STRONGER TOGETHER
As part of a series profiling the Union’s senior management team, Nautilus
senior national organiser Garry Elliott explains why trade union representation
is so important for maritime professionals at a time of considerable change...
48 SUOMEN MERENKULKU J FINLANDS SJÖFART
Taken at face value, my principal job title
as ‘head of the organising department’
really reflects why I do what I do at
Nautilus International. With responsibil-ity
for activities related to union membership,
recruitment, retention, servicing members and
training, my role is predominantly about people
– about you, your teams, your colleagues.
My role as head of organising means I am
responsible for the Union’s organising activities
in the UK, Switzerland and the Netherlands, in
accordance with the strategic plan which covers
members in all our branches.
It was my seafaring background, from a
childhood living by the sea, home and abroad
with my father serving in the Royal Navy, to my
” Nautilus is fighting
your corner on vital issues of
welfare, skills and economic
security.”
own brief period of service, which attracted me
to work for a union specialising in the maritime
industry.
I have worked in trade unions for 35 years,
gaining my first 17 years’ experience with the
Communications Workers Union, before return-ing
to my seafaring roots – for a union that
represents maritime professionals of all ranks,
qualifications and backgrounds.
Since joining Nautilus in 1999, I’ve seen
first-hand how technological, economic and
political changes have affected the landscape of
seafaring. With both exciting and challenging
times ahead for the sector, particularly as the UK
F Nautilus has been increasing its presence
in the yacht sector. As part of this work,
Garry’s team have run seminars informing yacht
members how the Maritime Labour Convention
applies to them and their vessels.