http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ef94bb34387250bfac614161982f3d41.PDF 41c282e64c50ebf22b05afd809d208b0 PDF Text Text Vol. XXX No. 23 SEAFARERSftLOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION . ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO I« i' it' Nixon Edges Humphrey to VUn Race for Presidency Story Page 3 �Page Two SEAFARERS LOG November 8, 1968 foir f tee of Once Subsidized C-2s | ynjon p^y Raises Absolved Seen DangerousPrecedent'byAMA of Blame for Rising Prices WASHINGTON—^The American Maritime Association, speaking for unsubsidized U.S.-flag ship operators, has strongly protested to the Maritime Administration what it called a "dangerous prec­ edent" set by MARAD's approval of the chartering by a subsidized shipping company of its surplus freighters to the Military Sea new containerships which will be telegram continued, MARAD is Transportation Service "in di­ put into the company's subsidized initiating a "trend which could se­ rect competition" with unsubsi­ service. All have been approved riously affect all unsubsidized dized lines. for removal from subsidy. ships, tramps as well as liners, AMA charged that the subsi­ AMA also pointed out in a tel­ and ultimately place them in pre­ dized company, United States egram to Acting Maritime Admin­ carious financial position," AMA Lines, has replaced many of its istrator James W. Gulick that the claimed. old freighters with new container- entrance of these ships into MSTS The group representing the un­ ships and that the subsidy pre­ service would reduce the volume subsidized lines recalled a letter viously paid on the surplus freight­ of cargoes available to unsubsi­ it had filed with MARAD last ers now gives them "a substantial dized operators who have already July in opposition to a reported competitive edge" over ships bid competitively for the cargoes move by United States Lines to which have never been subsidized and hold signed shipping agree­ establish a subsidiary to operate and which are competing for the ments.. Moreover, allowing subsi­ its surplus C-2s in the tramp same cargoes. dized liner companies to haul trades. In its latest complaint, Five of the surplus freighters— government-generated cargoes is AMA pointed out that MA ap­ all CI2s—have been approved by an extra compensation which di­ proval "paves the way" for the MARAD for charter to the MSTS rectly hurts the non-subsidized operation of the ships in any un­ after removal from subsidy. These operator because he is almost subsidized service upon the com­ are a part of a total of 17 C-2s totally dependent on such freiyht. pletion of their MSTS charters. which are being replaced by six By approving the charter, the "Thus United States Lines would have the double advantage of operating new vessels with sub­ sidy while at the same time profit­ ing from the subsidy already paid on the older vessels they are re­ placing," AMA declared. The re­ sult of this practice, the organiza­ NEW YORK—Seafarers in all ports started going to the polls tion noted, would be "to pay double subsidy to a selected few" on Friday, November 1, at 9 a.m., as the SIU election period of and defeat the purpose of the Mer­ two months—^November and December—got underway. On the chant Marine Act by seriously inballot are the names of the 54 ^ tional copies of the election sup­ jurving the unsubsidized fleet fully qualified candidates for the plement have been printed so as which makes up two-thirds of the 45 elective Union posts. Ballot­ to provide each candidate with up total merchant marine. ing will continue until Dec. 31. to 100 copies of the supplement The AMA urged that the Mari­ : As an aid to voters, the LOG upon request. time Administration require the printed a special, election supple­ Under the SIU Constitution's subsidized company to. nSffer its ment in its last issue (October 25). surplus vessels for sale on the The supplement contains photo­ provisions covering voting, the open market or put them into the graphs and biographical data sub­ balloting will be conducted on reserve fleet so they will be avail­ mitted by all the candidates, a weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. able to unsubsidized operators. reproduction of the ballot, and the and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to "In this connection," AMA text of the SIU Constitution's pro­ 12 noon from November 1 to De­ visions governing the conduct of cember 31. There will be no bal­ noted, "we would emphasize that the balloting. The same issue of loting on Sundays and legal holi­ we have no desire to deny the use the LOG also contained the Sec­ days. of these vessels to MSTS or to retary-Treasurer's Report on elec­ The 45 elective posts are for preclude their employment in the tion procedures which was sub­ headquarters officers and for commerce of the United States, mitted to, and approved by, the Agents and Patrolmen in the seven but only to assure fair treatment membership at its membership constitutional ports—'New York, to unsubsidized operators who are meetings. Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, As per this report and the ap­ New Orleans, Houston and De­ an indispensable part of the mer­ chant marine." proval of the membership, addi­ troit. SlU Election Gets Underway As Seafarers Begin Voting ••a..';;/ . ^ r Seafarer E. Polise registers with balloting committee before going on to voting booth .to cast his ballot in SIU elections at New York Headquarters. Seated (l-r) are committee members Warren Cassidy, L. Barnes and Charles Hamilton. Michael Lubas (photo, right) was first Seafarer to vote at New York Hall. Balloting began at a brisk pace. J" . NEW YORK—^The oft-repeated claim that union-won wage increases cause inflation has been exploded by a detailed Wall Street Journal analysis of statistics on price and wage increases. It lists hospital service, theater admissions, maid service, auto and property insurance rates and men's haircuts as items that lead the price climb over the past decade. By comparison, it notes, only about 10 percent of those who work as maids, medical personnel, movie house attendants and barbers are union members. Only two percent of insurance em­ ployees are organized, it adds. A second list shows radios, television sets, other appliances and autos as items that have declined in price over the past 10 years "when quality improvements are taken into account." Yet in these industries, the Journal reports, the percentage of union employees is among the highest of any industries, ranging from 33 to 70 percent. The article concludes that the nation's economic records show "that today's inflation, to a remarkable extent, reflects factors that have little direct connection with labor costs." • f 1, .1 i SIU Engineer's Upgradii^ Progrem Adds Three More to LicensedRnnks Three additional Seafarers have graduated from the School of Marine Engineering sponsored jointly by the SIU and MEBA, District 2. All the men received third assistant engineer's licenses. This brings to 288 the number ^ course of instruction provided by of Seafarers who have passed the school. their Coast Guard examinations Llewelyn Dan­ after completing the intensive iels received a third assistant's ; license after sail­ ing in several unlicensed capaci­ ties. The 35-year- i | old seaman was born in Manteo, Daniels N.C., and now makes his home in Wanchese, WASHINGTON — The old N.C. Brother Daniels joined the Liberty ship, Dorothy, formerly SIU in 1953 in the Port of New owned by the SlU-contracted York after serving in the Coast Hudson Waterways Corporation, Guard from 1950 to "1953. JHe will be scrapped by the Recuper- formerly had sailed as first and aciones Submarinas S.A., a Span­ second electrician and second ish corporation, the Maritime Ad­ pumpman. Robert Spinnichio lives in the ministration announced recently. Port of Baltimore. A native of The Dorothy was turned back to the U.S. government by Hud­ that City, he joined the Union son Waterways in exchange for there in 1967. He is 27 years old the reserve fleet vessel General and sailed as oiler prior to receiv­ ing a third assistant's license. James H. McRae. Edmund Len also received a MARAD then offered the ship new third assistant engineer's li­ for sale as scrap and invited bids. cense. A native of New Jersey, The Boston Metals Company of the 26-year-old Seafarer lives in Baltimore acquired the vessel for Passaic, N.J. Brother Len pre­ $58,888. viously sailed as a FOWT. He The final stage of the Dorothy's long career came shortly there­ joined the Union in 1964 in the after when MARAD issued a Port of New York. Engine department Seafarers transfer order approving its sale of the old Liberty by Boston Metals to Eckhardt and Com­ pany, G.m.b.H., a Federal Re­ public of Germany corporation in Hamburg, and also providing for resale of the vessel to the Spanish corporation which will do the actual scrapping. The Dorothy was built by PerSpinnichio Len manente Metals Corporation of Richmond, Calif., and d^tered are eligible to apply for any of the upgrading programs if they are at in June, 1944. Hudson Waterways turned the least 19 years of age and have 18 ship back to the government for months of Q.M.E.D. watchstandthe General McRae under the ing time in the engine department, Ship Exchange Act, which was plus six months experience as passed by Congress in an effort wiper or the equivalent. Those who qualify and wish to to partially upgrade the U.S.-flag merchant fleet -by providing re­ enroll in the School of Marine serve fleet vessels to replace aging Engineering can obtain additional information and apply for the and less desirable ships. course at any SIU hall, or they The McRae is one of four ves­ can write directly to SIU head­ sels obtained by Hudson under the Act. All are being converted quarters at 675 Fourth Avenue in by the Maryland Shipbuilding Brooklyn, New York 11232. The and Drvdock Company under a telephone number is 212-Hyacinth 9-6600. $28 million contract Former SIU Ship To be Scrapped By Spanish Corp. • -f h' );! �November 8, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG A Happy Moment ?- i hi r :|f : ; I 'f 11 $ lUiHi i • f -tI :f' I f ^ ;|.; I • •I ' » (^' , f. V fe • Antonio Garcia receives his first pension check from SlU Welfare Director Al Bernstein, as his wife, Eula, looks on. Garcia was. a Seafarer 30 years, sailing as cook and baker. The Garcias have two sons and a son-in-law in the SlU. They have three other children and 12 grandchildren. Garcia's last ship was the Transyork. Nixon Noses Out Humphrey I In Tight Presidential Race f k: rr Y If ' ii ^. •iv.' 'w • ii'i •^ if' i i'- ' i ' \ f ^ u I ' •' y T-, Page Three President Vetoes Separate MARAD; Efforts to Resume in New Congress WASHINGTON—President Johnson last week used the pocket veto to kill a bill which would have established the Maritime Administration as an independent agency. The move was followed by prompt statements from members of Congress and maritime labor and industry spokesmen that ef­ forts would be renewed in the ^ Edward A. Garmatz (D-Md.), achieved our purpose. We've got­ next Congress to secure early chairman of the House Committee ten both Congress and the public passage of a new bill to achieve on Merchant Marine and Fisher­ convinced we need a new mer­ indepehdence for MARAD. ies, have already indicated that chant marine program." He said On behalf of the nearly seven- they may do so. the bill will be reintroduced in million-member AFL-CIO Mari­ Upon hearing of the President's January—with an excellent chance time Trades Department, MTD action in refusing to sign the bill, of passage. Executive Secretary-Treasurer Magnuson called the action of the Among other "maritime labor Peter M. McGavin issued the fol­ veto "regrettable, but surely not a and industry sources commenting lowing statement: surprise" and noted that "it is con­ on the veto were Page Groton, "We supported this legislation sistent with the divergence of director of the Boilermakers and because we believed that the re- opinion between Congress and the Iron Shipbuilders Marine Council, vitalization of the merchant ma­ present Administration on the best and Alfred Maskin, legislative di­ rine could best be achieved through course to save the merchant ma­ rector of the American Maritime an independent agency. The over­ rine." Association which represents unwhelming majority of the mem­ "We will renew our efforts in subsidized U.S.-flag shipping com­ bers of the House and Senate the coming Congress with a new panies. Groton declared that the shared this view. Administration and attempt to se­ veto indicat :d a lack of real under­ "The pocket veto of H.R. 159 cure a meaningful revitalization standing of the nation's maritime in no way aPers our belief. We program," he added. "If that re­ problems and Maskin reiterated therefore hope that the measure vitalization program will be best the AMA's continued indorsement will be reintroduced in the Ninety- served by an independent agency, of the principle of an independent first Congress, at which time we we will again pursue that course." MARAD. will again work actively for its The President's veto of H.R. Garmatz also vowed to "resume passage." 159 temporarily thwarts the strong the fight" in the next session of The bill was the last measure Congress for a comprehensive, sympathy of both branches of the from the departing Ninetieth Con­ long-range maritime program. He legislature for the measure, which gress to receive presidential action. said he is optimistic "that Con­ was first introduced in the House The application of the pocket veto, gress and the country are ready to in January, 1967, and went which takes effect when the Presi­ help restore the American-flag through months of hearings in dent fails to approve a measure merchant marine as a dominant that body. House passage came in October, 1967, with an over­ within ten days (excluding Sun­ world maritime power." days) of its receipt by him when Senator E. L. Bartlen (D-Alas- whelming vote of 326 to 44. The the Congress has adjourned, ka), chairman of the Senate Mer­ bill then lay dormant in the Senate avoids the necessity of an accom­ chant Marine Subcommittee an­ Commerce Committee while hopes panying veto message. However, nounced: "I am very distressed continued that the Administration White House Press Secretary to learn of the veto. The Con­ would come up with its own, longGeorge Christian stated that the gress gave thorough consideraiton promised. over-all maritime pro­ President's views on the subject to this bill. The judgment of the gram which would be acceptable h-'d been "made clear" in the Congress was that the Maritime to the industry. The nearest thing past. The chief executive was Administration should be inde­ to a program ever presented, how­ known to favor the inclusion of pendent. I wish he had signed ever, was a series of proposals by Transportation Secretary Alan S. MARAD within the Department the bill." of Transportation. Representative Thomas N. Bovd which were clearly to the The veto makes necessary the Downing (D-Va.), said the fact detriment, rather than the benefit, reintroduction of a new bill when that Congress had approved the of the U.S.-flae merchant marine. Following this, in August, 1968, the Ninety-first Congress convenes measure is a clear indication a the Senate Commerce Committee on January 3, 1969. Several key strong American-flag merchant cleared ^he Independent MARAD legislators, including Senator marine program will have broad bill for floor action by a vote of Warren G. Magnuson (D-Wash.), support in 1969. "It's just a step 17 to 1 and final passage came by chairman of the Senate Commerce along the way and a minor one at Committee and Representative that," he asserted. "But we've voice vote during the final hours of the Ninetieth Congress just prior to adjournment. In a neck-and-neck presidential race, one of the closest in the nation's history, Richard M. Nixon nosed out Hubert H. Hum­ phrey, winning an apparent majority of the state electoral votes to make him the next President ^ Oregon Senator Wayne Morse, of the United States. who lost to Robert W. Packwood Some 70 million Americans and Pennsylvania's Senator Jo­ voted, giving both Nixon and seph S. Clark, losing to Richard Huihphrey 43 percent of the pop­ S.