MERCHANT NAVY DAY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september 2017 :: RMTnews 18 R MT joined the annual Merchant Navy Day celebrations this month by flying the Red Ensign from regional offices across the UK and from Maritime House in London. In George Square Glasgow, RMT member Brian Reynolds laid a wreath on behalf of the union and its members for all Merchant Navy Seafarers who lost their lives at sea. Sunderland also held a well- attended ceremony and RMT were represented by Royal Fleet Auxiliary CPO Ian Parkin and North East Shipping Branch chairman Larry Gaynor. Dover shipping attended a ceremony on the seafront and NEC member Lee Davidson laid a wreath on behalf of the union. The crew onboard MV Stena Europe supported MN day and Eire branch secretary Declan Roche posted a photo of the crew showing solidarity from the ship. Comrades on P&O ferries in Hull also sent photographs of support from their ship in Holland. There were also two services for lost Merchant Seaman in London and Liverpool, assistant national secretary Mark Carden represented the union at Trinity Square Gardens where large crowds congregated. National secretary Steve Todd and RMT regional organiser Ken Usher attended the Liverpool service and laid wreaths on behalf of the union and its members. Two events in South Shields and Portsmouth also promoted positive steps to secure the future for UK seafarers in the merchant marine, with government-commissioned reports published earlier this year forecasting a 20 per cent increase in demand for UK seafarers and recommending increased and clearer funding streams for training the next generation of UK Ratings. RMT general secretary Mick Cash said that seafarers had played a crucial role in our country’s often turbulent history and what they do today to underpin the national economy; and the importance of retaining maritime skills for the future. “RMT applauds those who make the merchant marine work, from the passenger ferry, freight, cruise, offshore supply and container sectors, to the strategically important Royal Fleet Auxiliary. “How we maintain and increase UK Rating numbers ahead of reform to the UK’s international trading arrangements is fundamental to the future of the Merchant Navy and we will be taking to the streets to highlight the importance of merchant seafarers to the country’s future,” he said. RMT national secretary Steve Todd said that on Merchant Navy Day the union was seeking to raise public awareness over the role that merchant navy ratings play in our national fortunes, as well as remembering what their predecessors did to defend and maintain the national interest. “In 2017, successive reports have set out the opportunities that exist for UK seafarers over the coming decade in terms of increasing the number of jobs and state funding for ratings training. “Our seafarers, economy and society will only benefit from these opportunities if there is a level playing field, especially for young people, for merchant seafarer jobs. “Otherwise, Merchant Navy Day risks becoming a celebration of our proud history rather than a positive statement of support for a future merchant marine,” he said. MERCHANT NAVY DAY Celebrating and ensuring a future for merchant seafarers