ITF has spent $490,000 on Ukrainian Seafarers since beginning of war in February.
ITF has spent $490,000 on Ukrainian Seafarers since beginning of war in February.
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) said roughly £400,000 GBP (around $490,000 USD) has been used to purchase humanitarian goods since the war between Russia and Ukraine started in February, 2022.
The international Workers’ body stated that Generators, solar batteries, propane tanks, heaters, food, sanitary and children’s packages have been distributed among the unions’ members and their families.
ITF added that many of the items as possible have been purchased inside Ukraine itself to assist the national economy and the remainder was procured in Poland
Text of the statement, “Many transport unions around the world quickly offered support to their sisters and brothers in Ukraine and in April 2022 the ETF and the ITF set up a solidarity fund to provide financial support to the Ukrainian affiliates, their members, and families.
“Since the fund was established, roughly £400,000 GBP (around $490,000 USD) has been used to purchase humanitarian goods. Generators, solar batteries, propane tanks, heaters, food, sanitary and children’s packages have been distributed among the unions’ members and their families.
“As many of the items as possible have been purchased inside Ukraine itself to assist the national economy and the remainder was procured in Poland.
“Ukrainian unions representing millions of transport workers welcomed leaders from European and global union federations to a solidarity meeting last week.
“On the 24 February 2022, the world was shocked and saddened when the Russian Federation attacked Ukraine. While defences were mobilised, and women and children fled regions under attack, transport workers continued to do their duty. Rail workers kept the trains moving, transporting people to safety and goods to where they were needed.
“They put their own lives at risk during bombardments and deliberately targeted shelling to maintain the essential service for their often-traumatised passengers.
“Meanwhile seafarers feared for their families at home, many from port cities under occupation or destroyed completely by the aggressor. And dockers kept essential supplies moving in and out of Ukraine.
“In addition, the ITF Seafarers’ Trust worked with the Marine Transport Workers Trade Union (MTWTU) to help seafarers’ families to leave the country, organising transportation by bus and temporary accommodation in Romania.
“A further project enabled 50 Ukrainian seafarer cadets to pursue their studies in Lithuania through agreements with the Lithuanian Maritime Academy and Kherson State Maritime Academy; additional support was provided to students of the Odesa Maritime Academy.”
