Russian vessel has been inspected in Nakhodka

Inspectors of the Far Eastern Territorial Organization of the Seafarers' Union of Russia visited MV "Ostrov Atlasova" (Russian flag, IMO 9122760), berthed at the Nakhodka sea fishing port for loading. The registered owner, operator and beneficial owner is the company SK Transstroy LLC from Vladivostok. The ship's crew consists of 10 Russians, all are from the Primorsky region.

According to Nikolai Sukhanov, FETO SUR Chairman, the salary of an AB Seaman is RUB22,300, the wages are within RUB70,000; the captain's salary is RUB50,000, and the wages are RUB220,000. The seafarers have individual contracts. All crew members are insured by the Social Insurance Fund: in case of a fatal accident on board, the seafarer’s relatives will receive RUB 2 million compensation. At the request of the SUR representatives, the captain showed the insurance certificates that should be available on board in accordance with the requirements of the Maritime Labor Convention. 

— It’s curious that the crew members could not answer the question about their health and life insurance, — Sukhanov noted. — The health and life insurance agreement which had been concluded between the shipowner and AlfaStrakhovanie wasn't available on board the vessel. When we began to clarify with the company the insurance amount, we were answered that this figure should be specified in the contract of employment or in the collective agreement, if there is any. There is no collective agreement signed with the trade union on board the MV “Ostrov Atlasova”, and the insurance amounts are not specified in the contracts of employment. The SUR representatives answered all the questions of the crew members, told them about the SUR's activities, and gave them the latest issues of the “Maritime Unions Herald” and calendars for 2024.

— We have to fight for our rights, — Nikolai Sukhanov, FETO SUR Chairman, is confident. — To succeed in it, you need to join a trade union and address issues together. By the way, the minimum basic wage for an able seaman (pay for work not exceeding 48 hours per week), recommended by the International Labor Organization, from January 1, 2024, is USD666, which is not RUB20,300. 

Photo – FETO SUR