http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5d64ecaf8233fa7111108eda70d22f3e.pdf dbbc9c2f9814527a000e01b33f4c047c PDF Text Text Sealarers-Crewed Vessels Deployed in Exercises As U.S., Allies ld11d Up Forces Gulf . in P~rsian . I/ • TRANSCOM's Deputy Commander Thompson Praises Civilian/Military Effort to Deliver Materiel to Troops In the Middle East SIU members are doing their part to assist the U.S. Transportation Command in its buildup of troops and supplies in the Middle East in case military action is needed in Iraq. The command's second-in- charge, Army Lt. Gen. Roger Thompson, saluted the efforts of the mariners during an address last month in Washington. Among the Seafarers-crewed vessels involved in exercises in the Persian Gulf region are (from top, left) the SP5 Eric G. Gibson, 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman, PFC William B. Baugh, USNS Walter 5. Diehl and USNS Catawba. Page 3 �President's Report Standing Up to Anti-Worker Attacks There is a very real and strong danger facing working people in this country. At this time all across America, anti-worker individuals, organizations and businesses are implementing a state-by-state campaign to silence the voices of working men and women. They literally are trying to keep average citizens-the mariner, the store clerk, the factory worker, the restaurant server-from having any say in political campaigns. How are they doing this? Through bills in state legislatures or ballot initiatives with such sweet-sounding names as "campaign finance reform" or "paycheck protection acts" or "giving union members a choice." Sounds too sinister to be true, doesn't it? Well, brothers and sisMichael Sacco ters, this is no fairy tale! This is real, this is serious and this is happening right now! We in the Seafarers know these anti-worker low-lifes well. These are the same people and groups who have been running overseas to take advantage of low-wage, poorly trained mariners aboard substandard vessels under the pretense of competitiveness. They aren't concerned about the welfare of the American working class. They're just seeking new ways to pad their bottom line. The main theme in all these so-called reforms and acts is to prevent the free flow of information to working class Americans. The sole aim of these bills and ballot initia- tives is to reduce the effectiveness of union members and labor organizations by restricting our activities in such a way that we couldn't participate in the political system. For more than 200 years, the strength of this nation's democracy has been the ability of all sides to express their points of view. All Americans have the right to speak up and be heard. Without this fundamental right, all of America would be weakened. Along these lines, it has always been vitally important for America's working men and women to know what is happening in the political process. The AFL-CIO as well as the SIU have a great deal that needs to be brought forward in the course of public debate so that workers are heard. Without the voice of working people, the national minimum wage would not have been increased, and even more jobs would be fleeing our borders had fast-track authority not been stopped, just to cite two examples of workers having effective input in this process. Sure, we don't win every battle we enter. But we do have a say in the outcome. That's what democracy is all about, and that's what these anti-worker bullies want to rob from us. The one sure way to stop these forces is for Seafarers and their families to expose these hucksters to their friends and neighbors for what they are-back-stabbing individuals, organizations and businesses who, in some cases, have already and would, if allowed, leave American workers with empty factories and no jobs in order to exploit low-wage, low-cost foreign employees. And once exposed, we must work together to defeat their anti-democratic bills and initiatives. Seafarers Show Solidarity with Washington Newspaper Workers SIU members last month joined more than 300 fellow trade unionists in a rally to demand a fair contract and affordable health care for the mail workers at The Washington Post, who are members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 14201. The lunchtime rally took place in Washington, D.C. in front of The Washington Post in the form of an informational picket. The February 13 event brought together workers from more than 15 unions to call attention to the plight of the mail workers who have been without a contract since June 15, 1997. CWA Local 14201 has been in negotiations with The Washington Post for months. CWA members and supporting local trade unionists have kept a vigil of four to six people marching outside the newspaper offices since the contract expired. The Post is demanding the option of taking away work from the mailroom employees and giving it to other workers at the paper or contracting it out. The company wants the right to hire temporary employees, implement a 35-hour work week with a 40-hour overtime provision and other concessions. The newspaper has a net worth of $I .5 billion with profits of more than $256 million in 1997. The purpose of the rally was to let The Washington Post know that its workers played a major role in making the paper such a successful company. Rally speaker Linda Foley, president of the Newspaper Guild, said, "The Washington Post just doesn't get it. A newspaper is a public trust. The first amendment of the Constitution allows them to publish and make the money they make. We expect The Washington Post to treat their workers fairly. The Washington Post does not live up to their business responsibilities. We stand behind [the mail workers] to get affordable health care and a fair contract. The Newspaper Guild says NO to a part-time throwaway work force." The cost of health care for the workers is a key issue in the negotiations. Many members of CW.P:s Local 14201 pay more than $100 a week for insurance premiums while Post management gets theirs free or at little cost. Also, the Post is demanding an unlimited supply of temporary workers at reduced wages. Following the march, several Seafarers talked about what the event meant to them. "We're all brothers and sisters. A company that makes millions of dollars in profits should do everything it can to help their employees. I hope [the mail workers] get what they want and settle,'' said steward department member John Holtschlag. "I hope the Post comes to real- Mail workers at The Washington Post, who have been without a contract since June 15, 1997, get support from Seafarers at a lunchtime rally. Leading the rally are SIU members Tommy Belvin, Angel Correa and Michael Baker. ize that it's the little guys that count. They are the ones that build up the company's empire. They [the ma1lworkers] need health care for their families," noted Steward Franklin Cordero. Michael Baker, also a steward department member, added, "It's good to be out there with the other unions fighting for the same cause. Working for the cause to benefit families." Other SIU members present at the rally were Kenneth Abra- hamson, Alan Bartley, Tommy Belvin, Robert Bradberry, Sergio Castellanos, Angel Correa, Matthew Harrison, Mike Hammock, Robert Kane, Joseph LeClair, Kenneth Long, Jose Majao, John Millward, Allen Ngoc, Melvin Ratcliff Jr., Noel Rodriguez, Adel Shaibi, Phillip Troublefield, George Villaba Jr. and Ed Winne. Steelworkers' Rally in San Francisco Draws Attention to CF&I/Oregon Strike Backing CWA Local 14201 by marching in front of The Washington Post are Seafarers (from the left) Matthew Harrison, George Villaba Jr., Robert Bradberry and Robert Kane. Volume 601 Number 3 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org March 1998 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month- ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Corrina Christensen Gutierrez; Art. Bill Brower; Administrative Support. Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers marched last month with hundreds of other San Francisco-area trade unionists to show support for 1,100 Steelworkers on strike against CF&I/Oregon Steel. The rally, in front of the Wells Fargo Bank in the heart of the city's financial district, was one of 11 held in eight states on February 13. The Steelworkers chose Wells Fargo for the informational picketing because the bank is one of several across the nation extending a line of credit to CF&I/Oregon Steel during the strike which began October 3, 1997. The I, 100 Steelworkers have been walking the picket lines in Pueblo, Colo., where the CF&I/Oregon Steel plant is located. "We want to show our brothers and sisters that they have support here on the West Coast," noted SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona. ''These people have been out of work for five months and something has to be done for them," added AB James Taranto. Other Seafarers taking part in the demonstration included Bosun Bill Dean, Bosun J.C. Dillon, Chief Cook Al Dixon, Chief Cook Ahmed Qoraish, Bosun Jim Rader, OS Ronald Rankin, AB Richard Smith and FOWT Robert Young. When the strike began, CF&I/Oregon Steel hired permanent replacement workers (scabs) to bust the union and keep the mill running. On December 30, the Steelworkers made an unconditional offer to return to work, but the company ignored it. The union is calling on the company, which has renamed itself Rocky Mountain Steel, tp remove the scabs, return to the bargaining table and sign a contract equal to those already in place with other large steel companies. Prior to the San Francisco demonstration, Steelworkers President George Becker briefed local union officials on what was happening in the CF&I/Oregon strike. Meeting in the SIU San Francisco hall, Becker told the officials that the Steelworkers were committed to regaining their jobs with a union contract. Joining Becker at the meeting were California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski, SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney and members of the San Francisco Labor Council. Bosun Jim Rader (with MTD sign) speaks with other trade unionists during a San Francisco rally for striking CF&I/Oregon Steelworkers. March 1998 �Seafarers Ready to Supply Troops in Event of U.S. Military Action Versus Iraq TRANSCOM General Praises Crew Efforts Seafarers are ready to deliver "the right things to the right place at the right time" as the United States and its allies move closer to a potential armed conflict with Iraq. Around the world, SIU members aboard various military supply vessels are standing by for word where and when to transport materiel needed by U.S. Armed Forces. Speaking in Washington, D.C. on February 19, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Roger G. Thompson Jr. praised the work of Seafarers in the preparation of a possible action in the Middle East. ''They are doing a fine job," the deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSOM) stated to a reporter for the Seafarers LOG following an address on what is happening in the Persian Gulf and what he sees as the future of military logistics before the Washington chapter of the National Defense Transportation Association. The general noted TRANSCOM has been working since Thanksgiving to make sure weapons, armament and other items are in place "in case diplo. macy fails." He told the audience U.S.-flag civilian-crewed military supply ships are involved in exercises in the Persian Gulf area. (Many of these vessels are crewed by Seafarers.) Thompson said how important it is for the troops to have "the right things in the right place at the right time" and how he has been "extremely impressed with the military-civilian cooperation." He further stated such cohesion provides needed confidence for the troops in the field to perform their mission to the best of their abilities. SIU President Michael Sacco said he was proud to hear the good report about Seafarers from Gen . Thompson . "The military knows that SIU crews will do whatever it takes to assist our troops," Sacco noted. "We were there in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield and we will be there if and when we are called upon should military action be required." As the Seafarq s LOG went to press, President Clinton had not announced any decision on whether to launch attacks on Iraq for failure to comply with United Nations inspections for weapons of mass destruction. The Middle East nation agreed to allow such inspections after being beaten back from Kuwait by U.S. and allied forces in the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91. In late February, the Military Sealift Command issued a release showing more than 15 SIU-crewed vessels were involved in exercises in or near the Persian Gulf. Among these ships are five manned by members from the SIU's Government Services Division. They include the fleet oilers USNS Guadalupe and USNS Walter S. Diehl; fleet stores ship USNS Spica; fleet tug USNS Catawba; and fleet ammunition vessel USNS Kilauea. Five U.S. Marine Corps prepositioning ships, with Seafarers making up the unlicensed crew, were under way: the PFC William B. Baugh, Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr., 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman, Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips and Sgt. Matej Kocak. On station in the Arabian Gulf Lt. Gen. Roger G. Thompson Jr., the deputy commander of TRANSCOM, praises the logistical effort performed by civilian mariners, including Seafarers, during the recent military buildup in the Middle East. are four U.S. Army prepositioning vessels. They include the SIU-crewed USNS Shughart, USNS Yano, USNS Gordon and USNS Gilliland. On standby in the Pacific were the LTC Calvin P. Titus and SP5 Eric G. Gibson. And sailing in exercises to assist the U.S. Air Force is the Seafarers-crewed Buffalo Soldier. Coalition Formed to Block Proposed Navigational Tax A coalition of maritime unions (including the SIU), shipping companies, shippers, port authorities and others are working to stop implementation of a navigational assistance tax on the use of U.S. Coast Guard navigational aids. Included in the Fiscal Year 1999 federal budget released by the Clinton administration last month as a "navigational assistance fee," the proposed tax would be assessed on commercial vessels plying the domestic waterways. It is projected to raise nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars in its first five years. The Coast Guard's justification for the levy is to fund certain services provided by the Department of Transportation agency including the placement and maintenance of buoys, and other shortrange aids to navigation, radio navigation and vessel traffic management. If approved by Congress, the tax could be in place as early as the summer of 1999. However, opponents of the proposed tax pointed to several factors that could make the new fee illegal even before it could be implemented. Since the Coast Guard has deemed the tax a "user fee ," fed eral law states that such fees may be imposed only for specific governme~t services to specific individuals' or companies, such as license applications. In this case, the coalition stated the tax is being applied generally, which federal courts have struck down in the past. SIU Governmental Affairs March 1998 Representative Terry Turner equated creating a tax on ships for use of the Coast Guard's navigational system to charging a user fee on car and truck drivers who use traffic lights . Additionally, the Transportation Institute, a trade association of U.S.-flag shipping companies, said others-including recreational boaters, fishing boats and passenger vessel operatorswould be exempted from the levy even though they use the aids. Therefore, the Coast Guard could not be taxing for specific services to specific companies or individuals. Instead, it would be charging one group to cover the costs of a system that benefits many. Another factor brought out by the Transportation Institute is the fact that foreign-flag vessels may not have to pay the fee because of existing treaties and other agreements. If this is the case, bringing forth such a levy would create an additional burden on U.S .-flag shipping. Finally, the association stated the Coast Guard has provided no justification for such a tax, claiming it would simply be a revenue raiser because the vast majority of the vessels who use the aids are exempted from paying the levy. Turner noted the coalition plans to work with members of Congress to remove the tax from the Fiscal Year 1999 budget as it makes its way through the legislative process. It also is looking into other actions, including legal challenges, to keep it from being implemented. The Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips is one of more than a dozen Seafarers-crewed military supply ships that have be~n c~lled into_exercises. in the Persian Gulf region as the United States and its allies began a military buildup in the Middle East m order to enforce U.N. weapons inspections against Iraq. SIU Gains More New Jobs American Steamship Co. Adds Ocean Barge Seafarers will crew the ocean tug that operates with the covered hopper barge acquired recently by American Steamship Company (ASC), the union announced last month. An ASC spokesman said the tug and barge should be in service by the third quarter of this year. Until then, the barge will undergo refurbishment, most likely in the Gulf, and the company will continue shopping for a new tug to sail with it. The unit will be named the American Freedom. ASC stated that it will use the American Freedom to carry dry bulk commodities, including coal and grain, in the Jones Act coastal trade. The company already operates an SIU-crewed fleet of 11 selfunloading vessels on the Great Lakes. Built in 1981 at Bay Shipbuilding Corp. in Wisconsin, the American Freedom (formerly the American Gulf V and the Energy Freedom) has four holds and 13 hatches (48' by 28'), with a gantry crane for the hatches. When fully loaded, the 33,700 dwt vessel travels at an average speed of about 9 knots. American Steamship Company aims to have the ocean tug-barge unit American Freedom operating along the U.S. coastline later this year with Seafarers aboard. Seafarers LOG 3 �Great Lakes Sailing Season Set for 1998 With several SIU-contracted companies expected to begin crewing their vessels for the 1998 sailing season later this month, Seafarers who ply the Great Lakes should contact the Algonac, Mich. union hall for fitout information. According to SIU Algonac Port Representative Don Thornton, some SIU-crewed ships have announced tentative fitout dates for March. However, Thornton noted, the dates are subject to change and Seafarers who sail on the Great Lakes need to keep in touch with the hall for information on when to report to their respective vessels. Engine and steward department members normally are the first to sign on the vessels as fitout begins. While the engine crew executes any needed repairs and refills pipes that had been emptied during layup, the galley Wheelsman Peter Nagowski performs some last-minute duties before signing off his vessel for the winter. First Phase at ISM Cade Takes Effect July 1 Interim Rule Says Tankers and Other Vessels Must Show Certification Before Entering U.S. The United States Coast Guard in late January began enforcing an interim rule that requires certain vessels calling on U.S. ports to provide their International Safety Management (ISM) Code certification 24 hours before entry. Intended to boost marine safety, the interim rule is a precursor to the July I deadline for shipowner compliance with phase one of the ISM Code. After that date, vessels covered in the initial phase that do not meet ISM Code standards face denial or detention in the ports of more than 100 nations signatory to the requirements. The first stage of the ISM Code (part of the 197 4 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, or SOLAS) applies to the following vessels engaged in international voyages: tankers, bulk freight ships, highspeed freight vessels of 500 gross tons or more, and ships transporting more than 12 passengers. According to the Coast Guard, if a vessel without ISM certification is found in a U.S. port after July 1, "it will be detained, its cargo operations will be restricted, civil penalty action will begin, and its flag state and classifica- tion society will be contacted." The agency in December began conducting what it termed a "pre-enforcement inspection campaign" to monitor industry preparation for compliance. They also used the information gathered to start a nationwide database listing ISM compliance and to begin allocating resources for its port state control programs. Phase two of the ISM Code takes effect July 1, 2002. It will apply to other freight vessels and self-propelled mobile offshore drilling units of 500 or more gross tons on international voyages. Code requirements include that companies develop, implement and maintain a safety management system that spells out a safety and environmental protection policy, plus instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of the ships and protection of the environment in compliance with international and flag state regulations. It also calls for, among other requirements, defined procedures for reporting accidents, preparing for and responding to emergencies, and management reviews of the safety system. Sea Lion Serves Roaring Good Meal Galley gang members aboard the Sea Lion brightened the Christmas holiday for their shipmates by preparing a special meal, noted Captain G.B. Hogg, who submitted this photo to the Seafarers LOG. Pictured -..._ • ~;,,with a sampling of · · the scrumptious feast aboard the Crowley vessel are (from left) Chief Cook Leonard Skipper, Chief Steward Pat Caldwell, SA Isaac Newsome and Unlicensed Apprentice Joshua Ryan. 4 Seafarers LOii gang orders stores and makes other preparations for the season. The deck department usually joins the ships within a few days after the other crew members. The vessels begin sailing two or three days after the arrival of the deck crew. The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.. located between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, are scheduled to open on March 25. The opening of the locks traditionally marks the date operations on all the Great Lakes resume. However, the opening of the Soo Locks is dependent upon weather conditions. According to the Lake Carriers' Association, which monitors the action of U.S.