-Schweiker. In Florida, Demo­ ular vote. The actual number of crat Leroy CollinsTost to Edwafd votes cast for the candidates at J. Gumey in a contest for the seat press time, with 92 percent of the vacated by retiring Senator George precincts having reported was: A. Smathers. Another Democratic Nix^977729,010,105; Humphrey— retirement, that of Senator Carl ^8,814,284, a difference of 195,- Hayden of Arizona, put Barrj' 821 or less than one percent of Goldwater back into the Senate the ballots. when he defeated Democrat Ro\ Although some area of doubt L. Elson. Senator Daniel Brewster exists, as the LOG goes to press, (D-Md.) was beaten by Charles the outcome appeared to be de­ Mathias. In Oklahoma, a veteran cided when several key industrial Democrat, Senator A. S. Mike states, particularly New Jersey, Monroney lost to Harry Bellmon. California, Illinois and Ohio, were captured by Nixon on the basis Discussing Future of U.S. Fishing Industry of the slimmest possible margins. Late returns from Illinois, a state with 26 electors, clinched the out­ come by giving the Republican candidate a total of 287 electoral votes, 17 more than the necessary majority. Failure of either candidate to win the 270 majority would have projected the selection of the Pres­ ident into the House of Repre­ sentatives. In that eventuality, which happened last in 1825, the outcome would have had to wait until f'le new House met to count the votes on January 6. Wallace, the third party candi­ date, who won five southern states with a total of 45 electoral votes, had stated he would use his elec­ tors for bargaining purposes to achieve his goals. Although the White House was won by the Republicans, the Dem­ ocrats retained a majority in both the Senate and the House, al­ though not without some losses. Republicans picked up two House seats from the Democrats, who retamed their four to three ratio of control They gained five SIUNA Vice Presidents Austin Skinner (left), secretary-treasurer of the New Bedford Fishermen's Senate seats,. leaving the Demo­ Union, and Steve Edney, president of the United Cannery and Industrial Workers of the Pacific, . prjesided/.at a recent meeting of the SlUNA'.s Fish and Cannery. Conference in Boston. The Concrats with a 58-to 42 majority.' .ference discussed a blueprint for action designed to revitalizeThe domestic fishing industry, and a pro­ According: to newspaper re­ ports, among the casualties wefe posed nationwide • coordinating organization composed of eve'ry^'legment of the U.S. fishing industry. S/m Affiliate Signs Contracts At S Camwies TERMINAL ISLAND, Calif. —^The SlUNA-affiliated United Cannery and Industrial Workers of the Pacific have signed new three-year agreements with five West Coast canneries. SIUNA Vice President Steve Edney, presi­ dent of the UCIW, called the agreements, which are basically the same, "one of the best con­ tracts we have negotiated in the past few years." The contracts, with the RalstonPurina Company's Van Camp Sea­ food Division, Star-Kist Foods, California Marine Packing Com­ pany, Pan Pacific Fisheries, and the Harbor Canning Company, will extend through 1971. Among significant gains is a 12pcrcent increase in wages over the next three years, at the rate of four percent per year. Also in­ cluded are provisions for increases in health and welfare benefits, holidgy and vacation pay, and im­ proved working conditions. �Page Four SEAFARERS LOG November 8, 1968 Labor Foes Launch Campaign Coagressnwu Warns of Business Smenr Attadc on NLRB WASHINGTON—Big business foes of the labor act have launched a "highly organized" smear campaign to smash the National Labor Relations Board and weaken the rieht of workers to protection against predatory em­ ployers, the chairman of the House Special Subcommittee on Labor has warned. In a statement published in the Congressional Record, Representative Frank Thompson, Jr. (D-N.J.), charged that promoters of the massive public relations campaign to weaken the law rely on "distortions, half-truths and hyperbole" to mislead and incite the public and help clear the way for an "unprecedented frontal assault" on the NLRB in the next Congress. .Thompson also called attention to a statement by Re­ publican presidenMal candidate Richard M. Nixon prom­ ising, if elected, to appoint a watchdog committee to give him "the facts" on the actions of the NLRB. Nixon's view on what he called "corrective action" against the labor board were printed in the June 1968, issue of the American Craftsman, journal of the Interna­ tional Society of Skilled Trades, an organization not listed as a union in the 1967 union directory of the U.S. Labor Department. "When regulatory commissions and operaHng agencies ignore congressional intent." Nixon wrote, "thev assume legislative rather than administrative functions, thus deny­ ing the will of the American people." Cites President's 'Duty' Nixon said that "it is the duty of the President to pre­ vent or correct this situation." He wrote that, while the courts have "vitally important appellate powers with which we must not interfere," zealous bureaucrats "must not be permitted to use the power of the administrative agencies to subvert the intent of Congress." The Nixon letter had escaped public notice until Thomp­ son called attention to it in his statement to the House. The congressman cited "other indications of where Mr. Nixon stands"—his selection of Robert Stevens, president of J. P. Stevens and Company, the textile giant which has battled unions for years, as an "economic adviser"; his relations with far-right Senator Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.), and his inaccurate condemnation of the California grape boycott by the AFL-CIO farm workers' union as "illegal." Against the background of the "massive public relations program" now under way, Thompson said, Nixon's "guarded promise" to ride herd on the NLRB "can be understood quite clearly." The New Jersey congressman said the responsibility of his Special Subcommittee on Labor has a "continuing con­ cern" with the policies and administration of the labor act. The statute, he said, has "made incalculable contributions to labor harmony and economic progress in the United States." He charged that attacks or the law "in a torrent of speeches, articles and editorials" are c'early designed "to discredit the labor law" and to cast "ugly aspersions" on its administration. He pinpointed the principals in this "destructive drama" as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Reader's Digest, the Wall Street Journal, and publications of other business organizations. Thompson concluded that these attacks "do not re­ veal flaws in the law or its administration," but instead "expose the existence of a highly organized, subtly con­ ceived and purposefully executed public relations cam­ paign to mislead and to incite the public." Intent Is Clear Any doubt of the purpose of the campaign was laid to rest, Thompson asserted, in a speech by Peter J. Pestillo, labor relations manager of the Chamber, who said Sept. 12 that the 1968 election has "particular sig­ nificance for labor law reform" for employers have much at stake "and the time to start protecting that stake is now." How is this to be accomplished? "The public is the key,"'Pestillo said. The same point was made last Jan­ uary, according to Thompson's statement, when NAM Vice President William K. Zinke told an audience: "Before we can take action to introduce legislation seeking major labor law reform, it is necessary to create the kind of favorable public climate which resulted in the Taft-Hartley and Landrum-Griffin acts." Pestillo explained what he had in mind: • Eliminate the NLRB and replace it with a national labor court, or transfer its unfair labor practice cases— about 17,000 every year, and still rising—to U.S. district courts. The effect of this proposal," Thompson said, would be to "cripple and delay" the administration of the labor act. Truth-in-Lending Regulations Set by Fed. Reserve Board WASHINGTON—The Federal Reserve Board has published 60 pages of detailed regulations to implement the Truth-in-Lending Act which Congress passed in May to take effect next July. They will apply to banks, point. savings and loan associations, He would be required also to stores, credit card issuers, auto­ tell how long the transaction will mobile dealers, credit unions, run, how big the down payment finance companies, real estate is, what the finance charge is mortgage brokers — just about when expressed as an annual per­ everyone who lends money or centage rate, what the item would sells on time. cost if paid for in cash, how much The regulations, open for com­ greater the time payment cost will ments until mid-November, will be with the addition of the fi­ be published in their final form nance charge. early next year. The regulations outlaw "fine . Board Vice Chairman J. L. print" when it comes to explain­ Robertson, responsible for draft­ ing the essentials of finance' ing the regulations, also an­ charges. nounced that the board will start Ten-point bold face type— an educational drive covering larger than most newspaper type both consumers and lenders to —is required for the seller's dis­ explain the law and the regula­ closure of the rate of finance tions. , charges, the amount of each pay­ The board said the regulations ment, frequency of payment and provide a "mechanism" for im­ other credit details. proving a customer's knowledge Even larger type—12 point, all of credit and thus "increase his ability to compare the terms in capitals—is specified for a no­ available from various sources of tice telling a person that if he has committed his home as collateral credit." The regulations themselves ap­ in certain types of contracts, he pear clearly designed to let the may back out without penalty at consumer know exactly how any time within three days of his much he is paying for a loan or signing of the contract for credit on a purchase. Standards also are set forth for For instance, the advertiser the advertising of credit terms via who says on the air or in print radio, television, public address that his product can be bought system, handout, leaflets, direct for only a few dollars a month, mail, window di^lay and bill­ won't be allowed to st(^ at that boards. • Reverse dozens of major Supreme Court and ap­ peals court decisions enforcing NLRB rulings. This, Thompson charged, would "deprive employees of a whole range of rights and protections" given them by Congress since 1933. • Limit NLRB remedies fashioned to prevent employ­ ers from violating the law. Thompson said this would "assure the weakness of the law and place a premium on violations." • Reverse NLRB decisions on appropriate bargaining units and thus, Thompson said, "erect steep hurdles over which employees would have to jump" to exercise their "precious right to engage in collective bargaining." • Reserve a series of Supreme Court decisions en­ couraging private labor arbitration and prevent the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia from hearing any labor appeals from outside the District. Against Public Interest "These are merely a few of the drastic proposals which labor law 'reformers' have in mind," said Thompson. "All of them, I believe, are contrary to the public inter­ est. All of them . . . are likely to create unprecedented labor strife in our country." None of the proposals are new but have been consid­ ered by Congress and rejected over the years. They are, according to Thompson, "part of a fat package of antiworker proposals which a 'blue ribbon' committee of the C of C and the NAM have been working on since 1965 in the hope that there will be a change in the Administra­ tion and Congress next year." The subcommittee chairman said he does not question the right of any group to propose legislative changes or to spend "large amounts of their tax-exempt assets" to try to persuade the public to support their views. What he does object to is arguments based on "distor­ tions, half-truths and hyperbole" calculated to mislead the public and Congress and "designed to deprive Amer­ ican workers of basic rights, to weaken the institution of collective bargaining, to jeopardize stable labor relation­ ships and to threaten the health and orderly progress of our economy." No one can mistake the purpose of the Chamber-NAM proposals, Thompson declared—"to strip the American worker of protection which Congress has painstakingly enacted over a period of 35 years." And the Beat Goes On John S. Howell, who recently sailed I in the engine department of the Michigan, has his pulse taken by a .liurse in Bluff Hospital in Yokohama. Brother Howell was hospitalized with, an-infected toe. Kayser Roth Slips As Canadian Units Join With TWUA LONDON, Ontario—^Workers in two Canadian plants of the Kayser-Roth Corporation have chosen to be represented by the Textile Workers Union of Amer­ ica despite "intense opposition" by chain management. TWUA President William Pol­ lock said a hosiery manufacturing unit here voted 71-35 for union representation. The Ontario La­ bor Relations Board certified TWUA as representing a majority of the 40 workers at a KayserRoth tricot knitting and dyeing facility in the same town. Pollock said the victories gave a "decided lift" to the morale of 500 Kayser-Roth employees in Dayton, Tennessee, on strike since May 6 in protest against the com­ pany's refusal to bargain in good faith. The AFL-CIO Executive Coun­ cil at its meeting in September called for support of the strikers by the entire labor movement, and urged consumers to bypass Kay­ ser-Roth products—Supp-Hose, Kayser, Mojud, Phoenix and Schiaparelli women's hosiery, and Esquire, Bachelor's Friend and SuppHose for men. The council described condi­ tions at the struck plant: "Many of the workers make only the fed­ eral minimum wage. Working cmiditions are deplorable." ".i : I V �November 8, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG Lots of Fine Reading M Jifavy Deilares Wettive Control' Over 423 Runaway-Flag Vessels f .ir-. I« I •' I i. ^ Seafarer Reuben Belletty looks over one of the books in the SlU li­ brary at the New York hall. A Seafarer for 27- years, Belletty sails in steward department. Brother Belletty last shipped on the Boston. Upholsterers Win New Pact; End Walkout at Hillenbrand V It' ry-' 'I >• BATESVILLE, Ind.—A spunky local of the Upholsterers took everything the locally-powerful Hillenbrand Industries could fire at it for 18 weeks of a tough strike finally won a better contract here last month. additional paid holiday, a better The strike and a nationwide funeral leave provision, jury duty boycott won with the help of and vacation pay. a labor movement rallied by AFLThe company agreed to put CIO President George Meany, production standards in writing came to an end when members for affected employees and to in­ of UIU Local 525 voted over­ stall a job bidding procedure whelmingly to accept a new, im­ based on seniority. proved company offer. The set­ The settlement provides that tlement achieved most of the goals sought by the 500 strikers since all strikers will get the vacation they began picketing June 2. pay due them under the old con­ tract. The cases of six employees Typical 'Company Town' fired shortly before the strike Descendants of John Hillen­ began, and 30 fired during the brand, who founded this town in strike, will be submitted to bind­ tha-^hjirifig hills of southeast In­ ing arbitration. All court charges diana more than a century ago, will be withdrawn. run the Batesville Casket Com­ UIU President Sal B. Hoffmann pany and the Hill-Rom Hospital Equipmcni' Company, where Lo­ led the negotiations until he be­ cal 525 was on strike. They also came ill and underwent major run the town's only newspaper, surgery. A special committee then its only hotel, its only bank and aided local union negotiators in working out final settlement. its only hospital. The union won general wage Throughout the duration of the increases of 50 cents an hour strike, not a word about it had ap­ over a three-year period and a peared in the local newspaper as raise in the minimum hiring rate police shoved pickets around and from $1.35 an hour to $2. teenagers—barred by Indiana law Other provisions include full from operating machinery because reinstatement of all strikers, im­ of their age—were brought in by provements in pension and insur­ the company as strikebreakers. ance benefits, shortening of the Also, the union reported, private automatic wage progression rate police were hired to harass and from one year to six months, an intimidate the striking workers. SlU WELFARE, VACATION PLANS September 1-September 30, 1968 Number of Benefits Hospital Benefits (Welfare) . .. Death Benefits (Welfare) Disability Benefits (Welfare) . . Maternity Benefits (Welfare) . . Dependent Benefits (Welfare) . (Average: $202.85) Optical Benefits (Welfare) ... Out-Patient Benefits (Welfare) SUMMARY (Welfare) Vacation Benefits (Average: $422.50) Total Welfare, Vacation Benefits Paid This Period . 