Are the seafarers international union affiliated with the merchant seamans?

The Seafarers International Union (SIU) is affiliated with the maritime and transportation industry, representing various categories of maritime workers, including those in the merchant shipping sector. While the SIU primarily focuses on the interests of its members, it collaborates with other maritime unions and organizations, including those representing merchant seamen, to address common issues and challenges in the shipping industry. Thus, while they are not the same entity, they are interconnected through shared goals and advocacy for maritime workers.