Nautilus signs landmark deal with Saga Cruises 


Seafarers’ union Nautilus International has achieved what it calls a “landmark” collective bargaining deal with Saga Cruises — the company’s first ever such agreement with a UK union.


The arrangement — reached on a voluntary basis — applies to British officers in the deck, technical and onboard services departments on the Saga vessel Spirit of Discovery. It was signed with Guernsey-based crew employer Saffron Maritime Limited on behalf of Saga and came into force immediately.


The agreement provides for members to volunteer as lay union representatives who will have regular contact with management to represent their colleagues’ views. Nautilus officials will visit the Spirit of Discovery next time the vessel docks in Southampton, to talk to existing members about what being a lay rep entails and the training the union offers to volunteers. 


They will also encourage non-members to join the union — something the employer has also agreed to do as part of the collective bargaining agreement.


Nautilus senior national secretary Garry Elliott said: “It’s great that Saga have seen the benefits of their seafarers being in the union. We want to work with them to help them thrive, because that enhances job security for our members.”


The agreement “is a good example of the partnership approach Nautilus seeks to take with maritime employers,” he added.


https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/news/nautilus-signs-landmark-agreement-with-saga-cruises