Media
Issue Date
1943-04-30
Volume
5
Issue Number
9
Plaintext
9n Tlflmwhiom
ALDERMAN, WILLIAM
ANDERSON, JAMES
BAHLS, JOHN _
BREEN, THOMAS
CHAPMAN, WILLIAM _
COLON, ADOLPH, Jr
CORKERN, SHELDON .
CRAWLEY, WILLIAM ....
DANIELS, BYRL
GALLE, JOHN
GARRIDO, J
A. B.
Steward
Oiler
- FOW
Oiler
Messman
. Fireman
A. B.
FOW
Cook
Oiler
A, B,
Utility
GEDMAN, OLIVER..
HADDQX, MARVIN .
HALLENBECK, GEORGE Bosun
HAND, ARTHUR L Fireman
HANRAHAN, ANDREW -.... Cook
HEWETT, RALPH Watertender
KELLY, EDWARD A.B.
KINNELL, ALFRED Bos'n
KITTLESON, VIRGIL C Messman
KLOSKOWSKI, STANLEY, Jr. Oiler
LANG, CHARLES Steward
LUMBATTIS, DARWIN Messman
MAFFIA, ALFRED A.B.
MARTEL, ROBERT Messman
McEVOY, WILLIAM Wiper
MIGUEZ, JOSE Utility
MISHLER, CLARENCE A.B.
MORALIS, MANUEL 2nd Cook
Messman
A.B.
Messman
Messman
Fireman
: O.S.
A. B.
MOSES, A. B. :
OSTRON, MARVIN
FACE ITI, WILLIAM
PAUL, HARRY
FERLIS, MORRIS
PiEHET, RALPH
REED, HALLOWAY
RHODES, HERBERT JAMES Messman
RODRIQUE, HARRISON Deck Eng.
ROZENFELD, JULIO Oiler
RUTHERFORD, MACK 3rd Cook
SANDOVA, JOHN Bosun
STATZELL, HENRY, Jr Messman
STEBBINS, FRED Wiper
STOUGH, RUFUS Chief Cook
TAYLOR, STANLEY „.... Steward
TUOHY, ROBERT Oiler
WAYSO, JOHN o. s.
WEAVER, WILLIAM " FOW
WESTOVER, HAL, Jr Wiper
WHITE, THOMAS O. S.
WHITNEY, HAROLD Deck. Eng.
WILLIAMS, HUGH Oiler
ZUMPFT, HERBERT Watertender
^IAFAKERS Jpcj
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT,
SEAFARERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA
VOL. V. 286 NEW YORK, N.Y., FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1943 No. 9
Fight On Fink Card Aided
By New Draft Board Ruling
Court OK's Pay Offshore Is "Tantamount
For Injuries To Military Service"
Ashore Xhe fight being conducted by the SIU-SUP to scuttle
the RMO's fink card system and to maintain maritime
unions free of government-shipowner domination, was
greatly strengthened this week when the national head
quarters of Selective Service issued a directive making it
practically manditory upon local^
boards to defer olfshorje men. The
WASHINGTON, April 19.—
In a decision involving injuries
sustained by two seamen on shore
leave, one approaching and *the
other leaving his ship by the only
available routes; the Supreme
Court ruled today that a shipown
er's obligations to a seaman in his
employ are not suspended when the
seaman leaves his ship on shore
eave.
Today's decision, which involved
separate claims for damages filed
jy Pedro Aguilar against the Stand
ard Oil Co. of New Jersey and by
David E. Jones, S.I.U. mem-
•, against the Waterman
Steamsliip Corporation, reversed a
trend reflected in several district
courts as well as a previous decis
ion by the Second Circuit Court of
Appeals.
Several of the lower courts had
originally taken the position that
seamen going ashore on personal
{Continued on Page 4)
section of the directive dealing
with Lakes and inland men was
not as strong as that concerning
deep-sea men, but here also the
Selective Service made it clear
that it wanted all seamen defered
no matter where they sailed.
Page four, subsection B of Ac
tivity and Occupation Bulletin
No. 26-21, reads as follows:
"Offshore merchant marine ser
vice, considering its importance
to the war effort and the hazards
it involves, is so closely allied to
service in the armed forces that a
man found by the local board to
be actively engaged at sea in this
service may well be considered as
engaged in the active defense of
the country. Such service may
properly be considered as tanta-
Fights Roosevelt's
Wage And Job Freeze
Seafarers Steal Show At
Louisiana AFL Conclave
SHREVESPORT, La., April 7—The largest state
convention of the American rederatioii of Labor ever held
in Louisana is in session here this week and the SIU is steal
ing the show. Every speaker who has appeared before the
convention has praised the war record of the SIU men, and
resolutions presented by M. D.^
Biggs, SIU delegate, were passed were
unanimously.
Resolutions presented by Biggs
and approved by the unanimous
vote of the convention, include:
1. Condemnation of the order
issued by Admiral Waesche pro
hibiting the issuance^ of seamen's
papers unless the applicant had a
letter from the RMO;
2. Endorsement of national leg
islation giving towboatmen and
bargemen-the 8 hour day;
.3. Memorialize Congress on the
"inhuman and unjust way mer
chant seamen are being treated by
the Maritime War Emergency
Board regarding War Risk Insur
ance." .
{Continued on Page 4)
WASHINGTON, D. C. — AFL
President William Green called
upon the. Government to scrap the
compulsory features of the new
and drastic "job freezing" regula
tions isued by War Manpower
Commissioner McNutt.
These regulations, Mr. Green in
sisted in a public statement, would
substitute "forced labor" for free
labor in America.
He warned that application of
"such a frozen, rigid, inflexible
plan will serioiislyj affect morale,
lower individual ! efficiency and
arouse resentment among the in
dustrial workers of the nation."
McNutt's "job freeze order"
tightened the wage squeeze on la
bor by forbidding 27,000,000 es
sential war workers to change jobs
for higher pay.
The drastic regulations, provid
ing penalties of as much as a year
in jail for violations, carried out
the directions of President Roose
velt's Executive Order intended to
"hold the line" on wages and
prices.
However, no effective action has
as yet been taken by the Govern
ment to control food prices or to
roll them back to Sept. H levels
in accordance with the President's
{Continued on page 2)
WASHINGTON, D. C.—Clarifi
cation and modification by Eco
nomic Stabilization Director Byrnes
of President Roosevelt's Executive
Order banning wage increases even
to correct inequities and gross in
equalities was demanded by the
AFL members of the National
War Labor Board.
As a mounting tide of telegrams
and letters,, poured in from local
unions protesting against the im
placable nature of the regulations
in denying just treatment to work
ers who obviously deserve pay ad
justments, the AFL members on
the Board issued a blunt statement
expressing their disagreement with
the harsh terms of the executive
order.
"We believe," the statement de
clared, "that a literal interpreta
tion and application of the order
will work manifest injustices up
on American labor and industry
and be detrimental to the war
effort."
The AFL representatives charg
ed:
"This executive order 'freezes'
gross inequities and manifest injus
tices. This principle is foreign to
all concepts of American justice."
mount to military service. When
a local board finds a man to be
actively engaged in offshore ship
ping, it should classify him in
Class II-B if he is not found to be
entitled to a lower classification."
There is nothing in this para
graph which says that a man must
sign a RMO fink card in order to
be defered! It merely states that
offshore seamen are in the active
defense of their country and
should be defered from induction
into the army.
The SIU-SUP has been proced-
ing upon just such a basis. All
members of this union refuse to
accept the fink cards when they
are shoved at them. They continue
about their job, observe the rules
on shipping and shore time, and
keep their draft boards informed
as to their occupation and status
in the industry.
This having been done—to hell
with the RMO!
As for the developments in this
regard on the waterfront, not
much has been happening . . yet.
One ship paid off in New Orleans •
on which the RMO tried to pass
out the cards, but the SIU-SUP
crew cracked the manuever wide
open. Brother Armstrong reports
this in his column on page three.
Most ships have been signing
off without any cards appearing.
However, the question will be re
vived when ships pay off which
sailed after March 15, 1943. That
was the deadline laid down by the
RMO.
In case the RMO revives
its offensive, all members .should
spread the word around and give
{Continued on Page 4)
Seamen's Inspection
Eased
Disjtrict director Arthur J. Kar-
nuth of the United States Natural
ization Service has announced that
Canadian seamen landing in a
Lakes port on an American vessel
will come under immigration in
spection only once this season. In
the past they were inspected with
each landing. The move has been
made to speed the shipment of es
sential war cargoes. The reguia-
tions also include British subjects
living in Canada.
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Page Two THE SEAFARERS' LOG Friday, April 30, 1945'
E-«.
SEAFARER'S LOG
Published by the
SEAFARERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
Atlantic and Gulf District
, Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor ^
HAJMIY LUNDEBERG - - - - - ' President
110 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif.
JOHN HAWK ------- Secy-Treas.
2 Stone Street, New York City
MATTHEW DUSHANE - - - Washington Rep.
424 kh Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
BRANCH
Directory of Branches
ADDRESS PHONE
NEW YORK 2 StoTiB St - •. 11, , f i ;
Dispatcher's Office........BOwlins Green 0-8346
A^ent BOwlinc Green 0-3437
BOSTON S30 Atlantic Ave Liberty 4057
BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. Galvert 4S30
PHILADELPHIA 6 North 6th St Lombard 7651
NORFOLK 25 Commercial PI Norfolk 4-1083
NEW ORLEANS 300 Chartres St. Canal 3336
SAVANNAH 218 East Bay SL Savannah 3-1728
TAMPA 423 East Piatt St Tampa MM-1323
MOBILE 55 So. Conception St Dial 2-1392
PUEXTO RICO 45 Ponce de Leon POerto de Tierra
GALVESTON. 219 20th Street Galveston 2-8043
FT- LAUDERDALE 2021 S. Federal Highway..
