Press release: SIU of Canada Advocates for Labour Law Enforcement During Strike Against Algoma Tankers Limited

Please find this press release from our member union SIU Canada, the Seafarers' International Union of Canada, attached and below, for your interest.

Yours,

Sam Dawson

ITF

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

SIU of Canada Advocates for Labour Law Enforcement During Strike Against Algoma Tankers Limited

Algoma Tankers use foreign ships & crew while Canadian officers on strike

 

October 24, 2017 - Montreal, QC- The Seafarers' International Union of Canada (SIU) learned that Canadian officers commenced legal strike actions against Algoma Tankers Limited on Saturday.

Algoma Tankers Limited currently has two foreign tankers carrying cargo in Canadian waters, both are being crewed by foreign workers. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program rules – enforced federally by Employment and Social Development Canada – are clear: foreign workers cannot be used to replace striking Canadian workers.

The officers on strike are represented by the Canadian Merchant Services Guild. As a result of this strike, SIU crews working aboard the vessels have been laid off; however, this is standard procedure due to collective agreements impacting the SIU members onboard the vessels.

The SIU believe that the right to strike is entrenched in Canadian labour laws, and Temporary Foreign Worker Program rules must be enforced by the Federal Government.

 

The SIU will stand up for all seafarers in this situation. We strongly encourage these foreign flag vessels to leave Canadian waters immediately, and we call upon the Government of Canada to address this issue.

 

President James Given of the SIU of Canada stated "Although the SIU is not on strike we are always prepared to mobilize our members to defend Canada's cabotage and labour laws to protect Canadian seafarers."  

 

 

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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 most important sailors' union in Canada, the SIU represents the majority of unlicensed sailors working aboard vessels on the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, on the East and West Coasts. In addition to vessels operated in Canadian waters, SIU members also have the opportunity to work aboard vessels delivering cargoes in the United States, Europe and South America.

 

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