http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7909ec01ffe6da86562b67c1ad84ea15.PDF 7560f16f418b7317c1546621db578a9d PDF Text Text Vol. XiX No. 8 'I: \ SEAFARERS LOG • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO • SIU SCORES MAJOR GUV TUG VICTORY •Story On Page 3 •Story On Page 2 All IVMAM#! fl«" Ending a 33-day strike by the SIU's Harbor ' 8/f#* and Inland Waterways Division which tied up the 26-boat G&H fleet in Houston (above) and all along Gulf Coast, tugboatmen crowd ballot box to vote enthusiastic approval of top contract terms. Voting (1 to r) are Ji. F. Seesholtz, tug J. R. Guyton; B. Fitte, tug Lucy Haden, and J. Kelly from the G uyton. (Story on Page 3.) iC • I S-i— l^.-" U^SI Anfl V Missing froni the chair at an ^nu rcireireff* SIUNA convention for the first time, the late Harry Lundeberg gained lasting tribute from Mayor Geohge Christopher (standing), who welcomed delegates to San Francisco, Seated are SIUNA Pres. Paul Hall of the SIU-A&G (left) and SIUNA Secretary-Treasurer John Hawk. (Story on Page 3.) •oi '- I �Far* Tv* I; ^ I -l April 12, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG SlU-Manned Tanker In Israel 51U Set For 7-Fleet NLRB Ballot On Bolt. Harbor Craft BALTIMORE—^An intensive organizing campaign by the SIU among local towboat and harbor craft workers will be climaxed in sev en separate representation elections here start­ ing early next week. SIU Port Agent Earl Sheppard said the drive is just one phase of efforts by the SIU's Harbor and"*^ Inland Waterways Division in in other parts. The SIU-HIWD conjunction with rank and file won what is recognized as the best Distrirt SO Norfolk Pact Under Fire NORFOLK — Dissatisfaction among tug workers on Curtis Bay and McAllister boats covered by the latest United Mine Workers District 50 contract is spreading throughout this key port area. The contract stipulates agree­ ment by the companies to tlie "principle" of seniority by depart­ ments "where fitness and ability (of the men) are relatively equal." "However, the employers' deter­ mination as to relative fitness and ability shall be final," it adds. The tug men fear that the companies can lay off a full crew, and then re­ hire anyone it pleases. This means there is no seniority protection. On the pension-disability ques­ tion, a key concern is what will bappen to men with long-term service who suddenly become dis­ abled. The present pension provi­ sion authorizes retirement on pen­ sion at age 65 after ten years' serv­ ice. However, those disabled at any age before 65 have to wait until they're 65 to get benefits. A 20-year man who is disabled at 45 would have to wait 20 years for benefits. workers, to bring Baltimore up from its position as the lowest-paid harbor on the East Coast. The SIU-HIWD wiU be the only union on the ballot In the voting ordered by' the National Labor Re­ lations Board. Major organizing efforts by the SIU have been con­ centrated in this port for more than a year. Voting will be conducted among several hundred unlicensed crewmen on the 40-odd boats op­ erated by Curtis Bay Towing, Har­ per Towing, Arundel Corp., Baker and Whiteley, Baltimore Towage and Lighterage and Atlantic Trans­ port, a US Lines subsidiary. In addition, mechanics at the Curtis Bay maintenance shop and carfloatmen in Atlantic Transport will be polled in a separate election. Won Vote 28—0 A hint of the enthusiastic sup­ port among Greater Baltimore har­ bor workers for the SIU-HIWD came last month when it unani­ mously swept an election for bargemen and bridgemen of the Western Maryland Railway Com­ pany. The SIU won hands down, 28—0. Last Saturday's major victory covering Texas coast operations of the 26-boat G & H Towing Co. in Houston is also expected to add impetus to the SIU drive here and union pact in the towboat industry along the Western Gulf coast after a 33-day strike in that area. Abused by miserable conditions for many years. Greater Baltimore harbor men work under the lowest hourly pay rate and worst over­ time set-ups on the entire Atlantic eoast. They have no welfare cover­ age other than a pension plan which has been inoperative for over a year. "These men have many griev(Continued on page 5) Workers at Israeli port of Eloth open valves for first flow of oil to storage tanks from SlU-manned tanker Kern IHills (background). The ship sailed through the disputed Gulf of Aqoba Saturday. Seafarers Haul Isf Oil Cargo To Israel Via Gulf Of Aqaba Dramatically underscoring a "freedom of the seas" resolution passed by the SIU of NA convention, Seafarers aboard the T-2 tanker Kern Hills discharged the first Oil cargo ever to be delivered to the Israeli port of Elath on Sunday, April 7. The Kern Hills was the first US ship to make the^run through the Strait of Ti- Egypt warfare last fall, the Israelis the Gulf, the Israelis, with the ap­ ran into the Gulf of Aqaba overran and destroyed the guns. proval of the US State Department, at the head of the Red Sea. She received a royal welcome from the town, which turned out all of ifS 2,000 population to greet her. The Strait of Tiran was former­ ly controlled by an Egyptian gun battery which did not peiunit any ship bound for Israel to pass through. During the brief Israeli- The area is now under the control of United Nations forces. Israel has maintained that both the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aqaba are international watervjpys which should be open to all shipping, while the Egyptians have insisted the contrary. . By running a US ship through WORKER' APPLAUDS CURRAN For a variety of reasons, all of which seem to elude Joe Curran, all of the unions in maritime, plus AFL-CIO head­ quarters, are on one side in the American Coal beef and Joe Curran sits in lonesome splendor on the other side ... almost all alone that is. For on April 13, the "Daily Worker," for If- the second time since the coal beef began, has seen fit to embrace Cur­ ran wholeheartedly with both bear-paws. Once again it is George Morris, vetei'an Party functionary (and one who remembers Joe way back when in the Party's palmy days)' who does the embracing. Morris devotes his "World of Labor" column to enthusiastic replay of Curran's pitch in the "NMU Pilot." He notes with great satisfaction, "The current "Pilot," paper of the National Maritime Union, is a throwback to 1937." For those who weren't around in 1937, a little review of history is in order. 1937 was the year that the "Pilot" was run by the water­ front section of the Communist Party, lock, stock and barrel. The managing editor was an active and open party member. 1937 was the year that Joe Curran, Ferdinand Smith, Josh Lawrenson and Blackie Myers were perfecting the Communist-front 0|-ganization that soon throttled the NMU and ousted all those non-Communist activists who had gone along with Curran and then discovered, too late, that they were under the Stalinist thumb. And, of course, it was the year that Harry Bridges now and then had his personal colunm in the "Pilot." Good old 1937! Why does George Morris say the "Pilot" looks like a throwback to 1937? Because as the SIU has said time and again, Joe Curran to­ day is using the same Stalinist tactics he and his Party cohorts em­ ployed twenty years ago. As part of the Stalinist pattern, as the MEBA paper, "Amer­ ican Marine Engineer" points out, Curran accuses the SIU of at­ tacking the hiring hall while he aids and abets destruction Of the mates and engineers hiring hall; he shrieks "Taft-Hartley" at SIU while he supports an American Coal attack on the rights of marine unions to picket ships at shipyards, terminals and other properties not direct­ ly owned by the company. Curran, after ordering his men through MM&P and MEBA picket lines for five months, weeps crocodile tears for the engineers because Seafarers are now taking jobs. on coab ships! Finally there Is the "big lie" technique which Curran employed so generously in distorting the facts about the Washington meeting with George Meany. When caught flatfooted in his distortions, Cur­ ran's only recourse is to distort some more. For example, he ac­ cuses the SIU of deliberately' postponing a showdown meeting with are attempting to establish that the Gulf is international water in practice as well as in theory. At the recent SIU of NA con­ vention delegates approved a state­ ment on "Preservation of Democ­ racy—Freedom Of tbe Seas-rIn the Middle East" which read in part: . . . "Our nation as the leading force and hope of the democratic worjd, must take positive action to Insure Israel'.'? survival. ' "Therefore we urge the govern­ ment of the US to deal forthrightly with the most immediate, chal­ lenge to Israel's position and se­ curity. It is essential that Israel . enjoy freedom of the seas . . . "As American seamen concerned with freedom of the seas we must insist upon freedom of passage through the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aqaba for all Israeli flag vessels . . . We call upon our gov­ ernment ... to encourage ship­ ping through the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aqaba to the Israeli port of Elath . . ." Events broke fast all week in the ' Middle East, for in addition to the Kern Hills run into Elath, sal­ vage gangs completed clearance of the Suez Canal, opening it to all shipping but the very large super­ tankers. A political agreement on how the canal Is to be run is still in the dispute stage. SEAFARERS LOG April 12, 1957 'Buf I'm For You' Meany when, in fact, the meeting was postponed because of the sud­ den death of Harry Lundeberg, When SIU officials left Miami on the eve of the meeting to pay their respects to the memory of the in­ ternational president, that gave Curran an opportunity to lie and distort some more. No wonder the "Daily Worker" embraces Curran so ardently. No one else in any section of the labor movement comes so close to the Stalinist ideal the'^Worker" seeks. , (For latdst coal ship news, see page 5.); . V . .. . . .. : •• •• Vol. XfX No. • PAUL IIAU. Stcretary-Treaaurer HERBKST BBAifn, Editor. BERNAIID SEAUAN, Art Editor. BBUEAU ABTBUS. iBwnr SnvAcx. Ai. UtMMjti. JOHN BHAZS.. Staff Writert. Bnx Moom. Gulf Area Repre­ sentative. Published biweefcly or liM headquarters of the Seafarers International Union, At­ lantic « Gulf DMrlet, AFL-CIO, «7S Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel. HYacinth 9-6600. Entered at second class matter at the Post Office In Brooklyn, NY, under the Act of Aug. M, 1912. ^ ..ra,.)SJiOl-J i wy ^ 0? j56i' �A^ h, w^ .... Fife Threi SEAFARERS LOG ^ MAJOR SlU TUG WIN IN SOUTH 33-Day Walkout Ends In Best Cult Tug Pact Addressing SlUNA convention in Son Francisco, Copt. Tonrimy Atkins, notional president. Masters, Mates and Pilots (left), and Neil J. Haggerty, secretary of tlie California Federation of Laborr shared jostrum during week-long session. California's Gov. Goodwin J. Knight (left) welcomed delegates to SlUNA convention, which elected SlU Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall (right) as international president. Gov. Knight hailed SlUNA efforts to improve the merchant marine and its record in the labor movement. HOUSTON—^The SIU's campaign to bring top conditions to maritime work­ ers forged ahead this week as striking G&H tugboatmen unanimously approved the best Union agreement ever negotiated in the Texas coast area. The tugboatmen voted f for these benefits and the all-out up in ports along thg" Gulf Coast to return to work under an support given them by the SlU. from New Orleans to Corpus SIU-HIWD contract after As a_ consequence, they said, none Christi. of the strikers or members of their The tugboat fleet remained shut the rank and file and the families suffered any serious in­ down for the duration of the dis­ Union negotiating commit­ convenience or severe hardship pute. Eighteen of the 26 boats during the course of the 33-day went back into operation at mid­ tee hammered out a pact walkout. with the towing company covering wages, hours, wel­ fare benefits and working con­ ditions for licensed and unlicensed personnel aboard the 26-ship fleet. The successful wind-up of the strike was just one aspect of the SIU's continuing drive for estab­ lishment of top notch union con­ ditions in the harbor fleld. Much of this drive is concentrated in the deep South, particularly in the tidelands area, where the SIU re­ cently won a first-time agreement with Phillips Oil, one of the larg­ est oil companies in the offshore in­ dustry. Rank and File Committee Following the past SlU pattern in operations of this kind, a rank and file negotiating committee of G&H workers was elected by the crewmembers in the fleet. The committee then drafted contract proposals which were subsequently presented to the company by the SlU. When the company rejected these rank and file demands and the strike was caUed, arrangements were made to pay strike benefits and provide emergency aid for strikers and their families. When it was all over, G&H crewmem­ bers expressed their appreciation The significance of the victory is emphasized by the fact that G&H s the biggest tugboat operator in the Gulf. The company has ex­ clusive harbor towing rights in several Texas ports, including Houston, Baytown, Texas City, Gal­ veston and Corpus Christi. It also does a sizable deep sea towing busi­ ness and is the largest operator serving the tidelands oil explora­ tion and producing industry. SlU New Orleans Port Agent Lindsey J. Williams, who directed the strike operation for the SlU, hailed the G&H workers as "as solid a bunch of good union men as you would find anywhere. They stood up for themselves and the Union all the way for 33 days. With 'hat kind-of support the operator had to come to terms with the the men and their designated Union." The 286 men in the fleet were called out on strike at 9:30 PM, March 4, by the negotiating com­ mittee. The committee, headed by SlU Assistant Secretary-Treasiurer Bob Matthews, had been empow­ ered by a unanimous vote of the G&H tugmen to take such action if necessary. Within a matter of hours, the crews had hit the bricks and the entire G&H fleet was tied SIU of NA Acts On Key Issues SAN FRANCISCO—Delegates representing 100,000 seamen, harbor Wkers, fishermen and allied crafts concluded a fruitful week-long convention in the White omb Hotel here with renewed determination to press ahead on a coordinated basis. The eighth biennial convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America closed on Marcht Districts are in need of reinforce­ Treasurer Paul Hall was elevated reappraisal of the US subsidy pro­ 29 after acting on numer­ ment. to the presidency. He had been gram which, it charged, has been ous major issues facing the For the first time, the convention acting president under the provi­ tunneling Government aid into a International's membership. The theme of mutual effort was emphasized and reemphaeized throughout the week-long.sesaion. Several steps were taken providing for closely-dovetailed ac­ tion by two or more districts on Issues common to the industry. The - net effect will be to bring the strength of the international to bear on situations where individual met without the union's founder, Harry Lundeberg, presiding. A large photo of Lundeberg over­ looked the proceedings and all dele­ gations paid tribute to his immense personal contribution to the wellbeing of their respective districts. Hall Named President The death of Lundeberg last January made election of a new president an important order of business. SIU A&G Secretary- SIU Clinic To Open Formal ceremonies officially opening the first SIU Health Center in Brooklyn will take place on Tuesday, April 16, at the center and at the New York headquarters hall. A large turnout of industry, medical and Government representaiives is expected. The center, to be known as the Pete Larsea Memorial Clinic,, will provide diagnostic facilities for all Seafarers. The facilities will consist of complete head to toe physical examinations Including x-rays, blood tests, eye examinations, and for older men, electro-cardiograph tests. No treatment will be given at the center itself. Its per pose is to detect health ailments before they reach' the stage of putting a man fiat on his back. Seafarers in heed of treat­ ment will be retSifi'ed to the US Public Health Service. sions of the SlUNA constitution. Another SIU & A&G representa­ tive, Cal Tanner, was chosen vicepresident, while Morris Weisberger, secretary of the Sailors Union of the Pacific, was elected first vice-president of the International. Of major interest to Seafarers was the convention's action in ap­ proving the report brought in by the Seamen's Organizational and Grievance Committee dealing with a wide variety of issues. (See sum­ mary of committee's report on Page 4.) In its contents, the report re­ stated traditional SlUNA positions in support of the "50-50" law; against MSTS' competition with private shipping; in favor of the Public Health hospitals, and for re­ straints on transfers foreign. It also called for federal legislation to guarantee the hiring hall and for defense of seamen's legal rights under the Jones Act and other statutes. Lsappralsal Of Subsidies ^ Also on the shipping end, the re­ port urged additional Government aid for the dom^tic trades and a fe\y favored channels. It repeated long standing opposition to Coast Guard controls over American sea­ men and called for vigilance against Communist infiltration in (Continued on page 15) night April 6, and the remainder of the fleet was expected to be work­ ing on schedule by the end of the week. SIU Will Go Ahead SIU Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall added his congratulations to the G&H men and Seafarers in-the area for the excellent job done in the strike. He emphasized that the Texas campaign was "in line with the organizing program set down by the Union. We intend to go 'ahead in the ports, in the tidelands and in any area where har­ bor workers £ire looking for strong union representation. "We are heartened by the G&H men's desire for top union repre­ sentation through the SIU. Th# tremendous gains won by them now proves harbor workers can improve their conditions under the SIU banner." The agreement, which runs for three years and provides for an­ nual reopenings for wage negotiar tions, includes the following bene­ fits: • A substantial wage increase providing the following pay rates: Harbor Scale (30-day month) —captains, $809; mates, $713; cluef engineers, $788; assist­ ant engineers, $713; deckhands and oilers, $514; cooks, $531. Tldelands-Intracoastal Canal (30-day month) — captains, $898; chief engineers, $873; mates and assistant engineers, $758; deckhands and oilers, $576; cooks, $590. Deep Sea (30-day month)— captains, $960; chief engineers, $915; chief mates and first as­ sistant engineers, $750; second mates and second assistant en­ gineer, $660; ABs and engine daymen, $570; cooks, $600. Hourly overtime rate—Li­ censed men, $2.75; unlicensed men, $1.65. • Establishment of the eighthour day. (The sharp reduction (Contimied on page 15) Report of the Marine Firemen's Union to the SjUNA convention was presented by Baltimore Agent Tom Meyer (left). At right, Nathan Bar-Yoacov, representing Israeli Embassy, hailed SlUNA support for his country's merchant fleet in the past. " - ^ �Fase Four •' SEAFARERS LOG April 12. 