PUBLICATION OFFICE:
ROOM 213, 2 STONE STREET
New York City BOwling Green 9-8346
AFL Fights Roosevelt's
Wage And Job Freeze
(Continued from Page 1)
d&rective.
The job "freeze" regulations
were issued without seeking the
approval of the AFL and CIO.
AFL leaders were assured by Eco-
xomic Stabilization Director Brynes
and McNutt that job seniority
^ould be protected under the new
regulations.
While the "job freeze" order
covers the entire country, it will
bear most heavily on those engaged
ia ^3 activities listed as essential
by the War Manpower Commission
in 32 "critical" labor shortage
areas wbere the WMC is seeking to
stop pirating of labor by employ-
~^s through offers of higher wages.
Henceforth, workers may take
new jobs at higher pay only when
tjbe shift is from a non-essential to
another non-essential job, or from
xon-essential to essential war work.
Job shifts for higher pay are
forbidden when the change is from
one essential job to another or
from essential work to non-essen
tial activity;
Exceptions arc made in cases
where local wage stabilization
plans provide for such wage adjus-
ments. There are 60 such plans in
existence in "tight" labor areas.
In "surplus" labor areas, em
ployers and employes will have to
appeal to the local Manpower
Commission Director for permis
sion to boost rates in exceptional
cases.
The only broad exception per
mitted under the new regulations
for the transfer of war workers to
different jobs at higher pay is when
such changes are considered by the
WMC to be "in the interest of the
war effort."
Seamen Insignia-
Voted By Senate
WASHINGTON, AprU 22 —
The Senate acted today to give
recognition, by insignia, to officers
and members of crews of mer
chant ships which carry vital car
goes to overseas battle fronts.
It passed a House-adopted meas
ure authorizing the War Shipping
Administration to provide and is
sue seamen's service insignia of de
signs which will identify men with
their deeds and experiences.
By the terms of the measure,
sponsored in the Senate by Sen
ator Radcliffe of Maryland, one
type of insignia would be awarded
to any person who at any time
since Dec. 7, 1941, served on any
vessel in the American merchant
marine. A special insignia or de
vice would identify those who
during the war period served on a
ship pr ships in war or combat
zones.
A seaman's honor bar would be
awarded, under the bill, to any
person who serves on any vessel in
the merchant marine which is at
tacked or damaged. A star would
be attached to the bar of those
forced to abandon ship because of
the attack or damage. An addi
tional star would be awarded for
each instance of forced abandon
ment of ship.
The measure also authorizes a
medal and a hibbon, with a rosette
to any person who while serving
on any merchant marine vessel
was wounded, suffered physical
injury, or suffered through danger
ous exposure as a result of an
enemy attack.
REPORT FROM
Washington
By Matthew Dushane
Salvation Army Opens
Lounge For Seamen
Another lounge for merchant
seamen was opened in New York
last week, this one by the Salva
tion Army. It is located at 5302
Fourth Ave., Brooklyn. The
Lounge has a reading room; snack
bar and writing taibles.
PERSONALS
PAUL TH0RARJNS8ON
Your Coast Guard pass has hoen
found and returned to the office of
the Secretary-Treasurer.
Boston Fish Workers
Strike For Wage Boost
A five day strike tied up the
fishing boats in Boston harbor this
month when six hundred sea food
T7orkers refused to unload boats
wntil the employers granted tlieiii
,3k living wage and decent working
conditions.
The strikers were members of
the Seafood Workers Union, AFL,
' were seeking wage increases, a
week's vacation pay, and penalty
jiay for workers paid by the house.
^,000,000 pounds of fish were tied
«p, and, of course, the big bpera-
'• tors screamed about the war effort.
" On April 7 the union agreed to
fubmit tlielr case to the Massachu-
mtts Board of Conciliation and
Arbitration and returned to work.
Seafarers' Log-
HONOR ROLL
CREW 8. S. IRONCLAD
CREW S. S. SAMUEL GRIFFITH
CREW S. S. ROBIN LOCKSLEV
CREW S. S. WILLIAM RAWLES
CREW S. S. ALCOA POLARIS
PORT EVERGLADES
CREW 8. S. JOHN MARSHALL
CREW S. S. T. J. JACKSON
CREW S. S. JOSIAH BARTLETT
CREW S. S. SAMUEL JOHNSON
L. H. GOLIGHTLV ^
CREW 8, 8. ALCOA CUTJER
F. M. BLUM
E. BRANTY ^
A. MURNER '
J. J. CARRIGAN
A, M. CONKOVITCH
C, DANIELS
65.00
27.50
.... 24.62
24.00
..„ 22JOO
.... 21J00
... 17.00
... 1550
... 12.50
.... 9.00
.... -9.00
... s.eo
... 6X10
.. 6^
... 6.00
... 560
... 5.00
... 2.00
TOTAL ...$293.12
<REf>ORT OF APRIL 19, 1943)
Maritime War Emergency Board: ^
Attended a meeting of the advisory committee that was held on
Monday, April 12, 1943. The board submitted a proposed resolution
for each of the parties of the signatory the Statement of Principles for
thcu: comments thereon.
"RESOLViEiD, that the Board recommend to each of the
parties signatory that the attention of Congress lie called to the
need for legislation which will provide disability benefits in
proper cases for the natural lives of seameu disabled through
war causes or during the period of such disability;
"FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board recommend to the
parties signatory and to appropriate tlovemment Agencies, In-
ciudlBg the Maritime Commission and the War Shipping'Admin
istration, that all practicable measures be taken immediately for
vocational training and employment in shore positions in the
shipping industry of injured seamen, who toy reason of such
injury, are not qualified to return to sea."
The membership of the SUP and SIU have gone on record to pe
tition Congress for adequate legislation to cover disability incurred by
war risks and warlike activity, on the surface it looks as though this
resolution by the board would be the start on the fight for adequate
legislation.
We all know that the civilian employees in Guam and Wake Isl
and were captured and interned by the Japanese, some of these workeri
were disabled due to war risks and warlike activity.
Congress enacted laws to cover the disability Incurred by these
civilian workers and they are now covered by the Longshoremen'e
Compensation Act, which under this act, total disability is limited to
$7,500. All the Maritime Unions have on numerous occasions tesrified
at Congressional hearing that they are not in favor of this Longshore
men's compensation act, as they feel that it is inadequate and seamiai
are given better protection under the Jones Act.
Tips resolution has a catch on it aS it does not SPECIFY what
kind of legislation^ would be adequate to cover disability incurred by
merchant seamen in line of duty.
Brother J. Hawk and yours truly felt that the board was taking
an unfair advantage of the Merchant Semen if they petitioned CongreM
for iegisltion to cover disability incurred by seamen and not sUte m
Congress what kind of legislation the seamen wanted. We informed
the board of our position and recommended the following proposals.
"1. That the Board petition the Congress of the United
States, that Merchant Seamen be covered by Public Law No.
.812. approved by the 74th Congress on Au^st 23, 1935, and
Public Law No. 359, approved by the 77th Congress on Decem
ber 19, 1941.
"2. That the Board, by resolution, notify the Congress of
the United States, that they do not favor any enactment of laws,
whereby Merchant iSeamen would toe deprived of any or all
benefits they now have under the Jones Act
"3 That the Board stay within the jurisdiction of the State- :j
ment of Principles, nairiely War Risk Insurance and Bonuoes."
Under Public Law No. 359, Merchant Seamen would be entitled
to disability benefits as follows:
, 100% Disability $100.00 For life 50% Disability $50.00 for life , '
90% " 90.00 " " 40% " 40.00 " " •'
• &0% '• 80.00 " " 30% "" 30.0() " " I
70% " 70.00 " " 20% " 20.00 " " '
60% " 60.00 " " 19% " lO.OO " "
In addition to the above compensation, if the disabled man is mi-
able to take care of himself when he is 100% disabled, he is entitled tol
bs high as an additional $150.00 per month for the service of someone
to take care of him.
Under Public Law No. 312, Merchant Seamen would be entitled
to enter any Public Health service at any time during their life, even
if they ceased going to sea, provided they incurred any disease or iUnes9
in line of duty, due to war risks or warlike activity. They would also
be covered by Public Law No. 359, if through any disease or illness, ate
disabled, this would cover TB or other illness or disease incurred in life
boats, etc.
The board suggested that all the Maritime Unions submit my
proposals that they feel would cover disability for Merchant Seamen.
The board also submitted a proposal to increase the bonus area iot
Merchant Seamen. This requires further exploring, due to the Ftesi-
dent's ordej< to HOLD THE LINE and not grant any further wage
increases.
The board also proposed to make a decision to cover risks other
than war risks. After a lengthy discussion as to the board's jurisdic
tion and whether this* decision would in any way jeopardize a aeamea'e
claim under the JONES ACT, the meeting adjourned until Tuesday,
(Continued on Page 3)
; A
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http://www.pdfcompressor.org/buy.html
Friday^ April 3^0, 1943 TH£ SEAFARERS' LOG Pag« Tkw
Washington Report
(Continued from Page 2)
April 20, 1943 when this subject will be the fii^t order on tlie agenda.
It appears to me that if the President's order to hold the line will
not permit the board to increase bonuses, it also' would prohibit the
board from making any decision that wcndd reduce any of the present
bonuses (area or monthly).
A. W. Armstrong, SIU Agent, New Orleans:
The board issued Amendment No. 10 to Decision No, 7 Revised—
Wherein area and port attack bonuses were reduced to thr^ classes—
A—^Murmansk Area. B—Mediterranean Area. C—^South Seas Area and
the port attack bonus of $125.00 if the ships are in any port when
there is an attack. This deciskm is effective as of MARCH 1, 1943.
The board later on issued a consolidation of all revised bonuses and
War Risk Insurance, this consolidation is eflfective as of MARCH 15,
1943, and covers all the latest decisions that were made as of their ef
fective date which is MARCH 15, 1943. In other words, no port
bonuses were payable in any port or area after MARCH 1, 1943, un
less the port or area was under attack. The confusion that exists lies
in weekly bulletin dated Feb. 27, 1943, which states that these decisions
are effective as of March 15, 1943.
