Sascha Meijer elected General Secretary of maritime trade union Nautilus International 

Maritime trade union Nautilus International has announced the election of Sascha Meijer as its new General Secretary, effective immediately. Ms Meijer becomes the leader of one of the world’s foremost unions for maritime professionals, representing members across the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Sascha Meijer takes over office from Mark Dickinson, who has led Nautilus International for 17 years. Ms Meijer is grateful for Mr Dickinson’s tireless work for the interest of maritime professionals and feels honoured to succeed him.

Nautilus International represents seafarers, dredgers, inland waterways professionals and shore-based maritime professionals working across the global shipping industry. Ms Meijer, who for the last two years served as Nautilus’s Assistant General Secretary, trained as a lawyer and brings 26 years of trade union experience and a deep commitment to the rights and welfare of working people.

She has been deeply involved in the maritime industry for the past 11 years, with national and international negotiations and representation. She also represents the maritime unions within the EU in the social dialogue with the European Commission and European shipowners.

In her first statement as General Secretary, Ms Meijer set out a vision centred on unity — across the union’s three national branches, and an agenda for better jobs across the breadth of the maritime industry:

Nautilus International is one union, with one purpose: to stand alongside our members. Maritime professionals are key workers, and strong national fleets are vital for our countries’ autonomy and security. Yet more needs to be done to ensure good jobs, attractive jobs, with a better work-life balance. The maritime industry needs to be socially competitive to recruit and retain the talent, women and men, that the industry so urgently needs.

Whether you are in the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland or beyond, you are part of the same family — and I am passionate and honoured to lead it.

Ms Meijer emphasised her commitment to robust trade union representation, good quality employment, diversity, strong organising, collective bargaining and international solidarity — priorities she described as the bedrock of the union’s work.

She also stressed that Nautilus is a member-led trade union. As General Secretary, Ms Meijer will report to the Council, our highest union body that consists of elected members who represent their colleagues from all the maritime subsectors and ranks.

Wilco van Hoboken, chair of the Council of Nautilus International said:

The Council unanimously supported Sascha’s nomination, and that unity reflects the confidence we have in her as a leader. Nautilus International is built on the principle that members come first. I have no doubt she will lead this union with the energy and dedication that maritime professionals deserve.

International Advocacy

Under Ms Meijer’s leadership, Nautilus International will continue its active engagement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) — the United Nations body responsible for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping, and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Ms Meijer said:

The rules that govern life at sea are written at an international level. We intend to remain in those rooms, making the case for seafarers every step of the way.

Supporting Members in Conflict Zones

Ms Meijer also addressed the situation facing members operating in and around the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and those affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran — an area of acute concern for the international maritime community.

Nautilus International has confirmed it is actively monitoring developments and providing support to affected members, including guidance on contractual rights, liaison with shipowners, and close cooperation with relevant governmental, flag state and international bodies.

Ms Meijer said:

We are acutely aware of the risks facing our members in some of the most dangerous waters in the world right now. Their safety is our absolute priority, and we will not stop working on their behalf for as long as the situation demands it.

Representation for all members

Alongside her international priorities, Ms Meijer underscored the importance of day-to-day trade union representation — the work of officials, negotiators and branch representatives who support members in employment disputes, contract negotiations, disciplinary proceedings and welfare matters. She underscored the importance of the work done by member representatives in uniting and engaging their colleagues.

Ms Meijer said:

By working together, we build impact and, where needed, union power. Together we stand strong.

She called on members to engage with their union, attend branch meetings and make use of the full range of services available to them.

Unique maritime welfare work

Ms Meijer will also be responsible for the Nautilus Welfare Fund, including unique welfare and care facility for retired maritime professionals, Mariners’ Park, in Wallasey on the banks of the river Mersey.