The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) is ending its involvement with the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation (CMCF, Imagine Marine) effective immediately, following the organization’s refusal to clarify its stance on workers’ rights to collective bargaining and the right to strike. SIU Canada has contributed both financial support, expertise to advance the foundation’s goals, and has held a position on the CMCF board of directors since the organization was founded in 2019.
On October 11, 2024, the Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC)—also a member of the CMCF and a self-described “sister organization”—sent a letter to policymakers urging restrictions on the right to strike for all workers in the Canadian supply chain. In response, SIU Canada expressed outrage at the CMC’s stance and immediately sought clarification from the CMCF regarding its relationship with the CMC and its position on workers’ right to strike—the very workers the CMCF claims to support in its recruitment initiatives.
“SIU Canada requests clarification regarding your relationship with the Chamber of Marine Commerce, and more importantly, your position on their recent efforts to undermine seafarers’ right to strike,” stated SIU Canada President Michael Given in his letter to the CMCF.
“You cannot, in good faith, advocate for the future of the marine sector and promote recruitment efforts while simultaneously being associated with an organization seeking to strip away the rights of those who would join this industry.”
In their response, the CMCF failed to address SIU Canada’s requests, offered no clarity regarding its association with the Chamber of Marine Commerce, and did not acknowledge the critical issue of workers’ right to strike. SIU Canada, along with any organization that stands for workers’ rights, cannot be associated with an entity that remains silent as a key partner undermines the rights of workers across the supply chain. Inaction in this context is complicity, and we cannot accept the CMCF’s silence on this matter.
Effective immediately, SIU Canada will end its involvement with the CMCF, ceasing all financial contributions, support, and participation on their Board of Directors. We strongly encourage all unions affiliated with the CMCF to reconsider their association with an organization that lacks the commitment to defend the rights of the very workers it seeks to recruit.
SIU Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of all seafarers and workers across Canada’s marine sector. As we move forward, we will continue to support initiatives that genuinely prioritize fair treatment, respect, and dignity for workers—principles we believe must be at the heart of any effort to build a sustainable, robust marine workforce.
