A delegation from the International Transport Workers’ Federation met with officials from the Panama Maritime Authority  to exchange information and discuss issues of mutual interest to both entities.

The meeting took place within the framework of the International Trade Union Meeting organized by the ITF, an event that brought together members of the federation’s Executive Committee from around the world in Panama City.

The delegation, led by ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton, was received by the PMA Secretary General Volney Guinard and Felipe Arias, who heads the General Directorate of Seafarers (DGGM).

During the discussion, various topics were addressed, including the current agreement between the PMA and the ITF. The importance of continuing to strengthen mutual collaboration for the benefit of seafarers was emphasized, especially in light of the new challenges posed by the skills required for the use of emerging fuels.

In addition to Secretary General Stephen Cotton, the ITF delegation included the president of the Inland Navigation Section, Jacques Kerkhoff; the secretary of the Seafarers’ and Inland Navigation Sections, Fabrizio Barcellona; the regional secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean, Edgar Diaz; and the national coordinator, Vladimir Small Ortiz.

The ITF is an organization representing more than 20 million transport workers worldwide. It brings together unions from different countries and transport sectors with the aim of improving the working conditions of its members and defending their rights.