FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONTRÉAL, QC – The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU Canada) is growing increasingly alarmed following multiple incidents in which International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Inspectors were refused access to inspect foreign-flagged vessels in Canadian ports. These inspections are essential to ensuring seafarers’ rights are upheld and that minimum international labour standards are being met.
SIU Canada ITF Inspector Kyle Campbell was recently denied access to the MV Achi, a bulk carrier docked in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. This follows a similar refusal of access involving ITF Coordinator (Canada) Karl Risser, at a port in Atlantic Canada. Both vessels in question are affiliated with the so-called International Seafarers’ Union (ISU), a body the ITF has identified as a sham union created to serve the interests of employers rather than workers.
“These refusals are deeply troubling,” said Chris Given, President of the SIU Canada. “ITF Inspectors play a vital role in protecting seafarers’ rights and are often the only safeguard against unsafe or exploitative conditions at sea. If they are being prevented from doing their jobs, the world of international shipping becomes a more dangerous place for all seafarers.”
The ISU is directly linked with Slovenian-based ship management company Lanibra, which acts as an agent for shipowners and employers. The ITF has formally called on the Slovenian government to investigate and de-register the ISU, citing violations of ILO Convention No. 98, which guarantees workers’ right to form and join independent unions without employer interference.
“Vessels not allowing us to have access to the crew raises major red flags,” said Kyle Campbell, ITF Inspector with SIU Canada. “We conduct these inspections to protect the most basic rights of seafarers. If we’re being blocked, there’s a real risk that exploitation is happening behind closed doors.”
Recently, Campbell worked with Transport Canada and Port State Control to detain the Santamaria, a Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned vessel crewed by Cuban seafarers, in Quebec City. The inspection revealed that the crew was being paid significantly below the ILO minimum wage, which is a violation of international labour standards. Two crew members deserted the vessel upon arrival in Canada, highlighting the desperation many seafarers feel to escape these abusive working conditions.
“These crews rely on us to do our jobs. When access is denied, abuses go unchecked,” said Campbell. “We have a responsibility to protect these international seafarers when they are being mistreated, and to do that, ITF Inspectors must be allowed to carry out their work without obstruction.”
The ITF is urging the public to sign an open letter calling on the Slovenian government to take action against the employer-controlled entity ISU and to enforce international labour law. SIU Canada stands in full support of this initiative and continues to advocate for the protection and fair treatment of all seafarers entering Canadian ports.
About the SIU of 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 Canada has been representing the majority of 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.
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Source: Seafarers’ International Union of Canada
Related Links:
ISU: A sham trade union undermining the maritime industry
Unifor concerned about increase in marine vessel inspection refusals
Media Contact:
Cody Given
Director of Communications