On the consolidation of all the decisions that are effective as of
March 15, 1943—^Amendment No. 10 to Decision No. 7 Revised is
now Decision No. 2A and although decision No. 2A is effective as of
March 15, Amendment No. 10 to Decision No. 7 Revised which was
effective as of March 1, did not change any bonus areas from March
1st to the 15 th.
O. Banks, SIU Agent, MohUe:
S. J. R. Drake arrived at Port Suez 12-13-42, passed through the
Suez Canal and arrived at Alexandria, Egypt 12-16-42. Left Alexan
dria and passed through the Canal a second time. The board has rulec
that two bonuses of $125.00 are payable, amounting to a total of $250
J, Hawk, Sec*y-Treas., S.I.U.:
Crew of S.S. Benjamin Harrison were being repatriated on S.S
Allen A. Dale and while in the port of Oran the Dale was attacked
The board has ruled that the crew of the S.S. Benjamin Harrison are
entitled to a port attack bonus of $125.00 and the crew of the S.S,A.A
Dale are also entitled to the same port attack bonus of $125.00.
AAA
(REPORT OF APRIL 26, 1943)
Maritime War Emergency Board:
I attended a special meeting of the advisory committee on Apri
, 20, 1943 and the following was on the agenda: 1. Language to cover
extension of 2ad seamen's war risk policy; 2. Drafting of proposals to
Congress for legislation to provide for disabled seamen; 3. Language to
be incorporated in 2nd seamen's war risk policy to protect seamen suf
fering illness and mental disorders.
Under No. 1 on the agenda the board proposed a n«w decision to
the risk and perils encountered by seanjen, :^nd this would extend to
include loses "not caused by risks of war or war-like operations." The
position taken by Brother Hawk and yours truly was that the board
had no authority to make any decision that would include the above
words, that they are duty bound to make decisions only on "War- Risk
Compensation and Insurance" and have no authority to make any de
cision that would include losses not caused by war risk or war-like
operations.
There were several cases that have happened in the past year where
the losses of vessels were caused due to blackouts running along certain
coasts wherein the usual navigation lights were extinguished, collisions
in convoys and several other cases which were not properly war-like
operations.
The board claimed that they wanted to cover these cases and make
j their decision retroactive. We were not opposed to covering these cases,
however, we insisted that the Congress of the United States have en
acted a law to cover these cases, and that the WSA have a mandate
from Congress to proceed and make retroactive coverage to all claims
that they have to date on losses due to navigational risks.
The WSA has a mandate from Congress to provide compensation
to seamen and their beneficiaries for any losses that they may have
incured, and. the law is such that it provides the WSA with flexible
authority to cover all marine risks of seamen to which war conditions
may contribute.
In my questions to one of the legal representatives of the WSA
as to whether they have this authority and whether they intend to use
it to cover all the cases in the past, he stated that the WSA has the
authority and they are going to cover these cases—coverage will be as
per the decisions that the MWEB has made.
The board has not fully explained what their intentions were in
I making a decision, that is out of'its jurisdiction. If the board feels
1 that there are certain cases that are of a war-like nature and they feel
J^t comes under the jurisdiction, my recommendation is that the board
I draft a proposal defining what it considers War risks, and submit this
I to the unions for their comments.
. {Continued on Page 4)
WHATS DOING
Around the Ports
NEW ORLEANS
Biz is booming, what with new
ones and old ones, new faces and
the few old ones, it don't seem like
the same old place. The pride of
the Ore Line has been the pride of
the port for the last two weeks.
First we have trouble paying the
packet off, this is dSne, then we
have trouble about whether or not
there shall be men on while the
ship is in for repairs. Then we
check and find that the Master-
has M.C. replacements shipped
from the RMO. When we con
tacted the RMO they told us that
they would not send any more
men aboard the scow. So we, the
big brotherly type, said O.K. and
we shipped a Q.M. and Bos'n to
the rust bucket. Next we hear is
that these two guys are fired and
then we hear not a thing for some
time. The Steward dept. and the
Deck and a couple of the firemen
are our boys, old timers, so every
thing is O.K.
Now all this time the Skipper
and us are sparring over a trans
portation rider on the articles. On
Monday he tells us O.K. we will
put the rider on, now boys go sign
on. Wednesday our old friend
Hambone Carver, the Deck wreck
er on the packet, states he is on his
way to grace the articles with his
signature, but being a young and
trusting soul he wants soneone to
go along and see the said rider is
firmly attached.
Our dashing Patrolman mounts
his gallent scooter and away he
goes. Next scene is our boy Buck
on the phone groggy, but still
fighting, stating that the ship is
signed on, even men signed on in
place of our firemen who were
aboard the ship working. We have
still got our Steward department
on the ship, a wire into Washing
ton and a Steward department that
want to walk off. So 'till later, I
don't know just how long, we can
hold, but hold we shall.
Outside of the above, things arc
rolling right along, plenty of ship-
ing and not many men. Biggs
states that he is finished with en
gines, but that if we need him he
will be around. Easy sledding
Rebel, and the best of luck.
Had a beer last week on a Hay
wire scow that was full of NMU
below and galley SUP trip card
and our men on deck. The NMU
signed the RMO cards and told
our boys that they might as well
because if they didn't there would
be trouble. The Bos'n refused to
sign so that is where we came in.
Told the Master that we were on
record not to sign, and we weren't
going to break a good record just
for his packet. After threatening
to call the F.B.I, and every one
in between, he and I went on the
dock, called the Port Director,
Caist Guard and W.S.A. who t<dd
them to sign on, not hold the ship.
Result, a lot of red faces and a
deck gang starting a long trip
with mutual respect. All right 1
calls it.
Steady as she goes,
ARMY
MONEY DUE
Out of the Focsl
by
9-
We. wish to warn the brothers not to keep diaries while aboard
ships. Further, not to be so considerate; especially around the North
African zone, as to help deliver personally to the States the letters of
soldiers, sailors or marines. Those in charge of the Armed Forces will
raise havoc with you.
_ On overtime sheets do not list names of ports. Check frequently
with the Mate, Cliief Engineer and Steward and designate the ports by
numerals or the alphebet. TTie Coast Guard search for these things and
raise plenty of Hell if such data is found concerning the voyage.
A A A
Many of the old-timers who remembered him as Organizer, will
regret to hear that Alfred (Scotty) Thompson died a few days ago
after a long illness. Many folks in New Orleans are sorry to hear that
Stanley Taylor was recently lost. Another man from the Lakes, Her
bert Zumpft, was recently lost. Arthur Thompson, Mike Confusione
and John Murray entertained the boys at the Bean Pot with their tricks.
Ask Arthur to show you the missing cigarette trick. The boys are ex
tending their well wishes to Michael Story who was recently married.
A ^ A A
We were glad to see Pete Danielak back again. After surviving a
month of bombardment m Russia he was glad to get ashore after seven
months at sea. He is going to school foi his ticket. Joe Bolger returned
from England after having one of his kidneys removed. They must
have taken good care of him as he was in good shape wh^n he arrived.
We were also glad to see Harold Miller and his buddy Frank Saxon
back again. We had a great time with them nd their wives at the Hotel
Gregorian. Earl Brown surprised all his friends when he married Dor
othy Mason of Baltimore.
ATLANTIC AND GULF SHIPPING FOR
APRIL S TO 17
DECK ENGINE STEWARD TOTAL
SHIPPED 299 281 200 "780
REGISTERED 275 269 115 659
ON HAND ...196 186 100 482
!?•
J. S. BULLOCK
H. L. MILSTEAD
Division of wages for missing
man on 12-4 watch. City of St»
Louis, can be collected at Water*,
man office. Mobile.
s- t. s
Crew of Robin Gray can collect
$125 attack bonus money at offic*
of Seas Shipping Co., Inc., 39 Cort-
landt Street, New York. MWEB
ruled Tillbury is within Port of
London.
» » »
Crew which made the last tri(>
on the S.S. Daniel Huger, have $125
port attack bonus money coming.
Collect at office of Mississippi Line.
» »' »
Crew making the last trip on
S.S. Tristram Dalton have $125
port attack bonus money coming.
Collect at Bull Line, 115 Broad
Street, New York City.
* * »
The crews that made the last trip
an the S.S. Marina, S.S. Cape Hen*
lopen, -S.S. Thomas Ruffin and
S.S. William Rawie were paid off
with 40% bonus instead of 100^
for the part of the voyage betweMI
Panama and Capo Horn. They cap
now collect the 60% additional
money from the Bull Line office in
New York City.
• • * *•
The crew which made the last
trip on the S.S. Joseph Huges havo
bonus money coming. Collect at
Bull Line, New York City.
>f e s-
The crew which made the last
trip on the S.S. Banj. Harrison can
collect $125 Port Attack money at
the Calmar Line, 25 Broadway,
New York City.
• * »
Deck Department of the Alcoa
Polaris have overtime coming. Col
lect at 17 Battery Place, New York
City.
n- * *
Stewards Dept. on S.S. Richard
Bassett have overtime coming.
C. Albiny 114 hra.
(Also Division of Wages
For 1 month and 4 days)
Everett Hickman 68 hrs,
Robert Moore 24 hrs.
S. Brown 96 hrs.
P. Marshall IO6I/2 hrs.
C. Johnson 8 hrs.
(Also Division of wages
for 1 month and 4 days)
Colect Bull Line office, 115 Broad
Street, New York City.
» » »
Stewards Dept. of S.S. John Poe
havo the following money due:
E. Primo (Steward) $202.95
T. Darwin (Mess) 158.85
W. Thomas (Mess) 152.25
Poppick (Mess) 157.05
Tilly (3rd Cook) 30.00
Rhodes (Mess) , 161.55
Collect from Mr. Picket, Bull
Line Office, 12th Floor, N.Y.C.
