Σε Συνέδριο που πραγματοποιείται στη Βουδαπέστη, από 22 έως 27 Μαΐου 2022, από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ομοσπονδία Εργαζομένων στις Μεταφορές (ETF), συμμετέχει ο Γενικός Γραμματέας της Π.Ν.Ο., Cpt. Εμμανουήλ Τσικαλάκης, εκπροσωπώντας τους Έλληνες Ναυτεργάτες.
Στο χαιρετισμό/ομιλία του προς τους Σύνεδρους τόνισε:
Dear Mr. President,
Dear, Sisters and Brothers
I am Capt. Emmanuel Tsikalakis and I was elected almost a year ago as the new General Secretary of the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO).
On behalf of our Federation’s Executive Board, I would like to extend to all of the participants our warm and fraternal greetings on the occasion of the present 6th ETF Ordinary Congress and of course once again express our solidarity to ETF, its affiliates, and all transport workers.
This Congress is different than those of the near past, as we are able again to have a physical presence of delegates, but it meets under extraordinary circumstances concerning transport workers.
First of all, I would like to praise ETF for its struggle to protect European transport workers’ rights during these difficult times, especially since the outbreak of Covid-19 and even now with the Ukrainian Crisis, which has caused serious problems to seafarers passing Azov Sea and the region. PNO is supporting Seafarers, providing every possible help.
ETF is truly dedicated to its fight for Fair Transport and PNO is willing to stand by and provide necessary support to ETF’s campaigns, showing in that way our dedication to all transport workers in general and especially the seafarers who we represent.
The pandemic has revealed, amongst others, the tight correlation between economy and the transport industry, which has in its hard core its workers.
Seafarers are the backbone of transport and during the pandemic they remained at the frontline, in the heart of the global supply chain. Hundreds of thousands of Seafarers, remain trapped at sea for months beyond their contracts, unable to be repatriated, or have medical treatment and of course unable to see their families.
Their sacrifice and contribution had to be recognized. This is the reason why IMO, ILO, as well as the United Nations, urged governments and stakeholders to designate Seafarers as Key Workers.
On land, at sea and in the air, more than 10 million Europeans work in the transport industry. They provide vital services that we all depend on. But sadly, their rights are under attack.
Our efforts for Fair Transport must be intensified and the goal for dignity and fair conditions at work is more current and important than ever.
Having said all the above, PNO and myself would like to express warm wishes for a successful Congress
Stay strong for a Fair Transport. Thank you, ETF team, once again.