3,876 31 1,220 36 422 Page Five Amount Paid $ 42,667.21 74,765.53 269,450.00 7,200.00 85,550.37 485 4,551 10,621 1,711 7,323.37 33,224.00 520,180.48 722,905.47 1^332 $1,243,085.95 WASHINGTON—The Navy Department last month officially declared 423 runaway-flag ships, registered under the Liberian, Panamanian and Honduran flags, to be under effective United States control as of March 31, 1968. Among the vessels which the ^ However, experience has shown ating directly under regulations Navy claims can be utilized by 'hat the utilization of such vessels and directives of the United States. this country in the event of a often depends on the owners' in­ Representative William D. national emergency, Liberia has terests rather than the interests Hathaway (D-Me.) recently la­ by far the most with three com­ of the United States. Foreign-flag belled the reliance of the United bination ships, 37 freighters, 93 ships are often used to carry car­ States on foreign-flag registered bulk and ore carriers and 177 goes to Cuba, to North Vietnam vessels in the carriage of importtankers for an aggregate total of or other areas in contravention of export cargoes—particularly those 11,539,000 deadweight tons. this country's national interests. containing strategic materials— Runaway ships under the Pan­ Furthermore, when such a ship "an enormous danger." He also amanian flag total lO-t—adding is in an unfriendly port, "effective pointed out that the fleet of Amer­ up to 3,458,000 deadweight tons. control" becomes practically ican-owned but foreign- registered Honduras brings up the rear with meaningless. vessels is now "larger than the nine vessels of 38,000 deadweight entire American-flag fleet." A Poor Substitute tons. Effective control, so far as the The vast bulk of tonnage under Frequently under time charter Navy is concerned, is an appar­ the flags of these three nations to foreign companies, such ships ent belief that the vessels involved consists of ships owned or con­ can hardly be prevented from pur­ can be pressed into service to trolled by U.S. citizens who are suing the profits of these firms or carry U.S. servicemen and mate­ taking advantaee of the tax in­ the political designs of the for­ riel in an emergency. The cargoes centives offered to runaway ship eign powers which control such wou'd consist of military equip­ operators. As an added bonus, firm. "Effective control" is no ment, food stores, or similar stra­ these owners escape the rigid substitute for American-flag ships, tegic materiel needed for logistic safety standards imposed on ships crewed by Americans, and oper­ support of U.S. armed forces. registered in the U.S. and man them with foreign crews at low wages. This has become so rampant that today Liberia has the world's largest active merchant fleet, most of it composed of recently-built ships. In contrast, the United States-flag fleet accounts for the greatest number of vessels in PASCAGOULA, Miss.—The SlU-contracted Delta Mexico, worldwide shipping which are in 'he 20-year-old or older category. fifth and last of five identical Delta Class cargo shifts built for Delta This indicates where a erowing Steamship Company by Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation, was number of U.S. corporations have launched here last month. ^ all Seafarers and officers. been registering their vessels in The sleek new vessel is 522 All of the five new additions to recent years. feet long, has a beam of 70 feet the Delta fleet were designed for and a deadweight capacity of 13,- ready adaptability to container­ 350 tons. Its bale cubic capacity ized and unitized cargo operations, is 646,860 feet, refrigerated cargo in anticipation of the possibility space is 47,280 cubic feet and of a continuing trend toward inthe liquid cargo capacity is 1,658 termodal transportation systems. long tons. With her 11,660 shaft The Delta Mexico joins the Brazil, horsepower, the vessel can attain a Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay speed of 18.6 knots and in excess which are already in operation. of 20 knots when utilizing total Hugo B. Margain, Mexican power at design draft. Ambassador to the United States "Quick thinking and fast ac­ The cargo-handling equipment was principal speaker at the tion" by Seafarer William Petrino, includes a set of heavy duty gear launching ceremony. He praised saved Chief Engineer S. P. Offen- capable of lifting single loads the harmonious relations between berg from possible serious injury weighing up to 75 tons. The Delta his country and the United States aboard the Seatrain Savannah dur­ Mexico features a bulbous bow for and lauded the efforts of Delta in ing a recent voyage, it was re­ increased speed and fuel economy. promoting trade between Mexico ported to the LOG recently. Also included are multiple hatch and Hemisphere neighbors, par­ Offenberg described the inci­ cargo holds with fast operating ticularly those on the East Coast dent in a letter of commendation hydraulic hatch covers and the lat­ of South America—a trade group he wrote in regard to Petrino. "I est navigation equipment for safety served by a number of ships in had just completed welding re­ and operating efficiency. Delta's fleet. The Delta Mexico pairs on a broken sounding pipe The ship has attractive air- will become one of the vessels and was helping my assistant stow conditioned living quarters for on this trade route. away the welding cable," he wrote. The day was rainy and I was Enjoying Some Good Music soaked with sweat. Suddenly, the cable grounded through me, caus­ ing me to lose all muscle control. All I could do was scream." While he was pierced by elec­ tricity and unable to let go of the cable, Offenberg said Petrino "saw what was happening and instantly hit me with a body block, break­ ing me away frOm the cable. He is to be highly commended for his quick thinking and fast action." Petrino, who is 20 years old, recently earned his FOWT en­ dorsement. A native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., he previously sailed as wiper on the Steel Advocate, Robin Locksley and Seatrain Del­ aware. He is a resident of Glen Craig Gorman, who sails as wiper, listens to music on his portable Rock, N.J. On the Seatrain Sa­ phonograph at the New York hall. Brother Gorman is attend­ ing SlU's Harry Lundeberg school to obtain his FOWT's rating. vannah, he was 8-12 FWT. SlU-Manned Delta Mexico Newest Ship in Latin Trade FWT Bill Petrino Rescues Engineer By ^Qnick Action' �m: Page Six SEAFARERS November 8, 1968 LOG Tlounder' Label for Imported Fish Rescinded After SiUNA Protests Looking Over the Benefits WASHINGTON—Following vigorous protests from SIUNA-affiliated fishermen, the New Bed­ ford Seafood Dealers Association and other domestic fishing industry representatives, the Federal Food and Drug Administration has rescinded its August 13th ruling that would have permitted the labeling of imported turbot ^ as "flounder" or "Northern tember 19th between industry rep­ bert Ley, FDA chief] that an­ resentatives and John K. Kirk, other name is more suitable." flounder." associate commissioner of the Kirk also suggested that some The problem of the FDA's FDA, in the office of Representa­ good, strong information and sug­ turbot-flounder decision arose tive Hastings Keith (R-Mass.). gestions—facts compiled, and put when along with its recent ruling Keith was instrumental in getting in writing for FDA Commissioner that turbot labeled as "Greenland the meeting arranged and also Ley to consider, would be needed Terry Lewis of the deck department looks over a list of Seafarers halibut" was misbranded—a rul­ asked other interested parties to to reverse the FDA's flounder sickness and accident benefits at the Philadelphia hall. Lewis is ing which SIUNA fishermen's un­ attend. ruling. a member of the deck department and a recent addition to SlU. ions fought long and hard to "Good, strong information and Direct Approach achieve—the FDA went on to rule facts," plenty of them, were pro­ During the meeting, Algina vided by SIUNA representatives in its announcement that "the la­ beling of such fish [turbot] shall asked Kirk a pointed question and others at an open hearing bear either the name 'flounder' which received a frank reply: which followed the preliminary or, since the species is caught "What would it take to change meeting held with Kirk. only in circumpolar waters, the the use of the name flounder and The open hearing produced an take this regulation off the Fed­ about-face by the FDA, and the name 'Northern flounder'." Artificial seaweed, which looks so real it attracts fish and other eral Register?" ruling which would have permitted' Quick Reaction marine life into previously barren waters, is being used in a scien­ Kirk answered, "simply con­ the labeling and sale of turbot as The reaction of domestic fish­ tific test to prevent beach erosion. ermen was swift, and to say the vincing Commissioner Ley [Her­ flounder, has been put aside. Conceived by scientists of the least, one of consternation and National Aeronautics and Space disbelief. After working so tena­ Administration, the experiment ciously to prove to federal offi­ is underway at the Wallops Island, cials that the sale of imported turbot labeled as "Greenland Va., station—one of NASA's halibut" was a misrepresentation launching facilities—and initial and a misuse of the name hali­ results have raised hopes the proj­ but—the long awaited victory was ect will be highly successful. By Sidney MargoIIus being soured by an interpretation The artificial seaweed actually of the species, which would per­ is orange-colored fronds attached pay in advance—when they calculate their losses. Insurance Rates Soaring Higher mit the sale of turbot labeled as by rings to a frame that is "^plant­ Thus, when their claims payouts increase by $1, flounder. Homeowners all over the country, already try­ the companies ask for rate increases of $2. One ed" on the sea floor. Scientists ing to cope with rising property taxes and mort­ dollar is for the actual increase in losses, and the SIUNA Vice Presidents James claim that these frames will create gage-increases, are complaining about increases of other dollar is for the increased selling commis­ Ackert and Austin Skinner, along an underwater drag that will 26 to 71 percent on home insurance as their poli­ sions and administrative expense. with SIUNA Representative Jo­ cause sand particles suspended cies come up for renewal. seph Alaina, working together in shallow water to fall to the Up to now families have not been as sensitive with Howard Nickerson. executive One Illinois resident reports that his three-year to the price of home insurance as to auto insur­ bottom and remain there. director of the New Bedford Sea­ homeowner policy has been boosted from $103 to ance. Home insurance has always seemed cheap in If the idea works as expected, scientists said, the buildup of food Dealers Association, and $175.90. an increase of 71 percent. comparison to auto rates, and many families pay sand offshore should protect the other industry representatives, de­ A New Jersey family reports that its homeowner for it a little at a time along with their monthly shoreline. cided to seek a meeting with FDA mortgage payments. This installment system of insurance has been raised from $47 to $72 a officials in Washington. paying tends to conceal the true cost. A mile-long test area has been year. Another family found its premium for But the recent drastic increases have aroused set up at the south end of the three years has been increased from $60 to $290. A preliminary hearing, chaired island. Here the frames, i^ich Still another had theirs increased to $276 from more concern than has ever been observed before. by Nickerson, was held on Separe about eight by 20 feet, are $189. In New York and other states, homeowners The main part of the solution to this problem fitted with the six-foot-long have just suffered another increase—of two to 15 really rests with the state insurance departments. fronds. The frames are weighted percent in various areas—on top of other hikes in This is the need to reduce the percentage taken by and then dropped from a barge recent years. insurers for selling and administration. in water—8 feet deep—s<Mne 600 "In the near future it will be almost impossible There are only two or three ways you can re­ to 800 feet offshore. Hie frames for a young couple to afford a home," Mrs. Alice duce costs yourself. One is to shop for a lowerare in different shapes and are Faller, writes. "My husband's salary does not in­ rate company. The other is to take as high a de­ being "planted" in various pat­ crease with the cost of living. What with the realductible as you can get, so that you pay, for SAN FRANCISCO—Harry terns to determine which is the estate tax increases, now the insurance costs, plus example, the first $100 of any damage yourself. Jorgensen, previously Port Agent most effective. the recent surtax, we are getting mighty disgusted. There is no need to insure yourself against of San Francisco for the SUINAThree years ago we were fortunate in getting a small damage which you usually can manage to In the fall of 1967, 68 frames affiliated Marine Firemen's Union, 5V2 percent mortgage loan. Now such loans have pay yourself. You pay disproportionately more were put down in the shape of has been unanimously elected vice been increased to seven percent with talk of going for full insurance, since it costs an insurance com­ a "V" and have been checked president to fill the vacancy created to eight percent." quarterly. pany almost as much in administrative expense to by the sudden death of Alex JarThat's all too true. In fact, mortgage rates al­ settle a small claim as a large one. You can save Earlier tests in other areas rett in September MFOW Presi­ ready are as much as eight percent in some cities as much as 30-40 percent by choosing the maxi­ showed that after the artificial dent William W. Jordan announc­ such as Milwaukee. mum deductible. seaweed had been submerged for ed last month. some time, it shrank to half its On the insurance, what has happened is that You also may be able to find a lower-rate com­ original length but ballooned out there have been several increases in many areas pany. You do not have to place your insurance Jorgensen, 47, has belonged to to twice its original width, taking during the past three years. Homeowners now re­ through the mortgage company or other lender. the Marine Fireman's Union for on the appearance of underwater newing their three-year policies are having to pay Moreover, there really is no such thing as a 25 years. Prior to serving as tumbleweed. the accumulated increases. "standard" rate. There are so-called "bureau" San Francisco Port Agent he had The orange fronds float under There has been a tendency to blame the rate rates established by regional rating bureaus to been Port Agent in Seattle and water much the same as real sea­ which some companies belong. But many mutual increases on recent riots. One reader who had before that was a patrolman in weed does and attract barnacles, gone to several companies to get competitive rates, insurance companies and other independent com­ San Francisco. wa^er blisters and various sea and found increases by most, writes: "The opinion panies charge 10 to 25 percent less than the bu­ The elections were held over a ferns. It was also discovered that seemed to be that someone had to pay for the riot­ reau rates. Even some of the bureau members now week's period at the Union's six ing and arson, and that this has been shouldered on are more competitive on homeowner policies. numerous fish were found at the to all policyholders regardless of where they live." regional headquarters. Jorgensen If your present insurance is a one-year policy, artificial reef installations where was unopposed in «his bid for This, however, is wholly untrue. A riot-insurance you can save by changing to a three-year payment. fish had been notably absent in surcharge of $1 a year per policy has been imposed If you have only fire and windstorm insurance plus office. Jack Hatton has been ap­ previous years. in many cities. But according to the Insurance some separate policies for other risks, you can pointed to fill Jorgensen's former Use of the artificial seaweed Information Institute, the increases in property- save by combining all in a homeowner policy. This post as San Francisco Port Agent. is the latest attempt by man to insurance are due mainly to increased costs of re- will cover fire, windstorm, other damage, plus offset the ravaging destruction of liability (except auto), theft and other forms of paring damages to homes. beaches by the pounding sea. Re­ The further fact is that the property-insurance protection. cently, auto wrecks and old You may, for example, own a boat and carry industry is a high-expense business, and even worse Christmas trees have been em­ than the auto-insurance companies in its low pay-« separate liability insurance on it. This could be ployed to halt erosion but with­ out. Property-insurance companies pay out only included in the liability portion of a homeowner out noticeable success. Officials policy. about 50 cents of the premium dollar—the dollar in otheT areas will be closely you pay. The rest goes to selling and administra­ Incidentally, on boats and other possessions on tive expenses, apd profits. Moreover, as in auto which you may carry insurance, taking the largest watching the Wallops Island ex­ insurance, the insurers do not count their earnings deductible available can cut the cost as much as periment as a possible solution on investments—in large part the premiums you half. to the erosion problem. Boffus Seaweed Attraets Fish; Also Asts as Erosion Deterrent j' : YOUR DOLLAR'S WOR^ Seafarer's Guide to Better Buying Jorgensen Elected MFOWYlcePres. ELECTION LN0KITODEC.3I �November 8, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven i \\ I. 1, Supreme Court Throws Out Second J.P. Stevens Appeal WASHINGTON—^The nation's most notorious union-busting firm— J. P. Stevens and Co.