A Ukrainian union chose to get its younger members in party mood to kick off its ‘year of youth’ and to boost their understanding of trade unionism at home and internationally.
The Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU) represents cadets and students at Ukrainian marine higher and secondary educational institutions, as well as seafarers and dockers. It has 6,000 students and cadet members from the Odessa and Kherson districts.
Students from Odessa National Maritime Academy (ONMA), Odessa National Maritime University (ONMU) and Odessa Maritime College of Technical Fleet (OMCTF) joined young people from across the MTWTU at the nightclub party on 31 January. Guests took part in competitions and quizzes and danced along to well-known Ukrainian DJ Boris Roodbwoy. Students from ONMA and ONMU competed for the prize of free Wi-Fi installation and support for their institutions, while each guest had the chance to win a tablet Amazon Kindle Fire.
Elina Caravan, MTWTU’s assistant to the chairman on information-analytical activity and head of its youth council, commented: “The party lasted until the early hours and was a big success. Over 1,000 young people came along. It is really great that our young members now know that their union is not only about the important issues of safety and protection but fun and joy, too.
“We are planning several more activities for young people this year, including planting trees in the city park and organising the 4th Youth Forum next winter.”
To find out about how the ITF engages young workers see here. (http://www.itfglobal.org/youngworkers/index.cfm)
