Sorry

Brothers and Sisters,
The Canadian Seamen's Union Film Committee would like to thank the people of Australia and especially the Maritime Union of Australia for their support and help in the making of our documentary film, Betrayed: The Story of Canadian Merchant Seamen. We are also indebted for your support in our seamen's strike in 1949.

In 1949 the Canadian Seamen's Union fought a gigantic battle against the government, the ship owners and American gangsters. Support came from all over the globe and the longest picket line in history was established. Our fight was to save our union and our fleet from flags of convenience, among other things. Sadly, we lost. The press and the police played a major role in our defeat.

Now a new threat has arrived on your doorstep in the form of our Prime Minister Paul Martin and family and their company, Canada Steamship Lines (CSL). They have opened the door for flags of convenience on all Australian ships. From what I know of Australian seamen, they will stand and fight against the corporate greed of CSL.

We now have a website, www.sorryaustralia.com. It is an apology to Australian seafarers for what Paul Martin and his family have done. This website is not only for Canada and Australia. We hope to inform the world. Every member of Parliament in Canada will receive a copy. There is no stopping us.

Our film director, Elaine Brière, toured Australia for a month in May showing the documentary, Betrayed.

In solidarity,

For the Canadian Seamen's Union Film Committee