http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c55770bd9da2fc7e398b2c7edbfcf22f.PDF e0a216a7c895946a51dae11cf8fc9995 PDF Text Text 1^700 in Virgin Isles Join SIU SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL ORGAN Of THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO CRACK RUNAWAY JOB ISSUE We Did It!' Win Organizing Rights Aboard Foreign Ships Operators OK Union Program To Revive Industry^ Boost Jobs 4 Percent Money Cain To Apply On Pensions^ Vacations And Welfare Stories On Page 8 Editorial On Curran Sellout By Paul Hall i See Page 2 Annual Report Of The SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN filed with The NY State Insurance Department Page 26 �Pace TIM SEAFARERS LOG JWM,lNi.»V virgin Islands Union Official Visits SiU Behind The Confracf Smokesereen: 'Courage'-Curran Style By Pa^ HaU To all outward appearances, the current maritime contract beef is a confused and compli­ cated tangle. Actually the issue was simple and clear cut. It was simply whether US sea­ men's unions were going to fight to preserve their members' jobs or walk away from the basic problems created by the^ growth of the runaway fleets. means that Curran put the whole ships to the dictates of the ship­ The confusion was the prod issue aside for the four years of owner.' This will make organizing net of a fog thrown up by NMU Pres­ ident Curran to cover up his fiasty retreat. The fact is, which every seaman should know, that Curran surrendered unconditionally in a completely cowardly manner. From now on, no runaway shipowner has anything to fear from the NMU. He has that guarantee in writing from Curran. When Cur­ ran dropped the issue, he agreed to turn it over to a fact-finding board whose recommendations would not be binding — which Louis Goffin Dies At 61 the agreement. Once Opposed Runaways It should be remembered that at the beginning, all unions, the NMU included, made the runaway problem the Number One issue. Curran made that clear in several issues of "The Pilot." He threat­ ened that the operators would have to sign with him for the runaways or else. His first demand was, "1. Amendment to the contract recognition clause to include for­ eign-flag vessels which the con­ tracting companies were operat­ ing." However, when the operators, in Curran's words, "took the in­ flexible position of not bargain­ ing on'any of the union's economic demands unless the union were first to withdraw its demand on the foreign-flag issue," Curran caved in. He threw away any op­ portunity to protect his member­ ship against the runaways for the next four years. SIU Rejects Sellout I reported to the SIU headquar­ ters meeting on Monday, July 3, that if our Union had agreed to drop the runaway-flag issue, we could have gotten double in the money package.. But if for a few measely bucks we would surrender on so vital an issue affecting sea­ men's security, we would have no right to call ourselves a union. There was no question but that the membership agreed fully with this position. Seamen have long been clamoring for action on this run­ away problem. The meeting unan­ imously ratified the provisions of the contract. In selling out on this runaway job issue, Curran did more than damage his own membership". The Masters, Mates and Pilots also suf­ fered. They had originally been in agreement with the engineers, and other member unions of the NCMB, to stand firm on this issue. When Curran broke and ran out on the issue the MM&P leader­ ship didn't have the courage to stand up and fight it through. In­ stead, they look the easy way out by swallowing the Curran line. It Is interesting to note that the membership of Local 88, the largest in the MM&P, has re­ pudiated the union leadership and voted down the contract. The record shows, when all is said and done, that only the NCMB unions stood their ground, and only they won protection for US seamen's jobs. It is shameful that others abandoned their member- NEW YORK—One of the vet­ erans of the seafaring union move­ ment, Louis Goffin, died here June 26 after a long illness. He was 61. An active union member for 40 years, Goffin first went to sea in 1921 and took part in the his­ toric 1921 sea­ men's strike dur­ ing which the powers of the Government were used to virtually destroy the International Seamen's Un­ Goffin ion. Neverthe­ less, Goffin kept up his union at­ tachment, continuing to sail dur­ ing the dark days of the 1920's and 1930's. The columns of the SEAFARERS LOG were often en­ livened by his description of what It was like to ship out of the old "fink halls" maintained by the U.S. Shipping Board and how novice seamen learned their duties from the bosun's "educated toe." Goffin transferred from the old ISU to the SIU in 1939, shortly after it was chartered and was active in many of the Union's early ©rganizing drives. Subsequently, in 1941 he was named as patrol­ man in the port of New York. He aerved at various times as assistant secretary-treasurer, Philadelphia agent, and Jacksonville agent. Since 1947, he had been repeatedly elected as dock patrolmen or joint patrolman in the Port of New York. He became ill in February of this year and had been bedridden since then. Goffin is survived by his wife, Dorothy. Funeral services were held on June 28 at Schwartz Brothers Funeral Home in Queens. June, 19il Burial was in Knollwood Cemetery, Cypress Hills, Queens. the runaways considerably more difficult, but the Job will be done nevertheless. It's a. certainty that, having deserted this important issue, Cur­ ran will launch "all out" offensives to cover his retreat. He will at­ tack the other unions with a vari­ ety of loose and unfounded mis­ representations, which are so characteristic of him. Curran's press clippings have made much of the fact of his well advertised "militancy" and "cour­ age." Unfortunately, what he showed at these negotiations was not courage, but something else. It was plain and simple cowardice in the face of the enemy. When ,uch cowardice shows up in a sP uation involving the livelihood and security of seamen, then it is no longer a private affair. It becomes a public issue because of its un­ happy impact on the future of American seamen. Jersey Tables Curbs On Port Union Groups TRENTON—Organized labor in the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York scored a victory when the New Jersey legislature adjourned without acting on a labor curb bill sponsored by the Bi-State Waterfront Commission. The bill would have greatly ex­ panded the commission's authority to interfere in the legitimate picketline and strike activity of harbor unions. The legislation had already been passed in New York State. In ad­ dition to the opposition of the Port Council, it had drawn the fire of AFL-CIO President George Meany, as well as of AFL-CIO unions in the New York-New Jersey area. Mrs. Ruth Smith, secretary of the Virgin Islands Labor Union, discusses operations of SIU clinics with Dr. Joseph Loguey medical director, during visit to SIU headquarters. The' 1,700-member group has affiliated with the SIU. Virgin Isle Union Votes To Join SIU ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands—The SIU's base in the Carib­ bean was considerably strengthened last month with the an­ nouncement that the 1,700 member Virgin Islands labor union had formally affiliated with the SIU. the Musician's Union. It is headed Coupled with the 5,000 by Earle B. Ottley, who is also a members of the SIU Puerto Rico Division, the addition of the Vir­ gin Islands group gives the SIU a membership of 6,700 workers in the Caribbean area, whiqh is a center of runaway ship operations. Maritime Federation At the last SlUNA convention, delegates had voted to participate in a Caribbean maritime federa­ tion, which would include SIU affiliates In the area as well as maritime unions from the West Indies Federation, Venezuela and other Caribbean countries. The Virgin Islands union already las close ties with other Caribbean unions since it is a member of the Caribbean Congress of Labor. Union Leader Is Senator The newly-affiliated Virgin Islands union is the only union in the islands with the exception of member of the island's senate. Mrs. Ruth Smith, treasurer of the union, said that the group has a membership goal of 3,000. For­ merly affiliated directly with the AFL-CIO, the union decided on SIU affiliation after surveying the operations of the SIU's Puerto Rico Division. Publishes Newspaper Tlie Vlfgin Island's Union is ac­ tive on all three of the major islands-^St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. It represents workers in shops, manufacturing and other phases of the island's economy. The total population of the islands is in the vicinity of 30,000. The union, which is just a few years old, publishes a newspaper "The Defender" twice a month and is an active participant in iiSland affairs. NCMB Presents Contract Demands SEAFARERS LOG Union Has Cable Address Seafarers overseas who want to get in touch with headquar­ ters in a hurry can do so by cabling the Union at its cable iuldress, SEAFARERS NEW YORK. Use of this address will assure speedy transmission on all mes­ sages and faster service for the men involved. Vol. XXIII, No. t PAUL HALL, President HEBBEBI BRAND, Editor. BERNARD SEA­ MAN, Art Editor. HERMAN ARTHUR, AL MASKIN, CHARLES BEAUMET, ALBERT AMATEAU, ARTHUR MARKOWITZ, Staff Writers. Publlshea mommy at tne headquartart of tha Seafarart Intarnational Union, At­ lantic Gulf, Lakas and Inland Watars District, AFL-CIO, 675 Fourth Avanua, Brooklyn 3J, NY. Tel. HYacinth 9-6600. Second class Dostage paid at tha Post Office In Brooklyn, NY, under tha Act of Aug. 24, 1913. 120 While US ship operators listen attentively, Jesse Calhooh, chairman of the National Com­ mittee for Maritime Bargaining details program for revitalizing US maritime and providing job security for American seamen. Charts illustrate defects in existing maritime policies and need tor a new approach along lines proposed by the NCMB. (See centerfold.) �Ia^'^lMl>' Fare Thl^ •- * *% SEAFARERS £00 Unions Win On Runaways SIU, MEBA Succeed In Fight To Strengthen Job Security NEW YORK—^Maritime unions in the National Committee for Maritime Bar­ gaining scored an historic "first" for US seamen when operators represent-! ing almost half of the US merchant marine agreed that the unions have the right to organize US operators' for­ grant.the unions the right to go Alcoa, which has a sizable runawayeign - flag affiliates. The aboard their foreign-flag ships for flag fleet, and Bloomfield, plus a breakthrough scored by the organizing purposes. The operators smattering of small operators. Both wili bargain with the unions when­ companies had assigned their bar­ SlU and the Marine En­ ever they show they represent a gaining rights to the AMMl. Con­ gineers Beneficial Associa­ majority of any foreign-fiag crew sequently their crews were still on strike when the US courts issued tion came in the face of involved. The contracts also provide for a fierce opposition from the joint union-shipowner committee to American Merchant Marine "formulate and take all necessary Institute, headed by John steps to effectuate a program and Picketing two Bloomfield SS Company vessels In New Orleans at the Perry Street wharf are (I. to r.) Seafarers A. P. Richoux, Raymond Holder,Jomos T. Beasley and Horen Weintroub and MEBA engineer William E. Danese. Bloomfield and Alcoa refused to sign a contract. Franklin, and its allies, the major international oil companies. In addition to the key vic­ tory on the runaway issue, the contract calls for a four per­ cent monetary gain, which will be used, to improve welfare, pension and vacation benefits for Seafarers. The agreement runs for one year. The agreements signed by the SIU with Atlantic and Gulf con­ tracted operators, by the MEBA with the same group and with Pacific Coast operators, specifically Future Of Shipping,, Jobs Was Major Contract Issue NEW YORK—The basic issue in the maritime contract dispute; now-temporarily halted by a Taft-Hartley injunction, is between those who want a bigger merchant marine with more jobs and those.who would like to see it shrink. On the one side are the member unions of the Na­ to drop their demands on the run­ in Washington. Further, the eco­ tional Committee For Mari­ aways and their proposals for a nomic burden of the package would time Bargaining who offered a pro­ gram to expand the Industry and job opportunities for seamen. On the other side are the policy mak­ ers of the American Merchant Ma­ rine Institute, consisting of a handful of subsidized companies led by John Franklin of US Lines, and the major international oil and metals companies who haye a heavy investment in runaway ships. The firm alliance between the Franklin group and the oil com­ panies arises out of a situation in which "one hand washes the other." The objectives of the group union voice on a joint policy-mak­ ing GommitteSj the AMMl hoped to accomplish both alms. Eiimination of the policy-making commit­ tee would leave the AMMl with clear Sailing as the principle voice of the industry and would enable it to press its monopoly program severely damage the independent, unsubsidized companies, At the same time, the package would as­ sure total immunity to the runa­ ways. Such companies as Texaco, Gulf, National Bulk, States Marine and United Fruit would be guar(Continued on page 7) The Maritime Union, und |Joseph Curran, won a " money deal :involvini oi In - this agreement also was the dropping of what had once been the prime demand of all the unions: bargaining rights on foreign-fiag ships under American control but registered under so-called Vflags of con­ venience." Some unions still in­ sist on this point, and also on a pledge to let unions have a voice in such industry problems bs subsidy distribution. Excerpt from "New York Times" of July 2, 1961, de­ scribes nature of AMMl "package" deal, and drop­ ping of runaway flag issue. Here's What Union Won: The Big Gain: Job Security Today, as the NCMB pointed out in its pro­ gram, there are less than 900 active ships in the US merchant marine and employment for seamen Is less than in the depression year of 1939. The unions of the NCMB agreed that the principal issue to be faced up to in the negotiations was the job potentiai of the Industry and its effects on sea­ men's job security. The contract negotiated by the NCMB unions reflects that concern over seamen's jobs. 4" led by Franklin are nothing less than a complete monopoly of US Government maritime appropria­ tions. In seeking this monopoly, the Franklin group would find the going much easier if they could seriously cripple the rest of the merchant marine. The oil and metals companies, on their part, are simply out lo operate their foreign-flag carriers without interference. By offering a "package" deal which would require the unions establish poiicies for the develop­ ment and growth of the American mercfhant marine." .Consequently, the unions will have a voice in determining industry policies which affect the jobs and security of seamen. ^ The agreement was ratified by the SIU headquarters membership meeting on July 3 and is now be­ ing acted on in other SIU ports. Practicaily all SlU-contracted operators have been accounted for with the principal exception of t 4« Q. What are the basic contents of the contract won by the SIU? A. It has three basic provisions. The first gives the SIU the right to go aboard foreign-flag ships affiliated with SlU-contracted companies for the purposes of organizing. The second kets up a joint union-industry committee to act on maritime issues affecting seamen's employment. The third provides a four percent monetary Improvement to be applied to various fringe benefits. i 4it Q. How many foreign-fiag ships are involved and what can we do about them? A. The SIU group of companies signed thus far has affiliations with weii over 200 foreign-flag ships. Over 40 of these are under runaway flags and the others under other maritime fiags. The number of ships may turn out to be far greater. SIU organizers can now board these vessels, just as an SIU representative can go aboard a contracted vessel. When a majority of the crew designates the SIU as bargaining agent, then the operator agrees to recognize the Union on that ship and to negoti­ ate a contract. 4 4 Q. What will be the function of the joint unionindustry committee? Why is it important to seamen? A. Up until now there has been no central body speaking for the industry and its workers. As a re­ sult, the Franklin group has captured the role of industry spokesman and has used its position to favor the major subsidized companies. The new committee will work to revamp the mer­ chant marine program of the United States to bene­ fit the entire industry; to support the revival of the neglected domestic trades; to work toward the es­ tablishment of an adequate American-flag fleet in the bulk cargo and oil cargo field. In the final analysis, all of this activity would greatly increase job opportunities for American seamen. Naturally, in discussing the overhaul of the mer­ chant marine program, the subsidy question would arise. The union members on the committee are committed to the principle that any subsidy program must look toward expansion of the industry and de­ velopment in areas of changing trade patterns. 4 4 4 Q. How will the four percent monetary settlement be applied? A. The Union is making a study, on the basis of which it will work out a program to apply the four percent in the areas most needed. Such areas could include improving existing welfare and disabilitypension benefits, expanding vacation benefits, or developing new protection for seamen. a Taft-Hartley restraining order on July 3. Also unsettled were the contracts between the MEBA and the Institute group. SIUNA President Paul Hall mads it clear that as soon as the 80-dar cooling: off period has ended, the SIU intends to resume strike action against those operators who have not yet signed the agreements. Despite the SlU's and MEBA'i success, the National Maritime Union surrendered on the crucial runaway issue. It abandoned it^ principal demands in this and other areas, accepting instead a "pack­ age" cooked up by Franklin and the oil companies. The four-year NMU agreement took the heat off the oil and metals companies on the (Continued on pagf 7t The Ship Tie-Up, Blow By Blow: The following summarizes the major events in the ship contract beef: • All unions whose contracts expire June 15 asked for ship­ owner concessions on runaway ships. The AMMl and its allies, the major tanker companies, refused to discuss the issue. s OK June IS and 1«, the SIU and MEBA signed 65 com­ panies with over 260 vessels to a one year contract provid­ ing: the right to organize some 200 US-eontrolled foreign-flag ships; the establishment of a joint union-shipowner commit­ tee to work for expanded job opportunities; improvements in fringe benefits. » Both unions rejected feel­ ers from AMMl that a "pack­ age" offer would be available if they dropped their demands on the runaways and formation of the committee. • The US Government pro­ posed a 45-day cooling-off period with a fact-finding board to make recommendations. This was turned down as undermin­ ing collective bargaining. • The NMU surrendered on the runaway ship issue, in re­ turn for a four-year "package" aeai. Aunsequentiy, tne AKA and MM&P signed a similar package. • The MEBA signed the Pacific Maritime Association to its basic program. PMA had previously been committed to the AM5II position. • The Government obtained a restraining order under TaftHartley, compelling all unions to return to work, leaving the following contracts open: AMMl with MEBA: SIU with Alcoa, Bloomfield and a handful of small operators; MM&P with the Pacific Maritime Associa­ tion. SIU Pacific District con­ tracts do not expire until Sep­ tember 30. » �•Ajimtfgmi SEAPARMttS rt&e f^ Seafarer-Graduate Discusses Future What P&l Insurance Covers by Capt. Milton Williams (Ed. note: This u the fifth in a series of articles written for the SEAFARERS LOG by Captain Milton Williams, formerly vice-president and operating manager of Bull Lines. Captain Williams, who is now retired, will discuss the various phases of American-flag ship operation in these articles from an independent management viewpoint.) Most seamen during their years at sea will come into contact with companies insur­ ing the vessels on which they sail. This contact may be in the nature of a claim for injury or as a witness in connection with some aspect of their ship's operation. The two major groups of ' underwriters are those cover­ tions were enacted establishing sel, the trade in which she may ing the hull and machinery, the liabilities and responsibilities be .employed, the owner's ojperating experience, kind of cargo car­ and those providing protec­ of Shipowners. The coverage under P&I has ried, loss record, number of pas­ tion and Indemnity insurance for the shipowner. Protection and been broadened to meet these sengers carried, if any, and so on. Also, of course, we must take Indemnity insurance is usually changing conditions. Among the into consideration the operating called P&I insurance. The impor­ risks now covered are: 1. Liabilities for loss of cost of the underwriters, plus a tance of P&I will become apparent life of, and personal injury margin for catastrophic losses. •when one realizes the great variety to, and illness of seamen, pas­ The highest cost of premiums of claims against the owner that sengers, longshoremen and for P&I is paid by passenger ves­ this policy covers. other persons. sels. Second is the combination Marine protection and Indem­ 2. Expenses incurred in re­ passenger-freight ship, followed nity insurance is insurance to patriating seamen. by general cargo ships, tankers, cover shipowners, charterers, ship Seafarer Ed Skon^f (left), who hat just graduated New 3. Liabilities arising out of bulk dry cargo ships and colliers. operators and others having an in a collision which are not York Univerilty, ditcustet future plans with Profettor Otcar ' It can readily be seen that it is curable interest in a vessel against covered by hull policies. • to the shipowner's advantage to . Cargill of the NYU faculty. Skorupski is now on the Robin liabilities arising out of ownership 4. Liabilities for cargo loss reduce his loss record—in other Locksley as chief electrician. or operation of a vessel, be it a or damage. words, claims. His permiunu are, email harbor craft or a large 5. Liability for damage to in the final analysis, paid on the ocean-going liner. docks, buoys, bridges, cables basis of the record his company The insurance law of the State and other fixed or movable was able to make over the years of New York defines marine pro­ property. —in other words, his experience tection and indemnity insurance as 6. Damages caused other rating. follows: than by collision such as The cost of P&I insurance on "Marine protection and indem­ damage from propeller wash. American-flag ships is very high. nity insurance, meaning insurance 7. Fines and penalties. It will be reduced only by the full against, or against legal liability 8. Quarantine expenses. and wholehearted cooperation of of the insured, for loss, damage or 9. Liability for wreck re­ June is graduation month for two more Seafarers who had every single individual on board, expense arising out of, or incident moval. whether he is the master or mess- been awarded SIU scholarships in past years. Seafarer Ed­ to, the ownership, operation, char­ 10. Expenses in defending man. ward Skorupski, who sailed as electrician has received his tering, maintenance, use, repair or unfounded claims of seamen The cost of premiums paid for diploma from New York Uni--^' construction of any vessel, craft and other employees. by P&I are, of course, an operat­ versity this month, while Sea­ ment when he got his Scholarship, or instrumentality in use in ocean 11. Expenses for putting in ing expense and reflect. In the won the SIU $6,000 award in 1957. or inland waterways, including to land an injured or sick end, the ability of the American farer Donald Peterson is grad­ He has successfully completed his uating from Swarthmore College, liability of the insured for per­ seaman. ship to compete for cargo with four-year college studies although sonal injury, illness or death or 12. Liability for uncollectforeign operators. This is well Swarthmore, Pa. for loss of or damage to the prop­ Skorupski majored in English at he never finished high school, able cargo's proportion of known to Union officials and is re­ since he had to drop out to go to erty of another person." general average. flected in their ever-increasing NYU's Washington Square Col­ work at 17. Subsequently he quali­ 13. Costs, charges and ex­ drive to promote safeHy on board, lege. Peterson also took a liberal The name, "protection and in­ fied for college by taking a test penses In connection with any arts course and has been accepted demnity" means little, if anything, not only to relieve the suffering for a high school equivalency of the above insured liabili­ to the man unfamiliar with ship­ caused by accidents to its mem­ for graduate work at Harvard diploma given by the state of Con­ ties. ping. A more understandable bers, but also to reduce the cost University, where he plans to necticut and was successful in The above list, while large, does of ship operations. major in education after a summer name for this class of insurance obtaining a scholarship award. not include all the items covered would be, "ship operator's liability In future articles, we will go voyage. • Peterson won his award in 1959, by P&I. Skorupski, who had sailed for insurance." into more detail on the items cov-; Obviously, it is apparent that a ered by P&L ten years in the engine depart^ after putting in some collegB The rjiipstion might be a.sked, schooling on his own time, in be­ policy to protect the owner from "Why not change the name so as tween trips. The 30-year-old Sea­ to make the meaning clear? The all of the claims which may be farer, a Philadelphia resident, made' against him or the ship answer is that P&I is well known served as a volunteer shipboard and universally used, so that the must be quite expensive. The organizer for the SIU on non-union premiums the owner must pay change could cause confusion. ships and sailed for a number of cannot be determined by looking Quite frankly, many volumes years in the deck department. in the little black book of tables, have been written on the various Peterson has received permis­ as is the case with life or fire in­ interpretations which the courts sion from the trustees of the Sea­ surance. On the contrary, the in­ have put on P&I and there are still surance rates charged by the com­ Apparently the world Communist movement is growing increasingly farers Welfare Plan to apply the many controversie.s today. .There­ concerned about the activities of the AFL-CIO in combating Communist balance of his scholarship award' panies are determined as a result fore, I will stick to basic facts penetration of trade unions, as well as in supporting anti-Communist to graduate studies. of a study of Company experience. only. There is no fixed rate of pre­ efforts in other areas. The AFL-CIO's activities in this area were the P&I insurance has frequently mium for P&I, nor do the under­ target of an angry blast in a recent Issue of "The Worker," official pub­ been referred to as the catch-all writers rate *all risks alike. It is lication of the Communist Party, USA. The inference was that the insurance. This is not exactly cor­ largely a matter of individual Party was finding AFL-CIO backed opposition a serious obstacle to Its rect because it does not cover underwriting judgment. In mak­ plans. all the problems. Nevertheless, It ing a determination of the P&I Among the areas of concern to the Communists, is the AFL-CIO's is a type of insurance which be­ premiums for fleets, various fac­ support of democratic trade union leaders from Cuba who fled that comes involved in so many of the tors are taken into consideration. country to escape Communist vengeance. Obviously, the Communists SIU membership meet­ daily shipboard occurrences that The type of vessel, age of the ves- fear that Cuban trade unionists can supply effective leadership to antiIt is considered to cover every­ Castro movements In that country. Another sensitive area Is Berlin, ings are held regularly thing not covered by hull and where the East German Communists have long had a hard time keep­ once a month on days in­ machinery Insurance. ing rein on German workers, who can see the evidence of greater dicated by the SIU Con­ prosperity on the other side of the Iron Curtain. American shipowners have stitution, at 2:30 PM in i 4> 3^ available, in the United States, several P&I insurance companies Danish seamen, who recently conducted a worldwide strike for a new the listed SIU ports below. which are able to adequately cover contract, faced the problem of scabbing in several are-^s. In New York All Seafarers are ex­ all risks. Prior to World War I, for example, one of the downtown Job agencies, which makes a living In order to provide ample seat­ supplying $100 a month crewmembers to runaway ships, was happy pected to attend. Those there were no American compa­ nies and most of American-flag ing space for Seafarers, the head­ to oblige with three shipboards of scabs to take three Maersk ships who wish to be excused P&I was carried by British firms. quarters membership meetings are out behind the picket lines. But New York wasn't the only trouble P&I insurance companies were now being held in Prospect Hall, spot. In Helsinki, Finland, the Finnish Seamen's Union reports that should request permission formed about 1850 in Great Brit­ at 263 Prospect Avenue, Brook­ Communist-controlled dockworkers were ordered to unload the struck by telegram (be sure to ain to protect the shipowners lyn. ships even though all Scandinavian seamen's and dockworkers unions include registration num­ The hall, which is situated be­ agreed to support the beef. In addition, in the Finnish port of Kotka against damage resulting from tween 5th and 6th Avenues, a trainees in the dock foreman's school were ordered to act as strike­ ber). The next SIU meet­ laws passed in that country. ings will be: Originally, P&I insurance cov­ short walk from SIU headquar­ breakers. ered only loss-of-life claims, but ters, can accommodate a consid­ t) New York August 7 as time went on the need for broad erably larger number and should Workers in Cuba, who are having a hard time getting some of the protection became increasingly be more than adequate to handle basic necessities of living, are now being ordered to go out and cut Philadelphia August 8 manifest. Steam supplanted sail. attendance at Union meetings. In sugar cane. All construction work has been halted so that the building Baltimore August 9 Vessels increased in size and addition, the new meeting hall tradesmen are compelled to cut cane, and all public works employees Augusft II value. Voyages became longer and •site will enable the Union to have also been ordered off their regular jobs for the same purpose. Detroit more frequent. The amount and make more effective use of space In addition, other workers are being pressed to "volunteer" for week­ Houston August 14 value o£- cargo increased.- The in the present Union hiring hall, end work in the cane fields. The forced labor reflects the lag in the New Orleans August 15 number of persons carried on which doubled as a meeting hall Cuban sugar harvest upon which the country depends for its foreign Mobile August 16 board increased. Laws and regula­ up until now. trade. Two Seafarers Graduate Via SIU Scholarships LABOR 'ROUND THE WORLD SCHEDULE OF SIU MEETINGS SlU Moves Hq Meetings \t �nfnM,rlMl ' SEAFARERS IBI| Dr^geman Rescued LOG Aure Hr« ICC Reverses Field, Criticizes RR Bid For Ships' Cargoes WASHINGTON—Coastwise shipping may finally be getting fairer treatment at tha hands of the Interstate Commerce Commission. This was indicated by a recent commission ruling involving Seatrain Lines and Sea-Land, both SlU-contracted companies, and the only two lines operating in the+' coastal trade. tion policy which is to encourage ruling represents some respons* The ICC ordered cancella­ all modes of transportation and to criticism of its past practices. tion of a proposed reduction of allrail rates on paint or varnish driers as an obvious attempt to take away the business of the shipping companies. The decision was based on the rule of ratemaking added to the Interstate Commerce Act in 1958 which, although forbidding the ICC to hold up rates of one mode of transportation to protect an­ other, requires the commission to consider the national transporta­ prohibit destructive rate practices. Maritime unions and the remain­ ing companies in the domestic trades have complained that the ICC, in its eagerness to please the railroads, has studiously ignored the objectives of the act. The union charges were largely upheld, by the Senate subcommittee which held hearings on the problems of coastwise shipping last year. Consequently, maritime unions are hopeful that the latest ICC Ludwig Bednor, a member of the Great Lokes IBU Dredge Section, was the first man rescued from Great Lakes Dredge and Dock's Dredge No. 2 which went adrift in the Michigan City, Indiana, harbor last month. Bednor, 51, suffered back injuries and was the only member of the five-man crew hurt. Kennedy Wonid End FMB; Revise Shipping Agencies THE SIU INLAND BOATMAN WASHINGTON—A complete overhaul-of Government ma­ chinery for regulating the maritime industry has been pro­ posed by President Kennedy. The President sent a reorgani­ zation plan to Congress which"*' would abolish the present ministration of the subsidy pro­ Federal Maritime Board and gram. The Secretary of Commerce The first convention of the Inland Boatmen's Union of the SIU held in May, mapped a program for aiding the inland waterways industry and extending the benefits of IBU representation both to unorganized boat­ men and to boatmen now represented by organizations which are not bonafide maritime unions. Officers of the IBU unanimously elected at the convention are: Robert Matthews, national director; A1 Kerr, secre­ tary-treasurer; Earl Shepard, Atlantic Coast area director; Lindsey Williams, Gulf Coast area director, and August Wolf, Great Lakes area director. 4- 4" The Railway Labor Executives Association has unanimously approved the SIU's application for membership in the million member organi­ zation representing 22 major labor unions. The SIU sought member­ ship in the RLE A to give added strength and representation to the IBM Railway Marine Region, since RLEA is the principal coordinating bbdy for railway labor in many fields of activity. 4' 4» 4' The National Labor Relations Board upheld the IBU victory in the Curtis Bay and McAllister fleets in Norfolk when it tnfew out eliarges filed by District 50. The IBU defeated the "catch-all" district in an NLRB election in the Hampton Roads area. Tugmen in the Gatco fleet in the same arda also overwhelmingly voted for IBU representation. 