http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c4df886228647a2d1a5882266a7ce905.PDF 0c79ba651d7aca3e149479195236369f PDF Text Text '• /.jiani-At^v- - '• >•^"'ci-"-'.''J '^:' <• "-f ""• •.. ^ V-'y ^j^^KERS Jocf OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT, SEAFARERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMEPICA VoL VI. NEW YORK, N.Y., FRIDAY. DECEMBER 22, 1944 No. 42 W L B Hears SIU Case For Wage Boost; Operators Attempt Sabotage BCSU Signs Contract With Union SS Co. VANCOUVER —The BrUish Columbia Seamen's Union, Pacific District SIU after a two year struggle against the Union Steamship Company, signed an agree­ ment with this company on December 9th, 1944. The Union Company is a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which is the largest moiiopoly in Canada, and has many ships under it's own flag. This meant that the BCSU was bucking the largest and scabbiest outfit in the coun­ try in trying to organize Union Steamships. Now that this has been accomplished, the CPR ships ^are next. Shipowners Try To Maritime Panel Defers Open Working Rules Action Pending Briefs The "Statement, of Policy" whereby the SIU was guaranteed of its working conditions for the duration of the war, was attacked this week by a shipowner attorney when those carriers contracted to the union attempted to open to negotiation the working rules in the contracts. The Statement had been signed' union, and to the war time on the disputed issues now hang-"" ing fire with 11 steamship oper­ by both the WSA and the union pledge. ators. at the beginning of the war, and This maneuver occured last The panel made no immediate the guarantees of security given week during the War Shipping decision on the issues, but ad­ the union constituted the basis Panel's hearing of the dispute journed to give both the union between the SIU and the ship­ for the no strike pledge given by owners on the new wage scales and the operators time to submit the SIU. Now, however, the op­ demanded by the union. A. V. further briefs in support of their erators are attempting to force an Cherbonnier, attorney for the positions. One of the disputes on proce­ opening of the contract's work­ operators, demanded that the dure which arose at the hearing Panel open to negotiation the ing rules in opposition to the was whether or not the working working rules. rules now contained in the con­ Brother John Hawk immedi­ tracts could be opened without ately - objected, pointing out to the Panel that these could ohly mutual consent of both the oper­ be opened by mutual concent, ators and the union. Upon the and the union was certainly not correct determination of this is­ concenting to this attack upon sue rests the ability of the union to protect its rights under war our security. The SIU library was opened in New York last week, and met conditions, and the very exist­ LAND CONSULTED with instant approval by the membership. Bookshelves built in the ence of the no strike pledge itself. Panel Chairman W. Ellison baggage room on the fourth floor were filled by courtesy of the New Chalmers then revealed that he (read the complete score of this ation of inequalities and in­ equities of wages in the industry. York Public Library. Over 300 volumes are available for the mem­ had written to WSA Administra­ dispute in column 3). We pointed to the preamble of HAWK'S REPORT tor Admiral Land, asking his op­ bers to take out and read in the lounge on the floor below. All inion as to whether the operators Reporting to the membership at our, contracts and the Statement subjects are covered in the library, mysteries, romances, adventure, could open the working rules last Monday night's meeting. of Policy which froze the work­ biography, economics and the trade union movement. Beside that, over the objections of the union. Brother John Hawk said: ing conditions. The attorney for .over 30 technical volumes have been purchased outright by the Land's reply was read into "Brothers Volpian, Engine De­ the companies objected and in­ ^ew York branch. These books cover all three departments, and the record, and it was immedi­ partment, Shuler, Stewards De­ sisted that "working conditions" ately interpreted by the union to partment and myself. Deck De­ remain before the Panel as a mean that the contracts could nol partment, attended a hearing matter of dispute. Chairman be opened, and by the shipowners called by the War Shipping Panel Chalmers informed us that he to mean that they could be of the War Labor Board on our had sent a letter to Admiral Land, cases that are now pending be­ Administrator of the War Ship­ opened. Upon the correct decision of fore them. I also had Attorney, ping Administration, asking his this vital point rests the ques­ Carol C. Johnson present at the interpretation as to whether pur­ tion of peaceful maritime labor hearing to protect the Union from suant to the Statement of Policy relations. The SIU is frank to any legal technicality Which the the "Working Conditions in the say that