-flag shipping on the Great Lakes, 1997 was the most successful navigation season on the lakes since the boom economy of the 1970s. Preliminary totals for cargo movement on U.S.-tlag takers show the vessels that operated throughout the 1997 sailing season moved more than 125 million tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo. That total represented an 8 million ton increase over 1996 and qualified as a new post-recession peak for the Great Lakes Jones Act trades. The demand for commodities on the Great Lakes remains high following the seasonal shut down of shipping. Coal, iron ore and stone-which are required in steel production-are the highest volume commodities moved on the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes basin is home to nearly threefourths of America's steel-making capacity. BELOW: Steward department members are some of the first of the crew to sign on their vessels prior to fitout on the Great Lakes. Pictured in the galley during layup aboard the Medusa Challenger are (from left) Porter Adam Hassan, Porter Hussein Nasser and Second Cook Joel Markle. ~ AB Michael Cushman cleans the inspection plates on the deck of the Medusa Challenger during winter layup. Senator Boxer Discusses West Coast Maritime SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney (right) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union President Brian McWilliams (center) speak with U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) about several issues affecting the maritime community. The meeting took place last month in San Francisco. SIU-Crewed MSC Ships Help Guam Recover From Typhoon Paka Three Military Sealift Command Pacific Fleet (MSCPAC) vessels-the USNS Kilauea, USNS San Jose and USNS Niagara Falls-c,rewed by members of the SIU's Government Services Division helped make the Christmas holiday one that will not soon be forgotten by a few hundred residents of Guam. Before Super Typhoon Paka plowed through the tiny U.S. territory (the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands in the West Pacific) in midDecember, residents were ready for a restful holiday. The island, just like the U.S. mainland, was decorated for the season, and families were preparing for upcoming celebrations. Paka, however, had other plans. Packing winds of up to 236 miles per hour, it blew away most of the traditional look and feel of the holidays and caused more than $100 million in damages across the entire island. Crew members aboard the three MSCPAC vessels were ready to help salvage at least the holiday, if not the island itself. "Our ship made it possible to keep the real spirit of Christmas and the holidays for many, many people hit by the storm," said Vice Admiral Jim Perkins, commander of the Military Sealift Command. "The Niagara Falls, San Jose and Kilauea really went all out to make it special for the people who needed it most. I'm glad we could help." The three ships assisted in providing food, water and supplies for several homeless shelters and the local U.S. Navy base. In addition, the San Jose and Niagara Falls prepared traditional Christmas dinners for more than 200 people who had no place to go. Unlicensed crew members aboard the San Jose spearheaded the idea to host the homeless for Christmas. According to the ship's master, Capt. Karl Faulkner, they arranged for just about everything-from donation·s to pay for the food, to transportation to and from the ships, to making sure those needing an invitation got one. ''This was our way of helping out and providing a home away from home on Christmas Day," Faulkner said. The visitors were able to relax and watch videos and were treated to a tour of the ships. Because of its cargo of ammunition, Kilauea crew members were unable to host a dinner aboard ship. "We did everything else possible to help out," said the Kilauea's master, Capt. Dan LaPorte. ''These people were devastated, and we wanted to try to lift their spirits." Crew members from all three ships additionally assisted in providing medical, utility, cleanup, transportation and food services on the island. The Niagara Falls' and San Jose's crews continue to work on cleanup and rebuilding operations. Water hoses attached to the ships are available to anyone without drinking water. And other necessary services, such as removing debris and feeding people-both military and civilian-are two of the main ways the ships' crews are helping in the effort. The Kilauea is now on a mission in the Indian Ocean. "More than anything, this assistance helps provide some feeling of normalcy and security," added Perkins. "It's going to be a while before we see things as usual in Guam, but I'm very glad to sec our ships and people can help make a difference." March 1998 �Work Continues in STCW Implementation Tarpon Crew Game for Contract Input Seafarers Participate in Latest International Safety Meetings The SIU actively participated in the most recent meeting of the group tasked with continuing the development of rules to be implemented as part of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). The union took part in the STCW subcommittee's meeting January 12-16 in London, attended by representatives of 57 countries, and also participated in a related conference of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) afterward. While many topics were covered, much of the STCW subcommittee's work focused on identifying the differences between shore-based and shipboard assessment required of mariners by the amendments, and defining how those distinctions should be factored into final, standardized rules covering such evaluations. For example, the group agreed that formal assessment of mariners' occupational competence must take place under authority of an approved center (presumably ashore), but that evidence of possessing proficiency in certain shipboard skills may be fulfilled from approved in-service work experience. In perhaps the most contentious issue tackled, the subcommittee debated the relevance of specific shipboard duties as applied to principles of safe manning. They did so in an unsuccessful attempt to update a resolution impacting numerous safety requirements included in the amendments. Reports from the meeting indicated the safemanning amendment will be a prominent item when the subcommittee reconvenes next year. STCW is an international treaty signed in 1978 that sets minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deep-sea mariners worldwide and also is significantly impacting rules governing inland and Great Lakes mariners. The convention was updated in 1995, with more than 100 nations, including the U.S., signing onto the pact. Implementing the pact is proving challenging for several reasons. The original agreement was not fully enacted until 1996. By then, however, nations already had begun rewriting their respective regulations to comply with the 1995 amendments. The '95 changes started taking effect in February 1997. Two other important dates are August 1, 1998, by which time mariners entering the industry must meet all requirements from the 1995 amendments; and February 1, 2002, by which time the '95 amendments fully take effect and the 1978 convention is off the books. Adding to the implementation difficulty, more than 100 countries must establish regulations enacting (and enforcing) the amendments. That underscores the importance of the STCW subcommittee hammering out standardized guidelines and definitions upon which individual nation's laws will be based. Preparation for contract negotiations continues aboard SIUcrewed Penn Maritime tugs, with Seafarers identifying their top priorities for the next agreement. Recently, crew members aboard the tug unit Tarpon met with SIU Representative Kenny Moore in Houston, where they received contract suggestions forms, discussed various aspects of the current pact and talked about the latest union news. Pictured below (from left) are AB Jeffrey Cummings, Chief Engineer Alfredo Ruiz, AB Charles Springle and Mate Hubert (Mike) Lanham. Penn Maritime operates seven tugs and nine barges. Two more barges are slated to enter service this spring. NalfY League Head Calls tor Additional Support tar U.S.-Flag Merchant Fleet The national president of the U.S. Navy League has called for additional support for the U.S.tlag merchant fleet in the foreword to the league's January 1998 issue of Sea Power. Jack M. Kennedy-who heads the nationwide non-profit, civilian, educational organization based in Arlington, Va.-reminded the readers of his column that the merchant marine has served as "the vital fourth arm of defense" throughout the wars involving U.S. forces during the 20th century. After using earlier statements from former Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger that the U.S. commercial fleet has continually decreased since World War II, Kennedy cited several reasons for a renewed effort to maintain a strong merchant marine. ''An economically competitive U.S.-tlag merchant marine would pay immense dividends in terms of shipbuilding and seafaring jobs," Kennedy stated. "It also would significantly reduce the U.S. balance of payments deficits. "Most important of all, it would guarantee the continued availability of not only the sealift ships needed to sustain U.S. forces overseas in future times of conflict, but also the trained U.S. citizen seafarers needed to man those ships." Kennedy's remarks were contained in the annual review of the Navy as observed by the league's president. The review is published in the first issue of Sea Power each year. Kennedy's statement included observations on what is needed by the Navy, NY-NJ Dredging Program Approved Port authority officials in New York and New Jersey have approved a major dredging program that could begin as early as this fall. The $621 million federal project is expected to remove an estimated 10 million cubic yards of rock and sediment from area channels. Working in cooperation with local employees, ~he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will oversee the dredging at the East Coast's largest port, which could take up to six years. Based on a cost-sharing formula established by the federal government, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will pay $217 million into the under- March 1998 taking, intended to deepen the Kill Van Kull, Newark Bay and Elizabeth channels to 45 feet from their current depth of 40. Noting the major economic benefits that local port activity provides in New York and New Jersey, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD)-of which the SIU is an affiliate-is working to ensure that the dredging project takes place on schedule and in its entirety. The MTD believes this is only one step, albeit a big one, for port modernization projects in New York and New Jersey. "Considering that port activity generates about 200,000 jobs in the New York metropolitan area, along Marine Corps and Coast Guard as well as the merchant marine to remain a strong, powerful force worldwide into the next century. Within his remarks about the Navy, Kennedy expressed concern about the reduction of work in U.S. shipyards, which have seen fewer Naval vessels being contracted and built than 10 years ago. However, he pointed out domestic yards were building merchant ships again after years of no activity. ''Thanks to several 'revitalization' initiatives announced by the Clinton administration in October 1993, there has been a gradual recovery, and last year there were 19 ships on the commercial order book, the highest total since 1982," Kennedy said. with billions of dollars each year in business sales and local, state and federal taxes, this program clearly deserves full support," stated MID Vice President William Zenga, a driving force behind the dredging project. He added that there "must be continued efforts to streamline procedures for securing dredging permits, because the dredging indm:try is being revolutionized, and different methods of disposal are becoming available." The work is expected to benefit the Howland Hook container port on Staten Island, where business markedly has grown in recent years, as well as marine terminals in Elizabeth and Newark. "Dredging the channels to 45 feet will significantly improve the port, and increase our ability to I Labor Brief II Canadian Wal-Mart Workers Win First Contract Two hundred employees at a Canadian Wal-Mart (in Windsor, Ontario) have ratified their first contract, just 2Y2 months after the United Steelworkers-Canada was certified as· their union. This is the first time that any of the Arkansas-based discount chain's 2,600 stores has gone union. The Canadian members ratified their first contract by a wide margin on December 22. Terms of the 20-month pact include an increase in wages; grievance and arbitration regulations; secure holiday and vacation provisions; scheduling and work-hours controls, and prohibitions against harassment and discrimination. attract more cargo," said Lillian C. Newark Bay and the northern end Borrone, director of port commerce of the Arthur Kill. It serves major in New York and New Jersey. marine terminals in the port, The Corps of Engineers, the including the Port NewarkPort Authority and the states of Elizabeth Port Authority Marine New York and New Jersey are Terminal seaport complex, the also cosponsoring a harbor navi- Howland Hook Marine Terminal gation study which is examining in Staten Island and a variety of private petroleum facilities. what the harbor's future channel depth requirements will be. The Kill Van Kull is the waterway between Staten Island, N.Y. and Bayonne, N.J. The SIU-crewed Sea-Land Expedition traverses that link Upper Newark Bay, which will be deepened from 40 feet to New York Bay to 45 feet under a new dredging program. Seafarers LOG 5 �USCG Announces Change of Command President Clinton has nominated Vice Admiral James Loy as the next commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. Loy will become the 21st commandant, the highest ranking Coast Guard officer, once the appointment is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He succeeds Admiral Robert E. Kramek, who is retiring. Loy has served as the chief of staff at the Coast Guard's headquarters in Washington, D.C. since 1996. In that capacity, he is responsible for the agency's management, administration and financial resources. Loy's background also includes command of the Adm. James M. Loy SIU Mourns Passing of Gomez, Walsh Andrea Gomez Andrea Gomez, who founded the Cannery Workers Union of the Pacific, passed January 27 in San Pedro, Calif. She was 97. She began working as an organizer in 1924. Gomez then established the union in 1933 and served as president from then until her retirement in 1965. The native of Mexico also was a vice president of the Seafarers International Union of North America, from 1942 to 1965. Even in retirement, Gomez remained dedicated to the labor movement. Among her other activities, she was part of a U.S. Department of Labor committee that helped establish a minimum wage for workers in Samoa. • • • Thomas Walsh Sr. Thomas Walsh Sr., president of the Industrial, Professional & Technical Workers International Union (IPTW), passed away January 2 in Downey, Calif. due to natural causes. He was 62. A native of Fairfield, Calif., Walsh was a shop steward at the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers. Altogether, he worked for several unions during his career, serving as everything from steward to representative to secretary-treasurer to president. Thomas Walsh Sr. In 1995, he received the IPTW charter from the Seafarers International Union of North America. A statement by the IPTW executive board noted, "Tom was truly proud and honored to have received this charter." Kirby Sells 7 Tugs, 7 Tankers Kirby Corp. this month is expected to complete the sale of seven SIU-contracted tugboats and seven tankers, three of which are under contract with the union. Hvide Marine Incorporated, also a Seafarers-contracted company, is purchasing the seven harbor tugs (currently operated by Sabine Towing) plus two tankers, including the SIU-crewed Willamette. H vi de Marine also is acquiring from Kirby a topside repair facility in Port Arthur, Texas. Completing the transactions, August Trading Co. is buying five tankers from Kirby, including the SIU-contracted Champion and Leader. "We are working to determine the status of existing contracts and jobs," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. ''The union, as always, will be working hard to protect the jobs of our members." Of the seven tugs being sold to H vi de, four are based in Port Arthur and two in Lake Charles, La., with the other operating as a support vessel for both areas. Hvide reportedly will pay $31.4 million for the tugs, tankers and repair facility, while · August Trading will pay $7.2 million for the five tankers. Completion of the transactions is subject to regulatory filings and approvals, although no major delays were anticipated. Coast Guard's Atlantic area and U.S. Maritime Defense Zone Atlantic in Portsmouth, Va. Additionally, Loy served as commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District in New Orleans and as chief of the office of personnel and training at the headquarters office. The admiral's awards are numerous, including three Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medals and two Legion of Merit awards. Admiral Kramek was sworn in as the 20th commandant of the Coast Guard on June 1, 1994. The change of command ceremony is scheduled for May 29. IMO Regs Call for Ballast Control Program United States Likely to Adopt Worldwide Guidelines The dangers associated with the invasion of non-indigenous organisms-like the infamous zebra mussel-may be reduced as the United States considers adoption of an International Maritime Organization (IMO) resolution on how to manage ballast water. The IMO guidelines, passed in November, are part of a worldwide effort to establish a uniform plan to stop the spread of harmful aquatic organisms carried and transferred by ships' ballast water. The rules will ~tandardize around the world the way ballast water is exchanged and how ballast tanks are cleaned. News reports have stated the United States could implement the IMO regulations sometime