in memory

Hugo Perosa

barton_linda — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:53:17 +0000

Hugo Perosa

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) mourns the loss of Hugo Perosa, lifelong trade unionist and comrade from the Asociacion Del Personal Aeronautico (APA), Argentina.

We remember Hugo as a committed trade unionist, educator and internationalist whose life was dedicated to the collective struggle of aviation workers. From his early years in APA, Hugo was a clear voice for a democratic, combative and forward-looking unionism, grounded in deep convictions and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

Beyond his leadership roles in Argentina, Hugo made a lasting contribution to the ITF’s Civil Aviation Section and Latin America and Caribbean region, where he brought strategic clarity, generosity and a strong belief in international solidarity. He played an important role in advancing discussions on the future of aviation, contributing to the ITF’s work on sustainable aviation that placed workers, public interest, and environmental responsibility at its core. He played an instrumental role in ensuring trade unions were stakeholders and decision-makers in sustainability initiatives in the Argentinian aviation industry, and in doing so set important precedents for us to follow globally.

As founder and long-time director of the Instituto de Capacitacion Asociacion Del Personal Aeronautico (ICAPA), Hugo believed deeply in education as a tool for empowerment, ensuring that new generations of workers were equipped to face both present and future challenges of the industry.

Hugo was, above all, a comrade – respected, thoughtful, and deeply human. His legacy lives on in the organisations he helped build, the struggles he strengthened, and the many people he inspired along the way. He will be profoundly missed.

Vale, Hugo Perosa.

barton_linda 13 Feb 2026

in memory

Civil Aviation

Latin America

David Dearsley

barton_linda — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:43:49 +0000

David Dearsley

Today the International Transport Workers’ Federation remembers David Dearsley, a man whose influence on the international maritime industry reached far beyond boardrooms and negotiating tables, and whose character left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to work alongside him.

David served as a shipowners’ representative at the highest levels of international maritime dialogue. He played an important role in the establishment of the Maritime Labour Convention and in the development of the International Bargaining Forum with the ITF. These were not easy arenas. They demanded intelligence, resilience, patience, and above all, integrity. David brought all of these qualities in abundance.

He understood that maritime industrial relations were never simply about contracts, clauses or compliance. At their heart, they were about people, the seafarers who keep global trade moving, and the responsibility to find balance between the different interests across the industry. David approached this responsibility with seriousness and professionalism, but also with humanity. He listened carefully, spoke thoughtfully and never lost sight of the bigger picture.

Those who negotiated with him knew that they were dealing with someone principled and prepared. He was firm when he needed to be, but he was always fair. He believed in process. He believed in dialogue and he believed that lasting solutions were built through mutual respect and understanding.

David’s contribution helped shape the framework that protects seafarers and underpins the industry today. His work will continue to have an impact for many years to come, even as ships sail on and new generations step into the roles he once held.

Paying tribute to David, ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said: “I have known David Dearsley since the early 90s. Already at that stage, he was the recognised leader of progressive thought when it came to engaging in maritime industrial relations. Having bargained with him, he was a tough negotiator, a master wordsmith, and a man who held honesty and fairness at the top of the social dialogue process.

“For over three decades, his vision showed that real outcomes can be achieved through serious and professional negotiations. Whether it was his role at the ISF at the beginning of the formation of the Maritime Labour Convention or the establishment of the International Bargaining Forum, David was a person that once you'd finished your tough negotiations, you knew he would stick to the deal and work with you to implement it. From all of his friends and colleagues at the ITF, he will be sorely missed and truly appreciated for his contribution to the maritime industry.”

Mark Dickinson, General Secretary of Nautilus International and Vice-Chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section said: “I worked with David at ISF when I graduated from university in 1986. After a year, I joined ITF, which caused a few ripples, but David and I continued a close working relationship and friendship as I later became secretary of the ILO seafarers’ group and he continued as secretary of the shipowners group.

“We collaborated and strategised over the years, and as is now well known we enjoyed many curries in the Halal in Aldgate where much of this dialogue took place, where ideas that later became the MLC and IBF first emerged. David was the crucial advocate, with a keen eye on the strategy and the importance of employer and union dialogue. He will be missed, as a giant of the shipping industry.”

Simon Spacey, Chairman of the International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC) added: “Above all else David was a humble man who never sought the limelight, but I am sure that he would be pleased to see that as Chairman of IMEC I have been invited to pay tribute to our former Secretary General, alongside our social partners at the ITF with whom David worked so hard and passionately with to improve safe working conditions and the welfare of seafarers worldwide.

“Certainly, he was one of the visionaries that created both the concept of the IBF and the MLC and was one of the key architects that made those visions a reality. He knew that the parties would never agree on everything, and that in some areas never could, but he believed very strongly in the partnership as a whole and the results speak for themselves. Always calm but focused, he was highly respected by everyone that knew him on both sides of the negotiation table. He leaves behind no enemies but many, many friends. He will be sorely missed by us all.”

