The SIU of Canada is a catalyst for change, consistently holding government to account to ensure the interests of all Canadian seafarers are heard loud and clear.
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The SIU of Canada is proud to be a Union that is run by seafarers, for the benefit of seafarers.
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A message from the leader of Canada’s largest seafarers union.
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Vincent Giannopoulos grew up along the Welland Canal in Port Colborne, Ontario watching the ships traverse the waterway, which immediately sparked his interest in becoming a seafarer. Vince began his seafaring career on board the Algosoo in 2011, officially joining the SIU of Canada in 2012. Sailing allowed for Vince to travel, seeing many sights he would have otherwise never visited, while also making a great living. Vince immediately showed a passion for his fellow sisters and brothers of the sea once on board and was soon working for the SIU Canada at our Montreal Union Hall as a dispatcher. Vince’s devotion to improving the lives of seafarers resulted in him working for the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) as an Inspector for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region. In this position, Vince fought tirelessly for Canadian and international seafarers, helping to ensure on board conditions for crew was satisfactory, and helping to secure proper wages for foreign seafarers who were being taken advantage of by predatory foreign ship operators. Vince was then elected as the SIU of Canada’s Vice President of the St. Lawrence and East Coast region in 2022.