Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Dock Work Convention, 1973 (No. 137) - Russian Federation (Ratification: 2004)

Article 1(2) of the Convention. Definition of dockworkers. The Committee recalls the observations of the Confederation of Labour of Russia (KTR), received in 2017, alleging that “dock engineers working within an interdisciplinary team” are not included in the definition of “dockworker” under national legislation. The Committee notes that the Government, in its report, merely cites section 57(2) of the Labour Code concerning the content of labour contracts. The Committee takes this provision to imply that if the performance of work in certain positions, occupations or specializations is associated with the provision of compensations and benefits, or the existence of restrictions, the names of these positions, occupations or specializations and the qualification requirements for them must correspond to the names and requirements specified in approved qualification directories – which, as the Committee understands, is not the case for “dock engineers working within an interdisciplinary team”. The Committee observes that this response does not clarify which occupational categories fall under the definition of “dockworker” or whether revisions are envisaged to include “dock engineers working within an interdisciplinary team” in this definition. The Committee therefore reiterates its previous request that the Government provide detailed information on the occupational categories covered, indicate any plans to revise the definition to include “dock engineers working within an interdisciplinary team” and describe how employers’ and workers’ organizations are consulted or participate in the establishment or revision process.

Articles 2 and 3. Policy to encourage permanent or regular employment. Registers. The Committee recalls the 2017 observations of the KTR, which alleged the absence of regulations governing the establishment and maintenance of registers for all categories of dockworkers, resulting in the loss of priority of engagement and an increase in dock work performed through private employment agencies. According to the KTR and the Dockers’ Union of Russia (a member organization of the KTR), this situation has led to a decline in regular dockworkers and the proliferation of temporary hires, compromising employment security, health, safety, skills development and productivity, as well as the integrity of equipment and machinery. The Committee regrets that the Government has not provided any comments on these allegations. The Committee is therefore bound to reiterate its previous observations and urges the Government to respond fully to the concerns raised by the KTR, particularly regarding: (i) measures taken or envisaged to promote permanent or regular employment for dockworkers (Article 2(1)); (ii) the establishment and maintenance of registers covering all occupational categories (Article 3(1)); and (iii) the assurance of priority of engagement for registered dockworkers (Article 3(2)).

The Committee also urges the Government to supply in its next report disaggregated statistical data on the number of dockworkers, including temporary or casual workers, their period of employment and income received.

Article 5. Cooperation between employers’ and workers’ organizations. Recalling its previous comments, the Committee notes with regret that the Government, once again, does not provide any information regarding arrangements for cooperation between employers’ and workers’ organizations to improve port efficiency and the participation, if any, of the competent authorities in these arrangements. The Committee is bound to reiterate its previous request and urges the Government to provide the requested information without delay.

Article 6. Vocational training. The Committee recalls that in its 2017 observations, the KTR reported that employers or ports were not obliged to provide vocational training to dockworkers and that training organized by employment agencies failed to meet the applicable requirements for dockworkers and dock engineers. Noting with regret that the Government has once again failed to provide any information in this regard, the Committee reiterates its previous request that the Government supply details on the application of vocational training provisions to dockworkers and the measures taken to ensure compliance with training requirements.

[The Government is asked to reply in full to the present comments in 2027.]