Beyond his professional achievements, David will be remembered for who he was as a person. He brought calm to difficult discussions, perspective when tensions ran high, and a quiet confidence that reassured those around him. He was a representative who carried his responsibilities with dignity and a person whose presence made a difference.

His passing is a great loss to the maritime community. He leaves behind not only a professional legacy, but also the respect and appreciation of those who worked with him, learned from him and shared in the important work he helped advance.

Today, we honour David not only for what he did, but for how he did it, with integrity, professionalism, and respect for others. We extend our condolences to David’s family, friends and colleagues.

He will be deeply missed, and he will not be forgotten.

barton_linda 13 Feb 2026

in memory

Seafarers

Global

Stephen Abima

etheridge_rennie@itf.org.uk — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:57:24 +0000

Stephen Abima

It is with deep sadness and fond memories that the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has learned of the passing of Stephen Abima, former General Secretary of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers’ Union of Uganda (ATGWU). He passed away on 12 December 2025.

Stephen’s journey in the labour movement began in the early 2000s as a shop steward and later chief shop steward at Uganda Airlines’ Newrest Inflight Services. He went on to join the union full time, working in the accounts department before serving as Civil Aviation Section Secretary and Youth Projects Officer.

After returning from Germany, where he obtained a postgraduate degree in labour studies, Stephen was elected General Secretary of ATGWU in 2017. In 2022, he was re-elected for a second term. He also served as Deputy Secretary General of the national trade union centre, the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU).

Within the ITF, Stephen was elected to the Executive Board at the 44th ITF Congress in Singapore in 2018, where he was a committed and respected voice for African transport workers.

Stephen’s activism and leadership were instrumental in strengthening his union and expanding the recognition and organisation of transport workers in the informal sector, ensuring that some of the most marginalised workers had a collective voice.

ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton said: “Abima was a principled, committed trade unionist who never lost sight of who unions exist for. He believed deeply in organising, in youth leadership, and in building strong, democratic unions. His contribution to the ITF and to the Ugandan trade union movement will be remembered with respect and gratitude.”

After spending time in both ITF and our sister federation the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) for personal development, he was a firm believer in union solidarity and was personally committed to a delivery-based model. In Uganda he built alliances with groups of precarious workers to strengthen their voice nationally and internationally. Nobody worked harder or understood the importance of the collective better, irrespective of your individual perspective in the Global North or South.

The ITF Africa Regional Secretary, Mohammed Dauda Safiyanu, added: “We have lost a jovial but firm leader whose passion for inclusivity was truly inspiring. With his strong support, his union organised youth camps annually, and we hope this unique initiative continues to flourish in his memory.”

The ITF expresses its deepest condolences to Stephen’s family, colleagues, and friends. He will be remembered as a dedicated leader, a mentor to young workers, and a steadfast advocate for justice and solidarity.

etheridge_renn… 12 Dec 2025

in memory

Africa

George San Mateo

Rosalyn Smith — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:35:57 +0000

George San Mateo

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) mourns the passing of George San Mateo, former national president of PISTON (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operador Nationwide) and a tireless advocate for Philippine transport workers. He passed away on 25 July 2025 at the age of 59.

Ka (Comrade) George led PISTON from 2012 to 2019, during which the union became an ITF affiliate and gained national prominence for its defence of jeepney drivers and operators. He spearheaded mass protests against fuel price hikes and the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, insisting on a just, people centred transport policy.

Born and raised in Metro Manila, the fourth of five children to parents from Pampanga and Bataan, Ka George’s political consciousness was framed by his youth during the Marcos Sr. dictatorship. He joined Kabataan para sa Demokrasya at Nasyonalismo (Kadena), becoming chapter chair in Parañaque in 1985 and national spokesperson in 1987.

A committed activist, Ka George was shaped by early struggles for democracy and workers’ rights. His years as a driver gave him a deep understanding of transport workers’ daily realities, grounding his fearless leadership.

Scott McDine, ITF’s Asia-Pacific Region Secretary, said: “George San Mateo embodied the spirit of solidarity and struggle. He never backed down in defending drivers’ rights and was fearless in confronting unjust policies. His legacy continues to inspire us all.”

“Ka George’s passing leaves a profound void in the transport union movement,” said Alana Dave, ITF’s Director of Urban Transport. “His life was dedicated to defending the rights and dignity of drivers, operators, and working people. His memory will live on in the struggles he helped lead and the victories he made possible.”

The ITF stands in solidarity with Ka George’s family, with PISTON, and with all unionists across the Philippines and beyond who continue his work.