(signed) Claude Fisher,
N. Y. Patrolmart
. Him
I
--a I
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Page Four THE SEAFARERS' LOG Friday, April 30, 1943
H-
1;
l-'iS-'i •
' 'W-' •• •'
mm-:
r-'¥
\
Seafarers Steal Show At
Louisiana AFL Conclave
{ConHmted from Pags I)
In all cases the convention in
structed the secretary of the State
Federation to contact the State's 2
Senators and 8 Congressmen and
tifge their support of the seamen
in their fight for justice.
The convention was attended by
305 delegates representing 145 or
ganizations.
A personal representative of
William Green keynoted the meet
ing when he denounced the cur
rent press and legislative camprign
against organized labor. "... most
IN MEMORY OF
BROTHER
Alfred (Scotty)
Thompson, A. B.
1904 - 1943
Died in Brooklyn, April, 1943
of the papers in the United States
are hostile to organized labor," he
said.
"If we don't resist fascist legis
lative action now, we will wake up
when the war is over and find
everything taken away from us
and many will have died in vain.
The employers who despise organ
ized lal»r realize that the trade
union is stronger than it was in the
last crisis, and they are trying to
destroy it as they tried after the
last war."
Most of the time of the conven
tion was spent in laying plans for
a drive aimed at eliminating the
wage differential between the
north and the south.
Regional War Labor Boards
were denounced by many delegates
for their refusals to kill the wage
differential.
Offshore Is "Tantamount
To Military Service 99
{Continued from Page I)
the widest possible circulation to
those issues of the SEAFARERS LOG
which explain tfte set up. Not
only that, but each member must
be certain that he is keeping
straight with his draft board so
the RMO won't have any excuse
to jerk him into the Army.
Observe the following steps:
1. If your draft board asks you
to come in so they can review
your case, obtain from them S.S.
Form 42-a. Take this to your
SIU Agent and have him fill it
out.
2. Return this form to the
draft board and request that you
be placed in Class II-B as an ac-
. tive seaman. If they seem to be
giving you the run around, tell
them to read "Activity and Oc
cupation Bulletin No. 26-21" is
sued by National Selective Screice
Headquarters.
-3. If the local board fails to
defer you as a seaman and puts
you in I-A, notify them immedi
ately that you intend to appeal the
tase. If your local board is located
inland, demand that your appeal
be transfered to the port where
you are and where you can obtain
the aid of the union.
4. When you have notified the
board of your intention of appeal
ing, take your case immediately to
the Agent. If your shipping rec
ord is clear, the Union will then
take over your case and sees that
the board stops giving you the
bounce.
If every member follows these
simple directives, and makes cer
tain to keep his shipping record
conform to the rules, there should
be no more drafting of seamen.
Cooperate with your union
Agent—that is your best insur
ance against the draft.
AND STAY AWAY FROM
THE RMO. AVOID THEIR
FINK HALLS AND REJECT
THEIR FINK CARDS.
COURT OK's PAY FOR
INJURIES ASHORE
DO NOT SHIP
Fred J. Engeibert ....
Robert L. Coleman
Roy V. Schang
,P 2972
..P7441
. P 2679
An Ode To Curran
Oh lift your pious howls
And mouth Ham-head phrases
With opportunity kept evergreen.
Before your eyes.
Talk rmctiously of Truth
' And love of Freedom
So men can't read your heart
And know your lies.
You dare to speak to men
In terms of Brother, "
Beguile them with the oil
^ Of mealy words.
Awaiting time and chance
To work their wonders
While you the chains of slavery
Rouna them gird.
—ex-NMU-er
{Continued from Page 1)
business left the service of the ship
when they did so, and therefore no
liability for maintenance and cure
remained with the shipowner.
In thus broadening the judicia
view of shipowners' responsibilities
as to the maintenance and cure of
seamen in their employ, the high
court emphasized that "from the
earliest times maritime nations
have recognized that undue haz
ards, emphasized by unusual ten
ure and control, attend the work
of seamen," and cited a vast body
of law extending to the maritime
code of the old Hanse cities to
show that these responsibilities go
further than those of employers in
shore enterprises,
David E. Jones had fallen into
an open ditch during a blackout,
after leaving his ship. Pedro Agu-
ilar had been struck by a motor
cycle while passing through prop
erty adjacent to the pier at which
his ship was moored. The court
upheld the claims of both for
damages.
In its decision, which was writ
ten by Justice Rutledge, the court
recalled that a shipowner's obliga
tions are neither narrowed nor ter
minated when .a seaman goes
ashore on ship's business, and that
the owner's responsibilities are
ended with respect to any seamen
who goes ashore contrary to orders.
Between these two extremes are
the instant cases, raising for the
first time here the question of the
existence and scope of the owner's
duty when the seaman is injured
while on shore leave but without
specific chore for the ship," the
court observed.
We think that principles gov
erning sliipboard injuries apply to
the facts presented by these cases.
To relieve the shipowner of his ob
ligation in the case of injuries in
curred on shore leave would, cast
upon the seaman hazards encoun
tered only by reason of the voyage.
"Even more for the seaman than
the landsman," the court ruled,
quoting former Chief Justice
Holmes, " 'the superfluous is the
necessary * to make life liv
able' and to get work done.
"In short, shore leave is an ele
mental necessity in the sailing of
ships, a part of the.business as old
as the art, not merely a personal
diversion."
Launch Anti-Malaria
Program
Until the curse of mosquitoes
has been eliminated in the South
Pacific islands, the War Shipping
Administration has directed its
agents to take precautions to pro
tect its seamen, against the spread
of malaria.
It has been found that there is
a lack of enforcement of quaran
tine regulations at certain ports of
call which have not yet been in
fested with the malaria mosquito
and the surgeon generals of the
Army and Navy have prescribed
disinsectization of all vessels oper
ating for the administration.
Life boats, too, must be drained
and dried at intervals of five days.
Standing water in scuppers and
other exposed areas is to be remov
ed daily.
Washington Report
- - ' t
{Continmd from Page 3)
The law that gives WSA authority to cover these cases is.Publitf
Law No. 17, 78th Congress, Chapter 26, first session, H.R. 1*33. All
the maritime unions are in favor of this piece of legislation.
Number tv.'0 on the agenda—Recommended to the board that the
following be attached to the resolution to Congress:
"And be it further resolved that any additional benefits to be coh-
fered on merchant seamen by means of legislation, suggested in this
resolution, shall be in addition to any and all benefits to which mer
chant seamen are at present entitled to reason of existing legislation,
and the general maritime laws."
All the unions concured in this proposal.
Number three on the agenda—Changes in 2nd seamen's war risk
insurance policy are to cover all seamen stifferiog illness and mental dis
orders, but shall not cover illness or disorder if the seamen has it when
be ships.
Repatriation: ^
Prior to the war, all the unions negotiated contracts with the
employers wherein any seamen who was interned would receive wages
and emergency wages during the period of intermnent, and also all
allotments were to be paid during the period of the internment. The
board's decision No. 1 upheld the unions and made similar provisions
in that decision.
Under the 2nd seamen's war risk policy the board has limited th4
payment of wages and emergency wages, and the payments of allot
ments, to two years only while the seamen are interned. We have sev
eral members interned and their families are dependent on the payment
of this allotment. It stands to reason that this war will not end tomor
row, and the probability is that some of our men's rependents will not
receive any allotments under the 2nd seamen's war risk insurance policy.
The International has drafted legislation that will cover a seaman
for a period of three months after the war ends, and has instructed me
to see that the proper steps are taken to bring this matter to Congress.
Congressman Welch of California has been given a copy of the
legislation that the International feels will give due consideration to
interned seamen, with the request that he introduce it in the House.
Health Protection:
Dr. Blain of the U. S. Public Health Service, has been assigned to
work with the WSA, and the WSA has instructed him to explore th$
possibility of enacting a law whereby all merchant seamen would have
a physical examination before being employed on board any vessels.
The operations division of the WSA is willing to reimburse any
employer who would be required to employ a doctor, this would be
part of the employer's operations costs.
In conference with Dr. Blain he pointed out that there are quite
a number of seamen who have acute T.B. and they do not know that
they are infected. They are endangering the other members of the
crew when the;^ ship. If these cases are arrested in time it would be of
benefit to the seamen with whom they have daily contact. Dr. Blain
also pointed out that there are other cases where seamen should not be
on board a ship due to their mental disorders ^nuts) and that these-,
men should be examined by competent doctors.'
This is a problem "that the membership should give their deepest
consideration. Although seamen would not relish the idea of working,
eating^ and sleeping with men who are infected with certain diseases,
there is always the possibility that certain company doctors would abuse
their authority and black ball certain men that the company would
not care to employ. There is also the possibility that a seaman may have
incured a disability in being torpedoed and still be able to continue go
ing to sea and be able to do his job. But in order for the company to
employ younger and more aggressive men the doctor may claim the
seaman is unfit for duty.
There are a lot of angles that the union should give consideration
to if there is going to be any law enacted by Congress that would re- •
quire a physical examination for a seaman to take as a condition of
employment. These should be discussed by the membership and serious
consideration should be given to the black ball angle.
U. S. Coast Guard:
The Coast Guard is suspending quite a number of seamen for
taking time off when they are in foreign ports. ThJs situation is get
ting more acute. It seems that they are going to enforce discipline on
all vessels by suspending certificates of men who take this time off.
In some cases it is in addition to the logs.
Some of our membe^^ have had their certificates suspended for four
months. In the majority of cases men are being given a reprimand.
Records are being kept and the second offense usually results in sus
pension. Hearings are held when a ship arrives in port, and some of our
men make statements which are not in their interest, and their own
statements are what is used against them by the Coast Guard. All men
are entitled to counsel and should consult with the union oflicials be
fore making any statements. In this way they can be informed as to
their rights.
