The Swedish ferry company will also participate in the Pride in London Parade for the first time.
For the third year in a row Stena Line is celebrating Pride across the company. During the whole of June the rainbow flag is being flown on the company’s 37 ships and at its terminals across Europe, with the slogan ‘All aboard!’ to celebrate the company’s ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Being caring and welcoming is part of Stena Line’s DNA, with the aim to maintain and develop a sustainable working environment, free from harassment, that gives equal opportunities to everyone and creates an even better customer experience.
Stena Line’s ‘All aboard!’ message reinforces that Stena Line welcomes everyone, irrespective of the who they are, where they are from, or how they live their lives – equality for everyone.
“Even though the maritime industry is international, there is a narrow view of what a seafarer should look like and be. This means that people who do not fit into this view may not progress in the industry. At Stena Line we believe that by promoting diversity and reducing equality we will be a better company. This is a key part of the sustainability agenda and celebrating Pride-month is a wonderful opportunity for us to do just that,” says Margareta Jensen Dickson, Chief People & Communications Officer at Stena Line.
Rainbow flag everywhere at Stena Line
During the Pride-month of June Stena Line has raised the rainbow flag on ships and terminals all over Europe, as well as online and digitally onboard its ships. By involving all business regions, an important message is sent that the whole company is united in supporting equal rights and opportunities for everyone. To create big waves, you need all aboard – starting with the people in the company.
“We now have more than 5,000 employees working together to create a great experience for all our customers and make them feel welcome” continues Jensen Dickson.
Pride in London
For the first time ever this year Stena Line will participate in the Pride In London Parade, on Saturday 2nd July. 70 representatives of crews from the Irish Sea and the North Sea, as well as shore employees, will take part in the Parade. They will accompany the Stena Line float, which will be a replica of a Stena Line ferry built by the shipping fit-out company Madden Marine.
Additional Training in Diversity
Anti-harassment training is a mandatory part of the onboarding process for all new employees and managers at Stena Line, and the company’s sustainability agenda has been expanded to include reduced inequalities as a sixth focus area.
In addition, Stena Line has invited the West Pride organisation in Gothenburg, Sweden to provide a basic LGBTQ+ training session for all employees.