this year. One of the changes being considered calls for the voluntary exchange of ballast in all U.S. waters except for the Great Lakes and the Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge (where it is already mandatory). · The guidelines also would require all vessels entering U.S. waters to report where and when ballast was taken on or discharged. The IMO additionally is seeking governments to inform vessels (and/or local agents) about areas where taking on ballast should be minimized. Such locations include those with known populations of harmful organisms or near sewage outlets. The regulations call on ships to avoid loading ballast in very shallow water where the propellers could stir up sediment. With regard to the cleaning of ballast tanks, the IMO recommends it be done in the middle of the ocean or under controlled situations in ports or dry docks. The IMO encouraged its members, which includes the U.S., to adopt measurers consistent with the new guidelines. ~e head of the U.S. delegation to the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee that drafted the resolution, U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Larry Green, pointed out that the proposal is based on considerations of "what worked and what didn't work" in voluntary guidelines issued in 1991 by the IMO. The IMO committee will monitor the effects of the '97 resolution to draft proposals for adoption in the year 2000. Global Concern Studies conducted in several countries have shown that many species of bacteria, plants arid animals can survive in the ballast water and sediment carried in ships. The discharge of ballast water by ocean-going vessels entering the U.S. has resulted in the spread of various harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens that post threats to humans, animals, plants and the marine environment. For example, the invasion of the zebra mussel on the Great Lakes has resulted in billions of dollars in pollution control and the cleaning of fouled underwater structures and water pipes. The 6 Seafarers LOG arrival of zebra mussels in the lakes was traced to ballast water from Europe's Caspian Sea discharged by a European tanker in 1986. Within a few years, the zebra mussel had infiltrated all the Great Lakes. A 1997 study found that the mussels had spread to an additional 13 small lakes in that region and are now found in 92 U.S. waters. Zebra mussels have caused numerous difficulties, including disrupting navigation by causing marker buoys to sink, ruining fishing nets and grounds, fouling beaches with sharp shells, and blocking water intake systems of many municipalities, utilities and factories. The mussels impede ships by causing increased drag, thereby lowering fuel efficiency. In addition, they harm native mussels and fish by consuming large amounts of algae. Meanwhile, the problem is not limited to the U.S. Ballast water is blamed for the introduction of the American comb jelly to the Black and Azoz Seas that has caused a near extinction of the anchovy and sprat fisheries. Ballast also is blamed for the transfer of Southeast Asian dinoflagellates, which have caused paralytic shellfish poisoning in Australian waters. The dangerous effects of contaminated ballast have also been recognized by the World Health Organization which is concerned about the role of ballast water as a medium for the spreading of epidemic disease bacteria. Burial at Sea for Bosun Kingsley Latest Federal Statistics Show Union Members 1 Earning Power The latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show a decided edge in earning power for union members compared to unrepresented workers. In a breakdown by occupation and industry, union employees earned more in 1997 than non-union workers in 33 of 35 categories. Often, the difference was substantial. For instance, union workers in transportation fields earned an average of nearly $200 per week more than unrepresented transportation workers. The two exceptions were commissioned sales occupations and one industry category listed as "finance, insurance and real estate." Construction, farming, forestry and fishing featured some of the widest earnings gaps, with union members grossing anywhere from $215 to $287 more per week. Adm. Robert E. Kramek 1,.;1S ;~~-~~~~;f~~~;;'S Tt<£ ~:~:~~;2~:~.~t~,1~~ ~-~ ,,.:ft~~-~1~~~.~,~~tC!~~U· M....,ff'!"\.j"'H"l".cl..f'..U:fV'iY ..C~~.U!.~fi.A"'~l•.A !M:;S<::.J!t;)t.~.(".' ~ _i.,l;Al ~(~ ~l~t~~ii~~~~J:f,~!;~f \•I.A At 1400 on September 26, 1997, the cremated remains of Brother Jack Kingsley were committed to the deep three miles west " of the Golden Gate Bridge from the deck of the SeaLand Explorer. A moment ' of silence was observed in his memory. Pensioner Kingsley died June 18 at the age of 63. A native of Indiana, he began sailing with the SIU in 1966 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Kingsley worked in the deck department and had served as a bosun on the Sea-Land Explorer. A resident of Fairfield, Calif., he retired in September 1996. In photo above, crew members from the Sea-Land Explorer attend the shipboard memorial service. At left is the urn in which his cremated remains were held prior to being scattered upon the waters. March 1998 �ITF Sunteys Sunken Remains Of Panamanian-Flag Vessel Ta Assist Victims' Relatives The sinking of the Panamanian-registered Cordigliera off the coast of South Africa and the loss of her crew of 29 was a tragic event on November 13, 1996, but until this year, no one seemed to know the cause, and no compensation has yet been paid to the crew's dependents. The vessel, built in 1979, was carrying general cargo, including granite blocks, wire coils and wood pulp from Durban to other African ports en route to the Mediterranean. The crew was unable to send out a distress message, indicating that the ship sank quickly. The London-based International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), of which the SIU is a member, has been fighting since 1948 to bring the conditions found on all vessels sailing around the world to minimal standards for wages and safety. It is too late now to help the Cordigliera's crew members, but the ITF is trying to assist the relatives of those who died by helping them receive some sort of compensation from the vessel's owners and insurers, as well as any unpaid wages owed the crew of 29 Indian mariners and a South African technician. In order to do this, the ITF has financed a $200,000 survey, in collaboration with the South African Department of Transport, to explore the wreckage of the ship and determine the cause of its loss. Mark Dickinson, assistant general secretary of the ITF, said it was important to find out exactly what happened to the Cordigliera-why it sank suddenly after taking water in the vessel's No. 1 hold in bad weather. "This joint expedition is being undertaken because it will benefit not only the families of the seafarers whose lives were lost, but also send a clear message to the shipping industry that it cannot escape its responsibilities and liabilities." Brian Watts, chief director of the Shipping Directorate in South Africa, said the Department of Transport was pleased to collaborate with the ITF. "Our priority is to determine more precisely why the Cordigliera sank and in doing so determine if any lessons can be learned." The 10-day survey was completed in late January and consisted of sonar scans and a remotely operated vehicle equipped with video and photographic equipment, taken in a number of deep water dives. The expedition concentrated on how the vessel was foaded and shows extensive structural damage to the ship in the region of the No. 1 cargo hold. It also examined the likely risk of further pollution damage from the wreck. Dickinson was delighted at the success of the diving mission. "There are always risks involved in diving in 300 feet," he noted, "but we have been lucky with good weather and sea conditions. We shall now pass all the evidence to our lawyers and other experts and are confident we will be able to say how the ship was lost." It is hoped that evidence from the survey may be used by the families and dependents of the ship's crew in a compensation case against the Cordigliera's owners. Many of the crew members' families lost not only their husbands, sons and fathers in November 1996, they also lost their only rrieans of livelihoodand have received nothing from the vessel's owners and insurers. The only financial assistance thus far has come from the ITF, which has paid $10,000 to dependents to relieve their hardship. Thus far, lawyers representing Sinha Shipping, the vessel's owners, have made an offer in "full and final settlement" to the crew's relatives. It was the equivalent of about two years' wages-just a fraction of what the ITF believes the relatives should be paid under contract and in full compensation. The case of the Cordigliera is not an isolated one. The ITF has a caseload of more than 300 seafarers who have been killed or seriously injured but for whom compensation has not been paid or is inadequate. Solidarity for Australian Stevedores AFL-CIO Urges Actions to Protect Workers In Environmental, Communications Markets During a recent two-day meeting in Washington, D.C., the AFL-CIO Executive Council adopted several resolutions dealing with international situations that could affect working people in the United States and around the world. The council, which serves as the national labor federation's governing body between biennial conventions, is composed of President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson and 51 vice presidents. SIU President Michael Sacco has served on the council since being elected to it in 1991. Adopted during the gathering were statements regarding the recent Asian financial crisis, an international treaty on the environment (known as the Kyoto Protocol) and a proposed merger between the second and fourth largest telecommunications companies in the U.S. In each case, the council pointed out concerns that could result in job losses, reduced services or other problems for working people. · Regarding the Asian financial situation, the AFL-CIO demonstrated that downturns in the economies of South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand have brought increased pressure on the international banking community to bail out their problems. The primary source for help is the International Monetary Fund (IMF), of which the U.S. is a major contributor. The AFL-CIO statement noted past IMF actions in bailout situations have called on governments to slash public spending while weakening labor laws to induce massive layoffs and deep wage cuts. The executive council urged Congress to seek assurances from the IMF that the institution would gain commitments from countries Labor Brief New Orleans to Host 1998 Union Industries Show Featuring more than 300 unions and companies with union-represented employees, this year's AFL-CIO Union Industries Show will be held at the convention center in New Orleans, April 17-20. The 1998 exhibition will be the largest showcase of skills and services provided by union workers as well as union-made, Americanmade products. Included among these are promotions for the SIUcrewed Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, as well as goods produced by the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (rum, salsa, home and industrial products). Those attending the free exhibition can find out what it is like to be a firefighter, an astronaut, a welder or a bricklayer. They can also view union-made goods and products on display--everything from cereal products and ice cream to household appliances and motor vehicles. And many items will be given away as prizes to some lucky attendees. Young people will find the 1998 Union Industries Show to be one of the largest job fairs in the country-and a great place to get a firsthand look at the wide range of good American jobs and learn what is needed to prepare for them. Produced by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, this year's show is getting additional support from the Louisiana AFL-CIO, the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO Council, individual New Orleans-area unions, and employers large and small. March 1998 wanting assistance to enforce international labor and human rights standards, work toward political and economic democracy and ensure those who had a hand in the economic downturn help pay for its recovery. In its statement dealing with the Kyoto Protocol, the AFL-CIO noted a resolution passed by delegates to its convention in September 1997 that the federation be involved in the issues dealing with global climate change so the concerns of workers would be addressed. However, the executive council pointed out the Kyoto Protocol, which was negotiated in December 1997, could mean the elimination of nearly one million jobs by the year 2005. (This figure was provided by the Clinton administration to the U.S. House Commerce Committee in July 1997.) The council called on President Clinton not to sign the protocol and, instead, work with the American people and elected officials to develop an environmental program that would help meet the goals of reduced pollution without forcing workers from their jobs. Finally, the AFL-CIO noted more than 75,000 jobs could be lost over a four-year period if a merger of telecommunications giants MCI and WorldCom occurs. At the same time, senior executives of the two companies would collect more than $320 million in annual bonuses. Such a merger also would result in the one company controlling more than 50 percent of the Internet backbone, creating the potential for higher prices and discriminatory access policies. The executive council called on federal and state regulators to reject the merger because of its possible negative impacts on consumers, workers and the telecommunications industry as a whole. More than 100 inspectors and coordinators attending the International Transport Workers Federation's (ITF) worldwide inspectors' seminar last month in London demonstrated outside the Australian Embassy, condemning the union-busting practices of the Australian government, Patrick Stevedores and the National Farmers' Federation aimed at destroying the ITF-affiliated Maritime Union of Australia (MUA). Among those participating in the peaceful rally were the SIU's ITF inspectors, Edd Morris, Don Thornton and Spiro Varras. The ITF declared an international campaign of support for the MUA, which in December overcame an attempt by Asian investors to train 70 scabs in cargo-handling in order to break the union. Pictured in photo directly below are (from left) ITF Inspectors Roberto Alarcon of Argentina, Jim Given of the SIU of Canada and Thornton. In photo at bottom of page, Varras is shown holding banner at far left. Seafarers LOG 7 �Upgraders Say Training Highlights Gov't Vessels Course Upgraders enthusiastically are responding to the revamped government vessels class offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Formerly known as sealift operations and maintenance, the three-week government vessels course is open to all Seafarers. It emphasizes practical training and also includes classroom studies. "The hands-on training is really valuable. You have to do these things to understand them," noted SA Jon Rolston, who recently completed the class. "It's definitely worthwhile and the material is well-presented. There's a good mix of hands-on and classroom work." Rolston added that "at first, it didn't seem to make sense to have the steward department taking this class. But once you start damage-control training, you understand. You're not going to be hanging out in the galley if the ship is sinking!" "The whole course is good and very interesting," agreed Richard Jefferson, who recently graduated from the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program. He cited damage control as the highlight. "Water was shooting out everywhere, but it was fun. Everyone will be involved if there's an emergency, so it's important to practice these operations," said Jefferson. Restructured and updated last summer in order to ensure the SIU continues supplying fully qualified manpower for its military-contracted companies and for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the class is presented in three one-week, standalone modules . This means they may be taken in any order, which is intended to make it easier for Seafarers to fit the class into their respective upgrading schedules. The course begins with overviews of MSC and the U.S. Maritime Administration, along with assessments of how militarycontracted ships differ from other Seafarers-crewed vessels. This section includes comments from SIU members and armed forces personnel who have sailed aboard military support ships. From there, upgraders learn about and practice damage control. "They do patching, plugging, communications, emergencyparty organization and other activities," noted Mark Cates, who teaches the government vessels course. "This section is like the rest of the course-there's a lot of material," continued Cates, formerly a rated damage-control person in the U.S. Navy...It mainly deals with equipment orientation and usage-de-watering practical equipment and pumps, applying patches, principles of shoring (reinforcement of weakened structures). . . . People spend years and years learning how to do these things, but this is a good sampling and overview." The rest of the first module includes hazardous materials (hazmat) familiarization, forklift operations, cargo handling and safety methods. Week two focuses on underway replenishment (unrep), vertical replenishment (vertrep) and helicopter operations. Cates explained that "unrep involves using synthetic highline rigs to transfer everything from cargo to fuel to personnel between two ships while the vessels are sailing. l\ ·A '.!. \'*1:1. ··~: ,··.·.·l.· II l ! ! < \ fJ Kyotaro Lopez (left) and David Arczynski practice damage control. Vertrep basically is the same operation, except between a helicopter and a ship, and it's mainly used for stores and cargo." The helicopter operations section covers flight deck safety and signaling for underway and vertical replenishment. Finally, upgraders during the third module practice and study crane operations, with practical training in the center's Hagglund crane. "Working on the crane was very educational," said Annie Nodd, another recent graduate of the unlicensed apprentice program. "With all of the hands-on training in this class, you can see the potential danger and the need for safety." For more information about the government vessels course, contact the admissions office at the Paul Hall Center at (301) 9940010, extension 5202. I Ii I i i I ' I •• t"'"'Z& Jon Rolston takes part in a damage-control drill at the Paul Hall Center. The Paul Hall Center's government vessels course features hands-on training in a number of subjects, including Hagglund crane operations. With superv1s1on by instructor Mark Cates (left), students David Arczynski, Annie Nodd, Kyotaro Lopez and Richard Jefferson learn about pumps, patches and more. Plucking Danger from Chicken Stewards Complete Ice Carving Seminar Methods Olfered by Chef AUan To Promote Safe Handling of Food Editor's note: The following article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Sherwin has a videotape available on preventing food-borne illness aboard ship. If representatives of SIU-contracted companies would like a copy of the tape, they may contact him at (301) 994-0010. Chicken is becoming more popular every year. It is more cost-effective than beef and has less cholesterol, plus allows greater variety in recipes. According to the March 1998 issue of Consumer Reports, each American consumed an estimated 74 pounds of chicken in 1997, up from 58 pounds per person a decade earlier. Unfortunately, during that same time, there also has been a substantial increase in cases of foodpoisoning resulting from contaminated foods, including chicken. About 500,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year from food-poisoning . The number of unreported cases is far greater-estimated in the millions. Salmonella, a bacteria found on seven out of every I 0 chickens sold, is the main culprit. But, other organisms like campylobater and E. coli also may be present. All of these entities are tasteless, odorless and colorless. There are several steps you can take to prevent these B Seafarers LOG organisms from making you ill, including the following: • Keep all poultry chilled under 40° F. The colder the environment, the slower the organisms will multiply. Do not accept poultry if the temperature is greater than 45° F. • Always store chilled poultry in your coolers on the bottom shelf to prevent juices from draining on other foods, especially foods such as fruits and vegetables which will not be cooked. Here again, remember that the bacteria is tasteless, odorless and colorless. • Cook all chicken to a minimum of 165° F and make sure that the juices run clear. Cook turkey to a minimum of 180° F. The salmonella organism will be killed at this temperature. • Sanitize your cutting board if processing raw poultry. Do not use the same cutting board for raw poultry and cutting vegetables for the salad bar. Try color-coding your cutting boards, if possible. • Sanitize your work station and all knives used to process raw poultry. Cross-contamination, or using an improperly sanitized cutting board or utensil is a prime cause of food-poisoning. • Wash your hands frequently when processing raw poultry. Contaminated hands used to open doors and handle plates and pans can cause illness. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that salmonella causes up to 7 million food-borne infections per year. By following some simple guidelines, you can ensure that you and your crew are protected against potential food-borne outbreaks. Chief Steward McKinley Jones (above) and Certified Chief Cook William Churney (right) proudly stand behind their ice carvings of a sailfish. The ice carving seminar is one of the courses in the steward upgrading program at the Lundeberg School. March 1998 �Bosun Donates Frontier Mementos To Paul Hall Memorial Library Collector Dan Marcus Notes Historic Aspects of Strike Thanks to Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, the Paul Hall Memorial Library contains memorabilia from one of the longest, most-publicized strikes in recent history. Marcus sent a colorful poster, button and small flag from the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas to the library, which is part of the training facility for SIU members located in Piney Point, Md. The items were produced by members of the five unions who struck the hotel from September 21, 1991 until January 31, 1998. "Being a collector, sometimes you recognize history in the making-the significance of an event," stated Marcus, a 26-year member of the SIU and frequent upgrader. "But what really sparked me (to acquire the mementos) was the Paul Hall Library. Certainly it's a maritime museum first, but if you read the cards and materials, there's a lot of information about organized labor as a whole. Looking through the archives, you can read about other historic strikes." Union members recently won the long battle at Frontier, which The 44-year-old Marcus, who sails from the port of Baltimore, had been aware of the strike almost since it originated. "I periodically go to Las Vegas for vacation , so I saw the picket line. And I also had seen Joey's photo in the Seafarers LOG," recalled the bosun, referring to an early 1992 article about Seafarers (including the late SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco) marching with the strikers. Strike Ends Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus donates memorabilia from the Frontier Hotel strike in Las Vegas to the Paul Hall Memorial Library. "Being a collector, sometimes you recognize history in the making," said the longtime Seafarer. began after management eliminated pension plans, reduced wages and health benefits, and severely weakened job security protections. Some 550 workers remained on strike, and none crossed the picket line. Ultimately, an investor recently purchased the hotel and quickly reached a contract with the striking union workers, who secured improvements in each area the previous ownership wanted to slash. Late last month, Marcus returned to the city for some time off and to run in a race. "It just so happened the strike ended on January 31, when I was there. It was an historic event for organized labor because it's the longest strike in U.S. history that ended favorably for the workers," he explained. About 1,500 union members, their families and friends and other supporters from the community joined in a rally on the Las Vegas Strip to celebrate the strike's successful conclusion. They escorted the first shift of Frontier Hotel employees back to work. The next day, Marcus visited with Jim Arnold, the president of Local 226 of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (whose members engaged in the job action). Arnold had designed a poster honoring the strikers, featuring their rallying mantra, "One day longer!" As a collector of union and sports memorabilia as well as stamps, Marcus has an eye for keepsakes. He noted his appreciation of the poster to Arnold, and promptly received an autographed print of the banner along with a button and miniature flag. Marcus then combined the three items and shrink-wrapped them for display at the library. "Jim said they couldn't have stuck it out without support from the other unions," observed Marcus, who most recently sailed aboard the LNG Taurus. "They all did at least 30 hours a week on the picket line, plus many of them worked part-time for at least 30 hours a week. And it lasted for so long. That's at least 60 hours for six-and-a-half years." He added that he believes the Frontier strike poster will "go along well" with the World War II merchant marine poster collection normally housed at the library. Currently, that display is undergoing refurbishment. SIU Affiliate Supports Special Session So V.I. Can Honor Contract The United Industrial Workers, an affiliate of the SIU, recently hosted a political forum as part of an ongoing effort to spur the U.S. Virgin Islands' legislature to identify funding to implement the terms of the contract covering thousands of territory government workers-all of them represented by the UIW. Several members of the legis- lature participated in the January 16 event on St. Thomas, where they answered questions from UIW members and officials. They discussed possible funding methods as well as indirectly related issues about various aspects of the government's operations. Meanwhile, members of the UIW's legislative and political action committee in the territory (which organized the forum) continued developing strategies to facilitate funding. After the forum, they met with the union's legislative affairs director and laid out a plan of grassroots mobilization. ''The members are extremely determined," said Amos Peters, vice president of the UIW's Caribbean region. "They and their families know the issues, they're registered to vote, and they're going to be heard." The latest efforts include UIW members individually contacting V.I. legislators and circulating a petition for delivery to those same representatives urging the convening of a one-day special session to pinpoint revenue sources. A number of senators have said they support calling a special session of the legislature for this intent. "It's good to know that at least some of the senators are thinking along the same lines that we are," added Peters. "But the ultimate objective remains the same: Funding the master agreement. The legislature must take mean- March 1998 ingful actions to that end." V.I. Senators Stephen Frett, David Jones and Celestino White took part in the event, as did a representative for Senator Holland Redfield. Tito Morales, president of the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council of the Virgin Islands, also made remarks. Representing the UIW as panelists were members of the political action committee including Wingrove Creighton, Karen Encarnacion, Sheena Conway, Arlene Kelly and Samuel Harvey. Gov't Signed Contract Ray Martinez, UIW, assistant vice president in the Caribbean region, pointed out that last July UIW workers and the V.I. government's chief negotiator each signed off on a three-year contract. Under the master agreement's terms, UIW members responded to the government's claims of financial problems by voting to make significant concessions on back wages and to streamline the territory's payroll system. In return, the members received improved benefits and job classification "step increases" which effectively are pay raises. However, despite the facts that the contract would mean substantial savings for the financially strapped government, and that the administration's chief negotiator signed it last summer, the pact has not been enacted. Governor Roy Schneider delayed approving the contract for several months, while the 15-member legislature has yet to reach consensus on how to fund the agreement or even whether to approve it. (In fact, Schneider did not sign the contract until November-after UIW workers unanimously voted for an emergency job action intended to force action on the contract.) During the forum, Martinez and the panelists also frankly reminded the senators that 1998 is an election year, and-considering that UIW members and their families in the Virgin Islands represent a substantial and very active percentage of potential voters-the elected representatives seemingly should have plenty of incentive to enact the contract. "We are te11ing you from now, if you don't support us, we don't support you," Martinez declared. "The union is on the right track," said White, who has made numerous proposals for economic enhancement of the territory, which would help enable contract funding. White's recommendations include installing a parking-meter system, passing a cigarette tax, utilizing interest earned on real estate, and-perhaps most significantly-reducing some of the various tax exemptions currently enjoyed by many businesses on St. Thomas, St. · Croix and St. John. In some cases, those exemptions are 100 percent. "With this one item of step reductions of [certain business] benefits, in 10 years the total that will be realized will be $103 million," White stated. "It's incumbent on you and your membership to lobby for passage of these measures, because it's clear that the revenues that we can generate and will generate is an enormous amount of moneys." Frett said he has urged his colleagues to convene the special session "so that we can help raise revenues for the government to meet its obligations not only to the private sector, but also to our [government employees]. ... Let's sit down and go over every one of [the proposals], and then the consensus that is derived, that's the direction we will go." Frett's suggestions included an unusual sales tax that he said would not affect the cost of living in the territory because of an adjustment of gross receipts designed to encourage businesses to lower prices. He also challenged the other senators to actively pursue funding of the master agreement. 'Very Understanding' Jones marveled at the patience of UIW members in the territory, but said it is time they received their due. "You all have been very understanding and · accommodating. You've been helping the government to make it through these difficult times. Now, we should do everything within our power to make sure that whatever contract you successfuJly negotiate and our government signs into law, that those terms and conditions-particularly the economic conditions of that contractshould be honored," he said. Additionally, he noted that many of the 3,200 territory government workers earn $15,000 per year or less, further exacerbat- ing the need for funding the step increases. "That (the salaries of less than $15,000) is criminal," he said. One of Jones' ideas for generating revenues is a proposed joint public-private venture that would create a telecommunications corporation he described as a "quasigovernment agency." He also wants to promote the territory as an attractive location for manufacturing plants of U.S.-based corporations. The final speaker, Morales, put it bluntly: "We want the contracts implemented, or else we are going to the street. And we are going to the street before election day." He also noted that the stagnant wages in the U.S. Virgin Islands during the 1990s effectively have equaled pay cuts for government employees, because of cost-ofliving increases. Lastly, Morales emphasized the need for union members and all other workers to hold elected representatives accountable. "We've had enough of it. And we are going to fight our enemies and put 'them out," he stated. 6 LNGs Extended to Year 2010 Six SIU-crewed LNG ships will sail at least until the year 2010 following a shift in ownership of the vessels. Two remaining LNGs are contracted to sail until 2001 and 2002. Energy Transportation Corp. (ETC) remains the operator of the vessels. Since 1989, the fleet jointly has been owned by Burmah Castrol, UK; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL); and Nissho Iwai Corp. (NIC). Last month, those companies announced that MOL and NIC had acquired Burmah Castrol's interests in the fleet. They also reported the extension to 2010. "The continuation of six ships until 2010 means job security for Seafarers. For that reason, we welcome this announcement," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. All of the vessels were built in Massachusetts during the late 1970s. They transport liquefied natural gas from Indonesia to Japan. Seafarers LOG 9 �Meeting with Seafarers Around Norfolk 0 0 © Members at the Norfolk SIU hall listen to a response from SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (standing), answering a question about z-card renewals. Taking part in a question-and-answer session aboard the Flickertail State is Electrician Mann Aroon. Bosun Stella Zebrowski (left) welcomes SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez aboard the Flickertail State. 0 0 0 Crew members aboard the Cape Ray discuss eligibility requirements for upgrading, the battle to maintain the Jones Act and other key issues pertaining to the SIU and the entire U.S. maritime industry. Prior to the commencement of the meeting aboard the Flickertail State, Steward/Baker Keith Mayer checks the news in the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG. Bosun Edward Brinn (left) and Electrician George Wallis await the start of the meeting aboard the Cornhusker State. Seafarers aboard ship and ashore in the port of Norfolk, Va. met last month with SIU officials to catch up on the latest news affecting their livelihoods. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey, SIU Assistant Vice President George Tricker, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Jim Malone and SIU Representative Leo Bonser met with Seafarers at the Norfolk union hall and aboard the USNS Altair, Comhusker State, Flickertail State, Cape Race, Cape Rise and Cape Ray. Topics covered during the meetings included the need for Seafarers to update their z-card; various aspects of the contracts covering Seafarers-crewed military ships, including the Ready Reserve Force and prepositioning ships; upgradinr opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md.; new jobs the union has gained during the past year, plus prospects for other new employment opportunities; the ongoing fight to maintain the Jones Act, which is vital to Seafarers' job security as well as to U.S. national and economic security; activity in U.S. shipyards, and more. Article Details Union Busters Tricky Tactics 1 Companies Spend Billions Trying to Quash Pro-Union Workers When workers at the Borders Books and Music store in Chicago late last year ratified the first-ever union contract with the company, it marked the culmination of an intense struggle. As is often the case nowadays in organizing campaigns, the employees at Borders faced a well-financed, extremely aggressive effort by the company to thwart their attempt to secure representation by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). This included the company's hiring a union-busting law firm (New York-based JacksonLewis) which peppered workers with propaganda during the months before the vote. An article in a recent issue of the UFCW newsletter spotlights the Borders case and exposes many of the tactics used by such firms. The piece points out how U.S. labor laws arguably are stacked against employees simply attempting to exercise their legal right to join a union. Moreover, the article explains that union-busting quietly has become a billion-dollar industry in America, with anti-labor firms raking in big bucks for their polished, intimidating attacks. Companies resisting employees' efforts to organize is nothing new. But, "in the computer age, psychological warfare has 10 Seafarers LOG replaced physical intimidation," notes the UFCW. "Instead, slick consultants and lawyers, skilled at stepping around the law, create a climate of fear and misinformation to defeat union drives. And when that fails, they initiate one legal battle after another to frustrate and deny through court action what they couldn't defeat at the ballot box." As spelled out in the article, an employers' campaign typically begins with attempts to isolate and frighten workers who favor representation. This involves not only management, but also antiunion employees. At Borders in Chicago, as in most company campaigns, it was the high-priced, union-busting lawyers orchestrating the mental assault. "They manipulated people," one UFCW member told the union. "They worked as puppeteers, directing local and upper management. They told them what to say, whom to talk to, and what to write. As we got closer to the vote, certain assistant managers walked around with glazed eyes, as if their souls had finally had enough." The Borders case included all of the usual elements. Among them were the initial intimidation, then an appeal for company loyalty that supposedly precludes securing union representation. From there, managers-following the union busters' script --<;ozied up to pro-union workers, assuring them they were part of a happy family and ostensibly soliciting their input regarding workplace issues. Next, workers were subjected to captive-audience meetingsconducted on the clock, with mandatory attendance. Anti-union videos were shown, and lectures were given by management. Flyers and newsletters written by the lawyers were distributed. Losing Focus Specific content varies with each case, but the lawyers' primary aim usually is the same. Namely, to distract workers from the real issues through a barrage of negative, confusing and generally inaccurate information about a particular union and union representation as a whole. Their hope is that employees will forget about the problems at their workplace and instead focus on innuendo or outright lies about the union. Says a Borders worker subjected to the Jackson-Lewis campaign, ''The goal of union busting is to tum you upside down and confuse you. Make you doubt your own good sense. Union busters will do anything to make you believe the opposite of what a union really means." Although such tactics sometimes are effective, they easily can be seen through when workers know the facts. For instance, employers often warn that joining a union inevitably means going on strike. In truth, the vast majority of union contracts-98 percent-are settled without a job action. Similarly, companies routinely claim that if workers vote for union representation, it may put them out of business. Yet, according to data used by the government to measure workplace productivity, union shops (and, therefore, the companies they work for) are decidedly more productive than unrepresented shops. As many an organizer has pointed out, it follows common sense that employees who feel they have a real voice in the workplace and therefore receive fair treatment, will be more productive. Another tired argument used by union busters is derisively telling employees they don't need a "third party" such as a union. "Most of those same companies belong to trade associations, elect officers, pay dues, and hire lobbyists, all for the purpose of improving their business standing and advancing their political agenda," explains the UFCW. Indeed, as union members know from experience, a trade union is not a "third party," but rather a vehicle for workers to improve their working conditions. Hurts All Workers When a union-busting campaign achieves its goal, all workers suffer. Even though union members on average earn more money and have better benefits than unrepresented employees (see article on page 7), non-union shops drive down wages and benefits on the whole. This effect is similar to what happens when a U.S.