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ALDERMAN, WILLIAM
ANDERSON, JAMES
BAHLS, JOHN _
BREEN, THOMAS
CHAPMAN, WILLIAM _
COLON, ADOLPH, Jr
CORKERN, SHELDON .
CRAWLEY, WILLIAM ....
DANIELS, BYRL
GALLE, JOHN
GARRIDO, J
A. B.
Steward
Oiler
- FOW
Oiler
Messman
. Fireman
A. B.
FOW
Cook
Oiler
A, B,
Utility
GEDMAN, OLIVER..
HADDQX, MARVIN .
HALLENBECK, GEORGE Bosun
HAND, ARTHUR L Fireman
HANRAHAN, ANDREW -.... Cook
HEWETT, RALPH Watertender
KELLY, EDWARD A.B.
KINNELL, ALFRED Bos'n
KITTLESON, VIRGIL C Messman
KLOSKOWSKI, STANLEY, Jr. Oiler
LANG, CHARLES Steward
LUMBATTIS, DARWIN Messman
MAFFIA, ALFRED A.B.
MARTEL, ROBERT Messman
McEVOY, WILLIAM Wiper
MIGUEZ, JOSE Utility
MISHLER, CLARENCE A.B.
MORALIS, MANUEL 2nd Cook
Messman
A.B.
Messman
Messman
Fireman
: O.S.
A. B.
MOSES, A. B. :
OSTRON, MARVIN
FACE ITI, WILLIAM
PAUL, HARRY
FERLIS, MORRIS
PiEHET, RALPH
REED, HALLOWAY
RHODES, HERBERT JAMES Messman
RODRIQUE, HARRISON Deck Eng.
ROZENFELD, JULIO Oiler
RUTHERFORD, MACK 3rd Cook
SANDOVA, JOHN Bosun
STATZELL, HENRY, Jr Messman
STEBBINS, FRED Wiper
STOUGH, RUFUS Chief Cook
TAYLOR, STANLEY „.... Steward
TUOHY, ROBERT Oiler
WAYSO, JOHN o. s.
WEAVER, WILLIAM " FOW
WESTOVER, HAL, Jr Wiper
WHITE, THOMAS O. S.
WHITNEY, HAROLD Deck. Eng.
WILLIAMS, HUGH Oiler
ZUMPFT, HERBERT Watertender
^IAFAKERS Jpcj
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT,
SEAFARERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA
VOL. V. 286 NEW YORK, N.Y., FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1943 No. 9
Fight On Fink Card Aided
By New Draft Board Ruling
Court OK's Pay Offshore Is "Tantamount
For Injuries To Military Service"
Ashore Xhe fight being conducted by the SIU-SUP to scuttle
the RMO's fink card system and to maintain maritime
unions free of government-shipowner domination, was
greatly strengthened this week when the national head
quarters of Selective Service issued a directive making it
practically manditory upon local^
boards to defer olfshorje men. The
WASHINGTON, April 19.—
In a decision involving injuries
sustained by two seamen on shore
leave, one approaching and *the
other leaving his ship by the only
available routes; the Supreme
Court ruled today that a shipown
er's obligations to a seaman in his
employ are not suspended when the
seaman leaves his ship on shore
eave.
Today's decision, which involved
separate claims for damages filed
jy Pedro Aguilar against the Stand
ard Oil Co. of New Jersey and by
David E. Jones, S.I.U. mem-
•, against the Waterman
Steamsliip Corporation, reversed a
trend reflected in several district
courts as well as a previous decis
ion by the Second Circuit Court of
Appeals.
Several of the lower courts had
originally taken the position that
seamen going ashore on personal
{Continued on Page 4)
section of the directive dealing
with Lakes and inland men was
not as strong as that concerning
deep-sea men, but here also the
Selective Service made it clear
that it wanted all seamen defered
no matter where they sailed.
Page four, subsection B of Ac
tivity and Occupation Bulletin
No. 26-21, reads as follows:
"Offshore merchant marine ser
vice, considering its importance
to the war effort and the hazards
it involves, is so closely allied to
service in the armed forces that a
man found by the local board to
be actively engaged at sea in this
service may well be considered as
engaged in the active defense of
the country. Such service may
properly be considered as tanta-
Fights Roosevelt's
Wage And Job Freeze
Seafarers Steal Show At
Louisiana AFL Conclave
SHREVESPORT, La., April 7—The largest state
convention of the American rederatioii of Labor ever held
in Louisana is in session here this week and the SIU is steal
ing the show. Every speaker who has appeared before the
convention has praised the war record of the SIU men, and
resolutions presented by M. D.^
Biggs, SIU delegate, were passed were
unanimously.
Resolutions presented by Biggs
and approved by the unanimous
vote of the convention, include:
1. Condemnation of the order
issued by Admiral Waesche pro
hibiting the issuance^ of seamen's
papers unless the applicant had a
letter from the RMO;
2. Endorsement of national leg
islation giving towboatmen and
bargemen-the 8 hour day;
.3. Memorialize Congress on the
"inhuman and unjust way mer
chant seamen are being treated by
the Maritime War Emergency
Board regarding War Risk Insur
ance." .
{Continued on Page 4)
WASHINGTON, D. C. — AFL
President William Green called
upon the. Government to scrap the
compulsory features of the new
and drastic "job freezing" regula
tions isued by War Manpower
Commissioner McNutt.
These regulations, Mr. Green in
sisted in a public statement, would
substitute "forced labor" for free
labor in America.
He warned that application of
"such a frozen, rigid, inflexible
plan will serioiislyj affect morale,
lower individual ! efficiency and
arouse resentment among the in
dustrial workers of the nation."
McNutt's "job freeze order"
tightened the wage squeeze on la
bor by forbidding 27,000,000 es
sential war workers to change jobs
for higher pay.
The drastic regulations, provid
ing penalties of as much as a year
in jail for violations, carried out
the directions of President Roose
velt's Executive Order intended to
"hold the line" on wages and
prices.
However, no effective action has
as yet been taken by the Govern
ment to control food prices or to
roll them back to Sept. H levels
in accordance with the President's
{Continued on page 2)
WASHINGTON, D. C.—Clarifi
cation and modification by Eco
nomic Stabilization Director Byrnes
of President Roosevelt's Executive
Order banning wage increases even
to correct inequities and gross in
equalities was demanded by the
AFL members of the National
War Labor Board.
As a mounting tide of telegrams
and letters,, poured in from local
unions protesting against the im
placable nature of the regulations
in denying just treatment to work
ers who obviously deserve pay ad
justments, the AFL members on
the Board issued a blunt statement
expressing their disagreement with
the harsh terms of the executive
order.
"We believe," the statement de
clared, "that a literal interpreta
tion and application of the order
will work manifest injustices up
on American labor and industry
and be detrimental to the war
effort."
The AFL representatives charg
ed:
"This executive order 'freezes'
gross inequities and manifest injus
tices. This principle is foreign to
all concepts of American justice."
mount to military service. When
a local board finds a man to be
actively engaged in offshore ship
ping, it should classify him in
Class II-B if he is not found to be
entitled to a lower classification."
There is nothing in this para
graph which says that a man must
sign a RMO fink card in order to
be defered! It merely states that
offshore seamen are in the active
defense of their country and
should be defered from induction
into the army.
The SIU-SUP has been proced-
ing upon just such a basis. All
members of this union refuse to
accept the fink cards when they
are shoved at them. They continue
about their job, observe the rules
on shipping and shore time, and
keep their draft boards informed
as to their occupation and status
in the industry.
This having been done—to hell
with the RMO!
As for the developments in this
regard on the waterfront, not
much has been happening . . yet.
One ship paid off in New Orleans •
on which the RMO tried to pass
out the cards, but the SIU-SUP
crew cracked the manuever wide
open. Brother Armstrong reports
this in his column on page three.
Most ships have been signing
off without any cards appearing.
However, the question will be re
vived when ships pay off which
sailed after March 15, 1943. That
was the deadline laid down by the
RMO.
In case the RMO revives
its offensive, all members .should
spread the word around and give
{Continued on Page 4)
Seamen's Inspection
Eased
Disjtrict director Arthur J. Kar-
nuth of the United States Natural
ization Service has announced that
Canadian seamen landing in a
Lakes port on an American vessel
will come under immigration in
spection only once this season. In
the past they were inspected with
each landing. The move has been
made to speed the shipment of es
sential war cargoes. The reguia-
tions also include British subjects
living in Canada.
I h
'.Jj . -• 'T.'-,- "s""; m
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ms
Page Two THE SEAFARERS' LOG Friday, April 30, 1945'
E-«.
SEAFARER'S LOG
Published by the
SEAFARERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
Atlantic and Gulf District
, Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor ^
HAJMIY LUNDEBERG - - - - - ' President
110 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif.
JOHN HAWK ------- Secy-Treas.
2 Stone Street, New York City
MATTHEW DUSHANE - - - Washington Rep.
424 kh Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
BRANCH
Directory of Branches
ADDRESS PHONE
NEW YORK 2 StoTiB St - •. 11, , f i ;
Dispatcher's Office........BOwlins Green 0-8346
A^ent BOwlinc Green 0-3437
BOSTON S30 Atlantic Ave Liberty 4057
BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. Galvert 4S30
PHILADELPHIA 6 North 6th St Lombard 7651
NORFOLK 25 Commercial PI Norfolk 4-1083
NEW ORLEANS 300 Chartres St. Canal 3336
SAVANNAH 218 East Bay SL Savannah 3-1728
TAMPA 423 East Piatt St Tampa MM-1323
MOBILE 55 So. Conception St Dial 2-1392
PUEXTO RICO 45 Ponce de Leon POerto de Tierra
GALVESTON. 219 20th Street Galveston 2-8043
FT- LAUDERDALE 2021 S. Federal Highway..