4. - The Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Region of the IBU signed three firsttime contracts with newly established firms which will operate tugs and dredges in the Great Lakes region. 4« 4" 4" Coverage in the Seafarers Welfare Plan is considered likely for mem­ bers of the Railway Marine Region of the IBU. RMR and railway management have been meeting to consider a recommendation by a neutral party that railway tugmen be covered in the SIU welfare plan. 4- 4' 4' IBU Railway Marine Region members ended their voting for of­ ficials of the Region on June 16. The results of the election showed that the following candidates had been elected to their respective offices: G. P. McGinty, regional director, E. B. Pulver, assistant regional direc­ tor (Jersey City), C. T. Murre'll, assistant regional director (Norfolk), Poward Brower, B & O Railroad chairman, William Relyea, New Haven chairman, Frank Pirone, New York Central chairman, Joe Fadde, Brooklyn Eastern District chairman, Woodrow Fuller, Bush Terminal chairman, James Waters, New York Dock chairman, L. A. Burdell, Pennsylvania Railroad chairman (Philadelphia), and Richard H. Avery C & O chairman (Norfolk). give the Secretary of Commerce the job of passing upon subsidy awards. The purpose of the reorganiza­ tion, is to separate the regulatory function from the Job of develop­ ing and prompting merchant ship­ ping. Under the existing set-up, the Federal Maritime Board and its related body, the Maritime Administration, both had regula­ tory and promotional functions. These, the President said, con­ flicted with each other, since in the interest of promoting the in­ dustry, the regulatory function went by the wayside on many occa­ sions. Dilute Responsibilities "Intermingling of regulatory and promotional functions has tended, in this instance to dilute respon­ sibility and has led to serious inadequacies, particularly in the administration of regulatory func­ tions," the President declared. To complicate matters, the Mari­ time Administrator was also chair­ man of the FMB, giving him a split personality as far as regulat­ ing and promoting was concerned. The two agencies also shared other employees., Under the new set-up, a five man Maritime Commission would be established. This would be the "court" for the industry, which make all the decisions on regula­ tion cases. The Maritime Adminis­ tration would continue as the agency responsible for technologi­ cal advances, for supervising the design and construction of new ships and for the day-to-day ad­ would have direct authority over the award of subsidies, a function which for practical purposes would be handled by the MA. Esse, Socony Divvy Up Afro-Asian Markets Technically* two separate oil companies since 1911, Stand­ ard Oil of New Jersey (Esso) and Standard Oil of New York (Socony-Mobil) have made a new arrangement to divvy up oil operations in West Africa," Australia, Indonesia, Japan Company) was set up as a jointlyand Southeast Asia, involving owned venture of Esso and Socony a total market of close to a billion people. The new arrangement involves a half-interest for each company in a tanker fleet of 26 whollyowned ships, plus another 51 ves­ sels under charter. All of the ships involved are under runaway flags, or various foreign flags. Result Of Government Action The revision in the set-up was the result of Government anti­ trust action dating back to 1953 with respect to foreign marketing operations. The official Esso pubr lication "The Lamp," put it this way: "Concurrently with the an­ nouncement. of the forthcoming Stanvac reorganization Jersey signed a consent decree that ended the litigation, but did not admit any violation of the law." Stanvac (Standard Vacuum Oil 4" 4" 4" Five members of the SIU Great Lakes Inland Boatmen's Union were rescued after spending a night on a derrick buffeted by high winds in Michigan City harbor last month. Shortly after the rescue, the craft; derrick dredge No. 2, owned by the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Com­ pany, sank. One man, Ludwig Bednor, was injured when a wave slammed him into the winch during the rescue. The other crewmembers, Nick Grbich, H. K. Benell, Ambrose Meagher, and J. J. Sweeney, were treated for exposure to the high winds and cold water. The acci­ dent occurred when the dredge broke loose from the tug which was towing it into the harbor on May 26. A storm prevented Coast Guard men from rescuing the crew who had to stay on the vessel for 12 hours. PORTO'CALL in the Eastern Hemisphere back in 1933, thus disposing of tha problem of competition in that area between the two companies. A map published in the magazina shows that Esso will take over tha business in India, Pakistan, Burma, Thailand, Tanganyika, South Ko­ rea, Malaya, the Northern Philip­ pines, and South Vietnam among others. Socony will operate in Somali, Ethiopia, the Union of South Africa, New Zealand, the Rhodesias, the southern half of the Philippines, New Guinea and Hong Kong. Joint Operations Both companies have agreed to operate jointly or side by side in Japan, Indonesia, Formosa and Australia. In a gesture of appeasement to­ ward the anti-trust division tha announcement adds that "neither company is restrained from enter­ ing any area where an interest is received by the other." Observers would be vastly surprised though if, for example, Socony Mobil were to poke its nose into Esso's pre­ serve in India or vice-versa. Don't Send Your Baggage COD 4« 4" 4" The IBU arid the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association are com­ bining their efforts to organize numerous river fleets in the Midwest. The major targets include unorganized boatmen and companies pres­ ently under contract to District 50 of the United Mine Workers. The MEBA recently won an important victory by defeating District 50 in a National Mediation Board election in the Erie-Lackawanna •Railroad. The electipn involved 51 licensed engineers on Erie-Lackawanna tugs and ferries. The ICC ruling on the paint or varnish drier rates noted that 1£ railroads were allowed to charge rates equal to water carriers, SeaLand and Seatrain would be able to" attract very little, if any, of the traffic and would be threatened with extinction. The ruling said that allowing the rail rates to drop to the water rates would be in contravention of the national transportation policy calling for the development and preservation of a transport system by water, highway and rail as well as other forms adequate to meet the need of US commerce and na­ tional defense. The ICC referred to a similar decision in 1960 involving PanAtlantic, Sea-Land's predecessor, in which the commission estab­ lished a six percent differential la -favor of the water carrier as op­ posed to trailer-on-flatcar service. In the current case, the ICO ruled unanimously in favor of giv­ ing the water carriers the right to establish Itself as the . "low-cost" transport medium. In the earlier ruling, one commissioner protested the establishment of a water-rail differential. -izie E.B'^LTiwoeE 'Jeafarers are again warned not to send their baggage COD to any Union hall. The Union cannot accept delivery of any baggage where express charges have not been prepaid. Men who send baggage COD to Union halls face the prospect of having to go to a lot of trou­ ble and red tape with the Railvvay Express Co. ^11 �Pace 8tz S^I^AFARSMS 'Immt, IHI lOQ SEAFARERS ROTARY SHIPPING HOARD (Figures On This Page Cover Deep Sea Shipping Only In the SlU AtlantiCj Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District.) May 1 Through May 31, 1961 Sparked by an upsurge in in-transit ships, SIU shipping made a strong comeback in the month of May. A total of 2,674 jobs were shipped in all ports, well ahead of April's 2,240 totals. While payoffs and sign-ons varied only slightly from the March figures, there were an additional 26 ships making intransit calls. These apparently were responsible for the in­ crease in job opportunities. The ratio of registration on the beadh to total jobs shipped continues to be very favorable for class A men. With 2,331 men on the beach compared to the total of 2,674 jobsahipped, the class A group is assured of speedy shipping. All three seniority classes showed sharp increases in shipping during the month. Shipping in class 1-S also showed a marked im­ provement in May, with 33 men going out in the chief stew­ ard category compared to 21 in the previous month. New York and Houston again dominated the job picture, with each port shipping 485 men during the month. Houston had the most ship calls, 108, with 83 of these being of the intransit variety. New Orleans and New York both had 83 ships in, but New York had by far the largest number of payoffs. The traditional summertime pattern in engine room ship­ ping is showing up again as in past years. As against a total month's shipping figure of 972 jobs, there were also 643 class A men registered. In fact, j;he total registration of "A" and "B" men barely matched the month's shipping. It's always hard to fill those black gang jobs in the warm weather. Ship AefMfy Pay Si«« !• Offt On TroM. TOTAL i«stM 2 New York ... .'44 PhilodclpUa ..4 iolHmer* ....II Norfolk 1 JocfctoRvillo .. 4 Miami 2 Mobllo 10 Now Orioont ..20 Hoottoo 18 Wllminytoa ..1 Son FroocUco.. S Soottlo ..... 10 0 9 4 7 0 2 0 5 It 7 1 4 10 TOTALS ...Tiii 40 '7 } f 30 S3 21 24 20 30 23 24 14 20 0 10 14 31 44 83 83 108 14 14 12 21 4 24 248 448 DECK DEPARTMENT Registered CLASS A 1 Pjtrt Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Miami Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle TOTALS RegisteredCLASS B Shipped CLASS A Shipped CLASS B Shipped CLASS C GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP 3 ALL 1 1 S ALL 1 3 ALL 1 2 2 2 3 ALL 2 6 13 3 22 0 3 4 1 1 5 3 9 1 1 0 2 43 74 18 135 6 57 38 26 25 62 21 121 3 19 18 40 5 17 0 5 7 3 7 10 5 15 5 25 0 2 3 1 15 38 11 - 64 1 50 15 32 16 81 2 11 20 23 0 12 11 2 2 8 1 8 4 2 4 3 8 1 1 3 1 1 31 2 13 8 14 12 5 16 4 7 5 29 2 6 4 12 0 0 0 0 0 .-... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 34 11 69 1 3 12 16 10 22 37 3 3 15 5 9 75 20 140 7 45 37 28 16 17 54 28 40 7 23 20 50 77 24 148 2 47 87 28 144 6 18 47 29 28 30 64 16 4 2 2 12 22 0 7 9 3 2 17 2 0 2 4 18 23 5 46 3 IS 16 28 48 5 8 4 4 13 1 19 12 26 7 45 2 19 40 2 15 11 28 13 8 12 12 26 235 401 114 1 750 23 114 139 1 "276 171 373 125 66'9 34 117 110 261 GROUP 1 2 0 0 0 18 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 6 0 0 0 3 1 6 0 2 1 1 0 3 0 8 5 49 TOTAL SHIPPED CLASS 3 ALL A B 0 9 2 0 26 121 40 8 0 0 25 3 23 2 5 81 3 0 1 8 5 12 29 12 0 0 0 0 15 1 4 37 5 12 110 50 1 3 144 64 7 9 17-4 2 5 48 19 10 40 2 26 ~87 669 261 33 1 Registered On The Beach CLASS B CLASS. A GROUP GROUP 1 2' 3 ALL 3 ALL 2 C ALL 1 33 0 2 5 7 5 18 11 10 0 73 17 62 26 187 71 115 27 213 4 10 7 3 39 0 19 12 0 28 8 64 98 0 23 41 54 16 5- 109 28 10 6 4 17 0 11 0 12 6 1 8 1 6 23 1 1 11 12 53 11 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 8 11 71 0 33 9 56 29 4 19 20 40 8 206 1 12 172 78 120 45 19 21 92 5 41 24 3 211 27 8 6 2 26 0 15 2 9 31 9 8 6 2 50 0 7 22 5 72 21 34 2 10- 9 1 21 17 5 10 76 12 13 119 174 1"306 903 477 310 116 1 87 [1017 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Regiitered CLASS A Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Shipped CLASS B Miami Mobile New Orleans Houston. Wilmington San Francisco. Seattle TOTAL SHIPPED Shipped CLASS C GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP 1 2 3 ALL 12 3 ALL 12 3 ALL 12 3 ALL 6 0 1 8 0 9 0 4 0 4 0 4 2 3 1 2 27 82 6 115 6 29 24 59 17 66 9 92 4 88 10 52 3 23 0 0 2 18 2 4 13 20 0 2 8 5 3 43 1 5 20 18 5 33 39 5 61 3 39 7 18 20 41 15 1 8 3 6 8 1 4 1 6 12 1 5 0 3 2 1 1 9 11 0 8 5 13 1 13 1 15 0 4 3 7 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 32 5 44 2 6 4 12 2 22 10 4 28 1 5 16 70 16 12 98 1 34 20 55 17 70 |17 104 1 24 16 41 32 95 13 140 3 27 30 60 9 05 15 129 7 89 51 31 4 9 2 Id 1 3 8 5 4 6 15 1 3 7 4 3 23 5 8 36 2 8 1 11 3 8 12 4 9 2 15 1 5 33 6 44 2 17 13 32 4 33 16 6 43 2 7 25 105 422 68 |~595 19 165 124 1 308 77 377 73 527 24 179 104 1 307 a Jacksonville TOTALS Shipped CLASS A Registered CLASS B Registered Oi1 The Beach CLASS B CLASS A GROUP GROUP CLASS GROUP 3 ALL 3 ALL 12 2 3 ALL A 1 2 C ALL 1 B 5 xO 1 3 1 15 2 0 6 3 9 3 0 0 0 0 74 28 41 33 92 62 33 177 39 103 13 155 5 5 11 17 8 9 3 41 0 34 5 0 i 20 8 1 29 2 0 1 46 5 b2 2 25 19 47 96 10 0 3 4 51 41 4 1 7 18 0 5 2 0 12 15 4 13 1 0 0 0 0 3 10 10 0 6 4 1 36 3 6 6 14 15 7 14 1 7 3 2 3 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 6 15 8 53 1 8 0 1 2 28 16 2 46 10 35 1 89 36 104 13 22 1 41 36 181 20 84 14 118 4 45 40 88 9 23 41 9 39 15 20 129 1 17 2 89 20 238 34 10 3 6 14 1 10 1 0 3 6 9 15 7 31 3 9 7 40 0 3 4 3 8 12 32 4 15 8 35 5 0 4 8 17 21 1 8 17 1 25 10 78 3 1 8 1 10 43 1 9 69 60 138 527 307 138 j1 972 136 438 69 643 24 161 148 ["333 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Registered CLASS A Porf Bos -N. Y Phil Bal Nor Jac Mia Mob No Hou." Wil S. F Sea TOTALS Registered CLASS B Shipped CLASS A Shipped CLASS B GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP 1-9 1 3 ALL 1 2 3 ALL 1-9 1 2 3 ALL 1 2 3 ALL 2 0 1 1 6 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 ' 0 0 3 0 0 8 24 19 57 108 3 8 20 81 8 19 12 37 76 1 8 18 27 0 9 5 9 23 1 0 5 6 0 1 3 8 0 0 8 4 8 5 17 10 13 45 3 3 15 21 6 11 8 20 27 45 2 2 23 0 5 3 1 9 1 3 5 9 0 1 1 1 3 5 0 0 1 5 7 2 3 17 2 1 3 6 2 4 2 6 5 13 1 0 5 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 10 6 23 44 0 0 33 33 1 7 2 16 0 11 12 26 1 6 25 9 71 111 2 1 22 23 1 18 12 47 78 0 1 27 28 10 32 12 42 96 1 4 33 38 9 28 14 35 86 0 1 45 46 3 3 5 5 16 1 0 1 2 1 0 2 7 10 2 0 0 2 9 2 2 7 20 0 0 10 10 3 4 2 14 23 0 12 1 11 3 7 3 8 21 3 4 16 23 2 8 3 12 23 25 3 4 16 53 141 77 246 1 517 1 17" 24 164 { 205 33* 102 61 203 1 .399 10 17 165 1 192 Shipped CLASS C Registered On The Beach CLASS B CLASS A TOTAL SHIPPED CLASS GROUP S ALL A 1 2 B 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 18 76 27 3 12 2 8 8 0 0 2 11 45 27 1 1 9 0 1 5 0 1 1 13 13 6 1 0 12 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 , 3 26 12 0 0 10 78 28 0 0 10 46 13 86 1 0 12 7 10 2 0 1 6 11 .23 12 0 1 10 23 1 0 4 5 25 7 6 81 1 94 399 192 GROUP GROUP 3 ALL 2 1-a, 1 2 3 ALL 1 2 2 1 6 9 0 0 1 1 7 36 45 56 28 111 223 2 28 11 0 11 0 12 7 14 - 33 0 68 2 43 24 17 9 24 12 23 6 10 1 1 4 2 6 0 2 6 15 2 2 2 2 2 7 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 4 0 1 67 0 24 0 24 11 9 33 14 69 2 63 22 48 18 121 209 4 36 75 11 9 16 14 16 24 21 18 1 3 4 3 5 5 0 ' 5 4 15 32 0 1 11 2 11 12 3 8 22 2 19 7 4 4 13 94 1 685 106" 203 113 363 1 785 2N 50 202 1 277 C ALL 0 3 18 121 2 18 11 83 7 1' 13 82 0 1 3 41 10 116 13 145 19 7 46 11 53 5 SUMMARY 1 DECK ENGINE tSTfWARD CLASS A Registered GROUP 123 ALL 235 401 114 1 750 105 422 68 1 595 194 77 246 | 517 534 900 428 11862 Registered CLASS B GROUP 123 23 114 139 19 165 124 17 . 24 164 59 303 427 GRAND TOTALS t Group 1-s men totals included in Group 1 totals. • 1 man .shipped 1-s, class B. "1 man registered on beach 1-s, class B. Shipped CLASS A GROUP ALL 123 ALL 1 276 171 373 125 1 669 1 308 77 377 73 | 527 1 205 135 61 203 1 399 1 789 383 811 401 {1595 i• Shipped CLASS B Shipped CLASS C TOTAL SHIPPED CLASS GROUP GROUP 23 ALL A B C 1.2 8 ALL 1 49 33 1 87 669 261 87 34 117 110 261 5 69 60 1 138 527 307 138 24 179 104 307 9 6 81 1 94 399 192 94 10 17 165 192 . 7 68 313 379 760 21 124 1741319 1595 760 319 Registered On The Beach CLASS B CLASS A GROUP ALL 123 ALL |1017 310 477 116 1 903 | 972 136 438 69 | 643 | 685 309 113 363 1 785 , {2654 755 1028 548 {2331 GROUP 1 23 13 119 174 24 161 148 25 50 202 62 330 524 ALL 1 30.6 1 333 1 2ii j 916 �^Un SEAFARERS Tf 8enm, LOG Runaway Operator Testifies Joe Alclna, Safety Director Check Up On Personal Safety Gear One of the key points In any shipboard safety program is provision for regular inspection and maintenance of personal protective equip­ ment, such as respirators, goggles, saftey belts, gas masks, oxygen breathing apparatus (OBA) and similar gear. There is too little regard for such safety equipment most of the time; the feeling is that it will somehow take care of Itself. Yet these Items of personal Safety gear are subject to the same abuse, wear and tear as all other tools and equipment. Frequent Instruction and reminders on the use of the OBA, the limited value of gas masks (in areas where oxygW" content may be low) are just as important as regular fire and boat drills. It seems like "nuisance" sometimes to have to turn out for these instruction periods and drills; "everybody knows about them" is the atttiude. Anyone who reacts that way is loading the dice against himself and his shipmates. Extra Margin Of Safety Is Important Sure, disaster may never come. But what a break /or the whole gang if it has gone through the whole procedure on a dry run a couple of times before. Professionals, firemen ashore, go through the same rou­ tine as a drill regularly and this is bound to pay off in an emergency. The same applies to the personal safety equipment and its use. Some­ one has to be delegated as the responsible person for this gear. It has to be inspected before being issued and after each use. Any cleaning, repairing or drying out should be taken care of immediately after use —before the gear is put away. Improper storage will result in deteriora­ tion, particularly with canvas and rubber items. Iteplacements or stand­ by parts should be readily available. The extra margin of safety offered by the above, and many other long-established practices on American ships, drew a sharp blast a few days ago. The beef by one management spokesman was that US. ships have "too much" of an edge on safety over foreign ships and manage­ ment has to close this gap. He conceded at the same time that Ameri­ can ships are the safest in the world but said this accounts for a big cost item in US ship construction. Direct Solution; Turn Back The Clock His solution is simple and direct; Turn the clock back on American ships and bring the safety level down closer to the standards on the foreign-flaggers. This is a weird approach to the problem of competi­ tion. but typical of the attitude in some management quarters. The rea­ soning is that crew and passenger safety and comforts can be sacrificed right off the bat without hurting anybody. This comes up at a time when foreign ship lines are building new vessels with more and more American-style features and accomoda­ tions so they can drain off what's left of the US passenger and cargo trade. The cbmpartmentation and safety protection built into US ships are being adopted by more foreign lines all the time. These items are finally being recognized as matters of importance. The foreign vessels are closing the gap between our ships and their own by bringing their standards up to the American level. As was noted here, following the SIUNA convention last March, the US industry would do itself some good by insisting, as the unions have, on encouraging this trend—not by stopping it dead in its tracks. A new international cunventiun on sea safely, dedicated to bringing safety standards on foreign vessels up to those of the US, could do it. The SIUNA Convention in March in Puerto Rico urged the American shipowners to pay strict attention to safety aboard ship as a protection for passenger and crewmembers. It is a dictate of common sense that relaxed safety standards aboard American-flag vessels would not con­ tribute to the nation's merchant marine, but rather might give away another competitive advantage to foreign and runaway flag ships. (Comments and suggestions are invited by the Department and can be submitte(^ to this column care of the SEAFARERS LOG.) Seafarer At Ease in Safety Net Confidence in value'of gangway safety net Is demonstrated by Seafarer Norman Corthwright, OS on the Kyska (circled), as he convFortably relaxes in one for a posed shot by a LOS photographer. us Companies Finance Constniction Of Foreign-Owned Bulk Carriers WASHINGTON—The spokesman for the runaway shipping industry let the cat out of the bag on the nature of runaway operations when he testified before the House Commit­ tee on Ways and Means on proposals to tax runaway earnings. Erling D. Naess, president of Naess Shipping Company ^ —— told the Congressmen that can unions are entitled to Juris­ taining financing for the construc­ runaway ships, even when not diction over ships controlled by tion of the vessels and the major directly-owned by the companies or by Americans are financed by the American companies In whose behalf they operate. It has been reported that Ameri­ can oil and metals companies, as well as American ship operators, directly own some 460 ships under the runaway flag. (See back page). But maritime unions have con­ tended for some time that they control far more tonnage than that under the long-term charter device, there being some 1,600 ships in all under the runaway flags of Panama and Liberia. Naess' testimony confirmed that for practical purposes, these ships are built specifically for service in American trades and are financed accordingly. US firms, as well as owned directly by them. Naess' testimony reads In part as follows: "The majority of the vessels" [runaway-flag ships—ed.l "are leased under varying forms of longterm charters to major oil and steel companies for the transporta­ tion of such bulk cargoes as petrolum, iron ore and coal . . . "The charters themselves serve as the principal security for ob­ part of the charter hire paid by the oil and steel companies is paid over to the financing institu­ tion by way of amortization and interest." From the union point of view, if American companies financed th« construction of a vessel for their own use, the vessel is under their control from the moment it enters service, no matter what the flag It flies or who Is. nominally the owner. NCMB Unions Viin They added that "No matter how the AMMI sugar-coats its offer, the fact remains that the institute is determined to shove the run­ away-flag issue .under the rug . . . As such, even though they are We in the NCMB will not accept not directly American-owned, they an AMMI bribe to drop our posi­ could be subject to the jurisdic­ tion . . ." tion of American maritime unions. The NCMB called for a Con­ The International Transportworkgressional investigation of the ers Federation, representing Euro­ AMMI program. pean maritime unions among It was clear that the basic issue others, has recognized that Ameri­ in the dispute was between the NCMB program to expand US shipping and jobs, and the AMMI objective of a small merchant marine, monopolized by a handful there will be a sfearching Congres­ of subsidized operators. AMMI (Continued from page 3) anteed freedom from union organ­ sional look at the maneuvers of the President Ralph Casey has, on sev­ AMMI group. eral occasions, declared that with­ izing. The NCMB unions, declaring that in a very few years the merchant The Franklin grdup was not con­ cerned about the costs of the pack­ the "AMMI's proposals are guar­ marine will consist of only some age, since as subsidized companies, anteed to make a sick industry 350 subsidized ships. Casey has also staunchly defend­ they would simply pass these costs sicker" added the following: ed the runaway-flag device, calling on to the Government. They count­ "No matter how the AMMI sug­ ed on the powerful political influ­ ar-coats its offer to make it appear the runaway ships the "fifth arm ence of their allied oil and metals palatable to seamen, the fact re­ of defense." It's clear that not all the sub­ companies to help silence any Con­ mains that the Institute Is deter­ gressional criticism. mined to shove the runaway-flag sidized operators take the same The Franklin "package" scored issue under the rug, with the sacri­ viewpoint. The Pacific Maritime when the National Maritime Union fice of seamen's jobs and of a con­ Association broke with the Frank­ bouglit the whole scheme and siderable segment of the American- lin program by signing with the dropped Its demands on the runa­ flag merchant industry on the altar engineers. The PMA agreed that ways for at least four ydfers. of the international oil and metals US seamen's unions should have the right to organize runaways. It Just this past April, NMU Presi­ companies . . . also approved of the participation dent Joseph Curran, In an article "Clearly the position taken by in the "Industrial Bulletin," called the AMMI shows that the Institute of US unions in determining the the runaway ships "one of the most is ready to plunder the Federal industry's policies and goals. In setting up the joint unionpotent factors in the decline of treasury with two objectives in the merchant marine," and a mind—(A) to strengthen the hand industry committee, the unions grave threat to jobs and standards of the subsidized few while forc­ plan specific steps to revive the . . achieved aboard American ing the independent operators out domestic shipping industry and ships." He added that it was his of the trade and (B) to shield the the thousands of jobs which once hope that the runaway Issue could runaway-flag oil and~ metals com­ existed in this trade, to assure US be settled "before it U too late." panies, who are themselves depriv­ seamen and ships employment op­ Curran also recommended that ing the Treasury of untold millions portunities in the dominant bulk "labor, management and Govern­ In tax revenues, as both President cargo trades, and to modernize the ment" should "come together on a Kennedy and Secretary Dillon have subsidy program so as to meet the needs of changing trade patterns. regular basis to work together on testified . . . The SIU companies signing the all the problems confronting us" "We in the NCMB will not ac­ such as those of domestic shipping. cept an AMMI bribe to drop our agreement have «nore . than 40 Yet the NMU refused to participate position on runaway flags and on ships operating under runaway in the NCMB program which called the need for a responsible • ap­ flags, plus an estimated 200 other for just such an arrangement. proach to the Industry's problems vessels under various foreign flags. Following the NMU action In through joint labor-management The full -extent of the operators' putting aside the runaway threat action. We will not sell out the job participation in the foreign-flag to jobs and standards, the Ameri­ security of our members, nor will field is believed to be far larger can Radio Association and the we participate in any scheme to than that. The NCMB program in this area Masters, Mates and Pilots also liquidate any section of the US merchant marine' . . ." won important support when the dropped the runaway issue. The stumbling block to this The member unions of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers' scheme was the response of the NCMB at its formation included Trade Union in Trinidad sent NCMB unions. They flatly rejected the MEBA, Masters Mates & Pi­ wires offering its full cooperation. the "package" as one which would lots, Radio Operators Union, SIU Other Caribbean unions gre ex­ destroy the jobs and security of Atlantic. Gulf, Lakes and Inland pected to do likewise. The signing of the SIU agree­ maritime workers. Further, they Waters District, Sailors Union of asked Congress to fully investigate the Pacific, Marine Firemen's Un­ ments followed upon presentation the "irresponsibility of the subsi­ ion, Marine Cooks and Stewards of the NCMB's demands at an dized operators who are using Fed­ Union, Staff Officers Association, open meeting on June 7, attended eral money to destroy segments of International Longshoremen's As­ by all sections of the shipping in­ the American merchant marine." sociation and Operating Engineers dustry. (For the full text of the National Since the Pacific Maritime Asso­ Local 25. The MM&P participated ciation also rejected the Franklin in the initial bargaining with the Committee's proposals, see tha package, it appears certain that NCMB but subsequently withdrew. centerspread in this issue.) (Continued from page 3) runaway issue and was also de­ signed to undermine the non-sub­ sidized segment of the Industry and endanger the jobs of the sea­ men they employ. The latter is the principal objective of the Franklin group of operators. The SIU and MEBA flatly re­ jected the Franklin package, de­ claring that it was "guaranteed to make a sick industry sicker." Shipping Future Was At Stake �Pace BisMr; SKAFARERS Lakes Welfare Plan Paying Full Benefits 1H1>: LOG First Lakes Maternity Benefit DETROIT—Acting to pro­ vide greater and more effici­ ent service to SIU members, DETROIT—^With the signing up of two more operators strengthening the program, SIU members are now collecting benefits from the SIU Great Lakes Seamen's Welfare Plan, which went into effect on> April 1'with a full schedule of Jason Holtry, hospital benefits, benefits. Frankfort; Joseph Scheitz, mater­ The two additional companies which signed the agreement are the Ann Arbor Company, which joined May 15, 'and the MichiganOhio Company, which entered the plan in April a short while after the program began. First Maternity Benefit The first maternity benefit has been paid to the Donald Cubic family. They recently welcomed a bouncing baby girl, Michalene. The father is a crewmember of the cruise vessel Aquarama. The first in-hospital benefit was presented to Carl Larson, while a $195 reimbursement payment was made to Mrs. Edith Johnson, whose husband, Edmond, is 2nd cook on the tanker Detroit. John R. Emery, assistant ad­ ministrator of the plan, said claims are being processed very quickly since the enrollment cards fu-st be­ gan pouring into headquarters. The latest recipients under the Plan are: Henry T. Larsen and nity benefit. Little Falls, Minn; Frederick G. Conly, hospital bene­ fit, Attica, Mich.; Gerald Fast, maternity benefit, Frankfort; Richard Szumila, maternity bene­ fit, Posen, Mich.; Jack Young, maternity benefit. Bay City; and Michael Kandow, maternity bene­ fit, Alpena. Union Boards Locate In Hq SIU Representative Dick Hollingsworth presents a maternity benefit check for-the first baby born under the Welfare Plan to Mr. and Mrs. Donald Cubic. the Great Lakes Seamen's Ap­ peals Board and the newlyestablished Great Lakes Seafar­ er's Welfare Plan have moved their offices to the Union's head­ quarters, 10225 W. Jefferson, River Rouge. The move brings the operation of the two programs nearer to members and allows for greater and more efficient servicing of members' welfare claims' and Job Security Program benefits. More Convenient John R. Emery, welfare plan assistant administrator and senior­ ity director said the new location makes the Union "better able to handle the operation of our offica and at the same time provides a more convenient location for the members." DETROIT—The "poet laureate" of the Great Lakes is 52-year-old Robert Winters, who quit a job as a runner in a New York brokerage firm when he was 17 and caught a liner to The growing demands on both programs were cited as the primary France. reason for the move. A tighter, Winters, who used to cor­ throughout the world ever since. Winters pronounces him "Pygmal­ more efficient internal operation He is now starting his sixth ion," after the Greek mytholpgical will also result from the centralized respond regularly with such year on Lakes vessels. character. set-up. literary greats as Somerset Sporting a Tyrolean hat and Maugham, decided that the sea was the life for him, and has been brimming over with impromptu shipping out of various ports verse. Winters is considering hav­ ing a collection of his verse pub­ lished. Winters counts as his worst pe­ riod the 52 days he once spent in der to Initiate a program of closer England's WaHon Gaol (jail) after Toledo Moving cooperation between the two coun­ he missed his ship. "I hate to say TOLEDO—Shipping got a boost cils. It," he said, "but the conditions with the return to service of the 4 4 4 CHICAGO—The Army Corps of Engineers said that jplans were horrible."" Clemens (Reiss) after a lay-up due Considering his lively career, it to hull damages, and the cfewlng for the Great Lakes connecting chanels project call for provid­ comes as a surprise to discover a of C. S. Robinson (Steinbrenner), Frankfort Pays Benefit ing the full project depth of 27 feet between all of the Lakes sentimental FRANKFORT—Shipping is slow streak in the dapper reports Neil Mahaney, Toledo by July of 1962. * •»' because the Ann Arbor No. 5 is on versifier-seaman. He writes with agent. Ed D o h e r t y, former a five-day schedule. Edward Ward The project, authorized by the deepening of harbors to 27 real feeling about cities, ships, has been assigned to head­ was the first man from the port of Congress in 1956 and now feet at Two Harbors, Duluth- scarlet women, and men who have agent, quarters in Detroit. The SIU was two-thirds complete, provides for Superior, Ashland, Presque Isle trouble finding jobs after they represented in the all Union con­ Frankfort to receive maternity benefits. the deepening of channels in the and Marquette on Lake Superior; reach |5. One ference recently in Toledo which St. Marys River, the Straits of Calumet and Indiana Harbor on poem, written 4 4 4 made plans to reactivate the United Mackinac, the St. Clair River, Lake Lake Michigan; Trenton Channel after visiting St, Labor Committee, which was Duluth Sees P-M Men St, Clair and the Detroit River to on the Detroit River; Toledo, Marks Mission in very active during the fight against DULUTH—Shipping has been minimum depths of 27 feet for Lorain, Erie and Buffalo on Lake New Y o r k's the "right to work" bill. slow during the month, with a both upbound and downbound Erie. Additional deepening to a Bowery, is en­ 4 4 4 brighter outlook for the next traffic. lesser depth was authorized at titled, "Rejected, month. A total of 19 jobs were Included in the project Is the Sandusky and Rochester. sir, you're over Detroit Fair shipped out in the past 30 days, replacement of the Foe Lock at 45." The entirq Great Lakes Connect­ DETROIT—Shipping has been because of late fit outs. The port Sault Ste. Marie with a new lock. ing Channels project will cost His latest en­ pretty fair, quite a few jobs being is active in contacting crew mem­ The old lock will be removed, cof- about $129 million before it is deavor is some­ shipped to various ports. Two ad­ bers in the Pickands-Mather fleet. Winters ferdair>s built and excavation made completed and involves the re­ thing he" calls ditional ships were fit out that for the new lock. It is planned that moval of over 65 million yards of "Pygmalion," teaching various were not expected—the Gene C. 4 4 4 construction of the new lock will rock and dirt. It Is the largest people in various'ports his poetic Hutchinson in Muskegon and the Alpena Picking Up proceed .at a rate to enable opera­ project of its kind In the history of style. As soon as the pupil masters Philip Minch in Buffalo. ALPENA—Shipping has picked tion of the new lock in five years. the Great Lakes. the free-and-easy verse method. 