Today, the Seafarers’ International Union of Canada joins with maritime labour organizations around the world in acknowledging International Day of the Seafarer. This year, instead of celebrating at our Union Halls with all of our hardworking Members, we are forced to continue to celebrate at a distance during these truly unprecedented times.
To this end, this Day of the Seafarer we need to celebrate the hard work of all seafarers this year who have been the backbone of the global economy, continuing to move essential goods to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. While this year has been particularly tough on our industry, we as seafarers have cemented and proven our importance to our country’s economy and proven how significant seafarers are to communities and towns around the world. Without our seafarers, global trade would come to a grinding halt and economies would collapse.
It is the strength and work ethic of our seafarers that we take pride in. Being a seafarer is not an easy life, but we lean on our fellow brothers and sisters for support to get us through tough times on our vessels. The support and strength that our Members have shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been admirable and we thank all of our Members for their continued work and service.
This International Day of the Seafarer please be sure to reflect on all of those who have sacrificed so much to provide for their families to do the job that few others can do. If you know a seafarer, thank them for their hard work. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a campaign this year for Day of the Seafarer, which seeks to help spread the message that Seafarers are key, essential workers. Our Members have proven that without their hard work, this global pandemic would have been even worse without the goods that they have transported. Seafarers have been true unsung heroes throughout the pandemic.
Together, you have shown that there is no challenge too great for seafarers.
#SeafarersAreKeyWorkers #StrongerTogether