PUBLICATION OFFICE:
ROOM 213, 2 STONE STREET
New York City BOwling Green 9-8346
AFL Fights Roosevelt's
Wage And Job Freeze
(Continued from Page 1)
d&rective.
The job "freeze" regulations
were issued without seeking the
approval of the AFL and CIO.
AFL leaders were assured by Eco-
xomic Stabilization Director Brynes
and McNutt that job seniority
^ould be protected under the new
regulations.
While the "job freeze" order
covers the entire country, it will
bear most heavily on those engaged
ia ^3 activities listed as essential
by the War Manpower Commission
in 32 "critical" labor shortage
areas wbere the WMC is seeking to
stop pirating of labor by employ-
~^s through offers of higher wages.
Henceforth, workers may take
new jobs at higher pay only when
tjbe shift is from a non-essential to
another non-essential job, or from
xon-essential to essential war work.
Job shifts for higher pay are
forbidden when the change is from
one essential job to another or
from essential work to non-essen
tial activity;
Exceptions arc made in cases
where local wage stabilization
plans provide for such wage adjus-
ments. There are 60 such plans in
existence in "tight" labor areas.
In "surplus" labor areas, em
ployers and employes will have to
appeal to the local Manpower
Commission Director for permis
sion to boost rates in exceptional
cases.
The only broad exception per
mitted under the new regulations
for the transfer of war workers to
different jobs at higher pay is when
such changes are considered by the
WMC to be "in the interest of the
war effort."
Seamen Insignia-
Voted By Senate
WASHINGTON, AprU 22 —
The Senate acted today to give
recognition, by insignia, to officers
and members of crews of mer
chant ships which carry vital car
goes to overseas battle fronts.
It passed a House-adopted meas
ure authorizing the War Shipping
Administration to provide and is
sue seamen's service insignia of de
signs which will identify men with
their deeds and experiences.
By the terms of the measure,
sponsored in the Senate by Sen
ator Radcliffe of Maryland, one
type of insignia would be awarded
to any person who at any time
since Dec. 7, 1941, served on any
vessel in the American merchant
marine. A special insignia or de
vice would identify those who
during the war period served on a
ship pr ships in war or combat
zones.
A seaman's honor bar would be
awarded, under the bill, to any
person who serves on any vessel in
the merchant marine which is at
tacked or damaged. A star would
be attached to the bar of those
forced to abandon ship because of
the attack or damage. An addi
tional star would be awarded for
each instance of forced abandon
ment of ship.
The measure also authorizes a
medal and a hibbon, with a rosette
to any person who while serving
on any merchant marine vessel
was wounded, suffered physical
injury, or suffered through danger
ous exposure as a result of an
enemy attack.
REPORT FROM
Washington
By Matthew Dushane
Salvation Army Opens
Lounge For Seamen
Another lounge for merchant
seamen was opened in New York
last week, this one by the Salva
tion Army. It is located at 5302
Fourth Ave., Brooklyn. The
Lounge has a reading room; snack
bar and writing taibles.
PERSONALS
PAUL TH0RARJNS8ON
Your Coast Guard pass has hoen
found and returned to the office of
the Secretary-Treasurer.
Boston Fish Workers
Strike For Wage Boost
A five day strike tied up the
fishing boats in Boston harbor this
month when six hundred sea food
T7orkers refused to unload boats
wntil the employers granted tlieiii
,3k living wage and decent working
conditions.
The strikers were members of
the Seafood Workers Union, AFL,
' were seeking wage increases, a
week's vacation pay, and penalty
jiay for workers paid by the house.
^,000,000 pounds of fish were tied
«p, and, of course, the big bpera-
'• tors screamed about the war effort.
" On April 7 the union agreed to
fubmit tlielr case to the Massachu-
mtts Board of Conciliation and
Arbitration and returned to work.
Seafarers' Log-
HONOR ROLL
CREW 8. S. IRONCLAD
CREW S. S. SAMUEL GRIFFITH
CREW S. S. ROBIN LOCKSLEV
CREW S. S. WILLIAM RAWLES
CREW S. S. ALCOA POLARIS
PORT EVERGLADES
CREW 8. S. JOHN MARSHALL
CREW S. S. T. J. JACKSON
CREW S. S. JOSIAH BARTLETT
CREW S. S. SAMUEL JOHNSON
L. H. GOLIGHTLV ^
CREW 8, 8. ALCOA CUTJER
F. M. BLUM
E. BRANTY ^
A. MURNER '
J. J. CARRIGAN
A, M. CONKOVITCH
C, DANIELS
65.00
27.50
.... 24.62
24.00
..„ 22JOO
.... 21J00
... 17.00
... 1550
... 12.50
.... 9.00
.... -9.00
... s.eo
... 6X10
.. 6^
... 6.00
... 560
... 5.00
... 2.00
TOTAL ...$293.12
<REf>ORT OF APRIL 19, 1943)
Maritime War Emergency Board: ^
Attended a meeting of the advisory committee that was held on
Monday, April 12, 1943. The board submitted a proposed resolution
for each of the parties of the signatory the Statement of Principles for
thcu: comments thereon.
"RESOLViEiD, that the Board recommend to each of the
parties signatory that the attention of Congress lie called to the
need for legislation which will provide disability benefits in
proper cases for the natural lives of seameu disabled through
war causes or during the period of such disability;
"FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board recommend to the
parties signatory and to appropriate tlovemment Agencies, In-
ciudlBg the Maritime Commission and the War Shipping'Admin
istration, that all practicable measures be taken immediately for
vocational training and employment in shore positions in the
shipping industry of injured seamen, who toy reason of such
injury, are not qualified to return to sea."
The membership of the SUP and SIU have gone on record to pe
tition Congress for adequate legislation to cover disability incurred by
war risks and warlike activity, on the surface it looks as though this
resolution by the board would be the start on the fight for adequate
legislation.
We all know that the civilian employees in Guam and Wake Isl
and were captured and interned by the Japanese, some of these workeri
were disabled due to war risks and warlike activity.
Congress enacted laws to cover the disability Incurred by these
civilian workers and they are now covered by the Longshoremen'e
Compensation Act, which under this act, total disability is limited to
$7,500. All the Maritime Unions have on numerous occasions tesrified
at Congressional hearing that they are not in favor of this Longshore
men's compensation act, as they feel that it is inadequate and seamiai
are given better protection under the Jones Act.
Tips resolution has a catch on it aS it does not SPECIFY what
kind of legislation^ would be adequate to cover disability incurred by
merchant seamen in line of duty.
Brother J. Hawk and yours truly felt that the board was taking
an unfair advantage of the Merchant Semen if they petitioned CongreM
for iegisltion to cover disability incurred by seamen and not sUte m
Congress what kind of legislation the seamen wanted. We informed
the board of our position and recommended the following proposals.
"1. That the Board petition the Congress of the United
States, that Merchant Seamen be covered by Public Law No.
.812. approved by the 74th Congress on Au^st 23, 1935, and
Public Law No. 359, approved by the 77th Congress on Decem
ber 19, 1941.
"2. That the Board, by resolution, notify the Congress of
the United States, that they do not favor any enactment of laws,
whereby Merchant iSeamen would toe deprived of any or all
benefits they now have under the Jones Act
"3 That the Board stay within the jurisdiction of the State- :j
ment of Principles, nairiely War Risk Insurance and Bonuoes."
Under Public Law No. 359, Merchant Seamen would be entitled
to disability benefits as follows:
, 100% Disability $100.00 For life 50% Disability $50.00 for life , '
90% " 90.00 " " 40% " 40.00 " " •'
• &0% '• 80.00 " " 30% "" 30.0() " " I
70% " 70.00 " " 20% " 20.00 " " '
60% " 60.00 " " 19% " lO.OO " "
In addition to the above compensation, if the disabled man is mi-
able to take care of himself when he is 100% disabled, he is entitled tol
bs high as an additional $150.00 per month for the service of someone
to take care of him.
Under Public Law No. 312, Merchant Seamen would be entitled
to enter any Public Health service at any time during their life, even
if they ceased going to sea, provided they incurred any disease or iUnes9
in line of duty, due to war risks or warlike activity. They would also
be covered by Public Law No. 359, if through any disease or illness, ate
disabled, this would cover TB or other illness or disease incurred in life
boats, etc.
The board suggested that all the Maritime Unions submit my
proposals that they feel would cover disability for Merchant Seamen.
The board also submitted a proposal to increase the bonus area iot
Merchant Seamen. This requires further exploring, due to the Ftesi-
dent's ordej< to HOLD THE LINE and not grant any further wage
increases.
The board also proposed to make a decision to cover risks other
than war risks. After a lengthy discussion as to the board's jurisdic
tion and whether this* decision would in any way jeopardize a aeamea'e
claim under the JONES ACT, the meeting adjourned until Tuesday,
(Continued on Page 3)
; A
.ir?
http://www.pdfcompressor.org/buy.html
Friday^ April 3^0, 1943 TH£ SEAFARERS' LOG Pag« Tkw
Washington Report
(Continued from Page 2)
April 20, 1943 when this subject will be the fii^t order on tlie agenda.
It appears to me that if the President's order to hold the line will
not permit the board to increase bonuses, it also' would prohibit the
board from making any decision that wcndd reduce any of the present
bonuses (area or monthly).
A. W. Armstrong, SIU Agent, New Orleans:
The board issued Amendment No. 10 to Decision No, 7 Revised—
Wherein area and port attack bonuses were reduced to thr^ classes—
A—^Murmansk Area. B—Mediterranean Area. C—^South Seas Area and
the port attack bonus of $125.00 if the ships are in any port when
there is an attack. This deciskm is effective as of MARCH 1, 1943.
The board later on issued a consolidation of all revised bonuses and
War Risk Insurance, this consolidation is eflfective as of MARCH 15,
1943, and covers all the latest decisions that were made as of their ef
fective date which is MARCH 15, 1943. In other words, no port
bonuses were payable in any port or area after MARCH 1, 1943, un
less the port or area was under attack. The confusion that exists lies
in weekly bulletin dated Feb. 27, 1943, which states that these decisions
are effective as of March 15, 1943.