-based manufacturing plant must "compete" with operations in Third World countries. How can workers who want representation fight back against union busters? At Borders, as in other campaigns where a majority of employees voted to join a union, the answer is to focus on the real issues and the facts. "Unions raise wages and benefits and provide employers a stable, productive, and trained workforce," concludes the UFCW. "Unions strengthen the economy while helping employers compete on the basis of quality, customer service and productivity." As one Borders worker put it, "A union is meant to empower, not overpower; help, not hinder. It takes some effort to make it work, but I believe it is worth it. I believe we are worth it." March 1998 �From San Diego Shipyard to Spain USNS Soderman Stands Ready to Support U.S. Troops It did not take long for the USNS Soderman to show why backers of the U.S. fleet emphasize the need for strong sealift capacity. Late last year, the converted roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel sat in a San Diego shipyard, undergoing the last of its refurbishment. By early 1998, the Soderman stood ready to enter the latest potential fray in the Persian Gulf. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, the SIU-crewed ship was stationed near Malaga, Spain as part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command's (MSC) Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron No. 1. Should a conflict involving the U.S. take place in the Middle East, the Soderman likely will be among the first vessels to deliver materiel supporting American armed forces. After a recent shipboard meeting, John Cox, SIU port agent in Wilmington, Calif., stated that Seafarers clearly understand their roles aboard the prepositioning vessel. ''They all take it very seriously, and they know there's no room for error," Cox reported. "When you see a volatile situa- "--::-. . , ;_]~-~ ..... tion like the one that's happening now in Iraq, ifs easy to understand why these ships must be kept in peak condition and readiness at all times." The Soderman, renamed last year at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), is the last of five former Maersk ships converted and reflagged under the Stars and Stripes for operation by SIUcontracted Bay Ship Management for MSC. Those vessels are part of a 19-ship program designed to beef up American sealift capacity, in accordance with findings of a congressionally mandated study that followed the Persian Gulf War. The Soderman is 907 feet long, with a maximum beam of 105 feet, a 35-foot draft and a full-load displacement of 55,123 tons. It can reach 24 knots and possesses cargo space described by MSC as "equal to nearly six football fields." Within that area, the Soderman can carry "an entire U.S. Army armor task force, including 58 tanks, 48 other track vehicles, plus more than 900 trucks and other wheeled vehicles," MSC noted. The vessel can be fully loaded and offloaded in 96 hours, ·and also includes helicopter pads. ~. SA Walter Moore copies a list of stores aboard the Soderman. Members of the deck gang get ready for ship docking. Part of MSC's prepositioning fleet, the USNS Soderman is stationed in the Mediterranean. March 1998 Showing off his spotless reefer box is Chief Steward Charles Brooks. Carefully working with winch controls is OS David Joseph. Converted in San Diego, the USNS Soderman possesses plentiful cargo space. Seafarers LOG 11 �~----------------- - Anti-Worker Forces Launch Cam California Set as Latest Battleground With Initiative on June Ballot 1886 Corporate Politlcal Contributions vs. Union Political Contributions (In Millions of Dollars) hen one group spends $653 million to make sure its views are known in a federal election cycle, while another group spends $58 million to present its concerns during the same period, which side might be expected to have legislation drafted to reign in its spending? In more than a third of the states in the U.S., it's the side that spent the $58 million, which reflects the amount of money spent by unions in 1996. (The $653 million is the amount spent by businesses and corporations during the same time period, according to figures compiled by the Federal Election Commission and the Center for Responsive Politics.) Anti-worker corporations and individuals have launched a nationwide effort at the state level to limit-if not eliminate-the voice of labor unions from the political process. They are using whatever means they believe best suits their interests. In some states, voters are contemplating ballot initiatives with such titles are "campaign finance reform," "paycheck protection act" or "giving union members a choice." In other states, measures have been submitted and are being considered by the elected officials in state houses. No matter how the legislation is drafted or titled, its one consistent goal remains cutting back on the ways unions can participate in the political process. ne example that is catching the attention of working people across the country is Proposition 226 in California, which will appear on that state's ballots during the June primaries. Thanks to clever drafting, the proposition leads off with a ban on contributions to California campaigns by foreign nationals. This is the hook for getting support for the measure, touted as "campaign finance reform." However, what the initiative's supporters are not saying is donations to California campaigns by foreign nationals ALREADY are illegal. The line is a feel-good statement that does nothing to change California law. What comes after that line is what Proposition 226's backers hope no one will go on to read and consider. If passed by the voters of California, Proposition 226 would prevent unions and employers from using dues, agency and other fees for political contributions or expenditures without yearly written 0 12 Seafarers LOG approval on file with the state on a government-issued and approved form from each member. It would keep an employer from collecting payroll deductions if he or she "knows or has reason to know" that any of the moneys would be used for political purposes. And it would allow the state's Fair Political Practices Commission to review union and employer records of all authorizations and deductions. If passed, the proposition would go into effect on July 1. However, the state has said authorization forms would not be available until 1999. Under that scenario, no union funds-although legally collected prior to the passage of the initiative-could be used during the 1998 state elections for governor, lieutenant governor, state assembly and other races. On the other hand, anti-worker forces in California would have no such constraints. Also under debate in states where such anti-worker initiatives are being considered is what exactly is meant by political expenditures. ome legal scholars have said the initiatives and legislation are limited to campaign expenditures only. Others have pointed out that more items could be included. Among these are labor's ability to participate in get out the vote drives, telephone banks, voter guides and even lobbying. The AFL-CIO has been monitoring the measures to see what specific constraints the anti-worker forces are seeking to impose. The national labor federation also has been tracing the funding sources for supporters of these anti-worker initiatives. They include a health insurance company that stands to gain if medical savings accounts are implemented. (The AFL-CIO is opposed to such accounts replacing the present Medicare system.) Two other organizations involved in the campaign are the American Legislative Exchange Council, which develops antiworker legislation for use by elected officials, and Americans for Job Security, a group spearheaded by the insurance industry which announced in January it plans to raise and spend $20 million against union efforts. As of early 1998, the AFL-CIO was able to show that nearly $150 million is being gathered from anti-worker businesses, corporations, groups and individuals to support measures to limit the effectiveness of unions. S SOURCE: Federal Election Commissi Difference Between B While pointing their fingers and screaming about the amount of money organized labor contributed during the 1996 election calendar, anti-worker forces outspent unions by an incredible 11 to 1 margin. Figures compiled by the Federal Election Commission and the Center for Responsive Politics reported businesses and corporations put more than $650 million into campaigns in 1996. Unions, on the other hand, donated $58 million. To show the imbalance in another way, total contributions for the 1996 election period amounted to $1.6 billion. Of that total, corporate interests provided 40 percent of the funding while unions gave less than 4 percent. So, why do anti-worker businesses and individuals feel the need to restrict the political activities of unions? A look at the recent track record provides a clear answer: • Working people convinced a Republican-majority Congress that it was time to raise the national minimum wage. March 1998 �1aign to Shackle Political Efforts States Considering Anti-Worker Political Measures Total Corporate and Union Contributions (Hard and Soft Money in Millions of Dollars) State - Corporate Union 8877 S&O S48 1992 1994 1996 Legislation Alaska ~ Arizona ~ California 8483 Initiative ~ Colorado ~ Florida ~ Georgia ~ Maryland ~ Massachusetts ~ Michigan ~ Minnesota ~ Mississippi ~ Missouri ~ Nevada ~ Oregon ~ Pennsylvania ~ South Dakota ~ Utah ~ Vermont ~ Wisconsin ~ and Center for Responsive Politics siness and Union Donations Continues to Expand • Working people stopped legislation to extend fast-track trade authority. In the case of NAFTA, such legislaion has led to the closing of American factories as businesses sought to take advantage of low-wage workers outside the U.S. • Working people stopped legislation which would have cut Medicare funding. • Working people stopped legislation which would have allowed companies to create in-house sham unions. • Working people stopped legislation which would have created a national (so-called) right-to-work law. Anti-worker forces have not been able to push their agenda through Congress. Despite the overwhelming difference in spending during elections, these businesses and corporations have not silenced the voices of working people. Thus, they are seeking a new way to keep working people from being involved. Because of their lack of success in Washington, D.C., the antiworker forces have taken their case to the state capitals. As of midFebruary, a total of 19 states either were considering legislation or Man:h 1998 were presenting ballot initiatives to curb the involvement of labor organizations. These measures range from placing more restrictions on how voluntary contributions could be collected from members to the elimination of dues checkoff to the prevention of unions from providing any information to their members other than updates on collective bargaining. Speaking recently in response to the new attacks on working people, AFLCIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka said, "They knocked us down a hundred times and we've gotten back up. And now we're going to kick their butts!" The differences between unions and business in campaign contributions are nothing new. In fact, since the 1992 election cycle, the margin between the two has grown. For the 1992 elections, businesses and corporations outspent labor by a 9 to 1 margin. The figures show businesses poured out $447 million compared to the union contributions of $48 million. Two years later, the margin increased to 10 to I as corporations provided nearly $493 million while labor gave just over $48 million. Seafarers LOG 13 �Past Scholrsbip Winners: Where Are TbeJ Now? Seafarer Moves on to Law School In 1993, when he was 28 years old, Seafarer Neil Simonsen was awarded one of the three Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarships set aside for SIU members. He was sailing as an AB aboard the Sugar Islander at the time. Simonsen joined the SIU in 1985 upon graduation from the trainee program at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. He spent a few years sailing aboard the SIU-crewed SS independence and Constitution around the Hawaiian Islands and aboard LNG vessels on the Japan to Indonesia run. He also spent some time in Tokyo and supported himself by teaching conversational English-and, in turn, was able to pick up the Japanese language. With this experience behind him, Simonsen was ready to continue his formal education. He already had earned a number of credits at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Calif. and the University of Hawaii's Kapiolani Community College. In a letter written last year to the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Simonsen reports on his progress. "!am writing to your office and to my brothers and sisters to thank you for your assistance in granting the [2-year, $6,000] scholarship to me in the spring of 1993. Four years later, I am completing my undergraduate college career and am slated to embark on the study required for the law school examinations. Following law school, I hope to pursue a career in international law, either in the private sector or with the State Department. "The assistance rendered to me through the SIU scholarship fund allowed me the luxury of spending a greater degree of time on my studies, enabling me to graduate within the top 2 percent of my class. For this, I wish again to thank my brothers and sisters at sea as well as the staffs at both Piney Point and Camp Springs. "Although I will, unfortunately, not be shipping again, know that my thoughts will always be with you and that my 10 years at sea provided me an education unavailable within institutions of higher learning. "My advice to fellow seamen is that if you are interested in education, take advantage of the facilities at Piney Point and pursue courses through local colleges between ships." Sincerely, Neil Simonsen Dependent Also Follows Legal Path In 1979, the 27th year of the Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship program, Maria Kaduck (now Kaduck-Perez) of Miami was one of four children of SIU members to benefit from the $10,000, four-year award. (The amount has since increased to $15,000.) The 17-year-old high school senior is the daughter of SIU pensioner Raymond Kaduck, who sailed in the engine department from 1955 until his retirement in 1978. (He died in 1989.) The scholarship enabled Kaduck-Perez to obtain her B.S. degree with honors in business administration from the University of Florida. "It helped so very much," she recently told the Seafarers LOG, "and I would like to personally thank the SIU scholarship program for helping me in my educational endeavors." Following graduation, she worked for two years as a management associate at Barnett Bank of South Florida and then decided she needed an advanced degree in order to move upward. Through a combination of her high grade point average at college and her exce11ent work experience, she was accepted at the University of Florida College of Law, from which she graduated in 1989 with a J.D. degree. That year was a big one for Kaduck-Perez. Not only did she 14 Seafarers LOG Maria Kaduck-Perez graduate from law school, but she also was married (to another attorney). Additionally, it was the year her father died. Kaduck-Perez studied hard for the Florida bar exam, which she took and passed in 1990. She then was hired as a lawyer with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Miami. Now 36, Kaduck-Perez continues her work with the NLRB, which administers and enforces the National Labor Relations Act, the nation's primary labor law. The NLRB has two main functions: (1) to conduct secret-ballot elections in which employees vote on whether they want to be represented by a union for purposes of bargaining collectively with their employer about wages, hours and working conditions, and (2) to investigate, prosecute and remedy unfair labor practices. '98 Scholarship Deadline Nears April 15, 1998 is one month away! That is the date by which all completed applications for this year's Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship must be mailed. As in past years, seven scholarships are being offered-three to Seafarers and four to dependents of SIU members. But with the deadline just one month away, time is of the essence. One Seafarer will be eligible to receive a $15,000 grant for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. Two other Seafarers will have the opportunity to be awarded $6,000 grants for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The remaining four scholarships will be presented to the spouses and dependent children of SIU members. Each of these $15:000 awards is for use at a four-year college or university. Because the Welfare Plan receives many applications for the grants, it is sometimes very difficult to determine the seven rec1p1ents for the scholarships. Therefore, all applicants should fill out the application form as thoroughly as possible and provide all the requested information by the due date. Some of the items that must accompany the written application form are transcripts and certificates of graduation, letters of recommencation, scores from college entrance examination tests, a photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Also, those who have previously applied for a Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the requirements. (Eligibility requirements are spelled out in a booklet which also contains an application form. To receive a copy of this booklet, fill out the coupon below and mail it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The program booklets also are available at the SIU halls.) Don't forget this date: APRIL 15, 1998. It is the last day applications can be postmarked for consideration in this year's scholarship program. The Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship is a great financial opportunity for all Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college next fall. Since the program began in 1952, the SIU has awarded more than 200 scholarships to its members and their families to help them reach their educational goals. From these ranks have come doctors, lawyers (see articles at left), teachers and many other careers. Some members have used the program to improve their own job skills as Seafarers. .· Whatever your reason for wanting a scholarship, now is the time to complete your application form and send it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The application forms must be mailed and postmarked on or before April 15 in order to be considered. r-------------------------------------, lease send me the 1998 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility infor- P mation, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number _______________________ Street Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completedform to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 3/98 L-------------------------------------~ March 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 +TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SillPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port -i i New York 19 Philadelptiia<. 6 3 Baltimore 5 4 11 10 14 ·:.i,l'·)·· Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 13 6 21 Jacksonville 20 · San Francisco . 18 Wilmington Seattle - · 31 11 5 31 Puerto Rico Honolulu Houst-On 12 0 7 30 1 4 7 3 7 z 4 0 14 . 0 9 0 8 3 3 31 12 3 0 2 0 2 0 0 112 32 1 56 Port New York 2 7 3 9 149 2 10 12 JO 30 7 0 Piney Point Algonac 11 21 24 21 4 2 3 240 4 23 2 DECK DEPARTMENT 16 5 ~ 3 0 8 0 8 3 5 l 10 7 3 0 0 St. Louis Totals ht r. 12 4 1 8 FEBRUARY 15, 1998 2 0 209 Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point. ..............Monday: April 6, May 4 9 31 7 Algonac .................... Friday: April 10, May 8 0 0 5 8 3 Baltimore .................Thursday:April 9, May 7 18 10 9 0 2 22 1 13 30 61 6 12 5 45 40 3 6 1 12 0 51 0 0 58 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 9 1. l 0 2 l 0 3 3 1 4 1 5 6 2 Jacksonville ..............Thursday: April 9, May 7 Jersey City .