it will not sit with attorney for the companies might Contracts" were open for dispute. Land sent a letter back to Chalmfolded hands while the shipown­ try to inject to hurt our case. ers chisel away conditions guar­ "In order td represent the com- ers upon which several interpreanteed us for the duration of the panies involved. Lieutenant Col- tations could be placed. "The Chairman of the War onel A. V. Cherbonnier resigned war. • Shipping Panel stated that he from the Army. His first move at Becau.se of the seriousness of was going to refer this matter to the hearing was to try and have this question. Brother Hawk has written to Admiral Land asking the ten cases consolidated into the National War Labor Board him to clarify his' previous let­ one case. The Union representa­ for their decision. Each case was ter, and to inform us in un­ tives defeated this move. The then taken up and the Union ambiguous language whether or Panel voted two to one in our submitted a separate brief to not the Statement of Policy sign­ favor with industry dissenting. cover each case. We were then advised by the Panel that the ed in good faith by the union, is WORKING RULES still operative and binding upon "The issues involved as' certi­ Union and the companies could the shipowners. fied to.the Board by Dr. John R. send in supplement briefs if they will teach you how to do everything from tie a squai e-knot to navi­ Following is the full text of Steelman, Director of the United wished, not later than 14 days af­ gate a Liberty to Murmansk. ~ ^ the letter sent to Admiral Land States Conciliation Service, were ter their receipt of the transcript The New York Library is anxious to supply the books that by Brother Hawk: "Working Conditions and Wages." of the hearing. seamen want. We therefore urge our members to visit the Library, "This we intend to do." UNION'S LETTER The Union took the next step to read the books, and make any suggestions they may have on future December 18, 1944 eliminate "Working Conditions" While the SIU demands upon , purchases of books. Admiral Emory S. Land, from the issues to be taken up. each company are different, since Shown in the picture above are three SIU brothers, all victims Administrator, Our positioq was that we only the contracts themselves vary of enfemy torpedoing, selecting volumns with which to spend a few War Shipping Administration opened the agreements to dis­ from operator to operator, never­ quiet hours in the lounge. Left to right are brothers Alfred Stewart, Commerce Building, cuss increases in wages, over­ theless the following general de­ Chief Steward; Joe (Bauxite Red) Welsh, Bosun; and Marcelino Washington* D. C. time, subsistence rates, travel mands were presented: Santiago, Ordinary Seaman. money for meals and the elimin(Continued on Page 4) (Continued on Page 4) Public Library - Establishes Branch In New York Hall !>•' The SIU argued its demands for substantial wage increases this week before the War Shipping Panel of the WLB. Panel Chairman W. Ellison Challmers, industry member W. A. Kiggins and union representative Matthew,Dushane, in Washington, D. C., heard the union's briefs " .'f '• �'• '• fnlE Page Two SEAFARERS LOG PubUshed by the SiEAPARkRiS Friday, December 22, 1944 LOG ''But Dcvid Had Only Me Oaliath** IT 1?•1 r.c, SEAFARERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District £N0 PAUL HALL Affiliated ivith the American federation of Labor. The Special Services Depart­ ment, which was recently creat­ HARRY LUNDEBERG ------ Vretident ed in Npw York has been very 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. busy. The problems handled by this Department are varied. "The JOHN HAWK - - - - - - - -'Secy-Treas. one that seems to come up most i>. d. Box 25, Station P., New York Qty frequently is the one regarding what a man is entitled to when MATTHEW DUSHANE - - - Washington Rep. he is paid off in a foreigh port. Due tc) the frequency of this 424 5 th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. question, it is well that we dis­ cuss and clarify ft. When a man is removed from Directory of Branches his vessel in a foreign country ADDRESS PHONE BRANCH —Justice due to injury or • illness, he should be paid off the ship's ar­ NEW YORK (4) 51 Beaver St.... HAnover 2-2784 BOSTON (10) 330 Atlantic Ave Liberty 4057 ticles in full as of that date. If BALTIMORE (2) 14 North Gay St Calvert 4539 for any reason the Captain does PHILADEl.PHIA 6 North 6th St......'. Lombard 7651 NORTOLK .7........ 25 Commercial PI Norfolk 4-1083 not pay the man the amount due, NEW ORLEANS (16)... 