Former Seafarer Advocates for Seafarers’ Rights After Blacklisting by Manning Agencies

John Canias, a former seafarer, faced a challenging situation in 1998 when he was asked to sign lower-wage contracts by his ship captain. Despite standing up for his rights and successfully collecting his backpay with the help of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Canias was blacklisted by his manning agency and barred from returning to sea. This practice of blacklisting is common among shipowners or manning agencies and can prevent seafarers from securing future employment due to reasons such as union activities or disputes with their employers.

Despite the setback, Canias found a new purpose in working with the ITF in 2001, where he has since risen through the ranks to become the Maritime Operations Coordinator in the ITF Collective Bargaining Agreements unit. He now resides in the United Kingdom with his family, continuing to advocate for the rights and welfare of seafarers worldwide. Canias emphasized the importance of unions in providing support and security for workers in times of need.

In his role, Canias works to improve working conditions for seafarers and promote better treatment in the maritime industry. He highlighted the need for collaboration between maritime industries and unions to ensure fair wages and job security for seafarers. Despite the challenges he has faced, Canias finds joy in his family life and hobbies, crediting his wife as his main source of inspiration and support.

Source