1957 Seamen's Organization And Grievance Committee Report The following is a summary of the Report of the Seamen's Organization find Grlevance Committee which was approved by the 8th biennial convention of the SIU of NA!. This ^^ittee dealt with a wide variety of important matters affecting the seamen's pld. The findings of the committee are presented in abbreviated form under the various headings which the committee listed. In addition, this report notes the resolution on ethical practices brought in by the resolution committee. 3iarine Pursers Formerly three charters existed, the Staff Officers Association on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts; the Marine Pursers of the Pacific, Seattle, representing Alaska Steamship pursers; the Pacific Coast Staff Officers Association, inactive. The convention voted to revoke the charter of the Pacific Coast Staff Officers Association and extend the jurisdiction of the Marine Pursers of the Pacific to cover the entire West Coast. If MPP is successful, convention recommends that it and Staff Officers consider merger. MSTS While crowd watches spellbound, Mayflower II takes a dangerous list after her launching. List was later trimmed by adding and shifting ballast. Ship will leave shortly to duplicate voyage of the Mayflower in 1620. AFL'CIO Suspends Beckf Files Charge WASHINGTON—The executive council of the AFL-CIO has voted unanimously to suspend Dave Beck as vice-presi­ dent of the Federation and as a member of the council itself, and to file charges of mal-^*feasance and maladministra- tion against the teamster leader. Tampa's Jobs Still Climbing TAMPA—Shipping has contin­ ued to improve for the third straight period in this area, reports Port Agent Tom Banning, There were seven ships in port during the last two weeks. Cities Service's Cantigny paid off and signed on while the Beauguard, LaSalle (Waterman); Alcoa Part­ ner, Alcoa Roamer (Alcoa), Bien­ ville (Pan Atlantic) and Chiwawa (Cities Service) were serviced. All ships were in good shape. SCHEDULE OF SlU MEETINGS '(•'l k- • % SlU membership meet­ ings are held regularly every two weeks on Wed­ nesday nights at 7 PM in all SlU ports. All Sea­ farers ore expected to attend; those who wish to be excused should request permission by telegram (be sure to include reg­ istration number). The next ^U meetings will be: April 17 May I May 15 May 29 .hine 12 r--"''^--. y'j'fi t:''-iM:i:.hr-, AFL - CIO President George Meany called a special meeting of the council after Beck pleaded the fifth amendment during his ap­ pearance before a Senate investi­ gating committee. The committee is investigating improper activities in the labor-management field. The council also passed a reso­ lution directing the AFL-CIO Ethi­ cal Practices Committee to launch an investigation into charges of corruption among the executive officials of the International Broth­ erhood of Teamsters. « Constitutional Basis The action against Beck was based on section II, article VIII of the Federation's constitution which states that "the executive council shall have the power to file charges and conduct hearings . . . (against any executive officer) ... on the ground that such person is guilty of malfeasance or maladministra­ tion." Although the decision to file the charges against Beck, Meany said, came after his failure to explain the many charges against him regatding the mishandling of team­ ster funds, they were based on his position as a vice-president of'the AFL-CIO and did not refer to his capacity as president of the Team­ sters. Question Fund Use Beck pleaded the fifth amend­ ment as he was being questioned by the Senate committee on the disposal of some $320,000 in funds belonging to the Western Confer­ ence of Teamsters. Other testi­ mony heard by the committee in­ dicated that some of these funds had gone for his personal use with­ out authorization by the member­ ship. The convention reaffirmed tra­ ditional SIUNA opposition to Government competition with private industry. It pointed out MSTS is uneconomic, far more costly than comparable private shipping and a duplication of ex­ isting private shipping services. Law The convention criticized en­ forcement of the law declaring "the record indicates that the law is not rigidly enforced, with the result that substantially less than that percentage is trans­ ported in American bottoms. . ." It pledged continued efforts to preserve the law. Anti'Union Legislation Delegates urged a "vigorous campaign on a national and local level" to protect union members' rights and oppose "right to work" laws, wage freezes and compul­ sory arbitration moves. PRS Hospitals The need for strengthening and improving the hospitals was reaffirmed with the resolution pointing out that maritime ranks as the third most dangerous industry. Hiring Halls The maritime hiring hall was lauded as "the best method to in­ sure fair and equitable distribu­ tion of work. The convention called for "federal legislation . . . to guarantee that the hiring hall be recognized as the proper me­ dium for employment in all in­ dustries in ivhich its use has been an accepted practice." Homestie Shipping More Government support to revive these trades was, urged, with special attention to 'Voll-on, roll-off" and similar operations. The convention asked amend­ ment of the 1936 Merchant Ma­ rine Act to provide for construc­ tion subsidies "as an Inducement to new companies to enter these services." Runawags The convention strongly sup­ ported the current Congressional investigations into foreign trans­ fers and warmly endorsed the Magnuson Bill, S-1488, which v/ould severely restrict transfers of US ships. ILO Delegates endorsed the ILO maritime conventions as con­ structive work in the interests of workers throughout the world. Legal Rights Of Seamen Attention was called to the fact that from time to time, US agen­ cies,' operators and insurance companies have attempted to weaken seamen's legal protection enjoyed under the Jones Act and other statutes. It urged that steps be taken to see to it that these laws are vigorously enforced. Vnemplogment insurance New York and California un­ employment insurance programs were lauded as examples for other states to follow. The In­ ternational and its affiliates were pledged to work for improveigient in administration of unemploy­ ment programs to obtain fair treatment for all seamen. Subsidies The Senate committee cur­ rently investigating the transfer problem was asked to extend its investigations to the subsidy pro­ gram. The convention charged that the program has been ad­ ministered "to funnel government aid into a few favored channels . .^. such as US Lines ... US Lines has utilized the strength realized from Government suj)port for . .. establishing strangle­ holds on lucrative trade routes and ousting other American flag operations from such routes." Coast Guard The SIUNA's long-standing op­ position to Coast Guard controls over American seamen was re­ peated, with the convention call­ ing for return of maritime func­ tions to • the Department of Commerce. US Screening In light of the breakdown of the Government's screening progi-am, the convention called on its affiliates to "keep constant vigilance . . . Because of the breakdown of this program ... it woxild appear that as a result many Commies, screenos, etc., might now attempt to reinfiltrate this industry. We should be on our guard to prevent this." Dele­ gates also approved proposals to "cooperate in the development of a proper security program" which will bar Communist infil­ tration and give full protection to the American seafarer from dis­ crimination of any sort. and the Gulf of Aqaba for, all .Israeli flag vessels." Organizing The various affiliates of the in­ ternational were called on to "in­ itiate and Intensify" organizing activities and to cooperate with eacR other to that end. 9iTD The growth of the MTD, the official AFL-CIO maritime body, was noted and Its growth and services lauded. MTD now con­ sists of 11 International unions. All affiliates were urged to par­ ticipate in MTD port councils and utilize the services of the na­ tional MTD office. Great Lakes Establishment of a three man committee to develop organizing on the Great Lakes was approved. The committee will consist of the heads of the A&G, Canadian and Great Lakes Districts. The reso­ lution pointed out that the Lakes area will become increasingly Im­ portant with the opening of the St. Lawrence Sqaway. Minimum Wage Proposals to extend Federal minimum wage coverage to sea­ men and allied workers were strongly endorsed. The conven­ tion noted that while organized seamen enjoy excellent wages and working conditions, the in­ clusion of seamen under the Act "will be of benefit to those who do not yet enjoy trade union pro­ tection." Ship Mergers • ,?trong exception was taken to the position of large shipowner groups seeking exemption from legislation which would require advance notice to the Attorney General of plans to merge ma­ jor companies. "W%must look with' suspicion," the convention report said, "on any such big management request for exemption from a law which is intended to apply equally to all industry . . . inasmuch as changes in maritime corporate set-ups could . . . dislocate the employment of many seamen and . . . result In labor unrest" Ethical Practices The Resolutions and Officers Committee brought.in a resolu­ tion, approved by the convention which declared that the SIUNA in theory and practice subscribes to the AFL-CIO's Codes of Ethi­ cal Practices dealing with four points. They are, issuance of lo­ Long-standing opposition of the cal charters, administration of international to can-shaking or­ health and welfare funds, rack­ ganizations was repeated with the eteers, crooks, communists, fas­ convention emphasizing that cists and other subversives, and American seamen enjoy the best conflicts of interest. of conditions and protection. (Subsequently, the SIU Atlan­ Under such circumstances, the tic and Gulf District's member­ convention saw no need for can- ship endorsed the convention's shaking organizations whose action at membership meetings ostensible purpose is to protect In all ports, April 3. The mem­ seamen. bership also endorsed a head­ quarters recommendation to give a vote of thanks to AFL-CIO The convention declared that it President George Meany "for the viewed with alarm the threat of courageous and forthright posi­ the Soviet Union and some Arab tion he has taken on the difficult nations to the security of Israel. question of Instituting and en­ It urged the US to deal forth- forcing an ethical practices rightly with the problem and code . . ." The SIU A&G rec­ added: "As American seamen con­ ommendation added that the cerned with freedom of the seas AFL-CIO's action "wiU in the we must insist upon freedom of long run be of tremendous bene­ passage through the Suez Canal' fit to everjr'Araerican -worker.'-')-. Can-Shaking Middle East I �SEAFARERS April 12. 195T Page Five LOG Subsidized Owners Gang Up , Against Ship Transfer Limits Crew 5 Coal Co* Vessels WASHINGTON Opposition to a Senate bill restricting ship transfers has been voiced by the American Merchant Marine Institute, spokesman for the major subsidized opera­ tors on the East and Gulf coasts. Opposition to the bill introduced by Sen. Magnuson is also expected from other > shipowner associations and the restricted transfers came after the American - owned runaway - flag House Merchant Marine Commit­ ships amounts to hundreds of mil­ Maritime Administration. Crewing of seven American Coal Shipping vessels was well under v/ay this week with Seafarers and NMU men going aboard five of the Public hearings on the measure tee recessed two weeks of hear­ lions of dollars annually. The fig­ company's ships. The other two were called by the Senate Com­ ings on the transfer program. The ures were based on a report in vessels remaining, the Martha merce Committee for April 9 to 11. committee uncovered evidence that Business Week (summarized in the Berry and Harry L. Glucksman, Testimony was filed by the Gov­ profiteering and huge tax losses LOG for March 15) showing that n will be crewed in Savannah around ernment, shipowner groups and figure heavily in transfers, and that 20,000-ton tanker hauling oil from the Persian Gulf around Africa to the end of this month. the maritime unions, including the SUP secretary-treasurer Mor­ Europe nets S!750,000 a trip before SIU. The crewing was conducted un­ The Bureau of Foreign Com­ depreciation. On the basis of five ris Weisberger is newly-elect­ der the terms of a Federal court AMMI support for virtually un- merce reports that US ship­ to eight trips a year, this adds up ed California State AFL -V.P. order that paves the way for or­ ping's share of foreign trade to $4 million profits a year per ganizing aboard the ships by both dwindied to 22.5 percent for the ship before depreciation. the SIU and the NMU. In effect first nine months of 1956 com­ Earnings in capital gains are of the original order by Judge Law­ pared to 23.4 percent for 1955. the same high order. Reports of rence Walsh recognizes both union The deputy director of the hiring halls as the source of man­ bureau, Ernest A. Van Es, attrib­ ship sales indicate that the spread power. It requires hirink on the utes the decline directly to the between what a T-2 sells for in basis of industry-wide seniority un­ loss of 113 vessels in the year the United States and its sale cost for foreign operation has ranged til the National Labor Belations 1956 via the runaway route. upward of $2 million per ship. Board acts on the question of reg^ SAN FRANCISCO—The California State Federation of resentation. Transfer Not Needed Labor has elected Morris Weisberger, secretary-treasurer of the Government has no effective SIU Edge Indicated control of runaway-flag shipping, The high^.-eturn on tanker op­ As the SEAFARERS LOG went the Sailors Union of the Pacific, as a vice-president of the even if it is owned by American erations, the SIU statement con­ to press, it appeared, according to state body. * citizens. These facts have been tinues, proves that new tankers unofficial estimates, that the SIU tion here. He was named two publicized repeatedly in the SEA­ would have been built even with­ One of the largest and most , had an edge in the total of men months ago by the SUP to succeed FARERS LOG. out transfer privileges. With a big shipped aboard the five ships. Old active state federations in the the late Harry Lundeberg as sec­ shortage of foreign ways, they nation, the California Fed has Favor Tanker Companies time Seafarers and members of retary-treasurer of the Sailors would have to be built in Ameri­ other SIUNA affiliates were, as played an aggressive role in the Union. The AMMI's position was seen can yards. state's labor and legislative affairs expected, responding strongly by State Federation president a« reflecting the interests of its oil The only people who gain from throwing in for the coal jobs and for many years. Thomas L. Pitts presided over last company members, who have taken the transfer program, the SIU re• Weisberger's election to the week's sessions of the state AFL's the lead in transferring their ships, will, of course, continue to do so. In order to meet requirements, State Fed post came after he had executive council, which adjourned affc have refused subsidies because applicants for ACS jobs must show been named first vice-president of with a moment of silence in trib­ transfers are more profitable. the SIU of North America at the ute to Lundeberg. The council also the following: It may also indicate that subsi­ recently-concluded SIUNA conven- adopted a resolution praising the • Discharges showing at least dized operators, who are common­ late SUP secretary's contributions ly thought of as the hard core of nine days' seatime in 1954, '55 and The need for legislation like to American trade unionism. '56 and American shipping, may be consid­ the Magnuson bill has been Lundeberg had served as a vice- ering the possibility of transfers, highlighted by a Supreme Court • Their oldest discharge. president on the executive council particularly if federal construction decision virtually barring Amer­ The legality of the hiring sys­ of the state body for the past 18 funds should be cut. The AMMI ican maritime unions from pro­ tem has been upheld, in effect, five years. move has also raised the possibil­ tecting themselves against run­ times by three different courts, the ity that owners of subsidized ships away-flag competition. District Court, the District Court may have indirect interests in of Appeals and finally by Justice By a 7 to 1 vote, the Court "runaway-flag" shipping, and may ruled last week that maritime John M. Harlan of the US Su­ be trying to protect their com­ unions can't picket runawaypreme Court. Justice Harlan in­ mercial interests at both ends. formed NMU attorneys that he flag ships without exposing saw no reason to stay the applica­ One possibility is that subsidized themselves to damage suits. The tion of the order. operators may be supporting trans­ decision virtually assures run­ Vessels crewed so far are the WASHINGTON—Merchant sea­ fer as a means of weakening un- away-flag operators the right to Casimir Pulaski, which still has men will man only about one-sixth subsidized American competition. sail in and out of American seven positions to be crewed when of the ships slated to take part in Under present conditions, subsi­ The Marine Firemen's Union is dized lines receive federal aid to­ ports and to maintain any condi­ the ship returns; the Cleveland this summer's "DEW-Line" supply sponsoring two measures before ward new ship construction, while tions they please with perfect Abbe, the Walter Hines Page and mission. the California State Legislature unsubsidized operators must set freedom from job action. the Coal Miner," all in Norfolk; and Under present plans, only 16 pri­ The case arose from a 1952 which would help protect seamen aside their replacement costs ex­ the Thomas Paine, crewing in vately-operated ships, ten of them strike in Portland, Ore., when Brooklyn. The Paine had been in already in service, will actually when they are taken sick or in­ clusively from their earnings. With the crew of a Panamanian jured in the service of a ship. The a Brooklyn shipyard until now. lower revenues forced on them by freighter consisting principally participate in the invasion of the The SIU entered the dispute Arctic from the Atlantic and Pa­ first proposal would enable seamen cut-throat foreign competition, a of German and Bi-itish seamen when it filed unfair labor practice cific coasts to stock up US radar to institute actions in their own number of unsubsidized lines have went on strike. charges against the company for and other military bases for an­ names for wages, salvage or in the difficulty in replacing their ton­ The crew designated the SUP ACS' refusal to hire any of 300 other year. The rest of the ships enforcement of health laws with­ nage. as their bargaining agent and Seafarers who applied to it for will be Navy-tnanned vessels in the out advance payment of court fees Over 300 Ships Lost the SUP and the MM&P pick­ or bonds. The second bill would jobs. The company had no ships Military Sea Transportation Serv­ The ship transfer program has eted the ships. The picketing make it a misdemeanor for any at the time. ice fleet. was eventually stopped by court cost the American fleet more than employer to neglect, after 10 days Altogether, 15 Victorys now 300 ships and about 12,000 jobs order and damages were as­ notice", to pay for the care and chartered to private companies will since 1954. It has also cost the sessed against the unions. The be diverted for the supply project. maintenance of any seamen unfit Government large direct and in­ decision, from which only Jus­ for duty as a result of an illness Six shallow-draft CI-M-AVIs to be direct tax losses on operation, and tice Douglas dissented, supports broken out have also been allo­ or injury sustained while in serv­ in capital gains. the owner's damage suit. ice of a ship. It also provides for cated to two West Coast operators, the payment of legal fees by the An SIU statement presented to Olympic Steamship and Alaska employer in such an actiorf. the Senate committee pointed out Steamship. that the tax-free income earned by port concludes, are the owners, tt However, five of the 15 Victorys v.'ho are allowed a huge profit in A Canadian conciliation board will not make the actual Arctic capital gains. Chief among the supply run. They will be used to has recommended a general wage profiteers are the major American fill in for MSTS vessels pulled off increase of 10 percent for unli­ oil companies. their regular runs to join the sup­ censed personal on eight vessels of the Government-owned Cana­ Under the Magnuson bill ply fleet. (S.1488), an owner seeking to trans­ The joint MSTS-Maritime Ad­ dian National Steamships plying fer his^ ships would have to meet ministration operation plans the between eastern Canadian ports (Continued from page 2) stipulations that the ship would use of 96 ships all told. Last year and the West Indies. The Cana­ dian District SIU had asked for an ances and a pressing need for im­ have no value to US defense, that 122 ships were used. Vessels in the supply fleet will average increase of almost 50 per­ provements in their working condi­ it would be useless to US com­ tions," Sheppard declared. "The merce, that its transfer would thread their way north to service cent for these men. SIU is determined to fight on their further US foreign policy, that it the string of Distant Early Warn­ S. t Sing radar Installations as Full employment of all its mem­ behalf with all its resources, just could not compete with American well as bases In Greeland, Baffin bers is still the prevailing situation as it did in the case of the G & H vessels or release other ships for Island and the Pribilof Island seal­ in the Brotherhood of Marine En­ tug workers who scored a smash­ cqmpetition with American ton­ ing stations. They must move into gineers which can supply jobs for ing victory in Texas last week. nage, and that it would maintain the highest prevailing international Arctic area waters as soon as any BME man ready and willing to (See story on Page 3.) they become accessible to naviga­ work. The BME anticipates a tight "The Texas workers gained the standards on safety, "manning tion and leave before the ice closes job squeeze with the onset of best conditions in the Gulf area. scales and crew accommodations. aROOKLi^BAVnAMge in again for the -vinter late in Sep­ warmer weather and the vacation- Baltimore harbor workers, by vot­ Passage would virtually prevent e75-4^» I2I6B.BAL1: tember. season and urges qualified engi­ ing SIU can become the best paid the transfer of the C-type shipi The operation usually reaches neers to apply at its various port and best protected workers in this that form the backbone of the na­ Rsrpeak -during At|gqst</ ji--,;. tion's present-day cargo_ fleet. ' offices. industry." Calif. State AFL Elects Weisberger Vice-Pres. Runaways Win Anti-Union Suit MSTS Cuts Down 'Dew Line' Ships PORT O' CALL Vote Bait. Tug Fleets .fii' -• • :m �Pagrc Six SEAFARERS April 12. 1957 LOG A&G Report To Convention The SIU A&G District, at the SIUNA convention in San Francisco, reported that it had been active in all areas of its jurisdiction since the previous convention in Montreal, and that considerable progress had been made in strengthening the District and solidifying the security of the membership. Following, is a summary of the A&G report: Harry Lundeberg The A&G District records its deep sorrow over the passing of Harry Lundeberg. It regrets also the departure of Morris Weisberger from the New York area, but wishes him success in his new position as SUP secretary-treas­ urer. Welfare^ Vacation Since the last SIUNA conven­ tion,. A&G v/elfare and vacation benefits have been broadened and Increased in value. Here are the major gains. Death benefit. Raised on Octo­ ber 15, 1956, to $4,000. Hospital benefit. Raised on May 1, 1955, to $21 a week, payable as long as a member is hospitalized. College scholarships. Increased In 1956 from four to five annual grants, each .worth a total of $6,000. Dependents' Hospital and Sur­ gical Benefits. Provided on June 1, 1955, to members' wives and unmarried children, later extend­ ed to step-children and depend­ ent parents and liberalized in scope. Old age and disability benefits. Increased on May 1, 1955, to $35 a week. Training program. Training school facilities set up in Mobile In 1955. Expansion of New York and Baltimore facilities approved In 1956. Vacation payments. Raised on October 15, 1956, to $260 a year. In addition to the above, the Seafarers Welfare Plan also pro­ vides maternity benefits, meal and lodging benefits for unem­ ployed seamen, recreational ben­ efits both in SIU halls and USPHS hospitals, and an inter­ est-free loan program, for unem­ ployed members. The welfare fund has total assets of nearly $61^ million, while the vacation fund has assets of over $1 million. seamen and workingmen. In the maritime field the District con­ tinued its fight to preserve the vital "50-50" law, while in the area of general labor legislation, it fought vigorously to prevent the passage of new "right-towork" laws and win the repeal of those already in effect. Internally, the District mem­ bership adopted amendments to the Union constitution to provide additional safeguards to the elec­ tion procedure. Healthy Safety give vigorous support to the In­ ternational Brotherhood of Long­ shoremen, AFL-CIO. During this period the NLRB conducted an­ other election in which the IBL received approximately 40 per­ cent of the votes cast. This was regarded as a tremendous ac­ complishment, since the IBL was forced to wage an underground campaign to protect longshore workers against reprisals, and since NMU President Joe Curran, on the eve of the election, con­ demned the AFL-CIO's policy and urged longshore workers to Bustling Baltic seaport of Danzig may soon be visited by Ameri­ support the ILA. can ships with farm surplus cargoes for the first time in almost Curran's letter, ;ivhich was ad­ 20 years. ^ The Senate has voted to lift ban on trade with sodressed to President Meany, was called unfriendly nations, easing way for possible grain shipments released to the press even before to Poland. The port is shown in pre-war photo. President Meany received it. On October 23, 1956, Meany an­ swered Curran in a letter clearly exposing Curran's decejStive role and tactics. The A&G District will continue to give its full support to the IBL in: (1) protecting the long­ shore worker at the dock level; (2) protecting the IBL and its in­ WASHINGTON*—In the next few months Ainerican mer­ terests, and (3) upholding the chant vessels may be entering "closed" Polish ports for the position of the AFL-CIO. The problem of Seafarers' safety is one with which the Dis­ trict has been concerned for a long time. Early this year the contracted shipowners agreed to participate in a joint shipboard safety program advanced by the Union, and apparatus was Set up to get the project going. Of equal concern to the Union has been the problem of its mem­ bers' health, and coincident with establishment of the shipboard safety program, the Union suc­ ceeded in instituting a health pro­ gram calling for the establish­ ment of medical centers in the major A&G ports. Another Union innovation has A beef with American Coal been the establishment of a new shipboard feeding program. This Shipping began last fall when the has simplified the working rule^ company—formed by coal compa­ for steward department person­ nies, railroads and the United Mine Workers — received ap­ nel and also improved methods of proval to charter 30 Government feeding aboard ship. Libertys. Even while it was negotiating Since the last convention, the with the Marine Engineers Bene­ A&G District has signed 16 ne^v deepsea companies to agreements, ficial Association and the Mas­ although some of the Union's con­ ters, Mates and Pilots, the com­ tracted companies have become pany signed an agreement for officers with District 50 of the inactive in that period. UMW, and it also signed with the The District has also estab­ NMU for unlicensed personnel lished three new divisions, known as the Harbor and Inland Water­ although it still had no ships. Curran's refusal to support the ways Division, Marine Allied Workers Division, and Seafood MEBA and MM&P beef led the Workers Division. The HIWD- MEBA to break a 20-year tie with NMU and withdraw from the and MA WD have already attained successes in their respective Curran-dominated AFL-CIO Mar­ areas—for instance, in the off­ itime Committee. shore oil industry—and have won The SIUNA then entered the Since the last SIUNA conven­ the benefits of a welfare fund for picture and filed an unfair labor tion, the A&G District has nego­ about half of their 3,000 mem­ tiated major contract improve­ bers. The SFWD organizing cam­ charge because the company had ments in wages, working condi­ paign will get under way very refused employment to some 300 Seafarers. tions, and. welfare and vacation soon. The dispute between Curran benefits. On October 3, 1956, the In the area of inter-union re­ following gains were incorporated lations, the District has continued and the other unions involved into SIU contracts: wage and to work closely with affiliated came to a head when President overtime rate increase of 7.1 per­ unions in the International as Meany called a meeting in Wash­ cent for all shipboard ratings; well as with others in the general ington in an attempt to find a limitation on loggings; reouire- labor movement. Among the or­ resolution. Meany's proposals ment that members who die on ganizations the Union has sup­ that the NiVfU respect the MEBA shipboard must be returned to a ported in the past two yeafs have and MM&P picket lines, and that US port at company expense; in­ been the International Union of the SIU withdraw its charges and crease in vacation payments to Electrical Workers, in its fight honor the NMU contract—were $260 a year; increase in death against the Westinghouse Com­ accepted by the SIU despite the benefit to $4,000 a year, liberali­ pany, and the American Guild difficulties entailed. zation of hospital and surgical of Variety Artists, in its battle Curran rejected Meany's pro­ benefits, and extension of all wel­ with the Ringling Brothers' Cir­ posals; then, in a totally distort­ fare benefits to men drawing dis- • cus. ed article in the NMU "Pilot," he ability pension benefit. tried to make it appear that the The A&G District believes it SIU had turned down the plan. has established the precedent Curran's action here is part of that logging is a proper subject The A&G District has devoted his lifelong trade union pattern, for collective bargaining. much attention to the problem of for he has always been an op­ education among Union mem­ portunist, a turncoat, and a lUan In terms of financial stability, bers. The Union's official publi­ whom not even his closest associ­ the A&G District has sufficient cation, the SEAFARERS LOG, is ates could trust. , cash and other assets to allow it widely distributed every two to carry on an increasing number weeks, and there are many sup­ In the opinion of the A&G Dis­ of functions and services as well plementary communications sent as to continue its widespread or­ both to the seagoing and shore- trict, the maritime industry will ganizing activities. Sipce the last side members, via mail, Morse- continue to follow its character­ convention in 1955, the total net casts and direct voice broadcasts istic up-and-down pattern, and worth of the District has in­ sponsored by the MTD. The Un­ this condition will continue to creased from $2,854,898.11 to ion has been developing ship­ present a challenge to maritime $3,126,095.42 as of March 18, 1957. board meetings as an important unions. We are confident, how­ medium of democratic expres­ ever, that in the days ahead the SIUNA, aided by the coordinated sion. effort and close inter-union rela­ tionship of the affiliates, will The A&G District has contin­ Since the last convention the continue to strengthen its posi­ ued to actively press for leglslatlod affecting ,,the well-being of . . A&G ..District has continued to tion in the industry. American Coal Organizing Contracts Publicity^ Education Finances Conclusion Legislation9 Legal Affairs Longshoremen More Surplus Aid Voted; Ships May Visit Poland first time since pre-World War II days. Following the recommenda-4 tions of its Agriculture with unfriendly nations, and ap­ Committee, the Senate has proved the use of these surpluses voted to extend the surplus dis­ posal program until June 30, 1958, and to increase the amount of sales by $1 billion 300 million. The Senators rejected an at­ tempt to retain the ban on trade Crews' Aid For Safety Urged In NY in barter with Iron Curtain coun­ tries. The Administration had soqght the repeal of the ban in order to liberalize its economic powers in dealing with "unfriendly" nations in an attempt to sway them from from the Russian bloc. At present, Polish delegations are conferring with US officials on possible barter agreements for farm surpluses which that nation surely needs. Poland, although not the first of the Communist-dominated coun­ tries to ask for US aid, is consid­ ered the most independent of the , Soviet satellites. Recent uprisings and strikes have told of the dis­ content of the people and the Po-. lish government has been treading, cautiously in the direction of in­ dependence. Under the proposed bill, • the. Federal Government can sell or barter food and other agricultural surpluses to foreign nations. Since most of the products are in bulk, such as wheat, rice, cotton and corn, this will involve a consider­ able quantity of cargo shipments to Europe and Asia. Under the "50-50" law, at least 50 per cent of surplus products must be shipped in American owned and- operated vessels. Farm bloc delegates made no effort this year to impose any re­ strictions on the operation of the "50-50" principle. The proposed legislation will now face a test in the House of Representatives but is expected to be approved. NEW YORK — Response from the membership and cooperation from most of the contracted com­ panies on the safety program has been very good. Now, with many more of the companies taking an interest in the program, headquar­ ters again requests that all the ships' crews also participate in the shipboard safety meetings and voice their suggestions on the matter. Shipping continued to lag during the last period, Claude Simmons, port agent, reports, but indications are that the next period should be much better. A number of ships are expected in from long trips and the Waterman vessel Warrior, in shipyard undergoing a survey, will be taking on a crew during the coming week, he said. There were 31 ships In port dur­ ing the last two wgeks. Of them, 21 paid off, one signed on and 9 were serviced. The George