339 Chartrea St.. Canal 3336 ^ CHARLESTON (9) 68 Society St Charleston 3-2930 then the money should be left by 220 East Bay St Savannah 3-1728 SAVANNAH. the Captain, with the American 423 East Piatt St Tampa MM-1323 TAMPA 920 Main St Jacksonville 5-1231 JACyCSONVlLLE Consul in whatever port the ves­ 7 St. Michael SL Dial 2-1392 MOBILE sel is in. It is much better that SAN JUAN, 28 P.R., 45 Ponce de Leon San Juan 1885 PUERTO RICO The cook on the SS Del" Sud was using sparrow food for a the man collects this money di­ 219 20th St Galveston 2-8043 GALVESTON was considered a good feeder on condiment—^he blew his top. rectly from the Consul rather But despite all the giitn beat­ than wait for collection in the previous trips—^but his chow on ing thihgs went from bad to United States. If this is not done, the last one, OH, BROTHER! PUBLICATION OFFICE; worse with the food assuming a the Counsul sends this money to The trip was half over when more and more gamey flavor. 51 BEAVER STREET the State Department in Wash­ the crew began to notice a Finally the cook himself had to ington. HAnover 2-2784 New York, (4) N. Y. strange new flavor in the grocer- admit that something was wrong To collect this money on ar­ 267 —though he was damned if he rival in the States, the man in­ knew what it was. He swore that volved*must ytite the State De­ he was using the same recipes partment and also clear with the he had used for years. shipping commissioner in' what­ Finally one of the crew noticed ever port he arrives. This pro­ a bit of seepage from the over­ cedure takes quite a while arid head and went topside to see can be avoided by the man col­ Every device known to man has been used to sidetrack what was on deck. There was lecting the money due him in labor's case against the Little Steel formula. the usual deck load of lumber. It the foreign port at the time of had been taken aboard the trip leaving the vessel. The War Labor Board has had the issue before it for before and had been carried back A man who is paid off in a and forth between the U. S. and a year now. It has looked over it, under it, around it—and foreigri port is entitled to main­ Europe while some bird brain in has done everything else about it except look it squarely in tenance arid cure as well as wages Washington was trying to decide until such time as he is fit for the face and tender a decision. where it should be unloaded. duty or until the completion of The luhiber was creosoted and the vessel's voyage; whichever The Board's final decision has been not to render a the rains had washed much of may come first. the chemical (iown into the gal­ decision, but simply to report to the President on the ley and onto the food. All of the A man who has beeri injured or matter without recommendation. But even this longDel Sud stores were promptly ill through no fault of his own awaited report is still being awaited at this writing. thrown overboard as fisH food. entitled to rehatriatiori boni^ 'The cook has now regainecj his back to America. On arrival if But this is an issue that cannot be disposed of by bury­ ies. The cook was outraged wheh former place in the Hearts of the the States, the wages due for th^^ ing one's head in the sand. It is based on the obvious and it was suggested that his hand crew. But let a man ask for period of time since leaving the' vessel is part of the claim that well-recognized fact that living costs haye risen far and was slipping k bit. But "when "bread pudding with creosote the man has against the company. the crew sent a delegation to in­ sauce," and some One is diie for away above the 15% increase on which the Little Steel spect the galley and see if He a dumping. In the event a man is takeri off a vessel in a foreign port for fbrmula was originally based. venereal disease or misconduct, he, too, is entitled to money earn­ So long as wage rates remain frozen far below the ed as of the date of pay-off. He level of living costs, this issue will not down. Delays and We had two ships to sign on in We were pretty Sore by this is not, however, entitled to re­ and wet as hell. So we went evasions kid no one, except perhaps the delayers and Hoboken. The first one went time, patriation bonus or to any claim smoothly but we ran into trouble to the yard office and asked for whatsoever. To collect the money evaders. trying to find the other one in our ship again. The guy in the due as worked for, he should col­ olfice said it was just coming into drydock. The issue grows in importance With ei^ery additional When we asked the man at numbet two dock. We said, "Nuts lect from the American Counsul in the same mariner as the injur­ day that justice is denied to America's war workers. the gate where she was laying (or something like that), we were ed or ill cases. he said, "To your right." There just at that dock and that ain't —Union News Quite often these problems are were two docks to the right and the ship." This guy then rnade a only one ship without a name mistake and put one ship in a cohfusirig*to the man involved. board. So we naturally thought different dock, humbef three to For that reason it is best that, re­ gardless of the port of arrival, be exact. that was our ship. So again, we climbed over our members contact their near­ It was a sloppy day but we had In appreciation of the service daily to ah average of 1,800 sea­ to climb over pipes, lines and mountains of gear and finally got est union hall