Union solidarity has been crucial for resolution of the conflict

The Russian and Norwegian seafarers' unions gave assistance to a Russian crew member of m/v SKS Doda flying Norwegian flag. He found himself in a sticky situation as  the company was forcing him to sign off from the vessel voluntarily.

The seafarer had an open-term employment agreement - there are few such contracts in the shipping industry. It is referred to specialized vessels, such as gas carriers, which require highly- qualified crews. The Norwegian shipowner prefers to sigh permanent labor contracts with such seafarers, which benefited to both parties: the crews got guaranteed wage, insurance coverage and secured employment even between voyages, the employer got full-time marine professionals.

Under the terms of the contract the Russian seafarer worked on 4/4  months basis, everything was fine until the company changed its management. New management refused to do bank operations with Russia, including the payment of wages. The Russia crew member of m/v SKS Doda was offered to either stay onshore with a dubious prospect of further return to work on board and receive a basic rate, or to leave voluntarily.

The seafarer was ready to leave the company, but he wanted to do it on the terms specified in the contract: with full payment due to him, including a double basis wage for terminating the contract. However, the company has been dragging time.

Then the  seafarer  turned to SUR. And then, finally, the case got off the ground. The trade union contacted its colleagues from Norway, and together they managed to agree on the dismissal on the conditions put forward by the employee. The seafarer received all the money due him under the contract terms, including retirement savings provided for by a special project in place in the Norwegian company.

Photo from vesselfinder.com