—has lost another round in the U.S. Supreme Court. The nation's highest court refused to consider the company's appeal from a National Labor Relations Board finding that the Stevens firm had engaged in flagrantly illegal conduct to smash a union organizing drive in the Carolinas. It was the second time within a year that the high court in effect upheld NLRB findings that the big textile chain—a major U.S. govern­ ment contractor—engaged in "massive" unfair practices to punish and discourage employee activity on behalf of the Textile Workers Union of America. In Stevens No. 2 case, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, New York City, had ordered enforcement of an NLRB finding 18 months ago that Stevens officials in North and South Carolina plants were guilty of: • Firing employees for their union activity. • Punishing union supporters, spying on them, threatening them, discriminating against them and otherwise interfering with their right to engage in organizational actiivty. The latest case involves 17 workers fired in 1964 for joining TWUA, and one employee fired for testifying as a government witness at an NLRB hearing. The NLRB, and the 2nd Circuit judges ordered Stevens to rehire the 18 workers, give them backpay for their wage losses and stop its terroristic drive to destroy their legal rights. That order now can be enforced. In a similar case, called Stevens No. 1, the Supreme Court previously let stand an order finding the giant chain guilty of illegally firing 71 other workers in 1963 and intimidating others to destroy any vestiges of union organization in 20 Carolina plants. Stevens complied with this latter order by offering reinstatement to 69 surviving victims. In the wake of the latest Supreme Court action, the TWUA called on the National Labor Relations Board to institute contempt proceedings against the Stevens firm for its continuing violation of the law "in the face of court decisions directing the company to cease and desist from such actions." TWUA President William Pollock told newsmen that "the normal processes of justice apparently have no effect on J. P. Stevens. What is apparently needed to bring this company to its senses are fines and im­ prisonment for contempt of court orders." Three other charges against the Stevens firm are pending on appeal. They grew out of the company's continuing union-smashing actions in the iface of NLRB and court orders that it obey the law. Stevens carried the first two Appeals Court rulings to the high court in challenges to the unusual remedies devised by the labor board to force the chain to stop breaking the law. In Stevens No. 2, the firm is now under these orders: • Give union representatives for a one-year period "reasonable ac­ cess" to all plant bulletin boards. ,m;Jlead the board's order to all its employees at meetings called during working hours. • Mail a copy of the NLRB order to all employees in the company's Carolina plants, and post copies asserting that Stevens will obey the law and stop its illegal actions. The largest convention in the history of the Georgia State AFLCIO—more than 500 delegates— elected new officers in Savannah last month and adopted a legisla­ tive program headed by a call for a state $1.25 minimum wage. Georgia presently does not have any state wage-hour law. Jim Moore, a member of the painters, who has been secretary of the state central body, was elected presi­ dent, succeeding the late W. H. Montague, Sr. The convention also called on the state legislature to pass a collective bargaining law for public employees and to ex­ empt the elderly from state per­ sonal property tax. * « * Secretary of State Dean Rusk installed Louis Stulberg, president of the Ladies' Garment Workers, as a member of the U.S. delegation to the 23rd General Assembly of the United Nations at ceremonies in the U.S. mission headquarters last month. President Johnson named Stulberg to the delegation, on which three other labor leaders had served previously. They are AFL-CIO President George Meany, President 1. W. Abel of the Steelworkers and George M. Harrison, AFL-CIO vice president and former head of the Railway Clerks. * * * Hyman Blumberg, 82, who helped found the Clothing Work­ ers and was one of its top leaders since 1916 died in New York last month. Blumberg's final ill­ ness caused him to miss ACWA's June convention in Miami Beach but he was renominated and re­ elected in a nationwide referen­ dum completed in September. He had been ACWA's executive vice president since 1946. Bom in Lithuania, Blumberg came to this country in 1890. He quit school at 12 to work as a pocket-maker in Baltimore and later became a union organizer. He was 24 when elected to his first union office. • * • Marie V. Downey, 52, director of publications for the Interna­ tional Brotherhood of Electrical Workers since 1955, died in Wash­ ington last month following a short illness. Miss Downey, also man­ aging editor of the Electrical Workers Journal, served in her capacities as a special assistant to IBEW President Gordon M. Free­ man, who recently retired, and his successor, Charles H. Pillard. The Next Four Years ...? > As the heat of the 1968 election campaign slowly cools, we come face to face with the reality that the voting is over and that Rich­ ard M. Nixon will be the next President of the United States.. What will this mean to the American peo­ ple, the vast majority of whom are working men and women and their families? The self-proclaimed "new" Nixon, as President, will have to be judged by his conduct of that awesome office. At the same time, labor, without ever lowering its guard, must continue to press its program even more vigorously for a better America—for solu­ tion of the critical problems of the cities, of poverty and racism, and for economic prog­ ress and peace—the latter now hopefully closer to reality following President John­ son's cessation of bombing missions over North Vietnam. The need continues for vital and progres­ sive laws to heal the nation's ills—to elimi­ nate poverty and ignorance, to provide a -valued stake for every American in the social order, no matter how humble—and for suffi­ cient funds to make these laws into function­ ing instruments for meaningful and measur­ able progress. The need continues, as well, for working people to achieve more security and a more equitable share in the abundance of our great country. The great buttressing of individual liberties begun by the Supreme Court must not be allowed to die because of the unrealistic fears of the ill-informed. In our own more specific realm of the merchant marine, the need continues, also, to re-launch the fight for an independent MARAD, to create within the new Admin­ istration a realization of the necessity for an over-all maritime program which will at long last be based on the very real fact that .our country must have a merchant fleet— under the American flag—second to none in the world. We would also hope that the new administration will recognize that max­ imum carriage of U.S. export-import cargoes 1- f by a strong U.S.-flag fleet is the strongest possible medicine for lagging economic com­ petition with the Soviet Union and the best tool yet for overcoming our worsening bal­ ance of payments deficit. We are fully aware of the dangers posed by the forces which backed Nixon—the big business, big profit, "trickle downers" whose design for America has always been the fat­ tening up of the elite managerial and execu­ tive class while dangling the carrot of future promise to the working class backbone of America that adequate benefits will seep through to them eventually. These are the people who have already begun the most massive attack on labor seen in many years, who are intensifying their drives to smear and weaken the National Labor Relations Board, to write more "right to work" laws, to destroy the effectiveness of the trade union movement. The future climate of America, however, will be built by many forces and the workers will have to mount a stronger-than-ever offense to make their voices loud enough to be heard and counted. They can do this best by rallying behind their unions and insuring that the full strength of their numbers will be felt. In this task, the democratic coalition —with a small "d"—must be revitalized, and stronger alliances forged, with the underprivilaged minorities who have been left waiting to the point of desperation. We hope Richard Nixon will grow in his new job, that he will become the President of all the people, that he will become more responsive to the needs of the "little guy." We hope also that he will carry out the pledge of the Republican platform to revital­ ize the American merchant marine—^with American-built ships manned by American seamen. In the meantime, our best guarantee for future growth is not a "watch and wait" pos­ ture but, rather, a renewed determination to strengthen the voices of labor as they con­ tinue to cry out for progress. . ll �Page Eii^t November 8, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG 'Appointed Politiios' Cited as Cause landing Flap' Prmdple Of Fleet's 'Galloping Obsolescense' Proposed to Brake Tankers Giant tankers of the future may come equipped with braking WASHINGTON—Edwin M. Hood, president of Shipbuilders Council of America, has ascribed flaps if the recommendation of two European naval architects is the "galloping obsolescence" of the American merchant marine not to Congress, but to "appointed taken up by tank ship operators. politicos" within the Executive Branch of the government. Professor H. E. Jaeger of the Technological University of No matter who becomes the ^ Delft, the Netherlands, and M. Jourdain, director of the French proved the falsity of reliance on ing power, we have dropped from Shipbuilding Research Institute of Paris, claim that large vessels, next President of the United foreign shipyards for building first to ninth position; the Russians especially the supertankers, need the flaps for shorter emergency States, one of his prime tasks ships—the costs of which were have now moved into number crash stops. will be "the development of an to be borne by the U.S. treasury. seven position." They proposed the use of flaps, similar to landing flaps on jet appropriate policy and the execu­ And it has been the Congress "That sea power for America airplanes, because the headreach or stopways of such large tank­ tion of appropriate programs to which has consistently "sounded must be replenished and strength­ ers have become "quite impracticably long." Distances of more ensure that the Soviet Union will the alarm with respect to Soviet ened by the next Administration than three mije? have been measured, they said, while trying to not gain mastery of the seas," Russia's growing strength on the is all too apparent," Hood said. stop tankers on a straight course by putting the ship's engines Hood told a meeting sponsored oceans." into reverse. Also Addresses Navy League late last month by the nearly Pointing out that the Russians In a paper titled "The Braking of Large Vessels," presented seven-million-m ember AFL-CIO have been building many more In an earlier speech along the recently at the 75th anniversary meeting of the Society of Naval Maritime Trades Department. merchant ships than the U.S., same lines to the Navy League Architects and Marine Engineers, the authors told of installing While noting that both major Hood furnished statistics showing of the United States in Erie, braking flaps on a ship model for testing in a towing tank. parties included in their respec­ that, as of May, 1968, the U.S.S.R. Pennsylvania, Hood also pointed The flaps were hydrodynamic brakes and tests showed the tive platforms "words of good was constructing 448 ships com­ out that Soviet maritime capacity braking power of the flaps was "considerable," according to the omen" for the U.S. merchant ma­ pared to 58 being built in the in both merchant marine and paper. rine, Hood indicated that, rather United States. For the past several naval areas soon threatens to out­ Tests Show Results than words, "effective action, by years new ship deliveries to the strip that of the United States. For instance, a ship with flaps can be stopped within about well-equipped people, and rational Russian merchant fleet "have out­ Claiming that high U.S. gov­ 4,600 feet or in less than half the distance for a vessel without programs" are what is needed. paced U.S. deliveries by nearly ernment officials have minimized the device, the tests indicated. Also, a ship with flaps at the 8 to 1," he stated, leading to the the Russian build-up on the high 'Empty' Promises normal service speeds of 16 knots would have the same stopping fact that today's Soviet fleet com­ seas, he described this position as conditions as a conventional ship at eight knots. The SCA president decried the prises ships of which 80 percent an "hallucination." Jaeger and Jourdain explained the stopping conditions of large fact that the 90th Congress has are less than ten years old. In con­ Charging that these officials vessels in general, and giant tankers in particular, "have a pre­ adjourned and "there is still no trast, 80 percent of the vessels in have failed to assign the proper carious character," because for an initial speed of 16 knots at the clear direction" as to what the the American merchant marine priority to our maritime capabil­ full load, the stopping time is about 15 minutes and the stopway nation's future national sea power are 20 years old or older. In the ity, Mr. Hood pointed out that about 13 ship lengths. policy will be. "This uncertainty past 18 years more than 1,000 ". . . while the Russians have been An important improvement in the conditions for stopping, is not new," he commented. "For ships have been added to the putting together a merchant ma­ the experts stated, could be achieved through the flaps, which most of the last two decades, a Russian merchant marine while rine which already exceeds the could ^ used in all circumstances. similar phenomenon—an oddity the U.S. fleet has decreased by American fleet in numbers of ships On tankers, the flaps can be extended from the underwater of alarming proportions—has pre­ 1,000 in the same period. and within a relatively short time body and would remain retracted and form part of the vessel's vailed." The promises and assur­ "Yet, there have been those in will surpass us in tonnage, those hull when not in use. And when extended the flaps would remain ances of the present Administra­ high government posts who have responsible for our maritime pol­ within the sectional projection of the mid-ship section, the au­ tion have proven "empty," he de­ regularly downgraded the aggres­ icy have seemingly been oblivious thors suggested. clared. Major blame for the down­ sive, steadily expanding buildup of to all that has been taking place." grading of the need for more ef­ Russian strength on the oceans," fective sea power, and the updat­ Hood charged. "They have ridi­ ing of the merchant marine, was culed any suggestion that the So­ iltiintie^ Gul# & inland Wartters Dlftrlct^ • .. •• : r:;..,.-:-ff placed by Hood on former Sec­ viets have any ulterior motives of October 18 to October 31,1968 retary of Defense Robert S. Mc- using sea power to enhance for­ Namara. DECK DEPARTMENT eign policy objectives or to sup­ Senators and congressmen on port psychological, political and REGISTERED on BEACH TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED both sides of the political aisle economic warfare, and this nega­ All Groups All Groups All Groups "have regularly championed pro­ tive atti'ude continues to linger." Port Class A Class B Class A Class B Class A Class B Class C grams to assure that the United 9 5 One of the stated purposes of Boston 0 2 2 1 1 111 171 43 16 45 37 45 States possesses, at all times, under the Russian merchant marine is New York 20 24 3 3 7 7 5 all kinds of circumstances, sea to "constrain the expansion of cer­ Philadelphia 36 91 9 28 22 21 16 Baltimore power capabilities of appropriate tain capitalist s'ates in world Norfolk 27 27 6 4 8 8 5 quality and quantity which are shipping," the SCA executive ex­ Jacksonville 17 18 9 7 3 10 7 9 10 0 2 1 3 6 commensurate with the role of plained. "There can be no doubt Tampa 56 21 20 8 23 20 14 world leadership thrust upon us that 'expansion' of the American- Mobile 83 104 37 6 31 37 New Orleans 51 since World War II," he pointed flag merchant marine in world Houston 96 151 29 10 29 70 34 1 32 out. "The resistance has for shipping has been 'constrained' for Wilmington 29 21 25 24 23 10 68 60 46 31 64 18 the most part come from the ap­ several years. Our ships are now San Francisco ... 4 39 6 19 28 7 25 pointed politicos in the executive carrying about five percent of our Seattle 442 798 262 148 Totals 240 300 287 agencies." own trade and commerce by vol­ It was the Congress which fo­ ume. As Russia has moved ahead, ENGINE DEPARTMENT cused needed attention on the the United States has dropped REGISTERED on BEACH TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED deficiencies in our merchant ship­ from first to fifth position as a All Groups ping fleet, he said. The Congress maritime power. As a shipbuildClass A Class B Class A Class B Class A Class B Class C New SlU Pensioner I • to iiji,: Nikodem Olen receives first pension check from SlU Rep. Arnie Braitman at the New York hall. A bosun, he joined the SlU in 1944. He lives in Chatham, N. J., and his last vessel was the La Salle. Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco ,.. Seattle Totals 2 33 5 15 5 5 2 13 32 22 17 41 13 205 1 60 6 12 11 10 4 21 50 42 12 48 12 289 0 27 3 15 4 3 3 22 20 23 15 39 15 189 1 72 5 14 6 11 1 34 47 26 18 36 12 283 0 20 3 12 3 5 1 0 4 17 30 49 14 158 STEW.ARD DEPARTMENT TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups All Groups Class A Class B Port Class A Class B Class C 0 1 1 Boston 1 1 31 24 35 22 New York 19 7 2 6 Philadelphia 4 1 19 9 16 9 Baltimore 12 Norfolk 1 6 3 2 7 Jacksonville 4 6 4 6 8 Tampa 1 1 2 1 1 Mobile 16 13 16 18 10 New Orleans 40 34 19 23 0 Houston 26 27 26 10 3 Wilmington 16 8 10 8 11 San Francisco ... 