Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When did Nautilus NL and Nautilus UK cease to exist?
A. These two Unions ceased to exist on 15 May 2009, where the two became one new Union known as Nautilus International.
Q. How does all this affect me as a member?
A. You will see little day-to-day change in the way you are represented. However, it will give the Union the opportunity to increase the effectiveness of representation for members. We believe that by speaking with one voice, Nautilus International will be better protected in relation to job security and have a better chance to ensure members’ pay and conditions improve.
Q. Are you bringing in different officials to represent my colleagues and me?
A. Within the joining of Nautilus UK and Nautilus NL, the relevant officials from each Union work closely to coordinate activity in a number of key Anglo-Dutch companies. Nautilus International will enable more effective representation of members. There are currently no plans to have Dutch officials representing British members and vice versa. Furthermore, there may be challenges specific to a country where it will be necessary for an official from that country to respond.
Q. Will Nautilus International change my terms and conditions/pay negotiations?
A. No. Our aim is to create a more powerful and more effective organisation. This in the long run ensures that members' terms and conditions continue to improve. However, pay and conditions reviews will continue to be conducted in accordance with Nautilus UK and Nautilus NL’s established practice. In the short term, Nautilus International will be more effective in representing members' interests in Anglo-Dutch companies, where we aim to speak for members as one voice.
Q. Will Nautilus International deal with any new seafaring/job related issues that Nautilus UK and Nautilus NL did not cover in the past?
A. Nautilus International will deal with any issue that affects members' employment. Our objective is job security, improved terms and conditions of employment, and the promotion of the professional standing of our members.
Q. What influence will Nautilus International have in the maritime industry when lobbying the government?
A. Nautilus International will have more influence than Nautilus UK and Nautilus NL had when they were autonomous. Through effective campaigning and a larger voice, we can protect jobs and the status and conditions of members. Nautilus International will also lobby more effectively, not just local governments but international bodies too such as the European Union and the IMO and ILO.
Q. How will Nautilus International be more effective at European and international level?
A. One of the key objectives of working closely with other like-minded unions has been to better coordinate our voice at European and international levels, and campaign for job security and improved terms and conditions of employment. Employers' tactic of 'divide and rule' must be countered by real and effective unity between like-minded unions. Nautilus International will deliver that for British and Dutch maritime professionals and, as other unions see the success of the venture, the hope is that they too will join and make the Union even stronger. Global business needs global trade unions.
Q. Will it be possible for other unions to join Nautilus International in the future?
A. It may be possible for other unions to join in the future. This is unlikely to happen soon, but the possibility has been kept open for other like-minded maritime organisations to join in the future. Should the proposal come forward, members will first be consulted.
Q. At present members elect the Council and the general secretary. Will this change?
A. Nautilus International is a membership-led organisation. Members will elect the Council of the Union and the general secretary as previously done with Nautilus UK.
Q. Will members still determine the policy of Nautilus International through a Biennial General Meeting?
A. It is vital that Nautilus International remains an organisation led by its members. There will be periodic meetings that enable members to determine the policy of the Union.
Q. How is the leadership of the new Union structured? Is there a separate Dutch general secretary and a separate British general secretary?
A. Nautilus International is led by one general secretary, elected by all members.
Q. Are there separate UK and Dutch Councils?
A. Nautilus International is governed by one Council, elected by all members. However, the ratio of UK and Dutch seats will reflect the membership of the Unions as they were before Nautilus UK and Nautilus NL joined.
Q. Will membership rates go up?
A. There are no plans to increase membership fees as a direct result of the name change or the creation of the new Union. Membership fees will be kept under constant review in the same way as previously.
Q. Is the drive for Nautilus International financially led?
A. No. Certainly not.
Q. If the Union joins with another union, why not with a local trade union with similar professional members?
A. That is always an option. But Nautilus International believes that it is in members' interests to remain a maritime trade union rather than become diluted professionally.
Q. I still have some unanswered questions. What do I do?
A. Contact us and ask to speak to our communications department. We would be happy to answer any questions you have.