Rosalyn Smith 31 Jul 2025

in memory

Urban Transport

Asia Pacific

Avi Levy

Mark_D — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 08:00:35 +0000

Avi Levy

Avi Levy, Chairman of the Israel Sea Officers’ Union (ISOU), was a pillar of Israel’s shipping industry who fought to protect seafarers’ wellbeing and rights throughout his career – and it is with great sadness that the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) mourns his passing last week.

After training in naval school and spending his seafaring days as a chief engineer, Avi was widely known for his expertise in workers’ rights and his commitment to his members in the ISOU, whether at sea or on shore.

His biggest goal was always to secure the future of the Israeli merchant fleet and its workers.

Avi’s knowledge and passion came to the fore during the period of enormous change in Israeli shipping in the 1990s, when the formerly state-owned shipping company, ZIM, became a private company in 1999 and then going public in 2021.

Throughout this turbulent period for Israeli shipping, ISOU members remember his deep-seated commitment to protecting the jobs and conditions of seafarers – he fought to secure good retirement agreements for those who left seafaring and to improve the agreements of those still working at sea and on shore, alongside protecting education, training and recruitment platforms.

Avi was in charge of the naval division in Israel’s ports, and also pilots, tug boat crews, Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) workers, Port State Control (PSC) inspectors, and technical inspectors and operation managers for the companies ZIM and XT – ensuring that all these positions were available only for merchant fleet personnel while also working hard to secure them decent Collective Bargaining Agreements.

His commitment to the ISOU was matched by his work to advance the ITF, for which he dedicated himself to building a strong office in Israel, all while continuing to help secure improved wages and living conditions for thousands of seafarers across Israel’s ports.

Avi’s friends and trade union family also remember him for sensitivity and kindness. Even in his last weeks and months, those visiting him in hospital would always be asked about the wellbeing of their friends and family.

ITF General Secretary, Stephen Cotton, said: “Avi was a true internationalist. He believed in collaboration, equality and justice, and he was always super friendly – and he was a true friend of mine.

“He was a very forceful character who worked hard not only in the Mediterranean region but also across the world to defend seafarers and maritime workers.”

May his memory be blessed.

Mark_D 22 Apr 2025

in memory

seafarers

Global

Scott Bateman

Rosalyn Smith — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:25:06 +0000

Scott Bateman

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) mourns the sudden passing of Scott Bateman, Unifor National Rep for Ottawa and Industry Director for Road Transportation, who died on 29 January 2025.

Scott was a true force of nature in the union world, who dedicated his life to the fight for justice, dignity and the rights of working people, particularly transport workers.

From his work as a national service representative to his role as Industry Director for Road Transport for Unifor, Scott was loved and respected by everyone he worked with.

“Scott’s career, spanning decades, was defined by his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of road transport workers in Canada and beyond,” said Stephen Cotton, ITF’s General Secretary.

“For Scott, his work was not just a job – he cared deeply. Just a few days ago he was meeting with dairy processing workers from across Canada to talk about bargaining priorities. He was extremely proud of the work he did with the ITF and remained dedicated to internationalism and global solidarity – a testament to his steadfast activism and kindness.

“He was deeply loved by his comrades at Unifor and by union activists across the world. His loss will be felt keenly by us all. On behalf of the ITF, we extend our deepest condolences to Scott’s family, friends, our Unifor colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.”

Rosalyn Smith 31 Jan 2025

in memory

Road Transport

NORTH AMERICA

Alexander Bodnya

CommsLondon — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 11:48:17 +0000

Alexander Bodnya

With deep regret, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) mourns the passing of Alexander Mikhailovich Bodnya, Vice-President of the Seafarers Union of Russia (SUR) and President of the SUR Baltic Regional Organization, at the age of 72.

Alexander's maritime career began after graduating from Leningrad Maritime School with a degree in Navigation. He served on the ships of the Baltic Shipping Company, participating in significant voyages to North America, Cuba, and the Arctic.

Alexander was instrumental in founding SUR and his leadership transformed the SUR Baltic Regional Organization into a unified team of professionals committed to supporting seafarers.
Throughout his career, Alexander assisted countless seafarers, tirelessly advocating for justice, and providing support in challenging times.

Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary, said: " Alex spent his lifetime serving seafarers in Russia’s national fleet and in doing so helped build a strong seafarers union. After many changes to the Russian shipping companies, he continued to push for seafarers benefits and demand international wages for seafarers. He was active all through his life defending seafarers while active in the pro-democracy movement.”

ITF President Paddy Crumlin added: "Alex's contributions to the Seafarers Union of Russia, Russian seafarers and the international maritime community were immense – and he will be missed by many in the international union community. Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with his family and comrades during this difficult time.”

CommsLondon 28 Jul 2024

in memory

Seafarers

Europe