33 79 76 44 25 11 Seattle 9 8 11 6 Totals 210 206 179 195 109 6 108 16 40 12 14 6 32 70 97 16 50 18 485 3 140 16 51 23 21 11 28 91 102 3 8 10 507 REGISTERED on BEACH All Groups Class A Class B 3 4 68 105 17 11 29 67 21 18 8 14 5 8 20 39 48 91 67 lOV 2 19 43 46 3 22 331 654 �s' points to make to ${U Patroiman'^P^ Lpfettisr vrhd listiani at^ Loletus'and Herman Bbyce ff^f), wild sailed as engine icieparfment during the trip in from Oregon.^ TO went along smoothly; 1 ii V m �Page Ten SEAFARERS Insure Free Emergency Care, SIU Company Will Convert Public Health Service Urges C-4 Troopship WASHINGTON—Although most Seafarers have copies of its book­ let, Medical Care for Seamen, the U.S. Public Health Service has noted in several recent cases that the families of Seafarers are often not aware of the proper steps to be taken in the event of sudden illness or injury where a USPHS facility is not available and emergency treatment is required. Since this is especially true for families of Seafarers who do not live in port areas, the Public Health Service last week issued a reminder on the procedure necessary in the event of such emergencies. The Public Health Service will, it pointed out, assume the cost of emergency medical care obtained from other sources only under the following circumstances: • When a seaman is too ill or badly injured to travel to a Public Health Service facility, the seaman or someone acting in his behalf should request authorization from the nearest Public Health Service Hospital, outpatient clinic or outpatient office. When the Public Health Service is satisfied that the seaman is eligible and that his condition is a true emergency, it will grant authority for the requested care. • Request for .authorization must be made immediately when the seaman seeks treatment. This is important. Use of telephone or tele­ graph facilities provide the most prompt consideration of the request. No consideration can be given to requests received after discharge from the hospital. This information, along with a listing of Public Health Service hos­ pitals and clinics,, is contained in the booklet, Medical Care for Seamen. It is suggested that Seafarers determine which Public HeaPh Service facilities are nearest their homes and give the address to their families —along with instructions that they should contact the facility immedi­ ately should he ever be hospitalized or need emergency hospitalization in a non-Public Health Service facility. Copies of the booklet are available at any SIU hall or from the nearest Public Health Service facility. November 8, 1968 LOG BALTIMORE —The World War II troopship General A. W. Brewster will be converted into a container vessel at Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Key Highway yard here for the SlU-contracted SeaLand Service, Inc. the company announced recently. Towed here this month from the West coast, the C-4 troopship was recently acquired by Sea-Land from the Federal reserve fleet. The estimated value of the contract is between $5 and $6 millions and the work required to convert the 523-foot vessel is expected to take about six months. The complete mid-ship section of the Brewster will be stripped and converted in­ to spaces for container storage. When completed, the Brewster will be renamed the Philadelphia and be able to carry 360 boxes of Sea-Land's preferred 35-foot length. Other major work to be per­ formed will include the installa­ tion of a new, stream-lined stack, construction of new, air-condition­ ed quarters for the crew, removal of existing cargo-handling gear and replacement of the existing concrete ballast with 4,800 tons of drilling mud ballast. AFL-CIO Demands Benefits For Heart Disease Patients CHICAGO—Justice to workers requires that heart disease be compensable under state workmen's compensation laws, an AFLCIO spokesman told an American Heart Association meeting here <»recently. Furthermore, he noted, that in James R. O'Brien, assistant calculating the premiums for director of the AFL-CIO De­ workmen's compensation covage, partment of Social Security, spoke "insurance carriers do not con­ on the subject at the invitation of sider whether or not an employer the AHA's conference on stress, has Workers who are afflicted with strain and heart disease. heart disease." He voiced the AFL-CIO's "dis­ He cited statistics showing that tress" at what appears to be "a heart disease "is not the problem calculated effort by special interest or menace to workmen's compen­ groups to eliminate payment of sation systems" it is alleged to be. compensation in the majority of Annual reports of state compen­ heart cases among workers." sation agencies, though limited in This effort, he pointed out, goes availability, show that in some on despite the fact that state legis­ states less than one-tenth of 1 per­ latures continue to specify heart cent of workmen's compensation disease as a compensable injury cases involve heart disease, O'­ and courts, lawyers and doctors Brien said. "support this position." Even granting that heart disease O'Brien hit out particularly at is increasing, compensability employers and insurance compan­ should be decided on whether a ies for trying to "raise fear in the worker's occupation contributed public mind" that heart disease to his disease and layoff, O'Brien coverage will cause companies to said. refuse to hire workers with a heart If heart cases are denied cover­ disease record. age per se, he noted, "there is no "An employer does not have to pay a higher premium if he em­ rationale for not eliminating" ploys persons with heart disease," many other chronic diseases which O'Brien pointed out, "whether offer difficulties in determining these persons have a higher ac­ their casual relationship to being off the job. cident rate or not." Lusitania and Andrea Doria Stamp Salvage Specialists The Italian liner Andrea Doria (right) is shown steaming up the Hudson. She later was sunk in the Atlantic just off Nantucket Island, July 26, 1956, after collision with the S. S. Stockholm. Shown above is a broadside view of the Cunard liner Lusitania, sunk off Kinsale, the southeast tip of Ireland. >• i • l'. g' When torpedoes from German U-boats tore into the passenger ship Lusitania and sent 1198 defenseless per­ sons to their graves in 1915, the German government claimed that the ship was carrying military supplies and that the deadly attack was therefore justified. The Amer­ ican and British governments angrily refuted that accu­ sation, and America moved a step closer to entering World War I. Soon the full truth may be proven. A 20-man salvage team, under the direction of noted deep-sea diver John Light and a Wellesley Mass., businessman, Roger Han­ son, is in the process of culling the truth of the sinking— and a fortune—from the aged hulk. Bit by bit, the salvors will resurrect parts of the ship from its 315-foot-deep resting place beneath the waves 18 miles off the Irish coast. They do not intend to neglect history. Any shred of evidence could finally resolve the' yet-disputed question as to whether or not the Lusitania did make itself the legitimate prey of German warships by carrying munitions. However, neither do Hanson and Light intend to ignore the practical value of what the Lusitania holds. They will focus their efforts on retrieving copper ingots, presently valued at $200,000; on gunmetal trim, the primary base of the vessel, valued at $700,000 when melted down; and on an estimated $70,000 from the ship's propellers. In addition, they expect to bring up such items as metal andirons, hardwood furniture which, even after all these years, should be "still in good shape," and 1,000 portholes "which can be converted into attractive coffee tables." Light, who has been in Ireland since 1959, has already made 37 dives to the Lusitania in preparation for this new venture, and has retrieved many artifacts from the vessel. All these objects were "reasonably clean," he re­ ported, and needed only a slight sandblasting to remove marine growth. The diving operation will be carried out in bells from a base ship capable of hoisting 17-ton loads, and parts of the Lusitania will be removed with the use of explo­ sives. Light has also participated in dives to ^he sunken Italian liner Andrea Doria off Massachusetts' Nantucket Island, and to Spanish galleons off the Florida coast. Surveying Andrea Dmia The Andrea Doria, which took the lives of 51 persons when it sank after colliding with the Swedish Liner Stockholm in the fog, may soon be the subject of a sal­ vage operation as well as of a movie if Bruno Vailati has his way. Vailati, an Italian television producer-director and amateur oceanographer, plans to make the first major survey of the sunken vessel and record the findings on film to determine the feasibility of a salvage operation. He may prepare the film for television, he said. Vailati explained that his group, composed of four Italians and one American, will spend two weeks con­ ducting the survey of the 30,000-ton ship which now lies 280 feet beneath the Atlantic Oceitn. But he is apparently not interested in the estimated $6 million which the salvage operations might net him. Regarding it as "blood money," Vailati commented, "I'm not interested in that kind of money." The $29-million vessel took down with it an estimated $1.6 million worth of jewels, $1 million worth of gold bullion, priceless paintings, $25,000 worth of vermouth, and—for what it's worth—five tons of provolone cheese. Of all these items, many valuables are believed to be wellpreserved in safes and other air-tight storage areas. As for the paintings on this vessel, which came to be known as a "floating museum of modem art," an under­ water salvage expert with the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., Mendel Peterson, remarked, "I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that there's a good chance of finding paintings and other fragile objects in better condition than the ship's metal." The main concern for Vailati, however, is \that his unique venture will advance the technology of under­ water recovery, and will attract financing because "it would be the greatest recovery in history." The expedition will also determine the feasibility of using sea-labs, such as those developed for the United States Navy, in which workers could live while prepar­ ing the hulk for flotation. Last month yet another 14-man diving team headed by Alan Krasberg of Annapolis, Maryland, was preparing, to use its own experimental undersea salvage tank for investigating the salvage possibilities of the Doria. The tank. Early Bird, is 10 feet square by six feet deep and permits two men to live and work for up to a week at a time on the ocean floor. The information derived from this study, Krasberg said, would be offered for sale to a salvage company. �INovember 8, 1968 A New Anti-Union Dodge: 'Witchcraft' Won Election SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico—Add "witchcraft" to the reasons an employer can think up for objecting to an election won by a union. The regional director for the National Labor Relations Board found the charge so unusual that he made public a "white paper" on witchcraft filed here by General Cigars de Utardo along with objections to a representation election won by the Machinists in the mountain village of Hato Key. The cigar firm wants the election set aside. It asked the NLRB to hold hearings into such mysterious goings-on. For example, the company charged that a female employee who was an JAM leader came to work one morning with a bottle containing a "magic potion which would cast a spell on the employees." The potion, she reportedly said, had been pre­ pared by a remarkable "espiritista" or sorcerer with magical powers. Smelling it or rubbing a bit on the forehead and neck would have the effect of "nullifying the will of the employees" to vote in any other way than for the JAM, the employer charged. The company cited other unusual happenings: "exactly the minute that the election began, a heavy rain started to fall and the skies turned black;" "some employees felt terribly ill while in the process of voting, but the illness disapeared after they voted;" others reported that "a short time after they left the voting area they just didn't know which way they had voted." Summing up, the company said the "laboratory conditions" required by the NLRB for a valid election were "completely destroyed" by these occult shenanigans. Attached to its list of objections was a 13-page report on the history and practice of witchcraft in Latin lands. The Machinists members greeted a reading of the charges "with great hilarity and derision." They told the NLRB they won fair and square. Not once, said lAM Representative Juan Maldonado, did he ride a broom from San Juan to Hato Rey. He always drove a Ford, he claimed. Labor EJucation is 'Powerful' Too! Of Freedom, AIFLD Graduates Told SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven Twelve Additional Seafarers Join Ever Growing SlU Pension List The names of twelve more Seafarers have been added to the list of those men collecting an SIU pension after completing their seagoing careers. The latest additions to the roster are: Carl Hudgins, Adolph Mauriello, Karl Treimann, Aneus Olson, Robert Phifer, Edward Lamb, Estal Potts, Thomas Thompson, Earl Haskins, Hugh ^ Williams, Stanley Matthews and Robert Pinnock. Carl Hudgins last sailed for the Pennsylvania Rail Road. He joined the Union in the Port of Norfolk. A native of Mathews County, Virginia, Carl makes his home in Norfolk with his wife, Doris. Adolph Maurjello sailed as a deckhand. Employed by the Bal­ Haskins Thompson Pinnock Potts timore and Ohio Rail Road, he joined the Union in the Port of the Chester-Bridgeport Ferry and pumpman's rating and last New York, his native city, and Company. A native of Brooklyn, shipped on the Fort Hoskins. He lives in Staten Island, with his he lives in Crum Lynne, Pennsyl­ has done frequent picket duty dur­ wife, Elvira. vania with his wife, Ethel. Brother ing SIU beefs. Stanley Matthews sailed in the Pinnock joined the SIU in Phila­ deck department and joined the delphia. Thomas Thompson sailed as Union in Philadelphia. He makes cook and joined the Union in the his home in Gloucester, N.J., with Port of York. He was born in his wife, Theresa. A native of New York and resides in Staten Poland, he was employed by the Island. Brother Thompson last Taylor and Anderson Towing shipped on the Hastings. He served Company at the time of his re­ in the Army from 1942 to 1946. tirement. Earl Haskins had an AB's rat­ Mauriello Hudgins ing and joined the Union in New York. A native of Massachusetts, Karl Treimann is a native of Brother Haskins makes his home Estonia who now lives in Yonin Monument Beach, Mass. His kers, New York. He sailed as last ship was the Yorkmar. pumpman and joined the SIU in Hugh Williams sailed for over New York. A Seafarer for over 40 years and also joined the SIU 25 years, his last ship was the in New York. A native of New Manhattan. Mexico, he now lives in New Aneus Olson joined the Union Matthews Williams York. He holds a deck engineer in New York. He lives in Ridgefield, N.J., with his wife, Ingrid. Brother Olson was born in Sweden and sailed in the deck depart­ ment. He was last employed by the Pennsylvania Rail Road. FRONT ROYAL, Va.—Labor education can become a "power­ ful instrument" for strengthening free trade unions and free econ­ omies, AFL-CIO Vice President James A. Suffridge told a gradu­ ating class of the American The class, the 23rd to take the Institute for Free Labor Devel­ course, studied teaching methods, opment last month. communications and planning in­ He spoke as AIFLD's training volved in setting up labor'educa­ center here to 26 representatives of unions in Caribbean countries tion programs. Suffridge, who is a member of and Brazil who received certifi­ AIFLD's board of trustees, ex­ cates as graduates of a twopressed confidence that the knowl­ month advanced teacher educa­ edge gained by the students "will Obon tion course. Treimann be invaluable to you when you Robert Phifer sailed as steward. return home to put what you have He joined the Union in New York. learned into practice." A native of Texas, he lives in most important objective SEAEMJREBSltetOC of The Brenham, Texas, with his wife, a union education program "is June. His last ship was the Alcoa the training of competent union Nov. 8. 1968 • Vol. XXX, No. 23 Pioneer. leaders," Suffridge said. A second Official Publication of the Edward Lamb also sailed as Seafarers International Union purpose, he added, is to give steward. He joined the Union in of North America, workers an understanding of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes New York City and his last ship labor movement. and Inland Waters District, was the Marymar. A native of AFL-CIO But beyond those objectives and Philadelphia, he still makes his Executive Board others, he emphasized, trade union home in that city. Brother Lamb PAUL HALL, President education "is a practical and pow­ served in the Army during World GAL TANNER EARL SHEPARD Exec. Vice-Pres. Vice-President erful instrument designed to assist War II. AL KERR LJNDSEY WILLIAMS in bringing about the immediate Sec.