Our team

Josh Sanders, Vice President, Great Lakes & West Coast

Josh Sanders grew up in Thunder Bay and Thessalon, Ontario and became an SIU of Canada Member in 2006 after a family friend told Josh about the possibilities, benefits, pension, and income opportunities that came with being an SIU Member. Josh sailed for 9 years, first sailing on board the Algosea, before he began working for the Union in 2014. Josh believes the best part of being an SIU of Canada Member is being able to sail the most beautiful country in the world, from St. John’s to Victoria, while also being able to make a great living for your family. Josh is known for being a skilled negotiator, and a passionate fighter for SIU Canada Members, having successfully negotiated improvements to wages and working conditions for many SIU of Canada Members. Josh was re-elected to serve as the Vice President, West Coast and Great Lakes for the SIU of Canada in late 2022.

• Grew up in Thunder Bay, ON and Thessalon, ON.
• Became an SIU Member in 2006.
• Began working for the SIU of Canada in 2014.
• Organized multiple non-union vessels into the SIU family, providing job security and improving benefits, wages for those new Members in their first agreements.
• Education: Labour Relations certificate from Queen’s University
• Other positions held:
  • Member of the Niagara Regional Labour Council
  • Representative at the Pacific Coast Tow and Workboat Safety Advisory Group
• Hobbies include: Hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and spending time with his wife and son.