FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 17, 2023 – The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) have officially launched a membership-wide survey to gather data pertaining to issues of harassment, sexual harassment and bullying on board SIU crewed vessels, with hopes of shedding light on these often overlooked issues within the Canadian maritime industry.
The survey aims to assess the severity of workplace harassment in an industry that is often overlooked and forgotten by many. Working on board a ship comes with many challenges, including being isolated away from family and friends, sometimes being away from home for months at a time. Making workplaces safe and welcoming for its members is a top priority for the SIU Canada.
“Harassment, sexual harassment and bullying on board Canadian vessels has been an overlooked problem for decades. These are issues that should not be ignored, and the SIU Canada is happy to lead the way in tackling these issues head on in an effort to ensure our members, and all Canadian seafarers, feel safe and secure while on the job,” stated SIU Canada President, Michael Given.
“In order to properly address issues of harassment on board Canadian-flagged vessels, we must first hear directly from our membership to gauge the severity of the issue. This survey aims to do just that.”
Taking inspiration from the Norwegian Seafarers’ Union (NSU), who recently conducted a survey amongst their own membership to gauge issues of workplace harassment, the SIU Canada survey is modelled closely to that of its Norwegian counterpart. The Unions hope to be able to compare the data of their respective surveys to gain further insights into harassment at sea.
The survey will be open to SIU Canada members until August 20, 2023 at 23:59, before the survey will close and the data will be analyzed. The results of the survey will be summarized and shared publicly on the SIU Canada website and shared directly with industry stakeholders, companies that employ SIU Canada members, and other Unions and labour organizations. Based on the results of the survey, the SIU Canada will develop an action plan to address issues of harassment at sea.
About the SIU Canada: The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) is affiliated with the Seafarers’ International Union of North America serving unlicensed sailors since 1938. The SIU of Canada has been representing seafarers working aboard vessels on the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, East Coast, West Coast and Arctic since 1954. SIU members have acquired the reputation of being amongst the best-trained and most qualified sailors in the world. The SIU represents thousands of qualified seafarers across Canada.
###
Source: Seafarers’ International Union of Canada
Related Links:
Media Contact:
SIU Communications
