Seafarers International Union

Highly Engaged Employees

Founded in 1938, the Seafarers International Union (SIU), Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO, serves as a prominent labor organization representing professional United States merchant mariners. The union facilitates collective bargaining and representation for personnel operating aboard U.S.-flag vessels across deep sea, Great Lakes, and inland waterways. Members are specialized in three core shipboard departments: deck, engine, and steward, ensuring operational continuity across diverse maritime sectors.

The organization maintains a robust operational footprint with 20 locations, supporting a workforce of 500-1,000 employees. SIU members provide essential labor for a wide array of maritime assets, including commercial containerships, tankers, military support vessels, tugboats, barges, and passenger ships. Meet Seafarers International Union's team to understand the leadership structure and the administrative framework that governs these complex maritime labor operations. The union’s strategic focus remains on maintaining high standards for professional mariners while navigating the evolving regulatory landscape of the U.S. maritime industry.

With an annual revenue of $36.9M, the Seafarers International Union sustains its mission through disciplined organizational management and strategic advocacy. The union competes within the labor organization sector against entities such as the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots and the American Maritime Officers. By prioritizing safety, professional development, and labor rights, the organization continues to influence the standards of the American maritime workforce. Its long-standing history underscores its stability and commitment to the maritime sector, providing critical support for mariners engaged in both commercial and military logistics operations.