Lawson, Pan-Oceanic Transporter (PanOceanic); Seatrain New Jersey, Seatrain New York, Seatrain Texas, Seatrain Savannah, and Seatrain Louisiana (Seatrain); Maxton, AlThe president of the Cities Serv­ mena. Ideal X, Coalinga Hills (PanAtlantic); Beatrice, Elizabeth, Eve­ ice Oil, Company got a first-hand lyn, Francis (Bull); Alcoa Pilgrim, view recently of how an SIU crew Alcoa Runner (Alcoa); Robin Ket­ handles one of the company's new tering, Robin Kirk (Seas); Steel supertankers—and expressed him­ Seafarer (Isthmian) j and Cantigny self well pleased. The occasion came about when (Cities Service) all paid off. The Robin Doncaster (Seas) signed on. Cities Service president Burl Wat­ Simmons commended the mem­ son, together with Mrs. Watson, bership for its support of the made a trip south on the Cities SIU feeding program which has re­ Service Miami, to Lake Charles. Watson said the trip was very sulted in better union-management relations and which has "helped pleasant and expressed himself us in organizing and bringing new very well pleased with all opera... . companies under, the 3IU banner.". .Uons .aboard .the jihip. Crew Hailed By C5 Head �m' • i Pag* Severn SEAFARERS LOG April 19. im •3 San Juan SlU Hail Open For Business YOIR DOLLAR'S WORTH m Seafarer's Guide To Better Buying By Sidney Margolius 7vl What To Do About Motor Oil Buying motor oil is not the simple decision it used to be. There are numerous brands and types on the market, and motorists are confused about the conflicting claims for the various kinds, and the contradic­ tory advice about when to change oil. The problem is not so much the difference in price, although one type or brand can cost twice as much as another. More worrisome is the question of whether you are •buying the right kind and chang­ ing often enough, or are doing some hidden injury to your engine. Despite the advertised names and conflicting claims, oii gener­ ally now comes in three types; Regular oil is cheapest. It's gen­ erally suitable only for light-duty driving, or for an older car that's burning a lot of oil. Otherwise, ex­ perts say, it's not advisable to save by using the "regular" grade. Reg­ Seafarers from shfps in San Juan area make use of modern furnisfiings at brand-new SlU hall in Puerto ular oil is sometimes designated Rico to catch up on the news in the LOG. The building is located at 101 Peloyo, on the ground floor "iVIL", the "L" standing for light of the Maritime Building, only three doors down from the old hall. A major conversion job, which duty. Seafarers aided, helped get the place into shape. The hall is fully air-conditioned and easily able to Premium oil now is the mediumaccommodate meetings of 100 or more persons. price type. It's also sometimes de­ signated • "MM" type, meaning for moderate use. It has chemicals added to prevent corrosion. This type is generally suitable for nor­ mal operating conditions. For most cars, especially those that have had several years' use, it is a safe choice at medium cost. Seafarers and officers of the Robin Tuxford are claiming a new "world's champion­ Heavy-Duty oil, which may carry the designation "MS" (severe serv­ ice) on the can, is a more expensive higher-detergency oil for heavy- ship" for freight ship safety. The Tuxford rolled up 502 days without a single lost-time duty driving. Most car manufacturers recommend heavy-duty oil for accident on board. new or fairly new cars. Such oils contain detergents which keep car­ As far as the records show, the light of the past pattern in metliods. What was achieved by bon and sludge in suspension, and prevent them from settling and the 502 days is an all time high maritime. ,the Tuxford is something for every - clogging up engine parts, which are especially close-fitting in modem for freight ship operations, un­ Commenting on the record SIU ship to shoot at in the future." high-compression engines. Higli-detergency oils also can be used in less somebody can come along and achievement, an SIU headquarters Actually, the Tuxford's record cars with recently rebuilt or reconditioned engines, but engineers warn prove otherwise. spokesman declared: "The Tuxford dates back before the start of the against their use in older cars, especially those over the 40-50,000 mile Captain Kenneth Chambers, the case proves what we have believed joint safety program, since the mark. The reason these expensive oils may actually do an older car skipper of the Tuxford, declared since the start of the joint Union- company has had such a program more harm than good is that they may loosen already-accumulated that the reason for the outstand­ industry safety program, that it is of its own prior to the industry, sludge and carbon, with possible damage to engine bearings and other ing record was the "full coopera­ possible to prevent disabling acci­ wide set-up. Robin Line currently parts. tion and excellent spirit" of the dents and loss of life at sea is participating actively in the Besides the type of oil, you need to be sure to use the proper winter entire gang from topside on down. through use of time-tested safety Union-industry plan. Robin Line officials pointed out or summer grade. At this season of course, you need to switch to heavier oil. There are also all-season or multi-grade oils on the mar­ that the usual experience in the ket. These have the advantage of flowing freely at low temperatures industry, the thirffmost dangerous but resist thinning out in warm weather. They are most useful in in the US, was that a single trip variable climates and for owners who make a lot of short trips. But seldom passed without a lost-time unless you have such special problems, it may not be worth paying accident. They described the Tux­ extra for all-weather oil. It costs ten cents and more a quart than ford achievement as remarkable in "A SO-hour workweek with no rights of labor unions and em­ heavy-duty oii. loss in take home pay" is the an­ ployers in all industries to bargain The designations ML, MM and MS can be a great help to motorists swer to the increasing unemploy­ on an area-wide or national basis. in ctitting through the claims of various brands. Look for these letters ment problem caused by automa­ Although such contracts have been on the can to see what quality you are actually getting, and to help tion, reports the International -As­ consL'tently upheld in the past by select the type for your needs. sociation of Machinists. A second the NLRB, a recent Federal court How often should you change oil? As this department previously Industrial revolution, based on deci.sion noted that they never had has pointed out, oil companies recdmmend changes at 1,000 miles gen­ automation, is 1. its initial stage, the express sanction of Congress. erally, and sometimes as often as 500 miles in cold weather or when said lAM President A1 Hayes, and The legality of the contracts was with our present increasing popu­ not affected by the decision but driving over dusty roads. But manufacturers of many popular-price cars suggest in their "If there is an exception to the lation, unemployment is inevitable, Labor Secretary James P. Mitchell thought it best to get Congression­ t 4 4. manuals that oil changes are necessary only every 2,000-3,000 miles for rule (that a single ship can help al approval. A Supreme Court ruling has lim­ cars driven under normal ^conditions. to shape history) the story of the 4« 4" 4» ited State intervention in labor Seatraln Texas fits the bill. Under The fact is, the motorist who travels mostly on the open highway Reminiscent of the technique can get away with less-frequent changes than a city driver. Stop-and- extraordinary circumstances and disputes affecting interstate com­ go traffic engines develop more carbon and make frequent oil changes against great odds she delivered merce where the National Labor used by John L. Lewis against the advisable, even sometimes at fewer than 1,000 miles. Some mechanics a cargo which stopped Hitler's ad­ Relations Board has refused to as­ AFL in 1947, mill employees at the sert jurisdiction. The NLRB has West Virginia Pulp & Paper Co. also say it's safer to change oil at least ev^ry 1,000 miles if you use vance in Africa .. ." So begins the account of the sole jurisdiction over these cases, mill announeed that they had "dis­ a detergent oil. On the other hand, frequent oil changes are not as Seatrain Texas' historic solo run said Chief Justice Earl Warren. affiliated" themselves from Lewis's . imperative in mild weather as in winter. Congress, he added, has clearly ex­ catch-all district 50. In strict con­ It's dangerous to let the oil level get too low, but it doesn't pay to of July, 1942—one of the many pressed itself in favor of a uniform formity with the "Lewis disaffilia­ overfill either. If the dipstick shows the level is between the "add" fascinating accounts of maritime Federal regulation of labor-man­ tion method," the message was and "full" marks, you don't need any more oil. If the level is at or exploits, in peace as well as war, agement relations and the de­ sent on brown wrapping paper. near the "add" mark, add only one quart. Watch the level especially in the book, "Famous American cision of the NLRB not to rule in The workers had recently voted to carefully if your car has only a four or five-quart capacity. As each Ships," by Frank O. Braynard. Braynard, formerly ships' news such a dispute did not leave the join the-merged United Papermakquart of oil then becomes more important to the engine, experts advise. reporter for the New York Herald door open for the state to accept ers and Paperworkers, AFL-CIO. The spring oil change is the most vital one because of the amount Tribune, is now director of infor­ jurisdiction. In another NLRB election, the Oil, of sludge, corrosive acids and tiny grit particles that accumulate in mation for the American Merchant Chemical & Atomic Workers re­ 4. 4) t the oil from winter driving. It's also vital to change your oil-filter Marine Institute. He is also a The International Chemical placed District 50 as bargaining cartridge when you change your oil in the spring. Not only can a skilled artist, and his own pen- Workers Union scored a 2-1 vie-- agent for the 2,100 employees of clean filter save oil changes at very small expense to you, by, keeping and-ink drawings depict ail the tory in an Ontario Labor Relations Wyandotte Chemical Corp. oil clean, but it will help protect your engine from harmful deposits vessels featured. 4" 4> 4* election over the United Chemical and sludge accumulation. Many car owners don't realize the filter has The Meat Cutters and Butchers Braynard's book is subtitled "An Workers to win representation of a built-in bypass. A clogged filter won't filter the oil. One authority Historical Sketch of the United employees of the strategic UDY Workmen's Union announced that says you may be able to tell if the filter is clogged by observing whether States as Told Through Its Mari­ Metallurgical and Chemical Proc­ applications are being accepted for the filter housing feels cool when the engine itself is hot. If so, the time Life." It spans the entire esses Ltd. The UCW had been apartments in the $6.5 million filter probably is clogged. maritime history of this country ousted from the old Canadian Con­ union-sponsored Eai'l W. Jimerson Nor does it pay to buy cheap cartridges for your filter. Better-grade from the earliest voyages of the gress of Labor in 1949. cooperative housing development cartridges cost only $1-$1.50 for most cars. They generally have more Vikings, in Brooklyn. The apartments, 4 4; 4. approved named in honor of the union's in­ and finer perforations which provide more thorough filtering, and also "Famous American Ships," pub­ The Admlnistr:>tion have higher-quality filling materials. Also beware jucomplete filter lished by Hastings House, of New a recommendation asking for a ternational president, represent the changes, in wliich you or yoiu* meciianic simply drop in a new cartridge York, is now in its second printing. Congressional amendment to the latest in modern design and com­ without cleaning out sludge accumulation in the container. Taft-Hartley Act clarifying the forts. It retails for $5. Tuxford 'World's Champ' In Safety LABOR ROIIND-lIP Book Lauds 'America At Sea' Theme �r• Pas:e Eight ^ AprU 12, 1257 SEAFARERS LOG I ' -•' 4-Day Battle Saves Crippled fe/fore; Ship Back^ln Action 0 I; C. I After being adrift and partially flooded for nearly four days early in February, the SlU-manned Feltore (Ore Lines) reached port safely thanks to the exertions of officers and crew aboard. Green reported, the engine room The temporary disabling of gang was working frantically to the Feltore was reminiscent close valves and get pumps work­ of the accident which involved the Steelore, a sister ship in January, 1955. In that instance, the Steelore was totally disabled and had to be towed into port, but the Fftltore was more fortunate in being able to get its power plant and engines operating again. According to information receiv­ ed from Seafarer John C. Green, deck delegate, the Feltore started taking water in the engine room when a pump intake broke. The rising water, which reached a depth of nine feet, shorted out the power and crippled the vessel. This was on February 5. A call for help was put out and the Chilore proceeded to the scene with spare parts. Meanwhile, Ala. Leases Tidal Lands Oil Fields MOBILE — Bids are being ac­ cepted by the State of Alabama for the leasing of offshore oil lands for exploration and drilling. So far, several thousand acres have been leased to various oil com­ panies who are taking advantage of the tidelands, one of the na­ tion's few remaining sites of large oil deposits. Promising develpoments in Louisiana tidelands are spurring oil treasure hunts on the Gulf. Port Agent Cal Tanner reports that with the acceptance of these bids, there will be increased num­ bers of small boats, barges, rigs and other development equipment for the Harbor and Inlands Water­ ways Division to organize! The SIU is the first maritime union to sign an agreement covering workers in this expanding industry. At pre­ sent the union has a contract cov­ ering the employees of the Phillips Petroleum Company, one of the lending producers in the offshore oil field. It also just concluded a success­ ful strike at G&H towing, the larg­ est tug operator in the offshore in­ dustry. (See story on page 3.) Shoreside Jobs Open Tanner also reports that job activities in port have been very goodTMany Seafarers on the beach are finding relief jobs in the ship­ yards while waiting to sign on. He expects some 350 jobs to be open in the yards- very soon. Activity has also picked up, he said, in the tug area. Most of these are out­ side towing jobs which are good paying and run from five days lo three weeks. On the shipping front, there were nine vessels in port during the past period. They were the Catherine (Drytrans); Claibbrne, Monarch of the Seas (Waterman*; Alcoa Corsair, Alcoa Cavalier, Alcoa Pioneer, Alcoa Partner, Alcoa Polaris (Alcoa). Next period promises to be just as good, if not better, with some 13 ships expected In so far. March 20 Through April 2 Registered rort Boston New York ... Philadelphia . Baltimore ... Norfolk Deck A 1 .. .. 63 27 67 Deck B - Eng. A Eng. B ' Stew. A; 5 12 3 17 5 4 4 8 9 7 12 6 6 17 7 . 4 51 19 20 , - 4 27 16 20 9 B 2 5 5 20. ; 4 47 10 10 6 19 8 8 7 12 7 16 11 2 46 10 26 13 2; 8 21 49 13 9 7 9 5 Stew. ^ B - Total . A 0 19 10 160 2 57 12 , 120 9 53 2 14 20 . 1 8 58 11 147 - 38 11 8 55 4 . - 24 37 4 8 38 stew. Total - Total -B Total : Hog. 0 41 9 45'. 23 fl 10 20 30 24 28 17 17 36 28 201 tfiO "'1-76 .j'"'" 22 ing. For a while, he said, the "2hd 30 • •••#«•••••••••• .. 17 . 78 engineer, and Manuel RendueleSj Mobile .. 51 177 FWT, were diving into water to New Orleans . Lake Charles 62 sl op the water from coming in. For Houston . .. 83 hours both men were working Wilmington .. 41 mostly under water and losing all San Francisco 54 kinds of wrenches, nuts and bolts Seattle ...... '74 until they finally secured the rest Deck Deck Eng. Eng. Stew. Total Total A B - A B .. A B Reg, A B of the line." Cargo pumps and Total , .. 268 115 112 220 90 840 317 1157 bilge suction pumps were put to work until finally the water started Shipped to recede. Port Dock Deck Deck Eng. Eng. Eng. stew. Stew. Stew. Total Total Total Total For the next 48 hours, he said, A B C A B C A B Ship. C A B C the wipers and daymen worked Boston .10 2 0 5 1 1 0 9 7 0 16 8 11 4 43 13 41 4 7 133 23 around the clock to keep pumps New York ... 24 180 - 4 0 10 0 2 11 4 38 2 8 4 50 operating and replace those under Philadelphia . Baltimore ... 16 0 29 16 4 22 17 3 106 49 7 162 water. Norfolk 3 13 2 2 1 0 5 10 5 8 23 Lifeboat Sinks Savannah .... 12 5 1 3 2 2 3 11 4 8 23 »2 5 2 113 1 1 13 On February 8th, three days Tampa 7 4 24 16 5 0 23 5 ~ 13 11 4 50 9 19 17 86 later, the Chilore showed up at Mobile ...... 8 9 0 46 11 39 6 7 130 26 15 171 4:30 AM with spare motor equip­ New Orleans 7 ]1 7 7 3 9 1 2 17 25 4" 46 ment. The No. 2 lifeboat was low­ Lake Charles 13 6 21 11 11 10 9 7 51 33 24 108 ered in heavy seas. "It took us Houston Wilmington . , 6 2 3 5 3 8 1 0 20 6 9 35 from 6:45 to 8:45 AM to attempt San Francisco 3 0 8 6 0 0 5 0 23 9 0 32 to get the armature ... at 8:45 the Seattle 5 3 6 • 3 5 1 1 1 24 9 5 38 armature was lowered into the Eng. Eng. Stew. - Deck Deck Deck Eng. Stew. stew. Total Total Total Total A B B c B C A A C A B c Ship. No. 2 lifeboat and we attempted Total ..." 