Limassol will host two major international trade union events in September, placing Cyprus at the centre of global maritime discussions.

According to Omepege – Sek, which supports their organisation and represents Cypriot maritime workers, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Maritime Roundtable will take place from September 15 to 18 at the St Raphael Resort Hotel.

The event, held every five years, is described as one of the most important in international trade unionism, bringing together more than 180 representatives from 140 countries to strengthen cooperation and defend the rights of seafarers and dockers.

The official opening will be addressed on September 15 at 9.30 in the morning by the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeades. Charalambos Avgousti, general secretary of Omepege – Sek, and ITF president Paddy Crumlin will also deliver greetings.

The roundtable will be followed by the ITF Worldwide Inspectors Seminar, scheduled for September 22 to 25, also in Limassol.

The Shipping Deputy Minister, Marina Hadjimanolis, will welcome participants at the opening session on September 22, at 9.30 am.

More than 150 ITF inspectors are expected to attend, representing over 100 ports worldwide.

Omepege – Sek explained that the aim of the seminar is “to train, empower and reorient the action of inspectors, as well as to strengthen the ITF’s global campaigns”.

As part of the programme, a beach clean-up will be held on September 23. Omepege – Sek concluded by saying that this would serve “as practical proof of the environmental sensitivity of the trade union movement and the connection of social responsibility with the right to a sustainable future for all”.