Key Maritime Labor Organizations, Other Stakeholders Speak Out in Support of Chair DeFazio’s Bill Ahead of Wednesday Markup
Washington, DC- The bill, introduced on Monday by Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chair of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. André Carson (D-IN), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA), Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL), Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-NJ), Rep. Alan S. Lowenthal (D-CA), Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), and Rep. Anthony G. Brown (D-MD) fights sexual assault and harassment in the maritime industry.
The Committee will consider part of the bill during a markup on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. The full bill text, and a section-by-section can be found hereand here.
Statements in support of the Safer Seas Act:
Transportation Trades Department, AFL–CIO:
"We applaud the efforts of the Committee to work with maritime labor and the industry to create meaningful reforms that will ensure safe and equitable workplaces for mariners now and in the future," Greg Regan said, president, Transportation Trades Department (TTD), AFL-CIO.
Women Offshore Foundation:
“Never before have we seen such a move to eradicate sexual violence in the maritime industry. This bill prioritizes accountability of sexual abusers, requires key prevention measures, bolsters reporting, and supports victims. It is a solid step to make the maritime industry safer for all,” Ally Cedeno said, founder and president, Women Offshore Foundation.
International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots:
"We wholeheartedly endorse the goals and objectives of your legislation and share your commitment to provide every mariner with a safe and secure workplace," Captain Don Marcus said, president, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots.
Additional Organizations Supporting the Safer Seas Act
- Sailors Union of the Pacific;
- American Maritime Officers;
- Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO;
- Marine Firemen’s Union;
- Seafarers International Union;
- Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association;
- Maritime Legal Aid and Advocacy.