Convention a Roaring Success
I can honestly say that the convention held last month by the Seafarers International Union of North America ranks as one of the best we’ve ever had.
Many of the guest speakers offered uplifting expressions of solidarity.
They also provided valuable insights into the workings of our government and military.
Convention delegates and guest speakers alike took candid looks at key challenges facing the maritime industry and facing all working families. Consistent with the event’s theme—“Mapping Out a Brighter Future”—we formed strategies moving forward that I believe will prove to be appropriate and effective.
Parts of the 25th SIUNA convention had a decidedly international flavor, and not just because of the strong attendance by our brothers and sisters from the SIU of Canada. Our lineup of guest speakers included leaders from the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the Maritime Union of Australia and the Norwegian Seafarers Union. Their remarks really held everyone’s attention, and I think the audience could tell they were heartfelt.
Something that stood out among those speeches was the consistent recognition of how politics affects all of our industries. As Paddy Crumlin, national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia put it, “The reason the SIU is in Washington is that’s where the decisions get made. That’s where the Jones Act lives and dies. The heart and the mind of the union is in Washington because if you’re unable to persuade the politicians, then we’re in the hands of big business and global business—and they don’t care about our interests.”
When union officials from other countries see things as we do on such an important subject, it reinforces our own beliefs and strengthens our resolve.
I should also mention that Paddy paid tribute to the late John Fay, whom he described as “a giant in more ways than one.” As many, if not most, of our members know, John was a top official in the SIUNA and did groundbreaking international work not only on behalf of our union but truly for all mariners. He passed away in November 2005.
“He was a larger-than-life character that really represented the interests of seafarers and the SIU all over the world,” Paddy said. “He was greatly respected right to his last breath. Hopefully that message will get back to John’s family.”
In ways that John undoubtedly would approve, his union family throughout the convention focused on the tasks at hand. They include organizing new members, boosting the U.S. Merchant Marine, fighting for good health-care coverage and much more.
As always, it starts with hard work. And as always, sooner or later it will involve politics.
We’re ready.
We’re committed.
We will get the job done.
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