Establishment of the Occupational Safety Representative Office of the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine

The Occupational Safety Representative Office of the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine was established by a decision of the Central Council to enhance control over compliance with occupational safety at maritime transport enterprises and to protect workers' rights to safe and healthy working conditions.

The Representative Office includes representatives of local trade union organizations who, with the assistance of MTWTU, undergo regular training and knowledge testing on occupational safety issues, for which they receive relevant state-issued certificates. These trade union representatives of MTWTU inspect the state of working conditions and safety at workplaces, and monitor employers' compliance with occupational safety legislation requirements and relevant provisions of collective bargaining agreements.

MTWTU specialists also participate in the work of accident investigation commissions that occur at maritime transport enterprises. Such commissions are established by employers, and in cases of special investigations, by the State Labor Service of Ukraine.

As part of the implementation of a joint project with the Danish trade union 3F, MTWTU conducted a workplace safety survey. Over 180 respondents – employees of Ukrainian seaports and related enterprises, institutions, and organizations – participated in the survey. Its results showed that in case of violations of occupational safety and health rules and standards at an enterprise, only 17% of employees turn to a trade union organization or employer to address them. This indicates the employees' unwillingness or reluctance to protect their rights, particularly to a safe and healthy working environment.

It is important to remember that workplace safety is the responsibility of everyone: both the employer and the employee.

If you detect any violations, be sure to report them to the trade union committee of your local trade union organization of MTWTU.

Let's make the working environment safer together! And MTWTU will always stay by your side!