The article considers functions and practical directions of activities of the Russian Sailors Trade Union in ensuring health-preserving environment for female sailors in the maritime industry. The analysis was applied to role of trade unions in protecting labor rights with emphasis on specific features of maritime environment, conditioned by global character of employment, multi-nationality of crews and complexity of jurisdictions. The article presents review of international initiatives concerning gender inclusion, in particular priorities of the International Transport Workers Federation and recommendations of the International Labor Organization and also reflects practical implementation of these initiatives through activities of the Russian Sailors Trade Union. On the basis of normative documents, collective agreements, trade union practices and empirical data key directions of trade union activities are examined. The study identified main barriers to efficiency of trade union measures, including insufficient representation of women in trade union structures, persistent gender stereotypes and “culture of concealment” and difficulties of cross-border jurisdiction. The following practical recommendations were formulated to strengthen the role of the Russian Sailors Trade Union: active involvement of women in leadership and membership, strengthening gender-sensitive provisions in collective agreements and development of international cooperation for unification of standards and practices exchange. The study results substantiate conclusion that at purposeful strategy and coordination of actions, the trade union is capable to act as central subject of health-preservation of female sailors promoting their safety, health care and and professional firmness.

trade union, female sailors, health-preservation, gender inclusion, collective agreements, protection of rights, support, monitoring, working conditions..