-Treas. Vice-President and long range objectives of free AL TANNER ROBERT MATTHEWS labor." Vice-President Vice-President Used "wisely and responsibly," Director of Publications MIKE POLLACK Suffridge said, trade union educa­ Editor tion can become a means of sup­ HARRY WITTSCHEN porting and preserving democracy, Assistant Editors PETER WEISS as well as helping to strengthen WILL KARP BILL MOORE it. Staff Photographer In the past decade, he contin­ ANTHONY ANSALDI ued, the expansion of such educa­ Lamb Piiifer tion has been "a major contribu­ Pibllihsd klMekly it 810 Ihsds lilinil Annii N.E., Wuhlsitsn, D. C. 20018 ky ths Siilirting factor to the overall growth V Estal Potts sailed as cook and in IntsrnitlMil Unlsn, Atlintic, Gilf, UkM Md inlisd Witm Dlitrlet, AFL-CIO, 675 of free labor in the Americas." steward. He joined the Union in Fnrtk Avnn, Brssklyi, N.Y. 11232. Til. HVMlntk 9-6600. SsMid slitt pMlns. yiM Only as this growth continues New York. Born in Kansas, at Wiikinftini, D. C. and labor, in turn, bolsters dem­ Brother Potts now lives in San POSTMASTER'S ATTENTION: Fsm 3579 cardi iknld k« Mat ts Ssafirin Intimatlsnal ocracy, "can unions best serve Francisco. His last vessel was Ualas, Atlantis, Gall, Lakit and Inland to also guarantee economic prog­ the American Pride. He served in Watsn Dlitrlet, AFL-CIO, 675 Faartk ArsnH, Brasklyn, N.Y. 11232. ress, industrial development and the Army during World War II. Robert Pinnock held a Cap­ improved living standards," Suff­ tain's rating and was employed by ridge concluded. Tests Prove Plastic Shield Effective Shark Deterrent A simple black plastic bag may be the answer to man's long­ time search for a device to foil attacks by sharks against human beings. ^ that a strong plasticized bag was The latest "shark shield," in­ "far superior" te chemical repel­ vented by Dr. C. Scott Johnson lents or any electrical devices. of the Naval Ordnance Test Dr. Johnson said the tests showed Station's Marine Biology Facility that the bag also keeps the user at Point Magu, Calif., has been warm by conserving body heat. successfully tested in the Atbntic The United States Government and Pacific Oceans and the Red has made additional tests of the Sea, and may in the future be carried on each vessel for use in shark shield in Hawaii, Eniwetok the event the crew or passengers and the Bahamas. must abandon ship. Since 1943, a repellent, con­ taining copper acetate and nigroEach life preserver will contain sine dye, has been used in cases one of the shields in a small packet. When a survivor opens it where ships have been abandoned. the unfolded plastic bag will be The copper acetate decomposes five feet long and about three feet chemically in the sea water to wide. The user must fill it with form acetic acid—believed repug­ water and then get into it. Next, nant to sharks—while the dye he must orally inflate thr«e rows forms a cloud to hide a man. In of airflotation chambers at the 1958 a Government panel con­ ducted tests on chemicals used top of the bag. The black bag conceals the against sharks and discovered the potential victim from the shark, dye was more effective than the keeps shark-attracting scents safe­ acetic acid. That clue led Dr. Johnson to ly inside and prevents the sight of dangling arms and legs, which develop the black plastic bag appears to draw prowling sharks. concept of a shark "repellent." The famed oceanographer, In the initial tests in Hawaii two gray sharks—one six feet, the Jacques Cousteau, also experi­ other seven feet long—were mented with the plastic bag in starved for two months. Two bags shark-infested Red Sea waters were anchored and pieces of fish and showed the test over a na­ were thrown near the bags. As tionally-televised program last observers watched from an over­ winter. Several of his men, in­ head tower, the sharks gulped cluding his son, drifted in the down the fish, while seemingly bags near sharks but none of the avoiding the plastic bags, though beasts showed any desire to at­ brushing and damaging them at tack. times. Cousteau later termed the Results of the tests have con­ shield the first really effective antivinced the inventor and observers shark device. �Page Twelve SEAFARERS November 8, 1968 LOG FINAL DEPARTURES Deck delegate Bill Jester reports from the Mount Washington (Mount Washington Tankers) that the ship crewed-up in Honolulu after Seafarers arrived by plane from San Francisco and Houston. Following a Coast Guard inspection, the vessel headed first for a stop at Singapore and then sailed on for Bahrain, Jester reported Meeting Secretary W. H. Sim­ collected by department delegates. 'Our bosun had to leave the mons reports from the Yellovr- Meeting Secretary Leslie Ratzlaff ship and Chris Christiansen is stone (Oriental reports that out-going ship's dele­ now acting bosun Exporters) that gate Fitzpatrick received a vote and doing a fine some disputed of thanks for a job well done and job of it," Broth­ overtime was re­ Donald Paccio was elected to re­ er Jester wrote. ported in the en­ place him. James Myers and The steward de­ gine department. Frank Post suggested that "new partment is "out Ship's delegate J. water fountains be placed on board of this world, W. Wood stated and at strategic positions, due to have over thirty that "it was a fine the house being so large." years at sea, both voyage with good Mora in the service and Simm<His seamen and no merchant marine, logs or beefs.' A vote of thanks A. J. Martinelli, meeting chair­ and I have been on some real was given to the steward depart­ man on the Houston (Sea-Land), good feeders before, but never ment for a job well done, writes wrote that a dis­ one as fine as this," Jester declares. Paul Arthofer, meeting chairman. cussion was held "Steward Robert Ferrandiz, Chief It was requested that larger clothes on several needed Cook Richard Hunt and Roslndo lockers be installed in the rooms. repairs and that Mora and Wayne Carpenter, sec­ The crew was thanked by the a list will be ond and third coOks respectively, steward for "their fine co-opera­ made up before are all outstanding. One would tion in all matters." All LOGS arrival in Port think he was sHing at a table in and mail are being received regu­ Elizabeth. Ship's the best hotel." Meeting Chairman larly and the vessel is due to pay­ delegate R. FereSteve Krakovich reports that W. off in Stockton, Calif. Ferebee bee told the Sea­ Gregory was elected ship's dele­ farers that he gate. The men are looking for­ ^ asked the chief mate if more no­ ward to the next port of call, Yoktice could be given than the pres­ Cleveland Walker, meeting osuka. chairman on the Citadel Victory ent 24 hours, for the convenience (Waterman) re­ of any man who might be dis­ ports that all re­ charged. Meeting Secretary Guy pairs have been Walter reports some disputed over­ taken care of and time in the engine and deck de­ department dele­ partments. The steward depart­ gates reported no ment received a vote of thanks for Seafarers on the Wacosta (Seabeefs or disputed the fine chow. Land) have a noise problem, re­ overtime. The sulting from the ship is on the containers. Meet­ Walker Vietnam run. Sev­ ing Secretary eral Seafarers Frank Naklicki "have been ill with Asian flu and reported. This has will receive complete checkups resulted in over­ when the ship arrives shortly in time and some loggings, which Long Beach," Meeting Secretary will be handed in Esco Satchfield writes. Naklicki to the delegates before the arrival in Oakland. The ship has been on Meeting Chairman Ralph Fitzthe San Juan run. Ship's delegate patrick reports from the Cosmos Jose Cortez said that some crew Trader (Cosmos SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Hudson members wanted to know why Navigation) that Waterways). September 27—Chairman, W. R. Geis: Secretary, George Luke. there wasn't enough fruit on the crew gave "a Brother George Luke was elected to serve as ship's delegate. No beefs and board. The steward reported that vote of thanks and no disputed OT. Everything is running he had the usual amount when the our sincere ap­ smoothly. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. vessel sailed but ran out, Cortez preciation to our wrote. Andy Pickur, meeting Master for his COMMANDER (Marine Carriers). chairman, writes that a check will opening the swim­ October 24—Chairman, G. W. Bouden; be made of the ship's medicine ming pool for the Secretary, S. T. Arales. Brother Julian R. Wilson was elected to serve as .-hip's cabinet. Fred Lambert, engine crewmen." The delegate. Discussion held regarding re­ tirement plan. No beefs were reported by delegate, reported that a beef on treasury contains department delegates. the 8 to 12 watch will be taken 11.40 and a motion was made that up with the patrolman. All LOGS each Seafarer contribute $1 to TRANSPACIFIC (Hudson Waterways), and mail are arriving regularly. fatten it up, with the money to be October 20—Chairman, G. Steele; Sec­ niGEST of SIU MEETINGS retary, L. Hansen. No beefs were re­ ported. Everything is running smoothly. Outward Bound ALBION VICTORY (Bulk Transport), October 20—Chairman, None; Secretary. Charley Hippard. One man missed ship in Da Nang. Disputed OT in engine and steward department. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. COSMOS TRADEIt (Cosmos Naviga­ tion), September 9—Chairman, Ralph Fitzpatrick; Secretary, Leslie B. Ratz­ laff. $1.40 in ship's fund. Brother Don­ ald W. Paccio was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. Vote of thanks was extended to Brother Fitzpatrick, former ship's delegate, for a job well done. Motion was made to have new water fountains placed on board. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. Crew expressed their thanks to the Master for opening the swimming pool. MIDLAKE (American Bulk Carriers), October 9—Chairman, Alvin Demoran ; Secretary, Robert P. Mai ion. One man missed ship in Bombay due to illness. f'-: ?-• Leo Feher picks up his shipping card from secretary Miss Nakai in the SlU's Yokohama hall, while his wife looks on. Feher took an FWT's job on the Enid Victory, leaving from port of Sasebo. CORTEZ (Cortez), October 19—Chair­ man, Charles H. Behew; Secretary, Ed­ die Terzzi. Disputed OT in engine de­ partment to be taken up with patrolman. Long discussion held regarding water beef. Walter Orr, 60: Biother Orr died on August 25, in San Fran­ cisco. He sailed in the steward de­ partment as cook and his last vessel was the Mount Vernon Victory. Brother Orr was born in Texar^ kana, Arkansas and made his home in San Francisco. He joined the union in the port of Balti­ more. The Seafarer is survived by a cousin, Mrs. Christine Beyer of Wilson, Oklahoma. The burial service was held in the Wilson Hewitt Cemetery, San Francisco. ^ John Price, 41: Brother Price died at his home in Norfolk, on September 3. He joined the union in that city and sailed in the en­ gine department. Buther Price last shipped aboard the Penn Van­ guard. He was bom in Tarboro, North Carolina. Prior to sailing, he had served 11 years in the Army. Brother Price is survived by his widow, Thelma. The burial services were held in the Edge­ combe Memorial Park Cemetery, Tarboro. ^ Leroy Williams, 55: A heart ail­ ment claimed the life of Brother Williams on Oc­ tober 12 at his home in Roose­ velt, L. I.. New York. A native of the Virgin Is­ lands, he joined the Union in the Port of New York. He sailed for 25 years and his last vessel was the Gateway City. Brother Williams held a chief steward's ratine. Surviving is his widow, Annie. The body was cremated fol­ lowing services in Middle Village, N. Y. 4^ M<»rtin Laas, 52; Brother Laas died October 1, at USPHS Hospital in Staten '/ Island, N.Y. He was a member of the deck depart­ ment and sailed as AB. A native of Estonia, Laas V, made his home • in Baltimore. * ! V ' Brother Laas sailed for 25 years, and joined the SIU in the Port of Norfolk. His last ship was the Jacksonville. Sur­ viving is a cousin, Hilja Lihhatsova, of Estonia. The burial serv­ ices were held in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn. WRITE Dana Cfrfly, 18: Brother Cofty died September 22, while sailing aboard the Monticello Victory. • The vessel was in the Port of Singa­ pore at the time of death. A na­ tive of Orange, Texas, Cofty made his home in Houston. He sailed as wiper and joined the Un­ ion in 1967 in New Orleans. Brother Cofty had previously sailed on the Henry and Globe Progress. He is survived by his father, John Dewey Cofty of Channelview, Texas. The body was returned to the United States for burial. 4^ Henry Stryczek, 44: Brother Stryczek died on October 3, at E. J. Meyer Me­ morial Hospital in Buffalo, N. Y. He was a native of Dunkirk, New York and lived in that city. A mem­ ber of the engine department he sailed as fireman and was last employed by the Gartland Steamship Co. Brother Stryczek joined the SIU in Detroit. During World War II, he served in ; the Army. Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Joan Bruno, of Dunkirk. Burial was in St. Hyacinth's Cemetery, Dunkirk. 4^ Hemsley Guinier, 61: Heart di­ sease caused the dea'h of Seafarer Guinier, Septem­ ber, 22. At the time of his death, he was on an SIU pension. Brother Guinier joined the Union in 1943 in Baltimore. He was born in the British West In­ dies and had lived in Brooklyn. His last ship was the Westfield. Brother Guinier held the rating of chief cook. The burial services were held in the Evergreen Ceme­ tery, Brooklvn. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Mavis Hines, of Brooklyn. 4f John Mueller, 85: A coronary attack claimed the life of Brother Mueller, October 8, in Baltimore. At the tiine of death, he was on an SIU pension. Brother Mueller was an active sea­ man until last year and sailed in the deck depart­ ment. His last vessel was the Al­ coa Mariner. A native of Ger­ many, he lived in Baltimore. Mueller joined the Union in the Port of New York. Burial was in Baltimore. �November 8, 1968 Recuperating Seafarer Collins Royally Cared for by Britons I' I V , I ' V. . 1^-' V' Y'i • Seafarer Qarence Collins has recently been enjoying some ' typical English hospitality while recuperating from an illness in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. Brother Collins, who has sailed with the SIU since its beginning, was ^ -steward aboard the Newark I ™ setting very good treatment. I have the distinction of being the when he became ill. first American seaman admitted "I had to be put off the vessel to this hospital and they are really in Felixstowe, England," Collins going all-out to make my stay wrote the LOG. "I was taken from comfortable." there by car to Brother Collins says he has also St. Helen's Hos­ been treated somewhat as a cele­ pital in Ipswich. brity. "I had the honor to be This is a beautiful, visited by the Honorable Stanley typical old Eng­ Nunn and his wife. Nunn is Mayor lish town." of Ipswich. I was also visited by After tests and A. N. Kinworthy, head of the X-Rays, it was British Sailor's Society. Kinworthy learned that Col­ saw to it that I was kept well sup­ lins was suffering plied with magazines and he pur­ from an infection chased various toilet articles in in his bronchial tract. While rest­ town for me. I don't think I've ing in the Charlotte Green Ward ever met a nicer man than him." of the hospital, the Seafarer has The 30-year SIU veteran has been greatly impressed, not only been progressing rapidly and ex­ with the care, but with the friend­ pects that he would be released, liness of the English people and fully cured, shortly. "Everyone the high regard in which seamen here calls me their Yankee Doodle are held by them. Dandy," Collins concluded. The "The doctors and nurses and 62-year-old Seafarer joined the entire staff are very nice to me and SIU in Mobile in 1938. Now a I don't think anything more could resident of New York, he was possibly have been done for me," born in New Orleans. Collins reported. "I can truly say Money Due (I'. Unclaimed wages are being held for the following Sea­ farers by Moore-McCormack fqr,. the period of February l'toJuly31, 1968. Allen Lee Matson; F. MorgigUo; Clifford J. Leahy; lulio G. Rivera; Julio Her­ nandez; R. A. Lazarony; Gary Robert Dow; Stephen May; William Sladko; Pat­ rick C. White; Arthur T. Fennell; C. H. Brinkely; Tames D. Harris; Daniel Caton; Raymond M. Hill; Charles R. Wright; Ralph F. Rumley; Robert J. Blacki stock; Wilson Fontenor; R. i H. Lesuer and J. L. Grimes. Seafarers listed may claim I their money at the com­ pany's office at 2 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10004 Page Thirteen SEAFARERS LOG Frederick Otto, born August 30, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Frederick E. Otto, Arcadia, Texas. 