Published: 8 Sep 2014
Branches around the country have had their hand in commemorating merchant navy sailors killed at sea this week.
Significant delegations of members past and present attended respective Merchant Navy Day ceremonies in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory on Wednesday.
National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said it was important to remember the history of the union.
“On days like Merchant Navy Day we appreciate the sacrifices our forebears have made to ensure the union and more generally the maritime industry is in the position it is today and around the world,” Crumlin said.
In the Northern Territory, Branch Secretary Thomas Mayor led the charge of 50 members mixed with navy servicemen, port stakeholders and port representatives.
“We need to remember the horrendous cost of war. We need to remember the efforts and sacrifice of our merchant seafarers,” Mayor said.
“In remembering and educating others about those sacrifices and the strategic importance our members had to the war efforts as merchant seafarers; we highlight the importance of Australian shipping and skilled seafarers for our island nation.
“The attack on the employment of Australian seafarers by the current Liberal government is exposed for its stupidity here today.”