265 81 21 213 83 66 165 58 42 643 222 129 994 to row back to our ship but we could not make any headway." Shipping droppe(i below the 1,000-job mark last period for the fifst time in 12 months. In the course of the struggle, the The steady decline is a "freak" for this time of year, but is still continuing. lifeboat rammed the side of the At the same time, new ship transfers are adding to the problem by swelling the vessel and started shipping water. number of men on the beach. The crew was taken off, "but we' Registration has kept well had to let her go and sink with ahead of shipping for several the armature the engine room weeks. needed badly." Finally, the neces­ - Six ports missed out on the gen­ sary repairs were completed and eral decline by showing increases on February 9 she got underway QUESTION: Are you satisfied with the reading matter that's put during the past two weeks. A sev­ again. "We should give credit to enth, New Orleans, maintained the the engine department," Green aboard ships in the form of the SIU ship's libraries? same pace as before. The ports concludes, "for a good job well done." •Tohn N. Ahrahamsson. OS: They which showed gains were Boston, N. J. McKenyen, AB: I find that Members of the deck gang who ships have very goort libraries with should have less of the political Baltimore, Savannah, Lake Charles, manned the lifeboat included and "mush" type Houston and Wilmington. fine reading ma­ Among those which declined Howard Webber, bosum; Green, of books. My terial in them. Jack Wise, AB; and Jack Carson,' complaint is were New York, Philadelphia, Nor­ Since most of DM. Green also cited Wiiliam m y jeading i s against all the folk, Tampa, Mobile, San Fran­ Tellez, OS; who volunteered to outdated maga­ cisco and Seattle. The last two done when I am attempt to remove the armature zines. We should mentioned, both on the West Coast, at sea, I espe­ from the lifeboat but was ordered get more current reported the worst drop, although cially appreciate not to by the captain because of ones. Also I have Wilmington had relatively fair the old m a g a the danger involved. a grudge against shipping on its own. zines which help men who hoard a me catch up on Subsequently the Feltore went In all likelihood, shipping will pile of the books break out soon the same way it did what's going on. into the shipyard where after a week's repair she was put back Another favorite of mine is the all trip and prevent the rest of us a year ago when the industry was from reading them. Reader's Digest. into service again. in a slump. The increased activity that resulted continued well 4nto The Steelore was less fortunate 4 4 4 this past winter. since it was never restored to serv­ ice. Carlos Morales, bosun: I think Louis Torres, AB: The books on The widest spread between man­ board ship are very good and a putting books on ships for the men power registered and shipped was to read was a great help 1 n in the deck department, although very good idea. I shipping for class C men in^that passing the time am very satisfied when we are off department was the slowest of all. with the libraries duty. I do think In terms of seniority shipping, A ruling by New York State I find on them. that there should class A handled 65 percent of the tax authorities on sickness pay While off duty I be more of them, total jobs, class B 22 percent and exemption may open the way for read a lot, espe­ especially the class C the rest. The figures Seafarers paying ^le state tax cially the histor­ hardboiled detec­ showed an increase in the propor­ to collect refunds on previous tive ones, and the ical and murder tion of class A jobs and a decline years' payments. type stories. I action true type to the lowest point in a year for The ruling provides that sick­ story magazines. usually find class C. Boston and San Francisco ness pay received from an em­ those enough on any ship to keep me shipped nd class C men at all. ployer from the years 1954 on­ We could do with happy for the whole trip. love books. Following is the forecast port by ward can be deducted from tax port: Boston: Slow . . . New York: returns, provided such pay is 4 4 4 4> 4" Fair . . . Philadelphia: Fair . . . part of an established sickness George LeStrange, FOW: Read­ Baltimore: Good .. . Norfolk: Good Glenn Darling, AB: I am not pay plan. On the face of it, the ruling satisfied with the books on ship. ing is good for the mind and I . . . Savannah: Fair . . . Tampa: think that there Fair . . . Mobile: Good . . New Or­ There is not would seem to exempt pay re­ should be more leans: Good ... Lake Charles: Fair '' enough of a va­ ceived from a shipowner in the of the educational . . . Houston: Good . . . Wilming­ riety. If there is form of unearned wages where books on ship. ton: Fair . . San Francisco: Fair one copy on ship a Seafarer is removed from a Most of them are . . . Seattle: Fair. there must be ship sick or injured before ar­ fictional and I five more. Every ticles are broken. get nothing out time we get a Seafarers who think they are of them. Usual­ new package of entitled to a return can get ly I bring some books, they are more information from state technical books always copies of tax offices. They can also get a on engineering the ones already refund form on past years' oh board, especially on long trips on board with me. !Why waste the taxes from the state offices. where we can't change them often.' time With-the other kind. INOUIRING SEAFARER NY State Tax Refund? Maybe �•ill" ;i/.;•'^n •VW"-;-.:'.- '. April 12. 19S7 SEAFARERS LOG Pa«re Nine • • : ji Talking it over on Houston picketline are Alton F. Roberts, from the tug Pro­ peller (left), and John F. Stineff of the H. O. Weatherby. Pact won 8-hour day. Half of the 26-ship G & H fleet was tied up in Galveston during entire beef. Strike headquarters was in Houston. Sharing turn on Galveston picketline (1 to r) are A. L. York, mate on the tug Pike; Bill Thuerwachter, captain, Messenger; E VanBenthuisen, chief engineer, H. O. Weatherby, and SIU representative R. F. "Mickey" Wilburn. listening intently to the SIU-SlWD negotiating com­ mittee's rraort on contract at special meeting in the Houston SIu hall are sonie of the tugbcatmen who tied up the G & H fleet for 33 days. They adopted the con­ tract by a secret ballot vote. A HARD-HITTING 33-day strike by the SlU's Harbor and Inland Waterways Division won the top union agreement in the entire Gulf tugboat industry Saturday when the biggest operator in the area signed up for a new contract. The 26-boat fleet of the G & H Towing Company had been tied up tight since March 4 from New Orleans to Corpus Christi. The pace-setting settlement won the unanimous approval of the 286 men in the fleet after an SlU-HIWD ne­ gotiating committee hammered it out. The pact establishes a base monthly wage of up to $576 for deckhands and oilers, an 8-hour day, 9 paid holidays, two weeks' paid vacation, full Job security guarantees and a company-paid health and life insur­ ance program for the tugmen and their families. Arthur L, York, mate on the Pike, who cast first ballot in vote on strike settle­ ment, makes no secret of his jubilation over the SIU-HIWD win. ,cl Rank-and-file strike committeemen (1 to r) D. Doherty, J. Matejek, H. Palmer, J. G. Caudle, F. Freeman, C. C. Nyberg, and A. L. York cheer end of the beef. Explaining a point during special meeting on new G & H agreement in Houston SIU hall, New Orleans Port Agent Lindsey Williams (at mike) served as chairman of ^ the meeting And directed strike operations. Other officers of meeting are SIU rep. R. . F. "Mickey" Wilburn (left) and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Bob Matthews, who led the negotiating team, v , ^ ^ . v» . , .' - vp.v^ I .^ll �Pace Tea SEAFARERS tO^ April IS. 1957 Manning Scales Face FMB Cuts WASHINGTON—A possible Government attack on US ship manning scales with consequent loss of seamen's jobs has been indicated in hearings before the House Appropria­ tions Committee. JVIaritime>Administrator Clarence Morse gaining and impose arbitration on has told the committee that sea unions were dropped after very in the opinion of the Federal Mar­ strong opposition from SIU of NA itime Board, subsidized steamship and its affiliates as well as other operators are employing more maritime unions. The NMU, on crewmembers per ship than Mari­ the other hand, accepted the.prin­ ciple of a referee with power over time thinks necessary. Morse said that the FMB has shipping contracts. Having been defeated on tho before it a staff recommendation which would establish maximums wage limitation plan. Government for manning of subsidized ships. officials seeking to cut down on Individual ship companies would payments to maritime are appar­ have to justify carrying of larger ently taking another "tack toward crews if they wished to have the that same end with the proposed additional'manpower figured in on manning sdaie reduction. subsidy payments. Squeeze On Unions He indicated that the board would approve the recommenda­ tions of the study, putting the squeeze in turn on maritime unions which have contracts with the sub­ sidized operators. ' Under SIU and other union con­ tracts manning scales are the sub­ ject of negotiation between the shipowner and the Union. How­ ever, if the Government were to cut down on manning scales, it The Marine Engineers Benefi­ would put the pressure on unions cial Association has put out a spe­ in future negotiations to conform cial issue of its publication, the with the Government's recom­ "American Marine Engineer" to mendations. denounce NMU President Joseph Further, since manning scales Curran's refusal to support AFLare roughly similar from one com­ CIO unions in the American Coal pany to the next, any reduction in beef. manning for subsidized companies Further, the MEBA accuses Curwould certainly affect the non- ran, while posing as defender, of subsidized segment of the industry. the hiring hall, of fostering an at­ The subject of manning scales tack on the officers' hiring halls was raised two years ago by the and the rights of sea unions to House Merchant Marine Commit­ picket. tee at a time when it was discuss­ The MEBA points out that ing proposals td impose a wage control plan on maritime. At that American Coal, with Curran's ap­ time, union representatives testi­ parent approval and support, has a fied to the effect that manning on legal proceeding going which US vessels was actually lower than would deprive maritime unions of on ships of principal competing picket rights where a ship was at a pier, repair yard or other facil­ maritime nations. ity not belonging to the shipown­ The 1955 Government moves to interfere with free collective bar­ er. "Since ships have no perma­ nent sites, they must always bo picketed at the premises of another company. Should the NLRB rule such picketing to be an illegal sec­ ondary boycott. It will henceforth' be impossible for a maritime union to picket effectively." Turning to Curran's account of the 'Washington meeting with President Meany, the MEBA says: Alfred Hancock, 53: Brother "President Meany asked only Hancock died from a circulatory one thing of Curran, that he honor condition on March 1, 1957. He the picket lines of the MEBA and joined the Union on June 25, 1955, MM&P. and was sailing in the deck depart­ "President Meany asked far ment. Brother Hancock is survived morj of the SIU. He asked not by a niece, Beatrice L. Knox of only that the SIU withdraw its West Bridgewater, Mass. Burial charges filed with the NLRB, but took place in Melrose Cemetery, that it recognize the NMU contract Brockton, Mass. for all the ships that AMCOS might eventually put Tnto service . . ." Robert L. Allen, 30: Brother Allen died on March 4, 1957, as a result of an in­ testinal disorder. Seafarers and SIU families He joined the Union on Febru­ who apply for maternity, hos­ ary 17, 1945, and pital or surgical benefits from was sailing in the the Welfare Plan are urged to steward depart­ keep the Union or the Wel­ ment. Burial took fare Plan advised of any place in C^een- . changes of address while their lawn Cemetery, Portsmouth, Ohio, applications are being proc­ essed. Although payments are t 4. Shirley Poole, 47: On March 14, often made by return mail, 1957, Brother Poole died in the changes of address (or illegible USPHS Hospital in Galveston, return addresses) delay them Texas, as a result of a tumor. He when checks or "baby bonds" joined the Union on December 20, are returned. Those who are 1955, and sailed In the deck depart­ moving or plan to move are ment. Brother Poole is survived by advised to imn;;d»ately notify his wife, Mrs. Jewell Poole, of De SIU headquarters or the Wel­ Quincy, La. Burial took place in fare Plan, at 11 Broadway, New Goodhopo Cemetery, Galveston, York, NY.Texas. MEBA Raps NMU Attack On Officers u>c- ^ Testimony at now-recessed House committee hearings has focussed attention on an old problem: ship transfers and their affect on US shipping. Now the scene is shifting to the Sen­ ate Commerce Committee, which has a bill before it to deal effectively with the problem. The issues in the case are clear. Every ship transferred foreign idles more seamen on the beach and. creates more cheap competition for the remaining US vessels. It also pro­ duces an endless cycle, with shipowners seeking the trans­ fer escape route because they cannot keep up with the grow­ ing competition. On the other hand, the transfer program is defended by The second year of weekly di­ rect voice broadcasts to ships' Government officials, who claim that only by allowing trans­ crews will start this Sunday under fers can they get new US vessels built, and by the shipown­ the continuing sponsorship of the ers. The operators are concerned solely with profits. Each AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Depart­ transfer gives them a "subsidy" which can be applied against ment. the cost of the new tonnage. Representing another MTD This leaves thousands of unemployed seamen holding the "first" in maritime, the union voicecasts are supplemented by bag, waiting for a trickle of new construction in the future. v.eekly 'round-the-world wireless The US, in turn, is left with a shrinking merchant fleet. This broadcasts which began 20 months creates the spectacle of the greatest nation in the world hav­ ago. The two series of broadcasts ing to turn to foreign fleets, built up with American aid funds by the MTD, of which the SlU is and former American tonnage, to carry more and more of its a member, provide up-to-minute own foreign trade. news on union and general mari­ Sanctuary For Runaways time developments for members of MTD's deep-sea affiliates. US maritime unions have tried to organize the runaway Increasingly popular with ships' fleets >and bring them up to American standards with some crews, the voice broadcasts are success. But on Monday, the US Supreme Court ruled against beamed to ships in Atlantic, South American and European waters on these activities, making American ports a legal sanctuary for three different frequencies at 1620 the runaways. Still another element is the subsidy question. Washington GMT (11:20 AM EST) each Sunday. They can be picked up is reluctant to offer cash subsidy assistance lo more than a clearly by shortwave radios aboard few favored operators. Instead, in one instance, a huge $62 ships in those waters. million subsidy is recommended for just one new super-liner The wireless broadcasts blanket which may someday be useful as a troop carrier. House lead­ the globe in separate Sunday and ers, bent on economy in the budget, have turned this down. Monday transmissions to cover all And as if transfers to runaway flags weren't enough several waters. They go out Sundays at foreign nations are seeking to build up their fleets with ships 1915 GMT (2:15 PM EST Sunday) to all areas except Australia and from the US reserve fleet. This means still greater competi­ the Northwest Pacific. These areas tion for US shipping, though the ships are supposed to be used get the same transmissions on solely in the coastwise services of the countries involved. Mondays at 0315 GMT (10:15 PM But the authorizations for these sales carry a loophole. With EST Sunday), due to time differ­ the full approval of the Secretary of Commerce, five ships ences west of the International sold to the Philippines for the island trade last year are now Dateline. conceded to be engaged in offshore operations. Following approval by the Fed­ The only remaining solution, then, seems to be a set of rigid eral Communications Commission, the direct voice broadcasts got un­ safeguards against the indiscriminate trading away of US derway last April 15. Listeners ships, coupled with a thorough reappraisal of the subsidy who have comments and sugges­ situation. As a first step, the Magnuson bill now before the tions on the broadcasts can address Senate committee would insure the necessary safeguards. It them to MTD, Box 525, General has the hearty endorsement of every seaman, all maritime Post Office, Brooklyn 1, New York. unions and every supporter of a strong US merchant fleet. MTD Voice Broadcasts In 2nd Yr. •?,?-•>' m.'J'' Moving? Notify SIU, Welfare �AprUis. 