36 32 1900 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/78fce78894b08b9921a4dfdae81936de.pdf 539e80f0754d0cca829d539d2e74349d PDF Text Text 48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:25 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 6 June 2008 Car Carrier Independence II Joins SIU-Contracted Fleet U.S. TRANSCOM Commander Cites Vessel’s Military Usefulness SIU members and officials took part in a naming ceremony May 8 in Baltimore, celebrating the addition of the Independence II to the Seafarers-contracted fleet. Altogether, hundreds of people were on hand to mark the occasion with the host and vessel operator, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier. Pictured clockwise from upper left are the ship; General Norton Schwartz (center), commander, U.S. Transportation Command, greeting Bosun Carl Pedersen as SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) looks on; (from left) SIU Patrolman Joe Baselice, SIU President Michael Sacco, AB ElSayed Mohamed, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel; and students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center along with Gen. Schwartz, SIU officials and AMO President Tom Bethel (back row, center). Page 3. 3 Seafarers-Crewed Vessels Offload Marine Corps Cargo For Annual Military Exercise Three SIU-crewed ships recently helped with preparations for an annual military exercise overseas. The prepositioning vessels USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin as well as the Great Land each played a role in supporting American forces readying for “Cobra Gold” – a yearly drill designed to promote regional stability and security throughout Southeast Asia. At right, the Lopez conducts an at-sea offload of Marine Corps cargo May 2 off the coast of Thailand. Page 6. TWIC Updates/New Deadline Pages 2, 10 SHBP Scholarship Winners Pages 2, 7 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:37 PM Page 2 TWIC Deadline Changes to April ’09; Mariners Still Urged to Apply ASAP President’s Report Continuing Efforts to Enact EFCA Our union is fully on board with the “million-member mobilization,” a recently launched grassroots effort led by the AFL-CIO in support of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). In the weeks and months ahead, Seafarers will have a chance to place their signatures on postcards calling on the new U.S. president and Congress to enact the EFCA. Those signatures along with many others from fellow trade unionists and supporters will be delivered by the labor federation after the November elections. The cards themselves will be available soon at the union halls. Michael Sacco There’s a way to participate in the signature drive via the internet, too, at the following web address: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/efca_card_support As noted on the postcards, the EFCA will enable employees to form unions when a majority signs authorization cards. It will strengthen penalties for companies that coerce or intimidate workers trying to form unions and bargain. Also, it will establish mediation and binding arbitration when the employer and workers cannot agree on a first contract. The message to the new president and Congress reads as follows: “I urge you to enact the Employee Free Choice Act immediately. This crucial legislation will protect workers’ freedom to choose a union and bargain, without management intimidation. Allowing more workers to freely join unions and bargain with their employers will help rebuild the middle class by expanding health care, improving retirement security and raising the standard of living for America’s working families. My bargaining rights are worth working for and voting for!” That point about rebuilding the middle class is especially important and accurate. If you’re familiar with the labor movement’s history in this country, you may recall that the creation of the American middle class happened only after the passage of a law in 1935 (the National Labor Relations Act, also known as the Wagner Act) which protected the ability of workers to form unions and bargain collectively. Unfortunately, over time, those protections have been terribly eroded. We’ve reached the point where the system for forming and joining unions in this country is flat-out broken. As I’ve said before, this is old news to many who have participated in organizing campaigns in recent years, but many if not most Americans may not realize just how badly some workers are treated by management when they try to join a union. The AFL-CIO has documented a staggering number of cases in which employees suffer through nasty, long campaigns of company intimidation, surveillance, threats and even firings. Some who fight through it and actually manage to join a union have trouble securing a first contract because management stalls and stalls, with no repercussions. All because the employees try to exercise what is supposed to be their legal right to join a union. It’s time to stop those unjust actions from happening. It’s time to restore fairness to the process – time to once again give workers a genuine opportunity to decide for themselves when it comes to union representation. There is reason for optimism among those of us supporting the EFCA. The bill passed in the House of Representatives in 2007 and has bipartisan majority support in the Senate. Clearly, there is strong support for labor law reform in both the U.S. House and Senate. Yet it remains a battle. That’s ironic in many ways, because unions are associated with higher productivity, lower employee turnover, improved workplace communications and a better-trained work force. A recent compilation of more than 70 independent studies on unions and productivity supports those claims. So do the reallife experiences of rank-and-file union members across the country. The bottom line is that workers are supposed to have the right to bargain collectively for higher wages, better benefits and a better life for themselves and their families. With that in mind, the SIU joins with our fellow unions under the AFL-CIO umbrella and with the federation itself in pledging to fight to enact the Employee Free Choice Act until it becomes law. Volume 70, Number 6 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on May 2 announced that the deadline for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) compliance by mariners has been bumped back to April 15, 2009. Even though the compliance date has changed, Seafarers are encouraged to enroll for their TWIC well before the new April 15, 2009 date. The original deadline was Sept. 25, 2008. In announcing the change, the DHS reported, “The sevenmonth extension is a direct result of collaboration with port officials and industry, and realigns the enrollment period with the original intent of the TWIC final rule. TWIC was established in the Maritime Transportation Security Act and the SAFE Port Act to serve as an identification program for all Coast Guard credentialed mariners and personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas within a port.” Reacting to the announcement, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, stated, “The TWIC program is an essential component in protecting our nation from potential terror threats, and we must ensure that its implementation is conducted in the most efficient and effective manner. In light of the reported problems in the TWIC rollout thus far, I applaud the decision of DHS to extend the deadline for enrollment. When workers must pay to enroll in a program necessary for them to do their jobs and provide for their families, they have the right to expect reliable, efficient service with little to no interruption to their schedules. “It is my hope that this extended deadline will be supplemented by the provisions included in the Coast Guard Authorization Act to help improve the TWIC program. This legislation passed in the House by an overwhelming majority, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to quickly act on this legislation to enact these common-sense provisions into law.” Estimates vary on the number of workers who eventually will be required to carry a TWIC, but that figure generally is expected to top 1.2 million. At the time the DHS announced the extension, roughly 260,000 people had enrolled for the card, but fewer than 90,000 TWICs had actually been activated. At press time for this issue of the LOG, more than 100 TWIC “fixed enrollment cen- See Page 10 for a list of TWIC enrollment centers & additional information. ters” had opened, and dozens of mobile enrollment centers also had set up shop. Based on informal feedback from Seafarers and SIU officials who have applied for a TWIC, the experience is inconsistent. Some individuals reported a practically seamless process with minimal waiting times, while some said they eventually received their TWIC, but not before very long delays. Others had it worse, noting their cards weren’t available for pickup even after they received notification to go to a particular enrollment center and get the document. Partly with those experiences in mind, Seafarers again are encouraged to enroll for the TWIC as soon as possible. Committee Selects Seven Individuals To Receive 4-Year, $20K Scholarshps The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) for more than half a century has awarded scholarships to deserving Seafarers, their spouses and dependents. That tradition continued May 2 in Portland, Ore., when the SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee selected seven individuals—one active Seafarer and six dependents—as scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year. The recipients each will receive an award of $20,000 to pursue their educational goals at four-year institutions of higher learning of their respective choices. In total, the 2008 scholarship recipients will receive $140,000 from the SHBP. This year’s winners are: AB Peter R. Hokenson; Brittany Redding, daughter of Chief Steward Dennis Redding; Christopher Wozunk, son of FOWT John Wozunk; Benjamin Wilmoth, son of QE Wendell Wilmoth; Albert Balatico, son of AB Albert Balatico; Xiao Xiao Li, daughter of SA Meili Seegers; and Sidney Kirk, daughter of AB Robert Kirk. The scholarship recipients were selected by a panel of dis- tinguished professional educators: Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical University of Ohio; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gastavus Adolphus College; and Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired). See Page 7 for brief biographical backgrounds and educational goals on each of the above college-bound students. June 2008 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The 2008 SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee on May 2 in Portland, Ore., selected seven individuals as recipients of $20,000 scholarships. Following the selections, they joined SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (right in photo above) and SIU Deputy Plans Administrator Kitty Eno (left) for this photo. Committee members (from left) were Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical University of Ohio; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gastavus Adolphus College; and Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired). June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:41 PM SIU President Michael Sacco Page 3 Gen. Norton Schwartz, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command Susan Tellez, wife of SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left), served as the vessel’s sponsor. Pictured from left to right before the event are SIU VP Joseph Soresi, Patrolman Joe Baselice, AB El-Sayed Mohamed, Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and AB Tom Bray. Independence II Joins Seafarers Fleet Ceremony Highlights Industry’s Contribution to Defense Seafarers and SIU officials participated in a naming ceremony May 8 in Baltimore as the car carrier Independence II formally joined the union’s contracted fleet. SIU President Michael Sacco Raymond Ebeling President & CEO, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier OMU Rene Gil Jr. and General Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), were the featured speakers. Susan Tellez, wife of SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, served as the vessel’s sponsor. Raymond Ebeling, president and CEO of the ship’s operating company, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC), was the master of ceremonies. While the speakers had kind words for the vessel itself, most of their respective remarks focused on the overall role of the U.S. Merchant Marine in supporting America’s military. For instance, the Independence II, though privately operated, is part of a program called the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). That program gives the Department of Defense access to commercial shipping and intermodal facilities during contingencies. Schwartz called the newly reflagged ship an important addition to the nation’s “arsenal of democracy.” He also described the U.S. Maritime Security Program (related to VISA) as “indispensible.” The TRANSCOM commander drew a parallel between a celebrated milestone for the U.S. and Allied forces in World War II (which occurred May 8, the day of the naming ceremony) and America’s current efforts in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom – efforts consistently supported by American mariners and U.S.-flag ships. He said that the Independence II can aid in those missions, and noted that if citizens from the World War II era saw the ship and the ceremony, “They would appreci- Independence II Oilers (from the left) Rene Gil Jr., Anthony Dellorusso, Jonathan Duncan and 1st Assistant Kevin O’Donnell June 2008 ate the significance and, more probably, they’d understand there is still work to be done…. ARC and others move America in the right direction.” Ebeling said his company “is very pleased to be able to continue expanding the U.S.-flag fleet.” He pointed out that Americanflag ships support our armed forces, citing recent deliveries of the relatively new mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) as one example. Ebeling declared that privately owned U.S.-flag ships are “a solid investment” for the country and that depending on foreign-flag vessels “would be an unreliable option for the government.” He credited Sacco with promoting cooperative efforts throughout the industry and said that Mrs. Tellez’s sponsorship of the vessel would serve as “a continual reminder of the importance of the strong partnership with our friends in organized labor.” Sacco focused most of his comments on the strong performance and historic reliability of American mariners. “If you look at the makeup of American crews, I think five things really stand out,” he said. “First, they are reliable – the most reliable crews in the world. By any measure, whether the statistics come from MSC or MarAd or somewhere else, our crews are second-to-none when it comes to safe, on-time deliveries. “Second, they are well-trained. No disrespect to our foreign competition, but I’d stack the American seafarer against anyone in the world in terms of qualifications and training. “Third, they are patriotic,” he continued. “This has literally been Steward/Baker Robert Owens SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (right) chats with unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center prior to the naming ceremony. proven for centuries, dating back to Revolutionary times, and it’s certainly evident today in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. “Fourth, they are resilient. It takes a special person to make a living going to sea. It’s hard enough just to secure your documents and papers nowadays, to say nothing of the actual work aboard the ship. It involves sacrifice and dedication, and our people do it every day. “And fifth, they are politically active. I’m especially proud of the voluntary political donations and activities put forth by members of my union, the SIU. But that’s characteristic of American maritime labor as a whole. Rankand-file U.S. mariners understand that their political actions and political support help create and sustain programs like the MSP program. Their support helps make events like this one possible.” He added, “I would argue that now, more than any time since World War II, this country absolutely must maintain a viable supply of U.S. mariners. That’s part of the significance of this ceremony – new tonnage under the American flag helps maintain that manpower pool…. We need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine so that our armed forces have no doubt whatsoever that their ammunition and other supplies will be there, on time, every time, safely and securely delivered by fellow citizens who are more than willing to sail into harm’s way for them. “We need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine because it’s good business, it is good common sense and it has served America well since the very first days of our nation’s history.” Bosun Carl Pedersen noted that the SIU crew and licensed personnel from the American Maritime Officers climbed the gangway to the Independence II overseas – the reflagging took place in Germany. He said the vessel, built in 1994, “is all good. It’s a nice ship, but we’ve been doing a lot of work with everyday duties.” Pedersen said the ship’s regular run will include stops in Northern Europe and along the U.S. East Coast. The ship can sail at up to 18 knots and is 653 feet long. Bosun Carl Pedersen Seafarers LOG 3 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:53 PM Page 4 Hospital Ship Begins Mission USNS Mercy Starts 4-Month Humanitarian Deployment Members of the SIU Government Services Division joined with officers and military and medical personnel last month aboard the USNS Mercy as the hospital ship set sail on a four-month humanitarian mission. The Mercy departed San Diego May 1, signaling the start of “Pacific Partnership 2008” – a humanitarian and civic-assistance mission to the Republic of the Philippines, Vietnam, the Federated States of Micronesia, TimorLeste and Papua New Guinea. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), Pacific Partnership is a mission that will take medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and civic assistance to Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific to build on relationships that have been developed during previous similar missions, such as the 2004 tsunami relief efforts and the Mercy’s 2006 deployment. “Mercy is a fully operational, completely modern hospital that can go anywhere in the world, wherever and when- In this 2006 Navy file photo, an Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter from B Squadron 5th Aviation Regiment lands aboard the USNS Mercy. The Mercy was anchored off the Australian coast providing humanitarian, medical and civic assistance to Dili residents. Tugboats assigned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor assist the Seafarers-crewed MSC hospital ship USNS Mercy last month as the vessel maneuvers into Pearl Harbor. The ship was en route for a humanitarian mission to the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia supporting Pacific Partnership 2008. ever there is a need,” said the ship’s civil service master, Capt. Robert Wiley. “Every time we take this ship out, we get smarter about how to use it. We’ll be doing things this time that we didn’t even think were possible a few years ago.” Throughout the 2008 Pacific Partnership mission, the 894-foot-long Mercy will serve as a platform from which U.S. and foreign militaries and nongovernmental organizations will coordinate and carry out humanitarian and civic activities in each country. The mission will include personnel from MSC and other parts of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service. As the agency noted, civil service mariners (CIVMARS) embarked for the deployment are responsible for the Mercy’s navigation, propulsion and engineering services. Because of the Mercy’s size, it will not be able to pull pierside in any of the countries, so CIVMARS will also operate two 33-foot utility boats that will be used to ferry patients and mission personnel between ship and shore. The operation of these small boats, which can carry more than twice as many passengers as the Mercy’s two embarked helicopters, will greatly increase the number of people who will benefit from the mission, according to MSC. The USNS Mercy is one of two U.S. Navy hospital ships owned and operated by MSC. Last summer, the Mercy’s sister ship, the USNS Comfort (also crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division), deployed on a similar four-month humanitarian mission that treated more than 98,000 people in 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries. “We are very fortunate as a military and civilian staff and crew to be assisted in our mission by gracious host nations and significantly contributing partner nations,” said Command Master Chief Mike Smith. “It is with great pride that we set sail, knowing that we will not be going at this alone, through selfless acts of friendship and relationships forged during previous deployments.” Majestic May Sell Delta Queen Crew Member Voices Displeasure with Company Majestic America Line was back in the news last month, taking another swipe at the SIU even as one of its mariner employees told a reporter that he believes the company won’t listen to feedback from the crew. In separate news reports in early May, Ambassadors International, Majestic’s parent company, indicated it may sell some or all of Majestic America Line’s assets, possibly as soon as this year. Those assets include the riverboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, which had been crewed by SIU members prior to the vessels being sold in 2006. According to a report based on the parent company’s most recent earnings call, Joe Ueberroth, chairman, president and CEO of Ambassadors said new buyers would have a “fresh start” with the riverboats and “will not have the ire of the Seafarers International Union.” The latter comment apparently is in reference to unsubstantiated claims that the union helped block a waiver which would allow the Delta Queen to continue sailing next year. (The union issued a statement concerning this matter in December 2007.) Meanwhile, in an article in the Kentucky newspaper Ledger Independent, an engineer from the Delta Queen said it has been anything but smooth sailing from the crew’s perspective. “Everybody is unhappy with the company,” Robbie Taylor told the publication. “They mess up travel costs and don’t take care of things they say they will…. It’s a wild goose chase to find out who you can talk to, and when you do they don’t get it done…. Morale is low. Nobody cares and nobody wants to listen to what the crew has to say.” In the same article, Taylor contended that some crew members recently have been let go because of their earnings, to meet corporate cuts. Paul Hall Center’s Online Courses Receive High Marks The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s web-based “distance learning” program for mariners is receiving high marks despite being a newcomer to the institution’s training curriculum. A long-planned program to benefit employees working under SIU agreements and the union’s contracted operating companies, the on-line training regiment in late March was launched by the center’s vocational staff which among others includes Dale M. Rausch. Besides being a full-time instructor, Rausch doubles as the center’s distance learning administrator. Currently, the program offers on-line courses in: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection; and Shipboard Water Sanitation. These initial courses are designed by Paul Hall Center instructors and tailored to address the annual refresher training of vessel safety management systems and prepare students for resident coursework at the center. Representatives from the center’s vocation staff are in ongoing consultations with operators to gain insights on and suggestions for other online courses. So far, according to Rausch five SIU members have enrolled for the web-based courses and a hefty percentage of the center’s instructors have actually taken and completed the courses. AB Edward Gavagan of Tampa, Fla., has completed two of the courses and is already registered for a third. “This program is still in the opening stages, but I can see it going [a long way] toward keeping us informed and upgraded in our work fields,” he said. A former member of the National Maritime Union, Gavagan has upgraded on several occasions while attending courses in-residence at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed aboard the SIU-contracted Delaware Trader, a Keystone vessel. Electrician James McEntire is another Seafarer who has taken advantage of the distance learning program. McEntire hails from Electrician James McEntire (left) goes online to at the union-affiliated Honolulu and is a former Army reserve offiPaul Hall Center for Maritime Education and Training to examine one cer. He joined the SIU in 2006 following a of the center’s distance learning courses. Providing guidance is tour in Iraq and is a graduate of the center’s Instructor Dale Rausch, who serves as the Piney Point, Md.-based unlicensed apprentice program. center’s distance learning administrator. McEntire is one of five “I think it’s a great program with a lot to Seafarers who have enrolled in the center’s web-based upgrading offer,” shared McEntire, who currently is courses. 4 Seafarers LOG upgrading at the center in FOWT. “I have taken a number of the on-line courses and found that the programs on which they are based are very user friendly. Although there are a few system issues to overcome, going on-line and taking the courses is still well worth a person’s time and energy. “I’m trying to get everyone that I know who sails to get involved in the distance learning program,” McEntire concluded. As previously reported in the LOG, the program came about following a recommendation of the center’s Deep Sea and Inland Advisory Board. It provides mariners the opportunity to receive recommended or required professional training while serving at sea aboard a vessel, while ashore at home, or during any other time when they are away from the ship. All that is required to take advantage of this offering is a personal computer, or laptop with internet capability. The training is designed to be self-paced. The courses are kept as brief as possible so that they can be completed within one or two sittings. A reasonable deadline has been established for overall course completion. “Distance learning is the wave of the future because it is convenient for students,” explained Rausch. He mentioned that those taking the courses can start coursework, walk away and resume use later. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application found on page 20 of this issue of the LOG and mail it to: Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via e-mail, so be sure to write your e-mail address on the form in the space provided. In addition, be sure to include the word “online” when listing the course(s) you desire on the application. June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:55 PM Page 5 The Swift (left in photo above), during a sea-basing exercise off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia, sits beside a floating platform ready to receive vehicles from its stern ramp. The Seafarers-contracted HSV Swift (photo at right) will be operated by Sealift, Inc. (U.S. Navy Photos) Seafarers to Sail on Aptly Named ‘Swift’ The Military Sealift Command (MSC) early last month announced that SIU-contracted Sealift, Inc. has been awarded a contract to operate the HSV Swift, a prepositioning ship. HSV stands for high-speed vessel – the Swift can sail at 42 knots. Sealift, based in Oyster Bay, N.Y., won a one-year contract that contains four options. If exercised, those options would total approximately four more years in addition to the original 12-month agreement. The Swift is 331 feet long and has a beam of 87 feet. According to MSC, the vessel has an 11-foot draft and a displacement of more than 1,400 short tons. SIU-Crewed Westward Venture Fires Warning Shots in Gulf For the second time in recent months, small boats approached an SIU-crewed, MSC-contracted vessel and received warning shots. The Westward Venture on April 24 was shipping cargo to Kuwait via the Persian Gulf when the ship attempted to make bridge-to-bridge contact to warn the fast boats they were too close. The Westward Venture then blew its whistle and fired flares before a Navy security team fired warning shots. The boats came as close as 100 yards. After the warning shots, bridgeto-bridge communication was established with someone claiming to be the Iranian coast guard. The boats then moved on. In late March, a similar incident took place involving the Global Patriot near the Suez Canal. In that case, warning shots were fired by military security personnel at small fast boats and one passenger was inadvertently killed. As noted in a news account of the Global Patriot episode, U.S. Navy ships “have been on high alert in the region since Iran captured 15 British sailors and marines in the Persian Gulf a year ago, holding them hostage for two weeks.” Labor Briefs AFSCME Wins Historic 1st Contracts An Oklahoma state law championed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) continues to pay dividends as 700 workers of the cities of Enid and Lawton recently won their first union contracts. These victories follow on the heels of a similar signing involving the city of Moore and its employees. All three contracts involve improvements in wages and benefits. According to a spokesperson for AFSCME, these developments would not have been possible had not the Oklahoma state legislature approved a law requiring cities of more than 35,000 to recognize nonuniformed workers’ unions. The statute, which was challenged by several cities in the state, was declared unconstitutional in 2005 by Oklahoma’s highest court. AFSCME appealed. As a result, the high court reversed itself in March 2006. Boilermakers Play Key Role In Developing New Welding Rod Boilermakers employed at Hobart Brothers in Birmingham, Ala., played a key role in the development of a new alloywelding rod that will lead to productivity gains in the power generation industry. The main innovation comes in the size of the new rod. At 12 inches, it is two inches shorter than the standard 14-inch rod now in use. As noted by the Boilermakers’ union on its web site, “The shorter length allows the welder to burn the rod without bending it to reach restrictive areas. Too often, when a rod is bent, part of the rod is June 2008 discarded, leading to waste.” Moreover, the welding rod that members of Boilermakers L-108 worked on “lets a welder work in tight spots with less rod waste.” According to the product manager for Hobart Brothers, the new rod offers low spatter and X-ray clear welds. It is also easy to burn, so even the newest apprentice can produce journeyman-level results. Study: Union Members Earn More Being a union member significantly augments wages for lower-paid workers, a study released last month by the Center for Economic and Policy Research shows. Union membership boosted the wages of workers on the bottom rung of the wage ladder (in the 10th percentile) by 20.6 percent, from 2003 to 2007. For a worker at the 20th percentile, whose earnings were exceeded by the top 80 percent, the boost from being a union member was 18.9 percent, and for the typical worker at the 30th percentile, it was 16.8 percent. The report, “The Union Advantage for Low-Wage Workers,” also analyzed the impact of unionization on low-wage workers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, finding that it had a magnifying impact in each. “For millions of workers who work hard and take home less to show for it, being part of a union that provides a say on the job is all the more important,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “This study proves that for workers on the bottom rungs of the pay scale, bargaining power is the best, and often only, means to gain a leg up to the middle class.” The company noted that the ship will be operated worldwide in support of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and the war on terrorism. The vessel also will be used for “emerging operational concepts such as sea-basing and the Global Fleet Station,” the latter of which is a military operation directed by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command. Recertified Bosun Saves Life of Trapped Shipmate Editor’s note: The following article about Recertified Bosun Scott Heginbotham was compiled from a letter of commendation by the captain of M/V Liberty Star. Heginbotham could not be reached at sea. On the morning of March 13, 2008, Recertified Bosun Scott Heginbotham reacted quickly and efficiently in saving the life of a fellow mariner aboard the Liberty Star. The vessel, operated by Liberty Maritime Corporation, was being serviced by a subcontractor at Kiran shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey. Heginbotham was near the CO2 compartment on the ship as a subcontractor began to service the bank of CO2 bottles. The subcontractor inadvertently created a series of potentially deadly events that started with the discharge of stored CO2 gas into the engine room. When the incident started, Heginbotham quickly realized the first engineer and a cadet were in the engine room. “This is when all of your training kicked in and your professionalism shined,” said the Liberty Star’s Captain Clancy Faucheux Jr., about the Paul Hall Center-trained bosun. “You proceeded to your assigned emergency station, stopping to report the situation via radio to myself. Fully understanding the nature of the emergency, you donned your SCBA and returned to enter the engine room. Without hesitation, you entered the engine room, which was hazy due to the CO2 venting, found the 1A/E and it was your prompt action of placing an Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus on him and giving him chest compressions that saved his life that morning.” The captain went on to say to Heginbotham, “Your actions are of the finest standards of the U.S. Merchant Marine and reaffirm the fact that you are of the highest caliber of professional seafarer. It is truly a pleasure to serve with you.” The Liberty Star sometimes is used by NASA to recover the solid rocket boosters on space shuttles. Union Salutes Retiring AMSEA Executive SIU officials joined other guests in honoring Captain Peter J. Lawrence at an April 25 event in Quincy, Mass. Lawrence is retiring as president of SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine (AMSEA). Pictured from left to right are SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Lawrence, AMSEA Accounting Associate Sue Mei and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Both SIU officials described Lawrence as a true ally of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Thomas W. Merrell has been promoted to succeed Lawrence. He previously served as AMSEA’s vice president of marine operations. Seafarers LOG 5 �48717_v3:January 08 5/23/2008 2:31 AM Page 6 SIU Ships Offload Cargo For ‘Cobra Gold’ Three Seafarers-crewed vessels recently assisted in preparations for a yearly military exercise overseas. The prepositioning ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin as well as the Great Land each played a role in supporting American forces prepping for “Cobra Gold” – an annual drill designed to promote regional stability and security throughout Southeast Asia. The Lopez (operated by AMSEA) and Martin (Keystone) in late April completed the at-sea offload of more than 350 pieces of equipment and supplies belonging to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) in Thailand. The cargo included wheeled and tracked vehicles, ammunition and supplies. Those two vessels arrived off the coast of Chuk Samet, Thailand, on April 27. Anchored about three miles from shore, the Lopez and Martin offloaded a total of 16 pieces of lighterage – a type of barge used to move cargo from ship to shore. Six pieces of this lighterage were pieced together to form a 180-foot by 63-foot floating platform called a roll-on/roll-off discharge facility, which was placed at the end of Lopez’s stern ramp. Offload operations began April 28 as rolling stock was driven down the Lopez’s ramp onto the floating platform and then onto powered lighterage, which transported the cargo to shore. Containerized cargo was lifted onto the powered lighterage by one of the Lopez’s three shipboard cranes. Causeway sections are loaded from the SIU-crewed Baldomero Lopez on May 5 during exercise Freedom Banner 08. Freedom Banner 08 is a Maritime Prepositioning Force exercise conducted in Thailand to provide equipment used by the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of exercise Cobra Gold. Described by the U.S. Military Sealift Command as “a complex operation,” this offload involved multiple Navy and Marine Corps commands including MSC, the 3rd MEF, Naval Beach Group One, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One and Amphibious Construction Battalion One. The ability to offload cargo at sea is necessary when operating in areas where port facilities are either nonexistent or too damaged or primitive for ships to pull pierside. Columnist Credits SIU Steward Departments, Paul Hall Center SIU steward departments and the union’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education received credit from a writer in the May edition of Professional Mariner magazine. Capt. Kelly Sweeney, a licensed mariner who sailed with the SIU from 1983-85, is a regular columnist for Professional Mariner. His offering in the May issue was typically candid as he made the case captured by the story’s headline: “Cooks need training just like any other on-board position.” Sweeney related various experiences concerning food sanitation – not only aboard ships and tugs, but dating back to his first job in high school, at a local restaurant. Suffice to say the results have been mixed. “Thankfully, many U.S. companies, and the maritime unions, care about the quality of prepared food served on board their vessels,” Sweeney wrote. “I’ve sailed on 12 ships manned by sailors from the Seafarers International Union and have never seen or heard of any foodrelated illnesses on them. Just to apprentice in the galley of an SIUcontracted ship, 40 hours of classes on sanitation and galley operations are required. To become a chief steward, 33 weeks of classes and two years of experience are needed.” Not all of Sweeney’s other encounters have been pleasant. He described one voyage on an oceanographic ship when numerous crew members (himself included) and some of the scientists were stricken with food poisoning. In the immediate aftermath, Sweeney discovered what he described as very unsanitary conditions in the galley. Another time, he signed on aboard 6 Seafarers LOG an oceangoing tug with no steward department personnel. Sweeney again found unsanitary settings – in this case, the deckhand who handled all the cooking was doing so in dirty clothes covered with grease, rust chips and paint specks. “There’s a disturbing trend among certain tug and supply boat operators that I think is even worse than having an untrained cook on board – and that’s having no cook at all,” Sweeney wrote. “This doubling up of shipboard positions is unprofessional in my opinion, not only because it cuts U.S. mariners out of cook’s jobs, but also because it shows that these companies don’t seem to care about the quality of the food their mariners are served.” He concluded that as in the other shipboard departments, steward department personnel should be required to demonstrate basic competency in their field before actually performing the work aboard ship. The Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md., offers comprehensive training for mariners in all three departments – deck, engine and steward. The school’s steward department classes are structured in modules designed to facilitate not only learning but relative ease of scheduling for the students. Those courses include galley operations (four weeks total); certified chief cook (12 weeks); advanced galley operations (four weeks); and certified chief steward (12 weeks). Earlier this year, the St. Mary’s County (Md.) Health Department presented an award to the Paul Hall Center because of the school’s “superior compliance to food safety standards among food establishments” in the county. The Martin and Lopez are scheduled to remain in Thailand through early June to backload their prepositioned cargo, according to the agency. Prior to the arrival of the Lopez and Martin in Thailand, the SIU-crewed, MSC-chartered roll-on/roll-off ship Great Land (operated by Interocean American Shipping) offloaded more than 460 pieces of 3rd MEF cargo at Thung Prong and Chuk Samet ports April 22-24. More than 20 Navy reservists assigned to MSC are also in Thailand training in both real-world and computer-simulated sealift operations and exercises, managing port operations for as many as 15 ships in a contingency scenario. Some reserve personnel are manning a mobile sealift operations command center at Chuk Samet, a portable facility designed to operate and manage port operations in areas where port infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. Additional reserve teams were slated to arrive in mid-May to coordinate the backload of Marine Corps cargo. “What’s so valuable about this exercise is that you can walk around and shake hands at the port and really learn what others are doing,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard Coleman of Navy Reserve Expeditionary Port Unit 117. “It’s all about understanding command relationships.” Cobra Gold began May 8 and was to continue through May 21. Japan, Singapore and Indonesia were expected to join Thailand and the United States in the exercise, which included computersimulated command post and field training exercises, as well as humanitarian relief efforts. The Lopez is permanently assigned to Diego Garcia-based Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Two, while the Martin is assigned in the Guam/Saipan area with Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three. Paul Hall Center Offers Career Advancement The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and stateof-the-art equipment and facilities. The school offers courses for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments. Below is a quick look at one of those classes. For more information about the center and its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 206740075; call (301) 994-0010; or visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. Course dates are listed on page 21 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. Engine Department Course Spotlight Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations Applicants completing the school’s 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course and who present the corresponding Paul Hall Center Certificate of Training to a U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Center within one year of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either the school’s 63-hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and/or the 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. The objective of this course is to provide students with knowledge and practical operational skills required of rated engine department watchstanders as they sail in the capacity of FOWT. This objective is accomplished through classroom lectures and shore-side auxiliary plant simulator practical exercises. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Training Program; successful completion of the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage and required sea projects; unlicensed apprentice sea voyage performance evaluations within the engine department as completed by the First Assistant Engineer of at least satisfactory or better; recommendation by the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage participating vessel’s Chief Engineer OR six months’ sea time as wiper AND STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training; successful completion of the entry-level sea voyage and auxiliary plant familiarization sea project; total USCG approved sea service or equivalent sea service in the engine room of vessels of at least six months; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department. Military veterans meeting the prior military sea service requirement in the engine room of vessels must meet the following entrance requirements: Prior approval to the military veterans program for ratings forming part of an engineering watch; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department. June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 10:49 PM Page 7 SHBP Awards $140,000 in Scholarships One SIU member and six dependents of Seafarers last month were selected by a panel of professional educators to be recipients of scholarships provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). A total of $140,000 was given in this year’s scholarship program. One Seafarer was awarded a $20,000 scholarship for study at a four-year college or university, as was each of the six dependents. Following are brief biographical sketches of each of the recipients as well as recaps of their respective educational goals. The scholarship program began in 1953. Peter Hokenson AB Peter Hokenson is the recipient of a scholarship for Seafarers. A native of Tacoma, Wash., Hokenson is a 1983 graduate of Gig Harbor High School in Gig Harbor, Wash. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma and is well-versed in the martial arts. He joined the SIU in March 1992. “After a stint at the University of Puget Sound, I decided I was not ready to wear a suit and tie and wanted to do something more adventurous,” recalled Hokenson, who most recently sailed aboard the deep sea vessel USNS Wright. “I applied to the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and the next thing I knew I was enrolled in the trainee program at Piney Point, Md.,” he said. “Three months later, I was an ordinary seaman working aboard the USNS Wilkes out of Lisbon, Portugal, a far cry from my small hometown in Gig Harbor.” The experience he gained through the apprentice program, according to Hokenson, provided him with exactly what he was looking for – a chance to meet great people and visit interesting places while working aboard merchant ships. Hokenson has since upgraded his skills on several occasions by returning to the SIU-affiliated school. One day while working as an AB AB Peter Hokenson aboard the USNS Waters, Hokenson reflected back on the training he had received in the martial arts as well as the black belt which he had earned in 1981. He attempted to do the same Chinese splits that his instructor had taught him a few years back and discovered that surprisingly, he could still do them. “This (being able to do the challenging exercises) boosted my confidence enough to apply for the Seafarers Scholarship Program,” Hokenson shared. “I thought that the skills I learned at Piney Point, combined with my college background could possibly help me work in the educational arena, both at home and abroad.” He hopes to continue his studies at either the University of Puget Sound or St. Joseph’s University. Hokenson said he wanted to help people build an unshakable foundation that would enable them to withstand a troubled world; making it a better, safer place. For this reason, his future studies will focus on the arts, martial arts, education, music and the maritime industry. After noting that his interests in each of the foregoing areas have been boosted as a result of being a mariner, he said, “I have learned the ropes from the best in the world…. It was not a cakewalk, but still an incredibility rich life experience. I would not trade it for anything.” Brittany L. Redding Brittany L. Redding is a graduate of Attleboro High School in North Attleboro, Mass. The daughter of deep sea Chief Steward Dennis Redding (and wife, Brenda), Brittany was born in Rhode Island. She completed her secondary education with a 96.73 overall GPA and held membership in both the National Honor and the National French Honor Societies. A community activist, Brittany for the past five years captained the Relay For Life team in her neighborhood which to date has raised some $10,000 for cancer research. She served as a hospital volunteer and in 2006 was chosen to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. In 2007, Brittany was one of five girls chosen to represent her high school during the American Legion sponsored Massachusetts Girl’s State Forum on Medicine. Redding has several years of experience as a softball and volleyball player and was an avid member of her school’s marching band. Now that her high school days are over, Redding said, she plans to pursue a career in medicine. “Pending acceptance, I hope to start school next year at Johns Hopkins University in Brittany L. Redding Baltimore studying medicine.” The fact that her father is frequently home-ported in Baltimore made Hopkins her first choice because “it’s a prime location and [the school] has a not-too-shabby reputation.” In addition to Hopkins, she also has applied for admission to the University of Pennsylvania, and New York University. “Eventually, my dreams include a career in Radiology, a house in Wellesley and a massive amount of dogs. I have known from the beginning that I would choose a career in the medical profession for two simple reasons,” she added. One is “the house in Wellesley” and the other is “because I am that person who is not satisfied with satisfying themselves. I joke about the house in Wellesley because the truth is I would take sleeping on the side of a building over that house if it meant that I was helping someone – that there was one person whose life I made better.” June 2008 Christopher J. Wozunk Christopher J. Wozunk hails from Blackwood, N.J., and is the son of FOWT John Wozunk (wife Carol). The senior Wozunk works in the inland division and most recently sailed aboard a Crowley Liner Services vessel. Born in Seoul, Korea, Christopher is a graduate of Highland Regional High School in New Jersey. While at Highland Regional, Wozunk registered an overall 3.94 GPA and held membership in the National Honor, Nation Math and National Art Societies. Included in the vast list of activities in which he participated are chess, history, math, science, world languages and renaissance clubs; cross country and winter track and the Boy Scouts. An aspiring artist who says that art is everywhere and that it’s one’s responsibility to find and embrace it for what it is— whether it is abstract or realistic—Christopher plans to continue his education at Drexel University. He said he will study architecture and art because art has had a tremendous influence in his life from childhood. Wozunk recalled that his high school art instructor always told Christopher J. Wozunk him that he could not teach him how to draw well but he could teach him how to see. “If there is one thing that he taught me, it was how to see,” Wozunk said. “Not only in what I was drawing at the time, but the world around me.” Reflecting on some of his experiences as a member of the National Art Honor Society, Christopher said that the organization was far more than just a hobby for him. “It’s a way I can express myself in a different medium. Furthermore, it provides a chance to beautify my school through my own vision.” Wozunk said he remembers seeing only blank white walls when as a freshman he walked through the halls of his high school. These once plain walls however have since been dramatically altered. “These past years, a couple of friends and I have changed that by painting murals of inspirational quotes and palaces which have given meaning and depth to the walls,” he said. “Using our imaginations and creativity, we have brought light to our school.” Benjamin A. Wilmoth Benjamin A. Wilmoth hails from Plantation, Fla. He is the son of QMED Wendell Wilmoth (wife Cynthia) who sailed most recently aboard the deep sea ship Seabulk Energy. Wilmoth graduated in the top 10 percent of his class at Plantation High School last month with a 3.7 GPA. In addition to playing on his high school soccer team, Wilmoth is an accomplished musician having played in both the marching and concert bands at his alma mater. He is an active member of his church, participates in a number of community activities and served as vice president of the computer club at Plantation High. Wilmoth is a member of the National Honor Society. “After graduating from high school, I plan to attend the University of Florida,” he said. “There, I plan to major in business-marketing, possibly with a minor in economics. After I receive my bachelor’s degree, I will begin work towards my master’s degree. Benjamin A. Wilmoth “I want to get a job as a market analyst and eventually as a market research supervisor. From there, I hope to become a market research director for a major company. I plan on moving to New York City or Chicago where the marketing job field is flourishing.” “I have been very fortunate as a teacher,” wrote one of Benjamin’s high school teachers in a letter of recommendation for the SHBP Scholarship Program. “Over the past decade, I have taught the best and brightest at my school. And I have seen over and over again what a challenging academic schedule, broad involvement in school, and a busy personal life can do to a student. Many crumble under the pressure, some orchestrate their lives with the seriousness of a conductor, and a few make the life of a college-bound student seem easy. Benjamin Wilmoth is one of the latter; he has the poise, grace, maturity and the sense of humor to handle any challenge thrown his way.” Albert B. Balatico Albert B. Balatico is a graduate of Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville, La. The son of deep sea Seafarer AB Albert V. Balatico (wife Patricia), Albert finished his secondary education with an overall GPA of 4.12. He held the office of vice president in his school’s photography, art and quiz bowl clubs and was active in the Asian-Pacific American Society. Additionally, he performed more than 100 hours of community volunteer service as a tutor and spearheaded many drives to benefit the United Nations World Hunger Organization. Balatico plans to pursue a career Albert B. Balatico in journalism and film and hopes to attend either the University of Southern California or Tulane University in Louisiana. “I believe that the freedom of speech is quintessential to not only democracy, but to the arts, traditional and contemporary,” he said of his career plans. “I would like to double major in journalism and film studies because both fields are most relevant to our society. Both have blended in so beautifully with the advent of the digital age (through, for example) social networking sites, blogs and podcasts.” Albert believes that seeking a higher education will allow him to express himself while also making a living. “I will be perfectly content living modestly and having my passion, but that is a basic expectation derived by any artist,” he said Xiao X. Li Xiao X. Li was born in the People’s Republic of China. The daughter of deep sea Chief Cook Meili Seegers (husband Steven), she is a 2006 graduate Fernandina Beach High School in Fernandina Beach, Fla. A member of the National Honor Society, she completed her secondary education with an overall GPA of 3.72 and was the treasurer of her high school’s Technology Students Association. Xiao was also an active member of her school’s Chinese American Student Association and its chapter of the American Institute of Architecture (for students). In addition to being involved in student activities, she was an active volunteer in her community, donating time to the Humane Society, Special Olympics and various beach cleanup projects. She also participated in fund raising marathons and did behind-the-scenes volunteer work in support of Super Bowl XXXIX, which was played at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. After finishing high school, Li in the summer of 2006 entered Xiao X. Li Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Fla., where she took classes for two summers of study. Also in 2006, she enrolled in the University of Florida (also in Gainesville) where she has earned 45 credits toward her degree in architecture. Architecture is Li’s passion largely because of her past in China, where “the harborage of 1.3 billion people” left a lasting impression on her. “The presence of numerous multigenerational family refuges had its dominant role,” she said. “It had consisted of relatives from the great grandma on my mother’s side to younger cousins and nieces who all shared the same dwelling. “A notorious one bedroom, one bathroom apartment [which] measured a square footage of less than 500 was what my family called home. With no access to air-conditioning or heat, we were fortunate to possess a stationary portable fan. The schools were infamous for sitting fifty rowdy students into a small classroom with the only circulation being two small gaping windows.” She added, “The population of the world is increasing by the minute, yet the surface area of the Earth is not going to change. To help solve this issue, we must efficiently use the limited space we possess, allowing sustainability to become part of the project from the beginning. This scholarship will help fund my continued aspirations and commitment into my graduate studies and toward creating a better society for all.” Sidney A. Kirk Sidney A. Kirk is a recent graduate of Currituck County High School in Barco, N.C., and is the daughter of AB Robert Kirk (wife Sylvia), who sails in the deep sea division. While at Currituck County, Sidney amassed an overall 4.30 GPA and was an active participant in varsity girls’ soccer as well as the BETA, science and poetry clubs. Additionally, Sidney was a founding member of the school’s Freshman Mentor Program, Invisible Children’s Club and Honor Court. She also served as chief justice of the honor court and was a member of the school’s Quiz Bowl trivia team which advanced to the state finals in competition against other high schools. Sidney during her high school career was the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the National BETA Club Certificate (2005-2008), Certificate of AchievementDistrict Champions Quiz Bowl Team (2005-2006), Outstanding Achievement in Honors English II (2005-2006), Outstanding Achievement in Creative Writing (2004-2005) and the Presidential Physical Fitness Award (20042005). Kirk also received recognition as an all conference soccer player and was cited for academSidney A. Kirk ic achievement as a student athlete. Besides school activities, Sidney was heavily involved in community service. She volunteers as a tutor for her church’s elementary student tutoring program; participated in Operation Christmas Child, which provides gifts and subsistence boxes to less fortunate children; and gave her time in support of Corolla Wild Horse Days, an event focused on raising money to ensure the wellbeing of the Corolla wild mustang and to inform tourists about the importance of respecting wildlife. When asked about her plans for the future, Sidney had a clear-cut agenda. “I plan to attend college at UNC Chapel Hill for eight years in order to obtain my doctorate in physical therapy,” she said. “After college, I would like to work in a hospital for a few years to gain some experience. Eventually, I’ll open up my own physical therapy business practice here in Currituck or the Outer Banks.” Seafarers LOG 7 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:06 PM Page 8 From left, Recertified Steward Peter Schmitt displays his handiwork, while SA Eusebio Avila cleans up after breakfast. Chief Cook Clarence Mack, in the words of the man behind the lens, “hams it up for the camera.” Sealand Meteor Capt. Howell (right in photo above) on behalf of the other officers and crew, accepts a piece of art from Yasuo Watanabe of the Shimizu Port Authority. Sealand Meteor Makes Historic Port Call in Japan Some of Meteor’s crew listen to an SIU patrolman upon returning to the U.S. Pictured left to right are Recertified Bosun Stephen Kastel, AB Norman Taylor and AB Richard Volkart. Annual Statements Sent To SMPPP Participants The mailing of annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) to Plan participants was completed in April, according to SMPPP Administrator Margaret Bowen. Based on year-end reports received from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP investment manager, the Plan continues to perform well despite ongoing market volatility. Interest earned on the accounts during 2007 was 5.49 percent with an annualized return since inception of 9.87 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $70.1 million with the addition of $14.1 million that merged from the NMU Annuity Plan. The SMPPP originated in 1996, as the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into the standard freightship and tanker agreements. The SMPPP subsequently has been included in other SIU contracts. Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a Vacation Plan deduction or via checks sent directly to the Plan. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s defined benefit pension, as well as the SIU 401(k) Plan. Participants are immediately vested in their respective SMPPP accounts as soon as the first such contribution is made. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of sea time needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. Seafarers can collect the funds from their SMPPP account when they reach retirement age, become totally and permanently disabled, or leave the industry. Widows/widowers may collect the funds in the event of their spouse’s death. 8 Seafarers LOG Editor’s note: Recertified Steward Peter Schmitt submitted this article and the accompanying photos. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, the Maersk Line, Limited containership Sealand Meteor called at the Port of Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is believed that the Meteor is the first U.S.-flag merchant vessel to call on that port. The officers and crew hosted a small reception in the officers’ mess to receive the dignitaries from the City of Shimizu, the Shimizu Port Authority, and the Shimizu Port Promotion Association. A short speech was given by Yasuo Watanabe of the port authority, in which he said, in part, “Today, we three parties representing local government and the port are now visiting your fine ship to say thank you for calling and we hope it will continue in the future. Shimizu Port exports freight such as motorcycles and automobile parts to North America and Europe; therefore, the enhancement of services for North America is an earnest wish for the industrial world and the inhabitants of Shizuoka Prefecture. We hope that the establishment of this sea route contributes to further development of Shimizu Port.” After the greetings, the master of the Sealand Meteor, Captain Raymond Howell, accepted on behalf of the officers and crew a beautiful piece of Japanese art titled “Shippouyaki,” depicting the port area in ancient times. He also received a plaque for the ship commemorating a visit and return to heaven of a Japanese legend. Finally, the guests presented to the ship a beautiful bouquet of local flowers. The visitors were then treated to an assortment of canapés and hors d’oeuvres prepared by Recertified Steward Peter Schmitt, Chief Cook Clarence Mack and Steward Assistant Eusebio Avila. The rest of the SIU crew aboard the Meteor included Recertified Bosun Stephen Kastel, ABs Norman Taylor, Mathew Bevak, Richard Volkart, Frederick Reich and Josefino Casugay, Chief Electrician Chris Earhart, QMED Kenyatta McNeil and DEU Editho Barraca. Bosun ‘Snake’ Williams Dies at 80 The SIU recently lost a dedicated, greatly respected member of its union family when Rowland “Snake” Williams died April 18 at his home in Baltimore. He was 80 years old. While there’s nothing poetic about yard work, there is perhaps some symbolism in the fact that Williams passed away while working around the house. (He suffered heart failure.) As was the case during his nearly 50 years sailing with the SIU (mostly as a bosun) and another 14 years helping out at the Baltimore hall, whenever Williams saw a task that needed to be done, he didn’t hesitate. Colleagues remembered Williams, who began sailing as a 15-year-old in World War II after training at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., with genuine appreciation. They described him as businesslike but with a proverbial heart of gold when it came to helping fellow Seafarers. “He was a stand-up guy, a great union guy,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “We worked on a lot of organizing campaigns together – he This photo from his never missed one. union book shows Whenever you Williams in his needed a volunyounger days. teer, you could always depend on Snake. He was a topflight sailor, too – a really good bosun who knew his stuff.” Williams’ career as a rank-and-file Seafarer included voyages in multiple wars and a long stint as bosun with the shore gang in Petty’s Island near Philadelphia. He retired from sailing shortly after the Persian Gulf War in 1991. His last vessel was the USNS Wright – from which his ashes are to be scattered in July. For the last 14 years, he was a familiar face at the hall in his native Baltimore and on SIU-contracted ships calling on the port. Anyone who shook his hand undoubtedly would appreciate the root of his nickname: “Snake” never meant to menace, but he had a python-like grip. “Snake always looked out for the SIU and ran the gang up in Philadelphia better than the supervisors did,” recalled SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “He always had a concern to help fellow members in whatever way he could, no matter the problem. He didn’t discriminate when it came to helping others. If you were an SIU member, he’d give you the shirt off his back.” Williams persevered through what must have been an extraordinarily difficult final year in which three family members died: his daughter, an adult grandson and, most recently, his wife, Doris, who passed away in February. Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz said Rowland “Snake” Williams (left) greets a Seafarer in early 2003 aboard the Cape Wrath in Baltimore. Williams’ strength through it all proved remarkable – Snake still pitched in at the hall six days a week – but he and others noticed a general decline after Doris died. “Calling him a friend just doesn’t do it justice,” Metz stated. “He had uncompromised integrity and was honest to a fault. It was an absolute privilege and honor to spend time with him. I learned a lot from him. As the saying goes, they don’t make them like Snake anymore.” Lisa Clark, secretary at the Baltimore hall, noted Williams had “a wonderful personality. He loved to help people. He was one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed.” June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:09 PM Page 9 Maersk’s ‘Drive to Zero’ Produces Safe Results One of the reasons U.S.-flag ships and U.S. mariners stand out from some others in a worldwide crowd is concern for the safety and wellbeing of those who work on board. SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is a prime example of proactive efforts when it comes to safety, health and environmental stewardship. For instance, MLL’s “Drive to Zero” program is a hands-on initiative to assist employees (mariners and shoreside personnel alike) in focusing on safety and teamwork to make the workplace as safe as possible. As suggested by the title, its goal is to drive down unsafe and environmental incidents as close to zero as possible or eliminate them altogether. The results are quite positive. In 2007, the program helped net MLL a “Lost Time Accidents” (LTAs) rate of less than .5 per 1,000 man hours, an extremely low result by industry standards. Plus, MLL had no spills in 2007. In 2008 so far, the LTA rate is very low and there have been no spills. One of the key steps MLL took toward enhancing safety was to partner with the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to provide unlicensed mariners a two-day safety course called “Safety Boot Camps.” According to MLL, the boot camps are integral in the company’s approach to Drive to Zero. The agenda focuses on leadership and effective communications as well as more technical topics such as job safety analysis and prevention of electric shocks. MLL says attendees have commented that they were impressed with the content. Recognizing the number of excellent performing unlicensed Seafarers that frequently sail with MLL, the company is opening attendance to SIU mariners sailing aboard Maersk’s government and commercial vessels with an MLL work history of at least three years. Any mariner interested in attending one of these Safety Boot Camps may email kpretto@mllnet.com. Safety Boot Camps are scheduled at Piney Point for early June and August 12-13. In addition to the Safety Boot Camps conducted for both officers and ratings, MLL runs monthly safety council meetings. These meetings are attended by senior management, fleet managers, labor relations personnel and Quality, Environment, Safety and Security (QESS) staff members. The primary purpose of the council is to provide frequent proactive oversight of MLL’s safety and environmental programs and Maersk Line, Limited’s SIU-contracted fleet includes the Alliance Norfolk, pictured earlier this year in Baltimore. Seafarer Benjamin Sivells (center) receives a cash award as part of Maersk’s safety efforts. Sivells, sailing aboard the Achiever, observed a mooring line in imminent danger of parting and reported it to the captain. He then assisted in making the situation safe. initiatives. This is intended to help ensure they remain effective, relevant and in alignment with the overall MLL culture. A “case study” of the previous month’s LTAs (if any) is presented by the fleet manager with specific focus and discussion on the cause. LTAs, “near miss reports” and “best practices” are shared weekly through MLL’s Quality-Gram, or Q-GRAM, communication. In 2006, MLL rolled out a new Safety Recognition Program. A cash award is given to every vessel’s entertainment account after completing a calendar quarter LTA-free. An additional $1,000 will be added to this account each time a vessel reaches 1,000 days LTA-free. Early this year MLL introduced a new program in which the masters and chief engineers may issue a $100 cash award each month to any crew member who goes out of their way to contribute to and promote the safety culture on board. As of early May, 11 mariners had received this award. To aggressively pursue the Drive to Zero initiative, MLL says it has implemented the Ship Safety Training Team program. The program consists of two trainers riding a vessel to conduct safety training while the ship is at sea. According to MLL’s General Manager of QESS Carol Berger, “MLL will continue to take actions to ensure that each and every member of our fleet feels that they have a direct influence on the safety performance of the company. Earning the trust of our mariners and making every mariner feel empowered is the only way that we are going to eliminate injuries on board our vessels.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker said, “Maersk’s commitment to the health and safety of seafarers exemplifies a culture of caring and respect toward employees. The company also deserves credit for doing its part to help care for the environment.” Bruch Family Celebrates Maritime Heritage Welcome Ashore, Bosun SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (right) congratulates Bosun Charles Neigebauer at the Algonac hall in late April as the newly retired Seafarer receives his first pension check. Brother Neigebauer joined the union in 1969. He sailed for many years with American Steamship Company, including numerous voyages aboard the St. Clair. In 2004, the company honored him with its “Mariner of the Year” award. June 2008 When Seafarer Chad Bruch (right) graduated in April from the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program, it signaled the continuation of the family’s maritime heritage. Chad’s grandfather (center), Capt. Dean K. Bruch, sailed aboard Waterman ships during World War II. In the years that followed, Capt. Bruch at various times sailed as a pilot, master and chief mate, including a year as master aboard an SIU-contracted riverboat. Chad’s father, Dean A. Bruch (left), also traveled to Piney Point, Md., to celebrate Chad’s successful completion of the apprentice program. Seafarers LOG 9 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:11 PM Page 10 New TWIC Deadline: April 15, 2009 As reported on page 2, the new deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain the government-mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is April 15, 2009. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security last month announced the revised deadline; the original cutoff date was Sept. 25, 2008. The SIU encourages members to enroll for the TWIC as soon as possible. Step-by-step instructions have been published in the last few editions of the LOG and are available on the web both This is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-May, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http://www.tsa.gov/twic Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 Alaska Suite 202 3200 Hospital Drive Juneau, AK 99801 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Suite 2106 3225 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Country Inn and Suites 211 Gateway Center Blvd. Brunswick, GA 31525 Massachusetts 300 Tremont Street Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 Suite 427 5959 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 Boston Autoport 100 Terminal Street Charlestown, MA 02129 Suite 9 2680 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5115 Interstate 10 South Beaumont, TX 77705 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 KPD Shelikof Facility 405 Marine Way Kodiak, AK 99615 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 1830 Embarcadero Avenue Suite 104 Oakland, CA 94606-5230 301 E. Ocean Boulevard Suite 500 Long Beach, CA 90802 1931 N. Gaffey Street Suite B San Pedro, CA 90731-1265 Suite 300 13201 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94806 Suite 103 1025 W Laurel St. San Diego, CA 92101 2000 Marina Vista Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 1251 N. Rice Ave. Oxnard, CA 93030 Suite 202 500 Sansome Street San Francisco, CA 94158 Connecticut 75 Crystal Ave. New London, CT 06320 FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic ■ By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) ■ By email: credentialing@dhs.gov ■ Suite 204C 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 California Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Road Oakland, CA 94607-1010 now includes a link where individuals may check the status of their card and/or schedule a time to pick it up. Manatee County Port Authority 13604 Reeder Road Palmetto, FL 34221 619 E Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Harrigan Centennial Hall 330 Harbor Drive Sitka, AK 99835 2970 Kele Street Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois Dixon Building Suite 206 8741 South Greenwood Chicago, IL 60619 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 TWIC Enrollment Centers Michigan Delray Mechanical 667 S. Post Street Detroit, MI 48209-3053 800 East Ellis Road Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 511 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1960 Hampton Inn 11 Winners Way East Peoria, IL 61611 863 North Pine Road Essexville, MI 48732 Suite 153 1635 1st Street Granite City, IL 62040 430 S. Water Street Marine City, MI 48039 Indiana 200 Russell Street Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 3602 Northgate Court Suite 37C New Albany, IN 47150-6417 Kansas Commerce Plaza 1 - 7th Floor 7300 West 110th Street Overland Park, KS 66210 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 AmericInn of Silver City 120 Lincoln Ave. Ontonagon, MI 49953 396 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 Suite 105 1020 Hastings Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Suite 1 200 W. Erie Street Rogers City, MI 49779 Minnesota Suite 104 2161 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 Suite 310 803 West Avenue Rochester, NY 14611 North Carolina Suite 107 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 Ohio 3100 E45th Street Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 401 Broadway Avenue Suite D, Office B Lorain, OH 44052-0000 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 Suite 102 444 W. Perkins Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Oregon Suite 100 7025 N. Lombard St. Portland, OR 97203 Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 3200 West End Avenue Suite 510 Nashville, TN 37203-1330 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77029-3003 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 Mall of the Mainland Space #1074 10000 Emmett F. Lowery Expy Texas City, TX 77590 411 West Main Street Port LaVaca, TX 77979 Brazos Mall, Suite 1039 100 Hwy 332 West Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Suite 103 6000 Broadway Galveston, TX 77551 621 W Main Street LaPorte, TX 77571 Virginia Suite F 814 Greenbrier Circle Chesapeake, VA 23320 Suite 300, Room 359 11815 Fountain Way Newport News, VA 23606 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth-Superior, MN 55802 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 Holiday Inn 1500 Hwy 71 International Falls, MN 56649 701 North Point Drive Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 Room B006 34 13th Ave., NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Suite 120-D 601 Upland Ave. Brookhaven, PA 19015 8327 Summit Park Rd Ste. D Anacortes, WA 98221 975 North America Way Miami, FL 33132-2004 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 Port of Everett Marina Marina Conference Center 404 14th Street Everett, WA 98201-1674 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 512 Roderick Street Morgan City, LA 70380 Suite D 1223 30th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501 Puerto Rico Primer Piso, Salon de Conferencias Ave. Santiago de los Caballeros, final Edifico Turismo, Playa Ponce, PR 00716 Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Road Dania Beach, FL 33004-2810 Suite 550 1340 W. Tunnel Blvd. Houma, LA 70360 Habana Plaza (Rear) 3125 Riviera Dr Key West, FL 33040 Maine 236 Oxford Street, Suite 12 Portland, ME 04101-3070 Suite 303 2051 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 163 Hildreth Street North Bangor, ME 04401 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 Florida 955 Tallyrand Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32206-6049 707 Mullet Road Suites 117/118 Port Canaveral, FL 32920-4519 Suites 119, 120 5323 W. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 10 at www.seafarers.org and at the Transportation Security Administration’s TWIC web site, www.tsa.gov/twic. Seafarers also are asked to occasionally visit the SIU web site and/or check with their port agents for the latest TWIC news. For instance, when the DHS announced the changed deadline, the SIU site immediately posted the news release on its home page and also distributed the information to all SIU halls. The Transportation Security Administration TWIC web site Seafarers LOG 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 East James Drive Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 Unit B19 800 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Greenville, MS 38703 New Hampshire 30 Mirona Road Extension Suite 2 Portsmouth, NH 03801 New Jersey Northern New Jersey 89 Leuning Street, Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 Navy Frontier Pier (Muelle Frontier) Suite 1 408 Avenue Fernandez Juncos San Juan, PR 00908 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd, Huntington WV 25702 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 Hotel Green Bay 780 Armed Forces Drive Green Bay, WI 54304 June 2008 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:26 PM Page 11 Snapshots from The Port of Jacksonville The photos which appear on this page capture some of the activities in which Seafarers are involved during their daily duties aboard vessels in and around the port of Jacksonville, Fla. While these photos only depict crew members from aboard three SIUcontracted vessels, more than a few others as well as hundreds of Seafarers regularly call on the port. Watch future editions of the LOG for more Jacksonville snapshots. El Yunque Members of the El Yunque deck department take a break from their duties for this photo. Pictured are AB Manuel Rodriguez, AB Jose Canales, Bosun Luis Ramirez, GUDE Jackie Jones and AB Donley Johnson. AB Raul Colon prepares the gangway of the El Yunque for use by fellow crew members. OMU Emanuel Paul places a relief call from the El Yunque engine room (left) while Chief Steward Francis Ostendarp (above) prepares breakfast. Chief Cook Vallejo Hernandez (photo at right) slices meat for the crew’s lunch meal. SL Motivator SA Curtis Spencer (above) prepares a breakfast plate for member of the crew, while Chief Cook Frank Washington (right) puts the finishing touches on an entree at the stove top. UA Joseph Bankhead (below) cleans dishes following the breakfast meal. They are crew members aboard the SL Motivator. June 2008 Horizon Producer Members of the Horizon Producer steward department meet prior to beginning preparation of another meal. Pictured (left to right above) are UA Ronnie Rodriguez, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, SA Marin Martin and Chief Cook Carlos Sanchez. Rodriguez prepares fruit for the salad bar (photo at right), while Martin (below right) cuts butter for the condiment rack. Sanchez (below left) prepares meat which will be used for the meal’s main entree. Seafarers LOG 11 �48717_v3:January 08 5/23/2008 3:27 AM Page 12 AB Ray Harvell AB Ed Osario AB Ruben Gamboa AB Audania Bomar CC Marlon Battad The Maersk-operated and SIU-crewed MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips is underway during SEACAT 2 While Sailing in the South China Sea, Strait of Malacca SA Rosemary Glover AC Norma West SA Deborah Artis 12 Seafarers LOG CB Lamont Faulks SA Gamal Meawad CC Raymond Alexander Recertified Steward Tony Spain Seafarers Assist in Anti-Terro T wo SIU-crewed ships sailing in the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet recently joined a multinational anti-terrorism exercise in the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca. The prepositioning ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (operated by Seafarers-contracted AMSEA) and MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips (Maersk) were the focal points of several training scenarios during the exercise called Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT). Naval forces from the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines participated in the annual exercise in the Malaccan Straits. The straits are notorious for piracy and terrorism activities. The Phillips and Lopez played the role of suspicious merchant vessels during the exercise, which was designed to highlight the value of sharing information in a multinational environment as well as conduct training in maritime interception operations. Combined, the Lopez and Phillips were boarded on five occasions by representatives from four Southeast Asian countries. During the training scenarios, the Lopez transited southwest from Phuket, Thailand, while the Phillips left Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, heading east through the South China Sea. Both ships were destined for Singapore. During the exercise the Asian navies tracked the ships and responded to simulated challenges, such as searching the ships for suspicious cargo or crew members. The exercise is designed to highlight the value of communication and cooperation between navies of different countries. The Lopez and Phillips will also be platforms for U.S. Coast Guard teams to train foreign military personnel, offering techniques for successfully boarding and searching suspicious vessels, according to MSC. Accompanying this article are photos from the Phillips submitted by AMO member Edward McDonnell. Members of the Royal B Brunei Special Forces ( Marines (photo at right) June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:30 PM Page 13 Bosun Bernard Baker AB James Stetter AB Joseph Leeks AB Kenneth McDaniel Recertified Bosun Fred Gongora AB Steve Castle CAT 2008 in the South China Sea. ca rrorism Exercise yal Brunei Special Forces prepare to board a suspect vessel. DEU Kendra Gardner British Royal Marines practice tactics aboard the MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips. QMED Rudy Cunanan ces (photo above) launch a maneuver during SEACAT 2008, while British Royal ight) hone their vessel boarding skills. June 2008 Seafarers LOG 13 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:42 PM Page 14 Crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, the USNS Kanawha (left, shown in a file photo from 2007, alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz) recently assisted in a rescue in the Gulf of Aden. (U.S. Navy Photos) CIVMARS Assist in Gulf of Aden Rescue Members of the SIU Government Services Division on May 4 assisted the crew of a vessel in distress in the Gulf of Aden, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The SIU CIVMARS who took part in the rescue were sailing aboard the MSC fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha. The agency reported that the Dunia, a 49-foot dhow with a crew of 10, experienced a serious engine problem, leaving it unable to operate at sea. The Kanawha, which was nearby, responded. Kanawha engineers went aboard the dhow to troubleshoot the prob- lem. Once they determined repairs would need to be completed ashore, Combined Task Force 150 sent their nearest ship, the USS Shoup, to tow the dhow toward Yemeni territorial waters, close to Al Mukalla, where a tugboat was waiting to bring the small boat pierside. The dhow arrived in Yemeni territorial waters May 6. The Kanawha and the Shoup also provided the dhow’s crew with food, water and medical support during the two days. “The crew of the Kanawha responded in the finest tradition of the merchant marine to come to the aid of mariners in need,” said Capt. James Dolan, the ship’s civil service master. “Many of the crew volunteered to man the rescue boats that delivered food and water to the crew of the Dunia.” Coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical assistance, engineering assistance as well as search and rescue, noted MSC. SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE The guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup tows the 49-foot dhow Dunia after the boat experienced engine problems Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? To help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives the Seafarers LOG—as well as other important mail—monthly, correct home addresses must be on file with the union. Those who recently have moved or feel that they are not getting their union mail, should use the form at right to update their home addresses. An individual’s home address is his/her permanent address. Unless otherwise specified, this is where all official union documents will be sent. Individuals receiving more than one copy of the LOG, those who have changed their address and those whose names or addresses are misprinted or incomplete, should fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union, Address Correction Dept., 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Corrections via e-mail should be sent to kclements@seafarers.org 14 Seafarers LOG HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ______________________________________________________ Phone No.: __________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Book No.: _______ Active SIU Pensioner Other ________________ This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. 6/08 Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:43 PM Page 15 Important Notice Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Accessing CIGNA Network Information Seafarers Plans officials report that some rank-and-file Seafarers and their dependents have experienced difficulties locating and accessing providers for their CIGNA health care benefits, but it’s not because of the network itself. At last month’s membership meetings, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) administrator’s report included a reminder that Seafarers who want to locate providers in the CIGNA network should log on to the web site that is listed on the back of their CIGNA identification cards. That web site is: www.cigna.com/SA-PPO2 Seafarers should note that the second-to-last letter in the CIGNA web address is the capital letter “O” rather than a zero, and the web address is case-sensitive. “It is important that you use this exact web site because we participate in the ‘Shared Administration’ section of CIGNA’s network,” said Maggie Bowen, SHBP administrator. “If you log on to the myCIGNA.com web site, you are not viewing the correct providers for the Shared Administration network.” Bowen said Seafarers also may call 1-800-768-4695 to locate providers in their areas. She noted that the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan also participates in the Shared Administration section of CIGNA’s dental network. To obtain information on dental providers, members should either log on to: www.cignadentalnetworksolutions.com or call a special toll-free phone number. To obtain this designated number, members are asked to contact the Seafarers Claims Department at 1-800-252-4674. Local port agents also can provide the number. Personals Dolores Marcell would like Rex O’Conner to contact her as soon as possible at (718) 874-8476. Viola Yeager, please contact Amanda Lesh at (573) 673-1507. Retired Chief Cook Ms. Suzanne Van Schoor is asked to contact Derrick Crummy. He can be reached at (206) 774-3905 or (206) 679-6209 (cell). Crummy can also be contacted via his e-mail: Lepuffer@yahoo.com. April 16, 2008—May 15, 2008 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals 6 3 5 18 5 15 33 29 2 8 10 31 18 9 3 6 9 3 31 20 1 1 1 5 0 1 4 5 1 0 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 6 5 253 264 38 0 0 4 3 0 12 15 23 0 5 8 17 9 6 1 1 1 1 11 9 1 2 6 5 1 5 18 20 0 3 3 8 17 3 2 2 3 2 10 14 0 0 2 3 2 0 2 1 1 1 0 3 4 2 0 0 1 1 1 3 Joliet ...................................Thursday: July 17, August 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Mobile..............................Wednesday: July 16, August 13 Port Piney Point.............................Monday: July 7, August 4 Algonac ...................................Friday: July 11, August 8 Baltimore..............................Thursday: July 10, August 7 Boston .......................................Friday: July 11, August 8 Guam ...................................Thursday: July 24, August 21 Honolulu..................................Friday: July 18, August 15 Houston .................................Monday: July 14, August 11 Jacksonville ..........................Thursday: July 10, August 7 New Orleans.........................Tuesday: July 15, August 12 New York .................................Tuesday: July 8, August 5 Norfolk .................................Thursday: July 10, August 7 Oakland ..............................Thursday: July 17, August 14 Philadelphia.........................Wednesday: July 9, August 6 Port Everglades ...................Thursday: July 17, August 14 San Juan ................................Thursday: July 10, August 7 St. Louis ...................................Friday: July 18, August 15 Tacoma .....................................Friday: July 25, August 22 Wilmington.................................Monday: July 21, August 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. June 2008 Totals Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 1 17 3 5 29 28 0 7 13 9 15 16 1 0 9 2 23 26 205 0 3 7 10 0 6 22 22 1 3 10 17 14 4 3 7 11 4 23 18 185 0 0 2 0 2 1 4 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 16 0 1 1 7 0 1 21 21 0 2 9 10 5 6 1 2 7 1 16 14 2 2 10 16 2 19 72 49 2 19 23 82 22 36 4 3 11 2 58 46 8 5 7 30 8 19 63 44 5 13 9 60 32 19 5 7 13 8 50 32 5 2 0 9 2 3 8 9 3 2 4 7 6 3 4 0 2 2 13 11 125 481 437 95 0 0 0 3 0 2 7 5 1 1 1 3 3 2 0 0 4 0 6 6 1 0 1 9 0 16 21 23 0 12 11 31 11 11 3 2 4 2 27 19 2 3 10 11 5 8 26 31 2 6 6 24 22 12 6 4 8 3 26 15 1 0 2 4 3 1 2 3 1 1 0 7 7 4 1 0 1 2 5 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 126 125 27 Port July & August 2008 Membership Meetings Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 6 7 2 12 42 26 1 12 10 30 13 17 2 3 9 1 31 29 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 3 8 0 8 19 17 0 2 7 8 5 5 0 0 4 0 9 11 106 1 1 2 4 1 2 12 15 0 3 3 2 9 6 1 0 3 1 6 8 80 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7 43 204 230 53 0 0 1 3 0 1 7 7 0 0 1 6 2 4 0 0 2 0 4 3 2 0 5 9 4 16 33 26 0 6 6 37 7 40 3 4 5 3 28 38 3 2 2 10 1 4 14 15 1 8 7 11 15 8 2 0 2 2 13 10 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 4 8 0 15 15 10 0 3 4 11 6 24 3 4 2 0 12 21 142 2 1 3 9 0 3 10 8 0 2 4 6 10 4 0 0 2 1 5 5 75 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 8 0 15 17 14 0 1 3 12 11 13 2 1 1 0 7 13 118 0 1 2 4 0 2 7 6 0 0 2 6 9 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 44 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 41 272 130 13 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 4 4 3 0 1 1 5 0 3 0 0 1 0 3 4 2 2 3 3 2 8 20 14 0 4 2 26 15 18 0 8 3 0 10 9 3 0 0 4 1 9 11 11 0 1 2 5 8 13 2 6 0 2 6 6 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 2 0 0 3 2 0 4 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 2 2 1 2 17 12 0 3 3 14 12 8 0 8 1 0 9 9 0 0 1 0 0 4 3 4 0 2 0 1 7 1 0 14 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 10 6 0 1 2 13 0 6 0 1 0 0 7 4 7 4 5 8 3 11 31 29 0 9 10 58 28 33 2 6 4 0 29 20 8 0 0 12 1 22 16 28 2 1 4 25 22 25 2 0 1 2 17 23 30 149 90 22 104 40 0 55 297 211 551 613 161 451 413 67 209 1012 1094 372 Seafarers LOG 15 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:35 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory Snapshots from the Santurce Hall Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters The photos appearing on this page show rankand-file Seafarers at various times when they stopped by the union hall in Santurce, P.R. They were shot and submitted for publication in the LOG by Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services AB Juan Ayala René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 AB Enrique Defendini displays the tankerman-PIC certificate he recently earned at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Seafarers gather at the hall to discuss details of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. AB Xavier Alfaro holds his TWIC. HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Bosun Noel Otero stops by the hall after completing a voyage aboard the Horizon Producer. Chief Steward Daniel Herrera and his wife, Amariliz, affectionately pose with their daughter, Danieliz. Bosun Abel Vasquez and son, Azael NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Adalberto Colon OMU Jose Medrano (right) receives his A book from Port Agent Crespo. Recertified Bosun Eric Perez (left), Chief Steward Daniel Herrera PICS-FROM-THE-PAST The photos at right were sent to the LOG by Phil “Flags” Retter of Clearwater, Fla. Both depict the stack of the SS Russell A. Alger as it appeared shortly after the morning hours of New Year’s Day in 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in Antwerp, Belgium. During the early morning hours of that day, a Navy gun crew aboard the vessel spotted and shot down a German Messerschmitt. Before the day ended, the vessel’s stack was painted with a gunner logo, swastika and ME 109 (shown in the upper left portion of the photo at immediate right). Retter was on the vesel at the time and part of the gun crew credited with downing the enemy aircraft. The individual shown in the photo at far right is Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Carmen Feola. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:57 PM Page 17 Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Welcome Ashore DEEP SEA PAUL BURCKHARD, JR Brother Paul Burckhard, Jr., 65, was born in Tacoma, Wash. He joined the SIU in 1970 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Burckhard initially sailed on the Topa Topa as a member of the engine department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Burckhard’s final trip to sea was aboard the El Faro. He is a resident of Lakewood, Wash. ROBERT JOHNSON Brother Robert Johnson, 58, signed on with the union in 1969 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Boston; his last the USNS Fisher. Brother Johnson was born in Staten Island, N.Y. The deck department member enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Johnson lives in St. Augustine, Fla. JOHN SOKOLIK Brother John Sokolik, 65, became a Seafarer in 1986 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Sokolik originally shipped on the USNS Silas Bent. He most recently sailed aboard the Lightning. In 2000 and 2004, Brother Sokolik, who sailed in the deck department, attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. The California native now calls Nampa, Idaho, home. GERALD VAN EPPS Brother Gerald Van Epps, 64, joined the SIU in 1967. His earliest trip to sea was on a Seatrain Lines vessel, where he shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Van Epps visited the Piney Point school in 1973 to upgrade his June 2008 skills. His final voyage was aboard the Patriot. Brother Van Epps resides in Surprise, Ariz. INLAND JAMES ADAWAY Boatman James Adaway, 55, was born in Texas. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Boatman Adaway mainly shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. The deck department member enhanced his skills in 2004 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Adaway calls Lumberton, Texas home. BRUNO KALMETA Boatman Bruno Kalmeta, 55, donned the SIU colors in 1984 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Kalmeta frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Seafarers-affiliated school. He was primarily employed on Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington vessels. Boatman Kalmeta was born in Yugoslavia but now makes his home in San Pedro, Calif. LOUIS LORTZ, JR. Boatman Louis Lortz Jr., 62, first went to sea in 1973 from the port of Baltimore. He mostly sailed aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing of Maryland. Boatman Lortz worked in the deck department. In 1985, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Lortz continues to live in his native state of Maryland. WILSON YANSON Boatman Wilson Yanson, 53, became an SIU member in 1975. He initially shipped with Hudson Waterways Corporation as a member of the deck department. Boatman Yanson frequently upgraded his seafaring abilities at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He was born in Florida. Boatman Yanson most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Island. He is a resident of Panama City Beach, Fla. GREAT LAKES THOMAS PALMER Brother Thomas Palmer, 70, joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of Detroit. He was born in Cleveland. Brother Palmer’s first ship was the Detroit Edison; his last the St. Clair. The deck department member took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school in 1980 and 2003. Brother Palmer continues to call Ohio home. GERALD RIFENBARK Brother Gerald Rifenbark, 65, was born in Michigan. He first went to sea in 1988 from Detroit. Brother Rifenbark initially sailed on the Paul H. Townsend as a member of the steward department. In 2004, he enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Rifenbark’s final voyage was aboard the Susan Hannah. He resides in Interlochen, Mich. MOHAMED SAADI Brother Mohamed Saadi, 62, signed on with the union in 1973 while in Detroit. He originally shipped with Great Lakes Associates. Brother Saadi was born in Arabia. He attended classes on two occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Saadi, who sailed in the steward department, last worked on the American Spirit. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers Log. 1945 Three SIU seamen who risked their lives to save their comrades were recently the recipients of service awards. Paul Irwin Valentine, 2nd cook and baker, and Ensign George E. Baker, onetime OS, were awarded the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal. Only 113 of these citations have been made since the beginning of the war. Fireman William A. Sullivan received the Meritorious Service Medal, one of 11 thus far awarded. Editor’s note: The following brother and sister, both former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. JOANN HICKS Sister Joann Hicks, 71, joined the NMU in 1979, initially shipping from Port Arthur, Texas. She was born in Houston and sailed as a member of the steward department. Sister Hicks first worked on the Pilgrim. Her last vessel was the Delaware Trader. CHARLES PATTERSON Brother Charles Patterson, 58, became an NMU member in 1970 while in the port of Houston. The steward department member was born in Texas. Brother Patterson’s final voyage was aboard the USNS Fisher. the world, died on June 22, 1980 at the age of 65. Brother Paul Hall, whose legendary battles emblazon the SIU’s history with a deep tradition of victory, succumbed after an eight-month fight against cancer. It’s one of the few battles he ever lost. Announcement of his death sent shock waves throughout the American labor movement and the world maritime industry. Union headquarters was flooded with letters and telegrams from the ships at sea and from around the nation. They expressed deep sorrow and regret for the passing of one of the giants of American labor. They also vividly showed the tremendous amount of respect and admiration Paul Hall earned in his lifelong struggle to constantly improve the lives of American seamen. This Month In SIU His tor y 1967 Addressing nearly 300 delegates during the opening ceremony of the SIUNA convention, House Minority Leader Rep. Gerald Ford said of the U.S. Merchant Marine, “We lack both the ships and manpower to respond adequately to continuing international crisis.” Ford pointed out that the crises in the Middle East and in Vietnam show the need for a strong, efficient U.S. Merchant Marine – American-built, American-crewed ships – capable of handling our worldwide military logistic needs. 1980 Paul Hall, the man who built our union with brawn and brains from a struggling organization of 500 seamen into the number one maritime union in 1991 Sixty-five SIU members were part of a contingent of civilian mariners who on June 8 marched down the streets of Washington, D.C. and past President George Bush in the National Victory Celebration Parade to honor Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm veterans. The military invited civilian mariners to participate because of the major role they played in getting materiel to the troops, marking the first time they were invited to march in a parade. An estimated 200,000 parade viewers were on hand. Seafarers LOG 17 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:59 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA MILTON ARMSTEAD Pensioner Milton Armstead, 72, passed away Feb. 5. Brother Armstead joined the SIU in 1964 while in the port of New Orleans. He first sailed on the Tam Guilden as a member of the steward department. Brother Armstead was born in New Orleans. His final trip to sea was aboard the Pioneer Contractor. Brother Armstead went on pension in 1988 and made his home in Houston. EDGAR ARMSTRONG Pensioner Edgar Armstrong, 83, died Jan. 23. Brother Armstrong became a union member in 1951 in the port of Baltimore. He initially shipped on the Calmar; his last vessel was the Developer. Brother Armstrong worked in the engine department. He was born in Maryland but called Vernon Hill, Va., home. Brother Armstrong started collecting his retirement stipends in 1986. LAUREN BRYANT Pensioner Lauren Bryant, 79, passed away Jan. 21. Brother Bryant began sailing with the Seafarers in 1958 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first voyage was aboard the Alcoa Explorer. Brother Bryant was born in Kansas and shipped in the engine department. His most recent trip was on the Tacoma. Brother Bryant retired in 1993. He resided in Washington State. DOUGLAS BURCH Brother Douglas Burch, 52, died Jan. 19. He signed on with the union in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Burch’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Santa Mariana. The Alabamaborn mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Burch’s final ship was the Manulani. He settled in Los Angeles. STEVEN COKER Pensioner Steven Coker, 83, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Coker donned the SIU colors in 1951. He initially sailed on a Doric Shipping Corporation vessel. Brother Coker was born in North Carolina. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Coker last went to sea aboard the Cape Fear. In 1989, he began receiving his retirement compensation. Brother Coker lived in Tarboro, N.C. MICHAEL DIANGELO Brother Michael DiAngelo, 36, died Sept. 4, 2007. He was born in Baltimore. Brother DiAngelo joined the Seafarers in 1989 while 18 Seafarers LOG in Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was on the LNG Libra. Brother DiAngelo most recently shipped in the engine department of the Humacao. He made his home in Pasadena, Md. HARRY KAUFMAN Pensioner Harry Kaufman, 89, passed away Jan. 9. Brother Kaufman became an SIU member in 1951 in the port of New York. The New York native worked in the deck department. Brother Kaufman’s first ship was the Wild Ranger; his last the Patriot. He went on pension in 1983 and called Pahrump, Nev., home. JOHN KNOTT Brother John Knott, 59, died Dec. 3. He donned the SIU colors in 1991 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Knott originally sailed aboard the Cape John. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Knott was born in Maryland. His final trip to sea was on the Sgt. William R. Button. Brother Knott was a resident of Leonardtown, Md. FELIPE LUGO Pensioner Felipe Lugo, 91, passed away Jan. 7. Brother Lugo began sailing with the Seafarers in 1945; his earliest journey was aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Company vessel. He was a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Lugo was employed on the Arecibo. He became a pensioner in 1981 and resided in Puerto Rico. RICKEY MASON Brother Rickey Mason, 33, died Feb. 26. He joined the union in 1995 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Mason initially sailed aboard the USNS Loyal. He was born in Norfolk and worked in the steward department. Brother Mason’s most recent ship was the Marilyn. He still lived in his native city. NICK PALOUMBIS Pensioner Nick Paloumbis, 81, passed away Jan. 29. Brother Paloumbis was born in Greece. He originally shipped with Victory Carriers Inc. Brother Paloumbis sailed in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Adventurer. Brother Paloumbis retired in 1991. He continued to make his home in Greece. ANGEL PASSAPERA JEREMY VAUGHAN Pensioner Angel Passapera, 89, died Jan. 29. Brother Passapera, who was born in Puerto Rico, started his seafaring profession in 1944. Brother Passapera first sailed in the inland division on an Edgewater Terminal Corporation vessel. Before his retirement in 1981, he worked aboard the Horizon Mayaguez. Brother Passapera, who sailed in the deck department, called Puerto Rico home. Brother Jeremy Vaughan, 36, passed away Jan. 28. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Vaughan originally shipped on the USNS Victorious. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Vaughan’s final trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Maremar. He was born in California but called Weymouth, Mass., home. NEWTON RADER Pensioner Newton Rader, 69, passed away Jan. 29. Brother Rader joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1961 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest trip to sea was on the Maui. Brother Rader shipped in the steward department. His final journey was aboard the President Grant. Brother Rader settled in Los Angeles. He began collecting his pension in 1999. ROGER SULLIVAN Pensioner Roger Sullivan, 78, died Jan. 20. Brother Sullivan initially sailed with the union in 1951 on the Pan Atlantic. The deck department member was born in Georgia. Brother Sullivan’s last ship was the Bayamon. He lived in Baltimore and went on pension in 1995. ROBERT THOMAS Brother Robert Thomas, 46, passed away Jan. 2. He became an SIU member in 2001. Brother Thomas was born in Pennsylvania. His first voyage was on the Cape Domingo. Brother Thomas most recently worked aboard the Sagamore as a member of the steward department. He was a resident of Savannah, Ga. EDWARD TRESNICK Pensioner Edward Tresnick, 79, died Jan. 11. Brother Tresnick donned the SIU colors in 1948. His first ship was the Robin Hood; his last the Horizon Consumer. Brother Tresnick was born in Allison, Pa., and sailed in the steward department. He retired in 1990 and made his home in Streetsboro, Ohio. THEODORE WALLACE Brother Theodore Wallace, 80, died Jan. 13. He began sailing with the SIU in 1991 from the port of Philadelphia. Brother Wallace was initially employed on the Maj. Bernard F. Fisher. The New York-born mariner shipped in the engine department. Brother Wallace most recently worked aboard the Integrity. He resided in Baltimore, Md. DAWN WILLIAMS Sister Dawn Williams, 52, passed away May 13, 2007. She became a Seafarer in 1997 while in the port of Baltimore. Sister Williams’ earliest voyage was on the Global Mariner. The deck department member was born in Maryland. Sister Williams’ last trip to sea was aboard the Cape Wrath. She lived in Pasadena, Md. INLAND AMERICUS BELL Pensioner Americus Bell, 71, died Jan. 4. Boatman Bell was an Alabama native. He joined the union in 1990 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Bell was first employed aboard the USNS Chauvenet. He worked in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 2007, Boatman Bell sailed on the Delta Mariner. He called Mobile home. NATHAN FIDINGER Boatman Nathan Fidinger, 51, passed away Feb. 5. He started his SIU career in 1999 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Fidinger originally shipped in the deep sea division aboard the USNS Watson. He was born in New York and worked in the steward department. Boatman Fidinger’s final trip to sea was on an Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning vessel. He was a California resident. JAMES LUPTON Mathews joined the union in 1978. His earliest trip was with Marine Oil Service Inc. Boatman Mathews was born in Currituck, N.C. His most recent voyage was on a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. Boatman Mathews went on pension in 2001 and settled in Grandy, N.C. BILLY PEPPERS Pensioner Billy Peppers, 64, died Jan. 9. Boatman Peppers joined the union in 1977. His first ship was the Seabulk Tanker. Boatman Peppers was born in Arkansas. His final trip to sea was aboard a Higman Barge Lines vessel. Boatman Peppers made his home in Beaumont, Texas. He started receiving his retirement compensation in 2005. GEORGE WOODS Boatman George Woods, 48, passed away Jan. 27. He was born in Texas. Boatman Woods became an SIU member in 1976 in the port of Houston. He primarily sailed on vessels operated by G&H Towing Company. Boatman Woods was a resident of Freeport, Texas. GREAT LAKES CARL HARDEE Brother Carl Hardee, 79, died Jan. 29. He signed on with the union in 1978 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother Hardee mainly worked with Luedtke Engineering Company during his seafaring career. He was born in South Carolina but called Leland, N.C., home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust have passed away. Name Abbington, James Calderon, Wenceslao Carey, Frederick King, Jose Neel, Walter Jr. Santos, Renato Souffront, Luisa Washington, Franklin Age 68 87 75 83 79 87 88 79 DOD Jan. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 11 Dec. 7 Dec. 7 Pensioner James Lupton, 69, died Dec. 1. Boatman Lupton donned the SIU colors in 1970. He was first employed aboard an IBC Company vessel. Boatman Lupton sailed in the deck department. He last shipped with Mariner Towing. Boatman Lupton retired in 2000 and called Oriental, N.C., home. CHARLES MATHEWS Pensioner Charles Mathews, 70, passed away Feb. 28. Boatman June 2008 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:42 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), March 11 – Chairman Anthony J. Sabatini, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Detricke R. Kelly, Deck Delegate Dennis Caballero, Steward Delegate David Vaughn. Chairman asked for suggestions as to how safety award money should be spent. He noted that a new washer is to be ordered to replace the broken one. He also discussed upcoming deadline for TWIC cards and reviewed the process to obtain one. Secretary talked about safety award and reminded crew members that they were still in competition for another award which will be announced in the next few days. Educational director urged Seafarers to watch training videos and take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted their TVs had become loose and broken during rough weather; arrangements to be made to purchase new ones. Next ports: Richmond, Benicia and San Francisco, Calif. AMERICAN TERN (Osprey), March 9 – Chairman Hernando M. Bansuelo, Secretary John S. Greubel, Steward Delegate David A. Brown III. Chairman reported payoff to take place in Port Hueneme, Calif., on March 12. He requested status of wage increases and encouraged mariners to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Secretary stated that stores would be reviewed upon arrival in Port Hueneme. Educational director urged crew to upgrade when possible at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like transformers for every room and installation of non-skid adhesive in showers. Requests were also made for more movies and a treadmill for the gym. Next port: Port Hueneme, Calif. CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), March 14 – Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Richard A. Huffman, Deck Delegate Raymond P. Vicari, Engine Delegate Yahya A. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Curtis W. Williams. Bosun reminded members to clean their rooms before departing vessel and leave keys on desk in room. Secretary reported smooth sailing. Educational director reminded Seafarers to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Concerns were raised pertaining to room temperatures. Crew discussed proper disposal of trash. Next port: Los Angeles. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line, Limited), March 30 – Chairman Edward J. O’Conner, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Steward Delegate Justino Martinez. Chairman noted good trip with no injuries. He discussed TWIC program and supplied crew with copies and details about applying for TWIC card. Sanitary inspection to take place prior to payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. Secretary expressed gratitude to crew members for helping keep ship clean with a special thanks to SA Justino Martinez and Wiper Wadeea Alnasafi for outstanding work. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director surveyed interest in new Seafarers 401(k) plan and talked about the difference between traditional and Roth IRA contribution. Letter received from headquarters was read and discussed. Suggestion was made to lower seatime requirements for medical benefits and lower retirement age. It was reported that a new phone was installed in the crew mess. Bosun thanked steward department for good food and for keeping the cookie jar well supplied. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Houston. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship Company), March 12 – Chairman Joseph J. Olsen, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Lothar Wick, Deck Delegate Terrence X. Carmody. Chairman reported smooth voyage and asked crew to leave rooms clean when getting off vessel. He informed members that ship was getting an updated server and new computers which will offer access to the internet. He encouraged everyone to enroll for the TWIC and reminded The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. With Seafarers Aboard the Seabulk Challenge The SIU-crewed Seabulk Challenge recently made a stop in Piney Point, Md., home of the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. SIU Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift met with crew members and submitted these photos. Pictured left to right are (seated) AB German Guevarra, UA Christopher Gonseth, Recertified Bosun Harold Sebring, SA Ernest Britt, AB Jack Gainers, (standing) AB David Harvey, AB Jose Baltazar, OMU Larry Guerrero, 2nd Pumpman Naveed Khalid and UA Hubert Davis. After meeting with the unlicensed crew, Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (right) is joined by AB Richard Crutchfield (left) and Recertified Bosun Harold Sebring for this photo. them the card must be picked up at the same office where the individual applied. Secretary provided update on steward department personnel. All aboard were reminded that any injury requiring more than basic first aid is subject to drug and alcohol testing. Educational director urged mariners to attend classes at the Paul Hall Center. Crew was reminded to keep all necessary seafaring documents current. Treasurer stated $4,800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made concerning Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2008 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be June 2008 postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2008 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2008. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2008. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is selfaddressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2008 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2009. Shown in the galley are (from left) Chief Steward Tim Dowd, Chief Cook Heath Bryan, SA Ernest Britt and UA Hubert Dennis. information about job descriptions of GVA and (when applicable) third cook. New mattresses are being ordered for crew. Concerns were voiced about food budget and stores. HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), March 31 – Chairman Mark S. Lance, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Charles L. Wharton, Engine Delegate Prentiss R. Smith. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival on April 5 in Tacoma, Wash. He urged members to look into 401(k) plan. Secretary asked crew when using the small washer to not use a lot of soap, or it will not operate properly. Mariners departing vessel were asked to leave room clean for next member. Educational director stated that all rooms should have a transformer; if not, he needs to be informed. Treasurer noted $540 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed seatime requirements to maintain benefits and suggested reducing the minimum number to 120 days. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. INTREPID (Maersk Line, Limited), March 6 – Chairman Abdulla R. Alwaseem, Secretary James E. Harper, Engine Delegate Andrew J. Linares. Crew noted no resolution concerning issues with furniture in crew mess and crew lounge. Chairman stated payoff to take place on March 8 in Long Beach, Calif. He recommended upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Secretary suggested all members invest in the new SIU 401(k) Plan. Treasurer reported $3,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like direct deposit for vacation checks and lump-sum buyout for eligible members. Crew requested clarification on certain work rules for steward department. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. OVERSEAS LUXMAR (OSG Ship Management), March 26 – Chairman Charles H. Foley, Secretary Lovie L. Perez, Educational Director William Pough, Deck Delegate Timothy P. Kauble, Engine Delegate Oscar Ruiz, Steward Delegate Luis Gonzalez. Chairman talked to captain about travel pay to Portugal and was told it should be in the March payoff. He reported a new microwave has been ordered and is expected to be delivered in Houston. Union officials should be arriving aboard the ship in Port Everglades, Fla., to discuss matter involving lack of water. Mariners were asked to keep better track of their OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that lockers on deck have no lights, chief cook needs a new lock on his door and showers surge hot water. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 10:02 PM Page 20 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS MEDICAL CENTER FUND This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964 for the year ended June 30, 2007. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the Plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $(134,986) as of June 30, 2007, compared to $(291,971) as of July 1, 2006. During the Plan year, the Plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $156,985. During the Plan year, the plan had a total income of $649,792 including employer contributions of $478,577, earnings from investments of $133 and other income of $171,082. Plan expenses were $492,807. These expenses included $397,016 in administrative expenses and $95,791 in benefits paid to or for participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. 1. An accountant report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the Plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Plan and the accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the Plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the Plan administrator, these two statements and the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of coping costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR NMU PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually includes important information about the funding level of the NMU Pension Plan, Plan # 001, Federal ID # 13-6592643. This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payment guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007 (2007). Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was 131.48%. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefit payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets of January 1, 2007 was $282,684,901. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $23,112,227. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 12.2. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 12 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal Law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’S guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guaran- tee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x$9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency. Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may write Miriam Bove at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or call at 718-499-6600 ext. 242. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7272). Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 20 Seafarers LOG PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June 2008 �48717_v4x:January 08 5/27/2008 1:10 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months of 2008. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Electrician October 27 December 19 Marine Refrigeration Technician July 21 September 29 August 29 November 6 Pumpman August 11 August 22 Welding July 7 September 1 October 6 November 3 December 1 July 25 September 19 October 23 November 21 December 19 Safety Specialty Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) June 30 July 11 Basic Safety Training/Basic Fire Fighting June 16 June 23 July 21 June 20 June 27 July 25 Fast Rescue Boat June 16 July 14 August 18 September 8 June 20 July 18 August 22 September 12 Government Vessels (Week 1) June 23 June 27 November 14 December 19 Medical Care Provider July 14 September 8 July 18 September 12 September 1 September 12 Tanker Assistant (DL) Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 23 August 4 September 15 October 27 July 4 August 15 September 26 November 7 June 30 August 25 September 22 October 20 November 10 July 11 September 5 October 3 October 31 November 21 Radar September 22 November 3 October 3 November 14 Radar Renewal (one day) June 23 October 27 December 8 June 23 October 27 December 8 August 4 August 25 September 29 October 20 November 24 August 15 September 5 October 10 October 31 December 5 October 14 November 3 Start Date Date of Completion July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 August 1 September 12 October 23 December 5 June 16 October 6 November 17 June 20 October 10 November 21 Celestial Navigation October 20 November 24 GMDSS Course Able Seaman Automated Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) Bosun Recertification Course Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) September 1 November 10 September 26 December 5 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) July 21 September 15 November 10 August 15 October 10 December 5 Fireman/Watertender/Oiler (FOWT) June 16 August 18 October 13 July 11 September 12 November 6 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Machinist July 7 July 21 July 25 August 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began May 26. Steward Recertification Course July 14 August 4 Aug. 18 Sept. 8 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Online “Distance Learning” Courses In addition to the foregoing courses, the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education currently is offering the following internet-based courses: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection, and Shipboard Water Sanitation. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application located on the bottom left portion of this page, and mail it to: Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via e-mail. They are therefore urged to provide their e-mail addresses in the space provided on the application. Applicants should also include the word “online” when listing the courses they wish to take. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and fifty (150) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. U.S. Citizen: Steward Upgrading Courses Home Port _____________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Yes Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ June 2008 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:46 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Chief Cook - The following upgraders recently graduated from this course. Graduating (above, from left) were Edna Jones, Peter Schuetz, Alejandro Nejia, Dawn Johnson, Terrance Sawyer and Leslie McGirt. Their instructor, John Dobson, is second from right in dark shirt. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 701 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 701 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above in alphabetical order) were Ryan Bernal, David Brady, Tony Brinkley, Victor Chevalier, Mitchell Childress, John Curran, Jedrek Funkhouser, Marcus Gramby, Jonathan Johnson, Joseph Loureiro, LaToya Lunford, Matthew Martel, Cory Mulligan, Lazaro Rivera, Ronnie Rodriguez, Keith Rogers, Nelson Velez, Charles Wagner, John Wahl, Nicole Walton and Enoch Winrod. Their instructor, Tom Truitt, is at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STOS - The following upgraders (in alphabetical order) on May 9 completed this course: Seddik Ali, Joselito Beof, Curtrina Duck, Matthew Hojna, Marc Kretzera and Sandy Santiago. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding - The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this class on April 25: Sterling Cox, Norman Hook, Billie Marshall, David McRoy Jr., Travis Moody, Montree Nakwichet, Rodney Payne and Velez Enrique. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing fourth from left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ARPA – Eight upgraders on April 18 completed this 32-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Mark Kane, Todd Keith, Kevin Kirk, W. Tyson Little, Chris Mahannan, Gil Pruitt, William Ray and Christopher Vincenzo. Stacey Harris, their instructor, is at far right. Advance Firefighting - The following Express Marine boatmen (photo above, in alphabetical order) on May 2 completed this course: David Goodwin, Sherwood Lewis Jr., Clifton Potter Jr., Russell Shores, Stephen Stockwell, Timothy Thomas and Jonathan West Sr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tankship Familiarization DL - Sixteen upgraders (photo at left) on April 4 completed their requirements for graduation from this course. Those graduating (in alphabetical order) were Dennis Adjetey, Glenn Agustin, Eric Bridges, Jon Bumgarner, Barry Burns, William Coronacion, Cirico Geonanga Jr., Russell Hayden, Kathleen Kemp, Arnedo Parades, Michael Proveaux, Rolando Salamat, Wilson Trayvilla, Mariette Wright, Joseph Yamson and Cecil Yearwood. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is standing, far left. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2008 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:49 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Water Survival - The following individuals (in alphabetical order) completed this 60-hour course April 11: Paulino Amaya, Terence Bennett, Marcelino Cayabyab, James Copeland, Tash Ismail, Mohammad Khan, Joseph Kranjnik, Nabil Mali, Spencer Reed, Carl Robinson and Jamal Sailan. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is standing, far right. Pumpman - Two upgraders completed this course on April 18. They were (above, in alphabetical order) Dennis Adjetey and Alfonzo Davis. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing. STCW - The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on April 11 completed this course: Khaled Ahmed, Dan Hanlon, Michael Kelley, Randy Knipfer, Howard Randle, Terri Sales, Peter Schultz and Jason Smith. Tankerman PIC Barge - The Crowley Towing boatmen above completed this class April 11. Graduating (in alphabetical order) were David Brown, Nathanial Burkes, Bradley Cunningham, Brian Deedler, Brian Evans, Jeff Johnson, Steve Kearney, Chris Maibaum, Edgar Melendez, Meg Noonan, Dennis Spear, Matthew Tanner, Tommy Thompson, Jeremy Tyler, Greg Wall and Paul Warner. Also completing the course was ASTI Instructor Forrest McGee (standing third from left in second row). Mitch Oakley, the class instructor, is next to Mcgee, in light, collared shirt. Tankerman Pic Barge - Twenty-four upgraders on April 25 graduated from this course. Completing the curriculum (in alphabetical order) were Rigoberto Beata, Eric Bridges, Timothy Cox, Chad Cunningham, Enrique Defendini, Christopher Dickens, Cleveland Foy, Frank Guido, Kenric Henry, Gary Hirsch, James Knute, Marc Kretzer, Sergey Kurchenko, Anthony McNeil, Romualdo Medina, Stephen Morris, Darrin Murray, Victor Nunez, Anthony Pace, Gil Quinines, Angelo Schiraldi, Paul Stardish, David Turinski and Michael Willis. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is pictured at far right, front row. June 2008 Seafarers LOG 23 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:54 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 6 June 2008 TWIC Deadline Changed to April 15, 2009 - Pages 2, 10 Seabulk Trader Overseas Luxmar The Seabulk Trader (bottom left) recently called on the Port of Ft. Lauderdale. Crew members included Chief Steward James Harris and Chief Cook David Coggio (top left photo). The crew also consisted of (photo above, in alphabetical order) Bosun Bobby Coleman, GUDE Moriah Collier, AB Geoffrey Hall, AB Carson Jordan, SA David Marquez and AB Melvin Smalls. Scenes From In & Around The Port Of Ft. Lauderdale The Port of Ft. Lauderdale is the scene of almost non-stop activity in the maritime industry. Rank-and-file SIU members on a daily basis enter and exit the port while doing their jobs aboard union-contracted vessels. The photos appearing on this page--shot and submitted for publication in the Seafarers LOG by Ft. Lauderdale Safety Rep. Kevin Marchand--capture some of that activity. It’s business as usual aboard the Overseas Luxmar. Clockwise from top left Chief Cook Luis Gonzales cleans the grill in the ship galley following a meal while Bosun Winfred Itima, AB Jose Calix and SA Justo Flores conduct a meeting in the dining area. Calix (above right) operates one of the ship’s loading cranes while AB Nelson Montoya (above left) survey’s the vessel deck. Overseas New York Tug Columbia The Overseas New York (above) enters Port Everglades during its maiden voyage. The New York is the newest vessel in the OSG America tanker fleet. OS Carlos Zelaya (left in the inset photo above) and AB Bruce Godfrey meet on the deck of the Tug Columbia. Both are tankermen aboard the vessel. Sea Venture The USS Transport-operated Sea Venture (photo at right) enters Port Everglades, Fla. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES TWIC DEADLINE CHANGES TO APRIL ’09; MARINERS STILL URGED TO APPLY ASAP COMMITTEE SELECTS SEVEN INDIVIDUALS TO RECEIVE 4-YEAR, $20K SCHOLARSHIPS INDEPENDENCE II JOINS SEAFARERS FLEET HOSPITAL SHIP BEGINS MISSION USNS MERCY STARTS 40MONTH HUMANITARIAN DEPLOYMENT MAJESTIC MAY SELL DELTA QUEEN PAUL HALL CENTER’S ONLINE COURSES RECEIVE HIGH MARKS SEAFARERS TO SAIL ON APTLY NAMED ‘SWIFT’ SIU-CREWED WESTWARD VENTURE FIRES WARNING SHOTS IN GULF RECERTIFIED BOSUN SAVES LIFE OF TRAPPED SHIPMATE SIU SHIPS OFFLOAD CARGO FOR ‘COBRA GOLD’ COLUMNISTS CREDITS SIU STEWARD DEPARTMENTS, PAUL HALL CENTER SEALAND METEOR MAKES HISTORIC PORT CALL IN JAPAN ANNUAL STATEMENTS SENT TO SMPPP PARTICIPANTS BOSUN ‘SNAKE’ WILLIAMS DIES AT 80 MAERSK’S ‘DRIVE TO ZERO’ PRODUCES SAFE RESULTS SEAFARERS ASSIST IN ANTITERRORISM EXERCISE CIVMARS ASSIST IN GULF OF ADEN RESCUE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2008 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. 70, No. 6 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2eb8403fcfe26f6b2658cbb6e49024e3.pdf 7eeb839684b391fb3e4910a1297cbee2 PDF Text Text 54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:04 PM Page 1 Volume 71, Number 6 June 2009 2 More Tankers Christened SIU-Contracted Fleet Continues Adding New Tonnage As this edition of the LOG went to press, christening ceremonies were scheduled for the double-hulled tankers Overseas Nikiski (top photo) and Pelican State (directly below). The vessels reflect the steady addition of new tonnage into the Seafarerscontracted fleet. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard built the Overseas Nikiski, while General Dynamics NASSCO constructed the Pelican State. Page 3. Maritime Labor Testifies on Piracy D.C. Events Honor U.S. Mariners The SIU had a typically strong turnout May 22 for this year’s National Maritime Day events in Washington, D.C. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood (right) was the featured speaker at the morning ceremony and at the traditional luncheon. Among those in the group photo below are SIU President Michael Sacco (center), MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Maersk Line, Limited President and CEO John Reinhart and students from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Page 5. Representatives from the SIU and other U.S. maritime unions have taken their united voice to Capitol Hill to call for protection of American-flag ships sailing in dangerous waters. Pictured at a May 20 hearing of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation are (right to left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, AMO Legislative Affairs Director Paul Doell, MM&P Executive Assistant to the President Mike Rodriguez and MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Bill Van Loo. Page 3. Ceremony Recognizes Efforts of Mariners in ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ Medals were presented on May 13 to Seafarers and other rescuers involved in the “Miracle on the Hudson.” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood handed out the awards during a ceremony in New York City. At right, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine (left) congratulates NY Waterway founder Arthur Imperatore (right) and SIU Capt. Vincent Lombardi. Page 4. Scholarship Winners Announced Pages 2, 7 Charter Member Likes Union’s Direction Page 6 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 5:49 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t New Tonnage and Better Days Ahead It has taken a while, but we’re finally starting to read and hear about cautious projections for an eventual economic recovery in the U.S. For example, the White House last month reported on significant progress stemming from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, including job creation and the funding of more than 3,000 transportation construction projects in all 50 states. Some economists are also saying they see hints of a recovery, and Federal Reserve policymakers in late May said they notice “tentative evidence” of improvement. While those reports and forecasts aren’t cause for celebration, they beat the gloomand-doom accounts that have been in the news for so long. There’s still a long way to go, of course, and on balance, things may even get a little worse before they get better. In the SIU, we are well-positioned to ride Michael Sacco out this economic storm. One reason we’re in good shape is because we have jobs in so many sectors of the industry. Just like one of the basic rules of investing money is to diversify, we don’t put all of our eggs in one basket when it comes to employment for the membership. We have jobs aboard deep-sea commercial ships sailing internationally and in the domestic trades. We have jobs aboard privately owned military support vessels and on government-owned ships. We have jobs on the Great Lakes and in the inland sector, including aboard tugboats, dredges, self-unloaders and more. We have jobs aboard passenger ferries and on the only American-flag, deep-sea cruise ship. Obviously, our industry and our contracted operators still are feeling the effects of the rough economy just like everyone else. But we have reason for long-range optimism, and part of the foundation for that belief can be seen in all the new tonnage coming into our fleet. The new tanker programs in Philadelphia and San Diego (for OSG and U.S. Shipping, respectively) are moving right along. Crowley is bringing in new ATBs on schedule. APL is in the process of “flagging in” four ships. In the Government Services Division, new dry cargo-ammunition ships are being added to the fleet. These are just some of the examples reflecting our strength, our diversity and our long-term security. As always, however, the union takes nothing for granted and is constantly working to fulfill our top priority: protecting the jobs and job security of the membership. As I’ve noted in recent months, the SIU has survived tough times in the past and we will survive the current challenges, too. In fact, I believe we will come out of this recession in excellent shape, because we are examining new opportunities for our members. We just have to stay the course. Progress on Piracy, but Work Remains Piracy may be off the front pages of the nation’s newspapers, but it remains sharply in focus for the SIU and for our counterparts throughout American maritime labor. As reported elsewhere in this edition, we have been fully engaged in working to find timely, effective solutions. Inevitably, that work involves meetings and hearings – it’s simply how things get done in Washington. We are in regular contact with our contracted operators and also are communicating with the military and the administration. Some progress has been made. Understandably, for security reasons, not all the steps taken can be reported. But, the successful prevention of attacks against the SIU-crewed Maersk Virginia and USNS Lewis and Clark in late May showed how the beefed-up military presence in the danger zones is working. A number of other attacks also have been turned back since the highly publicized incidents involving the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun back in April. The pirates definitely aren’t out of business, though. They have boarded other ships and undoubtedly will continue trying to attack others. We’re on record as stating that the U.S. military should provide protection for American crews aboard U.S.-flag ships. This seems especially logical when considering that most if not all of our ships in that area carry government cargo. We also understand that other solutions have to be considered in conjunction with military support. Strictly in terms of American-flag ships, one of the more interesting facts to emerge from this situation is that there aren’t very many “low and slow” vessels sailing in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa. For the most part, those are the truly vulnerable ships. Protecting them must be a top priority of this nation, and our union won’t rest until effective protection is in place. Volume 71, Number 6 Rank-and-File Committee Okays SIU’s Financial Records for 2008 Seven SIU members last month reviewed and approved the union’s financial records for 2008, following careful examination of those files in Camp Springs, Md. The Seafarers – who were elected by fellow rank-andfile members to serve on the yearly financial committee – found the records in good order. In accordance with the SIU Constitution, the committee’s report will be read in all ports at the union’s monthly membership meetings and presented for membership approval. The report formally was presented to the SIU secretary-treasurer, also in accordance with the constitution. Serving on the committee following their election at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., were Seafarers Gerard Costello (chairman), Members and officials review some paperwork as the committee wraps up its duties. Tawrence Abrams, Thommie Hampton, DeCarlo Harris, Brandon Maeda, Martin Simmons and Rodger Taylor. In its report, the committee noted, “We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegat- In accordance with the union’s constitution, the yearly financial committee examined the appropriate records last month at headquarters. Pictured above are committee members and union officials (seated, from left) Tawrence Abrams, DeCarlo Harris, Rodger Taylor, Thommie Hampton, (standing) Gerard Costello, Martin Simmons, Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Brandon Maeda and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. ed to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The report also pointed out, “Representatives of the certified public accounting firm who periodically audit the union’s books and records explained their auditing procedures for the checking of the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records. They further discussed with us the overall financial operation of the union. In addition, the secretary-treasurer worked with the committee and made himself and the records of his office available to the committee…. All of said records were, in fact, examined by the committee.” The committee worked at SIU headquarters during the first full week of May. Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the committee. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Awards $132,000 in Scholarships Exemplary Seafarers, their spouses and dependents for more than 50 years have been the recipients of scholarships from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). Members of the SHBP scholarship selection committee took action to continue that tradition April 24 in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, when they chose eight individuals – two active Seafarers and six dependents – as scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year. Each of the two Seafarers will receive two-year scholarships for $6,000 while the six dependents will be awarded individual four-year scholarships for $20,000 in order to attend institutions of their choices. In total, the 2009 scholarship recipients will be awarded $132,000 from the SHBP. This year’s winners are: Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda; QMED Robert Oliveto; Jeffrey Monteiro, son of Deep Sea Engineer Francis Monteiro; Bethany Horner, daughter of inland Captain Arthur Horner; Matthew Taylor, son of inland Captain Rodger Taylor; Jillian Cairco, daughter of retired deep sea Chief Engineer Gary Jarvis; Giselle Bodden, daughter of inland AB-Tankerman Albert Bodden; and Alyssa Rothschild, daughter of inland Chief Mate Robert Rothschild. The scholarship recipients were selected by a group of distinguished professional educators: Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president academic affairs, California State University, San Bernardino; Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College (retired); Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Keith Schlender, University of Toledo; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gustavus Adolphus College; and Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired). See Page 7 for brief biographical backgrounds, scholastic accomplishments and educational goals of each of the above college-bound scholarship recipients. June 2009 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFLCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2009 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The 2009 SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee on April 24 in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, chose eight individuals as recipients of $132,000 in scholarships. After making their selections, committee members joined SIU Assistant Plans Administrator Kitty Eno (third from right in photo above) and SIU Deputy Assistant Plans Administrator Miriam Bove (third from left) for this photo. Committee members (from left) were: ; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gustavus Adolphus College; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Keith Schlender, University of Toledo; Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College (retired); and Dr. Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president academic affairs, California State University, San Bernardino. June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 3 2 More Tankers Christened APL Containership Reflags Under Stars and Stripes The nationwide economic slowdown has not prevented substantial progress in several new-build programs affecting Seafarers, as evidenced in part by christenings that were scheduled to take place in late May and early June. The double-hulled tanker Pelican State was slated for christening May 30 (after press time) at San Diego’s NASSCO shipyard. The vessel is a product carrier built for Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners. Overall, the shipyard is under contract to build nine tankers for U.S. Shipping. Earlier this year, the first vessel in the series – the Golden State – completed sea trials and was delivered. Each tanker in the program will be 600 feet long and 49,000 DWT, with a cargo capacity of approximately 331,000 barrels. They will carry petroleum and chemical products between U.S. ports – commerce that is covered by the Jones Act, which stipulates that cargo moving from one domestic port to another be carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Progress continues on the East Coast, too, where Aker Philadelphia Shipyard was scheduled to conduct a naming ceremony in early June for its latest double-hulled tanker: the Seafarers-contracted Overseas Nikiski. It will be operated by Overseas Shipholding Group, as are the previously built vessels in the 12-ship program (Overseas Houston, Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas Texas City and Overseas Boston). Meanwhile, Seafarers-contracted American President Lines planned to reflag the containership APL Pearl under the Stars and Stripes June 1 in Charleston, S.C. Overall, the company is bringing four ships into its U.S.-flag fleet, with Seafarers filling all of the unlicensed positions aboard two of the vessels (APL Pearl and APL Cyprine) and manning the steward-department slots aboard the two others (APL Agate and APL Japan). Members of the union’s Government Services Division also see ongoing advancement in the military’s T-AKE program, taking place at NASSCO. The shipyard has delivered seven of the dry cargoammunition ships to the U.S. Navy and is under contract to build five to seven additional ships in the Lewis and Clark class. Two of those vessels (the USNS Charles Drew and USNS Washington Chambers) are under construction. The Pelican State underwent sea trials May 13 in San Diego, Calif. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) tells members of a House subcommittee about safety training conducted at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. AMO Director of Legislative Affairs Paul Doell is seated at Tellez’s right during the May 20 hearing. Unions Testify on Piracy American maritime labor has stated its unified position on piracy via a letter to President Obama and through joint testimony submitted at two recent Congressional hearings. Meanwhile, SIU headquarters officials recently participated in anti-piracy meetings with high-ranking U.S. military leaders and government officials. While not ruling out other possible solutions, the SIU, American Maritime Officers (AMO), Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), and Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) essentially told the president and Congress that the best short-term answer to preventing attacks on American-flag commercial vessels is to provide military protection. In the letter to President Obama, the four union presidents (Michael Sacco of the SIU, Tom Bethel of AMO, Don Keefe of MEBA and Tim Brown of MM&P) noted, “We believe that the most effective step that must be taken to prevent further aggressive action against U.S.flag commercial vessels and their crews is for our government to immediately provide U.S.-flag vessels with the force protection necessary to prevent any further acts of piracy against them. There should be no question but that it is the responsibility of the United States government to provide the protection necessary to ensure the safety of life and property aboard United States-flag vessels. When a vessel flies the United States flag it becomes an extension of the United States itself, regardless of where in the world the vessel is operating.” The unions later expanded on those points, first at a May 5 hearing conducted by the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security, and then at a May 20 hearing conducted by the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. At the latter hearing, and in reference to finding practical but timely solutions to piracy, Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) stated, “We want this thing done right, but we want to get it done.” That sentiment is shared by maritime labor and, undoubtedly, by other segments of the industry, too. While some of the steps taken to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa remain closely guarded, it appears progress has been made since the SIU-crewed Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun were attacked in separate incidents in April. At least three U.S.-flag ship operating companies have hired armed guards for their vessels sailing in dangerous waters, and the international military presence there has been bolstered. Several attempted attacks by pirates have been turned back, including one against the Seafarers-crewed USNS Lewis and Clark (see story, page 4) and one against the SIU-crewed Maersk Virginia on May 22. Canadian and Italian naval helicopters turned back the attempted attack on the Maersk Virginia in the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard in mid-May issued an anti-piracy directive calling for updated vessel security plans. The agency also reported that since the attacks against the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun, Continued on Page 13 Training, Drills Pay Off Aboard Liberty Sun The captain and crew of the Liberty Sun said there’s no doubt that preparation – including fire fighting training and shipboard anti-piracy drills – proved valuable when the vessel came under attack April 15 near the Gulf of Aden. “We had practiced what to do in case it happened, and everybody did their job,” said Recertified Bosun Mark Downey. “The guys did great. Everybody knew where to go.” “Everybody pulled their weight, apprentices included, and we had a lot of help from the U.S. Navy,” stated Captain Donald Grosse, the ship’s master. “Our preparations were up to the task.” The incident occurred one week after the highly publicized boarding of another SIUcrewed ship, the Maersk Alabama. In the Liberty Sun’s case, pirates fired bullets and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) but didn’t attempt to climb aboard. “We weren’t expecting RPG fire,” Downey noted. “It sounded like you were in a metal box getting hit by sledgehammers. We figured they might take some potshots at us, but after we’d heard about the threats of violence against the next American crew if they were captured, we June 2009 knew it was more than just the pirates wanting the ship. If they did get on board, they were planning on killing somebody.” While the ship wasn’t boarded, one of the RPGs caused a fire on the Liberty Maritime vessel. Unlicensed Apprentices Ken Stearns and Bill Waldmann used portable extinguishers to put out the fire. “My fire fighting training from Piney Point came in quite handy,” Stearns said in reference to time spent at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. “I think it’s a very good school. The instructors there are top-notch.” Concerning the attack, Stearns observed, “The crew did a good job. I was on the bridge wing at the time…. I think everybody was scared, but it didn’t interfere with what had to be done. It happened fast and everybody did what they were told.” He added that the experience won’t prevent him from continuing with the apprentice program. “Oh, absolutely – I’ll keep going,” Stearns said. “That’s the only reason I got off the ship (so he could return to the school for the next phase of training). I plan on eventually getting my master’s license.” Waldmann said he, too, will move ahead with the program. “Oh, yeah, definitely. I’m not going to let this scare me away,” said Waldmann. “The school is well worth it – well worth the time. It’s a necessity to get the background.” He added, “The training on the ship was helpful. We had practice runs and meetings over what to do. As far as the school goes, going through fire fighting definitely helped, as did learning how to handle the hoses. Luckily, we didn’t have to use any first aid or CPR, but if something had happened….” After the attack, the vessel received assistance from the USS Bainbridge – a Navy destroyer which, ironically, was transporting Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips at that time. The Navy personnel “were great,” Downey said. Waldmann described them as “real nice guys.” Grosse said the Navy’s presence “took a lot of pressure off of us.” The captain added that the attack and the subsequent interaction with the military reminded him of the dangers routine- ly faced by our troops. “They are the real heroes,” he said. “We just had a short experience, but the reality of this existence (coming under fire) all of a sudden became very clear to us. The armed forces have to put up with incoming rounds all the time. My hat goes off to them.” Downey offered special praise for Stearns and Waldmann. “All of the apprentices I’ve sailed with have been good, but I’ve never had ones that performed like these guys,” the bosun said. “They were great and I’d welcome them back any time. Under pressure, they both acted like this was nothing new.” He also commended the work of QMED James Glover, whom Downey credited with going “above and beyond.” Seafarers aboard the Liberty Sun during the attack included Bosun Downey, ABs Thomas Conry, Jimmie Joseph, Tyrone Benjamin, Osnan Arriola and Mohammed Haruna, QMED Glover, GSTU Wilmer Alvarez, GUDEs Hector Guity and Talal Saleh, Recertified Steward Fernando Guity, Chief Cook Carlos Rosales and Unlicensed Apprentices Stearns and Waldmann. Seafarers LOG 3 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 4 New Shipping Boards in Place Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood describes the rescuers as “extraordinary men and women.” Transportation Secretary LaHood Honors Mariners from ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ Dozens of Seafarers were among those honored by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood during a May 13 ceremony in New York cele- SIU President Mike Sacco credits NY Waterway mariners for their heroic efforts. brating the safe conclusion of the “Miracle on the Hudson.” SIU President Michael Sacco was a featured speaker at the ceremony, which took place at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Along with Secretary LaHood, the other speakers included New York Governor David Paterson, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, Maritime Administrator James Caponiti, NY Waterway President Arthur Imperatore and Bill White, president of the museum. SIU mariners from NY Waterway and other personnel involved in the January rescue of passengers and crew from US Airways Flight 1549 received Merchant Marine Outstanding Achievement Medals, presented by LaHood. “I congratulate our NY Waterway crews for a fantastic effort. Brothers and sisters, your lifesaving work helped lift the spirits of an entire nation,” said Sacco. The SIU president also pointed out that “virtually every person who rescued the passengers and crew from US Airways Flight 1549 was a union member. And for the most part, they all received safety training through their union-affiliated schools.” LaHood said of the mariners and other rescue personnel, “These extraordinary men and women woke up on a cold January morning, expecting an ordinary day. Yet by the time they got to bed that night, they were true heroes. Thanks to their bravery and skill, they helped save more than a hundred lives.” All 155 passengers and crew from the downed plane were saved – the vast majority having been picked up by SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries. According to the Department of Transportation, the Merchant Marine Continued on Page 13 Some of the SIU members and officials attending the ceremony are pictured at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which hosted the event. Fourth Arm of Defense Stands Up to Aggression Three recent actions against Seafarers-crewed vessels show that merchant mariners are still on the front line of unrest at sea. When Chinese vessels harassed two surveillance ships in April, it brought the total of Seafarerscrewed ships being bothered by the Chinese to at least four in two months. The latest two were the USNS Victorious and USNS Loyal. Both ships are operated by Maersk Line, Limited. The ocean surveillance ships were conducting routine exercises some 200 miles off the coast of China when fishing boats approached dangerously close. According to the Defense Department, one Chinese vessel closed to within 30 feet of the Victorious. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Williams commented, “The Chinese vessels clearly 4 Seafarers LOG As part of an upgrade to the shipping and registration system, new electronic shipping boards now are in place at the union halls. The modern system is designed to benefit members by saving time and by making more information available to them more quickly than under the old system. Related new equipment at the halls includes not only the shipping boards (the one pictured in the background above is located in Piney Point, Md.) but also scanners, state-ofthe-art computers and faster network connections. Known as SMIS (Seafarers Management Information System), the new system will be further enhanced throughout the year. Business as Usual on U.S. Shipping Vessels The union in late April informed crews aboard U.S. Shipping Partners vessels that their jobs are protected even though the company has filed for a type of bankruptcy called chapter 11. “This move does not affect operation of U.S. Shipping’s SIU-crewed vessels,” Vice President Contracts George Tricker said in a communication to the ships. “It is business as usual aboard the ships…. While I do not mean to minimize the seriousness of a chapter 11 filing, this essentially is a strategic business move designed to help ensure the company’s longterm viability.” In a prepared statement, U.S. Shipping noted, “The voluntary pre-arranged filing allows the company to continue its operations in the normal course through the financial restructuring process, providing uninterrupted service to its customers…. The plan is supported by a substantial majority of the company’s secured lenders and noteholders.” demonstrated unsafe seamanship.” In the case of the Victorious, the crew manned fire hoses and turned them on the Chinese craft without hitting them. In both instances, the Victorious and Loyal crews radioed nearby Chinese military vessels to escort their fishing vessels from the scenes. Meanwhile, civilian mariners were again in the thick of pirate hostility on May 8 aboard the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark off the east coast of Somalia. While the CIVMAR-crewed vessel was transiting north to provide logistics support for U.S. Navy and coalition ships, two pirate skiffs pursued the Lewis and Clark for more than an hour, closing to a distance of approximately one nautical mile. Once shipboard lookouts spotted the two suspected pirate skiffs, the Lewis and Clark conducted evasive maneuvers and increased speed. The ship’s embarked security team also used a long-range acoustical device to issue verbal warnings to the approaching skiffs. The pirates then fired small arms weapons from approximately two nautical miles toward the Lewis and Clark, which fell one nautical mile short of the ship’s stern. The Lewis and Clark continued to increase speed and the skiffs ceased their pursuit of the U.S. ship. According to the Navy, “Despite recent successful pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia, merchant mariners have proven successful as first-line defenders against pirates. Along with Lewis and Clark, a number of merchant vessels have conducted evasive maneuvers and other proactive defensive measures, including embarked security teams, to protect their ships and their cargoes.” In lauding the overall efforts of American Seafarers, the Navy commented in a news release, “U.S. Merchant Mariners have a long and storied history of providing direct support to U.S. military operations ashore. From re-supplying Navy ships at sea to delivering combat cargo to deployed troops in war zones, merchant mariners have played an integral logistics support role in U.S. military operations.” June 2009 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:25 PM Page 5 Retired Navy Vice Adm. Albert J. Herberger (above, left) and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (above, right) were two of the event’s guest speakers. The Smithsonian’s Flag Hall (photo at right) provided the setting for this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony which was jointly sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Maritime Day Cites Mariners’ Contributions The service and sacrifice of members of the fourth arm of defense were honored during National Maritime Day, May 22, in the halls of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s Flag Hall in Washington, D.C. Flag Hall is home of the Star Spangled Banner, the flag to which, during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key penned his poem that became America’s National Anthem. While the Smithsonian hosted the ceremony, it was sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration, and the memorial service and wreath-laying was hosted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The event was held in conjunction with the opening of the Smithsonian’s newest exhibit, “On the Water: Stories from Maritime America,” which is a dynamic depiction of American maritime history. Attendees to the event included an SIU delegation of SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, who stood at attention in a mezzanine section above the ceremony like sentries guarding the memory of the sacrifices of their seafaring forefathers. Lauded at the event were the crew members of the Maersk Alabama who recently thwarted a pirate attack. “These brave Unlicensed Apprentice Antonio Jones (photo at right) places a wreath and then salutes in honor of all U.S. Merchant Mariners. SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (second from right in photo below) chats with students from the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. A contingent of students from the center participated in the the day’s events. June 2009 Americans remind us of the service and patriotism of U.S. Merchant Mariners,” said featured speaker Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “For 76 years, National Maritime Day has stood as a proud reminder to our nation that mariners have put their lives at risk to answer our nation’s call to duty. The Department of Transportation is proud to support these highly trained mariners.” Special guest speaker former Maritime Administrator Vice Admiral (Retired) Albert J. Herberger commented, “In times of war, the U.S. Merchant Marine has a wonderfully rich heritage of service to the nation. By carrying critical supplies and equipment, merchant mariners have provided the essential support to our armed forces and often to our allies. Today, they are supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and delivering food aid to many parts of the world. Their devotion to duty is a tribute to the generations of men and women who have served our nation with courage and determination in every conflict in America’s history.” Also at the heart of the ceremony was the placing of a wreath to commemorate the sacrifices that generations of mariners have made in service to the nation. The wreath ceremony was led by Paul Hall Center student Antonio Jones and featured a single bugle playing the lonely call of Taps in remembrance of those who were lost at sea. Among the union members and officials attending the ceremony were (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, AB Veronica Hernandez, SIU President Mike Sacco and AMO President Tom Bethel. The day’s events concluded at a large gathering at a luncheon jointly sponsored by local chapters of the Propeller Club and the Kings Point Club, where Secretary LaHood expressed the Transportation Department’s vision for the future of the U.S. shipping industry. “U.S. ships opened trade for our nation and DOT sees a growing future. We see a possible increase of projects and shipping in U.S. ports of 50 percent, a growth in industry grants by ten-fold, a strengthened commitment to the U.S. marine highway and making maritime one of the strongest modes of transportation.” National Maritime Day 2009 Proclamation By the President of The United States of America A Proclamation Americans have long looked to the sea as a source of security and prosperity. Bounded by two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, and criss-crossed by a myriad of inland waterways, America’s destiny as a maritime nation was a story foretold. The Merchant Marine took up arms alongside the Continental Navy to help defeat the British Navy during the American Revolution. Since then, they have served bravely as the United States has faced threats ranging from war to piracy, and our seafaring fleet has proven instrumental in protecting our safety. In times of conflict and crisis, the Armed Forces rely on the Merchant Marine’s sealift capability to transport critical equipment and supplies. Time and again, mariners have demonstrated their willingness and ability to meet daunting challenges. Waterways have also enabled much of the commerce that has expanded America’s economy. Domestic and international commerce occurred along rivers and coasts even before our Nation’s birth. Great cities have sprouted near waterways, and maritime activity remains crucial to our economy today. The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the many other workers who have supported the maritime industry have made significant contributions to our leadership in the global marketplace, and to our security. On this National Maritime Day, we also mark the opening of a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution, “On the Water.” It demonstrates the importance of the maritime industry and chronicles our history as a maritime nation. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2009, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance by honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. BARACK OBAMA Seafarers LOG 5 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 6 Charter Member Says SIU Remains on Right Course acquired by the Navy and converted to a As a teenager in Port Everglades, Fla., mine-layer. He helped organize one of the Jack Johns often watched the seemingly union’s first contracted companies: Peninsula giant merchant ships sail away, past the horiand Occidental Steamship, which sailed veszon. sels between Florida and Cuba. “I used to wonder where those big ships “We use to run overnight trips,” Johns went,” recalled Johns, a charter member of remembered. “Havana was a nice town then, the SIU. “All of a sudden, I got on one and with all the casinos. A rum and Coke then went with it.” Johns, 88, signed aboard with the union in was 25 cents.” After initially sailing as a civilian mariner December 1938 – about two months after the in World War II, Johns found himself in the SIU received its charter from the American Federation of Labor. He would spend the bet- Navy, where he sailed as bosun’s mate. He served aboard destroyers at D-Day and durter part of the ensuing half-century as a ing the launch of the Seafarer, first as a atomic bombs. rank-and-file member Immediately, after in the deck departthe war, Johns returned ment and then from to the SIU. He sailed the mid-1950s to the with various unionearly 1980s as a union contracted companies official. Along the including Waterman, way, he served at difA.H. Bull Line, ferent times during Calmar Steamship, World War II in both Victory Carriers and the U.S. Navy and Isthmian Lines (which U.S. Merchant Marine he also helped orga– he was at Normandy nize). Encouraged by on D-Day. He walked then-SIU President his share of picket lines, too, which he Retired Seafarer Jack Johns, pictured out- Paul Hall, he came described as “rough side the union hall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., ashore in 1956 and says the SIU’s progress throughout its his- worked in different and tumble, but we tory is remarkable. positions under Hall really won out.” and Bull Shepard, one Where the SIU is of the founders of both concerned, it’s not the SIU and the school in Piney Point. much of a stretch to say Johns has seen it all, Johns was based in Baltimore when the including an up-close look at the founding of southern Maryland training facility project the union’s affiliated training center in Piney came to fruition in 1967. His proximity to Point, Md. He remains involved with the Piney Point and his work duties afforded him union today, regularly visiting the hall in Ft. a good look at the challenge of building a Lauderdale, Fla., in addition to serving as an officer with the local chapter of the American maritime school on what had been a Navy torpedo-testing facility. Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV). “It’s unbelievable what the school has Asked what motivates him to stay active with the union, Johns replied, “I’m just trying become and what it has done for the SIU,” he stated. “It’s a miracle, really, and the to help everybody I can help in the SIU, same thing is true for the SIU when you look which I’ve tried to do all my life.” at how everything has improved over the years. Challenging Start “Today’s members probably don’t know This won’t surprise anyone even loosely familiar with the early 20th century merchant how lucky they have it – the pay, the features aboard ship,” he continued. “But it marine, but Johns confirms that in those looks like they’re doing real good and they days, making a living at sea meant low pay have a good future.” and less-than-ideal surroundings. Johns added that he wouldn’t change “We had nothing at the beginning, really,” much about his career if given the chance. the former bosun noted. “The living condi“I’d go through the same thing,” he said. “I tions were rough. Eventually, we started getwas just a young kid when I started…. It was ting paid overtime. That was a big deal.” what I wanted to do in life. I worked for the Johns first sailed as an ordinary seaman union and they took good care of me.” aboard the Estrada Palma, a car carrier later Notice TWIC, MMC Reminders April 15 was the deadline for mariners to have obtained a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). That date also marked the roll-out of the new merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC), a passport-style document which over the next five years will be phased in as a replacement for the current z-card/merchant mariner document (MMD). Following are some reminders concerning the TWIC and MMC. ■ If you currently hold a merchant mariner document/credential, you are required to obtain a TWIC. ■ If you do not currently hold a merchant mariner document/credential but plan to get one in the future, you will be required to obtain a valid TWIC in order to secure the mariner credential. ■ When applying for a TWIC, identify yourself as a merchant mariner. This should help to avoid delays in processing MMC applications (whether originals, upgrades, renewals or endorsements). ■ Mariners will need to ensure that the biographical information they supply to the TSA during the TWIC application process is the same information included on the Coast Guard merchant mariner credential application. This is important as the Coast Guard will be comparing data from TSA to determine if mariners hold a valid TWIC. ■ Mariners do not need to rush to get an MMC. The rationale for the fiveyear phase-in period is that, starting April 15 (earlier this year), when mariners renew or upgrade their z-card, or when mariners new to the industry apply for a credential, they will receive the MMC. The MMC program does not affect the legitimacy of currently valid z-cards/merchant mariner documents. It also eliminates the need for mariners to appear in person at a Coast Guard regional exam center (REC), provided they have applied for a TWIC. Mariners do still have the option to go to an REC. ■ To protect the personal information of mariners, in October 2008 the Coast Guard removed the mariner’s Social Security number from all the credentials issued after that date and replaced it with a “mariner reference number” generated by the agency’s merchant mariner licensing and documentation (MMLD) system. While the Social Security number is still collected on a credential application, it is not printed on the credential and it is not used internally by the Coast Guard when processing the application. When a mariner applies for an original credential for the first time, they will receive a mariner reference number and an application identification number. The mariner reference number is unique to the mariner and will not change during subsequent credential transactions. Mariners wishing to check the status of their application on-line via the Coast Guard’s Homeport portal (http://homeport.uscg.mil) will need to use their mariner reference number and the application ID number. ■ The phone number for the TSA’s TWIC Program Help Desk is 1-866-DHSTWIC (1-866-347-8942), while the e-mail address is Credentialing@dhs.gov. ■ The phone number for the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center is 1-888IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662), while the web site address is http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/ ■ To begin the application process for a TWIC, visit the TSA’s website at: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/twic/index.shtm Company Issues Statement About Hawaii Superferry In early April, the top official at Hawaii Superferry issued a statement after the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that a state law allowing the high-speed catamaran to operate was unconstitutional due to issues related to environmental impact studies. The statement by President and CEO Tom Fargo read in part, “We would like to extend our gratitude to the more than 250,000 customers who have voyaged and booked with us and to all who have supported our service. I am especially grateful to the businesses that have sailed with us and now have apparently lost an economical alternative…. “This is a difficult time for all of us. Our employees have been nothing but stellar in their dedication to our company and in their service to our customers and our community. I have been impressed with the commitment of our team in executing with great detail and energy all of our procedures to properly address environmental concerns and provide our passengers with the best customer service. “As I mentioned [earlier in April], we are hugely disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision that Act 2 is unconstitutional. After a year of operations, including a successful winter season, we looked forward to the upcoming spring break with great energy and enthusiasm. 6 Seafarers LOG “The problem before us today is there appears to be no short-term solution to this ruling. To conduct another EIS, even with the work done to date, and move it through legal review might take a year or so. Other options don’t provide the certainty necessary to sustain a business. “As a result, we are going to have to go out and find other employment for Alakai, for now. “Obviously, this is not even close to our preferred outcome. We have believed from the start and continue to believe that there is a clear and unmet need for an inter-island high speed ferry system for the state. My hope, our hope, is that the conditions will eventually be such that we can realize that vision in Hawaii.” In mid-May, the court denied the state’s motion to reconsider its earlier ruling. According to news reports, the ferry has returned to Mobile, Ala., where it was constructed. Meanwhile, the state is proceeding with the environmental impact study. Ironically, after the court’s initial ruling, Hawaii Superferry won an award from the local chapter of the American Marketing Association (for best marketing of a new product or service). The new merchant mariner qualification credential (above and inset) is a passport-style document. June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 7 SHBP Awards $132,000 in Scholarships A panel of professional educators in April selected two active Seafarers and six dependents as recipients of scholarships provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). A total of $132,000 was given during this year’s scholarship program. Two Seafarers were awarded $6,000 scholarships for study at a four-year college or university. Each of the six dependents received $20,000 grants to pursue their educational aspirations. Following are brief biographical sketches of each scholarship recipient as well as recaps of their respective educational goals. Brandon Maeda Recertified Steward Brandon Maeda is the recipient of one of two scholarships designated for active Seafarers. A native of Honolulu, Maeda is a 1974 graduate of 71st High School in Fayetteville, N.C. He joined the union in 1982 and has since been sailing in the deep sea division as a member of the steward department. Nine years following his initial voyage aboard the SS Independence and on the advice of a friend, Maeda made his way to Piney Point for upgrade training. “I finally made it there (Piney Point) in 1991 and it became a turning point in my life, one of the best experiences I have ever had,” he said. “I’ve been back many times and became a recertified chief steward in 1996.” Brandon Maeda Maeda has been sailing for 23 years. “In a way, I grew up in the SIU…. I went from a young adult to middle age and have had a great life because of the union,” he continued. “I have never regretted my decision to become a Seafarer and will always cherish my time at sea and the wonderful people I have met along the way. “Now I would like to take on the challenge of becoming a registered nurse,” he continued. “Becoming a nurse would afford me the opportunity to give something back to the community and the Seafarers. Hopefully, I can still sail as a nurse or medical person aboard one of the (union-contracted) ships.” Maeda currently is enrolled in a nursing program at the College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus. He hopes to graduate at this year’s end with an associate’s degree. As of the time he submitted his package to the scholarship selection committee, Maeda already had finished his prerequisites and completed his first year in the school’s ADN program. He did so while achieving a 3.9 grade point average. “Because I am an older student, the pathway to success hasn’t always been easy,” he shared. “There were plenty of adjustments that had to be made.” Maeda has had to sail for one year at a time and then attend college the following year. “For example, in 2006, I attended spring, summer and fall classes and completed all my prerequisites with the help of my scholarship and money I had saved. I sailed for most of 2007 to replenish my savings and attended college again in 2008, sailing only during the summer months. “College is all about hard work and achievement and that’s something I have never been afraid of,” he concluded. Following his graduation from the College of Southern Maryland, Maeda hopes to attend Vila Julie College in Stevenson, Md., where he plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in nursing. Robert Oliveto QMED Robert Oliveto is the second active mariner selected to receive an SHBP scholarship. A 2002 graduate of Moultonborough Academy in Moultonborough, N.H., he joined the SIU in 2004 in Piney Point. Oliveto’s goal is to become a marine engineer. Following his graduation from the Paul Hall Center, the Loconia, N.H.-born mariner sailed as a wiper aboard the Alaska Tanker Company-operated Alaskan Frontier. “After working in the engine room for only four months, I was hooked,” he said. “There were so many things going on at the same time.” He specifically recalled an Robert Oliveto instance when engineers were performing maintenance on one of the vessel’s main diesel generators. “This was a very important task because the diesel generator produces power for the propulsion,” Oliveto said. “As I watched and helped out where instructed, I got to see all the moving parts.” Having caught a glimpse of this aspect of the generators and the details of the vessel’s main engine components, Oliveto became even more fixated with the idea of working in the engine room permanently. Returning to Piney Point in 2005, Oliveto completed the FOWT course. Next up was four work tours aboard the S/T Denali followed by a second stint on the Alaska Frontier where he still works. In an effort to realize his goal of becoming a marine engineer, Oliveto in December 2007 applied for admission to the Maine Maritime Academy. After submitting his application package, though, he discovered that he fell short of the institution’s academic requirements for acceptance. June 2009 “I was a little let down, but at the same time I wanted to know what requirements I needed,” he said. “The e-mail I received (from the academy) listed four classes: algebra II, trigonometry, college prep physics and English composition.” After going online and researching local community colleges that offered the courses he needed, Oliveto found an institution to his liking. On the downside though, he ended up having to take introductory algebra before he could enroll in intermediate algebra, which meant that he now had a total of five required classes. He enrolled in an intro as well as a college prep class and completed them both during the winter. He completed intermediate algebra during his summer vacation. Next, he would launch his assault on college physics and trigonometry. Although he found it challenging, he completed physics with flying colors and acquired a solid foundation for trigonometry, which he began in March. “I have mailed all transcripts for the three classes that I have taken so far to the academy,” Oliveto said. “I currently have a provisional acceptance letter to attend classes as a fulltime student this fall.” He concluded by saying that he has worked extremely hard to get into the marine engineering program. Oliveto also credited the union for the tremendous role it has played in his life so far. “I feel that that SIU has been there for me since day one at Piney Point,” he said. “It has helped me to develop the essential skills I’ll need as I pursue my goal: responsibility, teamwork and hard work.” Jeffrey Monteiro Jeffrey Monteiro was born in Hackensack, N.J. A 2009 graduate of Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, N.J., Jeffrey is the son of engine-department Seafarer Francis Monteiro (and mother, Dorothy). Monteiro’s dream is to someday make a difference in the lives of those who have not been fortunate enough to have experienced many of the privileges he himself in years past often took for granted. “My parents have always reminded me that I am privileged to have the life that I claim as my own,” said the 18-year-old, who Jeffrey Monteiro has applied for admission to Boston College, Seton Hall University and Stonehill College. “Their words, however, never really struck me....until the spring of my sophomore year when my mother planned a short spring vacation to India to visit my grandmother and extended family that I received the life-altering experience necessary for me to reach great heights,” he said. As Monteiro exited the Mumbai Airport, he noticed a woman dressed in tattered garments lying on a sidewalk. A few feet away sat the woman’s child who was naked, crying and continuously being bitten by horseflies. “Despite the child’s plea for help, the people exiting the airport—myself included—made no attempt to help him. He was simply ignored.” Jeffrey said that during the remainder of his stay in Mumbai, he noticed that in general, every beggar was ignored. “The thought (of their plight) began to eat away at my conscience the longer I remained there,” he said. “One day as my mother and I were walking to church,” he continued, “a physically deformed boy asked me for money. I felt compelled to give him money, but my mother shook her head and told me later that many of the children begging for money are usually forced to do so by someone who provides them with food and shelter.” These providers, Jeffrey’s mother told him, subsequently misuse the money they obtain from the children for drugs or alcohol. “The brutal reality of the situation began to sink in,” he said. “Even if I did give money to that child, it would not have has a lasting effect and in most cases it would do more damage than good.” When he returned home, he said the experiences he had stomached with the poor of Mumbai have scorched his mind. “My failure to help them now serves as a catalyst for me to aid others less fortunate whenever possible,” he said. “I have been become involved in multiple volunteer institutions such as BRIDGES and Habitat for Humanity. Also, I collect books, toys, school materials, clothing and arts and crafts for children in Zambia.” Jeffrey said he also has developed a keen interest in an organization known as Invisible Children which promotes awareness for the children who are caught up in the middle of a government conflict in Northern Uganda. “My desire to help those less privileged than me is something I plan on implementing in my future career,” Monteiro concluded. “After achieving success in the business world, I hope to one day have my own organization and return to Mumbai so I can give the impoverished the opportunity to reach heights which they think are unattainable.” Bethany Horner Bethany Horner is a 2009 graduate of Clarkston High School in Clarkston, Mich. The daughter of inland Captain Arthur Horner (mother Beth is a registered nurse), she graduated in the top 12 percent of her class which numbered more than 600 students. In addition to excelling in the academic arena while in high school, Horner made her mark in extracurricular activities. “I loved high school from the very beginning and I soon became a very involved member of my student body,” she said. “My most important achievement had to be my involvement in the Clarkston High School’s drama program. In total, Horner was involved in eight drama productions during her high school tenure and won numerous awards along the way. In her estimation, the most meaningful recognition corralled was the Clarkston Foundation’s Performing Arts Award, which she claimed first Bethany Horner as a freshman, then as sophomore and finally as a senior. More important than the awards, however, were the positions of leadership bestowed upon her while participating in the drama program. “The titles of drama club president, musical theater camp director, crew chief, lights chair and pyro technician were my greatest accomplishments,” she said, “because they demonstrated that not only adults believed I was a strong leader, but also my peers.” In addition to drama, Horner during her scholastic years also was intensely involved in what she labeled her favorite tradition. “Every summer, beginning when I was seven, I would attend a camp that meant the world to me,” she said. “Finally, when I was old enough (the end of her sophomore year in high school), I was able to volunteer as a counselor for the camps. “My hope was that I could provide children with the same wonderful experiences I had when I was a camper,” Horner continued. She initially signed up for only one week of service at a camp for girls, but when that was over, she decided to give a bit more. “I immediately signed up as a volunteer at the boy’s camp for a week and then Camp Ozanam—a camp entirely for underprivileged children—the week after,” she said. When the camps were over, she had accumulated three weeks of service and logged some 200 hours as a volunteer. “No number can be assigned to how much I learned during those three weeks and there is no way to describe how much the experience affected me,” she said. “But I will say that is was the most inspiring experience of my life and I am a better person because of it.” Horner’s ambition is to become a nurse. “I was accepted to Michigan State University in East Lansing which has been a dream of mine for a very long time,” she said. “I will be majoring in nursing and anticipate graduating in the spring of 2013. “Being a nurse means so much to me and I believe it is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world,” she concluded. “I want to help the sick get better and perhaps one day volunteer in a foreign country assisting people who suffer as a result of limited access to quality healthcare.” Matthew Taylor Matthew Taylor was born in Philadelphia but now makes his home in Mt. Ephraim, N.J. A 2007 graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, N.J., Matthew is the son of inland Captain Rodger Taylor (mother Patricia is a revenue agent). Taylor was an exceptional student in high school, amassing an overall 3.69 grade point average. He was a Dominican Scholar during his four years at Gloucester Catholic—a first in the school’s history—and as a junior was selected for membership in the Marion Chapter of the National Honor Society. A year later as a senior, he was elected as the society’s vice president. Matthew served on the school’s student council and also was involved in a host of communiMatthew Taylor ty service projects including Habitat for Humanity (school chapter president), Volunteers for America and JusticeworkX. Additionally, he represented his school at Model United Nations. Following his graduation from high school, Taylor enrolled in Washington, D.C.’s Catholic University where he remained for one semester. In January 2008, he transferred to LaSalle University in Philadelphia where he is majoring is public administration. Taylor recently completed his sophomore year at LaSalle. So far, he has posted an overall 3.45 grade point average. He is president of his fraternity (TKE), holds membership in the Young Democrats Club and the National Honor Society and is a member of the university’s student council. In the athletic arena, Taylor participates in rugby, cross country, track and swimming. “My goal is to continue working hard and studying during my years at LaSalle University,” he said. “I hope to earn both a bachelor and master’s degree in public administration.” Both Taylors gained national prominence in August 2008 when they, along with two ferry crew members aboard the Freedom Ferry, rescued a woman in distress in the Delaware River. The senior Taylor at the time was captain of the vessel while Matthew was a deckhand. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, within minutes of seeing the distressed woman, the Taylors and SIU Deckhands Zack Tannoia and Kevin Fisher had teamed to safely extract the woman from the water, administer first aid and transport her to shore. Local fire and rescue personnel arrived a short time later and transported See Committee, Page 11 Seafarers LOG 7 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 8 More Majority Sign-Up Myths Debunked Employee Free Choice Act Would Allow Workers to Choose Voting Method Naysayers opposing the right to majority sign-up at the workplace – an already accepted method which would be enhanced through enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – claim the legislation would ruin the economy, among other myths. Recent studies and news items have exposed some of the untruths broadcast by foes of the EFCA. For instance, a University of Illinois study found no union coercion against employees in firms that used majority signup when determining whether to unionize. The report, released last month by University of Illinois Professor Robert Bruno, analyzed data from public sector workers in Illinois for six years and found that out of more than 21,000 people who joined unions through majority sign-up (a process sometimes referred to as “card check”), there was not a single proven case of union or employer intimidation. The report states, “In brief, from 2003 to 2009, 21,197 public sector workers employed in state, county, municipal and educational institutions voluntarily joined a union. Most importantly, contrary to business claims, in nearly 800 petition cases, there was not a single confirmed incidence of union coercion.” “Today’s report shows that corporations are throwing more lies to keep workers from forming unions,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “Workers form unions to bargain for a better life, not because of outside intimidation. Workers need the majority sign-up provision because it gives workers the choice of how to form a union, not corporations.” According to the findings, the lack of intimidation on either side also shows that when there is a clear path to forming a union, the workplace as a whole functions more smoothly. The report concludes, “As is true in so many other policy areas, on the subject of union representation the states are incubators for new ideas and practices. Illinois has demonstrated that a majority authorization petition can genuinely determine the will of the employees to be unionized and provides a functional, largely non-adversarial and event-less process for insuring a fair work environment for everyone.” According to Bruno, the Illinois state law is very similar to the proposed EFCA majority sign-up provision. The report, commissioned by the United Association for Labor Education, is the first part of a nationwide report which analyzes similar state laws. Majority sign-up is a process by which workers may choose union representation, provided more than half of the employees sign authorization or pledge cards – and provided the employer honors the selection. Under current law, the employer still can force a National Labor Relations Board-run election, even after a majority of workers signs cards indicating they want to be represented by a union. The AFL-CIO and other labor organizations indisputably have proven that in many cases, employers use the time leading up to an election to harass, intimidate and possibly even fire pro-union workers. The EFCA would rectify this situation by guaranteeing union representation when a majority of workers signs authorization cards. In other words, the bill would let the workers – not the employer – decide if and how they select union representation. Other components of the EFCA address issues such as employers stalling in negotiations for a first contract. In other news concerning the legislation, American Rights at Work, a think tank devoted to employment research, recently noted there is general consensus among economists that unionization is linked to reduced turnover. The organization also reported that businesses are working with unions to help reduce turnover via training and career development. Taking it a step further, American Rights at Work pointed out that whereas many small businesses may not be able to afford formalized employee training, many unions already have programs at their disposal – programs which arguably would benefit the employer. Also according to American Rights at Work, many businesses are turning to unions to help pool their workforces with others in health care programs because of better services and reduced costs in union-affiliated plans. Businesses, especially small ones, find it good for employee retention and quality, the organization reported. The EFCA has been introduced in the current session of Congress, and President Obama has stated he will sign it into law if given the chance. Ground Broken for National Workers Memorial M o n u m e n t S p o t l i g h t s ‘ I m p o r t a n c e o f Wo r k p l a c e S a f e t y ’ Labor leaders and workers from around the U.S. gathered at the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Md., to honor America’s fallen workers on Workers Memorial Day, April 28. During the ceremony, officials read the names of deceased workers and broke ground for the college’s planned worker memorial. The memorial – tentatively scheduled for completion by September – will commemorate the more than 5,000 workers who are killed on the job each year and the more than 50,000 who die from occupational illness and disease. During the ceremony, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis told the crowd of about 300 there is no doubt that knowledgeable workers have a safer workplace and there is no more knowledgeable group than union workers. “It is appropriate that we dedicate this memorial at the National Labor College,” she said. “Not only will this calm and quiet spot serve as a gathering place to pause and remember the men and women who have lost their lives while pursuing their livelihood, but it will serve as a reminder to future labor leaders about the importance of workplace safety.” The open-air memorial will be centered on the college’s campus and will feature paver bricks that individuals and groups can ensure are included in the memorial’s The memorial will include blank bricks replaced over time, one by one, with other bricks engraved with the names of fallen workers. 8 Seafarers LOG Officials participating in the groundbreaking included (left to right) AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, CWA-AFA President Pat Friend, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, National Labor College President William Scheuerman, UMWA President Cecil Roberts, OPCMIA President Patrick Finley, UFCW President Joe Hanson and BAC President John Flynn. design by donating to the project and its upkeep. The bricks will carry the names of fallen workers as a tribute to their contributions and sacrifices. Thinking of the families and shipmates of fallen Seafarers, the SIU has contributed to erect a granite bench at the memorial. The SIU bench will honor the sacrifices of Seafarers who have served as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. When completed, the inscription on the bench will read, “Dedicated to members of the Seafarers International Union. In memory of the thousands of Seafarers who have given their lives on the job. Since our founding, SIU members have served our troops and our country in every conflict, always answering their call to duty. Seafarers also serve this nation by transporting vital commercial cargo to and from our shores. Their courage and sacrifices shall not be forgotten. 1938-Present.” Solis was joined by National Labor College President William E. Scheuerman, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, United Mine Workers President Cecil Roberts and other union officials and members as well as college faculty, students and staff who were on hand for the groundbreaking. “Today, what working people are establishing on the campus of the National Labor College is a lasting tribute to those workers who lost their lives simply trying to make a living,” said Sweeney. “Through the efforts of this college, the union movement and all those who work to improve health and safety conditions on the job, we will continue to fight to ensure that workers are able to return home alive and well, every single day.” Solis also announced the sponsoring of an engraved brick in honor of Department of Labor Employees who gave their lives in service. According to an AFL-CIO annual report, on an average day, 15 workers lose their lives as a result of workplace injuries and disease, and another 10,959 are injured. Originally founded by the AFL-CIO in 1969 as the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, the center became the National Labor College in 1997, offering bachelor’s degrees in labor studies disciplines and union skills courses. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an independent, regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information about the memorial go to the following web site: www.nlc.edu/alumniCommunity/workers_memorial.html Maritime Labor Backs Bill Addressing Medical Evaluation Process, Fatigue The nation’s maritime unions, the SIU included, have expressed support for Sen. Frank Lautenberg’s (D-N.J.) bill S. 685, which calls for improvement in the medical review process for merchant mariner credentials by establishing a national registry of medical examiners. The legislation calls for a medical review system based on a network of physicians similar to that used successfully in other transportation modes. It also would task the Coast Guard in assessing the role that workload, manning levels and fatigue have on safety and accidents. Senator Lautenberg is the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security (and an ardent supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine). In a letter dated April 22 and addressed to the senator, the maritime unions said the provisions in the bill “are extremely important to American merchant mariners and will, in our opinion, greatly enhance the Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) health and wellbeing of American seafaring personnel and the safe operation of American vessels of all types.” The unions also commend the legislation as being a step forward in helping end delays in the medical review process and in determining the physical fitness of mariners. An amendment suggested by maritime labor would increase the range of medical examiners authorized to conduct mariner medical evaluations in order to accommodate mariners who don’t reside near doctors who would be included in a national registry of qualified medical examiners under S. 685. Another amendment would assure the right of appeal for mariners found unfit for duty in some or all capacities during the medical evaluation process. In addition to the SIU, representatives from the following unions signed the letter: American Maritime Officers; InlandBoatmens’ Union of the Pacific; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Local 333, United Marine Division, ILA; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Marine Firemen’s Union; and Sailors’ Union of the Pacific. June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:35 PM Page 9 Letter To The Editor Letters may be edited for conciseness and clarity. Submissions may be mailed to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or e-mailed to webmaster@seafarers.org Credit to Maersk Alabama Crew April 9, 2009 Having lived for 74 years, today was one of my proudest days to be an American and former mariner, when I read that an American-flagged ship with 20 unarmed American citizens took on the lawless pirates off the coast of Somalia. They did what hundreds of crews of foreignflag ships did not do. I have no knowledge of the Maersk Alabama or its crew, but past experience tells me that they are from all across our country, all having different backgrounds and all members of unions with the common goal of protecting the ship and its cargo. My heart and prayers are with these fine seafarers and their families, and I hope there are no casualties. I also hope that their action prompts action by international or American authorities, as Presidents Jefferson and Ford took with U.S. Marines against pirates in the 1800s and 1970s. Meanwhile, the American spirit and ingenuity live. Remembering Brother Adams Fellow mariners aboard the El Faro recently memorialized the late Recertified Bosun John T. Adams as they scattered his ashes at sea while the vessel sailed between Puerto Rico and Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Adams, 69, passed away March 14. He was a graduate of the old Andrew Furuseth Training School in New York, where he signed on with the union in 1959. He started his maritime career as a porter aboard passenger ships. A U.S. Army veteran, he retired in 1995 – 20 years after completing the bosun recertification course in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Expedition. Franklin K. Riley Jr. Chico, California Honoring Capt. Pete Johnson Horizon Lines Recognizes ‘Heroes’ Seafarers-contracted Horizon Lines recently praised the work of two SIU members and an officer who went “above and beyond the call of duty” aboard the Horizon Trader. For their efforts, Recertified Bosun Tony Mercado, Electrician Tom Flynn and Chief Engineer Paul McCarthy were hailed as “Horizon Heroes.” The title is part of a new employee recognition program. Honorees receive gift cards as tokens of Horizon’s appreciation. According to an article by the company’s corporate communications office, the Horizon Trader was sailing to San Juan, P.R., when the ship’s 10 cm. radar scanner failed. Flynn and Mercado then “scaled the radar mast in 20-plus knot winds to unbolt and bring down the motor assembly for repairs,” the article notes. “The motor assembly, which weighs approximately 35 lbs., houses the gears that keep the horizontal antenna turning at a precise speed. The antenna detects and monitors objects on the water and nearby land, yielding precise range and bearings critical to a safe voyage.” The nearest replacement part was in Japan, so Flynn fabricated and reinstalled two new bushings in the unit. “With the full repair completed, Flynn and Mercado then hoisted the assembly back into position and re-bolted it atop the mast, allowing the Trader to continue on course without any delays,” the company pointed out, adding that the entire operation “was truly a cooperative effort among the crew.” April Data Shows Unemployment Growing Earlier this year, the union presented Pacific-Gulf Marine CEO Todd Johnson (right) with a shadow box containing elements designed in tribute to Todd’s father, the late Capt. Pete Johnson, who passed away late last year. The shadow box features a printed sentiment expressing the union’s respect and appreciation for Capt. Johnson (who founded Pacific-Gulf Marine), and components of his honorary SIU book. Presenting the item to Todd Johnson prior to the Maritime Trades Department meetings in Florida are SIU President Michael Sacco (center) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. The recession continued its steady march in April. The U.S, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported unemployment rose by another 563,000 Americans in April, which translates to an unemployment rate of 8.9 percent. Overall, according to government data, 13.7 million Americans were out of work. The recession, which is now the longest in the post-World War II period, has eliminated more than five million jobs. The Labor Department also reports that the number of Americans collecting unemployment compensation has climbed to 6.35 million, the fourteenth straight record. Additionally, the recession continues to batter homeowners as government statistics show that nearly 804,000 homes received at least one foreclosure-related notice within the first three months of 2009. 30 Seafarers Complete Maersk Safety Session Thirty SIU members last month finished a twoday safety “boot camp” hosted by the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education for Maersk Line, Limited. The gatherings are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to sustain and improve workplace safety. They are attended by shipboard personnel and shore-based Maersk employees. Graduating from the May 5-6 safety boot camp (and among those pictured at right) were the following Seafarers: Mark Pearson, Alice Kwasnjuk, Daniel Wehr, Bryan Maddox, Terry Smith, Nathan Lamb, Moses Mickens, Michael Carello, Army Joe Leake, Nathan Elliot, Edward Villanda, Eufemiano Gomes, Maximo Lacayo, James Brockington, Stephen Katel, Robert Engelhart, Soreno Berame, Raymond Alexander, Jervona Vorise, Elwyn Ford, Daniel Heintz, Jimmie Robles, Luisito Antolin, Walter Matt, Ronald Scintilla, Donald Dabbs, Gary Dewitt, Hugh Wildermuth, Bryan Fountain and Hanapiah Ismail. June 2009 Seafarers LOG 9 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:36 PM Page 10 MEETING IN ALGONAC – The group photo at left shows Seafarers attending the March membership meeting at the hall in Algonac, Mich. That same day, SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (left in photo above) swears in Scott Wake (right), who received his full membership book. Snapshots from Around the SIU WELCOME ASHORE – Ft. Lauderdale Safety Director Kevin Marchand (left) congratulates QMED Emanuel Paul on his retirement. The Seafarer is shown in late April picking up his first pension check. “Emanuel has been a dedicated member for many years, and I know I speak for the entire Brotherhood of the Sea in saying we all wish him nothing but the best in retirement,” Marchand noted. PRAYERFUL SUPPORT IN HOUSTON – Before the April membership meeting at the Houston hall, Father Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member, leads fellow Seafarers in a specially written prayer of blessing for the spiritual and physical healing of mariners from the Maersk Alabama. The Houston meeting took place April 13 – one day after Capt. Richard Phillips had been freed by U.S. Navy SEALS, and five days after the Alabama had been attacked by pirates. MEMBERS GATHER IN NEW YORK – Playing a friendly game of dominoes at the New York hall (photo at left from the left) are Seafarers Efrain Moreira, Ernest Martinez, Reynaldo LaCayo, Mario Clotter and Mauricio Arriola. CRONAN CREDITS TRAINING – John Cronan (standing at microphone) sailed as third engineer during the recent, highly publicized pirate attack on the Maersk Alabama, but he definitely hasn’t forgotten his SIU roots. A graduate of Trainee Class 379 at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Cronan attended the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., where SIU President Michael Sacco asked if the hawsepiper would like to address the audience. Cronan noted that in addition to completing the trainee program and upgrading courses, he also earned his high school diploma through the Paul Hall Center. He described the overall training as “priceless” and added, “This school set me right.” PRIDE AND PARTICIPATION AT PETTY’S ISLAND – Seafarer Robert Weinhardt Jr. submitted these photos of fellow members at Petty’s Island. Taken in late March, two of the photos show members voluntarily donating to the Maritime Defense League. The other (above, right) features Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) congratulating Seafarer Frank Lyons on his last day of work heading into a well-earned retirement. In a follow-up note to the LOG, Weinhardt wrote, “We have been walking around our terminal with a deep sense of pride and dignity as fellow SIU members since the Maersk Alabama incident.” He cited the “absolute professionalism, quality training and sense of brotherhood” that he says exists not only among the Alabama mariners but throughout the organization. Petty’s Island is located in the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 10 Seafarers LOG June 2009 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:29 PM Page 11 Committee Awards SHBP Scholarships to Eight Individuals Continued from Page 7 the unidentified woman to Thomas Jefferson Hospital, located about five blocks away. Captain Taylor said that when he first maneuvered the ferry into rescue position, one of the deckhands threw a life ring into the water, but the woman didn’t respond. Matthew then jumped into the river to save her, just as she appeared to be going under the water. Jillian Cairco Jillian Cairco hails from Henderson, Texas. She is the daughter of retired deep sea Chief Engineer Gary Jarvis (and of mother Betsy). Born in North Carolina, Cairco attended A. Beka Academy in Pensacola, Fla. She graduated recently and posted an overall grade point average of 4.03. While in high school she was very active in civic and church organizations in her community. She served as vice president of the Rusk County (Texas) Library’s Teen Advisory Board and did volunteer work at the Henderson Civic Theatre, Henderson Inner-City Church Jillian Cairco Ministry and the Rusk County Library. Jillian also gave of her time to the Salvation Army in Henderson and worked full time at a Henderson tax service business. Cairco hopes to have a successful future in the film production and theatre arena. To this end, she has applied for admission to Savannah College of Art and Design, in Savannah, Ga. If accepted there, or at other institutions at which she is still contemplating applying, she will pursue a dual major: film and television and performing arts. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve been attracted to the fine arts,” she said. “As a small child in South Carolina, I spent the majority of my time performing in church plays, cantatas and creating artistic masterpieces on our home’s kitchen table.” Shortly after moving to Florida when she was eight, Jillian auditioned for “The Wizard of Oz” at a community children’s theater. Her audition was successful and “I was cast as the Wicked Witch of the West,” she said. “After opening night, it was official that I had fallen in love.” Her passion toward the stage flourished during and throughout the years that followed as she traveled the world and matured. “I assumed theater was going to be my future,” she shared. “That was before I wrote, edited, directed and filmed my first short film at the age of 15. To me, watching all of my hard work coalesce and seeing my story being told on screen was as rewarding as a standing ovation in theatre.” Taking her past into perspective—especially her fond memories about the arts with respect to creating and performing—Jillian said her plans for her future were virtually predetermined. “When it came time to apply for college, I knew I wanted to do something that I loved,” she said. “And there was no hesitation as to just what that was: film production and theatre.” At this point, Cairco says that she has no firm idea as to what her specific career path will be, based on her college majors. “But I do have one goal and that is to inspire,” she said. “I aim to be able to weave a story powerful enough that is inspires audiences towards progression. “To change the world would be an admirable but ridiculous aspiration,” she concluded, “but to influence just one person would be a dream come true.” Giselle Bodden Giselle Bodden is the daughter of inland AB-Tankerman Albert Bodden (mother Trixie is an ultrasound technician). Born in Dade County, Fla., she has two siblings. Giselle is a 2009 graduate of Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce, Fla. She ranked 28th in her class of 201 students while amassing an overall 4.62 grade point average. Giselle is a member of the National Honor Society, the International Thespian Society and is an inductee to the National Honor Roll. Extremely active in extracurricular activities, Bodden was vice Giselle Bodden president of her 11th grade class, a member of Lincoln Park’s student government, the captain of her school’s dance troupe and a member of her school’s 2008 prom committee. Additionally, she held membership in the Save Darfur Club, Beta Club and Relay for Life. Bodden someday hopes to have a career in multimedia. To date, she has applied for admission to Florida State University, New York University and Savannah College of Art & Design. Giselle and her family moved from her place of birth to Port St. Lucie when she was 11 years of age. “The move caused me to become more in touch with my creative talents,” she shared. “I spent much time writing stories and poems to ease my boredom during the first few months of the move.” After enrolling at Lincoln Park Academy for her eighth grade year, she decided to remain there for her entire high school experience. “I aspire to attend the film school at Florida State University,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to own and operate a multimedia production company, but I essentially wish to become a documentary and mainstream film director. “Every man has his own perspective of the world and I believe it can be shared through media,” Bodden suggested. “I want to share my perspective in order to compel change in society by revealing truths. “I want to use my vision to impact the lives of others,” she concluded, “even if it is in a minor way. Alyssa Rothschild Alyssa Rothschild hails from New City, N.Y., and is the daughter of inland Chief Mate Robert Rothschild SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FUND, INC This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246 for the year ended July 31, 2008. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the Plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan was $327,255 as of July 31, 2008, compared to $677,570 as of August 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $350,315. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $7,639,604, including employer contributions of $7,543,674, gains of $1,912 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $94,018. Plan expenses were $7,989,919. These expenses included $446,264 in administrative expenses, and $7,543,655 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. ■ An accountant’s report; ■ Financial information and information on payments to service providers; June 2009 ■ Assets held for investment; and ■ Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, telephone number (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $12.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and the accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U. S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC, or to obtain a copy from the U. S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. 20210. (mother Sandra is teacher). She is a 2009 graduate of Clarkstown High School North in New City. Alyssa ranked 179 in her class which numbered 380 and finished her requirements with an overall 3.02 grade point average. She served as editor and reporter on her school’s newspaper and was a member of the Clarkstown High fencing team. Rothschild held membership in the Bella Alyssa Rothschild North and Help Our Planet Clubs, sang in her high school chorus and mentored ninth grade students during her junior and senior years. Additionally, she was a member of Clarkstown High’s Superintendent Advisory and served as class treasurer while a sophomore. Alyssa did volunteer work at the Sunrise Assisted Living facility. Rothschild’s goal is to become a registered dietician. In pursuit of that objective, she has applied for admission to the University of Connecticut, Simmons College and Northeastern University. As an adolescent, Alyssa suffered through extreme weight fluctuations due to an undiagnosed metabolic disorder. “I gained a shocking 40 pounds in two months and my self esteem was completely shot,” she shared. “My doctor who once accused me of eating nothing then accused me of eating everything…. He claimed that I was a closet eater.” Rothschild’s mother refused to accept the doctor’s evaluation and decided to seek a second opinion. She forwarded the results of one of Alyssa’s blood tests to one of her friends—an adolescent pediatrician—for analysis. This professional examined the results and came to the conclusion that Rothschild’s weight problem was the result a metabolic disorder. “It all finally made sense,” Alyssa said. “Everything that happened to me could be explained and, better yet, treated to make me my dream self again.” The recovery plan laid out by the pediatrician worked and life again looked positive for Alyssa—an outcome she admitted thinking would never happen again. “In the 11th grade, I went back to being me,” she said. “My weight stabilized and I was no longer bouncing around.” Rothschild’s grades took a radical spike and she began posting A’s and recording 100’s on tests. “I no longer thought I was stupid,” she said. “Instead, I realized that I am smart and intelligent.” Alyssa said that she’s now back to the person she once dreamed she would be. “In high school, I became everything,” she shared. “I was the smart girl, the stupid girl, the thin girl, the fat girl, the happy go-lucky girl and the sad girl. But in the end, I’m just the extraordinary girl who’s ready for the next challenge in her life. “I’m ready to move on and go to college – one that has a dietetics program,” she concluded, “because it is my dream to become a registered dietician.” SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2008. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $9,810,009. These expenses included $1,022,768 in administrative expenses and $8,787,241 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 2,819 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $122,240,712 as of July 31, 2008, compared to $130,306,177 as of August 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $8,065,465. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets that is, the difference between the value of the Plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $1,744,544, including employer contributions of $32,420, losses of $885,495 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $2,588,830 and other income of $8,789. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. ■ An accountant’s report; ■ Financial information and information on payments to service providers; ■ Assets held for investment; ■ Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets; and ■ Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, who is the administrator, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco CA 94107, (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $17.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC, or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG 11 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:39 PM Page 12 The Independence II (photo at left) docks in Baltimore. The vessel (photo above) is part of a program that boosts U.S. national and economic security. With Seafarers Aboard the Independence II The SIU-crewed Independence II is a car carrier that has been part of the union-contracted fleet since May 2008. Operated by American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC), the ship was built in 1994. It is 653 feet long and can sail at up to 18 knots. OMU Gilberto Baltazar When the Independence II reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, General Norton Schwartz called it an important addition to the nation’s “arsenal of democracy.” (General Schwartz, now U.S. Air Force chief of staff, was the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command at that time.) That sentiment very much remains true today, as the ship is enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The MSP has been a key element of America’s economic and defense security since its enactment in 1996. The U.S. Maritime Administration describes the MSP as “a fundamental element of the U. S. maritime transportation system, providing an active, privately owned, U.S.-flag and U.S.crewed liner fleet in international trade which is available to support Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency…. These vessels are modern, efficient and militarily useful commercial dry cargo vessels which can support national security requirements and maintain a competitive U.S.-flag presence in international commerce. The MSP helps retain a labor base of skilled American seafarers who are available to crew the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war.” The photos on this page were taken in late April in Baltimore. Bosun Rafael Clemente (left in photo above), AB Mark Cordova and AB Ferdinand Lugo prepare cargo to be loaded aboard the vessel. A car carrier, (photo below) the Independence II was built in 1994. Recertified Steward Hazel Johnson (photo at left), SA Melany Rivas (above) and SA Shantay Joquin (photo at right) do a masterful job ensuring that members of the crew consume nutritious meals. 12 Seafarers LOG June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:36 PM Page 13 Professor Has Maritime Documentary in Works A college professor whose father and uncles were NMU members is putting together a television documentary about mariners of color, and the SIU is assisting in the effort. Dr. Denise B. Santiago, who teaches anthropology and is the director of multicultural affairs at Pace University in New York, started the project in 2004. At that time, though, she envisioned it as a book, possibly about merchant mariners in Puerto Rico. For various reasons the undertaking changed course, and Santiago reached out to the SIU. Last month, she and her colleague Al Santana, a veteran documentary filmmaker, visited the union’s headquarters building (located in Camp Springs, Md.) and its affiliated training facility (based in Piney Point, Md.). They conducted interviews with retired NMU officials Rene Lioeanjie and Charles Stewart, SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and rankand-file members who were with the NMU before that union merged into the SIU in June 2001. (Lioeanjie was the NMU’s fourth president while Stewart was vice president. Both became SIU vice presidents after the merger.) “My father’s travels and stories subconsciously nurtured my desire to learn about cultures – hence my career in anthropology,” Santiago noted. “I decided to initiate this documentary because it is an important part of history, particularly among people of color, which has not been documented.” She anticipates the finished product will be ready by the end of this year. The documentary likely will air on PBS and may also have an international distribution. Anyone interested in contributing stories or financial support to the documentary may contact the professor at dsantiago@pace.edu Rene Lioeanjie, the NMU’s fourth president (right in photo above), sets up for his turn on camera while Professor Denise Santiago (left in photo at far left) interviews retired union official Charles Stewart (right). Al Santana (center in same photo) mans the recording equipment. Among other topics, the documentary will examine the NMU’s history. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left in photo at immediate left) explains some of the mechanics of the 2001 merger of the NMU into the SIU. U.S. House Votes to Thank Maritime Labor Addresses Piracy WWII Merchant Mariners Continued from Page 3 U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, last month announced that the full House of Representatives approved H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009. The House approved the legislation on May 12. The bill next will be considered by the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The legislation would establish a Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund and allow qualifying mariners to receive monthly payments of $1,000 out of that fund. Individuals eligible for payments would be those who, between Dec. 7, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946, were documented members of the U.S. Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service). Officials from the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) are urging the bill’s sup- porters to contact their senators and President Obama to ask for their backing. Filner noted, “I have been fighting for more than a decade to provide merchant mariners of World War II the thanks they deserve for their forgotten service – not just in words, but in deeds. This Congress is once again on the precipice of correcting a grave injustice heaped upon the gallant men of the merchant marine of World War II. These heroes were not granted veteran status until 40 years after the War. We are here today to rectify the improper denial of G.I. Bill benefits and to find a way to compensate them, more than 60 years later, for their heroic deeds.” U.S. Rep. William Delahunt (DMass.) stated, “Those who served in the merchant marine risked their lives to make sure our troops would have the food, fuel and ammunition to fight and win the war. This legislation gives them the long overdue recognition they deserve.” Crews Receive Recognition Continued from Page 4 Medal for Outstanding Achievement recognizes individuals who have made extraordinarily valuable contributions to the merchant marine. In all, 72 civilian mariners who participated in the rescue of the passengers and crew from Flight 1549 received medals. Seven representatives from companies and private vessels involved in the rescue effort joined LaHood and other officials on stage to receive medals in the official ceremony: SIU Capt. Vincent Lombardi, NY Waterway; Scott Keon, M/V Lt. Michael P. Murphy; Captain Ed Werber, Circle Line; Robert Giordano, New York Water Taxi; Greg Hanchrow, Staten Island June 2009 Ferry; Captain Kenneth Poesl, Ken’s Marine; and Glenn Miller, Miller’s Launch. Meanwhile, a week after the ceremony, NY Waterway mariners were back in the news thanks to another successful rescue. Seafarers aboard the Admiral Richard Bennis (which also was involved in the Miracle on the Hudson) saved four local men whose 19-foot fishing boat overturned May 19. According to news reports, two of the four men weren’t wearing life jackets, and one couldn’t swim. Capt. Kurt Hansen and Deckhand Tom Lennane pulled them from the water within minutes. Speaking later to local reporters, Hansen credited the regular safety training that NY Waterway crews receive for manoverboard scenarios. Coast Guard units, working with the U.S. Navy, “have made four interdictions, resulting in the apprehension of at least 30 suspected pirates.” In their testimony to the two subcommittees, the unions thanked legislators for their support while also emphasizing the need for prompt, effective action. Citing the successful outcomes of the Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun sagas – both of which relied on military support – the unions noted, “This is important not only because no American ship, cargo or crew member was lost but because our country unequivocally demonstrated that we will protect our U.S.-flag fleet, which contributes to the economic, political and military security of the United States. Our country cannot allow pirates to force the U.S. flag off the high seas or to drive American citizens out of our industry. All too often the role that our organizations and the United States citizen merchant marine officers and crew we represent play in protecting the economic security of our nation and supporting the Department of Defense and our troops overseas is overlooked. Without a United States-flag merchant fleet and without the American [mariners] who sail aboard these vessels, our armed forces overseas would be dependent on others for the supplies, equipment and other cargo they need to do their job to protect America’s interests. Consequently, we are extremely disappointed that the Department of Defense has apparently decided not to accept primary responsibility for protecting United States-flag vessels and their U.S. citizen crews.” The unions continued, “We do not disagree that there is a limit to any government’s resources – even America’s. In fact, due to the vastness of the area to be covered – and the areas of threat are continually growing larger – our Navy and the coalition of other navies currently positioned in the Gulf of Aden region may simply not have the resources to provide all the protection necessary to prevent and stop every attack. “Nor do we disagree that private industry must and should assume some responsibility. But, it is in our opinion naive at best to believe that private industry does not need and deserve the U.S. government’s help. Simply having the Department of Defense respond to an attack, rather than working in concert with private industry to prevent attacks, is not enough to properly assure American mariners that their government stands ready, willing and able to protect them from attack by pirates.” They further noted that the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) of the International Chamber of Commerce recently reported that compared to the first quarter of 2008, piracy incidents have almost doubled in the first quarter of 2009, from 53 to 102. According to the IMB, this increase is due almost entirely to increased pirate attacks off the Gulf of Aden and the east coast of Somalia. The unions went on to say that they realize the root of the problem lies in the political and economic conditions within Somalia. Because of that instability, there is no quick, perfect solution to the attacks at sea. Further, they noted, the situation calls for “a coordinated international effort” rather than one solely driven by the United States. “But while the world works to confront the root causes of piracy, it is critical that the United States and the rest of the world act to address piracy itself – to develop an international approach that entails uniform response procedures when pirates are discovered in waters near a vessel; that includes a uniform approach to protecting vessels and crews; and which covers the prosecution for piracy and penalties for those convicted. We also believe that all flag nations, including those which do not have military forces to contribute to this effort, must therefore participate in this effort financially. They should pay their fair share to help offset the cost of protecting their flag vessels that the United States and other countries will incur.” Turning to the subject of possibly arming the civilian crews, the unions said, “We categorically reject the notion that this should be considered the best or even a primary solution to the problem of piracy or that it is ‘the answer’ to the threat posed by pirates. Rather, we believe that to the degree this option is considered – and we believe it must be considered – it should be considered as only one part of an overall, comprehensive response. Even then, it should entail no more than a few highly trained individuals who, as determined by the ship owner and master, have extensive training and expertise in the use of weapons and that only these few individuals have access to the arms. Conversely, we do not believe that an individual should have access to arms aboard the vessel simply and exclusively because he happens to hold a certain rating or license.” They also pointed out that existing law prevents mariners aboard commercial ships from carrying arms – a statement echoed in others’ testimonies. During a question-and-answer session at the May 20 hearing, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez told the subcommittee that hundreds of Seafarers have completed Military Sealift Commandapproved small arms training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. However, being trained in safe use and handling of firearms is “a different story” compared to knowing the rules of engagement, he noted. In that regard, piracy presents a unique and wide-ranging set of challenges. Seafarers LOG 13 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:36 PM Page 14 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS’ MEDICAL CENTER FUND This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964 for the year ended June 30, 2008. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $(24,014) as of June 30, 2008, compared to $(134,986) as of July 1, 2007. During the Plan year, the Plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $110,972. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $616,512 including employer contributions of $483,529, earnings from investments of $228 and other income of $132,755. Plan expenses were $505,540. These expenses included $411,528 in administrative expenses and $94,012 in benefits paid to or for participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. ■ An accountant’s report; ■ Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and ■ Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, 730 Harrison St., Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the Plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Plan and the accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the Plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the Plan administrator, these two statements and the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U. S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice includes important funding information about your pension plan (“the Plan”). This notice also provides a summary of federal rules governing multiemployer plans in reorganization and insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008 (referred to hereafter as “Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The funded percentage of a plan is a measure of how well that plan is funded. This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the valuation date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and 2 preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2008 January 1, 2008 151.11% $7,954,211 $5,263,805 2007 January 1, 2007 142.17% $7,977,823 $5,611,333 2006 January 1, 2006 138.14% $8,087,142 $5,854,244 Transition Data Annual Funding Notices for plan years prior to 2008 contained a Funded Percentage based on the applicable law at that time. The funded percentage for plan years prior to 2008 was called the “funded current liability percentage”. The Plan is providing you with comparable information that reflects the funding status of the Plan under the law in effect prior to 2008. For 2007, the Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” was 134.9%, the Plan’s assets were $7,977,823, and Plan liabilities were $5,914,126. For 2006, the Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” was 136.4%, the Plan’s assets were $8,087,142, and Plan liabilities were $5,928,474. Fair Market Value of Assets Asset values in the chart above are actuarial values, not market values. Market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of a given point in time. However, because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values for funding purposes. While actuarial values fluctuate less than market values, they are estimates. As of December 31, 2008, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,061,480. As of December 31, 2007, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $8,143,400. As of December 31, 2006, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $8,253,399. Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 949. Of this number, 289 were active participants, 553 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 107 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding and Investment Policies The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries who are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning various types or categories of investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 40% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Interest-bearing cash 4.11 2. U.S. Government securities 23.60 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred 13.11 All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred 0 All other 29.50 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 0 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 0 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 0 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 0 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 31.61 14 Seafarers LOG 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other 0 0 0 -1.93 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the US Department of Labor an annual report (i.e., Form 5500) containing financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, 301-899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. For more information about the PBGC and benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-4007242). June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:37 PM Page 15 Personal Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Alicia Rios is looking for Albert Rios or any mariners who sailed with him during his career. Rios sailed from 1942 to 1969 and was born in Colorado or Michigan. Alicia may be reached at (801) 414-8468. June & July 2009 Membership Meetings Piney Point.......................................Monday: July 6, August 3 Algonac ............................................Friday: July 10, August 7 Baltimore.......................................Thursday: July 9, August 6 Guam.........................................Thursday: July 23, August 20 Honolulu ........................................Friday: July 17, August 14 Houston.......................................Monday: July 13, August 10 Jacksonville...................................Thursday: July 9, August 6 Joliet...........................................Thursday: July 16, August 13 Mobile.....................................Wednesday: July 15, August 12 New Orleans......................................Tuesday: July 14, August 11 New York.........................................Tuesday: July 7, August 4 Norfolk..........................................Thursday: July 9, August 6 Oakland .....................................Thursday: July 16, August 13 Philadelphia................................Wednesday: July 8, August 5 Port Everglades ..........................Thursday: July 16, August 13 San Juan ........................................Thursday: July 9, August 6 St. Louis .........................................Friday: July 17, August 14 Tacoma ...........................................Friday: July 24, August 21 Wilmington.......................................Monday: July 20, August 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention Seafarers It Takes A 4-Letter Word To Be Heard CONTRIBUTE TO SPAD June 2009 April 16, 2009 - May 15, 2009 Port Total Registered Total Shipped Trip Registered On Beach Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Reliefs Class A Class B Class C Deck Department 2 3 0 1 2 7 4 12 1 5 6 5 38 27 22 15 4 3 5 1 5 4 44 13 14 16 20 6 1 5 0 3 4 7 26 11 2 0 26 18 226 162 Engine Department 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 7 0 7 4 0 1 1 1 4 4 0 15 14 1 16 11 1 1 0 0 3 2 0 2 0 2 8 10 4 7 9 0 10 4 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 2 4 1 14 11 0 0 0 0 8 11 14 100 98 Steward Department 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 1 2 6 2 0 2 3 1 4 2 0 17 4 2 12 2 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 4 4 0 27 6 4 7 7 0 20 4 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 2 0 0 1 0 12 3 13 126 46 Entry Department 4 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 5 8 0 5 0 0 0 2 0 3 8 7 9 9 0 5 1 0 0 3 0 4 2 0 4 7 4 16 12 1 10 6 3 9 1 0 1 71 0 7 2 0 1 6 5 10 0 0 1 10 4 5 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 5 1 4 13 1 9 49 31 4 17 9 43 15 9 2 1 2 25 3 31 274 7 2 8 15 5 5 35 26 6 5 8 18 22 13 3 7 9 27 7 25 253 1 0 1 7 0 1 10 6 1 1 3 4 4 2 1 7 0 2 1 3 55 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 0 0 5 9 1 6 11 16 1 5 4 24 11 10 1 2 4 13 3 11 137 5 0 5 7 2 4 16 14 1 3 10 9 15 7 1 4 9 24 2 13 151 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 1 0 2 10 2 9 22 16 1 7 5 15 9 26 0 2 0 16 1 25 169 6 0 2 6 2 1 6 7 0 2 4 8 6 3 0 1 1 4 2 5 66 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 2 7 1 4 0 0 0 6 0 3 11 0 5 8 1 5 24 17 0 4 9 25 16 14 0 9 1 18 2 12 TOTAL 31 181 152 24 Totals All Departments 611 651 234 476 2 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 0 1 6 0 1 1 2 25 1 0 1 4 0 1 28 15 2 4 4 14 6 7 1 0 3 15 0 15 121 9 1 9 23 6 15 87 50 2 35 28 69 28 43 7 3 10 62 4 59 550 16 5 6 27 4 13 66 54 7 8 17 46 36 23 9 7 12 51 11 40 458 13 0 1 10 0 1 12 9 0 3 6 13 9 5 2 4 1 9 0 7 105 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 2 0 3 11 10 1 5 0 3 4 5 4 0 1 8 0 3 62 0 0 8 13 1 15 33 26 0 13 11 32 21 23 2 3 8 22 4 23 258 6 2 3 16 3 9 26 33 1 11 8 18 33 21 3 4 14 27 8 29 275 5 0 0 0 1 3 1 4 2 0 0 3 5 3 0 0 0 3 1 2 33 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 11 0 0 1 3 1 0 6 4 0 3 3 7 0 8 0 0 0 5 1 10 52 2 0 5 10 2 18 54 32 0 12 12 38 13 36 1 4 1 29 2 66 336 5 0 4 17 2 4 15 15 2 5 3 11 16 8 1 2 5 10 2 8 135 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 7 15 1 0 0 2 0 1 3 3 0 0 0 2 2 6 2 53 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 0 1 0 2 0 3 3 0 1 0 0 7 10 2 0 1 2 12 0 12 0 0 0 9 0 4 15 0 2 13 3 15 45 41 0 10 10 49 25 31 0 5 3 39 0 32 12 0 0 11 0 12 23 24 1 8 2 18 26 15 4 26 4 10 0 15 98 77 16 63 338 211 404 118 251 1207 1206 364 Seafarers LOG 15 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:37 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Inquir ing Seaf arer Editor’s note: This month’s Inquiring Seafarer question was posed to members at the Tacoma union hall. Question: What was your first ship and what do you remember about it? countries, meeting interesting people…. I do remember one little thing. The bosun was from Brooklyn. He told me the first live cow he ever saw in his life was in India. He never saw one in the U.S. Scott Opsahl, Recertified Steward The Independence, in 1980. Those were the good old days, definitely. I took care of (the late actor) Cary Grant as a room steward. After coming back from the liquor barn, he and his entourage were at the door, and it was locked. It was supposed to be open. I finally got the door open and there were welders in the room, welding his bed together. We’re all wedged in this room and the PR guy goes, “Where are the flowers?” We had him on board for two weeks, and whatever he wanted, he got. He had a lot of steak and lobster…. I had a lot of fun on board. I was 21 years old and I remember good times on the fantail, with ukuleles and guitars. At times it looked like we were having more fun than the passengers. Gary Loftin, Chief Cook I shipped out of Piney Point as a (newly graduated) trainee on the Monticello Victory, a T2 tanker that I caught in Baltimore. It was 1980 and I was the messman. From Baltimore, we went through the Panama Canal to Amarilla, Panama. Then, we would come back through the Panama Canal and discharge in Corpus Christi, Texas, or we would discharge at the Hess facility in the Virgin Islands. That was our run. I was on there for about 90 days. The steward, my boss – he was great. He used to do a little thing with the menus. He’d put up riddles, and if you got it, he’d give you a silver dollar. That was cool…. We’d pull in (to port) really close and stay for three or four days. It was a good start on a good career. I never looked back. Wayne Casey, Recertified Bosun I was an OS on the Sea-Land Boston, running out of Elizabeth, N.J., to Europe – Bremerhaven, Felixtowe, Glasgow. It was 1968 or 1969 – that’s going back a long time ago. It was my first seafaring experience, and I liked it. The rough weather, travelling to different Amanda Suncin, Recertified Steward It was the SS Monterey, a Marine Cooks & Stewards passenger ship, in 1976 out of San Francisco. (The MC&S merged into the SIU in 1978.) I was sailing as a waitress. It drastically changed my life – it was like Cinderella walking off to the ballroom. The older members reached out and helped the people who were new to the industry. It was a beautiful experience – like a big, united family. They worked with me, gave me that patience and the time I needed. The maitre d put me on the staff table until I felt comfortable giving the first-class passengers the service they were entitled to…. My father was a merchant mariner and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. He worked in the engine room, in the black gang…. I still see continued support today with all of our union officials, especially here in the hall in Tacoma. The support we get from them is awesome. Kevin McCagh, QMED-Electrician The Cape Nome, an old stick ship, in 1990. I had spent nine years drifting around the country. Finally, I put myself through college and got a bachelor’s degree, but I couldn’t get a job afterward. I shipped out of Baltimore and the port agent, Sal Aquia, really jumped through hoops for me and went out of his way later to help me, too. I swear I jumped up and down when I left the hall after I got a job…. My memory is of making a decent living for the first time in my life. My other jobs had been non-union. When I got into this union and found out I was getting paid overtime on the weekends…. I stayed on seven months. It was always from Germany to Holland, Saudi, Dubai. We were carrying armaments before the first Gulf War. I took a month off and went back for five more. Somebody would ask me to get a tool and I’d run, I was so excited. I must have been the happiest oiler in the SIU. Pic-From-The-Past MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Trainees for the first time attended the monthly union meeting at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point , Md, during the summer of 1970. In those days, just as it is today, the monthly meetings afforded trainees a firsthand opportunity to see how the union functions and keeps its members informed. In the photo above, school President Robert Matthews explained the operations of the union to the trainees and informed them about their responsibilities as union members. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 17 Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Welcome Ashore DEEP SEA OSWALDO BERMEO Brother Oswaldo Bermeo, 73, joined the union in 1968. He initially sailed on the Steel Age. Brother Bermeo was born in Ecuador and shipped in the engine department. He frequently visited the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., to upgrade his skills. Brother Bermeo’s final ship was the Motivator. He resides in Miami. MICHAEL BOLGER Brother Michael Bolger, 65, became an SIU member in 1967. His first ship was the R.D. Conrad; his last the USNS Potomac. Brother Bolger attended classes on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member was born in New York and now lives in Gold Beach, Ore. RICKIE BURGESS Brother Rickie Burgess, 55, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. His first voyage was aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Burgess, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Tennessee. He often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Burgess was last employed on the Cape Island. He makes his home in Tacoma, Wash. RODERICK COLEMAN Brother Roderick Coleman, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1990. He originally shipped aboard the USNS Harkness. Brother Coleman upgraded on three occasions at the union-affiliated school. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Coleman most recently sailed on the Seabulk Energy. He is a resident of his native state, Alabama. JAMES DAVIS Brother James Davis, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1978. His first vessel was the Manhattan. In 1984 and 1987, Brother Davis enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Piney Point school. He was born in Ohio and sailed in June 2009 the engine department. Brother Davis’s final voyage was aboard the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. He calls Las Vegas home. TAN JOON Brother Tan Joon, 59, signed on with the Seafarers in 1971. He was initially employed on the Trans Oregon. Brother Joon was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. His last ship was the Quality. Brother Joon sailed in the deck department and now makes his home in Kissimmee, Fla. THOMAS LONG Brother Thomas Long, 65, became a union member in 1961. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Mermaid. Brother Long worked in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Champion. Brother Long resides in Mobile, Ala. ROBERT SNOW Brother Robert Snow, 44, was born in Washington State. He began sailing with the SIU in 1987. Brother Snow originally shipped aboard the USNS Indomitable as a member of the steward department. He often visited the Piney Point school during his seafaring career. Brother Snow’s most recent voyage was on the Tacoma. He lives in Tacoma, Wash. CHARLES SPENCE Brother Charles Spence, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1973. He worked in both the Great Lakes and the deep sea divisions. Brother Spence’s first ship was the Kinsman Enterprise; his last the Overseas Motivator. He was born in California and attended classes in 1985 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Spence, who was a member of the deck department, settled in La Quinta, Calif. INLAND JAMES O’MEARA JR. Brother James O’Meara Jr., 55, joined the union 1977 while in Piney Point, Md. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the maritime training center. Brother O’Meara initially sailed aboard the Charleston. The deck department member was born in Washington, D.C. Brother O’Meara’s final trip was on an OSG Ship Management vessel. He is a resident of Chester, Md. HAROLD THORNTON Brother Harold Thornton, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1990 while in New Orleans. He primarily worked in the deck department aboard the Delta Queen. Brother Thornton was born in Mississippi. He now calls Vidalia, La., home. BRADLEY THOMAS JR. Brother Bradley Thomas, 55, joined the union in 1972, initially sailing on a Steuart Transportation Company vessel. He enhanced his skills frequently at the Seafarersaffiliated school. Brother Thomas was born in Virginia and worked in the deck department. His most recent trip was with Express Marine Inc. Brother Thomas makes his home in Tangier, Va. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM STRAUB Brother William Straub, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1968. His first trip was with ESCO Dredge & Fill Corporation. Brother Straub was born in Pennsylvania. He was last employed aboard a vessel operated by Erie Sand & Gravel. Brother Straub resides in Erie, Pa. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION LUIS FLOWERS Brother Luis Flowers, 68, became an NMU member in 1967, originally shipping from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. on the Flying Foam. Brother Flowers was born in Honduras. The deck department member most recently sailed aboard the Cape Decision. Brother Flowers lives in Jacksonville. FRANCIS MCDONALD Brother Francis McDonald, 64, was born in Boston. He began shipping with the union 1981. Brother McDonald worked in both the steward and engine departments. His final voyage was on the Islander. Brother McDonald is a resident of Falmouth, Mass. STEPHEN PETERSEN Brother Stephen Petersen, 58, donned the NMU colors in 1974 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the John Lykes; his last the Philadelphia Express. Brother Petersen shipped as a member of the deck department. He was born in Houston but calls Pasadena, Texas, home. AGUEDO SABINO Brother Aguedo Sabino, 66, joined the union in 1992 while in Boston. He was born in Cape Verde. Brother Sabino sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise as a member of the deck department for the duration of his seafaring career. He now makes his home in Portugal. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG submit discharges and, on that basis, will receive pro-rata vacation pay. 1941 1973 The SS Robin Moor, an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-flag vessel to be sunk by the Germans. The crew was given 20 minutes by the German submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboat and were about one mile from the ship, the German submarine torpedoed the ship, sinking it. The action led to the union’s demand for higher crew bonuses and insurance. By proclamation, President Nixon has opened the way for the first time to increased use of American-flag ships in the carriage of some of the nation’s oil imports by providing financial incentives to importers. Under terms of the proclamation, importers who use American-flag tankers to bring in motor gasoline or finished products or unfinished oil manufactured in the Virgin Islands, American Samoa or Guam get a special break on import fees. This Month In SIU History 1951 The SIU made history when it negotiated with its contracted operators a revolutionary, industry-wide vacation plan which guarantees all Seafarers the equivalent of two weeks’ paid vacation for each 12 months of service. Regardless of how many ships or companies a member works for, the operators will pay into a central fund a certain amount for each day worked. The mariner no longer has to go to the company office to collect his/her vacation pay – the person merely goes to the union hall to 1980 Paul Hall, the man who built our union with brawn and brains from a struggling organization of 500 seamen into the number one maritime union in the world, died on June 22, 1980 at the age of 65. Brother Paul Hall, whose legendary battles emblazon the SIU’s history with a deep tradition of victory, succumbed after an eightmonth fight against cancer. It’s one of the few battles he ever lost. Seafarers LOG 17 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA EDDIE BOWERS Pensioner Eddie Bowers, 93, passed away Jan. 15. Brother Bowers was born in Mobile, Ala. He joined the union in 1952, initially sailing on the Alcoa Patriot. Brother Bowers worked in the steward department. He last worked aboard the Guayama. Brother Bowers retired in 1979 and continued to make his home in Alabama. THOMAS BROWN Pensioner Thomas Brown, 81, died Jan. 12. Brother Brown became a Seafarer in 1947. His first trip was with Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Brown was born in Georgia and sailed in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1984, he shipped on the Pacer. Brother Brown settled in Savannah, Ga. ANTONIO HALL Pensioner Antonio Hall, 71, passed away Jan. 2. Brother Hall started sailing with the union in 1991 while in the port of New Orleans. The steward department member was born in Panama. Brother Hall’s first ship was the Cape Mendocino; his last was the Cape Hudson. He went on pension in 2008 and called New Orleans home. ANDERSON JORDAN Pensioner Anderson Jordan, 75, died Jan. 19. Brother Jordan first donned the SIU colors in 1960. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Alcoa Partner. Brother Jordan, a member of the steward department, was born in Florida. His final voyage took place on the Sam Houston. Brother Jordan became a pensioner in 1998 and lived in Mobile, Ala. 18 Seafarers LOG ABELL MACK Pensioner Abell Mack, 69, passed away Jan. 28. Brother Mack joined the SIU ranks in 1972 while in the port of New York. He initially worked aboard the USNS Potomac as a member of the deck department. Brother Mack was born in South Carolina. Before retiring in 2004, he was employed on the Transcolumbia. Brother Mack made his home in Chesapeake, Va. WILLIAM MANSFIELD Brother William Mansfield, 84, died Jan. 16. He was born in California. Brother Mansfield signed on with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. The deck department member last shipped aboard the Independence. Brother Mansfield was a resident of Collinsville, Ill. OSCAR MARTINEZ Pensioner Oscar Martinez, 81, passed away Jan. 17. Brother Martinez began his seafaring career in 1974. His earliest trip was on the Beaugard. Brother Martinez was born in the Philippines. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Martinez’s last voyage was aboard the Cleveland. He went on pension in 1993 and continued residing in the Philippines. ROBERT PADON Pensioner Robert Padon, 67, died Dec. 10. Brother Padon first donned the SIU colors in 1991 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He primarily sailed on vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping Corporation to include the Cape Fear and the El Morro. Brother Padon was born in New York and worked in the engine department. In 2007, he retired and settled in Jacksonville, Fla. DAVID SEIBEL Brother David Seibel, 68, passed away Dec. 19. He became a Seafarer in 2002 in the port of Seattle. Brother Seibel’s first voyage was on the USNS Able. The deck department member was born in Yakima, Wash. Brother Seibel’s final trip was aboard the Observation Island. He lived in Silverdale, Wash. MARION SIMONEAUX Pensioner Marion Simoneaux, 86, died Jan. 19. Brother Simoneaux joined the SIU ranks in 1951, initially shipping with Eagle Carriers Inc. Prior to his retirement in 1987, Brother Simoneaux, a member of the deck department, sailed aboard the Panama. He was a resident of Metairie, La. CHARLES SMITH Pensioner Charles Smith, 79, passed away Jan. 5. Brother Smith was born in Mississippi. He started his seafaring career in 1955. Brother Smith’s earliest trip was on the Steel Age as a member of the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee. Brother Smith began collecting his pension in 1993 and continued to make his home in his native state. & Stewards (MC&S) while in the port of San Francisco before that union merged into the SIU. He was born in Hong Kong and shipped in the steward department. Brother Wah’s final trip to sea took place on the Maunalei. He became a pensioner in 1981 and called San Francisco home. SAMUEL WITT Brother Samuel Witt, 58, died Jan. 17. He began his SIU career in 1969 while in the port of New York. Brother Witt initially sailed aboard the Buckeye Atlantic as a member of the engine department. The New York-born mariner most recently shipped on the Horizon Producer. Brother Witt resided in San Juan, P.R. INLAND WOODROW BALL SR. Pensioner Woodrow Ball Sr., 90, passed away Dec. 31. Brother Ball first donned the SIU colors in 1964. He originally worked aboard a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. Brother Ball was born in North Carolina. He last sailed with Marine Towing & Transportation Company. Brother Ball retired in 1980 and settled in Chesapeake, Va. RAY TODD Pensioner Ray Todd, 73, died Dec. 22. Brother Todd signed on with the union in 1961 while in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Morning Light; his last was the Ultramax. Brother Todd was born in Mississippi. The deck department member went on pension in 2003. RAYMOND GARNER Pensioner Raymond Garner, 81, died Jan. 8. Brother Garner was born in Mississippi. He joined the union in 1962. Brother Garner mainly shipped on Dixie Carriers vessels in the deck department. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1990 and lived in Gulfport, Miss. KOK WAH Pensioner Kok Wah, 93, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Wah joined the Marine Cooks RODNEY JEZIOROWSKI Pensioner Rodney Jeziorowski, 67, passed away Jan. 16. Brother Jeziorowski signed on with the SIU in 1967. His earliest trip was aboard a Marine Fueling Inc. vessel. Brother Jeziorowski’s final voyage was with H&M Lake Transport Ltd. He was a resident of Toledo, Ohio, and went on pension in 2003. GREAT LAKES PERRY WILLIS Pensioner Perry Willis, 75, died Jan. 19. Brother Willis started sailing with the union in 1973 while in Detroit. His first vessel was the George D. Goble; his last was the Paul Thayer. Brother Willis was a member of the deck department. He resided in his native state of West Virginia. Brother Willis became a pensioner in 1999. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) have passed away. Name Age Alvarez, Roberto 66 Bargas, Paul 77 Batista, Gilberto 85 Beckford, Charles 78 Castro, Jose 84 Cousin, Manuel 78 Crawford, Warner 83 Cugno, Corrado 90 Dela Barcena, Ricardo 80 Economy, John 89 Elmuflihi, Naser 76 Ferreira, Jose 95 Gordan, Robert 77 Guenard, Arcadio 90 Hafemeister, David 86 Harkless, Flowis 79 James, Joseph 94 Jones, Samuel 89 Koslowski, Joseph 95 Lamb, Rodney 71 Lassare, Alvin 75 Leite, Alvoro 75 Martinez, Pedro 94 McCoy, Sullivan 71 McCree, Robert 83 McWilliams, Jesse 83 Medina, Juan 89 Melendez, Juan 84 Mente, Alois 81 Mooney, Alphones 85 Muentes, Francisco 90 Murray, George 84 Nelson, Frank 88 Nobles, Aubrey 77 Nunes, Alyrio 96 Pace, Leroy 83 Paddy, Robert 82 Pruden, Clarence 87 Rivera, Severo 71 Rodriguez, Julio 89 Salfford, Robert 77 Tatum, Harding 86 Torres, Jose 87 Trojan, Andrew 87 Valencia, Alfredo 91 DOD April 8 Feb. 24 April 22 April 1 April 23 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Jan. 25 March 30 Feb. 3 Dec. 27 Jan. 28 April 16 Feb. 13 March 21 April 8 Feb. 26 April 26 Feb. 15 March 1 April 14 Jan. 25 Feb. 27 March 19 April 3 April 18 April 14 April 3 March 13 Feb. 10 March 1 Jan. 11 Feb. 22 April 17 April 18 March 30 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 April 4 Jan. 18 March 3 March 31 March 1 Jan. 1 April 4 June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CHAMPION (Maersk Line, Limited), April 19 – Chairman James K. Walker, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Engine Delegate Gregorio A. Blanco, Steward Delegate Stanley C. Smith. Chairman informed crew members that sanitary inspection would take place on April 22. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. She announced that there would be another Maersk Line, Limited safety boot camp at the Piney Point school and encouraged crew to attend. Educational director reminded fellow members to prepare in advance when renewing z-cards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to raise pension amounts and lower retirement age. It was reported that new dishwasher would be picked up in Norfolk, Va. Steward department was thanked for great food. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Mobile, Ala.; and Norfolk, Va. EL MORRO (Interocean Aboard the Padre Island SIU Norfolk, Va. Port Agent Georg Kenny recently submitted these photos from the dredge Padre Island. Kenny serviced the vessel in Wilmington, N.C. Operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, the Padre Island is a trailing suction hopper dredge and is 281 feet long. Some of those aboard the union-contracted Padre Island during SIU Norfolk, Va., Port Agent Georg Kenny’s recent visit were AB/Dragtender Duane Evans (above); AB/Dragtender Brad Burnett, Chief Engineer Dave Bragdon and Captain Bill Cliette (from left to right in photo at immediate right) and Mate Carl Sanderson (photo at far right). American Shipping), April 29 – Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Rafael A. Cardenas, Educational Director Joseph A. Letang, Deck Delegate Reuben M. Brown, Engine Delegate Rickey J. Pettaway, Steward Delegate John L. Foster. Bosun talked about the importance of reading the Seafarers LOG to stay informed on issues affecting the maritime industry. He urged mariners to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Educational director discussed the importance of enhancing seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made regarding medical benefits. Request was made for satellite TV in all crew rooms. Next ports: San Juan, Port Everglades, Fla. and Jacksonville, Fla. Delegate Robert L. Richardson, Engine Delegate Michael S. Kirby, Steward Delegate Nasser Ahmed. Chairman thanked crew members for working well together. Secretary asked mariners departing ship to leave cabins neat for arriving crew. Educational director recommended all seamen upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. He also urged them to keep dues up-to-date and donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested concerning “trip tour off.” HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon Lines), April 26 – Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Stanley W. Parker, Engine Delegate Allen Ward, Steward Delegate Charles Atkins. Chairman reported smooth sailing. He asked those getting off vessel to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for new TV remote. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. Next port: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON HAWK (Horizon Lines), April 4 – Chairman Shawn M. Strand, Secretary Mark V. Cabasag, Educational Director Gary M. Dahl, Deck June 2009 The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. Lines), April 6 – Chairman Loren E. Watson, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Morris A. Jeff, Steward Delegate Mussa A. Mohamed. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash., on April 11. Educational director advised all mariners to attend classes at the SIU-affiliated training center and get TWIC cards ASAP. Treasurer stated $2,345.14 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to pension benefits. Crew discussed new policies and charges at airlines and what could be done about it. Motion was made to use ship fund money to purchase a computer for crew use only. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), April 5 – Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Alan E. Hollinger, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita, Deck Delegate Brent Johnson, Engine Delegate Carl J. Castagna, Steward Delegate Else David. Chairman reported payoff would take place at sea April 5. He informed members that captain has requested everyone check out no more than two movies at a time. Crew members were reminded that ideas to improve safety could get you appointed “safety sailor of the month” which includes an extra day off. Secretary expressed his gratitude for help keeping ship clean. He asked mariners to let him know of any food requests and stated they would be filled if possible. Captain purchased halibut, crab and cob for the ship. Request was made for members to not use as much laundry detergent in new washer. New dryer has been installed; crew was asked to keep lint traps emptied at all times. Educational director suggested crew check out what the Piney Point school has to offer and keep dues current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks were given to Else David, Al Hollinger and Chef Mo Shibly for excellent meals. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Anchorage, Alaska and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), April 9 – Chairman Eric J. Perez, Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish, Deck Delegate Ricardo C. Quinones, Engine Delegate Eddie J. Pittman. Bosun praised crew for a smooth, safe voyage. Secretary urged everyone to make sure company physical and all necessary shipping documents were upto-date. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of Paul Hall Center to upgrade not only for job security but to stay on top of the technology on the new ships coming out. Treasurer reported $316 in ship’s fund with $133 of that going for satellite radio subscription. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members wished President Sacco the best with his new term in office. Recommendations were made regarding vacation and pension benefits. Seafarers expressed the need for another clothes dryer. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R. and Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), April 19 – Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Paul P. Pagano, Deck Delegate Redentor G. Borja, Engine Delegate Leo B. Bacall, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman announced payoff April 25 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary noted that the guards at the port of Guam will not let you in or out of the gate without your TWIC card. Educational director sug- gested mariners apply early for z-cards. Treasurer stated $690 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to lower age requirements for pension benefits. Request was made for company to install a satellite system with crew making monthly payments. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), April 9 – Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Louins Johnson, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Deck Delegate Christopher A. Green, Engine Delegate William P. Stone, Steward Delegate Breon A. Lucas. Chairman notified crew members of payoff and lay-up in Orange, Texas, on April 19. He thanked everyone for a great voyage, especially Louins Johnson for impressive menu and meals. Secretary expressed his gratitude for crew willingness to help keep pantry and lounges clean. Members were asked to clean rooms before departing vessel. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade whenever possible to improve skills and better their chances of moving up. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made concerning eligibility requirements for retirement. Crew member inquired about purchasing refrigerator for rooms and getting reimbursed from company. Next port: Orange, Texas. Seafarers LOG 19 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 20 ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice includes important funding information about your pension plan (“the Plan”). This notice also provides a summary of federal rules governing multiemployer plans in reorganization and insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008 (referred to hereafter as “Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The funded percentage of a plan is a measure of how well that plan is funded. This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the valuation date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and 2 preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. 2008 Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities January 1, 2008 121.6% $700,482,858 $575,915,644 2007 2006 January 1, 2007 116.8% $676,260,582 $578,933,983 January 1, 2006 111.3% $633,159,327 $569,011,172 Fair Market Value of Assets As of December 31, 2008, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets are estimated to be $797,500,000, subject to audit. Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 16,917. Of this number, 8,839 were active participants, 4,188 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 3,890 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Districts and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries who are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning various types or categories of investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Seafarers Pension Plan is primarily a balanced portfolio of equity, fixed income, and cash equivalent securities. Equities consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, and convertible securities. The total equity exposure for the total managed account should not exceed 55% for a prolonged period of time. The portfolios are diversified into 10 or 15 industry sectors and hold in excess of 50 individual issues. No issue exceeds 3.5% of the portfolio at cost. The fixed income portion of the portfolio consists of: ■ U.S. Government and Agency Securities ■ Commercial Paper ■ Corporate Bonds ■ Traditional Non-High Leverage ■ Mortgage and Asset backed Securities These securities must be rated Investment Grade at time of purchase. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Interest-bearing cash 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other 2 29 0 18 0 0 33 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Events with Material Effect on Assets or Liabilities Federal law requires trustees to provide in this notice a written explanation of events, taking effect in the current plan year, which are expected to have a material effect on plan liabilities or assets. For the plan year beginning on January 1, 2008 and ending on December 31, 2008, the following events are expected to have such an effect: During 2008 the Seafarers Pension Plan Trustees approved a merger with the Pension Plan of the National Maritime Union (“NMU”). The Seafarers Pension Plan was the successor Plan and assumed all assets and liabilities of the NMU Plan. At the time the Trustees approved the merger, the NMU assets exceeded the liabilities and it was deemed a prudent action by both parties. The severe economic downturn during the latter part of 2008 resulted in significant investment losses to the Plan and a decline in assets. Although the decline in assets has no effect on plan liabilities, the Plan’s funded level has declined and the actuarial funding requirements will increase significantly. The results of both of these events will be reflected in the next annual notice. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the U.S. Department of Labor an annual report (i.e., Form 5500) containing financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or, you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified preretirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Board of Trustees or: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. For more information about the PBGC and benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7242). Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman 20 Seafarers LOG Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circum- stances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 21 Seafarers Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Schedule The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months of 2009. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Electrician October 26 December 18 Marine Refrigeration Technician November 9 December 18 Machinist September 14 October 2 Pumpman June 22 July 3 Welding June 1 June 19 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman June 22 August 17 October 12 July 17 September 11 November 6 ARPA June 8 July 20 June 12 July 24 Bosun Recertification October 13 November 2 GMDSS June 15 July 6 July 27 June 26 July 17 August 7 Government Vessels July 27 September 21 July 31 September 25 Lifeboat June 8 September 28 June 19 October 9 Radar July 6 November 2 July 17 November 13 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) August 24 October 19 September 4 October 30 Tanker Assistant July 27 September 21 August 7 October 2 Tank Pic Barge September 21 September 25 Advanced Firefighting Safety Specialty Courses August 17 August 28 Basic Firefighting/STCW July 20 September 14 November 9 July 24 September 18 November 13 Fast Rescue Boat June 29 August 17 July 3 August 21 Medical Care Provider August 31 September 4 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began June 1. Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed at the Paul Hall Center. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. The following opportunities are currently available: Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), a College Program and a Preparatory Course. When applying for preparatory courses, students should list the name of the course desired on upgrading application. An introduction to computers course, a self-study module, is also available. Online Distance Learning Courses Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Refrigerated Container June 22 October 5 July 17 October 30 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) July 20 September 14 November 9 August 14 October 9 December 4 FOWT June 22 August 17 October 12 July 17 September 11 November 6 Junior Engineer August 31 October 23 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Five new online “distance learning” (DL) courses now are available to students who plan to enroll in classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The online courses are not mandatory, but they are structured to benefit students who eventually attend other classes at the Paul Hall Center, which is located in Piney Point, Md. The new online courses are: Communications, First Aid Preparation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Basic Culinary Skills, and Basic Math Refresher. Also available in the DL program are Hazardous Material Control and Management, Hearing Conservation, Respiratory Protection, Heat Stress Management, Environmental Awareness, Shipboard Pest Management, and Shipboard Water Sanitation (for a total of 12 courses). Students MUST have access to the internet with an e-mail address in order to take the foregoing classes. Each must be taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. E-mail addresses should be provided on applications (printed neatly) when applying. Applicants should include the letters DL when listing any online course on the form below. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. Street Address _________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State _______________ Zip Code ___________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes No Home Port _____________________________ COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Yes Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ June 2009 NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5/09 Seafarers LOG 21 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:38 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes RADAR – Seven upgraders completed their training in this course April 3. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Albert Bharrat, Jason Boyer, Randolph Knipfer, Winton Rich, Jon Silveria, Neil Sullivan and Guillermo ZapataNichols. (Note: Not all are pictured.) UNLICENSED APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS – Unlicensed apprentices from class 717 recently completed requirements for graduation from the water survival course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Andrew Beach, Samuel Blancard, Lorenzo Chaparro, Maldonado Cortes, Christepher Cross, John Eastman, John Edwards, Nathaniel Fitzpatrick, William Fountain, Mayra Gaines Otero, Kelvin Jennings Jr., Patricia Lamb, Allen Ludlow, Noorudin Muthala, Mauriceio Oubre, David Santiago Arroyo, DeShawn Smith, Marcus Toby, Dean Trott, Lisa Williams, and James Williamson. BASIC & ADVANCED FIRE FIGHTING (INLAND) – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed training in this 41-hour class April 17: Luis Burgos, Roderick Frazier, Robert Knowlton, Charles Mull Jr., and Jackie Pruitt. Their instructor, Steve Stockwell, is at far right. ADVANCED CONTAINER MAINTENANCE – Four Seafarers on April 24 completed their requirements in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Roger Dillinger Jr., Joseph Letang, Marc Poniatowski and Charles Sneed. Calvin Beal, their instructor, is at left. JUNIOR ENGINEER – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) on May 1 finished their requirements and graduated from this course: Sandra Baker, Damien Bautista, Arkady Bichevsky, Donald Bishop, Francis Brown, Michael Clark, Mervin Cruzat, Marion Cruzat, Arman Deblois, Jose Deoferio, Oscar Garcia, Lawrence Guerrero, Nat Lamb, Peter Meglow, Travis Moody, Montree Nakwichet, Orlando Pabon, Christian Rosado, David Ruggirello, Ronald Sease, JoVannii Sprauve, and JoVanio Sprauve. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2009 �54513_p01_24:January 08 5/29/2009 9:39 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes ARPA – Five upgraders enhanced their skills by completing this course April 17. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Boyer, Randolph Knipfer, Jon Silvera, Neil Sullivan and Rodger Taylor. Their instructor, Stacey McNeely, is at left. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Fourteen Seafarers on April 10 finished their requirements for the completion of this course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Abdo Ahmed, Joselito Beof, Luis Burgos, David Bustos, Donnell Criswell, Jioia DeLeon, Waldemar Gajc, Claude Letts, Aldrin Saez, Adrian Schubert, Tyrell Thabit, Cade Vaussine, Randy Wallace and Shedrick Walker. Stan Beck, their instructor, is at far right. STCW – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on April 3 completed this course: Gregory Baker, Antonio Baskins, Joselito Beof, David Bustos, Donnell Criswell, Donald Dabbs, Carlos Eclevia, Raymond Fernandez, Brian Freme, Claude Letts, Lyle McCorison, Cameron Mitchell, Andres Param, James Peterson, Aldrin Saez, Ronald Scintilla, Cade Vaussine and Randy Wallace. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. WELDING – Nine upgraders completed this 103-hour course April 24. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Aquino Aristeo, George Box, Tyesha Boyd, Angel Cintron, Abner Diaz-Torres, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Michael Maldonado, Caroline Thomas and James Tyson. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is third from right in the back row. Computer, College Classes BST/STCW (Hawaii) - Twelve individuals completed training requirements in the course April 25 at the Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center. Those graduating (above in no particular order) were Jonathan Diggs, Terry Weatherford, Sarah Kinney, Amy Nupp, Todd Wacker, Travis Havelka, Emily Music, Jillian Smith, Charles Wise, Robert Cook, Emmanuel Santos and Monica Frake. Four Seafarers, each of whom underwent upgrade training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., recently completed computer courses. A fifth individual completed a pair of academic courses. Earning certificates for finishing computer courses (above, from the left) were: Sajid Foster, Jason Boyer, Charles Sneed and Tonya Gist. Lawrence Cormier (left in photo at left below and right in photo at below right) completed academic courses in History 101 and Math 101. Rich Prucha (second from left in photo above and left in photo at below right) served as instructor for the computer and Math 101 courses while Peggy Densford (left in photo below) provided instruction for the History 101 course. BST/STCW (Hawaii) – The above individuals, in no particular order, completed this course April 4 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Chris Alvarado, Brett Lyons, Robyn Norris, Jeffrey Griggs, Renato Rapayrapay, Michael Hart, Richard Guerin, Erin Burns, Elaine Richardson, Ebony Gregory, Denis Amador, Irvin Arroyo, Orlando Apodaca, Omar VegaBarrera, Bernard Runo, Frances Cahill, Krista Kluke, Angela Mokate and Mark Neglia. June 2009 Seafarers LOG 23 �54513_p01_24x:January 08 6/1/2009 4:53 PM Page 24 Volume 71, Number 6 June 2009 Funding Notices, Summary Annual Reports - Pages 11, 14, 20 Paul Hall Center Course Spotlight The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md., offers a wide variety of vocational and academic courses. Classes are available to upgraders and entry-level students. The following is a brief description of two courses offered at the school, which opened in 1967. Turn to page 21 for a list of upcoming course dates. Additional course descriptions were published in the January 2009 edition of the Seafarers LOG; they also are available on the web at www.seafarers.org/phc Small Arms Training Approved by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the course is designed to provide basic familiarization, knowledge and skills needed to meet the U.S. Navy standards for Small Arms Training for Security Personnel Afloat. Topics include an indepth study of small arms safety, use of force and deadly force, the fundamentals of marksmanship, the use of a 9MM pistol, use of an M-14 rifle and the use of a 12-gauge shotgun. This is accomplished through classroom lecture and practical exercises. In addition, students must demonstrate the ability to qualify with a 9MM M9 pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun and an M-14 rifle. Students are required to qualify on each weapon in order to receive certification. Small Arms Training is a minimum three-day, twenty-one (21) hour course designed for candidates who are qualifying on small arms for the first time, or who failed on all three weapons initially or during the re-qualifying firing, or whose certificate of qualification or re-qualification is greater than one year old. Class size is established at not more than 16 students. Practical assessments will be conducted with a student/instructor ratio of not more than four to one (4:1). Small Arms Re-Qualification The Small Arms Re-Qualification class is a minimum one-day, sevenhour course designed for students: ■ Who are not qualifying on small arms for the first time, ■ Who have qualified on the 9MM M9 pistol, the M-14 rifle and the 12gauge shotgun and ■ Whose certificate of qualification or re-qualification is not greater than one year old. The course is designed to provide the student with the level of knowledge and skills necessary to meet the U.S. Navy standards for Small Arms training for Security Personnel Afloat. Students must demonstrate the ability to re-qualify with a 9MM M9 pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun and an M-14. Class size is established at not more than 16 students. Practical assessments will be conducted with a student/instructor ratio of not more than six to one (6:1). � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2009 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES RANK-AND-FILE COMMITTEE OKAYS SIU’S FINANCIAL RECORDS FOR 2008 SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN AWARDS $132, 000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS 2 MORE TANKERS CHRISTENED UNIONS TESTIFY ON PIRACY TRAINING, DRILLS PAY OFF ABOARD LIBERTY SUN TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY LAHOOD HONORS MARINERS FROM ‘MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON’ BUSINESS AS USUAL ON U.S. SHIPPING VESSELS FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE STANDS UP TO AGGRESSION MARITIME DAY CITES MARINERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS CHARTER MEMBER SAYS SIU REMAINS ON RIGHT COURSE COMPANY ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT HAWAII SUPERFERRY MORE MAJORITY SIGN-UP MYTHS DEBUNKED EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT WOULD ALLOW WORKERS TO CHOOSE VOTING METHOD GROUND BROKEN FOR NATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL MARIITME LABOR BACKS BILL ADDRESSING MEDICAL EVALUATION PROCESS, FATIGUE HORIZON LINES RECOGNIZES ‘HEROES’ APRIL DATA SHOWS UNEMPLOYMENT GROWING PROFESSOR HAS MARITIME DOCUMENTARY IN WORKS U.S. HOUSE VOTES TO THANK WWII MARINERS PAUL HALL CENTER COURSE SPOTLIGHT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2009 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. 71, No. 6 2009 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5c216ec36ae97fabd1b34cb0d2016636.pdf b9957f8d1e69549262c7df200b2c6428 PDF Text Text 59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:20 PM Page 1 Volume 72, Number 6 June 2010 SIU Joins in Celebrat ing New Tonnage Liberty Promise, Endurance Improve U.S. Sealift Capability Seafarers and SIU officials took part in mid-May ceremonies that formally welcomed the Liberty Promise (below) and Endurance (lower left) into the American-flag fleet. The Liberty Promise event took place May 11 near Charleston, S.C., while the Endurance ceremony was conducted May 14 in Baltimore. Both ships are militarily useful RO/ROs which boost the nation’s sealift capacity while also strengthening the job security of SIU members. Pages 2, 3. With military cargo in the background, the Liberty Promise’s entry into the U.S. registry is welcomed by (photo above, from left) Philip Shapiro, president and CEO of Liberty Global Logistics and Liberty Maritime Corporation; Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Mrs. Emily Clyburn, vessel sponsor; and her husband, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.). Apprentices and officials gather for a photo after the Endurance ceremony. From left to right in the back row are AMO Exec. VP Bob Kiefer, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, ARC President/CEO Raymond Ebeling, AMO President Tom Bethel, U.S. TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Duncan McNabb, Mrs. Linda McNabb and SIU President Michael Sacco. American Merchant Marine’s Dependability Recognized at National Maritime Day Events The U.S. Military Sealift Command and U.S. Maritime Administration on May 18 hosted their respective annual National Maritime Day observances, both of which were attended by SIU members and officials. In this photo, (foreground, left to right) Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby and Admiral John C. Harvey Jr. join Navy Operations Specialist 2nd Class Raymond Herbert (center), SIU Bosun Gerald Butch (second from right) and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Matthew Clements in paying respects behind three wreaths honoring U.S. Merchant Mariners. Page 4. Union, School Name Training Vessel In Honor of Exec. VP John F. Fay On May 11, the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education named the school’s new training vessel in memory of John Fay, who passed away in 2005. Fay served the SIU in various posts – most recently, that of executive vice president. As part of the commemoration in Piney Point, Md., Brother Fay’s widow, Phyllis (right), received a framed photo of the state-of-the-art boat now bearing John’s name. Making the presentation are (from left) SIU Sec.Treasurer David Heindel, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. Pages 12-14. SHBP Awards Scholarships Page 7 Overseas Martinez Delivered Page 8 Photos from USNS Pomeroy Pages 10-11 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:35 PM Page 2 President’s Repor t Celebrating Gains, Working for More What a month! In May, our union had plenty to celebrate and plenty to report. Topping the list were ceremonies for the new SIUcrewed RO/ROs Endurance and Liberty Promise along with the delivery of the new tanker Overseas Martinez. As I’ve said on similar occasions, these types of gains don’t happen by accident. A lot of hard work and commitment goes into the process of securing new tonnage, and SIU members definitely deserve their share of credit. The professionalism, efficiency and loyalty of Seafarers give confidence to those whose investments bring vessels under the Stars and Stripes. There were other causes for celebration and commemoration last month. In keeping with a tradition dating back to 1952, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan selected recipients for its annual scholarships. This year, the SHBP is awarding Michael Sacco $146,000 in academic grants to one Seafarer and seven SIU dependents. This is a fantastic program. I congratulate this year’s winners and I encourage interested SIU members and their families to apply for the 2011 scholarships. Also in May, the union and our affiliated Paul Hall Center participated in annual National Maritime Day observances in Washington, D.C. Both the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Maritime Administration put together first-class events in our nation’s capital on May 18. Those ceremonies not only honored the proud heritage of the U.S. Merchant Marine but also reinforced the ongoing, vital need to maintain a strong American-flag fleet manned by loyal, welltrained, U.S. mariners. It was a fitting day and I’m glad the SIU was there. One week earlier, the Paul Hall Center hosted a dedication in which the school’s new training vessel was named in memory of John Fay, who served our organization for many decades. This, too, was a fitting tribute as well as a warm remembrance of an individual whose devotion to Seafarers was second-to-none. At the same time, we were (and remain) very active in working on a number of other important issues. For instance, if you’ve visited our web site lately, you probably noticed the launch of a new electronic petition calling for decisive action to end piracy. The petition is sponsored by a broad coalition of organizations, including trade unions and shipowners’ groups and many others. Check it out on our home page, www.seafarers.org, and you can also read about it in this issue of the LOG (page 5). I know the pirates aren’t afraid of a petition. But, the global maritime industry launched this petition to show the world’s leaders something has to be done. The more support the petition receives, the more international leaders will look at and understand our concerns. Additionally, SIU crews either mobilized or were standing by to assist in the weeks-long oil cleanup in the Gulf. As of late May, Seafarers aboard an Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) tanker, two Moran Towing of Texas tugs and an E.N. Bisso & Son tug had been deployed for the operation. Obviously, the situation was constantly changing, so it’s possible that more SIU members will be involved in the massive procedure. Like I said, it was quite a month. We have much more to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead – improvements and challenges alike. Two things I can guarantee are that we won’t stand still and we won’t take anything for granted. Our success is a team effort, and I know that with the strong support of the rank-and-file membership, the SIU will continue sailing on a successful course. That doesn’t mean we won’t experience the occasional setback or that we won’t have to make the occasional sacrifice with an eye on our long-term health. But I know we’re headed in the right direction. Months like May 2010 strongly reinforce that belief. Liberty Promise Formally Welcomed New Vessel Signals Jobs, Enhances Military Capability The setting couldn’t have been more appropriate as Seafarers joined various VIPs in celebrating the entry of the new vessel Liberty Promise into the SIU-crewed fleet. A formal naming ceremony took place May 11 at Naval Weapons Station Charleston in Goose Creek, S.C. – a fitting backdrop, since the ship will be utilized to serve the needs of America’s military personnel (in addition to carrying commercial cargo). Delivering remarks for the event were (in chronological order) Robert Wellner, executive vice president and COO of Liberty Global Logistics; Philip Shapiro, president and CEO of Liberty Global Logistics and Liberty Maritime Corporation; David Matsuda, acting U.S. maritime administrator; General Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), House Majority Whip. Mrs. Emily Clyburn, the congressman’s wife, served as the naming sponsor. As previously reported, the Liberty Promise was delivered in March and was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding in South Korea. It is the newest rollon/roll-off vessel (RO/RO) to enter the U.S. registry and meets the requirements of the In photo above, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) addresses the crowd at the naming ceremony. General Duncan McNabb (photo at left) describes the effective partnership between the maritime industry and military. The deck gang includes (from left) Recertified Bosun Mark Lance and ABs Hector Barnes, Lawrence Tharp and Delroy Brown. SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny (left), Recertified Steward Gregory Melvin Volume 72, Number 6 U.S. Maritime Security Program. The ship is 656 feet long, has a beam of more than 105 feet and can sail at greater than 20 knots. The Liberty Promise can carry up to 6,500 cars and/or Department of Defense equipment such as tanks, helicopters, HUMVEEES and MRAPS. Put another way, it can carry approximately enough cargo to fill eight football fields. “She clearly is the most efficient [and] cleanestburning ship we have in the U.S.-flag fleet and has stateof-the-art modern technology” Shapiro told a local reporter covering the ceremony. “She has a stern ramp at the rear of the ship, which can actually take two tanks, one coming on and off at the same time.” Mrs. Clyburn said, “We wish this beautiful ship and its crew well. It’s just a wonderful feeling we’re happy to share with everyone here. They all seem to be so very enthusiastic for this event today in the naming of this new ship.” Among other topics, Rep. Clyburn talked about local maritime history. McNabb spotlighted the key partnerships that exist in the American maritime industry, while Matsuda emphasized the importance of brining new, militarily useful tonnage under the U.S. flag. In addition to the Liberty Promise, the company’s fleet also includes the RO/ROs Alliance New York and Liberty Pride and the bulk carriers Liberty Eagle, Liberty Glory, Liberty Grace, Liberty Sun, Liberty Star and Liberty Spirit. June 2010 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFLCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2010 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. ABs Benny Wright (left) and Ryanne Wheeler Unlicensed Apprentices Brett Van Pelt and Joseph Gref The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Chief Cook Jimmy Williams 2 Seafarers LOG GSU Richard Gegenheimer The vessel is the ninth ship in Liberty’s fleet. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:41 PM General Duncan McNabb, Commander, U.S. TRANSCOM Page 3 SIU President Michael Sacco David Matsuda Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator AB James Wray (third from left) is pictured with (from left) Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown, VP Contracts George Tricker, Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift, Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen Ceremony Stresses Maritime’s National Security Role MV Endurance Boosts America’s Sealift Capacity To the casual observer, the sight of the MV Endurance docked in Baltimore may have been eye-catching because of the vessel’s size (860 feet) and attractive new paint job. But to General Duncan McNabb, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), the SIU-crewed ship signifies something infinitely more important than the cosmetic. Giving the keynote address at a May 14 ceremony aboard the recently reflagged ship, McNabb said the Endurance and other vessels in the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) fleet “represent a critical rollon/roll-off capability that responds directly to the evolving logistics requirements of the combatant commanders. At U.S. Transportation Command our focus is on supporting these war fighters – providing the end-to-end deployment and distribution solutions to bring them what they need, where they need it, and when they need it. Overall, more than 90 percent of what we deliver in support of the combatant commanders is moved by sea. The vast majority of that is through commercial shipping; (there are) 35 ships loading, off-loading or underway at any given time. We accomplish this with great precision and at the greatest value…. Ships like the Endurance represent a key element in that capability.” He recalled being in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 and said that in the big picture, America’s ability to support its armed forces “is about the future of mankind…. This really is a battle of good over evil, of hope over despair, of light over darkness, of freedom over tyranny. It’s going to be a long war; we’ll stay at it and we will win.” SIU President Michael Sacco also was a featured speaker at the Baltimore event, as were acting Maritime Administrator David Matsuda and ARC President and CEO Raymond Ebeling, who served as master of ceremonies. Linda McNabb, the general’s wife, was the vessel’s sponsor. Hundreds of guests attended the ceremony, including other high-ranking military officers, active and retired congressional representatives, SIU members and officials and others from various maritime industry components. The Endurance is operated by Crowley for ARC, which described the vessel as “the largest and most militarily useful, multi-purpose RO/RO ship in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet.” It was built in 1996 and entered service under the American flag in mid-February. The ship has nine decks and is enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), a vital part of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s foundation. Throughout the ceremony, each speaker cited the critical value of civilian mariners and the effective partnership that exists among maritime labor, management, the military and backers in government. McNabb pointed out that since 2004, ARC ships “have set sail over 1,500 times and carried over 5 million tons of cargo in support of our war fighters.” He credited mariners for their reliability dating to the country’s founding, and said the unlicensed apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center who were in attendance symbolized “that next generation, and you’re raising your hand for freedom. This next generation is stepping up magnificently. You all are awesome.” McNabb added that the commercial fleet and civilian mariners “serve the nation today as a crucial part of the U.S. transportation team. You bring our nation strategic advantage no other nation has. You provide America with logistics superiority over any and all adversaries. You enable our war fighters to fight and to win. You help us to keep our promise to them.” Ebeling said the ship’s name is appropriate as America continues its years-long efforts in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as in national economic recovery. He pointed out that ARC is the third-largest U.S.