Ministry of Infrastructure is working on strengthening the protection of rights of Ukrainian sailors

Maintaining and enhancing the image of Ukraine as a state that provides a global labor market with high quality naval personnel, the establishment at national level of all the conditions for the further recognition of Ukrainian sailors as high skilled professionals, social protection in accordance with international standards of Ukrainians working on ships under foreign flags – all these issues were discussed at the meeting of experts of the Ministry of Infrastructure, chaired by the Prime Minister Vladimir Kozak with the International Transport Workers' Federation and transport unions led by the Executive Secretary General Stephen Cotton.

«Ukraine continues to develop as a nation that prepares high skilled maritime personnel. Our training institutions involved in the training of seafarers are assessed by the European commissions and organizations, as well as our partners in all countries», - says the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Volodymyr Kozak.

According to him, it is important for Ukraine to maintain and improve the current level, and then the Ministry aims to introduce international best practices of social protection and social standards for Ukrainian sailors.

Speaking to continue working on bringing the legislation to the international standards and requirements, Vladimir Kozak said: «I believe that we should work together with the union and ITF to create a road map to determine the next steps and stages of implementation of international best practices and standards in Ukraine».

In response, the Executive Secretary General Stephen Cotton also said that Ukraine as one of the leading suppliers of skilled personnel on the international maritime vessels under different flags and noted that the ITF in conjunction with the trade unions are ready to provide the necessary support and assistance.

Adapted from SE "Odessa Sea Commercial Port»