1957 SEAFARERS LOG C'mon Dan, Drop The Gun! LIVES •• • r*g» EiercB lobbyists going all-out to have the funds restored. Chief target of the committee's axe was a $62 million request for construction of a new luxury liner for US Lines. The vessel, which would replace the S/S America, has been supported by the Gov­ ernment because of its defense value and the presumed prestige it would bring the nation. Like its sister ship the United States, it would concentrate heavily on firstclass passengei's. Late Wednesday, the full House All of the following SIU families will collect 'the $200 maternity benefit plus a $25 bond from the Union in the baby's name: Paul Sidney Toler, born March 15, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Bichard L. Toler, Vineland, NJ. t 4" t Mp. V 4' .A # % -% % # % t t t t I t i 0 P % UMBS: That old saying about self-preservation being the first low of nature is familiar to all hands, if that's the cose, then ship-' board safety should be the first considera­ tion of every man in the crew. For shipboard safety is nothing more or less than the preservation of life and limb. It's OS simple as all that. It is especially true when you consider that what would be a minor accident ashore can easily be magnified into something serious at sea for two reasons: the erratic motion of the ship and the absence of medical facilities. To sum it upi if you value a sound, healthy body and want to keep it that way, you should put personal emphasis on follow­ ing the safe way. I -^1 9 I I t Shipping Up In Seattle Angela Marie Cuevas, born Jan­ uary 24, 1957, to Mrs. Mercedes SEATTLE — Contrary to Port Pitre Cuevas, widow of Seafarer Maximiliano Pitre, New Orleans Agent Jeff Gillette's predictions, shipping in this area picked up La. during the past two - weeks and it a> t promises to continue to improve. William Arnold Roberson, bom The Longview Victory (Victory March 20, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Charles V. Roberson, Mobile, Carriers) signed on while the Wild Ranger (Waterman), Penmar and Ala. Massmar (Calmar) stopped into -4' 4-^4 port to be serviced. Next period, James Cabral, born March 19, Gillette announced, should be even 1957, to Seafarer and IVtrs. John better for Seafarers on the beach. Cabral, Brooklyn, NY. So far there are three pay offs ex­ t> if pected. They are the Transatlantic Everette Keith Richards, born (Pacific Wat.); Ocean Joyce (Ocean March 1, 1957, to Seafarer and Trans.); and the Coe Victory (Vic­ Mrs. Alber H. Richards, Baltimore, tory Carriers). There were no beefs reported during the past period. I t 0 • i 4" Victoria Badyk, born October 6, 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. Joseph Badyk, Union City, NJ. I p Also affected by the $94.5 mil­ lion cut are plans for construc­ tion of an ore carrier for Central Gulf SS Co., a passenger liner for American.President Lines and two freighters for Moore-McCormack. The~ committee also lopped $20 million off the $120 million bud­ get for operating differential sub­ sidy funds, and reduced the num­ ber of subsidized voyages from 2,146 to 2,100. The voyage cut may affect some unsubsidized op­ erators who have asked for operat­ ing differential subsidies within the past year. These include Ar­ nold Bernstein Line, Isbrandtsen, T. 'j. McCarthy, State Marine Lines, States Steamship and Isth­ mian. Some Funds Available If the funds are not restored, the Maritime Administration will still have $95 million available for ship construction projects. Of this sum, $3 million has been approved by the committee for the coming fis­ cal year, and the other $92 million has been left over from previous appropriations. I "^1 .A jt WASHINGTON—Stepping up its economy drive, the House Appropriations Committee voted last month to slash ship construction and operating subsidy funds for the com­ ing fiscal year. A hot fight over the cut is expected on voted to uphold the committee's action on funds for the new liner. the House floor, with industry The Senate has not acted on it yet. I m ii » House Pole-Axes Funds For New US-Flag Ships '" .« f t I Mrs. Alfred Chambers chidM son. Danny, 4l/{, to put down his gun so a LOG photographer can take his picture. She and the chil­ dren visited the New York SlU hall to check on welfare benefits. Baby Brian is unconcerned by it all.. •;i m An SIU Ship is a Safe Ship -Jl �Pasre Twelve • •^m! S^AFA.RERS LOG Iceland Cold? AU You Need Is A 'Good Line' Sixth-Graders 'Adopt' Wacosta It would take more than a couple of icebergs to cool the ardor of crewmen on the Mankato Victory for their North Atlantic "lovers run." = The ship has been plying the 19^5, one that had been legalized for perhaps 1,000 years. route linking Iceland, Eng­ there This month the government set land, and Holland for some up about 75 consultation offices Geography lessons for 6th grade students at the Warren Lane School, Inglewood, Calif., are probably taking on a whole new flavor since the youngsters "adopted" the SS Wacosta. The ship, according to delegate T. N. Scott, is now returning to San Francisco from Inchon, Korea?- The adoption was ar­ ranged under the "adopt-a-ship" program launched 20 years ago to familiarize American young­ sters with shipping and mer­ chant seamen. Last fall, the Maxton came under the wing of physically handicapped young­ sters from New Jersey's Branch Brook Public School. time and, apparently, with no throughout the country to en­ regrets. Undaunted by Icebergs courage tiie women to seek a new and rough weather that gave the means of obtaining a livelihood. It deck cargo a hard time,' they took rejected their demands for sever­ Reykjavik by storm and were due ance pay amounting to 180,000 yen to wind up a ten-day stay in Liver- ($500), which the girls said repre­ pooi this week. sents six months' earnings. What As far as Reykjavik is concerned, effect all this will have on the the ship's reporter conceded that pcpuarity of Japan for tourists and a lot of seamen don't rate it too sailors remains to be seen. high, "because it takes a really good man to 'make out' there. A good line, rather than the common LOG-A-RHYTHM: dollars-and-cents approach, is what you need," he confided. Meanwhile, the outlawing of the world's oldest profession in an­ other part of the globe is forcing B9 M. Dwyer a revamping of entertainment standards in Japan. An estimated These were the words of a sea­ half million- women theoretically "You must change your ways man's woman joined the ranks of the unemployed "End carefree days, Who spoke in haste and fear. "And settle down for life, • on April 1st when criminal penal­ In anger, unkind words were said ties went into effect. They had "Renounce your pleasure, Which she'd give her life to clear. been part of what was regarded as "Save your treasure a major industry in Japan since "And remember who's your wife." A jealous woman who could not share His life in ev'ry port. She pictured him carousing and gay. We were sipping iemonade one day, watching the various With women of every sort. shapes as they strolled down the street. The subject of our conversation was the stern of a woman She had let him sail, bereft of • dressed in slacks, who had just passed by. cheer "If women who are broad astern would only glance in a rear Perhaps for a week, a month or view mirror before allowing others to view them in slacks," he year; said, "I'm sure they would have sense enough to do something But she planned to say that she about it. They would take them off." loas wrong. Now in all fairness, I agreed with him, but since a woman is How the nights were lonely. .supposed to have the last word, I countered: The days were long. "My pet, I will tell you about my pet peeve." (He didn't realize then that he too was one of the offenders.) "The male starts the day. He shaves very carefully and combs his hair slick He dons Tomorrow, she thought, all the necessary clothing, winding up with a neat pair of slacks I'll write, with a grin. and a good looking shirt that he tucks very carefuliy into the And try to explain I still think of slacks. him; "Then," I continued, "he cinches in tiie belt and, with a selfBut tomorrow came, and tomorrow satisfied smile as he looks in the mirror, he throws back his went. shoulders and struts out to be admired. Her time was consumed. "Five minutes later, you look but don't swoon. His belt is No letter was sent. pushed down under the bay window and his pants are now at half-mast. It's really revolting." I'll ask forgiveness, she said, you'll He eyed me sheepishly, attempted a bow (here his pants slipped see. another notch) and conceded right there. Then the message came "Lost at Jeanne Granberg sea." Oh, foolish woman, she'll curse the days She would not learn a seaman's ways. The Hasfy Word Wife Takes A Stern View THE SEAFARERS PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Pour S. Pacific Coast Union 8. Dinner checks 12. Actress Shirley 13. Man's name 14. Heroic 13. Newfoundland Cape -16. Shipmate 17. Part of church 18. Closet pest 20. Part of sailing race 22. Actor Colman 23. Cat on the pier 25. TV network 27. Pronoun 28. Little drink 30. Open, as a keg 31. Make an en­ treaty 33. Galley item 35. Neither black nor white 38. Portugese area in India 40. Swine 42. de France 43. Word in a Verne title 48. Romania; abr. 49. Goddess of dawn 51. Deal out 52. So be it 54. Western Indian 56. Light breezes at sea 58. Actor Clark 59. Vessel Measure 60. In—(in all) 61. Heraldic bear­ ing 62. Owned 63. Part, as a hawser DOWN 1. Trinidad export 2. Ardent love 3. What fans give a team 4. Comes together 5. Take little drinks 6. Russian moun­ tain range 7. Grew white 8. Ceylon export 9. Money set apart for special use 10. Buffalo 36. Province - of 11. What a skunk Canada has lots of 37. Yes vote 19. —and Chickens 39. Chowed Island 41. Herd of whales 21. Channel 43.-Barter 23. It cleans the 44. Opposite of deck man 24. Kind of tide 45. The best years 26. Girl's nickname 47. Places to sit 29. How the weasel 50. Greek portico went • 33. Bom 32. Over there 55. Land's —• 34. Nervous twitch 57. Soak up Answer On Page It Is 9 10 |l4 |l7 Izz 26 36 |35 42 47 jss ISO lea Her hasty words are ringing clear. As she recalls them with a tear; For he's in the port of no return And she's alone, left to yearn. Cooks' Tour LOG Helps Him Keep in Touch when a special stewards' comsnittea from our Union will be able to board these foreign ships plying the American trade and enforce a decent set of working rules for these seamen. Harold G. Horowlfn To the Editor: Please accept a small LOO donation in ^^appreclation for sending the LOG along to mo these past few years. 4 4 4 I have enjoyed being kept abreast of the activities of my former shipmates. I sailed SIU from 1947 until I went into To the Editor: the Marine Corps in 1951. One of your members, Fred Since my discharge in 1954, < A. Olson, contributed a dollar have been studying at the Uni- toward the building of a new parochial high school here in Portland and was given a chance on either $2,000 cash or a Chevrolet station wagon. He has won this right but we cannot locate him. Olson paid off the SS Ocean Dinny on January 20, 1957 as a messman but, since the ship did not sign on here, we don't know if he is AH letters to the editor for still on that vessel. publication in the SEAFAR­ Please pass the word on to ERS LOG must be signed this man so he can either preby the writer. Names will sept himself here at Portland be withheld upon request. tor his car or write us. Our address is Immaculatta versity of Hawaii; I expect to Academy, 5704 NE 27th Avenue, graduate this June with a major Portland 11," Ore. in industrial relations. Margaret Grady It has been a real pleasure to -Senior Class Member receive the LOG during this , 4 4 4 time, and 1 have found valuable source material for several re­ search papers In it. You can al­ ways be assured that the paper To the l^ditor: is well circulated and well read. These are just a few lines to Found in some of the most re­ let you know that we on the mote parts of the world, the Josefina are having a fairly LOG is read by seamen and nice trip, with no beefs that others until its pages are tatter-- can't be straightened out before ed and torn. . we get back to the States. Seafarers can well be proud We have been out now five of their newspaper. Few labor months and it looks like about papers, even among the unions four to five more months on the with more members, cover their ore shuttle from India to Japan. trade as well, nor provide as Keep the LOGs coming. That's much general interest and fam­ the only way we have of kfiowing what's happening. ily news as the LOG does. Roland A. Wiman 1 would be very glad to hear Ship's delegate from any of my former ship­ mates, at 2185-A Ahe Street, 4 4 4 Honolulu. Please continue sending the LOG, too. George A. McDonald To the Editor: 4" 4I hope all my shipmates on my last ship see this as 1 am very grateful to all of them. Please express my thanks to To the Editor: the officers and the crew, espe­ 1 would like to take this op­ cially the members of the deck portunity to express my siVi- department, for the kindness cege thanks and appreciation they showed when I was hurt on to you and all concerned in the vessel. They really de­ sending me the SEAFARERS monstrated the true brother­ LOG. hood of the sea. 1 just received my first issue F. G. Barnett and was glad to catch up on the Bosun latest news. I also speak for 4 4 4 the men to whom 1 pass on the LOG. 1 know it is also deep­ ly appreciated by them, though they may not be in a position to write and voice their thanks. To the Editor: All brothers who have sailed Thank you again for your con­ with Brother Bernie Snow In sideration. the black gang will he glad to C. Van Orden know that he is now a partner 4 4) 4 with Duke Summers in the Lor­ raine Tavern, under the old SIU hall at 14 North Gay Street in Baltimore. ' To the Editor: Everyone can be assured that I was invited dowp to a Nor­ Bernie and Duke will do their wegian tanker, the M/T Mel- best to give them a good time anie, for dinner while in Balti­ if they drop in. more recently. When you check Harry J. "Popeye" Cronin that crew's menu, you can ap­ 4 4 4 preciate all the more the fine working rules and conditions on American union ships. 1 was eating in the officers' To the Editor: mess, and we started out with My name is Warren Colvin clam chowder, then some fish and 1 am ten years old and a (1 think it was trout) and only Cub Scout. One of my achieve­ one vegetable, a boiled potato. ments is collecting stamps, i There was no dessert or bev­ My daddy gets the LOG every erage. They only have coffee month. Would you please pub­ at coffeetime. lish my letter in the LOG ask­ It seems a shame conditions ing some of the Seafarers to are that way, as there was a write me from foreign coun­ nice crew aboard her, guys just tries? My address is 2607 Joan like us, who deserve a better Avenue, Gulfport, Miss. break. 1 hope to see the day Floyd Warren Colvin Portland Raffle Winner Wanted letters To The Editor Josefina Seen in Fair Shape Crew's Kindness Haiied By Bosun Welcomes LOG For Ship News Seafarer Now in Tavern Biz Got Food Beef? Try This Menu! II "jsi-liiiiii 37 57 April IX, 1957 Itlllllilj Shipboard pholog catches action in the galley on the Andros Legend, with chief cook Fred Drew getting ready to submerqe somebody's fish dinner into a pan. The photo is by D. 0. Gaskill Jr. We ^ hope it came out alright. Youngster Seeks Foreign Stamps /I �.7 •'• -'.^/•^>\v'^7^-i!«r^''?,7:r'';'fiv.'^l - •-•^1 April 18. 1957 *Red^ Goes 'Legit^ * Tries Art School A ten-year veteran in the • SIU, Seafarer Robert "Red" Fink had ample time to get to know the ways of life aboard ship and of aeamen ashore. During all this time, he was a •teady contributor of cartoons to the LOG, compensating for his lack of formal art training with a good comic touch. As' he would be the first to admit, where else but in a seaman's union could a guy named *' 'Red' Fink" find sol­ ace and still keep a sense of hu­ mor? A two-year stint in the Army from 1953-55, didn't dampen his ardor for the seagoing life one bit. Now a full-time student at the School of Visual Arts, New York City, "Red" decided to go "legit" last fall, wheh he enrolled in a three-year course with the aid of the 6l Bill. He still keeps in touch, attending SIU meetings and shipping during holiday periods. Here are some of his latest crea­ tions, which should ring a bell with everyone who's ever gone to sea. Pax* TUriecA SEAF ARERS LOG Good-Will Deed Earns French Dockers' Praise Supplementing the work of the striped-pants diplomats and foreign aid emissaries from the US, SIU "ambassadors in dungarees" on the Irenestar scored another mark for Amer•ican-French relations recently. "To the Captain/ and the SIU The incident earned high Crew, Mates and Engineers: "Wot do you guys mean you didn't know the coffee was for the Watch ... ?" praise and compliments from French port workers for the Irenestar crew after ncwS of their good­ will gesture got around, according to ship's delegate F. J. Johnson. It developed after a longshore boss at Rouen was killed the night before sailing in an accident in the number two hold. Meeting the need, the crew acted quickly to ease things for the longshoreman's widow. A collection aboard the ship pro-' duced a purse of 35,000 francs for the widow, Mrs. Queual, which at the even higher unofficial ex­ change rate amounted to a con­ siderable sum for the bereaved family. The official exchange rate is 350 francs to the dollar. Responding to the generosity of the crew, Mrs. Queual subsequently wrote to thank one and all for their friendly gesture. She was joined in this by the chief of longshore­ men at Rouen. The letter translated as follows: "We thank you very sincerely for the noble gesture you and the members of the crew made at the time of the mortal accident in the number two hold of your ship. "We were very touched by your remarks of sj^mpathy at this time. We beg you, dear Captain and all crewmembers of the SS Irenestar, to accept our sincere gratitude for your kindness." On Their Toes Tunesmith Wanted "Who's got the key now?" "Honey, what's a 'good' port?" MARYMAR (Calmar), March 1 — Chrirman, W. Cegg; Secretary. M. Flood. OS and chief steward left •hip due to injury. Discussion on coffee shortage and stores. J. T. Welch. Bequest keys for heads whUe In port to keep out people that are not supposed to use them. $5 in ship's fund. Urge cooperative -effort among members of crew. SEATRAIN NEW JERSEY (Seatrain), March 17—Chairman, WayneOgle; Secretary, Rundblad. Motion made to get air conditioner repaired. Steward asks crew to turn in aU sur­ plus linen as he runs short. VAL CHEM (Valentine), Feb. 3 — Chairman, J. D. Halpin; Secretary, W. ORION STAR (Orion), Feb. 24 — Chairman, BIsonnet; Secretary, Man­ ning. Report on the men that have left the ship, report has been sent to New York. Nests. Would like the captain or the chief mate to let them know when there is going to be a late meal. WILD RANGER (Waterman), March 3—Chairman, S. Andersen; Secretary, D. Ruddy. 