Union calls for genuine social partnership at parliamentary reception

Leading maritime trade union Nautilus International has called for 'genuine social partnership' between government, employers and unions at a parliamentary reception to welcome new and returning MPs to Westminster on the eve of Merchant Navy Day.

Cross bench MPs, maritime industry stakeholders attending the joint Nautilus International and Maritime UK parliamentary reception were welcomed by the chair of Maritime UK Robin Mortimer, and heard from Maritime Minister Mike Kane who spoke about the importance of seafarers and the challenges for the industry.

Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson acknowledged the sacrifice of seafarers on the eve of Merchant Navy Day and the immense contributions of seafarers to the world economy, emphasising their role in ensuring the smooth flow of global trade, especially in the face of ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and economic pressures.

Mr Dickinson also took the opportunity to call for greater collaboration between government, industry, and maritime unions. He stressed the importance of creating a unified approach to tackling the industry's challenges, including the looming threat of automation, the impact of climate change, and the need for a just transition to greener shipping practices.

'We must work together, government, business, and trade unions. That's why Nautilus was a founding member, and long-standing supporter of Maritime UK, because we don't see industry and workers as separate, we aren't here to shout from the sidelines, we want to help build the maritime industry of the future, with people at its core.

'We won't always agree on how we get there, and we don't have to, but if we are united in the mission to grow our industry, secure jobs and create new jobs and revitalise our once proud merchant navy, we can do it.

Mr Dickinson said that: 'With collaboration and genuine social partnership we can confront the challenges and renew the merchant navy, ensuring the Red Ensign isn't simply a piece of maritime heritage but a symbol of national renewal.'