immediately so as to guarantee the full protectidn the men of the merchant marine men. As in the past. However, gear such as every drydock has. aboard. The ship was deserted of their rights arid priveleges. except for a shore gang who were render in keeping the sea lanes contributions of candies, fooc We finally got aboard only to dis­ cleaning tip. However, the skip­ products, toilet preparations cover that she was an NMU ship, open, the American Theatre books, cigarettes, games anc We went ashore, again and asked per was aboard. We contacted Wing Club for Merchant Seamen other articles are necessary in or­ one of the yard workers where him and he said that the ship is again sponsoring a series of der to flll a waterproof miniature our ship was and he said it was was just paid off and was not Pre-Christmas Convoy Parties, at sieabag which is given to each just coming into the next dock. signing, on for another vreek. which gifts and prizes will be man at the Christmas parties. De­ We had to wait a full hour in a Probably some one in the com­ presented to the merchant sea­ liveries ihay be made now to the drizzle before the ship was se­ pany office made a mistake. Merchant Seamen's Club, P. S cured and a gangway madq fast. So back we came to the union men. climbed aboard — td hall—chewing our brief case all The ciub, which opened in Clapp, jr., chairman of the hos We toally January, 1943, provides food, en- committee, 109 West Forty-thirc discover that this was another the way. ARTHUR THOMPSON NMU ship! tertainment and information street. THE CASE OF THE INNOCENT COOK Little Steel Dodge Lament Of A N. Y. Pie- Seamen's Christmas Parties 1 1 �m 1^ m '\ Friday, December 22, 2944 THE SEAFARERS wriars DOING hOG Page Thre* MONEY DUE Around the SS DEL RIO F. Neeves, Ch. Cook, $11.50; E. J. Pitney, 2nd Cook, $11.50: D. Noren, Nt. Cook and Baker, $20.74; J. B. Gay, Mess, $26.82; J. Tirado, Mess, $26.82. Collect at Mississippi SS Company office. * • • SS THOMAS LYONS Two messmen with disputes can collect same at Smith & Johnson SS Company office. • • • SS ROBERT TOOMBS Five men have vouchers in company office. Collect at South Atlantic SS Company office. * » c SS KING WOOSLEY Bernard Baa, Troop Cook, $154.00. Collect at Bull SS Com­ pany office. » » » SS BUREAUGUARD Bos'n Hansen, IV2 hrs. at $1.10 per hour; Danies. IV2 hrs. at $1.10 per hour, 5'A hrs. at $.90 per hr; Lawson, 11/2 hrs. at $1.10 per hr., SVz hrs. at 90c per hr; Horton, IV2 hrs. at $1.10 per hri Donahue, IV2 hrs. at $1.10 per hr; F. Moran, SV2 hrs. at 90c per hr. Collect at Waterman SS Company office. » * SS JULIET DOWE J. Orpilla, Sh. Cook, 8 hrs; Wash Utility 3 hrs. overtime, 1 day's pay as 2nd Cook; J. Guntenaar. Utility, 32'/2 hrs; Garbage dumping in port overside by Steward Dept. This beef is out. Collect at South Atlantic SS Company office. • • • SS COLABEE Stewards Depi: J. Mantalvo, Chief Cook and J. Mendez, Messman, 75 hrs. each; H. Stall, Sec­ ond Sook and V. O. Bonet, Mess- man, 50 hrs. each; F. Casairi§, Galley Utility, 50 hrs; F. Casaine, 32 hrs. for lighting fires each morning. Collect at company olfice. ible to vote in our union elections he was allowing the agreement to K* • bfecause they were under twenty- be violated and told this bird so. SS ARTHUR L. PERRY one. Forget It boys, this is k But after he stated to the Cap­ Shipping is still booming in this L. O'Connor, 15 hrs; Wm. union election and hot a federal tain that he was on probation jort with more jobs than even one, and aU pbligated full book with the Coast Guard and that Pieters, 2 hrs; T. W. Boyd, 15 hrsr he WSA can fill, but they are at C. McCloskey, 11'A hrs; T. J. members are eligible to vote re­ he woul(I most likely lose his pa­ : ast giving a point. They are Jaskowiak, 7 hrs; Wml Hurley* gardless of how old they are. So pers if he was before the CG issuing seamen's papers to men in 18 hrs. This is in addition to come up and vote and forget the again, the Captain agreed to let some instances of emergency on Sunday's overtime. Collect at him work the time back. age question. recommendation of the union., One guy that we don't envy is Calmar SS Company office. I met with the representative 1017 men in all departments were our beef handler on all food ques­ * • • shipped last week. A number of tions. This guy has got himself of the Company and he willingly SS FREDERICK DAW agreed to pay overtime for the these were trip card men. So, if Eisenhardt, 4 hrs; PiekutowskL headaches. These beefs come fast time that he worked while get­ any one down the coast wants to 15 hrs; Searkowski, 21 hrs; Odand furious from almost every pick his ship, just drop in to the ship that pays off here in New ting his log worked off. This ray, 831^ hrs; Sadocha, 19 hrs? overtime was made out to DeNew York hall with his seabag York, and between checking Mayernik, 31 hrs; Freeman, 24 vonis but he was in too big a packed. hrs; Conrad, 55 hrs; Pawloczky* grub, demanding good food, and hurry to wait and collect it and The patrolmen here piaid off 