4 ' 4 4 up considerably. Arnold Transit Costs $32.5 Million has fit out two more motor vessels, Chicago Good The new lock will be 1,000 feet long, 100 feet wide and have a CHICAGO—Shipping had been bringing the total to four in opera­ depth of 32 feet, it will cost $32.5 fairly good. Wisconsin Steel tion. The Chief Wawi^tan will bo million. Works has not only called back put in the shipyards in Manitowac, In 1960 Congress passed the 250 laid off men, it is now taking and the company will be calling Rivers and Harbors Act authorizing more applications. This means a for a full crew to man the St. step-up in ore and it's hoped ad­ Marie to replace the Wawatan. ditional vessels will be coming in Huron Portland Cement is now on their regular runs. A former operating three boats and is con­ PORT DECK ENGINE TOTAL SIU member, John Avery, just templating fitting out the E. M. STEWARD signed a contract with the IBU for Ford. Alpena 22 44 3 4 4 4 19 HEADQUARTERS his new firm. International Sail 10225 W. Jefferson, River Rouge UB, Mich. Makers. Vinewood 3-4741 Buffalo Cleveland In New Hall 85 186 88 13 Fred J. Farnen, Secretary-Treasurer 4 4 4 Stanley F. Thompson. Asst. Sec.-Treas. CLEVELAND—Port has settled 29 ALPENA 127 River St. Chicago 27 65 9 down after confusion of moving to Buffalo Host To Unions Norman Jolicoeur, Agent Elmwood 4-3616 BUFFALO. NV 735 Washington St. Cleveland BUFFALO ^ — Buffalo reports new hall in Lakewood. Latest mem­ 14 39 20 5 Roy J. Boudreau, Agent TL 3-9259 CHICAno 9383 Ewing Ave.. shipping for the past month has bership meeting had discussion of Ernest Aubusson, Agent Detroit 105 279 117 57 been slow, with most replacements Welfare Plan. Cruiser Aquarama South rhicago. III, SAginaw 1-0733 being temporary men. A few has been crewed up and is out on 6 > 4 11 CLEVELAND 15614 Detroit Ave. Duluth 2 shifting jobs have come in. A a special cruise before starting (Lakewood) Stanley Wares, Agent MAin 1-0147 33 number of unions are now using Detroit-Cleveland run later in 89 29 27 DULUTH 312 W. 2nd St. Frankfort Gerald Westphal. Agent. RAndolph 2-4110 the new Buffalo hall for their month. After a slow start, quite a FRANKFORT, Mich 415 Main St. Toledo 54 118 18 46 meetings. A delegation from the few contracted ships are now hit­ Address Mail to: P.O. Box 287 Floyd Hanmer, Agent ELgin 7-2441 Southern Ontario Port Council at­ ting port and things are beginning TOTAL 343 ~831 194 * 294 TOI.EDO 120 Summit .St. tended the last MTD meeting in or­ to pick up. Neil Mahaney, Agent CHerry 8-2431 Lakes 'Poet Laureate' V/infers Sings of Sfi/ps/ Sea^ Seamen Lakes Connecting Channel Will Hit Bottom By '62 Great Lakes Shipping SIU Great Lakes Union Halls April 29,1961 Through May 26,1961 Lakes Port Reports �»3^- m»--NiM< StAFAK^ItM^ vac Accident Mars Contalnership Debut By SIDNEY MARGOLIVS ^ Saving Money On Homes This Is a better year than last for shopping for houses, mortgages to finance them and the appliances to equip them. We've already told you about tlie sharp reductions this spring on re­ frigerators and washing machines, and the first signs of price cuts on furniture. You also now can find excellent values in vacuum cleaners and TV sets, which are unloaded in June at sharpest reductions to make way for next year's models. Other June buying opportunities include sales of women's dresses; clearances of summer fabrics; seasonal price reductions on lumber, paints, plumbing and heating equipment, and rug-cleaning specials. You also get a small break on your food bill this month. Wholesale food prices recently dropped to the lowest levels since last September. Here are tips on these and other June buying opportunities: HOUSES, MORTGAGES: Prices of houses have leveled off, and mort­ gage interest rates have declined just a little this spring. If you're.looking for a place to rent, the National Association of Real Estate Boards reports that there are more apartments available now. Single-family homes for rent are harder to find. Apartment rentals have stopped up and even have decreased slightly in a few cities. An experiment recently completed by the US Agricultural Research Service provides some useful tips for home-seekers. Not all modern hou.sing ideas turned out to be truly practical. The Government speci­ alists report that families found floor-to-ceiling windows left too little wall space in a small house. Tbey also, made it hard to protect in­ teriors from sunlight, with resultant fading of furnishings, and heat and glare. Such windows require a sizable roof overhang, shade trees or an awning. A family living in a house that featured "open planning," with only partial walls or none separating living areas, found that the arrange­ ment did provide spaciousness but not enough privacy. Families also reported that bedroom closets in small houses tend to be inadequate. Those in the experiment had 4^ feet of rod space. The Government housing specialists recommend 7^ feet of. rod space in each bedroom. A. M. Watkins, building engineer and author of "All About Houses" suggests five tests of a good plan: 1—Is the family entrance (usually through the kitchen) properly located to be near the garage and driveway? 2—Is the kitchen centrally located so a mother can observe the children playing and also be near the front door? 3—Is the front entrance well planned, with a foyer and coat closet? 4—Is there good traffic circulation so that you can go from one room to another without walking through a third? The living room especi­ ally should be free of cross-traffic. It is not. In many low-cost houses on which builders skimp. 5—^Is it easy to reach outside play area, drying area and patio from the house? Despite the increase in the money supply, and the reduced demand for mortgages, interest rates have been going down only very grudging­ ly. The Administration itself has reduced FHA mortgage rates only one-fourth of one per cent. The effective rate is now six percent, However, buyers and sellers currently don't have to pay as much extra discount to get a mortgage, except for VA niortgages. Vets still have to pay discounts of five or six points for a GI loan. A five-point discount means that on a $10,000 mortgage, you really get only $9,500 but still have tq repay $10,000 plus the interest. Watkins reports that closing costs are being trimmed a little. He advises home buyers to bargain harder over such costs, which often range from about $300 to as much as $750. MEBA Delegates Back NCMB; Strengthen District Structure LOS ANGELES' -Staunch support for the program of the National Committee for Maritime Bargaining and action to strengthen the district structure of the union was voted by delegates to the 84th national*?'—— convention of the Marine agement's failure to work for an Engineers Beneficial Associa­ effective merchant marine pro­ tion. The meeting here from May IS to May 19 endorsed the program of the National Committee as be­ ing in the best interests of both seamen and the industry in which they are employed. The delegates voted amend­ ments to the national constitution to provide for effective operation of the districts, which were ap­ proved by the membership in a referendum vote last year. Before the establishment of the districts, the MEBA had been fragmented into local unions in various port cities, a structure which created difficulties when engineers moved from port to port. Jesse Calhoon, MEBA secretarytreasurer, addressed the conven­ tion on the issue of maritime bar­ gaining, noting the need to reverse nvrsrltime policies which have led to loss of ships and employment. He blamed these losses on man­ gram, PS well as on the weak­ nesses of the present subsidy pro­ gram. Sea Unions United SIUNA President Paul Hall also addressed the convention on the bargaining Issue, calling the joint bargaining approach the only means of arresting the decline in US maritime. Captain Charles Crooks, president of the Masters, Mates and Pilots Union, told the convention that his organization was working toward a district structure similar to MEBA's with the objective of completing a mer­ ger with MEBA. Peter DeVries, general secretary of the International Transportworkers Federation, was another featured speaker. DeVries came to the US to discuss the with­ drawal from ITF of four Ameri­ can unions, the MEBA, MM&P, SIU and the International Long­ shoremen's Association. NEW YORK—The scheduled start of Bull Lines' nfew contalnership service to Puerto Rico was marred by the death of a fork-lift driver in a loading accident. The driver, Steve Kolb, 51, drowned when the stem ramp collapsed as he was driving his fork-lift across it carrying a*' loaded cargo container. Kolb The chartering of the two con­ fleet. It hopes to obtain two more was trapp^ in the cab of the tainer vessels is part of a program C-4s in the future. The C-4s would lift. His body was recovered that afternoon when salvage equipment lifted the submerged fork-lift out of the water. The Florldian had been char­ tered by Bun Lines, along with a sister ship, the New Yorker, from the Erie & St. Lawrence Corp., as part of the company's program to institute container service between New York and Puerto Rico. The two vessels have LST-type loading through stern doors. Unlike an LST, the ramp is not part of the vessel but is secured to the stern of the ship with steel bars fitted into slots in the hull. Steel Bar Sheers Apparently, the total weight of the load was too great for the bars to sustain. One of them sheered off, tipping the load into the water, and the second one crumpled right after. The ramp had been built for the company at Bethlehem shipyard in Brooklyn. Following the accident, the Flo­ rldian was shifted to Port Newark for loading at the Erie & St. Lawrence facility there. Her sister ship, the New Yorker, was also loaded there while a new sternloading facility was built for the Bull Lines pier. to upgrade the Bull Line fleet. The company is planning to exchange two Libertys, the Hilton and Caro­ lyn, for two C-4s in the reserve be modifled to enable them to carry up to 178 containers in addi­ tion to the same amount of breakbulk cargo as the C-2s can hauL While Seafarers and longshoremen look on, heavy hi-lo out of water following collapse of stern SS Floridlan. Arrow shows where one of two steel porting ramp sheered off. Other slot is at left, lift hauls ramp on bars sup­ obscured by the hi-lo. Dr. Yfeisberger Scores Medical 'First' A report on an experiment in which hereditary-determined characteristics of human cells were altered in the test tube was presented to the Association of American Physicians by Dr. Austin Weisberger of Western Reserve University. Dr. Weisberger is the brother of Morris Weisberger, executive^ vice-president of the SIU of treasurer of the Sailors Union of At a recent meeting of the Asso­ ciation in Atlantic City, Dr. Weis­ North America and secretary- the Pacific. Scientist Alterg Cells of Humans InaTest Tube for the First Time Abnormal Prodacl Achieved in Heredity Experiment by Use of DNA, Paper Given to Doctors'Group Says By JOHN A. dSMUNDSEN XTLAOTIO bglobin as iuman cells have for the first mo lime been altered in the test liil lube by treating.them with the luiaLLi'iiz^Bat diiordei. hereditary material extracted Dr. Weisberger put extracts from other, human cells, a sciof megaloblastic marrow and •'list reported here today. nutrients into two flasks.' To ^^•j'YTho achievement appears to one he .added sickle cell DNAY hope that man may to the other, control, flash, he >. I be able to control his added physioiogical saline solu­ tion. • J *ritance.. ® strange In the experiment described of hemoglobin began to ao^ m Austin S. Weisbarger of Kind pear in the first flask. Neither ps'eni Reserve University, the sickle cell nor megaloblastic , rfnetic material extracted from P^emoglobin, the protein was difJno marrow cells of a person miTerent from any form of the I ^ "olGcuIe he had ever seen. Dr. nth one type of anemia altered 'eisberger said. . . J one marrow ceils from a per­ One jiL^is colleague son with another form of the Idlsease. An .abnormal and as yet I unidentified form of hemogloI bin, the pigment of red blooi ceils, was-produced. Such an apparen r W Shown above are excerpts from ' New York Times"* report on Dr. Weisberger'f experiment in alicring the character­ istics of human cells. I berger reported on his experiment, which was the first successful at­ tempt to change the genetics of human cells in a manner similar to changes which have been mad® experimentally in bacteria. Genes are the carriers of material which determines human heredity, includ­ ing such characteristics as th® color of eyes, color of hair and 60 on. • Used Genetic Material In these experiments, Dr. Weis­ berger used genetic material, known as DNA. from blood cells of patients afflicted with one type of anemia. This DNA was added to red blood cells from a patient af­ flicted by an entirely different form of anemia. The result was that the molecules of hemoglobin (the pigment of the red blood cell) were changed into a new form, one which differed from any seen before. DNA is a complex acid which acts as the carrier of the genetic pattern from parent to offspring. It has long been a dream of medical researchers to find a way of' altering hereditary character­ istics in human beings. If this could be done in a controlled fashion, the technique could b® used to prevent defects which are transmitted from parent to child. Among sucli defects are physical malformations. color blindness, and susceptibility to certain diseases, such as diabetes and anemia. Dr. Weisberger's experiment is seen as the first indication that some day hereditary patterns in man could possibly be altered under controlled conditions aimed at eliminating such defects. He plans to do other experi­ ments along these lines and will attempt to grow his transformed blood cells in tissue cultures. / �SEArAR'ERS ^;4NI LOG mssp Bedside Chat In PHS Hospital 100 Delegates Take Part In MCS Planning Parley SAN FRANCISCO—The Marine Cooks & Stewards Union's first planning conference opened here with close to 100 delegates attending. Representing well over 100 ships, headquarters and five branches, the four day confer­ ence started June 14 at the^ ; union's hall as the delegates gate for every 50 crewmembers wages, shipping rules, shipboard conditions, educational programs, met to provide concrete from each contracted liner. answers to the "changing situa­ tions" that are "bringing new challenges and threats" to the MCS. ' Active Conference An active conference, including 14 guest speakers, was set up by the Conference organization com­ mittee. Final reports and recommenda­ tions of the conference will be used to guide the union's officers and help determine union policy. The MCS 1961 Contract Negotia­ tions Committee will also study specific items relating to the union's contract. Organizational activities for the conference were carried on in all branches and ships under the direction of conference coordi­ nator James O. Willoughby, as­ sistant secretary-treasurer. Members who attended as dele­ gates did so on a "trip off" basis. As delegates they presented the ideas and suggestions of their shipmates. Other recommenda­ tions for study and action were forwarded to the meeting from branches and ships, as were money to defray conference ex­ penses. Conference Representation Representation to the meeting was set up on the following basis: Three delegates from head­ quarters; one delegate from each outport; one delegate from each contracted freighter, and one dele­ Delegates Receive Steward Manual, Automation Study In addition to its usual order of business, the first MCS planning conference also received copies of the MCS Dele­ gates Handbook and a study en­ titled, "Seafaring Men and Auto­ mation: Some Educational Ap­ proaches." The handbook, simply called "The Delegate," is designed to give information and educational mate­ rial and specific aid to MCS ship's delegate. Copies were sent to each ship and distributed to conference delegates. Revise Later Editions Confeience recominendalions and comments will be used in re­ vising the handbook for further printing and distribution. The automation study was done by Don White, a Coro Foundation Intern, under the supervision of the MCS Publicity and R^^earch Department. It is co-sponsored by the union and the California De­ partment of Industrial Relations. White, an attorney, used a ques­ tionnaire sent to MCS members In his study. The study will be used by the committee working on automation. Conference committees under­ took the basic study of pro­ posals and made recommendations conference then took final action on the committee recommenda­ tions. At the request of 25 delegates. FIRST AACS mj^NMING CONmKNCC JUNEI5,M^I7,lt,l9(l SAN FRANQSCO.CAtlF. DEIiSATE CREDENTIAL JUNE 5,1961 ACTION PROPOSALS JUNE 10,1961 CONFERENCE ORGANIZINfi COMUITTEE MARINE COOBISTEWARDS UNI W . MC FKtMOOT JT. MNFUNQSCOCMJK One of the notices used to publicize the first MCS Plan­ ning Conference. motions were voted upon by a roll call of the registered delegates. Membership Proposals rroposals that have already been sent to the union indicate that MCS members are interested in the following: • Hours of work—Suggestions include 40 hours at sea, paid legal holidays at sea and in port, wages based on a 30-day month, straight eight-hour day and time off or pay in lieu of time off. • Working conditions—Clarifi­ cation of work duties, elimination of extra work by limiting work for non-seamen and overtime pay for extra work. • Time off—Free time and use of relief seamen in port, relief for container ships, and other pro­ posals to give seamen some time for themselves. • Manning scale—Add man "for bunk work, limit service waiter to one deck each on liners, reduce work load on BRs and waiters on liners. Other areas of interest include constitutional changes and trans­ portation pay. Morris Weisberger, secretary of the Sailors Union ofthe Pacific was the keynote speaker. Other speak­ ers included representatives from the SIUNA, other Paeific District unions, government and San Fran­ cisco labor groups. Committees to handle confer­ ence work included those on con­ tracts, shipping rules, union ser­ vices, constitution, food program and safety. 11!^ f V SUP member Robert Henry (In bed) chats with a fellow patient at the Staten Island Public Health Service hospital in New York. An OS, Henry was last on a USNS tanker. 1, Ribicott Presents Chandler Sells PHS Award To APL 'Aid' Cargoes SAN FRANCISCO—Abraham Ribicoff, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, presented a Public Health Service citation to American President Lines last month in recognition of the company's "outstanding record of sanita­ inspection of 166 items of sanitary tion maintenance" during construction and maintenance. I960. APL received the fleet citation, awarded for outstanding per­ formance in public health aboard the company's ships, for tht third consecutive year. Last year, each of the concern's 24 vessels earned a rating of 95 percent or more from the Public Health Service during the PHS' The award was accepted by APL president George Killion, who said he was especially gratified that Secretary Ribicoff himself made the presentation. All those whose efforts made the citation possible were to be congratulated on their work,_ Kil­ lion added in accepting the award plaque. AML Launches New Freighter; Lays Keel For Another Ship SAN PEDRO—The SS Washington Mail (American Mail Lines) was launched here last month. Just 16 hours after the ship slid down the ways, shipyard workers started laying the keel of a sister ship, the SS-^' feet long, has a speed of 20 knots, Philippine Mail. The ship will be delivered can carry 12 passengers and has to the Sitj Pacific District-con­ tracted AML in Puget Sound later this year to start transpacific serv­ ice after the fitout and trial runs of the $13 million vessel are com­ pleted. A 12,600-gross ton Mariner-class ship, the Washington Mail is 564 a crew of 58 officers and un­ licensed men. The keel of the Philippine Mail was laid next to that of the Japan Mail now abuilding. The three ships mark the first phase of AML's eight-vessel replacement program. Sponsors Praise Hope's Crew SAN FRANCISCO—SIU Pacific District crewmen on the SS Hope are doing an excel­ lent job, according to reports reaching headquarters of the three unions here. Crewmem­ bers of all departments have received commenda­ tions from the ship's officers, sponsors of the project and others who have visited the vessel at its many Asian stops. Reports reaching here from Indonesia, where the Hope is now doing its medical mission work, indi­ cate that while the crew is shorthanded, the ship is truly hospital clean—completely painted white, wooden decks scrubbed and bleached, steel decks painted green and not a sign of rust anywhere. The ship's safety record is exceptional. More than 16,000 patients have been carried aboard the vessel by launches without a single mishap to passengers or crew. In addition, using power supplied by the ship plant, doctors have successfully performed more than 600 operations. To insure the hospital's cleanliness, black gang members wear white boiler suits when they go to public areas aboard ship. The steward department has shown its exceptional skill in prepairing special foods for patients in addition to the 72-man crew. The vessel—it has an operating budget of $3 million supplied by contributions from unions, in­ dustry and individuals—is used to train Asian medi'cal personnel besides providing basic health serv­ ices to thousands of people, some for the first time. SEATTLE — Misuse of United States foreign aid cargoes, evident to seamen on their Asian runs, was brought home to this port last month. This occurred when a routine check of stores in the Military Sea Transport Service-chartered freighter Charles C. Dunaif bought in Pusan, Korea, turned up a sack of flour with the marking: "Bread Flour. Enriched. Bleached. Do­ nated by the People of the United States of America. Not to Be Sold or Exchanged." A sack of rice bore similar markings. . Goes Through Black Market The food apparently had been sent to Korea under the relief pro­ gram. There, through the black market, it was turned over to a ship chandler who sold it to the freighter. Similar things have hap­ pened to other "gifts" from Amer­ ica to starving people abroad, as any seaman on a Pacific run can relate. SF Honors Seamen With'MarinePlaza' SAN FRANCISCO—A plaza being constructed here at Market, California and Drumm Streets was named "Marine Plaza" following the sug­ gestion of the Sailors Union of the Pacific. Seamen Helped City Grow The San Francisco Downtown Market Street Improvement Asso­ ciation, in notifying the SUP of the action, said the following plaque will be placed at the plaza: "Dedicated to the Maritime In­ dustry of early San Francisco and the Seafaring Men who contributed so greatly toward the founding and growth of our city—Erected by the Downtown Market Street Improve­ ment Association and the City and County of San Francisco—April, 1961. Hon. George Christopher, Mayor." �iHl Pacific Islands Will Get More Ship Services far* ElerM 8EAFAR,ERS> liPG Optical Plan Begins At Portland Coastwise Trade Revival Planned SAN FRANCISCO—The 81U Pacific District Unions and Olympic-Griffiths Lines of Seattle are holding discussions on the manning and operating of two container ships which th» company proposes tp use to' revive the now defunct coast­ with . two other companies and have Inspected one ship. wise trade. * SAN FRANCISCO—Three SIU Pacific Districted-contracted companies have received permission from the Fed­ eral Maritime Board to make calls at US Pacific trustee islands. States Steamship will add a stop at Midway to Its Pacific route while American President Lines and Pacific Far East Line will add stops at Midway and the Marshalls. As this was announced, PFEL also revealed that It planned to reorganize Its service from the West Coast to Guam and other intermediate Pacific Islands, sub­ ject to government approval. The company, which has been operating In these areas for 15 years, will transfer such service to Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pacific Mlcroneaslan Line, Inc. Operating between Guam and other Intermediate Pacific Islands for ten years, PML will extend its service to take in those unsubsidized transpacific routes from the Pacific Coast formerly conducted by PFEL, which will become gen­ eral agent for the new operation. PFEL says its reorganization will enable the company to concentrate on Its primary service between the West Coast and mainland Asia, leaving the islands' operation to its subsidiary concern. Seattle 'Fishyback' SEATTLE — Alaska Steam "flshybacked" the largest armada of fishing boats ever to Alaska from here. The company received support of the Chamber of Com­ merce in Its fight against postoffice plans to send mail north by Alcan highway Instead of ship. MCS reports Talkeetna and Olymplo Pioneer crewed up, with three Alaska steamvessels expected to come out this month. Si t t Portland Good PORTLAND — Shipping con­ tinues good. MFOW reports bad weather holding back Its little league team. Two members, J. J. McGee and Walter P. Kotila, fa­ thers. Twenty-eight grain ships In Astoria fleet to be unloaded and reloaded with surplus red wheat. Hawaiian Pilot laid up. To be re­ named Sonora. MTD asked Coast Guard for helicopter for emer­ gency work In area's waters. The SIU Pacific District optical program began in Portland when SUP member Paul Schmollte received an authorization for eyeglasses from agent Frank Fellows. On the first day the plan went into effect, more than 40 members applied for eyeglasses from the three unions at all branches. Praise Vfest Coast Crews For Rescuing Japanese SAN FRANCISCO—The SIU Pacific District crew and of­ ficers of the 88 American Bear (Pacific Far East) were com­ mended by the ship's master for "excellent performance of duty" in. rescuing seamen ol"^ the Japanese coastal steamer, the survivors "with extreme per­ kindness and thoughtfulness Keihan Maru No. 1, which sonal using rare Individual Initiative as split In two outside of Osaka Bay, Japan, In February after colliding with the American vessel. Orders Effeotively Executed In his letter of commendation sent to the Coast Guard, Captain R. J. Raymer said orders "were efficiently executed without any confusion," and the seamen aided •hp situation warranted." Rescue Took 35 Minutes He noted that "all hands were saved . . . and In our hospital with­ out Injury to anyone In 35 minutes from the time of Impact." Matthews Will Transfer To Hospital In Honolulu HONOLULU—Money from the Marine Fireman, Oilers, Wipers and Watertenders' 8am Matthews Fund is expected to A. A. Miranda and C. M. Camp­ used soon to move the partially-paralyzed black gang be bell on pension. member from the 8an Fran-+ t 4i 4. Cisco Public Health Hospital Fund which is being used to pay SF Maritime Day to one in this city so he can for therapy and aids In the sup­ SAN FRANCISCO — All unions be near his family. port of Matthews' family. took part in Maritime Day rites which were hailed as "best ever.'' SUP delegate to SF Labor Council, Ed Wilson, elected to group's ex­ ecutive committee. Pope & Talbot Steamship Company taking over Pier 20-31 at foot of Sansorae St. Unions aided Danish seamen's strike by manning picket lines. it 4 4> Honolulu Hydrofoils HONOLULU—^Two 75-passenger hydrofoils will be placed In Inter Island service sometime next year by Island company. Boats will hit 50 knots. Others to follow will be combined passenger-freight Jobs. Ventura, on way to Australia, ran out of milk. Had plenty put aboard here, SUP says. 4 4" 4 New York Bargaining Efforts are to be undertaken soon by the union and Congress­ men Dan Inouye (Dem-Hawaii) and John Shelly (Dem-Cal.), who have expressed interest in the case. Ex­ cept for a short visit by his wife and four of his seven children a few months ago, Matthews has been separated from his family for two years. Rank And File Contribute The rank and file of the MFOW, other SIU Pacific District unions and other maritime unions who have learned of his plight have made generous contributions to the Port NEW YORK—West Coast unions taking pal-t in Industry-wide bar­ gaining sessions going on here. San Fran. NEW ORLEANS—Big replace­ F. £. Weyerhaeuser to crew be­ Seattle ment call come In for SUP here. ginning of month and John Weyer­ Tullulah paid off and took on 36 haeuser will follow shortly after­ Portland new men. ward, MCS reports. Wilmington 4* i" 4* SAN PEDRO — MFOW helped man MTD picket lines outside Todd Shipyard. Operators of Catalina expect booming season. Now plan­ ing three trips a day on some days to meet demand. Four more members, S. Kaplan, V. Vidal, Wilmington Hits Yard Paralyzed Following Mugging Matthews has been paralyzed from the waist down following a mugging In New York City in 1959. Doctors say therapy will eventually enable Matthews to regain the use of his legs. Being close to his family will be a morale boost for Matthews and will better enable him to undergo the long period of arduous therapy prescribed by his doctors. Alex Jarrett, MFOW agent here, reports that black gang members have contributed over $1,000 through this branch. Pacific District Shipping t . 4" t> N'Orleans Replacement San Pedro Pickets So far, discussions have been centered on a manning scale pf 32 men in accord with existing practices. The talks are continu­ ing on wages, overtime, quarters and the balance of the contract. . Little Coastwise Activity Outside of two or three steam schooners, there are no vessels In the coastwise trade. Conse­ quently, Olympic-Griffiths' entry would be a big step forward. The company has received Government assistance for the construction of two vessels. The ships they plan to build are to be diesel-powered with speeds of over 18 knots. The ships will make two sail­ ings each week on a run between Seattle, Los Angeles and here. Each vessel can carry 200 eight by eight by 20 containers and 75 autos. Shipping rates will Include door to door pick-up and delivery. Other Talks Held In other efforts to increase Job opportunities for their members, the three unions are also meeting New York WILMINGTON—MTD struck New Orleans Todd Shipyard on undercutting unions for tryout .run of Moore- Honolulu McCormack'S Mormaeglen. Ship­ yard workers got Job with a "sweet­ San Pedro heart" contract offering less men, Total less pay. MC&S 5/5 to 5/31 Total 209 323 1,178 120 120 77 317 86 55 27 168 129 427 40 142 SUP 4/10 to 5/12 MFOW 646 298 54 64 40 (no hall)• 48 • (no hall) 46 ' 70 26 112 128 (no hall) 1,308 606 628 SIU Pacific District Halls SUP HONOLULU Pier 8. Room 2M PHone 502-7TT 923 Bienville St. Jackson 5-7428 NEW YORK 879 4th Ave.. Brooklyn HYaclnth 9-6608 PORTLAND Ill SW Clay St, CApitol 3-43.38 SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St. Douglas 2-8363 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. Main 2-029O WILMINGTON 905 Marine Ave, Terminal 9-6617 NEW ORLEANS MC&S HONOLULU. . Room 206, Pier 8 PHone 5-1714 923 Bienville St. R.Amond 7-428 NEW YORK 879 4th Ave.. Brooklyn HVaeinth 9-RPOO PORTLAND 211 SW Clay St. CAoitoI 7-3.728 SAN FRANCISCO 3.50 Fremont St. EXbrook 7-5500 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. MAin 3-0088 WILMINGTON 802 Broad Ave. TErmlnal 4-8538 NEW ORLEANS 6 (no hall) Representatives have met with officials of the West Coast Steam" ship Company to discuss the man­ ning of a Victory replacement for a Liberty ship that went aground In Asia. The company has re­ ceived tentative approval from the Federal Maritime Administration to take over the ship and Is novr completing the purchase. Inspect Replacement Ship The vessel, the SS Alhambra victory, is now laid up in Suisun Bay, California. It was inspected by union officials last month who said some improvements in tho foc'sles and messrooms had to b® made to bring the ship up to un­ ion standards. Once this was done, the ship, a replacement for the SS Portland Trader, would be ap­ proved for crewing. West Coast is also Interested In replacing Its Liberty fleet with an equal number of Vlctorys, sub­ ject to FMB approval. Two or three Victorys would be needed^ depending on the FMB ruling. Matson Container Discussions Talks with Matson Steamship Company are continuing over th» manning and quick turnabout of the two container ships, SS Ha­ waiian Fisherman and SS Hawai­ ian Citizen. The company has made no offer for the Citizen and the proposal for the Fisherman— a trip off arrangement equal to about five days a month vacatloa —was unacceptable. The two Matson ships may be­ come pace-setters for the Indus­ try as far as automation is con­ cerned. The company's offer, while It was unacceptable to th® unions, Is the first that shipown­ ers have made In regard to thi* problem and Is a step forward. 128 ~.543 MFOW HONOLULU. 56 North Nimitz Highway PHone 5 6077 130 Greenwich St. COrtland 7-7094 PORTLAND 922 NW Everett St. CApitol 3-7297-8 SAN FRANCISCO..240 Second St. DOuglas 2-4598 SAN PEDRO 296 West 7th St. TErminal 34189 SEATTLE 2333 Western Ave. MAiu 2-6328 NEW YORK �Vace Twelra / SEAFARERS LOG ifffl A Visitor From Africa SEAFARERS IN DRYDOCK The following is the lotest available list of Seafarers in hospitals around the country: [/•J 'i Saying goodbye to some live cargo from South Africa are (I. to r.) Seafarers Red Ratcliff, AB; Archie Beck, bosun, and Bill Listen, steward dep't on the Robin Locksiey. Ostrich was one of consignment brought from South Africa. USPHS HOSPITAL . BALTIMORE, MD. Elmer W. Carter Dee Kimbrell George Davis Avi« Meadows Patrick Devine Domingo Orbigoso Clifford Donolson S. Orkurszewskl Domingo Ortiz Thomas DriscoU John Drummond Vincent San Juaa Andrew Flaherty Bernard Tapia Chester Green Lynden Webber James Hclgoth Chambers Wlnskey Walton Hudson USPHS HOSPITAL BRIGHTON, MASS. Wm. S. Costa M. V. Ryswyk Gilbert G. Edwards S. J. Scevlous John M. Flaherty Charles G, Swain N. J. Oppedisano Felix Van Looy USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH, GEORGIA Carroll Rollins Luther Roberts Billie B. Darley John Tillis W. McLean Donna Williamson BurUa Reynolds USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON, TEXAS Leo Dlngman George Peteusky Pedro,Moreno Raymond Stanley William Millison Ulner Richardson Lester Peppitt USPHS HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS, LA. Charles L. Avera Edward P. Belt Trussell Beatrous Edw. G. Blackman West India Selling Out; Sea Level Up For Grabs Colon Boutwell Salvador Modlca Ulric C. Boyd Anthony Finchook Charlla Burns Lanix F. Reed Ernest Cochran George Rhodes Keith Cole Calvin A. Rome Thomas Conley Franklin St. Mary Thomas Dalley Gus Sanchez E. Douga Irvln J. Savole James Egan Murray A. Savoy Edgar Goulet CyrU H. Sawyer H. Green T. L. SImonds Joseph Gulllory Chas. D. Simpklns Wade B. HarreU Charles W. Smith B. L. Jarrett Wade^V. Smith Neres Johnson Charles Taylor Edward Knapp Stanley S. Taylor Leo Lang Albert Trevlno Anna A, Lanza Joseph A. Weke Theodore Lee Sidney A. White Norman Lightell L. R. WUliamson Ezeb Manuel Herbert Young Louis T. Marshall Anthony Zancz James L. McCarthy G. L. Zintz, Jr. Eddie Michael USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND, NY Lupo Alaba Pedro Esteban Benjamin Balcer Michael FUosa L. BaUestero Paul Foy Arthur Camarra Estell Godfrey Daniel Cerment Charles Haymond Clarence Collins Fleming Higgason Leopoldo. Colon August Jensen D. Kambanos James Cooper Jerry Donovan Charles Klnnke ^000 boMoa a«Tifie*n NEW YORK—Apparently hard-hit by the drastic decline in trade between the United States and Cuba, the West India Fruit and Steamship Company is offering its six-ship Liberian-flag fleet for sale. In--t eluded in the vessels on the gether with the Department of Defense and Department of State Belling block is the SS Sea in the then Eisenhower Adminis­ J.evel, the old SS Seatrain. A factor in the company's deciBlon to sell out is undoubtedly the prospect that under recent Labor Board and Supreme Court decleions, the company would be ob­ ligated to deal with the SlU for its unlicensed personnel on the Sea Level and would have to start pay­ ing American wages instead of the bargain basement Liberian-flag wage scale. Involved in the projected sale, aside from the Sea LeVel, are the carferries City of Havana, City of New Orleans, Grand Haven, New Grand Haven and Joseph R. Parrott, all of which operated on the Havana run. In fact, the sale advertisement came while the company was still attempting to get the Federal Courts to overturn the SIU's land­ mark victory in the Sea Level case. Chances of success in this area are extremely slim in light of the Su­ preme Court's action in upholding the Labor Board's jurisdiction over runaways. Turning Point Whatever the disposition of the ehips, the Sea Level case will stand as the turning point in the fight of American maritime unions against the runaways. Coupled with the previous SlU success in the SS Florida case, it established the principle that American-owned ships cannot escape American un­ ions by hauling down the Ameri­ can-flag and substituting a runaway ensign. The first score in the runaway fight was made by the SIU in July, 1958. At that time the Na­ tional Labor Relations Board agreed with the Union's position that erewmem hers of the Liberianflag SS Florida were subject to US labor law because the ship was American-owned and operated in American foreign commerce. The SIU then won an election on the ship by a count of 87 to 21. This victory touched off a mass­ ive counterattack, spearheaded by giant oil, steel and aluminum com­ panies which have the biggest ctake in runaway operations. To­ tration, they sought a reversal from the Labor Board. Later that same year, SIU or­ ganizers signed up most of the Cuban crewmembers of the Sea Level, which operated between New Orleans and Havana. The com­ pany then fired all crewmen who High Court Again Nixes Runaways WASHINGTON — The des­ peration bid of runaway ship­ owners for a rehearing of the Ore Monarch case has been re­ jected by the Supreme Court. In April, the high court had refused to give a hearing to the runaway? who were seeking a reversal of a Pennsylvania su­ preme court decision. The Pennsylvania court had told the ship's operator to go to the Labor Board if they had any complaint against US maritime unions. The effect of the Supreme Court's original action was to uphold the jurisdiction of the Labor Board over Americanowned runaways, as shown in the Board's rulings in the SS Florida and SS Sea Level cases. had signed pledge cards, demand­ ing that they repudiate the cards if they wanted to get their jobs back. The result was that the SIU filed unfair labor practice charges against West India, as weli as against the owners of the Florida for refusal to bargain, and against operators of other runaway ships, such as the Yarmouth for similar anti-union acts. It was then that the Administra­ tion and-the "Committee for the Flags of Necessity" brought their heaviest guns to bear, putting enormous pressure on the Board to reject the SIU's complaint. Nevertheless, after nearly two years' delay, the Board ruled in February of this year that West India must abide by US labor laws. An SIU Blood Donor Certificate (sample above) is given to every person donating to the SIU Blood Bank, which is maintained through the SIU Clinic in Brooklyn. The bank supplies Seafarers or members of their families anywhere in the United States and has been in operation since January, 1959. Through an arrangement with a national clearing house, blood can be supplied on short nofice in any emergency. Donors can arrange appointments on the 2nd deck at SIU headquarters, one block from the Clinic. The whole procedure takes only a short time. Physical Exams^AII SIU Clinks Month Of April, 1961 Port Baltimore Houston Mobile New Orleans New York TOTAL Seamen 75 66 43 215 * 334 Wives 19 5 8 15 20 733 67 Children TOTAL 14 108 1 72 5 56 9 239 17 371 46 846 SIU Welfare, Vacation Plans Cash Benefits Paid April 17-May 14, 1961 Number Of Benefits Hospital Benefits (Welfare) .... 5266 Death Benefits (Welfare) $21,443.44 54,359.62 Disability Benefits (Welfare) .. BOO 28,000.00 Maternity Benefits (Welfare) .. 35 7,000.00 Dependents Benefits (Welilare) . 236 47,237.45 Optical Benefits (Welfare)..., 117 1,104.02 Vacation Benefits 6471 1268 TOTAL WELFARE, VACATION BENEFITS PAID THIS PERIOD... 7739 The Public Health Service urges Seafarers who have not already done so to get their polio shots as soon as possible. The shots can be gotten at any PHS hospital without charge. Plenty of vacqine is available so there is no delay in the admin­ istering of the shots. The few minutes a Seafarer takes to in­ sure himself against the crip­ pling disease by getting the shots are well worth the saving of time, money and, most of all, the avoidance of suffering and possible disability. Norman Krumm Ramon Ramirez Thomaa Lauer Michael Ronda C. Margartarkia Robert Smith Herman Meyer Frank Soriano Haakon Mourn Charlea Talln^aa Peter Notios Edward Taylor Falemino Paluma Eduardo Toro James Parker William Vaughan Pietro Paulin George Wass George Phifer Thomaa Wabolla USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK, VIRGINIA A. Acol William Mason CecU R. Batta D. J. Nelson Claude L. Bib August Princen Charles Guinn, Jr. Harold T. Spicer Lacy J. Walker T. F. Johnson USPHS HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. Matthew Bruno Francis X. Keelaa Kermlt Bymaster Jos^h Luburlch Robert Coleman C. E. Neukirchner F. E. Farrell John H. Ratcliff F. W. Fullbrlght Weldon C. Wade Mike Coins Richard L. Welch A. E. Johansson USPHS HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. Wm. T. Daniels Raymond Rupperl Wm. T. PhiUips Sten Zetterman Quinton Royals BASE HOSPITAL PATRICK AF BASE. FLORIDA Walter Marcus VA HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. S. E. McCurdy MT. WILSON STATE HOSPITAL MT. WILSON, MARYLAND Georga Gass Theodore Valmaa VICTOR CULLEN STATE HOSPITAL CULLEN, MARYLAND Sidney Day . C. A. Robert* VA HOSPi'l AL NEW YORK, NY Chat. O. Bergagna SAILORS SNUG HARBOR STATEN ISLAND, NY Henning Bjork ^ Thomas Isaksea Alberto Gutierrez VA HOSPITAL WEST HAVEN, CONN. John J. DriscoU Henry E. Smith USPHS HOSPITAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS Davis Danos Max Olson B. F. Deibler Bozo G. Zelenci* Thomas Lehay TRIBORO HOSPITAL JAMAICA, NY I James Russell US SOLDIERS HOME WASHINGTON, DC Wm. H. Thomson VA CENTER TEMPLE, TEXAS William E. Nelson VA HOSPITAL KERVILLE, TEXAS WUlard T. Cahill LANDIS STATE HOSPITAL PHILADELPHIA, -PA. Thomas Murphy PINE CREST HAVEN COVINGTON, LA. Frank Martin AMOUNT PAID^ 17 Summary (Welfare) Get Polio Shots, PHS Urges SIU Blood Bank , Inventory Period: April, J 961 Pints Contributed Pints Rejected 68 1 Pints Credited S3V4 (Under a standard arrangement $159,144.53 with the Brooklyn Donor Center Inc., 50% is alloted for service, $207,835.95 processing and storage.) Previous Balance 84 Credits Returned .... 2 $336,980.48 119Vk ^63 None of the figures in.the above summaries indicate the amounts Pints Used paid for various other Welfare Benefits for SIU men and their de­ pendents, such as scholarship payments, meal books, training facilities, Balance On Hand May 1, 1961 66Vk medical examinations, and similar items. �J---. A 'S. X h r h_ X \\1 ••' BMAFARERS toe im... fMa Tkirfeea 'Wfh Both Oars' Xie^islAtive Z>epartmeiit Bar Mnrdock, Director LEGISLATIVE BOUND-UP.—The House Merchant Marine commit­ tee has held hearings on bills designed to eliminate the six percent differential in favor of Pacific Coast shipbuilding companies. Thomas £. Stakem, Maritime Administrator and FMB Chairman, in an appear­ ance before the Committee on behalf of the Department of Commerce and the board, said MA was not prepared to endorse any particular percentage as to the amount of the actual differential between East and West Coast shipbuilding costs. The committee will now meet in execu­ tive session to consider formal action on the problem . . . Resolution 21 was reported to the Senate from the Committee on Commerce. The measure would authorize the Secretary of Commerce to sell not more than ten Liberty-type vessels from the reserve fleet for conversion to barges. As reported to the Senate the resolution provides that con­ version of the vessels into non-self-propelied barges shall he done in a United States shipyard at a cost of not less than $100,000 each, and that the barges he documented under the laws of the United States, Operation of the barges would he restricted to the domestic trade, excluding operations to or from ports in Alaska . . . The House has passed H.R. 4614, establishing an Office of International Travel and Tourism with a view to encouraging travel to the United States by resi­ dents of foreign countries. The measure has been sent to a conference committee, consisting of members of both Houses of Congress, where it will he reconciled with S. 610, a similar hill passed by the Senate . . . Senator Magnuson (Dem.-Wash.) has introduced S. 1886 by request. The measure would repeal statutes prohibiting the charging or collec­ tion of fees for certain services rendered to vessel owners by the Bu­ reau of Customs and the United States Coast Guard . . . The Senate has ratified the International Convention for the Prevention of the Pollution of the Sea by Oil 4 4 4 REORGANIZATION OF MA.—During the course of a television in­ terview recently conducted by Representative Cellar (Dem.-NY), James M. Landis, Special Assistant to the President, said that Presi­ dent Kennedy would submit a reorganization plan designed to aholista the present FMB to the Congress within the next two weeks. This plan was initially recommended by Representative Celler. It calls for sepa­ ration of the promotional and regulatory functions of the FMB. and would establish an entirely new and independent agency for regulating the steamship industry. Mr. Landis indicated that the proposed re­ organization has met with general agreement within the Administra­ tion, "because it is wholly impractical to combine the promotional subsidy function with the function of regulation." 4 With the signing of agreements with the operators calling for organizing of foreignflag affiliates and establishment of a joint union-industry committee, the maritime in­ dustry may now be turning a corner for the better. For the first time, a constructive pro­ gram exists to reverse the decline in ships and the erosion of seamen's jobs. That pro­ gram is the one which had been drafted by the National Committee for Maritime Bar­ gaining and which has been agreed to by operators representing almost half of the nation's merchant fleet. Up until now, US maritime unions have clearly succeeded in establishing superior wages, working rules, vacation and welfare benefits for their members—a vast improve­ ment over what existed not too many years ago. But while the unions have been obtain­ ing considerable gains for their membership, job opportunities for US seamen have been dwindling because of the growth of runawayflag shipping, the gradual shift of US foreign trade into the bulk cargo area, changes in trade patterns with which the present sub­ sidy program was unable to cope, and the deterioration of coastwise and intercoastal shipping under the pressure of predatory railroad competition. Unfortunately, the shipping industry has failed to provide the leadership needed to combat these problems. Instead, the opera­ tors have played the "every man for himself" game, while US ships and jobs went down the drain. Since the operators would do ipothing in a constructive or coordinated fashion, it re­ mained for the maritime unions to act to pro­ tect the employment of their respective mem­ berships. The program of the NCMB would do just that. By bringing American-owned runaway vessels under contract, by working for an overhaul of the antiquated subsidy program, by taking specific steps to assure cargo for US bUlk carriers and by uniting the industry behind the remaining companies in the domestic trades, the NCMB program would assure expanding employment oppor­ tunities and better conditions for Amer can seamen. • The easy way out for the unions would have been to .ignore the problems of employ- ment security and the decline in American shipping. They could have used their eco­ nomic power to obtain further gains and im­ proved job conditions. But the unions, look­ ing ahead, realized that these gains wouldn't be worth much if there were no jobs on which to enjoy them. That kind of approach would have been "every man for himself" in­ stead 0^ protection for the membership as a whole. The unions rejected such an approach because it was unwise a'id unsound. They have chosen Instead to iighl foi a far more worthy goal—a sound merchant marine, of­ fering stability of employment and union conditions to American seamen. 4' 4* Subsidy Changes Even before the NCMB had presented its formal demands to US shipowners, the Ad­ ministration had taken two actions which tacitly recognized the unions' criticism of the existing subsidy program. In one in­ stance-, the President signed a bill, passed by Congress, which allows passenger ships to leave their "essential" trade routes and par­ ticipate in the lucrative West Indies cruise trade. The NCMB had previously noted that a subsidy system tied to the "essential" trade route was unrealistic because it did not al­ low for any changing patterns of foreign trade. The result was that foreign ships cap­ tured all available business when new routes sprang up. A perfect example is foreign do­ mination of bulk ore and oil cargoes. In its second action, the Administration has asked Congress for funds to provide subsidies for coverage of more than 100 additional American-flag vessels. If this Administra­ tion move is approved, it will mean a sharp break with the past practice of reserving sub­ sidies for a handful of privileged operators. Here too, the NCMB had pointed out that the present system was injurious to an Americanflag merchant marine and tended to freeze operations in a fixed pattern long after the pattern had outlived its usefulness. These two belated Government actions are further reasons why operators and unions should work together on a common program in the area of subsidies as well as other areas. 4 4 SUBSIDIES.—In a National Maritime Day address in New York City, Admiral Ralph Wilson, FMB member, warned the shipping industry that it must get more mileage out of the Federal ship subsidies or it would price itself out of the subsidy market. Government financial aid, said Admiral Wilson, has its limitations. Only by maintaining or re­ ducing the average cost of each voyage and the average construction subsidy for each ship "can we hope to expand our programs to tha levels required." Admiral Wilson pointed out that close to $300 million a year was now being spent on operating and construction-differential subsidies. In addition, the nation requires a stepped-up ship replace­ ment program, otherwise the Ameriean merehnnt marine will be forced to operate outmoded" and worn-out ships. Although more shipping subsidies could he Justfied on these grounds, he said, "there is a limita­ tion upon what portion of the tax dollar can he rightfully asked fof one segment of the economy over the over-all requirements for the rest." 4 4 4 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.—The National Maritime Service, Inc. announced that it would place the first of five twin-container, tank barges into service next montli. The barges, when completed, will operate on the Mississippi River and other inland water routes. The barges will have two container sections, an inner section with three compartments and an outer section with six compartments. This de­ sign will permit the use of the other section on the return trip. This eliminates the necessity of cleaning the barge before taking on a re­ turn-trip cargo. The cost of such cleaning usually average about $1,503 per barge. It is estimated that on some liquid commodities, the saving# passed on to shippers may he as much as 20 percent . . . MA has an­ nounced the selection of the Sperry-Picdmont Division 'of the SperryRand Corporation to design a prototype bridge control systems console. The project is aimed at construction and evaluation of prototype equip­ ment to he used at sea. Features to he developed are aimed, toward simplification of the deck watch officer's efforts in ship conning and na­ vigation. It is expected ttiat safety will he enhanced when equipment design simplification takes into consideration the integrated needs of the watch officer in conning the ship. 4 4 4 4 4 4 SCRAPPING.—MA has issued invitations to hid on the sale of eight' obsolete Liberty-type ships for scrapping. The ships are located in National Defense Reserve Fleets, as follows: Wilmington, North Caro­ lina—SS Thomas J. Jarvis, SS Samokla; Mobile, Alabama—SS Josiah Snelling, SS Moses Brown; Suisun Bay, California—SS Howard Stanshury, SS Juan Fiaco Brown; Astoria, Oregon—SS Henry Failing. SS Lindley M. Garrison. MA expects to continue offering for sale for scrapping limited numbers of Liberty ships which are determined to he in excess of future requirements . . . Approval of the sale of ths former aircraft carrier USS Altamaha for scrapping in Japan was an­ nounced by MA. PANAMANIAN-FLAG VESSELS.—The Division of Statistics and Census of the Panamanian government reports that ships registered under the Panamanian flag in 1960 rose nine percent from 1959. On December 31, 1960, Panama's merchant marine fleet totaled 1,205 ves­ sels with a gross tonnage of 5,410,700 tons. Of these vessels, 640 wer« cargo vessels, and 76 were combined passenger and freight carriers. There were also 128 fishing craft, 185 tankers, 76 of miscellaneous catsgories, and 110 ships tied up. Of the total, 14 percent were ships of 10,000 gross tons or more; 22 percent were 5,000 to 9,999 and 64 percent were under 5,000 gross tons. �^r * * »-• * Vat* 1 •' » ' » • ; • « BMArAmMttS i.O€ • • IMl The HCMB Program: .'-Uf:- -•> r" To Provide Job Security: To Expand US Shipping T DECLINE OF PRIVATELY-OWNED US-FLAG MERCHANT FLEET 1939 1954 1958 1961 1218 SHlfS m 1007 SHIPS 90S SHIPS ACTIVE (86 Inocllvt] WHO CARRIES IT? Chart f] 7959 .Foreign Shipe (All COUNTEItS - JO.3*) us Shipt it.r*) PANAMA - 6.2% 1 BRITAIN - 7.4%| Pimm •<> HIS meeting has been called by the National Com­ mittee for Maritime Bargaining to initiate contract negotiations between our deep sea operators and the member unions of the NOME. The National Commit­ tee is composed of nine unions, the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association; the International Organization of Masters, Mate and Pilots;, the Seafarers International Un­ ion, Atlantic Gulf, Lakes and Inland District; the Radio Officers Union; the Staff Officers Association; the Interna­ tional Longshoremen's Association; the Sailors Union of the Pacific; the Marine Cooks and Stewards and the Mar­ ine Firemen's Union. Our member unions represent 150,000 waterfront workers and hold contracts with 90 percent of the American-flag shipping industry operating some 875 ships on the East, Gulf and West Coasts. In addition to the representatives of the maritime un­ ions named, there are present at this negotiating confer­ ence the representatives of the overwhelming number of US dry cargo-passenger vessel companies of the Pacific Coast, the dry cargo-passenger vessel companies of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast, the Atlantic and Gulf Coast tank­ er companies and the colliers of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. There is thus present a true representation of the American merchant marine industry. This is an unusul meeting. This is the first time that maritime labor, representing every segment of shipboard personnel in every phase of the industry, has entered jointly into contract negotiations. This meeting arises from a sense of the urgency we feel about the future se­ curity of the workers we represent and the future of the American merchant fleet. Concern about maritime employment and the future of the industry is not ours alone. The Government has an Interest, the general public has an interest. The future of the industry as an important link in our national trans­ portation system and as a vital element of the national defense is cause for deep national concern. The American merchant marine, except for periods of war, has been in a continuous state of depression. It is universally agreed that the industry is sick and that no recovery is in sight. As a matter of fact without positive action, the outlook is for continued decline with less and less ships and less and less jobs. Up until now, nobody has come forward with an effec­ tive program for reversing this trend. There is a press­ ing need for expanding employment and increasing the area of security for the man who makes his living in the trade and for providing the nation with merchant ship­ ping it requires in peace and war. What are we talking about when we talk of ou* present day American merchant marine? We're talking about a US merchant marine, that carries only three percent of our essential bulk cargo, including oil, aluminum and iron ore. We're talking about a US merchant fleet that has fewer ships today than in the depression year of 1939. We're talking about a US merchant marine that carries only 10 percent of our total US foreign trade, while in contrast, fleets flying the flags of Norway and Liberia each TOTAL US FOREIGN TRADE Z o The following is ike full text of the presentation made to American ship operators by the National Committee for Maritime Bargaining: - 13% fnadcEiuaclce end unreallstle nature of eur exiitlaf eub^i-aldy program. When the Merchant Marine Act ef 1936 was adopted, Ita objective was to strengthen and expand the US merchant marine-to the point where. It carried SO percent of our foreign commerce. At that time, with the package cargo and passenger trades the dominant fac­ tors, chart no. 6 shows that US ships carried SO percent of our foreign commerce. This SO percent figure was deemed seriously inadequate, giving rise to the passage of the act. Today, as chart no. S shows, we are now carry­ ing only 9.7 percent of our total foreign commerce. Today, 30 percent would look wonderful. If we had maintained the same 3(j percent of our foreign commerce down through the years, we would have approximately 2,700 ships under the American flag. Those who claim that the subsidy program as It stands serves the needs of the industry are proven false bjl the figures shown on chart no. 6. In spite of the increasing outlay for subsidies for the handful of steamship compa­ nies receiving them, the fleets of the subsidized steamship companies have failed to grow and the merchant marine as a whole has declined. At the end of the second World War, the runaway regis­ try device was seized upoii by American shipowners. As a result, as chart no. 7 shrows, the flags of Panama and Liberia have some 1,600 deep-sea vessels operating as compared to the 900-odd ships operating under the Ameri­ can flag. This runaway operation cannot be justified on the grounds of "effective control" where the interests of this country and its merchant marine are concerned. The un­ ions do not regard these ships as being under the "effec­ tive control" of the United States Government, as events In Cuba and elsewhere have shown. A horrible example of what can happen to the industry under a policy of neglect is shown on chart no. 8. No section of the industry more pointedly demonstrates the failures of the American maritime industry as a whole than the fate of the coastwise common carriers. In 1939, there were 123 common carriers in the Atlantic & Gulf coastwise trade. Today there are just ten vessels left and thousands of jobs have disappeared. If we sit idly by, the same deterioration is possible in our offshore trade. Here is a case where the industry as a whole has turned us . J.7% carry more of our foreign trade than we do, and British and Panamanian ships only slightly less. Every other maritime nation, as a matter of national survival, sees to it that at least hal&of its foreign commerco is carried by ships flying their own flags and manned by their own nationals. In contrast, the United States, which has the world's largest foreign trade, carries only 10 per­ cent of our cargo in. American-flag and American-manned ships. What are we talking about when we talk of our presend day American merchant marine? We're talking about a US merchant fleet which has a total of 10 vessels in its entire coastwise trade now, as compared with 123 ves­ sels before World Ward II. We're talking about a US merchant marine which has shrunk year by year to the point where today there are less than 1,000 American flag vessels, while at the same time the runaway-flag fleets of Panama and Liberia have soared to 1,600 ships and are still-expanding. We're talking about an American merchant marine in which the employment of American seamen is declining year by year, so that in the last 10 years alone, 11,000 seamen's jobs have disappeared. All these facts are visi­ ble in the charts which you see at the front of this room and which are attached to this statement. Let's take a close look at these charts and the facts they so dramati­ cally demonstrate. As chart No. 1 indicates, there has been a steady decline in the numbers of American ships. In the depression year of 1939, there were 1,218 privately-owned vessels. Today there are just 905 active vessels at last report. Yet US foreign trade has grown enormously since 1939, being four times the amount of cargo. Obviously US shipping, far from sharing in this growth, has been steadily shrink­ ing. In addition, a great many of these 905 vessels arc becoming over-age, with no replacements in sight, so that the prospects are for further shrinkage. Obviously, if foreign trade is growing while the number of American ships is declining, foreign ships are carrying the lion's share of our foreign trade. In fact, as chart No. 2 shows, American ships are carrying less than ten percent of our total foreign trade. Liberian ships are carrying three times that amount. Norwegian ships are carrying far more than American ships, while British and Panamanian-flag ships between them carry more than American ships do. One of the major reasons for the figures in charts 1 and 2, is the radical change in US foreign trade patterns since the 1930's. As chart No. 3 shows, back in 1939 most of our trade was in package cargo. Today, bulk cargo is 87 percent of our total foreign trade. Of this amount of bulk cargo, foreign ships are carrying 97 percent, Ameri­ can ships only three percent. . The foreign ship domination of the bulk trades becomes clear when we examine the subsidy pattern in chart No. 4. Here, as we see, the liner trade, carrying mostly pack­ age cargo, gets 100 percent of US subsidy funds. Bulkcarrying ships, such as our tramp ships, get no subsidy assistance whatsoever. This shift in the patterns of foreign trade has shown the BILK CARGO IS HQW 87 PERCEHT OF ALL OS F0REI6H TRADE 1 1939 1 H 20% H PACKAGE 1 7960 1 13% PACK^G| AMERICAN SHIPS CARRY CHLY 3 PERCEHT OF THIS VCLDME! 1 • 1 ' • ' • • •' 1' • ' • EOailGN ••'•f I • ! 1! I'!'!' 1 i'!'!' 11 i'!'!'! 1 IHIPS J7* Irtt?-!! i! i! i! i; i! r I'll! 1; 1! li 1! 1! 1; 1 i Ul SHIPI 5 Why The Preunt Suhsiily PrograB Is liadequate HOW SUBSIDIES ARE APPLIED Owl'4 LINER TRADE 100 % jjj.. �IMl ^EAFAMEMS IS Sim' ninemTioi II AMEIieM FOREIM TIME CM'f 7936' 7959 y . ^ y-'ll" /; "- • SHirj • ^Jjjj Bttii ;:.i:^vv I-arm SHirs • ts back on the problems of one segment of the industry nd has simply let it die. This information is not new. It wasn't discovered yeserday. This sorry state of 'affairs has been developing or years. It is quite obvious that our industry, and those oncerned with its welfare, have failed to convey to the llpublic the seriousness of the situation. The public feels that the present subsidy system takes care of the needs of the merchant marine. "There-is a need here to inform the public of these facts. We must come up with ma­ chinery for informing the public about the conditions,of the industry which is so important in our transportation picture from the standpoint of the economy and a» an intrument of defense. What has been done in the face of this situation? We lave had study after study, analysis after analysis, without he development of a single constructive program for re|vitalizing the industry and expanding the job opportuni­ ties of American seamen. As Senator John Butler of the Senate Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee said just last week, "We engage in the bunko game of a neverending series of studies, each of which concludes that we must have a strong and effective merchant and naval fleet and each of which gathers dust for the lack of energetio attention." We fully subscribe to Senator Butler's views. he best that the leading brains of the industry have been able to come up with is to make American seamen the acapegoat for the industry's problems. There has been ^no attempt to deal with the industry's problems as a whole :—only individual attempts to preserve a selfish interest at 'the expense of the industry at large. For example, the LaIbor-Management Maritime Committee, consisting of a |]imited number of companies, functions solely to preserve their privileges and to oppose any efforts to strengthen [any other segment of the industry. It is time to call a halt to this negative, do-nothing ap­ proach. What we need to protect our jobs, to build our |industry, is to demonstrate some vigor, leadership and magination. We must get behind a program to reverse he existing decline and provide the means for the industo expand, to provide more jobs for American mariime workers, and to assure the United States of a merhant marine sufficient to meet the needs of our economy land national defense. Those who would do anything less are shirking their responsibilities to American seamen, the industry and national security. This Is the thinking that impelled the unions represented here to form the National Committee for Maritime Bar­ gaining and to develop a positive program for maritime, lilt is clear that all of tlie problems of the industry are ap­ propriate subjects for collective bargaining and further," the only possible way of resolving them is through idustry-wide labor-management action. This has never ex­ isted. The only existing labor-management group is one which has a narrow interest, working on one specific pur­ pose, often at odds with the rest of the industry. It should be evident that any joint labor-management approach which separates the industry's problems from the collective bargaining process, or which excludes the majority of unions and ship operators, cannot be effective. While such narrow and restrictive joint labor-management groups have existed in the industry! they have not suc­ ceeded in resolving arty of the industry's basic difficulties, nor can they be regarded as authoritative spokesmen for maritime labor and management. In the opinion of the nine member unions of the NCMB these are the problems that should be negotiated in con­ tract talks with American seamen's unions: 1) The widespread use of runaway-flag shipping, which Is the biggest single factor in the decline of the American merchant marine. Numerous attempts have been made by management and military spokesmen to justify the use of runaway-flag fleets on the ground of economic and military necessity. We believe the first view is extremely short-sighted and has already made a major contribution jto the destruction of a true American-flag fleet. We also eject the military need for runaways, which is based on LOG the flimsy notion that the United States Government hat effective control of these vessels and that they form otir "fifth arm of defense." The idea that we had effective control of these ships )?ollaps2d the first time it was tested, when we sought to limit oil imports into Cuba. In one company, presumably under effective control, the owner pulled down his Liberian flag, hoisted a Greek flag and carried his cargo of oil into Cuba. It is obvious that other owners could and would do the same thing. The only ships that are under genu­ ine American control are those flying the American flag and manned by American-seamen. 2) The need tb gear the Government subsidy program to changing trade patterns in foreign trade, including the need to develop an American-flag bulk carrying fleet. The inadequacy of the subsidy program is shown by the fact that in the last ten years alone, while our subsidies have more than doubled, the American merchant marine has declined more than 200 ships and huge foreign-flag fleets have sprung up to carry American bulk cargoes. 3) The need for the industry as a whole to work ener­ getically with the unions and the remaining domestic ship opertors to revive the fast-disappearing domestic trade. 4) The clear need to eliminate Government competition In the shipping industry, which is depriving private ship­ ping of cargo and American seamen of-employment oppor­ tunities. 5) In light of the possible serious consequences to em­ ployment of sliipboard and shoreside automation, the need to develop a joint program for protecting the mutual in­ terests of waterfront workers and the Industry, without hindering progressive developments in the industry. 6) The need to develop an effective program for pro­ moting safer operation of US merchant ships. The NCMB feels that the only realistic laargaining pro­ gram possible at this time is one in which maritime un­ ions and management deal jointly with these problems. It should not be forgotten that what we in this country do is of considerable concern to our Government and the na­ tional defense, particularly in light of the strategic posi­ tion of the shipping industry in the defense picture. Be­ cause of the importance of the industry, the President of the United States has expressed concern about the in­ dustry's future. He has specifically stated his interest in seeing the merchant marine develop on a sound basis, both offshore and in the domestic and inland trades, as part of a strong US transportation system. Further, in this critical period in international relations, he has called on labor and management in all industries to establish standing machinery for resolving industry problems on a Joint basis. He also has asked labor and management to act responsibly in negotiations and to pool their talents and know-how to strengthen the American economy so as to preserve our leadership in world affairs. The NCMB unions are convinced that the answer to the Maritime industry's problems lies in this type of approach and we accept our responsibility. We call upon you in management to accept similar principles and to begin work with us at this time towards rebuilding the US mer­ chant marine and providing American seamen, shippers and our natmn with a strong merchant fleet To implement the objectives of more jobs an'd a thriving industry, and a sign of our sincere interest in a healthy merchant fleet, the NCMB submits the following action program which provides a workable means of solving the serious problems which confront, the industry as a whole. This program is being submitted by ttie following in­ dividual unions to those companies with which each union has contracts: The Marine Enigneers Beneficial Association. The IntemaUonal Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots. The Radio Officers Union. The Staff Officers International Union. The Seafarers International Union. EXISTING SBBSIDY PROGRAM c... DOESN'T MEET US SHIPPING NEEDS US Subsidies A Ships 1960 t2!0 Million 1955 ..---'"""^ MllltOM 1950 ^v^1955 I.IOI Jhlpi SubildUt Shlpl *0J Ihlpi |A£|| (Atllvo) 19011 RELATIVE SIZE I^FLAG ft IIMWAY-FLSG FLEETS mi PROGRAM The maritime unions represented here are fully cog­ nizant of the crucial sitution confronting our industry. W« have witnessed the sharp and continuing decline of vessels under American flag; with the number of runaway flag vessels steadily increasing. This has meant fewer jobs for American seamen and even those jobs are under constant threat in the face of the substandard wages and working conditions of the runaway flag vessels operated or owned by American capital. Government officials have with increasing insistence in recent months challenged the industry to revitalize their activities and openly questioned the correctness of pres­ ent policies pertaining to the subsidy program as being possibly a "subsidy of mediocrity." The American seaman wants a growing and vital indus­ try. In this objective, he has as important a stake as any shipping company. To achieve this end, these maritime unions propose tho following program for the maritime industry with re­ spect to all those collective bargaining agreements which are due to expire this June 15th and September 30th: 1) Each collective barganing agreement between a ship­ ping company and the unions involved shall expressly pro­ vide that it will cover any vessel owried or operated by said company or any affiliate or subsidiary thereof, and not under previous contract with a US maritime union. 2) The shipowners and the maritime unions shall es­ tablish forthwith a Joint Committee for the Maritime In­ dustry. This committee shall formulate a joint program en the following matters, to which all parties shall pledge their earnest and full effort and support: (a) A rehauling of the subsidy program of the US Government so that it shall protect and encourage man­ agement efficiency and initiative and the development of trades and cargo shipments truly important to this country. <b) A discontinuance of Government operation of shipping through MSTS or otherwise. (c) Effective enforcement of the present 50-50 Fed­ eral law. To seek legislation which would assure the us* of American tankers for petroleum on a similar basis. (d) Effective program for the improvement of safety measures for the seamen. 3) Final completion of the extended collective bargain­ ing agreements shall be subject to discussions between the companies and the respective unions affected with respect to certain clarifications of existing provisions in the agree­ ments and elimination of certain inequities between the respective officer unions and between the Atlantic and Gulf and West Coast agreements. 4) The existing contracts and benefits provided for therein and the obligations of the companies to continue the same, and as modified pursuant to the above provi­ sions, shall be extended for one year. The maritime unions sincerely hope that the shipowners will give their earnest consideration to this proposal and see the imperative need for its acceptance. With this ap­ proach, the industry can avoid increases in cost that might otherwise imperil the continuing operation of the present number of vessels under American flag and at the same time, both industry and the unions, since they do have the joint responsibility, will endeavor to work out the basic policies to assure a revitalized US merchant marine. Each union is now stating that it is prepared to negoti­ ate its agreement with the companies with which it has contracts on the basis of the foregoing program. Our un­ ions are prepared to meet with the companies either through a joint committee or committees which the com­ panies may wish to establish, with full authority to con­ summate the agreement, or with eacii company separately as they may wish. The representatives of these unions are stating that from this moment, they are holding them­ selves in readiness for such negotiations, to continue on a day and night basis. Our meeting place will be at the office of the MEBA Pension and Welfare Plan, 17 Battery Place, 23rd floor. Gentlemen, we invite your questions, discussion and, we hope, your acceptance of our program. �4 ,'r'-'^i?.;^.. '^. ,'JiK .W.-* ^*-"iia.«i''' Wide Range Of Benefits Aided 8,000 SlU Families Since '55 Just entering its seventh year, the SIU dependents' benefits program has so far 'distrib­ Joseph Volplan, Social Seenrity Director uted over $1.6 million in cash benefits to service 8,000 medical emergencies of all types for Seafarers' families. Coverage and benefits have increased five separate times since the proNew Remedies For Automation 4, gram began. Speedy enactment of a broad. Federally-financed program to re­ The comprehensive welfare per day and the hospital extras dren over the age of 19. All bene­ train and relocate several hundred thousand workers made jobless benefit has increased 400% since ficiaries of the program are also schedule for SIU family mem­ 1955. This amount is now $200 for entitled to use the services of SIU by the impact of automation has been urged by the Administration bers and Seafarers retired on dis­ ability-pensions provides allow­ ances for hospital room and board, extra hospital charges, blood trans­ fusions, ambulance service, doc­ tors' visits to the hospital and surgical treatment. Payments since th? plan began average about $200 per claim although, in recent years, as hospital costs have risen, the average has gone up. It was $262.69 during 1960. The rise in hospital costs since 1955 is reflected in the figure of $516,000 covering payments over the past 12 months. This is more than six times the cost -for the first year of the program when there were only one-fourth as many claims. Compensating for these In­ creased costs, a wide range of Im­ provements in benefits and cover­ age have been Instituted through trustee and administrative action during the past six years. A $50 deductible provision and the 31-day limit on hospital pay­ ments have been eliminated, al­ lowances for hospital room and board charges are up 50% to $15 hospital stays of up to 31 days and an equal amount is' provided for longer periods. Allowances under ~the surgical schedule have also been increased up to 50% in many cases. Broadened eligibility provisions now cover dependent parents as well as dependent, disabled chil- VacatioHy Welfare Offices Move Seafarers are reminded that the new address for the SIU Welfare Plan and the SIU Vaca­ tion Plaft is 17 Battery Place, New York 4, New York, in the event any direct correspond­ ence with either office is re­ quired. Administrative offices of both Plans shifted from their original location at 11 Broadway earlier this month. The move provides more space for the expanding operations of the two benefit programs serving Sea­ farers and their families. The new telephone number is WHltehaii 3-5950. SIU Blood Banks Expand; Ready In 9 Ports So Far clinics for complete diagnostic medical examinations at no cost. This broad coverage is in addi­ tion to the SIU maternity benefit program, which has provided al­ most $900,000 in benefits since 1952. Together, these two pro­ grams account for $2Vk million in SIU welfare benefits paid directly to Seafarers' families. 3 More SIU Veterans Co On Pension A trio of SIU oldtimers repre­ senting all departments across the board is the latest to qualify for the lifetime SIU disability-pension. Approval of the benefit applica­ tions by Seafarers Alfredo Dnarte, John H. Ferguson and Robert W. Scales boosts the number of pen­ sioners qualified so far this year to 17. The $35 weekly payments are in addition to the regular medicalhospital -surgical coverage and other benefits provided by the Welfare Plan. A native of Portugal, Brother Duarte joined the SIU at New SIU representatives have established local blood banks cov­ ering eight different ports to supplement the Union's main blood facility in Brooklyn. Arrangements are now being completed in the remaining ^ coastal ports, Puerto Rico and ' mediate areas so that the Brook­ lyn facility can build up a reserve the Great Lakes. The network of SIU blood banks will speed the servicing of emer­ gency needs for Seafarers and their families in all areas. Under the program mapped out last month, the local banks will han­ dle all requirements in their Im- Drydocked Lots of a leg in an accident has permanently beached Seafarer Bofdo Coecia, cur­ rently taking rehabilitation and treatment at the LUcien Moss Hospital, Philadelphia. SIU Welfare Plan is providing $35 weekly benefits, for Coccia. during .training. for large-scale emergencies. Up until now, the Brooklyn bank had been the sole source of sup­ ply for all blood needs through­ out the country. It will continue to serve as the primary "source for blood in the New York area as well as inland locations where the Union does not maintain any halls. Revamping of the blood pro­ gram was dictated by wholesale withdrawals at one time from the Brooklyn bank plus the possibility that similar emergenices in dif­ ferent areas of the country could deplete all reserves overnight. Urgent blood requirements for a Seafarer's eight-month-old baby in Houston set the new plan in motion. The child, now a year old and reported doing well, needed over 60 pints of blood altogether. Ports where local banks have been set up, in conjunction with US Public Health Service installa­ tions or other established agencies, such as the Red Cross, currently include the following: Boston, Nor­ folk, Jacksonville, Miami, Mobile, Wilmington, San Francisco and Seattle. The expanded operation does not mean any change for Seafarers or their families requiring blood in an emergency. Just as before, all they need do is contact the nearest SIU hall and the necessary arrangements will be made promptly. Volunteer donors in Brooklyn or the other ports should do the aame. Scales FergnsoR Orleans In 1941 and has sailed since then in the black gang and the steward de­ partment. He's 62 years of age and last shipped in February as a messman on the Del Norte (Mis­ Duarte sissippi). Side­ lined permanently by a heart con­ dition, Duarte is married and lives in New Orleans. One of the earliest members of the SIU in the Port of Savannah, Brother Ferguson is 64 years of age. He Joined the Union in Jan­ uary, 1939, and was a black gang regular until he had to call it quits last November. After a final trip on the Robin Gray (Robin) as a wiper, he was tagged not fit for duty permanently due to heart disease. Ferguson still resides in Savannah and lists a daughter, Ive Cooper, as next of kin. Heart disease has also beached Brother Scales, who completed his last trip as an AB on the missile ship Rose Khot (Suwannee) in March. He boasts seatime starting in 1913 at the age of. 17 and Joined the SIU at Galveston in 1945. Scales is a resident of Pasadena, Md., and lists M. B, Willard.of Baltimore as next of kin. in Washington. The proposed nation-wide program would deal with job displacement problems of the three basic kinds: Workers who need retraining before they can find new Jobs; the unemployed who need help in relocating to new areas where their regular skills are in demand and others who need extra training to meet industrial change. Early hearings are expected on the proposals, already introduced in Congress, which are designed primarily for the long-term unemployed. The three-way program would provide trainees with weekly cash al­ lowances for up to a year plus half the cost of relocation to new jobs in other areas. It is likely that this type of planning will meet sharp opposition in those quarters where resistance to Federal action of any kind is traditional. A novel approach to the problems of automation in industry has been advanced by a new agreement between an AFL-CIO electrical workers union and a West Coast manufacturing concern. The union, represent­ ing a production staff making automated broadcasting equipment, hat won the establishment of a company-paid trust fund to finance a re­ training program for broadcasting workers who may'^be displaced fronii Jobs when a radio station purchases the company's new wares. There is an unusual,idea at work here. The union directly involved In the agreement would seem to have no direct stake in the proceed­ ings, such as the possible displacement of radio station personnel by automated equipment. Actually it has a very large stake indeed, one* word gets around in the broadcast industry regarding the company's new product. A lack of planning for the effects of the equipment could set up a chain of reaction of protests from station workers (some of whom are represented by the same union) plus resistance to buy on the part of station management. The incentive for the onion is the prospect that the retraining pro­ gram can soften the shock of automation and, thereby, help produce steady employment in the manufacturing plant. The fund is based on employer contribution of 5% from sales of equipment and prograni services. It provides payments for tuition and fees at established schools so that displaced station personnel, if any, will be able to learn new skills either in the broadcast field or in other industries. This approach to automation could start a trend. Closer to home is the realization that the "new" SIU Welfare Plan is practically grown up and almok in its 'teens. The broad SIU welfare program available today was pioneered when the first payment of bene­ fits began on July 1, 1950. There were Just two benefits then; A $7 weekly hospital payment to Seafarers and a $500 death benefit. The original hospital benefit has tripled to $21 per week and the death payment is eight times what it was in 1950. These are over a dozen adu'tional benefits as well. During its first 12 months of operation, the Plan paid out the modest sum of $31,733, less than it does in an average week today. This ii "automation" of another sort—progress which produces no ill effects and continues to serve Seafarers and their families in every way pdssible. (Comments and suggestions are invited by the Department and can be submitted to this column care of the SEAFARERS LOG.) Doesn't Seem To Hurt A Bit Mrs. Rachel Babitx loolct on as lab tech^^^ takes a blood sample during medical examination at the Broolciyn SIU Clinic. Blood tests are part of the complete physical offered by the clinics in seeking to maintain the hea th of Seafarers and their dependents through regular check-ups.' Mrs< Babitz is the wife of Seafarer Nat Babitt, who ships In the steward department. •' �itn SXI7 MXtoXcAx. Joseph B. Locue, IMD, Medical Director Glaucoma: Ofteit Cause Of Blindness Glaucoma is a condition produced by an increase in the intraocular tension of one or both eyes. The normal intrar>cular pressure is about £5 mm. Hg, This pressure depends on the intraocular contents and the elasticity of the outer covering of the eye. Since the solid structure in the eye (the lens) changes very little, the pressure is dependent on the fluid content of the eye, viz: the aqueous and vitreous humor is constantly being formed and eliminated, and this formation and elimination is delicately balanced so that at any one time it is about equal. Anything that causes a disturbance is formation or abeorption of the fluid will change the pressure, unless the changes are equal. The aqueous humor is mainly formed by the ciliary processes and passes into the anterior chamber of the eye, between the iris and lens, and then goes out through the filtration angle into the canal of Bchlemm. The fluid is then taken up by the venous tributaries called the aqueous veins. The production and loss of aqueous fluid is so well balanced that there is only slight normal variation in the intraocular pressure. Pressure Increase Responsible Any pathological condition or disease which upsets this balance so that the pressure is constantly increased produces glaucoma. Although the pressure might be increased by increased production of the aqueous humor, the great majority of cases of glaucoma are produced by inter­ ference with the outflow or absorption of the aqueous fluid. Secondary Glaucoma: There are many diseases which are accom­ panied by an increase in the intraocular pressure, and the glaucoma then is considered to be a secondary type of glaucoma. The following ocular diseases are often accompanied by glaucoma: Iritis and Iri­ docyclitis, occlusion of the central vein of the retina; Intraocular tumors; displacement of the lens and trauma, especially if this is ac­ companied by hemorrhage into the anterior chamber of the. eye. Primary Glaucoma: Primary glaucoma may be considered as of two tyes, that in which the filtration angle is of the narrow type, and that in which the filtration angle is open or wide. This can be determined by an instrument for measuring the filtration angle. Symptoms Of Acute Glaucoma The narrow angle type can develop an acute glaucoma if the pupil is dilated and obstructs the narrow angle. This condition has occa­ sionally been produced in dilitation of the pupil for refraction. The glaucoma develops rapidly, usually within a few hours, with congestion and edema of the lids, excruciating pain, blurred vision, and causes the eye to feel stony hard to the fingertips. The condition should be rec­ ognized and the patient referred immediately to an ophthamologist for treatment and for surgical care, if necessary. This is one of the few real ophthalmological surgical emergencies. Fortunately, this acute type is not frequent. There is, however, a large' group with narrow angle eyes who develop glaucoma which is of a sub-acute type. This is usually accompanied by headaches at night or early morning pain aiiil leiiileriiess In both eyes, as well as mistiness of vision. The attacks may be very mild at first but, if the condition is not diagnosed and treated, it will become progressively more severe. The open angle type of glaucoma makes up the largest group of cases. It is estimated that 30,000 to 35,000 persons are totally blind in the United States as a result of this type of glaucoma, and that 800,000 perions have glaucoma that is undiagnosed as such. Most of these cases could have been saved from blindness had their conditions been diag­ nosed and treated in the early stages. Unfortunately, in the early stages, most of these cases are not rec­ ognized by the general practitioner. These cases usually are developed after the age of 40 and usually are without symptoms. There is no test that the general practitioner can make except tonometric studies, which are rarely done except by an ophthalomologist. If every person over 45 years of age could have a tonometric examination every several years, the number of jieople who go blind from this condition would decrease drastically. No Early Symptoms Evident This type of glaucoma develops very slowly and insidiously, without symptoms, until the increased intraocular pressure has done sufficient damage to the optic nerve to produce changes in the visual fields. The condition can be diagnosed by measuring the increased pressure by a tonometer and/or charting the visual fields. There also is a con­ genital type glaucoma which is found at birth, and should be diagnosed Immediately if the sight of the child is to,be saved. Treatment: All cases of glaucoma should be placed under the care of an ophthalmologist for treatment. In the secondary type, it is im­ portant that the disease which is causing the glaucoma also be treated. In the acute case of narrow angle type of glaucoma, the intraocular pressure must be controlled immediately by medication and, if not con­ trolled, it becomes an urgent surgical emergency, in or-der to save the sight of the eye. Qhronic narrow angle type of glaucoma may be con­ trolled by diligent medical care, but often requires operative interfer­ ence and iridotomy. Glaucoma of the open angle type accounts for the great majority of the cases of glaucoma. Here conservative medical measure may suf­ fice. However, if there is a progressive loss of vision in these cases under medical care, then some type of surgical treatment is indicated. Congenital glaucoma must be diagnosed as soon as possible if the sight is to be saved. These cases formerly lost their sight, but early diagnosis and modern surgical intervention can save the sight of many of them. All suspected cases should be seen immediately by a competent ophthal­ mologist. (Reference: Gifford's "Textbook of Ophthalmology by Adler" (W. B. Saunders Company). • (Comments and suggestions are ininted by the Department and can be submitted to this column care of the SEAFAERS LOG.) grEAFAREUS lOG Seafarer Awaits Patent On Rotary Engine Invention Several years of effort and an investrhent of several thousand in personal funds may pay' off soon for Seafarer Ollie H. Kuykendall. His design for a new type of engine, similar to the gas turbine, now is in "patent pending" status, at the US Patent Office. The new engine design-*which he describes as a ro­ tary-type internal combustion engine, offers a number of advan­ tages over existing diesels and con­ ventional automobile four - cycle engines, Kuykendall said. It would have fewer moving parts, produce far more horsepower in proportion to size than other internal com­ bustion engines, and would be cheaper to build and operate. For example, he pointed out that it could operate on a cheap fuel, similar to home heating oil, which sells at retail for 15 to 10 cents per gallon on the East Coast. Lubrication requirements would be minimal,'around a quarter pint to 20 gallons of fuel. One reason for the engine's effi­ ciency, he said, is that it is essen­ tially a "one-cycle" engine. The design is such that intake and ex­ haust occur on the same stroke. The conventional two-cycle en­ gines waste one stroke of the cycle in getting rid of the exhaust. Since the engine operates on heated gases, the efficiency can be improved by setting up "slave" units to operate off the exhaust of the original combustion unit. Oper­ ating pressures within the original unit would be on the order of 150 pounds per square inch. A com­ bination of water and air-cooling would be used to keep tempera­ tures down. Another advantage of the en­ gine, Kuykendall pointed out, is that it can be reversed easily, sim­ ply by altering th'e direction of its rotary moving parts, thus eliminat­ ing dry clutches and complex transmissions. Several of Kuykendall's ship­ mates have become quite enthusi­ astic over, the possibilities of the engine to the point of assisting in the Xuiaiicing. Now Kuykendall is considering setting up a corpora­ tion to raise funds for the manu­ facture of the engine. His first task ahead is the costly one of building an initial working model. New Cyclone Satellite Set For Flight WASHINGTON — Another weather satellite, one designed specifically to locate hurricanes, will be launched shortly, the Na­ tional Aeronautics and Space Ad­ ministration reports. The satellite, known as Tiros III, will have two television cameras abroad, from which it is hoped photographs will be relayed back to the ground showing the development and course of cyclonic stoi-ms. Accu­ rate predictions of such storms would greatly assist shipping in avoiding danger and delays at sea. Two previous Tiros satellites have been launched. The second is still in operation, transmitting cloud cover photographs which help meteorologists in their, weather predictions. The Administration has asked for an additional $22 million for the weather satellite program. The Weather Bureau hopes to keep at least one such satellite aloft and functioning at all times. It's necessary for this purpose to be able to launch several such vehicles, since all of theni even­ tually are subject to atmospheric drag and burn up when their orbits get too close to the earth. Seafarer Ollie Kuykendall (second, left) explains features of his rotary engine design to three former shipmates (I. to r.) Vincent P. D. Giacomo, electrician; Wong Lee, steward; John Simoneili, AB. "This runs into money because It has to be hand-machined," he ex­ plained. "But once you make dies to go into mass production, the engine will be relatively cheap to manufacture." Kuykendall, who has been sail­ ing on SIU ships for the past ten years as chief electrician, reefer engineer or deck engineer, got the idea for the new engine when he was trying to design a variable speed transmission. In the process of working on the transmission, he started exploring the possibilities of the gas turbine. He shifted hit attention to this iirea, working on the engine design for a number of years so as to reduce the size and simplify it. Eventually, he modi­ fied it to the degree that it is no longer a true gas turbine, although it works on a similar principle. A resident of Gastonia, North Carolina, he has been going to sea since World War II. In addition, he has spent a number of years working ashore as a machinist. I New York City public achool teachers are urged to vote yes in a referendum ballot being con­ ducted by the Board of Education on collective bargaining. The bal­ lot asks for a yes or no answer as to whether teachers want rep­ resentatives to bargain for them. The Board's action came after a committee set up by the group recommended a direct choice of union representation. The referen­ dum bypassed this but is expected to lead to demands for a systemwide representation election. ^ ^ Both Federal and postal unions and the AFL-CIO are urging a Senate Post Office and Civil Serv­ ice subcommittee to approve leg­ islation permitting Government workers to retire on a full pension after 30 years of service. At pres­ ent, 30-year workers can retire at 60 with full annuity or at 55 with a reduced amount. Workers with less "service can retire with a prorated pension. The adminis­ tration has opposed the bill be­ cause it says the Government "cannot afford to lose these valu­ able workers." a, i 3, Basing its negotiation position on the national goals set by the union's collective bargaining com­ mittee meeting held in March, the Communications Workers of Amer­ ica have reached wage rate agree­ ments with two Bell System com­ panies in two states which, the union hopes, will set a pattern for all of its 1961 negotiations. Underthe reopening clause of its exist­ ing three-year contracts the union won wage increases of 2.8 percent or $1.50 to $3.50 a week for 12,260 workers. Other provisions include reductions in the number of steps needed to reach top pay levels and reductions in geographical wage differentials. Negotiations are con­ tinuing with the Bell Systems in nine other states. t 4" i" Delaware has been added to the growing list of states that have out­ lawed the importation or use of strikebreakers. A bill barring third parties to a labor dispute from furnishing strikebreakers awaits the signature of Governor Elbert N. Carvel (Dem.) after being passed by the state legislature. So far, six states have passed such laws. a< 4> A convention of the Shoe Work­ ers Union unanimously approved a report by its president outlining steps toward a merger with the Shoe and Boot Workers Union and approved a proposal to raise per capita dues from $1.35 to $1.45 per month per member. A iinionwide referendum will be held June 20 to vote on the dues increase. Other convention action 'includes changes in the constitution, elec­ tion of officers every three years, support for an intensified organ­ ization campaign and backing for a Federal bill to regujate imports. �SEAFARKRS. IOC Fishermen's Memorial Day Hiring Hall Included New Bedford To Conduct Referendum On Contract NEW BEDFORD—The New Bedford Fishermen's Union will hold a 15-day referendum on whether to accept a new three-year contract with boatowners. The new contract in­ cludes a provision for the establishment of a Union hiring hall arrangement which will be an important step f oreward ^ ' of the Union. The contracts shall vides for increases of one-half for the Union. The negotiating committee continue to refer to fishermen as percent for the Welfare Fund and of the Union worked out the con­ tract late in May only hours be­ fore a strike deadline. If ap­ proved. the new pact will run until March, 1964. Ifce referendum has tentatively been set for June 15-30. If the contract is approved, the Union will establish a Fishermen's Registry which will operate as a hiring hall. While details of the hiring hall remain to be clarified, the principle has been agreed upon. In connection with the reg­ istry plan, the Union and boatowners have established a com­ mittee to work out a plan for an­ nual medical examinations to in­ sure maintenance of minimum health standards. In addition to winning the hir­ ing hall provision, the Union was successful In beating back several boatowner proposals which could have destroyed much the Union has fought for. Captains who are not boatown­ ers will continue to be members Russian Boats Active Near New England NEW BEDFORD. — Russian trawlers have been Increasing their activities, fishing and other­ wise, in the Georges Bank area about 100 miles east of Cape Cod. The fishing grounds, traditional area of operations for New Bed­ ford Fishermen's Union and At­ lantic Fishermen's Union mem­ bers, are the sites of two US Air Force-operated Texas towers. The Russian vessels have been operating quite close to the two otfshoie aircraft observation rigs knows as Texas Tower I and Texas Tower II. In addition to snooping around the towers. Russian trawlers have been closely approaching Ameri­ can fishing vessels. Captain Johan Johannssen, skipper of the New Bedford Fishermen's Union-con­ tracted scalloper Stanley B. But­ ler, reported that a Soviet trawler moved in close enough during a recent voyage to take pictures of his scalloping operations off Nan tucket. Russian vessels in the past have tended to stay away from American vessels. Crewmen on Boston fishing craft now report that American and Russian vessels have been ap­ proaching within hailing distance. Boston-based vessels Red Jacket, Swallow and Cambridge reported Russian vessels; four trawlers and two mother ships, fishing for her­ ring or whiting in the vicinity of the towers. In addition, crewmen from Bos­ ton vessels Notre Dame, Olympla, La Rosa and Magellan reported Russian ves.sels 20 miles off Chat­ ham at the elbow of Cape Cod > . ;r» I employees rather than crewmen. This Insures that Union members will be fully protected with regard to employment security, taxes, maintenance and cure, and re­ covery for injury sustained at work. Mindful of the hazards of fish­ ing and the hardship which in­ jury imposes on fishermen, the Union successfully fought for an increase in maintenance and cure benefits from six to seven dollars per day effective March 31, 1962, and running for the duration of the contract. The new scalloper contract pro- Good Fishing In Bering Sea SEATTLE—The halibut fleet found good fishing in the cold waters of the Bering Sea when the season opened in April. By May, about 30 vessels were headed home with record catches of the fish. The huge catch fetched a fair price in the market here, running about five cents higher than the I960 opening prices. Members of the Alaska Fishermaa's Union, and Bering Sea fishing groups, both affiliated with the SIUNA, operate in the halibut fleet. Meanwhile, tuna fishermen who operate in Southern California and Central America waters found that the fish had taken a short vacation In April. the Seafood Council. Both of these funds have been extremely important for NBFU members. Increased Welfare The Welfare Fund has been pro­ viding ever increasing benefits to members, and the additional con­ tribution was secured to keep the fund on a sound basis. The Sea­ food Council fund has promoted increased sales of fish products, and these higher sales directly affect the price of the catch and consequently the take-home pay of fishermen. The new contract moves closer to solving the problem of deduc­ tions from the earnings of a ves­ sel for electronics equipment. Such deductions will be computed on a dock-to-dock basis. A minimum of four days' rest ashore has been guaranteed in the new scalloper contract, with an additional half day rest ashore for each day of fishing in excess of six days. The new contract provides for an improved grievance procedure, with a standing comniittee of two members, one from the boatown­ ers and one from the Union, which will be available at all times to consider disputes arising under the contract. The committee which nego­ tiated the new contract for the Union included Howard W. Nickerson, NBFU secretary-treasurer; William Hayes; Theodore Pedersen; Joseph Bourassa; Chester T. Mackay; Frank Deluga; John Gomes, and Joseph Hoyle. Atlantic Fishermen On Deck The traditional New Bedford Memorial Day was celebrated with pierside services for men who have been lost at sea as well as^ for those who died in the nation's service. The Memorial Day service was sponsored by the Now Bodford Fiihonnon's Union and the New Bedford Port Society. 51U Fishermen Hold Memorial Services NEW BEDFORD—New Bedford's traditional Memorial Day services, in honor of men who were lost at sea and of those who died in the nation's service, began with the wheeling of the Seamen's Bethel portable^" organ to the fisihing pier. The organ is the same one which was used by whaling fam­ ilies a hundred years ago when New Bedford whaleships sailed to every ocean In the world. The Memorial Day program was sponsored by the New Bedford Fishermen's Union and the New Bedford Port Society. Over SOe Attend Sendee The Rev. Gene Landry, pastor of the Seamen's Bethel, delivered memorial address to the more than 300 fishermen, their families and friends who gathered for the service. Howard W. Nlckerson, secre­ tary-treasurer of the New Bedford Fishermen's Union, read the scriptural lesson at the service. Call to service was sounded by a ship's bell, and a color guard and firing squad from the Coast Guard weather patrol vessel Yakutat took part In the ceremony. Flow­ ers and wreaths from families of fishermen lost at sea were scat­ tered at sea. AFU Hears New Pact In Boston Making adjustments—and just watching—on the deck of the new Sea-King are Atlantic Fishermen (I to r.) Trygv# Torkelsen; Gunvald Vik; George Chfdmieili Waldor Stienhordt (bending); Harry Gorski; Olof Hanson, and Andrew Hellman. ^ The Atlantic City-based vessel was at the Fulton Fish pier in New York City when the photo was taken. BOSTON—Agreement in prin­ ciple on the first new contract for the Atlantic Fishermen's Union since 1946 has been reached with Boston boatowners. The Boston membership of the Atlantic Fish­ ermen moved that contract nego­ tiations continue in line with pro­ posals recently submitted. Pact To Bring Gains The proposed new contract Is the result of a revitalization of the Union since its reaffiliatlon with the SIUNA under its present secretary - treasurer TJiomas "Obie" O'Brien. Union negotiators declared that the new pact should bring great gains for fishermen as well as pro­ viding an opportunity, for the. in­ dustry to Increase its earnings. Germans Try To Sell Boats To Americans 'GLOUCESTER — German fish­ ing interests are pying tq sell 28 beam trawlers to North American fishermen, according to a recent report in the "Gloucester Dally Times." The vessels being offered for sale are all larger and more pow­ erful than the Boston Beam trawl­ ers now operating in the North Atlantic fisheries. The 28 vessels were built between 1949 and 19S1 with aid from the United States. Ironically, the Germans want to sell these trawlers back to the US while they go on to build larger modern factory ships. However, there is a hitch in the proposed sale of the German trawlers to American interests. Shipping and fishing laws in the US carry restrictions on the use of foreign-built vessels operatitig under the American flag. But Canadian fishing boat owners are under no Such restrictions and it Is likely that they will take up the bulk of the German vessels and use them to compete in tho American fish market. Among unions in the SIU are a number of groups of commer­ cial fishermen on ail coasts, as well as shoreside fish canneries and processors. They are in­ volved in such widely-diversi­ fied fishing operations as scal­ loping, tuna fishing, salmon fisheries, cod, halibut and many others. Groups involved Include the New Bedford Fishermen's Union, Atlantic Fishermen's Union, Alaska Fishermen's Union, tuna fish and cannery unions operating out of Cali­ fornia ports and groups in Bristol Bay, Kodiak, and else­ where in the far northwest Pacific. �SEArjtrtEl£3 LOG * • Pac« NineiceB. : iT:' • . SlU Firm . Builds Ships On Subsidy Banks Attends NCMB Session Big SIU Victory Licensed Division Wins In 9 Fleets MONTREAL—Engineer officers on the Great Lakes and East Coast of Canada voted overwhelmingly to be represented by the Licensed Division of the SlU in recent elections con­ ducted by the Canada-Labour Relations Board. Engineer officers in nine outt of 10 shipping companies pany pressure was put on engineer chose the SIU over' the officers In Upper Lakes Shipping. VANCOUVER—The first con­ crete results of the Canadian gov­ ernment announcement that it will assist Canadian shipping were ' shown here when the SIU of Can­ ada contracted Northland Naviga­ tion Company revealed plans to Canadian Brotherhood of Hallway construct two new vessels with Trainmen and General Workers the aid of a government subsidy. (CBRT) and Its defunct afffliate At the same time a shipowners' the National Association of Marine group, the Canadian Shipowners Engineers (NAME). Association,; said the government In La Verendry Lines and In action would only 'aid domestic Abltibl Power and Paper, the Li­ operators, not deep-sea companies. censed Division won certification Attending the National Committee for Maritime Bargain­ The SlU-contracted company as representative of the engineer said the two ships, to be built in officers In previous action. ing's opening session with shipowners in New York are Canadian yards, would be able to Other voting results are; Hall (I. to r.) Hal Banks, SIU of Canada President; Paul Hall, carry 3,000 tons of cargo each at Corporation of Canada, SIU 56, SlUNA president, and Morris Weisberger, SlUNA executive 18-knots. Accommodations would CBRT 2; N. M. Paterson & Sons, vice president for the Pacific District. be provided for 98 passengers plus SIU 57, CBRT 7; Scott Mlsener, 85 automobiles. SIU 25, CBRT 3; Algoma Central Northland operates In the & Hudson Bay Railway, SIU 15, Canadian coastwise trade out of CBRT 0; National Sand & Material, here, making more than 110 SIU 2, CBRT 0; Dominion Steel & scheduled stops. Once the new Coal, SIU 9,' CBRT 0; Commercial ships enter service, the company's Cable, SIU 5, CBRT 0. passenger vessel, the Canadian In only one election. In Upper NEW YORK—^The opening of negotiations between the Na­ Lakes Shipping, did the License Prince, will be used as a summer­ tional Committee for Maritime Bargaining and US ship­ Division lose to the CBRT. It was time cruise ship exclusively. Another ship under contract to owners early in June was attended by Hal Banks, president pointed out that considerable coman SIU company being built here of the SIU of Canada in his-*is a log barge for the Klngcome capacity as spokesman for the Navigation Company. The self-un- Great Lakes Conference of loader will be the largest such the Maritime Trades Department. vessel ever to be built here, being The barganlng committee (NC­ 339 feet long with a 64-foot beam. It will be used to go Into bays MB) presented Its position to ions which have gone Into politics. and Inlets along the British Co­ shipowners, stressing Its intention Montreal FIfouf Smooth to Improve the general health of If a union uses members' dues to lumbia coast and pick up logs. MONTREAL=Thu 1961 fiLuul support a political organization, it With A capacity of IVi million the maritime industry. In this port went smoothly with The most significant demand by jobs moving fast and furious for. can lose its checkoff rights. The board feet, the barge can handle the Unions concerned the return the first weeks. Dredge activity US Coast Guard will discontinue quite a bit of timber. The Canadian shipowners As­ of runaway flag ships to Union picked up when the weather its famous Swlftsure Lightship sociation welcomed the shipbuild­ contracts. This Is an Important cleared. Most beefs involved mis­ which guarded the entrance to the ing subsidy but said that it will one to concern the Canadian SIU understanding between crews and Straights of Juan de Fuca since benefit Canadian shipyards to only as well as In all maritime unions mates and skiapers who were as­ 1909. Shipping has been picking up here. a limited extent. The subsidy, the In North America. signed new vessels this year. Some 3^ it 4" association said, does nothing to In addition to the SIU groups, "do-lt-all" mates have also caused close the gap between Canadian others who joined the NCMB were some problems which were Toronto Ships 200 operating costs and those of the Marine Engineers Beneficial squared away. TORONTO—Morfe than 200 men United Kingdom Association; the International were shipped from here during the Together with the new restric­ Longshoremen's Association; Local fitout, but the call for ratings was tions on traffic between Canadian 25 of the International Union of Ft. William htout still not as high as anticipated. FORT WILLIAM—The Mohawk ports In the Seaway, the subsidy Operating Engineers; Masters, The Hall Corporation's Stonefax will encourage domestic operators Mates and Pilots; Staff Officers Deer opened the navigation sea­ established the dubious record of son here on April 11, and thfe to modernize and build-up their Association; Radio Officers As­ Murray Bay opened the season for being the first vessel to take' a fleets on the Inland waterways. sociation and others. Port Arthur two days earlier. A crew and the first to lay off en­ beef has been Settled In favor of tire. gang. ti it Seafarer Gilbert Moisan and his wages have been restored. Banks Attends First Session Of US Maritime Bargaining In Canadian Ports Canada SIU Begins Vote On Proposed MONTREAL—The SIU of Canada is voting on a new con­ stitution to govern the union during the coming period of ex­ pansion. The proposed constitution, at the same time there is also to be found therein throughout a which incorporates amend­ strong fervent intentioi^. to ments to the existing constitu­ protect and the rights of the ordinary tion adopted in 1954, has been termed "a most comprehensive document which should serve sat­ isfactorily the needs of the mem­ bership" by a legal counselor. John M. Schleslnger, Montreal attorney, stated that the autonomy granted to the licensed division In the . proposed constitution will treat the engineers as a separate entity. The opinion also stated that the rest of the proposed document indicates "an honest desire to obey the law of the country, while seaman." The name of the Union In the new document Is the Seafarers International Union of Canada. The new leadei-shlp positions will Include a president; executive vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement; vice president in charge of licensed personnel; vice president In charge of the Pacific Coast; vice presi­ dent In charge of the Great Lakes; vice president in charge of the Atlantic Coast; and secretarytreasurer. t. S. t. BC Curbs Unions Sandboat at Thorold THOROLD—The sandboat Ni­ agara opened the Port of Hamilton VANCOUVER—The British Co­ navigation season, to the surprise lumbia Government has passed of harbor officials, who expected legislation to strike back at un- a tanker. A Welland canal bottle­ neck held up the tanker, enabling the Niagara, an SlU-contracted Canadlan Seafarers, members of the SIU of Canada vessel, to open the season. At Port are a vital element in the mari­ Weller, the top hat for opening the navigation season went to the time picture generally and in Cedarbranch, also an SlU-conthe SIU family of unions. They tracted ship. man ships under Canadian flag across-the-board—deep sea 4 t 3» off the Atlantic Coast, on the Canadian West Coast, on the New Halifax Cable Ship H.'VLIFAX—The cable ship John Great Lakes and the Seaway. The Canadian SIU also repre­ W. Mackay has been replaced with a smaller vessel, the Cable Guar­ sents large groups of Cpnadian tugboatmen, dredgemen and al­ dian. The seven CNS ships, strike­ bound for almost four years, are lied crafts. The Canadian Dis­ still here. The ships which were trict works closely with the sold to Cuban Interests about two other SIU unions throughout North America and the mutual years ago are under arrest because relationship has been of great of a suit Instituted by the Troy advantage to all SIU members. Browning Co., against the Cuban government. For the first time in the company's history, second engineers were "in­ vited" to attend the annual com­ pany captain's dinner. Despite the strong pressure, nine engineers in Upper Lakes voted SIU and it is expected that others will join the nine In calling for another chance to join the Licensed Division be­ fore long. In addition to the resounding victories, the Licensed Division has won contract coverage for deck officers on Winona and Redwood Steamship. R. E. Law Transporta­ tion Co., deck office'Ts are also covered by Licensed Division con­ tracts. An application has been filed for certification covering the marine engineers of the National Habours Board at Montreal and several other East Coast companies are be­ ing organized by the SIU Licensed Division. The election was the end result of a beef which started last No­ vember when thte Lakes Carriers Association signed a yellow-dog contract with the CBRT covering engineer officers. Before the new year, the 10 companies were in­ volved in the dispute before the Labour Board. Deckhands Learn Diving For 07 Pay MONTREAL—SlU of Canada members who work on the dredge Angus R have been acquiring a new skill—sklndivlng. The Angus R, owned by the Uni'ied Dredging Company, is operat.\ng on the St. Lawrence near Seven Islands, an area with an unusually rocky bottom. It is often necessary to send skindivers be­ low to assist in removal of the rocks. Consequently, the company set up a school in Montreal harbor to give Interested deckhands ten days' instruction in skindiving. Once they successfully complete the course, deckhands are eligible to work on the dredge as deck­ hand-divers. Each time they go over the side with flippers on, they collect bonus money. SIU Canadian District Halls FORT W1LL1.\M Ontiiiio H.^LIFAX, N.S. 408 Simpson St. Phone: 3-3221 IZB'ii HoIIis St. Phone 3-8911 MONTREAL 634 St. James St West victor 2-8161 QUEBEC 44 Sault-au-Matelot Quebec LAfontaine 3-1569 THOROLD. Ontario ... 52 St. David St. CAnal 7-52?a TORONTO, Ontario 272 King St. E. EMpire 4 5719 VANCOUVER. BC. 298 Main St. ST. JOHN. NB 177 Prince William St. OX 2-5431 �Ak^RS' toe -Pitlfit' Cliff Wilson, Food and Ship Sanitation Director Maintaining The Dry Storeroom The quality of the food served aboard ship depends to a considera­ ble extent on the way all subsistence food items are stored and pre­ served after being delivered to the vessel. All food must be kept at proper storage temperatures, as protection against contamination and to insure that freshness is maintained for as long as possible. There is a large variety of foods and food products that require no refrigeration at all; however, since these usually need less carp and at­ tention than other items, they often suffer from a complete lack of attention. These include the food items kept in the dry storeroom, such as canned fruits, juices and vegetables, condiments, spices, pre­ serves, cereal and flour products, coffee, tea and evaporated milk. Temperatures in the dry storeroom should be maintained as much as possible at 70° F. and no higher than 80° F. Even items packed in tin or glass will not last indefinitely. They will keep longer and re­ quire less care than others but, the same as all subsistence items, they are of a perishable nature. Heat, high humidity, rust, insects, rough ..handling, dirt and contamination all combine to shorten the life of these foods while they're in dry storage. The only way to avoid eventual spoilage is to follow good rules of sanitation and to keep this storage space cool, clean and, especially, dry—just as its name implies. Good sanitation practices require that every part of the storei'oom be thoroughly clean at all times. This in­ cludes all shelves, walls, gratings and decks. The temperature here is not always easy to control; care should be taken to see that an electric fan is in service and working properly. A fan or other good means of ventilation should be directed to where flour, cereals and related products are stored to help control the in­ sect problem. Consultants of the Food and Ship Sanitation Depart­ ment have frequently recommended this procedure aboard ship, as they often find little or no ventilation at all in dry storerooms. When storing, flour should be placed in the coolest and best ven­ tilated spot in the storeroom and never next to foods having strong odors. A simple, raised platform about eight inches off the deck should be erected for use in stacking flour bags. Maximum circulation of air • around the bags can be obtained if they are cross-stacked five or six sacks high. Prior to storing, flour remaining from the previous voyage should be checked to see if it is insect-infested. All traces of dirt and con­ tamination should be removed and the gratings and decks be thoroughly cleaned and aired. When flour is received, it should be spot-checked for possible weevil contamination right away. If there is any sign of weevils, the whole lot should be rejected. This can prevent a lot of grief later on. In addition, when storing, rearrange the storeroom to make room for. the new stock. Mark and identify the old stock, usually with the voyage number, so that it can be used first on the next voyage out. Everything should be stored so that labels face the front for easy Identification when needed. t. X. X Most recognized, brand names of canned fod are of good quality, but sometimes a man In the galley will run across a ran that is swellen; _^dented or rusty. Chances are that the food inside such a can is 'spoiled. Normally, the ends of a can should be flat or slightly concave (drawn in). If the ends or sides bulge out, it may mean that the con­ tents have rotted and produced a gas which causes swelling. There are other reasons for swelling, such as overstuffing or hot weather. The contents may still be good, but you can't tell until they're examined. An important point is never to receive damaged or swollen cans. If a can in stock becomes swollen, the contents should be checked carefully before cooking. The food should be thrown out if it appears softer and "mushier" than it would ordinarily. If it contains gas bubbles or if it has a peculiar and unnatural odor. Food should never be tasted if there is any reason to believe it may be bad. A single taste can cause food poisoning. (Comments and suggestions are inuited by the Department and can be submited to this column care of the SEAFARERS LOG.) "Fit&r a Seafarer! TUE fc>ov> vaxces/aaifiov^f* mfm/i£M>m''i'0Rl4SlUCAFBr£/Z/AS ARB &SAABV fiTR THE Ot-ii. ONiai. tWop in 7hF/\K/.T VMB YaJkEMIHBVAlL. Ask Change in NLRB's Lifeboat Trainees Do Their Stuff Procedures WASHINGTON—A plan to over­ haul the National Labor Relations Board so as to make it more effi­ cient and speed up its procedures -has been submitted to Congress by the Administration. The proposed plan would allow NLRB Officials at the local level to dispose of many of the routine matters which ordinarily clutter up the Board's calendar. The Board members would then be free to act upon more important issues. Unions have often complained about the lengthy delays involved in getting NLRB action on matters of importance. Delays of a year or more are not uncommon. While investigation anci examination of evidence sometimes take consid­ erable time, much of the delay is the result of a backlog of pending cases. 6roup of StU Training School studenti take a trial spin at the oars ds part of their two-week course of preparation'for the Coast Guard's test for lifeboat tickets, (bourses are given periodically by experienced SlU instructors at head­ quarters. . " • Hevr Del Rio Boasts Speed, Top Cargo-Handling Efficiency NEW ORLEANS—If the initial performance is any indication, the SlU-manned Del Rio, first of the newly-built cargo liners to enter service for Mississippi Shipping, has exceeded the company's expectations. On her maiden voyage to rapid loading and unloading. The conventional in that it consists of South America the vessel de­ mechanical hatch covers are so revolving cranes. In addition, tha monstrated cruising speed arranged that.-most of the cargo vessel has a 60-ton heavy lift. Most which exceeded her rated perform­ ance. Rated at 18 knots, the Del Rio sustained a speed of better than 19 knots, with her skipper reporting that she still had 20 percent of her Jiorsepower In re­ serve. From the company's point of view, the additional speed is wel­ come, since, in the long run, it makes for more voyages in a given time span. In addition, the vessel's hatch arrangements made for far more holds have three hatch openings where normally there would be only one. Between the forward and aft deckhouses, there are 15 hatches In five rows of three abreast, where. normally there would be just Ave hatch openings. An additional two hatches are be­ hind the after house and forward of the bridge respectively. Because of all these openings, iGHdlng and unloading of small cargo lots is greatly simplified, since the numerous hatches make for easy access to all sections of the hold. The ship's cargo-handling gear differs considerably from the of the C-type cargo ships have a 35-ton heavy lift, with some.having 50-ton lifts. The ship's higher speed and faster turnaround reflect the trend in the industry towards moving a greater amount of cargo per ship and a reduction of the time spent at the dock, which is costly delay. The Del Rio is the first of threa vessels contracted for by Missis­ sippi in a long-range replacement program which will eventually in­ volve all of the company's existing vessels. The total cost of the pro­ gram is expected to be in tha vicinity of $150 million. itiii SlU Aflantic, Gulf Lakes & Inland Waters District PRESIDENT Paul HaU EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT Cal Tanner VICE PRESIDENTS Claude Slmmonj Lindaey WiUiamt Earl Shepard A1 Tanner SECRETARY-TREASURER A1 Kerr HEADQUARTERS REPRESENTATIVES BiU Hall Ed Mooney Fred Stewart BALTIMORE 1218 E. Baltimore St. Rex Dickey. Agent EAstern 7-4900 BOSTON "278 State St. John Araba^cz, Agent Richmond 2-0140 DETROIT 1022S W. Jefferion Ave. Paul Drozak. Agent VInewood 3-4741 HEADQUARTERS....679 4tb Ave.. Bklyn HYaclnth 9-6600 HOUSTON 4202 Canal St. R. Matthews. Agent CApital 3-4089; 3-408C JACKSONVIfcLE 2608 Pearl St., SE.. Jax WUliam Morris, Agent ELgIn 3-0987 MIAMI 744 W. Flagler St. Ben Gonzales. Agent - FRanklin 7-3564 MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Louis Neira. Agent HEmlock 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 830 Jackson Ave. Buck Stephens. Agent Tel. 529-7548 NEW YORK 679 4th Ave.. Brookiyn HYaclnth 9-6800 NORFOLK 418 Colley Ave. Paul Gunaorchik. Agent MAdison 7-1083 PHILADELPHIA 2804 S. 4th St. S. CarduUo, Agent DEwey 8-3818 SAN FRANCISCO 490 HarrUon_% Walter Sibley, Agent Douglas 2-4401 SANTURCE, PR 1313 Fernandez Juncos. Stop 20 Keith Terpe, Hq. Rep. Phone 2-5996 SEATTLE 2909 lit Ave. red Babkowski. Agent Main 3-4334 WILMINGTON. CaUl 909 N. Marine Ave. Reed Humphries, Agent Terminal 4-2928 Cruise Liners Will Dump 'Essential' Runs, Co South WASHINGTON—With the passage of a special amendment to the Federal maritime statutes, six American-flag passenger liners will enter the busy West Indies cruise trade this fall. The bill, sponsored original-"^' ly by Rep. .Herbert C. Bonner marine into a rigid mold, with (Dem-NC) permits American some operators servicing the sopassenger ships to stray from their specified trade routes during the slack season without losing their operating subsidies. Three American-flag operators, American Export, Mooremack and US Lines, plan to enter the trade which has been dominated by for­ eign-flag liners in-recent years. New Business Before passage of the bill, ship opel-ators were compelled to keep their passenger vessels on the spe­ cified trade route all year round. Now, participation in the Carib­ bean cruise service will enable them to go after other business during normally slack shipping periods. The legislation substantiates the position of the National Committee for Maritime Bargaining that the present "essential trade route" system of subsidizing Americanflag ship operations Is outmoded. The NCMB has criticized the pres­ ent subsidy system as freezing the operations of the US merchant called "esseutial" routes getting all of the benefits of subsidy, while other operators on other routes are denied assistance. NCMB Position On Subsidy Meanwhile, the NCMB has point­ ed out, other services, such as tha Caribbean trade, the ore-carrying trade, grain export and the oil import operation, have grown enor­ mously, none of them being cov­ ered by the subsidy programs. The plans of the three compa­ nies to enter the Caribbean cruise trade indicate recognition of the shift in trade patterns. US Lines, in fact, is reportedly preparing to put both Its passenger vessels, the United States and the Amreica^, on the Caribbean run, abandoning the "essential" North Atlantic service in the slack season. Export Lines plans to use two of its three passenger vessels on Caribbean service, while Moore McCormack will utilize the Argen­ tina and the Brazil for West Indies runs. �mL SEAFARERS UIW Signs Up New Shop; Union Organizing 4 More IO0 "Wag/t Twcnty-O^ UIW Convention Delegates At Work The United Industrial Workers is on the verge of organizing four industrial shops in New York, New Jersey and Pennsyl­ vania with a total work force of 130. In addition, the Union has been recognized as bar--*^ gaining agent for a Baltimore contribution of 10-cents an hour for each employee, soon after the plant with 60 workers. UIW was certified. UIW National Director Steve Cardullo announced that the Un­ ion has petitioned for an NLRB election at Staten Island Petro­ leum Co. (Sipco), an oil retailing firm employing about 20 drivers, servicemen, mechanics and others. The UIW has also petitioned for an NLRB election at Highway Trailer Corp., of Newark, NJ, which also employs about 20 per­ sons. In Philadephia,^ the UIW has petitioned for an' NLRB election at Ape Plastics, a company which has over 30 employees. The Union is also organizing among the 62 NEW YORK — Substantial In­ employees at the Trenton Textile creases in pay and fringe benefits Manufacturing Co., of Trenton, NJ. for UIW members were won re­ cently when contracts were re­ newed for another two years by the United Industrial Workers Union at Morsan Tents and. the Eduhom Corp. The Morsan contract covered II employees at the plant which man­ ufactures canvas goods and camp­ The Welfare Plan of the United ing supplies. Industrial Workers paid a total of More recently, the Union nego­ 94 claims in May, which totaled tiated another two-year contract $8,916.04 and IB of the claims for UIW members at the Eduhom were for $200 or more. Corp., in Queens, which has 20-25 The top claim last month was employees during the peak season. for $492.50 which went to Mar­ A few other contract renewals garita Ro&adu wiiu works at Amer­ were being discussed in negotia­ ican Castings in Brooklyn. There tions earlier this month. These in­ were eight maternity benefits paid cluded Beam Matic, Long Island in May, one of them for $245 to City; Independent Cordage, New the wife of Gilbert Aviles of Dis­ York, and Eastern Automotive, play & Advertising Forwarding Bronx. It was expected that these Co., of New York. pacts would be signed before James Lee of Seatrain Lines, month's end. Edgewater, NJ, collected a wel­ fare benefit check for $464 in May. Maternity benefit payments were made included Donald Ramey of Air Master; Ernesto Fer­ nandez of All American Metals; Maria Fardello; Juan Ronda; Gil­ bert Aviles; Charles Griffin; John Greenwood and William Painter. All union members should regularly ottend the member­ ship meetings in their area. These meetings are devoted to discussions of matters vital to the welfare and security of every UIW member and his family. What's more, these meetings provide every UIW member with the opportunity to speak up and state his views about these vital matters. Here is the schedule of the next meetings: Belfort Instrument Co., of Bal­ timore, one of the finest precision machine shops on the East Coast, recognized the UIW as bargaining agent for its 60 employees after an impartial arbitrator ruled that the Union represented a majority of the workers. Warren Leader, UIW organizer in Baltimore, noted that Belfort agreed to a health and welfare Morsan, Eduhom Pacts Renewed Three of the delegates to the first .quadrennial UIW convention look over a report before bringing it up on the convention floor. The three delegates are (I to r] Odell Wafts, Joha Holiday, and Joseph Walsh, all of Philadelphia. (/IW Convention Pledges UIW Welfare Pays Benefits To Expand Union Activity These Are Your Union Meetings —Attend Thern! A pledge to continue expanding its organizing' activities was made by the United Indus­ trial Workers of the Seafarers International Union at its first quadrennial convention in May. resolution urged workers to The Union was urged to look Steve Cardullo, UIW Na­ The seek legitimate labor movement into the possibility of establishing tional Director, predicted that representation. a UIW newspaper to serve the in­ the Union's membership will The convention resolved to im­ terests of industrial workers. be greatly ninltiplipd by the time of the next convention in 1965 in Philadelphia. The pledge to conduct aggres­ sive organizing campaigns in non­ union industrial shops was one of a dozen resolutions approved by the delegates to the convention which began May 24 at Union headquarters in Brooklyn. Another key resolution con­ demned company unions and served notice that employers will not be able to escape paying fair wages and instituting decent work­ ing conditions and contracts through the company union dodge. UIW Convention Committee MEW YORK - Wednesday, July 5, at 6 PM, SlU Hall, 675 Fourth Ave., B'klyn. BALTIMORE - Wednesday, July 5, at 7:30 PM, SlU Hall, 1216 E. Baltimore St. SUNBURY - Sunday, July 9, at 2 PM, Friendship Fire Company. PHILADELPHIA - Tuesday, July 11, at 7:30 PM, SlU HG?; 2604 S. 4th Street. The Organization and Grievance Committee at the UIW convention checks over the list of newly organized shops. The committee included II to r) John Holiday, Phila.; Warren Leader, Balt.t Jack Miller, Phila. (seated), and Ralph Quinnonez, NY. prove and sticiiglhen the UlW Welfare Plan. The urgency ot Federal social legislation was stressed at the convention vvhen delegates called for improved So­ cial Security benefits and lauded aid to education, minimum wage and depressed areas laws. Unemployment Benefits Various state unemploymerit in­ surance and workmen's compensa­ tion benefits are presently inade­ quate in the face of rising costs, the convention noted. The Union is fighting reactionary legislation which would limit jobless benefits in Maryland. A resolution on automation called on employers to provide for retraining in cases where automa­ tion displaces workers. The UIW convention committed the Union to preserving the jobs of its mem­ bers and condemned the false charges of "featherbedding" fre­ quently made by employers when they desire to throw workers out of their jobs. Support Civil Rights Support for civil rights was pledged as the convention recalled the "UIW constitution which de­ clares its adherence to equal rights for all, regardless of race, religion or national origin. The convention called for Congres­ sional action on a Fair Employ­ ment Practices bill. The anti-labor activities of large employers such as Sears and Roe­ buck were condemned by the con­ vention. Recognizing the great value of joint union-employer health and safety programs, the delegates urged the UIW to investigate the possibility of establishing a health and safety program with con­ tracted companies for the benefit of members. Delegates also approved the pol­ icy of continuing to cooperate with its affiliates in using joint facilities such as union halls and office space. In the first election of perma­ nent officers, Steve Cardullo of Philadelphia was elected National Director of the UIW. A1 Kerr, New York, was vofed SecretaryTreasurer; Lindsey Williams ol New Orleans was elected Gulf Coast Area Director; Jack Miller of Philadelphia was elected Atlan­ tic Coast Area Director and A1 Tanner, Detroit, was elected Great Lakes Area Director. Delegates to the convention were John J. Dwyer, N.Y.; John Holiday, Phila.; Warren Leader, Balto.; Sal Maccarone, Phila.; Ralph Quinnonez, NY; Frederick Stewart, NY; Joseph Walsh, Phila.; Odell Watts, Phila. Convention delegates lauded re­ ports from Gulf and Lakes direc­ tors which pledged vigorous ef­ forts to organize the thousands of unorganized workers. The news on this page deals with people working under the SIU banner in shoreside estab­ lishments engaged in maritime production and allied fields. Included among the items made are cordage, canvas, lifesaving equipment, ship's gear and related industrial products. Because there had not been any organization avail­ able to them, many of these workers were formerly without any union protection, until they came under the SlU banner. Developments in their area will be reported here because they are an important part of the maritime industry. �SEAFARERS iNre Twtnif-'Twm b: 8 P At r t. a c t ( 1 -.1 1 I i All of the following 5IU families have re­ ceived a $200 maternity benefit plus a $25 bond from the Unioo in the baby's name, representing a total of $6,800 in maternity' benefits and a maturity value of $850 in bonds: Cora Endres, bortf March 81, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Michael Endres, Baltimore, Maryland. Christian Jensen, Bom April 16, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Flemming Jensen, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 4. » 1 Johnny Wing, born March 8, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Yao Fang Wing, San Francisco, Cali­ fornia. 4. i t Manuel Rial, born April 25, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Man­ uel Rial, Brooklyn, New York.^ t> t> if Thomas Bog:uski, born April 22, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Charles Boguski, Havertown, Pennsyl­ vania. 4» t 4» Roy Davis, bom December 23, 1960, to Seafarer and Mrs. John T. Davis, Houston, Texas. 4* 4» 4> . Henry Aiien, born January 18, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. James C. Allen, New Orleans, Louisiana. 4< 4^ 4- Donna L. Brown, born April 19, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Woodrow Brown, Tampa, Florida. 4' 4' 4" Gail L. King, born March 22, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Royal A. King, New Orleans, Louisiana. 4 4" 4 Micheie Cain, born April 16, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Patrick Cain, East Boston, Massachusetts. 4 4 4 Jeffrey Lunsford, born February 23, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Duane Lunsford, Baltimore, Mary­ land. 4 4 4 Gloria Ann Bames, born April 20, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Wil­ liam Barnes, Houston, Texas. 4 4 4 Randall Murrell, born April 4, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Robert Murrell, Awendaw, South Caro­ lina. t t •$ ' 4 4 4 Kim Robert Welch, born April 9, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. El­ bert Welch, Covington, Louisiana. Joan Huber, born May 5, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Joel Huber, Portland, Oregon. 4 4 4 4 4 4 Ronald Quanico, born April 16, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Isabclo Quanico, Jamaica, New York. The deaths of the following Seafarers have been reported to the Seafarers Welfare Plan and a total of $49,000 in benefits was paid. (Any apparent delay in payment of claims is normally due to late fjling, lack of a beneficiary card or necessary litigation for the disr position of estates.) Donald D. Smith, 35: Brother Michael Duseviteh, 51: Brother Charles T. McAvoy, 38: Brother Dusevitch passed away from a Smith died of pneumonia on March McAvoy died of a heart ailment Philip OToole, born April 13, heart ailment on 19, 1961 at Se­ aboard the S3 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. John March 13, 1961, attle, Washing­ Mount Whitney O'Toole, Baltimore, Maryland. ' in Houston, Texas. ton. He had been at C a St el a r a. He had shipped sailing in the 4 4 4 Italy, on May with the SIU since SIU engine de­ James Rose, bom May 13, 1961, 1960. He ha 1948 in the engine partment since to Seafarer and Mrs. James Rose, sailed since 1952 department. His 1957, His mother, Baltimore, Maryland. with the «IU in widow, Mrs. Ther Mrs. Delma Hop­ the engine de4 4 4 esa Dusevitch, of kins, of Portland, partment. A Henry Castronover, born April Haverhill, Mass., Oregon, survives. brother, Edward 8, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. John survives. Burial McMinville, Ore., McAvoy, of Oak­ Castronover, Long Beach, Cali- was at Haverhill Cemetery. Total was listed as the place of burial. land, California, survives. Tho fomla. beneflt: $4,000. place of burial Is not known. Total Total benefit: $4,000. 4 4 4 4 4 4 benefit: $4,000. 4 4 4 Linda Bishop, born March 9, John F. Eustaee* 32: Brother 4 4 4 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Roy Robert C. White, 38: A brain Eustace died as the result of gun­ Bishop, Freeport, Florida. Theodore Smith, 56: Heart dis­ tumor was the, cause of death to shot wounds on ease was the cause of death to Brother White on 4 4 4 August .19, 1960, Brother Smith at January 10, 1961 Bertha Groen, born May 10. 1961, at North Bend, the Duval Medi­ at the French to Seafarer and Mrs. Jacobus Oregon. He had cal Center, Jack­ Hospital, Izmir, Groen, Mobile, Alabama. shipped with the sonville, Florida, Turkey. He had SIU in the deck 4 4 4 on April 13, 1961. shipped with the department since Susan Fazan, born March 27, He had been SlU engine de­ 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Antonio 1957. Surviving Is shipping SIU in partment since a brother, Robert Pazan, Merritt Island, Florida. the steward de­ 1957. Surviving Eustace, of New 4 4 4 partment since is his w i d o w, York City. Burial Donald Wenniberg, born May 6, was at North Bend. Total bone- Mrs. Mabel Ann 1938. His widow, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. William m: $500. White, of King, North Carolina. In­ Mrs. Wiihelmina Wenniberg, St. Louise, Minnesota. terment was at King, NC. Total Smith, of Savannah, Georgia, sur­ ^ 4 4 4 vives. Savannah was listed as the benefit: $4,000. 4^ 4 4 Floyd M. Farris, 40: Brother Farplace of burial. Total benefit: Susan Lawrence, born March 26, ris was assumed drowned and lost 4 4 4 $4,000. 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Sandy at sea on Novem­ Paul Signorino, 46: Brother Sig4 4 4 Lawrence, Jr., South Norfolk, Vir­ ber 21,1959, while norino died of a heart disease on ginia. aboard the SS Golden E. Parker, 60: Brother January 19, 1961, Parker passed away of a heart ail­ 4 4 4 Valiant Power. at New Orleans, Elizabeth Dawson, born May 13, He had shipped ment on April 27, Louisiana. He 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. William since 1958 with 1961 at the UShad shipped with Dawson, Claiborne, Maryland. the SIU in tiie PHS Hospital. the SIU in th~e engine depart­ Baltimore, Mary­ 4 4 4 steward depart­ ment. Surviving land. He had Michelle Graley, born April 24, ment since 1955, is his father, sailed since 1943 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. William and is survived Marion Farris, of as a member of Graley, Moss Point, Mississippi. by his widow, Valley Station, Kentucky. Total the SIU 'engine 4 4 4 Mrs. Dorothy benefit: $4,000. department. His Carol Lee Viilarreai, born Janu­ ' Smith, of Gram4 4 4 son, Carroll H. ary 5, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Jose Colls, 55: Brother Colls ercy. La. Covington, La., was the Parker, of Balti­ Alexandre Viilarreai, Galveston, died of cancer on November 25, place of burial. Total benefit: $4,000. more, survives. Burial was at Texas. 1960 In Puerto Juniper Cemetery, Baltimore. To­ 4 4 4 4 4 4 Rico. He had tal benefit: $4,000. Allan Gasklns, born May 4, 1961, George D. Rourke, 58; A kidney sailed since 1952 to Seafarer and Mrs. Lindsay Gasailment was the cause of death to with the SIU as kins, Portsmouth, Virginia. Brother Rourke a member of the Arthur Lythall, 64: Brother Lyon April 23, 1961 4 4 4 engine depart­ thall died of heart disease at Penn­ at Longmeadow, Carol Lee Viilarreai, bora Janu­ ment. Surviving sylvania Hospi­ Mass. He began ary 5, 1961, to Mr. and Mrs. Alejan­ is his widow, tal, Philadelphia, shipping in the dro Viilarreai, Galveston, Texas. Mrs. Filomena Pa., on March 22, SIU deck depart­ 4 4 4 Colls, of Lares, 1961. He had ment in 1940 and Michelle Graley, born April 24, Puerto Rico. sailed as a mem­ 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. William Lares was listed as the place of had been receiv­ ber of the SIU ing special dis­ Graley, Moss Point, Miss. engine depart­ burial. Total benefit: $4,000. ability benefits ment since 1956. since last August. Thelma Chatelle Surviving is his widow, Mrs. Alice of Philadelphia C. Rourke, of Longmeadow. St. was named as ad­ Michael's Cemetery, Springfield, ministratrix of his estate. Mount Mass., was the place of burial. To­ Morris Cemetery, Philadelphia, tal benefit: $4,000. t was the place of burial. Total ben­ efit: $500. 4 4 4 Agustin Vazquez, born April 18, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Agustin Vazquez, Brooklyn, New York. '• ,- 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Tammy Lee Bennett, born March 18, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Barney Bennett, Pearlington, Mississsippi. Michael Keidinger, born March 27, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Rob­ ert Kiedinger, Houston, Texas. Roxanne Rose Rotolo, born March 31, 1961, to Seafarer and Mrs. Frank Rotolo, Seattle, Wash­ ington. HikiHi LOG In the hospital? Call SIU Hall immediately! Leonard Munna, 60: A heart at­ tack was the cause of death to Brother Munna on November 28, 1960 in New Or­ leans, La. He had shipped in the SIU steward de­ partment since 1943. Surviving is his w i d 0 w, Mrs. Anna M. L. Munna; two sons, Leonard and Raymond, and a daughter, Dominica, all of New Or­ leans. Burial was in New Orleans. Total benefit: $4,000. 4 4 4 Fred Miller, 69: Brother Miller passed away at home in Jensen Beach, Florida, due to cancer on September 25, 1960. He began shipping with the SIU in the deck department In 1944. His widow, Mrs. Ulla Miller, of Jensen Beach, survives. Delray Crematory at Delray Beach, Fla., was the place of burial. Total ben­ efit: $4,000. �m Steak, Shrimp Feature Delta Crew Cookout SEAFARERS SHIPBOARD SKETCHES kSOC "by Bon Graham . TJhie crew of the Del Ore (Delta Line) goes for tliat outdoor cook­ ery, Judging from a report by ship's delegate Gaintan Montesano on the vessel's recent trip. Between brolied steak and sausage, boiled shrimp and beer, the cookout was quite a success. The treasurer reported that |45 from the ship's fund was ex­ pended for the vittles plus a barbeque grill and some charcoal to give it all that charcoal-broiled flavor. The ship's minutes carried a note that the crew voted thanks to the ship's delegate, the steward de­ partment and all other crewmembers involved In preparing and holding the successful cookout and shrimp boil. The affair could have continued for the whole voyage except that the food gave out. LOG-A-RHYTHM: Action to get ships in shape for the summer sailing ahead, including repair work detailed on the repair list, is being taken by crews of many vessels. The crew of the Yaka-^^ install New York branch, after which (Waterman) will they cooperated. screens on messall ports in Isthmian Ship's Snggestlons "You know that '100 percent, last-a-lifetime, hand-loomed oriental rug' you brought home this trip?" Tragedy At Sea Notify Union On LOG Mail By Felix Riesenberg As Seafarers know, copies of each issue of the SEAFARERS LOG are mailed every month to all SIU ships as well as to numerous clubs, bars and other overseas spots where Seafarers congregate ashore. The procedure for mailing the LOG Involves calling all SIU steamship companies for the itineraries of their ships. On the basis of the information supplied by the ship oper­ ator, three copies of the LOG, the headquarters report and min­ utes forms are then airmailed to the company agent in the next port of call. Similarly, the seamen's clubs get various quantities of LOGs at every mailing. The LOG is sent to any club when a Seafarer so requests it by notifying the LOG office that Seafarers con­ gregate there. As always the Union would like to hear promptly from SIU ships whenever the LOG and ship's mail is not delivered so that the Union can maintain a day-to-day check on the accuracy of its mailing lists. She watched the freighter leave the shore. She saw her darling wave. She heard his final words once more, ."My dear, you must be brave." A war tvas raging on the sea. And fear was in her heart. But he must fight to keep her free, So never more they'd part. So often things don't go as planned, And when the ship put in. Her darling Jimmy didn't land. For the sea had married him. Scholarship Plan Changes Sought To the Editor: It seems to me that some changes in the SIU scholarship program are needed, somewhat along the following: The SIU should assure its members that those who would study on Union grants would strive in their future to create a stronger United States mer­ chant marine, finer ships and by their,education to make our work easier. I remind the Union, if we do not help ourselves at every opportunity, who will help us?^ Is it not strange that those memfiers who receive the SIU scholarship awards do not plan to return to work with us, to eat our shipboard food and per­ haps to teach their fellow brothers something of the arts and sciences which we, through the scholarship program, sent them to learn? Arnold Lewine i 4» 4" Opposes CG Health Role To the Editor: I see by reading the SEA­ FARERS LOG and the SUP newspaper that some Califdrnia Congressman wants to give the Coast Guard the power to de­ cide if we are physically able to ship. Right now, all of the union contracts, so far as I know, say that the Public Health Service has the right to decide whether or not a man is "fit for duty." agency as far as physical fitSo seamen are already under Face Twenty-Tlwre# LOG control of one Government ness goes. Why bring another one iil on it? I would say that the only rea­ son is this: The people behind this must figure that the Coast Guard has it in for merchant seaman and would do every­ thing in their power to knock you and me out of a Job on a ship if they could. It seems to me the Coast Guard has plenty to say already whether or not a man can ship. Anyway, even if they got the au­ thority over physical fitness, they would have to use Govern­ ment doctors to decide whether a man could ship and that would put it right back into the Public Health Service again. It sounds like a crackpot idea altogether and I hope that the Congress does not pay any at­ tention to it. Henry C. Webster 44» i Gives Thanks For Flowers To the Editor: I ,wish to express my most sincere thanks to the members of the SIU for the lovely floral ofTcring sent upon the death of my son, John J. Brennan. Mr. Arabasz was so helpful to me. I again wish to express my ap­ preciation for the time and ef­ fort he spent on my behalf. - The check from the SIU Wel­ fare Plan will be a big heli> to me and if possible I wouM greatly appreciate it If I could continue to receive the SEA­ FARERS LOG and acknowl­ edge this letter in the LOG. Again, many thanks for all that you have done for me. Mrs. Josephine Brennan Books To Aid Developing Lands To the Editor: Many undeveloeed nations have large number of their people illiterate due to the shortage of books in these countries. Seafarers', because we ship from book-rich nations to these developing lands in Asia and Africa, are in an ex­ cellent position to make some positive contributions in this area of need. It would require little of our addition to seeing that all re­ pairs on the old list are done. Health end safety measures taken aboard the Ocean Dinny (Maritime Overseas) include checking on medical supplies kept aboard ship and moving of gar­ bage barrels aft of deckhouse when deck cargo is carried. No garbage will be dumped forward of the house or out of portholes. Shade From The Sun To provide some shade from the noonday sun, Danny Boy (Cargo and Tankship) has re­ quested awnings for both the port and starboard sides of the vessel. The crew will also check on re­ pairing of fans.. Fumigation of the midship area as well as repairs to refrigerators, decks, passageway and messhall are being acted upon by the Montego Sea (Standard Marine). The crew also ran into some draw dif­ ficulties, when company was late in sending checks to Asian atopoffs. The crew of the Zephyrhlll (Pan American Overseas) also ran into some draw proble.ns while in Asia. Both captain and agent insisted they could not get dollars or trav­ elers' checks. The ship's delegate then proceeded to show them they could change a draft into dollars or check by going to American Express or National City Bank of need help and I believe the Union would whole-heartedly support our efforts. The books could be collected from friends, libraries that no longer need them, and those we ourselves read on long voyages. They could be stored in headquarters and in the outports before being sent over with us. When one looks at the poten­ tial of such a voluntary effort by seamen, it becomes obvious that we should gladly under­ take the job—and soon. Harry N. Schorr it 4 _ Appreciates Aid In Time Of Need All letters to the editor for publication in the SEAFARERS LOG must be signed by the writer. Names will be withheld upon request. time and energy to collect books and carry them overseas with us to these lands. The ship's agent could notify schools, missions and other groups work­ ing.to combat illiteracy to meet the ship when it docks to pick Up the books. Such a program would be an excellent example of the con­ cern that Americans have for all peoples of the world who To the Editor: I would, like to thank all of the members of the SIU for their aid in my time of need. In addition, the help from my husband's shipmates was great­ ly appreciated. A word of sincere gratitude to Reed Humphries, agent in Wilmington, California, is due for the help he gave me in ob­ taining my maternity benefits. Myrtle M. Castronover 4 4 4 Appreciates Kind Message To the Editor: I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the crew on the SS De Soto for their kind mes­ sage to me upon the death of my husband's mother. She passed away while my husband was on'the ship at sea. Mrs. F. J. Cunningham Steel Maker (Isthmian) wants ship's sickbay moved topside when vessel goes to shipyard. Also would like to see Union negotiat* to have crews on Isthmian ships get draws in dollars instead of travelers' checks. A second Isthmian ship, Steel Apprentice lists other proposals for contract negotiation, including air-conditioning for ships on Per­ sian Gulf runs, elimination of top bunks, increase in hospital bene­ fits to $35 for single and $45 for married men, provide pension for any member with 20 years' serv­ ice regardless of seatime and allow members to use own doctor and hospital. Del Sol (Mississippi) suggests that crewmembers using brown soap to wash laundry dissolve ths soap before putting it into the washing machine. Undissolved soap plugs the drain hose and gums up the machine. Corrects LOG's Ship Description To the Editor: I was especially interested in the picture on page 24 of the May issue. With due respect, I want to point out two errors in the description of the pic­ tures. • The SS Margaret was not a Hog Islander, as any oldtimer would know from the silhou­ ette. Slie was built at Sparrows Point, IMaryland, by the Mary­ land Steel Company, now Beth­ lehem Shipbuilding Company. The SS Major Wheeler was not what oldtimers called a "laker." A lak?r was a steam­ er built on the lakes and brought down through the locks for World War I service. I for­ get where the Major Wheeler was built, but she was larger than the lakers, capable of carrying about 5,000 tons dead­ weight, while the lakers were built to carry about 3.500 tons. Willard A. Kiggins, Jr. (Ed. Note: The three ships involved were all lost in WW 11, because of enemy uclivii.) 4 4 4 Keep Sending Copies Of LOG To the Editor: Its been sometime since I wrote and thanked you for mailing copies of the LOG, which I enjoy reading very much. I hope to continue re­ ceiving copies so that I can keep up with the progress of the SIU and the Union in gen­ eral and its many changes since my seafaring days. Anthony DaBoull �, SEAFARERS too FJigi -TweBtsr-FyMBT SIU Mans Overseas Rose; Will Bring It Up To Snuff (The follou-ing article was submitted by engine delegate Charles J. Welbom.) The Overseas Rose, formerly the Robert Luckenbach of Luckenbach Steamship Com­ pany, is now in service with the SlU-contracted Maritime Overseas Corporation and was crewed up in Seattle before.^ she started on her run to Asia. A full complement of 32 men was put aboard the ship, coming from the Seattle hall. Actually the ship was laid up in Portland and a bus was charted to take us there the morning after the shipping call. Seattle agent Ted Babkowski was on hand to send us off in grand style with our lunch money for the trip down to Port­ land. Our steward, Robert Donnelly, has been turning out some darn good menus in spite of the fact that the ship is not stored accord­ ing to the SIU standard and the meat is not up to the grade we are used to. This will all be changed when we return to the States. At payolt time, we will also take care of a few other beefs, all part of shaping Crewmembers of the newly up a new ship to the SIU standard. contracted Overseas Rose Grain For Pakistan snapped by bosun Bob HotFrom Portland we took a full cock (I. to r.) top picture load of grain to Karachi, Pakistan, which is as hot as usual for this standing, Kushelevski, wiper; part of the world. From here we Simms, wiper; Czeslowsk, are supposed to return to a Gull oiler; sitting, Gutske, chief port for our payoff. cook; Donnelly, steward. Bot­ In spite of the fact that this run tom picture, Fowler, oiler; is also a sort of shakedown for the Henry, AS; Pound, AB; Hatship, all departments are running cock, bosun, and O'Connor, as smooth as can be expected. Given a little time, this will be­ DM. come a good SIU ship to sail on. MARGARET BROWN (Bloomfleld), April 1—Chairman, Arnot; Secretary, W. D. Makln. All repairs made as per agreement. Captain requests all time off taken be given by head of each department. OK to have supper in port at 4:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. James C. Flannagan ship's secretary.* $20 in ship's fund. De­ partments reported no beefs. The following motions made for clarifica­ tion. (1) Is deck maintenance re­ quired to take temperatures in cai'go holds each morning? Is this a regular routine duty or is it the duty of the clliel iiiate? Is there OT Invoived for the deck maintenance? In this in­ stance he is required to take them seven da.vs a week. (2) Deck depart­ ment watchstanders are required to turn the blowers on and off to the cargo holds. They are in the resister house and may be considered haz­ ardous for anyone not familar with electrical work and equipment. ALCOA PEGASUS gAlcoa), April I —Chairman, C. W. White; Secretary, L. A. Forgeron. Ship's delegate re­ ported that some repairs were taken care of and the remaining repairs will be done during the trip. No beefs were reported at present. Sii.lO in treasury. A petition will be taken up by ship's delegate for improvement on welfare and retirement. Motion made that all rooms be painted out during voyage, and to have jury toilet rigged in Far East. Request ship's delegate to see patrolman about repairs to washing machine. Vote of thanks to steward department. STEEL TRAVELER (Isthmian), April 3—Chairman, J. L. Hodges; Secretary, E. Finnerty. Ship's delegate reported no beefs. Walter Mash resigned as ship's delegate. Carpenter elected new ship's delegate. Steward elected treasurer. $26.91 In treasury. ANTINOUS (Waterman), Chairman, C. Tobias; Secretary, W. E. Harper. Ship's delegate reported a smooth sailing trip. Department delegates re­ ported all's well and no beefs. Ship's delegate requested that everybody leave the next schedule on the bul­ letin board. Not to overload or un­ derload the washing machine. Will request new machine for next voyage. ANDREW JACKSON (Waterman), Jan^ 22—Chairman, James K. Parsell; Secretary, Joseph Hall. Ship's dele­ gate reported everything is OK. No beefs. Harry Jones elected new ship's delegate. March 12—Chairman, Billie Price; Secretary, James Pursell. Ship's dele­ gate reported some disputed OT otherwise everything OK. Vote of thanks to steward department. Re­ pair list made up. ORION COMET (Orion), April 2— Chairman, E. L. Roberts; Secretary, C.'V. Berg. Two men mis.sed ship in Sasebo, Japan. Report on letter writ­ ten to headquarters in regard to con­ ditions existing on ship. Captain will try to get washing machine agitator if possible. $20 in ship's fund left. Deck delegate reported trouble with chief mate. Several disputed hours OT and unfair division of OT. ^lotion to have Union check into tiio out- r- rageous postal rates charged crewmembers in the Persian Gulf. Motion to have negotiating committee try to get the time and a half OT rate for painting out officer's quarters. Sug­ gestion made that men going to hos­ pital arrive there for medical diag­ nosis in a sober condition. Discussion regarding aU the bad fruits and vege­ tables they are sending to the ship and steward is accepting. No coop­ eration from the skipper. ANGELINA (A. H. Bull), April 1«— Chairman, J, Haggie; Saersfsry, L, Garabedian. Vote of thanks to stew­ ard department. Crew refrigerator to be put on repair list. Porthole screens ordered on previous voyage but odd size ports need special screens which are to be made and installed. PRODUCER (Marine Carrier), March 12—Chairman, W, Bllger; Secretary, Guy Walter. Everything running smoothly. Diseuss draws in Sicily and Turkey. Have proper dress in mess room. Discharges coming for port time. Steward to draw schedule for cleaning foc'sles of each depart­ ment. gate reported that Rowell not satisfied with repairs. Letter sent to head­ quarters regarding washing machine. Beefs in New Orleans not settled. $17 ' in ship's fund. Department delegates reported no beefs. Jimmie Arnold elected ship's delegate. Complimented steward department on good chow. DEL VIENTO (Delta), April 14— Chairman, William WIsmersk; Secre­ tary, Joi. A. Long. Ship's delegate reported on man who missed ship twice. No beefs reported. William Weimers elected new ship's delegate. RAYVAH (Ocean Cargoes), April 2 —Chairman, Dan Browning; Secretary, Ken Foster. Ship's delegate reported that dollars be given for draws as long as the $5,000 lasts. Contacted chief engineer in ragerd to more hot water. Department delegates reported no beefs. Would like to know from headquarters whether $5,000 Ameri­ can money is all the company has to put aboard the ship. Vote of thanks to steward department for good food and service. STEEL SEAFARER (Isthmian), April 16—Chairman, Lancelot Alexandar; LA SALLE (Waterman), April 2— Chairman, John Munnerlyn; Secre­ tary, Carl Johnson. M. M. McNiel hospitalized for operation in Nagoya, Japan, and A. R. Russo hospitalized in Honolulu. One man logged, no beefs or disputed overtime. Picked up NMU deckhand as replacement. Everything running smoothly. LUCILE BLOOMFIELD (Bloomfleld), April 2—Chairman, Frank Rowell; Secretary, Harry Huston. One man hospitalized in Bremen. Water to be checked for rust. Not enough lava soap. First assistant engineer re­ ported using foul language and curs­ ing a wiper. Vote o' thanks to stew­ ard department. Secretary, Dick Grant. Suggestion to contact company to try to keep for­ eign personnel out of crew areas while in foreign ports. Vote of thanks to steward department and ship's delegate Alexander. MOUNT RAINER (Cargo & Tankship;, March 26—Chairman, T. F. Jernigan; Secretary, Leo Morsette. FRANCES (Bull), April 11—Chair­ man, J. Walker; Secretary, W. Janish. Captain notified that washing machine parts were not put aboard at New Orleans. Promised agitator for ma­ chine in Canal Eu:ie. PORTMAR (Calmar), April 16 — Chairman, Charles Bet!?'l; Secretary, Edward Spooner. Let.er sent to headquarters in regard to a man missing ship because of improper sailing board time. No other beefs reported. Crew request better grade of toilet paper. Crew mess to quit picking on pantryman. OCEAN ULLA (Maritime Overseas), April 13—Chairman, W. Smith; Secre­ tary, J. Lopham. Everything in good order except that drinking is not good for the morale of the ship or the good of the Union. $6.33 in ship's fund. Discussion on good harmony among crewmembers. Also discussion on payoffs at Pearl Harbor, and whether or not the captain could fire man. Verified transportation clause. LUCILE BLOOMFIELD (Bloomfleld), Feb. 26—Chairman, Frank B. Rowell; Secretary, Harry Huston. Ship's dele- One man hospitalized in San Juan, another In Baltimore. Chief cook taken off by patrolman in San Juan because he started fight with second cook. Ask chief mate to let dockside office know of changes after 5 PM on the sailing board. Thanks to sctward department. MERMAID (Metro Petroleum), April 16—Chairman, W. C. Sink; Secretary, Ralph Masters. Letter to headquar­ ters to ask that Seattle hall be moved to Portland where there is more shipping. Cockroaches getting out of hand although slevyard sprayed. BULK LEADER (American Bulk), March 13—Chairman, G. Hein; Secre­ tary, C. Todora. Discuss repairs to be made on voyage. Steward department doing excellent Job. Charles Ferkins is chief steward. SANTA VENETIA (Cargo & TankShip), April 9-^halrman, John P, Doyle; Secretary, Milton Foley. Amer­ ican consul in Chlttagong Ignored four calls when asked to see about draws and medical attention for the crew. Report this to headquarters IMl LOG-A-RHYTHM: General Alarm By Alexander J. Letter. "Bridge" . . . Was the answer to the lookout's call. "A ship to starboard!" . « . The lookout bawls. The fog closed in as we entered the bay . . . A tanker breaks through, head­ ing our way. "Hard over port!" the captain commands . . . And jingles to "stop" with trembling hands. The mate springs to the general alarm . . . Hoping the crew is clear of all harm. The tanker's command was also alert . . . Down to our starboard ... by inches to skirt. Sailors scrambled from quarters astern ... They'd never have made it had both ships not turned. for action. Continued bird-dogging of crew and disputed overtime. Shipped one A-book deckhand and one C-card third cook at Chlttagong. Two men were hospitalized at Chittagong. HENRY (Progressive), May 4—Chair­ man, J B. McKreth; Sevretary, J. E. McKreth. Ship's delegate reported everything going fine. No beefs. Re­ port to be made to port agent for better medical care at Bombay, India. Water has been rusty. Vote of thanks to entire steward department, and to the delegates and SIU crewmembers. HERCULES VICTORY (Hercules), May 21—Chairman, B. L. WInborn; Secretary, J. Sanchez. No beefs re­ ported. Motion made to establish ship's fund. Steward was eleected ship's treasurer. Suggestion to sougee crew messroom. . STEEL EXECUTIVE (IsthmlanI), "May 21—Chairman, Alexander D, Brodie; Secretary, Cedric R. Wood. Dis­ cussion on draw system In foreign ports. $21,80 in ship's fund. Proper schedule for showing of movies de­ cided upon. Vote of thanks to broth­ ers who arranged and operated the movies. New movies will bo obtained In San Francisco. CLOBB EXPLORER (Maritime Over­ seas), Apr. 20—Chairman, F. Van Dusen; Sevretary, J. Pullen. Some re­ pairs were taken care of and new mattresses are aboard. No beefs re­ ported. Request everyone cooperate ' with messman and help keep messhall clean. Request for first aid kit in fire room and to see about exhaust vent in engine department mead. Request steward to have a wider variety of vegetables. PENN MARINER (Penn Shipping), Apr. 30—Chairman, Wm. H. Thomp­ son; Secretary, H. F. Jaynes. All re­ pairs have been made. 'There are no beefs or disputed OT. Ship's dele­ gate reelected with a vote of thanks for a Job well done. Steward will give linen to late watch standees. SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Seatrain), May 14—Chairman, Jorn A. Smith; Secretary, F. Radzvlla. Crew advised to fill out welfare cards. No beefs re­ ported. To see patrolman about draws given out late at night, and about slopchest prices. Foc'sles need sougeeIng and keys made to all rooms. Vote of thanks given to stewards depart­ ment for good service and good food. MARYMAR (Calmar), May 7—Chalrmna, John DeCulty; Secreary, Gustav D. Thobe. Ship's delegate reported on rusty water. Must see patrolman at payoff. No disputed OT. Di.scussion abont oxtails, and about the washing machine being left spattered with grease. MT, MC KINLEY (Cargo A Tankship), May 14—Chairman, Lewis J. Cayton,-' Secretary,' Monroe C. Gaddy. Ship's delegate .submitting Hst to pa­ trolman regarding draws, medical care, transportation to and from doc­ tor and dentist, cigarets etc. Some dis­ puted OT in engine and steward de­ partments. Motion made that the mas- Florida State Has Unit For Gas Cooking A gas cooking outfit—the third in use by SlU-contracted companies—^was recently in­ stalled on the SS Florida State and is now cooking meals for the 27man Liberty ship crew. Aside from the Florida State, 'which is owned and operated by Ponce Products Inc., two Bull Line operated ships, the Florldlan and the New Yorker, whose owner is the Erie and St. Lawrence Com­ pany, have gas heat units for cook­ ing. On the Florida State, chief stew­ ard William H, Dunham has in­ formed the LOG that the unit in­ stalled was a new Garland Hotel gas range. The Fry-o-lator deep fat fryer and a French steamtabla also is gas heated. Bottled Gas Used The gas supply comes from bot­ tled gas containers stored and con­ trolled from the old oil tank on the second deck. The tank has been converted into a safety shed for this purpose. After a safety inspection, the operation received the approval of the Coast Guard. The advantages of gas over oil or electricity—the usual methods of cooking—are its lower cost as compared do electricity and the quick steady heat it provides as compared to oil. ter be called upon to restrain the chief engineer from entering the crew's quarters unless accompanied by both the vessel's master and ship's delegate. Refrigerator in crew mess to be repaired or replaced. Sugges­ tion that each member reimburse ship's delegate for his mailing expen­ ditures. Vote of thanks to ship's dele­ gate for the manner In which he han­ dled mailing matters as well as union affairs. FLORIDA STATE (Ponce), May 17— Chslrman, J. A. Leslie; Secretary, W, Dunham. No dispute reported, una member requested steward for new mattress which has been ordered but not delivered as yet. New stove hae been installed on this ship. CAPRI (Panamerlcan Overseas), Apr. 17—Chairman, Helms; Secretary, Hayes. No beefs reported. Ross elect­ ed ship's terasurer. Members asked to donate to ship's fund. Suggestion for an arrival pool. All toilets and showers need painting. Crew requested to have all longshoremen out of messrooms and quarters. Crew warned to go easy on the water, and pay mors attention to washing machine. PENN SHIPPER (Penn Shipping), Apr. 11—Chairman, Edward CIcarekr Secretary, L. Dean. James Moore elected .ship's delegate. One man missed ship in Longviwe, and two men missed ship in San Pedro. Some disputed OT in ejiRlne department. Larger fans needed in galley, laundry room and crew's quarters. Springs needed for crew's bunks. Cash to be used Instead of travelers' checks for draws. BIENVILLE (Sea-Land), May 14-i Chairman, S. Stockmarr; Secretary, McConley Jarrell. Chief mate request that crew do not hang clothes on line while In port, and not to bring beer aboard. $22.96 in treasury. No beefs reported. One man missed ship In Newark. Request to change garlla sauce to mushroom sauce sometimes. ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), May 11— Chairman, H. J. Koppersmlth; Secre­ tary, W. R. Stone. Ship's delegate reported no beefs. $20.62 in ship's fund. No beefs reported. Motion that writing desk be installed in chief cook' and night baker's room. C. J. Beck, elected ship's delegate. Any­ one desiring a reasonable quantity of Ice to see steward during his working hours. It was agreed that the ship should be stored with a better quality of toilet ti.ssue. DEL MUNDO (Delta), May 14— Chairman, L. Moruls; Secretary, J. L. Chaitaln, Jr. No beefs reported. Motion to do away with dehydrated potatoes. Steward to takee this mat­ ter up with Union steward depart­ ment representative. Carpenter sug­ gests no one payoff until disputed OT Is paid, or permission is received from patrolman. Failure of mate to allow any painting in crew quar­ ters after same had been promised by shore officials in New Orleans. Steward department given a vote of thanks. �SEAFARERS Thanks Del Sud For Kindness To the Editor: I want to thank. the entire crew of the SS Del Sud for their kindness toward me. I had an accident aboard shift and had to be taken off in Houston, Texas, and transferred to the PHS Hospital in New Orleans. I am now undergoing therapy and orthopedic treatment as an out­ patient. In the hospital I received a »•* ::V; Hill, nViiiiiiiiiiii j|i I I. II itnliif All letters to the Editor for publication in the SEAFARERS LOG must be signed by the writer. Names will be withheld upon request. I Inuigine ther* aro a great many Seafarers who feel the way I do. I hope they write in so something c.an be done. John Cardigan 4" Twdrir-Wfn^ E0€ The Sword Knot Drops A'Line... • The Sword Knot (Suwannee) dropped a line and Rex HeiH dersoN snapped pictures of the fish that were caught. The missile ship worlcs the down range rocket run and between chasing military and moon shots, the crew fishes. Hen­ derson, who ships as a chief electrician out of New York took these pictures on a re­ cent voyage. His photo gal­ lery includes: Charlie Pickren, oiler, holding a small tuna (top, left). Crew (top) studies a 14-foot blue shark. A pregnant female, the shark had 59 pups inside. One of the pups is being held by Pickren (bottom, left). A weather technician poses (bottom, center) with a wahoo which was just shy of be­ ing six-feet long. "Rusty" Moslier, bosun, shows a three-foot dolphin to crew (bottom, right). l" Sends Members Best Regards To the Editor: Just a few lines to send all Union officers and members my best regards. New Orleans hall is tops. I know that all SIU brothers will appreciate it. I would like to hear from brother Bob SchafTer. He can reach me at Sailors Snug Har­ bor, Staten Island, NY. William Pat Driscoll 4 4 4 Thanks Union For Kindness - To the Editor: I wish to thank the Seafarers money order from the ship's Union for their kindness to me delegate from St. Thomas, Vir­ during my recent serious illness. gin Islands. The money came I thank the Lord that I am con­ from the ship's fund as did a valescing and am on my way to second money order from Rio a complete recovery. Again I thank the Union and the doctors De Janeiro. I want everyone concerned for all that they have done for words who reads the LOG to know me and cannot find enough to fully thank them. that it makes me and my fam­ Mrs. James Martin ily proud and happy to be a 4 4 4 part of an organization such as the SIU. Once again my wife and children join me in ex­ pressing our thanks and heart­ felt appreciation to a wonderful To the Editor: bunch at crewmembers aboard I received the letter and Sea­ the Del Sud and also to the farers Welfare Fund check from entire staff of the New Orleans the Union and am most grate­ USPHS Hospital, whose serv­ ful. ice to me in my hour of need It is indeed gratifying to was unsurpassed. know that Fred's friends and Vic Miorana brother members have extended J. J. this couitesy to me. I know it would be a great comfort if Fred could know of this kind­ ness. He did mention it, when To the Editor: he realized he was very ill and I would like to raise a point said many times he hoped that about the medical program and I would be able to receive the a part of it that affects the sea­ benefit assistance. So again, I would like to man and his deperidents. It rhnrrrns the SIU rnnp who lives thank the Union very much for inland or a long distance from their aid. Thanks too, to Fred's the SIU clinic. The clinic is friends and brother members. I open to his family and him­ appreciate the check and the consideration im­ self, and they are also entitled Union's to get eyeglasses. But consider mensely. Ulla E. Miller the distance some members have to travel, and the expenses 4 4 4 involved, to get to the nearest clinic. I hope that in the near future some provision will be made for To the Editor: them to obtain these benefits . I received the Welfare Plan's in their own city, closer to benefit check together with a home. nice letter and lovely floral In addition, seamen do not bouquet sent upon the death of come under the hospital plan my dear husband Theodore as we are entitled to go to the Smith. Public Health Service hospital. I wish to extend my many But this holds only if we have thanks to the Union and to the the basic PHS requirement of crew that he last worked with, 60 days' seatime in the last 90 the Raphael Semmes. days. To many this means in­ I am proud that my husband convenience and hardship and was a member of an organiza­ probably not the seatime to get tion such as the. SIU. May the into the hospital when we need Lord bless each and everyone. to. I would like to see the I hope to continue to receive Union hospital plan extended the LOG. to take care of all SIU sailors. Wilhelmina Smith Appreciates SIU Aid immenseiy Suggests Changes in Medical Plan Receives Benefit From Welfare Vow Thieves Use Portholes Undersized thieves in foreign ports have hit on a new way to gain entrance onto a ship to steal seamen's personal belongs, the Alcoa Pioneer (Alcoa) reported. As a result, the crew is dogging down portholes in port.. This was necessary, it was point­ ed out because "one room was stripped before docking last trip by thieves who came alongside in small boats and climbed a rope and entered through the open port­ hole." Union Squares Away Tanker Fleet Beefs The Union has recently squared away two beefs in fh» Cities Service fleet. During the past two months, Seafarers have had two beefs with the company over ship's stores which have caused itch­ used on king posts and other ship's ing, rashes and pimples when gear. The remover evidently con­ they were used. The first beef, actually a double one, involved toilet paper which seamen said was more like "sand­ paper" and soap which caused "itching and pimples." The second beef concerned a rust remover tained acid and, despite the use of rubber gloves and eye goggles, caused rashes, pimples and eys Irritation. The Union quickly acted to square these beefs to the satisfac­ tion of the crewmen. �Pare Tweaty-SIs' 10. Other disbursements (a) See Attachment (b) ANNUAL REPORT For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1960 , SEAFARERS WELFARE FUND 11 Broadway, New York 4, NY The data contained herein is for the purpose of providinr general Infor­ mation as to the condition and affairs of the fund. The presentation is necessarily abbreviated. For a more comprehensive treatment, refer to The Annual Statement, copies of which may be inspected at the office of the fund, or at the New York State Insurance Department, 123 William Street, New York 38, N.Y. 9. .10. As of December 31, 1960 (Name of plan) Seafarers Welfare Plan (Address of plan—principal office) 11 Broadway, New York 4, N. Y. ASSETS^ Colunm» Column Column (3) (2) (1) $ 642,856.75 Cash Bonds and debentures • (a) Government obligations $1,345,514.90 (b) Non government bonds 2,646,454.06 Not (c) Total bonds and debentures 3,991,968.96 Applicable Stocks (a) Preferred 1,78 40 (b)-Common Common trusts Real estate loans and mortgages Operated real estate 5,774,796.36 Othej: investment assets Accrued interest purchased on invest­ 966.88 ments Prepaid expenses Other assets 287,241.19 (a) See Attachment (b) „ 287,241.19 (c) $6,705,861.18 11. Total assets 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. ^ LIABILITIES AND FUNDS Insurance and annuity premiums payable Reserve for unpaid claims (not covered by insurance) 6,117.98 Accounts payable. See Attachment .... Accrued payrolls, taxes and other ex­ penses Total liabilities Funds and reserves (a) Reserve for future benefits and 3,652,857.00 expenses , 303.018 00 (bi Reserve for ConlingGncies 2,74^868.20 (c) Fund Balance (d) Total funds and reserves 6,117.98 6,699,743.20 $6,705,861.18 18. Total liabilities and funds 'Indicate accounting basis by check: Cash X Accrual •. Plans on a cash basis should attach • •tatement of significant unrecorded assets and liabilities. See Attachment. siThe assets listed in this statement must be valued in column (1) on the basis regularly used la valuing investments held in the fund and reported to the U.S. Treasury Department, or shall be valued at their aggregate cost or present value, whichever is lower, if such a statement is not BO required to be filed with the U.S. Treasury Department (Act, sec. 7 (e) and (f) (1) (B)). State basis of determining the amount at which securities are carried and shown in column (1): Bonds at Amortized Cost. U.S. Treasury Bills and Stocks at cost. Mf A (2) in item 13, PART III is checked "Yes," show In this column the cost or present value, whichever is lower, of investments summarized in lines 2c, 3a, and 3b, If such value dllTers from that reported in column (1). SUMMARY STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS For year ending December 31, 1960 (Name of plan) Seafarers Welfare Plan (Address of plan's principal office) 11 Broadway, New York, N. Y. ^... DISBURSEMENTS 7. Insurance and innuity premiums paid to insurance companies for participants benefits 8. Benefits provided other than through insurance car­ riers or other service organizations. See Attach­ ment 9. Administrative expenses (a) Salaries (Schedule 1) (b) Fees and commissions (c) Interest (d) Taxes (e) Rent —. (f) Other acliniiii.strative expenses $ (214,660.20) 8.402,163.40 (214,660.20) (443,635.00) 2,743,868.20 SEAFARER'S WELFARE PLAN ATTACHMENT TO ANNUAL REPORT—FORM D-2 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1960 Item No. Seafarers Walfare Plan is identified with various Atlantic and Gulf Coast Steamship Companies and some tugboat operators who have collective bar­ gaining agreements with the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. 5B Classes of Benefits Provided Death Scholarships Hospital Special Services Maternity Medical Examination and Safety Program Unemploynwjnt Sickness and Accident Seamens' Training School Disability Training for Licenses Medical Motion Pictures Blood Transfusions Interest Free Loans up to $100 Surgical Optical Special Therapeutic Equipment Burial Plots Blood Bank EXHIBIT B-1 ITEM 10—OTHER ASSETS Travel Advances $ 448.05 Loans to Eligibles 43,405.05 Investment in Stock of wholly-owned corporation (At Cost) 14,000.00 Advances to wholly-owned corporations 60,347.00 Miscellaneous receivable 3,034.06 Security 'deposits 134.30 Due from Other Plans 11,572.73 Advance to Contractor ; 10,000.00 $2,138,315.74 Capital Donated to Wholly-owned Corporations .... Less: Reserve for Donated Capital 1,994,015.74 144,300.00 Fixed Assets Training Ship "Munoz Rivera" Training School Facilities—New York, N. Y Training School Facilities—Mobile, Ala. Recreational Facilities—New Orleans, La. Recreational Facilities—Puerto Rico iuiiiltuie and Fixtures—New York Medical and Safety Program Facilities—Bklyn., N. Y Medical and Safety Program Facilities, Puerto Rico Medical and Safety Program Facilities, New Orleans, La Furniture and- Fittings — Blood Bank Program, N. Y., N. Y Reconversion Costs—New Orleans Bldg Cemetery Plots Lifeboat Program Equipment $3,133,829.26 227,961.25 (62.42) 133,244.20 7,852.97 30,761.47 31,318.11 612.80 193,655.06 91,012.64 38,802.81 22,924.16 558.78 642,355.92 2,103.34 1,932.64 1,197,134.90 1,197,134.90 Less: Reserve for Fixed Assets EXHIBIT B-2 RECEIPTS 1. Contributions (a) Employer (b) Employees (c) Other (Specify) 2. Interest, dividends, and other investment net income 3. Gain (or loss) from disposal of assets, net 4. Dividends and experience rating refunds from in­ surance companies ,. 5. Other receipts (a) Equipment and office improvements rental.. (b) Interest on delinquent contributions (c) Miscellaneous $3,601,471.06 12. Excess (deficiency) of receipts over disbursements (line 6, less line 11) RECONCILIATION OF FUND BALANCES 13. Fund balance at beginning of year 14. Exce.ss (deficiency) of receipts over disbursements (line 12) r 15.'Other increases or decreases in funds (a) Net Increase or decrease by adjustment In asset values of investments. Amortization of Bonds (33.00) (b) Increase in reserve for benefits on eligibles on special disability and contingencies ... (484.689.26) (c) Prior years' contributions held In escrow ... 41,087.26 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES1 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 84,928.41 16. Fund balance end of year EXHIBIT B-1 8. 64,928.41 ... 11. Total lines 7 to 10, inclusive to the SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE of the STATE OF NEW YORK 1. 2. Jimer<^1Mt«*>'> SEAFAREnS'hO^^ Total Other Assets ITEM 14—ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Payroll Taxes Withheld Overpayments of Loans by Eligibles .. . Miscellaneous Contributions held in escrow $ 287,241.19 $ 4,769.33 199.15 120.10 1,029.40 $ 6,117.98 EXHIBIT B-1—Statement of Significant Unrecorded Assets and Liabilities ASSETS Contributions Receivable .... $ 511,635.81 Interest Receivable on Bonds 30,554.04 •r $ 542,189.85 $ 20,686.22 3,885.43 511.12 6. Total lines 1 to 5, inclusive 25,082.77 3,386,810.86 LIABILITIES ' Incurred Benefits Payable Liabilities for Fixed Assets Acquired for the Purpose of Providing Specific Benefits Administrative Expenses Ptiyable $ 290,668.70 168,041.08 28,176.78 $ 486,886.56 3,182,264.94 149,470.90 63,161.55 —0—" • 8,418.75 10,232.96 102,993 55 EXHIBIT B-2—Line 8 . * Benefits Provided Other than Through Insurance Carrier or other Service Orjganizatlon Cost of Benefits Paid Cost of Fixed Assets Acquired for Purpose of Providing Specific Benefits $2,391,193.69 791,071.25 $3,182,264.94 EXHIBIT B-2^Line 10 Other Disbursements Trustees' Meetings 334,277.71 9,218.78 (Continued on page 27) - it.,...A- �mi' (#1 SEAFARERS lifi lite m lHANCIAL nSPORTS. Th« oonatltutlon of tho SIU AtXantlo, Gulf, lakoo and Inand 'Vatars District makea apeclflo provlalon for aafeguardlng tho menborshlp'a •onor and union flnancea. Tho constitution requires a detailed CPA audit every three months by a rank and file auditing committee elected by the memberahlp. All Union records are available at SIU headquarters In Brooklyn. Should any member, for any reason, be refused his constitutional right to in­ spect these records, notify SIU President Paul Hall by certified mall, return receipt requested. f o . TRUST FUHUe. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered In accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements.specify that the trustees In charge of these funds shall consist equally of union and management represent­ atives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees, lAll trust fund financial records are available at tho headquarters of tho various trust funds. If, at any time, you are denied Information about any SIU trust fund, notify SIU President Paul Hall at SIU headquarters by certified mall, return receipt requested. FdllPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and seniority are protected by tho coiltra'cfs of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes aiid Inland Waters District, and by Union shipping rules, which are Incorporated In tho contract. Get to know your shipping rights. If you feel there has been any violation of your ship­ ping or seniority rights, first notify tho Seafarers Appeals Board. Also notify SIU President Paul Hall at headquarters, by' certified mall, return re­ ceipt requested. :• SK/S CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available In all SIU halls. These •contracts specify the wages and conditions under which you work and live aboard ship. Know your contract rights, as well as your obligations, such as filing for or on the proper sheets and In the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU patrolman or other Union official. In your opinion, falls to protect your contract rights properly, contact the nearest SIU port agent. In addition, notify SIU President Paul Hall by certified mall, return receipt requested. EDITOniAL POLICY—SEAFARERS LOG. The LOG has traditionally refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any Individual in tho Union, officer or member. It has also refrained from publishing articles deem­ ed Jiarmful to the Union or Its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September meetings In all constitutional ports. The responsibility for LOG policy Is vested In an edl-. torlal board wIilcU consists of the Executive Board of tho Union. Tho Exec­ utive Board may delegate, from among Its ranks, one Individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYHEOT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone In any official capacity In the SIU unless an official Union receipt Is given for same. Under no clrcur.istance should any member pay any money for any reason unless he Is given such receipt. If in tho event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or If a member is required to make a payment and ^ given an official receipt, but feels that he should not have been re­ quired to make such payment, this should Immediately be. called to the attention of SIU President Paul Hall by certified mall, return receipt requested. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND (ffiLIOATIONS. The SIU publishes every six months In the .TEAFAriEri,0 LOO a verballm Cupy uf its cunstltutlon. In addition, copiga are available in all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time you feel any member or officer is attempting to deprive you of any constitutional Tight ot obligation by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials', etc., as well as all other details, then the member so affected should immediately notify SIU President Paul Hall by certified mail, return receipt requested. Tag* IVCBtg-Sevim LOG iill iiii RETIRED SEAFARERS. Old-time SIU members drawing disability-pension bene­ fits have always been encouraged to continue ttfbir union activities. In­ cluding attendance at membership meetings. And like all other SIU members at these Union meetings, they are encouraged to take an active role In all rank-and-file functions. Including service on rank-and-file committees. Because these oldtimers cannot take shipboard employment, the membership has reaffirmed the long-standing Union policy of allowing them to retain tholr good standing through tho waiving of their dues. John W. McCanley Please get In touch with your wife at PO Box 33, Sulphur, Loui­ siana. Vernon Taylor Please contact Pauline Cipriano, 204 nth Street, Brooklyn 15, NY. Mr. Luburich Get in touch with Mrs. Fqlice Conover, Srigo Kennels, 1045 Route 18, Old Bridge, New Jersey. Carnelo Bonafont Garcia Mrs. -Evelyn Lazu, Bo. Playa Guayanes, Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, would like to hear from you. Albert Wagner Contact John Hilton, All State Insurance Company, 201 Old Coun­ try Road, Huntington Station, LI, NY. William J. Angers Get in touch with Mrs. Georgia Santos, 651 N. Walcott Ave., Chi­ cago 22, HI. Lulgi Gallo Please contact Mary Custer at 724 Benson Ave., Modesto, Calif. John H. Murray Important you contact your son at Brownell Street. Charles Robinson Harry Thrash Important mail for you from Carl McDaniel is being held at General Delivery, Seamen's Unit, New York 1, NY. James L. Smith Donald R. Hopkins Ange Panagopoulos John McDonald Contact SIU Baltimore hall con­ cerning wages from Cargo and Tankship Management. Ben Pritiken Get in touch with your father at once. Urgent. Jack Bowman John Smith Very important you get in" touch with Jake Moody, who sailed with you on the LaSalle, 103 Rogers Ave., Apt. 1, Norfolk, Va. Ex-Valiant Freedom The following men, formerly cfewmembers on the Valiant Free­ dom, should contact Otto E. Simon, Suite 1010 Van Antwerp Building, Mobile 12, Ala., concerning back pay checks: Aser Joosepson, Lindsay W. Gaskins, Timothy P. Sullivan, Daniel J. Nelson, Joseph C. Wallace, Hakan Janson, Frederick L. Comerford, Jean S. Long, Julian Brykczynski, James McGregor, Alvln R. Mabe, Clarence A. Gardner, Earl H. Gates, Disdado Lavador, Clarence C, Willey, Harry J. Cron- in, John Eaton, Arthur G. Ander­ son, Leon H. Lybert. Euseblo Rodriqnez Get in touch with the Williamsburg Welfare Center, Department of Welfare, 749 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn 38, NY. Chris Astyfides Please contact Mrs. Kiriakl Asty­ fides at 22-38 24th Street, Astoria, Long Island, NY. Jerry King Get In touch with Mrs. Barbara King, c/o Mrs. John Van Losberg, 241 West Main Street, Bayshore, Long Island. Hugh Dick Please contact your son. Staff Sergeant Eugene G. Dick, AF28113942, 924 AC&W Sq., ADC, APO 439, New Yc-k, NY. Carmclo Garcia Bonafont Please get In touch with Evelyn Lazo Bonafont, Bo. Playa Gua­ yanes, Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. Richard Charles Johnson Headquarters is holding a letter for you that was forwarded by th« Social Security Administration. Oscar Raynor Contact your sister, Mrs. Dowdy, at Box 376, Milan, Georgia. Robert George Schlagler Urgent you contact your sister, Mrs. Dorothy Suter, at 27911 Pompano Ave., Hayward, Calif. F. KowalskI Get in touch with your sister, Mrs. Helen Kidd, 257 Powers Street, Brooklyn, NY. Emmett Paul Contact Mr. Charles Loh, Claims Department, Northern of New York Group, 530 Kearny Street, San Francisco 8. Calif. George R. Brown Get in touch with Mr. Georgn B. Zaller, Robinson's Inc., Glen Burnie, Md. Jesse Bain Gibson, Jr. Please contact James D. Cha\ ers, Jr., 2607 East Jones Street, Savan­ nah, Ga., concerning your mother. Thomas P. Martin Please get in toucii with Mr. W. B. Minyard, Military Highway & Virginia Reach Boulevard, Nor­ folk 2, Va. Oskar Kirs Reino Pelaso would like to know where he can reach you concern­ ing the transaction in Houston two years ago. Contact him c/o SIU, 450 Harrison Street, San Francisco, Calif. Louis Basta Urgent you call your wife at 523-9184, New Orleans, La. ANNUAL REPORT 28 Bid For Hydrofoil Charter WASHINGTON—Interest in operating hydrofoil ships is running high in the maritime Industry, judging from the response of the operators to an invitation to operate the experi­ mental hydrofoil ship being built for the Maritime Administration. No less than 28 shipping companies have applied for 4' ' the charter on the 80-ton H. S. Wilson would use it for short coast­ into commercial service, probably •Denison, which is under con­ wise passenger runs, such as be­ under a general agency agree­ struction by the MA as part of its research program into advanced ship design. Among SlU-contracted compa­ nies making application for the vessel are Browning Lines, a Great Lakes District-contracted operator, Suwannee Steamship Company, which operates the missile ship fleet, and Wilson Steamship Corp. an IBU-contracted operator of ex­ cursion vessels. Browning would probably use the vessel on a Lakes run, although It did not indicate its specific plans for the ship. Su ,• ariiiee wants it for mis.<iile range operations, while tween Boston and Provincetown. There were a variety of other proposals submitted, including service in the inter-island trade in the Caribbean; a run between California and Catalina island; service out of Miami to Nassau; and Hudson River excursion serv­ ice out of New York City. Completion Expected Soon The 80-ton experimental vessel, which will be 104 feet long, is being built for Maritime by Grum­ man Aircraft. Completion is ex­ pected within a few weeks, follow­ ing which the boat will be tested for six months (ind then placed ment. Hydrofoils have been considered as a solution to the problem of supplying speedy overwater pas­ senger service. While not regarded as suitable for long offshore runs, thtf hydrofoil design is believed to be ideal as a ferry or riverboat operation at distances of 25 to 200 miles. Potential speeds of advanced hydrofoil craft are in the vicinity of 60 to 80 knots. Several European companies have hydrofoils in oper­ ation. The Russians reportedly have one running as a passenger ferry on Inland waterways. (Continued from page 26) Travel Expenses Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Maintenance of Real Estate Write off of Loans Due to Death of Eligibles Cost of Moving Training Ship to Puerto Rico ... 2,645.88 61,634.36 10,225.61 525.00 678.80 $ 84,928.41 ANNUAL MPOIIT OF THX SIAr/WCRS UtirARE FUND STAT* or,. CcvHTi or..'^V*Ai^ .'H W'IL Tnutm ol OK Fund ind btinf duly nrom, cnch (or himotlf drpoon nnd myt tkal Oin Annuo) Report it mw to tho bctt ol hit infermttion, 1cnowl«l|« tnd brlwf. Employtr tgtqtt; v Subtcribtd tnd twoni to bc(of« mt Ihit .Jty of Empicytt IniMtoi , V stwMf stWMtN r. '• N*"" ^ 'C tt 76»»10 �I/- 11 . SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION .ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES ANDJNLAND WATFRS DSSTftlCT • AFL-CIO MTD CAMPAIGNS AGAINST RUNAWAYS' TAX DODGING American maritime unions in the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Depart­ ment have opened a campaign against one of the worst abuses of the run­ away ship operators—their dodging of US Federal, state and local taxes. In a strong statement before the —— Ways and Means Committee of the barrel Jor the oil In Iran and collect $3.50 House of Representatives, Ed N. for it in the New York market. Altman, president of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, and legislative di­ rector of the MTD, submitted evidence showing that the greatest gain involved in runaway shipping was the operators' evasion of the 52 percent Federal corpora­ tion income tax. Savings in this area, he showed, amount to as much as five times the savings in wage costs. Altman spoke in support of a proposal In President Kennedy's tax message of April 20 in which he called for plugging of the escape hatch on runaway taxes. The President said in part: "Profits earned abroad by American firms operating through foreign sub­ sidiaries are under present tax laws, subject to US tax only when they are returned to the parent company in the form, of dividends. In sorne cases, this tax deferral has made possible in­ definite postponement of the US tax; and in those countries where Income taxes are lower than in the United States, the ability to defer the pay­ ment of US tax by retaining income in the subsidiary companies provides a tax advantage for companies operat­ ing through these overseas subsidiaries that is not available to companies op­ erating solely in the United States." "... I recommend elimination of the tax haven device anywhere in the world, even in the underdeveloped countries, through the elimination of tax deferral privileges for those forms of activities . . . that typically seek out tax haven methods of operation. There is no valid reason to permit their remaining untaxed . . ." The MTD spokesman noted that Presi­ dent Kennedy defined a tax haven com­ pany as one which received more than 20 percent of its gross profit outside of the tax haven country. In the case of runaway shipping, the tax haven company receives 100 percent of its profits outside the country in which it is registered. Conse­ quently, the MTD regards runaway ship operation as the "most flagrant and out­ rageous tax haven device used by American citizens." The most revealing sections of the MTD testimony were those which pinpointed the fact that tax evasion is the number one consideration when giant oil, steel and aluminum companies make use of Liberian or Panamanian registry. Involved in the tax evasion game are 461 ships wholly-owned by American companies. Taking the basic T-2 vessel as an ex­ ample, the MTD showed that on a typical runaway-flag voyage from the Persian Gulf to New York, the value of the cargo carried would increase by $238,000. In other words, a company would pay $1.80 a Should the company hire an American crew at American wages, as opposed to a runaway crew, the added cost for a voyage of 28 days would be $17,920 amounting to 7Vi percent of the $238,000 gross gain. However, if the company, after subtracting U.S. crew costs and operating expenses, were to pay the 52 percent Federal tax, its tax bill for the single voyage would be $92,601.60, more than five times the added cost of the American wage scale. Consequently, even if runaway ship operators were to match American wages and conditions they would still be' way ahead of the game through their tax evasion. "The wage costs of these runaway flagfleets represent a negligible portion of their income, so small that wages do not even enter into the incentive which entices them to seek tax havens." Aside from the loss in taxes, the US economy loses in that the construction and repair of these vessels is done in foreign yards, and the wages paid to the crews are lost to the US economy. The MTD state­ ment declared, "We have computations which indicate that much more than a billion dollars a year is lost to us (the U.S. economy) because of the foreign-flag operations of American-owned companies.'* The most direct impact, of course, is on American-flag shipping and American sea­ men who have lost_ thousands of Jobs be­ cause of the runaway operations. Consequently, the MTD went on record as fully accepting the recommendations of the President and the Secretary of, the Treasury as not only improving the tax structure but also restoring tlte American merchant marine. Excerpts From MTD's Documenfafion At Congress Hearings On Runaways '. . . 1 want to call to your attention what the Maritime Trades Department re­ gards as the most flagrant and outrageous tax haven device used by American citi­ zens. I refer to the operation of ships owned entirely by American citizens under foreign flags. We call these ships 'runawayflag ships.' ". under existing law all the company has to do ... to completely escape regula­ tion by the American government, is to organize a corporation in Liberia or Pana­ ma, transfer the . . . title to the ship and thereafter operate the ship under the foreign fiag . . . The ship never goes to Panama or Liberia ... It continues to en­ joy all the blessings of doing business with America, but it completely escapes the im­ pact of American law and it is thereby abife to increase its profits many foid . . . ". . . Until the profits of the Liberian operation are transferred . . . to the American parent corporation the tanker owners never pay any income tax ... in a practical sense it amounts to complete tax avoidcince . . . "It must be emphasized that the Liberian corporation does not pay any income tax in Liberia ... it Is precisely this tax haven gimmick which induces American inter­ national oil companies and American ore importers, to operate . . . under the Li­ berian and Patiaiiianian flag. ". . . (the only) ta.c paid to Liberia . . . will total $200 a year Tor a minimum of 20 years ... in addition to the non-recur­ ring initial registration fee . . . ($1.20 per net ton) . . . "Our economy depends to a large ex­ tent upon oil ... A substantial percentagef of the oil we use is now imported . . . only about three percent of the oil we import is carried on American-flag ships with American crews owing allegiance to this country ... "More than one-third of the iron ore we u.se ... is now imported . . . practically all of it ... on foreign-flag ships. Almost all of our aluminum is derived from Imported bauxite, and almost every pound of it is carried on foreign-flag ships . . . For . . . oil, iron and aluminum, we are now almost completely-dependent upon foreign-flag ships and on foreign crews , , , ail without loyalty ... to this country and many with ideologies which are in basic conflict with . . . American institutions . . . "While American companies are operat­ ing 900 ships under the American flag, as of December 31, 1960, wholly-owned American companies were operating 461 ships under foreign flags . . ." ". . . if the wholly Arnerican-owned ships could be brought back into the American merchant marine, our shipping depression would be over ... ". . . the wage costs of these runawayflag fleets represent a negligible portion of their income, so small that wages do not even enter into the incentive which entices them to seek tax havens . . . ". . . for one voyage, the . . . added cost of the American crew is 7 .5 percent of the increase in value of the cargo resulting from transporting it from Iran to New York . . ". . . the net profit is $178,080. The US Federal tax on that profit, figured at 52 percent is $92,601.60 as compared with the additional cost of an American crew over a foreign crew of $17,920. ... It is obvious, that since the increased cost occasioned by the American crew represents only 7Vi percent of the increased value . . . and the profit after American wages and operating expenses Is in excess of 40 percent, the wage differential is negligible . .. "In all respects, the runaway-flag fleets fit into the definition of tax haven bene­ ficiaries set* forth in the President's mes­ sage. Not only 20 percent, but 100 percent of their income is derived from sources other than the countries of registry . . . 100 percent of the profits derived from . . . the runaway-flag ships is sold for consump­ tion outside the country of registry . . . all of the services . . . are performed out­ side the country of registry . . . "We believe that following the recom­ mendations of the President . . will not only improve our tax structure and In­ crease our just income from American enterprise, but will restore the American merchant marine to the position required by our national prosperity and our national defense . . "In summation, the MTD believes that the runaway-flag fleets represent the grossest and least justified abuse of the tax haven device. The device seriously depletes the tax Income of the' United States, wltftout appreciably increasing the tax Income of the runaway-flag countries. It Is destroying the shipping industry of the United States, without contributing substantially to the economy of the tax haven countries. It is seriously weakening our national defense, by making us de­ pendent on foreign crews for the most strategic war materials, by reducing the size and quality of our merchant marine, by destroying the incentive of American business to invest in American-flag ship­ ping operations. It is impeding the de­ velopment of improved technologies in the shipping and shipbuilding industries. It is forcing into other industries highly skilled seamen, shipbuilders, and other crafts which are. indispensible to our existence as a first-rate maritime power. In spite of the lower costs of the runaway-flag fleets, their operation has not resulted in any saving to American consumers, and in­ deed enables American international oil and ore companies to exercise monopolistic control over prices. The only beneficiaries of the runaway-flag operations are the already bloated international cartels in oil and ore. To satisfy their greed, the Govern, ment, the American consumer, the American tax payer, and the American ship operator are being victimized. The recommendations of the President and the Secretary of the Treasury represent the first effective proposal to eliminate this great economic evil which has contributed so much to the weakening of our prestige as a world power. We hop* and urge that your Committee and the Congress will act favorably and promptly «n appropriate legislation In this field." � 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 1960-1969 Description An account of the resource Volumes XXII-XXXI 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 June 1961 Description An account of the resource Headlines: 1,700 IN VIRGIN ISLES JOIN SIU SIU, MEBA CRACK RUNAWAY JOB ISSUE WIN ORGANIZING RIGHTS ABOARD FOREIGN SHIPS EDITORIAL ON CURRAN SELLOUT ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN FUTURE OF SHIPPING, JOBS WAS MAJOR CONTRACT ISSUE TWO SEAFARERS GRADUATE VIA SIU SCHOLARSHIPS ICC REVERSES FIELD, CRITICIZES RR BID FOR SHIPS’ CARGOES KENNEDY WOULD END FMB; REVISE SHIPPING AGENCIES ESSO, SOCONY DIVVY UP AFRO-ASIAN MARKETS US COMPANIES FINANCE CONSTRUCTION OF FOREIGN-OWNED BULK CARRIERS LAKES WELFARE PLAN PAYING FULL BENEFITS ACCIDENT MARS CONTAINERSHIP DEBUT MEBA DELEGATES BACK NCMB; STRENGTHEN DISTRICT STRUCTURE 100 DELEGATES TAKE PART IN MCS PLANNING PARLET AML LAUNCHES NEW FREIGHTER; LAYS KEEL FOR ANOTHER SHIP COASTWISE TRADE REVIVAL PLANNED WEST INDIA SELLING OUT; SEA LEVEL UP FOR GRABS TO PROVIDE JOB SECURITY: TO EXPAND US SHIPPING WIDE RANGE OF BENEFITS AIDED 8,000 SIU FAMILIES SINCE ‘55 SIU BLOOD BANKS EXPAND; READY IN 9 PORTS SO FAR SEAFARER AWAITS PATENT ON ROTARY ENGINE INVENTION NEW BEDFORD TO CONDUCT REFERENDUM ON CONTRACT SIU FIRM BUILDS SHIPS ON SUBSIDY LICENSED DIVISION WINS IN 9 FLEETS UIW SIGNS UP NEW SHIP; UNION ORGANIZING 4 MORE EXCERPTS FROM MTD’S DOCUMENTATION AT CONGRESS HEARINGS ON RUNAWAYS ASK CHANGE IN NLRB’S PROCEDURES 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 06/1961 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. XXIII, No. 6 1961 Periodicals Seafarers Log