWTU regularly conducts events for children and for the whole family. These events are also free of charge for seafarers, members of the Trade Union.

13. Access to Exclusive Information through the Union and its Publications

The MTWTU continuously selects the most useful and relevant information for seafarers. Check our publications in the Media and Knowledge Base sections.

14. Discounts and Loyalty Programs

A 30% discount at the AVANT Training Centre of Seafarers, 15% discount at the Kherson Maritime Specialized Training Centre (Full Mission Engine Room Simulator, Class Type A (DNV-GL), Engine Room Simulator, Class Type C (DNV-GL), DP Operation Simulator, Class Type C (DNV-GL), Full Mission DP2/3 Offshore Vessel Simulator, Class Type A (DNV-GL), DP Operation Simulator, Briefing Room, GMDSS Simulator, Class # 1, GMDSS Simulator, Class # 2); free English courses, as well as the other loyalty benefits.

15. Reimbursement of Healthcare Costs

The MTWTU members receive partial reimbursement of the costs spent for treatment and sanatorium rehabilitation. To learn more visit the Social Programs section.

5 Common Myths

The Trade Union is controlled by shipowner or crewing.

No, the Trade Union is a voluntary public organization that represents the seafarer in any negotiations with the employer. The Union always sides with the seafarer!
The Trade Union is a government agency one should not go to due to continuous bureaucracy and queues.

No, the Trade Union is independent from state bodies, local self-government bodies, other public organizations and political parties. The Union is not accountable to them and is not under their control.
The Trade Union passes seafarers' data on to tax inspection and other structures.

Absolutely not! Transfering of personal data to the third parties is illegal. On the contrary, the Trade Union upholds the positions and defends the interests of seafarers.
The Union is unable to help me solve the problem.

No, the Trade Union possesses a large number of tools which can help addressing a wide range of problems. The main thing is contact the Trade Union!
ITF should in any case help seafarers, so there is no need for me to join the Union.

Not at all! For any ITF Inspector, the appeal from a seafarer who is a member of a national ITF-affiliated Union is a priority. If it is necessary to involve other experts to resolve the problem, seafarers, who are not members of the ITF-affiliated Union, will have to cover the costs of the required services themselves.