Seafarers International Union
January 6, 2016

SIU Endorses Hillary Clinton for President

The Seafarers International Union is proud to endorse Hillary Clinton for President of the United States. Based on many years of working with us to promote a strong U.S. Merchant Marine and to protect workers’ rights, we are confident that Secretary Clinton is the best choice to lead our nation forward.
 
Hillary Clinton has unfailingly fought for America’s working families, including during her service as United States Senator from New York and as Secretary of State. She has always been an ardent supporter of American Mariners and the U.S.-flag maritime industry. She has long been on record as an outspoken, effective backer of the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, and our nation’s cargo preference laws.
 
Just as importantly, Secretary Clinton clearly values the importance, service, and historic reliability of the men and women who constitute the U.S. Merchant Marine, also known as America’s fourth arm of defense. Her acknowledgements of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s proud tradition – since the nation’s founding – of unbroken commitment to American economic and national security reflect a genuine appreciation of what we mean to America.
 
Our union traditionally does not take party affiliation into consideration when backing a candidate for office. We have friends in both major political parties, and we have always lived by the principle that we support those who support the maritime industry along with workers’ rights. In this case, party affiliation once again is not a factor at all. Secretary Clinton is unsurpassed in her strong backing of our core issues and values.
 
The Seafarers International Union looks forward to working with Secretary Clinton through the rest of the 2016 campaign season and for many years to come. She has our enthusiastic support.
 

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Hillary for America
January 9, 2016

Hillary Clinton's Statement on the Endorsement from the Seafarers International Union

Hillary Clinton released the following statement about the recent news that the Seafarers International Union (SIU) has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. Clinton now has the endorsement of 19 national labor unions or labor alliances representing nearly 11 million American workers. 
 
“America’s mariners have served our country since its founding, more than 200 years ago, and privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels with their American citizen crews have always responded quickly and effectively to answer our nation’s call.  The need for a strong, vibrant U.S.-flag Merchant Fleet crewed by well-trained, dedicated Americans remains just as important today as it has throughout our history. 
 
“From carrying goods to those who are hurting to moving government-generated cargo, American mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels have made sure the job gets done, and they can count on me to be in your corner.
 
“In this election, we’re going up against some powerful forces who are determined to turn back the clock and reverse our hard-won progress.  We can’t let that happen.  The Seafarers Union has always fought for decent wages, good benefits, and safe working conditions for its members.  I share their commitment to improving the lives of America’s working families.”
 

 

For Immediate Release, January 9, 2016