Pathway to Congress: ITF Chairs Meeting Held in London

Today, 12 September, within the framework of the London International Shipping Week 2017, the ITF Chairs Meeting was held in London. One of the main issues discussed was the ITF strategic plan for the period 2019–2023, as well as the organization of the 44^th ITF Congress which will be held in Singapore 12–20 October 2018. The event was attended by the President of the Seafarers’ Union of Russia (SUR) Yury Sukhorukov.

The results of the work of the ITF for the period from 2014, as well as the role of the ITF Sections Chairs in the work of the ITF were submitted for discussion.

– We naturally could not have avoided discussing the issues of organizing the 44^th ITF Congress. Within the framework of this working meeting, the program documents, Congress schedule, procedure for submitting resolutions, organization of elections, financial issues and many other things are being agreed, – says Yury Sukhorukov.

The ITF leaders paid special attention to the issue of cooperation with the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC): IMEC CEO Francesco Gargiulo and the ITF Maritime Coordinator Jacqueline Smith provided participants with a full overview of the joint activities of organizations since 2003.

– For 14 years now, the ITF and IMEC have worked together in a partnership to resolve problems, set standards, and improve conditions for those working at sea. Together, they are two of the pillars of the International Bargaining Forum, a unique body designed to ensure that shipping is profitable, safe and fair, – states a press release issued by the ITF. – No one will pretend that resolution of all issues is always easy, but the will has always been there to make this mechanism work. Our partnership has addressed piracy and helped lay the foundations for new generations of seafarers through its training and cadet programs.