‘Dark Side of the Black Sea’ is focused specifically on the region, but aims to draw attention to the wider issue of the use of substandard vessels and the risk to the lives of seafarers throughout the industry.
Unions in the Black Sea used a week of action to promote and distribute the film which has been produced by the Marine Employees Solidarity Association (DAD-DER). Among activities have been ship visits, distribution of DVDs, seafarers’ calendars and magazines, information sessions with seafarers, film screenings, press conferences and visits to maritime institutions to educate future seafarers on the Black Sea project and distribute copies of the film.
The ITF is working with unions in the region to try and improve the situation for seafarers. Captain Ural Cagirici from DAD-DER said: “We want to promote this film and its core message to transport workers worldwide, but also to a wider audience beyond the trade union movement. The fact that seafarers are risking their lives to make a living isn’t just a trade union issue, it’s a human rights issue too. At the moment seafarers in this region aren’t getting the protection they need and that’s something we want to change.”
There are three main areas of focus for the project: education, primarily through action weeks; ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention by Black Sea states; and organising the region’s seafarers.
Watch the film and get more on the Black Sea Project strategy
Get involved in this and other ITF campaigns by joining the ITF solidarity network.