313.89 in ships treasury. Words of appreciation to steward de- OREMAR (Ore Nav.), March 11 — Chairman, J. Shaw; Secretary, F. Pepevlch. One man missed ship in Balti­ more: two men missed ship In Chile and charged with desertion. Ship's fund $38.35. Some disputed overtime. Need more cots, fruit juices, silver­ ware, new refrigerator: better prepa­ ration of food. SANTORE (Ore), Feb. 4—Chairman, W. C. Byrd; Secretary, H. A. Auglna. The bosun who was injured by a fall of iron ore in Cruze Grande, C^e while loading, was hospitalized. SEA COMET 11 (Sealraders), March 3—Chairman, W. A. Harper; Secre­ tary, H. D. Carney. Motion made to have the ship fumigated. •r" LONCVIEW VICTORY (Victory), Feb. 17—Chairman, J. Lewis; Secre­ tary, M. Caddy. Drinking and fight­ ing aboard. Some disputed overtime. New delegate, secretary-reporter and treasurer elected. Bosun stated he has only 4 or 5 men to turn to for se­ curing gear at each port. OCEAN- EVELYN (Ocean Trans.), March 17—Chairman, B. Laffoon; Sec­ retary, R. Masters. Ship's fund $10. Delayed sailing disputed. Delegates to check repairs and keep list up to date. Vote of thanks to steward dept. PAN OCEANIC TRANSPORTER (Penn. Nav.), March 14—Chairman, Robert High; Secretary, Marion BaechIng. Ship's fund at present is $11. The mail situation on the scow is plain stinko. Ship's delegate contact boarding patrolman to see If some­ thing can be done about it. Water tanks on the bucket are in bad shape and require cleaning. SEA CLOUD (Pegor), Feb. 3—Chali^ man. Gage; Secretary, Yarborough. Due to a storm No. 1 life - boat smashed up and the depth sounder torn loose from its moorings. V. T. Nash. To change flavor of drinks and to bring cups back to messhall. and not to put cigarettes in cups. Ship's delegate resigned. New delegate elected. partment personnel. Suggest coUeetion for workaway who missed ship. YAKA (Waterman), March 3—Chair­ man, Jo. Touart; Secrotary, S. Joseph. Safety meeting to be held Monday 4th. Vote of thanks to the stewards dept. . SEASTAR (Triton), Feb. 17—Chair­ man, 6. Lawson; SecretarV, M. Bugawan. Vote of thanks to steward and the whole steward department for Job well done. Ship's delegate was in­ structed by chief mate that publle drinking on passageways won't b« tolerated and anyone caught will bo brought up to the authorities. There will be no fighting or performing on the ship and those who fight or per­ form. wiU be turned over to the boarding patrolman. R. Aguiar. Suggest each department wlU take care of cleaning washing machine room, slop sink. Ubrary. SEATRAIN GEORGIA (Sealrain), March 14—Chairman, W. Jones; Secrotary, A. Lambert. Mop bucket need­ ed for black gang. Discussion was held on the purchase of magazines out of ships fund. Result, everybody should buy his own. CHOCTAW (Waterman),'March 3— Chairman, M. Cariin; Secretary, R. Johnson. The food Is very poor and ship is a 2nd rate feeder. Use of left­ overs carried to extremes. Steward says see patrolman but crew desires Improvement In meantime. STEEL SEAFARER (isthmian). Boo. IS—Chairman, R. F. Rrant; SocrotarY, ALCOA FENNANT (Alcoa), March II—Chairman, L. Joynar; Soaratary, STEEL ROVER (isthmian), March 10 —Chairman, C. Reyes; Secretary, T. Oaspar. AU hands to cooperate in using the washing machine properly. Suggestion to have exterminator in rooms, pantry and messhalL JOHN e. (Atlantic Carriers), March 14—Chairman, S. Szantos; Secretary, ROBIN KETTERING (Seas Shipping), March 17—Chairman, H. Denton; Sec­ retary, J. Hannay. Two men missed ship: rejoined later. Ship's fund $20.50. Few hours disputed overtime. Reports accepted. Crew warned not to discuss business in bar rooms. Re­ quest better grade of sausage and bologna. Cots and extra linen to be turned In. SEAMONiTOR (Excelsisr), Feb. 24— Chairman, J. Cartiar: Secretary, D. Babcock. Three men missed ship. Some disputed overtime—to be set­ tled at payoff. Picked up one NMU \man. Motion to caU meeting In pres­ ence of patrolman: find out If ship­ ping rules were broken when steward was shipped. Investigate quaUty of penicillin. Check welfare benefits of member's family. STEEL ARCHITECT (isthmian), March 3—Chairman, E. Ott; Secretary, C. Rltter. Report on safety program. Repair Ust to be submitted. Ship's fund $12.33. Some disputed over. time. Ship to be fumigated for rats and roachesSEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Saatrain), March 33—Chairman, V. Whitney; Secretary, E. Lanier. Slilp's fund $$.54. Some disputed evcrtlrae. One Apparently Seafarer William Willdridge is turning out tunes and lyrics faster than he can handle them now. Willdridge has sent out a hurry-up call for a collaborator to work on the songs and help him round out the loose ends. A frequent con­ tributor of poetry for the LOG, he has had a couple of songs played on radio stations in Bos­ ton and has some more on the fire. Anyone who's interested can contact him c7o the SIU hall in Lake Charles, at 1419 Ryan St. Keeping things running smoothly on the Maxton, this trio is part of the black gang on the "piggyback" tanker. Pictured (I to r) are Fred Morrison, wiper; Charles Eagleson, oiler, and Chris the Turk, fireman. Eagleson, the engine delegate, sent in' the photo. man missed ship. New delegate and secretary - reporter elected. Crew warned to take care of washing ma­ chine and TV set. Out rooms to bfe sougeed. All outside doors to be closed to keep rooms quiet and warm. Vote of thanks to cook for job well done in absence of steward. tentative voyage Itinerary; delegate advised careful perusal of contract clarifications pertaining to overtime. New secretary-reporter and treasurer elected. Report accepted. New dele­ gate elected. Minor repairs being made in foc'sles and bathrooms. STEEL ADMIRAL (Isthmian), March 19—Chairman, D. Keddy; Secretary, J. Resinosa. All foc'sles, bathrooms and showers to be painted. All re­ pairs checked. Laundry room to be locked at Singapore. Slop chest time to be posted in advance. Fire & boat drill station cards to be Issued by mate soon as possible. YORKMAR (Calmar), Feb. 2—Chair­ man, V. Paine; Secretary, B. Slaid. TOPA TOPA (Waterman), March 17 —Chairman, P. Van Wygcrden; Secre­ tary, F. Kustura. Repair list to be made up. Arrival pool to be made up and $20 to be put in ship's fund. Return all cups and glasses to pantry. YORKMAR (Calmar), March 17 — Chairman, J. Manard; Secretary, J. Archie. Ship's fund $16.22. One man Injured—taken of! ship. Beefs to be discussed with delegate. Washing ma­ chine to be left clean after using. Coffee mug and cups to be returned to pantry. Return cots. WACOSTA (Waterman), March 3— Chairman, S. Alpedo; Secretary, T. Scott. RepaU'S being made. Reported -3^ Four replacements in steward dept., 2 in engine dept. and 1 man reshipped in deck dept. Ship's fund $16.22. Some disputed overtime. Carpenter reshipped in Northwest. Discussion on better (^operation on orders from galley: more juices and fruit to be put out: better seasoning on vege­ tables: check ice boxes. WARRIOR (Waterman), March 17— Chairman, J. Ward; Secretary, M. Elliott. Sanitary system corrected somewhat. Good trip so far. Few hours hours overtime. Electrician ill. Reports accepted. Water tanks for wash water and drinking water to be cemented and painted out while ship Is undergoing repairs. Sample of wash water and drinking water to be turned over to US Coast Guard. Showers, bathrooms, recreation and laundry to he painted. Vote of thanks to steward department for fine sweets and job weU done. Suggestion to have water spigot placed on deck for stevadorcs: bunks to be reinforced—springs 4b straps too loose. Editor, ; SEAFARERS LOG. ! 675 Fourth Ave., ! Brooklyn 32. NY 5 I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG— | please put my name on your mailing list. ; (Print Information) | N^kKdE a,...............a.................. STREET ADDRESS CITY I ZONE STATE • TO AVOID DUPLICATION: If you «ro on ol<l lubicribor and hovo a chan9a S addraii, plaaso fivo your formar addrasi balow: 5 ''> I CITY - -- - - ^Itaooae ZON STATE, .•ooeaeeaaeooaooooo • , P �1^ Pare Foarfeen Was This Dip Really Necessary? Among other things, the ships' minutes reports that pass through the LOG office every day are noteworthy for a certain quality of understatement. Whether they concern the rescue of a hundred people from a sinking ship or a blownout lightbulb, the record in the minutes is always brief. ways observed. The matter is usu­ Such is the case so far with a This doesn't mean it's to the ally left hanging In the air until report fgom 'the Sea train Texas, point, for the conventional "who, someone comes along who can put though our man of the hour wasn't even lucky enough to be left hang­ what, when and where" Is not al­ the pieces together. ing. He got a good dunking,-In fact, because "while painting over Mission Accompiished the side, someone cut [the] staging line, dumping [al man In [the] water. (Much discussion.)" Brevity—In Spades The quoted portion above :[ppresents the full text of the reference in the minutes of the Texas. This is true economj^of expression. (The words In brackets are ours —Ed.) Taking things over from there, we can assume the mishap got a good working over at the meeting. We don't know for silre whether the victim was ever hauled out of the water, but we have to assume he was. We can also assume no­ body Is going to encourage the practice of cutting guys adrift while they're hanging over the side. Life aboard ship is hazardous enough without adding anything to Its burdens. But we can't even let the matter rest there. Where did It happen? Gelling ready to knock off for the day, "Whitey" Hardaman, Was the culprit uncovered? Was wiper (left), and Malcolm Launey, engine maintenance, wind up the paint job ever finished? repairs to pipes on the deck of the tanker Fort Hoskins. Chester Come on, Texas, give us the wordl Coumas caught the pair with his camera. USPHS HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO. CAUP. CrvlUe E. Abrams T. E. McCaffrey Edward Becker A. F. Martinez Noah C. Carver Alonzo M. MUefski Peder Espeseth George R. Nichola Andrew HarviUa Otta H. Palsson Floyd W. Haydon Louis Rosen WiUiam H. HoweU Fred D. Stagner Vlrgle H. Jordan R. A. Statham Alexander Leiner Shlo H. Sua USPHS HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. Llnzyl Bosley Wm. McLaughlin Juan Mojlca James Brown Leo A. Freundlich Waldo OUver John Kanananaiill John Rekstin Patrick J. Lynch Walter G. Stuck* VA HOSPITAL LAKE CITY. FLA. Edward B. Blss USPHS HOSPITAL MEMPHIS, TENN. Claude F, Blanks VA HOSPITAL ALBERQUERQUE, NM Charles Burton USPHS HOSPITAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS B. F. Delbler John C. Palmer Siegfried Gnlttke Rosendo Serrano James Lauer USPHS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE, MD. Omar O. Ames Henry Karpowlcs Ralph Armstrong George S. Lowe Alfred Bokan Roy L. McCannon Victor Cooper Edw. F. McGowan Lynwood Fitzgerald William H. Maxie Dan Gentry Francisco Mayo Gorman T. Glaze R. S. Nandkeshwar Eugencie Gonzales Wm. W. Rowland George Graham Charles T. Scott Carroll Harper Ople C. WaU John A. Hoffman USPHS HOSPITAL BOSTON, MASS. Dominic DiSanto Charles Dwyer Chas. A. McCarthy John E. Powers Burly April 12. 195Y SEAFARERS LOG USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND, NY Edward Anderson Ahmed Mehssin John Minnahan Robert Bellveau A. Dokeris Thomas Moncho John Fancutt Francis Napoli Arthur J. Fortner Edward O'Rourk* Richard V. Gelling Eustaqulo Rivera EisteU Godfrey Jose Rodriguez Sam Jonas J. S. Simmons Alfred Kaju Richard Suttle James Llppincott Clarence WaUace Pasquale MarinelU BELLEVUB HOSPITAL NEW YORK, NY Loyd McGee USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON. TEXAS William C. Brown Art ScheU George Howard Warren W. Smith Thomas J. Mooney USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK, VA. Rudolf AvUa G. W. Culpepper Francis J. Boner Frederick T. HaU Puzzle Answer Bissiii adiQ sans rSiaDGG BSS QSCD (iSissigiSQ lEfflfissizia @[!1Q sins aeiiQ i Has amm safza sss (ZJBaB Qfzanc] BQS QnQS BQcas asm DSQS Fred M. HarreU Roscoe T. TUlett Leonard B. Merriam Clifford Vaughan' Henri J. Robin USPHS HOSPITAL MANHATTAN BEACH BROOKLYN. NY Manuel Antonana B. J. Martin Eladlo Arls Albert MartinelU Fortunate Bacomo Vic Milazzo Frank T. CampbeU Joaquin Mlniz John J. DriscoU Norman J. Moore Robert E. Gilbert W. P. O'Dea wmiam Guenther Ben Omar Bart E. Guranick George G. Phlfer John Haas James M. Quinn Howard HaUey George E. Renale Talb Hassen Samuel B. Saunders Billy R. HIU G. E. Shumaker Thomas Isaksen Kevin B. SkeUy Ira H. KUgore Henry E. Smith Paul Koenlg Stanley F. Sokol Ludwig Kristiansen Michael Toth Frank J. Kubek Harry S. Tuttle Frederick Landry VlrgU E. Wllmoth Leonard Leidlg Pon P. Wing Archibald McGuigan USPHS HOSPITAI. SAVANNAH. GA. C. G. Barrineau Jimmle Littleton Albert Blrt Clarence Murray L. A. DeWltt John O'Connor Carl F. Kumrow A. H. Schwart* USPHS HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS, LA. Jacob Buckalew Alois F. Mauffray Virgil Coash August Meyers Cloise Coats Michael Muzio Serio M. DeSosa Harold D. Napier William DriscoU J. S. O'Byrne Ben D. Foster Faustino Orjales Cedric Francis William Paris Crisanto Garfin Junest Ponson Leon.Gordon Randolph RatclUt William Havelln F. Regalado Sam Henry Harold S. Scott James Hudson Hubert Seymour Charles Johnson C. J. Shartzer Edward G. Knapp Toefii Smigielsld Walter J. LaCrolx Edward Smith Leo Lang Wert A. Spencer William Lawless Lonnle R. Tickle Louis Ledlngham James E. Ward L. Llenos D. G. Zerrudo Alexander Martin Jacob Zimmer Frank Martin Sees Unions Key To US Shipping To the Editor: It is the seamen who organ­ ized themselves into unions who have preserved America's maritime power. Thanks to these men, the gateways to the seven seas are open coming and going. In fact, were it not for the SIU and kindred unions, the American flag would be a rare sight in foreign ports. Yes, Old Glory's up there — because letters To The Editor All letters to the editor for publication in the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG must be signed by the writer. Names mil be withheld upon request. Union md the best conditions in maritime history. As ship's delegate, I wish to state that we have a fine crew aboard here. However, we have some AK's on topside in the form of the mates. The chief is all over the ship and the 2nd and 3rd remind me of school­ boys as they try to make it hard for us. It has otherwise been a nice, enjoyable trip, so if any of you fellows want to make the ro­ mance run, well, this is it. The captain is a veiy nice, understanding fellow. He doesn't drink, but holds nothing against anyone who does as long as it doesn't interfere with the work. Lewis R. WiUiamson Ship's delegate (Ed. note; Brother Schorr urged an all-out "ship US" drive by unions to acquaint American businessmen with the advantages of using US rather thari foreign vessels.) 4 4 4" Halis News Of Union Gains American seamen organized and stuck together through thick and thin! Congratulations, men, To the Editor: Happy to hear through the one and all! BUI Vissaris LOG that all hands are enjoy­ ing fair shipping and that new it t 4" gains are being made for us sea­ Says Reports Go men. All hands aboard the Orion 'Liice Hotcakes' Clipper were sorry to hear of To the Editor: the unexpected death of Harry I am writing to you to ask if Lundeberg. We all appreciate you can include an extra copy the battles he led for good la­ of the SIU Headquarters Report bor conditions aboard ship. to Seafarers with the copies of We wish to put in a boost for the LOG you now send. the United Seamen's Service in As soon as the LOGs come Yokohama. Miss Jean Trisko, aboard the Del Mar, all 97 in port director, is a person who the crew want to read them and wiU go out of her way to be of the headquarters report. So far service. She was very helpful it has been practically impos­ on a couple of items of ship's sible to post the report and business and did not give us then still have it to read at the "I don't know for sure" rou­ a meeting. tine. She made several phone Someone always takes it calls and typed up letters which down and takes it to his room could-be useful to us. The res­ to get his glasses or something. taurant, bar and recreation fa­ Then at the meeting the ship cilities here are the best also. has to be searched to find it. We are having our rough If you could send us an extra spots on this run but intend to copy we could keep one in the bring her in .SlU-style and do files and post one. Then every­ the straightening up at the pay­ body could acquaint themselves off. with the contents and it could Richard C. Ranly be properly acted upon at the 4 4 4 meeting. Retired, Stiii C. M. Bowling Ship's Reporter Wants The LOG (Ed. note: Your suggestion To the Editor: has been put into effect for I am now residing in Brooklyn future mailings to the Del Mar and would like to have the LOG and similar ships. Nine LOGs mailed' to me here. You have already go tq^ these vessels.) been mailing the LOG to my 4 4= dad at Eagleton, Ark., and he it very much. Backs 'Ship US' appreciates But now though I have retired Union Campaign my SIU book, I would still very much like to keep up with To the Editor: We wish to compliment Harry Union affairs. I am working at St. Peters N. Schorr for his article in the LOG (Feb. 1, 1957). We on the Hospital in Brooklyn and enjoy Del Rio agree with him 100 per­ the work as well as my fellow­ ship with my fellow workers. cent. We'd also like to see more But please keep me on that letters of that kind published. mailing list in the future. Thurston Lewis We feel we have the greatest By Bernard Seaman �Aprl! 1957 SEAFARERS LOG C&H Strikers Win Best Part In Area Page Fifteen Another day j Another A9,000 (Continued from page 3) company and including the follow­ In hours means an increase in the ing benefits: Death benefit. $5,000. work force and greater take home Hospital room and board for pay.) employees and dependents, • Nine paid holidays, $12 a day up to a maximum of • Two weeks' paid vacation an­ 70 days in private hosiptals; nually. $6 a day in USPHS hospitals. All hospital extras up to a • A manning scale calling J^or maximum of $300 and 75 per­ 11-man crews with a double watch cent of additional charges up system on tideiands-canal and to $5,000. deep sea work. Surgical fees ranging up to • Non-occupational Illness and $350 maximum, based on injury benefits ranging from 15 schedula set out in policy. to 45 days with pay annually de­ Doctors' calls before sur­ pending upon length of service in gery, $5 a day up to maximum the fleet. of 70 days. Supplementary accident ex­ • Payment of wages, transporta­ penses, $300. tion and subsistence to men trans­ Weekly disability income, ferred to tugs away from home $25 weekly up to 52 weeks. port or relieved at points other Maternity benefit, $200 max­ than the