Seafarers international union afl cio

• Founded in 1938: The Seafarers International Union (SIU), affiliated with the AFL-CIO, was established in 1938 to protect the rights and interests of merchant mariners in the United States. • World War II Contributions: SIU members played a crucial role in WWII, transporting troops, weapons, and supplies across dangerous waters—over 1,200 SIU mariners lost their lives during the war. • First President - Harry Lundeberg: The union's founding president, Harry Lundeberg, was a significant labor leader and was instrumental in shaping the union's early direction and militant stance. • Maritime Training: SIU operates the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, one of the largest schools for merchant mariners in North America. • Political Advocacy: The SIU has been a strong advocate for the Jones Act, a law that requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be transported on U.S.-built and crewed ships, protecting American maritime jobs. • Merchant Marine Defense: During the Cold War and Vietnam War, SIU crews helped transport military equipment and supplies, often entering active war zones. • Global Reach: While based in the U.S., the union represents mariners throughout North America and the Caribbean, including Canada and Puerto Rico. • Labor Strikes: The SIU has led major strikes for better pay and working conditions, including a notable 1947 strike that resulted in significant improvements for U.S. merchant mariners. • Women at Sea: SIU began actively recruiting and representing women in the maritime trades in the 1970s, helping to break gender barriers in the industry. • Modern Missions: Today, SIU members continue to support military logistics, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions worldwide, exemplifying the motto "Serving the Nation. Serving the World."