For anyone entering a new line of work, there’s usually a lot to learn.
I’d say that’s especially true for U.S. mariners, given all the rules and regulations we face at the national and international levels.
All of us know how important it is for the union to have a strong presence in Washington. That’s why we appreciate your solid support for SPAD.
But, it’s also important that all Seafarers—newcomers and old salts alike—take at least a little bit of time to understand the SIU’s international activities. That’s because our work with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) is crucial to the livelihoods of Seafarers.
Let’s start with the ITF. The ITF is a worldwide federation of transport-related unions, including the SIU. In some ways, it’s like a global version of the AFL-CIO, which is the coalition of U.S. trade unions. More than 600 unions in 137 countries are affiliated through the ITF. Together, those unions represent about 5 million members.
Headquartered in London, the ITF probably is best-known for its campaign against runaway-flag shipping—an important fight in which the SIU also remains extremely active. But, there’s a lot more to the ITF than just that one campaign. Overall, the federation promotes the interests of transport workers on a global level. The ITF also is very active in organizing, whether it’s aboard ship, in port, on the roads, along the railways or in the skies.
The ILO and the IMO also are significant to Seafarers, which is why we regularly take part in their respective forums, usually overseas. The ILO is a United Nations agency which, in its own words, “seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights.” Labor, management and government are represented at the ILO, based in Geneva.
To understand how the ILO impacts the maritime industry, look no further than last month’s conference in which ILO delegates approved the basic elements of a new, universal ID for mariners. That agreement will be taken back to the signatory nations, who in turn will be tasked with implementing its terms. The bottom line is that many Seafarers eventually will be required to possess the universal ID—and that’s why we’re making sure the SIU’s voice is heard, not just at the ILO but also here at home with the Coast Guard.
Finally, the IMO has similar roots through the UN, though of course it is specifically devoted to maritime issues. Today, the IMO has 162 member states or nations, and its effect on maritime can be summarized in four letters: STCW. Both the original and amended STCW conventions were ratified through the IMO.
Basically, the IMO, based in London, functions along the same lines as the ILO. Whatever topic is formally addressed—security, identification, safety—a conference or series of meetings takes place. Participants debate the issues, an agreement usually is reached, and new regulations are put into place in the signatory nations.
These descriptions are extremely basic, but I hope they’ll help give you at least a snapshot of the organizations and why they’re important. It takes a lot of time and effort for the SIU to stay active in the ITF, ILO and IMO—but we remain committed to representing Seafarers’ interests internationally.
What a Run!
These are exciting times for the SIU. From mid-May to mid-June, our shipboard job opportunities grew as we welcomed a new RO/RO, a new cable ship, and three new passenger ferries. Our ranks also grew, as mariners at two companies voted to join the SIU. Congratulations all the way around, and welcome to our newest members, at BIDCO and Starlight Marine.
Additionally, Seafarers who sailed during Operation Iraqi Freedom received more accolades during ceremonies conducted by the U.S. Maritime Administration and the U.S. Military Sealift Command. I encourage you to read about them throughout this issue of the LOG.
As I mentioned at some of the most recent ceremonies, the SIU certainly doesn’t take the recognition for granted. But, beyond that, I want to thank our friends at MarAd and at MSC for truly going all-out in their efforts to acknowledge the U.S. crews who sailed during the war. I know how much work goes into these events, and I’m positive that our crews will never forget the generous thanks they’ve received.
Most of all, I again join in thanking the Seafarers whose patriotism, commitment, reliability and skill helped make victory possible.
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