On the consolidation of all the decisions that are effective as of
March 15, 1943—^Amendment No. 10 to Decision No. 7 Revised is
now Decision No. 2A and although decision No. 2A is effective as of
March 15, Amendment No. 10 to Decision No. 7 Revised which was
effective as of March 1, did not change any bonus areas from March
1st to the 15 th.
O. Banks, SIU Agent, MohUe:
S. J. R. Drake arrived at Port Suez 12-13-42, passed through the
Suez Canal and arrived at Alexandria, Egypt 12-16-42. Left Alexan
dria and passed through the Canal a second time. The board has rulec
that two bonuses of $125.00 are payable, amounting to a total of $250
J, Hawk, Sec*y-Treas., S.I.U.:
Crew of S.S. Benjamin Harrison were being repatriated on S.S
Allen A. Dale and while in the port of Oran the Dale was attacked
The board has ruled that the crew of the S.S. Benjamin Harrison are
entitled to a port attack bonus of $125.00 and the crew of the S.S,A.A
Dale are also entitled to the same port attack bonus of $125.00.
AAA
(REPORT OF APRIL 26, 1943)
Maritime War Emergency Board:
I attended a special meeting of the advisory committee on Apri
, 20, 1943 and the following was on the agenda: 1. Language to cover
extension of 2ad seamen's war risk policy; 2. Drafting of proposals to
Congress for legislation to provide for disabled seamen; 3. Language to
be incorporated in 2nd seamen's war risk policy to protect seamen suf
fering illness and mental disorders.
Under No. 1 on the agenda the board proposed a n«w decision to
the risk and perils encountered by seanjen, :^nd this would extend to
include loses "not caused by risks of war or war-like operations." The
position taken by Brother Hawk and yours truly was that the board
had no authority to make any decision that would include the above
words, that they are duty bound to make decisions only on "War- Risk
Compensation and Insurance" and have no authority to make any de
cision that would include losses not caused by war risk or war-like
operations.
There were several cases that have happened in the past year where
the losses of vessels were caused due to blackouts running along certain
coasts wherein the usual navigation lights were extinguished, collisions
in convoys and several other cases which were not properly war-like
operations.
The board claimed that they wanted to cover these cases and make
j their decision retroactive. We were not opposed to covering these cases,
however, we insisted that the Congress of the United States have en
acted a law to cover these cases, and that the WSA have a mandate
from Congress to proceed and make retroactive coverage to all claims
that they have to date on losses due to navigational risks.
The WSA has a mandate from Congress to provide compensation
to seamen and their beneficiaries for any losses that they may have
incured, and. the law is such that it provides the WSA with flexible
authority to cover all marine risks of seamen to which war conditions
may contribute.
In my questions to one of the legal representatives of the WSA
as to whether they have this authority and whether they intend to use
it to cover all the cases in the past, he stated that the WSA has the
authority and they are going to cover these cases—coverage will be as
per the decisions that the MWEB has made.
The board has not fully explained what their intentions were in
I making a decision, that is out of'its jurisdiction. If the board feels
1 that there are certain cases that are of a war-like nature and they feel
J^t comes under the jurisdiction, my recommendation is that the board
I draft a proposal defining what it considers War risks, and submit this
I to the unions for their comments.
. {Continued on Page 4)
WHATS DOING
Around the Ports
NEW ORLEANS
Biz is booming, what with new
ones and old ones, new faces and
the few old ones, it don't seem like
the same old place. The pride of
the Ore Line has been the pride of
the port for the last two weeks.
First we have trouble paying the
packet off, this is dSne, then we
have trouble about whether or not
there shall be men on while the
ship is in for repairs. Then we
check and find that the Master-
has M.C. replacements shipped
from the RMO. When we con
tacted the RMO they told us that
they would not send any more
men aboard the scow. So we, the
big brotherly type, said O.K. and
we shipped a Q.M. and Bos'n to
the rust bucket. Next we hear is
that these two guys are fired and
then we hear not a thing for some
time. The Steward dept. and the
Deck and a couple of the firemen
are our boys, old timers, so every
thing is O.K.
Now all this time the Skipper
and us are sparring over a trans
portation rider on the articles. On
Monday he tells us O.K. we will
put the rider on, now boys go sign
on. Wednesday our old friend
Hambone Carver, the Deck wreck
er on the packet, states he is on his
way to grace the articles with his
signature, but being a young and
trusting soul he wants soneone to
go along and see the said rider is
firmly attached.
Our dashing Patrolman mounts
his gallent scooter and away he
goes. Next scene is our boy Buck
on the phone groggy, but still
fighting, stating that the ship is
signed on, even men signed on in
place of our firemen who were
aboard the ship working. We have
still got our Steward department
on the ship, a wire into Washing
ton and a Steward department that
want to walk off. So 'till later, I
don't know just how long, we can
hold, but hold we shall.
Outside of the above, things arc
rolling right along, plenty of ship-
ing and not many men. Biggs
states that he is finished with en
gines, but that if we need him he
will be around. Easy sledding
Rebel, and the best of luck.
Had a beer last week on a Hay
wire scow that was full of NMU
below and galley SUP trip card
and our men on deck. The NMU
signed the RMO cards and told
our boys that they might as well
because if they didn't there would
be trouble. The Bos'n refused to
sign so that is where we came in.
Told the Master that we were on
record not to sign, and we weren't
going to break a good record just
for his packet. After threatening
to call the F.B.I, and every one
in between, he and I went on the
dock, called the Port Director,
Caist Guard and W.S.A. who t<dd
them to sign on, not hold the ship.
Result, a lot of red faces and a
deck gang starting a long trip
with mutual respect. All right 1
calls it.
Steady as she goes,
ARMY
MONEY DUE
Out of the Focsl
by
9-
We. wish to warn the brothers not to keep diaries while aboard
ships. Further, not to be so considerate; especially around the North
African zone, as to help deliver personally to the States the letters of
soldiers, sailors or marines. Those in charge of the Armed Forces will
raise havoc with you.
_ On overtime sheets do not list names of ports. Check frequently
with the Mate, Cliief Engineer and Steward and designate the ports by
numerals or the alphebet. TTie Coast Guard search for these things and
raise plenty of Hell if such data is found concerning the voyage.
A A A
Many of the old-timers who remembered him as Organizer, will
regret to hear that Alfred (Scotty) Thompson died a few days ago
after a long illness. Many folks in New Orleans are sorry to hear that
Stanley Taylor was recently lost. Another man from the Lakes, Her
bert Zumpft, was recently lost. Arthur Thompson, Mike Confusione
and John Murray entertained the boys at the Bean Pot with their tricks.
Ask Arthur to show you the missing cigarette trick. The boys are ex
tending their well wishes to Michael Story who was recently married.
A ^ A A
We were glad to see Pete Danielak back again. After surviving a
month of bombardment m Russia he was glad to get ashore after seven
months at sea. He is going to school foi his ticket. Joe Bolger returned
from England after having one of his kidneys removed. They must
have taken good care of him as he was in good shape wh^n he arrived.
We were also glad to see Harold Miller and his buddy Frank Saxon
back again. We had a great time with them nd their wives at the Hotel
Gregorian. Earl Brown surprised all his friends when he married Dor
othy Mason of Baltimore.
ATLANTIC AND GULF SHIPPING FOR
APRIL S TO 17
DECK ENGINE STEWARD TOTAL
SHIPPED 299 281 200 "780
REGISTERED 275 269 115 659
ON HAND ...196 186 100 482
!?•
J. S. BULLOCK
H. L. MILSTEAD
Division of wages for missing
man on 12-4 watch. City of St»
Louis, can be collected at Water*,
man office. Mobile.
s- t. s
Crew of Robin Gray can collect
$125 attack bonus money at offic*
of Seas Shipping Co., Inc., 39 Cort-
landt Street, New York. MWEB
ruled Tillbury is within Port of
London.
» » »
Crew which made the last tri(>
on the S.S. Daniel Huger, have $125
port attack bonus money coming.
Collect at office of Mississippi Line.
» »' »
Crew making the last trip on
S.S. Tristram Dalton have $125
port attack bonus money coming.
Collect at Bull Line, 115 Broad
Street, New York City.
* * »
The crews that made the last trip
an the S.S. Marina, S.S. Cape Hen*
lopen, -S.S. Thomas Ruffin and
S.S. William Rawie were paid off
with 40% bonus instead of 100^
for the part of the voyage betweMI
Panama and Capo Horn. They cap
now collect the 60% additional
money from the Bull Line office in
New York City.
• • * *•
The crew which made the last
trip on the S.S. Joseph Huges havo
bonus money coming. Collect at
Bull Line, New York City.
>f e s-
The crew which made the last
trip on the S.S. Banj. Harrison can
collect $125 Port Attack money at
the Calmar Line, 25 Broadway,
New York City.
• * »
Deck Department of the Alcoa
Polaris have overtime coming. Col
lect at 17 Battery Place, New York
City.
n- * *
Stewards Dept. on S.S. Richard
Bassett have overtime coming.
C. Albiny 114 hra.
(Also Division of Wages
For 1 month and 4 days)
Everett Hickman 68 hrs,
Robert Moore 24 hrs.
S. Brown 96 hrs.
P. Marshall IO6I/2 hrs.
C. Johnson 8 hrs.
(Also Division of wages
for 1 month and 4 days)
Colect Bull Line office, 115 Broad
Street, New York City.
» » »
Stewards Dept. of S.S. John Poe
havo the following money due:
E. Primo (Steward) $202.95
T. Darwin (Mess) 158.85
W. Thomas (Mess) 152.25
Poppick (Mess) 157.05
Tilly (3rd Cook) 30.00
Rhodes (Mess) , 161.55
Collect from Mr. Picket, Bull
Line Office, 12th Floor, N.Y.C.