home port. imum. • A $15 monthly differential for Negotiations for the SIU were deck and engine offlcers who ob­ conducted by Matthews, Williams tain licenses. and rank and file tugboatmen • Job security guarantees in­ Harry L. Coker, George Jordan, cluding a seniority system govern­ Van H. Court, Jr., Jack Kelly, ing promotions, transfers and lay­ Morgan Childers, Robert W. Wix and Edward E. Morris. Serving in offs. an advisory capacity throughout • Maximum unio^ security pro­ was SIU attorney Marion C. Ladvisions permissible under Texas Wig, of the firm of Dixie, Ryan state laws. and Schulmah, who was highly (Continued from page 3) • A health and life insurance commended by the negotiating light of the breakdown of the program paid for entirely by the committee for his assistance. screening program. On the organizing front, the com­ mittee urged intensification of or­ ganizing by all affiliates and also set up a three man committee to EVERYSUNDAY develop organizing potential on the DIRECT VOICE; Great Lakes. Anthony Koriok Of general interest was a strong BROADCAST Please contact your sister Fat on business matters. Contact her care of Mrs. Louis Qualtiers, 1425 W. 35 St., Erie, Penn. Ex-Sfony Creek Ship's fund of $8.30 was donated to the LOG after ship transferred foreign. A. Goldsmit. Kenneth Lewis Thomas McGuigan would like to get in touch with you. His address is 16 N. 24 St., Camden 5, NJ. I At the end of November, 1956, the SIU Welfare and Vacation Plans passed a significant landmark when they paid out their ten millionth dollar. In four months since then, the Plans have paid another $1 million to Seafarers. j •ii Impressive figures? Sure. But it looks even better this way: At that rate the two Plans pay close to $9,000 each day in benefits, which Seafarers never received a, few years ago. Ifs further proof of the value of these Plans to the working seaman. SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN WELFARE PUN SiU of NA Acts On Major Issues statement on freedom of the seas particularly as the principle ap­ plies to the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aqaba. Efforts of shipov/ner groups to evade Justice De­ partment jurisdiction over com­ pany mergers were assailed and extension of minimum wage cover­ age to seamen sought. On the labor scene the conven- 1 "THE VOICE of the MTD" To' Ships In Atlantic South American and European Waters • WFK-3», 19150 KC* Ships In Caribbean. East Coast of South America, South Atlantic . and East Coast of United States • WFL.OS, 15850 KCs Ships in Gulf of Mex­ ico. Caribbean. West "• Coast of South Amer­ ica. West Coast of Mexico and US East Coast • WFK-95, 15700 KCs Ships in Mediterranean area. North Atlantic. European and US East Coast Meanwhile, MTD Round-the-World Broadcasts continue ... I every Sunday, 1915 OMT {2'.liPM EST Sunday) WCO-13010 KCs Europe and No. America WCO-1090I.S KCs East Coast So. America WCO-22407. KCs West Coast So. America Evsry Monday, 0315 CMT (10:15 PM ESTSundav) WMM 25-15807 KCs Australia WMM 81-11037.5 Northwest Pacific MARITIME TRADES REPARTMENT AFL-CIO ssii Keep Draff Board Posted SIU headquarters urges all draft-eligible seamen to be sure they keep their local Se­ lective Service boards posted on all changes. of address through the use of the post cards furnished at all SIU halls and aboard ships. SIU, A&G District Among A&G delegates to the SIU of NA Convention were: (l-r): Lindsey Williams, Steve Cardullo, Gal Tanner and Marty Breithoff. Others (not shown] Vere Earl Sheppard and Paul Hall. WILMINGTON. Calif 905 Marine Ave. PORT COLBORNE Ontario Reed Humphries, Agent Terminal 4-2874 BALTIMORE 1216 B. Baltimore St. HEADQUARTERS... .675 4th Ave.. Bklyn. Earl SheppariL Asent EAstem T-8900 SECRETARY-TREASURER BOSTON 276 State St. Paul Hall James Sheehan. Asent Richmond 2-0140 ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS C. Simmons. Joint HOUSTON 4202 Canal St. J. Algina. Deck W. HaU, Joint A. Michelet. Aaent Capital T-6S38 J. ^pian. Eng. E. Mooney. Std, R. Matthews. Joint LAKE CHARLES. La 1416 Ryan St. Leroy Clarke. Agent HEmlocfc 6-9744 SUP 103 Durham St. Phone: 5591 TORONTO. Ontario.......272 King St. E. EMpire 4-9719 VICTORIA. BC 617'A Cormorant St. EMpire 4531 VANCOUVER, BC 298 Main St. Pacific 3468 SYDNEY. NS 304 Charlotte St. Phone: 6346 MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. HONOLULU... Ckl Tanner. A|fnt HEmlock 2-1754 16 Merchant St. BAGOTVILLE. Quebec Phone 9-8777 MORGAN CITY Tom Gould. Agent 211 SW Clay St. THOROLD. Ontario CApital 3-4330 612 Front St. PORTLAND Phone 2196 92 St. Davids St. CAnaJ 7-3202 NEW ORLEANS 623 BlenvlUe St. RICHMOND, Calif... 510 Macdonald Ave. QUEBEC.. Lindsey WilUam*. Agent Tulaao-8626 ' BEacon 2-0925 Quebeo NEW YORK 0 • NORFOLK Ben Bees. Agent 678 4th Ave.. Brooklyn SAN FRANCISCO BYacinth S-8600 127-129 Bank St. SEATTLE MAdlstm 2-9634 PHILADELPHIA.. ,.637 Market St. 6. CarduUo. Agent Market 7-1639 PUERTA de TIERRA PR. 101 Pelayo Sal CoUg, Agent Fhone 2-5996 SAN FRANCISCO 490 Harrison St. Marty Breithotf, Agent Douglai 2-9479 SAVANNAH Abercom St. E. B. McAuley. Ax«nt Adama 3-1728 SEATTLB .... i... .2909 1st Ave. Jett QiUiitte. iVgent BUlott 4334 TAMPX......W1 8U N. Franklin St. Tom Banning! Ai -Pm honw 2-1323 WILMINGTON NEW YORK. 450 Harrison St. SAINT JOHN • Douglas 2-8363 NB 2509 Ut Ave. Main 0290 20 Elgin St. Phone: 54-5 .85 St. Pierre St. Fhone: 3-1569 ^ .. A85 Germain St. Phone: 2-5232 Great Lakes District 909 Marine Ave. ALPENA Terminal 4-3131 679 4th Ave., Brooklyn BUFFALO. NY HYacintb 9-6165 CLEVELAND 1215 N. Second Ave. Phone: 713-J 180 Main St. Phone: Cleveland 7391 734 Lakeside Ave.. NE Phone: Main 1-0147 ; 1038 3rd St. HALIFAX. N.S .....128V6 HoIUs St. DETROIT Phone 3-8911 , Headquarters Phone: Woodward 1-6857 MONTREAL 634 St. James St. West DULUTH ; . ..531 W. Michigan St. PLateau 8161 ; Phone: Randolph 2-4110 FORT WU.L1AM... ^30 .Sirap;?on St, J SOUTIi CHICAGQ,:;..,, ,,..3261 E. 92nd St. Ontario. ': v-. - . Phon*::3-3221i: t>/ i Canadian District tion went on record as fully en­ dorsing the ethical practices code adopted by the AFL-CIO. Subse­ quently the A&G District's mem­ bership in meetings up and down the coast unanimously endorsed the convention's action. Reports were presented from the various affiliates of the inter­ national detailing developments over the past two years. The A&G District's report is summarized on page 6.) Guest Speakers Delegates heard addresses from a number, of prominent public fig­ ures, including Governor Goodwin Knight - of California; Mayor George Christopher, San Francis­ co; Einar Johnasen" and Harald Eriksen of the Norwegian Sea­ men's Association; Larry Long, president of the International Brotherhood of Longshoremen; Harry O'Reilly, director of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; Captain C. T. Atkins, national president of the Masters, Mates and Pilots, and Captain George Decker of Seattle, first vice-president of MM&P; Neil Haggerty, secretary-treasurer of the California State Federation of La­ bor and many others. Officers Elected Elected as officers in addition to Hall, Weisherger and Tanner were the following: John Hawk, secre­ tary-treasurer; and vice-presidents Andrea Gomez, Lester Caveny, Lester Baiinger, Ed. Turner, Capt. John M. Fox, Hal C. Banks, S. E. Bennett and Ramond T. McKay. It was agreed that the next con­ vention will be held in Montreal, Canada, in 1959, which will make it coincident with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Ray Sfate Still Quiet BOSTON — Things have been very quiet on the shipping front for the past two weeks. Although ob activity has picked up some­ what since the last period, the out­ look for this. Dort is still uncertain. The Bradford Island and Council Grove (Cities Service) both paid off and signed on. Bents Fort (Cities Service); Bobin Kettering, Robin Kirk (Seas); and Jefferson • City Victory (Victory Carriers) put infjLiwxiif tA h.x eorniood , �Vol. XIX No. 8 SEAFARERS LOG > W—V • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO • Major Progress Since '51 Marks MCS Birthday Just two years ago this month, seamen on the West Coast paved the way for firm establishment of the Marine Cooks and Stewards Union by voting in favor of the SIU Pacific District, 3,931 to 1,004. The election climaxed a four-year new headquarters hall in San organizing drive by the MCS Francisco and opened a training with the support of the Sailors Un­ ion and other SIU affiliates, to oust the Communist-dominated Nation­ al Union of Marine Cooks and Stewards from West Coast ships. When the ballot count was com­ pleted on April 4, 1955, it marked the end of 20 years of Communist operatons aboard US merchant ships. It also established a single bargaining unit, the SIU Pacific District, for the first time, repre­ senting sailors, firemen and cooks on the West Coast. That arrangement is now bear­ ing fruit with representatives of the three West Coast unions mov­ ing towards merger of their pen­ sion funds, which will result in in­ creased benefits for the member­ ship and more efficient adminis­ tration. The MCS was chartered by the SIU of North America just four years ago this coming Sunday, back on April 15, 1951. and upgrading center offering 90 day courses for all ratings, both freight and passenger ship. The training center is located on 350 acres of ranchland near Santa Rosa, Calif. Board, room and tui­ Jubilant scene at San Fran­ tion is free to students who qualify. cisco MCS hall two years ago Followea Party Line (above) heralded 4-1 victory For years before the vote vic­ of SlUNA forces over Harry tory of the Pacific District, the Bridges in a three-department steward departments on West coast West Coast ship election. ships had been seagoing strong­ holds of Harry Bridges and the The win ended a 20-year fight Communist Party. Under the lead­ against the remnants of Com­ ership of Hugh Bryson, the nowmunist-dominated unionism In defunct National Union of Marine WC maritime. At right, Cooks and Stewards had worked MCS member Juan Morales hand in glove with Bridges and fol­ (standing) casts ballot at un­ lowed every twist and turn of the ion's NY hall in the current Communist line. membership referendum on In 1950, NUMC&S was expelled MCS constitution. :Polls com­ •by the CIO for its endorsement of mitteemen are Rao Sam Nwe the North Korean invasion of and David Ladesman. Char­ South Korea as well as its con­ sistent record of participation in tered six years ago this Mon­ Communist causes. That opened day by the SlUNA, the MCS the door toward organization of a has established itself as a ma­ non-Communist union in the field. jor ship union since 1955. NMU Quit Field The National Maritime Union apparatus. On the other hand, the made some tentative gestures to late Harry Lundeberg gave a group organize on the West Coast but of non-Communist cooks and stew­ quickly withdrew when it found it ards a charter as the Marine Cooks would have to. buck Harry Bridges' and' Stewards and along with the •- r J'-. ! Marine Firemen's Union backed them solidly in a four-year fight to oust the. Brldges-Bryson com­ bine. Once MCS started organizing in 'Screenos' Shipping From All Coasts, Bridges' Front Boasts Head of the now-defunct NUMC&S, Hugh Bryson helped maintain last Commu­ nist foothold on WC ships. mmr. ife:;:;:' In the cooks union itself, the two years have brought consider­ able progress, organizationally and otherwise. Currently, the member­ ship is voting in referendum ballot on the adoption of a constitution which will govern the conduct of union affairs if approved. The vot­ ing began on March 18th and will continue for 90 days. Set Election Procedure Provisions of the proposed con­ stitution call for the election of a secretary-treasurer, assistant sec­ retary-treasurer and port agents and patrolmen for three year pe­ riods. The document also provides for rank and file trials and appeals committees end appeals procedure, 'and rank and file quarterly finance committees. It spells out the duties of officers, election of meet­ ing chairmen, negotiating commit­ tee members and other commit­ tees, amending procedure, controls over expenditures and other items of importance. MCS already has constructed a earnest, the counter-pressure was put on by the waterfront Commu'nists. Men suspected of SIU sym­ pathies were expelled from the un­ ion, forced off the ships and in many instances dumped ^nd worked over soundly. Sanctuary With Bridges In 1954, MCS filed a petition for a National Labor Relations Board election. Bridges countered by or­ ganizing "Local 100" of his long­ shore union as a haven for the dis­ SAN FRANCISCO—Further evidence that Communist sympathizers and other "screenos" credited NUMC&S. MCS was pre­ are now shipping on US merchant vessels has been provided by the Committee Against vented from winning a clear ma­ Waterfront Screening. The Committee, which is a front organization backed up by jority by Bridges' strategy of call­ Harry Bridges, lists numbers, ing for a "no union" vote. dates and places in its latest ciation- in September, 1947. Sub­ feel that it is more important to The following year saw the SIU information bulletin, spelling sequently he was arrested in con­ protect its witnesses .than to root Pacific District petition for a new out where It has gotten its mem­ nection with a fund-raising benefit out subversives, if any, on US election and overwhelm "Local bers aboard American flag ships. at his home for the "People's ships. 100" by 3,931 to .1,004. Last month in Washington, Vice World," official Communist Party Admiral Alfred C. Richmond, com­ paper in San Francisco. He plead­ mandant of the Coast Guard, told ed guilty to the charge at the time. Congress that the screening pro­ The committee adds that the gram had broken down and that Marine Firemen's Union in San 169 suspected subversives are cur­ Francisco is being sued by one of rently sailing aboard US ships. In its bulletin, the Committee the screened seamen, because it al­ Against Waterfront Screening re­ legedly refused to dispatch him to WASHINGTON—Five government owned Cl's, sold to the ports men shipping out of both a ship. In effect then, the "screen­ os" are using the Taft-Hartley law Philippiiie Government for inter-island trade, have been found West and East Coast ports. In New York, for example, the against the unions to force them operating in the South China trade and elsewhere in Asia, committee bulletin says, "Some of to register all comers. Although the sale of theses" TWust Produce Witnesses the brothers who were screened vessels was conditioned by grounds of unfair competition. The breakdown of the screening their use solely irpinter-island They have held that these vessels, lately, '53-'55, went to the NMU hall and were registered in Group program came after a series of or intercoastal trade, permission even where actually "limited" to 1 because they had enough sea court decisions which, in effect,, was given by Commerce Secretary domestic operations, release other time to qualify. These men have said that the Coast Guard cannot Sinclair Weeks for the Philippines ships of that nation for interna­ been in and out already." screen men unless it brings forth to use them in international trade. tional trade. In' Seattle; the committee re­ witnesses and gives the accused Mr. Weeks based his authority to The news about the C-ls coihes ports, men are shipping group 1 their tfuditional right to cross-ex­ grant such permission on an over­ at a time when several other na­ and Group 2 from the NMU hall, amine these witnesses. looked phrase in the enabling act tions are' pressing for sale of U^ but "it takes a two to four month As a SEAFARERS LOG edito­ which had specified limitations on Government reserve tonnage, in-, card to get out." Group 1 is the rial pointed out in the March 15 the use of these vessels, but which eluding India, Turkey, Mexico and NMU's top seniority group; issue, the unavailability of wit­ continued . . or within such Peru. Most of these nations have Among the men who have nesses is probably due to the tra­ other limits as the Secretary of found sponsors for bills in Con­ shipped is Walter Stich, the secre­ ditional refusal of the Federal Bu­ Commerce may in the future find gress which also pledge that the tary of the Committee against reau of Investigation to reveal in­ reasonable and just." ships purchased will be used solely Waterfront screening, who went formants except where it considers The SIU and other maritime In that nation's domestic trade. out as an officer from San Fran­ a case of great importance. Other countries on line are unions have long been opposed to cisco. Stich, was ousted from the Consequently, the editorial con- the sale of Government^ reserve Ecuador, West Germany, trieste, Marine Engineers Beneficial Asso­ clude,4., the Governmept, aeems to. ships to foreign nations on the Japan, and . South Korea. , Bare US Ship Giveaway For Offshore Operation � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959 Description An account of the resource Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 12, 1957 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU SCORES MAJOR GULF TUG VICTORY SIU SET FOR 7-FLEET NLRB BALLOT ON BAT. HARBOR CRAFT SEAFARERS 1ST OIL CARGO TO ISRAEL VIA GULF OF AQABA MAJOR SIU TUG WIN IN SOUTH SIU OF NA ACTS ON KEY ISSUES SIU CLINIC TO OPEN SEAMEN’S ORGANIZATION AND GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE REPORT AFL-CIO SUSPENDS BECK, FILES CHARGE SUBSIDED OWNERS GANG UP AGAINST SHIP TRANSFER LIMITS CALIF. STATE AFL ELECTS WEISERGER VICE-PRES. MSTS CUTS DOWN ‘DEW LINE’ SHIPS MORE SURPLUS AID VOTED; SHIPS MAY VISIT POLAND CREWS’ AID FOR SAFETYURGED IN NY TUXFORD ‘WORLD’S CHAMP’ IN SAFETY 4-DAY BATTLE SAVES CRIPPLED FELTORE; SHIP BACK IN ACTION ALA. LEASES TIDAL LAND OIL FIELDS MANNING SCALES FACE FMB CUTS MEBA RAPS NMU ATTACK ON OFFICERS HOUSE POLE-AXES FUNDS FOR NEW US-FLAG SHIPS GOOD-WILL DEED EARNS FRENCH OCKERS’ PRAISE MAJOR PROGRESS SINCE ’51 MAKS MCS BIRTHDAY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4/12/1957 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XIX, No. 8  1957 Periodicals Seafarers Log