Trade union assisted a seafarer to receive €7,500

The Seafarers' Union of Russia assisted a former crew member of the m/v Antonia B to receive sick pay.

This January, the seafarer broke his arm while working on board a vessel. In a hospital in Tallinn they plastered his broken arm, and he returned to his hometown Murmansk. The Seafarer continued the treatment at home under the Obligatory medical insurance policy. Since the arm fracture turned out to be quite serious, his sick leave certificated was closed only at the beginning of April. In May, he turned to the SUR for help because he had not received the sick payment still.

SUR contacted the shipowner and found out that the company did not receive documents confirming the situation. When all the circumstances cleared up, and the insurance company agreed on the payment, the seafarer received €7,500, the amount included wage balances and a sick pay.

SUR reminds that if their member faces problems abroad, he/she can turn for assistance to any Inspector of the International Transport Workers Federation in a foreign port. The list of ITF representatives is available on the website www.itfseafarers.org in a special section "Look Up a Ship, Inspector or Union" on the main page. In addition, seafarers can always contact the ITF Inspectorate in Russia.