(signed) Claude Fisher,
N. Y. Patrolmart
. Him
I
--a I
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Page Four THE SEAFARERS' LOG Friday, April 30, 1943
H-
1;
l-'iS-'i •
' 'W-' •• •'
mm-:
r-'¥
\
Seafarers Steal Show At
Louisiana AFL Conclave
{ConHmted from Pags I)
In all cases the convention in
structed the secretary of the State
Federation to contact the State's 2
Senators and 8 Congressmen and
tifge their support of the seamen
in their fight for justice.
The convention was attended by
305 delegates representing 145 or
ganizations.
A personal representative of
William Green keynoted the meet
ing when he denounced the cur
rent press and legislative camprign
against organized labor. "... most
IN MEMORY OF
BROTHER
Alfred (Scotty)
Thompson, A. B.
1904 - 1943
Died in Brooklyn, April, 1943
of the papers in the United States
are hostile to organized labor," he
said.
"If we don't resist fascist legis
lative action now, we will wake up
when the war is over and find
everything taken away from us
and many will have died in vain.
The employers who despise organ
ized lal»r realize that the trade
union is stronger than it was in the
last crisis, and they are trying to
destroy it as they tried after the
last war."
Most of the time of the conven
tion was spent in laying plans for
a drive aimed at eliminating the
wage differential between the
north and the south.
Regional War Labor Boards
were denounced by many delegates
for their refusals to kill the wage
differential.
Offshore Is "Tantamount
To Military Service 99
{Continued from Page I)
the widest possible circulation to
those issues of the SEAFARERS LOG
which explain tfte set up. Not
only that, but each member must
be certain that he is keeping
straight with his draft board so
the RMO won't have any excuse
to jerk him into the Army.
Observe the following steps:
1. If your draft board asks you
to come in so they can review
your case, obtain from them S.S.
Form 42-a. Take this to your
SIU Agent and have him fill it
out.
2. Return this form to the
draft board and request that you
be placed in Class II-B as an ac-
. tive seaman. If they seem to be
giving you the run around, tell
them to read "Activity and Oc
cupation Bulletin No. 26-21" is
sued by National Selective Screice
Headquarters.
-3. If the local board fails to
defer you as a seaman and puts
you in I-A, notify them immedi
ately that you intend to appeal the
tase. If your local board is located
inland, demand that your appeal
be transfered to the port where
you are and where you can obtain
the aid of the union.
4. When you have notified the
board of your intention of appeal
ing, take your case immediately to
the Agent. If your shipping rec
ord is clear, the Union will then
take over your case and sees that
the board stops giving you the
bounce.
If every member follows these
simple directives, and makes cer
tain to keep his shipping record
conform to the rules, there should
be no more drafting of seamen.
Cooperate with your union
Agent—that is your best insur
ance against the draft.
AND STAY AWAY FROM
THE RMO. AVOID THEIR
FINK HALLS AND REJECT
THEIR FINK CARDS.
COURT OK's PAY FOR
INJURIES ASHORE
DO NOT SHIP
Fred J. Engeibert ....
Robert L. Coleman
Roy V. Schang
,P 2972
..P7441
. P 2679
An Ode To Curran
Oh lift your pious howls
And mouth Ham-head phrases
With opportunity kept evergreen.
Before your eyes.
Talk rmctiously of Truth
' And love of Freedom
So men can't read your heart
And know your lies.
You dare to speak to men
In terms of Brother, "
Beguile them with the oil
^ Of mealy words.
Awaiting time and chance
To work their wonders
While you the chains of slavery
Rouna them gird.
—ex-NMU-er
{Continued from Page 1)
business left the service of the ship
when they did so, and therefore no
liability for maintenance and cure
remained with the shipowner.
In thus broadening the judicia
view of shipowners' responsibilities
as to the maintenance and cure of
seamen in their employ, the high
court emphasized that "from the
earliest times maritime nations
have recognized that undue haz
ards, emphasized by unusual ten
ure and control, attend the work
of seamen," and cited a vast body
of law extending to the maritime
code of the old Hanse cities to
show that these responsibilities go
further than those of employers in
shore enterprises,
David E. Jones had fallen into
an open ditch during a blackout,
after leaving his ship. Pedro Agu-
ilar had been struck by a motor
cycle while passing through prop
erty adjacent to the pier at which
his ship was moored. The court
upheld the claims of both for
damages.
In its decision, which was writ
ten by Justice Rutledge, the court
recalled that a shipowner's obliga
tions are neither narrowed nor ter
minated when .a seaman goes
ashore on ship's business, and that
the owner's responsibilities are
ended with respect to any seamen
who goes ashore contrary to orders.
Between these two extremes are
the instant cases, raising for the
first time here the question of the
existence and scope of the owner's
duty when the seaman is injured
while on shore leave but without
specific chore for the ship," the
court observed.
We think that principles gov
erning sliipboard injuries apply to
the facts presented by these cases.
To relieve the shipowner of his ob
ligation in the case of injuries in
curred on shore leave would, cast
upon the seaman hazards encoun
tered only by reason of the voyage.
"Even more for the seaman than
the landsman," the court ruled,
quoting former Chief Justice
Holmes, " 'the superfluous is the
necessary * to make life liv
able' and to get work done.
"In short, shore leave is an ele
mental necessity in the sailing of
ships, a part of the.business as old
as the art, not merely a personal
diversion."
Launch Anti-Malaria
Program
Until the curse of mosquitoes
has been eliminated in the South
Pacific islands, the War Shipping
Administration has directed its
agents to take precautions to pro
tect its seamen, against the spread
of malaria.
It has been found that there is
a lack of enforcement of quaran
tine regulations at certain ports of
call which have not yet been in
fested with the malaria mosquito
and the surgeon generals of the
Army and Navy have prescribed
disinsectization of all vessels oper
ating for the administration.
Life boats, too, must be drained
and dried at intervals of five days.
Standing water in scuppers and
other exposed areas is to be remov
ed daily.
Washington Report
- - ' t
{Continmd from Page 3)
The law that gives WSA authority to cover these cases is.Publitf
Law No. 17, 78th Congress, Chapter 26, first session, H.R. 1*33. All
the maritime unions are in favor of this piece of legislation.
Number tv.'0 on the agenda—Recommended to the board that the
following be attached to the resolution to Congress:
"And be it further resolved that any additional benefits to be coh-
fered on merchant seamen by means of legislation, suggested in this
resolution, shall be in addition to any and all benefits to which mer
chant seamen are at present entitled to reason of existing legislation,
and the general maritime laws."
All the unions concured in this proposal.
Number three on the agenda—Changes in 2nd seamen's war risk
insurance policy are to cover all seamen stifferiog illness and mental dis
orders, but shall not cover illness or disorder if the seamen has it when
be ships.
Repatriation: ^
Prior to the war, all the unions negotiated contracts with the
employers wherein any seamen who was interned would receive wages
and emergency wages during the period of intermnent, and also all
allotments were to be paid during the period of the internment. The
board's decision No. 1 upheld the unions and made similar provisions
in that decision.
Under the 2nd seamen's war risk policy the board has limited th4
payment of wages and emergency wages, and the payments of allot
ments, to two years only while the seamen are interned. We have sev
eral members interned and their families are dependent on the payment
of this allotment. It stands to reason that this war will not end tomor
row, and the probability is that some of our men's rependents will not
receive any allotments under the 2nd seamen's war risk insurance policy.
The International has drafted legislation that will cover a seaman
for a period of three months after the war ends, and has instructed me
to see that the proper steps are taken to bring this matter to Congress.
Congressman Welch of California has been given a copy of the
legislation that the International feels will give due consideration to
interned seamen, with the request that he introduce it in the House.
Health Protection:
Dr. Blain of the U. S. Public Health Service, has been assigned to
work with the WSA, and the WSA has instructed him to explore th$
possibility of enacting a law whereby all merchant seamen would have
a physical examination before being employed on board any vessels.
The operations division of the WSA is willing to reimburse any
employer who would be required to employ a doctor, this would be
part of the employer's operations costs.
In conference with Dr. Blain he pointed out that there are quite
a number of seamen who have acute T.B. and they do not know that
they are infected. They are endangering the other members of the
crew when the;^ ship. If these cases are arrested in time it would be of
benefit to the seamen with whom they have daily contact. Dr. Blain
also pointed out that there are other cases where seamen should not be
on board a ship due to their mental disorders ^nuts) and that these-,
men should be examined by competent doctors.'
This is a problem "that the membership should give their deepest
consideration. Although seamen would not relish the idea of working,
eating^ and sleeping with men who are infected with certain diseases,
there is always the possibility that certain company doctors would abuse
their authority and black ball certain men that the company would
not care to employ. There is also the possibility that a seaman may have
incured a disability in being torpedoed and still be able to continue go
ing to sea and be able to do his job. But in order for the company to
employ younger and more aggressive men the doctor may claim the
seaman is unfit for duty.
There are a lot of angles that the union should give consideration
to if there is going to be any law enacted by Congress that would re- •
quire a physical examination for a seaman to take as a condition of
employment. These should be discussed by the membership and serious
consideration should be given to the black ball angle.
U. S. Coast Guard:
The Coast Guard is suspending quite a number of seamen for
taking time off when they are in foreign ports. ThJs situation is get
ting more acute. It seems that they are going to enforce discipline on
all vessels by suspending certificates of men who take this time off.
In some cases it is in addition to the logs.
Some of our membe^^ have had their certificates suspended for four
months. In the majority of cases men are being given a reprimand.
Records are being kept and the second offense usually results in sus
pension. Hearings are held when a ship arrives in port, and some of our
men make statements which are not in their interest, and their own
statements are what is used against them by the Coast Guard. All men
are entitled to counsel and should consult with the union oflicials be
fore making any statements. In this way they can be informed as to
their rights.
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