4/^ James P. Borel, born September 8, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Carroll J. Borel, Houston, Texas. Seafarer-Marine Wins Bronze Star For Herok Enrounter With VC While the majority of Seafarers are making their contribution to the war effort in Southeast Asia by volunteering for the Vietnam sealift, Winston Johnson, Jr., has made his by serving in the Marines and was recently awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism during an engagement with the Commu­ nist Viet Cong last February. "It was February 7 and the Tet Johnson had to describe the area Johnson made two trips with Offensive was going on," he re­ as best he could while requesting the SIU as a wiper prior to his called. "The time was 3 p.m. and helicopter and jet fighter support. military tour and is the son of we were in a Marine convoy of Eventually, two helicopters ar­ 26 vehicles and 75 men. The col­ rived on the scene and began firing umn was outside the city of Hue at the VC. Enemy fire struck one when we were attacked by what of the helicopters and the pilot was later found to have been a was seriously wounded, later los­ reinforced Viet Cong battalion of ing a leg. Action was heavy, with fierce sniper attack and automatic some 700 men." weapons fire and the battle lasted Surprise Attack some three hours, Johnson re­ Ahhough the Marines expected ported. Johnson, Jr. Johnson, Sr. trouble and knew they were in a Heavy Casualties heavily fortified Viet Cong area, veteran Seafarer Winston John­ the attack came as a surprise at Only 26 of the Marines made it son. without a scratch, according to that particular time. Brother John­ Young Johnson enlisted in the son related. He was one of three Johnson, with the remainder either Marine Corps during November radio operators in the convoy and injured and unable to fight or of 1966 for a four-year hitch. the other two were hit almost im­ mortally wounded. Johnson him­ Currently holding the rank of mediately. self received a wound. Because a Lance Corporal, he is attached to radio operator is a key man. Now an even more vital key Brother Johnson was the object Headquarters Battery, First Bat­ talion, Eleventh Marines, First man in the battle, the ex-Seafarer of heavy fire from Viet Cong Marine Division. While recently was faced with the necessity of snipers. It was for remaining at home on leave, he told the LOG getting word back to the main his position in the face of heavy about the action that won him his force of Marines to tell them of fire and calling for help that he medal in a telephone interview the convoy's desperate situation. was awarded his medal, the young Since he had no map, young Marine said. from the SIU hall in Duluth. Brother Johnson said that the VC have a favorite trick in many of their encounters with Marine and Army units. "They try to overwhelm the Americans by throwing 500 men against 200 or 1,000 against 100 and inflict as many casualties as possible." Then, Melissa Lopez, bom September Harvey Lee Haley II, born Au­ gust 6, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. 18, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. when they think or know that help is on the way, they break off Harvey L. Haley, Westwego, La. Andrew Lopez, Houston, Texas. fighting and hide in the jungles. -^ Fighting usually stops very Gregory Carrol, bom August 8, abruptly." Lisa Palmes, born September 17, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Mur­ Although he has another Viet­ Antonio S. Palmes, Jr., Baltimore, phy J. Carrol, Mobile, Ala. nam tour coming up and will not Md. be discharged for two years. Tamara Bonefont, born August Brother Johnson expects to con­ Lara Ann Mottrem, born Sep­ 22, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. tinue to sail with the SIU after tember 5, 1968, to Seafarer and Rafael Bonefont, Brooklyn, N.Y. his release. He sailed as a wiper Mrs. Pichard P. Mottrem, Hous­ on the Great Lakes vessels Joe ton, Texas. Morrow and James E. Ferris. Charmain Colby, born August Johnson is 20 years old and 9, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Ray­ Joseph Alvin Reynolds, born mond M. Colby, Maple, Wiscon­ joined the SIU in Duluth in 1965. He makes his home in Superior. July 10, 1968, to Seafarer and sin. Wisconsin. Mrs. Henry B. Reynolds, Port Neches, Texas. His father, Winston. Sr., sails Denisi Elizabeth Fike, bom both deep sea and the Great Lakes July 22, 1968, to Seafarer and Keith Yessner, born August 14, Mrs. Edward G. Fike, Parma, and is currently an oiler on the La Liberie. A native of Buffalo, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Roger Ohio. Minnesota, he joined the SIU in Yessner, Brooklyn, N.Y. ^ New York in 1960 and is a vet­ — — Venessa Powell, bom Septem­ eran of the Navy. Connie Lee Branch, born June ber 9, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Visited Son 18, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Robert L. Powell, Mannington, Although he has never sailed Nathan R. Branch, Galveston, West Virginia. with his son, Johnson looks for­ Texas. William £. Cunningham, Jr., ward to that opportunity. "I made a trip to Vietnam on the Seatrain John Hickox, born July 1, 1968, bom August 2, 1968, to Seafarer Washington and visited with Win­ to Seafarer and Mrs. Charles and Mrs. Willi-'m E. Cunningham, ston while the ship was in Vung Battletown, Kentucky. Hickox, Folkston. Ga. Tau." he said. "We were hit by —^ some small arms fire while tied up Monioue Linnette, born April Michael David Simmons, bom there. It shook us up a bit but 11, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. March 9, 1968, to Seafprer and there were no injuries." When his Wayne Linnette, Norfolk, Va. Mrs. Edwin R. Simmons, Gretna, lakes job is over. Johnson said, he La. —^— "will grab a Hudson Waterways Gerald Glenn Broxson. born or Seatrain ship and head for Viet­ September 5, 1968, to Seafarer Michele Allen, bom August 11, nam a^ain. I would like to ship and Mrs. Lowell T. Broxson, Vi- 1968. to Seafarer and Mrs. Mi­ there as much as possible." dor, Texas. Johnson had a great deal of chael A. Allen, Union City, Calif. pr -ise for the efforts the Army Roderick Harold Person, born makes in getting relatives together. Chanel Locklear, born August The Armv Informafion Office is a September 27, 1968. to Seafarer and Mrs. Harold W. Person, Al­ 31, 1968, to Senfarer and Mrs. big help and they are very free Maurice V. Locklear, Baltimore, with the use of the phones or pena, Mich. Md. whatever aid is necessary, he said. D"vid AiUfH'r B'»»"cliainn. bom Brother Johnson and his wife, Seotember 23. 1968, to Seafarer ®tacv Baxter, born August 15, Dorothv, have five daughters in and Mrs Ar*hur Beauchamp, Al­ 1968. to Seafarer and Mrs. Bur­ addition to their son and live in pena, Mich. ton O. Baxter, Nederland, Texas. Superior. <1> Cheryl J. Johnson, born Sep­ tember, 28, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Archie J. Johnson, Duluth, Minn. Adrian Michael Robere, born September 30, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Dennis D. Robere, Manistique, Mich. Lisa Murray, born September 30, 1968, to &afarer and Mrs. John B. Murray, Brooklyn, N.Y. Safety Drill on the Warrior <I> <1/ —<i>— \ . > , •,Vv Emergency squad of the Warrior is assembled on the deck, fully equipped to deal with any safety problems that might arise. In rear (l-r) are: Wayne Waldo, ch. mate: Alberto Santiago, AB; George Reoister, AB; Tadeusz Chilinski, bosun; Sylvester Furtado, AB and Floyd Taylor, FWT. Kneeling: Jose Castell, oiler; and Sigilfredo Ferrer, utility. Ship just returned from Puerto. Rican trip. -—,1,— �Page Foaiteen SEAFARERS Skillful Needlework Is Living Art For SlU Pensioner George Flood George Flood, a former member of the steward department who is now on an SIU pension, is one of the few Seafarers versed in the old sailor's art of sewing. He applies this almost lost art of the sea to his hobby of "advanced needle art" and showed some of his intricate work during a re­ cent visit to SIU headquarters in New York. "I work on black velvet with wool and thread," he explained. "The needle has several holes and you raise and lower the stitches as you work along. All that's re­ quired is patience and good eye­ sight. Anyone can do this," Brother Flood declares. The 64year-old Seafarer said he would be happy to share his knowlq^ge to anyone who's interested in learning the unique skill. "In the old days, when ships were still under sail, every seaman knew how to use a sewing needle and in addition, many also knitted," Flood said. "Today, of course, the practical necessity for this skill has vanished, since more modern engine driven freighters and tankers have long since re­ placed sails. However, you can still find oldtimers who can sew as well as any seamstress." Learned In Hospital While laid-up in the USPHS Seafarer George Flood shows some of his skill with a needle and Hospital in Staten Island, New thread at New York hall. Pictures are created on a black velvet York during 1953 and early 1954, background. He learned art while recuperating at USPHS Hospital. Flood met a fellow patient who was selling his work in needle has been able to sell a good many terns cannot be bought," he said. art. "He taught me the methods of them, he reported. Some of the It normally takes him about a he used in creating his pictures materials required make it an ex­ day and a half to two days to and the secrets of things like pensive hobby, but Flood claims create one of the smaller designs combing the wool out with a wire he has found the cost more than and two or three days for a larger brush and so on," the Veteran worthwhile. picture. The small pictures are 17 His pictures include such sub­ inches square and the larger ones Seafarer recalled. Flood added that his artist friend was tragically jects as Indian heads, various kinds are 17 by 36 inches, .he said. killed in a traffic accident on of animals, pirate ships, religious Flood, who makes his home in Thanksgiving day a few years ago. subjects, etc. Although he buys Manhattan, is a native of Hamil­ Flood buys most of his pat­ many of the patterns, he also has ton, Bermuda. He joined the SIU terns. These are all white and on many of his own designs—one the back are suggestions as to what in particular of the United States in 1945 in the Port of New York. colors might be most appropriate and Puerto Rican flags' surround­ His last ship was the Steel Scien­ for the pictures. Flood however, ing an Indian head. "Such pat­ tist. switches his colors, preferring to impart his own interpretation with whatever colors he likes. Over the years, he has completed so many pictures that he has lost track of the actual total, he says. Also, he Lauri h Markkanen Anton Kula Please contact John Markkanen Your cousin, Mrs. Barbara Keinast, would like you to contact at 240-23 Weller Avenue, Roseher at 40-74th Street, North Ber­ dale, N.Y. 11422, as soon as you Income tax refund checl gen, N.J., as soon as you can. re being held for Se^arer can. isted below, by Jack Lynch Toom 201, SUP Building, 45( 'Tarrison Street, San Fran­ cisco, California 94105: WinBin Gumsey fred S. Daniel, Leung Oi Ping Douglas Kasbnor Please contact your sister, Betty Lee, Grover Turner and Bob­ Vitelli, at 578 Woodbine Avenue, bie E. McMicbaei (two re­ Please call or write your father Toronto, Ontario. Very Urgent in fund checks). or brothers in regard to an urgent reference to Mother. matter. The phone number is (617) 295-9414. Money Being Held Editor, SEAFARERS LOG, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 11232 I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG-please put my name on your mailing list. fPrinf Information) NAME Louis Cruz Please contact your wife, Alice, or Luis Rodriguez at 282 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn 11201, in regard to an important matter. STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE. ZIP. TO AVOID DUPLICATION: If you are an old lubtcribar and have a change of. addreaa, pleaae give your former addre«« below; an • 0 0 i''» 0 0 0 0 0 0 0'0 0'0 0 0 0 0 • ITAIE OP. November 8, 1968 LOG Lloyd Beasley Please contact your mother, Mrs. Nora Beasley, at 604 East 4th Court, Panama Cityi )Florida 32401, as.,s9pn as ppssible.l' ' Holds High Hopes For Separate MARAD To the Editor: I was pleased and relieved to read that the Senate has ap­ proved the bill to make the Maritime Administration a sep­ arate government agency and put it on its own again where it once flourished. As one who remembers bet­ ter times in the maritime indus­ try when the agency was inde­ pendent, not a part of another agency, and put the interests of the industry first, I shuddered to think of what would happen if the Maritime Administration was made a part of an even bigger superagency such as the Department of Transportation. Under the Commerce Depart­ ment the maritime industry and its workers have been what amounted to second-class citi­ zens—any attention paid to them almost seemed an after­ thought, they were so busy with other things. Imagine where the maritime industry would stand in an agency that concerns it­ self with every type of transpor­ tation and considers maritime all but unnecessary. In light of some of his ideas for the merchant marine that Secretary of Transportation Alan Boyd was suggesting—for­ eign ship construction, no nu- irrirri liET Regardless of the outcome of the election, a concerted drive by big business will be on to eliminate many of the gains en­ acted by Congress over the years for the protection of the na­ tion's workers. Even a Democratic election victory will not automatically stop such powerful organiza­ tions as the National Associa­ tion of Manufacturers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Read­ er's Digest, Wall Street Journal and other spokesmen for those who would move the clock back in dealings with the workers of America. Long after the election, the threat will continue regardless of who wins. The American worker must make sure he con­ tinues his fight not only to en­ act needed progressive legisla­ tion, but to make sure those hard-fought gains which have already been won are not over­ turned by reactionaries. Sincerely, John Moss Seafarer Thanks SIU Welfare Fund To the Editor: I wish to thank the Seafarers I ij welfare plan for the quick and <• efficient way they handled the pay­ ments to the doctors and hospital after my wife's recent operation. Sincerelv, Nevin Ellis Tampa, Fla. r i S*O ^h « E di t o J? clear-powered vessels, no more subsidizing of American-flag vessels—I have little doubt that we would be scuttled in no time if he ever got his hands on MARAD. The maritime industry has its own special problems and inter­ ests, and needs an aeency that is thoroughly versed in these interests and problems, and specializes in them, and them alone. That's why I'm relieved that the independent agency bill has at last won full Congressional approval and only needs the President's signature to become a reality. We all know the Pres­ ident doesn't favor the bill but I hope he, or whoever takes his place, will recognize the will of Congress and the needs of our indr' try and get maritime into hig' gear again. Sincerely, Erik Granger <1/ Right Wing Foes Threaten NLRB To the Editor: Anti-labor elements in big business, encouraged by odds favoring a Republican win at the start of the election cam­ paign have launched a strong drive to wreck the National La­ bor Relations Board. This, of course, would deprive workers of protection aeainst certain unscrupulous employers who want no part of unions. Richard Nixon has stated all along that he would appoint a watchdog committee to give him the facts on NLRB decisions. Nixon has referred to "correc­ tive action"—rpresumably mean­ ing anything pro-labor would need such "correction." Deplores Apathy Of Many Doctors To the Editor: N| As a reader of the LOG for several years I want to compli­ ment you on your editorial "Bearing Their Cross" in the September 27 issue. I also ap­ preciated very much the car­ toon appearing with it which showed two doctors carrying the svmbol of medicine made to look like a gold dollar sign. While it is true that not all doctors are heartless, I have found it has become harder all the time to find one that you can feel really cares about the pa­ tient first. My husband is not a SIU member and we carry our own health insurance. Recently, he had some back trouble which our family physician was un­ able to relieve, and the doctor sent him to a specialist. The charge for the first visit was $25 and following visits cost $15 each. After five visits he shopped going because he couldn't feel any improvement in his condition and felt that only the doctor was gaining from the deal. It has become almost impos­ sible to get a doctor to the house—you practically have to be on your death-bed first. Even though they charee $10 for a house visit, they don't want to make them. It seems ffiey make more money quicker in the office and many of them have become too lazy to climb stairs. Our relatives in England tell us that the medical system over there is much better. They in­ sist that Bovernment control has made the medical societies po­ lice their members more vigi­ lantly. Maybe that's what they need over here. Sincerely,. r Mae Lipscomb \\ �November 8, 1968 SEAFARERS Page Fifteen LOG OVERSEAS JASON (MariHme OverJ i)» October 6—Chairman, C. Quinntj Secretary, J. Utz. Brother J. Gonldman was elected to serve as ship's delegate. One man missed ship at Long Beach. No beefs were reported by department delegates. , flNANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the 8IU AtUntic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeauardina the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a deUiled CPA audit every three months by a rank and file auditina committee elected by the membership. Ail Union records are available at SIU headquarters in Brooklyn. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund asreements. All these aareementa specify that the trustees in charae of these funds shall equally consist of union and manaaement representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds 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 shippina riahts and seniority are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the shipowners. Get to know your shippina riahts. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all Union halls. If you feel there has been any violation of your shippina or seniority riahts as contained in the contracts between the Union and the shipowners, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Earl Shepard, Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board 17 Battery Place, Suite 1980, New York 4, N. Y. Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to you at all times, either by wrltinK 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 proi>er manner. If, at any time, any SIU patrolman or other Union official, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract rights 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 bas 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 Ehcecutive Board of the Union. The Executive Board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 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 official 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 publUhes every six months in the SEAFARERS LOG a verbatim copy of its constitution. In addition, copies are .mailable in all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarise 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 bee.) 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 p<dicy of allowing them to retain their good standing through the waiving of their dues. EQUAL RIGHTS. All Seafarers are iruaranteed 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 he is entitled, he should notify headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIONS. One of the beuiic 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 feds that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he has been denied his constitntional right of access to Union records or intonaation, he shonld immediately notify SIU President Paul Hall at hesdqaarters by cmtitad mall, retnm receipt reqnested. FREE AMERICA (A. L. Burbank), September 29—Chairman, Walter Kuchta; Secretary, William I,ovett, Brother Walter Kuchta was elected to serve ship's delegate. $10.00 in ship's fund. No beefs were reported by department delegates, and everything ia running smoothly. MT. WASHINGTON (Victory Carriers), October 6—Chairman, Steve Krokovich; Secretary, R. W. Perrandir. Brother Willis Gregory was elected to serve as ship's del^ate. Some disputed OT in engine department. ROBIN September Secretary, Dunn was gate. No TRENT (Moore-McCormack), 29—Chairman, Ray Knoles; Otis Parker. Brother John elected to serve as ship's dele­ beefs reported. ALCOA MARKETER (Alcoa), October fr-^-Chairman, E. LaRoda; Secretary, E. Riutta. Brother Joe Crowley was elect­ ed to serve as .ship's delegate. No dis­ puted OT and no beefs were reported. MAIDEN CREEK (Sea-Land), Octo­ ber 13—Chairman, N. C. Cain; Secre­ tary, C. J. Nail. Ship's delegate report­ ed that everything ia in order, and no beefs were reported. SEATRAIN TEXAS (Hudson Water­ ways), October 18—Chairman, None: Secretary, E. A. Kirchbom. A few OT beefs In the engine department. BARRE VICTORY (Delta), September 29—Chairman, L. Hitchner: Secretary, Luke Ciamboli. Some disputed OT in dieck department. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward department. The steward, R. Nelson, complimented the crew for their cooperation. WACOSTA (Sea-Land), October 9— Chairman, Andy Pickur; Secretary, Frank NaVlicki. Minor beef regarding 8-to-12 watch to be taken up with patrol- Kayscr-Roth Hosieiy Co. Inc. Women's Hosiery Schiapareli, Kayser, Phoenix, ' Mojud, Supp-hose, Sapphire, Bachelor Girl, Fascination. Men's Hosiery & Underwear Esquire Socks, Bachelors' Friends, Supp-hose, Supp-hose Underwear, Slendo Children's Products Kayser, Fruit of the Loom Mojud. Slippers Jiffies, Mercury (Textile Workers Union of America) [ • Sdtzel-Weller DisHllcrics ••Old Fitzgerald," '•Old Elk" ••Cabin Stin," W. L. Weller Bourbon whiskeys (Distillery Workers) Klngsport Press ••World Book," "Chndcraft" (Printing Pressmen) (Typographers, Bookbinders) (Mafhinists, Stereotypers) Genesco Shoe Mfg. Co. Work Shoes . . . Sentry, Cedar Chest, Statler Men's Shoes . . . Jarman, Johnson & Murphy, Crestworth, (Boot and Shoe Workers' Union) I Boren Clay Products Co. (United Brick and Clay Workers) "HIS" brand men's clothes Kaynee Boyswear, Judy Bond blouses, Hanes Knitwear, Randa Ties, Boss Gloves, Richman (Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America) Jamestown Sterling Corp. (United Furniture Workers) —4^— BroflMn and SeweB SnHs, WingSUrli (Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America) Baltimore Luggage Co. Lady Baltimore, Ani'Eiia Earhart Starlite luggage Starffite luggage (International Leather Goods, Plastics and Novelty Workers Union) White Furniture Co. (UnTted Furniture Workers of America) — Gypsum Wallboard, American Gypsum Co. (United Cement Lime and Gypsum Workers International) -— R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Camels, Winston, Tempo, Brandon, Cavalier and Salem cigarettes (Tobacco Workers International Union) —4.— Comet Rice Mills Co. products (International Union of United Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drinks and Distillery Workers) —4^— Pioneer Flour Mill (United Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drink and Distillery Workers Local 110, San Antonio, Texas — 4^ — Giumarra Grapes (United Farm Workers) —4^—Magic Chef Pan Pacific Division (Stove, Furnace and Allied Appliance Workers International Union) —4>— Tennessee Packers Reelfoot Packing Frosty Mom Valleydale Packers (Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America) New Orleans.Nov. ;30 p.m. Mobile Nov. :30 p.m. Wilmington . .Nov. :00 p.m. San Francisco Nov. :00 p.m. :00 p.m. Seattle Nov. :30 p.m. New York .. . Nov. :30 p.m. Philadelphia .Nov. :30 p.m. Baltimore .. .Nov. :30 p.m. Detroit Nov. Houston . . . .Nov. 11—2 :30 p.m. United Industrial Workers New Orleans.Nov. 12—7:00 p.m. Mobile Nov. 13—7:00 p.m. New York .. Nov. 4—7:00 p.m. Philadelphia.. Nov. 5—^7:00 p.m. Baltimore . .. Nov. 6—^7:00 p.m. ^Houston .. .Nov. 11—7:00 p.m. Great Lakes SIU Meetings Detroit ... . .Nov. 4—2:00 p.m, Alpena . .Nov. 4—7:00 p.m. Buffalo .. . . .Nov. 4—7:00 p.m. Chicago .. . .Nov. 4—7:00 p.m. Duluth . . . . . Nov. 4—7:00 p.m. Frankfort . .. Nov. UlCfpil SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Inland Boatmen's Union United Industrial Workers PRESIDENT Paul Hall EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Cal Tanner Earl Shepard Al Tanner VICE PRESIDENTS Ltndiey Wllllami Robert Matthews SECRETARY-TREASURER Al Kerr HEADQUARTERS *75 Ave., Rkl^ (212) NY 7-4 .. 127 River St. (517) EL 4-3*1* ALPENA. Mich. BALTiMORE, Md 121* E. Baltimore St. (301) EA 7-4700 BOSTON. Mail Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Region Chicago Nov. 12—7:30 p.m. t Sault St. Marie Nov. 14—7:30 p.m. Buffalo Nov. 13—7:30 p.m. Duluth Nov. 15—7:30 o.m. Cleveland ... Nov. 15—7:30 p.m. Toledo Nov. 15—7:30 p.m. Detroit ... Nov. 11—7:30 p.m. Milwaukee . .Nov. 11—7:30 p.m. SIU Inland Boatmen's Union New Orleans.Nov. 12—5:00 p.m. Mobile Nov. 13—5:00 p.m. Philadelphia. .Nov. 5—5:00 p.m. Baltimore (licensed and un­ licensed) .. Nov. 6—5:00 p.m. Norfolk Nov. 7—5:00 p.m. Houston . .. .Nov. 11—5:00 p.m. Railway Marine Region Philadelphia Nov. 12—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Baltimore Nov. 13—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. •Norfolk Nov. 14—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Jersey City Nov. 11—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. tMeetinK beld at Labor Temple, Sault Ste. Marie. Mieh. * MecUns held at Labor Ibmple, New­ port News. t MeeUiiff hdd at Galvaaton wharvea. DIOEST of SIU 177 State St. (*I7) Rl 2-0140 735 Weihington St. SIU [714 TL 3-7257 IBU 71*: TL 3-7257 CHICAGO. Ill 7381 Ewinq Ave. SIU (312) SA 1-0733 IBU (312) ES 5-7570 CLEVELAND. Ohio i420 W. 25th St. (21*) MA 1-5450 DETROIT. Mich i0225 W. Jefferion Ave. BUFFALO. N.Y. (313) VI 3-4741 DULUTH. Minn 312 W. 2nd St. (2IS) RA 2-4110 ... P.O. Box 217 415 Main St. (il*) EL 7-2441 .. 5804 Canal St. (713) WA 8-3207 2*0* Pearl St. (704) EL 3-0787 77 Montgomery St. (201) HE 5-7424 I South Lawrence St. FRANKFORT. Mich. HOUSTON. Te JACKSONVILLE. Fla JERSEY CITY. N.J MOBILE. Ala (205) HE 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS. La *30 Jackson Ave. MEETHSTGS eOE VICTORY (Victory Carrieirs). October 12—Chairman, David H. Ikeet: Secretaiy, William R. Dickerson. Brother Bob Goodrum was re-elected to serve as ship's delegate. Crew coinplained about rusty water. MIDLAKE (American Bulk Carriers), October 9—Chairman, Paul Gaxie; Sec­ retary, Robert P. Marion. Brother Gaxic was elected to serve, as .ship's delegate. Some disputed OT in deck and' enjrine departments. DEL ALBA (Delta), October IBChairman, William A. Aycock; Secre­ tary, Ralph Collier. Brother James H. Shearer was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Everything is running smooth­ ly. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward department for a job well done: ROBIN HOOD (MoOTe-McCormack), October 11—Chairman, Paul Butterworth ; • Secretary, Aussie Shrimpton. Ship's delegate reported that everything js running smoothly, and he thanked the crew for their cooperation. Spme dis­ puted OT in deck department to be straightened out by boarding patrolman. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward department. Particular credit to the galley staff and the work of the chief cook. Brother Edstrome, which was outstanding. Discussion held regarding pension plan. MISSOURI (Meadowbrook Transport), September 14—Chairman, G. L. White: Secretary, A. L. D"'nn. Brother Archie B. Volkerts was re-elected to serve as new ship's delegate. No beefs were re­ ported by department delegates. HOUSTON (Sea-Land). October IBChairman, A; J. MartinelH: Secretary, Guy Walter. Discussion held regarding i-epairs. Some disputed OT in deck and engine departments. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward department for a job well done. SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatrain), October 13—Chairman, Jack Kennedy; Secretary, Wilson Yarbrough. Discussion held regarding raise in wages and 0T(; and progress of pension plan. Vote ot thanks was exteruvJ to the steward de^ partment for a job well done. (S04) 527-754* IIS 3rd St. (703) *22-1872 PHILADELPHIA. Pa 2*04 S. 4lh St. (215) DE *-3818 PORT ARTHUR. Tex 134* Seventh St. SAN FRANCISCO. Calif.. 350 Freemont St. OVERSEAS EXPLORER (Maritime Overseas!, September 29 — (^airman;;; Kenneth Gahagan; Secretary. . H. Wf: Roberts. Brother Albert Wills was, elects ^ to serve as ship's delegate. No heeff; and no disputed OT reported by departs ment delegates. (415) DO 2-4401 ? SAN JUAN (Sea-Land). October 6-| Chairman, T. E. Markham; Secretar>-j; F. A. Olson, $60.00 In ship's fund. Nd beefs v.arb; reported by departments <delegat«. NORFOLK. Va SANTURCE. P.R SEATTLE. Wash ST. LOUIS. Mo 1311 Fernandei Juncoi Stop 20 724-2848 2S05 First Avenue (20*) MA 3-4334 105 Del Mar TAMPA. Fla. ... (314) CE 1-1434 .. 312 Harrison St. (813) 227-2788 450 Seaside Ave. Terminal Island. Calif. (813) *32-7285 YOKOHAMA, Japan..Ime BIdg., Room 801 1-2 Kai«aa%ori-Nakabi »l4ni Eli. 201 WILMINGTON. Calif. <A (Se , lairmaft, S: L. Martin; Secretary, Bill itark. No beefs and. no* disputed OTf fote , thhnks was extendi to the teward departmehf for a W.ell di>he| , FSAftlT: .iMarine'-TraatersVi*' Septeipbel •r-Ch«i»im«h,v;BennySav'dnt: ^ 'Sectetaiyi L: SjrivesPeri v Smnli ammint of. 1^ : in^ enKiue * depaiimant- dthcrwis �Vol. XXX No. 23 SEAFAItERS*LOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION . ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO A* f "11 30 YEARS OF PROGRESS S THE 30th ANNIVERSARY of the SIUNA i- is celebrated this month, Seafarers can take Ajustifiable pride in their accomplishments toward building a strong, effective Union. It never was an easy road. Seafarers had to struggle hard, often bitterly, for every inch of progress. Out of that struggle has come the Union hiring hall, the SIU Pension and Welfare plans, paid vacations, hospital and surgical benefits, and up­ grading programs. These gains stemmed from the founding of the Seafarers International Union of North America when the American Federation of Labor issued a charter during its October, 1938 convention to the late Harry Lundeberg, secretary treasurer of the Sailers Union of the Pacific, for the formation of a new coast-to-coast seamen's union. On No­ vember 1, 1938, Lundeberg, the first president of SIUNA, issued two charters forming separate Atlantic and Gulf Districts of the Union which merged in 1941 and led to the Present SIU At­ lantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District structure which was adopted by Seafarers in 1960. Those days before the advent of the union can never be forgotten by the men who lived them. In the days before 1938 jobs were given to favor­ ites or bought and sold through "agents." Life aboard ship was an inhuman existence. The mas­ ter was undisputed "boss." He practically owned the men who sailed under him, punished them as it pleased his fancy, forced them to work hard for endless hours, seven days a week. Three four- hour shifts were normal and overtime was unheard of. Food was slop, quarters were rat-infested. Everyday items like soap and matches—even a mattress—^had to be provided by the Seafarer himself. As for reading material. It didn't exist— nor did the leisure time for reading or other relax­ ing pursuits which have become common on ship­ board today. Out of this degradation and misery came the struggles against abuse and tyranny which stretched over some 75 years during which seamen were beaten, shot, mistreated. There were strikes during which the shipping operators attempted to- crush the Union by use of strikebreakers and breaking up picket lines through bloody violence. Through all of this, the government was on the side of the owners and provided aid and comfort to them. There was also the bitter battle against Communist attempts to dominate the new unions. Out of the ranks of the seafaring men them­ selves came the leaders who envisioned a better future and guided the Union through'its formative years. It was Andrew Furuseth. a Norwegian by birth, who dedicated himself to the task of getting the Seamen's Act of 1915 made into law. For the first time, the elemental rights of seamen were spelled out—organization of seamen became pos­ sible under the Act and the building of a strong Union progressed. Furuseth became secretary of the Pacific Coast ~ Seamen's Union in 1887 and, shortly thereafter, secured the amalgamation of the Coast Seamen's Union and the Steamship Sailors of the Pacific into the Sailors' Union of the Pacific, with himself at the helm. The SUP was the forerunner of today's mari­ time organization. With it came the progressive struggles to forge a better life for merchant sea­ men in America. A serious setback came in 1921 when the ship­ owners, backed by the government and using thousands of strikebreakers in a ruthless and mas­ sive effort, temporarily crushed the Union. After ten years of efforts to rebuild, new leader­ ship arose which fought back successfully. Harry Lundeberg, the successor to Furuseth as head of the SUP after his death in 1938, led the West Coast sailors through the bitter strikes of 1934 and 1936—intense struggles which re-established the Union and laid the basis for further growth and the birth in 1938 of the SIUNA. There remain problems to be solved today and there always will be problems as long as there is progress to be made. Among them are run-awayflag ships, technological advances which threaten jobs, the failure of government to recognize the importance of a modem, strong American mer­ chant marine and others. But today the Seafarer can cope with these problems—sure of the strength of his Union and confident of ultimate victory which comes from working together for a better Union. •••i '' •f � 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 November 8, 1968 Description An account of the resource Headlines: GOVT USE OF ONCE SUBSIDIZED C-2S SEEN DANGEROUS PRECEDENT BY AMA PRESIDENT VETOES SEPARATE MARAD CONGRESSMAN WARNS OF BUSINESS SMEAR ATTACK ON NLRB NAVY DECLARES EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER 423 RUNAWAY FLAG VESSELS FLOUNDER LABEL FOR IMPORTED FISH RESCINDED AFTER SIUNA PROTESTS APPOINTED POLITICOS CITED AS CAUSE OF FLEET’S GALLOPING OBSOLESCENCE LUSITANIA AND ANDREA DORIA STUMP SALVAGE SPECIALISTS SEAFARER-MARINE WINS BRONZE STAR FOR HEROIC ENCOUNTER WITH VC SIU – 30 YEARS OF PROGRESS 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 11/08/1968 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. XXX, No. 23 1968 Periodicals Seafarers Log