The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU Canada) is proud to spotlight Kyle Campbell, our dedicated International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Inspector based in Montreal. With a strong maritime background and a deep commitment to seafarers’ welfare, Kyle plays a vital role in upholding the rights and protections of maritime workers both in Canada and around the world.
Kyle began his maritime career as an OS with CSL and in 2016 joined the Laurentia for Groupe Desgagnes as an AB. Nearly a decade at sea gave him invaluable insight into the realities and challenges faced by seafarers. In March 2023, Kyle brought that experience ashore, stepping into a dual role with SIU Canada and the ITF as an ITF Inspector – a position critical to the global fight for seafarers’ rights. He succeeds Vince Giannopoulos, who held the position of ITF Inspector for a number of years and now serves as SIU Canada’s Vice President for the St. Lawrence and East Coast.
The Role of an ITF Inspector
ITF Inspectors are full-time union officials tasked with ensuring that international maritime labour standards are upheld. Their key responsibilities include:
In 2023 alone, ITF Inspectors worldwide helped recover over US$57 million in unpaid wages, underscoring the essential nature of their work.
Kyle’s Work in Montreal
Since taking on his role, Kyle has been actively involved in protecting the rights of seafarers arriving at the Port of Montreal. He has already handled several serious cases, including seafarer abandonment, denial of adequate medical care, and unpaid wages. Through vessel inspections and direct engagement with crews, Kyle ensures that workers’ grievances are heard and addressed and that maritime labour standards are enforced.
While SIU Canada’s primary mandate is to represent Canadian seafarers, our union remains committed to defending the rights of all maritime workers. As Kyle’s work demonstrates, standing up for foreign seafarers who face exploitation is essential to upholding justice across the industry-regardless of a worker’s nationality.
We are incredibly proud to have Kyle on our team. His dedication strengthens SIU Canada’s mission to protect maritime workers and promote fairness throughout the industry. We thank him for his tireless efforts and continued advocacy for seafarers everywhere.