37 12 hrs; Pentalow, 12 hrs. Collect handling various other Stewards now this money will lay in the ships and signed on 39 the past beefs, this guy is going around in at Calmar SS Company office. Company office and wiU do no week. That is covering a lot of « * * circles. As a matter of fact, he one any good. waterfront as they were scatter­ has one hell of a time keeping up SS BURLESON It seems a shame that such ed from Newburg, N. Y., to Com- with himself. Chas. N. Woodbury, 189 hrs; K. munipaw, N. J., and the way the Since this port has inauger- men are allowed to go on union E. Wass, 189 hrs; S. J. Johnson, car is being utilized here is prov­ ated the system of , settling all ships when there are lots of good 189 hrs; W. Nickel. Sr., 189 hrs? ing it's worth in getting every­ beefs at pay off time, we have men willing to sail and would at C. A. Hitchcock, 191 hrs. Collect least try to hold up some of the thing covered, including last rhin- been very successful in settling at American Range-Liberty Lines things that men had their skulls ut^ payoffs. office. almost every beef right aboard cracked getting. The policy of settling all beefs ship. • * * aboard has convinced the ship We maintain that the seamen Well this brings to a close from SS FREDERICK DAW owners that they must put some earn their money on the ship, and the wide open spaces. Wishing J. M. Dougherty, 90 hrs; J, all members and their families a pne aboard to settle the beefs be­ Guresky, 97 hrs. overtime, I day's not in a company office, and fore the crew will payoff. It is therefore all money earned Merry Xmas and A Happy New wages, $45.00 extra meals; G. making it easier for the local should be paid at the regular pay Year. Turchin, 13 hrs. overtime, $45.00 union officers, as they can hit the off time. This system has result­ RAY W. SWEENEY. Agent extra meals; Floyd Keith, 10 hrs. front the next day without yes­ ed in proper company represen­ overtime, $8.63 extra meals; Rob­ terday's beefs to worry about. erts Layko, 21 hrs. overtime, $8.63 tatives being placed aboard ships We note that on a number of with authority to settle all beefs, extra meals; H. Wike, 12 hrs. occasions lately that NMU men and paying the legitimate ones overtime; W. Brush, 17 hrs. Col­ are being repatriated on SIU at the pay off table. All hands lect at Calmar SS Company of­ $28.00 .ships and in most cases state agree that this system has work­ SS Alevander Dallas fice. 25.00 their surprise at the different ed to a perfection, and as long as N. Brbwii • » » 24.00 conditions between the SIU and the crew members stick we can't F. Smith SS KING S. WOOSLEY SS Henry Jocelyn 22.09 NMU ships. They generally show lose. Frank Hills, $55.29; JImmie SS Jean Rabaut 21.00 their preference by applying for Jordan, $55.29. Collect at Bull We still get overtime beefs, es­ S. N. Michatid 19.00 mernbership in the SIU. SS Company office. pecially in the Calmar Line, that 17.00 The food beefs are increasing are hard to settle because so F. E. Greene 16.00 as the membership learns that many overtime sheets are written C. Bogel J. A. Osborne 15.00 they can be remedied here. poorly. When writing out your 14.00 . Frenchy Michelet has knocked overtime, don't forget to itemize SS Joliet Low 13.00 hell out of the old buck-passing, everything done; hour turned to; K. Wood 13.00 from the company to the WSA in hour knocked off; whether at sea William Haymes H. Mohler 12.00 that way the crews are getting or in port; rating; and especially 11.00 better food and conditions the kind of work perforiHed. The G. Halt aboard. The companies will have latter is yery important as many Phineas Banning (Engine Dept.) 11.00 to look farther for some method overtime sheets do not describe J. Wigal 11.00 of chiseling oh the seamen. the work actually performed. SS H. Bacon 10.25 The holiday spirit is here and 10.00 It is realized that most of the So fellows, if you want your Robert Amsteetz 10.00 boys want to celebrate. So, we dough, get it down right and if SS Thomas Scott it's legitimate we will collect it D. A. Millike 10.00 must extend our thanks to the C. Rayfuse 10.00 boys who are willing to sacrifice for you. LdUiS GOFFIN. F. W. Henderson 5.00 some of their shore time to bal­ N. Y. Patrolman C. B. Bane 5.00 loting committee, extra help, etc., R. Banes 5.00 so that we can maintain the J. Mattas 4.00 union democracy for which we GALVESTON Robin Tucicford 4.00 struggled so long. T. M. Driscoll 4.00 There are some of the old tim­ "The SS George Pomutz of the 4.00 ers showing their taces around Mississippi Shipping Company, SS R. Rush 3.00 now, having spent most of the paid off in Houston on Friday, A. McDonald 3.00 year at sea. Among them are and I ran into one of the old E. Chamberlain 3.00 George Nutting, Joe Harris and time ship owners favorite stooges. W. Lewis 3.00 . Joe Kenny. We are glad to see While the ship was in Rio and James A. Miller 3.00 ail of the old faces and new, for Santos one of the AB's by the John Connors 2.00 despite the claim of the WSA name of Nicholas Devonis spent W. fi. Murdoch 2.00 ,^hat the submarine menace is all his time ashore as all the sail­ W. J. Brady 2.00 Over, we have lost quite a ^um­ ors used to do and when the ship P. Rassmussen V. Rodriguez 2.00 ber of members at sea since last left port and headed back to the SS H. Chatlier 2.00 Christmas. States the Skipper called him up 2.00 This port is now showing prom­ to his room to have him sign the Alcoa Master ..4l 2.00 •-•'I ises of a white Christmas and the log book for the time that he had John Olsen 2.00 waterfront patrolmen are break­ been off while in these ports. In­ Robert D. Quick Richard Stanton 2.00 ing out their red flannels. stead of signing the log as he was 1.00 Wishing you a Merry Christ­ called iip to do, he started mak­ Colabee 1.00 mas and a Happy ISfew Year. ing agreements with the Captain. L. Swan R. Cooper 1.00 J. P. SHULER, The result was in him signing 1.00 Patrolman a statement that he would work F. Trask John Tilley 1.00 « « « the time back that ke had taken J. L. Brown 1.00 This itehi conies from a, mem­ off while he was off duty arid ber bt the balloting cbnihiittee. It would ask for no overtime for seems that sbme bf oiir ybiirig doing this work. Keep In Touch With "... and so all the unions were gobbled up and everyone lived The Captain, a long time in the members had been under the im­ happily ever after." Your Draft Board pression that they weren't elig­ Mississippi Company knew that NEW YORK Honor Roll BED TIME STORY �> ; Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. December 22, 1944 WORKING RULES ATTACKED lation of the STATEMENT OF (likewise signed the identical (Contimied from "Page 1) POLICY, it was done because STATEMENT OF POLICY, open­ Dear Admiral Land: On December 2, 1944, W. Elli­ the Union had opened up the ed their agreements in conformity son Chalmers, Chairman of the contracts as to wages WHICH there with only as to wages and War Shipping Panel of the Na­ WAS DONE IN CONFORMITY overtime rates and not as to tional War Labor Board wrote WITH THE TERMS OF THE working conditions. These agree­ you in reference to the above STATEMENT OF POLICY and ments were with thirty - three named cases. In his letter he in accordance with the provisions General Agents of the Pacific asked whether the Union could set forth in the individual con­ Coast. The result there was that propose changes in wage scales in tracts. the General Agents did not at­ its existing collective bargaining The companies at the hearing tempt to open the agreements as agreements with, each of the said pressed the point that even if to changes in the working condi­ companies and whether the com­ your letter did not abrogate the tions by way. of counter proposals panies could propose changes in STATEMENT OF POLICY that though they did oppose some of working rules other than wages. it did state that the companies the Union's proposed increases. Your reply of December 11, could propose changes if the pro- The War Shipping Panel of the 1944, stated that both could be c e d u r a 1 requirements of the National War Labor Board has PROPOSED either by mutual agreements with respect to heard this matter and its decision consent of the General Agent (the amendments was followed. thereon is now pending. company) and the Union or un­ The ten cases named above MUST WE STRIKE? der the several contracts if "at were recently heard by the War These companies are all your the time and in accordance with agents and have only your ships Shipping Panel of the National the procedural requirements of except in one case \^here one War Labor Board and we were the agreement with respect to its company has a few ships of its therefore the first time apprised amendment." own. You signed the STATE­ of the correspondence between Any amendments arrived at, MENT OF POLICY stating that yourself and the Chairman of the you state, must be subject to your the existing collective bargain­ Panel and not until after the approval. ing agreements would not be hearing were we given copies Various interpretations have opened up as to working condi­ thereof. been put on your letter of De­ tions and your agents are bound ACTION PLEASE In view of the gravity of the cember 11, 1944. by this STATEMENT OF POL­ situation and the destructive ef­ OUR GOOD FAITH ICY and it is our contention that fect that an adverse holding 'We signed the STATEMENT neither you nor your agents can might have we trust that you will OF POLICY with you in good open up the individual collective favor us with an immediate faith and have abided by it to bargaining agreements in regard reply, stating that the STATE­ the letter and it clearly states to working conditions other than MENT OF POLICY precludes the that "it is agreed that the exist­ wages without violation of the ing collective bargaining agree­ STATEMENT OF POLICY for General Agents from opening up ments including the wage scales which the promise of the seamen the frozen collective bargaining therein contained be frozen for was given that they would cur­ agreements; except the General the duration of the war." The tail the exercise of their right to Agents may make PROPOSALS words "including the wage scales strike. This Union of seamen is if made in accordance with the thei-ein contained" were stricken patriotic and the seamen do not procedural requirements of the out by mutual consent on May 8, want to strike under war condi­ several agreements with respect 1942 by telegram from your of- tions but the Unions knows that to its amendment. BUT .THAT V'^fice. the seamen will not tolerate ad­ NOTHING WILL BE TAKEN It is to be expressly noted that vantage being taken of their pa­ FROM THE SEAMEN without the STATEMENT OF POLICY triotism. This matter is so vital their assent FOR THE DURA­ I" contains the words "existing col- that the Union will be forced to TION OF THE WAR CONCERN­ f: lective bargaining agreements." bring the situation to the atten­ ING THEIR WORKING CONDI­ i . These words were put in after tion of the President of the TIONS and that the existing col­ i there had been a discussion on United States. The responsibil­ lective bargaining agreements proposals.submitted by the War ity rests squarely on you. If you are frozen insofar as working Shipping Administration to mod­ sanction the opening up .of work­ conditions other than wages are ify our agreements with the sev­ ing conditions herein this Union concerned by the STATEMENT eral Companies so that there be can not guarantee that it will be OF POLICY which is binding on but one uniform contract for all able to restrain independent job the General Agents. Very truly yours. companies. The Union member­ actions by the seamen which will Seafarers' International ship rejected this because of dif- inevitably result. These sea­ Union " ferent conditions connected with men, members of this Union, Of North America the different companies and be­ were assured when they were re­ Atlantic & Gulf District cause the seamen were working quested by this Union to enter JOHN HAWK, ' satisfactorily under the several into the STATEMENT OF POL­ Secretary- Treasurer agreements as they were then ICY that NOTHING. WOULD BE and would not accept any change TAKEN FROM THEM for the in the working conditions. duration of the war in regard to -So long as these working con­ their working conditions as set ditions were frozen the seamen forth in their individual .collec­ were willing to agree not to ex­ tive bargaining agreements. ercise their right to strike. This PREVIOUS CHANGES thpv were willing to do for pa­ Although your letter refers to triotic reasons. They were will­ 300 changes in the collective bar­ ing to sacrifice their right to try gaining agreements there have, for better conditions rather than in fact, been no changes made in use this means of economic pres­ the frozen collective bargaining (Continued from Page 1) sure. 1. "Emergency wartime wage agreements covering the matters set forth therein. Any changes increases" and overtime increases OUR RECORD •rThis Union has scrupulously have been of matters not covered should be incorporated as a base adhered to this STATEMENT OF by the collective bargaining wage and base overtime. 2. Regular standby rate of pay POLICY and has not made any agreements that have arisen in $1.10 per hour, the overtime rate, new spheres such as reconversion demands for change in working I; liS' conditions. Such supplemental of ships creating new problems. $1.65 per hour. 3. Meal allowance of $1.00 per contracts as were made with the A few, but not many, changes of companies were made to cover this nature have been made by meal. Lodging of $2.50 per night. conditions not touched upon in the parties herein involved. Some Meal money when traveling $1.50 the frozen agreements, but to pertain to unlicensed junior en­ per meal. 4. A penalty rate of $10 per cover conditions in new fields or gineers, and to stewards and to month when Bauxite or Copra is maintenance men in the engine spheres that had come to the ifore since the signing of the sev­ department but only for condi­ carried. tions in new spheres not exist­ 5. An overall wage increase of eral agreements. 26% to offset the-increased cost Now the copnpanies are trying ing before the war. A comparable situation existed of living. to change the working conditions 6. Increase of 10 cents per hour in the frozen contracts and their when the. Sailors' Union nf the proposals are to REDUCE these Pacific, a section of the Seafarers' for all overtime and other com­ donditions. This is in direct vio- International Union, which had pensatory rates. u WLB Hears Our Wage Demands Last week we reported in these columns that we were trying to induce the Food Control Division of the WSA to, store Vessels un­ der their control with prepared cake, doughtnut, muffin and ic­ ing mixtures. We reported that we had enlisted the aid of the various manufacturers marketing these preparations to help us pre­ pare statistics proving that these mixtures actually cost but little more than the ingredients in unfabricated form. Today we are pleased to announce that we have just received confirmation of the fact that the WSA will soon is­ sue a directive ordering these mixtures put aboard all vessels under their control. Once again the SIU has pion­ eered on the vital issue of win­ ning conditions for its member­ ship, and for that matter, for all seafaring men. Our organization has again shown that by throw­ ing its weight around in an ag­ gressive and militant fashion it can get things done! These mixtures make very tasty cakes and doughnuts by the simple addition of water and baking or frying. Any brother who has had to eat the unholy concoctions that are frequently whipped up by some of these fink pool wonders will appreciate what these mixtures will mean to his digestion as well as to his palate. For those old-time cooks who like to roll their own, there will still be ample unfabricated flour aboard to permit them to wjiip up something special for the boys whenever the spirit moves them. However, we have been going to sea for over twenty years and we can honestly say that we haven't run into many ship cooks during that time who can consistently turn out as tasty a variety of foods as these mixtures make. The SIU is now getting plenty of cooperation from the WSA on the vital issue of improving food aboard our ships. We have a number of irons in the fire with those birds and we expect to soon be able to report to the member­ ship that' we have succeeded in getting this bureau to go to bat for us on them all. We want plenty of frozen veg­ etables of the Birdseye type put aboard our ships so that we can have salads and fresh vegetables for the entire voyage rather than the present three-week supply. We want tasty canned potatoes put aboard as emergency stores rather than the present woodytasting dehydrated junk. Yes, and we want more steak meat! If the WSA can't scare up enough prime beef to modify their di­ rective prohibiting a choice of cuts, then we want some of the available tougher cuts, tenderized. ' Captain .Ross, one of the WSA big shots and the man who was instrumental in getting our cak6 mixture proposal approved by the Board, has promised us that he will work with us toward some solution of this problem. Incidently, this man is the first guy we've met in WSA setup who seems to know what it's all about. He talks our language and when we pose a question or pre­ sent a problem he discusses it in down-to-earth fashion rather than smothering us with a lot of hazy statistics. "If we cannot see our way clear to modify our Carcass Beef Directive and give you boys more loin and tenderloin cuts, Mr. Michelet," he told us Wednesday, "I promise you that I will try to have the top of the round and the eye of the chuck fabricated separately. Then, by furnishing each vessel with a cubing ma­ chine, your cooks will be able to tenderized these cuts and conse­ quently have a great deal more steak for fry purposes." This is what he means in lay terms: Many ship cooks don't know enough about meat to remove the eye of the chuck and the top of the round and properly utilize this meat. So, rather than lose these tasty cuts in stews and stewed steak form, he will try to have theL packing houses separ­ ate this meat and pack it in plainly labeled boxes. Then, by furnishing each vessel with an eight dollar cubing or tenderiz­ ing machine, you have doubled your steak meat. By slicing this meat thinly, running it through the cuber (a mechanical version of pounding hell out Of it with a cleaver or masher) seasoning it, flouring it lightly and chickenfrying it, a cook has whipped up a tasty supper and he has solved one of the big problems con­ fronting all cooks and stewards today. 1? f t ( . I 11 LUIS MARRERO VOZGUEZ: Please get in touch with your sister )9d once. It is important. She is living at 507 East 111th Street, Apartment No. 9, New York City. STANLEY N. McCOY, JR. Your wife and baby are in need of your aid. Get in touch with them at 867 North Shore Road, Revere, Mass. GRADY FAIRCLOTH; Your probationary union book / has been found. Pick it up at| Headquarters office in New York*! CURTIS VICKERS: Stop into the Agent's office New York and make out thel overtime record from the SS Burleson, American Liberty Line. «]. I"'*! � 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/. 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Title A name given to the resource December 22, 1944 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 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. VI, No. 42 Description An account of the resource Headlines: WLB HEARS SIU CASE FOR WAGE BOOST; OPERATORS ATTEMPT SABOTAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY ESTABLISHES BRANCH IN NEW YORK HALL LITTLE STEEL DODGE THE CASE OF THE INNOCENT COOK SEAMAN'S CHRISTMAS PARTIES LAMENT OF A N.Y. PIE-CARD Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/22/1944 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1944 Periodicals Seafarers Log