Advocacy

The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) has a longstanding tradition of advocating on behalf of both Canadian and international seafarers, working tirelessly to maintain a strong marine sector despite numerous challenges. Through strategic collaboration with government bodies, international unions, and national labour organizations, SIU Canada ensures that seafarers’ voices are represented in decision-making processes worldwide.

SIU Canada’s advocacy extends across multiple levels of government, working closely with federal departments and Members of Parliament, as well as with provincial authorities on matters affecting seafarers in regional sectors. Our proactive approach allows us to anticipate legislative changes that may impact our members, ensuring that SIU Canada can address potential issues early and effectively. Beyond our work in Canada, we stand with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in international efforts to uphold and advance seafarers’ rights worldwide.

Our union’s involvement with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) further enhances our advocacy by connecting us with Canada’s wider labour movement, enabling us to address issues such as labour standards, safety regulations, and fair treatment for all workers.

SIU Canada’s dedication to advocacy is a shared point of pride for all Union members. From defending Canadian cabotage laws to improving the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect Canadian seafarers’ livelihoods and uphold fair working conditions for seafarers around the globe.

Read more about our advocacy efforts below.

Work with the Government of Canada

SIU Canada meets regularly with Members of Parliament and federal officials from key departments, including Transport Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, the Labour Program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and other agencies that impact the work of Canadian seafarers.

Through the relationships our union has built with the federal government, SIU officials gain early insights into decisions that may affect our members. The government frequently consults us on various topics relevant to seafarers, enabling us to provide input on policies before they are enacted. SIU Canada has long positioned itself as a proactive union, not a reactive one. Our team works diligently behind the scenes with the Government of Canada to address potential issues before they arise, continuously monitoring government activities for policies or legislation that could impact our members and proactively presenting our concerns.

While we strive to stay ahead of federal legislation, it remains essential to hold the government accountable and ensure that the voices of our hardworking members are always heard.

Work with Provincial Governments

While most of our members are governed by federal legislation and the marine sector is largely federally regulated, some of our units operate under provincial regulation. This includes members working aboard ferries, tugs, and various other vessels. Recognizing this, SIU Canada adopts a proactive approach in engaging with provincial governments across Canada, mirroring the dedication we bring to our work with the federal government.

SIU Canada is steadfast in holding provincial governments accountable, particularly in regions where marine employment and industry are vital—such as Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, the East Coast provinces and the Arctic. Our commitment is to stay vigilant for any provincial legislation that may impact our members, and we work to establish constructive relationships with provincial and territorial authorities to ensure we’re consulted on policies affecting the maritime sector.

Whether it’s advocating for job security, fair treatment, or safe working conditions, SIU Canada is there at the provincial level to stand up for the rights and well-being of seafarers. In addition to advocating for our members’ immediate needs, we also strive to create a sustainable future for the maritime industry in each province, supporting policies that foster growth and respect for all seafarers.

International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led organization recognized as the world’s foremost authority on transport workers’ rights. SIU Canada is a proud affiliate of the ITF, which unites nearly 700 trade unions from 150 countries, fostering solidarity and collaboration in each other’s struggles.

For decades, SIU Canada has collaborated with the ITF to champion seafarers’ rights on an international scale, offering our support and resources to assist international colleagues in their advocacy for fair and safe working conditions for seafarers around the world.

SIU Canada is actively involved in the ITF and holds positions on several committees and task forces that are critical to advancing seafarers’ rights globally. Through our participation in these committees, SIU Canada remains at the forefront of international advocacy, addressing key issues such as safety, fair employment practices, and the protection of national maritime industries. We are committed to leveraging our voice within the ITF to safeguard the welfare of seafarers everywhere.

Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is Canada’s largest labour organization, uniting dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour, and community-based labour councils to represent over 3 million workers across the country.

As a proud member of the CLC, SIU Canada actively ensures that the voices of Canadian seafarers are heard within Canada’s broader labour movement. Our union regularly participates in committee meetings, conference calls, and roundtable discussions hosted by the CLC, addressing issues such as transportation regulations, free trade agreements, privatization, labour standards, and political advocacy.

SIU Canada holds positions on several key committees and groups within the CLC. Our participation in these CLC committees strengthens our influence and advocacy efforts on matters that impact Canadian seafarers, ensuring their interests are represented in national discussions on labour, safety, and environmental standards.