Merchant Navy Day 2019 – Tuesday 3rd September

Circular No: NP/138/19

TO ALL BRANCHES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.

Our ref: S7/8/19

12th August 2019

Dear Colleagues

Merchant Navy Day 2019 – Tuesday 3rd September

Further to circular no. NP/155/17 of 20th August 2018, Merchant Navy Day this year takes place on Tuesday 3rd September. In support of this important day, RMT Regional Offices, Shipping Branches and Branches are asked, where possible to fly or display the Red Ensign on the day.

RMT fully support Merchant Navy Day which was established by the charity Seafarers UK which the Union is a trustee of. The Union’s participation in this annual event records RMT’s respect and support for merchant seafarers, past and present.

As part of this year’s Merchant Navy Day, the Mayor of Sunderland Cllr David Snowdon has invited RMT members to join Sunderland City Council’s Merchant Navy Day celebrations on Tuesday 3rd September 2018. For those wishing to attend, please arrive at the Civic Suite of the Civic Centre, Burdon Road, Sunderland SR2 7DN, no later than 9.45 am. The ceremonial raising of the Red Ensign will take place at 10am outside of the council’s building. Upon conclusion of the ceremony, refreshments will be served in the Civic Suite. Please confirm your attendance, for hospitality purposes no later than Friday 23rd August on 0191 561 1330/1342 or mayor@sunderland.gov.uk

Over one thousand organisations participated in Merchant Navy Day last year, including RMT. Members and activists are again encouraged to attend local events in order to demonstrate the Union’s strong and enduring support for our merchant seafarers. Attendance is a legitimate form of Branch expenditure. The Seafarers UK website lists the organisations across the country participating in Merchant Navy Day 2019, here.

For those who require one, Seafarers UK recommend the following supplier of Red Ensign flags: Hampshire Flag Company of Waterlooville; Tel 02392 237130; Web www.hampshireflag.co.uk Alternative suppliers can be found here: www.flaginstitute.org

I would be grateful if you could bring the contents of this circular to the attention of members in your branch and you will be kept updated with further developments.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary