http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9d06c7c26ccf101ecadb9bb4158a2726.PDF 8d4752a9fae750128b579d6190dbe634 PDF Text Text Vol. XXiX No. 18 SEAFARIBRS^LOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION . ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO SlU-Manned Fairport Rescues Navy Pilot off Vietnam Coast ' Page 5 It. T' \ Ship Appropriations Measure Wins Congressional Approval^ ^ House Committee Okays Independent Agency Bill^^^^ ^ Hall Urges 'Knuckling Down' To Resolve U.S. Ship Problems Page 2 �IJtSuif Page Two New Maritime Authorization Measure Awaits President's OK to Become Law WASHINGTON—Congress has passed a bill requiring Congressional authorization of funds for Maritime Administration programs. The bill now awaits the President's signature in order to be­ come law. The legislation was approved first by the House, where it was Congress, alone among all the ties (including reimbursement of sponsored by Representative branches and agencies of our gov­ the vessel operations revolving fund for losses resulting from ex­ Edward A. Garmatz (D.-Md.), ernment, of the need for prompt penses of experimental ship op­ action now to rebuild our U.S. Chairman of the House Merchant erations; Marine Committee. The House merchant fleet. • Reserve fleet expenses; "Both these measures represent bill, H.R. 158, then went to the • Maritime training at the important steps forward in the Senate under the sponsorship of Merchant Marine Academy at Senator Daniel B. Brewster (D.- effort to create a maritime pro­ Kings Point, N. Y.; gram for America that will re­ Md.), a member of the Senate • Financial assistance to State verse the present downward trend Merchant Marine Subcommittee. of our shipping and shipbuilding marine schools; The bill requires that maritime policies in the interest of our na­ • The vessel operations revolv­ programs be reviewed and au­ tion's growing commercial and ing fund. thorized annually by the maritime defense requirements." "Enactment of this bill," Sen­ committees in both houses. At Hall added that the Congres­ ator Brewster commented "would present, they come under review sional action indicates "that our place the Maritime Administration only by the Senate and House Ap­ lawmakers in both houses recog­ on a basis comparable to that now propriations committees. nize the public interest and are in effect with regard to principal The measure is expected to pro­ prepared to act to protect that activities of the Department of vide for a closer and more effec­ vital interest." Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard, tive annual review of the Ameri­ •The Senate bill, S. 340, iden­ the Atomic Energy Commission, can merchant marine, and to re­ tical to the House version, H.R. The National Aeronautics and verse the current trend of an age­ 158, was accompanied by an ex­ Space Administration, and other ing, shrinking merchant fleet. planatory report by Senator Brew­ major programs within the execu­ "One of the conditions that has ster. The document explained tive branch." caused deterioration of our Mer­ that the bill is intended to go into The Senator then outlined the chant Marine," Senator Brewster effect December 31, 1967, and history of the present legislation, remarked, "has been lack of Con­ would thereafter require specific citing the urgent need for Con­ gressional interest. ... If we are Congressional authorization of ap­ gressional review of maritime pro­ to regain our position as one of propriations for the Maritime Ad­ grams: the world's maritime leaders, we ministration. The following cate­ "At the present time section must rekindle this interest." gories of activity would now come 209(a) of the Merchant Marine Paul Hall, President of the SIU under review: Act, 1936, as amended, provides • Acquisition, construction or for continuing authority for ap­ and the AFL-CIO's Maritime Trades Department, praised the reconstruction of vessels; propriations by the language: • Construction-differential Congressional action, saying, "This " 'There are hereby authorized week's passage by the Senate of subsidy and cost of national de­ to be appropriated such sums as the Merchant Marine Authoriza­ fense features incident to the con­ are necessary to carry out the pro­ tion Bill, which already had been struction, reconstruction, or re­ visions of this Act.' cleared by the House, and the ap­ conditioning of ships; "When the Merchant Marine • Payment of obligations in­ proval of the bill for an independ­ Act of 1936 was originally enact­ ent Federal maritime agency by curred for operating-differential ed the administering agency was the House Committee on Mer­ subsidy; the U.S. Maritime Commission, chant Marine and Fisheries, once • Expenses necessary for re­ an independent agency responsi­ again illustrates the awareness in search and development activible to the Congress. The pro­ grams authorized by that act were set up in a fashion intended to permit their efficient administra­ tion under broad enabling author­ ity. The availability of a con­ struction revolving fund mini­ mized the need for seeking spe­ In a Labor Day address presented by the AFL-CIO over the cific annual authorization for ap­ nationwide radio network of the Mutual Broadcasting System, SIU propriations for major program President Paul Hall called on "government, industry and labor to categories. knuckle down to the problem of "Since shortly after World War developing the kind of program troops go to Vietnam not by plane II, however, such matters as the that will assure that U. S. shipping but by merchant marine shipping. transfer of the administration of and shipbuilding can make their Hall noted. He pointed out that maritime functions to the De­ maximum contribution to our even with the need for a strong Maritime so apparent, "neglect of partment of Commerce, the denial economy and our defense. of the availability of the construc­ "This isn't just a maritime prob­ this industry by the government tion revolving fund, and other selflem—it's an American problem," since World War II, and the fail­ imposed limitations have had the Hall said, noting that "If we as a ure of the Defense Department to practical effect of placing the op­ nation fail to resolve this prob­ foresee and admit the need for erations of the agency on a strict­ lem, the impact of that failure will merchant ships to transport troops ly annual basis. be felt by every American—busi­ and supplies across the seas" have "These developments have nessman, farmer and worker, pushed Maritime to "the point made the advisability of annual of crisis." The U.S. has already alike." review of the Maritime Adminis­ (The complete text of HaD's ad­ slipped to 16th place in shipbuild­ tration's policies and programs of dress, scheduled for broadcast ing, Hall said, and sends only increasing importance. Enactment over the 537-statiott Mutual net­ seven per cent of its cargo in of this bill would necessarily re­ work, appears on page nine of this American ships, and may soon sult in the Senate Committee on find itself subject to a superior issue of the LOG.) Commerce and the Merchant Ma­ Soviet merchant marine. Hall expressed the vital need On the economic side. Hall ex­ rine and Fisheries Committee of for a strong, growing and mod­ plained that America's industrial the House of Representatives an­ ernized American merchant ma­ complex depends on 77 strategic nually reviewing the policies and rine. The importance extends not materials, of which 66 must be programs of the Maritime Admin­ only to immediate security of this imported. As it is, the U.S. de­ istration in fulfilling the authoriza­ country. Hall said, but also to the pends largely on foreign shipping tion requirement this legislation preservation of our way of life for these items, and with the would provide. through a sound economic system. U.S.S.R. on the way to gaining "While enactment of this bill The military factor can be seen a two4o-one-lead over the U.S. would require the Maritime Ad­ clearly in the American merchant in merchant shipping, Russia may ministration to appear annually marine's role in World War II, the achieve a measure of shipping before four committees of the Korean War, and, presently, in control for these 66 items—unless Congress rather than two, this Vietnam, Hall said. Even in this the United States Government could well enhance the finding of "Age of Air-Power," 98% of all acts quickly and firmly to upgrade workable solutions to the many supplies and two-thirds of all its own fleet. problems of our merchant fleet." Hall Cites Importance of U.S. Fleet To Nation's Security in Radio Talk September I, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG Report of International President by Paul Hall Any indications that management has become more enlightened in their attitude toward the rights of the working man are certainly dispelled in reports recently issued by the U.S. Labor Department and the National Labor Relations Board. According to its report for the fiscal year 1967, the U.S. Labor Department discovered $76 million in wage chiseling by employers under the minimum hourly wage scale established by the Fair Labor Standards Act. It also found that its investigators are having an in­ creasingly diflicult time in keeping abreast of violations. During the same period, a preliminary report by the National Labor Relations Board says that new records were set in the number of unfair labor charges that were filed against employers for the fiscal year ended June 30. It may be that labor-management relations are on a more sophisti­ cated level than ever before and that the actual mechanics of negotia­ tion are more intricate due to the technological revolution, but such disclosures of continued victimization of workers by those who employ them indicates that management has not changed its stripes to any great degree. The attitude of management when it comes to volun­ tarily granting a worker his fair due is just as negative as ever. The ground rules might change from time to time but the name of the game will always be the same and the American labor movement must always seek new ways to step up union organization with an eye to the eventual protection and education of all workers. The NLRB and Labor Department reports are just further proof that a wide segment of management devotes a great deal of energy to getting around the law or defying it outright. The $76 million in wage chiseling represents money that did not go into the pay envelopes of 368,000 workers who earned that money. Some of them were not paid the minimum hourly wage set by law, many did not receive overtime due at time-and-a-half, others were denied equal pay for equal work. Of the total, less than one third— only $27 million—has thus far been recovered for these workers. In 1966, some $90 million in underpayments to $430,000 workers was discovered and only about a third" of that total was recovered. The $14 million drop between 1966 and 1967 appears at first glance to be an improvement but actually reflects a serious worsening of an intolerable situation. Last February 1, amendments strongly supported by organized labor were incorporated into the Fair Labor Standards Act which raised the minimum wage for 32 million previously covered workers and covered 9 million more for the first time. True to its historic image, manage­ ment immediately set out to either ignore or become conveniently "care­ less" about complying with the new amendments. The only reason fewer cheating employers appear in the figures for fiscal 1967 than were shown in 1966—when the Labor Department admits only about half were actually caught—is that government investigators didn't have time enough to get around to them. The explanation for this is that there are not enough investigators to enforce our wage-hour law provision. To help alleviate this problem, the AF-CIO launched its own pro­ gram last February 1st to seek out violators and called on Congress to grant President Johnson's request for more wage-hour inspectors. As a result of this AFL-CIO program, labor central bodies across the country have offered their services to all workers—union members or not—in the drive to enforce the law against chiseling or careless employers. The wage-hour administrator of the Labor Department says that even if he could expand his staff by 15 to 20 per cent it could not inspect as many companies as it did in 1966 and claims his agency must depend more and more heavily on violations being called to its attention. But how many violations are there which are never reported because non-union workers live in fear of their jobs and don't dare expose the gougers they work for? We have no way of telling but we can be sure there are too many. The labor movement in the United States must intensify its efforts to organize such workers and do every­ thing possible to protect them until they are organized. Employers are well aware of the difficulty in enforcing labor laws and they delight in it. If uncontrolled wage chiseling is not proof enough, we need-only to look at the NLRB figures which show a record 17,040 unfair labor practice charges being filed in a one-year period. The 17,000 registered complaints against management, plus an un­ told number of short-changed pay envelopes, certainly indicates that management's bad manners has not changed much over the year. �September 1, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG Meany in Labor Day Message Sees U.S. Teriod of Decision' Page Three House Marine Committee Approves Bill for Independent MARAD WASHINGTON—The United States is midway in a "great WASHINGTON—^An independent maritime agency moved a big step closer to reality last week period of national decision" and that decision will be made "in the minds and hearts of all Americans," AFL-CIO president when the House Merchant Marine Committee approved a bill calling for its creation and sent the measure to the full House of Representatives with a strong recommendation for quick passage. George Meany declared in his ^ since World War II, the U.S. has Representative Edward A. annual address prepared for de­ become not just democracy's arse­ Garmatz (D-Md.), Chairman of and too few ships must still be be a Federal Maritime Adminis­ livery on Labor Day. coped with," he said, "but this trator, appointed by the President nal but its principal defender Involved are a new look at our throughout the world as well. It both the Merchant Marine Com­ legislation does, I think, take a with the advice and consent of the society at home and a new look at is a costly and uncomfortable role mittee and the Subcommittee on very sound and constructive step Senate. With the exception of the our role in world affairs, Meany for a nation so long used to isola­ Merchant Marine and Fisheries in the right direction." first Administrator, whose term said. These two main channels tionism, he said. The war to de­ which had okayed his bill (H.R. would expire June 30, 1969, all "It is the overwhelming convic­ of thought will eventually con­ fend the freedom of South Viet­ 159) earlier, said he intended "to future heads of the FMA would tion of the Committee members verge into the "great decision that nam is difficult for some young push for speedy consideration of serve four-year terms. and myself that a separate inde­ will determine the shape of Amer­ people to understand because this bill on the floor because I pendent agency is needed," Gar­ The bill also calls for a Mari­ ican life for many years to come "they have had no experience with consider it most important that we matz continued. "We feel that time Board composed of three and perhaps the future of the despotism or with conquerers." expediate its passage." past experience has demonstrated members and established within world as well." "The continuing decline of our conclusively that the type of orga­ the FMA. Chairman of the Board But some of their elders, "with Explaining what he called the less excuse" forget what they have merchant fleet," Garmatz de­ would be the Administrator of "mid-point" of decision, the Fed­ lived through and against all logic clared, coupled with the lack of nization proposed here is the most FMA and the other two members effective in dealing with these myr­ eration head said through their say that if the U.S. was to give any concrete maritime policy, has would be appointed by the Presi­ elected representatives—and sup­ way "the Communist forces would created a devastating kind of iad problems." dent—also with the advice and Citing the fact that some 104 consent of the Senate. ported by a national consensus at once be converted to sweetness inertia that becomes more alarm­ the American people had launched and light—in Vietnam and every­ ing each day. We cannot afford bills have been introduced in the Transfer of Authority House calling for an independent in 1961 an unprecedented cam­ where." On the other hand the to wait any longer." MARAD, Garmatz expressed the Certain powers now vested in paign to correct the social evils "super-hawks" show little concern (Meanwhile, the Senate passed that blurred "the vision of Ameri­ for the human race "as long as the on the same day the Merchant opinion that a majority of House the Secretary of Commerce would ca that most Americans cherish." last survivor can wave the stars Marine Authorization bill which members are sympathetic to the be transferred to the Administra­ Continuing at an accelerated pace and stripes." puts approval of funds for mari­ problems of the merchant marine. tor, and other powers would be Under the bill which the full transferred to the Board. through 1966, he continued, this Here, too, common sense is time under direct control of Con­ Further, the Administrator campaign attacked racial discrim­ vital, Meany said. "By defending gress for the first time. That bill House will now consider, an ination with new force, overthrew the freedom of one small nation has already cleared the House agency known as the Federal would appoint a Deputy Maritime barriers to equal education and by arms and by helping to pre­ and requires only the President's Maritime Administration would Administrator who would serve in declared poverty an unnatural serve the freedom of many others signature to become law.) be created. This FMA would not his absence or disability as Acting state for any free man. be under any other department in Administrator. The Deputy could with dedicated manpower and Referring further to thfe bill for "Ugliness in every form" from sound financial aid, America is an independent MARAD, Gar­ the executive branch of the gov­ not sit as a member or acting water and air pollution to con­ making its contribution toward matz conceded that it would not ernment or under the authority of member of the Board under any sumer abuse to littered streets and the attainment of a peaceful fu­ produce miracles. "The basic the head of any such department. circumstances, however. Another requirement of the bill more became "suddenly matters ture for all mankind." problems of insufficient money At the head of the FMA would is that within one year of enact­ of national concern." ment of the proposal, the Board Wrong Inter|Hetation must submit to the President and But, Meany noted that since the the Congress a report on the "cur­ 1966 elections the campaign so rent condition" of the American well begun had slackened off be­ merchant marine in relationship to cause many Congressmen took the the criteria set forth by the 1936 view that lack of a consistent pat­ Act. The report is to include ap­ tern in the election results meant propriate recommendations for the voters wanted to slow down such further legislation or pro­ a bit. "We believe this interpreta­ grams as the Board deems nec­ tion was wrong ... by accepting WASHINGTON, D. C.—The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department has placed the blame for essary. it as a guide for action or inaction. the current manpower crisis in the U.S. merchant marine directly on the shoulders of the Johnson Congress made a serious mistake." Administration. The campaign started in 1961 In a signed editorial in the ^ ^ had identified needs and started to the SIU to increase its educational about revitalization of the mer­ meet them but the "result of the August issue of "Maritime", capacity to several thousand chant marine through creation of subsequent slowdown has been official publication of the 6-mil- trainees, should the need arise. an independent Maritime Admin­ disillusionment among many and lion-member MTD, SIU and The SIU currently operates the istration provide the focus for a disorder by a few. The disorders, MTD President Paul Hall said Harry Lundeberg school of sea­ signed article by the Department's Monday, September 4 will in turn . . . have led some Ameri­ that "the government's failure to manship which each year gradu­ Executive Secretary-Treasurer, be a day of special AFL-CIO cans of good will to question the devise and implement a vigorous ates more than a thousand men Peter M. McGavin. programs on both radio and basic concepts of the campaign maritime program, and the con­ for deck and engine room jobs. In the article, McGavin makes tinued downgrading of the mer­ TV. itself." "As a result," Hall said, "no ships it plain that the maritime industry AFL-CIO President George "To put it bluntly," Meany said, chant marine, have combined to under contract with the SIU have is not asking that the government Meany, AFL-CIO Vice-presi­ "the conscience and idealism of put a damper on the normal ever experienced delay in sailing set up a department that would dent Pall Hall, AFL-CIO the affluent majority is being recruitment of young men into for lack of available manpower." become "the official fairy god­ this industry." Vice-President Joseph A. tested in the crucible of reality In addition, the SIU is engaged mother" for merchant marine in­ Beirne and AFL-CIO ViceHall said that the government's (and) it would be an unthinkable in a joint training program with terests. failure to pursue a program aimed President I. W. Abel will be tragedy" if they failed to meet MEBA District 2 to upgrade What the MTD, which speaks heard on nationwide radio ac­ that test. Riots and their accom­ at expansion of the merchant ma­ men to licensed engineers and for most of maritime labor, and cording to the following i panying destruction cannot be rine "has resulted in far too many deck officers. Between February the majority of maritime manage­ I schedule: condoned but neither do they offer young men rejecting maritime and December 1966, the jointly ment wants, he went on, is that AFL-CIO Vice-President "the slightest justification for call­ careers on the theory that future run school turned out more ma­ maritime be given "the chance to prospects are bleak—which, under Paul Hall, Mutual Network, ing a halt to programs that strike rine licenses than the Federal stand alone in the councils and present circumstances, they are." 9:15 P.M.; at the evils which breed riots." Maritime Academy at Kings agencies of government to present AFL-CIO Vice-President The MTD president reported Point, N. Y., did during the entire But this is just what the reac­ its program for the consideration I. W. Abel, CBS 7:35 P.M.; tionaries would do, he warned, that organized labor throughout year. of the legislative and executive AFL-CIO Vice-President the maritime field has played an and some well-meaning people are Hall pointed out in his editorial departments of government. This Joseph A. Beirne, ABC, active role in trying to meet the tempted to agree when aid to the that "In the last analysis the includes being made safe from 7:15 P.M.; manpower crisis, adding: "This is poor is called appeasement to manning problems will be cor­ an over-zealous rabbit punch or AFL-CIO President George rioters. "This is a terrible un­ part of maritime labor's continu­ rected only when the government blackjacking within the corridors Meany, NBC, 10:45 P.M. ing recognition of its responsibili­ truth. . . ." moves vigorously on a program of government." All times listed are EDT. ties to the industry of which it is "This is a time for the common to expand, modernize and up­ McGavin noted that the Ad­ i Local listings should be check­ sense of the American people to a part, and to the country which grade our fleet—for only then will ministration is still trying to have ed, since network affiliates puts such reliance on its merchant come to the rescue ... the crimi­ young men see in the merchant the Maritime Administration may carry the programs at ships." nal madness of a few must not be marine the long-range opportuni­ placed in the new Department of different times. The publication noted that visited upon the many, of all races, ties which will attract them to Transportation, despite Congres­ "The Liquid Fire", a dra­ who desperately need all the help organized labor has mobilized its this vital service." sional rejection of this move in matization of the life of Sam­ and inspiration they can get. It full resources in the training field 1966. The current efforts, he said, uel Gompers, founder of the A s long as the Administration is not just their future which to help meet the manpower crisis. are "honeyed" by 'new' approaches American Federation of La­ "igno res the legitimate needs of hangs in the balance; it is ours as In this direction, the Seafarers and suddenly discovered "underbor, will be televised by at this industry," the MTD president well." has greatly expanded its training . standings.' But no matter how least 129 stations in 41 states Meany then turned to the sec­ apparatus by acquiring a property said, "it will continue to dilute new the building nor how modem and Washington, D.C. Check ond channel of decision, Ameri­ at Piney Point, Md., which will what efforts are taken to ease the the office furnishings, we still local listings for date and ca's role in world affairs and the be used for a union training cen­ manpower shortage." recognize a spider's web when we time. Vietnam war. He pointed out that ter. This will^make impossible for The MTD's efforts to bring see it." Lack of Firm U.S. Maritime Policy Called Cause of Manpower Crisis Ah'CIO Programs To Be Broadcast On Labor Day �Page Four SEAFARERS LOG September 1, 1967 Siemiller Urges Independent MARAP Soviet Shipbuilding Pate Menace To US, Machinists Head Warns The Atlantic Coast by Earl (Bull) Shepard, Vice-President, Atlantic Coast Area It is difficult to understand how giant companies such as J. P. Stevens, and others who reap huge profits from government con­ WASHINGTON—"Ever since the end of World War 11, we have watched—with growing alarm tracts, can still be allowed to deny their workers the legal right and dismay—not only the dismantling of our own merchant marine but the rapid build-up of the to organize which is supposedly guaranteed by the same govern­ sea-going fleets of nations whose political and economic interests are directly opposed to ours," ment which insures their profits. Judging from the harassment, P. L. (Roy) Siemiller, president ^ abroad program would mean high­ pendent federal agency is, I think, mass firings and other unsavory after a long vacation and is in­ of the International Association er unemployment in the U.S. and the key to winning this kind ot tactics still employed by union- terested in a deck engineer or of Machinists, told this month's understanding within the Execu­ harm the American economy by busting companies in certain parts engine utility slot. seminar of the AFL-CIO Mari­ tive Department." adversely affecting our balance of of the country, these big outfits Baltimore time Trades Department. Representative Edwin Reinecke payments. consider themselves beyond the Jessie Winfield will spend some Speaking on 'Revitalizing the (R-Calif.), a member of the House Pledging the full support of his law. We would hope that the time on the beach before shipping Merchant Marine,' the theme of Merchant Marine and Fisheries city for an independent MARAD, labor subcommittee now hearing out. He last made the Seatrain the day-long symposium, Siemiller Committee, said that "under no Mayor Theodore McKeldin of testimony on management's abuses Texas on a run to Vietnam. noted that Russia has built 502 circumstances" would he support Baltimore told the group that a will take steps to see that they are merchant ships since 1962—as the transfer of MARAD into strong merchant marine means a John Dellinger would like a compared to 87 for the United Boyd's department. He told the strong port, and a strong port not continued in the future. Calmar intercoastal run for a New Yoik States—and spends 10 times more seminar the Transportation head means a strong city. change of pace. His last job was on shipbuilding than we do. He had appeared "arrogant" during Seafarers are still taking ad­ as a FOWT of the Robin Hood's Also addressing the seminar urged full support fpr an Inde­ his testimony at the recent hear­ were officials from two SlU-con- vantage of the upgrading facilities Vietnam voyage. pendent Maritime Agency in or­ ings on the merchant marine." Just off the. Portmar, David tracted companies, Michael G. offered by the SIU. Among the der to get a program underway "We have been hoping that he Mitchell, vice president of Penn latest to make FOWT are Walter Pontes will take a rest before which would help us close the would at least come up with a Shipping Company, and the vice Napier, James Newsome, David looking for an AB's job on a Seagap in the race. program for the maritime indus­ president of Marine Carriers Gower, Everette Spencer, Larry Land or Calmar ship. Bon, Ken Beverly, William HiU, Turning to recent develop­ try, but he keeps talking about it Corp., Henry R. Dowd. Boston John Yuhas and Glenn Howard. ments in labor's negotiations with and we haven't even seen it yet," Mitchell advocated government Peter Gerardi should be ready Qualified to sail as electricians the railroads and airlines, the un­ Reinecke said. "After hearing him action to make U.S. ships more for another trip soon after catch­ ion leader said the political powers before our committee, I person­ competitive with foreign vessels are M. Kennedy and Frank Bose. ing up on some time with his fami­ who are undermining collective ally am going to do everything and said our unsubsidized bulk Frank also passed his FOWT ly. Pete's last job was as messman bargaining in these areas have I can to prevent him getting his carriers are the least competitive exam. on the Neva West. already served notice that they teeth into the maritime industry. of all because "they said almost Philadelphia Walter LeClair will vacation at intend to rewrite the labor rela­ And I am going to enlist the help half the time in ballast." He stated Roosevelt Rohins is back from tions rules for all transportation of my friends on both sides of that the group he represents can his summer home in Maine be­ Vietnam where he was sailing as industries. This, he added, brought the aisle for this effort." become competitive only when it cook. Roosevelt is NFFD now, fore throwing in for a Bosun's the result of a demand in Con­ slot. Walt's previous slot was as a The Chairman of the seminar, is able to earn profits carrying gress by well-known enemies of MTD Executive Secretary Peter cargo between foreign ports or "in but should be back at sea shortly. bosun on the Jefferson City. Bill Linker and John Renski the American working man for a McGavin, reminded those assem­ trades where the arm of our gov­ Martin Hitchcock is also look­ are looking for ships that need a permanent system of compulsory bled that when President Johnson ernment cannot or will not directly ing for a bosun's job after sailing FWT. arbitration—not only for railroads first started exploring avenues for protect us." V. D. India is registered again aboard the Eagle Voyager. and airlines but for all transporta­ a new maritime program, he asked Competition was Dowd's con­ tion. Such a system could include for a consensus "and he got one." cern, too. He said that to "re­ maritime, Siemiller warned. The report has been laying on his vitalize the merchant marine it is desk since last May, McGavin essential to build new ships and Cites Open Hostility Representative Fernand J. St. said, but instead of doing anything grant operating subsidy for these Germain (D-R.I.) also spoke at about it the President told Boyd ships . . . with priority to existing the seminar and noted the open to go out and get another con­ operators." of "We cannot continue to rely on hostility to the merchant marine sensus. The first Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship students to "It seems like he is listening MSTS and government-aid cargo," upgrade under new reduced seatime requirements received their of the Secretaries of Defense, State, Agriculture and Transporta­ only to Mr. Boyd," the MTD offi­ Dowd said, because it is too lim­ FWO certificates recently after three months experience at sea as tion, "to name just a few." St. cial said, and pointed out that ited. "But with an operating sub­ wipers. ^ Germain emphasized that "there Congress has now seemingly run sidy plus building subsidy, the regardless of any time spent in the The Lundeberg School has is no one who is carrying the out of patience and has started American ship owner can compete school. ball for the merchant marine with­ to work on a new maritime pro­ and obtain a fair percentage of been certified by the Coast Coast Guard Commander Guard to participate in a pro­ Douglas H. Clifton presided as in the Executive branch of gov­ gram of its own . . . "and we the world commerce." ernment." He added that "the have still heard nothing from the "The time is already late for gram whereby satisfactory com­ Lundeberg students Bruce Loland, President." few friends you do have are the independent owners and we pletion of instruction at the school Paul Fable and Bruce Beattie muzzled by their superiors and Vernie Reed, first vice president urgently require action now," will be equal to three months or were presented with their certifi­ stifled by bureaucracy so that they of the Laborers' Internaliunal Un­ Dowd concluded. "You can be 50% of the seatime required to cations at Coast Guard Head­ cannot speak up freely in your ion, re-emphasized his union's assured of (our) continued co-op­ upgrade to fireman watertender, quarters in New York. behalf." support of an independent mari­ eration and support" of the MTD oiler. Previously, a man needed Commander William Derr, also six months of seatime to upgrade. present at the ceremonies, ex­ The Rhode Island congressman time agency and said a build- program. scored Transportation Secretary plained to the men that the privi­ Alan Boyd's recent claim that the lege of ugrading under the new U.S. could not launch the proper reduced seatime requirement is kind of shipbuilding program in available only to those men who this country because it would be have attended an approved up­ "inflationai^" and said he won­ grading school, such as the SIUdered just what Boyd was talking operated Lundeberg School. At about. the present time, the Lundeberg "What's so 'inflationary' about School is the only school in New creating more jobs . . . taking York authorized by the Coast people who are now tax users, and Guard to operate in conjunction making taxpayers out of them. . . with the reduced seatime require­ creating new and expanding mar­ ment. kets for the products of our mills The certification of the Lunde­ and mines and factories? What's berg School followed an inspec­ so "inflationary" about a build-attion of the school's facilities by home and a ship-American pro­ Coast Guard officials. gram—when the two elements, to­ The Coast Guard inspection gether, would take some of the team, assisted on a tour of the pressures off of our balance of school by its administrator An­ payments? thony Goncalves and school safe­ "I am often amazed at the way ty director Joseph Algina, paused some of these Administration offi­ in several classrooms to observe cials are able to view one single instruction periods and watch stu­ facet of a problem and not see dents operate some of the school's the whole problem — and the modern equipment. whole solution that it requires." Captain Garth Read, chief of "The present campaign in which Making an inspection tour of training facilities at SlU's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship recently licensing and certification for the the MTD is engaged," St. Ger­ were representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard. During the tour they paid a visit to lifeboat instruction Coast Guard, commented after main concluded, "the campaign class held at the Union's facilities in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. Shown here during the tour are (l-r) Ami Bjorn- the inspection that he had never to reconstitute the maritime ad­ sson, school instructor; Chief Machinist Mate Robert M. Lonchek; Captain Garth H. Reade; Com­ before seen such "expert facilities" ministration as a completely inde­ mander William D. Derr; SIU Director of Manpower, Joe Algina and Tony Goncalves, school administrator. offered to students of seamanship. ffrst Trainees Upgraded to FOWT Under Reduced Seatime Provisions �September 1, 1967 SlU-G'ewed Fairport Rescues Pilot 300Miles OH Coast of Vietnam Participating in the rescue of Navy flier 300 miles off the coast of Vietnam were Fairport crewmembers (l-r) Mike Potter, Russel Joyner, Gene Bailey, Gary Shaneyfort and William "Goat" Fillingim. SAIGON—After nearly twelve hours of bobbing in choppy seas 300 miles off the coast of Vietnam, a downed navy pilot was rescued by the alert crew of the SlU-contracted ship, the Fairport. With the backdrop of a wartorn country 300 miles away, navy pilot Lt. Commander Mike heavily rolling seas, hard rains, Kavanaugh had given up all hope the danger of sharks, and dark­ of being rescued. ness fast approaching, downed Earlier, in the evening of July 27, he and a crew of two men had taken off in their Skytanker jet from the carrier Oriskany, based off the Vietnamese coast, and were headed for the Philip­ pines. At 42,000 feet, the star­ board motor burst into flames, and the port engine "started to act up," Kavanaugh said. Kava­ naugh told his meifi, "We're hitting The per capita dues increase, .the, silk at 14,000 feet!" At 9:20 adopted by the delegates to the P.M., not long afterward, the convention of the Seafarers Inter­ emnty plane had rocketed into the national Union of North America ocean, and the men were left in last June to finance an expanded the black waters 300 miles from program of development and as­ Qui Nhon. sistance to affiliated unions and At 8:50 A.M. the next morn­ their members, goes into effect on ing, a navy rescue patrol plane Oct. 1, 1967. sDotted the jDilot and requested The convention delegates called the SIU ship Fairport to perform for a monthly per capita increase the rescue mission. The Fairport per member of $1.00—from the altered its course and plowed 37 present 75 cents to $1.75—for miles through churning seas be­ each affiliated union, to be paid fore Seafarer William "Goat" Fillby the members of the affiliates by ningim, sighted the downed flier. a one dollar monthly increase over The Number 2 lifeboat was im­ their present dues. mediately lowered, and within 27 Under terms of the delegates minutes, the Lt. Commander was action, the per capita dues in­ crease applies to members of all safely aboard ship. The lifeboat was manned by affiliated District and Local un­ ions, effective Oct. 1 next, and be­ Chief Mate J. C. Adams, 3rd Mate comes payable for the dues quar­ Wayne L. Korb, and SIU crewter beginning on that date. Ac­ members Robert Broadus, AB, cordingly, the dues payments of John Hazel, AB, J. W. Fleming members of the Atlantic, Gulf, AB, Gary Shaneyfort AB, Keith Lakes and Inland Waters District Swillie, OS., Gene Bailey, OS., will increase by $1.00 beginning Michael Porter, wiper, Russell with the fourth quarter of 1967, Joyner, wiper, and Joe Kulakowpayable on or before Oct. 1. ski, wiper. The program adopted by the The other two crewmen of the Convention delegates provides for Skytanker, an Ensign and an en­ intensifified activities in the fields listed man, were never found and of education, organization, ad­ are presumed dead. ministration, strikes, legislation and public relations. Lt. Commander Kavanaugh, a The action was taken by the native of Palo Alto, Calif., told International body "to represent of how he could still remember our members more effectively." the beautiful sight of the Fairport The resolution calling for the per as its outline came dimly into capita increase noted that gov­ view. Prior to leaving the ship, ernment with its pervading re­ he praised the work of the crew sources is progressively having in saving his life. greater impact upon the functions The Fairport brought the navy and affairs of the members, the International and its affiliated un­ flier to Subic Bay to be treated ions, "which require greater effort for shock and exposure, and then on all matters affecting our col­ steamed away toward Okinawa, lective interests." its next port of call. Per Capita Dues ForSIUNA Raised by $1.00 SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Brewster Urges Congress Bar BuiUing of US. Ships Abroad WASHINGTON—Senator Daniel Brewster (D-Md.), recently told the Senate that the U.S. mari­ time decline "has reached crisis proportions" and declared that Congress must enact legislation barring the construction of any U.S. vessels in foreign yards. Brewster, who is a member " from the seas altogether. I think of the Senate Merchant Marine it is at least incumbent upon the out the extent of merchant marine operations under war conditions. Subcommittee, told Congress Congress to pursue policies which He explained that 97.6% of all that such a ban would be an im­ are not detrimental to the Mer­ American supplies and 60% of all portant rrtove in rescuing the in­ chant Marine and shipping indus­ American troops go to Vietnam dustry from a decline of "crisis tries." by ship, and that the merchant proportions." He said that he was fleet provides enough materiel "for Threat to Security "distressed" that the Senate De­ all but a half-hour of fighting each Senator Brewster went on to fense Appropriations Subcommit­ day." On this aspect, he con­ tee had deleted this ban from the note the dangers, both economic cluded: "In two world wars, and Defense Appropriations Bill now and military, of a weak maritime: in the Korean war, our merchant pending; the House earlier had "By no stretch of the imagination fleet outmatched all others in get­ approved the proposed restriction. can deletion of the proviso against ting men and supplies across the Senator Brewster stated "The foreign shipbuilding be construed seas fast. There is no reason to American Merchant Marine and as anything but harmful to the believe that this record of achieve­ the United States Navy have suf­ shipyards of America. Eighteen of ment cannot be achieved during fered from a gradual deterioration our yards have gone out of busi­ the current conflict, just so long as of the shipbuilding industry in ness during the last decade. More we buckle down and give our mer­ this country. Obviously, the pur­ yards will close in the coming chant fleet the governmental sup­ chase from foreign shipyards of years if we take away their busi­ port it needs. ness and transfer it to foreign vessels for our own Navy will "We must insure the reassertion yards. And every yard closed only accelerate this deterioration." means that much less security for of the nation as a pre-eminent As a result, Brewster said, "Con­ the United States in the event of maritime power. We must act gress will have to enact a massive an emergency." now before indifference or old age maritime revitalization program or In a previous speech before the leave us with no fleet at all," he watch American-flag ships vanish Senate, Brewster had pointed said. YOU R DOLL AR'S WORTH Seafarer's Guide to Better Buying By Sidney Margolius You can learn a lot from the recent Congres­ sional hearings on the proposed "truth in lending" bill, that will help you protect yourself from over­ paying for credit and from getting involved in even more serious abuses. Representative Leonor K. Sullivan (D., Mo.) has introduced a bill which would strengthen the disclosure bill already passed by the Senate. Mrs. Sullivan's bill would require that true annual in­ terest rates be disclosed on revolving credit ac­ counts as well as on cash loans and traditional installment plans for cars and furniture. At Congressional hearings, the AFL-CIO strongly backed Mrs. Sullivan's proposal to in­ clude revolving charge accounts, and also small debts on which credit fees are under $10 (ex­ empted from the Senate bill), and home mort­ gages. The bill also would ban the use of garnishees to force payment of debts. This would be a par­ ticular help to moderate-income wage-earners. They often are trapped by deceptive credit plans based on the use of garnishees to club buyers into paying even unfair bills. The urgency of eliminating garnishees is being stressed by Mrs. Sullivan and the co-sponsors of her bill—Representatives Frank Annunzio (D., 111.), Jonathan Bingham (D., N. Y.), Henry Gon­ zalez (D., Texas), Joseph Minish (D., N. J.) and Seymour Halpern (R., N. Y.) However, some of the other organizations back­ ing "truth in lending," want to wait until a federal investigation of garnishees is finished, to have more information on that problem. They also are concerned that the garnishee controversy may keep the rest of the bill from passing. Whether or not the garnishee ban gets enacted this time, the hearings brought to public atten­ tion the way working families get lured into credit purchases of overpriced used cars; appliances, jewelry and clothing sold by credit stores; goods sold by house-to-house canvassers; high-priced correspondence school courses; even auto insur­ ance and wigs sold on credit. Then they get hit by garnishees before they know what has hap­ pened, and sometimes even are frightened into paying unfair debts by the fear of job loss if garnisheed. Here are points made at the hearings that can help you protect yourself whether or not Mrs. Sullivan's improvements get passed: AFL-CIO Legislative Director Andrew Biemiller warned that credit rates as now quoted, such as 1 Vi per cent a month, imply that they are very low when in fact they are not. A "service charge" of IV2 per cent a month is the equivalent of a true annual rate of 18 per cent. Biemiller also supported the proposal to tell home buyers the full dollar cost of the interest on mortgages. For example, a $16,000 to $17,000 mortgage for 30 years at 6 per cent, means the home buyer actually will repay about $35,000 in­ cluding the interest and principal. Professor Richard Morse, of Kansas State Uni­ versity, author of Shopping for Credit, a pamphlet used by many teachers, reported on a survey which showed that a consumer who now asks dealers for the annual rate on installment credit, is most likely to get a quotation that is only about half-right. He reported the case of a bank ad­ vertising 5 per cent interest on deposits and also 5 per cent on car financing. The 5 per cent on deposits was accurate enough. But the claimed 5 per cent on financing actually was approximate­ ly 10 per cent per annum because of the way the bank figured the finance charge on the full original debt even though it was being paid back each month. The hearings also showed that buyers who use store and bank revolving credit plans, but fail to pay within the period of free credit, then have to pay an effective interest rate of 18 per cent not only on the succeeding months, but even the first month. A shrewd buyer might get as long as 59 days of free credit before incurring a service charge, Robert Klein, Consumers Union economics edi­ tor, pointed out. But a less-shrewd one, or one with less cash on hand, would have to pay interest back to the date of purchase. Now banks even are urging doctors to approve credit cards for medical services. William Dochterman. Executive Secretary of the Sacramento County Medical Society, has criticized the bank campaign aimed at doctors. "Any payment method which increases the actual cost of professional services to patients is considered unethical," Dochterman states. �September 1, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG Page Six Two More Seafarers Licensed As Ei^iaeers, Total New 173 Two more Seafarers have been added to the list of those who have passed Coast Guard examinations for an engineer's license after attending the Marine Engineer's School jointly sponsored by the SIU and District 2 of the ^ Marine Engineer's Beneficial American shipping by the conflict Association. This brings the in Vietnam. Engine department Seafarers number of Seafarers who have are eligible to apply for any of upgraded to their engineer's li­ the upgrading programs if they cense to 173. are 19 years of age or older and have 18 months of Q.M.E.D. watch standing time in the engine department, plus six months' ex­ perience as a wiper or equivalent. Those who qualify and wish to enroll in the school can obtain additional information and apply •for the course at any SIU hall or write directly to SIU headquarters at 675 Fourth Avenue in Brook­ Van De Beek Angel lyn, New York, 11232. The tele­ phone number is'Hyacinth 9-6600. A new third assistant engineer, The training school is operated Nicholas Angel is 46 years old under a reciprocal agreement be­ and previously sailed as a FOWT. tween the SIU and District 2 of A native of Greece, he lives in MEBA. SIU men who enroll in New Jersey. Angel joined the the program are provided with union in 1964 in the port of New meals, hotel lodging and subsist­ York. ence payments of $110 per week A newly-licensed third assistant while in training. engineer, Herman Van De Beek As a result of the reciprocal joined the SIU in 1962. Born in agreement between MEBA Dis­ Hilversum, Holland, he lives in trict 2 and the SIU, unlicensed Astoria, New York. The 35-year SIU men receive full credit and old Seafarer previously held an complete protection for all of their oiler's rating. accumulated pension and welfare Establishment of the engineer credits. While sailing as engineers, training program was spurred by they will also receive pension and the growing shortage of licensed welfare credits. As a result, upon marine engineers aboard Ameri­ reaching retirement eligibility their can-flag ships, particularly as a pension will be paid, based on result of the demands placed on combined time. THE INQUIRING SEAFARER QUESTION: What are some of the sporting events that you wit­ nessed in the ports you have visited? Ramon Ayala: In Japan, summo wrestling is very popular. The wrestlers are much taller and wider than the average Japanese. They go through all sorts of ges­ tures and it's quite a ritual. The men are skilled and not clowns like the American wrestlers. Most matches are serious and very exciting. Charley Wilson: In Thailand they have a form of boxing where the partici­ pants use their feet as well as their hands. This is an exciting, in­ tricate and fastmoving sport. Using the feet adds to the danger and as a result, there are more injuries in the Thai version than in American boxing. 3 Jim Harrison: Soccer and rugby are popular in England. Soccer is played some here, but rugby is rare in America. It's a lot like foot­ ball, but the Brit­ ish claim their version is much * more dangerous. Two big differ­ ences are that rugby players don't wear padding and you can pass the ball in any direction. 4/ — Frank Lebbda: I saw some dog races in Florida. Down there, it's almost as popular as horse racing and of course, there is plenty of heavy betting. If you want to run the risk of going to jail, you can see cock hghts in Miami, but these are illegal and also, pretty bloody. Lawrence Casey: I've seen a number of bullfights in Spain and Portugal. The sport is different in Portugal be­ cause they don't kill the bull. If the bull gets the upper hand, they declare him the winner, in Spain the bull will never leave the arena alive. Arenas are sold out almost all the time. Bruce Washburn: I once saw a cricket match in India. The play­ ers were all In­ dians who learned about the game from the British. I didn't under­ stand the game so it was hard to really enjoy it very much. I've seen some soccer matches but that sport is becoming fairly common in the United States. DISPATCHERS REPORT Atlantic/ Gulf & inland Waters District From Aug. 11 to Aug. 24# 1967 DECK DEPARTMENT TOTAL SHIPPED TOTAL REGISTERED Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco ... Seattle Totals All Groups Class A Class B 1 7 42 64 7 11 25 21 1 11 12 7 6 1 33 26 37 21 52 33 15 7 41 48 1 12 298 234 All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 2 1 22 36 3 6 5 10 19 18 14 8 6 4 5 4 0 5 4 0 26 25 14 43 26 7 27 24 4 11 8 14 51 26 38 16 14 14 249 187 125 ENGINE DEPARTMENT TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups All Groups Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans .... Houston Wilmington San Francisco ... Seattle Totals Class A Class B 4 1 62 35 10 6 19 20 10 6 5 13 5 2 19 17 19 29 36 27 7 11 64 48 1 15 232 259 Class A Class B Class C 2 13 50 30 19 7 4 7 13 20 11 4 3 4 0 5 0 2 1 1 16 21 12 25 37 13 19 24 1 4 6 16 26 27 52 13 13 16 181 192 155 STEWARD DEPARTMENT TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco . i Seattle Totals All Groups Class A Class B 4 D 50 10 5 5 g 22 4 6 6 5 4 2 12 31 28 22 20 13 2 7 33 29 1 7 191 146 All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 0 1 24 15 12 8 10 4 22 8 2 3 6 3 0 4 4 10 0 16 10 19 22 20 7 13 9 4 8 8 8 37 24 45 11 8 9 167 122 118 All Groups Class A Class B 19 5 292 121 19 10 113 66 19 22 19 12 13 10 67 25 136 78 118 118 22 0 47 0 49 16 933 483 All Groups Class A Class B 9 2 153 106 13 11 56 35 21 12 12 12 4 4 31 12 109 90 91 78 14 0 41 0 22 2 576 364 REGISTERED on BEACH All Groups Class A Class B 12 5 162 47 12 16 73 53 9 9 10 4 9 4 40 11 107 82 74 53 7 0 44 0 29 7 588 291 Nine U.S. Senators Urge Formation Of Special Unit to Study Maritime Ills Nine U.S. Senators have proposed a Congressional study of the nation's merchant marine. The purpose of the study would be to provide leadership in maritime affairs—which they said the Pres­ ident has failed to do. He emphasized that unless said. He expressed dismay that The group of nine Senators, meaningful legislation is enacted the President had not fulfilled his headed by Senator John G. by next year at the latest, "I doubt 1965 promise to develop a new Tower (R.-Texas), reconv- we shall have the problem of a maritime policy. mended the establishment of a vanishing merchant marine. It fifteen-man "advisory commis­ shall already have vanished." SEAFARERS^LOG sion" composed of Senate, House, The new commission would in­ and Presidentially-appointed mem­ clude three Senators and three bers. Its purpose would be to Representatives, appointed respec­ Sept. I, 1967 • Vol. XXIX, No. 18 investigate the ability of the Amer­ tively by the President of the Sen­ Official Publication of the Seafarers International Union ican merchant marine fleet to ate and the Speaker of the House, of North America, cope with present and future na­ and nine persons appointed by the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes tional needs, including emergency Executive. In this way, the Presi­ and Inland Waters District, situations, and the need for and dent could choose members from AFl,-CIO proposal of specific legislative various segments of labor and in­ Executive Board PAUL HALL, President solutions. dustry, to insure a wide range of GAL TANNER EARL SHEPARD The plan is presently under viewpoints. Exec. Vice-Pres. Vice-President AL KERR LINDSEY WILLIAMS study by the Senate Commerce In addition. Government agen­ See.-Treas. Vice-President Committee, headed by merchant cies would be required to help ROBERT MATTHEWS Vice-President marine supporter Senator Warren develop information for the com­ HERBERT BRAND G. Magnuson (D.-Wash.). mission. It is expected that par­ Director of Organizing and Publications The group proposing the com­ ticipants will include the Mari­ Managing Editor mission includes Senator Tower, time Administration, the Defense MIKE POLLACK Senator Edward Brooke (R.- Department, the Department of Staff Writers Mass.), Senator Peter Dominick Agriculture, and such regulatory (R.-Colo.), Senator Sam J. Ervin units as the Federal Maritime PETER WEISS (D.-N. C.), Senator Paul J. Fannin Commission and the Interstate HARRY WITTSCHEN FRANK MAROIOTTA (R.-Ariz.), Senator Hiram L. Commerce Commission. Fong (R.-Hawaii), Senator Mark The American merchant fleet. Pikllihet kiwtekly at 810 Rhoti lilind Annae Hatfield (R.-Ore.), Senator Win­ Tower said, is ageing and N.E., Waihlniton, D. C. 20018 ky the Seafaren international Union, Atlantle, Oalf, Lakee ston L. Prouty (R.-Vt.), and Sena­ dwindling, not being renewed, and and Inland Waten Dlitriet, AFL-CIO. 675 Foarth Aoenao, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232. Tol. tor Strom Thurmond (R.-S. C.). the nation is turning increasingly HVaclnth 9-6<00. Soeond olait psetaio paid at Waihlnpton, D. C. "We simply cannot wait any to hiring foreign vessels; thus POSTMASTER'S ATTENTION: Feral 3579 longer," asserted Senator Tower; quick remedial action is necessary. eardi ihoald ke lont to Seafaron International Where the Administration has Already, as seen in the American Union, Atlantle. finlf. Lakes aad Inlaad Waten DIstriet. Airi-no, 879 Feirtk Ayean, Bnakover and over again failed to act, merchant marine operations in lyn, N.Y. 11232. and where the need is so great, Vietnam, "We are literally scrap­ ir iiarnfifiilki ir ing the bottom of the barrel," he we must act." �September 1, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG AFL-CIO Urges Senate Reject Education Bill Amendments WASHINGTON—^An amendment-riddled federal aid to education bill passed by the House threatens "the very fabric" of the nation's education system, the AFL-CIO warned in testimony before a Senate Labor subcommittee. Legislative Director Andrew J. Biemiller urged the Senate to reject House amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and instead pass Administi;ation-proposed amendments that "build upon successful progress we already have." The Administration bill, sponsored by Senator Wayne Morse (DOre.), subcommittee chairman, authorizes $3.5 billion in federal funds and strengthens a number of provisions of the Act passed in 1965. In the House, Administration forces, aided by some Republican votes, defeated an amendment by Representative Albert H. Quie (RMinn.) which would have abolished direct federal grants to school districts for programs to aid the education of children from low-in­ come families. The money would have been handed over to the states. But the House did adopt a series of amendments by Repre­ sentative Edith Green (D-Ore.) that applied the "states rights" ap­ proach to other sections of the Administration legislation. One amendment turns over to the states the entire program of de­ veloping new teaching techniques carrying 15 per cent of federal school aid funds. Another takes money allocated to the U.S. Office of Educa­ tion for interstate activities and turns it over to the states. A third strikes the Teachers Corps authorization from the bill. The fate of that program now depends upon its inclusion in a college aid bill. The House also adopted an amendment by Representative L. H. Fountain (D-N.C.) that would curb federal procedures enacted in 1966 for use against school districts not in compliance with the Civil Rights Act's provisions for desegregation. Biemiller told the subconunittee that the "impulsive and hastily put together formulas" for block grants to states now contained in the House bill would "diminish the education opportunities of low-income children who need help the most." "It would, to say the least," he added, "be a peculiar response to the dangerous wave of unrest which has swept across the nation to blunt the effect of a major program that can help to eliminate the causes of that unrest." The present law, Biemiller said, "was carefully formulated legisla­ tion which for the first time provided a way out of an impasse." Ex­ perience has shown that it "endangers neither local control of educa­ tion nor separation of church and state." The House bill "could destroy the entire balance that made it possible to resolve the con­ flicting demands on federal aid," he declared. Biemiller said the Fountain amendment to prevent the government from holding up funds to segregated school districts "would encourage and in effect subsidize continued defiance of the law by recalcitrant" segregationists. To illustrate how badly the government needs the right to maintain pressure for school integration, Biemiller cited the recent report of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission which shows that in 1967—13 years after the Supreme Court decision declaring segregated schools uncon­ stitutional—75 percent of the Negro children in Southern and border states will attend all-Negro schools. The AFL-CIO has reiterated its opposition to a proposed "cen­ tral wage board" to set pay scales for the federal government's blue collar workers. Legislative Direc­ tor Andrew J. Biemiller told the Senate Post Office and Civil Serv­ ice Committee that the local area prevailing wage policy is sound and should be strengthened by giving unions a greater voice in all steps of the wage-setting pro­ cedure. The goal, he said, should be to "approach collective bar­ gaining practices in private indus­ try as closely as possible." given when 80 per cent ot tneir local unions have affiliated with their appropriate State AFL-CIO bodies. The number of unions with 80 per cent affiliation or bet­ ter, now stands at 19, Stanton E. Smith, coordinator of state and city central bodies, said in a report to AFL-CIO President George Meany. The following newly qualified unions will receive plaques for their affiliation record at the December convention of the AFT--C10 in Miami Beach: American Bakery & Confection­ ery Workers; Broadcast Employes & Technicians; Glass & Ceramic Workers; Glass Bottle Blowers; Laundry & Dry Cleaning Union; Plate Printers, Die Stampers & Engravers; Retail Clerks. ^highlighted by a Contract goals substantial wage increase were spelled out by 100 delegates to a conference in Atlanta, Ga., called by the Tobacco Workers in anti­ cipation of negotiations with five Robert S. Johnson, a member major employers. The delegates, of Seattle Typographical Union representing more than 22,000 Local 202 and publisher of the members covered by the contracts, labor-backed Auburn, Washing­ also voted to push for the elimina­ ton, Citizen until publication tion of wage inequities and the im­ ceased on June 1, has been ap­ provement of fringe benefits. They pointed education director for the expressed strong opposition to State AFL-CIO. The post was long-term agreements unless they established at last year's State have built-in safeguards to pro­ AFL-CIO convention. Johnson's tect purchasing power. duties will include the develop­ ment of labor education programs Seven more national and in- for the state's public and parochial i ternational unions qualified in- schools as well as for affiliates of 1966^ for the AFL-CIO awarid- the state central body* Page Seven The Long Sleep Commercially marketed meat, food and drugs should not be a source of fear to the citizens of the United States. The average citizen believes that the law has long since insured his protection in this vital area. The average citizen is wrong. Under present statutes, federal inspection of these products is, at best, on a spot-check basis. Vast quantities of meat butchered, sold and consumed within individual state boundries are under the exclusive control of the states. What state inspection require­ ments do exist are largely hamstrung by lack of funds for enforcement and laboratory facilities. Attempts in state legislatures to secure appropriations necessary for effective meat inspection are consistently tabled or defeated by pressures from powerful meat packing and processing interests who fear any check on their operations. In the mean­ time, an unsuspecting public is allowed by both federal and state governments to con­ tinue endangering its health with products known to be prepared in criminally unsan­ itary conditions. The only possible way to protect all of our citizens is the federal inspection of all, meat, processed foods and chemicals used in their preparation. Partial inspection is in­ defensible when a representative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture goes before a House subcommittee and admits that "fastcuring processes, artificial tenderizing, arti­ ficial smoking, coloring agents and other additives" used by the meat industry "are potentially deceptive or dangerous to one's health." This same witness publically ac­ knowledged that there "are many opportu­ nities for illegitimate operators to introduce into human food channels meat derived from dead, dying, disabled and diseased animals." In spite of disclosures such as these and others even more outrageous, the Agricul­ ture Dept. and the National Association of State Agriculture Departments persist in a policy aimed at shielding the uncaring pack­ ers, and promoting the sale of their products, rather than at protecting the health of the nation. After decades of bureaucratic indifference to the quality of meat consumed by Ameri­ cans, a bill designed to broaden federal in­ spection and hit at the filth long tolerated by the states, has been introduced in the House of Representatives. We strongly hope a human tragedy or national scandal will not be necessary to gain this bill the combined congressional and administrative support required to pass it into law. • A Lesson in Geography A- basic geographical truth regarding America's need for a merchant marine secdnd to none was recently advanced by Rep­ resentative Robert O. Tiernan (D-R. I.). Noting that three-quarters of the earth is covered with water, Tiernan, in testimony at hearings held by the House Merchant Marine subcommittee, pointed out "the sometimes startling fapt that the continent of North America is an island," and that even though the United States is the indus­ trial giant of the world, she still uses half the globe's raw materials produced outside the Communist bloc. Since most of that material moves by sea, the U.S. must be capable of moving it for her own use. A strong merchant marine goes with a strong nation. The Soviet Union knows it and is striving for it. If American commerce were ever to become dependent on foreign ships or seamen politically controlled by a hostile power, a crippling economic block­ ade against this country would be a distinct possibility. �TF Page Eight September 1, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG US Fleet Would Be 'Sitting Dutk' In Boyd's Agenty, Retell Warns Unionists from Turkey Visit SIU WASHINGTON—The American merchant marine would be a "sitting duck" if it got "shang­ haied" into the Department of Transportation, a West Coast labor union official said in a statement recently filed with the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Thomas A. Rotell, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Pa­ the labor leader's statement con­ trucks would help to choke it off, particularly with a Secretary who cific Coast Metal Trades District tinued. "With the biggest subsidy bill in world history—and never knows nothing—twice nothing— Council (AFL-CIO), strongly ad­ a dime of recapture—it's been about maritime matters and has vocated an independent maritime fighting the 50-50 law since the 'telegraphed his Sunday punch' administration and declared that day it was passed. It conspires for the American merchant ma­ it has been shown that MARAD with the Justice Department to rine." cannot fulfill the merchant marine frustrate the enforcement of the Rotell claimed the American policy of the United States while law. Agriculture, Justice and merchant marine can never oper­ a subservient agency to another State condone foreign agents op­ ate efficiently as a "naval and mil­ government department. erating within the United States itary auxiliary" or carry its He referred to the declaration putting pressure on for the repeal of policy, as set forth in the Mer­ of this law. These three depart­ "domestic water-borne commerce" chant Marine Act of 1936, that it ments are a triple threat to the with MARAD in another depart­ ment, and particularly in the is necessary for the U.S. to have American merchant marine. You Transportation Department. a merchant marine sufficient to gentlemen, as members of this "The intercoastal and coast­ A delegation of Turkish union officials were conducted on tour carry its domestic water-borne committee, know this well, but wise ships have practically dis­ of New York headquarters recently. The lady is group's inter­ commerce and a "substantial por­ the public does not—and I won­ appeared," he said. "How any­ preter. SIU Rep. John Yarmola (partly hidden) guided the group. tion" of the water-borne export der if Transportation Secretary body can expect them to come and import foreign commerce of Boyd does. back when MARAD is a poor the country, and added: "The 50-50 law has kept 200 little orphan in DOT, dominated "It's been said a thousand times American ships sailing since by the railroads with their phoney before, but a 'substantial portion' World War II. That's 1.5 million loss-leader rates on water com­ of our foreign trade means no tons of lift capacity immediately petitive routes, I'll never know." less than half, and MARAD has available to Uncle Sam whenever demonstrated that it cannot, in its Bitterly attacking Boyd for (present) status . . . bring this and wherever the Communists wanting to build foreign and ac­ about. And neither would the De­ start burning up the world again. cusing him, among other things, That's 10,000 seafaring jobs— partment of Transportation." 200 drydockings and voyage re­ of wanting repeal of the 50-50 The Maritime Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, has pledged Rotell noted that the State De­ pairs a year. The American mer­ shipping law, Rotell maintained its "full and unstinting support" to the 5,400 Canadian SIU mem­ partment fights for the foreign that the only thing left for Con­ lines continually; the Justice De­ chant marine would be a sitting gress to do is to write the U.S. bers who are on strike against Canada's inland shipping companies. duck in DOT. It's bad enough in The assurance of the MTD's ^ partment throws "road blocks" in Commerce, but if it got 'shang­ merchant marine policy itself— the way of the conference sys­ "full backing" was contained in your members by a management tem and is "the only government haied' into E>OT, the rails and "to grab the ball and run with it." a telegram signed by department that is apparently unwilling to ac­ cept the facts of twentieth century agency—the only one, mind you head Paul Hall and Peter Mc- labor-management relations." SIU —in any maritime nation of the Gavin, MTD executive secretary- of Canada President Leonard Mc­ world that does this. And I un­ treasurer, to Leonard J. McLaugh­ Laughlin said that he had recently derstand that if we ever do away lin, President of the SIU of Can­ sent a telegram to Canadian La­ with the conference system, it's ada. bor Minister John R. Nicholson goodbye American merchant Canadian Seafarers went on requesting that Nicholson appoint marine." strike August 18 after bargaining a mediator to try to get bargain­ "And the Agriculture Depart­ by Frank Drozak, West Coast Representative was stalemated beyond a noon ing talks rolling again. ment is the biggest joke of all," strike deadline. One hundred Municipal Judge Milton Marks narrowly defeated Democratic eighty-one ships are involved in Assemblyman John Burton in a runoff election for the Senate seat the work stoppage against 32 vacated by the death of Senator J. Eugene McAteer. Burton was Great Lakes shipping companies. Canadian Seafarers are asking endorsed by the SIU and most labor groups. wage increases and application of The Republican victory splits the 40-seat Senate evenly and Canada's 40-hour work week to The linking of the Hudson and means that GOP Lt. Gov. Robert ^ Jesse Puckett, who retired re­ seamen, along with corrections of St. Lawrence Rivers for the pur­ Finch could cast the deciding vote cently, came around to visit old inequities in other working condi­ The day is coming when man poses of commercial navigation, on straight party issues. Most ob­ tions. The Canadian Government will be able to extract from the shipmates and told us he enjoys has been ruled economically un­ servers feel that more Senate Com­ the life of ease. Jesse still travels has proposed an 18-month mora­ oceans enough Fish Protein Con­ feasible, by the United States-Ca­ mittee chairmanships will go to torium on the application of the centrate (FPC) to feed all the quite a bit. nadian International Joint Com­ the GOP next year. 40-hour work week law to mem­ hungry people of the world and mission. F. Debeaumont, a 22-year SIU bers of the Canadian maritime in­ erase the specter of famine. San Francisco The commission first gave this man, is scanning the boards for a dustries. Soon, too, the day will come opinion in 1938 after the initial Shipping is active and we ex­ bosun's slot. His last ship was the Hall's telegram read in part: when man will live and work un­ investigation of the limited exist­ pect this situation to continue Transhartford as bosun. "This strike has been forced upon der the seas, tapping new sources ing waterway. The commission's awhile. We had 20 sign-ons and of minerals and energy, operating most recent examination conclud­ pay-offs. The Falrland, Seamar, sea-bottom ranches and farms, ed that construction of a passage living in ocean-bed colonies. suitable for commercial shipping Steel Seafarer, Geneva, Mankato He will be using oceanography is technically possible and the best Victory and Halaula Victory are to master the difficult tricks of route would follow the existing in transit. weather forecasting. And if war shallow passage with its more than Wilmington is still a constant threat, he will 20 locks and 6Vi-foot draft in be using the sea bed and the Winston Battle would like to important areas. ocean currents for aids and bar­ ship out as steward on the Iber­ The report, shown to Canadian Shipping companies who want to do business with Red China riers against nuclear submarine and U.S. officials, stated however, ville when that ship comes out of must be careful not to insult Mao Tse-tung, the "great leader attacks. that "in view of the ^ide disparity drydock in San Francisco. He en­ of the 700 million Chinese people," British shipowners have With the underseas future in between the benefits and costs of joyed his last stay on that vessel. been warned. mind, the U.S. Naval Reserve Re­ improving the waterway for com­ Walter Marcus, an SIU pen­ A copy of the statement issued by the China National Charter­ search program recently hosted a mercial navigation, no further or sioner, visited the hall recently. ing Corporation of Peking has been sent to New York shipping national two-week seminar on ad­ more detailed studies of the com­ Walt spent some 20 years in the interests. No American-flag ships trade in Red China. The state­ vanced underseas defense and mercial navigation aspects of the SIU and said that he misses the ment cited an incident aboard the British freighter Lord Glad­ ocean technology at the Naval waterway are warranted.'.' stone as an example of what cannot be tolerated. life at sea. War College. The commission said that the With the "connivance" of the ship's Master, a cook "wantonly It^as noted that oceanography Shipping is extremely active and estimated potential traffic for an defaced" a Mao portrait in a book, "Quotations from Chairman and ocean engineering is a young improved international Champlain the outlook is for more of the Mao Tse-tung." Since his thought is "the beacon light guiding program that promises wi^in a Waterway would be "meager in same. Rated men are shipping people of the world," the Chinese protested to the British Em­ short time to become as advanced spite of the apparent advantages immediately. bassy in Peking. and as challenging as man's ex­ of linking two great industrial and As a reprisal for this "insult," the Lord Gladstone's Captain, ploration of outer space. Seattle commercial areas." Costs of the E. S. Marsden and the crew were detained, then expelled. Cap­ "The depth of the sea is a new William Holland would like to improvements would nm from tain Marsden is banned entry into Chinese ports. The Lord environment for man's explora­ $100 million for a minimal pro­ ship out as Chief Electrician on Gladstone is owned by Ships Finance and Management Com­ tion and development, just as ject to $2 billion for a 27-foot a Far East-bound ship. His last pany Ltd., of London. crossing to the West was a chal­ draft passage. job was on the Minot Victory. lenge in centuries past." m MTD Pledges Full Support To Strike by SIU of Canada The Pacific Coast Ocean Science Holds Solution To End Famine Uidson-St Lawreute IM-^i Ruled Out Uo Afore Slow Boat to China if You Insult Chuirman Mao �Text of Hall's Labor Day Address on Merchant Marine (The following is the text of the Labor Day address by AFL-CIO Vice-President Paul Hall entitled "American Labor Looks at Our Merchant Marine," presented by the AFL-CIO over the national radio network facilities of the Mutual Broadcasting system.) F OR millions of Americans, this Labor Day is a holiday—but for millions more, it's business as usual. For our American forces in Viet­ nam, for example, there's no thought of a Labor Day holiday. In countless defense plants across the country— the ones that are making the planes and tanks, the guns and ammunition—American workers are manning the production line. And aboard the ships of our merchant fleet—the ships that are keeping the lifeline open to Vietnam—American seamen are on the job just as they are any other day. This is as it should be. Whenever democratic concepts are threatened —whenever freedom is endangered—American labor, as a matter of principle, supports, and is involved in, the efforts to preserve the ideals on which this country is founded. That is why the AFL-CIO—13.5 million mem­ bers strong—is in full accord with our national policy that we must win this struggle for freedom in Southeast Asia. The American labor movement is deeply con­ cerned about South Vietnam—because a threat to the freedom of any country, anywhere in the world, is a threat to American freedom, too. There's an old trade union saying—that an injury to one is the concern of all—and it applies to the freedom of nations as well as to the free­ doms of the individual. We, in the maritime industry—and I'm talking about maritime management, as well as maritime labor—know something about America's struggle for freedom. After all, it was our merchant fleet— our civilian-owned and civilian-manned cargo and passenger vessels—which played such an impor­ tant role in the winning of World War II. And it is our merchant fleet—our civilian-owned and civilian-manned cargo and passenger vesselswhich are maintaining the sealift to Vietnam to­ day. Sea Power Indispensable This may be the age of air power—but the oceangoing ship is still indispensable to our na­ tional welfare. This is being proved everyday in the Vietnam war—where 98 percent of all of the supplies, and two-thirds of all of the troops— are being transported, not by planes, but by ships. But this has been an assignment for which our nation was not prepared. The unhappy fact is that our national maritime policy has nut provided us with a merchant marine adequate for our com­ mercial or security needs. To get enough ships for this Vietnam sealift, ways had to be found to meet this emergency situ­ ation. Vessels had to be pulled off of their regular commercial runs. More than a hundred ships had to be taken out of mothballs—ships that were old and out-dated, many of them which had served in World War II. And seafaring unions had to rapidly expand their training programs so that we would be sure of having enough skilled crews to keep these ships operating. The American labor movement recognizes the serious nature of the problem which confronts America on the high seas. As recently as a year ago, the AFL-CIO Executive Council, meeting in Chicago, had this to say about our merchant marine: "Today, the American merchant marine is being called upon to meet a war situation for the third time in 25 years. "Owing to the neglect of this industry by the government since the end of World War II, and the failure of the Defense Department to foresee and admit the need for merchant ships to transf)ort troops and supplies across the seas, the con­ dition of the merchant fleet, its supporting ship­ yards and available skilled manpower have reached the point of crisis. "Merchant shipping has played a vital part in American history. Today, as the result of short­ sighted policies on the part of government officials with no understanding and sympathy with the significance of commercial seapower, we have fallen to third-rate status among the maritime nations of the world." That's what the American labor movement feels about the plight of our commercial fleet. Feast or Famine The sad fact is that—since the beginning of this century—the lot of the American merchant marine as been one of feast or famine. During peacetime, the U.S. maritime industry has starved for lack of attention. During the fat days, our nation has been unwilling to spend the funds necessary to build up our merchant fleet. It's only when our security is threatened that America wakes up to the importance of our mer­ chant fleet. In spite of today's obstacles, the American merchant marine—the civilian-owned and civilianmanned fleet—is getting the job done. But we're doing it with a fleet that is not large enough nor modern enough for our position as a maritime power. Just look at the record; At the end of World War II, we had a merchant fleet of more than 5,000 ships; today we have less than one-fifth that number, and few of them are modern vessels. At the end of World War II, American ships carried 40 per cent of our oceangoing exportimport cargoes; today our vessels carry only 7 per cent of that cargo—in other words, ships of foreign countries carry 93 per cent of America's cargo. At the end of World War II, our merchant fleet provided jobs for 80,000 sailors; today these jobs have shrunk to only about half that number. At the end of World War II, we were first among all of the nations of the world in shipping; today, we're sixth and still going down. At the end of World War II, we were first in the great craft of shipbuilding; today we've dropped all the way to 16th. And while we've been going backward on the high seas, the Russians have been forging ahead at breakneck speed. The situation is so acute that, within the next few years, the Soviets may have a 2-to-l superiority over the United States in merchant shipping. Over the years, Russia has threatened to "bury" the Unitfcd States—and today she is in danger of "sinking" us—of driving us from the world's sealanes, of dominating the fishing industry, of taking the lead in the science of oceanography. The Soviet Union today is well on the way to becoming a dominant maritime power—perhaps the world's leading maritime power. If the Rus­ sians get the upper hand, they'll be able to with­ hold their shipping services whenever it serves their political purposes. Remember this: America's industrial complex depends on 77 strategic materials—and 66 of these have to be imported. At this moment, virtually all of these strategic materials move in the holds of foreignflag ships. Suppose those ships were the ones flying the hammer and sickle? Does anyone believe that Russia—the nation that has threatened to "bury us"—would deliver these strategic materials to our shores? The answer is obvious. We would be under Russia's thumb—without a missile having been fired. The Russians know that a merchant marine is far more than just a part of a country's defense posture—as important as that role is. The Rus­ sians know that a merchant marine is part of a country's economic strength—and a part of its international strength. That's why Russia—and every other maritime power in the world—actively supports its mer­ chant marine with strong public policies—poli­ cies that make possible the building and manning of larger, faster and more modern commercial ships. And therein lies the difference—therein lies the reason why other nations are moving forward, and we're moving backward, in maritime affairs. A modern merchant marine is possible only with full government support—and full public support. This is true with virtually every industry, when you stop and think about it. Here in this country, the industries that are making the greatest strides are the ones that have adequate public programs to support them. American agriculture, for example, could not continue to be the world's leader in the produc­ tion of food and fiber without the countless pro­ grams of government assistance. Our aviation in­ dustry could not stay ahead of its foreign com­ petition—particularly in the race for supremacy in the supersonic transport field—without billions of dollars of public investment. We've got to put the same sort of government investment into our maritime industry as we're putting into aviation. This kind of investment is vital if we are to carry our proper share of Amer­ ican cargoes in time of peace. And it is vital if our merchant marine is to be available to back­ stop our armed forces in time of conflict. We've got to start—and start right now—to build a fleet that is modern enough, fast enough and large enough to serve all of our needs. And we've got to make sure that this fleet is built in American yards—because this will reinforce the entire American economy. A domestic shipbuilding program means a lot more than just jobs for American shipbuilding crafts and profits for American shipyards. When you build a ship in an America shipyard, you're using steel manufactured in Pennsylvania —from ore mined in Minnesota. America ship­ building involves electrical equipment from Ken­ tucky—lumber from Washington—machine tools from Connecticut—valves and fitting from Idaho —and so on. And the men who are employed in all of these industries are able, as a result, to buy shoes made in Missouri and clothing made in Tennessee. They're able to feed their families crab from Alaska and lobster from Maine—and oranges grown in Florida and brought to the market aboard planes made in California and powered by fuel from Texas. Provides Needed Jobs What's more, a strong and growing merchant marine can provide needed jobs—for the young men from the ghettos of Harlem and Detroit and Chicago, and from the pockets of poverty in Appalachia—as the union I represent, the Searfarers, and others have been doing for years. In other words, America's maritime affairs— shipping and shipbuilding alike—affect all geo­ graphic areas of the country and all economic levels. This industry can contribute to a healthier American economy and to a stronger defense shield against aggression. No one disputes the importance of our merchant marine—yet we have no positive national program that inspires the confidence of all who are con­ cerned with the future of this vital segment of our economy. Government and industry, labor and manage­ ment, are all agreed that we must have a bold new maritime program—but up to now there has been no agreement on what this program should contain. On this Labor Day, we in the trade union movement call on government, industry and labor to knuckle down to the problem of developing the kind of program that will assure that U.S. ship­ ping and U.S. shipbuilding can make their maxi­ mum contribution to our economy and our de­ fense. This isn't just a maritime problem—it's an American problem. If we as a nation fail to resolve this problem, the impact of that failure will be felt by every American—businessman, farmer, and worker, alike. A strengthened, modernized and expanded merchant marine, is essential to America's future as a healthy, thriving, prosperous nation. �SEAFARERS LOG Page Ten September 1, 1967 Threats, Blacklisting, Cited at House Hearing Fear Tactics Still Used by Employers To Balk Union Organizing Drives ' i'. i. WASHINGTON—Workers from American mills and factories came to the Capitol to tell in thenown words the methods their employers use to prevent them from doing what the law says they are free to do—organize into unions of their own choosing without unlawful interference. As one witness told the SpeLillian Hux told how she cial House Subcommittee on record details of widespread com­ munity interference with unions worked three days at the Roanoke Labor, it was a story of "dis­ and workers; Organizer Claude Rapids plant and was fired after crimination, coercion, intimida­ Davis of the Molders, who told of a union organizer handed her a tion, surveillance, threats, com­ being beaten by an employer in leaflet. pany and community interference Tuppers Plains, Ohio, when he "Someone told me to get rid and massive illegal discharges." went to the plant to seek reinstate­ of it, quick. There wasn't -any The intimidation and the dis­ ment of five workers fired for join­ trash basket handy so I handed charges are still occurring, an­ ing the union. it to my cousin who was due to other witness testified, "this week Other union representatives also go off duty. Her supervisor saw and last week and every week, gave evidence supporting their her put it into her purse and I despite the law and the courts. belief that the law against employ­ was fired for interfering with an­ As the witnesses left the stand, er harassment of union members other employee. Then they fired some in tears. Representative Wil­ should be given "real sharp teeth." my cousin too," said Mrs. Hux. liam D. Ford (D-Mich.) observed But the most moving testimony "I haven't worked since," said that "even union people wouldn't came from rank-and-file workers. the witness, the mother of two believe that this is still happening" Mrs. Doris Hicklin of Rock children. Sobbing, she cried "J. P. unless they can read the testi­ Hill, S. C., mother of a soldier Stevens has denied me my rights mony. It is, he added, "like some­ now serving in Vietnam, tearfully as an American," and rushed from thing out of Alice in Wonderland" accounted how she was fired by the hearing room. to hear of events in sections of the J. P. Stevens & Co. for wearing A solemn witness was Jess nation that have been "totally cut a union button in the plant where Cudd, from Whitmire, S. C., who off from what has been happening she had worked seven years until worked 50 years for the Stevens for the last 25 years in this coun­ 1964. firm and was discharged for join­ try." "I was called into the office and ing TWUA. Worse than firing, he Subcommittee Chairman Frank told to take off the button. This I said, was management's attempt Thompson (D-N.J.) scheduled refused to do," she said. Mrs. to get him to help "run out of additional public hearings until Hicklin has n(^job now because town" his son, also fired for join­ all who want to testify are heard. she was fired from her last two ing the union. Thompson's invitation to appear jobs—a report Thorppson referred He said: "They come to me and was rejected by President Robert to the Justice Department for in­ say 'Mr. Cudd, how come you T. Stevens of J. P. Stevens & Co., vestigation of possible witness don't adopt that boy's two chil­ Inc., big government textile con­ intimidation. dren and you could make about tractor which has fired more than Shirley Hobbs of Roanoke as much out of it as you could 500 workers to date and has re­ Rapids, N. C., said she was fired in the mill by getting social secu­ fused to reinstate any of them by Stevens management after join­ rity and run him out of town?'" while it appeals lower court ing the Textile Workers. So was Cudd's story previously led a her husband. Of her experiences National Labor Relations Board rulings to the Supreme Court. Union witnesses included Rob­ Mrs. Hobbs said "Lincoln freed trial examiner to cite the incident ert Starnes, assistant AFL-CIO the slaves but J. P. Stevens en­ as a "horrible example" of em­ regional director for Mississippi slaves his workers with fear, black­ ployer callousness. The Cudds and Louisiana, who read into the balling and work overloads." were among 71 fired Stevens em­ ployes that the NLRB, and two federal courts, ordered reinstated with backpay of 1964. The comrany president announced during the Thompson hearings that he will appeal the latest adverse deci­ sion to the top U.S. court. Four committee witnesses came by Fred Farnen, Secretary-Treasurer,Greet Lakes from Hartwell, Ga., to relate how they took part in an attack on Members of the SIU's Inland Boatmen's Union and the ILA union handbillers at the Monroe were back on the job in Duluth following a disagreement involv­ Auto Equipment Co. plant in ing a layoff provision in the contract. The dispute was triggered 1963. One quoted a company by the company laying off four men on 15 minutes notice. Ac­ foreman as telling workers "it cording to the contract the men were to have five days. The strike might mean your job if you don't run them off." lasted one day and affected 50 The union men were attacked reached with the Ann Arbor Rail­ SIU men. by 50 employees who poured out­ Local 112 and 118 of the Amer­ road Company which will be pre­ side the plant to manhandle them sented aboard all vessels shortly ican Federation of Grain Millers and burn their handbills and for ratification. called a strike. against 11 grain leaflets. The union lost one elec­ Ward Johnson will receive his elevators in the area. Local 1 in tion there, won a second one but Minneapolis and St. Paul are also first SIU pension check shortly. still is fighting for recognition, on strike. A cooling off period the committee was told. was called for by the Federal Ray Smithhart of the Rubber Mediator, who arranged for a Workers said he was arrested in meeting in Duluth. Mississippi for passing out hand­ Tom Newgren and Axel ErickThe SIU Great Lakes Dis­ bills, jailed and fined $10 by the son are both planning to take a trict is holding several checks i mayor of Ripley, Miss. In Tupelo, bride shortly. Tommy is a watch­ i in the Port of Detroit for: Miss., his car was riddled by buck­ man and Axel ships as oiler. Fred Great Lakes members we can-1 shot but he himself was not hit. Leske, who sails as an oiler is not locate. The money rep­ Local police made no attempt to going to be a father soon. Con­ resents grievances settled be-1 investigate, he said. gratulations and the best of luck tween the Union and the James M. Pierce of the AFLto all of these men. Reiss Steamship Company. CIO Industrial Union Department Cleveland wrapped up his experiences with Name Amount Stevens Co. by calling it a "story Word should arrive shortly Donald Montgomery $ 17.51 of firings and discrimination." about the unemployment bill for William Duffy $ 19.15 "Fighting unions in the South is Great Lakes seamen. The SIU i Stephen Williams $ 2.741 big business," he testified. Naming has been pushing this bill along Messaid El-Jahmi $ 7.301 several law firths that specialize in co-operation with MEBA. We i Qasim A1 Shamman $145.0: in combatting unions, he said re­ have gone all out in this fight. I Lloyd Hope $ 8.95 tention of these firms "automati­ V -r Frankfort ! Carl Johnson $ 8.95 cally means a campaign of fear i - A contract agreement has been and cotBrriiinity • interfereride." ' The Great Lakes Money Due '-'".UVv,:-'-i II i f ; Passing Of Ambrose Lightship Marks the bid of an ba mmf Closing a tradition begun in 1823, the last lightship in New York Harbor, the L/S Ambrose, surrenders its domain to a modern, stilt-like, light-tower, leaving only its name behind. The 7,800 pound mushroom anchor was slowly plucked from the grey sea, there was a dismal honk of a foghorn, and the lonely sentinel of New York's Ambrose Channel, the last Am­ brose Lightship, plodded away from the site of her 17-year vigil, never to return. A 104-year tradition of lightships bobhing in New York Harbor has come to an end. Her place has been taken by a bleak, clumsy four-legged light tower. A group of lightship buffs had sailed 22 miles to see the gal­ lant hulk uproot and drift into the mist of memory. The 16-man lightship crew stood on deck as L/S Ambrose slowly circled the ungainly tower, some at attention, some mere­ ly looking, few showing regret. They were bidding farewell to a life of deadly monotony, of danger as well as drudgery. The L/S Ambrose had had a single, unchanging mission: to split the darkness. Ships of all types, from stubby tugs to majestic liners, would beam in on the lightship's bleary foghorn, its 5,500,000 candlepower light, and its powerful radio beacon, and would try to come as close to the lightship as possible. In a channel 38,000 feet long and only 2,000 feet wide, the crew of the lightship faced a possible collision every seven minutes. In 1947, the lightship Nantucket was snapped in two by the 47,000 ton White Star liner Olympic, killing seven of the Nantucket's 11man crew. On June 24, I960, the sixth and last Ambrose light­ ship was fortunately in dry dock for an overhaul when her re­ lief ship was torn asunder by a freighter. Amazingly, since the present lightship location was chosen in 1908, there have been only four collisions, but the danger still existed. Even though it had excellent television reception and a comprehensive library, the L/S Ambrose also provided her crew with a plentiful supply of monotony. Perhaps this is why the skipper of the cutter Mahon­ ing, Chief Warrant Officer Ted Polgar, remarked that there were only two assignments comparable to lightship-tending: assign­ ment in Vietnam, and assignment on an isolated radio navigation station in the Pacific. The new tower is designed to be more efficient, more comfort­ able, and less monotonous than its floating predecessor. The pre­ fabricated structure stands on four strong legs which have been driven 170 feet into the ocean floor. Perched on top, 60 feet above the water, are the mess facilities, office, crew quarters, and stowage area. The flat roof serves as a heliport. Of the small six-man crew, four will be on board at all times, serving for two weeks and then taking a very welcome one-week leave. The main light will gleam with 6,000,000 candlepower during periods of low visibilty. At full power in clear weather, it will be visible for 17 miles, whereas the old ship's light would shine for only 13. In addition to the powerful radio beacon, the new station has a complement of eight electric foghorns which operate simul­ taneously, each individual horn having a range of six miles. As the Ambrose Lightship glumly puttered around its suc­ cessor, commissioning ceremonies were under way. Now the squat lightship "Papa Charlie" code flags flapped in the breeze, signifying "I am not in my correct position." The time had come. It was the end for L/S Ambrose, which had survived storms, collisions, and German submarine forays off the U.S. coast in World War 11. An overhaul in Staten Island loomed ahead. Soon, the lobster-red ship tfrill begin a new vigil somewhere off the coast of New England.; . ; �September 1, 1967 Receives Death Benefit Mrs. Reba Sue Martin, widow of SlU pensioner James Martin, re­ ceives Union death benefit check for $4,000 from SlU Representative Ken McGregor in San Francisco. With Mrs. Martin are her children. The Gulf Coast by Lindsey Williams, Vice-President, Guif Area The Maritime Council of New Orleans and Vicinity and the fe'' Greater New Orleans, AFL-CIO, staged "Political Candidates Night", recently to back pro-labor legislators in danger of being gerrymandered out of office due to reapportionment. Right-To-Work committees have already opened a public office in Baton Rouge and will make every effort to defeat pro-labor he is not particular about his next candidates. President Victor Bus- ship or run. sie of the AFL-CIO has urged all Clarence Trippe made a voyage of those eligible to vote to make to India on the Transhudson. certain they are registered. A list After a bout with illness, he's of labor-endorsed candidates will looking for a saloon messman's be announced at a later date. job. COPE of New Orleans will take an active part in the election of 30 members of the House, 12 in the Senate, plus Governor and other statewide jobs up for elec­ tion this year. COPE's motto is "Elect our friends, defeat our enemies." New Orleans Charles Cassard would like a South American or Vietnam run. Villoria Jaroclnski He didn't care for the West Afri­ Charles Hyde's last trip was the can trip he made aboard the Del Steel Navigator as salon pantry­ Valle. Felix Jaroclnski was on the Del man. Charles took a vacation Norte when illness forced him off after that and is now registered in La Guaira, Venezuela. He said and ready to take to the seas again. Houston Upgrading here has been quite good. Joseph Matejek just passed his exam for Chief Engineer. Shipping is still good and we are moving men and ships very quick­ lyI. Glass got an AB's job on the Del Sud. He said he was really SAN JUAN, P.R.—The SIU of sweating it out because he likes Puerto Rico has signed a new this ship. three-year contract with Esso R. Villoria caught the Del Valle Standard Oil of Puerto Rico call­ and J. Kirchener latched onto a ing for a monthly wage increase job aboard the Achilles. amounting to $15 the first year, Mobile $14 the second year and an addi­ O. B. Davenport wants a change tional $15 during the third year. of scenery after four straight runs The new pact also gained a to the Far East. He sails as FWT substantial increase of 33% in or oiler. employer contributions to the wel­ H. C. Cain is registered and fare plan and a substantial in­ would like a Far East run. He crease in paid vacation time for runs a local nightclub while each employee. ashore. All employees, regardless of seniority, will receive a total of John Tilley said he hopes his 20 paid annual holidays. next ship is as good as the FanIn talks between the SIU of wood. John's a 25-year veteran Puerto Rico and Texaco De and sails as steward. Puerto Rico, negotiations have Shipping is good here and been stalemated over the com­ should improve now that Alcoa pany's insistence on the mainten­ has added the Alcoa Commandor ance of membership clauses, and Alcoa Roamer to the Vene­ rather than union shop clauses in zuelan runs. These trips had been any new agreement. discontinued for awhite. Puerto Rico SlU Signs New Pact At Standard Oil SEAFARERS Page Eleven LOG Corporations Should Bear Brunt Of New Tax, Meany Tells Congress WASHINGTON—AFL-CIO President GeorgeMeany told Congress last week that labor agrees with President Johnson on the need for a tax increase but firmly opposes his method of applying it. Testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee, Meany backed higher taxes in both principle and practice. An in~ "On the personal income side, crease, he said, would be m viduals with less than $1,000 is keeping with the tradition of not adequate to approach the prin­ we propose that the taxpayer list his income from these three cate­ equality and sacrifice in the de­ ciple of ability to pay. fense of freedom; would finance "For example, under the Ad­ gories, deduct a generous $10,000 the rising costs of the Vietnam ministration's proposal, a family and apply the same tax rate as the war while still allowing for con­ of four with a taxable income of surtax on the remainder, if any. "With a deduction of $10,000 tinued domestic progress, and $1,999—gross income of about per tax return, moderate-income would reduce the dangers of tight $4,900—would pay its regular tax money, very high interest rates of $290. It would pay no sur­ taxpayers would be exempted and an unbalanced economic charge. Another family of four from the tax on excluded income. advance." with a taxable income of $2,001 Moreover, the tax rate would be —gross income of slightly over much lower than the regular tax But "equality of sacrifice should be based on ability to sac­ $5,000—would be required to pay rates. Yet a significant portion of rifice," he said, and the Admin­ its regular tax of slightly over excluded income would be sub­ istration's proposals recognize this $290 plus the 10 percent surtax, jected to some taxation and ad­ precept "only to a minor degree." or $29. For the extra $2 of tax­ ditional federal revenue would be raised at a time when it is needed. The federation leader called for able income, it would be required "On the corporate side, we rec­ three major changes in the Ad­ to pay $29 in additional taxes. ommend a similar listing of those This is clearly unfair. ministration bill; a surtax on cor­ categories of excluded income, a "Moreover, this proposal also porations "at least twice as great very generous deduction of $25,as on individuals," a lump-sum fails to give sufficient recognition 000 and application of the same deduction for individual and fam­ to the ability to pay principle as tax rate as the surtax to the ily taxpayers in calculating their one moves up the income scale. remainder. surtax, aimed at strengthening the Families with incomes of $6,000 "The deduction of as much as principle of ability to pay, and a or $10,000 would pay the same $25,000 would exclude small cor­ plan for applying the war tax rate 10 percent surcharge on their total porations, and most medium-sized to income not now subject to tax liabilities as families with in­ corporations as well. However, it regular income tax because of comes of over $1 million. would subject the excluded in­ loopholes. "In addition, the proposal fails come of wealthier corporations to Compared to the Administra­ to recognize that the after-tax a low tax rate—much lower than tion's estimate of about $9 billion weekly take-home pay of most the 48 percent on reported in­ return from its proposals in a groups of wage and salary earners come. At least part of the revenue year's time, Meany said the AFL- has increased only slightly in the of excluded income would be CIO alternatives would yield about last two years. The weekly take- tapped. $8 billion if based on a six percent home pay of the average factory "This proposal seems to us to surtax on individuals and 12 per­ worker, with three dependents, be simple, clear and direct. It is cent on corporations, and about was $100.39 in June—only 62 not structural reform of the de­ $13.4 billion at rates of 10 per­ cents per week greater than in tailed problems in our tax system. cent and 20 percent, respectively. June 1966 and $3.40 greater than But it would raise additional reve­ nue, as part of a war tax, by Meany offered these arguments in June 1965." applying a degree of taxation to in support of the proposed The plan can be made much the large sums that are now ex­ changes: fairer, he said, by allowing each cluded from the income tax." Corporation Taxes. Restoration family filing a joint return to of the seven percent tax credit for subtract $300 from its tax liability new business investment this year before calculating the surtax. That has given corporations a $2 bil­ is, a family paying $300 or less lion annual tax cut. Despite a in regular taxes would pay no sur­ minor decline in very high cor­ tax. A family paying $600 would porate profits since late 1966, they pay surtax on $300, and so on. show a rise of 74Vi percent after For individual returns, a $150 de­ taxes since 1960. Dividend pay­ duction was suggested. The Navy's navigation satellite ments have soared more than 69 Excluded income. "Tax loop­ percent in the same span. Total holes of special privilege for system, which enables a ship to wage and salary outlays have gone wealthy families and corporations determine its position at sea in up only 54 percent, reflecting are numerous and notorious," in­ any weather with tremendous ac­ higher employment as well as cluding the exclusion for tax pur­ curacy, is going to be made avail­ higher individual incomes. How­ poses of half of capital gains and able for U. S. merchant ship use. ever, after-tax take-home pay of income from tax-exempt state and The move, announced by Vice a factory worker with three de­ local bonds, as well as depletion President Humphrey, means that any American ship at sea could pendents rose only 24 percent, allowances. be equipped to tune in on the and in terms of buying power, a While structural tax reform is mere II percent during the 6V2- not the present issue, the special radio signals beamed from the year period. A double-rate tax on circumstances surrounding the three Navy satellites that form the heart of the system. Until now, corporations is clearly justified. surtax proposal justifies the appli­ the system has been limited to Special deduction. The Admin­ cation of a tax, at the surtax rate, military ships, and has been a istration proposal to exempt from to excluded income in the above closely-guarded secret. the surtax families with less than categories, after a "generous de­ Although the system has been $2,000 taxable income and indi­ duction." in operation since 1964, the Vice President said that in the last year there has been increasing interest SIU WELFARE, VACATION PLANS in the Navy's system of oceanographic research. And, he said, June 1 - June 30, 1967 since many nations are "intensify­ Number of Amount ing their use of the sea's resources Benefits Paid ... it is essential that we work Hospital Benefits $ 57,981.08 with all countries, including the Death Benefits 84,993.50 Soviet Union, bilaterally and Disability Benefits 172,200.00 through international organiza­ 967 Maternity Benefits 5,270.00 tions, in exploring, understanding 27 and using the seas and their re­ Dependent Benefits 94,466.78 sources." 467 Optical Benefits 13,671.35 917 Complete details, such as cost OuNPotient Benefits ..... 3,923 31,410.00 and the question of which nations 693,281.05 will be allowed to participate, are Vacation Benefits 1,680 not yet available. The Depart­ ment of Transportation has been Total Welfare, Vacation asked to set up plans to use the Benefits Paid This Period.. $1,153,273.76 13,601 satellite system for militaiy ships. Satellite System Made Available For Navigation a. �4 Page Twelve t I't I 5^ September 1, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG SlU-Crewed Ship Our Lady of Peare Sails Through Two War Zones A can of TNT found attached to the ship's anchor, a dangerous shipboard fire, and a trip through the Suez Canal shortly before an outbreak of war might give one the impression that the SlU-contracted vessel Our Lady of Peace is the most misnamed ship in the fleet. These were some of the experiences of recent voyages related to a LOG reporter at a never been too friendly to Ameri­ came aboard," Allen related, "a recent payoff in Bayonne, N. J. cans, especially in the last ten small can of TNT was found at­ "We may have been the last years," Luketic said. Most sea­ tached to the anchor chain." The SIU ship through the Suez Canal," men find they don't get what they ship was in Nha Be, with another Luke Luketic of the deck depart­ pay for. "You have to watch your American ship and two Panama­ nian vessels. A mine exploded at ment related. The ship went wallet .there," he added. Another incident aboard the 1:30 a.m., sinking one of the for­ through on June 3, three days be­ fore the Israeli- ship, this time in Vietnam, was eign ships and a second explosion Arab fighting and recalled by Luketic. Last Decem­ eight hours later broke the an­ it was apparent ber, in Vietnam, some gas highlos chor chain on the second Pana­ that Egypt was caught fire in number two hatch. manian ship. Some Navy divers searched the preparing for war. Damage was slight and was put Seafarers Arthur out quickly. "We were carrying bottom of the two American ships Lesh and Lars ammunition and there were 250 and found the TNT can. It had Wejemark de­ pound bombs in the area," Luke­ a time device on it that was due scribed the reac­ tic recalled. If there had been an to detonate the explosive at 4:30 tion of the Egyp­ explosion "all of us would have p.m. The bottoms of ships are Lesh carefully searched now, and the tians as the ship been goners." headed through the canal. Bosun Enos Allen told of an­ SlU-contracted Oceanic Spray "They stood along the banks other close call the ship had on found a TNT can on its anchor and shook their fists, shouted, and the Vietnam run. "Just before I a few weeks ago. even threw some rocks at us," Lesh said. "A few did seem JASMINA (Wall Street Marine), July WAYNE VICTORY (Marine Carriers). friendly," Wejemark said, but the July 30—Chairman, Tom Driscoll; Secretary, 2—Chairman, Donald M. Kintr; Sec­ Gilbert Delgado. Ship's delegate reported retary. Louis W. Pepper. Brother Donald majority were clearly anti-Ameri­ M. King was elect^ to serve as new everything running smoothly. Captain is can. The Seafarers could see ship's delegate. No beefs reported by well satisfied with the crew. Brother Raymond Perry was elected to serve as department delegates. Vote of thanks Egyptian soldiers lined up along given ship's treasurer. $1.00 to be donated by to steward department for job well crewmembers. Some disputed OT re­ the canal bank, along with shore done. Discussion held on improper use of ported by deck department. Discussion washing machines and lines for drying batteries, anti-aircraft guns and clothes. on cleaning up the ship in certain de­ partments. machine gun nests. "We spoke to MANHATTAN (Hudson Waterways). some canal workers and they said July 23—Chairman, Woodroe Lawton; DEL SUD (Delta), July 30—Chairman, Secretary. Bill Padgett. No beefs reported Mike Dunn: Secretary, Gary Bryant. No. there wouldn't be any war, but it by department delegates. Brother M. J. beefs reported by department delegal^. was obvious it would come soon," Berry was elected to serve as ship's dele­ Captain reported a good voyage. Motion made that proper medical supplies be Lesh stated. brought aboard ship before leaving United States. Motion made that sick crew mem­ The Egyptian authorities made bers be fiown to United States from no effort to interfere with the foreign ports. Motion made to have pro­ bationary members who continually miss ship, although some officials ship in foreign ports pay penalty to Union or assume Foreign Probationary boarded the vessel. "They have membership with Union. Compliments these canal crews that help you given to first trippers for being clean cut young men and conducting themselves in dock and lend a hand during any the true manner taught by the SIU school. A vote of thanks was given to the steward emergency," Lesh said. Some department. men, a few armed, came aboard CONNECTICUT (OrienUl Exporters), from one of these craft but they July 2 —• Chairman, Leo Paradise: Sec­ just looked around, asked a few retary. A. W. Morales. $14.00 in ship's fund. No beefs reported by department civil questions and left," Lesh gate. Vote of thanks given to the stew­ delegates. Brother E. R. Hall was elected ard department. Also vote of thanks said. He added it was not usual given to Captain for co-operation with to serve as new ship's delegate. Crew pledged $1.00 to be collected for ship's crew. Discussion held on thieves coming for them to board a vessel. fund next draw. Discussion held on ac­ aboard. quiring new washing machine and re­ The crew wasn't really worried, pairing old one. Air conditioning unit CUBA VICTORY (Alcoe Steamship), being added for benefit of crew. Luketic stated, because nobody July 16—Chairman, R. V. Ceiling; Sec­ C. J. Quinnt. Ship's delegate.re­ thought the Egyptians would ac­ retary. HALCYON PANTHER (Halcyon ported everything running smoothly. No tually fire on an American ship. beefs reported by department delegates. Steamship Co.), July 9—Chairman, G._S. Stanley; Secretary, A. W. Hutcherson. C. J. Quinnt was elected to serve "There were no special precau­ Brother $11.00 in ship's fund. No beefs reported by as new ship's delegate. Discussion held on delegates. Brother A. S. sanitation after using head. All agreed tions taken, but the crew was to co-operate. Ship's delegate will see department Turner was elected to serve as new ship's silent and our main concern was Chief engineer about repairing washing delegate. Will post list of movie donations. machine and laundry tubs. All hands asked to donate. to get out of there as fast as pos­ sible," he added. One SILl ship, the Observer was trapped in the Entry Rating Lifeboat Class No. 10 Canal, and is still there, along with vessels from other nations, including some ships from Com­ munist nations. According to Luketic, one prob­ lem that arose concerned the of­ ficial clearance for the ship to pass through the canal. "A mes­ sage was sent to the company regarding the possibility of trou­ ble with officials, but they wired back and said that no trouble was anticipated," Luketic said. Sea­ farers were worried about the fact that they might have had to turn around and return to the States by way of the Cape of Good Hope. Meets the Intrepid Our Lady of Peace met the air­ craft carrier Intrepid in the Red These Harry LuncJeberg School of Seamanship entry rating students Sea, just before the freighter went have qualified for a lifeboat ticket after passing examinations through the canal into the Medi­ conducted by Coast Guard. In front row (l-r) are: D. Godfrey, F. terranean. The fact that crew Jossi, R. Willis, R. Titchell, M. Chapman, J. Tierman. In second members didn't get a chance to row, P. McGaharn, instructor, R. Dobbs, D. Lee, K. Schwartz, D. disembark in an Egyptian port Hollifield, W. Ellicott, J. Babbiano, and senior instructor Ami was of no major concern to the Bjornsson. In the third row, G. Gauer, J. Goodrich, E. Smith, J. Seafarers aboard. "Egyptians have Fitzpatrick, A. McHale, H. Jackson, T. Browne, and S. Marshall. ' ' <\ Around the The camera's eye caught Sea­ farers at work and play in New York, Yokohama, Bang­ kok and Saigon. f.J' ^ iY'fi ' Sy&r'''' Leon Levin (right) is greeted by patrolman Sacco when the De Soto arrived in New York City for recent payoff. The Seafarers were glad to return after a long voyage. Seafarers are usually well-fed on ships where the, chief steward is Yasser Szmanikjs (right). The SIU veteran supervised "loading of stores aboard Steel Maker. When the Lucile Bloomfield docked in Bangkok, a few crewmembers got together to discuss the voyage. Left to right, Tom Pruitt, Charles Thorpe, Roger Pinkham. Terrence White and Roy Jones sailed in De Soto's deck department. They were caught by camera in Yokohama. Bill Pope, deck dept., en­ tertains shipmates in Sai­ gon with country �September 1, 1967 Praises Graduates Of 5IU Upgrading Widow Thanks Crew For Thoughtfulness To The Editon We have several graduates of the New Orleans upgrading school aboard the Duval in all three departments. They are all exceptional young men and they will make worthy seamen to take our places when we retire. This is a good crew and a good over­ time ship for the black gang. We were in Morocco for two weeks and had no foul ups, no beefs and nobody missed the ship for any reason. William (Dick) Mmsey To the Editor: To the crew that was aboard the Columbia Victory along with my husband, Frank Nel­ son, who died aboard that ship, July 5, in Yokahama, Japan, I would like to say many thanks for the donation and the flow­ ers. He often spoke of the good crew aboard that ship. Also, the Mates and Captain he worked for. He was a wonder­ ful husband and father and will be really missed by us. Thanks again. Mrs. Catherine B. Nelson and Cheryl Ann Nelson Savannah, Ga. Smooth Sailing On Viet Trip To The Editor: The Halcyon Panther is on its second trip to Vietnam and is scheduled to make two more from the West Coast before re­ turning to the Gulf. Jimmie Darouse, steward, is doing a fine job of feeding the boys. Chief cook A. W. Hutcherson and Sam Martin, night cook and baker, are doing a good job with their cooking and baking. A1 Blain, chief electrician, is keeping all the lights burning. We had a smooth pay off in Sacramento last voyage and are looking for­ ward to the same after this one. Walter Conner, Ship's delegate Halcyon Panther Thanks Union For Pension Plan To the Editor: After 22 years with the Sea­ farers International Union, my husband has retired. He re­ ceived his first pension check this week. It has been a good feeling through the years to know that if sickness or accident should occur the Union Welfare Plan was accepted in any hospital without question. His pension is also a big help. If not for it, it would be impossible to get along, as Social Security pay­ ments are not enough to main­ tain a home decently. I'm proud to say that my husband has been a member of such a fine organization for so many years. Yours Truly, Mrs. Walter F. Mueller — ^J> — Boyd Program Undermines Fleet Support Maritime, Seafarer's Wife Says To the Editor: I've just read Paul Hall's 20joint Maritime program. I have written our State Representa­ tive and Senators to have this reviewed and considered as a new U. S. maritime policy. You know, we wives must get behind oui; husbands. We must help them just like in domestic life. We, as wives and dependents are directly affected by the outcome of future ship­ ping. Ask your family and friends to get behind this effort to save our American fleet. It is im­ portant to our national economy also. So, please write your own State Representative and Sen­ ators, and get this program go­ ing for us. Mfrs. Joseph Schoell Seattle, Wash. ^ British Seaman Enjoyed the LOG To the Editor: This is to advise you that my father recently died. I would like to thank your union very sincerely for sending him copies of the LOG. During his retire­ ment from the sea, he enjoyed reading it very much. M. Haddock Swansea Glam United Kingdom Page Thirteen SEAFARERS LOG To the Editor: Ever since the Secretary of Transportation, Alan Boyd, first started talking about what he thought should be done about the American merchant marine, I find myself wondering more and more who's side he is on. When one reads of his plans to take jobs away from Amer­ icans by building ships in for­ eign yards and his willingness to throw away much of the pro­ tection guaranteed by our cargo preference laws, it is hard to believe that President Johnson or anybody who knows any­ thing about maritime could even take him seriously. Com­ petition in world commerce is tough enough without a mem­ ber of the U.S. Cabinet propos­ ing that this country deliberately hand over whatever potential advantage it has to a foreign nation. As Edwin Hood, the presi­ dent of the American Shipbuild­ ers Council has said over and over again, U.S. shipyards can build all the ships we need, to again become the big maritime power we were after World War II. We wouldn't even have to build any new yards—just re-open some of the ones that have closed ifor lack of ship­ building work. Instead of ex­ porting jobs to foreign yards, we should worry about our ovm people and put unemployed American shipyard workers back on the jobs they have al­ ways done so well when the chips were down in the past. Ted Luce Seafarers on the Raymond Reiss (Reiss) were thanked by a Union brother for their consideration in sending his father a card while he was hospitalized. Meeting chairman Gary Loomis reports. Meeting secretary Robert Denning reports that a lively discussion was held concerning "the pros and cons of making coffee with or G. Trosclair, meeting chairman without salt." Deck delegate telephone should be installed in Howard Reagan suggested peri­ the passageway forward of the on the Platte (Platte Transport) writes that a vote odic discussions of a deck hand's crews mess, to be hooked directly of thanks was to the bridge house in case of duties would be more effective extended to Cap­ emergency calls to the man on than safety meetings. Other sug­ tain S. H. Cogsgestions included standby in mess room. When the dale for air-con­ the posting of ship arrives in New Orleans for ditioning units ship's meeting the payoff, we'll see about getting and the speed times 24 hours our radio repaired, Briggs re­ with which the in advance. En­ ported. old linen locker gine delegate Wil­ was converted to liam Duffy re­ Two heavy trucks hauling mu­ Trosclair a sleeping dormi­ ported that mem­ nitions from the Free American bers of his depart­ (Fargo) to the air­ tory. It came in handy during the ment had few port at Vung Ro stay in India and the hot nights Shircel beefs. Ray An­ were blown up at sea, Trosclair reported. derson, steward delegate, reported when they ran A request was sent from Cos­ that all is well in his department. over land mines, Collections were made from those meeting chairman mos Mariner (Cosmos) to SIU headquarters for who have not contributed to the George Bryan re­ Logs to be sent ship's fund, Carl Shircel, treasurer ports from Viet­ to the Seamen's reported. A suggestion was made nam. Meeting secClub in Cam to fix the TV set in the galley. retary M. WesSan Filippo writes that Ranh Bay, Meet­ ing C h a i r m a n Peter Hammel, new ship's dele­ Bill Bryant is hospitalized in Sai­ William Phillips gate on the Bangor (Bermuda gon and the crew wishes him a „ ^ writes. Our Un-Shipping) will speedy recovery. No major beefs iw ion has "the mahandle the mail thus far, Wessing reports. A vote „ jority of the ships delivered to the of thanks was given by bosun Joe in the harbor, the vessel. Chuck De- San Filippo to members of the mers, meeting sec­ deck department for keeping the majority of the time," Phillips in­ retary reported. fans running in hot weather. The forms. Meeting Secretary Robert Demers said that steward department turned out Spencer writes that there is some the captain ex­ good food and service, it was disputed deck overtime. The ship's pressed his satis­ agreed. The payoff will be in San treasury has $13 in the kitty. The payoff will be in San Francisco. faction with the Francisco. Demers crews perform­ ance. Plenty of good food and service, in addition to a smoothrunning ship, has made the voy­ age a pleasant one. The only problem is some disputed over­ time in the engine department. The next port is Durban. Juliane Paidn, bom July 9, Curtis Soutbwick, Jr., born Jan­ 1967, to the Francis J. Papins, uary 21, 1967, to the Curtis SouthMeeting secretary W. H. Sim­ Ste. Genevieve, Mo. Jamestown, N. Y. wicks, mons reports that the Del Oro (Delta) "was a fine SIU style trip Jose Carlo Morales, bom May Audra Micbele lovino, born with every mem­ 8, 1967, to the Jose C. Morales, ber on his toes May 2, 1967, to the Luigi lovinos, Ponce, Puerto Rico. and all hands do­ Oceanside, L. I., N. Y. ing a fine job. No Lori Lynn Stevens, born June beefs or disputed Amy Denise Wofford, bom overtime except July 7, 1967, to the Kenneth Wof- 21, 1967, to the Calvin Stevens, Mobile, Ala. for a small fords, Vinton, La. amount in the deck departAubrey Rankin, bom August 1, Warren Waldrop, born July 19, 1967, to the Aubrey A. Rankins, T. Briggs, meeting ment. chairman reported $31.08 in the 1967, to the James Waldrops, Mo­ Mobile, Ala. treasury. It was reported that a bile, Ala. <I> <1> \I> <t> ^I> Timothy Frankovitcb, born July 9, 1967, to the John G. Frankovitchs. Rapid River, Mich. Shipboard Reunion — — James Cbisbolm, bom January 26, 1967, to the Charles Chisholms. Port Arthur, Texas. ^ Dennie Pelky, bom July 5, 1967, to the Franklin J. Pelkys, Honor, Mich. — — Stacey Lea Jones, born October 31, 1966, to the Robert L. Jones, Arnold, Mo. ^ George Harvey Flowers, bom July 7, 1967, to the Cecil L. Flowers, Swan Quarter, N. C. When Norberto Capay called at Qui Nhon, Vietnam, Seafarer John Devaux (right) contacted his son, John Jr. through the American Red Cross. John Jr., stationed in Saigon, was able to visit aboard, the ship for a few days. The crew went all out to make the visit enjoyable. They were a great bunch of men, John Jr., said. ^ • ..... ^ Middalia Roma, born July 7, 1967, to the Rudolph Romas, Houston, Texas. <1> James Thomas Beatty, born No­ vember 23, 1966, to the William Beattys, Jr., Lake Charles, La. �Page Fourteen • I 5. Appears on Alan Burke TV Show I iii' If if I: ? a '• if ' I . Lifeboat Class No, 183 Graduates Seafarer Urges Seamen Have Access To Vietnam Gl Recreational Facilities ^: ! f? i! September 1, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG f iil' ^ l^i • rr? Seafarer Owen Quinn, in a recent appearance on the nationally televised Alan Burke show, urged that U.S. merchant seamen be allowed to use some of the recreational facilities which are presently operated solely for U.S. servicemen. Brother Quinn has made sev"When I saw these people talk­ eral supply runs to the war zone. safer trip. The Seafarers who died ing about different things, I when the Baton Rouge Victory He told the show's audience thought I would take the oppor­ was hit by a mine attest to the about one particular incident tunity to talk," said Quinn. "I danger of sailing in the war zone. while sailing aboard on the CoeurIn talking with a LOG reporter felt people should know something A'lene Victory (Victory Carriers) during Christmas of 1966. Quinn about his appearance on the show, about our role in the war effort." and several shipmates had arrived Quinn said that "there is a lack Burke was sympathetic and agreed in Vietnam with some 700 tons of facilities where a man can have that seamen should be entitled to of vital ammuni­ a beer, see a movie, relax after certain recreation privileges, tion and other a hard voyage, or even learn about Quinn said. Seafarer Quinn said that he intends to continue "going what's going on at home." war material. The Bob Hope show "was a to Vietnam every chance I get. "On December rare opportunity to get a slice of I remember the ships calling on 23, we learned home," he said. Burke told Quinn Korean ports when I was a sol­ that a Bob Hope on the show that he didn't think dier there shortly after the war. show was being Seafarer Quinn was the subject Hope knew of the incident, or staged at Cam of a Log feature in the issue of would have approved if he did. Ranh Bay. We April 15, 1966, concerning his The program, which originates thought that we being in Malta at the time of that out of New York, includes in it's Quinn would see it, so we went up there and found sev­ format an opportunity for people country's independence. He is a eral thousand military personnel to come up from the audience and member of the deck department plus about 300 seamen in the express whatever is on their mind. and lives in New York City. audience. The show was held in a huge open field." When the show began, Quinn noticed that Military Police were circulating through the audience "picking out all those not in uni­ form." The MP's asked these men to leave, Quinn told the audience. Arthur Payton, 52; A heart at­ Bain Gilford, 50: Brother GifFinally, the MP's came to the tack claimed the life of Brother ford died in Hospital Averroes, section where Quinn and his bud­ Payton, July 12, Casablanca, Mo­ dies were seated. "They asked in Sacramento rocco, on October us to leave," said Quinn, and we County Hospital, 22, 1966. A resi­ "politely protested" that all we Sacramento, Calif. dent of Seattle, wanted to do was see the show. A resident of East he was bora in Spokane, Wash. Liverpool, Ohio, "We told them that we had just Brother Payton Brother Gifford made a long voyage carrying vital was bom in that sailed in the stew­ cargo. The MP's wouldn't let us city. He joined ard department stay in the audience, even though the Union in San and joined the we could prove we were indeed members of the merchant marine. Francisco and shipped as an AB. Union in Seattle. Gifford had "They made it clear that the show His last ship was the Oceanic served in the Marine Corps. He was only for those men who were Tide. Payton served in the U. S. is survived by a cpusin, Philip performing duties in Vietnam," Army from 1943 to 1947. Burial Corneil, of Seattle. Burial was in was in the Columbiana Memorial Ben Mosik Cemetery, Casablanca, Quinn said. Park Cemetery, Columbiana Morocco. County, Ohio. Perform Vital Job Seamen believe, Quinn told the David Blumlo, 53: Brother audience, that they perform "a Blumlo died aboard the TransAutrey Johnson, 59: Cancer york on April 19. vital job" and art entitled to claimed the life of Brother John­ He was serving as "some of the recreational and offson, July 12 at chief steward hour facilities." A number of the Brewton, Ala. A aboard the ves­ Seafarers had served in the armed chief cook and sel which was baker, he joined forces during World War II and docked at Yoko­ the union in Phil­ Korea, Quinn said, and many oth­ hama, Japan, at adelphia. A resi­ ers were on the supply runs during the time of death. dent of Mobile, both wars. Born in Ohio, he Johnson was born Perhaps Seafarers don't carry made his home in Covington a gun or expose themselves to in San Francisco. Brother Blumlo County, Ala. His danger as much as front-line last ship was the Yellowstone. He joined the union in San Francisco troops, Quinn said, but their part served in the Navy during World and sailed as night cook and in the war effort cannot be denied. War II. Surviving is his wife, baker before attaining a chief Quinn pointed out that many sea­ Martha. Burial was in Pleasant steward's rating. Surviving is a farers not only fought in the past, Home Cemetery, Covington Coun­ half-brother, Paul Whitlow of San Francisco. The body was cre­ but they volunteered to sail on the ty, Ala. mated. Vietnam run, rather than take a FINAL DEPARTURES After attending SIU lifeboat training classes in New York, these men passed Coast Guard examinations. Seated (l-r) are: G. Mc­ Laughlin, J. White, P. Castro, A. O'Connor, C. Miranda, N. Caputo, and instructor Ami Bjornsson. In back: P. McGaharn, instructor, J. Costello, J. May, F. Unger, E. Colon, J. Ruiz and R. Benjamin. Hayward Henderson Your family is anxious to get it touch with you. Get in touch with Dixie F. Henderson, Rt. 3, Elba, Alabama, 36323; telephone 897-6582. <1> WiUiam Stark P. McGeoghegan, Drew Road, R. D. 2, Sussex, N.J. 07461, is anxious for you to contact him at the above address. i I I iSs i' Seafarers are reminded thai when they leave a ship aftet articles expire in a foreign portj the obligation to leave a cli ship for the next crew is s^e as in any Stateside poit.j Attention to details of hoi keeping and efforts to leav quarters, messrooms and oth® Thomas Morris, 38: Seafarer Morris died on January 7, in Leggett Memorial Hospital, Hous­ ton, Texas. He was born in Greensburgh, Pa., and made his home in Pitts­ burgh. Brother Morris sailed in the SIU's Great Lakes and A&G divisions. He held the rating of AB, joining the Union in San Francisco. Brother Morris served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. His last ship Alexander Garibaldi, 70: Heart failure claimed the life of Brother Garibaldi on July 19, at South Amboy, N. J. He was on an SIU pension at the time of death. Brother Garibal­ di joined the Un­ ion in New York City. A native of Italy, he lived in Lawrence Har­ bor, N. J., with his wife, Chris­ tine. He held the rating of bridgeman and was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Please contact Billie Engler, 3910 Hollygrove St., New Or­ leans, La., or phone 488-2034 as soon as possible. vt' Charles W. Thorn Your mother, Mrs. Jessie Thom, 409 Richmond Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, would like you to get in touch with her. ^ Anthony Sorrelli, Jr. Your sister, Mrs. Ella De Santis of 8663 15th Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. is very anxious to hear from you. Roger O'Rourke Kindly contact Mrs. M. L. Van Gessel, 27 Fresno St., San Franr Cisco, Calif., 94133, in regard to mail she is holding for you. <1> Kenneth Wayne LeBlanc Please contact your mother, Mrs. F. A. LeBlanc, 314 Roose­ velt Avenue, San Antonio 10, Texas, as soon as you can. Albert W. Spanraft Please contact Anita Reed, Route 2, Box 2A, Slidell, La., or phone 643-9206, as soon as pos­ sible. <|> Seafarer in Vietnam Joe Simmons Please contact James Hart aboard the Monticello Victory, Victory Carriers Steamship Com­ pany, 647 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y., 10022, as soon as you can. Benjamin (Frenchy) LeBlanc Please get in touch with Dora Lietz, 611 E. Baltimore St., Apt. F, Baltimore, Md., as sbon as possible. <!> ronEieN PAYom LEAVE CLEAN SHIP James W. Gaid Richard V. Gelling Please get in touch with your wife Mary, in San Francisco, re­ garding illness in the family. Seafarer Richard Hartley (right) is shown with SIU Rep. Pete Drewes ih South Vietnam where he is serving with paratroopers. Dick is anxious to resume his seagoing career when discharged. Leslie Brilhart Contact your mother at 223 Braham Blvd., San Antonio, Tex., 78215, as soon as possible in re­ gard to an urgent matter. �September 1, 1967 UNFAIR TO LABOR DO NOT BUY B Seafarers and their families are urged to support a consumer boy­ cott by trade unionists against various companies whose products are produced under non-union conditions, or which are "unfair to labor." (This listing carries the name of the AFL-CIO unions in­ volved, and will be amended from time to time.) fw. If Stltzel-Weiier Distilleries "Old Fitzgerald," "Old Elk" "Cabin StiU," W. L. Weller Bourbon whidteys (Distillery Workers) KIngsport Press "World Book," "Chlldcraft" (Printing Pressmen) (Typographers, Bookbinders) (Machinists, Stereotypers) ^ S>' i- Jamestown Sterling Corp. SEAFARERS LOG FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Guif, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision tor safesuardinK the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed CPA audit every three months by a rank -and file auditing committee elected by the membership. Ail Union records are available at SIU headquarters in Brooklyn. TRUST FUNDS. Ail trust funds of the SIU AUantic, 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 equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust fun^ are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the shipowners. Get to know your shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all Union halls. If you feel there has been any violation of your shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the Union and the shijrawners, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Earl Shepard, Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board 17 Batteir Place, Suite 1980, New York 4, N. Y. Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to you at all times, either by writing directly to the Union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. 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 OT on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU patrolman or other Union ofiUcial, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract righu prop­ erly, contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY—SEAFARERS LOG. The LOG has traditionally refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the Union, officer or member. It has also refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the Union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September, 1960, meetings in all constitu­ tional ports. The responsibility for LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the Executive Board of the Union. The Executive Board may delegate, from amoog its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PENN EXPORTER (Penn Shipping Co.), July 17—Chairman, Henry W. Mil­ ler ; Secretary, Z. A. Markis. Repair list was turned over to patrolman and repairs will be made this trip. No beefs reported by department delegates. Brother Padget was elected to serve as new ship's delegat. New members are urged to keep visitors out of rooms and passageways while in foreign porta. (United Furniture Workers) ^l> White Furniture Co. (United Furniture Workers of America) Genesco Shoe Mfg. Co. Work Shoes . . . Sentry, Cedar Chest, Statler Men's Shoes . . . Jarman, Johnson & Murphy, Crestworth, (Boot and Shoe Workers' Union) Baltimore Luggage Co. Lady Baltimore, Amelia Earhart Starlite luggage Starflite luggage ALCOA VOYAGER (Alcoa Steamship Co.), July 23—Chairman, Frank Russu; Secretary, M. P. Cox. Captain will payoff crew in New York. Some disputed OT reported by engine department. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for job well done. Ship's delegate was asked to see that additional exhaust be installed in galley over grill because of fumes and smoke when grilling. CALMAR (Calmar Steamship), July 23—Chairman, Thomas R. Glenn ; Secre­ tary, Vernon Douglas. Some disputed OT reported by all departments. Clari­ fication concerning raise. Request pa­ trolman at payoff for purpose od settling disputed CT. CORTBZ (Crest Overseas), June 26— Chairman, D. L. Parker; Secretary, J. E. Hannon. Some disputed OT reported by engine delegate. Brother Hardcastle was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. Crew was requested to put items back when done with them. See about having all rooms, also messhall painted. Request for drain boards on sinks in crew's wash­ room. Vote of thanks given to the steward department. (International Leather Goods, Plastics and Novelty Workers Union) "HIS" brand men's clothes Kaynee Boyswear, Judy Bond blouses, Hanes Knitwear, Randa Ties, Boss Gloves, Richman Brothers and Sewell Suits, Wing Shirts (Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America) R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Camels, Winston, Tempo, Brandon, Cavalier and Salem cigarettes (Tobacco Workers International Union) ^ Peavy Paper Mill Products (United Papermakers and Paperworkers Union) Comet Rice Mills Co. products (International Union of United Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drinks and Distillery Workers) •4> Magic Chef Pan Pacific Division (Stove, Furnace and Allied Appliance Workers International Union) . KENYON VICTORY (Columbia), Au­ gust 3 — Chairman, A. Bourgot; Sec­ retary, R. Brown. Ship's delegate reported that everything is running smoothly. No disputed OT and no beefs. Brother Grant Marzett was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. COSMOS MARINER (Cosmos Naviga­ tion), August 15 — Chairman, William F. Phillips: Secretary, Robert Spencer. $13.00 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT in deck department. It was discussed that the ship be fumigated for roaches. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward department for a job well done. ROBERT D. CONRAD (Maritime Op­ erations), August 13—Chairman, G. B. Gapac; Secretary, J. Conyers. Brother John Wallack was elected to serve as ship's delegate. $7.00 in ship's fund. No beefs were reported by department dele­ gates. FREE AMEKCIA (Fargo), Augrust 13— Chairman, George Bryan; Secretary, M. Wessing. Motion was made to ask the patrolman about a change in the un­ licensed personnel's quarters. Also to check ice box temperatures before storing for next voyage. Exterminators to be called in San Francisco. Vote of thanks given to Brother Joe Sanfilippo, bosun, to Hanks and Viik for keeping the fans running in the hot weather. Vote of thanks to the steward department for the good food served. HENRY STEINBRENNER (Steinbrenner), August 4 —• Chairman. A. Pedersen; Secretary, None. Motion made to contact patrolman about providing OT slips in crew's hall, and having a clock put in galley. DEL RIO (Delta), July 3—Chairman, S. Pappas; Secretary, D. Worrell. $27.10 in ship's fund. Motion made to negotiate for retirement plan for those with 20 years membership in SIU, as to years of service etc. BANGOR (Bermuda), August 6 — Chairman, Peter V. Hammel; Secretary. Chuck Demers. The Captain is satisfied with the crew in general. Brother Peter V. Hammel was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward department for the good food and service. Some disputed OT in engine department. STEEL FLYER (IsthmUn, July 28— Chairman, C. M. Brien; Secretary, P. Lucaaon. $1.00 in ship's fund. No beefs were reported by department delegates. BURBANK VICTORY (A. L. Burbank), July 30 — Chairman, P. Clarke; Secretary, H. B. Gaskill. Two hours delayM sailing at Long Beach Is disputed. Beef in engine department regarding the PAYMENT 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 circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the 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 is given an oflScial receipt, but feels that he should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The SIU publishes every six months in the SEAFARERS LOG a verbatim copy of its constitution. In addition, copies are available in ail 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 right or obli­ gation by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, then the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. RETIRED SEAFARERS. Old-time SIU members drawing disability-pension bene­ fits have always been encouraged to continue their union activities, including attend­ ance at membership meetings. And like all other SIU members at these Union meet­ ings, they are encouraged to take an active role in ail rank-and-file functions, in­ cluding service on rank-and-file committees. Because these oldtimers cannot take shipboard employment, the membership has reaffirmed the long-standing Union pol­ icy of allowing them to retain their good standing through the waiving of their dues. EQUAL RIGHTS. All Seafarers are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the Union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no Seafarer may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied the equal rights to which is entitled, he should notify headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIONS, One of the basic rights of Seafarers is the right to pursue legislative and political objectives which will serve the best interests of themselves, their families and their Union. To achieve these objectives, the Seafarers Political Activity Donation was established. Donations to SPAD are entirely voluntary and constitute the funds through which legislative and political activities are conducted for the benefit of the membership and the Union. If at any time a Seafarer feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he has been denied his constitutional right of access to Union records or in­ formation, he shonid immediaUIy notify SIU President Paul HaU at headquarters by cortifled mail, return receipt requested. Chief Engineer entering and trying to run crew foc'sles. NICOLET (Gartland), July 23—Chair­ man, Robert Zurflub; S<Mretary, H. "Don" Gilbert. Beef in engine depart­ ment regarding unfair distribution of OT. Engine room is dirty with lots of oil on deck. WILD RANGER (Waterman), July 23 —Chairman, B. Lowderback; Secretary, C. Frey. Ship's delegate reported that everything is running smoothly. He asked to resign as ship's delegate and his re­ quest was accepted with a vote of thanks. Brother B. Lowderback was elected to serve in his place. $3.60 in ship's fund. Patrolman in Yokohama will be con­ tacted regarding engine room dispute. Page Fifteen RAYMOND REISS (Reiss), July 28— Chairman, Gary D. Loomis; Secretary, Robert Denning. Safety meeting was criticized. Suggestion was made for teach­ ing of round turns and proper handling of lines and other deck duties, especially for the new men. It was suggested that a check be made on lighting of the cargo hold which is inadequate on deck also. Other repairs needed. CRAPO (Huron Portland Cement), August 1—Chairman, Seth Lockwood; Secretary, George Sylvester. Complaint about oil spillage while loading cement in Alpena, which is very excessive, costly and unnecessary. The deck department wishes to make it clear that they are going to put in for full-scale OT for shovelling and would like to see the excessive spillage eliminated. PLATTE (Platte Transport), August 6 — Chairman, G. Troeciair; Secretary, L. Bianchard. Few hours disputed OT in deck and engine departments, otherwise there are no beefs and everything is run­ ning smoothly. Vote of thanks to the Master, Captain S. H. Cogsdale, for the air-conditioned units and the speed in converting old linen locker to a remodeled sleeping dormitory. TRANS SUPERIOR (Hudson Water­ ways), No date—Chairman, T. Sawyer; Secretary, Donald B. Farmer. No beefs were reported by department delegates. It was request^ that the stores be check more carefully when coming siboard. None of the repairs were made as they were turned in on the repair list. It was requested that the Company and the Union come to an agreement as to smok­ ing on the wheel watch. * Schedule of Membership Meetings SIU-AGLIWD Meetings New Orleans Sept. 12—2:30 p.m. Mobile Sept. 13—2:30 p.m. Wilmington Sept. 18—2:00 p.m. San Francisco Sept. 20—2:00 p.m. Seattle . i.. . Sept. 22—2:00 p.m. New York . .Sept. 5—2:30 p.m. Philadelphia Sept 5—2:30 p.m. Baltimore . . .Sept. 6—2:30 p.m. Detroit . .. .Sept 8—2:30 p.m. Houston .... Sept 11—2:30 p.m. Great Lakes SIU Meetings Detroit Sept. 5—2:00 p.m. Alpena Sept. 5—7:00 p.m. Buffalo Sept. 5—7:00 p.m. Chicago . . . .Sept 5—7:00 p.m. Cleveland . . .Sept. 5—7:00 p.m. Duluth Sept 5—7:00 p.m. Frankfort . . .Sept. 5—7:00 p.m. SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Inland Boatmen's Union United Industrial Workers PRESIDENT Paul Hall EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Cal Tanner Earl Shepard VICE PRESIDENTS Lindsey Williaitij Robert Matthews SECRETARY-TREASURER Al Kerr HEADQUARTERS Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Region Chicago . . . .Sept. 12—7:30 p.m. tSault Ste. Marie Sept 14^7:30 p.m. Buffalo Sept. 13—7:30 p.m. Duluth ....Sept. 15—^7:30 p.m. Cleveland ..Sept. 15—7:30 p.m. Detroit Sept. 11—7:30 p.m. Milwaukee . .Sept. 11—7:30 p.m. ALPENA, Mich BALTIMORE, Md Railway Marine Region Philadelphia Sept 12—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Baltimore Sept 13—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. ^Norfolk Sept 14—10a.m.&8p.m. Jersey City Sept 11—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. United Industrial Woihers New Orleans Sept 12—^7:00 p.m. MobUe Sept 13—7:00 p.m. New York ..Sept 14—7;00p.m. Piuladeljihia Sept 5—7:00 p.m. Baltimore .. .Sept 6—7:00 p.m. 4:Houston ..Sept 18—7:00p.m. 127 River St EL 4-36I6 1214 E. Baltimore St. EA 7-4900 BOSTON, Mass BUFFALO, N.Y 177 State St Rl 2-0140 73S Washington St. SIU TL 3-925? IBU TL 3-9259 IBU ES S-9570 CLEVELAND, Ohio DETROIT, Mich SIU Inland Boatmen's Union New Orleans Sept 12—5:00 p.m. MohUe Sept. 13—5:00 p.m. Philadelphia Sept. 5—5:00 p.m. Baltimore (licensed and unlicensed) Sept 6—5:00 p.m. Norfolk Sept. 7—5:00 p.m. Houston . .. .Sept. 18—5:00 p.m. 475 4th Ave., Bklyn. HY 9-6400 DULUTH, Minn 1420 W. 2Sth St. MA 1-5450 10225 W. Jefferson^Ave. 312 W. 2nd St RA 2-4110 FRANKFORT, Mich I" 415 Mam St. EL 7-2441 ""w®r.'ja JACKSONVILLE. Fl. JERSEY CITY, N.J MOBILE, Ala NEW ORLEANS. IM# F.'H ». EL 3-0987 99 Montgomer^S^ I South HE 2-I754 . 430 Jackson Ave. Tel. 529-7544 N®"'®^"'" PHILADELPHIA. Pa 2404 PORT ARTHUR, Tex I34B Seventh St. SAN FRANCISCO. Calif., 350 Freemont St DO 2-4401 SANTURCE, P.R 1313 Fernandez Juneos Stop 20 Tel. n4-2848 SEATTLE, Wash 2505 FirU^AvMU^ ST. LOUIS, Mo TAMPA Fla TAMPA, Ma •"V.c'l Cc 1*1434 312 Harrison St. 229-2788 WII^INSTON, Calif. .. 505 N. Marin^^ YOKOHAMA, Japan .Iseya BIdg., 1-2 Kaigan-Dori-Nakaku 204»7I Ext. 281 �Vol. XXiX No. 18 SEAFARERSKLOG September 1, 1967 OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT > AFL-CIO ON THE S -> -M I ~• 1 DINNER TABLE ome 60 years ago a young author named Upton Sinclair wrote a book about the Chicago stock­ yards that turned America's stomach and brought about a storm of irresistible public pressure for reform. Within six months from its publication in January of 1906, "The Jungle" was largely instrumental in the passage of pure food laws which had been successfully stifled by unscrupulous meat packers for more than a decade. Prior to this, statutory super­ vision of the meat industry was of no practical significance. The book so impressed President Theodore Roose­ velt that he sununoned Sinclair to the White House to discuss the sickening charges it contained. Once satisfied that "The Jungle," though a novel, faithfully described the deplorable conditions under which meat packing plants were providing food for the nation, the president moved swiftly to force reform. The time was ripe. A bill aimed at tightening laws to protect consumers had been laying untouched in Congress for a long time and consumers had not yet forgotten the "embalmed beef scandal of the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt himself had an­ grily testified before a Senate committee investigating the scandal that he would sooner have eaten his old hat than the canned food sent to his soldiers in Cuba under a U.S. government contract. He carried his concern over unsanitary food production with him when he entered the White House but, once there, found Congress disinclined to do anything about it. Sinclair's book—and its earlier appearance in serial form—^was the lever needed to get the ball rolling. The author did not cater to the squeamish in his graphic portrayal of the filth in the stockyards. After an appalled public read passages such as those which follow, it was clearly impossible even for Con­ gress to protect the so-called "Beef Trust" for much longer. ". . . there would be hams found spoiled, some of them with an odor so bad that a man could hardly bear to be in the room with them. To pump into these the packers had a . . . much stronger pickle which destroyed the odor. . . . "There was never the least attention paid to what was cut up for sausage. There would be meat that had tumbled out on the floor, in the dirt and saw­ dust, where the workers had tramped and spit un­ counted billions of consumption germs. There would • be meat stored in great piles in rooms; and the water from leaky roofs would drip over it, and thousands of rats would race about on it ... a man could run his hand over these piles of meat and sweep off handfulls of the dried dung of rats. These rats were nuisances, and the packers would put poisoned bread out for them, they would die, and then rats, bread and meat would go into the hopper together. ". . . the meat would be shovelled into carts, and the man who did the shoveling would not trouble to lift out a rat even if he saw one—there were things that went into the sausage in comparison with which a poisoned rat was a tidbit. There was no place for the men to wash their hands ... so they (washed) them in the water that was to be ladled into the sausage. . . . "There were the butt-ends of smoked meat, and the scraps of corned beef, and all the odds and ends of the waste of the plants, that would be dumped into old barrels in the cellar and left there. Under the system of rigid economy . . . there were some jobs that it only paid to do once in a long time, and among these was the cleaning out of the waste bar­ rels. Every spring they did it; and in the barrels would be dirt and rust and old nails and stale water —and cart load after cart load of it would be taken up and dumped into the hoppers with fresh meat, and sent out to the public's breakfast. Some of it they would make into 'smoked' sausage—but as the smoking took time, and was therefore expensive, they would . . . preserve it with borax and color it with gelatin to make it brown. All of their sausage came out of the same bowl, but . . . they would stamp some of it 'special' and for this they would charge two cents more a pound." Packers Deny Accusations Even following such a vivid description of their methods, however, the meat packers fought bitterly and tried to deny Sinclair's accusations. Articles appeared in major. newspapers and national maga­ zines defending the meat industry, and the industry— in turn—spent huge sums on advertising in an at­ tempt to save its tarnished image. Powerful pressure was brought to bear on Congress aimed at killing or at least weakening any legislation aimed at federal controls over the industry. A com­ mission dispatched by the Agriculture Department returned from Chicago persuaded by the Beef Trust that Sinclair was merely a sensation seeker. Unimpressed by all of this, Roosevelt sent to Chicago a two-man commission of his own which not only confirmed the main charges leveled in "The Jungle," but came up with some shocking personal observations of its own. The President hoped to gain reform and industry agreement to government in­ spection ^with just the threat that he would publicize the commission's report. After the packers refused to bend, the report was released and a new wave of indigation swept the country when it was told the meat and canned goods it consumed were prepared in filth. Only after meat sales fell off by more than half did the industry agree that some legislation must be accepted. After bitter debate. Congress quickly passed modified versions of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Beef Inspection Act. Watered down from the beginning, and amended only slightly in the ensuing 61 years, the Meat In­ spection Act stands today as little more than a token relic of retarded progress. The threat to America's health posed by rotten meat and meat products is, without doubt, more deadly now than it was in 1906—for several reasons. For one, the Beef Trust is bigger and stronger and more capable of undetected fraud than ever before. Calculated misuse of modern scientific tech­ nology makes it possible for today's meat packers to get away with deceptions their grandfathers would never have dreamed of. All the garbage no longer has to go into sausage; much of it can be salvaged by chemical means and marketed as more costly cuts of meat. And if the meat itself doesn't make you sick, the chemicals used to doctor the look, taste or smell of it are apt to make you sick. Another reason is the outmoded structure of the law itself which allows vast quantities of meat to escape federal inspection entirely. Too much au­ thority is left up to the states—only 26 of which require mandatory inspection of animals before and after slaughter. Nine states have no meat inspection laws at all and 15 have "voluntary" inspection statutes which unscrupulous meat dealers can ignore without fear of punishment. AFL-CIO Urges Amendments Many organizations concerned with the well being of the public—including the AFL-CIO—share in­ creasing alarm over the worsening trend in the meat industry and have been pushing for amendments to the law which would require federal inspection of all meat. Some Americans mistakenly believe this is already the case. As Andrew J. Biemiller, director of the AFL-CIO Department of Legislation, told a hearing of the House subcommittee on Livestock and Grains in July, American families are unaware that some 15 per cent of meat slaughtered in the U.S., and 25 per cent of all meat products processed, are not federally inspected. This accounts for enough meat for 30 million people for one year. Some of it undergoes state inspection, Biemiller said, but even "the best" of state programs "leave something to be desired." Meat and meat products sold "intrastate"—that which travels from slaughterhouse to the dinner table without crossing state lines—are generally immune from federal scrutiny. The laxity of individual state controls gives the guilty meatpacker all the leeway he needs. The U.S. Agriculture Department admits that over 22 million pounds of meat have been condemned by its inspectors as tainted, contaminated, rancid, odor­ ous or mouldy in a single year. Consumers who buy intrastate meat don't enjoy this inspection protection. Hamburger and processed meat is often found to contain horsemeat, meat from sick animals and contaminated meat. Such revolting carcass waste as chopped hides, lungs, eyeballs and hog blood turn up in bologna and hot dogs. Sulfite, banned by federal law, is widely used to give old meat a fresh pink color. Detergents camouflage unfit meat and doses of Aureomycin replace sani­ tation. (A sample survey in New York State found 26 of 30 hamburger samples to contain sulfite, and an Albany oflicial estimated that deceptive labeling is used on 90 per cent of the uninspected processed meat sold in the state.) When it could no longer completely ignore com­ plaints and warnings from university scientists, along with labor and congressional sources on the serious­ ness of the situation, the Agriculture Department sent out a fact-finding team to examine intrastate meat slaughtering and processing methods. The re­ sulting report—made to a House appropriations sub­ committee back in 1963—^was no less shocking than the one given to Theodore Roosevelt more than half a century ago. But nothing was done about it. Typical charges against the modem Beef Trust were: "Allowing edible portions of carcasses to come in contact with manure, pus, and other sources of contamination during dressing operations; allowing (contamination) with filth from improperly cleaned equipment and facilities; use of chemical additives and preservatives that (are illegal) under federal meat inspection." Also charged was the "failure to use procedures to detect or control parasites transmitted to man that could lead to diseases such as trichinosis and cysticercosis" and to "supervise destruction of ob­ viously diseased tissues and spoiled, putrid and filthy materials." The use of "false and deceptive labels and "inadequate controls to prevent possible adulter­ ation of food products—^with substitutes such as water, gum, cereals or sodium caseinate" was also cited. A second portion of the 1963 report—includ­ ing vile pictures, documentation and affidavits—^was never made public. The facts were all there. Agriculture had only to request congressional hearings on the matter, but chose instead to let it lay and continued its policy of co-operation with the meat industry in promoting the sale of its products without unfavorable pub­ licity. Not until June of this year, largely through the efforts of Representative Neal Smith (D-Iowa), did the hearings at which Biemiller and numerous others called for updating and strengthening of the Meat Inspection Act materialize. Only portions of the strong bill proposed by Smith for the last six years were incorporated with a more lenient one backed by the Administration, but at least a bill has finally been put together and is scheduled to hit the floor of the House later this month. And at least six congressmen are preparing amendments which would give the law teeth sharp enough to reach a good percentage of the jungle of rotten meat. � 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 September 1, 1967 Description An account of the resource Headlines: NEW MARITIME AUTHORIZATION MEASURE AWAITS PRESIDENT’S OK TO BECOME LAW HOUSE MARINE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL FOR INDEPENDENT MARAD LACK OF FIRM U.S. MARITIME POLICY CALLED CAUSE OF MANPOWER CRISIS SOVIET SHIPBUILDING PACE MENACE TO U.S., MACHINIST’S HEAD WARNS NINE U.S. SENATORS URGE FORMATION OF SPECIAL UNIT TO STUDY MARITIME ILLS AFL-CIO URGES SENATE REJECT EDUCATION BILL AMENDMENTS U.S. FLEET WOULD BE ‘SITTING DUCK’ IN BOYD’S AGENCY, ROTELL WARNS TEXT OF HALL’S LABOR DAY ADDRESS ON MERCHANT MARINE FEAR TACTICS STILL USED BY EMPLOYERS TO BALK UNION ORGANIZING DRIVES CORPORATIONS SHOULD BEAR BRUNT OF NEW TAX, MEANY TELLS CONGRESS SIU-CREWED SHIP OUR LADY OF PEACE SAILS THROUGH TWO WAR ZONES SEAFARER URGES SEAMEN HAVE ACCESS TO VIETNAM GI RECREATIONAL FACILITIES 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 09/01/1967 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. XXIX, No. 18 1967 Periodicals Seafarers Log