OREANDA-NEWS. December 30, 2008. Murmansk Regional Trade Union Council plans to open a representative office in Kirkenes in January 2009. The office will give legal assistance to Russian fishermen working or spending time ashore in the Norwegian town.
 
The office, which will be located in the local Fishermen’s club, is a result of a recently entered contract between Murmansk Regional Trade Union Council and its Norwegian counterpart.

According to Yury Savakov, vice chairman of Murmansk Regional Trade Union Council, the office will give assistance to all Russian fishermen, both trade union members and non-members.

Regional trade union leaders believe the office is an important step in the right direction. Many fishery managers are experiencing financial difficulties and in their struggle to economize they tend to ignore their crews’ rights.