6 Agosto 2026
“FIT-CISL and TDS, Turkey’s most representative maritime workers’ union, signed a cooperation agreement today in Rome to protect maritime workers. A just transition, digitalization, artificial intelligence and, last but not least, the ongoing armed conflicts are among the key issues addressed by the agreement”. This is what Fit-Cisl states in a press release, which continues: “Maritime transport is the driving force of global logistics and the true backbone of global trade: approximately 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea. According to UNCTAD data, global maritime trade now consistently exceeds the 12.7 billion tonnes handled annually”.
The agreement marks the beginning of a cooperation process aimed at safeguarding and protecting the legitimate interests of seafarers and commits the two trade unions to strengthening their mutual relations, promoting the exchange of best practices, and carrying out joint studies and research, through regular bilateral meetings.
The agreement also provides for a regular exchange of information, as well as a commitment to mutual assistance and solidarity in the event of disputes with employers.
Furthermore, both organisations will make their respective offices and logistical resources available to facilitate joint meetings and collaborative initiatives.
FIT-CISL General Secretary Monica Mascia concludes: “This agreement assumes greater significance in light of the ongoing transformations affecting the maritime sector, also affected by the current geopolitical instability, which require a united response from the trade unions, also shared with international transport workers’ organisations, in particular ETF (European Transport Workers’ Federation) and ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation), with whom we aim to develop further joint initiatives. With this in mind, it is essential to promote agreements among trade unions across all countries, in order to ensure the effective implementation of collective agreements, defend common standards and protect seafarers’ rights. The agreement with the Turkish trade union TDS confirms our commitment to building strong and lasting partnerships: a replicable agreement that can also be signed by other trade unions and updated over time, to keep up with the evolution of the maritime labour sector”.