I'm here for you — and I mean that

Hello. My name is Sascha Meijer, and it is a genuine honour to introduce myself as your new general secretary.

I have spent the last 11 years at Nautilus International, most recently as assistant general secretary. In that time, I have worked as a Union lawyer and negotiator, represented maritime workers in discussions with the European Commission and European shipowners, and done everything I can to ensure your voice is heard where decisions get made. I know this Union, and I know what it stands for.

I want to recognise Mark Dickinson, who dedicated 17 years to this Union and to you. He leaves an extraordinary legacy, and I am grateful for everything he built.

I know that maritime is not just a job for most of you. It takes you away from the people you love. It asks a great deal. That is precisely why this Union exists – to stand with you and for you, every single day.

Away from work, I live in the Netherlands with my husband Udo and our son Lesedi, whom we adopted from South Africa (we also have a cat called Fred,who is very much in charge).

I spend a great deal of time in the UK, and I will go wherever members need me – whether that is Brussels, Geneva, Asia, or onboard your ship.

My goal is simple: to lead a Union that is strong, modern and genuinely on your side. One that fights for your pay, your contracts, your safety and your rights, and does so with one clear, united voice across the UK, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

I want to hear from you. Please come to a branch meeting, talk to your representative, or simply drop us a message. Better still, invite me to visit. I will come.

This Union belongs to its members. That means it belongs to you. I look forward to working together

Get in touch with Sascha

Email: secretariat@nautilusint.org

Come to a branch meeting — details will be shown for upcoming meetings on our Events pages

Talk to your local representative

Invite Sascha to visit your ship or workplace — she means it