In the midst of one of the most difficult periods in modern history, the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU) hosted a poignant event during the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Congress in Marrakesh, Morocco. This gathering, led by Oleg Grygoriuk, Chairman of the MTWTU, was a powerful testament to the strength and perseverance of Ukraine’s transport workers, who have continued their vital roles despite the devastating impact of war.
Since the war began on February 24, 2022, Ukrainian transport workers have faced significant challenges. They have seen their workplaces turned into battlegrounds, their homes destroyed, and their loved ones lost. Despite this, they have continued to work, ensuring that Ukraine’s critical transport infrastructure—ports, railways, and the maritime sector—remains operational. Grygoriuk’s opening speech touched on this harsh reality, calling attention to the resilience and determination of these workers. He emphasized the importance of international support: “Without your solidarity, none of what we have managed to achieve would have been possible. The support from our international partners has been a lifeline to our members, many of whom have been displaced or are living under constant threat.”
Katie Higginbottom, head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, expressed the deep connections forged through years of collaboration between international unions and Ukraine. She spoke about the role of solidarity in helping those affected by the conflict: “It is a privilege to do something, even if it’s never enough. The relationships built over many years with Oleg and the unions in Ukraine mean that we can move quickly to provide support, without worrying about bureaucracy or propaganda wars. We know what’s happening on the ground because of the trust and transparency we share”
Higginbottom also mentioned some of the specific projects the ITF Seafarers’ Trust had supported, including a dental project and a joint evacuation project that helped more than 500 women and children of seafarers escape to safety. “We don’t just send money; we build projects that meet the needs of the people in real time. This war has shown the worst of humanity, but it has also shown the best of what international solidarity can achieve”
One of the most powerful moments of the event was the screening of a video that vividly portrayed the struggles of Ukrainian transport workers since the onset of the war. The footage showed not only the devastation inflicted by the conflict but also the profound strength of the people who have been carrying on amidst the chaos. Grygoriuk explained the significance of the film, saying, “We created this video to build a bridge of understanding. It is not only about showing the horrors we face but also about showing the unity, the spirit, and the unyielding will of the Ukrainian people. We want you to understand why we do what we do. This war has changed everything, but it has not broken us”.
Steven Cotton, Secretary General of the ITF, took to the stage to reflect on the global union movement’s response to the crisis in Ukraine. “When the war began, we were all shocked. Unions have always been on the side of peace. To see war in Europe again, and to see it happening to our brothers and sisters, was unimaginable. But from the very first days, the global union movement, the ITF, and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) came together to take action,” Cotton said. He went on to praise the bravery of transport workers in Ukraine, many of whom have continued to work despite the constant threat of missile strikes, particularly in key port cities like Odessa and Nykolaiv.
Cotton also highlighted the complexities faced by Ukrainian seafarers, many of whom have been displaced across Europe, forced to live far from their families. “Can you imagine the emotional toll it takes? We have seafarers and transport workers who are not just worried about their jobs, but about the very survival of their families. And then they get on ships where they may be working alongside Russian crew members, navigating this fraught, emotional landscape every day. It’s beyond comprehension, but they do it”
Antonina Shkamerda, Director of the Welfare Fund “MORTRANS,” which has been central to supporting Ukrainian transport workers and their families, provided a heartfelt overview of the efforts made since the war began. She spoke of the evacuation of more than 500 women and children and the thousands of families who have received food, medicine, and psychological support. “Our mission goes beyond logistics and material aid. It’s about standing by our people, ensuring they know they are not alone in this fight,” Shkamerda said.
In a particularly emotional moment, Shkamerda recounted stories of seafarers who joined the Ukrainian armed forces and those who have lost their lives. She noted that the Welfare Fund had received more applications for assistance in the last two and a half years than in the entire 23 years of its existence. “We have supported thousands of seafarers and their families, ensuring they have food, medicine, and the basic necessities to survive. But more than that, we have given them hope. Hope that they are not forgotten, hope that there is a future for Ukraine”
The video showcased the daily struggles of workers trying to maintain Ukraine’s transport infrastructure. It showed seafarers and port workers continuing their duties under the threat of missile strikes, families torn apart by war, and the constant effort to rebuild even in the face of relentless destruction. Grygoriuk ended the screening by reminding the audience of the ongoing need for support: “We are at a survival stage. Russia has not stopped attacking us, and we have not stopped resisting. The work we have done so far is just the beginning. With your continued support, we will not only survive—we will prevail”
“Together, we will win,” Grygoriuk said, closing the event with words that captured the spirit of the day. “Slava Ukraini!”