••....~ ....... Wednesday: April 22, May 20 Mobile ......................Wednesday: April t 5, May 13 2 14 12 4 43 36 6 l 11 2 0 1 0 1 237 1 90 12 ,, ....,,.,,3 "' """"'' 3(f''''·'"' Baltimore 11 3 6 6 1 4 2 1 l Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 5 8 10 6 10 11 4 0 Jacksonville 10 7 7 7 5 9 15 7 10 3 8 17 5 2 3 l 0 1 I 1 1 1 1 0 0 90 33 75 21 31 200 150 56 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 8. '1sO ~;, ,9 ·23 Philadelphia San Francisco W,ihn~~t2n ., Seattle Puerto Rico 4 3 1 116 2 2 3 Port NewYdtk 15 3 5 Philadelphia Baltiml>re Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco 6 5 5 12 22 Wilmington 8 Seattfo Puerto Rico Honolulu 23 7 15 Houston St. Louis Piney Point 14 1 6 Algonac 0 Totals 147 6 0 0 4 ·Philadelphia iB~!im<2re 1 3 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 15 17 4 0 11 1 24 1 2 0 0 1 3 1 0 10 1 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 12 0 8 1 4 6 0 0 0 47 0 17 120 23 IO 6 0 2 2 1 0 0 2 Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 12 1 10 9 3 24 14 1 32 I 24 0 52 170 555 456 6 4 0 72 9 0 5 13 1 0 0 0 , Norfolk .....................Thursday: April 9~ May 7 '~ t>niladelµhia .............Wednesday: April 8, May 6 ,.;:,San Francisco ...........Thursday: April 16, May 14 2 I San Juan ...................Thursday: April 9, May 7 1 St. Louis ................... Friday: April 17, May 15 9 6 0 3 12 21 11 19 1 6 2 1 2 5 24 16 13 20 15 17 17 13 8 3 4 5 6 3 Tacoma .... /;........':_. .....Friday: April 24. May 22 Wilmingtoµ ..............Monday: April 20, May 18 Personals ~· 1g,; 5 2 0 0 ;; 0 1 14 11 2 0 3 4 8 12 1 1 8 9 3 4 5 2 8 0 1 5 23 52 7 l 20 40 7 26 24 1 4 2 4 , 1 3 8 13 0 0 39 0 267 1 89 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 15 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 8 0 0 43 0 6 18 17 18 0 4 10 2 4 4 2 13 4 9 5 0 5 2 1 6 8 2 8 13 0 30 0 0 0 IO 0 0 50 1 I 4 0 10 4 ' "1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 5 4 12 II 0 0 0 15 8 10 31 16 16 11 42 0 7 21 0 0 26 0 6 0 0 0 22 23 4 1 TO MY FELLOW BROTHERS OF THE SEA Arthur N. Sjaasta.d, who sailed as an AB from the port of Houston, is presently incarcerated and would love to hear from some of his former shipmates. His a.ddress is TDC #681264, P.O. Box 4500, 7-A-27, Tennessee Colony, TX 75886-4500. LIONEL MEEKER Please contact Murray Meeker at 6313 Hillcrest Place, Alexandria, VA 22312. WILLIAM DELBERT PARRISH Please contact your son, William J. Parrish, at 1012 Rowland Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23324; or telephone (757) 543-5753. ELWOOD JAMES WIGGINS Please contact your daughter; Katrina Hill, at 6492 Heatherwood, Memphis, TN 38141; or call her at (901) 362-6230. ABig Fish Story 6 12 6 7 111 15 l 0 31 0 1 1 155 38 117 89 0 0 90 1 294 261 460 332 154 128 965 770 440 0 IRVIN GLASS Retiree Arthur McGinnis would like to get in touch with Irvin Glass. Anyone with information may call Brother McGinnis at (504) 838-9541. 27 3 17 17 23 0 272 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. March 1998 New York .................Tuesday: April 7, May 5 4 9 Totals All Departments New Orleans ···~······ ..'l)iesda{': Apri,~" 14~ May 12 JOSEPH DUNN Please contact Paul Dunn at (800) 236-0421. 2 0 2 5 Totals 6 1 1 1 2 2 '" Wilmington Algonac 4 7 8 1 P!ney Point 13 4 11 2 0 I 0 5 8 5 1 5 Houston St Louis 8 8 3 4 9 4 0 1 14 2 7 2 6 0 3 2 2 6 6 4 1 8 8 14 Il Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco 12 v; New ,Bedfqrd.•...~:...•..Tp.esda)': April 21, May 19 2 5 8 '~lO 9 ''\; Port :New York 0 6 2 5 10 Honolulu ..................Friday: April 17, May 15 Houston .................... Monday: April 13, May 11 17 408 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: April 15, May 13 This 98-pound halibut was caught in Alaska's Prince William Sound by Leslie Cope, chief pumpman on the Overseas Washington. Thanks to Bosun Jay C. Dillon for sending the photo to the Seafarers LOG. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes ·1eatil1vts lntemational Union Directory JANUARY 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Ex.ecutive Vice Pr~i4enJ · David Heinl!~ · ,( Augu$0n Tellez Vice President Contracts Roy A. "Buckn Mercer Vice President Government Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast ~ ~ HEADQUAKfERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Port Algonac Port AJgonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 30 3 0 9 5 0 7 0 0 26 14 L-Lakes NP-Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Secretary:Treasurer · · George McCartney Vice President West Coast Company/Lakes FEBRUARY 15, 1998 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 30 3 0 9 5 0 7 0 0. 26 14 22 72 0 0 22 0 0 72 0 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (9(fl) 561 -4988 BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (21S) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478--0916 NEW BEDFORD 48Union St. New 8edford, MA 02740 (SOS) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 {504) 529-7546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 {718) 499-6600 NORFOLK l15Third St Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia. PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point. MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 p0RT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. FL Lauder<lale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fre.JilQnt St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543.5g55 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE I057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop l 6Yl Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63 I l6 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 341 l South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 -- 16 Seafarers LOG Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters JANUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 15, 1998 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region 0 Atlantic Coast 3 Gulf Coast Lakes~ Inland Waters 23 3 West Coast Totals 29 Region Atlantic Coast 2 1 Gulf Coast ,16 kak~?.W~")V~yrs 0 West Coast 19 Totals Region 1 Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Wate~s,. 3 0 West Coast 4 Totals TOTAL SffiPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 3 0 0 3 0' 8 0 8 16 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 O· 0 0% 0 0 3 3 Q( 1 1 ,..;.;.;. 0 k 6 '" 0 3 0 0 6 0 0 3 32 12 47 8 4 0 14 3 12 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 ,, 0 2 lQ. ,9 ·.;$i'" 0 0 0 1 13 2 5 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 o)fa 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 4 12 0 ·•"F'"Q 1 5 20 32 '""'*! ~.,·-· 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 7 65 17 17 3 21 52 4 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. . 1 3 .~. o 0 4 0 0 0 6 6 42 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph, sent to the Seafarers LOG by QMED Marcus Perry of Pahoa, Hawaii, was taken aboard the SS Matsonia. The year is not certain. It is of his father, Eddie "Shorty" Perry, shaking hands with none other than "The King"-Elvis Presley-during a voyage from San Francisco to Honolulu. Perry was sailing as bosun at the time. "That's the good thing about being in the deck department," wrote the younger Perry. "You get to see what's happening up on deck." He noted that his father sailed with the Sailors Union of the Pacific and retired after 45 years at sea. He then went on the waterfront with the stevedores and "now calls the Big Island of Hawaii home." As for QMED Marcus Perry: He says that "out of nine brothers, six of us sail-but I choose to be down in the hole!!" Perry also says to be sure to note that his father is wearing "the Lundeberg stetson" while Presley has on a Harley-Davidson cap. March 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. A mong the 16 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are one recertified bosun and one recertified steward. Representing 55 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun Richard S. Bynum and Recertified Steward Joseph F. Miller graduated from the highest level of training in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the two recertified graduates, eight of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division; five worked on the inland waterways; two plied the Great Lakes; and one sailed as a commercial fisherman. The favorite retirement region this month is the East Coast, where eight pensioners have settled. Four reside in the Midwest; three make their homes in the Gulf Coast; and one has retired to the West Coast. Eight pensioners served in the U.S. military-four in the Navy, two in the Marine Corps and one each in the Army and the Air Force. The oldest retirees this month are inland member Mabel I. avis and deep sea member Oliver P. Oakley. Both are 69. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. LAWRENCE J. BERKLEY, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Navy. In 1980, Brother Berkley last signed off the Franklin J. Phillips, operated by Extender Transport Corp. He has retired to Auburn, Pa. JOSEPH F. MILLER, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1961. A native of New York, he worked early in his career in the deck department before settling in the gaJley. Brother Miller upgraded at Lundeberg School, where he completeo the steward recertification course in 1985. During his career, he sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions and was active in union organizing drives and beefs. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Miller last sailed aboard the Courier, operated by OMI Corp. He lives in Jacksonville, Fla. both the deck and steward departments. Brother Oakley last sailed in 1987 as a chief steward aboard the Denebola, a Bay Tankers vessel. He has retired to Olyphant, Pa. , RICHARDS. BYNUM, 67, began sailing with the SIU in 1978 from the port of Seattle. Born in Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1988. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Sea-Land Express. Brother Bynum makes his home in Seattle. SERVANDO J. CANALES, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1948 from the port of New Orleans. The .____ _ _ ___,Louisiana native sailed in the deck department as a bosun. His last ship was the Mayaguez, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Canales caJls Metairie, La. home. RAUL A. GOTAY, 56, first sailed with the SIU in 1969 from the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg Kansas Mariners Dedicate Memorial The Kansas chapter of the United States Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II recently informed the Seafarers LOG about a memorial built in Wichita to honor U.S. merchant mariners and members of the U.S. Navy's Armed Guard who served during the war. Dedicated at a reunion nearly two years ago, the memorial briefly but powerfully notes the vital contribution of the World War 11 merchant marine, including the fact that the all-volunteer service's casualty rate ranked second only the that of the U.S. Marine Corps-by a mere 1 percent. The 30 or so chapter members each year have a reunion with other members from neighboring states. This year's event will be the eighth such meeting. March 1998 School. He last sailed as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Producer. Brother Gotay has retired to Gainesville, Fla. JOHN W. MORRIS, 65, joined the SIU in 1982 in the port of Honolulu. The New York native sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. He signed off the USNS Assertive, a U.S. Marine Management vessel. Brother Morris makes his home in St. Petersburg, Fla. OLIVERP. OAKLEY, 69, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1946 aboard the Blue Ridge Victory, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in BOBBYE. STEARMAN, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1966. Born in Georgia, he worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief electrician. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Global Mariner, operated then by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. Brother Stearman calls Brooksville, Fla. home. INLAND MABEL I. DAVIS, 69, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1988. Born in Missouri, she sailed primari==--.:= :____ ly aboard vessels operated by Orgulf Transportation Co. as a member of the steward department. Sister Davis makes her home in Piedmont, Mo. ____J ROBERT JARDELL, 63, began sailing with the SIU in 1961. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the deck department and attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School in 1984. Boatman Jardell last sailed as a captain aboard a Higman Towing vessel. He has retired to Orange, Texas. HUGHL. PREWITT, 66, began hs seafaring career in 1951 from the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he last sailed as a captain aboard a National Marine Service vessel. Boatman Prewitt lives in Nederland, Texas. JAMES E. STEWART, 67, started his career with the SIU in 1979 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first and his last vessel was the Sugar Island, operated by NATCO. A native of Maryland, he worked as a member of the steward department. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Boatman Stewart makes his home in Yulee, Fla. WILLIAM E. WALES, 55, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1964 aboard the Johnny Brown, operated by Slade, Inc. and signed off as a captain aboard the Jared M., a Higman Barge Lines vessel. Boatman Wales attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School in 1977. A native of Louisiana, he has retired to Canon City, Colo. GREAT LAKES YEHIAA. SAEED, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he sailed as a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Saeed last sailed in 1995 aboard the Walter J. McCarthy Jr., operated by American Steamship Co. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. - ROBERTR. WILLIAMSON, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1962. Brother z ,, Williamson ~ sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing vessels and worked in both the engine and deck departments. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Williamson has retired to his native Milwaukee. ARANTIC FISHERMEN JAMES REED, 62, joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1953 before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. A native of Massachusetts, he sailed in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Reed last sailed aboard the FN Cape May as a member of the deck department. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Marines. He makes his home in Gloucester, Mass. Still Going to Sea Isidore Dongen retired from the SIU in 1979 but still enjoys an occasional sail. The former engine department member recently took the helm of a sailboat during a relaxing afternoon near his home in Mobile, Ala. Dongen, 84, visits the SIU hall in Mobile several times per month, according to SIU Port Agent Dave Carter. Seafarers LOG 17 - �union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Hawaii, he signed on the Marine Shark and last sailed aboard the Santa Maria, both vessels operated by American President Lines. A resident of Galt, Calif., Brother Santiago retired in January 1973. Alabama native worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard Mariner Towing vessels. Boatman !ackson began receiving his pension m November 1989. A resident of Slidell, La., he was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. RAIMONDO J, SORBI LEE C. LANDRY Pensioner John F. Hester, 86, died December 23, 1997. Brother Hester first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951 . A native " of Pennsyl' - - - - -""'-"' °' .""'. .,.= · -=-:::::.:1 · vania, he sailed in the steward department. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. Brother Hester retired in May 1976. Pensioner Raimondo J. Sorbi, 81, died October 31, 1997. Born in California, he started his > f career with the MC&S in 1959 · .,,. in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Sorbi sailed in the steward department as a chief butcher and was anl MC&S instructor at the time of the SIU/MC&S merger. Brother Sorbi retired in September 1980. Pensioner Lee C. Landry, 87, died December 4, 1997. A native of Louisiana, he joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Landry sailed in the deck department. He began receiving his pension in February 1974. WARREN J. LIESEGANG DIMITRIOS STIROS Pensioner Paul Chaney, 92, passed away January 2. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1939 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Cuban-born Seafarer sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives and strikes. Brother Chattey started receiving his pension in July 1971. Pensioner Warren J. Liesegang, 69, passed away January 9. He started his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. His first ship was the New Yorker, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A native of New Jersey, Brother Liesegang sailed in the engine department. From 1950 to 19~5, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Fort Pierce, Fla, he began receiving his pension in July 1993. Pensioner Di mi trios Stiros, 73, passed away December 24, 1997. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1952 aboard the ' Mobilian, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943 to 1946. Brother Stiros began receiving his pension in April 1985. WINSTON DODSON GEORGE H. PADON Winston Dodson, 43, died December 23, 1997. Brother Dodson graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training ~----;;,.;;..;_ · --.1 program in 197~ and jo~ned the SIU in the port of Pmey Pomt, Md. A native of Arkansas, he sailed as a member of the deck department. From 1972 to 1975, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Dodson was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. Pensioner George H. Padon, 70, died November 6, 1997. He graduated from th~ Andrew Furuseth Training School m 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Seatrain Georgia, operated by Seatrain Lines, Inc. The Mississippi native sailed in the deck department. From 1945 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Padon last sailed aboard the Newark, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A resident of Portland, Ore., he retired in December 1996. JOSEPH BADYK Pensioner Joseph Badyk, 85, passed away January 18. Brother Badyk first sailed with the Seafarers in 1952. Born in Poland, he was a member of the ?~ck department. During his mar1ttme career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Brother Badyk began receiving his pension in October I 979. JOHN BISCHOFF Pensioner John Bischoff, 87, died October 16, 1997. He joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Born in Illinois, he retired in April 1975. PAUL CHATTEY RUBEN H. DOLLAR Pensioner Ruben H. Dollar, 59, passed away December l, 1997. Born in Arkansas, he graduated from the MC&S . training school m Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined the MC&S in 1962 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. He first sailed on the Matsonia, operated by Matson Navigation Co. Brother Dollar upgraded at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the steward recertification course there in 1992. He began receiving his pension in March 1996. - EUGENE GREAUX , Pensioner Eugene Greaux, 77, died January 12. A native of the Virgin Islands, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1940 in the port of New York. Brother Greaux sailed in the deck department and retired in 1980. 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Tomas Gutierrez, 72, passed away December 9, 1997. Born in Texas, he began sailing with the SIU in 1954 from the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Steel Ore. Brother Gutierrez sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Houston, he began receiving his pension in April 1985. JOHN F. HESTER JOHN R. ROBERTS Pensioner John R. Roberts, 84, passed away January 8. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1939 in the port of Miami. The Florida native worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. Brother Roberts was a resident of Mobile, Ala. and began receiving his pension in September 1972. ALVIN A. SELICO Pensioner Alvin A. Selico, 79, passed away December 30, 1997. A native of Louisiana, he joined the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of ~-___, New Orleans. Brother Selico sailed as a member of the steward department. He was a resident of Gretna, La. and began receiving his pension in July 1973. JOHN SANTIAGO Pensioner John Santiago, 74, died November l, 1997. He began sailing with the MC&S in 1945 from the port of San Francisco, before that . ,_;;·yi JOSEPH A. TAGLIAFERRI Pensioner Joseph A. Tagliaferri, 71, died December 19, 1997. Brother Tagliaferri first sailed with the SIU in 1956 from the . _ __ _ _ _ __J port of Baltimore. Born in Maryland, he worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs. Prior to his retirement in July 1989, he last sailed on the Long lines, a Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. vessel. From 1948 to 1952, Brother Tagliaferri served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Dundalk, Md. CHARLES H. BONNIWELL ·- Pensioner Charles H. Bonniwell, 51, died December 14, 1997. A native of Maryland, he began his career with the SIU in 1969. Boatman Bonniwell sailed as a tugboat captain and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed on the Prevail operated by Gulf Marine Transport ' Co. A resident of Tangier, Va., he retired in September 1997. ERNEST A. JACKSON Pensioner Ernest A. Jackson, 72, passed away December 10, 1997. He joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. The GREAT LAKES ERNEST F. DEMERSE Pensioner Ernest F. Demerse, 70, died December 14, 1997. A native of Michigan, he began sailing with the SIU in 1960 from the port of Detroit. Brother Demerse worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard Dunbar & Sullivan vessels. A resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., he retired in July 1986. From 1946 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Air Force . LEOM.DERRY Pensioner Levy T. Lawrence, 74, passed away December 14, 1997. A native of Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. B?atman Lawrence sailed as a cap~m and began receiving his pension m July 1970. He was a resident of Norfolk, Va. Pensioner Leo M. Derry, 83, passed away November 21, 1997. He joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Alpena, Mich. The Michigan native sailed in the deck department. Brother Derry began receiving his pension in December 1974. BRYANT J. LeBLANC JAMES J. GIERKE Pensioner Bryant J. LeBlanc, 72, died November 14, 1997. Born in Louisiana, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman LeBlanc sailed in both the deck and engine departments. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He was a resident of Loranger, La. ano retired in November 1987. James J. Gierke, 62, died January 16. Brother Gierke joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Alpena, Mich. A native of that state, he sailed as a member of the steward department. LEVY T. LAWRENCE HUGH PHILPOTT Pensioner Hugh Philpott, 69, passed away December 24, 1997. He began sailing with the SIU in 1963 from the port of St. Louis. Born in Kentucky, he sailed in the engine department. From 1950 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Philpott, a resident of Louisville, Ky., began receiving his pension in February 1990. FRANK J. RALEIGH INLAND U.S. Navy. Boatman Rowell started receiving his pension in August 1988. ---. Pensioner Frank J. Raleigh, 88, died January 9. Boatman Raleigh joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed as a captain. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Boatman Raleigh retired in August 1980. He was a resident of Yeadon, Pa. GROVER C. ROWELL Pensioner Grover C. Rowell, 71, passed away October 29, 1997. Born in Alabama, he started his career with the SIU in 1956 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. From 1945 to 1948, he served in the WILLIAM R. HEISCHMAN Pensioner William R. Heischman, 80, died January 4. Brother Heischman • started his career with the · ' SIU in 1954. .__,=--=--·=--~ ...;;:·u the port of Elberta, Mich. A native of Ohio, he sailed in the steward department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1941 to 1945. Brother Heischman retired in October 1974. ·.; .tl PAUL J. ONUFER Pensioner Paul J. Onufer, 79, passed away December 15, 1997. Born in Indiana, he joined the SIU in 1953. Brother Onufer sailed aboard deep sea and Great Lakes vessels, working in both the deck and engine departments. He upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in June 1992, he sailed aboard the St. Clair, operated by American Steamship Co. Brother Onufer was a resident of Reno, Nev. DEWEY J. SACK Pensioner Dewey J. Sack, 75, died January 2. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Born in Ohio, he =-~~~~=~ sailed in the engine department. A member of the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 and a resident of Toledo, Ohio, Brother Sack retired in April 1988. GORDON SANDBORG Pensioner Gordon Sandborg, 82, passed away August 29, 1997. Brother Sandborg started his career Continued on page 20 March 1998 �bers discussed shorter meal hours while vessel is in port. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steamship), November 30-Chairman Bobby Riddick, Secretary Thomas Guthrie, Educational Director Emmette Neathery, Deck Delegate Bernard Wilson. Treasurer announced captain approved purchase of new VCR in Morehead City, N.C. Engine delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Crew asked contracts department to look into revising shipping rules and vacation pay schedule. Chairman reminded crew members to attend regular shipboard union meetings and fill in all information on crew lists. SEA FOX (Crowley American Transport), November 23-Chairman Robert Richer, Secretary Samuel Raines, Educational Director Fitzroy Jackson. Chairman and crew discussed overtime for deck department members working in tanks. Crew requested information on SIU medical benefits. Crew also asked contracts department to clarify wage rates. Educational director urged membe o upgrade at Lundeberg chool. No beefs or disputed OT reported. egates reported beefs. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine delegate. Crew asked contracts department to clarify new shipping rules. Crew members discussed showing respect for one another. Crew thanked galley gang for job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), November 20Chairman Francisco C. Munoz, Secretary Julio Roman, Educational Director Richard Risbeck. Chairman and secretary urged crew members to donate to SPAD and upgrade at Lundeberg School. Educational director discussed importance of taking tanker operation/safety course at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for job well done and thanked Chief Cook Richard Casuga for outstanding meals. Crew members wished Casuga well upon his departure in port of Oakland, Calif. and noted, "We are going to miss his cooking!" Next ports: Honolulu; Guam; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), November 9Chairman John Ellias, Secretary Stephanie Sizemore, Educational SEA-LAND ANCHORAGE · Director Dennis Baker, Deck (Sea-Land Service), November Delegate Mark Anthony Holman. 19-Chairman Terrance Murphy, Chairman reported two new reclinSecretary Aubrey Gething, Eduing chairs received in port of tional Director William PinkHouston. Bosun announced ship is ham, Deck Delegate Michael changing to northern run beginning Anderson, Engine Delegate next voyage. Chairman reported Crescencio Suazo, Steward smooth sailing and noted U.S. Delegate Said Abdullah. ChairCoast Guard inspection scheduled man informed crew members new in port of Houston. Crew discussed issues of Seafarers LOG available purchase of new movies and donaand announced payoff upon arrival tion of old tapes to Houston Seain next port. No beefs or disputed man's Center. Educational director OT reported. Electrician requested announced training books and clarification of contract issue. videos on IMO regulations are Crew asked for information conavailable and noted shipboard cerning job duties of SIU apprendemonstrations and drills will be tices. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. conducted weekly. No beefs or disSEA-LAND CHALLENGER puted OT reported. Crew members (Sea-Land Service), November discussed Seafarers Money Pur24-Chairman Monte Grimes, chase Pension Plan (SMPPP). Secretary Donna J. Clemons, Bosun reported a full article on Educational Director Henry SMPPP appears in recent issue of Paquin, Deck Delegate John T. Seafarers LOG. Crew thanked Emrich, Engine Delegate Ricky Chief Cook John Platts for mornWilliams, Steward Delegate Lloyd ing coffee in lounge. Crew noted Lawrence. Bosun reported schedburial at sea of Bosun H. White uled military exercises were canand observed a moment of silence celed. He announced estimated day in his honor. Next port: Jacksonof arrival in port of Oakland, Calif. ville, Fla. and noted payoff will take place SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (Seathe following day. Secretary Land Service), November 23reported $40 in movie fund and Chairman M. Gutierrez, Secretary discussed purchase of movies in Guillermo Thomas, Educational port of Long Beach, Calif. EducaDirector Elwyn Ford, Deck tional director stressed importance Delegate Acylee Brooks, Engine of upgrading at Paul Hall Center Delegate Ronald Hutchison, and advised members to review Steward Delegate Mercurion scheduled classes in Seafarers Abuan. Chairman thanked crew LOG. No beefs or disputed OT for job well done and advised them reported. to be aware of safety at all times. SEA-LAND DEVELOPER (SeaSecretary praised galley gang for Land Service), November 20job well done. Educational director Chairman Dana Cella, Secretary encouraged members to upgrade at Frank Sisson, Educational Paul Hall Center as often as possiDirector William Hatchel, Engine ble. He noted increasingly strict Delegate Jan Haidir. Educational maritime regulations and stated delegate encouraged members to best way to be prepared is through donate to SPAD and upgrade at continued education. No beefs or Piney Point. Deck and steward del- disputed OT reported. Crew mem- March 1998 SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land Service), November 22--Chairman Howard Gibbs, Secretary Ed Ombac, Engine Delegate Beckett Young, Steward Delegate Bob Racklin. Chairman announced payoff in port of Tacoma, Wash. and discussed safety of lifeboat grips. He reported room inspections went well. Educational delegate noted advantages of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun gave special vote of thanks to galley gang for its "extra efforts on Thanksgiving Day." He noted crew members enjoyed wide variety of food, homemade cakes and pies. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), November 2-Chairman Loren Watson, Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Coy Herrington, Deck Delegate Brian Bassett, Engine Delegate Dan Fowers, Steward Delegate Mila Clark. Chairman reported ship scheduled for dry dock in South Korea. He advised crew call-backs will take place around Christmas and reminded them to stay in touch with union and company for information on when to report back to vessel. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $300 in ship's fund and noted ·new shelves for videos were purchased. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded crew to take all valuables out of cabins when vessel goes into drydock because rooms will not be secured in shipyard. Crew members commended SA Clark for her hard work. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), November 12Chairman Stephen Garay, Secretary Emanuel Douroudous, Educational Delegate Larry Cline. Chairman noted crew dryer has been repaired and laundry floor will be be taken care of soon. He thanked DEU for keeping area clean. Bosun informed crew new issues of Seafarers LOG received in Guam and reported a letter was received from SIU headquarters concerning questions raised during last union meeting. Educational director discussed recent Journal of Commerce article concerning maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to look into expediting vacation pay process. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Crew also saluted the two unlicensed apprentices on board. CAPE MOHICAN (OMI), December 8-Chairman Bill Lough, Secretary Alphonso Davis, Educational Director Hal Puckett, Deck Delegate Roy Mitchell, Engine Delegate Ted Hawkins. Chairman discussed ROS status of vessel and reminded crew members to work together to get jobs done and keep vessel clean. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Crew members discussed issues and concerns related to maritime industry. Bosun noted new issues of Seafarers LOG on board and advised crew on the importance of attending regular union meetings. Crew asked contracts department to clarify sick days and vacation days. LEADER (Kirby Tankships), December 13-Chairman Patrick Rankin, Secretary Eva Myers, Educational Delegate Richard Gracey, Deck Delegate James Bishop, Engine Delegate James Beatty, Steward Delegate Fausto Aranda Valerio. Chairman reported -payoff in port of Lake Charles, La. and noted ship will remain at anchor for a few days before beginning new charter. Educational director advised members to apply for training record book (TRB) and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew extended vote of thanks to machine does not produce ice when ship rolls. Chairman urged members to read Seafarers LOG as soon as new issues arrive. He reminded crew to pay special attention to SIU President Michael Sacco's report. Bosun added that a lot of new and important information is contained in each LOG. He advised crew members to keep crew lounge clean at all times. Secretary encouraged members to upgrade at Lundeberg School. Captain, Crew Praise Consumer Galley Gang - In a recent letter to the Seaferers LOG, the captain and crew of the Sea-Land Consumer praised the hard work and dedication of their galley gang. The letter, signed by the entire crew, stated, ''Thanks to special efforts by steward department members, the Consumer crew enjoyed a great Christmas feast and celebration at sea." Pictured above, from left, are SA Angel O'Neill, SA Luis Lopez, Chief Cook John Foster (seated) and Chief Steward Richard Seligman. DEU for keeping vessel clean and to galley gang for excellent baked goods. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), December 8Chairman Rick Burgess, Secretary Harry Lively, Educational Director M. Powell, Deck Delegate B. Pinion, Engine Delegate A.S. Mugalli, Steward Delegate Mohammad Shibly. Chairman announced ship due to arrive in port of New Orleans on December I 0 with payoff scheduled at that time. He reported ship will lay up for a short while and reminded crew to turn in room keys and safety equipment at payoff. Bosun thanked deck department for excellent work and advised members to contribute to SPAD. Crew requested clarification of overtime for steward department members. Educational director urged members to take advantage of educational facility available to them in Piney Point, Md. Steward delegate reported beef. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or engine delegates. Crew thanked galley gang for wide variety of food and special meals for individual crew members. Bosun noted, "This has been a good voyage and everyone has been a joy to sail with. Merry Christmas to all and a very happy New Year. See you next year!" MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Lines), December 26-Chairman Robert Johnson, Secretary Dwight Wuerth, Educational Director Joseph Cirafisi, Steward Delegate Glenn Bertrand. Crew requested new ice machine to keep up with demand for ice during each meal. Crew also noted Educational director also stressed importance of upgrading and reported new Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) booklets have been mailed to members' homes. Treasurer announced $486 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted everyone needs to have a 1KV converter in their staterooms in order to use USA appliances. Next ports: Houston; Port Everglades, Fla.; Charleston, S.C. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Maritime Overseas), December 4-Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Sorianos Grande, Educational Director Dimarko Shoulders, Engine Delegate Conrado Martinez, Steward Delegate Joseph F. Laureta. Bosun reminded crew members to sign on and off vessel. He announced payoff in Honolulu and discussed ISO/ISM safety management tips. Chairman thanked deck department and unlicensed apprentice for outstanding job in pump room. Secretary reported steam table, steamer and cabinet need repairs. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Lundeberg School and apply for STCW identification certificates and training record books (TRBs). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun encouraged members to read Seafarers LOG to keep up with latest news in maritime industry. Crew discussed Chevron shipyard policies and alcohol observation procedures. Crew thanked Steward/Baker Grande, Chief Cook Laureta and entire galley gang for "good and exotic meals." Seafarers LOG 19 �- ........_ ~II~~M=ar=itim=e=B;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;rie;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;fs~~ll ~!!~~~I~~d;'o~~J~~~~~~~~~ President Declares 1998 Year of the Ocean To encourage a worldwide partnership to protect the oceans' resources, President Bill Clinton declared 1998 the "Year of the Ocean." The presidential proclamation, published in the January 30 Federal Register, states, "We must strive together-at local, national and international levels-to preserve the oceans' health, to protect the marine environment, and to ensure the sustainable management of the myriad resources the ocean contains." The proclamation is part of a worldwide effoRt leD by the United Nations which also has declared 1998 as the "International Year of the Ocean." In 1998, governments and organizations are expected to offer activities designed to raise public awareness of the vital role the ocean plays in human life and the role humans play in the life of the ocean. Piracy Continues To Torment High Seas A recent report from the International Marine Bureau (IMB) shows piracy continues to be a problem on the high seas around the world. The latest figures released by the IMB reflected a total of 229 reported pirate attacks during 1997. (This is an increase of one over the number of incidents reported during 1996.) The statistics compiled by the IMB include actions taking place both under way and in port. An IMB official noted piracy not only jeopardizes the crew members of the ships involved but also others who may get in their way. "Pirates endanger navigation by leaving vessels, including fully laden tankers, under way and not in command, dramatically increasing the risk of collision or grounding," an IMB spokesperson noted in releasing the annual report. During the attacks which took place last year, a total of 51 mariners were killed while another 30 were injured. In nearly two of every five attacks, the pirates were armed with either guns or knives. Even though the number of incidents remained almost identical from 1996 to 1997, the number of seafarers taken hostage during attacks more than doubled. The IMB counted more than 400 crew members were held against their will in 1997. The 1996 figure showed 194 held hostage. More than 160 ships actually were boarded by pirates last year while another 26 vessels sustained some type of weapons fire. Additionally, 14 ships were hijacked. The highest risk area was the Indonesia region. Pirate attacks there numbered 47, down 10 from 1996. Other areas in Southeast Asia reporting piracy included Thailand and Sri Lanka, where 33 crew members and shore workers were killed by Tamil rebels. Also of importance was a vast reduction in incidents around the Philippines. While 38 piracy attacks were listed in 1996, only 15 took place last year. The IMB noted the greatest increase in the use of weapons was in Brazil. The report cited a need for increased coast guard activity in the South American nation's waters. Final Departures Continued from page 18 with the SIU in 1955 in the port of Elberta, Mich. The Michigan native sailed in the engine department. He was a veteran of '------=-----'World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. Brother Sandborg was a resident of Frankfort, Mich. and began receiving his pension in July 1981. ROBERT H. TWITE Pensioner Robert H. Twite, 65, died January 9. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1956 from the port of Alpena, Mich. The Michigan native sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in March 1995, he worked aboard the J.A . W lnglehart, an Inland Lakes Management vessel. Brother Twite was a resident of Alpena. DEWIGHT R. wmTMORE Dewight R. Whitmore. 39, passed away October 23. 1997 as a result of an auto accident. A native of Georgia, he sailed with the Seafarers from 1977 to 1988 in the deck department. Brother Whitmore was a resident of Chickamauga, Ga. Merchant Mariner's Document Must Be Renewed According to a law that took effect in 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all merchant mariners to renew their merchant mariner's documents (z-cards) in order to continue sailing. All mariners MUST possess a renewed z-card in order to sail aboard U.S.-flag vessels by the end of 1999. That means that as of January 1, 2000, all active z-cards must have been issued no earlier than January 1, 1995. You may renew your z-card beginning one year before its expiration date. No merchant mariner is allowed to ship with an expired document. (Mariners may renew their zcards up to one year after the expiration date. However, mariners lose their endorsements if they renew beyond that one-year extension.) The expiration date is five years to the day after the card was issued. Z-cards list the expiration date in two different locations : (1) near the mariner's photo on the front 20 Seafarers LOG 1999 2000 2001 2002 Date of Issuance 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1988 1983 1978 1973 1968 1989 1984 1979 1974 1969 1964 1959 1954 1949 1944 1939 1963 1958 1953 1948 1943 1938 *AU z·cards have to be renewed every 5 years to remain active. ID0 BUY I L '.n the United States by employees working under ( nion-, • •• ade Cars, Vans, Pickups ~~,~~:J nited Auto Workers \\') con tracts. 1odels that are assembled only in the .S. are listed separatel from models that are assembled both In the U.S. and another countr . t ake and model not II ted are imported or are a embled in the U.S. by nonunion workers. The Ii t i adapted fro m information compiled by the UAW. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••• ••••••• Cars Oldsmobile UNION· MADE IN THE U.S. Achieva Aurora Cutlass Cutl ass Supreme In trigue Olds 88 Buick LeSabre Park Avenue Riviera k lark UNION-MADE IN THE U.S. & IMPORTED AM General Hummer Chevrolet Cadillac Saturn DeVille Eldorado Sevi lle Saturn EV! Dodge Cars UNION·MADE IN THE U.S. & IMPORTED Dodge eon (also Mexico) Dodge Ford AnANl'IC FISHERMEN venger tra tu Viper Contour FRANK CONSIGLIO Pensioner Frank Consiglio, 90, passed away November 22, 1997. Brother Consiglio joined the Atlantic Fishermen 's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Born in Sicily, he sailed as a fishing captain and began receiving his pension in April 1973. Brother Consiglio was a resident of Gloucester, Mass. Eagle Jeep Cherokee Grand Cherokee Wrangler Lincoln avlgator Mazda B-Series pickup@ Chrysler Town & Country (also Mountaineer \"illager Dodge Nissan Ca ravan/Grand Caravan Canada. union) Quest@ Ford Oldsmobile erostar EconolineJClub Wagon Expedition Explorer Ranger Bravada ilhoutte GMC (also Canada. union) Escort (also Mexico) Mercury Mexico) F-Seri e pickup (also Canada [union]. & Pontiac Tran Ram pickup (also Ford port 1exico) Toyota Tacoma pickup Ji mm Safari avana Sonoma pickup Chevrolet CJK pickup (also Canada. union) Suburban (also Mexico) Tahoe (al o Mexico) Mercury Dakota Durango (al o fexico) Talon GMC Sierra pickup (also Canada, union) • Production or th I modrl ha ended. but some ma1 be a1ailable at dealers. # Production or a nr" model Cougar is t-0 i><'gin earl~ in 1998. + \l ade b' G~ l @ \ ladr b1 Foret. Suburban (also Mexico) Yukon (also Mexico) Plymouth Vo ·ager/Grand Voyager (also Canada. union) 1ysttque Ford (al 0 Me}{iCO) Mustang Probe* Taurus Thunderbird * Tracer (also Mexico) Mitsubishi Galant (also Japan) Lincoln Plymouth 'eon (al o Mexico) Conti nental l\1a rk viii Town Car Pontiac Sunfire (also Mexico) Mazda 626 Mercury Toyota Corolla (al o Canada fnonunion/. & Mexico) Cougar# able Mitsubishi Eclip e UNI O N UNION·MADE IN THE U.S. Astro Blazer E.xpre S-1 0 pickup Venture Bonneville Grand Am Grand Prix Corvette Geo Prizm Ma libu Light Trucks &Vans Plymouth Pontiac Chevrolet Light Trucks Isuzu Hombre pickup+ &Vans Breeze Prowler Cirrus ebring Coupe See page 23 for a listing of courses ava11able through June. (*See Below) Per the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Register of September 27, 1994, z-cards with an issuance date ending in the years 0 and 5 should have been renewed in 1995; Those cards expiring in the years 1 and 6 should have been renewed in 1996; Those expiring in the years 2 and 7 should have been renewed in 1997. Chevrolet Cavalier (also Mexico) ~ is 1Hf 11/t\c sr.:HooL. tto" LI~ • uttotaERG ... cerning the status of your zcard, contact your port agent or patrolman. 1998 Renewal Date Chrysler .. 10 oJIGRAf>f ument beside the fingerprint. If you have any questions con- isted here are 1998-model cars. light trucks and vans that are assembled 1X6* AT The .. and (2) near the mariner's fingerprint on the back. For those z-cards without an expiration date, the date of issuance is located on the back of the doc- LABE L AND To Be Certain, Check Labels! here are two label to check on a ne\ car. light truck or van to be certai n where it wa a embled. imple t and quicke L i the "Parts Content In fo rm ation.. sheet required b law to be di pla ed on eac h new ve hi cl e old in t he nlted tate . That label lists. among other thing . the location or the "fi nal a embl poi nt" of each vehicle on \\.hich it i di played. The econd label to check is the Ve hicle Identifi cation umber T SERV I CE TRADES (VI ). If the first character of the 17-character VI i a 1 or a 4, the vehicle wa a embled in the nited tates. The VI is sta mped i n to a small metal pl ate attached to each vehicle's dashboard on the dr iver's s ide, most often near where th e das hboard and th e wind hield meet. Here I what some of the other I fir t character mea n: 2. Canada: 3, Mexico: 9, Braz il ; J . Japan: K. Korea: , England: W, German ; Y, weden; Z. Italy. DEPARTMEN T. AFL - C I O March 1998 �Letters to the Editor (Editor's Note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners and their families and will publish them on a timely basis.) Ten Years with SIU Were Happy, Rewarding I dropped out of college to enter the union in 1975. I graduated from class 189 at Piney Point in the winter of 1976 and shipped out as an OS on an old Waterman vessel. After that, I shipped as a messman and one time in the engine department as a wiper. From then on, I sailed in the deck department as an OS and AB. In 1983, I returned to the Lundeberg School and got my third mate's license. My favorite ships were the old boom-type freighters because they gave us lots of port time and allowed me to see a bit of the world. I would like to add that the 10 years I spent sailing with the SIU were some of the happiest and most rewarding years of my life. Going to sea was a great confidence builder for me, and meeting and working with men and women from all walks of life gave me the understanding and people skills that I find useful in my career today. I have made my living as a realtor with Long & Foster in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. since leaving the union in 1985. I also have gone back to college at the University of Maryland to complete my degree with honors in history. I would like to pass on my best wishes to all the brothers and sisters whom I had the pleasure of knowing while sailing with the union. Ross Sutton Silver Spring, Md. In 1979, Sutton was aboard the Mohawk when it sailed with a load of grain to Alexandria, Egypt. Kneeling in front of the Sphinx are Sutton (right), his brother (left) and AB Burlin Pinion (who was, according to Sutton, "without a doubt the finest sailor I ever met.") The Mohawk, a C4, was on its last voyage before going to the boneyard. Know Your Rights LOG-A-RHY1HM The Visitor by Harry T. Scholer A dark April night on the Gulf of Mexico In the sky off to starboard was a bright light aglow We were steering a course past a Florida reef When this outer space visitor first appeared to the chief The men gathered quickly lined up at the rail It was a comet alright with a long icy tail Hale-Bopp we were told to give them their due What a wondrous sight for myself and the crew Night after night as we watched in awe It streaked 'cross the sky then was gone evermore A sailor is witness to some sights while at sea But this comet is one that is special to me For when I was home with my family at night I saw it again what a wondrous sight (Harry T. Scholer of Orlando, Fla. sails as a second mate/barge captain for Maritrans on the tug Independence. This poem is dedicated to all his seafaring brothers and sisters.) March 1998 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, - Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. 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 agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust 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. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has 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 constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive 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 or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job _discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 - �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEBERG LIFEBOAT .. SCHOOL CLASS 572 Trainee Lifeboat Class 572-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 572 are (from left, kneeling) Philip Mannino, Thomas Tobin, Latoniay Jackson, Wilbur Williams, Michael Mccasland Jr., Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Donald Williams Jr., Wincell Hightower Jr., Matthew Laughter, Joshua King, Robert Kennedy, Roderick Frazier, James Porchmont, Christopher Jones and Courtney Price. Tanker Familiarization-Upgrading graduates of the January 14 tC)nker familiarization class are (from left, kneeling) Timothy Flynn, Jason Strickler, Richard Jefferson, Heather Tripp, Garth Beattie, Terrance Maxwell, David Arczynski, (second row) Yakov Shubov, Nicole Farrell, Celina Ortega, Curtis Richardson, David DeHart, Joel Patzer, Deronja Clark, (third row) Stephen Stukes, Annie Nodd, Kyotaro Lopez, Carlos Lewis, Jay Manzi, Greg Guay, (fourth row) Mark Jones (instructor), Timothy Kemper, Jon Ledford, Earnest Dillard, Paul Phaneuf, Jeffrey Pope and Jon Folston. Upgraders Lifeboat-SIU members completing the upgraders lifeboat course on February 4 are (from left, front row, sitting) Alton Glapion Jr., Jonathan Driggers, David Puher, (second row) Ronald Johnson, Brian Talley, Ernest Guy, Gene Butson, Jason Monroe, Michael Seyler, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (third row) Marvin Spears, Wesley Daggett, James Orlanda and Woodrow Brown. Radar-Instructor Casey Taylor (left) congratulates students in the radar class ending January 16. From the left next to Taylor are Jeffrey Russo, Stanley Williams and Wendell Kidd. Advanced Firefighting-Earning their advanced firefighting endorsements on February.-5 are (from left, kneeling) John Kelly, Brandy Sheffs, Cara Stinson, Mark Stewart, Lawrence Kunc, James Walker, Kenneth Steiner, Richard Paturel, (second row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Arthur Sheffs, Anthony Jacobson, Alan Less, Jeremie Riehm, Chad Cunningham, Patrick McCarthy, Jill Prescott, John Alamar, (second row), Frank Messick, John Thompson, Steven Hoskins, Charles Lore Jr., Troy Fleming, Charles Clausen, Thomas Flynn and Wendell Kidd. LifeboatJerry Bell (left) is congratulated by his instructor, Ben Cusic, upon completion of the lifeboat class on January 6. Tanker Assistant-Receiving their endorsements from the tanker assistant course on February 20 are SIU members (from left, sitting) Lawrence Banks, Johney August, Jorge Mora, Tyron Dortch, Jim Shaffer (instructor), (second row) John Penrose, Daniel Fowers, Jaime Velasquez, Joseph Colangelo, Lauro Mangahas, Fernando Guity, Robert Johnson, (third row) Chris Amigable, Sirio Centino, Eddie Ebanks, Robert Seaman, James Kelly and Paul Sullivan. 22 Seafarers LOG Romeo Lupinacci, corp. executive chef, is flanked by , two students who completed the chief steward course: Terrance Stowall (left) and McKinley Jones. March 1998 �. Li.!NJlfl~fll,.~~oa~ . "'<• · · ~·.· •.. Safety Specialty Courses ·1998-URliRAOING :COURSE.SCHEDULE ·. ·. Stari D~te - April 27 May2S June 22 April 20 April 24 April 20 April 25 May9 May23 June6 June 20 May4 May18 Junel June 15 April20 May18 .... June 21' 2 ···. May30 July3 April 20 May 18 June 15 Junes July 2 Tankerman (PIC) Barge · Mayll May 15 Water Survival April20 May18 May2 May30 Det:kl/pgrad/ag Courses Start Date Date of Completion April 6 June 1 July 10 Celestial Navigation May4 June 12 Limited License May4 June 26 Course April 18 May5 April 6 ·Advanced Fitetighting Government Vessels May 15 Mays Recertification Programs Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date of Course Date Completion LNG Recertification May4 Fireman/Watertender &Oiler June 12 Steward Recertification June 1 July 10 May18 May29 Date of Completion May4 Jp.peJ. May8 Junes June29 August3 Department Courses S~rt Date of'lf' Date Completion Jones Joly 17 lligh School Equivalency Program (GED) September 12 Juie.15 Joly 10 English as a Second Language (ESL) June 15 or Adult Basic Education (ABE) Joly 24 ·General Education Course8 June29 August7 Self-study Stewarll:-J/pgrading Cours8", Course Start Dates Only' Introduction to Computers Certified Chief Cook/Chief April 6, April 20, May 4, May 18, June 1, June 15, June 29 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses• Steward/Galley Opel-ations . Ac~demic Start Date - -~ - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _· - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - With this application, COPIES of your discharges must be submitted showing sufficient UPGRADING APPLICATION time to qualify yourself for the course(s) requested. You also must submit a COPY of Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ each of the following: the first page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, your clinic card and the front and back of your {-card as well as your Lundeberg School identification card Listing the course( s) you have taken and completed. The admissions office WILL NOT schedule you until all of the above are received. COURSE Telephone BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Firefighting: Primary language spoken March 1998 D Yes D No CPR: Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D Yes D No Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Yes D No NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 3/98 Seafarers LOG 23 �SID Scholarship Program One month remains until the April 15 deadline for scholarship applications. See page 14 to read about previous scholarship winners and how Seafarers and their dependents can attain their educational goals. Aptly Named Global Link Handles Worldwide Work Seafarers Aboard Cable Ship Emphasize Need for Political Activity A recent visit to the cable ship Global link found Seafarers readying the vessel for relocation to a new home port. Formerly based in Baltimore, the vessel was scheduled to sail to St. Croix late last month . No matter where the ship is based, however, it will continue its cable-laying and repair jobs all over the world. "Very often, the jobs take a long time," noted Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda. "We did a six-month cable lay in 1996, then followed up with a repair off Montserrat where a volcano was erupting. More recently, we've done projects between India and Malaysia, plus a repair off of Africa." An 18-year member of the SIU, Maeda added that Global Link crew members are quite mindful of the need for Seafarers to remain active in grassroots political activity. He took the recertification course two years ago while proponents of the U.S .-tlag fleet, including the SIU, were working for passage of the Maritime Security Act. "It was a big relief when the program became law, and I congratulate [SIU President Michael Sacco] for his role in its passage," Maeda stated. "It was a great victory for Mike and the entire industry. "Politics does rule our world, which is why SIU members should support SPAD and get involved in campaigns like the one for the Maritime Security Program." Meanwhile, crew members said the transition of the five SIU-contracted cable ships to Tyco International has gone smoothly. Tyco bought the Global Link and its sister shipsthe Charles L. Brown, Global Mariner, Global Sentinel and Long Lines-from AT&T in 1997. The vessels remain under SIU contract, with an agreement that lasts untii 2001. Deck department members helping prepare the Global Link for its move to a new home port include (from left) Bosun's Mate Bernardo Gruz, AB Robert Bakeman, AB Michael Warren, OS Jose Calix, and ABs Terrence Carmody, Lyle Davis and Sal Gilardi. ABs Sal Gilardi Bakeman bring stores cable ship in Baltimore. Cook/Baker Willie Crear busily serves lunch. SA Tofiq Kennedy keeps the galley shining. PurchasedlastyearbyTyco, the Glob~I - -,=~ g on his work is Link does cable-laying and repair work Chief ook Anthony Bach. all over th~ world. .. Wiper Ruben OeJesus, a 30-year member of the SIU who has 20 years' sea time, says he will retire this summer. Political activity is an indispensable· part of being a Seafarer, states Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda. Bosun Brian lsenstadt demon strates safety on the job. Scrubbing the galley is SA Jarrell Wadsworth. � 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 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present 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 March 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER WORKERS STEELWORKERS’ RALLY IN SAN FRANCISCO DRAWS ATTENTION TO CF&I/OREGON STRIKE SEAFARERS READY TO SUPPLY TROOPS IN EVENT OF U.S. MILITARY ACTION VERSUS IRAQ COALITION FORMED TO BLOCK PROPOSED NAVIGATIONAL TAX AMERICAN STEAMSHIP CO. ADDS OCEAN BARGE GREAT LAKES SAILING SEASON SET FOR 1998 FIRST PHASE OF ISM CODE TAKES EFFECT JULY 1 SIU-CREWED MSC SHIPS HELP GUAM RECOVER FROM TYPHOON PAKA WORK CONTINUES IN STCW IMPLEMENTATION SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN LATEST INTERNATIONAL SAFETY MEETINGS NAVY LEAGUE HEAD CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT U.S.-FLAG MERCHANT FLEET NY-NJ DREDGING PROGRAM APPROVED USCG ANNOUNCES CHANGE OF COMMAND IMO REGS CALL FOR BALLAST CONTROL PROGRAM KIRBY SELLS 7 TUGS, 7 TANKERS LATEST FEDERAL STATISTICS SHOW UNION MEMBERS’ EARNING POWER ITF SURVEYS SUNKEN REMAINS OF PANAMANIAN-FLAG VESSEL TO ASSIST VICTIMS’ RELATIVES AFL-CIO URGES ACTIONS TO PROTECT WORKERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL, COMMUNICATIONS MARKETS UPGRADERS SAY TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS GOV’T VESSELS COURSE PLUCKING DANGER FROM CHICKEN METHODS OFFERED BY CHEF ALLAN TO PROMOTE SAFE HANDLING OF FOOD BOSUN DONATES FRONTIER MEMENTOS TO PAUL HALL MEMORIAL LIBRARY COLLECTOR DAN MARCUS NOTES HISTORIC ASPECTS OF STRIKE SIU AFFILIATE SUPPORTS SPECIAL SESSION SO V.I. CAN HONOR CONTRACT MEETING WITH SEAFARERS AROUND NORFOLK ARTICLE DETAILS UNION BUSTERS’ TRICKY TACTICS COMPANIES SPEND BILLIONS TRYING TO QUASH PRO-UNION WORKERS USNS SODERMAN STANDS READY TO SUPPORT U.S. TROOPS ANIT-WORKER FORCES LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO SHACKLE POLITICAL EFFORTS DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BUSINESS AND UNION DONATIONS CONTINUES TO EXPAND APTLY NAMED GLOBAL LINK HANDLES WORLDWIDE WORK Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present 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 03/01/1998 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. 60, No. 3 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log