-flag international carrier and noted that the company “has now invested $500 million in U.S.-flag shipping … and is committed to future investment.” He said the U.S.-flag fleet has been saved by “a unique labor-management partnership, by the powerful support of the U.S. Transportation Command, by the decisive action of certain congressional supporters and, I would specifically note, by the investment by overseas investors of $2.5 billion in U.S.-flag international carriers.” Ebeling credited Sacco for seeing “more clearly than most, perhaps all, that the relationship with industry and labor has to be win-win.” Speaking of the entire ARC team, including its mariners, he praised them for helping the company grow and then asked, “Where might we be 10 years from now? At ARC, we plan to be right here. We plan to keep on going and keep on growing, and we need your help to do that.” Sacco thanked McNabb and Ebeling for their respective efforts on behalf of American mariners. He said that although the maritime industry often seems overlooked by the general public, “we’ve been in the headlines a lot during the past several years, and I think people are starting to appreciate more and more who we are and why our work matters. U.S. mariners are the ones who rescued the passengers and flight crew during the Miracle on the Hudson just a little more than a year ago. U.S. mariners are the ones who fought back against the pirates aboard the Maersk Alabama – a development Raymond Ebeling, President/CEO, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier that brought some much-needed attention and action to a very serious problem off the coast of Somalia. U.S. mariners are the ones who sailed the hospital ship USNS Comfort to Haiti right after the earthquake, along with many other civilian-crewed ships bringing relief to Continued on Page 5 Vessel Sponsor Linda McNabb (second from left) and others celebrate the ceremonial christening, which involved a large model of the ship’s bow (background) Hundreds gather aboard the vessel to commemorate its entry into the American-flag fleet. June 2010 Major General James L. Hodge, Commander, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, greets apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Seafarers LOG 3 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:43 PM Page 4 Standing with the Maritime Day wreaths (above, left to right) are MSC Commander Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, retired Congresswoman and Federal Maritime Commission Chairperson Helen Bentley, SIU Bosun Gerald Butch, Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Matthew Clements, SIU President Michael Sacco and Navy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Admiral John C. Harvey Jr. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Matthew Clements (photo at right) rings eight bells as Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) (center) and Jay Brickman, VP of Crowley Maritime, look on. National Maritime Day Events in D.C. Honor Dedication, Value of Mariners America paid tribute to the dedication and ongoing reliability of its merchant mariners during National Maritime Day observances in Washington, D.C., on May 18. The day-long commemoration opened at the Department of Transportation headquarters building with an event sponsored by the Maritime Administration, and ended at the Washington Navy Yard with the traditional wreath-laying ceremony sponsored by the Military Sealift Command. The annual ceremonies, including a luncheon sponsored by the Propeller Club, featured military, congressional, adminis- SIU VP Contracts George Tricker addresses the audience at the National Press Club. tration and maritime leaders who praised the contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Among those representing the SIU were President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Assistant Vice President Ambrose Cucinotta. A group of unlicensed apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education also attended, as did Bosun Gerald Butch from the USNS Comfort. Fr. Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member, makes a point during the event cosponsored by the North American Maritime Ministry Association and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association Presidential Proclamation National Maritime Day 2010 Even before our Nation declared independence, our forebears recognized the importance of merchant ships and seafarers to our economic and national security. Since 1775, America’s maritime fleet has risen to the challenges before them and worked to meet our country’s needs in times of peace and war alike. On National Maritime Day, we recognize the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine for their contributions to America’s leadership in the global marketplace, and to our security. Civilian mariners and their ships have played an important role in equipping our military forces at sea in national conflicts. During World War II, they executed the largest sealift the world had ever known, and thousands 4 Seafarers LOG The morning program at DOT featured an invocation by SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre, president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States, and remarks by U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), who stressed the importance of the Jones Act to the nation’s economy. “It’s a great [law] that’s vital to our nation, American business and American maritime,” the congressman stated. Acting Maritime Administrator David Matsuda added, “Seafarers have long been the backbone of our economy and defense and we owe them a great deal of gratitude for their sacrifices.” The same event also featured the ceremonial ringing of eight bells, done in remembrance of the service of mariners. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Matthew Clements rang the bell. Later in the day at the Washington Navy Yard, Navy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Admiral John C. Harvey Jr. praised generations of U.S. Merchant Mariners for their contributions to national defense. “Mariners’ service and sacrifice, their pride and professionalism are the firm foundation of our global military operations,” he said. Harvey also hailed mariners’ roles in providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, most recently to Haiti after its devastating January earthquake. MSC Commander Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby noted during the ceremony, “We gave their lives to help convoys with desperately needed supplies reach our troops. Their service to our Nation continues today. Merchant mariners support military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian missions, including the delivery of supplies to Haiti following this year’s devastating earthquake. The United States Merchant Marine also shepherds the safe passage of American goods. They carry our exports to customers around the world and support the flow of domestic commerce on our maritime highways. They help strengthen our Nation’s economy; bolster job creating businesses; and, along with the transportation industry, employ Americans on ships and tugs, and in ports and shipyards. Today, we pay tribute to the United States Merchant Marine, and we honor all those whose tireless work is laying a foundation for growth, prosperity, and leadership in the 21st century. at MSC are proud of our civilian mariners, so it is fitting that today is set aside to acknowledge the great debt of gratitude we owe to the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Buzby also recognized by name four civil service mariners from the hospital ship USNS Comfort – Bosun Butch, Chief Mate David Lieberman, Third Mate Joseph Kranz and Second Assistant Engineer Peter Barry. The four were presented with Merchant Marine Outstanding Achievement Medals by MarAd earlier in the day. On a day full of maritime tradition, three wreaths were placed at the Navy Yard in honor of mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice – one by Butch on behalf of the USNS Comfort, one on behalf of MSC and the third by Clements on behalf of the school. The wreaths were later moved to a place of honor at the Navy Memorial, also in the nation’s capital. In an event related to National Maritime Day, the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., hosted a seminar titled, “Environmental Intelligence in Shipping and the Seafarer.” Tricker and Oubre both were among the panelists. The actual date of National Maritime Day is May 22 annually. It was established by Congress in 1933 to honor the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. Merchant Mariners in defense of the United States. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2010, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance with appropriate activities, and I encourage all ships sailing under the American flag to dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. BARACK OBAMA June 2010 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:37 PM Page 5 Online Petition Pushes New Vessel Joins SIU Fleet Action to Combat Piracy Continued from Page 3 The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in mid-May announced that an unprecedented coalition of organizations – from trade unions to shipowners’ associations and insurers – “has joined forces to back a global e-petition demanding concrete action to end the piracy that is putting lives at risk and threatening world trade.” The web address for the petition is: www.endpiracypetition.org Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the ITF (to which the SIU is affiliated) called the petition “the centerpiece of a new campaign to persuade all governments to commit the resources necessary to end the increasing problem of Somalia-based piracy. It is intended to deliver at least half a million signatures to governments by International Maritime Organizaton World Maritime Day, September 23.” The petition calls on nations to dedicate significant resources and work to find real solutions to the growing piracy problem. It urges them to take immediate steps to secure the release and safe return of kidnapped seafarers to their families, and also to work within the international community to secure a stable and peaceful future for Somalia and its people. Among those backing the campaign are the ITF, Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), International Chamber of Shipping, International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations, International Maritime Employers’ Committee, International Parcel Tankers Association, International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, International Ship Managers’ Association, International Group of P&I Clubs, INTERTANKO, International Shipping Federation, International Union of Marine Insurance and the Society of International Gas Tankers & Terminal Operators Ltd. ITF General Secretary David Cockroft stated, “With one click everyone can now make their feelings about piracy known, and then pass the link on to all their colleagues around the world who feel the same. In this way we can signal our belief that it is past time for all governments to do what has to be done to protect seafarers, ships and the goods that they carry and on which we all rely.” Speaking on behalf of all the signatory associations, International Shipping Federation President Spyros M. Polemis explained, “Together we must encourage all governments to do everything necessary to protect the lives of seafarers who are subject to increasingly violent attacks, with over 1,800 kidnapped in the last two years alone. Ninety percent of world trade is carried by sea, and governments have a duty to extend the naval protection being provided – which is currently inadequate – and regain control of the Indian Ocean from a handful of criminals.” The text of the petition reads in part: “We, the undersigned, urgently call on Governments to do everything possible to protect the thousands of seafarers and the hundreds of ships at risk of attack by pirates by: dedicating significant resources and concerted efforts to find real solutions to the growing piracy problem; taking immediate steps to secure the release and safe return of kidnapped seafarers to their families; working within the international community to secure a stable and peaceful future for Somalia and its people.” Transportation Institute Cites Importance of Jones Act fleet National Maritime Day ceremonies often focus on the proud history of the U.S. Merchant Marine. A Washington, D.C.-based organization that promotes the American-flag fleet and U.S. mariners recently suggested that National Maritime Day also should be an occasion to appreciate the value of the Jones Act fleet, which is vital not only to the industry but to the country’s overall economy. On May 19, the Transportation Institute issued a news release in which it pointed out the “40,000-plus vessels that move cargo and passengers between U.S. ports generate nearly 500,000 family-sustaining jobs and provide an annual payroll in excess of $29 billion. U.S.-flag vessels in domestic waterborne commerce are the largest single component of America’s Merchant Marine…. Without the Jones Act fleet, the American economy would sputter and fail.” Enacted in 1920, the Jones Act requires that cargo moving between U.S. ports be carried in vessels that are U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed. Other laws and statutes apply the same ground rules to the movement of passengers, towing, dredging, and marine salvage. The basic requirements of the Jones Act have been the foundation of U.S. maritime policy since 1817. The institute’s release pointed out that in a strong economy, Jones Act vessels will carry more than 1 billion tons of cargo. This activity generates $100.3 billion in economic output and contributes $11.4 billion in federal, state and local taxes. The release further noted that the “499,676 jobs the Jones Act creates and June 2010 sustains are spread across the nation, but the top 10 states for Jones Act employment are, in order: Louisiana, Texas, California, Washington, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee.” Moreover, in light of the global push for environmentally sound operations, a key paragraph in the release described waterborne commerce as “the greenest form of transportation. A large U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighter can carry a ton of cargo 600-plus miles on a gallon of fuel compared to 200 for a train, and do so while producing 70 percent less carbon dioxide. A 24-barge tow on the inland rivers moves the same amount of grain as 384 rail cars or 1,680 highway trucks – again a boon to the environment and a much-needed lessening of congestion on the nation’s overburdened rail beds and interstates.” Finally, the institute stated that in addition to promoting commerce, America’s cabotage laws also “play a vital role in the nation’s ability to defend its interests overseas. When American troops are stationed abroad, more than 90 percent of the materiel they require moves by ships. Jones Act vessels engage in these transoceanic voyages, but equally important are its mariners who began their careers in the Jones Act trades who crew the other U.S.-flag vessels ferrying arms and supplies to war zones.” The Transportation Institute was founded in 1967. Its self-described mission “is to enhance American political, economic and military security by advocating a sound, comprehensive national maritime policy which secures the role of the U.S.flag industry in both foreign and domestic trades.” that nation. And of course, U.S. mariners are the men and women who’ve been there from day one in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, supporting our troops and delivering the food, fuel, vehicles and ammunition they need.” He added that without a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, “it would only be a matter of time before our nation became an economic hostage of other countries whose ships call on our ports. Without us, I wouldn’t even want to imagine who we could really count on to deliver the vital supplies to our armed forces.” Matsuda said that the program in which the Endurance is enrolled, the MSP, “is effective and a good value. I’m delighted to welcome such a modern, impressive ship into the U.S.-flag fleet. These ships and the mariners who sail aboard them are the invisible heroes of the American logistics and commerce chain.” He cited the importance of investments made by commercial operators and “the bravery and intrepidness of our civilian merchant Bosun Fred Cintorino mariners.” Recertified Steward Stephen A. Bird (left), Chief Cook Gerald Rogers Oilers Ken Bricker (left) and Adam Soto The Endurance is an asset to America’s sealift capacity. ‘Like a Cadillac’ SIU members sailing aboard the recently reflagged Endurance reported smooth sailing on the roll-on/roll-off vessel, which entered the union-contracted fleet earlier this year. Moments before a May 14 shipboard ceremony in Baltimore, Bosun Fred Cintorino stated, “Things are going well. We’ve got a bunch of good guys aboard the ship. We all work and I’m proud of them. You really couldn’t ask for anything better. It’s a good boat, like a Cadillac.” Oiler Adam Soto agreed. “It’s one of the cleanest ships I’ve ever been on,” he said. “We’ve got good food and a good crew and everyone is friendly.” Added Oiler Ken Bricker, “It’s a very big and very clean ship.” Crew members seemed especially pleased with the galley gang, headed by Recertified Steward Stephen A. Bird and including Chief Cook Gerald Rogers. Seafarers LOG 5 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:45 PM Page 6 After the meeting, stewards and SIU officials gather for a photo in the auditorium. Pictured from left to right are Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Edward Banks, Army Joe Leake, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Daniel Herrera, Kimberly Strate, VP Contracts George Tricker, President Michael Sacco, Leonard Benton, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Annette Hart and husband Jack Hart, Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel and VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. Stewards Graduate from Recertification Class Seafarers Describe Benefits of Upgrading at Paul Hall Center With focus and enthusiasm, six SIU members in early May finished steward recertification at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Recertification is considered the top Paul Hall Center curriculum available to members of the steward department. Graduating from the most recent course offering were Seafarers Edward C. Banks, Leonard Benton, Jack Allen Hart Jr., Daniel Herrera, Army Joe Leake and Kimberly Strate. The three-week class includes hands-on training, classroom instruction and meetings with representatives from different departments of the SIU and the Seafarers Plans. Among the components are ServSafe, which focuses on safe and sanitary galley operations; first aid and CPR; galley fire fighting; leadership and management skills; computer training; nutrition; and communications. The stewards received their graduation certificates May 3 during the membership meeting in Piney Point. Following a longstanding tradition, each of them addressed the other upgraders and officials in attendance. Several offered practical encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices in the audience. Banks was first to the microphone. A Seafarer since 1990, he said some of the course’s most useful lessons involved training in conflict resolution and preventing sexual harassment. He also thanked union and school officials and staff members for their hard work. “The union has been an important part of my life,” stated Banks, who sails from the port of Norfolk, Va. “It has helped me to grow professionally, expand my knowledge and see different countries. I’ve been able to upgrade my skills for use now and in the future.” Speaking to the apprentices, Banks urged them to “stay focused, study hard and give 110 percent. Trust me, it pays off.” Herrera, whose home port is San Juan, P.R., signed on with the SIU in 2001 and has upgraded several times since then. He described the recertification class as “a very good experience. The instructors and the staff were terrific. It also opened my view of the union and what it’s all about…. I encourage everybody to continue to upgrade.” Benton, who sails from the port of Houston, had been a member of the old National Maritime Union (NMU) when it merged into the SIU in 2001. He said the recertification course “was well worth waiting for. It has given me a wide range of knowledge in food service and I will be able to provide better supervision plus maintain a high level of sanitation.” A mariner since 1967, Benton urged his fellow members to “always remember, it’s not what’s on the (shipping) paper that makes us who we are; it’s who we are that makes the paper. The choices you make today will navigate your course for tomorrow.” Piney Point is a familiar setting to Hart, who graduated from the trainee program in 1981 and now sails from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He said the computer training, ServSafe and conflict resolution sessions were highlights of the recertification class. “This is the best school for seamen in the world,” Hart added. “I have used this school to better my pay and better my life. It has helped me improve my skills…. For those coming into the union now, I would recommend using this school to upgrade their skills as much as they can and as soon as they receive the (sea) time. “I also would like to say thanks to everyone who helped me along my way to become a recertified steward, especially (retired Recertified Steward) James Willey for taking me under his wing.” Strate joined the SIU in Jacksonville in 2001. She commended the union for “always being supportive” and also urged fellow members to participate in SPAD, the SIU’s voluntary political action fund. “Because of our donations to SPAD, we have the best team going to bat for us every day in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “They face a maze of regulations and they need our support.” Strate, whose home port is Baltimore, said that the recertification course as a whole will help her when interacting with fellow crew members and company representatives. A frequent upgrader, she added, “It’s always a pleasure to come here. The hotel looks wonderful, as does the entire campus. Every single employee has a great attitude. I have to commend the hotel staff for continuing to provide first-class accommodations. Over the years, including this visit, things just keep getting better.” Turning to the apprentices, Strate stated, “I have a job I love and have a huge extended family. Don’t forget to work hard and strive for the professionalism that sets us apart.” Leake had the final word at the podium. He began by pointing out he’s been sailing for 47 years, including 17 with the SIU and 30 with the Navy. He also thanked the union’s officials for their hard work, and encouraged fellow Seafarers to contribute to SPAD. “The SIU has been very important in my life,” said Leake, who sails from the port of Norfolk. “I wanted to continue sailing and the SIU provided me that opportunity. I’ve traveled the globe many times, more than a halfdozen times around the world.” Concerning the recertification class, Leake said, “I am very appreciative of the entire educational experience that I received. I am particularly pleased that I had an opportunity to learn more about proper food-service procedures and also the fact that I became more educated regarding SIU contracts. The knowledge that I received will allow me to be a more effective steward.” Finally, he told the apprentices, “The training you receive here will give you a strong foundation for a successful career. Study hard, study smart, don’t get cocky, and stay focused. Your learning will never end.” First aid and CPR training are included in the recertification class, as reflected in the photos above and below. Stewards brush up on their fire fighting skills. This part of the course takes place at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is part of the Paul Hall Center. 6 Seafarers LOG June 2010 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 11:07 PM Page 7 Eight Share $146,000 in Scholarships from SHPB One active Seafarer and seven dependents now will be able to further their educational aspirations thanks to the recent awarding of grants totaling $146,000 from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHPB). Meeting May 7 in Charleston, S.C., members of the SHBP Scholarship Committee chose Seafarer Lon Oliver along with dependents Robert Firme, Aisha Woods, Margot O’Meara, Eizie Giray, Jacob Miller, Sime Masnov and Molly Johnson as recipients of the calendar year 2010 Charlie Logan Scholarships. Oliver is the recipient of a two-year, $6,000 endowment while Firme, Woods, O’Meara, Giray, Miller, Masnov and Johnson each will receive four-year scholarships for $20,000 to attend institutions of their choices. Following are brief biographical sketches of each scholarship recipient and recaps of their respective educational aspirations. Lon Oliver Recertified Bosun Lon Oliver is the recipient of the scholarship designated for active Seafarers. He will receive $6,000 for study at a two-year institution of higher learning. A native of Oregon, Brother Oliver attended YamhillCarlton Union High School for two years and received his GED in 1981. He is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served aboard a guided missile destroyer from 1981 to 1984. Brother Oliver joined the SIU in 1989 in the port of Seattle, Wash. “This allowed me to return to my first love, the sea,” he said. He added that since becoming a Seafarer, his life has improved greatly and he is more focused. “I bought a small piece of land on which I plan to plant a small orchard and grow various types of fruit,” he stated. With luck, he hopes sell the “fruits of his labor” and become self-sufficient. “By taking chemistry and horticulture classes to help me grow the best fruit possible for market, along with business classes to show me how the market works, things should only get better,” he said. School in Stevensville, Md. While in high school, she achieved an overall 4.03 GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society and earned a myriad of Maryland State academic honors. O’Meara was heavily involved with cheerleading and worked tirelessly in volunteer activities in her community. O’Meara currently is attending St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City, Md. Still in her freshman year, she already has amassed 14 credits toward her degree. She plans to major in Political Science and Economics with minor emphasis in Sociology. “I have always been interested in government and politics,” said O’Meara in the narrative portion of her scholarship application package. “After undergraduate school, I am planning on continuing my education further in law school.” Eizie Giray Eizie Giray was born in the Republic of the Philippines and is daughter of deep sea Bosun Rufino J. Giray (mother, Ruchie, a home maker) and has two siblings. A resident of Waipahu, Hawaii, Giray graduated from Pearl City High School where she posted a 3.67 GPA and ranked 49th in her class. Eizie devoted her time exclusively to academics during her freshman and sophomore years, but got involved in athletics and extracurricular activities as a junior and senior. She was active in her school’s student council, math team and Polynesian and Leo Clubs. “Ever since I can remember, my parents have always taught me that education is of the utmost importance; it’s the key to making it in life,” she said in her scholarship package. Her goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in science and ultimately pursue a career in biomedical engineering. Giray has applied to three four-year universities: University of Hawaii, La Sierra University and Stanford University. Robert Firme Robert Firme hails from Ewa Beach and is a graduate of James Campbell High School in Hawaii. Born in the Republic of the Philippines, he is the son of Steward Roberto A. Firme (and mother, Bita.) and has two brothers. Firme posted an overall 4.2 grade point average during his high school tenure and graduated first in his class of 639 students. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of numerous academic accolades in math, science, English, and history. He was enrolled in the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, ROTC, was active in student government and held membership in a variety of high school clubs including the math, science and robotics teams. Firme was a member of his high school’s varsity tennis team and was extremely active in a host of other non-athletic extra-curricular and community activities. He plans to pursue a four-year degree in civil engineering, possibly at Stanford University where he already has been accepted. Jacob Miller Jacob Miller wants to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. The son of retired Chief Engineer Marlin Miller (mother, Sheryl) Jacob has two siblings. He was born in Duval County, Fla., and is a graduate of Duncan Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach. Fla. Jacob ranked 98th in his graduating class and posted an overall 4.0 GPA. He excelled in both baseball and basketball while in high school, but baseball was his passion. He had aspirations of playing in college and even in the Majors before a serious injury to his pitching arm brought an abrupt end to his dreams. “Then I discovered eBay and the world of mechanical engineering and everything changed,” he said. “At the instance, all of my aspirations came back to me and I felt inspired again. “I discovered that I could modify an Xbox 360 controller and sell it on eBay,” he continued, “….and my goal to become a mechanical engineer at the University of Florida had begun.” Jacob has already completed two semesters of study at Florida State Community College. He has earned 25 credits towards his degree. Sime Masnov Sime Masnov hails from San Pedro, Calif., and is a 2009 graduate of San Pedro High School. The son of Chief Engineer Marijan Masnov (mother Biserka is a homemaker), Sime has one sibling. While in high school, he was a member of the cross country team and participated in the Los Angeles Marathon. Masnov served as vice president of his school’s Croatian Club. Active in his community, Sime was a volunteer tutor in the boys and girls clubs and served as an usher in his church. Following graduation, he attended Los Angeles Harbor College in Wilmington, Calif., where he earned five credits. He later enrolled at California Maritime where he remains to date and is pursuing his degree in maritime transport. Masnov has earned 62 credits and has an overall GPA of 3.45. Quoting Booker T. Washington, Masnov believes that “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” Applying this quote to his own life, he says that he is a true believer in Washington’s assessment regarding success. “During my time in Pedro (High School) I had many experiences that will always stay with me,” he said. After competing in the L.A. Marathon in 2004—on of the hottest of all time, Masnov said, “I felt like I could accomplish anything.” Molly Johnson Molly Johnson was born in Sonoma, Calif., and currently resides in Healdsburg, Calif. The daughter of the late Bosun Michael Johnson (mother, Kathy), Molly is a 2010 graduate of Healdsburg High School. She achieved an overall 4.0 GPA while attending Healdsburg High and was active in a number of sports, clubs and community activities. Her favorite sport is swimming; she was a four-year member of her high school swim team. Molly hopes to continue swimming while in college. Johnson plans on pursuing a career in marine biology at either the University of California at Santa Cruz, or at Humbodt State University in Arcata, Calif., where she already has been accepted. “In school, my favorite subjects were always mathematics and science, and I decided that Marine Biology would be my major when I applied to college,” she said. “I am deserving of this scholarship because I am very determined to go to college,” Molly said. “I will be the first generation to finish college.” Aisha Wood Alisha Wood is the daughter of AB Wilbert E. Wood (and mother Betty, a teacher). Born in Louisiana, Wood now resides in Argyle, N.Y. She is a 2009 graduate of Argyle High School where she ranked first in her class of 68 with a very high GPA. While in high school, Wood held membership in the Tri Beta Club (Biology), an acapella group and an international student organization. Wood currently is attending Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y. She has already earned 17 credits toward her four-year degree .She plans to major in Biology and someday attend medical school. “I believe in honesty, responsibility, hard work and people achieving great things simply by having a strong will and an immeasurable passion,” she stated in her scholarship application package. “I know I will make a great physician because I have the drive and the passion to help others.” Margot O’Meara A native Marylander, Margot O’Meara hails from Chester, Md. She is the daughter of retired Inland Master James O’Meara (and mother, Goga, an accounts manager) and has one sister. O’Meara is a 2009 graduate of Kent High June 2010 Members of the 2010 SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee met in Charleston, S.C., to choose this year’s award recipients. Comprising the committee (above, from left to right) were: Dr. Keith Schlender, University of Toledo; Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College (retired); Dr. Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president academic affairs, California State University, San Bernardino; Dr. Trevor Carpenter, College of Southern Maryland (retired); Dr. Charles Lyons, Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired), and Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired). Not pictured but participating via phone was Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gustavus Adolphus College. Seafarers LOG 7 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:49 PM Page 8 Lakes Contracts Include Numerous Gains The union recently wrapped up negotiations with three different companies in the Great Lakes region, and in each case, the agreements call for wage increases and other gains. According to SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, a long-term contract has been completed with KK Integrated Shipping LLC, based in Menominee, Mich. Seafarers sail aboard two integrated tug-barge units operated by the company. The contract includes wage increases in each of its first eight years, followed by a wage reopener. It also features vacation benefits along with Paul Hall Center benefits for training and upgrading. Finally, it includes health care coverage and a 401(k) plan. Meanwhile, a new five-year contract is in place at Luedtke Engineering, located in Frankfort, Mich. The pact stipulates yearly wage increases while maintaining Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan coverage at the “CorePlus” level, the highest available. Additionally, the contract calls for company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and maintains pension benefits. It offers members the opportunity to participate in the Seafarers 401(k) Plan and also includes Paul Hall Center benefits for training and upgrading. The third agreement covers employees at Champion Auto Ferry, based in Algonac, Mich. This four-year pact calls for a wage increase and includes a wage reopener. It also maintains medical and pension benefits. For both the KK Integrated Shipping and Champion contract negotiations, the union was represented by SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski, Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and Algonac Representative Don Thornton. For the Luedtke talks, the union was represented by those same three individuals along with Joliet Port Agent Chad Partridge and Algonac Safety Director Monte Burgett. Orzechowski credited not only the union’s negotiating teams but also the company representatives for hammering out good, fair agreements. “As everyone knows, it’s very rare in this economy to be able to secure new contracts that boost wages while maintaining benefits,” he said. “These new agreements do just that, and I think they reflect well on the membership and on our contracted companies.” Notice/Reminder Credit for Sea Time in Reduced Operating Status The National Maritime Center has laid out policy on evaluating experience aboard vessels that are underway for only limited periods. The guidance affects evaluating sea time for Merchant Mariner Documentation and training requirements. Especially affected are mariners assigned to reduced operating status (ROS) vessels. According to NMC Policy Letter 09-01, service on ROS ships can be credited without restriction on days when the vessel is underway. But when the vessel spends the majority of its time moored, with reduced crews and limited operating systems like most ROS ships, time of service on these ships can be credited as follows: Engineering Department Service may be credited for up to one-half of the required service for the particular license or MMD applied for, but not more than 180 days of credit, at the rate of three days equals one day of credit. The Overseas Martinez is the ninth vessel in its class. Aker Philadelphia Delivers OSG Tanker Union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard on May 14 delivered the ninth Veteran-Class product tanker in its series of 12 such ships. The Overseas Martinez was slated to leave the shipyard later in the month under the operation of SIUcontracted OSG America. The vessel will transport petroleum products for Tesoro. Several weeks earlier, a small ceremony was conducted to bless and formally name the vessel. At that time, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO Jim Miller credited the delivery to the strong teamwork demonstrated by the yard’s employees. “There is an unspoken recognition here that when one team is successful, we are all successful, and I believe that spirit is contagious,” Miller stated. “The end result speaks for itself. Here we stand on this beautiful 600-foot-long vessel handcrafted with the hearts of each employee. It’s truly amazing.” Aker Philadelphia has three other ships currently under construction as part of its historic build program (the largestever order for commercial tankers). All are scheduled to be delivered through spring 2011. The other SIU-crewed ships built by Aker Philadelphia for OSG are the Overseas Houston, Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas New York, Overseas Texas City Overseas Boston, Overseas Nikiski and Overseas Cascade. Each of those vessels is 46,000 dwt and can carry 332,000 barrels. Each is 600 feet long, has a beam of 105 feet and can sail faster than 14 knots. Deck Department For renewal of licenses and MMDs, mariners who demonstrate three years of service within the last five years, in any capacity in the deck department, will be eligible for renewal. For a raise in grade/upgrade of MMD rating, service may be credited for upgrade if it is similar in nature to the duties performed aboard an in-service, underway vessel. Such service may be credited for up to 180 days of the service required for an upgrade at the rate of three days of service equals one day of credit. For an original license or MMD, service may be credited for up to one-half of the required service for the particular license or MMD applied for, but not more than 180 days of credit, at the rate of three days equals one day of credit. Pictured aboard the ship are (from left) SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO Jim Miller, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. A union-contracted facility, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard also built four containerships for Matson Navigation Company. 8 Seafarers LOG OSG Senior VP Capt. Robert Johnston (left), SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez The shipyard has built nine tankers and has three more under construction. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:51 PM Page 9 AB EARNS COLLEGE DEGREE – AB Ernest Frank (third JACKSONVILLE HALL A WINNER – Recertified Bosun John Grosskurth (right) submitted this photo of him and his wife, Pat, and SIU President Michael Sacco. The snapshot was taken late last year during a ceremonial opening of the new SIU hall in Jacksonville, Fla. “I’m very impressed with the new hall and the wonderful meal that was given for the membership,” the bosun said. BOSUN CALLS IT A CAREER – Bosun George Pino (center) recently retired, following an SIU career that dates to January 1974. A frequent upgrader, Pino first sailed on the Seatrain Oregon. His last vessel was the Sealand Hawaii. At various times, he worked under and assisted the port stewards of Oakland, Calif., Tacoma, Wash., and Elizabeth, N.J. He most recently served as lead bosun of the Oakland shore gang. Congratulating him at the Oakland hall are (from left) Administrative Assistant Diana Marrone, Asst. VP Nick Celona, VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Dispatcher Nick Marrone II. from right) recently earned an Associate of Applied Science degree through the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Frank picked up his diploma during the May membership meeting at the school, where he was congratulated by (from left) SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, President Michael Sacco, VP Contracts George Tricker and VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. Briefly addressing his fellow Seafarers, Frank said the college program “is a fantastic opportunity and I hope to see more people take advantage of it.” At Sea and Ashore With the SIU FULL ‘B’ BOOKS PRESENTED – Two members recently were sworn in and received their respective B-seniority union books at the hall in Oakland, Calif. Pictured above, SA Musa Alhaj (right) is congratulated by Asst. VP Nick Celona. In the photo below, AB Gemini Tacang takes the union oath. AMERICAN TERN RETURNS – The American Tern called on the West Coast in early March, after participating in Operation Deep Freeze 2010 (the annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station in Antarctica). SIU Wilmington Port Agent Jeff Turkus and Safety Director Abdul Al Omari paid off the ship and sent along these photos. In the image at left, Turkus (right) is shown with Bosun Hernando Bansuelo (left) and Capt. Brian O’Hanlon. In the photo above, pictured from left to right are Steward/Baker Gregory Broyles, SA Rickey Roberson and Chief Cook Ziting Xu. TUG VALOUR MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – A spokesperson from SIU-contracted OSG Ship Management reports that the 2010 Tug Valour Memorial Golf Tournament was a big success. More than 200 individuals signed up for the event, which took place in Dade City, Fla. Pictured here, OSG Senior VP Capt. Robert Johnston (holding microphone) addresses the crowd. Also in the photo are (from left) committee volunteers Amy Hajek, Marty Timney, Patty Turner and John McKenzie (tournament chairman) and Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Joseph Tucker. The yearly, non-profit tournament originally was a fund-raiser for surviving family members. It now generates funds to provide maritime education opportunities and, to date, has granted nine Paul Hall Center apprentices scholarships of approximately $3,000 each to cover various expenses related to travel, documentation, uniforms and more. SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Ft. Lauderdale Port Agent Kris Hopkins and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan were among this year’s participants. The tournament is named after the tug which tragically sank in early 2006, claiming three lives, including those of longtime SIU member Ron Emory and former Seafarer Fred Brenner. The date for next year’s tournament already is set: April 29, 2011. June 2010 ABOARD THE SEALAND CHAMPION – In early April, the Sealand Champion paid off in New York, and Patrolman Mark Von Siegel took these images. The group photo includes (from left) AB David Freeman, Chief Cook Michael Harris, Recertified Steward Willie Massaline, SA Sarrod Dognia and AB Anecito “Tito” Limboy. Seafarers LOG 9 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 8:52 PM Page 10 Snapshots from the USNS Pomeroy Bosun Mark Coleman submitted these photos (and those on the next page) from a voyage aboard the prepositioning vessel USNS Pomeroy. Among the mariners pictured are Coleman, AB King Scott, AB Oliver Dailey, AB Cortney Williams, STOS Jason Davis, SA Araceli Brunson, STOS Carus Peet, AB 10 Seafarers LOG Quince Harrington and Chief Mate Alex Piper. Operated by Ocean Shipholdings Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the Pomeroy is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel (LMSR). It is 950 feet long, has a beam of 106 feet and can sail at up to 24 knots. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 June 2010 5/26/2010 8:52 PM Page 11 Seafarers LOG 11 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 Rev. Msgr. Karl A. Chimiak Anthony Naccarato Trustee, Paul Hall Center 8:02 PM Page 12 Don Nolan VP, Paul Hall Center Orlando Gotay Jr. U.S. Maritime Administration ves Members of the Fay Family react to a light moment during the May 11 ceremony which christened and dedicated a ve the union’s late Executive Vice President John F. Fay. In the front row (from left) are son and daughter John Fay Jr. aan Phyllis Fay, the late Brother Fay’s wife; and SIU Electrician Mike Fay, another of Fay’s sons. In photo at immediate rrig Michael Sacco delivers remarks to those in attendance at the ceremony. Brother Fay’s third son, Patrick Fay (right inn p joins his mother and brother as they make their way to dockside for the vessel’s christening. Union Names Vessel in Honor of Latee E S David Heindel SIU Secretary-Treasurer John Fay Jr. 12 Seafarers LOG Michael Fay ome 200 union officials, dignitaries and guests gathered May 11 at the Piney Point, Md.-based and SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to christen and dedicate a vessel to the memory of the union’s late Executive Vice President John F. Fay. Brother Fay passed away in 2005. SIU President Michael Sacco headed the list of union officials who joined members of Fay’s family to pay tribute to John, who was lauded not only as a proud and loyal Seafarer, but also as a trusted friend and tireless leader. In addition to Sacco, the ceremony was attended by Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Vice Presidents George Tricker, Tom Orzechowski, Dean Corgey, Nick Marrone and Kermett Mangram. Also present were: Michael Desjardins, president, SIU of Canada; Roman Gralewicz, president emeritus, SIU of Canada; Orlando Gotay Jr. of the U.S. Maritime Administration; SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen; Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan; UIW National Director John Spadaro and a number of other officers, staff and trustees of the Paul Hall Center. Fay family members in attendance included Mrs. Phyllis Fay, the late Brother Fay’s wife, who served as Godmother during the naming ceremony; sons John Fay Jr., SIU Electrician Michael Fay and Patrick Fay; daughter Kelly Fay; and grandchildren Kelly Fay, Patrick Fay, Shaina Fay and Shane Fay. Four of Brother Fay’s siblings also were in attendance: brothers Francis Fay and Charles Fay with wife Mary; and sisters Clarie Quinland and Cathrine Tompkins. Following an inspirational invocation by Monsignor Karl Chimiak of St. George’s Catholic Church in Piney Point, Nolan welcomed those present and introduced the ceremony’s speakers. First to take the microphone was Anthony Naccarato, Paul Hall Center trustee. Naccarato expressed his extreme delight with the school’s decision to name its new training vessel in honor of his good friend, the late John F. Fay. “John was truly a wonderful person, a family man, a friend and outstanding labor leader,” he said. “He was not afraid to speak his mind, especially on behalf of those he swore to represent, but he was always a gentleman and he never made it personal. “It is befitting to name a vessel that will train the next generation of seafarers, after a person that devoted his life to seafarers,” Naccarato continued. “It is inspiring to name a vessel that will teach discipline and self reliance, after a person who understood the value of duty and responsibility. “It is appropriate to name a vessel that will teach men and woman the power and gratification gained from having the skills to earn an honest living, after a person that committed his life to the notion that every worker should be treated fairly and respectfully,” Naccarato said. “It is wonderful to name a vessel that will teach that there is dignity in a hard day’s work, after a person who understood the value of hard work.” Paying his personal tribute to his departed friend, Naccarato said, “John, very few of us are chosen for greatness. You were among those chosen. You gave strength to those without power; hope to those in despair; and support to those who were abandoned. “All of us are here today to celebrate the knowledge that you faithfully steered the course that He (God) set for you, and that you have now returned to your home port to receive your wellearned payoff for a job well done. “As we navigate our own lives, we will use your commitment to others as our North Star and your amazing capacity for com- passion as our infallible compass,” Naccarato continued. “This vessel will always be a symbol of the magnificent legacy you have left behind and may all who train aboard her be infused with the same humanity and affection that you always exhibited for your fellow man. “John, my friend, may you rest in peace,” he concluded. Heindel was next to address those in attendance. After expressing his appreciation for the chance to speak about an individual who meant so much to him personally and to the union as a whole, Heindel said, “John Fay was my mentor and my friend. He was someone I looked up to, and not just because of his towering height. “John was as genuine as they come,” Heindel continued. “He had a knack for bringing people together for sensible compromise. He paid strict attention to every last detail, no matter the task.” Heindel said that he knew Fay was not only a devoted family man, but also completely dedicated to the union, including the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. “He cared about the membership,” Heindel said. “He always stood up for the underdog. He was always ready to lend a hand.” Reflecting on Fay’s varied contributions to the union, Heindel offered, “John served our union in just about every capacity, first as a member and then as an official. He signed on with us a teenager and he never left. As a result, tens of thousands of mariners are better off than they would have been without John’s influence.” Heindel described Fay’s impact on the SIU as extremely wideranging and included a huge body of crucial work that promoted the union’s international interests. “He started those efforts back in 1975, primarily with the International Maritime Organization, the International Labor Organization and the International Transport Workers’ Federation,” Heindel noted. “Fast forward 20 years to 1995, and John became the first American ever to serve as chairman of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section. That was truly an historic accomplishment…John’s work really did benefit all mariners, not just SIU members, or U.S. mariners. He opened a lot of new doors and he certainly helped amplify America’s voice in international maritime issues. “I feel proud and humbled to follow in John’s footsteps, both in the international arena and as secretary-treasurer of the SIU,” Heindel concluded. “He gave so much guidance and insight that I really couldn’t go wrong. I’m grateful to have known him, and he will always be my friend.” “It’s hard to believe almost five years have gone by since John passed away,” Sacco said as he addressed the audience, “but I can tell you beyond any doubt that his legacy continues, and his work on behalf of both the SIU and the school is still bearing fruit.” Contemplating his relationship with Fay, Sacco said, “From the moment I became president of the SIU, John was someone I turned to, and someone I knew I could trust. Those were critical days for our organization, and it meant the world for me to have someone as loyal and honest and intelligent as John as my confidant. “John wasn’t the kind of person who told people what they wanted to hear,” Sacco recalled. “He was the kind who told it like it was. He was a straight shooter and he loved the SIU to his very core. Having him as a sounding board was simply invaluable, and it helped me make better and stronger decisions.” But Fay did much more than merely provide advice, Sacco said. “He devoted his life to our union and to our affiliated school here in Piney Point. He helped build our foundation and helped shape us into the well-respected, highly effective organization we remain today. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 10:28 PM Page 13 vessel in memory of ve r. aand Kelly Fay; Mrs. e rright, SIU President t inn photo at far right) ee Executive Vice President John F. Fay th - “John also did a particularly terrific job in promoting the U.S. Merchant Marine in the international arena,” Sacco said. “It’s not often you can point to one specific individual for this kind of credit, but the truth is that John performed groundbreaking work in helping solidify a strong, efficient, valued presence for the U.S. maritime industry in international affairs, particularly with our friends at the International Transport Workers’ Federation. “When I think about John,” Sacco told the audience, “I think of someone who appreciated everything he had in life. And that’s because he earned all of it. John was a great leader whose strength and stability and loyalty to the SIU membership were second-to-none. “I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with him, not just at the office or in the union halls or aboard ship but also on the road,” Sacco continued. “We got to know each other very well. John was a humble guy and he had a deliciously dry sense of humor – something I appreciated more and more as we traveled together. “I think it’s most appropriate that we name this training vessel after our good friend and union brother, John Fay,” Sacco said. “While I think he would be uncomfortable with the attention, I know that this is a well-deserved honor for someone who cared about each and every person who sailed with the SIU. “As the next generation of Seafarers learns and refines their skills aboard this boat, may they approach their opportunities with the same resolve, dignity and determination as the man for whom the vessel is named,” Sacco concluded. Two of Fay’s sons—John Jr., an attorney from Louisiana, and Mike, an SIU electrician—also addressed ceremony attendees. “On behalf of my mom, my brothers and my sister and me, we want to thank you for this great honor,” said John Jr. “It’s really touching for us to hear these things and to recognize how much my father meant to the union.” John Jr. shared a story that he felt reflected the widespread bond of the “Brotherhood of the Sea.” The story involves his father’s SIU lapel pin, which he wears daily as a remembrance to his Dad. “Ever since my Dad passed away, I’ve been wearing one of his pins.” John said. “Every day I put it on my suit and people would ask me what it was and what it was about. One day I was at a meeting at court and the judge recognized my pin as a Seafarers pin. The judge told me he had an uncle who once was in the Seafarers and that he was very close to him. The judge said that his uncle told him many stories about when he was at sea.” Like himself, John Jr. said, the judge also had recently lost his own father. “We developed a bond,. So that night when I got home, I wrote the judge a note and sent him one of the Seafarers pins that the union had given to my father.” When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, Continued on Page 14 e l t s e- 0 se I e hn an k ke y d ol e Paul Hall Center staff members and unlicensed apprentices make final checks to ensure that all aspects of the christenting and naming ceremony are a go. June 2010 Seafarers LOG 13 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:52 PM Page 14 MV John F. Fay Takes Place as PHC Training Vessel “… Father, let us continue to carry the blessed banner of John Fay, this banner of blood, sweat and tears that is the foundation of the Paul Hall Center that makes it stand out in the Seafarers International Union like a bright beacon of light. As you have honored and blessed John F. Fay in giving him a new command, to pray for us in the eternal now, and to assist these fine men and women who will use this craft and become masters in their fields…” ---Monsignor Karl Chimiak of St. George’s Catholic Church May 11 in Piney Point, Md., as he annointed and blessed the MV John F. Fay Continued from Page 14 John Jr. and his family, like scores of other residents were forced to evacuate. “I left town with a pair of shorts and a Tshirt, and ended up having to buy a whole set of new suits while we were evacuated.,” he said. “Two years later, during Hurricane Gustav, we were evacuating again and my wife said we’re not re-outfitting you again so she made me pack a couple of suits” he continued. “So I put my favorite suits, one of which had my pin on it, in a bag and evacuated to Nashville (Tennessee) where my son was in college. “I never had to take the suits out of the bag and when Gustav passed we all went home,” he explained. Upon arriving back home in Louisiana and unpacking his car, John Jr. discovered that his suit bag was missing. “My suits and my father’s pin were gone,” he said. Some two weeks later while attending the funeral of another judge, John Jr. said he saw the same judge to whom he earlier had given one of his dad’s union lapel pins. “When he saw that I was not wearing my pin, he asked me what happened to it.” John Jr. told him about the Gustav evacuation and the circumstances surrounding the apparent loss of his suits and more importantly, the loss of his father’s Seafarers union lapel pin. “The next day when I got to my office, I had this note from the judge which I’d like to read because I think it really signifies and speaks volumes about what this organization means to the people who are in it and to their families,” he said. “The pin says Brotherhood of the Sea and as I put it on every day, I think about my dad and what the words really mean. “The note (from the judge) is dated Feb. 12, 2009,” he continued. “It reads, Dear John… I simply could not abide by with the idea that I’m in possession of an SIU lapel pin given to me by you at the same time that the hurricane has deprived you of yours, particularly knowing the family importance it holds for you. My uncle, the late Fedele DiGiovanni — a proud SIU member, would want you to have it. Wear it with the same love and pride for your father that led you to give it to me in the first place. It belongs on your chest. Please accept its return with appreciation and respect for your kind gesture to me….” To John Jr., it was this exchange between two men whose lives had been touched by members of the Seafarers, symbolized by the back and forth of the SIU pin, that brought home the union’s meaning and influence. John Jr. continued, “The postscript to the story is that last year in June when my wife and I went back to Nashville for my son’s college graduation, my son asked, ‘Dad are you missing a couple of suits?’ Well, it turns out that the suits and my Dad’s pin, that were thought lost during the Hurricane Gustav evacuation, were in the back of my son’s dorm room closet. I had thought that the suits had been stolen out of the car on the ride home, but the suit bag was in his closet. So I got the suits back and I got my Dad’s SIU pin back.” Like his brother, Mike extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone present for “…the honor you are affording my father today. I’m just so glad that my mom was able to be here today because you all know the sacrifices my dad made by being away from home and all,” he said. “But it was just as hard on my mom because she kept the house together in my dad’s absence. She did a wonderful job and I think this (the ship naming ceremony) is a great Mothers’ Day gift. Monsignor Carl Chimiak of Piney Point, Md.’s St. George’s Catholic Church anoints the MV John F. Fay. 14 Seafarers LOG “I have my daughter here today and as everyone knows, she runs around the hotel like she owns it,” Mike continued. “I have to constantly stay on her, telling her to take it easy and slow down.” Mike said the actions of his daughter make him “….think back to when I was her age back in 1968 or 1969 down here and it was me and my brothers and sisters running around in the old wooden hotel. Long before I knew what the SIU was or even what a union was, I knew this was our family,” he continued. “The people down here, we grew up together. “This wasn’t just my dad’s job, it was his life and I think this is why we are dedicating this vessel,” Mike surmised. “He wasn’t retiring from here with a gold watch and plaque. You know, he is still here on the job,” he said as he looked toward the vessel which was docked nearby. “My father, as important as he was – and I traveled with him – treated the kid mopping the floor with the same respect he afforded the president of a shipping company,” Mike said. “He was friendly to everybody, he never talked down to anybody and I’m trying to use all of that as a guide to live my life.” “I want to thank Don Nolan and his staff here for everything. They are first class all the way,” Mike concluded. “You can come to that door any hour of the day, expected or unexpected and the staff always gives you their absolute best.” With the conclusion of Mike’s remarks, Father Chimiak anointed and blessed the vessel. Moments later, Mrs. Fay officially christened it the MV John F. Fay. Rather than inaugurating the vessel with the traditional bottle of champagne, Mrs. Fay befittingly baptized it with a huge jug of Tabasco Sauce, one of her late husband’s favorite condiments. Shaina Fay sounds three whistles from the bridge of the MV John F. Fay to officially put the vessel into service. Shaina is the daughter of Electrician Mike Fay and granddaughter of the late SIU Executive Vice President John F. Fay, for whom the vessel was named. Waterfront Improvements Upcoming Just prior to the dedication ceremony for the MV John F. Fay May 11, several union officials, joined by officers and trustees from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), ceremoniously broke ground to mark the beginning for a much-anticipated waterfront restoration project. Turning the first shovels of earth to signify the official start of construction were: SIU President Michael Sacco; SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez; SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel; SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen; PHC Vice President Don Nolan and PHC Trustee Anthony Naccarato. “At some point down the road—hopefully in a couple of years or so—this entire waterfront will be entirely redone,” Heindel told onlookers witnessing the groundbreaking. “Everything will be spic and span and ready to take on another 50 years of new life. “When it’s all done, we will dedicate it to the memory of John Fay and in his honor,” Heindel said. The project will take place along the waterfront and pier area of the school’s Piney Point, Md.-based campus. According to Nolan, the project will be all-inclusive and entail the removal of: ■ More than 1,500 feet of old piers ■ In excess of 1,000 feet of old bulkheads, and ■ The old railway, marina, Hagglund Crane and marine museum. Slated for replacement are: ■ Pier 45 with new concrete pier and floating concrete marina (12 double slips), and ■ Old seawall with revetment rock. ■ Among the area’s new features will be: ■ A 100-foot marshland ■ A waterfront park (green) ■ Single-point davit with fast rescue boat capability ■ Pier site for the MV John F. Fay training vessel, and ■ Lifeboat davit and new lifeboats. Union officials, officers and trustees from the Paul Hall Center (PHC) officially launch a highly anticipated waterfront restoration project at the school. Participating in the ceremony were (from left to right) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, PHC VP Don Nolan, PHC Trustee Anthony Naccarato, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:03 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Repor t for Deep Sea USNS Mercy begins Pacific Partnership April 16, 2010 – May 15, 2010 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 13 1 4 10 4 10 57 37 4 8 12 51 19 17 2 1 4 33 2 29 318 4 1 4 13 6 5 19 20 10 9 5 22 25 12 5 5 4 21 7 30 227 3 0 1 3 0 1 3 1 0 2 1 3 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 27 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 5 7 0 7 19 14 3 11 5 16 10 11 6 1 2 11 0 6 134 4 2 6 7 1 2 9 21 4 2 0 11 15 10 4 0 10 11 1 5 125 3 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 8 7 4 7 20 7 1 6 9 24 7 20 1 5 2 29 2 18 181 1 0 3 6 0 2 7 7 1 1 1 2 10 5 1 3 1 6 0 2 59 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 10 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 4 21 13 0 8 3 1 7 10 13 8 2 3 24 15 11 0 5 1 12 0 13 149 3 0 1 4 1 3 5 8 0 1 2 3 7 7 1 13 0 4 0 9 72 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 2 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 4 24 GRAND TOTALS: 654 560 123 497 Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department 12 0 4 11 0 6 40 17 3 7 11 29 13 14 6 0 7 33 0 16 229 8 0 1 9 7 4 26 10 5 2 4 20 26 3 7 2 6 13 5 20 178 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 4 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 17 1 0 0 10 0 4 29 12 0 1 3 17 6 6 3 0 5 9 0 19 125 10 1 9 20 8 17 108 65 2 18 20 78 23 43 4 1 8 58 4 61 558 9 6 11 22 6 18 43 48 8 14 10 33 49 25 10 5 15 40 11 51 434 7 0 2 9 0 2 9 9 0 4 4 8 14 1 0 7 1 1 0 17 95 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 6 0 1 8 9 0 2 3 3 1 7 1 0 5 9 0 4 60 1 1 9 16 1 14 32 29 1 17 9 30 14 22 8 3 3 21 0 25 256 4 4 7 10 3 12 18 39 1 5 3 19 25 16 3 3 18 22 3 19 234 4 0 1 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 4 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 4 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 4 0 0 6 2 0 4 3 6 2 1 1 0 1 5 0 12 48 3 0 8 7 4 30 33 24 0 9 11 32 14 35 1 3 5 33 3 42 297 2 0 2 10 1 2 12 14 1 5 6 10 21 6 1 3 5 8 1 12 122 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 14 7 1 6 5 0 2 9 13 5 2 3 16 10 7 1 6 0 7 0 9 109 3 0 2 1 0 4 2 2 0 0 3 4 5 1 2 13 0 1 0 0 43 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 17 2 0 0 0 0 3 5 4 2 1 1 16 0 5 0 0 2 12 0 10 63 17 0 6 11 2 13 29 34 1 8 6 56 33 30 3 3 1 21 0 37 311 5 0 4 12 1 12 21 14 1 6 4 22 34 10 1 4 1 11 0 31 194 413 66 250 1,174 1,101 328 Engine Department The Seafarers-crewed U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship USNS Mercy (above) departed Naval Station San Diego May 1, beginning its part in Pacific Partnership 2010 – a five-month humanitarian and civic assistance mission to Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Timor-Leste. According to MSC, Pacific Partnership 2010 “is a mission that will take medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and civic assistance projects to Southeast Asia and Oceania to build on relationships that have been developed during previous similar missions….” Members of the SIU Government Services Division sail in the unlicensed positions aboard the Mercy. In this photo, pallets are positioned near the ship in San Diego. The labels say “Project Handclasp,” which is part of this year’s Pacific Partnership mission. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson) Personal Electrician Gregory Thomas Please contact David Milligan at P.O. Box 971, Reno, NV 89504 June & July 2010 Membership Meetings Piney Point............................Monday: June 7; *Tuesday: July 6 Algonac ...................................................Friday: June 11, July 9 Baltimore............................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Guam................................................Thursday: June 24, July 22 Honolulu ..............................................Friday: June 18, July 16 Houston...............................................Monday: June 14, July 12 Jacksonville........................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 New Orleans..............................................Tuesday: June 15, July 13 New York...............................................Tuesday: June 8, July 6 Norfolk...............................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Oakland ............................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Philadelphia.......................................Wednesday: June 9, July 7 Port Everglades ................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 San Juan .............................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 St. Louis ................................................Friday: June 18, July 16 Tacoma..................................................Friday: June 25, July 23 Wilmington................................................Monday: June 21, July 19 * Piney Point change created by Independence Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. June 2010 2 1 5 1 4 1 8 7 1 2 2 7 10 7 4 0 4 8 3 9 86 Steward Department Joliet.................................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: June 16, July 14 2 0 3 10 1 4 12 16 6 2 4 7 8 7 1 0 6 14 1 8 112 3 0 5 6 1 10 12 8 1 6 7 25 4 6 3 3 0 12 0 20 132 0 0 1 5 0 3 3 4 1 2 0 2 5 5 0 0 1 4 0 4 40 Entry Department Seafarers LOG 15 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:51 PM Page 16 Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services What are some of the things you enjoy about your profession? HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 the steward department is pretty good. I’ve been sailing for almost 30 years, since I was 19 years old. I enjoy pretty much all of it, especially in this type of economy. Somehow we’re still shipping out pretty good in our department. I would never trade it for any other job. Hopefully I can stay for another 15 to 20 years. Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered in Oakland, Calif. Gregory Keene Recertified Steward One of the main things is the camaraderie with the crew. The time off that you get so you’re able to enjoy things, also. I live overseas, so it gives me an opportunity to spend more time with my family. I have a lot more freedom with that. Just the overall aspect of the merchant marine is a wonderful life for me. I couldn’t think of wanting to do anything else. Michael Wells Electrician Where else can you work six months of the year and make superior cash, and have the freedom to live anywhere in the world where you want to live? I happen to live in Thailand. Where else can you take 100-day vacations as the norm? It’s very atypical of an American to be able to have so much time off. What I also like about my job is that every day is different. Every day brings something new – I could be on any part of the ship at any given moment. Antedio Liguid Chief Cook I like my job. Sailing in Saher Ali AB I like to travel to different countries. I make good money and when I get off the ship I have time to spend with my family. That’s what I like about Seafarers. I’ve been sailing for eight years. My last ship was the Sealand Intrepid and I had a really good experience on it. I learned a lot. I sailed with the bosun, Matt Bevak, and he taught me a lot of things. Barry Alviso Recertified Steward Number one, the lifestyle that it provides for me and family. The freedom, the time off in between. Being away at sea is a different way of life and it’s not for everybody. I seem to handle it fine. The pay is good – I can support my family. I enjoy the work. I like cooking and hearing positive feedback, and it’s an important part of being out at sea on a ship. You make bonds with a lot of different people and you get to see different places. It’s exciting. Pic-From-The-Past NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Seafarers examine the provisions of their new standard freight agreement in the recreation room of the hall in the Port of New Orleans. Pictured (from the left) are Steward Lee de Parlier, Waiter Cosby Linson, FOW Johnny Medvesky, AB Bill Storey and Messman Bill Gillespie. The agreement, which among other features called for a five to 15 percent wage increase for all hands, was unanimously approved by SIU members in all ports. The photo was taken in December 1952. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:52 PM Page 17 Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Welcome Ashore DEEP SEA Spirit. Brother Hussein calls Dearborn, Mich., home. DIRK ADAMS Brother Dirk Adams, 50, became an SIU member in 1982 while in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the LNG Libra; his last the Horizon Consumer. Brother Adams upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member was born in Madrid, Spain, and now lives in Huntington Beach, Calif. SAMUEL MCKNIGHT Brother Samuel McKnight, 65, was born in Seattle. He joined the Seafarers in 1978. Brother McKnight sailed in the deck department on vessels including the Westward Venture and the Lightning. In 2001, he enhanced his seafaring abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother McKnight makes his home in Tucson, Ariz. FRANCISCO CACERES Brother Francisco Caceres, 65, joined the union in 1989. He initially sailed on the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Caceres was born in El Salvador and shipped in the deck department. His final ship was the Horizon Challenger. Brother Caceres resides in San Antonio, Texas. GEORGE PINO Brother George Pino, 57, signed on with the SIU in 1974 while in New York. He often took advantage of educational opportunities at the Paul Hall Center in Maryland. Brother Pino initially worked aboard the Seatrain Oregon as a member of the steward department. His last ship was the Oakland. Brother Pino resides in Fairfax, Calif. HERMAN CERBANA Brother Herman Cerbana, 64, started sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1979 in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was aboard the President Pierce. Brother Cerbana, who sailed in the steward department, attended classes on three occasions at the Piney Point school. He was last employed with Matson Navigation. Brother Cerbana is a resident of Lakewood, Wash. AMIN HUSSEIN Brother Amin Hussein, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980. He originally sailed aboard the Santa Magdalena. Brother Hussein worked as a member of the deck department. He most recently sailed on the Horizon June 2010 FRANCISCO RIVERA Brother Francisco Rivera, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1964. His first trip was aboard the Fairland. Brother Rivera upgraded on three occasions at the Seafarersaffiliated school. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Rivera’s final voyage was on the National Glory. He lives in Spring Hill, Fla. INLAND JOEL ANSOTIGUE Brother Joel Ansotigue, 67, became a union member in 1978. He primarily shipped with Mariner Towing Company. Brother Ansotigue is a resident of Tampa, Fla. THOMAS COGNEVICH Brother Thomas Cognevich, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1984. He was mainly employed in the engine department of Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans vessels. Brother Cognevich calls Covington, La., home. HOWARD PLYBON Brother Howard Plybon, 65, started his career with the union in 1979. He originally sailed in the deep sea division aboard the USNS Potomac. The deck department member’s last ship was operated by Penn Maritime Inc. Brother Plybon settled in Blue Ridge, Va. MICHAEL PRIVETTE Brother Michael Privette, 55, joined the SIU in 1975. His first vessel was operated by American Ship Management. Brother Privette was a member of the deck department. He most recently worked on a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington vessel. Brother Privette makes his home in Lancaster, Calif. JULIO RAMOS Brother Julio Ramos, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1977. The deck department member mostly sailed with Crowley of Puerto Rico. Brother Ramos enhanced his skills in 1988 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He resides in Catano, P.R. RAYMOND SNOW Brother Raymond Snow, 62, signed on with the union in 1988. His earliest trip was on the USNS Lynch. Brother Snow shipped in the deck department. His final journey was aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville vessel. Brother Snow lives in Sevierville, Tenn. DAVID STRICKLAND Brother David Strickland, 61, began his SIU career in 1980 while Piney Point, Md. He initially sailed with Ogden Merrimack. Brother Strickland’s most recent trip was on the Liberty Island. In 1979 and 2005, he took advantage of opportunities available at the union-affiliated school. Brother Strickland is a resident of New Port Richey, Fla. CARL WOLF Brother Carl Wolf, 58, joined the SIU ranks in 1996. He was employed with Crowley for the duration of his career. Brother Wolf calls Audubon, N.J., home. This Month In SIU History Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1940 In spite of claims by outsiders that it was impossible to get increases from the coastwise operators, the SIU negotiated with the coastwise companies and won increases of $10 per month plus an increase in the overtime rate of ten cents per hour for all departments. Companies covered by this agreement were Seatrain Line Inc., Range Lines, Canadian and Gulf Lines, Fall River Navigation Company and Waterman Steamship Corporation (for their coastwise ships). 1945 One thousand, one hundred, fifty-four American ships were lost between the outbreak of the European war and V-E Day, it was revealed this month, at the cost of 6,066 merchant seamen dead, missing or captured. The most extensive destruction was in the North Atlantic where wolf packs of U-boats prowled against convoys, sinking 219 ships until curbed by fast expanding Allied air and naval power. Next, the Caribbean was the most popular hunting ground for the sub- marines, with 122 of our vessels lost there. 1951 The SIU made history when it negotiated with its contracted operators a revolutionary, industrywide vacation plan which guarantees all Seafarers the equivalent of two weeks paid vacation for each 12 months of service. Regardless of how many ships or companies a member works for, the operators will pay into a central fund a certain amount for each day worked. The mariner no longer has to go to the company office to collect his vacation pay – the person merely goes to the union hall to submit discharges and, on that basis, will receive pro-rata vacation pay. 1980 Paul Hall, the man who built our union with brawn and brains from a struggling organization of 500 seamen into the number one maritime union in the world, died on June 22, 1980 at the age of 65. Brother Paul Hall, whose legendary battles emblazon the SIU’s history with a deep tradition of victory, succumbed after an eightmonth fight against cancer. It’s one of the few battles he ever lost. Seafarers LOG 17 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:11 PM Page 18 Final Depar tures DEEP SEA JOSEPH BIDZILYA Pensioner Joseph Bidzilya, 79, passed away Aug. 22. Brother Bidzilya joined the SIU in 1951 while in the port of Philadelphia. He was born in Pennsylvania and shipped in the deck department. Brother Bidzilya initially sailed with Liberty Navigation Company. Prior to his retirement in 1991, he shipped on the Integrity. Brother Bidzilya continued to call Pennsylvania home. ARLO KLEIN Pensioner Arlo Klein, 76, died Jan. 12. Brother Klein became a Seafarer in 1963. He originally worked aboard an American Steamship Company vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Klein was born in North Dakota. His final voyage took place on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Klein went on pension in 1992 and settled in Seattle. HERBERT LADSON Pensioner Herbert Ladson, 88, passed away Jan. 30. Brother Ladson signed on with the union in 1972 while in the port of Seattle. His earliest trip was aboard a States Steamship Company vessel. Brother Ladson was born in Jacksonville, Fla. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Ladson’s last trip to sea was on the USNS Bellatrix. He retired in 1987 and lived in Federal Way, Wash. WAI LEE Pensioner Wai Lee, 98, died Nov. 30. Brother Lee was born in China. He started sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards before that union merged into the SIU. Brother Lee worked in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1977. Brother Lee was a resident of San Francisco. WILFREDO RICE Pensioner Wilfredo Rice, 67, passed away March 28. Brother Rice, a member of deck department, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1971 from the port of New Orleans. His first trip was aboard the Morning Light and his last was on the USNS Pollux. 18 Seafarers LOG ber’s last voyage was aboard the Achiever. Brother Weaver was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. He went on pension in 1995. Brother Rice was born in Honduras. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 2009. Brother Rice resided in Metairie, La. BERNARD SABERON Pensioner Bernard Saberon, 84, died Jan. 13. Brother Saberon began his seafaring career in 1963. He originally sailed aboard the Anton Brunn as a member of the deck department. Brother Saberon was born in the Philippines. His final voyage was on the Elizabeth. Brother Saberon went on pension in 1992 and made New Jersey home. CECIL SCIPIO Brother Cecil Scipio, 58, passed away Jan. 8. He joined the SIU in 2000 while in Baltimore. Brother Scipio’s first ship was the Cape Florida. The steward department member was born in Guyana. Brother Scipio most recently worked on the APL Balboa. He called Coconut Grove, Fla., home. DANIEL SEYMOUR Brother Daniel Seymour, 53, died Jan. 3. He became a union member in 1988, initially sailing aboard the Liberty Wave. Brother Seymour was born in Green Bay, Wisc., and shipped in the deck department. His last vessel was the USNS Bob Hope. Brother Seymour lived in Kenner, La. ALFONSO VALENTE Pensioner Alfonso Valente, 85, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Valente signed on with the SIU in 1964. His earliest trip was on the R.D. Conrad. Brother Valente, who sailed in the deck department, was a New York native. He last sailed aboard a TYCO vessel. Brother Valente retired in 1991 and settled in New Jersey. ARLOND WEAVER Pensioner Arlond Weaver, 79, died July 15, 2009. Brother Weaver was born in Georgia. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1965. Brother Weaver originally worked on the Spitfire. The deck department mem- INLAND ROBERT FOUNTAIN Pensioner Robert Fountain, 72, passed away Dec. 25. Brother Fountain joined the union in 1966. He initially shipped with C.G. Willis Inc. Brother Fountain was born in North Carolina. His final trip to sea was aboard an Allied Transportation Company vessel. Brother Fountain started collecting his retirement compensation in 1987 and settled in Elizabeth City, N.C. LINDSAY GASKINS Pensioner Lindsay Gaskins, 75, died Dec. 24. Brother Gaskins began his seafaring profession in 1956. He originally sailed with Perry Towing Corporation. Brother Gaskins was born in North Carolina. He last worked on a vessel operated by McAllister Towing of Virginia. Brother Gaskins lived in Chesapeake, Va. He became a pensioner in 1996. PAUL LATIOLAIS Pensioner Paul Latiolais, 79, passed away Jan. 21. Brother Latiolais was born in Louisiana. He was first employed with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Latiolais’ final trip was with Dixie Carriers. He retired in 1992 and continued to reside in his native state. 1970. He was born in North Carolina. Brother Newkirk mostly sailed with Stone Towing Lines. He began receiving his pension in 1999. Brother Newkirk made his home in Wilmington, N.C. VICTOR WRIGHT Pensioner Victor Wright, 83, died Dec. 30. Brother Wright joined the SIU in 1956 while in New Orleans. For the duration of his career he worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Brother Wright was born in Kansas but settled in Terrytown, La. He retired in 1991 . GREAT LAKES DAVID GOWANS Pensioner David Gowans, 85, passed away Dec. 4. Brother Gowans started his seafaring career in 1960 while in the port of Detroit. He primarily shipped with American Steamship Company. Brother Gowans, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Barton, Md. He went on pension in 1985. Brother Gowans was a resident of Lanse, Pa. KENNETH SHORKEY Pensioner Kenneth Shorkey, 81, died Dec. 23. Brother Shorkey was born in Alpena, Mich. He signed on with the union in 1949. Brother Shorkey’s first ship was the Adam E. Cornelius; his last was the American Mariner. He became a pensioner in 1993 and resided in Pembroke Pines, Fla. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. JEROME MAMO NATIONAL MARITIME UNION Pensioner Jerome Mamo, 91, died Dec. 30. Brother Mamo signed on with the SIU in 1961. He primarily shipped aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Mamo was born in Pennsylvania. He went on pension in 1984. Brother Mamo called Norristown, Pa., home. WILLIAM ARBONA HENRY NEWKIRK Pensioner Herminio Badillo, 84, died Oct. 13. Brother Badillo was a native of Puerto Rico. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1989. Brother Badillo made Pensioner Henry Newkirk, 75, passed away Dec. 17. Brother Newkirk became a union member in Pensioner William Arbona, 89, passed away Dec. 25. Brother Arbona was born in Puerto Rico. He retired in 1969. Brother Arbona continued to call Puerto Rico home. his home in New York. CARLOS DA SILVA Pensioner Carlos Da Silva, 96, passed away Dec. 3. Brother Da Silva, a native of Brazil, became a pensioner in 1980. He settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. RAMON FIGUEROA Pensioner Ramon Figueroa, 84, died Dec. 3. Brother Figueroa was born in Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 1990 and resided in Baltimore. JUAN IRIZARRY Pensioner Juan Irizarry, 89, passed away Dec. 22. Born in Puerto Rico, he retired in 1969. Brother Irizarry was a resident of Passaic City, N.Y. HOWARD LOIHLE Pensioner Howard Loihle, 75, died Dec. 1. Brother Loihle was a native of Newark, N.J. He began receiving his pension in 2000. Brother Loihle lived in Lacey Township, N.J. ELBERT MCBRIDE JR Pensioner Elbert McBride Jr., 80, passed away Dec. 24. Brother McBride was born in North Carolina. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1991. Brother McBride made his home in San Francisco. MARCIAL REYES Pensioner Marcial Reyes, 72, died Dec. 17. Brother Reyes, a native of New York, retired in 2005. He called North Miami, Fla., home. JAMES VETRA Pensioner James Vetra, 87, passed away Dec. 5. Brother Vetra was born in Norfolk, Va. He went on pension in 1977. Brother Vetra made his home in Tampa, Fla. The following former members of the NMU also have passed away, however, no data was available to construct individual biographical sketches: Name Cordier, James Franco, Antonio Garcia, Ricardo Grant, Vallancourt Jackson, Wiley Moore, Quinn Murray, Paul Naugle, David Records, Joe Reid, Owen Riley, Perry Rodriguez, Gilberto Sanford, Edward Smolkowicz, John Steiner, John Age 88 91 80 84 87 84 82 81 85 77 77 80 88 92 91 DOD Jan. 14 Jan. 19 Jan. 20 Jan. 20 Jan. 9 Nov. 11 Jan. 8 Jan. 3 Jan. 29 Jan. 9 Jan. 17 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 6 Jan. 16 HERMINIO BADILLO June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:12 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings YORKTOWN EXPRESS (Crowley), March 7 – Chairman Jesse Natividad Jr., Secretary C.L. Caster, Educational Director Jessie Uliba, Deck Delegate Jerome Williams, Engine Delegate C. Jefferson, Steward Delegate Greg Blaylock. Crew asked for clarification on contractual issues pertaining to vessel. Chairman discussed upcoming schedule. Secretary told fellow mariners to let it be known they need any cleaning gear for rooms. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which is located in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $3,400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed possibility of obtaining suitable router so internet may be accessed on personal computers. They also discussed training for ABs. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Miami and Houston. The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. Namesake Port Call for New SIU Ship MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 14 – Chairman Brian Fountain, Secretary Alexander Banky, Educational Director P. Meglow. Chairman reported another safe trip with no lost time injuries. He announced payoff scheduled for noon on March 22. Secretary advised mariners to read SIU newspaper in order to stay up-to-date on union and industry news. He encouraged Seafarers to donate to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. He also advised crew who are signing off to leave rooms “like they would like to see when they are joining a ship.” Educational director reminded fellow crew members to “get your time in and take advantage of upgrading at Piney Point.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported need for new TV converter box. Crew thanked steward department “for all the great meals.” Crew made numerous suggestions concerning next contract as well as pension and medical benefits. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Norfolk, Va. OCEAN CHARGER (Pacific-Gulf Marine), March 14 – Chairman Joe Casalino, Secretary Anthony Smith. Chairman reported that as of meeting date, vessel had sailed for 215 days without a lost time injury. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for clarifications about vessel relief policy and out-of-pocket costs for vaccinations. Next port: Philadelphia. ALLIANCE NEW YORK (Liberty Maritime), March 28 – Chairman George Perry, Secretary John Gibbons, Educational Director Roger Phelps. Chairman thanked crew for “safe and successful voyage,” with special thanks to the deck gang. Crew requested patrolman on arrival to answer question about completing tour of duty. Secretary thanked crew for keeping messroom clean and also for “working together. It has been a good voyage.” Educational director discussed importance of mariners taking advantage of Piney Point school to enhance their skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew gave vote of June 2010 One of the union’s newly contracted vessels, the Alliance Beaumont (above), called on its namesake port in late March. The Alliance Beaumont, a roll-on/roll-off ship, reflagged American on Feb. 21 in Dubai and then carried a cargo of U.S. military equipment to Texas. The 751-foot vessel also loaded outbound military cargo before sailing from Beaumont. (Photo courtesy Port of Beaumont) thanks to steward department for good job and cookout. Special thanks conveyed from captain and other officers. Next port: Galveston, Texas. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International), April 2 – Chairman Ron Paradise, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Bruce Landos, Engine Delegate Chris Espinosa, Steward Delegate Leslie P. McGirt. Chairman reported ship due to arrive in Anacortes, Wash., later that day to discharge cargo and then proceed to Valdez, Alaska, to load. Secretary thanked crew for keeping messhall clean and reminded them to do the same in TV room. Educational director told everyone to check documents for expiration dates and renew early. He also encouraged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked union to look into issue concerning travel day. Crew would like to see improvements in medical and death benefits. Mariners gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Crew expressed concerns about mail system. Ship needs new linens and pillows. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk Line, Limited), April 4 – Chairman Albert Williams, Secretary Tommy Belvin. Chairman updated crew on repairs made in drydock. He commended crew for punctuality and productivity. Educational director encouraged fellow members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for increased in vacation benefit. Crew thanked steward department for outstanding job. Next port: Norfolk, Va. NOBLE STAR (Sealift, Inc.), April 4 – Chairman Saul Suarez, Secretary Debbie Randall, Deck Delegate Melvin Kennedy, Engine Delegate Jordan Cuddy, Steward Delegate Sylvester Merritt Jr. Chairman said dryers will be replaced in Lake Charles. He spoke to captain about issues concerning deck department and said clarification is needed from union. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade and reminded them that course dates are included on SIU web site. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Crew made suggestions for next contract. ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS (Maersk Line, Limited), April 18 – Chairman David B. Campbell, Secretary Rudolph Daniels, Educational Director Herbert Hyde, Deck Delegate Russell Haynes, Engine Delegate Malachi Tannis, Steward Delegate Vincent Chavez. Crew discussed issue of piracy and security. Chairman discussed Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Secretary reminded mariners to keep current address on file with the union so they will receive the LOG. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade, including participation in the company’s safety meetings at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew wants increase in pension benefits and lowered sea-time requirement. Also asked for increase in medical benefits. Crew asked for contract clarifica- tion. Crew thanked steward department for good work and good food. Also thanked electrician. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., and Beaumont, Texas. LIBERTY PROMISE (Liberty Maritime), April 18 – Chairman Mark Lance, Secretary Greg Melvin, Deck Delegate Benjamin Wright, Engine Delegate James Spranza, Steward Delegate Richard Gegenheimer. Chairman thanked everyone for patience during breakout. He encouraged members to submit suggestions for next contract. He reminded crew that part of the purpose of shipboard meetings is to “iron out problems early. Speak up any time, but especially during meetings…. Let’s make the Brotherhood of the Sea a reality, not a cliché.” He cautioned members about “roaming” cell phone charges in Gulf of Mexico. Secretary requested that salad bar be included in next agreement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested copy of shipping rules. Crew is compiling list of suggested safety gear. Crew asked for direct deposit both through the company and for vacation checks. Crew asked for clarification on OT rule. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), April 18 – Chairman Scott Heginbotham, Secretary Fausto Aranda, Deck Delegate Larry Martin, Engine Delegate Mike Kifle, Steward Delegate Romalies Jones. Chairman thanked crew for good work. He announced payoff scheduled for Galveston, Texas. He encouraged all members to read president’s report in Seafarers LOG. Secretary thanked deck and engine departments. Educational director recommended that all members upgrade in Piney Point as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Galveston. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), April 19 – Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary Joseph Laureta, Educational Director Cirico Geonanga, Deck Delegate Felipe Jimenez, Engine Delegate David Hamilton, Steward Delegate Frank Iverson. Chairman read president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Secretary stressed importance of cleanliness. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade and also to renew documents in plenty of time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked Steward Laureta for good food. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif., and Honolulu. PELICAN STATE (Crowley), April 28 – Chairman Ray Tate, Secretary Milton Yournett, Educational Director Kevin Carraby, Engine Delegate Lebindra Maharaj. Chairman encouraged crew to look out for each other’s safety. Secretary reminded members to help keep ship clean. Educational director advised fellow members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer reported $800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew approved motion to reduce sea time required for pension. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department. Seafarers LOG 19 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:13 PM Page 20 With Seafarers in Guam In early May, SIU Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo joined Guam Port Agent John Hoskins in servicing several Seafarers-crewed vessels at the U.S. island territory, including the submarine tender USS Frank Cable and the prepositioning ship USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams. Pictured here in the group photo aboard the Williams are (from left) Vincenzo, GUDE Ahmed Ahmed, AB Armondo Alvarez, AB Vincent Castellano, SA Munasar Muthana, SA Majed Jahamee, AB John Gonsalves, QEWC Jasper McGirt, AB Pio Vili, AB Robert Goldson, Hoskins and AB Nathaniel Sherrill. In the other photo, taken aboard the Cable, Vincenzo (left) meets with Military Sealift Command engineers Ken Wilkinson and Bill Homer. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FUND, INC. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246 for the year ended July 31, 2009. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the Plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $427,754 as July 31, 2009, compared to $327,255 as of August 1, 2008. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $100,499. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $7,665,460, which included employer contributions of $7,616,468, realized losses of $4,571 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $53,563. Plan expenses were $7,564,961. These expenses included $434,385 in administrative expenses and $7,130,576 in benefits paid to participants. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: ■ ■ ■ ■ An accountant’s report; Financial information and information on payments to service providers; Assets held for investment; and Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, telephone number (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, and at the U. S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC, or to obtain a copy from the U. S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by 20 Seafarers LOG certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION—If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:13 PM Page 21 Seafarers Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Schedule The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months of 2010. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Department Upgrading Courses Start Date Title of Course Able Seaman Date of Completion June 21 August 16 October 11 July 26 September 27 November 8 October 18 May 24 June 21 July 26 August 16 June 7 September 27 July 12 September 13 October 25 June 21 August 2 September 8 November 15 August 23 October 18 May 31 August 2 September 27 ARPA Bosun Recertification Celestial Navigation Fast Rescue Boat Lifeboatman Radar Observer (Unlimited) Radar Recertification (1 day) STOS Tanker Asst DL Tank PIC Barge DL July 16 September 10 November 5 July 30 October 1 November 12 November 8 June 18 June 25 July 30 August 20 June 18 October 10 July 23 September 24 November 5 June 21 August 2 September 8 November 15 September 3 October 29 June 11 August 13 October 10 Safety Upgrading Courses Start Date Title of Course Basic & Advanced Firefighting May 31 July 5 October 18 June 21 July 26 August 16 September 20 October 18 November 15 June 14 July 19 November 1 June 22 July 20 August 17 September 14 October 12 December 7 BST/Basic Firefighting Medical Care Provider Helo Firefighting (1 day) Date of Completion June 11 July 16 October 29 June 25 July 30 August 20 September 24 October 22 November 19 June 18 July 23 November 5 June 22 July 20 August 17 September 14 October 12 December 7 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Chief Steward July 19 August 27 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began May 31. Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed at the Paul Hall Center. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. The following opportunities are currently available: Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), a College Program and a Preparatory Course. When applying for preparatory courses, students should list the name of the course desired on upgrading application. An introduction to computers course, a self-study module, is also available. Engine Department Upgrading Courses Online Distance Learning Courses Advanced Container Maintenance Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations November 15 July 19 September 13 November 8 June 21 August 16 October 11 June 7 August 23 June 28 November 29 October 4 June 7 July 5 September 27 October 25 November 29 FOWT Junior Engineer Marine Refrigeration Technician Machinist Pumpman Welding December 10 August 13 October 8 December 3 July 16 September 10 November 5 July 30 October 1 July 16 December 17 October 15 June 25 July 23 October 15 November 12 December 17 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ “Distance learning” (DL) courses are available to students who plan to enroll in classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The online courses are not mandatory, but they are structured to benefit students who eventually attend other classes at the Paul Hall Center, which is located in Piney Point, Md. The online courses are: DOD Level 1 Antiterrorism Awareness Training, MSC Environmental Awareness, First Aid Preparation, Hazardous Material Control and Management, Hearing Conservation, Heat Stress Management, Bloodborne Pathogens, Shipboard Pest Management, Respiratory Protection, Back Safety, Fixed Fire Fighting Systems, Shipboard Firefighting, Portable Fire Extinguishers, Fire Fighting Equipment, Shipboard Water Sanitation, Crew Endurance Management, Basic Math Refresher, Intermediate Math Refresher, Marine Engineering Mathematics Preparation, Introduction to Navigational Math, Basic Culinary Skills, and Chief Cook Preparation. Students MUST have access to the internet and an e-mail address in order to take the aforementioned classes. Each course must be taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. E-mail addresses should be provided on applications (printed neatly) when applying. Applicants should include the letters DL when listing any online course on the upgrading application form below. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. _________________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ Deep Sea Member ____________________________ _______________ _______________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Social Security #_______________________ Book # ____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Lakes Member Seniority_____________________________ Inland Waters Member COURSE DATE OF COMPLETION _______________ Department______________________ Home Port_____________________________________________________________ E-mail________________________________________________________________ LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off:________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held______________________________________ SIGNATURE ________________________________ DATE___________________ _________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable.Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? Yes No If yes, class # ______________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ June 2010 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/10 Seafarers LOG 21 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:14 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 729 – Fourteen unlicensed apprentices completed training in this course March 5. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: James D’Amico, Ismael Gonzalez, Parker Johnson, Alexandra Jones, Lisa Lee, James Martin Jr., Andre MacCray, Jerry Morlett Jr., Derek Nix, Jarrod Nix, Michael Ray, Drew Reiley, Abelardo Reyes Jr., and Joseph Salgado. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is not pictured. Welding – Eight upgraders completed their requirements in this 103-hours course April 23. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Leonard Ajoste, Benjamin Arroyo, Omar Aswad,Sylvester Crawford Jr., Kenneth Evett, Kevin Hill, Leonico Rabaya Jr., and Jovan Williams. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing third from the left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ARPA – The following individuals finished this 32-hour course April 23. Those gradu- FOWT – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this ating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Archie Bodden, Keiron Bovell, William Coronacion, John Crawford, Monte Cross Jr., John Immerfall, Sam Lloyd and Marc Simpson. Their instructor, Stacey McNeely, is not pictured. course March 26: Jason Albertson, Benjamin Arroyo, Ja’Quaral Carroll, Scott Collings, Eric Cunanan, Timothy Cunningham, Romer Garrido, Shawn Haber, Michael Hill, Kevin Hunt, Patrick Leming, Rafael Leon, Maurice Reine, David Seymore, Johnny Swinson Jr., Richard Vega, Aleksey Vigovskiy and Osborn Wyche Jr. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) GMDSS – The following ugraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course May 7: Richard Barnes, Lou Cabano, John Crawford Scott Ellis, Mark Gaskill, Thomas Hancock, John Howard, Timothy Huth and John Immerfall. Their instructor, Joe Curtis, is at left. Basic and Advanced Firefighting – Seventeen individuals completed their requirements in this 41-hour course March 19. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ahmed Aboelnaga, Al Balatico, Davon Brown John Crawford, Kashmir Singh Dhillon, Thomas Jones, Edison Lalin, Antwaun Legare, Forrest McGee, Jonathan Pampilon, Ronnie Rankin, Neil Sullivan, Billy Talbott, Charles Tison, Lua Minh Tran, Ray Truong and Michael Voda. Steve Stockwell, their instructor, is at right. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2010 �59629_p01_24:January 08 5/26/2010 9:15 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization DL – Twenty-four Phase III unlicensed apprentices on March 10 completed this 63-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Immad Alhag, James Anderson, Michael Andrew, Daryl Balance, Talib Cherry, Dan Conner, Nathaniel Fitzpatrick, Justin Hammons, Nicholas Hoffman, Charles Hosea Jr., Antonio Jones, Boyko Kovatchev, Curtis Lee, John Matichak, Darryl McCoy, Tyler Peyton, Justin Pierce, Ricky Rivera Matrinez, William Roach, Jeremy Salas, Shawn Spencer, Zach Stout, Joseph Tucker and Kellan Von Rabenstein. STCW/BST – Twenty upgraders completed their requirements in this course April 30. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ahmed Baabbad, Morio Baja, Thomas Banks, Peter Bean, Christopher Dickens, Michael Edington, Orlando Flores, Louis Indelicato, Brent Johnson, Kristin Krause, Domingo Leon Jr., Joel Markle, Roberto Monge, George Monseur, Rodney Passapera, Argelio Perez Borroto, Lamar Pinckney, Donna Saling, Ernest Smith and Neonito Sodusta. STCW/BST – Eighteen upgraders completed this course April 30. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Terry Abbott, Tareq Ahmed, Ahmed Almuflihi, Emmanuel Buyser, Juan Castillo, Monte Cross Jr., Terry Evins, George Galanis, Casey Jones, Jerome Jordan, David Knuth, Terry McKee, Jeffery Moritz, Dalia Santiago, Pedro Santiago, Victor Sapp, Richard Sawyer and Raymond Vicari. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Shiphandling – Nine individuals finished their requirements in this course April 16. STOS – Ten Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed this course April 23. Earning graduation certificates (above, in alphabetical order) were: Immad Alhag, Daryl Ballance, Dan Conner, Charles Hosea Jr., Antonio Jones, John Matichak, Tyler Peyton, William Roach, Jeremy Salas and Joseph Tucker. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at right. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tyler Adams, Richard Barnes, David Blue, Lou Cabano, Scott Ellis, Mark Gaskill, Thomas Hancosk, John Howard and Timothy Huth. Brad Wheeler, their instructor, is fourth from right. June 2010 Seafarers LOG 23 �59629_p01_24_x:January 08 5/27/2010 7:54 PM Page 24 Volume 72, Number 6 June 2010 Tanker Delivered Page 8 ‘Sail-In’ Delivers Industry’s Message on Capitol Hill Representatives of American maritime took the industry’s voice to Capitol Hill on May 13, conducting meetings with 124 members of Congress and staff during the first-ever Maritime Industry Congressional “Sail-In.” The event’s overall objective was to communicate the value of the industry to the U.S. economy and national defense. SIU officials who participated included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and Vice President Great Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski. According to event sponsors, the Sail-In was designed to build new relationships with congressional figures who have only modest awareness of maritime issues. It was also undertaken “to better reinforce our friendships with lawmakers who already demonstrate an acute understanding of the industry’s importance.” Maritime representatives divided into groups and converged on elected official’s offices throughout the day. Key messages expressed on the Hill included: ■ More than 1.6 million Americans are employed in the U.S. maritime industry, keeping our economy strong and our nation secure. ■ Every day, we use our seaports and waterways to move trillions of dollars worth of export, import and domestic cargo. ■ 85 percent of war materiel delivered to the conflict theaters of Afghanistan and Iraq has been delivered by U.S. mariners sailing U.S.-flagged vessels. ■ 80 percent of our country’s humanitarian aid is delivered by the U.S. Merchant Marine, supporting thousands of American jobs and assisting people in need worldwide. David Matsuda, acting U.S. maritime administrator, kicked off the event at a breakfast in the Rayburn House Office Building. He then introduced U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, for an inspiring keynote address that sent the 136 maritime industry participants to their day-long schedule of congressional meetings. The Sail-In was widely supported by various segments of the American maritime industry, including the SIU, international and domestic ocean carriers, terminal operators and other labor unions. “We had folks from 20 states, 48 congressional districts, 28 companies, nine unions and labor organizations, and 10 related associations,” reported Vice Admiral (Ret.) Albert J. Herberger, a former U.S. maritime administrator. “That’s a powerful message to Congress.” The Sail-In was organized by the U.S. Maritime Coalition, a volunteer committee of representatives from the U.S. maritime industry representing the U.S. merchant fleet, maritime labor unions and other maritime companies serving America. Retired Admiral and former U.S. Maritime Administrator Albert J. Herberger helps lead the event. U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) addresses the Sail-In attendees. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (right) discusses maritime issues with U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (second from right) meets with staffers of Rep. Peter King’s (R-N.Y.) office, MEBA Political Director Mike Ingrao (center) and Josh Shapiro of Liberty Maritime (far right). Pictured from left to right are Mark Sickles of Weeks Marine, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, U.S. Rep. Buck McKeon (R-Calif.), John Crowley of APM Terminals and Jim Henry of the Transportation Institute. From left, AMO Representative Dave Weathers, Tony Naccarato, Mary Naccarato, Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and AMO Representative Brenda Otterson gather to talk about maritime legislation. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2010 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU JOINS IN CELEBRATING NEW TONNAGE LIBERTY PROMISE FORMALLY WELCOMED NEW VESSEL SIGNALS JOBS, ENHANCES MILITARY CAPABILITY CEREMONY STRESSES MARITIME’S NATIONAL SECURITY ROLE NATIONAL MARITIME DAY EVENTS IN D.C. HONOR DEDICATION, VALUE OF MARINERS ONLINE PETITION PUSHES ACTION TO COMBAT PIRACY TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE CITES IMPORTANCE OF JONES ACT FLEET LAKES CONTRACTS INCLUDE NUMEROUS GAINS CREDIT FOR SEA TIME REDUCED OPERATING STATUS AKER PHILADELPHIA DELIVERS OSG TANKER UNION NAMES VESSEL IN HONOR OF LATE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT JOHN F. FAY MV JOHN F. FAY TAKES PLACE AS PHC TRAINING VESSEL WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS UPCOMING ‘SAIL-IN’ DELIVERS INDUSTRY’S MESSAGE ON CAPITOL HILL Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2010 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. 72, No. 6 2010 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2b39e32a3cc2413fe483d8a970a82a55.pdf 3002a50fce33ab40fdc3a5e57ae677d3 PDF Text Text 64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:35 PM Page 1 Volume 73, Number 6 June 2011 SIU Makes Strong Showing During Maritime Day Events D.C. Ceremonies Honor U.S. Mariners Gen. Duncan McNabb (left in photo at left, with SIU President Michael Sacco) was the featured speaker at two of the three National Maritime Day events May 19 in Washington, D.C. The yearly gatherings paid tribute to the U.S. Merchant Marine’s historic sacrifice and importance while also stressing the continued need for a strong American-flag fleet. In photo above, General McNabb and President Sacco are shown at the Washington Navy Yard with other SIU officials, VIPs and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. In photo below, Unlicensed Apprentices Jason Allen (right) and Leo Onofrio (center) stand with Navy personnel during MSC’s ceremony. Pages 2, 12, 13. Overseas Tampa Delivered Page 3 Runaway-Flag Pitfalls Underscored Pages 4, 5 SHBP Scholarships Awarded Page 7 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:57 PM Page 2 President’s Report SIU-NMU Merger a Winner Can you believe a decade has passed since the National Maritime Union merged into the SIU? It indeed has been 10 years since that historic occasion, which itself was decades in the making. I’m very pleased – and not the least bit surprised – to point out that the results of the merger have been every bit as good as expected. The nearly unanimous support of both memberships for the merger signified that the time was right. The leadership of both unions knew it, and that’s why we finally culminated an agreement which in earlier times seemed unachievable. Anyone who knows SIU and NMU history understands that we didn’t exactly operate in perfect harmony after our respective beginnings in 1938 (SIU) and 1937 (NMU). But, both when the Michael Sacco NMU affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America in 1998 and then again when the merger took place in 2001, I firmly maintained that men and women on a ship don’t care where you come from – they just care if you can do your job. And that’s exactly how the interaction between our memberships played out as we became one. Members didn’t ask if you were NMU or SIU, or if they did, it was an afterthought. They were focused on professionalism and delivering the goods, wherever and whenever needed. Rene Lioanjie, retired former president of the NMU and a key architect of the merger, recently told me that both in 2001 and today in 2011, he believes the move “is the best thing that could have happened to our members and to the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. For many years, I had been telling our members that a merger like this one was the only way to save our merchant marine. I got a lot of heat, but eventually, the members thanked me. Though we used to fight on the waterfront many years ago, I always respected the SIU, and I think it has turned out great for everyone.” I agree. The merger, just as we expected, has given a more powerful voice to mariners while creating a stronger manpower pool for national defense. I’m still shaking my head a little at the notion that 10 years have flown past, but this certainly is a happy anniversary. Honoring U.S. Mariners This year’s National Maritime Day ceremonies in the nation’s capital were truly first-class tributes to the American Merchant Marine. Both the U.S. Transportation Department’s Maritime Administration and the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command “did it right” for the annual observances, which took place May 19. So did the Propeller Club, which featured one of the greatest military advocates our industry has ever known in Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command. (General McNabb also gave the keynote address at the MSC ceremony, as reported elsewhere in this edition.) We in the SIU do not take it for granted when individuals like General McNabb, MSC Commander Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (featured at the MarAd ceremony) and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood enthusiastically acknowledge the proud history of the U.S. Merchant Marine as well as the ongoing need to maintain a strong American-flag fleet. In that same vein, I appreciated this year’s National Maritime Day proclamation from President Obama, who cited not only the sacrifices of mariners past and present but also the critical role our seafarers play in U.S. national and economic security. Similar sentiments were expressed across the country in related ceremonies in Texas, California, Virginia and elsewhere where the SIU participated. On behalf of our entire union, I thank everyone who helped plan and host those events, and I join in saluting the patriotism and professionalism of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Volume 73, Number 6 June 2011 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFLCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Paddy Lehane; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2011 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Members-Only Section Highlights Newest Version of SIU Web Site The union is on schedule to launch an upgraded, expanded version of its web site by midJune. The newest adaptation of www.seafarers.org will have a more modern look and will integrate the SIU’s social media pages, but the biggest change is the addition of a members-only section. Active Seafarers will be able to register for individual access to the member portal by entering their date of birth and Social Security number. The member then will be asked to enter his or her email address and create a password. The portal itself initially is expected to include at least a handful of sections. Those screens feature a member profile, one listing dependents/beneficiaries, and another detailing various training that has been completed by the Seafarer. Other sections contain information on work history, medical benefit eligibility, and documentation (such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential and merchant mariner credential) on file with the union. Most of the information in the member section is “read only,” but members will be able to edit and update certain fields, such as their home address, home and cell phone numbers. Once the new site has been launched, questions about the portal should be directed to the SIU’s membership assistance The newest version of the SIU web site still was being refined when this screen grab was taken, but the image reflects the basic layout, including member and company log-ins at the top. program at 1-800-252-4674. Additionally, authorized personnel from SIU-contracted companies will have access to a separate new section of the web site utilized for manpower functions. One of the most significant changes to the main site (first launched in 1997) is the addition of a gallery featuring lifeboat class photos and other images along with a few videos. The rest of the site will continue offering much of the same content as before, though in redesigned and more userfriendly fashion. That content includes articles from the Seafarers LOG as well as a complete PDF version of the current edition; course descriptions and dates for training available at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center; a news section featuring some of the latest maritime and labor happenings; a schedule of upcoming membership meetings and a complete list of SIU halls; benefits plans booklets and notifications; various forms and more. “We are excited about launching the new site and think the membership will find the member-only portal useful,” said Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. He added, “Additional member features will be added in the near future to better serve our membership and their families.” Mariners ‘More Critical Than Ever’ for U.S. A skilled U.S. Merchant Marine and strong U.S. shipbuilding industry are critical to America’s national and economic security, declared the Navy League of the United States in its recently released 2011-12 policy statement. The 32-page document credited the Jones Act and other U.S. maritime laws with playing a crucial role in today’s “irregular warfare environment.” Released in late April and titled “Internationally Engaged: Ensuring Freedom of the Seas,” the policy statement said of the U.S. Merchant Marine, “Skilled mariners are more critical than ever to ensuring our ability to sustain U.S. national and global security interests. Ninety-five percent of the equipment and supplies required to deploy the U.S. armed forces is moved by sea…. The shipping capabilities of the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force and the DoD’s Military Sealift Command are sized to support routine and some surge logistics and specialized mission requirements. This critical capability must be maintained by ensuring an active commercial U.S.-flag Merchant Marine to support efficient and cost-effective movement of DoD cargo.” The report added that America’s ability to access a “maritime capability of ships and seafarers is essential to our national and economic security…. Without these commercial capabilities, the U.S. government would be required to provide significantly more funds to build a replacement fleet and infrastructure while losing the pool of highly qualified mariners needed to sail these vessels.” The Navy League also emphasized the critical importance of a strong American shipyard capacity. Citing the benefits of Navy, Coast Guard and commercial shipbuilding, the League said, “It is essential that this nation have a policy at the highest levels of government to support and sustain an adequate industrial base capable of providing and supporting a strong Navy and maritime commerce.” The report said the Jones Act and other U.S. maritime laws boost security by adding a sealift capacity as well as an expanded pool of trained and experienced mariners to crew U.S. governmentowned sealift assets. These laws also help to sustain the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industrial In this Navy photo from early last year, humanitarian supplies are unloaded from the Seafarers-contracted Cornhusker State in Haiti. The Navy League cited this operation as just one example among many of how the nation relies on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kim Williams) base that is vital to the U.S. Navy. An industry spokesman commended the report and added that America’s domestic fleet provided half of the mariners needed to crew U.S. government-owned sealift vessels activated from reserve status to support military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan “and we need to be certain the United States can continue to sustain this essential capacity.” The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt and has grown to become the foremost citizens’ organization to serve, support and stand with all the U.S. sea services – the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. More than 50,000 members focus on two main initiatives. First, the Navy League’s public education efforts are designed to inform the nation, and its political leaders, of the vital importance to the country of comprehensive and fully prepared sea services. Second, the Navy League, primarily through its councils, provides support for active duty sea service personnel and their families. June 2011 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:35 PM Page 3 Aker Philadelphia Delivers Tanker Overseas Tampa Seafarers are sailing aboard the new tanker Overseas Tampa, which was delivered in late April by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Scheduled to operate in the Jones Act trades for OSG, the Overseas Tampa is the twelfth Veteran Class product tanker built by Aker Philadelphia, a union-contracted shipyard. According to the yard, the on-schedule delivery of the Overseas Tampa marked the successful conclusion of an historic shipbuilding program that started in 2005. “The 12-ship program was one of the largest commercial ship construction efforts since World War II and has contributed towards making the U.S. fleet more environmentally friendly with the vessel’s double hull design and cleaner engines,” Aker Philadelphia said in a news release. The yard is building two additional tankers. The first vessel is under construction and production activities for the second tanker are scheduled to begin this summer. Both vessels are scheduled to be completed by first quarter of 2013. Each of the Veteran Class ships is 600 feet long and 46,000 DWT. Each of the tankers can carry 332,000 barrels of product and can sail at speeds greater than 14 knots. Those vessels are the Overseas Tampa, Overseas Chinook, Overseas Anacortes, Overseas Houston, Overseas Long Beach, Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas New York, Overseas Texas City, Overseas Boston, Overseas Nikiski, Overseas Martinez and Overseas Cascade. The Overseas Tampa readies for sea trials. (Photo by John Curdy) Gen. McNabb Cites ‘Superb’ U.S. Navy Takes Over Operation Efforts of Commercial Fleet Of Army’s High Speed Vessels During an April 7 hearing conduct- Fleet, the vessels of the RRF and the ed by the Senate Armed Services commercial U.S. Flag Fleet in the Committee, Gen. Duncan McNabb, MSP and Voluntary Intermodal commander, U.S. Transportation Support Agreement (VISA) are all Command, reiterated the vital need for required to meet the Nation’s strategic a strong U.S. sealift capability, and he sealift requirements. While cargo prefalso praised the efforts of the erence laws and national defense American commercial maritime indus- sealift policies ensure the viability of the U.S. flag commercial fleet, we try. During a question-and-answer ses- must also continue to keep the Surge sion at the hearing, Gen. McNabb said Fleet and Ready Reserve Force vessels TRANSCOM’s “commercial partners at an equal state of readiness as well as … stepped up superbly to both bring- our citizen mariners who man these ing this stuff out of Iraq and the stuff vessels during operations in USCENTinto Afghanistan….” He also COM and around the world…. “USTRANSCOM’s partnership described cargo preference laws and the U.S. Maritime Security Program as with the U.S. commercial sealift “really valuable so that we keep a industry and the Department of very, very strong U.S.-flag fleet, which Transportation has been vitally important in developing is in the interests of new routes for conthe taxpayer and in veying cargo the interest of the around the globe – war-fighter.” particularly to Following is an regions with undeexcerpt from Gen. veloped infrastrucMcNabb’s stateture. Through proment: grams like the “Sealift is the Maritime Security primary means for Program (MSP), delivering ground the Voluntary forces and sustainIntermodal Sealift ment during major Agreement and the combat operations, Voluntary Tanker and has been Agreement, the responsible for Department of delivering over 90 Defense gains percent of all cargo access to U.S. to Afghanistan and commercial capaIraq. Because of the Gen. Duncan McNabb bilities and transsuperb volunteer Commander, portation networks participation of U.S. Transportation Command while ensuring the commercial U.S.continued viability Flagged vessels in the Maritime Security Program (MSP), of both the U.S. flag fleet and the pool we did not have to activate a single of citizen mariners who man those ship in the Surge Fleet or the Ready vessels. Last year, Congress ensured Reserve Force (RRF) to meet the the continuation of the MSP by President’s aggressive timeline for the extending it an additional 10 years to surge and drawdown of forces in 2025. We look forward to working Afghanistan and Iraq—a remarkable with Congress and this committee to achievement. refine this program between now and “The large, medium speed, roll-on, the MSP implementation date in roll-off ships (LMSRs) in the Surge 2015.” June 2011 Civilian-Crewed Ships Will Further Advance U.S. Sealift Capabilities The U.S. Department of Defense on May 5 announced that the departments of the Navy and Army signed an agreement earlier in the month transferring all five of the Army’s joint high-speed vessels (JHSV) to the Navy. The Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) will own and operate all 10 of the government’s JHSVs, which will be designated as USNS and crewed by civil service and contract mariners. The first of the ships is scheduled for deliver in December. According to MSC, initial plans for the JHSV program called for the Army to operate five of the vessels while the remainder would be assigned to the Navy. However, during meetings late last year, both services agreed to transfer the Army’s five JHSVs upon signing of the aforementioned memorandum. MSC has been slated to operate the Navy JHSVs since August 2008. In May 2010, MSC announced that the vessels would each have a core crew of 21 mariners – civil service mariners on the first JHSVs and civilian contract mariners on the remaining ones. In keeping with that decision, the first four JHSVs will be crewed by CIVMARS and the following six by civilian contract mariners, the agency reported. “This agreement with the Army demonstrates our commitment to reducing redundancies and saving money for the taxpayer,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. “This is a responsible step that will ensure our military remains the most formidable fighting force the world has ever known.” The aluminum-hulled, catamaranstyle ships will be 103 feet long and will be able to sail at 35 knots fully loaded. The vessels closely will resemble the one shown in this rendition provided by shipbuilder Austal. Seafarers LOG 3 �64746_LOG_X2 5/26/2011 7:05 PM Page 4 MTD, ITF Back Coast Guard Report on Deepwater Horizon Agency Questions Safety Of Runaway Flags The Maritime Trades Department, AFLCIO recently applauded a U.S. Coast Guard report on the Deepwater Horizon tragedy that cites flag-of-convenience (FOC) or runaway-flag shipping as a detriment to safety. Around the same time in mid-May, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) also backed the Coast Guard report and expanded on some of the problems related to FOCs. The SIU is affiliated both with the MTD and the ITF. In a letter addressed to U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.Y.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, MTD President Michael Sacco (who also serves as president of the SIU) said that the Coast Guard report (released in April) “casts a very critical eye specifically at the lax safety and emergency response culture aboard the Deepwater Horizon. It does not stop there. The Coast Guard notes many of these problems are found within the flag-of-convenience shipping industry. “The report questions the safety of ves- sels documented in open registry countries and specifically criticizes the Republic of the Marshall Islands (whose flag flew over the Deepwater Horizon),” the MTD letter continued. “It stated the country ‘effectively abdicated its vessel inspection responsibilities.’ It showed concern for a flag state to rely on classification societies to do its inspections, and said ‘these failings also raise questions with regard to the level of safety provided by the open registries.’” Sacco also commended the Coast Guard for taking a critical look at itself and for recommending possible steps the agency may take to boost safety and responsiveness. Identical copies of the letter were addressed to Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Rick Larsen; Senate Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee Chair Mark Begich and Ranking Member Olympia Snowe; and Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security Subcommittee Chair Frank Lautenberg and Ranking Member John Thune. The MTD is composed of 23 national and international unions representing five million workers. The ITF, consisting of hundreds of affil- iates and several million workers from across the globe, stated that the Coast Guard report “reinforces the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s long-held position that so-called flag-of-convenience or runaway-flag vessels often facilitate and even encourage unsafe business practices. The ITF recognizes that there are conscientious FOC operators and many have well trained crews (regardless of their nationality), but many FOC operators have no regard for the mariners, their competency and other victims who suffer as a result of the runaway-flag system. Putting swift profits ahead of safety, runaway-flag entities also risk catastrophic environmental damage like that which occurred last year when the rig exploded.” ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel (who also serves as secretary-treasurer of the SIU) added, “The ITF applauds the Coast Guard’s focus on what happens when a flag state fails to oversee that its vessels comply with ISM and other international minimum standards. When rules and regulations are or become lax, conditions can deteriorate into confusion and chaos. This was seen aboard the Deepwater Horizon when it was off the Gulf Coast of the United States last year. It was not registered in the United States, which has a rich maritime history, but instead with the Marshall Islands, which lacks a strong regulatory regime.” He concluded, “In addition, international maritime organizations such as the ITF see such dangerous examples daily off the coast of Somalia, the Gulf of Oman where 40 percent of the world’s oil supply originates and in the Indian Ocean, as pirates count on such poor conditions to raid and capture under-crewed, under-prepared vessels and crews and poorly maintained vessels sailing under runaway flags. Piracy obviously pre-dates runaway-flag shipping, but the very same FOC system that arguably led to the Deepwater Horizon tragedy also is hampering international efforts to fight back against the modern version of at-sea terrorism. Without runaway flags, the vital task of ending piracy would be immeasurably easier as traditional maritime States would seek to protect their nations’ respective assets.” The full title of the Coast Guard report is: Report of Investigation into the Circumstances Surrounding the Explosion, Fire, Sinking and Loss of Eleven Crew Members Aboard the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico April 20-22, 2010 (Volume 1), MISLE Activity Number: 3721503. SIU President Urges Grassroots Action Times Are Tough In 2012 to Novelty Workers Union For TWIC Program Telling the more than 100 delegates to the 21st convention of the International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production Workers that Americans got what they voted for – or didn’t vote for by staying home – SIU President Michael Sacco said union members could not be complacent in the upcoming 2012 national elections. “We need to elect those who understand the needs of working people,” Sacco stated when he addressed the convention on May 11. “We need to participate and we need to make sure our members and our families are involved.” The Novelty Workers, who are affiliated with the SIU both through the AFL-CIO and the Maritime Trades Department, met in St. Pete Beach, Fla., for their weeklong gathering. Members of the union come from 15 states and represent 20 nationalities, all of which were represented by small flags on a table in front of the dais. The union represents workers in many fields including manufacturing, nursing homes, retail and more, according to President Mark Spano. Among the most visible items Novelty Workers produce are American-made Weber grills. Sacco noted a longtime slogan within the SIU that “Politics is pork chops. And what that means is that our ability to put food on the table and to keep a roof over our heads depends on having pro-worker representatives at every level of government and in the White House.” He added we may not agree with everything that has been done by the Obama Administration, but it beats what has taken place in states like Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida where workers stayed home on Election Day 2010. He said he was like everyone else in labor, hoping for more for workers from Washington after the 2008 elections. But, as he reminded the audience, look what President Obama was up against in terms of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The MTD president provided the delegates with updates on what is happening within the U.S.-flag maritime industry as well as the global battle against piracy. To give the audience a better appreciation for seafarers, he 4 Seafarers LOG SIU President Michael Sacco addresses the convention. Novelty Workers President Mark Spano (left) and the delegates recently met in Florida. reminded the delegates that union American mariners delivered humanitarian aid to Haiti immediately the devastating earthquake, rescued the passengers and crew of the airliner that ditched in the Hudson River and kept control of the Maersk Alabama when pirates attacked it and took the captain. The convention also heard from Richard Kline, president of the Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO; and representatives from the Florida AFL-CIO as well as the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Convention delegates pose with SIU President Michael Sacco (front, second from left). Recent Congressional hearings and a government report have pointed out some potentially serious security problems with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The Government Accountability Office (GAO) launched an investigation into the effectiveness of the TWIC program and found some troubling results. According to a report released last month by the GAO, investigators were able to access secure areas of large U.S. ports using fake or fraudulently obtained TWIC cards. In one instance, the GAO investigators drove a “simulated explosive device” into a secure area of a port. “This investigation raises a disturbing question,” said Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.). “Are America’s ports actually safer now than they were a decade ago?” TWIC cards were created as a part of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). The MTSA was enacted following the attacks on 9/11 in order to secure our ports from potential terrorist threats. The TWIC program was designed to ensure that mariners, truck drivers, longshoremen and other port workers have unescorted access to secure areas of the nation’s ports. In theory, the cards are an important tool in making sure that workers are allowed to perform their jobs with limited interference and that only people who have legitimate business in secure areas have access to them. The problems uncovered by GAO investigators dealt with lapses and oversights in security considerations. For example, U.S. Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (and one of the individuals who requested the GAO report), testified at a Senate hearing that because of the lack of approved biometric card readers, “TWICs are at best no more useful than library cards.” Investigators found other problems, including opportunities to obtain a TWIC using false information and credentials. The federal government has already spent more than $400 million on the program and maritime workers are required to spend $135 every five years to obtain the necessary card. “I want the TWIC program to live up to its mandate,” said Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.). “I want it to keep our nation’s ports more secure. But as this report reveals, things need to change.” Rockefeller announced that he plans to introduce legislation that will address these and other shortcomings in port security this year. In spite of the GAO findings, the TWIC program is seen by some as an essential and necessary tool for securing our ports. “The TWIC program strengthens the security of our nation’s ports while facilitating trade through provision of a tamper-resistant biometric credential to all port workers requiring unescorted access,” said Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole. “The national implementation of the TWIC as the common credential verifying the identity and background suitability significantly enhances national maritime security….” June 2011 �64746_LOG_X2 5/26/2011 7:07 PM Page 5 New York Times Op-Ed Slams Runaway Flags NMC Commander, REC Branch Chief Tour School System Promotes Human Suffering, Harms Environment A recent opinion piece in The New unpunished an unaccountable.” For instance, the International York Times takes aim at so-called flags of convenience, also known as run- Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF, to which the SIU is affiliated) recovered away flags. The Times on April 24 published an $30 million in unpaid wages for op-ed by British author Rose George, mariners last year – money that otherwho is writing a book about merchant wise almost certainly would not have shipping. Headlined “Flying the Flag, been secured. “Globalization is no reason that Fleeing the State,” George’s article strongly and justifiably criticizes the states can’t take responsibility for the FOC system – a decades-old sham that ships they register,” George adds. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David often facilitates human suffering and Heindel serves as chair of the ITF’s environmental damage. The complete article is available Seafarers’ Section. In a follow-up communication to the Times, he congratuonline at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/2 lates George “on her wide-ranging research and fact-checking. Sadly, 5/opinion/25george.html George points out that while piracy she’s right. The industry ranges from is a life-and-death matter plaguing the excellent employers and flag states to maritime industry, “maritime lawless- miserable crooks and hand-washing ness isn’t confined to pirates. Thanks flags. The latter’s ability to run rustto a system of ship registration called buckets and abandon crews at whim, ‘flags of convenience,’ it is all too easy thousands of miles from home, is facilfor unscrupulous shipowners to get itated by the FOC system, whose members are currently away with criminal so conspicuously They behavior. have evaded prose“Globalization is no reason failing to intercept or prosecute a sincution for environmental damage that states can’t take responsi- gle person responlike oil spills, as bility for the ships they regis- sible for that other current scourge or well as poor labor -- Author Rose George mariners’ lives: conditions, forcing ter.” the piracy that is crews to work like sweeping the slaves without adeIndian Ocean.” quate pay or rest.” On its web site, the ITF describes She goes on to explain the evolution of the runaway-flag system – a setup in runaway flags as providing “a means which a vessel’s flag differs from that of avoiding labor regulation in the of its owner’s home state. FOC country of ownership.” The federation shipowners also often use manning says FOCs have “become a vehicle for agents from still another different paying low wages and forcing long hours of work and unsafe working connation to hire multinational crews. “Under the flags of convenience ditions. Since FOC ships have no real system, registries have been divorced nationality, they are beyond the reach from government oversight,” George of any single national seafarers’ trade writes. “North Korea has a thriving union. “The ITF has therefore been obliged registry, as does landlocked Mongolia. Liberia’s registry, the second-largest in to take on internationally the role trathe world, flourished even during a ditionally exercised by national trade dozen years of civil war. (LOG editor’s unions – to organize and negotiate on note: The Liberian registry is based in behalf of FOC crews. For 50 years the Virginia.) Some registries allow ship ITF, through its affiliated seafarers and owners to change the flags they’re reg- dockers unions, has been waging a vigistered under within 48 hours; some orous campaign against shipowners require little more than a signature or who abandon the flag of their own an online form from an owner. Many country in search of the cheapest posdon’t require owners to disclose their sible crews and the lowest possible identities at all. Such easy anonymity training and safety standards for their ships.” is dangerous.” An entire section of the ITF web George concedes that there are “plenty of ships run by decent owners, site is devoted to the FOC campaign. but delinquency is too easy with open See www.itfglobal.org for more inforregistries, when owners can slip away, mation. ‘Flags of Convenience’ Countries The following countries have been declared FOCs by the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Fair Practices Committee, a joint committee of the federation’s mariner and dockworker unions which runs the ITF campaign against runaway flags. The list is current as of May 2011, according to the ITF web site. Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda (UK) Bolivia Burma Cambodia Cayman Islands Comoros Cyprus June 2011 Equatorial Guinea French International Ship Register German International Ship Register Georgia Gibraltar (UK) Honduras Jamaica Lebanon Liberia Malta Marshall Islands Mauritius Mongolia Netherlands Antilles North Korea Panama Sao Tome and Príncipe St Vincent Sri Lanka Tonga Vanuatu The commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center and the agency’s regional examination center branch chief on April 14 toured the Seafarersaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Capt. Anthony Lloyd (second from right) and Ken Skuches (second from left) were joined by Paul Hall Center Admissions Director Priscilla Labanowski (center) as well as John Mason (far left) and Mike Mason (far right) from American Service Technology, Inc. The guests observed how training is conducted on the Piney Point, Md., campus and also discussed with school officials various training requirements and NMC functions. U.S. Rep. Hoyer Brings Back ‘Make it in America’ Plan AFL-CIO President Says Bipartisan Agenda Would Create Jobs House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has reintroduced an endeavor to reinvigorate America’s manufacturing base in an effort to add jobs and boost the fragile economy. The plan, dubbed “Make it in America,” is a major campaign that includes more than 30 pieces of legislation, all of which are geared towards strengthening and expanding America’s domestic workforce. “We commend Democratic Whip Steny AFL-CIO President U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer Hoyer for refocusing attenRich Trumka (D-Md.) tion on job creation by once again introducing the bipartisan ‘Make it in America’ goods and selling them abroad, we’ll continagenda,” said AFL-CIO President Richard ue to be a very successful country and create Trumka in a statement released by the feder- the kinds of jobs that are good-paying jobs ation. “It’s time for Congress to focus on with good benefits,” said Hoyer. “We know what Americans want and need most – jobs. that manufacturing, according to our own We need to create them, retain them and statistics, but also (according to) the National make sure that they are safe and family-sup- Association of Manufacturers, that when porting jobs.” you create a job in manufacturing, it has a Between the late 1940s and the 1970s, the multiplier effect in the job market generally.” United States had one of the largest and most Several components of the “Make it in vibrant manufacturing bases in the world. America” agenda have already become law. American workers were creating high-quali- Funds have been set aside for small busity products that were bought and sold across nesses who hire American workers. Tax the globe. In addition, many of these manu- loopholes for businesses that outsource jobs facturing jobs were family-sustaining, union to foreign countries have been closed, creatpositions, the federation pointed out. ing an incentive for companies to hire American workers still efficiently pro- Americans. Not only that, but taxes have duce quality goods equal or superior to those also been cut for small businesses and others available anywhere else around the world, who work and create goods and services at but the nation has lost much of its manufac- home. turing capabilities – and the good jobs that Proponents of the plan emphasize that go with it – due in part to flawed trade agree- more must be done in order to revitalize the ments, injurious tax laws and corporate middle class. exploitation of impoverished foreign workIn the face of a catastrophic economic ers. collapse, massive job loss and hardships put Focusing on creating jobs in the manu- on America’s working families, the bipartifacturing sector is part of what made this san “Make it in America” plan has the abilicountry’s middle class the largest and ty to turn things around for the country, strongest in the world, according to Hoyer, according to Hoyer and Trumka. whose district includes the SIU-affiliated “The nation can no longer live on legaPaul Hall Center for Maritime Training and cy,” said Trumka. “We need to invest in the Education, located in Piney Point, Md. coming decades to build a 21st century infraReviving that base can help us secure our structure and we must ensure that we actualmiddle class families for generations to ly make the technology and materials for the come, he said. things we are building and installing. The “The reason you focus on manufacturing, ‘Make it in America’ agenda is a big step in of course, is because Americans believe cor- the right direction to resolve our manufacrectly that if America is manufacturing turing crisis.” Seafarers LOG 5 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:35 PM Page 6 The USNS Carl Brashear (vessel at right above) pulls alongside the USS Curtis Wilbur during a replenishment at sea as part of Operation Tomodachi. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman) CIVMARS Remain True to Form, Answer Call to Duty During Operation Tomodachi Just as they have done numerous times in the past, Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARS) from the SIU’s Government Services Division once again have answered the call to duty. The latest iteration came in early March during Operation Tomodachi, a U.S. Navy relief effort to provide humanitarian assistance to survivors of the March 11 tsunamis that devastated northern Japan. The colossal sea waves, triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked the far eastern nation earlier the same day, killed more the 12,000 people and displaced an estimated 164,000 more from their homes. Authorities declared some 15,000 individuals missing. In responding to the disaster, the Navy deployed 20 ships, 140 aircraft and 19,000 people. Ships in the mission included those in the USS Ronald Reagan Strike Group and USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group. At the center of this support, however were seven Seafarers-crewed MSC Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force ships. According to published reports, the more than 700 CIVMARS aboard the seven MSC vessels (USNS Bridge, USNS Pecos, USNS Carl Brashear, USNS Matthew Perry, USNS Richrd E. Byrd, USNS Rappahannock, and USNS Safeguard) gave unselfishly of themselves to benefit those affected by this horrible tragedy. In order to successfully complete their missions, many worked extended hours in the face of austere weather conditions such as heavy rain, hail and snow. The actual relief effort got underway March 13 when the Reagan arrived at a designated location some 190 miles north of Tokyo. Helicopters from the Reagan immediately started delivering relief supplies ashore. Pilots and air crews also conducted a number of aerial reconnaissance missions. The fast combat support ship USNS Bridge was the first MSC ship on location. Within days, the group was joined by Perry, Pecos, Rappahannock, Brashear, Byrd and Safeguard. Collectively the vessels, officers and crews did a masterful job providing relief supplies to those in need while operating in a virtual non-stop, fast-paced environment. According to MSC, the contributions made by the officers and CIVMAR crews of each vessel during the relief operations are as follows: ■ USNS Bridge – Conducted 25 underway replenishment missions (unreps) and delivered more than 1.8 million gallons of fuel. ■ USNS Pecos – Delivered 96 pallets of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material to the Essex Amphibious Group and the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. Pecos also completed nine unreps and delivered more than 2.3 million gallons of fuel to other supporting ships. ■ USNS Carl Brashear – Delivered more than 80 pallets of humanitarian cargo to northern Japan. Brashear also and completed 17 unreps, delivering more than 1 million gallons of fuel to ships supporting the relief effort. ■ USNS Matthew Perry – Spent 21 days supporting Operation Tomodachi, completing 17 separate replenishment events and delivering more than 1.5 gallons of fuel. ■ USNS Richard E. Byrd – Completed 16 unreps and in the process delivered 210,000 gallons of fuel to Tomodachi-support ships. ■ USNS Rappahannock – Delivered 289 pallets of bottled water to Yokosuka, Japan for the relief effort. Rappahannock also completed 10 unreps delivering more than 2.4 gallons of fuel. ■ USNS Safeguard – Surveyed more than 4.5 million square yards of harbor and removed five tons of wreckage thereby clearing a channel for a commercial liquid natural gas tanker to safely dock. The tanker delivered heating fuel to the area for the first time since the earthquake. An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter (above) moves in to retrieve a pallet of supplies from the deck USNS Matthew Perry. Once hooked up to its payload (photo below) the aircraft prepares lift off en route to the forwarddeployed USS Essex, not pictured. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam M. Bennett) U.S. Maritime Unions Donate to AJSU Sailors aboard the USS Shiloh (left in photo above) receive cargo from the USNS Matthew Perry off the northeastern coast of Japan during Operation Tomodachi. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki) 6 Seafarers LOG The SIU recently teamed up with other U.S. maritime unions in donating relief funds to the All Japan Seamen’s Union (AJSU). The joint donation was sent in early May, via a fund established by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The SIU and the AJSU are affiliated through the ITF. In a letter to AJSU President Yoji Fujisawa, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, writing on behalf of U.S. seagoing labor, wrote, “We realize the enormous challenges you and your countrymen face in the wake of the devastation caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami. We salute your courage in the face of those challenges. While the financial toll of the disaster is incalculable, our unions have teamed up to donate a combined $25,000 to the AJSU. We hope this donation will help in your rebuilding efforts…. More importantly, please know that you can count on us to assist whenever and wherever needed.” Heindel also chairs the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section. June 2011 �64746_LOG_X2 5/26/2011 7:07 PM Page 7 Seafarers, Dependents Share $132,000 in SHBP Scholarships Three active Seafarers and five dependents now may pursue their respective higher educational objectives thanks to grants totaling $132,000 that recently were bestowed upon them by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Convening May 13 in Philadelphia, members of the SHBP scholarship committee selected Seafarers Cleveland Foy, Timothy Squires Jr., and Judith Merwin; along with dependents Randi Isenhart, Nermine Abdelwahab, Hailey Grubbs, Allison Matias and Gabrielle Camacho as recipients of the calendar year 2011 Charlie Logan Scholarships. Foy is the recipient of a $20,000 endowment while Squires and Merwin each were named to garner $6,000 to further their educational goals in two-year courses of study. Each of the dependents landed scholarships of $20,000 to pursue their aspirations at four-year colleges or universities. Following are brief biographical sketches of each of the scholarship recipients and recaps of their respective educational aspirations. Cleveland Foy AB Cleveland Foy was a member of Unlicensed Apprentice Class 686 at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. After completing the school’s Phase III of the program, Foy returned to the Southern Maryland-based maritime institution on two occasions to enhance his skills. He currently works aboard the Crowley Maritime-operated tug Master. A native of Ocala, Fla., Brother Foy received his Georgia General Educational Development Diploma in 2000. He joined the SIU in 2007 after serving five years in the U.S. Navy. Brother Foy has done volunteer work monitoring troubled young men and encouraging them to continue their education and stay positive. He will pursue his bachelor’s degree in Managerial Sciences with an emphasis on supply chain management; hopefully at Florida State College of Jacksonville. He said the reason for choosing this field of study is “because it directly corresponds to my daily activities in shipping. “Working as a merchant seaman and delivering goods around the globe directly correlates with logistics,” he said. “Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in this field will allow me to excel administratively … and make me a better seaman and help me understand both sides of the industry.” Timothy Squire Jr. AB Timothy Squire Jr., hails from Norfolk, Va., and was the 1999 recipient of an advanced studies diploma from Bayside High School in Virginia Beach, Va. He joined the union in 2001 and completed the apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center. Since then, he has been going to sea aboard deep sea vessels while working in the deck department. “Ten years have passed since the day I entered the union hall on Third Street in Norfolk,” Squire said in his scholarship nomination package. “During those years, a love for computer technology has grown inside my heart…. Computers have become an international language that connects the world and I can’t wait to be a part of it.” Squire hopes to earn his degree in computer networking/science and also obtain his Microsoft Certification. “I have sailed the deep seas from the United States to Europe across the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal,” he said. “I have been all over the world and bought my first house at 24 years old, but I have not been to the one place I desire the most: a college classroom.” Brother Squire hopes to attend Norfolk State University. Judith Merwin AB Judith Merwin, the third active Seafarer to land an endowment under the 2011 SHBP Scholarship Program, is a resident of Kentwood, La. The North Carolina-born mariner is a 1973 graduate of Havelock High School and attend- June 2011 ed Chalmette Community College in Chalmette, La. Sister Merwin joined the SIU in 2000 in the port of New Orleans and has upgraded her skills on several occasions. A veteran of numerous deep sea voyages, Sister Merwin is well aware of Mother Nature’s potential for wrath, especially when it comes to incidents involving water. She, like thousands upon thousands of others, witnessed firsthand the ravages (including to wildlife) left behind in the wake of the recent Deepwater Horizon disaster. According to Sister Merwin, seafood is a huge part of the Louisiana’s culture and the disaster exacted a heavy toll on many seafood varieties all along the Gulf Coast. The price of crawfish has nearly doubled since the calamity, she said. Because of the disaster, she wants to continue her education in hydroponics and aquaculture (hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water, without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions; and aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks and aquatic plants). “I want vey much to be a leader among my brothers and sisters in the union as well as in the community,” she said. “I want our food to be pure. I want healthy food to be affordable.” Sister Merwin hopes to continue her studies at Southeastern University, the University of New Orleans, or at Louisiana State University. Randi Isenhart Randi Isenhart hails from Del Haven, N.J. She is the daughter of Inland Captain Randy Isenhart (and mother Christina, a school nurse). A 2011 graduate of Lower Cape Mary Regional High School, Isenhart posted an overall 4.85 GPA in her secondary education studies. She was a member of the National Honor Society and was active in dance and gymnastics. Randi plans to study the sciences and mathematics in college, ultimately earning her degree in biology. “Although I do not yet know what exactly I want to do with a degree in biology, I am contemplating research and pre-medical studies,” she said. “I just know that I have always been told to do what you love, and I love science, so a degree in biology is the first step to doing what I love.” Isenhart has applied to Brown University, Tufts University and the University of Rochester. Nermine Abdelwahab Nermine Abdelwahab wants to pursue a career in engineering. The daughter of AB Mohamed Abadelwahab (and mother Ekram Ahmed, a housewife), Nermine was born in Alexandria, Egypt. She is a 2011 graduate of Southwest High School in Minneapolis, Minn., where she posted a 3.94 GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society and was active in a number of other non-athletic pursuits including Amnesty International and Habitat for Humanity. In the athletic arena, Nermine participated in tennis, softball and badminton. “Engineering has always intrigued me as I view it to be the foundation that change can be built on,” she said. “Engineering will provide me the tools, innovation, and knowledge to make a change worldwide. “Through my own experiences, I believe that infrastructure, industry, and sustainability is what distinguishes a third world country like Egypt from America, and all of these factors can be obtained through an engineering background,” Nermine continued. “Overall, I hope to expand my knowledge in engineering and give back to the world in a way that can make a tangible difference.” She has applied to Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and Carleton College. Hailey Grubbs A native Floridian, Hailey Grubbs was born in Duval County and currently resides in Neptune Beach, Fla. She is the daughter of Recertified Bosun Robert Grubbs (and mother Connie, a realtor) and is a 2011 graduate of The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Fla. Hailey achieved a 4.55 GPA during her secondary education training and was a member of the National Honor Society. She served as president of both Big Brother & Big Sisters and the Leigh Meadows Service Cub at her school and was a member of the yearbook staff. An accomplished swimmer, Hailey was a four-year member of Bolles’ varsity swimming team. “I cover 50 yards in 27 seconds. I move faster than a tuna,” said Grubbs, whose parents introduced her to swimming at the age of four. She spent the past three summers serving as a lifeguard, coaching swim teams and giving swim lessons at inner-city pools to children who could not swim. “I can attest to the sense of purpose and accomplishment this hard work has provided me,” she said. “For this reason, I’ve decided to study medicine, and become a pediatric physician, surrounded by children, working to maintain their safety and health.” She looks forward to the challenges of a pre-med curriculum while attending the University of Miami, University of Florida or Florida State University. “I am ready to jump in,” she concluded. Allison Matias Allison Matias was born in California but now resides in Virginia Beach, Va. A 2011 graduate of Landstown High School, Allison is the daughter of Chief Cook Efren Matias (and mother Nellie, a registered nurse). As a high school student, she was active in a number of non-athletic activities including Model United Nations, DECA, and the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Society. Allison also held memberships in the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She graduated from Landstown High with a 3.96 GPA. Allison and her family relocated from San Diego to Olongapo, Philippines, when she was two years old. “Enveloped in a culture so rich in personality and warmth, I grew up with an open mindset,” she said. “Residing in a developing country has led me to witness poverty and develop an absolute respect and reverence towards education. “My experience in the Philippines honed my thoughts from a young age, thus leading to my decision of becoming a doctor capable of helping those in need,” she continued. “Having seen the immense need for more capable individuals to assist the poor, I could not help but yearn to one day be a person who is able to flourish in the community.” Allison hopes to pursue a pre-med course of study at the Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University or the University of Virginia. Gabrielle Camacho Gabrielle Camacho is the daughter of AB Noel Camacho (and mother Wilhelmina, a nurse). She is a 2011 graduate of Otay Ranch High School in Chula Vista, Calif. Gabrielle participated in junior varsity track and field, was active in volunteer work in her community and achieved a 4.12 weighted GPA. She was a member of the National Honor Society as well as Key Club International. “Living in Honolulu and San Diego, I have lived a relatively sheltered life,” Gabrielle shared in her scholarship nomination package. “My family has always been very protective of me. “However, as protective as they were, they could not shield the harsh realities of the world from me forever,” she continued. “I am aware of the beautiful and wretched occurrences in my surroundings and internationally. “My empathy has allowed me to become president of a community service club that is a branch of Key Club International and it is also the basis of my decision to strive toward becoming a pharmacist and paramedic.” she concluded. “Both professions require me to travel a rigorous pathway.” Gabrielle hopes to attend the University of California. Congratulations are in order to each of the foregoing scholarship recipients. It is the hope of SHBP Plan officials and the union membership as a whole that they all prosper in their respective higher educational endeavors. Remembering Father Boileau On a more somber note, The Rev. David A. Boileau, who served as a member of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarship committee for many years, passed away Jan. 24 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He was 80. Father Boileau over the years assisted the SIU and its educational programs in many ways and was regarded as a true friend of the union. He will be sorely missed. Condolences are extended to members of his family. Scholarship Committee Members of the calendar year 2011 SHBP Scholarship Committee in early May met in Philadelphia to choose this year’s award recipients. Comprising the committee (above, from left to right) were: Dr. Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president academic affairs, California State University, San Bernardino; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, College of Southern Maryland (retired); Dr. Keith Schlender, University of Toledo; Dr. Henry Toutain, Kenyon College; and Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired). Also participating on the committee, but not pictured was Dr. Henry Glaser, St. Mary’s College (retired). Seafarers LOG 7 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:35 PM Page 8 U.S. Navy Names Next T-AKE for Cesar Chavez Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on May 18 announced that the 14th Lewis and Clark class of dry cargo/ammunition ships (abbreviated as T-AKE) will be named the USNS Cesar Chavez. “Continuing the Lewis and Clarkclass tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers, the Navy’s newest underway replenishment ship honors the memory of MexicanAmerican civil rights activist Cesar Chavez,” the Defense Department said in a news release. “Chavez served in the Navy from 1944-1946 after which he became a leader in the American labor movement and a civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers.” Members of the SIU Government Services Division sail aboard the TAKE vessels. “Cesar Chavez inspired young Americans to do what is right and what is necessary to protect our freedoms and our country,” said Mabus. “The Cesar Chavez will sail hundreds of thousands of miles and will bring support and assistance to thousands upon thousands of people. His example will live on in this great ship.” Designated T-AKE 14, the Cesar Chavez is being built by union-contracted General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. Eleven of the TAKEs are slated to serve as combat logistics force (CLF) ships, and three are scheduled to be part of the maritime prepositioning force (MPF). The Cesar Chavez will serve the CLF missions, helping the Navy maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. According to the Navy, each ship in the class is 689 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 105 feet, displaces approximately 41,000 tons, and is capable of reaching a speed of 20 knots. Mayor Meets Seafarers Then-mayoral candidate Alvin Brown (second from right) chatted with Seafarers recently at the union hall in Jacksonville, Fla. In an extremely close runoff election last month that was deemed a major upset, Brown, the labor-backed candidate, won by approximately 1,500 votes (out of about 193,000 cast). He is pictured at the hall in early April with (from left) Steward/Baker Shirley Bellamy, SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware, OMU Edgar Young and SA Rosalie Long. SIU, MTD at White House Roundtable SIU Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (right) and Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan (left) participated with nearly 40 other people in the White House Champions of Change Roundtable on Transportation on May 16. The session included union and non-union attendees from the maritime, air, rail, trucking and bus industries as well as infrastructure and environmental groups. Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari (center) hosted the discussion, which also featured a visit by Presidential Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. Maritime issues were among the many topics discussed. Vandegrift (who is based in Piney Point, Md.) and others outlined how the Jones Act has been valuable to the U.S. economy for job creation for mariners, shipbuilders and other associated fields. A push to commit more resources for waterway transportation also was made. CIVMARS Help Rescue 5 Near Solomon Islands SIU Government Services Division members aboard the USNS John Ericsson participated in a rescue of five people who were lost more than 35 miles away from the nearest shore. The rescue took place May 18 near the Solomon Islands. While conducting routine operations in the Solomon Sea May 17, the Ericsson received notification from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers in Australia and Papua New Guinea at about 11 p.m. to be on the lookout for a missing commercial vessel. At about 8 a.m. local time the following morning, OS Tyrone Mouzon spotted a small commercial vessel with five individuals aboard waving frantically. Mouzon notified the watch officer, Third Mate Timothy Gervais, who alerted the Ericsson’s civil service master, Capt. Richard Kirk. Kirk immediately ordered the ship to sail towards the small craft to render assistance. The Ericsson carefully inched close to the boat and the ship’s crew secured lines to the small craft. Safely secured alongside, the Ericsson brought the commercial sailors on board where they received a medical examination as well as food and water. “The sailors were tired and dehydrated but they appeared to be in good condition,” said Kirk. According to Kirk, the five Solomon natives said they were transiting between the Solomons’ Nissian and Bougainville islands when they became disoriented by bad weather and heavy seas, spending two nights and three days lost more than 35 miles out to sea. “They had no food and water remaining,” said Kirk. The Ericsson’s crew also salvaged the small boat by placing a large net underneath the vessel, lifting it out of the water using the ship’s crane, and securing the boat to the side of the ship for transport. The Ericsson then made the short transit to nearby Bougainville Island where the five mariners, along with their vessel, were repatriated ashore. St. Louis Port Council Honors 4 More than 300 union members, elected officials and guests saluted four people for their work within the labor community during the 31st annual Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Maritime Trades Department Port Council dinner on April 30. In the photo above, Port Council VP Jack Martorelli (left) and Secretary-Treasurer Becky Sleeper (who also serves as the SIU port agent in St. Louis) present the Joe Sacco “Friend of Labor” Award to Robert Kelley, accepting on behalf of his late longtime friend Robert Kortkamp, who recently passed away. In the other photo, holding his Labor Man of the Year Award is IAM District 837 President Gordon King. Presenting the ship’s wheel (from left) are Martorelli, Port Council President Dick Mantia and MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco. The Able Helmsman Award went to Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, while George C. Roman, VP for state and local government operations at Boeing, received the Management Man of the Year Award. 8 Seafarers LOG June 2011 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:36 PM Page 9 CELEBRATING 45TH ANNIVERSARY – AB Josefino Casugay (left) and SEAFARER EARNS DIPLOMA – Following the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (right) applauds GUDE Alethea Earhart for earning a high school diploma through center’s state-certified program. his wife, Erlinda, recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Josefino has been an active Seafarer since 1968, while Erlinda, though retired as a full-time educator, still works part-time at a faith-based preschool. The happy couple resides in California. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE – At the union hall in Jacksonville, Fla., SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware (right) congratulates Capt. Charles Jones on his retirement and on a job well-done. A Seafarer since 1980, Jones sailed with Crowley. ON THE WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (right in photo above) and Patrolman Nick Marrone II (center) represented the union during the late-April meeting of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s ship managers working group, which took place in San Francisco. Topics included the numerous, consistent steps maritime labor has taken to help continue meeting the nation’s sealift readiness needs. Pictured from left to right are AMO National Asst. VP Daniel Shea, MarAd Office of Ship Operations Director William Cahill, Marrone, Ocean Shipholdings President and CEO Jim McGregor and Celona. In the other photo, taken at the union hall in Oakland, Calif., Celona administers the union oath and presents an SIU book to Bryan Wynn, who sails with Starlight Marine. ABOARD HORIZON EAGLE – Closely focusing on their work in the engine room are (photo at left above, left to right) Chief Engineer Joe Olszowy and DEU Younis Kaid. Fellow crew member QMED Samuel Garrett is shown in the other photo. THESE ‘LOSERS’ ARE WINNERS – Seafarers at Crowley/Petty’s Island started shaping up for the New Year via a “biggest loser” weight-loss contest. Beginning in early January and ending in late March, 14 participants shed a combined 258 lbs. Charles Wisler and Samuel Birth from the mechanic shop shared first-place honors by each losing 49 lbs. Seafarer Stanley Williams came up with the contest idea and presented Wisler and Birth with prizes and certificates of achievement. All participants thanked Terminal Manager Ken Orben for supporting the contest. Competitors included (front row, from left) Dennis Saggese, David Christinzio, Gabriel DeJesus, Regina Emmons, (back, from left) Samuel Birth, William Murray, Patrick Bradley, Stanley Williams, Joseph Endres, Scott Smith, Charles Wisler and Anthony Lombardo. Not pictured are Thommie Hampton and Milli Davis. BACKING PUBLIC EMPLOYEES – Seafarers in the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., area rallied April 4 in support of teachers and other public employees. Pictured at the demonstration – which was part of organized labor’s “We Are One” platform – are (from left) Recertified Bosun Joe Caruso, AB Joseph Lane, Port Agent Kris Hopkins, AB Randy Powell, an unidentified fellow supporter and Unlicensed Apprentice Patrick Bethel. June 2011 TALKING UNION IN CHARM CITY – SIU Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown (left) catches up on the latest union news with Unlicensed Apprentices Jarvis Stanley (center) and Kyle Silva at the union hall before the latter two individuals signed on aboard the nearby Alliance Norfolk. Seafarers LOG 9 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:36 PM Page 10 Debunking Myths: Editor’s Note: Elements from the “Radical Right,”—in a carefully calculated campaign to divide well-meaning individuals and promote hatred based on misinformation, distortions and outright falsehoods—are spreading a host of myths that demonize government and labor unions. Essentially, their goal is to portray progressive public officials and public sector workers as villains. In an effort to counteract these actions and the recent and ongoing attacks on union workers’ rights and provide the general public and union members with accurate information, the New York-based Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies and some of its affiliated agencies published a booklet titled “In the Public Interest: Debunking the Myths about Government, Government Workers, and Unions.” The material appearing in the following article was extracted from that publication. There is no denying that America currently is struggling through some very challenging times. People are out of work, prices are soaring, public services are down, wages are stagnant and families are still losing their homes. This state of affairs is made more dismal as a result of efforts by well-organized groups of radicals who are trying to convince the American public that overpaid government workers are to blame for the nation’s current economic problems. Attacking public sector workers conveniently focuses attention on the two things the radicals hate the most: government and unions. But complaining about the evils of government and unions is not new. What is different now is that the country is in terrible economic condition and people want an explanation. In response, some politicians and media personalities are repeating myths that demonize government and unions, making progressive public officials and public sector workers into villains. These actions create serious consequences: they divide well-meaning individuals and promote hatred based on misinformation, distortions and outright falsehoods. Additionally, these myths divert public attention from the real problems being encountered in our nation including: a financial sector that has wreaked havoc on our economy; tax cuts for the wealthy that have increased our national debt at the worst possible time; vast concentrations of wealth and power alongside economic hardship and insecurity; and the ability of the “monied class” to prevent the democratic process, dominate the mass media, and shape public opinion in ways that hurt the vast majority of Americans. Following are seven myths perpetuated by radicals, information on why these myths are nothing more than folklore and alternative explanations and possible remedies. MYTH # 1 Government workers have it too good. Public sector workers have much higher salaries than other workers— plus gold-plated benefits and perks. The average worker is forced to pay taxes to support a level of compensation they themselves can only dream of. Public sector workers are lazy, rude and unproductive. And they’re on permanent vacation. REALITY ■ The radicals and the media are fond of highlighting government abuses. Some of these abuses are very real, but they also exaggerate reality and misrepresent the facts to make all government workers look like villains. 10 Seafarers LOG ■ The work of government employees—police, firefighters, teachers, train track workers—is important, often stressful, and sometimes dangerous. The salaries of public sector workers are well earned. ■ Public sector salaries are not lavish. The radicals like to compare private and public sector without considering important factors that are relevant to salaries such as age, years of experience, and level of education required for the job (government workers are twice as likely to have a college degree). When these factors are considered, according to one study, public sector workers earn 11 percent less than comparable workers in the private sector. Even when health and retirement benefits are included, public sector workers earn less than their private sector counterparts with comparable educational levels. ■ Public sector workers—like their private sector counterparts—have increased their productivity significantly over the years. But neither group has been compensated for increased productivity. If workers’ wages kept pace with productivity, they would be making a lot more money. ■ In fact, wages in the public sector, like those in the private sector, have been stagnant. Lately, public sector unions and their members have been taking a beating. Last year, 51 percent of cities across the country froze or reduced pay, while 25 percent laid off workers, 24 percent reduced health benefits, and 22 percent revised union contracts to reduce pay and benefits. ■ Public sector workers have families that depend on them for financial support. And they and their families are part of communities that thrive when people are working. ■ Laying off workers or cutting back on their compensation not only puts workers in jeopardy, it affects the economic and social wellbeing of their communities. ■ In effect, radicals want to turn good jobs into bad jobs—jobs without decent pay, benefits, security, or pensions. Antiunion efforts have already succeeded in doing this in the private sector. Over the past 30 years, many private employers have cut pay and stopped offering health care, pensions and other benefits. Now the Radical Right is turning its attention to the public sector, closing off more opportunities for people to enter and stay in the middle class. ■ Cutting back on public sector employment affects everyone, but impacts some more than others. Government jobs have been an important avenue for upward mobility for women. And while the vast majority of public sector workers are white, a disproportionate number are African American. Increasingly, public sector jobs have become a source of employment for Latinos as well. Public employment has been a path to the middle class and has brought a level of economic stability to these communities. Veterans, too, have benefited from public employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13 percent of all employed veterans work for state and local government. Cutbacks hurt these constituencies more than others. ■ Well-funded, orchestrated attacks on public sector workers encourage workers to blame each other for our problems. These attacks amount to “blaming the victim.” ■ The real and obscene differences in compensation are those between workers and corporate executives—especially when considering such perks as bonuses, stock options and golden parachutes. Compensation for the CEOs of the 500 largest companies averaged $8 million Report Separates Facts From Fiction About Public Sector Union Workers last year. ■ The real culprits are the financiers and corporate elite who got us into this mess and continue to make handsome profits. A BETTER PLAN Increasing revenues (by taxing corporations and the very wealthy), expanding public works, and creating new jobs with better wages and benefits for public and private sector workers will build stronger communities and create a firm foundation for economic growth. MYTH # 2 Government is too big. Government is one big, bloated bureaucracy with too many workers. Besides, much of what government does could be done better and more efficiently by private companies. We need to cut government services. REALITY ■ Government provides services that are essential. Public sector workers teach our children, pave our roadways, repair our bridges, collect our garbage, staff our libraries, patrol our streets and put out fires. That doesn’t mean that government always gets it right or that efficiency couldn’t improve. But the work that public employees do to keep us safe, healthy, and educated is important to our daily lives and all too often is taken for granted. ■ There is no evidence that turning government work over to private companies – contracted out –saves money. When overruns, contract monitoring, contract administration, and other direct and hidden costs are considered, contracting out can be very expensive. One estimate puts the added cost at 25 percent. ■ There are plenty examples of contracting out leading to greater inefficiencies, declines in services, corruption, and/or increases in user fees. And because of legal fees, getting out of privatization agreements can be costly as well. ■ Besides, private companies cherry pick the goods and services that can turn a profit—and leave the rest for government to handle. You won’t find, for example, companies taking on mail service to rural areas or healthcare services for the poor. Privatizing forces taxpayers to pick up the tab for expensive but necessary services the private sector doesn’t want to provide, while private companies walk off with the profits from the easy jobs. ■ Education, public safety, legal protection, and a clean environment—all are essential to a healthy democracy. It’s dan- gerous to rely on private companies to meet these needs. While public agencies are subject to close scrutiny and oversight and must meet clearly defined standards (in wages, safety, ethics), private companies are much less accountable. While the public sector’s goal is to meet the public need, the chief goal of any private company is to make the biggest profit possible. ■ The United Sates spends less on government services than almost any other developed nation in the world—less than Japan, Canada, Britain, France or Germany. ■ It’s not that government is too big; it’s that the influence of the wealthy on government is too large. ■ As the cost of running for public office increases, so does the influence of the “monied class”. It now costs on average, $1.4 million in campaign funds to win a seat in the House of Representatives and $7 million to win a seat in the U.S. Senate. ■ Running for office usually requires some very wealthy donors. But sometimes the very wealthy pick up the costs of winning an election themselves. ■ High-priced lobbyists also ensure that the interests of the wealthy are well represented in the halls of government. ■ To shine light on the connection between money and public policy, one useful website, MAPLight.org tracks the money politicians receive related to each vote they cast. In one case concerning telecommunication companies, Congressional representatives who changed their position to support the telecoms received twice as much in political contributions from the telecoms as those that did not. In another case related to regulating the financial industry, those voting against financial reform received 41 percent more in contributions from big banks than those voting for regulation. ■ One result for the “money talks” culture: Congress passed tax cuts for the wealthy in the midst of one of the worst economic crises the nation has ever seen. Another result: a huge spike in the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few and record levels of economic and social inequality. A BETTER PLAN Working people and the organizations that represent them can—and often do— check the power of money by organizing at the ballot box and in the streets. Government is contested terrain. Our goal should be to take back our government— not weaken it. (The remaining myths will be published in an upcoming edition of the LOG) June 2011 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:36 PM Page 11 Union-Crewed USNS Sgt. William R. Button Supports Miitary Exercise T The USNS SGT William R. Button he AMSEA-operated USNS SGT William R. Button was one of two SIU-crewed Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships that supported operations March 1-13 during Pacific Horizon 2011 (the SS Curtiss was the other). An annual training event which is part of MSC’s Prepositioning Readiness Program, the exercise is designed to perfect the ability of U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps forces to conduct atsea transfers of equipment from sealift platforms to ships and shoreside locations via surface craft. This year’s maneuvers took place off the coast of Camp Pendleton, Calif., and involved some 2,500 sailors and Marines, the two MSC vessels, and their respective SIU crews. “Having these two ships here for us to train with is an outstanding opportunity for us,’ said Sgt. Maj. Randal Carter. “These crews are professional and provide us an excellent opportunity to train and to learn in an environment that is a lot like the areas we, as Marines, operate in during our missions.” During the at-sea equipment transfer portion of the exercise, Sailors and Marines—with the assistance of the Button’s 31 crew members—moved some 200 pieces of Marine Corps field equipment from the Button— anchored some three miles off shore—to Camp Pendleton’s Red Beach area. Included were trucks, power trailers, 20-foot containers and Humvees. The gear was returned to the ship during the final phases of the exercise. In preparation for the start of equipment discharge, Button crew members, following their March 2 arrival off the Camp Pendleton coast, participated in a pre-operations and safety brief, and a safety drill. “These kinds of training exercises are always valuable to us,” said Capt. David Eddy, Button master. “They help us iron out wrinkles, to learn how to move around on the decks with different kinds of cargo and to best figure out where things should go to make the mission move forward smoothly.” MSC operates approximately 110 non-combatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners. Bosun Gregory Jackson and AB John Gonsalves The helicopter above conducted operations aboard the SS Curtiss during while military equipment (below) was being off-loaded from the USNS SGt. William R. Button. Both maneuvers took place during Pacific Horizon 2011. The Button’s deck department during the exercise was comprised of (photo above): AB Jerry Stillman, AB ATM Reza, AB Travis Long, AB Jose Sanchez, AB John Gonsalves, AB Elhassan Hussein and Bosun Gregory Jackson. Members of the USNS SGT William R. Button’s engine department are shown above. Among those pictured are QPMP Charles Ellsworth, QEE Efren Villarosa, GUDE Joseph Quitugua, QMED Mohamed Sylla and Storekeeper Bayani Alcantara. Four members of the riding crew are also shown. The steward department (photo at right) consisted of SA Antonio Montero, SA Timoteo Nunez, SA Ardeccia Hill, Chief Baker Calvin Williams, Steward Edwin Bonefont, SA Kipp Worthy and Chief Cook Ellis Edwards. June 2011 Seafarers LOG 11 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:36 PM Page 12 Clockwise beginning above, SIU President Michael Sacco (left) takes in the Maritime Day activities during the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MarAd) event at the U.S. Department of Transportation. To Sacco’s left are other current and former SIU officials including Terry Turner, former SIU Legislative Director; VP Contracts George Tricker; and Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) delivers the keynote address during the MarAd event, while Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, commander, Military Sealift Command; Maritime Administrator David Matsuda and Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (right) joined Kelleher is displaying the six posthumous awards he received from MarAd in m Oliver Kelleher, who died at sea during World War II. Unlicensed Apprentice Priscil Admiral Buzby and General McNabb, along with Unlicensed Apprentices Leo Ono hand salutes during a portion of the wreath laying ceremony at the Washington N Ceremonies Honor U.S. Merchant Marine’s Valiant U.S. Merchant Mariners past and present were saluted May 19 during the traditional National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the Propeller Club each hosted an event honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s civilian seafarers. The SIU as usual made a strong showing. Dozens of unlicensed apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education attended the ceremonies, including three (Priscilla Greene, Jason Allen and Leo Onofrio) who played important roles in the MarAd and MSC events, respectively. SIU headquarters officials President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Assistant Vice President Ambrose Cucinotta represented the union throughout the day. Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, was the featured speaker both at MSC’s ceremony and at the Propeller Club luncheon. U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) gave the keynote address at MarAd’s event, which also included a video message from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and remarks by Maritime Administrator David Matsuda. MarAd kicked off the day at Transportation Department headquarters as Matsuda honored the memory of Richard Oliver Kelleher. He presented six posthumous awards to the family of Kelleher, whose death at sea during World War II symbolized the sacrifices of all U.S. Merchant Mariners. Accepting the awards was Kelleher’s brother, Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines. Richard Kelleher, a fireman-watertender, was just 19 years old when he died while serving onboard the tanker SS Patrick J. Hurley. The vessel was torpedoed on Sept. 12, 1942 by a German U-boat. “Richard’s desire to serve at a time when our country needed him most is an inspiration to us all,” said Matsuda. “His story is an example of the courage and commitment to serve that still exists in the men and women who go to sea today.” LaHood pointed out America always has relied on its merchant mariners. He said that in 12 Seafarers LOG addition to contributing billions of dollars to the nation’s economy, “In times of emergency, our civilian mariners sail into dangerous waters to fortify our nation’s defense. Over the past three years alone, the U.S. Merchant Marine has delivered more than 300,000 pieces of war material to the battlefields in the Middle East.” Lautenberg said he still has a personal appreciation for civilian mariners. He was in the armed forces during World War II, when he spent time aboard U.S. merchant ships. “I witnessed firsthand the difference the merchant marine makes,” he said, adding that maritime remains “a vital American industry. I have tremendous respect for our country’s mariners. The work that you do is vital. You are civilians who are patriots, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the heroic contributions of mariners. I thank each and every one of you for always answering the call of duty. I salute the courage and service of those who fought on merchant ships and who contribute so much to our security and economy.” At the luncheon, General McNabb thanked the industry as a whole for its collective efforts to support our armed forces. “This nation is very well-served by what you all do,” he said. He cited the large numbers of U.S. Merchant Marine casualties in World War II (including more than 1,200 SIU members who gave their lives) and then recalled being at the Pentagon on 9/11. Throughout the decades in between and right up to the present, “This really is a battle about good over evil,” he stated, emphasizing that a strong merchant fleet is one key to winning. “I think about our mariners going out and putting everything on the line to protect our freedom. It is so noble what they’ve done,” the general declared. Among the keys to maintaining a capable American-flag fleet are cargo preference laws, the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and the Jones Act, which applies to domestic shipping. General McNabb said, “I obviously think cargo preference, MSP, the Jones Act – all of those things are absolutely essential for having a very strong merchant marine.” Later, during the MSC ceremony – hosted by MSC Commander Rear Admiral Mark Buzby at the Washington Navy Yard – General McNabb said, “The merchant marine has always been the linchpin of our U.S. commercial sealift capability and has come to America’s aid at the most crucial times in history, projecting power wherever and whenever needed. It is an understatement to say we count on you. We absolutely depend on you.” At the heart of the formal military ceremony was the presentation of three commemorative wreaths in solemn remembrance of mariners lost at sea. During presentation of the wreaths, the guests stood and service members, including McNabb and Buzby, saluted as the Navy Ceremonial Guard firing party fired three volleys of seven, and the Navy Brass Quintet played “Taps.” Following the ceremony, the wreaths were placed in front of the merchant marine bronze relief sculpture at the Navy Memorial in downtown Washington. “We depend on [ meet the mission re transportation syste “We at MSC are pr so it is fitting that t edge the great debt dedicated men and Marine.” National Maritim the contributions of Marine, civilian me defended the freedo 1775, and who coll largest sealift opera known during Worl acknowledges the m tions to the nation’s rity. June 2011 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:36 PM Page 13 President Obama Issues Maritime Day Proclamation mand (right) joined Herb Kelleher for a posed photo. d from MarAd in memory of his late brother, Richard d Apprentice Priscilla Greene sounds eight bells while pprentices Leo Onofrio and Jason Allen (right) render t the Washington Navy Yard. liant History “We depend on [our mariners] every day to et the mission requirements of the best ocean nsportation system in the world,” said Buzby. We at MSC are proud of our civilian mariners, it is fitting that today is set aside to acknowlge the great debt of gratitude we owe to the dicated men and women of the U.S. Merchant arine.” National Maritime Day is May 22 and honors contributions of the American Merchant arine, civilian men and women who have fended the freedom of the United States since 75, and who collectively carried out the gest sealift operation the world has ever own during World War II. The day also knowledges the maritime industry’s contribuns to the nation’s economic and national secuy. June 2011 In times of peace or war, the civilians serving in the United States Merchant Marine have helped keep our Nation safe and prosperous. We depend on these men and women serving on our ships and tugs, in our ports and shipyards, close to home or far at sea, to connect businesses, service members, and citizens President Barack Obama around the world. On National Maritime Day, we honor their invaluable contributions to America’s economic strength and security. On May 22, 1819, the SS Savannah completed the first successful voyage by a steam powered ship across the Atlantic, shepherding in a new age of maritime travel and transport. By the 20th century, the United States maritime trade was booming, fostering exchanges across the world and aiding our military at war. During World War II, Merchant Marines were critical in providing necessary supplies and services to troops abroad, while suffering an extraordinarily high death rate. Hundreds of merchant ships fell to enemy action, and nearly one in thirty mariners did not return home. United States flag vessels and those who operate them continue to be an integral part of our military operations overseas. They support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian aid missions and disaster relief efforts. Without the steadfast commitment of our mariners, our Nation would not be as prepared to deal with unforeseen events, conflicts, or crises. Their bravery and valor make our waterways safer and more efficient every day. Today, our maritime industry is a valuable source of skilled employment for American workers, contributing billions of dollars to our economy. It is also a critical part of our transportation system. Last year, my Administration implemented “America’s Marine Highway Program,” an effort that enables American businesses to participate in improving the safety and environmental sustainability of our waterways. Our mariners’ continued work is helping American industry remain competitive in the global economy, pushing us toward a more prosperous and free 21st century. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2011, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. Seafarers LOG 13 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:37 PM Page 14 The Ed Woods Story – A Teenager In World War II Editor’s note: This is the seventh installment in a series written by Edward T. Woods, a U.S. Merchant Marine veteran of World War II who sailed in the engine and steward departments. Previous entries were published off and on beginning with the September 2010 edition of the LOG. The remaining chapter will follow in an upcoming issue. Now 83 years old, Woods was 16 when he shipped out aboard the S/S Horseshoe in 1944. The most recent installment of his story (published in the May edition) ended in 1946, after Woods had returned to New York following a voyage to Italy and then shipped out again, to Germany. I first went to Germany as a merchant seaman in June 1946, about a year after it had surrendered to the Allied Forces. Hostilities in Europe had ended in May 1945. World War II, however, was not scheduled to officially end until the last day of the year, December 31, 1946. The fighting may have been over but it was still not a pleasant time to be in Germany. The country was under Martial Law, and the citizens and occupying personnel were subject to many restrictions imposed by the military government. For one, there was no fraternizing. A heavy fine was levied on anyone found socializing with the former enemy. In addition to this, the people were living just a little above the starvation level. For the latter reason, a “black market” existed. The Germans wanted food and cigarettes, and they were willing to part with their family heirlooms and other prized possessions to obtain these scarce items. When I say black market, I don’t mean any big money-making scheme. The Americans wanted souvenirs and the Germans wanted food and cigarettes. It was simply a matter of trading. No money changed hands. When we withdrew money from our account aboard ship, it was given to us in American Occupation Scrip, German Marks. We used it in the seamen’s club and in the Army PX. Every so often, the American military occupation government would have the scrip reissued in a different design and declare the previous issue null and void. I could only exchange my old scrip for the new scrip up to the amount I had withdrawn from my ship’s payroll account. This system was used to curtail black marketing; however, it was said that the Russians had stolen the plates for printing the money and were flooding the country with the unlawful currency. I was working on an U.S. Army Transport, the General W.P. Richardson. We carried troops back and forth between New York City and Bremerhaven. I don’t recall staying more than a week in either port. I had no food to barter, but I did have cigarettes. Trading with cigarettes was also against the military laws of occupation. However, the law was seldom, if ever, enforced inside the fenced-in port area. Access to the road leading into the city of Bremerhaven was limited to two gates, one for the occupying forces and the other for the Germans workers. When passing through the gates everyone was physically searched for contraband. We were only allowed to take two packs of cigarettes ashore with us each day. Anything more was immediately confiscated by the military guards on duty. We soon discovered we could do more and better trading inside the fenced-in sector. The German workers seemed to be able to carry anything they wanted in and out of the gated port area. Bremerhaven was and still is an important European seaport. Inside the enclosed sector were huge cranes for moving and lifting machinery, some of the biggest dry docks in Europe, miles of docking space, extensive repair shops, and close by to all of this were submarine pens. German U-boats were there and I wanted to see them. I had sailed on oil tankers for over a year during the war and the very thought of these undersea monsters had 14 Seafarers LOG obviously fake, it was turned down. The ever-ingenious Germans, however, would explain that although the goods do not appear to be genuine, they were made during the height of the war when materials were in short supply and nothing was wasted. My buddy and I had been in the Pacific Ocean area during the war and both of us could recall the large number of Japanese flags offered for sale or trade by United States Navy Seabees. Some friendly Seabees admitted to us they had made the flags right there in their camp and were able to do a good business with Army Air Corps personnel that passed by. One flag could be worth a whole bottle of good scotch whiskey or a “whole bunch of American money.” They showed us how they added a look of authenticity to their product by burning holes in it and rubbing it in the dirt. They would then tell the potential buyer the flag had been taken from a nearby Japanese fort following a fierce and bloody battle. When I returned to the U-boat with the carton of cigarettes, I gave the flag a good going over and decided it was genuine. I now owned a souvenir swastika flag from the German Nazi era. For a very good reason, I will always recall the day I bought the flag. On the way back to our ship, after making often kept me awake at night. Memories of attempting to sleep in my bunk while crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were still with me. I would never forget being awakened by the noise of the horns and whistles of our naval escorts as they chased after an echo or a sighting picked up with their sophisticated locating devices. You don’t get much sleep when you are aboard an oil tanker full of high-octane aviation gasoline and there’s a possibility of a German U-boat or a Jap sub in the area getting ready to send you and your ship down to Davy Jones’ Locker. Signs in both German and English were at the entrance to the submarine pens warning all unauthorized personnel to keep out. There is something very ominous about the German word “Verboten.” It seems to mean so much more in German than it does in English. However, whether I could read German or not, it was quite clear the area was off limits and sightseers not welcome. I was 18 years old; I had sailed through submarineand mine-infested waters during the war. I was not about to let a few signs stop me from getting a closer look at my former adversary. I was with a friend, a shipmate, who was as anxious as I was to see the forbidden area. There was no sign of any guards, only a few German workers in the area who didn’t seem to take any notice of us. I had seen pictures of German U-boats but I had never seen one up close. There were about five or six of them tied together in a row alongside a pier. My first thoughts as I looked at them were of their size. They seemed small and not seaworthy. I found it hard to believe that these cigarshaped pieces of metal were the underwater weapons of war that caused so much havoc and death in what Winston Churchill called, “The Battle of the Atlantic.” A German sailor, who appeared to be in charge of the U-boats, greeted us. Following an exchange of words and an offer of a cigarette, he agreed to give us a tour of a boat. Later, as we were climbing out of the hatch, he asked if I was interested in any souvenirs. He then brought out a German Nazi swastika flag. I made every attempt to conceal my excitement in a desperate The 18-year-old Woods spends time in Bremerhaven, desire to keep the expected 1946. high price down. I wanted this Nazi flag. He wanted two cartons of cigarettes. An unheard of sum! A carton of cigarettes in town and the trade, we had to pass within a few hunout of the port area would buy the whole sub- dred feet of the gate used by the German port marine. workers. It was manned by a combination of I was not to be deterred. I convinced him German police officers and United States to agree to one carton of cigarettes that I didNavy personnel. One of the Navy enlisted n’t have with me. The German sailor, howevmen at the gate called out to us. We didn’t er, promised to hold this hated but muchknow what he was saying and decided to desired symbol of the Third Reich until my ignore him. We were out of the restricted area return that afternoon with the cigarettes. and felt free to walk about without interferFortunately, my ship and the U-boat pens ence from the guards. I also did not want to were inside the fenced-in port area. get involved with any of the military since I Therefore, I could expect to go back and was carrying a Nazi flag under my jacket. forth between the two sites without any inter- The two of us felt completely within our ference. On the walk back to our ship, my rights to continue walking. buddy cautioned me to be aware of bogus However, we stopped walking and turned souvenirs. We had heard that once the around very quickly when we heard two Germans learned they could trade wartime shots fired and realized they had been aimed souvenirs with the Americans for food and in our direction. We saw it was a Navy enlistcigarettes they began to manufacture flags, ed man who had fired the shots and who was medals and parts of uniforms from any matenow ordering us to come closer to his checkrial they could find. A lot of the stuff was so point. As we began to walk toward him a number of other Navy enlisted men rushed out of the guardhouse and shouted at the man who had fired his gun. They called him all sort of foul names including stupid and asked if we wanted to have them all court-martialed. They told him we were obviously Americans and his actions were completely unwarranted. For once in my young life, I was speechless. I had just been fired at and I was carrying a Nazi flag. I was in no position to argue with anybody. One of the enlisted men, a petty officer, apologized to us for the unnecessary gunshots, and asked if we would please forget the entire incident. We readily agreed and, still quite shaken, continued on our walk. As we left the gate, we heard the petty officer tell the guard that he was relieved of duty and to report to him inside the guardhouse. Fortunately, it was the last time a bullet was fired in my direction. There was gambling aboard the troop ships 24 hours a day. Mostly dice games. Non-military passengers and the ship’s crew were not allowed to gamble with the soldiers. It was considered a serious offense and violators would be arrested by the military police. The rule was for the protection of the soldiers, as it was known that following the end of hostilities, professional gamblers were finding berths aboard troop ships for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the amateur military gamblers. A case in point, we had a well-dressed and well-spoken man come aboard in New York as a replacement wiper, a wiper being the lowest position in the engine room. How he had obtained seaman’s papers and the wiper endorsement from the U.S. Coast Guard was baffling to us, the engine crew. He was obviously not a seaman and, as soon as he was assigned to a berth, he let it be known that he would pay $20 a watch (that’s $40 a day) to anyone who would stand in for him. He had all the volunteers he needed, as our base pay in 1946 was about $100 a month. He told us that he liked to play cards and was looking for a little action. We saw him but a few times after this first meeting until we reached Bremerhaven and watched him being escorted off the ship in handcuffs by the military police. I was pleased to learn the Army had undercover professional gamblers to catch these crooks. When I returned to New York, I had an offer of a better position and I immediately transferred to the U. S. Army Transport Edmund B. Alexander on August 14, 1946. The Alexander had been built in 1905 in Belfast, Ireland, for the German Hamburg-Amerika line and was originally named the Amerika. It was the biggest and most luxurious ship in the world in 1906. It had the largest set of reciprocating engines still in use in 1946: twin quadruple expansion engines. It had been Germany, in confiscated by the United States in World War I, renamed the S/S America and later the U.S. Army Transport E.B. Alexander. On this, my second visit to Bremerhaven, in September 1946, the Alexander was involved in an explosion that caused heavy damage in the engine room. First, we believed it to be the result of a mine and then, based on the location of the damage, it was decided the explosion was due to an internal explosive device. Our government would not accept this decision, so the incident was officially declared to have been the result of an exterior mine that had broken free from its moorings before being disarmed. It was discovered that our ship’s degaussing system was not working at the time of the explosion. Our engineers said that the entire system had been inspected and determined to be in good order prior to our departure from New York. My engine roommates were convinced, more than ever, that See Merchant Mariner, Page 20 June 2011 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:37 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Mayor Discusses Maritime Issues April 16, 2011 - May 15, 2011 During a May meeting of the Harris County (Texas) AFLCIO, Houston Mayor Annise Parker (left) took part in discussions concerning the port of Houston. At right is SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, a member of the Harris County AFL-CIO executive board. Personal Bob Bloom please contact Beverly Bourqueat at (409) 724-7268 or (409) 293-0218. July & August 2011 Membership Meetings Piney Point............................Tuesday: *July 5, Monday: August 8 Algonac ...................................................Friday: July 8, August 12 Baltimore.............................................Thursday: July 7, August 11 Guam................................................Thursday: July 21, August 25 Honolulu ...............................................Friday: July 15, August 19 Houston................................................Monday: July 11, August 15 Jacksonville.........................................Thursday: July 7, August 11 Joliet.................................................Thursday: July 14, August 18 Mobile............................................Wednesday: July 13, August 17 New Orleans.............................................Tuesday: July 12, August 16 New York................................................Tuesday: July 5, August 9 Norfolk................................................Thursday: July 7, August 11 Oakland ............................................Thursday: July 14, August 18 Philadelphia.....................................Wednesday: July 6, August 10 Port Everglades ................................Thursday: July 14, August 18 San Juan..............................................Thursday: July 7, August 11 St. Louis ................................................Friday: July 15, August 19 Tacoma..................................................Friday: July 22, August 26 Wilmington..............................................Monday: July 18, August 22 * Piney Point change created by Independence Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. ATTENTION: SEAFARERS Help The Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) Help You . . . Contribute Often! June 2011 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 13 1 1 11 2 8 43 21 3 9 11 37 18 19 8 5 7 19 2 31 269 7 3 5 13 2 6 27 28 2 8 4 15 20 9 8 6 3 13 2 22 203 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 6 0 1 3 1 7 0 3 31 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 6 0 3 11 0 8 13 19 3 5 3 13 10 7 1 4 3 11 1 11 132 3 3 1 2 1 6 7 15 4 2 0 9 11 8 5 1 2 6 1 10 97 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 2 0 1 4 3 7 15 14 0 2 4 19 9 16 0 0 2 24 0 17 139 1 1 1 4 0 2 6 4 0 1 1 3 7 2 2 1 2 4 1 1 44 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 1 0 1 0 0 3 5 0 0 1 0 5 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 6 33 8 1 1 5 2 9 6 19 0 2 2 25 10 12 5 2 0 7 1 14 131 All Departments: 573 475 Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 0 3 0 4 16 0 0 1 8 0 2 15 11 0 3 8 16 5 15 1 1 2 14 0 13 115 10 2 4 23 8 12 87 54 4 22 22 75 33 46 6 6 11 60 4 62 551 10 5 12 21 10 10 50 53 3 14 15 33 40 27 12 5 19 35 4 53 431 2 1 0 3 0 1 3 4 2 0 2 5 12 2 0 4 2 11 0 13 67 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 0 5 0 4 1 11 0 2 1 7 5 8 1 1 2 3 2 5 58 5 0 7 13 2 8 26 37 2 15 8 26 17 18 4 3 5 20 1 27 244 5 3 11 9 2 8 27 38 3 6 7 23 30 14 5 3 12 23 3 24 256 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 5 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 16 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 8 0 0 2 7 4 5 0 2 1 7 0 7 49 3 0 6 13 3 12 31 35 1 7 8 40 22 39 1 2 4 40 1 53 321 2 1 2 5 2 6 12 8 1 3 3 5 18 6 1 1 2 8 3 4 93 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 9 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 2 6 5 2 24 0 2 0 2 52 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 1 3 1 1 2 1 0 3 0 4 23 2 0 1 0 0 5 9 4 0 0 1 16 0 4 0 0 1 16 0 15 74 12 3 3 13 2 12 29 38 2 7 5 74 36 20 0 4 1 24 2 40 327 23 1 2 9 1 4 8 22 4 6 11 12 37 12 4 7 0 11 1 21 196 Deck Department 14 3 0 2 5 3 11 6 2 2 6 3 32 9 22 8 5 5 7 3 9 1 24 16 7 19 23 5 9 1 0 2 5 3 26 7 1 2 19 10 227 110 Engine Department 3 1 1 0 3 3 9 2 1 0 7 4 7 1 11 15 1 3 4 2 3 0 7 9 7 16 6 11 1 3 1 1 1 2 9 4 2 1 2 7 86 85 Steward Department 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 3 0 0 3 0 6 1 0 15 4 0 7 4 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 0 14 2 0 8 6 0 14 3 1 2 1 0 1 2 0 4 1 1 11 4 0 0 0 1 13 1 6 101 41 Entry Department 16 1 2 2 0 0 1 1 1 5 0 4 1 0 1 1 2 4 3 1 7 4 0 8 2 0 1 2 1 2 5 1 3 5 2 22 14 0 7 6 0 8 6 0 5 22 0 2 0 1 0 8 1 5 1 0 1 10 4 7 114 15 90 160 429 326 77 245 Registered on Beach All Groups A B C 1,190 1,107 Seafarers LOG 288 15 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:37 PM Page 16 Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by recertified stewards in Piney Point, Md. Question: For those unfamiliar with it, what would you like the general public to know about the U.S. Merchant Marine? Osvaldo Ramos Recertified Steward This is a place where a child can grow to become a man. The maritime industry is one in which an individual can enjoy a good career while gaining knowledge that comes with traveling and working on ships around the world. Samuel Harris Recertified Steward For me, if had to have a face-to-face talk with someone, I would let them know how being a U.S. Merchant Mariner changed my life for the better. I would explain how it could do the same thing for them. Ahmed Sharif Recertified Steward I have been a U.S. Merchant Mariner and SIU member since 1982. We are the fourth arm of defense for this country and in the SIU, we have a school (the Paul Hall Center) where we can upgrade. I started as an SA, then chief cook and cook/baker. Now I have received my steward recertification, and I would tell people it proves that we have a strong union for anyone who wants to learn, work and serve this country. Pic-From-The-Past Roslyn Johnson Recertified Steward I would tell them the Seafarers International Union helps to create, motivate and train very dedicated merchant mariners. Being part of the merchant marine means having the opportunity to be employed aboard the best ships in the American-flag commercial fleet. John Huyett Recertified Steward The two most common questions I get asked are if I’m in the military and if I work on a cruise ship. I always answer: We are civilians, although military cargo is handled. If it is carried on the water, be it oil, cars, containers, grain or people, we are the people that make it happen. Kenneth McHellen Recertified Steward I have been sailing as second cook starting in 1988, then went to chief cook in 1989 and in 1995 started sailing steward and cook. So, I would stress the importance of upgrading so that you aren’t limited in what you can do throughout the industry. As a person who started out as a C-card and now a recertified steward, I say go to school and upgrade, because it works. NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 The new tanker SS Zapata Rover crewed up in San Pedro, Calif., in November 1976. The 711-foot, 35,000-dwt vessel joined sister ships Zapata Ranger and Zapata Patriot. (A fourth ship, the Zapata Courier, later was added to the fleet.) In this LOG file photo, AB Louie Alleluia (left) and Recertified Bosun Sal Sbriglio scan the automated bridge controls aboard the Zapata Rover. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG June 2011 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 9:31 PM Page 17 Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA FRANK BAKUN Brother Frank Bakun, 65, became a Seafarer in 1969 while in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Steel Architect; his last, the Horizon Producer. Brother Bakun was born in New York and worked in the engine department. He upgraded on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bakun lives in Jacksonville, Fla. BENJAMIN BESS Brother Benjamin Bess, 60, began sailing with the SIU in 1979. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Bess’ earliest trip was on the Overseas Valdez. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Bess most recently shipped aboard the Horizon Trader. He is a resident of his native state, Florida. ROBERT DIAZ Brother Robert Diaz, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1969. He was initially employed aboard the Sagamore Hill. Brother Diaz was an engine department member. His final trip was on the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Diaz upgraded in 1976 and 1982 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He now calls Brandon, Fla., home. HAZAA GAHTAN Brother Hazaa Gahtan, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990 while in the port of New York. He originally worked aboard the Liberty Wave. In 2002, Brother Gahtan took advantage of educational opportunities at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His final voyage was on the Sgt. William R. Button. Brother Gahtan sailed in all three shipboard departments. He was born in Yemen and now makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. THOMAS GRUBER Brother Thomas Gruber, 59, started shipping with the union in 1977. He initially sailed aboard the Mt. Vernon Victory. Brother Gruber shipped in the deck department. He enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Gruber’s last trip was on the Horizon June 2011 Producer. He resides in Satsuma, Fla. ALTHALO HENTON Brother Althalo Henton, 63, joined the NMU in 1989. He was born in Houston. In 2000 and 2003, Brother Henton took advantage of educational opportunities available at the SIU-affiliated school in Maryland. A member of the deck department, Brother Henton most recently worked aboard the Charleston Express. He continues to make his home in his native state. GEORGE MOXLEY Brother George Moxley, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1991. His earliest trip was on the Sealift Arctic. Brother Moxley upgraded often at the Seafarersaffiliated school. His most recent trip was aboard the Liberty Star. Brother Moxley, who sailed in the deck department, lives in Koloa, Hawaii. PEDRO OCAMPO Brother Pedro Ocampo, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1999. His first trip to sea was aboard the Patriot. Brother Ocampo worked in the engine department. He attended classes frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Ocampo’s final voyage was on the Horizon Producer. He is a resident of Miami, Fla. GREGORY STAPLES Brother Gregory Staples, 55, started his SIU career in 2001 as the NMU was merging into the SIU. The deck department member was born in Weymouth, Mass. Brother Staples’ most recent trip to sea was aboard the Energy Enterprise. He calls Barrington, N.H., home. JAMES TODD Brother James Todd, 65, became an SIU member in 1967. His earliest trip was on the Del Aires. In 1967 and 1979, Brother Todd upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the USNS Regulus. Brother Todd was a member of the deck department. He settled in Slidell, La. INLAND CHARLES BOOHER Brother Charles Booher, 68, signed on with the union in 1989. He initially worked on a Moran Towing of Maryland vessel. On numerous occasions, Brother Booher took advantage of educational opportunities at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member’s final trip was with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Brother Booher makes his home in St. Augustine, Fla. MIGUEL PIZARRO Brother Miguel Pizarro, 62, joined the SIU in 1994 while in the port of New York. He was primarily employed with Port Imperial Ferry during his seafaring career. Brother Pizarro resides in Allentown, Pa. STEVEN TALUCCI Brother Steven Talucci, 62, began sailing with the union in 1990. He originally shipped with Sheridan Transportation Company. He worked as a member of both the deck and steward departments. Brother Talucci upgraded in 2001 at the Piney Point school. Prior to his retirement, he sailed on the Dodge Island. Brother Talucci lives in Florida. MARK PATERSON Brother Mark Paterson, 55, was born in San Antonio, Texas. He donned the SIU colors in 1975. Brother Paterson shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions. His first ship was the Carolina; his last, the Padre Island. In 1978 and 2001, Brother Paterson attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He is a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. became an SIU member in 1963. He sailed with American Steamship Company for the duration of his career. Brother Said was a member of the deck department. He was born in Arabia. Brother Said now calls Dearborn, Mich., home. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION MARTIN MORRISSETTE Brother Martin Morrissette, 65, is a native of Mobile, Ala. A member of the deck department, he began sailing with the NMU in 1979. Brother Morrissette’s final trip to sea was on the Advantage. He continues to reside in Mobile. JOHN DEWLING Brother John Dewling, 66, became an NMU member in 1972. He was born in Massachusetts. Brother Dewling was last employed with Boston Towing & Transportation Company. He makes his home Revere, Mass. This Month In SIU History GREAT LAKES ABDALLAH SAID Brother Abdallah Said, 79, Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 The SIU pulled a complete work stoppage on all ships on June 6 to force the steamship companies to negotiate for new agreements. As a result of the stoppage, negotiations commenced with the operators on Tuesday, June 11. Among other things, the union was seeking establishment of a 40-hour work week. 1959 Seafarers on the cement carrier Florida State were caught in the crossfire stirred by an attempted revolt in the Dominican Republic last week, but all escaped unhurt. The SIUmanned ship was strafed by planes and stopped by gunboats several times off the Dominican coast before returning to Port Everglades. The latest incidents occurred a few hours before an alleged “invasion force” was stopped right on the coast by Dominican government forces. The “invaders” reportedly had been based in Cuba. All reports indicate that the armed action against the Florida State took place outside the Caribbean nation’s coastal waters. The State Department has asked the U.S. ambassador to investigate. 1963 The SIU’s sickness and accident benefits program for seamen passed another milestone this month when total benefits paid out in all ports topped the $1,000,000 mark. Since October 1961 more than $50,000 per month was paid out to members covering off-the-job illness and injury. The benefits include a payment of $8 per day or $56 per week for a maximum of 39 weeks for hospitalized Seafarers and outpatients. Thus, a Seafarer who is in the hospital for 10 weeks and receives $56 per week during that period is entitled to 29 weeks of benefits if he remains on outpatient status. 1971 The jobs of Seafarers are on the line in the renewed attack on the Jones Act, a body of laws that demands that all domestic shipping be moved on American-flag vessels. The heavy assault on the Jones Act is being led by the oil industry, which wants oil from the rich Alaskan fields carried on runaway-flag tankers. They would rip the heart out of the Jones Act so they could transport Alaskan oil from one U.S. port to another in foreign-built, foreign-manned tankers – paying slave wages and at the same time escaping the taxes that must be paid by American-flag operators…. The SIU is leading a campaign to muster Congressional support to strengthen the Jones Act. Seafarers LOG 17 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:57 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA EDWARD GONTHA Pensioner Edward Gontha, 81, passed away January 24. Brother Gontha joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York. His initial voyage was aboard a MooreMcCormack Lines vessel. Brother Gontha, who sailed in the deck department, was born in Manado, Indonesia. His final trip was on the Aries. Brother Gontha retired in 1994 and called Staten Island, N.Y., home. JAMES HAINES Pensioner James Haines, 74, died January 17. Brother Haines was born in Pennsylvania. He signed on with the SIU in 1961 while in the port of New York. Brother Haines originally worked in the deck department of the Mermaid. He last sailed aboard the Patriot. Brother Haines went on pension in 1991 and lived in Las Vegas. ENEDINA HATCHL Pensioner Enedina Hatchl, 82, passed away January 19, 2011. Sister Hatchl began sailing with the union in 1978 from the port of San Francisco. She was initially employed on the Santa Mariana. Sister Hatchl, who worked in the steward department, was born in Texas. She most recently sailed aboard the Lurline. Sister Hatchl started receiving her pension in 1994 and settled in New Mexico. ROBERT MAYS Pensioner Robert Mays, 78, died December 12. Brother Mays started his seafaring career in 1952. His first vessel was the Government Camp; his last was the St. Louis. Brother Mays was a member of the engine department. He became a pensioner in 1997 and made his home in Vallejo, Calif. JOHN MCAVOY Pensioner John McAvoy, 81, passed away December 9. Brother McAvoy joined the union in 1965 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He originally worked aboard the Banner. The engine department member’s last trip was on the American Eagle. Brother McAvoy retired in 1991 and called Jacksonville home. 18 Seafarers LOG SERAFIN MILLA Pensioner Serafin Milla, 78, died January 19. Brother Milla first donned the SIU colors in 1959. His earliest trip was aboard the Del Viento. Brother Milla was a member of the deck department. He was born in Honduras. Brother Milla’s final voyage was on the Overseas Arctic. He began collecting his retirement compensation in 1997. Brother Milla was a resident of Houston. THOMAS NAVARRE Pensioner Thomas Navarre, 83, passed away December 22. Brother Navarre became a Seafarer in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. He initially worked aboard the Del Sud. Brother Navarre, a member of the steward department, was a Louisiana native. Prior to his retirement in 1991, one of his last ships was the Long Lines. Brother Navarre resided in San Pedro, Calif. UDJANG NURDJAJA Pensioner Udjang Nurdjaja, 70, died December 2. Brother Nurdjaja signed on with the union in 1973 while in the port of New York. The steward department member initially worked with Sacramento Transport Inc. Brother Nurdjaja was born in Indonesia. Before retiring in 2005, he shipped on the Capricorn. Brother Nurdjaja lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. RALPH PORTER Pensioner Ralph Porter, 65, passed away December 12. Brother Porter began his seafaring career in 1988 in the port of San Francisco. He originally sailed aboard a Bay Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Porter was a deck department member. He most recently worked on the USNS Capella. Brother Porter went on pension in 2010. He made his home in New Orleans. JOHN QUINTER Pensioner John Quinter, 75, died January 25. Brother Quinter was born in Berks, Pa. He started sailing with the SIU in 1953. Brother Quinter, who sailed in the engine department, was first employed with Ore Navigation Corporation. His last voyage was aboard the Charleston. Brother Quinter became a pensioner in 1993. He was a resident of Sea Level, N.C. WALTER SCHOENECKER Brother Walter Schoenecker, 56, passed away in late 2010. He joined the Seafarers in 1990. Brother Schoenecker shipped in the steward department. His first ship was the USNS Chauvenet; his last was the Grand Canyon State. Brother Schoenecker continued to reside in his native state of New York. ARTHUR SPENCER Brother Arthur Spencer, 65, died earlier this year. He sailed with the Military Sealift Command for more than 30 years. Brother Spencer worked in the steward department. His final trip was on the USNS Diehl. Brother Spencer called Vallejo, Calif., home. INLAND MELVIN MOORE Pensioner Melvin Moore, 87, passed away January 15. Brother Moore became an SIU member in 1951 while in the port of Houston. His earliest trip was aboard a Sprogue Steamship Company vessel. Brother Moore was born in Utah and sailed in the deck department. He last shipped with G&H Towing. Brother Moore started receiving his pension in 1991 and settled in Corpus Christi, Texas. JACKIE NIXON Pensioner Jackie Nixon, 63, died December 13. Brother Nixon was born in North Carolina. He first donned the SIU colors in 1965. Brother Nixon initially shipped with R.K. Davis Transportation Inc. He last sailed aboard an Allied Transportation Company vessel. Brother Nixon lived in Belhaven, N.C. GEORGE WOODS Pensioner George Woods, 77, passed away December 12. Brother Woods began sailing with the union in 1962. He worked with G&H Towing Company for the duration of his seafaring career. Brother Woods went on pension in 1996. He made his home in Freeport, Texas. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION started collecting his retirement compensation in 1993. Brother Moran lived in Flint, Mich. CECIL MURRAY Pensioner Cecil Murray, 84, died December 13. Brother Murray, a native of Massachusetts, became a pensioner in 1967. He called Virginia Beach, Va., home. RENE ARAY Pensioner Rene Aray, 75, passed away January 1. Brother Aray was born in Ecuador. He retired in 2000 and lived in Berkeley Township, N.J. CLARENCE NICHOLS Pensioner Clarence Nichols, 93, passed away January 5. Brother Nichols was born in Maryland. He went on pension in 1973. Brother Nichols settled in Hagerstown, Md. LUIS BURGUILLO Pensioner Luis Burguillo, 83, passed away January 19. Brother Burguillo was born in Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 1968. Brother Burguillo settled in Bronx, N.Y. CANDELARIO RAMIREZ Pensioner Candelario Ramirez, 76, passed away January 8. Brother Ramirez was a native of City Creek, Texas. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1989. Brother Ramirez lived in Corpus Christi, Texas. JOHN BARKHOUSE Pensioner John Barkhouse, 70, died December 17. Brother Barkhouse, a native of Massachusetts, became a pensioner in 2005. He called Goose Creek, S.C., home. CARLOS COFRESSI Pensioner Carlos Cofressi, 92, died December 30. The Puerto Rico-born mariner began receiving his pension in 1985. Brother Cofressi was a resident of Palm Bay, Fla. SIGLEY HAYLOCK Pensioner Sigley Haylock, 65, passed away December 17. Brother Haylock was a native of Honduras. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 2010. Brother Haylock made his home in Gretna, La. THEODORE HILL Pensioner Theodore Hill, 83, died January 3. Brother Hill was born in Maryland. He went on pension in 1989 and called Randallstown, Md., home. HUMBERTO LOPEZ Pensioner Humberto Lopez, 75, passed away January 3. Brother Lopez was a native of Honduras. He retired in 1994. Brother Lopez made his home in New Orleans. SAM LOWE Pensioner Sam Lowe, 91, died January 12. Brother Lowe was born in Palmer, Texas. He became a pensioner in 1985. Brother Lowe settled in Houston. CARLOS PIETRI Pensioner Carlos Pietri, 82, died January 9. The Puerto Rico-born mariner became a pensioner in 1984. Brother Pietri was a resident of Lake Worth, Fla. JOHN SANTOS Pensioner John Santos, 85, died January 13. Brother Santos was born in New Bedford, Mass. He went on pension in 1969 and continued to call New Bedford home. WALTER SCOTT Pensioner Walter Scott, 86, passed away January 3. Brother Scott was a native of Massachusetts. He retired in 1989. Brother Scott made his home in Anadarko, Okla. ROBERT STEWART Pensioner Robert Stewart, 90, died December 10. Brother Stewart was born in North Carolina. He became a pensioner in 1984. Brother Stewart settled in Portsmouth, Va. Name Age Echevarria, Jose 85 Harris, Thomas 84 Hernandez, Ross 87 Hong, Wong 94 Kelly, Thearther 87 96 Kessler, Arthur Leabough, Oscar 86 Lopez, Tony 94 Lyon, Barclay 86 Marshall, James 90 Martinez, Cristobal 87 Martinez, Eduardo 83 Morales, Pedro 90 Pulvano, Alfred 84 Rodgers, James 90 Smith, John 63 Winburn, Samuel 82 DOD Nov. 25 Dec. 28 Dec. 5 Nov. 17 Dec. 15 Jan. 1 Dec. 22 Nov. 15 Dec. 11 Jan. 1 Nov. 16 Nov. 6 Jan. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Jan. 8 Jan. 3 EDWARD MORAN Pensioner Edward Moran, 83, passed away January 4. Brother Moran was a Michigan native. He June 2011 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:57 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CURTIS (Crowley), March 14 – Chairman Daniel Carman, Secretary Thomas M. Wybo, Educational Director Mark Campbell, Deck Delegate Richard Pepper, Steward Delegate Subagio Wibisono. Chairman thanked crew members for working together professionally, especially when USMC stores arrived early. He stated payoff would take place March 15 in San Diego, Calif. Secretary gave a vote of thanks to all departments for helping keep ship clean and safe. He reminded mariners to take TRB and MSC letters to the union hall. Seafarers were encouraged to take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for a slop chest aboard vessel. Next port: San Diego. The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. CIVMARS Sail in ‘Continuing Promise’ EL FARO (Sea Star), March 3 – Chairman Raymond S. Henderson, Secretary John W. Hale, Educational Director Monroe G. Monseur, Steward Delegate Mary Littel. For next contract, chairman suggested increasing pension benefit and lowering working dues. Secretary urged members to enhance their skills, which can lead to better opportunities and advancement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Next ports: San Juan, P.R. and Jacksonville, Fla. FREEDOM (Crowley), March 4 – Chairman Timothy J. Fitzgerald, Secretary Frank J. Starling, Deck Delegate Craig Pare, Engine Delegate Cynthia Harris. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Beaumont, Texas, on March 8. He thanked crew for a safe and good trip, reminded them to leave rooms clean and encouraged them to check merchant mariner credentials and other documents for expiration dates. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners requested direct deposit of vacation checks and refrigerators for all rooms. Crew discussed importance of supporting other unions who are being unfairly blamed for budget woes. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. (Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.), March 22 – Chairman Joseph Olson, Secretary Shawn Fujiwara, Educational Director Lother Wick, Deck Delegate Justin Beal, Engine Delegate Gary Bartlett, Steward Delegate Dennis Skretta. Chairman reminded crew to help keep common areas clean and to clean out lint after dryer usage. New washer has been installed by engine department in crew laundry. New computers for crew use have been installed. Secretary informed all that if there are things they would like the ship’s committee to purchase for crew usage, let the committee know GLOBAL SENTINEL June 2011 Members of the SIU Government Services Division sailing aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort are participating in a five-month humanitarian assistance mission to the Caribbean, Central and South America. Above, Comfort personnel including AB Erwin Joiner and Lt. Cmdr. Katherine Austin wash the vessel’s anchor chain as the crew prepares to sail from Paita, Peru. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak) and they’ll run it by the captain. If there are items they’d like to see stocked in the slop chest, let steward know. New “green” laundry soap to be provided by company. These were tried in the past, with mixed results. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade at Piney Point. He also reminded everyone to keep their documents current, allow time for renewals, and make copies of originals for reference in case they are lost. Treasurer reported about $4,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested various acquisitions for library and recreational area. Next port: Portland, Ore. (Horizon Lines), March 25 – Chairman George Khan, Secretary William Bryley, Educational Director Erik Nappier, Deck Delegate Bruce Bussert, Engine Delegate Albert Dulig, Steward Delegate Frank Ramones. Old beef from late December resolved. Chairman said union officials came aboard in Oakland, Calif., to discuss company personnel changes. He advised members about direct deposit and also pointed out there are new cans in the laundry room for old lights, batteries and aerosol cans, which cannot be disposed of in trash cans. Secretary relayed request from captain for nominees for monthly safety award. Educational director asked crew members to leave clean rooms and clean linens for arriving members and also to separate plastic from garbage. He also urged all members to keep up with union news and upgrade. HORIZON ENTERPRISE No beefs or disputed OT reported. New mattresses and new TV received. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon Lines), March 12 – Chairman Hussein Mohamed, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Jeff Morris, Deck Delegate Ryan Legario, Engine Delegate Mark Maduro, Steward Delegate Romeo Manansala. Chairman reminded crew to leave clean linens for new crew members coming aboard. He discussed certain procedures for renewing mariner credentials. Secretary reported ship’s fund has been used to purchase goods for barbeque, refrigerators for rooms and refunding purchases for those who paid for TV in their rooms. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman encouraged crew to read President Sacco’s report in Seafarers LOG. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and service. Crew also thanked departing Chief Cook Wiley Owens. Members expressed concern about upcoming contract negotiations. They made several detailed requests and observations. (Editor’s note: By membership vote, the standard freightship and tanker agreements have been extended one year.) Next port: Oakland, Calif. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line, Limited), March 20 – Chairman Oliver Balico, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Roger Dillinger, Deck Delegate John O’Shaughnessy, Engine Delegate James Sieger, Steward Delegate Brian McEleney. Chairman reported good voyage with good crew. Payoff scheduled for following day; ship soon bound for Dubai, Port Qasim, Salalah and India. Secretary reminded crew to leave cabins clean for reliefs. Educational director advised fellow members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and keep shipping documents updated. Treasurer reported $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Next port: Charleston, S.C. OVERSEAS NIKISKI (OSG), March 30 – Chairman Khaled Munasser, Secretary Joseph Emidy, Educational Director Benjamin Matthews. Chairman thanked everyone for “a productive trip without injury or issues, and also for cooperation between departments in making this trip an enjoyable one in the spirit of SIU tradition.” Secretary thanked crew for keeping common areas clean. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and described the school as a very valuable tool to use for acquiring seafaring knowledge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for examination of company policy concerning reimbursement for luggage on flights. Crew recommended increasing pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for outstanding meals and cleanliness. Next port: Anacortes, Wash. USNS BUTTON (American Overseas Marine), March 25 – Chairman Gregory Jackson, Secretary Edwin Bonefont, Educational Director Efren Willarosa, Deck Delegate Jerry Stillman, Engine Delegate Charles Ellsworth, Steward Delegate Edward Ellis. Crew discussed some particulars of deck department security watches. Chairman noted patrolman came aboard in Guam and discussed medical plan and vacation pay. Educational director suggested upgrading in Piney Point to keep up with the times, including Coast Guard and company requests and requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew is sending photos of recent mission to Seafarers LOG. (See page 11.) Crew asked about wireless connectivity. (Crowley), March 7 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Frederick Saffo, Educational Director Niles Jacobsen, Engine Delegate Chromer Jefferson. Chairman discussed procedural issue related to gangway watch. Secretary reminded crew to follow protocol for resolving questions and complaints. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed need for nonskid material in galley by dishwasher. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. New washer and dryer on hand and ready for installation. New TV will be purchased in States. Next port: Houston. YORKTOWN EXPRESS Seafarers LOG 19 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:38 PM Page 20 Merchant Mariner Recalls Life at Sea During ‘Old Days’ Continued from Page 14 the explosion was due to sabotage. (The degaussing system is installed aboard ship to reduce the ship’s effect on the Earth’s magnetic field. This system reduces the chances of a magnetic mine being attracted to the ship.) It was known that many of the German shipyard workers resented seeing their once-prized ocean liner being used by the United States as a troop carrier. The United States was in the process of signing a peace treaty with Germany, France, Great Britain and Russia, and it was thought the free-floating mine theory was a political decision. You should note that as part of the cease-fire agreement with the United States and its allies, Germany had agreed to have their Navy, the Kriegsmarine, be responsible for clearing their rivers and ports of all mines, disarming them and any other explosive devices. Some members of our crew believed that the Germans were just cutting the mines loose and letting them float free, knowing it would not be German ships hitting mines but their conquerors. One of our deckhands from New York said, “Can you imagine if the Germans had won the war and told us guys in Brooklyn to clear New York Bay so they could navigate it without being in harm’s way?” I stayed in Bremerhaven with a skeleton crew for six months while the ship was repaired. The remainder of the crew had been sent home on another transport. World War II would not be officially over until the end of that year, December 31, 1946. As much as I hated the Germans for what they had done during the war, it didn’t take me long to feel sorry for them, especially the kids. The entire population was living at starvation level and it was depressing to watch women and kids picking through our garbage in the hope of finding some edible scraps. Odd though, I came home with a memory of street after street of bombed buildings, many completely blown away and, yet, the sidewalks and roads completely swept clean of debris. As my mates and I became more acquainted with the local population, we would eventually talk about the war. What happened to who and where. The answers we received to some of our questions became a joke amongst us. We never met anyone who knew or was related to anyone in the German armed forces who had fought on the Western Front against the Americans. No, they would say, their fathers, their brothers, etc. had all only fought on the Eastern Front against the terrible Russians. We never met any youth who admitted to having been a member of the Hitler Jugend, Hitler’s Youth Program; it was always the boy who lived down the street or a distant cousin. As to their thoughts about Hitler, they would tell us that he was crazy and they could not understand how he became their leader. Some of us in the engine crew had befriended a young FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper 20 Seafarers LOG boy, about 13 or so, named Falker. His mom let us sleep over in their house when we stayed overnight in town after curfew. Falker became our translator and guide in our travels about the area. He also helped us to learn many everyday German idioms that came in handy during our stay. We returned his good will by giving him cigarettes, candy and food items to bring home. His father had been killed in action on the Eastern Front fighting the Russians, or so he told us. Near the end of war, when the residents knew they had lost and that Germany would soon be occupied, they held meetings to discuss how best to handle the situation. They decided to hang white pieces of cloth from their windows and doorways as a signal of their surrender and willingness to comply with the occupation forces. They had to be very careful with the timing when hanging the white cloths, as there were still die-hard German fanatics roaming the streets who were willing to die for their Fatherland and were executing anyone found surrendering. Falker told us that he and his cousin had a handgun that they planned to use to protect their mothers if anyone tried to molest them. Bad news travels fast and they had heard what the Russians were doing to the German women in their areas of occupation. Falker told us that one day he and his family heard artillery firing in the distance and knew the end was near. Falker with his mother, aunt and cousins took refuge in a cellar to await their fate. Sometime later, the noise from the artillery fire had ceased and they heard shouting coming from the road. Falker decided to investigate the noise and discovered it was coming from trucks filled with Canadian soldiers who were throwing candy bars to the kids. The soldiers appeared to be friendly and not at all threatening. He caught a few pieces of candy and reported to his family. Everyone was elated that the war was over – no more bombing and no more kids going off to war. They were especially pleased to see that their former enemies were not molesting the women as they were told to expect. Later in the evening, trucks came by and distributed canned food to the eager hands reaching up to the trucks. Falker added that if the Germans in his area knew how they were to be treated by the Allies, they would have surrendered earlier. It was understood by all, months before, that they were losing the war; their men had stopped writing and did not come home on leave, the bombing intensified, and the food shortages worsened. Bremerhaven was in the British zone. The American zone was in the southern part of Germany. The French zone was to the west and the Russian to the east, a sector that included Berlin. In the late 1940s, troops and cargo were still transported by ships, very little by airplanes. For this reason, the United States needed a port and arranged with the British to create an American enclave in the British zone to handle our shipping. Know Your Rights address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies Bremerhaven was a seaport with exceptionally large dry docks and repair facilities. My ship the Alexander was put in to one of the dry docks following the explosion to be inspected for damages. It stayed in the dry dock for a week and then was re-floated and towed to a nearby dock for repairs. Except for security personnel, the crew, including me, stayed and ate at the seamen’s club in town for about a month before moving back to the ship. We had to report to the ship each morning but, fortunately, there was no attendance taken. We visited the bigger city of Bremen on weekends. The American Army had opened a huge beer hall in Bremen for allied personnel and sold American beer. The beer was imported from the States as there was no German beer available. One of my shipmates, a former paratrooper, met an Army sergeant he knew who was supervising the beer hall. Old friends do help each other and it was arranged to have two kegs of beer delivered to a German bar back in Bremerhaven for use by us, the crew from the Alexander. The bar owner put one of the kegs of beer outside his back window, covered it with snow to keep it cold, and piped it in to his tap. The bar became our meeting place for the remainder of our stay. My sister Ellen wrote to tell me that one of her co-workers at the B and G Company where she worked in New York City had parents living in Bremerhaven and asked if I could get in touch with them and report back to her. Coincidences do happen! The bar owner and his wife that handled our kegs of beer proved to be the man’s parents. I couldn’t do much for them as I had so little with me in Germany. I did manage to get them some cigarettes for trading that they appreciated. The late fall and early winter months of 1946 were cold and the freezing temperatures added to the hardships of the local population in the Bremerhaven area. There were both extensive fuel and food shortages. The Germans were having a difficult time just trying to stay alive. Among our crew, there were men who did not hesitate to say, “Let the bastards die.” This was especially true of the American World War II military veterans, who had fought the Germans in Europe, had seen their buddies killed during the fighting and who now worked aboard the army transports. One of our engineers was an American Jew who had lost his family in prewar Germany. He showed no compassion for any German – old or young. He spoke German fluently, and if a young German addressed him using the German familiar form of the pronoun “you,” he would slap the youngster in the face. He would explain to the crew that the boy recognized that he was Jewish and used the familiar “you” to show his disdain. Most of the crew, however, soon developed a relationship with various German families and could arrange to sleep over at their houses outside of town after curfew. are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVI- TY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. . June 2011 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:38 PM Page 21 Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Schedule The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Electrician July 16 September 9 Title of Course ARPA ECDIS FOWT Advanced Firefighting August 26 Government Vessels July 22 June 24 September 9 July 8 August 5 September 9 September 7 August 6 August 19 July 23 Tanker Asst. Cargo DL BAPO November 7 September 7 Radar Observer Tank Barge PIC October 15 August 26 August 27 Radar renewal (one day) August 5 October 8 October 14 Engine Department July 23 September 17 August 19 October 14 June 25 August 20 July 22 September 16 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth ______________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member ❏ Lakes Member ❏ Inland Waters Member ❏ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book # ____________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department______________________ Home Port_____________________________________________________________ E-mail________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held______________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? ❏ Yes ❏ No Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? ❏ Yes ❏ No If yes, class # ______________________________________________________________ If yes, course(s) taken_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ June 2011 Steward Department July 9 October 8 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. June 25 July 23 STOS June 4 July 9 August 12 June 11 August 27 Lifeboat Welding July 16 August 20 GMDSS July 30 Chief Steward July 16 Fast Rescue Boats Machinist Date of Completion August 20 Bosun Recertification August 20 Start Date Deck Department Able Seaman Junior Engineer October 14 August 19 June 24 July 29 August 19 November 18 Chief Cook These modules start every other week. The most recent class began May 30. Basic Firefighting/STCW Safety Upgrading Courses September 17 July 16 June 18 Medical Care Provider October 1 MSC Readiness Refresher Vessel Security Officer NOTICE: June 11 July 30 October 15 September 30 July 22 June 24 October 7 June 17 August 5 October 18 NMC Web Site is Vital Resource for Mariners The National Maritime Center (NMC), the licensing authority for the U.S. Coast Guard, offers a comprehensive web site covering mariner credentialing, medical guidelines and much more. The site features a wide range of applications and forms, deck- and engine-department exam information, lists of Coast Guardapproved courses and more. Seafarers are encouraged to check out the site at:http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/ Mariners may call the NMC at 1888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662). Operational hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. (The NMC is closed for all federal holidays.) Various email forms also are available through the NMC web site. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. COURSE ____________________________ START DATE _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ LAST VESSEL: __________________________________Rating: ______________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off:________________________ SIGNATURE ________________________________ DATE___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable.Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/11 Seafarers LOG 21 �64746_LOG_X2 5/26/2011 7:09 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 743 – Eight Phase I unlicensed apprentices on Feb. 18 completed their requirements in this 60hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Monasser Ali, Ryan Crowell, Michael Dooley, Joel Harris, Sean Hernandez, Peter Mertz, Nicholas Santillo and Julian Swimpson. Class Instructor Ben Cusic is at the far right. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 744 – The following individuals, 12 Phase I unlicensed apprentices and two upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) finished this 60-hour course March 18: Therman Ames, Michael Beard, Tekeisha Brown, Joseph Dasteel, Slethvana Jules, Mark Keller, Thomas Konsistorum, Ahmed Mohamed, Kurt Sherwin, Christopher Staley, Robert Surette, Roderick Thomas, Robert Tomo and Deralle Watson (upgrader). Ben Cusic, their instructor, is at left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding – Nine upgraders completed their requirements in this 103-hour course April 22. Graduating and receiving certificates (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Bimie, Nicholas Brissey, John Cooper, Xavier Normil, Lamar Pinckney, Guiomar Rancel, Peter Solis, Elijah Stewart-Eastman and Reylan Tendito. Class Instructor Buzzy Andrews is standing third from the right. Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman – Seven mariners on April 29 completed their requirements in this class. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jeremy Boyd, Michael Fertl, Howard Gulliams, Abobakr Hasan, Zeyad Muthala, Lear Surcedo and DeMilton Wheat. Stan Beck, their instructor, is at the far right. Basic Meteorology – The following Seafarers, above, in alpha- betical order, graduated from this course April 8: Ray Adams Jr., Ronald Boatwright Sr., Dominique Calvy, Samuel Lloyd, Dustin Marks and Hector Ortiz. Class Instructor Lee Chesneau is at the far left. Marine Refrigeration – Ten upgraders finished their enhancement of their skills in this course April 8. Completing the class (above, in alphabetical order) were: Dennis Adjetey, Robin Bourgeois, Robert Egri, Joie Flasner, Joseph Grandinetti, Antoine Rainey, Trent Sterling, Jessie Turner, Philandar Walton and Richard Wright. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is at the far right. 22 Seafarers LOG Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. June 2011 �64746_LOG 5/25/2011 8:38 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Readiness Refresher – Twelve individuals completed this course March 18. Graduating (left, in alphabetical order) were: Craig Argue, Christopher Bean, Edward Carlson, Leonard Dale Jr., John Davis, Caleb Gilbert, Todd Gleason, Kevin Hollenback, Karl Mayhew, William Rabatsky, Jody Sparks and Jeffrey Walton. Stan Beck, their instructor, is fourth from the left. BST (Hawaii) - The following individuals (above, in no particular order) graduated from this course at the Seafarers Training Facility in Hawaii April 30: Robert Gonzalez, Rae Aguilera, Ryan Brady, Justin Challenger, Aretta Davis, Maximus Fuminaya, Preston Hadley, Matthew Hill, Olivia Kardos, Kevin Knight, Timothy Konick, Christopher Pahnlick, Hannah Perry, Brittany Samuels, Micah Stanton, and Sylvia Taylor. Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman – Twelve upgraders finished this course April 1. Graduating and receiving certificates (above, in alphabetical order) were: Daniel Coffman, Chantell Dawson, Ricardo Dayrit, Peter Hamm, Ricky Langley, Kenneth Ledeoux, Derrick Martin, Alexander Matthew, Sadeka Mohamed, Cory Mulligan, Justin Pierce, Duane Reber and Corey Shanely. Class instructor Stan Beck is at the far left. ECDIS (Crowley) – Five individuals completed their requirements in this course April 1. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Matthew Fouse, Andrew Hook, George Sadler, Mark Tilly and Philip Wright. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is third from the left. Simulator Training (Crescent Towing) - The following individuals (above, from left to right) finished their requirements in this course recently: Mobile Harbor Pilot Bernie Scott, Mobile Bar Pilot Peter Burns, Crescent Towing Capt. Chris Walker, Crescent Towing Wheelman Josh Burns, Crescent Towing Wheelman John McCarthy and Crescent Towing Asst. VP Tom Lambard. Mitch Oakley, their instructor, is at the far right. Tankship Familiarization DL – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed the enhancement of their skills in this course April 15. Graduating from the course were: Dominique Alston, Johney August, Bernard Baker, Mady Balat, Christopher Bean, Harold Borden, Gordon Cherup, John Coleman Jr., John Davis, Omar Espinosa, Felix Garcia, Mark Hoffman, Thomas Humpherys III, Hussein Marumbo Hussein, Derrick Martin, Roger Nesbeth, Eddy Newman, Costica Oprisoru, Oleg Pankratov, Daune Reber Jr., Jason Springer and Alexander Young. Class Instructor Brad Wheeler is kneeling at left in the front row. June 2011 GMDSS – Eight individuals finished this course April 29. Those gradu- ating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ray Adams Jr., Janos Bognar, Harold Borden, Dustin Marks, Hector Ortiz, Oleg Pankratov, Charles Tison and Jesse Willard. Brad Wheeler, class instructor, is at the far right. Seafarers LOG 23 �64746_LOG_X2 5/26/2011 7:09 PM Page 24 Volume 73, Number 6 June 2011 SHBP Awards Scholarships Page 7 SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (second from left in photo above), Capt. Louis Cavaliere of Keystone (center) and Rich Berkowitz (right) of the Transportation Institute meet with a staffer for Rep. Bill Owens (D-N.Y.). In photo at right, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) is pictured with Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.). Second Maritime Sail-In a Success Event Carries Industry’s Message to Washington Individuals from all segments of the maritime industry, including SIU officials and rank-and-file members, joined together in Washington, D.C., on May 4 for the second annual Maritime Industry Sail-In at the U.S. Capitol and congressional offices. Nearly 200 representatives from shipping companies, maritime advocacy groups, other maritime labor unions, and naval organizations all took to the Hill for a day of promoting the industry and getting the industry’s message out to lawmakers. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey all spent the day meeting various members of Congress and their respective staffs, as did SIU From left to right: SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski, Bryant Gardner of Winston & Strawn, Appropriations Associate Matthew Kaplan for Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Capt. Leo Bonser of Intermarine, Jordan Truchan of Patriot SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (right), MM&P Sec.-Treasurer Don Marcus Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. Seafarer Matt Maynard met with legislators from his home state, West Virginia. For the past two years, the Sail-In has given the maritime industry a chance to have its voice heard by lawmakers on Capitol Hill. This year’s event was especially significant due to the influx of freshman representatives, some of whom know little about the importance of the maritime industry to the country’s economic and national security. Participants in the Sail-In were split into teams, given schedules and a Congressional directory, and were sent on their way to meet with representatives and staffs. SIU officials and other participants met with representatives and senators from both sides of the aisle. Tellez, in a meeting with a staffer for Rep. Bill Owens (D-N.Y.), pointed out that the maritime industry, despite all of its major economic and security contributions to the country, is often little known to outsiders. “The fact is that every conflict this nation has been and will be a part of needs a reliable supply line and we are that supply line,” said Tellez. The Sail-In came at a crucial time for the industry due to the battles over the funding of the federal budget for the 2012 fiscal year. There are several pieces of legislation up for debate that directly affect maritime workers, including provisions for food aid in the federal budget as well as the Harbor Maintenance Tax. In addition to the Sail-In, SIU officials were present at an awards dinner for this year’s Salute to Congress Award, which was given to Rep. Frank LoBiondo (RN.J.). The International Propeller Club of the United States presents the award each year to a member of Congress who has a proven track record of supporting the maritime industry and its workers. Rep. LoBiondo currently serves as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In his work as chairman, LoBiondo has pushed ideas that work for the industry and has been a constant advocate. In his acceptance remarks, LoBiondo called on the international community to do more to confront and combat piracy off the Somali coast. “I think the best way to deal with this is before they get on the high seas,” he said. From left to right: Josh Shapiro of Liberty Maritime, Charlie Papavizas of Winston & Strawn, Joe Morgan of the Navy League, Mike Roberts of Crowley, Julia Shemest of Crowley, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker From left to right: Ian Bennitt of SCA, George Kochanowski of Staxxon LLC, Rep. Nydia Velasquez (DN.Y.), Mark Gallagher of MEBA, and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (far left) and other Sail-In participants meet to review the agenda From left to right: Bill Penella of Crowley, Terry Turner of Turner Pollard, Rep. Nick Rahall II (DW.Va.), SIU member Matt Maynard, MEBA President Mike Jewell � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2011 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU MAKES STRONG SHOWING DURING MARITIME DAY EVENTS MEMBERS-ONLY SECTION HIGHLIGHTS NEWEST VERSION OF SIU WEB SITE MARINERS ‘MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER’ FOR U.S. AKER PHILADELPHIA DELIVERS TANKER OVERSEAS TAMPA GEN. MCNABB CITES ‘SUPERB’ EFFORTS OF COMMERCIAL FLEET U.S. NAVY TAKES OVER OPERATION OF ARMY’S HIGH SPEED VESSELS CIVILIAN-CREWED SHIPS WILL FURTHER ADVANCE U.S. SEALIFT CAPABILITIES MTD, ITF BACK COAST GUARD REPORT ON DEEPWATER HORIZON SIU PRESIDENT URGES GRASSROOTS ACTION IN 2012 TO NOVELTY WORKERS UNION TIMES ARE TOUGH FOR TWIC PROGRAM NEW YORK TIMES OP-ED SLAMS RUNAWAY FLAGS U.S. REP. HOYER BRINGS BACK ‘MAKE IT IN AMERICA’ PLAN CIVMARS REMAIN TRUE TO FORM, ANSWER CALL TO DUTY DURING OPERATION TOMODACHI U.S. MARITIME UNIONS DONATE TO AJSU U.S. NAVY NAMES NEXT T-AKE FOR CESAR CHAVEZ CIVMARS HELP RESCUE 5 NEAR SOLOMON ISLANDS UNION-CREWED USNS SFT. WILLIAM R. BUTTON SUPPORTS MILITARY EXERCISE CEREMONIES HONOR U.S. MERCHANT MARINE’S VALIANT HISTORY THE ED WOODS STORY – A TEENAGER IN WORLD WAR II SECOND MARITIME SAIL-IN A SUCCESS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2011 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. 73, No. 6 2011 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9d1467a9d7b22cab3b9e72e2d1daf781.pdf f690fca461ca048a6e9f4af94155d0e9 PDF Text Text Volume 74, Number 6 June 2012 Members Ratify Standard Contracts 5-Year Agreements Boost Wages, Maintain Benefits By an overwhelming majority, SIU members have approved the new standard freightship and tanker agreements. Voting continued as this edition of the LOG went to press, but by late May enough Seafarers already had voted in favor of the new pacts to ensure their ratifications. Among other highlights, the contracts call for annual wage increases while maintaining benefits. Some of the members who backed the new agreements are pictured on the Horizon Enterprise (below at left), the Ocean Atlas (immediately below) and at the union hall in Tacoma, Wash. (left). Pages 2, 3, 9. Ceremonies Honor U.S. Mariners During this year’s National Maritime Day ceremonies in the nation’s capital, U.S. Merchant Mariners were praised for their centuries of service and for their ongoing importance to America’s security. Officials and other representatives from the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education participated in events hosted by (respectively) the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Pictured below, after the DOT ceremony, are (from left) MSC Commander Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, SIU President Michael Sacco and TRANSCOM Commander Gen. William Fraser. At right are some of the apprentices from the Paul Hall Center who were on hand throughout the day. Pages 12-14. New Tonnage Pages 2, 4 ‘Sail-In’ Successful Page 5 Waterfront Project Progresses Page 24 �President’s Report More Progress for the SIU During a month that was loaded with positive, important stories, nothing tops the great news that Seafarers overwhelmingly have ratified the new standard freightship and tanker agreements. Voting was still taking place at press time, but enough “ayes” had been counted to ensure rank-and-file approval of the new five-year contracts. These agreements are excellent for the membership and I think they’re positive for our operating companies, too. In addition to yearly wage increases and maintaining all benefits, the contracts include various improvements that promote safer, more efficient shipboard operations. It may sound like a cliché but I truly believe this is a win-win: good for the union, good for the companies. I said many months ago, before negotiations started, that the SIU would be both aggressive and realistic in our approach, and that’s exactly what Michael Sacco we did. And I commend everyone involved in the negotiations, on both sides of the table. Credit also goes to the membership – your input made a difference, and it very clearly is reflected in the agreements. We have other reasons to feel good about the future, not the least of which is new tonnage entering the SIU fleet. As reported in this edition, our union recently welcomed a new heavy-lift ship for our deep-sea mariners, a new ATB that’s sailing on the Great Lakes, and a new T-AKE vessel that’ll operate in our Government Services Division. Also, the first in a fleet of joint high-speed vessels (abbreviated as JHSVs) recently completed sea trials; those vessels will mean new jobs both for our private-sector Seafarers and for our Government Services crews. And, a new tugboat is scheduled for its ceremonial launch late this month. There’s big news concerning new tonnage on the way, too, and I expect we’ll be announcing it soon. On the legislative front, the SIU (and all of American maritime labor) worked very hard to help secure the mid-May Congressional renewal of the Export-Import Bank for three years. This is big news for the SIU because American-flag ships transport a significant amount of the cargo generated by Ex-Im financing. It’s also worth noting that the bank, which does not take money from taxpayers, directly benefits small businesses and that its financing supports an estimated 290,000 American jobs, including many in the maritime industry. This is, in fact, a jobs program, and as I’ve said before, when labor unions and the Chamber of Commerce (another Ex-Im backer) are on the same side of any argument, you can bet it’s a slam dunk. That program was one of many the SIU helped identify during this year’s “Sail-In” in the nation’s capital. Coinciding with this year’s event on May 9, which promoted a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, the Navy League of the United States issued a report citing our industry as crucial to America’s national and economic security. The very first sentence in the report says it all: “No industry has been more vital to the success of our country than America’s maritime industry.” Last but not least, also last month, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) attached an amendment to the Defense of Defense authorization bill that would require the U.S. Maritime Administration to take additional steps to encourage the use of U.S. vessels in meeting national security needs, and U.S. Rep. Jeff Landry (R-La.) spearheaded a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to publicly recognize the importance of the Jones Act, the fundamental law of the American maritime industry. The letter was signed by a bipartisan contingent of 15 Members of Congress. Like I said, it was a good month. And I guarantee our brothers and sisters throughout the SIU that we will continue working on your behalf to ensure continued progress and more gains throughout the months and years ahead. Volume 74, Number 6 June 2012 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFLCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Paddy Lehane; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2012 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The newly reflagged BBC Seattle previously sailed as the BBC Leer. SIU Gains Jobs As BBC Seattle Reflags Under ‘Stars & Stripes’ SIU members are sailing aboard the newly reflagged cargo vessel BBC Seattle, operated by American Overseas Marine (AMSEA). Seafarers signed onto the ship in late April in Savannah, Ga.; the BBC Seattle began sailing under the Stars and Stripes in mid-May. The ship was built in 1998 in Germany and is roughly 500 feet long. It will be employed in “worldwide cargo delivery” supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, according to a government announcement, with most of the work involving “re-supply operations between the United States and the Arabian Gulf.” Including options, the operating contract extends to January 2017. AMSEA also operates another SIU-crewed heavylift ship for MSC: the BBC Houston, which joined the union-contracted fleet in September 2010. Additionally, SIU members (and officers from the Seafarersaffiliated AMO) sail on the AMSEA-operated LMSRs USNS Bob Hope, USNS Fisher, USNS Seay, USNS Mendonca, USNS Pililaau, USNS Brittin and USNS Benavidez and the prepositioning ships M/V 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, USNS Pfc. Dewayne T. Williams, USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus and M/V Sgt. William R. Button. Union’s Great Lakes Crews Welcome New Contracts, Additional Tonnage It’s been a busy couple of months on the Great Lakes, with a new ATB coming under SIU contract creating additional jobs for the membership, and officials negotiating several contracts that feature significant gains. Led by SIU Vice President Great Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski, SIU officials and rank-and-file members took to the negotiating tables to work out agreements with a number of companies that include wage increases, continued benefits funding, and maintaining of upgrading opportunities. SIU members at the Erie Sand and Gravel Company based out of Erie, Pa., have a new three-year agreement (it started April 1) providing for wage increases and a vacation pay increase. In addition, health benefits for SIU members and their families are maintained at Pictured above are some of the crew aboard the new ATB, their current levels. SIU members who choose the M/V Ken Boothe Sr. From left to right are GVA Badr to utilize the resources and opportunities at the Abdullah, AB John Cedeno, AB Frank Pivik, AB Abdulhafidh Ahmed, Oiler Ronald Bujnovsky and GVA Dalton Bertrand. union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime The tug and barge are shown in the photo below. Training in Piney Point, Md. will have the ability to do so. The SIU also was able to gain company contributions to the Seafarers Money of Orzechowski, Brdak, and Joliet Port Agent Chad Purchase Pension Plan. This particular negotiating Partridge. committee was composed of Orzechowski, Port Agent The line boats division of the Material Service CorTodd Brdak, and SIU Representative Monte Burgett. poration also negotiated an agreement with the SIU. Seafarers at the company work aboard the dredge M/V That division also received wage increases every year St. John on Lake Erie. of the five-year agreement (which went into effect The SIU also completed and ratified an agreement January 1, 2012 and maintained their health and penwith Material Service Corporation aboard their harbor sion benefits as well. The SIU negotiating committee boats based in Morris, Ill. The five-year agreement, also consisted of Orzechowski, Brdak, and Partridge. which is effective from February 28, 2012 through In other good news for Seafarers on the Great February 28, 2017, features wage increases and main- Lakes, the SIU-contracted company American Steamtains current health and pension benefits. The SIU ne- ship Company has entered into service a new articugotiating committee established a floating holiday for lated tug/barge operated by a new SIU-contracted bargaining unit members. This committee consisted company called Boland and Cornelius Incorporated. The agreement with Boland and Cornelius Incorporated, which was negotiated by Orzechowski and Brdak, features many of the benefits obtained at other union-contracted companies. The fiveyear pact, effective from March 1, 2012 through January 15, 2017, includes yearly wage increases, CorePlus health benefits, Seafarers Vacation Plan benefits, Seafarers Pension Plan benefits and Paul Hall Center benefits. In addition, members are also eligible to participate in the Seafarers 401(k) plan. The M/V Ken Booth Sr. began servicing the Great Lakes in April and is designed to transport dry-bulk commodities that are procured through Jones Act trade. The vessel consists of the 10,700 horsepower tug Ken Booth Sr. and the Lakes Contender, which has a cargo capacity of 34,000 tons. June 2012 �Members Ratify Standard Contracts Pacts’ Highlights Include Wage Increases, Maintaining Benefits Despite an economy in which cuts and concessions are the norm, the SIU has secured new standard freightship and tanker agreements that not only call for annual wage increases but also maintain members’ benefits – all while not losing a single shipboard job. At press time, voting continued on the new five-year agreements; but, based on tallies from dozens of SIUcrewed ships and from special meetings and regular membership meetings conducted at the halls, the contracts obviously were headed for ratification. Nearly all of the votes were in favor of the agreements, which take effect July 1 of this year and run through June 2017. The union’s bargaining team, led by SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Vice President Contracts George Tricker, negotiated contracts which, in addition to the previously stated achievements, also contain other improvements that are being well-received by the membership. Negotiations took place from February to early May, against a backdrop of the recession, refinery closures and political attacks on many of the programs that are vital to the U.S. Merchant Marine. In his monthly report to Seafarers in May, Tricker listed some of the pacts’ highlights and also urged members “not to overlook the fact that Seafarers’ pension and medical benefits not only remain intact, but do so without any major give-backs by the union. At a time when many pension and medical plans are delivering less and costing more, the Seafarers Plans remain fully funded; and we have secured contracts that maintain benefits while also bringing above-average wage gains.” He added that input from rank-and-file members “clearly is reflected in the new agreements.” Reaction from Seafarers has been overwhelmingly positive. Addressing Tellez, Tricker and other dais officials at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., Recertified Bosun James Orlanda hit the deck and stated, “You guys did a great job. We all appreciate your hard work.” In Norfolk, Va., AB Jonathan Davis said the new contracts “are a good thing for the members. I’m excited and I love the changes – I love them all. Being an AB, Seafarers aboard the Horizon Reliance (photo above) and on Matson’s Maunalei (photo at right) show their support for the new contracts. SIU members began voting on the agreements in early May, aboard ships and at the union halls. Negotiating team members included (seated, from left) Mike Blunt, Tony Naccarato, George Tricker, Augie Tellez, Capt. Bob Johnston, Ed Hanley, Mike Bohlman, (standing) Danielle Szepesi (administrative support), Robert Rogers, Jack Craft, Bill Cole, Jean Harrington, Steve Demeroutis and Norm Gauslow. the part about not having to go to the flying bridge, I’m all for that.” Recertified Steward Alonzo Belcher, also in Norfolk, said of the contracts, “Everything was very good. This is a slam dunk, and we really needed it. Considering how slow the economy is, to gain a contract like this is a beautiful thing. Everybody’s happy about it.” Belcher added, “Everyone that had anything to do with this – (SIU President) Mike Sacco, Augie, George – they really came through for us.” Recertified Bosun Randall Porter, speaking in Jacksonville, Fla., said, “I’m very pleased with it. The raises and some of the new rules – they did a very good job with this contract. I was surprised we got we got as much as we did. Keep up the good work and keep fighting for us, and we’ll keep doing it on this end.” Oiler Rafael Alvarez-Chacon, a Jacksonville-area member who immigrated to the U.S., summed up his feelings when he stated, “I am very lucky to be part of this union. Sometimes I feel like people here do not realize how difficult things are, and how fortunate we are to be represented and helped within our work, by people who fight for our wages and benefits…. Our health benefits are great, too, not only (for) me, but also for my wife. It’s wonderful. The economy isn’t getting much better, but we are benefitting from our new contracts. I don’t think we could ask for anything more.” For wages and all wage-related items, the contracts stipulate yearly increases. There are extra increases for Horizon Lines crews that ultimately will bring those vessels back in line with the standard contracts. Members also are commending a planned transition to a new routine that will allow Seafarers to utilize medical facilities closer to home while also permitting them to take follow-up exams that are re-evaluations rather than additional comprehensive physicals. The target implementation date is October 1, 2012. Once this system has been enacted, the employers have committed to phase out the current sign-on physicals performed at Anderson Kelly. In other noteworthy modifications, contract language has been changed to be more inclusive so that coffee time is allowed approximately midway through any fourhour overtime period. Also, all three shipboard departments now are eligible for an hour of overtime pay per week for maintaining their living quarters at recognized sanitary standards. Seafarers in the deck department are taking note of the fact that under the new contracts, if cargo is not properly secured before going to sea and crew members are required to change lashings, they shall be paid at the rates specified in Article II, Section 21 (b), Penalty Rates. This is an addition to the contracts. Also affecting deck-department mariners is new language specifying that when members must use Ospho or an equivalent, they will be paid at their respective penalty rates (only Ospho was covered in the old pacts). Seamen on wheel watch will no longer be required to work on the flying bridge. And, starting July 1, in order to be employed as an AB/Dayworker, an AB must possess a green-ticket endorsement. Of note to mariners in the engine room, and as a direct result of membership input, the list of duties qualifying for penalty time has been expanded to include cleaning of scavenger boxes and working above the second tier of containers. In the steward department, the union and the companies are adopting work rules recognized throughout the industry and reflective of three-person galleys. SIU recertified stewards played important roles in developing and modifying those rules. Finally, the SIU and the companies have committed to a six-month review of how the Manila Amendments to the STCW convention affect overtime. Both parties share the goal of protecting mariners’ opportunities for overtime. (See Page 9 for more photos) June 2012 Seafarers LOG 3 �USNS Cesar Chavez Christened at NASSCO The last in a series of 14 dry-cargo/ammunition ships – the USNS Cesar Chavez – was christened May 5 during an evening ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard (a union facility) in San Diego. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and Assistant Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler represented the union at the event. The USNS Chavez will be crewed in the unlicensed slots by members of the SIU Government Services Division. The 689foot vessel is scheduled for delivery to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) in November. All of the ships in the Lewis and Clarkclass (each abbreviated as T-AKE) honor pioneers and explorers, according to MSC. Cesar Chavez, who passed away in 1993, was an American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist who cofounded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. He made the farm workers’ struggle a moral cause with nationwide support. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Assistant Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler posed for the photo above just prior to the start of the May 5 USNS Cesar Chavez christening ceremony in San Diego. “It is fitting that this ship is named for Cesar Chavez, for among the core values embraced by him were innovation, determination, sacrifice and service to others – core values shared by Military Sealift Command – core values that are the basis of service for this great ship and her crew, now and into the future,” said Navy Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, MSC, to an audience of more than 7,000 people who attended the event. Ceremony attendees included the ship’s sponsor, Helen Fabela Chavez, widow of the ship’s namesake, nearly 500 other members of the Chavez family; the ceremony’s keynote speaker, the Honorable Juan M. Garcia III, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs); the Honorable Jerry Sanders, mayor of San Diego; distinguished guests from the U.S. military and maritime industry; and union NASSCO employees who built the ship. “USNS Cesar Chavez exemplifies the latest innovations in marine technology with its integrated electric power propulsion and ship systems,” said Buzby. “This ship will go to sea better prepared than the ships that preceded her because the team that built her learned new lessons with every ship of the class and incorporated those lessons learned, along with energy-saving technologies into the next hull. USNS Cesar Chavez is the culmination of that extraordinary process – she is the ultimate T-AKE!” The ship is slated for use by MSC’s Combat Logistics Force, or CLF. CLF ships deliver ammunition, food, fuel and other supplies to U.S. and allied ships at sea, enabling the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence. Two T-AKEs are being assigned to MSC’s maritime prepositioning ship squadrons, which are deployed to strategic locations worldwide, carrying U.S. Marine Corps cargo ready for rapid delivery to Marines ashore. In the photo above, the USNS Cesar Chavez, to be crewed by SIU Government Services Division members, slides into the water for the first time during a ceremony May 5 at NASSCO. (Photo by Sarah E. Burford, MSC Pacific). St. Louis Port Maritime Council Honors 3 Email System Notifies Mariners SIU President Sacco Presents Labor Award to U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill Several hundred union members, their Of Credential families and friends honored three commuRenewal Dates nity leaders at the Maritime Trades DepartThe U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) in late April launched what it described as “an improvement to the automated email system originally fielded in December 2009. Mariners who have provided an email address to the NMC will receive an email notification 90 days prior to the expiration of their Merchant Mariner Credential, License, Merchant Mariner Document, or Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. Intended as a final reminder of your impending credential expiration, you can ignore the email if you have recently submitted an application for renewal. If you have any questions regarding your application, use the online Application Status Checker to determine the status.” Questions may be directed to the agency at 888-IASKNMC (888427-5662) or via email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil. In order to access the Application Status Checker, go to http://homeport.uscg.mil/ mmcstatus 4 Seafarers LOG ment Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council’s 32nd annual dinner on May 5. David Zimmermann of Sheet Metal Workers (SMWIA) Local 36 received the Labor Man of the Year Award. George “Butch” Welsch was recognized as Management Man of the Year. The council presented U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) with its Joe Sacco Friend of Labor Award; MTD President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, gave the award to the senator. Zimmermann serves as the president and business manager of SMWIA Local 36, where the dinner took place. He started his career with the local as an apprentice in 1973. He is a third-generation member SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez welcomes Lt. Gen. Kathleen Gainey to the port council event. Lt. Gen. Gainey is deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command. Honorees and officers of the St. Louis Port Council pose under a replica of the city’s famed Gateway Arch which was constructed by union members. From the left are George ”Butch” Welsch, PMC Vice President Jack Martorelli, MTD President Michael Sacco, SMWIA 36 President/Business Manager David Zimmermann, PMC President Richard Mantia, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and PMC Secretary/Treasurer Becky Sleeper. of the Sheet Metal Workers, and noted his uncle received the same award years ago. Zimmermann saluted the way the unions, industry and community work together in St. Louis because “without their ongoing support, I wouldn’t be standing here this evening.” In introducing Welsch, PMC SecretaryTreasurer and SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper said he “may be management on paper but he’s union at heart.” He serves as president of the 117-year-old Welsch Heating and Cooling Company, where he has worked for more than 50 years. The workers at Welsch are members of SMWIA Local 36. “I believe our two organizations have shown the way how things were done in the past and should be done,” Welsch said of his company and the union. “Our enemy is the competition, not each other. Together, we can do it better.” McCaskill said of her being recognized by the MTD: “This is a big deal to me. I understand what the port council is. Your unions represent thousands of workers who want their voices heard. Some yahoos want to say the problem is the workers who work every day for a living wage. We know the problem is not the fire fighters, the police officers, the teachers and the men and women who belong to your unions.” The senator concluded by stating she is proud “to stand up for the working men and women of this state.” June 2012 �Pictured from left to right: SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Senior Legislative Assistant Dan Ostermueller of Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen’s office, Kevin Speers of Maersk, Dave Boatner of MM&P and James Henry of the Transportation Institute. Pictured from left to right: SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Greg Detiveaux of Crowley, Jack Belcher of the National Ocean Policy Coalition, Mike Neuman of the Transportation Institute and Brent Greenfield of the National Ocean Policy Coalition. SIU Helps Make Industry ‘Sail-In’ Successful Third Annual Event Carries Maritime’s Message to Capitol Hill More than 150 members of the maritime industry, including eight SIU and Maritime Trades Department (MTD) officials and staff, took to the halls of Congress to advocate for the U.S.-flag industry May 9. The third annual “Sail-In” emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine into the offices of dozens of congresspersons and senators in the Cannon, Longworth, and Rayburn House office buildings and the Russell Senate office building. “The Sail-In is the one time of the year that nearly every segment of the maritime industry comes together to brief Congress on how we make the United States stronger and safer,” said James Henry, chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), an industry group that is made up of a variety of maritime organizations including the SIU. “Working together as one, maritime personnel from the Great Lakes, inland rivers, deep seas and beyond help boost America’s national and homeland security while promoting much-needed job growth here at home.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and SIU Political Director Brian Schoeneman were on board, visiting various congressional representatives and their staffs and representing the SIU membership and maritime labor at large. In addition to representatives from maritime labor, the event brought together participants from virtually every sector of the maritime industry. On hand were shipowners, operators, and rank-and-file workers. All of the people involved have a stake in making sure that the U.S.-flag fleet has friends on Capitol Hill. A major point of the day was to thank elected officials for their past support and to encourage their continued backing of major maritime-related issues, including the Jones Act, Maritime Security Program, cargo preference, proper allocation of Harbor Maintenance Tax funds, and other issues that directly affect American maritime workers. Equally important was the effort to contact newer members of Congress who may be less familiar with the maritime industry. SIU officials pointed out that maritime issues not only affect workers in the industry but also play a huge role in our economic recovery and national security. The Sail-In comes on the heels of a major report released by the Navy League of the United States titled, “Maritime Industry: The Foundation of American Seapower.” The study sums up the numerous benefits of the U.S.-flag fleet, including the more than 500,000 jobs that are associated with the domestic industry alone. “The industry provides jobs for hundreds of thousands of Americans in every corner of our nation,” the report said. “The American maritime industry moves cargo and troops around the world in far greater volume, with far greater efficiency, than any other transportation mode.” The reception of the groups was overwhelmingly positive, with longtime friends of the industry being thanked for their continued support and new friends eager to be kept abreast of issues, laws, and positions that are favorable to the merchant marine and American workers. In a related event, U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) on May 8 received the prestigious “Salute to Congress” award during an annual dinner in suburban D.C. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone (at right) is pictured with a congressional staffer and members of his Sail-In group which at various times throughout the day included Danny Shea of AMO, Berit Erickson of SUP, Jim Haussener of the California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference, Sebastian O’Kelly, and Rocky Smith of Crowley. Pictured from left to right: Rear Admiral Jerry Achenbach (who is a proud former SIU member) of the G.L. Maritime Academy, Mike Hainen of the G.L. Maritime Academy, Representative Peter Welch (D- Vt.), Elizabeth Guerra of MEBA, Jim Sartucci of K&L Gates, SIU Vice President Lakes and Inland Tom Orzechowski and Brian Krus of AMO. Pictured from left to right: SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram, John Arnold of AMO, SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, Ed Hanley of Maersk, Barbara Shipley of SUP, Jack Craig of APM Terminals. Pictured from left to right: Captain Steven Werse of MM&P, U.S. Representative Timothy Bishop (D-N.Y.), Captain William Campbell of Liberty Maritime, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and Rich Berkowitz of the Transportation Institute. Pictured from left to right: Marcus Arky of Metro Group Maritime, U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, Jordan Truchan of Patriot Contract Services and Ian Bennitt of SCA. June 2012 Seafarers LOG 5 �Ocean Crescent Crew Receives Medals for Mission SIU members and officers from the Seafarers-affiliated AMO were honored May 7 by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its Maritime Administration during a well-attended ceremony in Beaumont, Texas. The event celebrated the delivery of the last mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle (MRAP) from Iraq to the U.S. – cargo that was transported aboard the heavy-lift ship Ocean Crescent, which was operated by Pacific Gulf-Marine for Intermarine, LLC. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey was a featured speaker at the ceremony. He described the U.S. Merchant Marine’s centuries-old role as America’s fourth arm of defense, and also touched on why civilian mariners remain vital to national and economic security. As guests including military personnel, longshoremen, and civilian employees of the Army’s 82nd Transportation Battalion looked on, Kevin Tokarski, MarAd’s associate administrator for national security, presented each crew member with the U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal. One day after the ceremony, the historic MRAP was loaded onto a truck to begin its final journey to Fort Hood, Texas, where it will be permanently enshrined in the First Cavalry Brigade Division Museum. The MRAP program has deep Texas roots. The vehicles were built in Sealy, Texas, and were utilized by U.S. forces in Some of the honorees and officials from the SIU, AMO, Maritime Administration and Intermarine gather for a photo after the ceremony. Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. The last cargo of MRAPs left Iraq in midDecember and was loaded onto the Ocean Crescent in Kuwait in late March. In an online post about the ceremony, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood wrote, “As our troops return home from their time abroad, it’s important that we do everything we can to thank and honor them for their service. But U.S. Mariners and U.S.flagged vessels have also been there since the beginning, and are at all times, ‘ready for the next call.’ So, to all of those brave mariners, thank you and welcome home.” SIU members sailing aboard the Ocean Crescent on its most recent voyage from the Middle East included Bosun Joseph Casalino, ABs Albert Bharrat, Guillermo Blanco, Thomas Conry, Kevin Moore and Jovan Williams, QEEs David Brewster and Bruce Korte, GUDE Justino Sanchez, Steward/Baker Emie Aguinaldo, ACU Edward English and ACU Enrique Agosto. OSG Executive: U.S. Needs Jones Act The head of an SIU-contracted company recently from drawdowns of U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves. made a compelling case for maintaining the Jones Act – As Arntzen observed, American-flag ships were availa time-proven law that benefits America’s national and able, and the situation wasn’t an emergency. economic security. Additionally, he cited the Deepwater Horizon tragMorten Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shi- edy (which happened in 2010) as the launching point for pholding Group (OSG), addressed a large audience April “perhaps the most misguided attack against the Jones 23 as he was being honored by the Marine Society of the Act.” Arntzen recalled blatantly false accusations that the City of New York. He devoted his speech to a 92-year- law somehow “inhibited the cleanup by blocking the use old statute that requires cargo moving between domes- of foreign-flag skimming vessels, which were reported to tic ports to be carried on vessels that are crewed, built, be far superior in technology and number than American flagged and owned American. Even though the Jones Act skimming vessels. A number of media outlets and punisn’t new and is strongly supported by (among others) the dits bought into this story and criticized the unwillingObama administration and the U.S. Navy, the subject is ness of the president to waive the Jones Act. With some, timely because of misguided attacks against the nation’s the accusation stuck. As Mark Twain is alleged to have freight cabotage law. said, ‘A lie can travel halfway around the world while the OSG in recent years has built 12 Jones truth is still putting on its boots.’” Act product tankers and two articulated He then pointed out that the Jones tug-barge units – investments of more Act didn’t even apply at or near the spill than $1.5 billion. site, and the law contains provisions al“The U.S. Merchant Marine has lowing waivers for specialized foreign played an integral role in our nation’s vessels if such ships are needed and no economic history and national security American ones are available. “The truth and the Jones Act has been our industry’s is, there were no magical foreign ships cornerstone for almost 100 years,” Arntready to handle anything American-flag zen stated. “It’s a good law that provides vessels couldn’t already handle,” he said. our nation with sound, stable, cost-effec“The fact is Jones Act did not inhibit the tive transportation.” cleanup in any way; to the contrary, it He pointed out that the Jones Act fleet helped.” consists of 40,000 vessels that generate He emphasized that plenty of Jones about 500,000 American jobs and more Act tonnage is available to move barrels than $100 billion in yearly economic of gasoline to the northeast this summer output. Arntzen also said that while his “as a result of the various refinery closupport for the law has never been stronsures in the Delaware Bay and the Caribger, he also is greatly concerned about its bean.” future. Along those lines, he also refuted the “Support for the Jones Act in the U.S. suggestion that utilizing Jones Act tonMorten Arntzen runs deep – the law has been supported by nage contributes to high gas prices. President & CEO every president of our generation and we can “This is political math at its worst,” OSG count our Navy among its strongest supportArntzen said. “We are talking about a few ers,” he noted. “The support in Congress repennies of difference. And, because transmains bipartisan and solid. Nevertheless, noise from the portation costs are so insignificant in the pricing equation critics of the Jones Act has grown of late. and Jones Act movements of gasoline are a relatively “Critics of the Jones Act decry it as protectionism,” small part of the supply chain, it won’t move the pricing he continued. “Yes, the Jones Act is sort of protectionist: needle for gasoline at all. At most it will put a penny It protects our industrial base, U.S. jobs and our national or two of profits into an industry that is already more security. During Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi than adequately profitable…. Does anyone here think it Freedom, U.S.-flag commercial vessels transported 57 is worth destroying the U.S. maritime industry so the oil percent of all military cargoes moved to Afghanistan and industry in this country might make one or two cents Iraq. The American domestic fleet also provided half more profit selling their internationally priced transportaof the mariners used to crew U.S. government-owned tion fuel products to Americans?” sealift vessels activated from reserve status. The U.S. He concluded, “We, the American shipping industry, Navy’s position is crystal clear: repeal of the Jones Act must band together to protect the Jones Act. Our voices would hamper America’s ability to meet strategic sealift must be loud, our convictions strong and our message requirements and Navy shipbuilding. Does anyone in clear: The Jones Act cannot be weakened if America is this audience think that we have evolved to a conflict- to fulfill its opportunities. Short-term waivers of political free world and that our Navy will never call us into ac- convenience will have an enormous long-term negative tion again?” impact on the industry. I ask all of you to take a few Arntzen pointed out that the U.S.-flag industry as a minutes over the coming weeks to contact your elected whole doesn’t object to waivers of the Jones Act if those officials and tell them how you feel about upholding our waivers truly are necessary because of national emer- country’s maritime traditions and capabilities. Remind gency or when no U.S. vessels are available. By contrast, them of the hundreds of thousands of jobs it creates and the industry objects to waivers such as the ones issued the commerce it facilitates. Tell them our country needs last summer allowing foreign-flag vessels to transport oil the Jones Act to stay.” 6 Seafarers LOG Pictured from left are Ed Morgan, Augie Tellez, Tom Murphy and Tony Naccarato. SIU Exec. VP Rallies Industry To Stand United Against Attacks SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez told the audience at the annual Seafarers and International House “Setting the Course” Awards Banquet in New York that the U.S.-flag maritime industry will stand united to repel any and all attacks on its vital issues. Tellez fired up the crowd during his April 26 acceptance speech as a 2012 Outstanding Friend of Seafarers. He was referring to the recent broadsides in the media and in Congress on the Jones Act, cargo preference laws and domestic shipbuilding. Speaking before approximately 300 representatives from both labor and business, Tellez explicitly pointed out his remarks were dedicated to the U.S.-flag industry as a whole. “The legislation, regulations and programs that form the basis for the very existence of the U.S.-flag fleet are in jeopardy,” he stated. “The Jones Act and cargo preference and everything in between is under attack. The challenge before us is how do we respond and meet these challenges?” He said the answer is, “We need to put aside our differences in this battle. We need to coordinate, consolidate and concentrate all of our resources and efforts to thwart these attacks. A clear message must be sent to those who always seem to forget us when the war is over, the mission accomplished, the earthquake passed: We say, no more!” He continued, “To those who look to distort the facts and spread lies to meet their insidious agendas, we say, no more! “To those who rush to diminish and dismiss 70-plus years of our feeding the world and the most successful and effective humanitarian effort of our time, we say, no more! “To those politicians who readily accept our support, financial or otherwise, and look to leave our side in this fight, we say, no more! “And to the rest who know us not, it is high time we let them know who we are and what we do.” Also recognized with the same award by the Seafarers and International House was Thomas Murphy of Crowley Maritime. Murphy proudly spoke about his 60 years in the maritime business. He acknowledged many of the people with whom he has worked over the years in labor relations. The New York-based organization is a mission for seafarers and sojourners affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It operates an 84-room guest house in New York City. June 2012 �SIU officials joined the newly recertified stewards following their graduation for this traditional group photo after the May membership meeting in Piney Point, MD. Pictured from left to right are: Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Eugene Von Flotow, Pedro Castillo, Juan Vallejo Hernandez and wife Odalys, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Donna Rye, VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Edvaldo Viana, James Brockington, Just Self, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, and VP Contracts George Tricker. Recertified Stewards Share Valuable Insights 7 Seafarers Complete Course At Union-Affiliated School Seven individuals recently reached the pinnacles of their respective maritime careers to date when they graduated from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s (PHC) Steward Recertification Course. A three-week in-residence curriculum at the center’s Piney Point, Md., based –campus, the class is billed as highest level of training available to SIU members who sail in the steward department. It encompasses hands-on training, classroom instruction and orientation meetings with representatives from different departments of the SIU and Seafarers Plans. Course modules include ServSafe, which focuses on safe and sanitary galley operations; first aid and CPR; galley firefighting; leadership and management skills; computer training; nutrition; and communications. Graduating from the class and receiving their recertification credentials May 7 during the union’s monthly membership meeting in Piney Point were Stewards Donna (D.J.) Rye, Just Self, Eugene Von Flotow, Pedro Castillo, James Brockington, Juan Vallejo Hernandez and Edvaldo Viana. In keeping with a long-standing tradition, each of the new recertified stewards addressed union officials, fellow upgraders, unlicensed apprentices and guests who attended the meeting. Donna (D.J.) Rye Rye was the first to address the audience. Born in Florida, she joined the SIU in 2001 and has upgraded her skills on two previous occasions at the PHC. “I want to thank our leadership as well as the rank-and-file membership for the honor that’s being bestowed upon me today,” Rye said. She sent out a special thanks to West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone for his endorsement of her to receive the training, a validation which she viewed as instrumental in her being selected. Rye, who currently sails form the Port of Tacoma, Wash., said she learned and retained a great deal of information about the union and its internal operations during her recertification training. “I am excited about and looking forward to sharing this information with the people in my port as well as crew members aboard my vessel,” she said. “Thanks to June 2012 the training I received here, I will be better able to answer questions and articulate our benefits—from basic health care to sickness and accident coverage—to fellow brothers and sisters aboard my ship. “I will also be able to tell my shipmates what Camp Springs is all about as well as aid and assist the recertified bosuns with any problems they encounter aboard our vessel,” she continued. Addressing the trainees who attended the meeting, Rye said, “I’m a loyal and dedicated member and I can tell you that everything you hear and see here today is true…it really is what happens in and with our union. “While you are here, pay attention to what the instructors are telling you,” she continued. “Short of a college education at some place like Harvard, it does not get much better than this. We have some of the finest instructors here as you will find anywhere. They are knowledgeable as well as being seafarers themselves.” Concluding her remarks, Rye told those present that the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) is critical to the SIU’s future existence and prosperity. “It’s really important that all of our members contribute to SPAD often and keep those funds coming in,” she said. “Without SPAD contributions, our leadership’s ability to fight for the continued perseverance of our rights will be limited.” Just Self Next to take the podium was Self. A native of Long Island, N.Y., he launched his career as a merchant mariner in 1991 while a member of the National Maritime Union. Self is home-ported in the Port of Jacksonville, Fla., and joined the SIU with the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. Although he had never attended the PHC for upgrading, he was at the school in March attending a five-day Alaska Tanker Company-sponsored Safety Leadership and Training Conference. Commenting on his upgrading experience, Self said he was especially impressed with the leadership and management skills instruction he received. “It taught me how to be assertive when necessary,” he said. “It also provided me with an understanding of diversity… the knowledge that differences in people are actually strengths when we all work together towards one goal. Taking this knowledge aboard ship and applying it will make my job more rewarding.” Noting that an array of individuals was responsible for his success as a mariner, he said, “So I won’t miss anybody, I would like to give a big thanks to the entire Seafarers International Union, everyone from our great leadership team to the trainees.” Self also acknowledged the union’s labor and political allies and the respective roles they have played toward keeping the maritime industry strong. He then reminded those present that this is an election year and that it it’s critically important that the entire membership register and vote. “Needless to say, don’t forget to vote and do your part to help protect the Jones Act by supporting SPAD,” he said. Directing his attention to the trainees, Self urged them to take full advantage of everything the school has to offer. “This (the school) offers you a great opportunity for success,” he said. “Take it and make good use of it. Stay focused, work diligently, be true to yourself and always support one another. “Most importantly, learn the trade, not the trick,” he concluded. Eugene Von Flotow Von Flotow hails from the Port of Wilmington, Calif., and joined the union in 1990. He has upgraded his skills at the PHC on two previous occasions. Upon taking the podium, he thanked the union officials for their varied contributions and commended them for acting in the best interest of the rank-and-file membership. “Thanks to Mike (SIU President Michael Sacco), Augie (SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez), and George (VP Contract George Tricker) for their leadership and for inviting me back to Piney Point,” the California native said. “I extend my gratitude to all of the instructors for the knowledge they imparted on all of us,” he continued. “I would also I like to send special thanks to the hotel staff for great accommodations.” Von Flotow told those present that it was a very important day for him because it marked the culmination of a highly enlightening experience. “I’ve gained a better appreciation of how the union works as a result of the great training I received here,” he said. “I now have a better understanding of the benefits we have as well as the reasons why it’s important for members to make contributions to SPAD.” Describing his overall upgrading experience as extremely beneficial, Von Flotow said he was particularly im- pressed with the modules dealing with CPR, firefighting and ServSafe. “All of this training was very important” he said. “The road trip to headquarters also was very informative.” Von Flotow wrapped up his remarks by encouraging members to continue supporting SPAD. Pedro Castillo Castillo told the audience that the PHC is the best school in the world for merchant mariners. “The training I received here was a wonderful experience,” he said. “Thanks to the instructors and the interactions I had with my classmates, I have learned how to be a more professional mariner. I also can now help educate my fellow shipmates on the union and how it works.” A native of Honduras, Castillo is home-ported in Houston and joined the union in Honolulu. Castillo has been sailing under the SIU banner since 1993. “It is such a privilege to be here in front of all of you today celebrating this achievement in my career,” he said. “I cannot stand here and say that it has been easy because being away from family and loved ones has at times been difficult. But it has been well worth the sacrifice and hardship because I have accomplished a lot.” Castillo then thanked God for giving him the strength and patience to advance; and the union as a whole for its continuing support. He expressed his gratitude to union officials at headquarters and those in the ports—especially in Houston and New Orleans—who he said work tirelessly on behalf of the rank-and-file membership on a daily basis. “This journey does not end here for me,” Castillo said. “It’s really just the beginning.” Turning his attention to SPAD, he told the audience that the membership’s continued donations are crucial. “Many of us may think that we are losing money when we donate to SPAD,” he said. “But this is not true because it allows our leadership to get out there and fight for our industry, our jobs and our rights every day.” Castillo’s message to the trainees and fellow upgraders was to “work hard, never give up on your dreams and stay focused on a bright future for yourselves and your families.” Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 7 �OSG Hosts Memorial Golf Tournament Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) recently hosted the seventh annual Tug Valour Memorial Golf Tournament in Dade City, Fla. Pictured from left to right at the kickoff are OSG Senior VP Capt. Robert Johnston, SIU President Michael Sacco and tournament Chairman John McKenzie. The yearly, non-profit tournament originally was a fund-raiser for surviving family members. It now generates funds to provide maritime education opportunities. The tournament is named after the tug which tragically sank in early 2006, claiming three lives, including that of longtime SIU member Ron Emory. Leon “Bucky” Fountain would like to get in contact with Michael Dunn and/ or Cardell Dunn. Fountain can be reached at (253) 983-0082 (home), or (253) 332-9661 (cell).   SIU-Crewed Hospital Ship Mercy Departs for Humanitarian Mission The hospital ship USNS Mercy, manned in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division, sailed from San Diego early last month to begin its participation in Pacific Partnership 2012. This year’s Pacific Partnership is a four-and-ahalf month humanitarian and civic assistance mission to Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia. CIVMARS aboard the hospital ship will operate and navigate the vessel while U.S. Navy planners and medical personnel plan and execute the ongoing mission. According to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC), Pacific Partnership 2012 “is a mission that will take medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and civic assistance projects to Southeast Asia and Oceania. Pacific Partnership missions build on relationships that have been developed during previous missions, for example Mercy’s participation in international relief efforts following the December 2004 tsunami that struck Southeast Asia, and Mercy’s 2006, 2008 and 2010 humanitarian and civic assistance deployments to the region.” The agency further reported that Pacific Partnership 2012 is led by three different element commanders: Navy Capt. James Morgan, mission commander for Pacific Partnership 2012 and commander of San Diego-based Destroyer Squadron Seven; Navy Capt. Timothy Hinman, commander of the medical treatment facility, who is responsible for the hospital and providing medical care aboard the Mercy and ashore; and Capt. Jonathan Olmsted, the Mercy’s civil service master who has overall responsibility for the ship and the safety of its nearly 1,000 passengers. “Having participated in Pacific Partnership 2009, I know firsthand what an impact we have on the local populations we visit,” said Olmsted. “In building these relationships, we’ll have a better understanding of how multiple militaries and civilian organizations can work together to overcome the adversity of a natural disaster.” Throughout the 2012 Pacific Partnership mission, the 894-foot Mercy will serve as a platform from which U.S. and partner nation militaries and non-governmental organizations will coordinate and carry out humanitarian and civic activities in each country. The Japanese landing ship tank Oosumi (LST 4001), carrying a complete medical team, helicopters and representatives from Japanese volunteer organizations, will join the Mercy during its stops in the Philippines and Vietnam. In announcing this year’s assignment, MSC described civilian mariners as “vital to the mission’s success. They navigate the ship to each mission stop and provide the freshwater and electricity needed to run the shipboard hospital and to support the mission personnel living and working aboard. In addition, the civil service mariners play a critical role in mission success by operating two 33-foot utility boats to transport patients and mission personnel between ship’s anchorage and shore. Mercy is too large to pull pier-side at any of the mission stops. The operation of these small boats, which can carry more than twice as many passengers as Mercy’s two embarked helicopters, will greatly increase the number of people who will benefit from the mission.” The mission will include personnel from all branches of the U.S. military; U.S. departments of State and Justice; the Agency for International Development; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association; 12 partner nations; 11 NGOs and numerous in-country organizations. Recertified Stewards Laud Union Officials, Paul Hall Center Continued from Page 7 James Brockington “I have been sailing for 12 years and it’s good to be here,” Brockington said as he addressed his union brothers and sisters. He donned the SIU colors in 2001 in Hawaii and calls the Port of Honolulu home. Brockington has upgraded twice previously at the Paul Hall Center. “I enjoyed all aspects of the upgrading training regiment,” he said. “The refresher modules in ServSafe and sanitation were very informative, and the instruction in union education extremely helpful. “It showed how the union functions and how our leadership interacts with other organizations to foster a strong U.S. Merchant Marine,” he continued. “As a result of this training, I am better equipped to represent the unlicensed members during times of disagreement between officers and crew aboard ships. Now, I can also answer questions about contracts and benefits.” A native of Philadelphia, Brockington said, “It’s always good to return to Piney Point because you see people you know and have worked with during the past. But it’s especially meaningful for me today because I have achieved a goal that I set for myself when I first started sailing…it’s a real sense of achievement.” Brockington told those in the audience that they should always remember the importance of upgrading, SPAD and union education. “In the upgrading arena, continue to come back to school. The instructors are here are world-class and the knowledge you acquire will make you become the best trained mariners in the world,” he said. “You will then be able to contribute to the security of America, the safety of America and the safety of the free world. 8 Seafarers LOG “Contribute to SPAD because it allows us to support those who support us in Congress, regardless of the side of the aisle on which they sit,” he continued. “It helps to keep strong laws that support the U.S. merchant fleet and safeguard our jobs. Along the same lines, go out and vote because it’s very important this year. It does not matter who you vote for as long as they support a strong merchant marine and the laws that protect it.” To the trainees, Brockington said, “Study hard, learn and come back to upgrade because when you get out to sea, you will carry your own load and be part of a team. “If you don’t know something, ask,” he continued, “because you can be dangerous to yourself and your fellow shipmates if you don’t. Always have a good word to say about your shipmates and remember safety first.” In closing, Brockington voiced his deep appreciation to everyone who has contributed to his successful career and for the training he has received. “I’d like to thank all of the union officials for the wonderful job they do on our behalf,” he said. “I’d also like to say thanks to the instructors for their knowledge and to the hotel staff for the wonderful accommodations.” Juan Vallejo Returning to the PHC was a homecoming for Vallejo, who has upgraded at the school on four previous occasions. Born in Venezuela, he sails out of the Port of San Juan and has been a member of the SIU since 2001. “Today, I am graduating as a recertified steward,” Vallejo said upon taking the podium. “But 12 years ago, I went to Puerto Rico after being laid off from an airline in Miami Airport where I had been employed for six years.” Vallejo pointed out that it was at that juncture in his life, when he was in a desperate situation and in need of a friendly helping hand that the SIU hall in San Juan came to his rescue. “They sent me here to this wonderful place (Paul Hall Center),” he said, “And that was when my life took a 180-degree turn for the better.” Thanks to the SIU, Vallejo said, life for him these days could not be better. “Today I own various properties in Florida and Puerto Rico,” he proudly told those at the meeting. “My kids are attending the best private schools, my wife is driving a brand new car, and I look younger than I did 12 years ago.” Vallejo told the audience that his career has taught him that opportunities themselves are great only when people take advantage of them. “It is not up to your port agent or anybody else to take that first step for you,” he said. “You need to take it upon yourselves to move forward in life by taking advantage of all the blessings this great organization has to offer.” He added, “The SIU has been a true blessing not only for me, but also for everyone else who has stepped forward and accepted the challenge of becoming a highly trained maritime professional,” he continued. “We have the best-paying jobs in the maritime industry. But that’s not a secret because that’s what the SIU does. It provides job security for its members and secures a future in the maritime industry for generations to come.” Vallejo then encouraged Seafarers to support SPAD, and thanked the union leadership, his instructors, the hotel management and staff, his classmates and members of his family (especially his wife, Odalys, and his sons Juan Carlos and Juan Andres) for making his career a successful one. Edvaldo Viana Viana was the final new recertified steward to address the audience. The Brazilian-born mariner is home-ported in New York and has been a proud and loyal SIU member for 12 years. A frequent upgrader, Viana has enhanced his skills at the Southern Maryland-based campus on six previous occasions. “During those times as well as on this occasion, I had great experiences and learned a great deal,” he said. During his recertification training, Viana picked up excellent tips and other information about the union’s benefits plans and how the organization works. “I learned about the important alliance that our union has with the AFL-CIO, the Maritime Trades Department and how those relationships work to benefit us all. I also learned about the importance of SPAD contributions,” he said. “These are important and I ask each of you to make contributions because through them, our union leaders can keep building the bridges and making the connections in the political arena that protect the Jones Act and our jobs.” Viana thanked the union’s elected officials for what he called their superb leadership and willingness to keep fighting on behalf of the rankand-file membership. “President Mike Sacco is number one and the SIU is the best,” he said. He also expressed high praise to the school’s instructors and hotel staffs for all they did for him and his classmates during their stay. “To the unlicensed apprentices, I strongly recommend that you keep up with your studies and come back to the Paul Hall Center to upgrade your skills as often as possible,” Viana concluded. “This great school will give you a wonderful education and open the doors to a better way of life.” June 2012 �HORIZON CONSUMER HOUSTON HALL Membership Votes Yes to New Standard Contracts Pictured on this page are Seafarers aboard ships and at the union halls voting in favor of the new standard contracts (or shown shortly after doing so). Additional related photos will be published in an upcoming issue of the LOG. The new agreements take effect July 1 and last through June 2017. HORIZON KODIAK JACKSONVILLE HALL OVERSEAS MARTINEZ SEALAND COMET GEM, KEYSTONE & GRAND CANYON STATES PINEY POINT June 2012 USNS ALGOL HORIZON PACIFIC OAKLAND HALL OCEAN CRESCENT USNS MENDONCA & USNS BRITTIN HONOLULU HALL WILMINGTON HALL Seafarers LOG 9 �SEAFARERS IN CHARM CITY – Baltimore-area members and officials recently carried on their tradition of donating to a local food pantry backed by organized labor. In the photo above (from left), Patrolman Ken Horner, Jay Smith of the local AFL-CIO Community Services department and Recertified Steward Lauren Oram help deliver some of the donations. In the photo at left, Port Agent Elizabeth Brown greets Bosun Rodney Roberson at the union hall. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FULL BOOKS IN NORFOLK – Three Seafarers recently received their full membership books at the hall in Norfolk, Va. Pictured from left are Oiler Bernard Wade, SA Merly Ford and GVA William Grow. ABOARD MAERSK WYOMING – AB El Sayed Mohamed (photo at right) stands on pirate lookout aboard the Maersk Wyoming as the vessel transits the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. No pirate activity was encountered, reported vessel master Capt. Kevin G. Coulombe, who submitted this photo. The captain also reported that during 2011, the ship participated in a company-sponsored fund raising campaign for the United Seamen’s Service. Mariners raised more than $1,000, which was matched by Maersk Line, Limited. “The ship was awarded a USS banner for its effort,” Coulombe noted. “Pictured in the other photo are SIU Bosun Lech Jankowski and Chief Mate Scott Reed who accepted the banner on behalf of the SIU crew and MM&P officers who contributed. The banner is on public display in the saloon passageway and will go on permanent display in the ship’s trophy hall.” BOOK PRESENTATION IN OAKLAND – SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (right) presents Seafarer Nagi Obad with his full B-seniority book at the union hall in Oakland, Calif. Obad’s most recent ship was Maersk’s USNS 1st LT Jack Lummus. ABOARD ALASKAN LEGEND – Patrolman Nick Marrone II serviced Alaska Tanker Company’s Alaskan Legend in mid-April. Pictured aboard the tanker are (photo at above left, from left) Capt. Andrew Wakefield and Bosun Alvin Martin, (photo at immediate left) Recertified Steward Jeffrey Smith and (remaining photo, from left) Chief Cook Johnson Ashun and Marrone. ABOARD OVERSEAS TAMPA – Oakland Safety Director Kathy Chester (third from right) emailed this photo of SIU members aboard the Overseas Tampa. Pictured are Recertified Bosun Joseph Caruso, Recertified Steward George Monseur, Chief Cook Erni Lizada, GUDE Rezk Mohamed, QEP Scott Fuller and SA Abdulsalam Omar. GUDE George Galanis took the photo. 10 Seafarers LOG June 2012 �Recollections from the Murmansk Run Editor’s note: The October and November 2011 and March and May 2012 editions of the Seafarers LOG featured the first four installments of an occasional series written by retired mariner Ed Woods, who first shipped out at age 16, during World War II. LOG readers were introduced to Woods’ writing when he shared a separate story that was published off and on from September 2010 to July 2011. “Recollections from the Murmansk Run” is a combination of Woods relaying the accounts of an old shipmate and filling in the blanks “with what I think could have taken place, based on my own war-time experiences at sea. For this reason, I call this narrative a non-fiction novel.” The names of the main character (Johnny Johnston) and his vessels are fictional. The most recent installment ended in 1944 as Johnston and some of his shipmates from the S/S John Henry had scrambled into a lifeboat after their vessel had been torpedoed while sailing from an icy group of islands called Franz Josef Land. The World War II convoys to the Russian ports of Murmansk and Archangel were dangerous and often deadly. Dozens of American-flag ships were sunk on the Murmansk Run, including many SIU-crewed vessels. Altogether, it is believed that 57 Allied ships were lost in convoys to north Russia. T hat night, the sun went down and there was a drop in temperature. It must have been at the freezing point; at least it felt that way. Then shortly, a freezing rain came down. We were miserable and those who weren’t rowing or taking their turn under the spray curtain sat down and huddled together. Thank God, the U.S. Coast Guard regulations required certain equipment to be kept in all lifeboats and we put it to good use. For one, there were blankets in waterproof wrappings that we passed around. If anyone had ever told these sailors that one day they would be happy to cuddle up together, he would have been called crazy. But cuddle we did and it helped against the cold. Came morning and the weather was still wretched. During the night, one of the deckhands, a young ordinary seaman, developed a fever and lost consciousness. We could do nothing to help him other than to move him to the bow under the curtain and try to keep him warm. It was of no use, and he died in less than an hour. One of his mates said that the lad had not been feeling well since we left Spitsbergen. The chief said, “May the boy rest in peace. We must say a prayer for him and give his earthly body over to the sea.” The bosun said aloud, “We must be practical, strip his body and give what clothing he has to those of us who have the least.” At the moment, his words sounded cold–hearted and disrespectful; however, the chief agreed with him and that is what we did: slipped a naked young body over the side. The bosun asked us to say the prayer, Our Father. I was shivering and wondering how I would get through the day or ever again reach dry warm land. The chief mate admitted that due to the storm-tossed seas he had lost his bearings. He said that he had always had a knack for dead reckoning but he needed something to aid him with this type of navigation. All he had now was his compass and the sun and, unfortunately, there had been little of the latter. The rain continued without letup and there was no way for any of us to keep dry or warm. The bosun, who had been relived at the helm, began to sob uncontrollably. Then he began to shout that God had deserted him and was punishing him for his past misdeeds. The chief told him to be quiet and try to control himself. “I’ll show you how I can control myself,” he shouted, and jumped overboard and disappeared without a trace beneath the rough unfriendly seas. We suffered through another day and night of cold and rain. I wondered who would be next to give up and die. I made a promise that I would do anything to stay alive. I would not quit. There was so much I wanted to do in this world. Dying cold, wet and hungry was not one of my goals. I don’t know who called out first but, as the morning fog lifted, someone called in a loud voice, “That’s land ahead!” Surely enough, directly in front of our bow was good old terra firma. As weak as we all were, we pulled on the oars with new restored energy. In a few minutes, a boat came out to meet us. It had a big gun aimed directly at our lifeboat. A man aboard the vessel shouted to us in a foreign language that we recognized as Norwegian. The chief replied in English, “We’re survivors of the American ship John Henry, torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine. We need food, shelter and medical aid; please help us.” The man answered in accented English, “Of course. I’ll toss you a line and tow you to the pier at the American weather station. Welcome to Jan Mayen.” An American weather station – I could hardly believe it! The Norwegians tied their boat to the pier and then secured our lifeboat next to theirs. We were so stiff and in such bad shape that we had to be helped out of the boat onto the little pier. June 2012 A young man introduced himself: “I’m Ken Morgan, Lieutenant Ken Morgan, United States Navy, the commanding officer of this weather station.” The chief told him who we were and explained how we found ourselves in this predicament. Lieutenant Morgan said, “Welcome, we are limited in what we can offer you but we will do the best we can. We do have a medical doctor here with us, Lieutenant Saunders; I’ll send for him. In the meantime, let’s get all of you up to our station headquarters.” Within a few minutes, we were served hot coffee and rolls; Lt. Saunders arrived and cautioned us against eating too much the first day. “I have a good supply of Vitamin C tablets and I want all of you to take some. Finish your rolls and coffee and then don’t eat any more for a few hours.” The doctor arranged for all of us to have a hot shower and a change of clothes. Finding the clothes for us was a problem, as there were only six American Navy personnel at the station. He told one of the enlisted men to go to the Norwegian compound and ask if they could spare any clothing, especially heavy winter clothing. We learned a few facts about the island. For one, it was a Norwegian possession and they maintained a small weather and communication post year-round on the other side of the island. The United States had been given permission to establish their own weather and communications station. Morgan explained that it was important to know the weather in this area of the Arctic Ocean because it was a good indication of what the weather would be in Europe over the next few days. The information was forwarded to our naval personnel in London on a daily basis for their review. The next day, June 6, 1944, we were listening to a shortwave news broadcast from the British Broadcasting System in London. The reception was much better than we ever received aboard ship. The announcer was interrupted to erect a small, sturdy building. When Mr. Smith asked Morgan about the material, he was told, “That stuff was brought here long before I arrived. I have looked it over and thought it would be great to have a stronger and bigger building, especially during the winter storms but I don’t have the manpower or the know-how to put it together.” The chief mate called the John Henry survivors to a meeting that evening after supper and told us that he had an idea. He said, if implemented, it would serve a dual purpose. “One, it would help pay back the meteorologists for their hospitality. Where would we be without them? Next, it would keep us busy and out of trouble. We must try to keep in good physical shape. Let’s keep in mind, we have no idea what the future holds for us, do we? I’m suggesting that we take all of this material that is sitting here and serving no purpose, and put it together and show the Navy what merchant seamen can do.” Everyone, to a man, agreed with him and the next morning we started right in with the assembly of the new building. First, we visited the Norwegians on the other side of the island and borrowed tools. All the work was to be done manually; no power tools were available and if there were, there would be a problem getting an adequate supply of electricity. There were a number of small generators available but only a limited supply of fuel and that was needed for cooking and heating. I was surprised, but I should not have been, at the talents and skills of my mates. Each of them contributed to the construction of the building. It took three weeks and at the end, Morgan had a first-rate, three-room sturdy structure to use. He and his team of meteorologists moved in that day. The new building was more insulated, had more windows to give added daylight, and each of the three entrance doors had a small foyer to help stop the wind and cold from entering. In this U.S. Navy photo from September 2010, the guided-missile frigate USS Taylor is moored in Murmansk, Russia, to celebrate the close World War II alliance between Russia and the U.S., and to honor veterans in both countries on the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. and a different voice told the world that the invasion of Europe had begun that morning on the beaches of Normandy, France. I had a feeling of being left out of worldly events. I had sailed to fight the enemy, to help win the war, yet here I was on a remote island in the Arctic Ocean. I had only been a seaman for less than six months, had my first ship bombed and my second sunk and now the fight was in Europe and here I was in the middle of nowhere. I asked the weather station personnel if they had heard from any other John Henry survivors. They hadn’t. While I was concerned about all the crew, I was especially concerned about Larry. I had only known him a short time but we had become close friends. He had become one of the few guys I could confide in and discuss my inner feelings. I didn’t used to pray much but lately, when I did, I included Larry in my prayers and asked for his safety. The Germans had occupied all of mainland Norway and it had been expected they also would take over Jan Mayen; however, they never did. Lieutenant Morgan believed the Germans thought it would be too difficult to hold on to or supply due to the strong nearby British navy presence. However, if the Germans decided to take possession neither he nor the Norwegians could stop them. Mr. Smith told him about Captain Behlmer trading guns and ammo for fuel and food with the Norwegians at Spitsbergen. Morgan replied that the folks at Spitsbergen would not be able to keep a German invasion force from taking the island. “The Germans would have more arms and more men than we have here. No, the Germans would be much too powerful to stop.” Morgan agreed to include a coded message when he next radioed the authorities in London telling of our arrival and our need to be rescued. In the meantime, all we could do is wait and be thankful that we were on dry land. All of us were looking for something to do to break the monotony. Sometime in the past, a large quantity of building supplies had been delivered to the island, an amount sufficient Morgan was so pleased with our work that he decided to have a party to celebrate the occasion. It was the first gathering in the new building. Morgan persuaded the Norwegians to donate bottles of homemade whiskey and their cook brought over trays of assorted sandwiches. We felt good, knowing we had done something to show our appreciation. Morgan had news for us. He had been in radio contact with London and learned that arrangements were being made for a ship to call at Jan Mayen with supplies for the weather station and to return the John Henry survivors to England. Two weeks later, a British ship with a Chinese crew arrived and anchored off shore. There were no docking facilities on Jan Mayen and the water level near the island was too shallow for large vessels. We wanted to go right out to the anchorage and go aboard but it was decided it was best if we waited until the supplies were offloaded. Bringing the supplies ashore in small boats took a full week. Finally, we said our goodbyes and gave our thanks to the Norwegians, Lieutenant Morgan and his meteorology team and rode out on a water taxi to the HMS Henry 8th. We were disappointed (I want to say shocked, but I guess it wouldn’t be polite or friendly) with the sleeping quarters and the food aboard the HMS Henry 8th. Mr. Smith told us that we were spoiled. American ships were the cleanest and the American crews the best-fed of all mariners and we were now dealing with other cultures. He then cautioned us against making any rude remarks: “Remember, we’re guests aboard this ship and it’s our first step in our journey home to the States.” We sailed the next morning, expecting a port in Great Britain to be our next port of call. Mr. Smith suggested that we volunteer to stand lookout or perform whatever other chores the ship’s captain needed. Two days later, we were told that our next port would be Liverpool. I was happy to hear this, as I thought for sure I would be able to get a berth there aboard a ship heading back to the States. Seafarers LOG 11 �President Obama Issues Proclamation For Maritime Day ‘You Are the Fourth Arm of Defense’ Military Leaders, DOT Secretary Praise Contributions of U.S. Mariners S aluting the bravery and reliability of U.S. Merchant Mariners throughout American history, the respective heads of the U.S. Transportation Command, Military Sealift Command and Department of Transportation praised their work during the traditional National Maritime Day ceremonies May 22 in Washington, D.C. SIU headquarters officials were among the hundreds of guests at the morning ceremony hosted by DOT and at the afternoon session at the Washington Navy Yard. Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education also were on hand – and two of them were featured in the ceremonies. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood delivered the keynote speech at the first gathering, while Gen. William Fraser, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, was the featured speaker both at MSC’s ceremony and at a midday luncheon hosted by the Propeller Club. (Fraser also spoke at the Transportation Department event.) Other speakers throughout the day included Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, commander, MSC; and Rear Adm. William Eisenhardt, president, California Maritime Academy. Additionally, Horizon Lines Vice President Bill Hamlin accepted awards from the Maritime Administration on behalf of mariners from the Seafarers-crewed Horizon Reliance, honored for a rescue that took place earlier this year. The SIU contingent included President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel represented the union at a separate event hosted by the United Seamen’s Service in Washington (a forum where the main topic was mariner access to shore leave). Apprentices Joseph Knapp and Randolph Harrell played formal roles in both the DOT and MSC ceremonies. Fraser, LaHood and Buzby each paid tribute to the U.S. Merchant Marine’s service in every conflict throughout our nation’s history and also emphasized the critical need to maintain a strong American-flag fleet. “You are a big part of America’s capabilities to keep our supply lines open and to support our troops, and I can’t thank you enough for that,” Fraser stated. “You’re the fourth arm of defense. It’s your bravery and your valor that makes the waterways safer and more efficient every single day. And our ability to defend our nation and our interests around the globe relies heavily on your creativity and your ingenuity…. You have continually delivered for the war fighter.” Fraser repeatedly pointed out the cost-effectiveness of the military’s reliance on the commercial maritime sector. He also said that the Defense Department “could not do our job without the superb relationships that we have with our commercial industry and our U.S. mariners. You are absolutely essential to the greatest military in our history.” Speaking to representatives from every component of the industry, he stated, “I want to thank you personally for everything that you do – for your faithful and tireless service to deliver America’s arsenal and humanitarian aid every nautical mile around the world. Throughout our history you’ve always been there, and you continue to be there. You’re the backbone of America’s ability to project power wherever and whenever it is called upon.” LaHood said that the U.S. has always been a maritime nation, and today, “America’s merchant mariners are essential to both our nation’s strength and our economy…. When called upon to support our nation’s military operations, mariners and their vessels do no shy away from danger.” He said President Obama sees the maritime industry as “a vital building block for an America built to last.” Continued on next page Clockwise from above, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker chats with UA Randolph Harrell, prior to the start of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) Maritime Day ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, MSC commander, delivers opening remarks at his command’s Maritime Day event while SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU President Michael Sacco applaud a speaker during the Department of Transportation (DOT) ceremony. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Gen. WIlliam Fraser, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, deliver remarks during the DOT event as UA Jason Knapp stands behind the wreath that he presented during the MSC ceremony. Unlicensed Apprentice Harrell rings a bell in honor of deceased mariners during the MSC event while President Sacco, Horizon Lines VP Bill Hamlin and Executive VP Tellez pose with the medal that was presented by the U.S. Maritime Administration on behalf of mariners aboard the SIU-crewed Horizon Reliance who earlier this year performed a daring rescue at sea of three distressed sailors. 12 Seafarers LOG For 237 years, the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine have risen to meet our country’s call. They have strengthened our economy and our security in times of calm and conflict, connecting our service members to the supplies they need and transporting our exports into the global marketplace. On National Maritime Day, we pay tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed on our waterways and around the world. From privateers who bravely fought for American independence to mariners who have supported our Armed Forces for over two centuries, the United States Merchant Marine carries forward an enduring legacy of service to our Nation. In the War of 1812, mariners put their lives on the line to preserve our young Republic, engaging British warships with sloops and schooners off our Atlantic coast. During World War II, they executed perilous transits to support our troops in combat. And throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, Merchant Mariners have contributed to the defense of our Nation by transporting essential cargo to ports across the globe. Their commitment has helped deliver us through periods of conflict, and their service will remain a critical asset to our security in the years ahead. Our maritime industry also sustains the robust domestic and international trade networks that power our economy. As we open up new markets for American exports and support our businesses here at home, the United States Merchant Marine will continue to play a vital role in driving progress and prosperity in communities across our country. Today, we commemorate that important work, and we honor the mariners who dedicate their lives to seeing it through. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2012, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtysixth. BARACK OBAMA June 2012 June 2012 Seafarers LOG 13 �A large crowd converged on the U.S. Department of Transportation May 22 to witness and participate in the first of several Maritime Day ceremonies scheduled in Washington D.C. In the photo above, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (standing at podium) delivers his keynote address. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) chats with a contingent of unlicensed apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., just prior to the start of the Maritime Day ceremony at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Ceremonies Honor U.S. Merchant Marine’s Valiant History Continued from Page 13 LaHood added that the nation needs to modernize its transportation infrastructure, and he also reiterated the administration’s support for (among other programs) the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee initiative. He concluded, “Our future – the maritime industry’s future – is brighter than ever.” Buzby pointed out that his agency and the U.S. Merchant Marine “have been partners since this command’s beginning at the end of World War II…. Merchant mariners have been part of America’s prosperity and security” from the nation’s first days. He continued, “Right now, today, the American Merchant Marine is delivering the supplies and gear that deployed U.S. ground troops need to do their mission.” Buzby listed the many different types of vessels upon which civilian mariners sail, and then added, “More than 80 percent of the U.S. war fighters’ needs are carried by sea. It is U.S. Merchant Mariners who crew the ships and deliver the goods anywhere and everywhere in the world. We at MSC are proud of our civilian mariners, so it is fitting that today is set aside to acknowledge the great debt of gratitude we owe to the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” In the day’s final presentation, Fraser good-naturedly wondered aloud how his staff scheduled him to deliver three speeches in one day, but he was quite serious in recalling the U.S. Merchant Ma- rine’s heroic performance in World War II. He said the nation’s mariners suffered a casualty rate greater than that of any of the armed forces, but they never hesitated to keep returning to sea. Fraser noted that people have different reasons for joining the merchant marine, but no matter their individual motivations, “they all risked their lives so that all of us here today might also have the opportunity of the American dream.” He concluded by stating the merchant marine’s peace-time role is very impor- tant in strengthening our economy, and in times of war, “the merchant marine is the lifeline of our troops overseas. They are advancing the cause of freedom. In short, you all are the backbone of America’s ability to present power, wherever and whenever it’s needed. Today’s merchant mariners are truly a tribute to the generations of men and women who’ve served our nation in every single conflict in America’s history. It’s an understatement when we say that we count on you. We absolutely depend on you.” Members of the Alexandria, Va.-based U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard (above) await the start of the Maritime Day ceremony at the U.S. Department of Transportation while members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Firing Party (below) render the 21-gun salute during the Military Sealift Command event at the Washington Navy Yard. 14 Seafarers LOG June 2012 �July & August Membership Meetings Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April 16, 2012 - May 15, 2012 Piney Point.................................Monday: July 2, August 6 Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups Trip A B C Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Algonac.........................................Friday: July 6, August 10 Port Baltimore..................................Thursday: July 5, August 9 Deck Department Algonac 5 7 4 8 3 3 1 6 11 3 Anchorage 1 1 1 2 0 0 1 2 2 1 Baltimore 6 8 0 5 6 2 1 6 9 0 Fort Lauderdale 14 20 1 13 10 0 11 23 30 0 Guam 0 4 1 1 3 1 1 3 6 0 Honolulu 9 2 1 9 2 0 2 11 9 10 Houston 58 18 2 42 18 1 18 83 22 6 Jacksonville 32 23 0 24 27 1 21 58 38 4 Joliet 2 3 2 3 2 0 0 1 5 2 Mobile 7 2 1 7 1 0 2 15 8 2 New Orleans 17 5 3 15 5 0 7 25 8 5 New York 46 27 2 29 16 2 19 82 36 5 Norfolk 14 27 5 10 7 1 5 26 50 6 Oakland 24 8 0 15 6 0 6 42 15 1 Philadelphia 5 4 0 6 6 0 5 8 10 0 Piney Point 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 3 0 Puerto Rico 3 6 1 7 5 1 6 11 14 0 Seattle 43 25 3 28 15 2 26 63 31 5 St. Louis 3 4 1 2 1 0 0 4 5 1 Wilmington 17 21 3 14 9 1 10 39 51 13 TOTALS 307 216 31 241 142 15 143 510 363 64 Guam....................................Thursday: July 19, August 23 Honolulu....................................Friday: July 13, August 17 Houston......................................Monday: July 9, August 13 Jacksonville...............................Thursday: July 5, August 9 Joliet......................................Thursday: July 12, August 16 Mobile................................Wednesday: July 11, August 15 New Orleans.................................Tuesday: July 10, August 14 New York.................................Tuesday: July 3, August 7 Norfolk...................................Thursday: July 5, August 9 Oakland..................................Thursday: July 12, August 16 Philadelphia.......*Thursday: July 5,Wednesday: August 8 Port Everglades......................Thursday: July 12, August 16 San Juan...................................Thursday: July 5, August 9 St. Louis......................................Friday: July 13, August 17 Tacoma.......................................Friday: July 20, August 24 Wilmington..................................Monday: July 16, August 20 * Philadelphia change created by Independence Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Absentee Ballot Procedures Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2012 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2012 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2012. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2012. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper lefthand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is selfaddressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2012 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2013. National Maritime Center Website Provides Valuable Mariner Resources The National Maritime Center (NMC), the licensing authority for the U.S. Coast Guard, offers a comprehensive website covering mariner credentialing, medical guidelines and much more. The site features a wide range of applications and forms, deck- and engine-department exam information, lists of Coast Guardapproved courses and more. June 2012 Seafarers are encouraged to check out the site at:http:// www.uscg.mil/nmc/ Mariners may call the NMC at 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888427-5662). Operational hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. (The NMC is closed for all federal holidays.) Various email forms also are available through the NMC web site. Engine Department Algonac 1 1 0 1 1 2 0 1 6 4 Anchorage 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 Baltimore 9 6 1 2 6 0 3 9 7 1 3 4 1 5 4 0 5 8 5 1 Fort Lauderdale Guam 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 Honolulu 2 4 2 5 0 0 2 20 5 2 Houston 15 14 0 15 11 0 12 28 23 1 Jacksonville 22 15 1 17 13 0 8 36 33 2 Joliet 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 Mobile 6 4 0 3 1 0 1 12 6 0 New Orleans 4 1 2 1 2 0 1 9 3 2 New York 16 10 1 12 6 0 4 31 17 2 Norfolk 6 11 0 7 14 0 5 33 28 2 Oakland 10 2 0 6 4 0 5 20 18 0 Philadelphia 4 3 0 3 3 0 2 6 1 0 Piney Point 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 1 Puerto Rico 3 4 2 1 6 1 1 5 14 1 Seattle 12 7 0 9 5 0 5 18 16 0 St. Louis 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 3 0 Wilmington 5 11 4 3 7 1 4 13 20 4 TOTALS 122 102 16 90 85 5 58 262 210 24 Steward Department Algonac 6 4 0 2 5 1 0 6 1 4 Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Baltimore 5 1 1 3 1 0 0 4 0 1 Fort Lauderdale 6 2 0 13 1 0 7 13 7 2 Guam 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 0 Honolulu 14 2 1 3 2 1 2 24 5 0 Houston 13 5 0 16 2 1 8 25 12 0 Jacksonville 13 7 1 13 9 0 10 26 8 1 Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Mobile 3 0 1 4 0 0 0 7 4 1 New Orleans 3 2 1 5 0 0 2 11 5 2 New York 21 7 0 12 5 0 6 33 10 0 10 9 1 3 7 2 3 22 20 1 Norfolk Oakland 14 4 2 12 0 0 8 34 6 2 Philadelphia 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Piney Point 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 Puerto Rico 3 0 0 2 0 0 1 5 1 0 18 10 0 9 4 0 6 30 8 0 Seattle St. Louis 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 Wilmington 25 2 6 14 2 0 9 46 6 2 TOTALS 163 58 15 114 38 5 62 293 103 17 Entry Department Algonac 1 5 14 0 3 1 0 5 7 23 Anchorage 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Baltimore 0 4 2 1 1 1 0 1 8 2 2 6 3 0 7 0 2 2 14 5 Fort Lauderdale Guam 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 1 2 5 5 1 1 3 0 5 12 8 Honolulu Houston 2 10 3 2 10 2 4 2 24 6 Jacksonville 1 20 16 1 11 4 1 4 27 20 Joliet 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 Mobile 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 4 5 New Orleans 1 2 2 0 3 0 1 2 3 8 New York 2 31 11 9 15 1 1 11 62 32 0 19 15 0 9 3 0 1 40 31 Norfolk Oakland 2 12 6 3 10 1 4 2 22 13 Philadelphia 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 4 5 Piney Point 0 4 12 0 3 23 0 0 9 12 Puerto Rico 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 Seattle 2 18 5 4 6 0 3 6 24 9 St. Louis 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 Wilmington 3 14 7 5 7 2 5 13 38 34 TOTALS 21 159 110 26 88 41 21 58 309 219 GRAND TOTALS: 613 535 172 471 353 66 284 1,123 985 324 Seafarers LOG 15 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Editor’s note: Responses to this month’s question were provided by members at the union hall in Algonac, Mich., and aboard the Burns Harbor (from Mike Keogh). Question: What role does social media such as Facebook and Twitter play in your life, and what are your thoughts in general about social media? Tim Burke Recertified Bosun If it wasn’t for the computer, people wouldn’t have too much to do. Most people I know are on Facebook, and I use it to find out what’s happening with all my friends. I like keeping in touch with friends and making new ones. You find out a lot about what’s going on in people’s lives. It feels like you’re there even when you’re not. It gives people things to do on their off time and it’s just a really great thing. You’re connected with everything and you can be a part of broader things than you would be without it. Jeffery Eckhart Recertified Bosun Social media plays a big part in my life on board the ship. From keeping in contact with family and friends at home to friends on other ships, and especially with two kids in college, it’s great to be able to chat with them even if it’s only for a couple of minutes. It’s funny to think when I first started working on ships we used to line up at the phone booths and had to use the Post Office to keep in contact with loved ones. Times sure have changed. Mike Keogh Recertified Bosun There’s an active social media community on the Great Lakes. I don’t use Facebook or Twitter, but we have internet available most of the time on the ship, although it’s slow. A lot of the guys use Skype to contact their families, and it has made things a whole lot easier. You can talk every other day, at least. Things are a lot better than they used to be, even just a couple of years ago. We also have cell phone service most of the time. Fabian Lanzy AB I’ve stayed off Facebook and Twitter altogether. I re- ally like having a smartphone, though. I like having an email account I can access at any time and I love being able to text. That’s something we didn’t have in the industry years ago. It keeps you closer. It’s important to make sure you use it at appropriate times, like not while you’re on watch. As it happens, just 10 minutes ago I was texting with a steward that I’ve worked with previously and he asked me about the start dates for a ServSafe class at Piney Point. It’s this type of interaction that makes new modes of communicating with each other so important. We’re able to watch each other’s back, answer questions, and stay more involved with other Seafarers. That’s a really important part of our work. Pic-From-The-Past MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 The galley gang of South Atlantic Steamship Company’s SS Cape Race is pictured on deck in September 1948. From left to right (kneeling) are Steward J. Lancaster, Crew Messman W.J. Downs, Chief Cook Joe Wendt, (middle row) Salon Pantryman Bill Ranew, Salon Messman Johnny Coxwell, Galleyman Mac Skittlethorpe, B.R. Whitey Pittman, (back row) Night Cook and Baker Joe “Hunkie” Wilsaak, Second Cook Clyde Kriss and Crew Pantryman J.W. Short. Chief Electrician Bill Nicholson took the photo. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG June 2012 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA RALPH DE ROCHA Brother Ralph De Rocha, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1989. His earliest trip was on the USNS Algol. Brother De Rocha’s final ship was the USNS Altair. The engine department member lives in Marrero, La. ROGER FLAHERTY Brother Roger Flaherty, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978. A member of the steward department, he upgraded on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Flaherty initially worked on the Saginaw Bay. His most recent trip was aboard the USNS Titan. Brother Flaherty was born in Michigan but now calls St. Petersburg, Fla., home. PETER HOVE Brother Peter Hove, 72, was born in Illinois. He became an SIU member in 1967, originally shipping with Bloomfield Steamship Company. Brother Hove often took advantage of educational opportunities at the Piney Point school. He sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Hove’s most recent voyage was aboard the Great Land. He settled in Federal Way, Wash. ROBERT KIRK Brother Robert Kirk, 62, began sailing with the union in 1968. He first worked with Alcoa Steamship Company. Brother Kirk sailed in the deck department, most recently on the Cape Rise. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Kirk is a resident of Poplar Beach, N.C. AUGUSTUS MARKRIS Brother Augustus Markris, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1963. His first voyage was aboard the Falcon Lady; his most recent was on the Walter Rice. June 2012 Brother Markris, who sailed in the deck department, makes his home in Mobile, Ala. JOHN PADILLA Brother John Padilla, 64, signed on with the union in 1978 while in the port of New York. He originally sailed aboard an Interocean American Shipping Corporation vessel. Brother Padilla was born in New York City and worked in the steward department. On three occasions, he enhanced his skills at the Piney Point school. Brother Padilla last shipped on the Agate. He lives in Elizabeth, N.J. BRUNO RODRIQUEZ Brother Bruno Rodriquez, 65, joined the SIU in 2001 as the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. The steward department member’s most recent trip was aboard the Cape Knox. Brother Rodriquez resides in Fort Wayne, Ind. THOMAS RUSSELL Brother Thomas Russell, 60, became a Seafarer in 1968. His earliest trip was with Interocean American Shipping. In 1975 and 2001, Brother Russell attended classes at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent trip was on the El Morro. Brother Russell shipped in the deck department and calls San Juan, P.R., home. recent trip was on the Coast Range. Brother Wiemer settled in New Port Richey, Fla. vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. Brother Guidroz resides in Arnaudville, La. JAMES HARNISH INLAND THOMAS BODDEN Brother Thomas Bodden, 67, was born in Honduras. He donned the SIU colors in 2005. Brother Bodden primarily sailed in the deck department of the Boomtown. He now makes his home in Marrero, La. CHARLES COLUCCI Brother Charles Colucci, 65, joined the union in 2002. The deck department member worked with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. Brother Colucci upgraded in 2002 at the Piney Point school. He lives in Monmouth Beach, N.J. LAWRENCE GUIDROZ Brother Lawrence Guidroz, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1968. He primarily sailed aboard Brother James Harnish, 64, joined the SIU ranks in 1981. He originally worked with American Towing & Transportation. Brother Harnish enhanced his skills in 1995 at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent trip was on a Penn Maritime Inc. vessel. Brother Harnish calls St. Petersburg, Fla., home. LINDA RICHERSON Sister Linda Richerson, 72, became a union member in 1996. She sailed mainly with Orgulf Transport Company. Sister Richerson was a member of the steward department. She’s a resident of Dexter, Ky. JAMES STEELE Brother James Steele, 60, started shipping with the SIU in 1976 from the port of Philadelphia. His earliest trip was aboard a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Brother Steele most recently worked with Crowley Liner Services. He lives in Voorhees, N.J. JOHN WINT Brother John Wint, 66, joined the union in 1994. He was primarily employed with Crescent Towing & Salvage Company. Brother Wint makes his home in Semmes, Ala. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION JOHN BYRNES Brother John Byrnes, 60, was born in New York. He became an SIU member during the 2001 merger. In 2002, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Byrnes was a member of the engine department. His final trip to sea was on the Maersk Nebraska. Brother Byrnes makes his home in East Northport, N.Y. ANGEL GOJILDE Brother Angel Gojilde, 76, joined the SIU in 2001 as the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. He was born in Masbate, Philippines. Brother Gojilde now lives in San Fernando City. This Month In SIU History JACINTO SALGADO Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. Brother Jacinto Salgado, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1992 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His earliest trip was aboard the Independence. Brother Salgado upgraded in 1997 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member’s most recent ship was the Lightning. Brother Salgado is a resident of Highland, Calif. 1947 The long hard fight to organize the unlicensed seamen of Isthmian Steamship Company met with success this week when the National Labor Relations Board certified the SIU as the sole collective bargaining representative of the company’s unlicensed seamen. The certification culminated seven months of stalling by the company. The seamen voted SIU by a margin of 1,256 for SIU representation against 813 for another union. 1967 Addressing nearly 300 delegates during the opening ceremony of the SIUNA convention, House Minority Leader Rep. Gerald Ford said of the U.S. Merchant Marine, “We lack both the ships and manpower to respond adequately to continuing international crisis.” Ford pointed out that the crises in the Middle East and in Vietnam show the need for a strong, efficient U.S. Merchant Marine – American-built, American-crewed ships – capable of handling our worldwide military logistic needs. 1956 Four Seafarers and the daughter of a Seafarer have been selected by the board of university administrators as winners of the 1956 Seafarers Scholarship Awards. Each will receive a $6,000 Andrew Furuseth Memorial Scholarship to cover four years of college or university training in the field of their choice. The award of five scholarships this year was made on the basis of a new ruling by the trustees of the Seafarers Welfare Plan, setting aside a fifth scholarship annually for a Seafarer. Seafarers largely out-classed the 1982 Champagne corks popped and bands played as hundreds of passengers and well-wishers filled the deck of the SIU-contracted S.S. Constitution to welcome her back to the U.S.-flag passenger ship trade. The Constitution joins its sister ship, the Independence, in the U.S.-flag fleet and together have brought more than 650 unlicensed jobs for the SIU. The Constitution, which was christened by Princess Grace of Monaco 25 years earlier, is set to service passengers on tours of the various Hawaiian Islands. RICKY WIEMER Brother Ricky Wiemer, 62, began his SIU career in 1977, initially shipping aboard a Barge Harbor Towing vessel. The deck department member was born in South Carolina. Brother Wiemer enhanced his skills in 1996 and 2002 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. His most field in this year’s competition with three of the first four spots going to SIU men. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MELVIN GREEN Pensioner Melvin Green, 86, passed away Dec. 18. Brother Green was born in Oklahoma. The steward department member joined the union in 1961. Brother Green initially sailed with Waterman Steamship Corporation. His final voyage was aboard the OMI Willamette. Brother Green retired in 1997 and called Mena, Ark., home. CHAD HESS Brother Chad Hess, 30, died Jan. 7. He became an SIU member in 2001 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hess originally shipped on the ITB Jacksonville. He was a native of Tacoma, Wash. Brother Hess was a member of the engine department. He most recently sailed aboard the Tacoma. Brother Hess made his home in Orting, Wash. ORLANDO HILL Brother Orlando Hill, 50, passed away Jan. 1. He signed on with the union in 2004 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Hill’s first ship was the Overseas Chicago; his last was the USNS Curtiss. The steward department member was born in Baltimore. Brother Hill settled in Kent, Wash. RONALD LEDOUX Brother Ronald Ledoux, 60, died Dec. 3. He began sailing with the SIU in 1991. Brother Ledoux’s earliest trip to sea was on the AMSEA vessel Lake. His final ship was the USNS Algol. Brother Ledoux, a member of the steward department, lived in Mobile, Ala. MONTGOMERY MARTIN Pensioner Montgomery Martin, 96, passed away Jan. 1. Brother Martin first donned the SIU colors in 1968. As a member of the steward department, he initially sailed aboard the R Semmes. Brother Martin was a South Carolina native. He last worked on the Developer. Brother Martin became a pensioner in 1983 and lived in San Diego. YEHYA OMAR Brother Yehya Omar, 32, died Dec. 1. He joined the union 18 Seafarers LOG in 2000 while in the port of San Francisco. Brother Omar originally shipped on the Cape Mohican. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Omar last worked aboard the Horizon Pacific. He resided in Oakland, La. JOSEPH OSORIO Pensioner Joseph Osorio, 72, passed away Dec. 11. Brother Osorio became a Seafarer in 1968. He initially shipped on the Sabine. The deck department member most recently sailed aboard the El Morro. Brother Osorio went on pension in 2003 and called Puerto Rico home. JAMES TARANTO Brother James Taranto, 61, died Jan. 11. He started sailing with the union in 1991 while in San Francisco. Brother Taranto’s earliest voyage was on the Independence. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Taranto’s final trip was aboard the Grand Canton State. He made his home in Oakland, Calif. INLAND TOMMY DONATI Brother Tommy Donati, 55, passed away Sept. 30. He signed on with the union in 1993 in the port of Houston. Brother Donati was primarily employed with Higman Barge Lines. He was a resident of Youngsville, La. HUGH GIBBS Pensioner Hugh Gibbs, 61, died Dec. 13. Born in North Carolina, Brother Gibbs began sailing with the SIU in 1990. He worked mainly on Allied Towing vessels as a member of the engine department. Brother Gibbs retired in 2011 and settled in Engelhard, N.C. EUNIS NELSON Pensioner Eunis Nelson, 90, passed away Dec. 22. Brother Nelson joined the union in 1962. He spent most of his career working with Dravo Basic Materials Company. Brother Nelson started collecting his retirement compensation in 1984. He lived in Irvington, Ala. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. FERDINAND ARAUZ Pensioner Ferdinand Arauz, 86, passed away Dec. 21. Brother Arauz was born in East Chicago, Ind. He went on pension in 1969 and made his home in New Jersey. AZIEL AYALA Pensioner Aziel Ayala, 87, died Dec. 31. Brother Ayala, a native of Puerto Rico, started collecting his retirement compensation in 1991. He lived in Ozone Park, N.Y. ROBERT BESON Pensioner Robert Beson, 84, passed away Dec. 19. The Michigan-born mariner became a pensioner in 1992. Brother Beson called Bay City, Mich., home. JAMES BRATHWAITE Pensioner James Brathwaite, 77, died Dec. 15. Brother Brathwaite was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He began receiving his pension in 1989. He continued to reside in New York. Verde. He went on pension in 1969. Brother Fernandes made his home in Pawtucket, R.I. became a pensioner in 1984 and lived in Virginia Beach. RICARDO FUSTER Pensioner Ricardo Fuster, 85, passed away Dec. 19. Born in Lares, P.R., Brother Fuster became a pensioner in 1965. He settled in San Antonio, Texas. WILLIAM PROSPER Pensioner William Prosper, 75, passed away Jan. 4. Brother Prosper was born in Mayaguez, P.R. He retired in 1997 and made his home in Jersey City, N.J. THOMAS JOHNSON Pensioner Thomas Johnson, 76, died Dec. 1. Brother Johnson was born in Honduras. He retired in 1993 and was a New York resident. JAMES REID Pensioner James Reid, 81, died Dec. 29. Brother Reid, a native of Alabama, started receiving his retirement pay in 1993. He settled in Mobile. ROY LEE Pensioner Roy Lee, 84, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Lee, a native of Maryland, went on pension in 1972. He continued to call Maryland home. RAYMOND ROBINSON Pensioner Raymond Robinson, 84, passed away Nov. 16. Born in Texas, Brother Robinson began collecting his pension in 1989. He was a resident of Italy, Texas. JAMES LOVE Pensioner James Love, 81, died Jan. 19. Brother Love was born in Pennsylvania. He started receiving his retirement compensation in 1995. Brother Love lived in Picayune, Miss. STEVEN ROCKER Pensioner Steven Rocker, 64, died Nov. 8. Brother Rocker was born in Panama. He became a pensioner in 2004 and resided in Pasco, Wash. ROBERT MASON Pensioner Robert Mason, 91, passed away Dec. 23. Born in North Carolina, Brother Mason became a pensioner in 1968. He made his home in Edenton, N.C. JUAN SANCHEZ Pensioner Juan Sanchez, 86, passed away Jan. 3. Brother Sanchez was a native of Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 1984 and lived in Hudson, Fla. JACK BUIE Pensioner Jack Buie, 84, died Dec. 20. Brother Buie was born in Inverness, Fla. He went on pension in 1967 and continued to make his home in Florida. ANTHONY MICKLOWSKI Pensioner Anthony Micklowski, 90, died Jan. 5. Brother Micklowski was a native of Philadelphia. He went on pension in 1967 and settled in Cleveland, Texas. GERALD SCOLARDI Pensioner Gerald Scolardi, 74, died Dec. 18. Brother Scolardi, a native of Rhode Island, retired in 2002. He called Lincoln, R.I., home. CHARLES CASTLEBERRY Pensioner Charles Castleberry, 69, passed away Dec. 2. Brother Castleberry was a Georgia native. He started collecting his pension in 1998 and settled in Crystal Spring, Miss. JAMES MORRISSEY Pensioner James Morrissey, 95, passed away Dec. 3. Brother Morrissey was born in Bridgeport, Conn. He retired in 1977 and called Fairfield, Conn., home. EUGENE COCHRAN Pensioner Eugene Cochran, 88, died Jan. 7. Born in Texas, Brother Cochran became a pensioner in 1984. He lived in Port Arthur, Texas. WILLIAM OLIVER Pensioner William Oliver, 90, died Jan. 13. Brother Oliver, a native of North Carolina, began collecting his pension in 1990. He was a resident of Swatara, Pa. ELVIN BROWN Pensioner Elvin Brown, 94, passed away Dec. 29. Brother Brown, a native of Oklahoma, retired in 1965. He was a resident of Fresno, Calif. JAMES ELLEBY Pensioner James Elleby, 86, passed away Jan. 19. Brother Elleby, a native of Camden, S.C., began receiving his retirement pay in 1988. He called New York home. ALEXANDER FERNANDES Pensioner Alexander Fernandes, 91, died Nov. 23. Brother Fernandes was born in Brava, Cape ANTONIUS ONGAMSING Pensioner Antonius Ongamsing, 79, passed away Dec. 29. Born in Suriname, Brother Ongamsing went on pension in 1996. He resided in Los Angeles. ROBERT PALMER Pensioner Robert Palmer, 84, died Dec. 22. Brother Palmer was a native of Virginia. He ROOSEVELT WASHINGTON Pensioner Roosevelt Washington, 73, passed away Dec. 19. Born in Brenham, Texas, Brother Washington started collecting his pension in 1996. He made his home in Texas City. BARTON YOUNG Pensioner Barton Young, 71, died Dec. 29. Brother Young was born in Detroit. He became a pensioner in 1994 and settled in Tacoma, Wash. Name Age DOD Ahmed, Mustafa 88 Dec. 25 Albert, George 67 Dec. 13 Aldana, Jose 78 Dec. 20 Cacho, Jose 94 Dec. 5 Church, John 83 Dec. 8 Edinger, Lester 84 Dec. 17 Munoz, Vincente 86 Dec. 28 Notten, Thomas 84 Jan. 4 Oliver, William 88 Nov. 25 June 2012 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), March 25 – Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Joseph A. Laureta, Educational Director Cirico L. Geonanga, Engine Delegate Adel Irani, Steward Delegate Teresito Reyes. Bosun announced payoff at sea April 5. He suggested crew members read the Seafarers LOG for information about STCW and reminded them to pay union dues on time. Educational director advised everyone check expiration dates and keep documents current. He also suggested Seafarers upgrade at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $1,702 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. A vote of thanks was given to Chief Stewrd Joe Laureta and the rest of the galley gang for a job well done. Next ports: Los Angeles and Honolulu. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 31 – Chairman Daniel S. Marcus, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Abdullah Oun, Engine Delegate Syed M. Iqbal, Steward Delegate Christopher Coston. Chairman thanked mariners for a good, safe voyage. Secretary reminded those departing to leave rooms clean and supplied with soap and fresh linen. Crew members were thanked for their professionalism. Educational director suggested Seafarers take advantage of courses available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded them that they will not be able to ship if MMD/ Merchant Mariner Credential runs out before the trip ends, so keep documents up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested clarification on transportation reimbursement from New York hall to Port Elizabeth. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Charleston, S.C. and Norfolk, Va. OVERSEAS NIKISKI (OSG Ship Management), March 31 – Chairman Anton T. Sulic, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Educational Director Benjamin E. Mathews, Deck Delegate Christopher Green, Engine Delegate Musa Quraish, Steward Delegate Gregory K. Johnson. Chairman noted morale aboard vessel is good and jobs are getting done. Mariners were reminded to make sure all necessary seafaring documents were up-to-date. Educational director advised all mariners to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to increase optical and dental benefits. Request was made for new mattresses and pillows for rooms. Fellow crew members thanked the steward department for great meals, especially the fresh fish and king crab. Members expressed frustration about trying to June 2012 The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. Shipboard Memorial Service On El Yunque For Brother Adams The cremains of former Seafarer Roger Lee Adams, in accordance with his wishes, were committed to sea April 1 during a ceremony aboard the SIU-crewed El Yunque. A few photos from the memorial event, which took place northeast of Puerto Rico, are shown here. Adams sailed in the engine department, including voyages aboard vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping and Connecticut Transport Inc., respectively. He passed away earlier this year, at age 65. get four months’ worth of a prescription. ALLIANCE BEAUMONT (Maersk Line, Limited), April 15 – Chairman Thomas P. Banks, Secretary Charles A. Brooks, Educational Director Paul P. Pagano, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Steward Delegate Carlos Diaz. Bosun requested clarification on rules regarding extra day vacation per month after completing accident-free tour of duty. Mariners were reminded that garbage room is for paper and plastic only. Educational director advised all mariners to attend classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. One washing machine is broken; parts have been ordered. While recently anchored in Suez Canal, “when we picked up the anchor, we picked up an old anchor chain off the bottom.” Next port: Beaumont, Texas. CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), April 21 – Chairman Robert Pagan, Secretary Allen E. Hollinger, Educational Director Andrew J. Linares. Chairman stated payoff to take place in Los Angles on April 23. He reminded crew members to use the right machine for dirty clothes and stressed the importance of carrying their TWIC cards during shore leave in U.S. ports. Secretary urged those departing the vessel to clean rooms, empty trash and leave keys for next mariners. He also expressed gratitude to fellow crew members for helping keep ship clean. Mariners were encouraged to renew documents in a timely manner. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New refrigerators have been ordered. Request was made for new microwave in crew mess. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), April 16 – Chairman Howard Gibbs, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Roy S. Frett, Deck Delegate Philmon Quitoriano, Steward Delegate Susano Cortez. Chairman announced upcoming payoff at sea. Correspondence from patrolman received and read to crew. Detailed discussion took place concerning standbys. Secretary contacted headquarters for clarification on bonus. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade at unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He offered a number of tips and reminders about merchant mariner credentials and TWICs. No beefs reported. Departmental delegates discussed contractual specifications about time off. Crew noted that company has provided internet service for vessel. Also, Dish TV was reinstalled and crew contributions are paying for services. Vote of thanks given to galley gang “for all the good food and service provided.” Mariners asked for increase in pension benefits and lowering sea-time requirements, among other suggestions. Additional discussion took place concerning tour-of-duty bonus. Next port: Honolulu. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), April 24 – Chairman Isaac Vega, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Marcos Rivera, Engine Delegate Jermaine Love, Steward Delegate Michael D. Henry. Bosun reviewed ship’s itinerary prior to dry dock. He reported that during dry dock Horizon Lines will replace tiles on deck, in cabins and passageways. Educational director reminded members to make sure all necessary seafaring documents were current. He noted that they could pre-file for TWIC and other documents online so the turnaround time should be faster. Mariners were urged to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $1,700 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for upgraded internet and satellite aboard vessel. Crew would also like TV cables to each cabin. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., San Juan, P.R., Honolulu and Shanghai. MAERSK KENTUCKY (Maersk Line, Limited), April 8 – Chairman William M. Richards, Secretary Wayne R. Wilson, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub. Chairman expressed his gratitude to crew for a safe trip. Educational director thanked new apprentice for doing a great job while in engine room. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made regarding vacation benefits. Crew thanked steward department for a job well done. Next port: Newark, N.J. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line, Limited), April 8 – Chairman Albert C. Williams, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Jerome D. Culbreth, Deck Delegate Fermin E. Baltazar, Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov, Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleneny. Chairman reported good voyage with a great crew. He urged them to take advantage of Union Plus benefits. Secretary asked those departing vessel to ensure rooms are clean and ready for reliefs. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade often at the Piney Point school and keep documents up-to-date. Treasurer reported $1,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great food. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Norfolk, Va., and Newark, N.J. Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters To The Editor SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Notes Letters may be edited for conciseness and clarity. Submissions may be mailed to 5201 Auth Way, Camp Sprngs, MD 20746 or emailed to webmaster@seafarers.org. Experience Reveals Truth About ‘Right to Work’ I came from a “right-to-work” state. When I was 22 or so, having tried it their way for several years, and having been kicked on the street without enough earnings to make a living, I found a lucky strike in the oil patch. I sailed as an ordinary seaman on an anchor tug/OSV with a company where I found the “right-towork” dogma was viciously reinforced. In the short year it took for me to get my sea service in for my AB ticket, I also observed countless (literally) ABs routinely reduced to a mediocre status by the company agenda and personal fancied preferences of the shipboard officers. I worked hard to make it, and did, but it hurt me to see the young people, and older more experiential sailors fired, jerked around, and hand-tailored to their own detriment. I received my first job as an AB in a private New England ferry company. They worked their schedules in step with the sailors so that I met members of the SIU, NMU, ILA and other unions while working there. These sailors filled me in on the other side life, that I hadn’t seen or heard, and soon, on my off time I was off to New York, registered, and found myself in the SMU and finally the SIU. I can’t say that learning about the SIU or labor unions in general was easy. I was a supporter from the start, because I believed in the cause, but because I had come from an entirely detached work ethic, or more realistically because I had been so ignorant of the union concept, learning the details of the basic mode of operations of work on an SIU ship was a bit of a challenge for me. I put my time in, however, got with the bosuns and enjoyed the ride. I retired my book in 2010, which has given me some time to think about all that I experienced in my sailing years. I can say that the years I spent sailing, and more so sailing with the SIU were equivalent in proportion to any college degree, and had such a positive effect on my life that I will never discredit any union or entertain the silly “right-to-work” hype again. To me, it is not even worth my breath. One thing I recognize now with certainty is that the so-called right to work never assists one’s actual right to work. Right-to-work politics only assist in reducing a person’s right to be represented by a union. Right to work focuses on replacing the union’s legitimate power to represent their membership with the agenda of the shareholders, or company ownership. It does not change or assist one’s “right to work” in a union or nonunion environment. Normally, for us, an expression of gratitude may be peculiar if not whimsical. However, considering what I have seen, believe me, it is warranted. Thanks for being a good union. Thanks for allowing the SIU to be its best. Union Strong. Union Proud. Honorable. Jonathan Anderson A-1509 Mariner from Greatest Generation Enjoying LOG I sincerely appreciate receiving the Seafarers LOG every month even though I am no longer a dues-paying member. I was a member during the Second World War and always will be an SIU man. My shipping record during the war included voyages aboard the following vessels: Alcoa Pilot (Alcoa Steamship), Alabaman (American-Hawaiian Steamship Company), Reynolds (APL), Samuel F. Miller (Waterman), Galen L. Stone (Eastern Steamship), Ferdinand Hassler (Bull Line), and Young (APL). From 1946 through 1948, I sailed on five ships including ones operated by Calmar, Matson, Robin Line, Eastern Steamship and Seas Shipping Co. God bless you all. William (Bill) Ellis Port St. Lucie, Florida The Plan provides two types of pensions: Deferred Vested Pensions and Pensions Vesting at Retirement. The latter are employer subsidized early retirement benefits. If you qualify for more than one pension, you will receive only the one that is the largest. A few highlights from the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan rules are outlined below: Deferred Vested Pension The Plan provides a Deferred Vested Pension benefit payable at Normal Retirement Age (usually age 65.) The amount of the benefit depends on the pension credits accumulated. One Year of Vesting Service 125 days of covered employment within a calendar year Benefit Credits 125-199 days: pro rata benefit 200 days: full year vested benefit credit Vesting Requirements Before August 1, 1999, 10 years of vesting service for active employees After 7/31/1999, 5 years of vesting service for active employees If following a Plan participant’s most recent year of vesting service, a participant with less than 10 aggregate years of vesting service has one or more one-year service breaks before January 1, 1999, then the required number of aggregate years of vesting service shall continue to be 10 until the participant completes one year of vesting service after December 31, 1998. (Exceptions to the above vesting periods may apply in accordance with break-in-service rules.) Breaks in Service Until your benefit is “vested,” you may lose your accumulated pension credits if you have a Break in Service. Prior to January 1, 1985, you experience a Break in Service for purposes of the Deferred Vested pension if the number of consecutive calendar years in which you have 62 or fewer days of service equals or exceeds the number of accumulated prior calendar years in which you had 125 or more days of service provided, however, that from January 1, 1985 and after, you will not suffer a Break in Service until you have at least five consecutive calendar years of vesting with 62 or fewer days of service. Your accumulated years of vesting service cannot include years lost because of a previous break in service. (Above is a brief extract from the break-in-service rules only. Contact the Plan Office for discussion of how break-in-service rules may apply to your particular circumstances.) Pensions Vesting at Retirement The following pensions may be payable before Normal Retirement Age based on the number of qualifying years earned within the applicable qualification period: Pension Type Qualifying Years Requirement Long Term 25 Basic 20 Reduced 15-19 Disability Minimum of 10 years Min. Age 55 55 65 Any age Year of Qualifying Time 200 days of covered employment within a calendar year equals a full year of qualifying time. Less than 200 days within a calendar year will earn a pro rata partial year of qualifying time. No credit will be earned for covered employment in excess of 200 days in any calendar year. Loss of Qualifying Time A Plan participant shall lose all qualifying time credit if he or she: 1. has failed to maintain seniority shipping rights under the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, or 2. has failed to work at least 1 day in covered employment or in a non-covered standby employment for a contributing employer in any 2 calendar year period after having attained seniority shipping rights, or 3. did not have seniority shipping rights on June 15, 1965 under the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, provided that a Plan participant shall be deemed to have seniority shipping rights on June 15, 1965 if he or she was working in covered employment on June 15, 1965, or was eligible for registration or employment on a seniority basis on that date at one of the hiring halls of the Pacific District Unions. Any such Plan participant who reenters covered employment after having so forfeited his qualifying time shall accumulate qualifying time only after the date he or she last forfeited Qualifying time. A Plan participant cannot lose previously acquired qualifying time if he or she has fulfilled all of the eligibility requirements for a Basic or Long Term Pension at any time since June 16, 1978. Normal Retirement Age and Special Rules for Participants over Age 70-½ Your Normal Retirement Age under the Plan is age 65, provided you have: n Completed at least five Aggregate Years of Vesting Service if you have at least one Day of Service after July 31, 1999 or n Completed at least ten Aggregate Years of Vesting Service if you do not have at least one Day of Service after July 31, 1999 If upon attaining age 65 you have not satisfied either of the conditions above, your Normal Retirement Age is the 5th anniversary of your date of Participation, provided you have not had a Break in Service. Special rules apply if you are age 70-½ or older and are still actively employed by a Contributing Employer. If you attain age 70-½ on or after January 1, 1996, you will be required to commence retirement the later of: n April 1 following the calendar year in which you attain age 70-½, and n January 1 following the calendar year in which you fail to complete at least 62 Days of Service If you attained age 70-½ prior to January 1, 1996, please consult the Plan Office for details on the calculation of your benefit. If you work past your Normal Retirement Age or commence your pension after your Normal Retirement Age, any benefits payable to you shall be no less than the actuarial equivalent of the benefit to which you would have been entitled at your Normal Retirement Age. Integration Agreements The SIU Pacific District Pension Plan entered into INTEGRATION AGREEMENTS with (1) the Chevron/SUP/Marine Pension Plan and (2) the San Francisco Bar Pilots Marine Pension Plan. Example Calculation for a Pro-rata Benefit(s): Applicant is age 60 Applicant has accumulated in excess of 25.000 Qualifying Years. Applicant is entitled to receive the current maximum amount of $1,700.00 SIU-PD Pension Plan: 27.500 Qualifying Years Chevron Marine Pension Plan: 7.000 Qualifying Years Total Qualifying Years: 34.500 $1,700.00 ÷ 34.500 Qualifying Years = $49.2754 $49.2754 x 27.500 = $1,355.07 SIU-PD Pension Plan $ 49.2754 x 7.000 = $344.93 Chevron Marine Pension Plan 34.500 $1,700.00 The calculation pertaining to the San Francisco Bar Pilots Integration Agreement is identical. The SIU Pacific District Pension Plan does not integrate with either Plan for VESTING PURPOSES. Space does not allow a full listing of the SIU-PD Pension Plan rules. Questions regarding Exceptions, Break-in-Service rules or Accumulated Vesting or Qualifying Time should be directed to the Plan Office. SIU Pacific District Pension Plan: 415-764-4987 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The 20 Seafarers LOG proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June 2012 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months. All programs are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Deck Department Able Seaman August 4 August 31 October 13 November 9 ARPA July 28 August 3 October 27 November 2 Bosun Recertification July 14 August 6 ECDIS September 29 October 5 December 8 December 14 Fast Rescue Boat June 23 June 29 July 28 August 3 GMDSS June 9 June 22 November 24 December 7 Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 23 July 6 July 21 August 3 August 18 August 31 September 15 September 28 October 13 October 26 November 11 November 23 December 8 December 21 Radar Observer July 14 July 27 October 13 October 26 Radar Renewal (One day) June 25 June 25 August 13 August 13 November 16 November 16 STOS July 14 July 27 September 15 September 28 Engine Department Adv. Refer Containers July 14 August 10 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) July 21 August 17 September 15 October 12 November 10 December 7 FOWT June 23 July 20 August 18 September 14 October 13 November 9 Junior Engineer August 25 October 19 Machinist July 28 August 17 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class #___________________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? o Yes o No If yes, course(s) taken____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. June 2012 Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Machinist August 18 September 7 Marine Electrician October 20 December 14 Pumpman September 8 September 21 Welding July 7 July 27 September 15 October 5 October 20 November 9 November 24 December 14 Steward Department Chief Steward July 7 August 17 October 13 November 23 Serve Safe July 7 July 13 September 29 October 5 Chief Cook These modules start every other week. The next class begins June 18. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. The next classes will begin June 11. Safety Courses Advanced Firefighting July 21 July 27 July 28 August 3 September 15 September 21 September 22 September 28 October 27 November 2 December 1 December 7 Basic Firefighting/STCW June 23 June 29 July 7 July 13 August 11 August 17 September 15 September 21 October 13 October 19 November 3 November 9 December 1 December 7 Government Vessels June 16 June 22 August 18 August 24 September 29 October 5 November 24 November 30 June 9 June 15 Medical Care Provider July 28 August 3 August 4 August 10 September 22 September 28 September 29 October 5 November 3 November 9 December 8 December 14 Tank PIC Barge December 8 December 14 Tanker Asst. Cargo DL July 14 July 27 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. COURSE ____________________________ START DATE _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable.Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/12 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class #758 – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed their requirements in this course April 13: Wilmer Alvarez, Jack Boscia, Daniel Daigle, Cory Devine, Thomas Edenfield, Randolph Harrell, Tyler Jones, Jason Knapp, Ali Malahi, Prasert Mastrototaro, Michael Pirch, Roque Santacruz, Alisia Scheurer and Brett Scott. (Not all are pictured.) Welding – Ten upgraders graduated from this course April 20. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Abdullah Alamri, Andrew Beach, Ernest Bullock, Romeo Cruda, Larry Dowling, Stanley Ricks, Christian Rosado, Grayson Ross, Russell Shores and Allen Ward. Class Instructor Buzzy Andrews is standing at the far right. Marine Refrigeration Technician – Twelve Seafarers completed the enhancement of their skills in this course April 20. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Alfonso Bombita Jr., Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Archie Eldridge, Reginald Glover, Stravon Jordon, Michael Kelly, Carlos Marcial, Forrest McGee, M’Barek Nouhairi, Enrique Velez, Eeric White and Jason Yung. Jay Henderson, the class instructor, is standing in the rear, second from left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman – Twelve upgraders finished this course April 13. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Talib Cherry, Joherky Conception, Jesus Derramas, Rico Ecalnir Jr., Victor Febes, Jape Geonzon, Rufino Gonzales Jr., Yung-Fan Haloski, Alfredo Nieto, Jose Ojeda, Nathan Shuford and Julio Zapata. Tom Truitt, their instructor, is standing at the far right. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations – Twenty individuals (unlicensed apprentices and upgraders) finished this course April 27. Those graduating (photos above and below, in alphabetical order) were: Ahmed Ahmed, Nabil Ahmed, Jason Allen, Khoury Bethea, Corey Chandler, Matt Dalgetty, Andre Graham, Ross Halsted, Sean Hernandez, Jade Kellar, Mohamed Khodeiri, Mahare Kidane, Joseph Loguidice, Tremain McCoy, Forrest McGee, Yancey Mitchell, Abdul Mohsen, Rodney Passapera, Dennis Pangan and Justin Smith. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tankship Familiarization - The following Seafarers completed the enhancement of their skills in this course April 27. Those graduating (photo at right, in alphabetical order) were: Rogelio Agustin, Alex-Stephen Amarra, Norman Arquillano, Robert Austin, Edgar Derramas, Lawa Dowdell, Rico Ecalnir Jr., Edgar Elegino, Victor Febres, Vorden Ferguson, John O’Connell, Andrew Peprah, James Stimage, LaMont Surrett, Thomas Swanson and Kareim Wright. Brad Wheeler, their instructor, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG June 2012 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Two classes of upgraders finished their requirements in this course April 27. Graduating (photo at left, in alphabetical order) were: Ahmed Ahmed, Nabil Ahmed, Marcelo Alicea, Mike Andrucovici, Sandra Baler, Linarys Castillo-Ortiz, Dwight Cherry, Romeo Cruda, Archie Eldridge, Rufino Gonzales, Usman Ibrahim, Mohamed Khodeiri, Victorino Labrilla Jr., Melchor Lapac Jr., Kelly Mayo, Jamison McIntyre, Robert Noble, M’Barek Nouhairi, Robert Owens, Jonathan Pampilon, Dennis Pangan, Thessolonian Smith, Francis Toth, Enrique Velez Vallejo, Richard Williams, Jason Young and Julio Zapata. Tom Truitt, their instructor, is standing at the far right. Important Notice Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Able Seaman – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) finished this course and graduated April 13: Nofoalii Aiaga, Marco Brown, Michael Fertl, Kevin Gebhard, Scott Gilleland, Marques Johnson, Joseph Koncul, Sonny Perez, Luis Ramos Rosa, Adam Smith, William Smith, Lear Surcedo, Jason Wagner, Timothy Weezel, and Steven Welcome. Class Instructor Bernabe Pelingon is standing at the far right. BST – Eighteen Seafarers completed their requirements in this course April 13. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Rogelio Agustin, Juan Amaya, Norman Arquillano, Sandra Baker, James Brockington, Gregory Carroll, Lawa Dowdell, Edgar Elegino, Kimberly Kalua, Brian Lilly Jr., Abad Martinez, Fisher Myers, John O’Connell, Patrick Smith, Thomas Swanson, Paul Terrell, Paul Titus and Bruce Werts. Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course of study April 27: Ali Ali, Matthew Bailer, Tania Carson, Joseph Dasteel, Sage Embleton, David Heindel, Christoher Hughes, Robert Mackey, Kaleb McGill, Angela Puchalsky, Adoplh Romero, Brandon Simken, John Sorsdal, Slawomir Tlalka and Burton Uys. Class Instructor Stan Beck is standing at the far right, in the back row. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Pumpman – Eight individuals wrapped up their studies in this course April 6. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Alex-Stephen Amarra, Reginald Colbert, Terrance Colbert, Robert Orloff III, Rodney Payne, Carmus Peet, Cornelius Smith and Steben Torres. Class Instructor Jim Shaffer is at the far left. BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) completed this course March 31 at the Seafarers Training Facility in Barbers Point, Hawaii: Jennifer Haws, Christopher Fortney, Michael Alvarez, Andrew Berlin, Kelsey Breece, William Broadwell, Caitlin Flynn, Bradley Gale, Courtney Hammond, Katherine Hinds, Mandi Jo John, Patrick Leahy, Jaclyn Miller, Bradford Rahmlow, Eric Rivas, James Stanley, Lindsey Tulloch and Krystina Lowe. BST (Hawaii) – Sixteen individuals graduated from this course April 21 at the Seafarers Barbers Point, Hawaii-based training facility. Completing the course (above, in no particular order) were: Brian Leeds, Douglas Johnson, Andrew Janson, Ricky Lopez, Megan Zupan, Mercedes West, Ronald Montemayor, Matthew Lee, Michelle Conway, Daniel Burgoon, Janese Garrett, Kelly Oja, Gypsy Brown, Kaloian Barbukov, Ahmad Kadi and Katie Kelley. June 2012 Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 74, Number 6 June 2012 Paul Hall Center Course Dates Page 21 Progress Continues on School’s Waterfront Piney Point Project Slated for Completion Later this Year The waterfront restoration project at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is staying ahead of schedule, according to school Vice President Don Nolan. As previously reported, the development kicked off in May 2010 on the Piney Point, Md., campus and is on pace to be finished later this year. Among other components, the operation includes the removal of more than 1,500 feet of old piers plus 1,000-plus feet of old bulkheads, the replacement of Pier 45 with a new concrete pier and floating concrete marina (12 double slips). The area’s new features also will include a waterfront park, a single-point davit with fast rescue boat capability, a pier site for the MV John F. Fay training vessel, a lifeboat davit and new lifeboats. The photos on this page were taken at the school from early April to early May. Updates will be included in future editions of the LOG. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2012 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MEMBERS RATIFY STANDARD CONTRACTS 5-YEAR AGREEMENTS BOOST WAGES, MAINTAIN BENEFITS CEREMONIES HONOR U.S. MARINERS SIU GAINS JOBS AS BBC SEATTLE REFLAGS UNDER ‘STARS AND STRIPES’ UNION’S GREAT LAKES CREWS WELCOME NEW CONTRACTS, ADDITIONAL TONNAGE USNS CESAR CHAVEZ CHRISTENED AT NASSCO ST. LOUIS PORT MARITIME COUNCIL HONORS 3 SIU HELPS MAKE INDUSTRY ‘SAIL-IN’ SUCCESSFUL THIRD ANNUAL EVENT CARRIES MARITIME’S MESSAGE TO CAPITOL HILL OCEAN CRESCENT CREW RECEIVES MEDALS FOR MISSION OSG EXECUTIVE: U.S. NEEDS JONES ACT SIU EXEC. VP RALLIES INDUSTRY TO STAND UNITED AGAINST ATTACKS RECERTIFIED STEWARDS SHARE VALUABLE INSIGHTS SIU-CREWED HOSPITAL SHIP MERCY DEPARTS FOR HUMANITARIAN MISSION MEMBERSHIP VOTES YES TO NEW STANDARD CONTRACTS ‘FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE’ SECRETARY PRAISE CONTRIBUTIONS OF U.S. MARINERS CEREMONIES HONOR U.S. MERCHANT MARINE’S VALIANT HISTORY NATIONAL MARITIME CENTER WEBSITE PROVIDES VALUABLE MARINER RESOURCES PROGRESS CONTINUES ON SCHOOL’S WATERFRONT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2012 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. 74, No. 6 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c23ab49af88764bc0351bc9c9e720a61.pdf af53c90f502dcd2e15f2fbb3628eb3a6 PDF Text Text Volume 75, Number 6 June 2013 Union Welcomes New Tonnage From late April to mid-May, the SIU-crewed fleet got a flurry of new tonnage including the Maersk Chicago (pictured above), a containership operated by Maersk Line, Limited (MLL). In that same period, MLL subsidiary 3PSC christened the research vessel USNS Maury; Crowley Maritime christened the articulated tug-barge Liberty/750-3; the Navy accepted delivery of the mobile landing platform ship USNS Montford Point, to be operated by Ocean Ships; and Austal christened the joint high-speed vessel USNS Millinocket, to be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Page 3. Congressman Hunter Delivers Pro-U.S. Maritime Message In a recent op-ed, U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif., center) powerfully stated the case for why America needs a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Congressman Hunter chairs the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. He is pictured at a recent gathering in Washington, D.C., with SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. Page 7. Crescent Crews Ratify Gainful 3-Year Pacts By overwhelming majorities, SIU boatmen employed by Crescent Towing in the Gulf region have approved new three-year contracts calling for wage gains and other improvements while maintaining or boosting benefits. The two contracts are nearly identical; one covers Seafarers in Savannah, Ga., and New Orleans (including those pictured above and below, aboard tugs) and the other applies to members in Mobile, Ala. Page 2. SIU Testifies in Congress Page 3 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 1 Port Council News and Pics Page 4 Maritime Day in D.C. Pages 12-14 5/24/2013 2:02:28 PM �President’s Report Maritime’s Message Last month, the SIU capitalized on several chances to remind legislators, administration officials and military leaders why our country needs a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. We did so at the annual “Sail-In” on Capitol Hill, in separate meetings with members of Congress, in testimony at a congressional hearing, and at the National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C. As Seafarers know, like many if not most other industries in the United States today, maritime faces global competition. The difference for us is that the competition between U.S. businesses and foreign ones never happens on a level playing field. Foreign vessels operators don’t have to meet the same safety standards as American operators, many foreign-build programs are heavily subsidized, and our mariners don’t benefit from the very favorable tax regimes and nationalized health care of many of our largest competitors. Michael Sacco When faced with similar circumstances, other industries have died off. Unlike most of them, however, the American maritime industry is a critical component of our defense capability. That’s why the United States cannot allow the merchant marine to fade away. Without a U.S.-flag merchant marine – both ships and mariners – our nation would cease to be a superpower. We would not be able to project power around the globe, and we could not meet our many foreign commitments. Look no further back than the last dozen years for proof. The overwhelming majority (90-plus percent) of the materiel needed by our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq was carried on American-flag ships, almost all of them with SIU crews. Take away those mariners and those vessels, and the U.S. would have had to rely on foreigners to move millions of tons of supplies into a war zone. History has shown more than once that foreigners don’t always share our commitment to deliver the goods, with some of the most recent examples occurring several times during Desert Shield/Desert Storm in the early 1990s. Remember also how we “turned to” for humanitarian relief missions in Haiti, Japan and elsewhere around the globe, including extended missions by Seafarers-crewed hospital ships in the Military Sealift Command fleet. Historically, Congress has recognized this value, and that’s why it has always been the policy of the United States government to support the American Merchant Marine. I often write about some of the key programs that help sustain our industry. That’s because those programs are so important to SIU members’ job security. I know how many hoops you have to jump through these days just to ship out. I don’t take it lightly when I ask you to take the time to understand the basic aspects of the Jones Act, cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program. These measures are vital. Without them, our jobs all go away, and so does the American flag on the high seas. Those programs have been attacked in recent years, presently in the form of budget battles that could wipe out the Food for Peace Program. Our union, along with allies across the industry, has said enough is enough. We cannot allow a dismantlement of the core programs that make the U.S. Merchant Marine possible. The constant attacks must end and we must start using our energies to expand our industry, not shrink it. I’m happy to report that in spite of the attacks, thanks to grassroots political action including your letters, visits and calls to elected officials, we have seen some positive legislative action, and I am confident that we stand poised to expand on it. For one thing, earlier this year, Congress reauthorized the Maritime Security Program for an additional 10 years, keeping the program running through 2025. We also saw the release of a favorable Government Accountability Office study of the Jones Act and its impact on Puerto Rico. On the Food for Peace front, we are actively working with Congress to restore the cuts made last year. Restoring these cuts will help maintain our competitiveness and keep the U.S.-Flag fleet moving. As we look ahead, our future must be one in which the U.S. Merchant Marine is expanding. The SIU and the rest of the industry are working together to make it happen. We’re on the verge of some exciting new developments and we will be ready to take advantage of them. These are some of the points we’ve recently made in Washington. The bottom line is that the U.S. Merchant Marine is critical to the economic, national and homeland security of our country. It is high time that we, as a nation, rededicate ourselves to the principles that have kept our maritime industry afloat since the founding of the Republic. Volume 75, Number 6 June 2013 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Brian Ahern; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2013 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 2 Crescent Crews Ratify Contracts The economic times remain tough, but that didn’t stop the union from securing wellreceived, favorable contracts covering boatmen employed by Crescent Towing. The two new agreements – overwhelmingly approved in April by rank-and-file Seafarers – cover approximately 200 members working for Crescent in New Orleans, Savannah, Ga., and Mobile, Ala. One pact applies to New Orleans and Savannah while the other covers Mobile. The three-year agreements are nearly identical and both took effect May 1. “I think we did as good as we could, considering the economic climate,” stated Captain Terry Murley, a member of the New Orleans/Savannah bargaining committee. “The contract gives us room for movement in the future. That’s how I looked at it.” Among other highlights, the contracts call for annual wage increases, maintain health benefits at the top level available through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, maintain pension benefits, and improve vacation benefits. Additionally, the contracts increase the lodging allowance and address seniority issues while improving some incentive provisions. “Things went smoothly and we came out really good with the contract,” said Deckhand/Wheelman Charlie Hammesfahr, another member of the New Orleans/Savannah committee. “We did good with the wages and benefits and the vacation; those were the biggest things.” Negotiations and voting took Standing left to right are members of the New Orleans/Savannah bargaining groups: Crescent Asst. VP Jody Scharfenstein, SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White, Engineer Delegate David Findley, Crescent VP Hays Clark, Crescent Senior Consultant Prentiss Willcutt, Savannah Delegate Charles Hammesfahr, New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Captain Delegate Terry Murley, Crescent COO Keith Kettenring, Crescent VP Edward Pinner and Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Mike Lobue. Taking the picture was Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg, who also served on the bargaining committee. place from early to mid-April, with Seafarers ratifying the pacts aboard Crescent tugs. Approximately 97 percent of the votes were in favor of the new contracts. SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook credited the two committees as well as company personnel for tough but fair bargaining that resulted in reasonable, productive agreements. “We had fantastic committees – very knowledgeable people,” Westbrook said. “They did a tremendous job of making sure gains were made appropriately. We also fought back proposed cuts in wages and benefits. To the company’s credit, they heard what the committees had to say. It’s a team effort out there and we are all pushing for a skilled and safe workforce…. I think the vote count illustrates that everybody was on board and Pictured from left are members of the Mobile negotiating committee: Crescent Towing Operations Manager John Fountain, Crescent VP Tom Lambard, Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White, Deckhand/Wheelman Delegate Roy Saranthus Jr., Crescent COO Keith Kettenring, Captain Delegate Mike Yarbrough, New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg, Crescent Senior Consultant Prentiss Willcutt, Crescent VP Edward Pinner and Engineer Delegate Steve Woods. everybody was pleased with the outcome.” Joining Westbrook, Murley and Hammesfahr on the New Orleans/Savannah committee were Engineer Delegate David Findley, Deckhand/Wheelman Delegate Mike Lobue and SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White. The Mobile bargaining group consisted of Captain Mike Yarbrough, Engineer Steve Woods, Wheelman Roy Saranthus Jr., Westbrook and White. “I think it went well,” White observed. “For the most part, the members were satisfied.” “I’m very happy with the contract and I think negotiations went very smooth,” said Yarbrough. “We’re very fortunate to have good insurance and a good pension plan…. This was my fourth contract negotiation and I take my hat off to Jimmy White and Chris Westbrook. They did an exceptional job.” Crescent operates harborassist tugs – 17 in New Orleans, five in Savannah, and three in Mobile. Meanwhile, both Murley and Hammesfahr said that as first-time bargaining committee members, the experience proved different than expected. “It lets you see how the inner workings go – things you hear rumors about but never see,” Murley said. “It was a positive experience, seeing how things actually happen.” Hammesfahr added, “It was a good process. It’s different interacting with the company like that as opposed to on a daily basis at work.” 2013 SHBP Scholarship Committee Meets Members of the calendar year 2013 Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Scholarship Committee met May 10 in Chicago to choose this year’s award recipients. Comprising the committee (from left to right) were: Dr. Keith Schlender, associate VP academic affairs, Lourdes University; Dr. Hank Toutain, dean of students, Kenyon College; Dr. Trevor Carpenter, College of Southern Maryland (retired); Dr. Charlie Lyons Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired) and a committee member since 1968; Dr. Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president academic affairs, California State University, San Bernardino; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); and Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College (retired). The committee selected eight individuals—five dependents and three active Seafarers—as recipients of the 2013 SHBP Scholarships. An in-depth article identifying these individuals as well as the specific grants they received will be published the July edition of the Seafarers LOG. June 2013 5/24/2013 2:02:38 PM �The USNS Maury is launched during a March 27 ceremony in Moss Point, Miss. (U.S. Navy photo by David Stoltz) Crew members, vessel sponsors and Crowley President/CEO Tom Crowley Jr. celebrate the christening of the company’s newest ATB in Pascagoula, Miss. Maersk, Crowley, MSC Bring in New Tonnage America’s sealift capability and its domestic and international shipping resources each got a boost as new tonnage recently entered the Seafarers-contracted fleet. Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) early last month flagged in the first of eight containerships – the Maersk Chicago – that will replace eight older, smaller vessels. The company also added the research ship USNS Maury, christened in late March at VT Halter Marine in Moss Point, Miss. In another major maritime development, Crowley Maritime on May 3 christened its seventeenth articulated tug-barge (ATB), the Liberty/750-3. The ceremony took place at Halter’s facility in Pascagoula, Miss. The tugboat and 330,000-barrel petroleum tank barge are the final ones to be built in a more than $1 billion, decade-long ATB construction program undertaken by Crowley to expand the company’s presence in the Jones Act trade. On April 22, the Navy’s joint highspeed vessel USNS Millinocket was christened at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. It’s the third in a planned fleet of 10 such vessels, and will be crewed in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division. More recently, the Navy on May 14 accepted delivery of the mobile landing platform vessel USNS Montford Point, which will be operated by Seafarers-contracted Ocean Ships. According to the Navy, the mobile landing platform is “a new class of ship and highly flexible platform that will provide capability for large-scale logistics movements such as the transfer of light and heavy vehicles and equipment from sea to shore.” While most of the recent news has been positive when it comes to tonnage, APL announced its plans to scrap four older American-flag containerships – the President Adams, President Jackson, President Polk and President Truman. The SIU represents steward department mariners on APL ships. In announcing its upgrade of container vessels, MLL said the newer tonnage will improve “services provided to its U.S. mil- itary, government and commercial customers. MLL’s investment of approximately half a billion dollars in eight vessels will improve the quality of service to the Middle East and Mediterranean Sea from the U.S. East Coast. Since 2000, MLL has invested over $1.75 billion dollars to modernize its fleet in support of the U.S. government and military. The vessels are about 10 years younger than the outgoing ships, offering improved fuel efficiency and environmental performance.” “These eight newer vessels, along with the global transportation network that connects them, demonstrate our commitment to our customers. We are proud to serve the U.S. military and to deliver U.S. food aid worldwide,” said John Reinhart, MLL’s president and CEO. “MLL is focused on continual improvement, and these ships will further increase reliability and shrink our environmental footprint.” All eight vessels will join the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). For Crowley, the company’s newest ATB punctuated a successful milestone in an effective construction program. “We set out to offer customers the safest, most reliable petroleum transportation services many years ago by pairing our operational expertise with these safe and innovative vessels,” said Tom Crowley Jr., company chairman and CEO. “It fills us with great pride and satisfaction to see our vision come to fruition, and to deliver for our customers.” More than 70 guests, including vessel crew members, representatives from VT Halter Marine and Marathon Petroleum joined Crowley for the christening, which included the time-honored tradition of breaking a champagne bottle over the hull of each vessel. Crowley’s Vice President of Procurement Wendy MacDonald had the honor of christening the tug, Liberty, while Marathon Representative Kathleen Peiffer christened the barge, 750-3. In recent months Crowley has also added two U.S.-flag, 330-000-barrel product tankers to its petroleum fleet (both crewed by SIU members). Congress Examines U.S.-Flag Shipping Members Vow to Support Key Maritime Programs; SIU Testifies Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-Calif.) June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG_X.indd 3 The SIU was among the organizations testifying at a Congressional hearing May 21 on the important role U.S.-flag shipping and American mariners play in the country’s economic and national security. The hearing, conducted by the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, focused on key programs including the Jones Act, Maritime Security Program (MSP), and cargo preference, including Food for Peace (PL-480). In his testimony to the committee, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said the hard work of merchant mariners is at the heart of every one of those programs, adding that it is vital those mariners have the opportunity to continue serving their country in times of need. “We’ve been a critical component of our country’s economic and national security from the founding days of the Republic.… We are always there when the balloon goes up and we hope to be there whenever the balloon goes up,” he said. “In order to do that we need to have the strong foundation of a vibrant commercial fleet. In order to maintain that, it must be a public-private partnership.” That was the opinion of the subcommittee, as well. Nearly every member – both Democrat and Republican – reinforced the idea that those key maritime programs are essential to the nation and vowed to fight any efforts to dismantle or defund them. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (right) explains the vital role played by the U.S. Merchant Marine in national defense. MEBA President Mike Jewell (left) also testified. “Beyond the important contributions to our economy, a healthy maritime industry is vital to our national security,” said Chairman Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) “Throughout our history, the Navy has relied on U.S.-flag commercial vessels crewed by American Merchant Mariners to carry troops, weapons, and supplies to the battlefield.” While they’re vital to the country’s interest, essential maritime programs like MSP, Food for Peace and the Jones Act have faced obstacles in Washington in recent months and years. Several members of the subcommittee, including Chairman Hunter and Ranking Member John GaraContinued on Page 14 Seafarers LOG 3 5/28/2013 10:55:06 AM �St. Louis Port Council Honors Three Solidarity was very evident April 27 when the Maritime Trades Department’s (MTD) Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council honored at its 33rd annual dinner a labor representative, a business representative and an elected official – and all of them carry union cards. State Senator Gina M. Walsh received the Able Helmsmen Award for her work in the Missouri state capitol. As MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco pointed out in introducing her, “She is so passionate. She is not just friendly to the labor movement, she is part of it.” Walsh was the first woman to graduate from the Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 1 apprenticeship program. She still holds her card after more than 30 years in the trade. She was originally elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002 and was reelected every two years until she moved to the State Senate last year. She was then elected president of the Missouri Building and Construction Trades Council, AFLCIO. “I merely represent those who fight the fight for working families,” Walsh told the nearly 400 attendees. She has led battles in the state capitol against legislation aimed at cutting prevailing wage, creating rightto-work (for less), and instituting paycheck deception. “We have to show courage and common sense while steering Missouri forward,” she added. Recognized as the Labor Man of the Year was Iron Workers Local 396 Business Manager Tom McNeil Jr., who started with the local in 1973. McNeil told the gathering he didn’t have to look far to find his role model: “My hero is my dad. He was a 40-year Iron Worker, and served nine years as business manager. He died two years ago of Alzheimer’s.” McNeil noted the last five years have been tough on all working people, especially those in the building trades. He stated everyone in the room knows members who have held several part-time jobs to hold their families together. Another member of Iron Workers Local 396 received the Management Man of the Year award. Clayton Bragg is a third generation Iron Worker who saluted his family ties from West Virginia to California to the union. He was accepted into Local 396’s apprenticeship program in 1982. Seventeen years later, he started Fastrack Erectors, which Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper (who also serves as secretary-treasurer of the port council), Port Council President Dick Mantia, honoree State Senator Gina Walsh, Port Council VP Jack Martorelli, honoree Clayton Bragg, SIU/MTD President Michael Sacco, honoree Thomas McNeil and Jeff Aboussie, St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Department secretary-treasurer. has been recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of the area’s fastest growing private companies. He also is president of Mid America Crane Rental. Big Port Council Turnout in Hawaii Includes Senators, Congresswoman, Mayor, Governor Gov. Neil Abercrombie SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso reported an excellent turnout for a late-April Hawaii Port Maritime Council event in Honolulu. Attendees included U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Governor Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, former Mayor Mufi Hannemann, eight Hawaii state house representatives, members of the city council, Seafarers, other trade unionists Bragg acknowledged his labor roots and his union-contracted employees by saying, “It takes strong people to keep a business strong and prosperous.” Senator Levin Honored and guests. “The success of the event wouldn’t have been possible without all of our volunteers,” noted Galbiso. “Much ‘Mahalos’ most especially to our SIU members, who constituted the vast majority of the volunteers who came to help set up and break down.” A few photos from the event appear here. More snapshots are available in the Gallery section of the SIU website and on our Facebook page. SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (right) was on hand to help salute U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) (left) in early May as the Wayne County-Detroit Port Authority Building was renamed the Carl Levin Building. Levin, who plans to retire next year, was honored for helping launch the building project in 1998. He currently chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee. Brick Donation Program Rolls On Sen. Brian Schatz From left: Bonny Colomo of MFOW, Marc Yamane of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Luke Kaili of MEBA, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Randy Swindell of MM&P, Al Lardizabal of LIUNA, SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso Some of the SIU members who volunteered for the gathering are pictured manning the lunch line. 4 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG_X.indd 4 In conjunction with its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), the union is continuing with a brick-donation program that’s part of the waterfront restoration at the PHC’s Piney Point, Md., campus. Details were published in the last two editions of the LOG and are available online at http://www.seafarers.org/SIUBricks.htm (the link is on our home page). Samples are pictured above. Seafarers, their loved ones and the companies that employ them have the chance to donate the bricks and engrave them with text or logos of their choosing. The donation of a brick also comes with an entry in the project’s name-the-park contest. June 2013 5/28/2013 10:55:10 AM �Industry Takes Pro-Maritime Message to D.C. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), Crowley Exec. VP Bill Penella SIU Active in Fourth Annual Sail-In; Food for Peace a Focal Point Though only in its fourth year, the annual U.S. Maritime Industry Congressional Sail-In has become a signature event in the nation’s capital. Last month, SIU officials helped make the 2013 gathering another success, as 135 participants from all segments of the industry were involved in 157 meetings with members of the House and Senate or their staffs. Although many topics were covered in those meetings May 8 – organized by the United States Maritime Coalition, to which the SIU is affiliated – the main ones included the vital need to maintain three pillars of U.S. maritime: Food for Peace, the Maritime Security Program, and the Jones Act. The timing proved opportune as U.S.-flag maritime supporters from both sides of the aisle and from the industry itself are working to preserve cargo preference or Food for Peace, a time-tested program that is being threatened by budget cuts. Overall, 104 of the Sail-In meetings took place in the House (including 61 with freshmen members) while 53 happened in the Senate. “For many reasons, including the fact that in large part we were meeting with many more members and staff this year new to maritime issues, this was considered our best Sail-In ever,” noted one of the event’s planners. “Enthusiasm was high all around.” Representing the SIU at the meetings were Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. The union officials described the Sail-In as a time when virtually every segment of the maritime industry comes together to brief Congress on how to make the United States stronger and safer. Working together, they pointed out, maritime personnel from the Great Lakes, inland rivers, deep seas and beyond help boost America’s national and homeland security while promoting much-needed job growth here at home. As in years past, meeting participants – including shipowners, operators and rank-and-file workers – thanked elected officials for their previous support and encouraged their continued backing of the aforementioned programs along with other maritime initiatives that protect national and economic security while promoting American jobs. In a related event, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) on May 7 received the prestigious “Salute to Congress” award during an annual dinner in suburban D.C. SIU Representative Gerard Dhooge, Alan Twaits of Crowley, Jack Pollard of Turner Pollard, Rep. Ed Pastor (DAriz.), Bobbi Shipley of Maersk, Mark Gallagher of MEBA Mark Gallagher of MEBA, Bobbi Shipley of Maersk, Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-Mass.), Alan Twaits of Crowley, SIU Representative Gerard Dhooge, Jack Pollard of Turner Pollard Tom Harrelson of Maritime-Strategy Consulting, SIU VP Tom Orzechowski, Bryant Gardner of Winston & Strawn, Senior Legislative Asst. David Tully (office of Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas), John Flynn of Breaux Lott Group SIU VP Kermett Mangram, Mike Neumann of Transportation Institute, Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas), Tony Otero of Crowley, Bert Rogers of Tall Ships America Dennis Manelli of the Propeller Club, Ira Douglas of Crowley, MTD Sec.-Treas. Daniel Duncan, Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), SIU VP Dean Corgey John Hourihan of Crowley, SIU VP Nick Marrone, Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), Dave Weathers of AMO, Chris Coakley of Saltchuk Resources, Nick Martine of Lockheed Martin Dennis Manelli of the Propeller Club, Ira Douglas of Crowley, SIU VP Dean Corgey, Rep. Steve Palazzo (R-Miss.), MTD Sec-Treas. Daniel Duncan, Ian Bennitt of Shipbuilders Council of America June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 5 John Jaskot of Jones Walker, Kate Ballengee of Metro Group Maritime, Rich Berkowitz of Transportation Institute, Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), SIU VP Joseph Soresi, Don Josberger of MM&P John Hourihan of Crowley, SIU VP Nick Marrone, Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas), Dave Weathers of AMO, Nick Martine of Lockheed Martin Seafarers LOG 5 5/24/2013 2:02:50 PM �President Nominates Foxx for Transportation Secretary Cabinet Post Has Big Impact on American-Flag Maritime Industry President Barack Obama has selected Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx to be the next secretary of transportation – a post that greatly impacts the maritime industry. If confirmed, Foxx would succeed outgoing Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The position of transportation secretary is especially important to the SIU since the Department of Transportation houses the U.S. Maritime Administration. Foxx has served as Charlotte’s mayor since 2009 and has spearheaded several transportation projects since taking office. He previously held positions in the U.S. Justice Department and with the House Judiciary Committee. In a statement following Foxx’s nomination, SIU President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the AFLCIO’s Maritime Trades Department (MTD), praised LaHood’s service as transportation secretary, adding he anticipated a productive relationship with Foxx as well. “The MTD would like to thank Secretary LaHood for his many years as service in Congress and in the executive branch,” Sacco said. “We also look forward to working with Mayor Foxx in meeting the serious challenges facing the maritime industry and other modes of transportation in the years ahead. We believe that Mayor Foxx has a chance to really make a difference.” Obama, meanwhile, applauded Foxx’s infrastructure projects and job-creation record in Charlotte when announcing his nomination April 29 at the White House. The president added that experience would serve Foxx well at the Department of Transportation. “The city (of Charlotte) has managed to turn things around. The economy is growing. There are more jobs, more opportunity,” Obama said. “And if you ask Anthony how that happened, he’ll tell you that one of the reasons is that Charlotte made one of the largest investments in transportation in the city’s history.” Foxx, who would be the young- President Obama (left) announces the nomination of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx (middle) as the next transportation secretary at the White House as outgoing Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood looks on. (White House photo) est member of the president’s cabinet, said he looked forward to working with members of both parties in an effort to improve the country’s transportation system. Admiral Shannon Assumes Command at MSC Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon is the new commander of the Military Sealift Command (MSC). Shannon relieved Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby of the post May 10 during a change of command ceremony aboard the Seafarers-crewed USNS Spearhead at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in Fort Story, Va. Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander, U.S. Transportation Command and Adm. William Gortney, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, served as guest speakers during the event. SIU President Michael Sacco, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and Vice President Government Services Division Kermett Mangram represented the union at the ceremony. A native of Calais, Maine, Shannon is a 1982 graduate of Maine Maritime Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nautical Science, and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program. The admiral attended the Naval War College and received a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in March 1998. Shannon became MSC’s 26th commander following his last tour of duty as commander, Carrier Strike Group One in San Diego, Calif. The admiral’s at-sea assignments include tours aboard USS Jack Williams, USS Nicholson and USS Boone. His afloat staff duty includes chief staff officer in Destroyer Squadron 14 and surface operations officer in Cruiser Destroyer Group 12. He was also commanding officer of USS De Wert, commanding officer of USS Vicksburg and air defense commander for the John F. Kennedy Battle Group. The admiral’s military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service medals and unit awards. “Thank you for your trust in me and my ability to lead this critical command,” said Rear Adm. Shannon during his address to those who attended ceremony. “I am passionate about our important mission, I am honored and humbled by your trust, and will strive constantly to deserve it.” Admiral Buzby, a native of Atlantic City, N.J., assumed command of MSC in Oct. 2009 and ensured ready logistics support for carrier strike groups, expeditionary strike groups and ground force commanders operating forward every day. 6 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG_X.indd 6 Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon (left) and Rear Adm. Mark Buzby congratulate each other during a change of command ceremony aboard the USNS Spearhead (JSHV 1). Shannon relieved Buzby as commander, Military Sealift Command. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jesse A. Hyatt) While under Buzby’s command, MSC ships – many crewed by SIU members – delivered services, supplies and equipment to all branches of the U.S. military and their combatant commanders around the world, including support to Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Unified Response in Haiti (2010) and Tomodachi in Japan (2011). He also led the command through a worldwide reorganization, “One MSC,” that streamlined operations, eliminated duplication and improved efficiency – ultimately saving the Navy millions in personnel costs over the next 10 years. MSC also supported the successful planning and conversion of USS Ponce to an interim afloat forward staging base in 2012 and accepted delivery of the remaining T-AKE class, a new missile range instrumentation vessel and the first-ever joint high-speed vessel (USNS Spearhead) on-time and on-budget during Buzby’s tenure. “It’s been an honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve as the commander of MSC and represent this team of sailors, civilian mariners, and shore-based civil ser- vants who are truly the lifeline of support for our Navy and military worldwide,” said Admiral Buzby. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) is pictured with Gen. William Fraser III, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, at the ceremony near Norfolk, Va. “There is no such thing as a Democratic or Republican road, bridge, port, air field or rail system,” Foxx said. “We must work together across party lines to enhance this nation’s infrastructure.” Maritime Community Raises Casualty Report Concerns The international maritime community is raising concerns about the failure of certain flag states to submit reports on maritime casualties that are required by international conventions. In a joint submission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) called on the IMO to consider the issue at its next Maritime Safety Commission meeting in June. The IMO is an agency within the United Nations that addresses safety and security within the international maritime community. ITF Acting General Secretary Stephen Cotton said the issue is of grave importance, adding a lack of casualty reporting by some flag states could endanger mariners in the future. “The lack of investigation and accident reports hinders the development of appropriate measures by the IMO to address the cause of serious accidents in which seafarers may have lost their lives,” Cottons aid. ICS Secretary General Peter Hinchliffe added, “It also frustrates efforts by ship operators to learn from the reports and to amend or develop new procedures, or implement other measures to prevent or mitigate similar future accidents.” Vessels are required by various maritime conventions – including the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) – to submit reports following a “very serious marine casualty.” Those situations include a death, the loss of a ship or severe damage to the environment. Under SOLAS, maritime administrations undertake investigations into any casualties occurring to ships under their flag and supply the IMO with information on the findings of those investigations. A high-profile example of the casualty reporting problem could be seen recently with the case of the cruise ship Costa Concordia in Italy. Thirty-two people were killed in January 2012 when the ship hit a reef off the shore of Tuscany, Italy. While flag states are required to submit casualty reports within one year, Italy is set to submit its final report on the Concordia 18 months after the incident. The ITF and ICS have emphasized giving greater consideration to what could be considered a “very serious marine casualty” and how much latitude certain flag states have in determining if the results of an investigation should be handed over to the IMO. June 2013 5/28/2013 10:55:12 AM �Washington Urged to Support Merchant Marine Support for the U.S. Merchant Marine is swelling in Washington, D.C., as lawmakers and other leaders are reminded of how important the American fleet is to the country’s national and economic security. In letters to Congressional leaders and editorials in Washington newspapers, powerful supporters of the U.S. Merchant Marine are rejecting proposed cuts and changes to key maritime programs and legislation. From protecting the country’s Food for Peace initiative and the Jones Act, to fighting against proposed cuts to the Maritime Security Program (MSP), the maritime industry’s prominent allies are working to make sure the U.S.-flag fleet continues to receive the support it deserves. One of the most vocal allies was House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.). In an editorial appearing in the Washington Times, Hunter emphasized the need to support the MSP and the Jones Act. The Jones Act helps ensure there’s an available U.S. merchant fleet and reliable U.S. mariners by stipulating that only vessels built, flagged, owned and crewed American transport goods between American ports. The MSP, meanwhile, provides operational support to 60 militarily useful ships that enable them to meet the country’s national security needs. Not supporting these programs, Hunter wrote, would be detrimental to the country especially as tensions remain high between the United States and North Korea in the Pacific. “The fewer number of commercial vessels that are available to supplement military transport add to the strain of an already reduced and undersized naval fleet. With emerging threats to the Pacific, the support provided through the Maritime Security Program is essential,” he wrote. “In continuing the program, Congress must look ahead and consider policies that support the growth of the U.S. fleet to alleviate pressure on limited naval resources.” Hunter went on to discuss the economic importance of the U.S.-flag fleet. “Equally important, the U.S. domestic fleet carries more than a billion tons in cargo each year and contributes $100 billion in economic output. The fleet is U.S. owned, U.S. built and U.S. crewed, carrying grains, coal, iron ore, limestone and petroleum through inland waterways, across the Great Lakes and along the coasts,” he wrote. “The fleet consists of 40,000-plus tankers, barges, tugboats and offshore support vessels, many of which have been owned by family businesses that have been in the maritime industry for decades.” Another prominent industry ally – the Navy League of the United States – took on the Obama administration’s proposed changes to the nation’s Food for Peace program and urged Congressional leaders to reject those changes as well. Food for Peace, which ships American-grown food on American-crewed vessels to countries in need, has been a vital tool of American diplomacy and national defense, and currently helps sustain more than 44,000 American jobs. Under the administration’s proposed 2014 budget, the program would essentially be dismantled. “The proposed elimination of this important program will significantly undermine the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine and our national defense sealift capability,” wrote the Navy League in a letter to leaders in both the House and Senate. “The United States Merchant Marine has been a necessary part of our national independence of action since the founding of our nation.” The Navy League added the U.S. Merchant Marine has been especially important in recent years. More than 95 percent of the cargoes shipped to support the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq during the last 10 years were carried on U.S.-flag commercial and government ships crewed by American mariners. “Because we can rely upon the U.S.-flag commercial Union’s New Clinic System Offers More Convenience “Our new clinic system continues to move forward,” said Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “With each passing day, glitches and obstacles are becoming an exception. Once we overcome these isolated impediments which naturally occur when a project of this magnitude is implemented, the membership will benefit greatly from the flexibility these new services will afford them.” Tricker emphasized that while the new system is not yet operating at peak efficiency, members can take certain steps that would enhance the entire operation. These include: n Starting the process early. You are able to request services 60 days prior to the expiration of your current clinic card. You can initiate the services by contacting your local port. In the near future you will be able to start the process by ordering the services through your Member Portal account. You no longer need paperwork issued by the port to take to the clinic, so you don’t have to be onsite to start the process. n Allowing the process to work. After requesting services please wait 24 hours for CHSi to contact you. Seafarers have been contacting CHSi directly right away, which means that the CHSi schedulers have to stop the normal The SIU and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) earlier this year entered into an agreement with Cape Canaveral, Fla.-based Comprehensive Health Services (CHSi) to provide members with a more extensive network for clinic services. CHSi’s larger network almost always offers members access to clinics closer to their homes for annual exams, functional capacity evaluations and interval exams. According to union and plan officials, although some difficulties have been identified with the new system, resounding positive feedback continues to be registered by the rank-and-file membership. Talkin’ Maritime with U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz A meeting between representatives from the South Florida labor community and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) (left) took place April 29 in Miami, at a local Sheet Metal Workers hall. SIU Ft. Lauderdale Port Agent Kris Hopkins (right) took the opportunity to mention to the congresswoman how important America’s Food for Peace program is to both the U.S. Merchant Marine and working families, in addition to boosting international relations. Wasserman Schultz serves on the House Appropriations Committee and on the on State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee. June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 7 Pictured at a recent gathering in Washington, D.C., are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, Rep. Duncan Hunter (D-Calif.) and SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. fleet, our nation achieves significant savings by not having to replicate those 100 commercial ships in international trade and 11,500 mariners with federal assets,” the Navy League wrote. “To recreate the capacity it obtains from the U.S.-flag commercial industry, the Department of Defense would have to incur an additional $9 billion in capital costs and $1 billion in annual operating costs.” Those savings, the Navy League wrote, more than make up for the costs of continuing the Food for Peace program. “Leveraging the private fleet is a good deal for the taxpayer, and certainly offsets any putative savings to be achieved under the administration’s proposed (Food for Peace) elimination scheme,” the Navy League wrote. order of things and put you ahead of Seafarers that have been waiting to be contacted. This causes the whole system to back up. CHSi had been experiencing a delay of three days in scheduling exams. In response they have added staff and are current in these communications. n Trying to stick with your scheduled appointment. The flexibility that is offered by the expanded network allows for you to have services in a variety of locations. Please plan accordingly, keeping in mind that the entire process of scheduling exams through the return of your medical clearance takes between one to two weeks. n Expedited exams should be rare. The system as it is designed provides a larger network as well as consistency and quality of exams. In order to achieve these goals it requires central routing of requests and medical records. If you truly have a need for an expedited exam it is best to work with your port official and our medical department to get your needs met. “We will continue to monitor and adjust the process as we move along to make it work as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Tricker said. “In the meantime we ask for the continued patience and support of our entire membership.” Kudos to Intrepid’s Steward Dept. Vessel Master Kyle J. Hamill of the Sea-Land Intrepid said in a recent message to the LOG that the ship’s steward department “has gone above and beyond in their duties. They have all put in the extra effort to provide a high level of food service to the crew and have worked hard to maintain a high standard of appearance in their work space. They are all good shipmates, creating a friendly and welcoming environment during meal times and their positive attitudes are appreciated by all on board.” Pictured from left to right are Chief Cook Thalis Ealy, SA Jennie Recaido and Recertified Steward Roderick Clay. The Seafarers also recently earned a cash award as part of vessel operator Maersk Line, Limited’s ongoing safety program. Seafarers LOG 7 5/24/2013 2:02:54 PM �Coast Guard Approves Piney Point STCW Courses Paul Hall Center Stays Ahead of Upcoming Training Requirements The path to rewarding maritime careers looks smoother for entry-level students at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., following recent course approvals from the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC). The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) is believed to be the first school to receive NMC approval for courses leading to (respectively) the new able seafarerdeck and able seafarer-engine endorsements. Those endorsements stem from the most recent amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, abbreviated as STCW. The amendments commonly are called the Manila amendments; they were approved by signatory nations, including the U.S., in 2010. The course approvals are especially important to individuals entering the industry beginning July 1. Without acquiring assessments or passing approved curriculums, it will be much more difficult to ac- quire the able seafarer-deck (AS-D) or able seafarer-engine (AS-E) ratings, noted J.C. Wiegman, director of training at the PHC. “The benefits are really for newcomers at this point,” Wiegman stated. “Most current mariners will be grandfathered to meet the requirements for sailing on international voyages as they renew their documents, and they have until the year 2017 to comply anyway. That’s part of the transitional provisions of the Manila amendments. But if you’re just getting started, going through our apprentice program is the way to go.” The 2010 amendments establish new endorsements and revise other existing endorsements, according to the Coast Guard. The AS-D endorsement requires additional training and assessments, while AS-E also requires some additional assessments. The training and assessments are included in the newly approved courses. In order to help meet the requirements for the new ratings, the PHC has modified parts of several classes including ratings forming part of a navigational watch (RFPNW), tanker-dangerous liquids, ABlimited, social responsibilities, and others. Hands-on training, already a staple of most classes at the southern Maryland campus, will become even more of a focal point. For example, the school has further incorporated maintenance of deck equipment and machinery, occupational health and safety precautions, pollution prevention, and shipboard maintenance and repair including hatch covers and increased awareness of bridge equipment. Meanwhile, according to the applicable Coast Guard policy letter, current mariners may be considered to have qualified for the AS-D endorsement if they have served as AB or RFPNW for at least 12 months within the 60 months prior to application for the endorsement, or if they already hold an endorsement as AB-Any Waters/Unlimited, or AB-Limited and also hold or qualify for STCW endorsements as RFPNW (without a restriction to lookout duties only) and proficiency in survival craft, proficiency in survival craft-limited, and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats. Mariners holding AB-Special endorsements may qualify for the AS-D endorsement as long as they have accumulated six or 12 months of additional sea service, depending on certain variables. Similarly, mariners may be considered to have qualified for the AS-E endorsement if they have served as any QMED or as a rating forming part of an engineering watch (RFPEW) for at least 12 months within the 60 months prior to application for the endorsement, or if they hold or qualify for a QMED endorsement as an engineman or deck engine mechanic and also hold or qualify for STCW endorsements as RFPEW. Again, mariners who started sailing prior to July 1 of this year (and who remain current on their documents) have several years before they must comply with the requirements for these new ratings, and most will be able to secure the new endorsements simply by showing proof of relevant sea time when they renew their documents. Members Receive Union Books in Piney Point In recent months, a number of SIU members picked up their respective B-seniority membership books at the union hall in Piney Point, Md. Some of those Seafarers are pictured here. Additional photos of book presentations in Piney Point will be published in upcoming issues of the LOG. Laurence Valerio, Port Agent Pat Vandegrift Mark Santoli, Pat Vandegrift 8 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 8 Troy Smith, Pat Vandegrift Joshua Hammons, Russell Bravo, Mana Muhsen Maximo Aguiran, Pat Vandegrift Lamond Fulton, Pat Vandegrift Sheryl Farmer, Pat Vandegrift, Kevin Hunt June 2013 5/24/2013 2:02:58 PM �Among those pictured are: OS Rob Marcel, ACP Edwin Salada, AB Steve Fuentes, AB Brandon Simken, EGRM James Crosby, Recertified Bosun Rene Govico, ACP Jose Salaga, ACP Leo Malolos, AB Bill Carney, AB Gary Hunt, AB Roland Dinong, ACP Remy Pao, OS Dominador Hugo, AB Frank Estupinan, AB Rudy Antonio, ACP Leo Viernes, OS Dominador Diaz, OS Sam Javier and EGRM Sure Anitak. The Pride of America docks in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Seafarers Ably Crew The Pride of America Seafarers aboard NCL America’s Pride of America sent in these photos of the SIU crew aboard the only deep-sea U.S.-flag cruise ship. During a mid-March meeting aboard the ship, which sails around the Hawaiian Islands, mariners discussed the importance of supporting SPAD (the union’s voluntary political action fund) and upgrading at the SIU-affiliated schools in Honolulu and Piney Point, Md. From left in photo at left are OS Dominador Diaz, AB Steve Fuentes, Recertified Bosun Rene Govico and OS Alan Boiser. Pictured in the photo directly below (from left) are AB Florito Alegado, Recertified Bosun Rene Govico and AB Roland Dinong. Pride of America tenders are pictured in Kona. From left: Unlicensed Apprentice Cody Kingsford, Recertified Bosun Rene Govico and Unlicensed Apprentice Joshua Rawls. Recertified Bosun Rene Govico enjoying time off. Aboard the Horizon Producer AB Quintin Herrera June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 9 Recertified Steward Kristin Krause, AB Kendra Savage Seafarers including UA Anthony Ellison enjoy the spoils of some offtime fishing. Seafarers LOG 9 5/24/2013 2:03:01 PM �Inaugural Seafarers Watrerfront Classic Sponsors’ Generosity Yields Huge Dividends Classic Benefits Wounded Warrior Anglers, Helps Improve Training Environment at PHC I deal weather and aggressive fish translated into a banner day for anglers who put their skills to the test during the inaugural Seafarers Waterfront Classic. Held April 24 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Md., the event, which benefitted the Wounded Warrior Anglers of America and the Paul Hall Center Waterfront Project, was a huge success. Nearly all of the participants—96 in all who fished from 11 boats—landed their legal limits of their quarry for the day (Striped Bass, AKA Rock Fish). Many catches tipped the scales in excess of 25 pounds and measured well over the minimum legal limit of 28 inches. As a group, the anglers landed 76 fish with a combined weight of 1,600 pounds. The angler of the day, the fisherman who landed the largest Striped Bass, was Simeon Taylor. Fishing from aboard the Miss Evelyn, Taylor reeled in his award winning catch which tipped the scales at 38.40 pounds. Each of the 11 boats ferried designated angler teams to their respective fishing locations. Each team was comprised of at least one sponsored operator, union official and wounded warrior angler. This composition was done by design, according to SIU VP Contract George Tricker, who served as the classic’s chairman. “Our intent was to promote brotherhood, fellowship, and camaraderie among participants in an effort honor those who served our country so proudly,” he said. “That pairing proved to be highly productive as evidenced by the number of fish that were caught, the trophies that were awarded and the smiles that were etched on the faces of the anglers. “It was a tremendous tournament,” Tricker continued. “We realized all of fundraising goals and in the process fostered what promises to be a long-lasting bond of friendship between the Paul Hall Center and the Wounded Warrior Anglers of America. We also managed to get off to a good start in paying down the debt for the beautiful new waterfront that accents the Paul Hall Center, a resource that will train merchant mariners for decades to come.” When asked about the classic’s future, Tricker was matter-of-fact. “Based on the feedback I have received so far from our contracted operators, our allies from the Wounded Warrior Anglers (who sent a letter of appreciation to SIU President Michael Sacco) and other participants, the classic is destined to become an annual event that will benefit all concerned,” he said. VP Contracts George Tricker (left) served as chairman, Seafarers Waterfront Classic. With Tricker is Phillip W.J. Fisher, chairman, Seafarers Waterfront Project. SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (photo inset above) sends anglers on their way. One of the classic’s teams shows off a portion of their catch for the day (photo above), while SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (photo at immediate right) look on. Marine Master Sgt. Paul Starner of the Wounded Warrior Anglers places his catch on the scales for weigh-in. 10 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG_X.indd 10 Beverly Watkins records the particulars of an angler’s catch on the classic’s big board. Simeon Taylor poses with catch of 38.40 pounds, the classic’s largest fish. June 2013 5/28/2013 10:55:20 AM �Inaugural Seafarers Watrerfront Classic Ed Hanley, vice president, Labor Relations, Maersk Line, Limited. Hanley served as co-chairman of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic and was a company sponsor. SIU VP Great Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski Dependent Jake Senatore David Aud (left) and David Hammett perform the unenviable task of filleting the 1,600 pounds of fish (some of which are pictured in the photo at left) caught by anglers during the classic. Preparing some of the catch for the fish fry/awards banquet (photo at right) is Chief Steward Upgrader Vincent Igneri. President Sacco addressed classic participants during the fish fry/award banquet. Tournament Winner Simeon Taylor Members of the Wounded Warrior Anglers of America joined union officials and classic organizers for the photo above during the classic’s award banquet. Pictured from left to right are Phillip W.J. Fisher, chairman, Seafarers Waterfront Project, Damian Bunting, Rudy Wilson, SIU President Michael Sacco, Natalie Sayles, MSgt. Paul Starner, James Villa and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, who served as chairman of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic. Not pictured but present at the classic is Wounded Warrior Angler Jason Gorton. Company Sponsor John Mason (left) and VP Tricker The Maersk Line, Limited team claimed honors for the largest catch (team) award. Pictured above (from left) are: Wayne Solomon, MSgt. Paul Starner of the Wounded Warrior Anglers, Matt Frank, Rolf Pedersen, Ed Hanley, VP Tricker, Dennis Houghton and Sean Kline. June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG_X.indd 11 SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left) poses with his son, David Heindel Jr. Seafarers LOG 11 5/28/2013 10:55:28 AM �SIU President Michael Sacco (left), SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, MTD Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan and (sixth from left) SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon Commander, Military Sealift Command Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek Director, Defense Logistics Agency U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.) Nation Honors Merchant Mariners The nation’s capital paused May 22 to honor the bravery and dedication of the U.S. Merchant Marine in a pair of ceremonies celebrating National Maritime Day. The events took place at the Department of Transportation and featured the heads of the Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration, among other high-ranking Washington leaders. SIU headquarters officials were also present, as were several dozen trainees from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The audience, which included SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Vice President Contracts George Tricker, heard from keynote speaker Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and several other officials about the storied history of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the possibilities for its future. “I want to thank each one of you for being here today and supporting the maritime industry – one of the strongest industries in our economy, one of the strongest industries in America,” LaHood said. While the history of the merchant marine was celebrated throughout the day, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) used his speech to address the current challenges facing the U.S.-flag fleet and called on Washington to implement policies to strengthen its future. “The Jones Act continues to come under attack by critics, despite the fact that Jones Act trades constitute a substantial component of U.S. shipyard activity, which as everyone here knows, is a necessity to maintain our national defense capability,” he said. “Cargo preference requirements continue to be whittled away, if not ignored, by federal agencies as if these requirements were a hindrance and not the law of the land.” Under the Jones Act, all cargo shipped between American ports is required to travel on American-built, U.S.-flag vessels crewed by American citizens. Cargo preference, which guarantees a certain percentage of U.S.produced aid, such as food, water, and medical supplies, is shipped on U.S.-flag vessels, was recently cut by Congress in a last-minute back-room deal related to a transportation bill. Garamendi, who is the ranking member on the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, said that attacking those key maritime programs could only hurt the country’s economy and national security. “Not only does this reduce the number of job opportunities for U.S. seafarers, it denies important cargoes to U.S. carriers, which also provide invaluable sealift capabilities when our armed forces are deployed abroad,” he said. “We should take steps to enhance and grow cargoes for American ships.” Garamendi added that Maritime Day would be the perfect beginning for an effort dedicated to strengthening the U.S. Merchant Marine and preserving the country’s sealift capability. “This year we would be wise to examine how we can reinvigorate the U.S.-flagged fleet, what we might do to rebuild and expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity and what we can do to ensure that American maritime transportation remains prominent in the discussion of our national freight policy,” he said. Vice Adm. Mark D. Harnitchek, director of the Defense Logistics Agency, could certainly attest to the importance of U.S. Merchant Mariners to the armed forces. He spent much of his speech discussing the important role the U.S. merchant fleet plays in hauling much-needed supplies to soldiers in battle zones. “It’s not just about the machines, it’s about the capability. And the capability you guys bring to the fight is eye-watering and awe-inspiring,” he said. “I sleep very well at night knowing that we can give you guys a mission and you’ll somehow figure it out.” Harnitchek added the benefits of the U.S. Merchant Marine were monetary as well. The services provided by merchant mariners for 12 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG_X.indd 12-13 President Obama Issues Proclamation For 2013 Maritime Day Through every chapter of the American story, ordinary men and women have accomplished extraordinary things as members of the United States Merchant Marine. When the idea of America depended on the success of a revolution, mariners took on the world’s most powerful navy and helped secure our future as a sovereign Nation. In the decades since, they have sustained critical supply lines for our troops abroad – at times enduring profound losses to keep our sea lanes open. And through war and peace alike, the Merchant Marine has driven our economic growth by shipping our products all around the world. On National Maritime Day, we honor the generations of mariners who have served and sacrificed to make our country what it is today. To keep America moving forward in the 21st century, we need to expand trade and commerce that creates good jobs for our people. Businesses in every corner of our country are stepping up to meet that challenge, ramping up manufacturing and selling more goods and services overseas. As they do, our Merchant Marine is making sure our products get wherever they need to go -- from ports here at home to new markets halfway across the globe. Their work is essential to growing our economy, and my Administration remains committed to getting our mariners the support they need to carry out their mission. Whether equipping our service members in the theater of war or guiding our maritime industry in the calm of peace, the United States Merchant Marine has helped keep America strong for more than two centuries. Let us mark this day by reflecting on that legacy of service, honoring the men and women who forged it, and saluting the proud mariners who carry it forward today. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2013, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh. Continued on Page 14 Posing with the Maritime Day Wreath (left to right) are U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.), U.S. Maritime Administrator David Matsuda, Unlicensed Apprentice William Russell, PO1 Brian Panelo, Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon, commander, Military Sealift Command and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Honorable Ray LaHood Secretary of Transportation The 2013 National Maritime Day Observance at the U.S. Department of Transportation was attended by more than 100 people (large group photo above) from various segments of the U.S. maritime community. Key segments of the observance included the ringing of Eight Bells by Unlicensed Apprentice Edward Grant ( directly above), the playing of Taps by MU1 Brandon Almargo of the U.S. Navy Band (center photo) and the Retiring of the Colors by members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard (right). June 2013 June 2013 BARACK OBAMA Seafarers LOG 13 5/28/2013 11:18:41 AM �Gen. William Fraser III Commander, TRANSCOM Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon, commander, Military Sealift Command (right) and Deputy Maritime Administrator Chip Jaenichen participate in a rousing round of applause that was directed to a contingent of unlicensed apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center who participated in the Maritime Day Ceremony. Nation’s Capital Honors Merchant Marine Continued from Page 12 the military would cost the government several billions of dollars to reproduce on its own. “As far as I’m concerned, this is about the best bottom line you could ask for,” he said. Honoring merchant mariners who have helped the country throughout the years, MSC Commander Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon presented a special wreath during the ceremony bearing the names of more than 400 retired and active mariners who had died in the past year. Shannon singled out several of the mari- Rear Adm. Wendi Carpenter President, SUNY Maritime College ners listed, including GUDE Mike Andrucovici of the SIU. “Great merchant mariners like Brother Mike … have contributed to our prosperity, security and independence since 1776,” Shannon said. “Today, they still move combat equipment in support of our brave men and women on the ground in a dangerous country called Afghanistan.” Following Shannon’s speech, Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Michael Pinnisi was among those tending the wreath, while fellow Unlicensed Apprentice Edward Grant rang eight bells in honor of the departed mariners. While merchant mariners were celebrated for their wartime reliability, SUNY Maritime College President Rear Adm. Wendi Carpenter reminded the audience of the good American mariners do during times of domestic crisis. In the wake of the devastation brought on by Hurricane Sandy late last year, SUNY Maritime College served as a staging ground for relief and recovery workers in the New York Area. The SIU-crewed ships SS Wright, TS Kennedy and TS Empire State were part of that effort, housing and feeding recovery workers for several weeks after the storm. Carpenter, meanwhile, said such actions are the hallmark of the U.S. Merchant Marine. “The spirit of the mariner is one of service,” she said. “Teamwork and that dedication to service know no boundaries.” Other speakers at the Maritime Day celebrations included Maritime Administrator David Matsuda, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent Rear Adm. Jim Helis and FEMA National Capital Region Director Steward Beckham. Rear Adm. Joseph Servidio, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (DCalif.) and SIU President Michael Sacco. 14 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG_X.indd 14 Union Explains Importance Of Key Maritime Programs Continued from Page 3 mendi (D-Calif.), said they wanted the hearing to help Congress determine what it could do to help these programs. Addressing the witnesses, Garamendi said the programs currently on the books do much to ensure the country maintains a strong merchant marine, though he added those programs need to be protected and supported by the government. “We really have all the elements of a strategic plan, they’re just not pulled together in a way that directs the U.S. government,” he said. “What else do we need to do?” Tellez responded that Congress could do a lot by simply strengthening and enforcing the programs that are currently in place and fending off future attacks. It would be helpful if Congress “really put some teeth into the laws that exist,” he said, adding that a longer-term approach and the support of emerging shipping technologies would have a significant impact. “Instead of looking at fiscal-year terms or even five-year terms, for the security of this nation and the security of the U.S. Merchant Marine, you have to look at 10- and 20-year terms.” Though each program represents a different component of a multi-faceted industry, they all serve to strengthen America’s national security by helping maintain a fleet of American vessels crewed by reliable American mariners. That was echoed by those testifying in the hearing, including Gen. William Fraser III, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). “The maintenance of a merchant marine is critical to our ability to meet the requirements we’ve laid out. They would man those ships for us in a time of emergency response,” Fraser said. “Our total force team of men and women, both military and civilian, are dedicated to providing reliable, seamless, logistical support to our war fighters and their families around the globe. USTRANSCOM could not accomplish this without the capability provided by the United States strategic sealift fleet and our steadfast merchant mariners.” Those on the commercial shipping side of maritime were equality emphatic about the importance of a strong merchant marine. Kirby Corporation CEO Joseph Pyne and NASSCO President Fred Harris said a viable fleet and manpower pool, and the knowledge that key maritime programs would stay in place, would help keep the country safe and Americans at work. MEBA President Mike Jewell also testified and echoed those sentiments. Spurred by the recent revelation by the Obama administration that its proposed 2014 budget would drastically diminish the country’s Food for Peace program, several committee members made it known that policy wouldn’t move forward without a fight. Providing more than 44,000 jobs to American mariners and other U.S. workers while also spreading American goodwill and saving lives around the world, the Food for Peace program has provided food to countries in need for nearly 60 years. It also boosts U.S. national security by ensuring American-flag ships are available with well-trained mariners on board. “The president’s restructuring of Food for Peace will eliminate a vital program for our farmers, put U.S. mariners out of work, and undermine our national security by cutting the domestic sealift capacity on which our military depends,” Hunter said. “I hope my colleagues will join me in rejecting this misguided proposal.” They did. Rep. Janice Hahn (D-Calif.), for one, said the maritime industry’s recent “Sail-In” event – which focused on educating members of Congress on maritime issues – would help fend off the attacks on Food for Peace and other programs. “We completely disagree with the administration’s attempt to restructure the Food for Peace Program,” she said. “I have serious concerns with what this could mean for our maritime workers.” June 2013 5/28/2013 10:55:34 AM �3 Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Issues Notice to Participants The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan reminds all participants that since January 1, 2011, the Plan has offered health coverage to children between the ages of 19 and 25, regardless of whether the child is a full-time student. Your child does not have to live with you or be supported by you to be eligible for coverage from the Plan; however, you must provide a notarized affidavit which certifies that your child does not have other health coverage. If your child is about to turn 19, you must send the Plan a completed Enrollment Form and Affidavit for Dependent Child in order to maintain your child’s cover- age. If the Plan does not receive this form by your child’s 19th birthday, your child will lose coverage from the Plan. Coverage will not be reinstated until the first of the month following the month in which the Plan receives the form. The Enrollment Form and Affidavit for Dependent Child is available at www.seafarers. org, under the Member Benefits Section. You must click on the link for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The Plan will also mail this form to you upon request. If you have any questions about the form or about enrolling your child, you may contact the Claims Department at 1-800252-4674. Personal Retiree John L. Gibbons Jr. Ellen Gibbons asks that you contact her concerning Richard Gibbons. She may be reached by phone at (347) 985-1124 or (347) 5814778. July & August 2013 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................................Monday: July 8, August 5 Algonac...................................................Friday: July 12, August 9 Baltimore.............................................Thursday: July 11, August 8 Guam.............................................Thursday: July 25, August 22 Honolulu...............................................Friday: July 19, August 16 Houston...............................................Monday: July 15, August 12 Jacksonville.......................................Thursday: July 11, August 8 Joliet................................................Thursday: July 18, August 15 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: July 17, August 14 New Orleans...........................................Tuesday: July16, August 13 New York.......................................Tuesday: July 9, August 6 Norfolk...............................................Thursday: July 11, August 8 Oakland...........................................Thursday: July 18, August 15 Philadelphia...................................Wednesday: July 10, August 7 Port Everglades................................Thursday: July 18, August 15 San Juan..............................................Thursday: July 11, August 8 St. Louis.................................................Friday: July 19, August 16 Tacoma..................................................Friday: July 26, August 23 Wilmington..............................................Monday: July 22, August 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention SEAFARERS SPAD FIGHTS SIU FOR YOU ! CONTRIBUTE TO THE SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April 16, 2013 - May 15, 2013 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 10 3 4 19 2 9 52 33 3 11 15 46 24 21 2 4 5 37 4 25 329 6 1 7 15 2 8 12 27 4 6 2 15 21 10 5 1 4 11 0 22 179 0 0 3 2 0 2 2 4 2 3 2 3 5 1 2 0 1 5 0 2 39 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu6 Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 8 8 1 2 15 22 2 4 1 13 8 11 1 2 1 20 0 7 130 3 1 7 6 1 0 6 15 0 2 1 7 9 0 1 4 6 5 2 10 88 2 0 2 4 0 4 1 1 0 1 0 3 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 21 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 6 10 0 9 25 20 1 3 5 13 12 33 0 4 1 18 1 25 186 2 1 1 0 0 3 2 7 2 0 2 7 4 3 0 3 0 3 1 3 44 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 1 1 0 0 4 0 0 1 3 1 0 4 1 0 1 2 0 4 24 GRAND TOTAL: 669 Total Shipped All Groups A B C Deck Department 6 7 1 0 4 3 11 8 2 2 7 0 38 13 36 18 2 5 8 2 11 0 39 21 17 26 18 8 1 5 1 0 6 4 24 7 2 3 26 17 260 149 1 1 2 2 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 7 0 1 0 1 1 0 3 25 Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C 1 2 1 11 0 1 24 25 0 3 8 25 14 11 3 0 6 14 1 11 161 10 3 8 29 4 31 90 60 1 20 21 73 31 36 5 3 10 69 4 64 572 6 1 9 23 3 12 20 42 1 6 4 20 31 16 3 3 8 25 1 35 269 1 2 2 6 0 1 3 7 2 4 4 5 7 1 2 0 4 8 2 7 68 Engine Department 0 2 1 0 1 0 5 2 0 4 3 2 1 0 0 5 1 1 13 8 2 20 11 2 0 3 1 6 2 2 1 1 0 13 6 0 9 9 2 6 4 1 2 1 0 0 2 0 3 1 0 9 9 2 0 0 0 9 13 1 105 83 17 1 0 1 2 0 12 11 12 2 1 1 3 3 3 1 1 3 6 0 3 55 0 0 8 14 1 9 28 37 2 6 7 29 18 16 3 3 2 30 4 18 238 5 0 8 10 1 1 15 33 2 5 2 18 21 9 3 4 11 11 3 37 207 2 0 4 3 0 1 4 0 2 0 3 3 5 4 0 0 2 1 6 41 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 Steward Department 1 1 2 0 1 0 4 0 0 5 3 1 0 0 0 7 2 0 20 4 2 16 5 0 2 1 2 2 0 0 3 0 2 17 6 0 11 6 0 13 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 14 0 0 2 0 0 19 5 0 139 40 10 1 0 3 5 0 1 6 6 1 0 1 6 8 6 1 0 1 5 0 8 59 0 0 4 21 1 24 32 34 0 6 8 23 25 30 4 4 4 33 3 43 299 1 0 3 3 1 7 6 8 2 2 3 13 12 5 0 2 1 6 1 8 84 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 2 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 21 9 0 0 8 1 7 8 15 0 2 3 19 13 15 0 3 0 7 1 13 124 13 0 2 1 0 7 6 8 0 2 2 7 18 10 1 1 0 3 0 10 91 Entry Department 1 3 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 1 6 1 0 0 0 3 5 3 2 5 2 2 10 4 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 12 5 0 12 9 1 3 5 0 3 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 6 3 0 0 0 2 11 7 19 82 43 1 0 0 2 0 1 5 2 0 0 0 2 3 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 22 3 0 1 1 0 2 8 2 0 1 4 3 0 5 1 0 1 11 0 9 52 13 0 2 12 1 11 15 16 0 2 4 37 23 22 1 3 0 22 1 34 219 24 0 2 6 0 15 11 21 4 3 3 30 39 11 1 2 1 8 0 40 221 435 161 297 1,161 779 351 523 354 95 Seafarers LOG 15 5/24/2013 2:50:06 PM �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by recent graduates of the Paul Hall Center’s steward recertification course. Question: What is one of the bigger changes you’ve noticed in the maritime industry since you first started sailing, and why have you stuck with this career? HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Recertified Steward Karl Meyer Recertified Steward Shirley Bellamy I’ve noticed quite a few changes, including technology – giving us access to our information and how the jobs are displayed. There is more focus on safety and also a better environment at the new hall in Jacksonville. Another change is the beautiful new waterfront at the Paul Hall Center. I’ve stayed with the job because it’s an honest profession and I’m part of an organization that works, not to mention it’s pretty good earnings. Recertified Steward Anthony Jacobson I started 20 years ago, and there’s no question that these days we are working much safer, with fewer lost-time accidents. I definitely believe this is a direct result of our training at the Paul Hall Center and the companies’ safety programs. I have been all over the world, worked on some really great ships and made quite a few friends over the years. Recertified Steward Cleto Lindong Today there is a lot more technology involved, compared to, say, 15 years ago. It seems like you can do everything via computer. I have stuck with it because I’ve gotten all the support I’ve ever needed for the job, especially all the benefits from our union. I also feel very blessed to have gotten into the steward recertification class. Recertified Steward Sean Richard Recertified Steward John Greubel One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed since joining the union in 1992 is the job growth, and also the upgrading (opportunities) available in Piney Point. I choose to stay in the maritime industry because it gave me a chance to travel and see parts of the world I only had read about in books or had seen on TV, and to make good money, too. I recommend anyone coming into this industry to focus on your job skills and the travel. The industry has changed as far as requirements for acceptance into it, and it has changed for the better when it comes to training and safety. Politics has become more important to our union and I think people understand their participation matters. Implementing the TWIC card system has changed security. The use of online services is great these days, for the Seafarers LOG and especially the member portal. I have been sailing with the SIU since 1992. The increase in overall requirements and regulations for individual seafarers and for other parts of the industry is a big change. I also see both the union and the operating companies taking a proactive approach to address the various changes that we encounter and to promote safety. My first job was cleaning ash trays and emptying garbage cans (on the cruise ship Independence). From that time on, the sea and the SIU became an inseparable part of my life. Pic-From-The-Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Supporting our troops has been an SIU tradition throughout the union’s 75-year history. In this 1990 photo, the SIU-crewed USNS Algol (right) sails for Saudi Arabia after loading cargo in Savannah, Ga., as part of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 16 June 2013 5/24/2013 2:03:31 PM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA WILLIAM BLEES Brother William Blees, 67, joined the union in 1991. He initially shipped on the USNS Kane. Brother Blees sailed in the steward department and upgraded on two occasions at the Piney Point school. His most recent ship was the Horizon Producer. Brother Blees calls Aguada, P.R., home. JOSE FELICIANO Brother Jose Feliciano, 66, signed on with the Seafarers in 1983. His first trip was aboard the USNS H.H. Hess; his most recent was on the Maersk Arkansas. In 1990, Brother Feliciano attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The former deck department member lives in Penuelas, P.R. GLORIA HOLMES Sister Gloria Holmes, 65, was born in Louisiana. She became an SIU member in 1978 while in San Francisco. Sister Holmes sailed in the steward department and frequently upgraded at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Her earliest trip was aboard the Santa Magdelena. Sister Holmes most recently shipped on the Charger. She settled in Mather, Calif. TRAVIS JEFFERSON Brother Travis Jefferson, 66, began his seafaring career in 1978. He originally shipped on the President Jefferson. Brother Jefferson sailed in the steward department. In 1995, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Jefferson’s most recent ship was the Horizon Anchorage. He makes his home in Seattle. ALVIN MAJOR Brother Alvin Major, 69, joined the SIU ranks in 1998. His earliest trip was aboard the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Major was born in Georgetown, Guyana. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Major enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed on the Cape Douglas. Brother Major resides in England. JOSE MANANDIC Brother Jose Manandic, 65, June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 17 donned the SIU colors in 1989. His first voyage was aboard the Independence; his most recent was on the APL Coral. Brother Manandic was a member of the steward department. He upgraded often at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Manandic was born in Honolulu and calls Las Vegas home. ALLEN MYREX Brother Allen Myrex, 87, joined the union in 1946. He initially sailed with Liberty Navigation Trading Company. Brother Myrex was a member of the deck department. He last worked on the Venture. Brother Myrex makes his home in Silver Hill, Ala. JOSE ORSORTO Brother Jose Orsorto, 65, started his SIU career in 2006 while in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He is a native of Honduras. Brother Orsorto initially shipped on the Pride of America. The engine department member’s most recent trip was aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger. Brother Orsorto settled in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. DANIEL PAYNE Brother Daniel Payne, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1990 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. As a member of steward department, Brother Payne upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He first sailed on the USNS H.H. Hess. Brother Payne’s most recent trip was aboard the Liberty Promise. He is a resident of Simonton, Texas. ROBERT PIMENTEL Brother Robert Pimentel, 65, became a union member in 1966. His earliest trip to sea was aboard a Victory Carriers Inc. vessel. Brother Pimentel sailed in the steward department. His most recent ship was the Manulani. Brother Pimentel settled in San Francisco. ROBERT STENEHJEM Brother Robert Stenehjem, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1979 while in Honolulu. He originally worked on the Aleutian Developer. Brother Stenehjem upgraded in 1996 at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent trip was aboard the Tacoma. The deck department member lives in Seattle. ERNESTO VILLANUEVA WOODROW PEAVY Brother Ernesto Villanueva, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1979. His first ship was the Kopaa; his most recent was the APL Singapore. In 2002, Brother Villanueva attended classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Villanueva was born in Philippines and calls San Francisco home. Brother Woodrow Peavy, 66, was born in Alabama. He signed on with the union in 1974. Brother Peavy primarily sailed on vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Company. He makes his home in Little River, Ala. VAN WATLER Brother Van Watler, 70, began his seafaring career in 1993. He enhanced his skills in 2001 at the Piney Point school. Brother Watler worked in the engine department. His most recent trip was on the Pelican State. Brother Watler resides in Garden, Fla. INLAND TERRY LEJEUNE Brother Terry Lejeune, 50, signed on with the SIU in 1988 while in New Orleans. The deck department member primarily sailed with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Lejeune upgraded in 1998 and 2001 at the Piney Point school. He calls Jennings, La., home. GREAT LAKES attended classes at the Piney Point school. Brother Lewis’ most recent trip was aboard the Green Point. He calls South Daytona, Fla., home. THOMAS ROONEY ALAN MAURY Brother Alan Maury, 68, became a union member in 1974, originally sailing aboard the Harry Allen. He was a deck department member. Brother Maury upgraded on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent trip was on the John Boland. Brother Maury is a resident of Port Richey, Fla. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION Brother Thomas Rooney, 55, became an NMU member before the 2001 SIU/ NMU merger. He is a resident of Hull, Mass. JOHN SCHIRALDI Brother John Schiraldi, 65, joined the NMU in 1980. He makes his home in Kissimmee, Fla. WILLIAM WYLIE JESSE CHILES Brother Jesse Chiles, 65, was a steward department member. He last shipped on the Sgt. William R. Button. Brother Chiles lives in Bronx, N.Y. Brother William Wylie, 65, was an NMU member before the 2001 merger. He resides in Fairhaven, Mass. THOMAS LEWIS Brother Thomas Lewis, 65, was born in Connecticut. In 2001, he This Month In SIU History Editor’s note: The following items are reprinted from previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. 1941 The SS Robin Moor, an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-flag vessel to be sunk by the Germans. The crew was given 20 minutes by the German submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboats, and were approximately one mile from the ship, the German submarine then torpedoed the ship, sinking it. This action led to a demand, eventually carried out, that all American-flag ships be armed and supplied with gun crews. It also led to the union’s demand for higher bonuses and insurance. 1950 An agreement setting forth the terms under which the Seafarers Welfare Plan will operate was signed by a committee representing the bulk of the steamship companies under contract to the Atlantic & Gulf District. The signing cleared the way for the plan to begin functioning as the Bureau of Internal Revenue and National Labor Relations Board give their okays to the plan. The signing of the agreement brought a virtual end to negotiations which the Union Welfare Committee has had underway since December of last year, when the SIU-contracted companies signified their agreement to pay 25 cents per day for every SIU member employed aboard their ships. 1955 The new SIU family benefits for wives and children of Seafarers have gone into effect as of June 1. Already at least two Seafarer wives, one in Miami and another in Philadelphia, are known to have entered hospitals for surgery under the plan, and a number of inquiries have come into headquarters concerning other pending hospital cases. Meanwhile, all the necessary apparatus to handle claims and dispense information about the new benefits has been set up in headquarters and in the outports. It is anticipated the first claims coming in will be handled smoothly and with a minimum of delay. 1967 Addressing the almost 300 delegates and guests at the opening session of the 13th Biennial Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America, House Minority Leader Rep. Gerald Ford (R-Mich.) spoke of strengthening the merchant marine, adding that in the United States today “we lack both the ships and the manpower to respond adequately to international crisis.” Ford has been a vigorous critic of the Johnson Administration’s failure to protect maritime policy and is a leading advocate of an independent Federal Maritime Administration as a means of strengthening the American merchant marine and U.S. shipping. Seafarers LOG 17 5/24/2013 2:03:34 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA RONALD AMMAR Brother Ronald Ammar, 77, passed away Aug. 22. He joined the Seafarers in 1999 while in the port of New York. Brother Ammar initially sailed on the USNS Gordon. The engine department member was last employed aboard the Horizon Challenger. Brother Ammar called Patchohue, N.Y., home. SZE CHEN Pensioner Sze Chen, 100, died Sept. 22. Brother Chen became an SIU member in 1951. His first voyage was on the Steel Record. Brother Chen shipped in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 1977, he sailed aboard the Tampa. Brother Chen made his home in New York. CHARLES CURLEY Brother Charles Curley, 58, passed away Jan. 16. Born in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., he began sailing with the union in 1980. Brother Curley first sailed on the Del Oro. He was a steward department member. Brother Curley most recently shipped aboard the APL Agate. He was a resident of Gaston, N.C. EMANUEL DOUROUDOUS Pensioner Emanuel Douroudous, 74, died Nov. 27. Brother Douroudous started shipping with the SIU in 1970. His first vessel was Hudson Waterways’ Sea Del; his last, the Voyager. Brother Douroudous was born in Greece and shipped in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Thailand. KENNETH DUFRENE Pensioner Kenneth Dufrene, 68, passed away Dec. 12. Brother Dufrene first donned the SIU colors in 1979. The deck department member was born in Los Angeles. Brother Dufrene’s first trip was aboard the Overseas Chicago. His final ship was the USNS Bob Hope. Brother Dufrene became a pensioner in 2009. He lived in Springdale, Ark. JEFFREY FIELDS Brother Jeffrey Fields, 41, died Dec. 24. He signed on with the SIU in 1992. His earliest trip was on the Trader. Brother Fields was born in New Orleans. He last worked aboard the Sunshine State. Brother Fields was an engine department member. He continued to reside in Louisiana. EDWARD HANVEY Brother Edward Hanvey, 63, passed away Oct. 15. He started sailing with the union in 1991. Brother Hanvey initially sailed on the Overseas Valdez. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Hanvey most recently worked aboard the Maersk Michigan. He made his home in Newport News, Va. 18 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG_X.indd 18 WILLIAM HOLMES JAMES PEACOCK Pensioner William Holmes, 73, died Dec. 12. Brother Holmes was a New Jersey native. He joined the SIU in 1976 while in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Holmes first sailed with Ecological Steamship Company. The deck department member’s final trip was aboard AMSEA’s Lake. Brother Holmes started collecting his pension in 1995. He called Willingboro, N.J., home. Pensioner James Peacock, 72, died Oct. 18. Brother Peacock first donned the SIU colors in 1967 in New Orleans. He was a member of both the deck and steward departments. Brother Peacock’s first trip was with Pecos Transport Inc. His final ship was the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Peacock became a pensioner in 1999. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. WILLIAM JOSLIN Brother William Joslin, 71, passed away Sept. 24. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969. Brother Joslin initially worked on the Cosmos Mariner. He was born in Seattle. The engine department member last shipped on the North Star. Brother Joslin settled in Aberdeen, Wash. GEORGE KHULAGI Pensioner George Khulagi, 77, died Aug. 16. Brother Khulagi joined the union in 1969. He first sailed aboard the Ames Victory. Brother Khulagi was a member of both the deck and engine departments. Prior to his retirement in 2000, he shipped on the Venture. Brother Khulagi called New York home. ANTONIO KOTSIS Pensioner Antonio Kotsis, 92, passed away Nov. 1. Brother Kotsis became an SIU member in 1956. He sailed aboard the Steel Age early in his career. Brother Kotsis was born in Greece and worked in the deck department. His final trip was with Michigan Tankers. Brother Kotsis went on pension in 1981. He continued to reside in Greece. LARRY NICHOLSON Brother Larry Nicholson, 43, died Aug. 6. He started shipping with the union in 1988. Brother Nicholson originally sailed on the USNS Bartlett. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Nicholson last worked on the USNS Bob Hope. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. EDWARD O’CONNELL Pensioner Edward O’Connell, 89, passed away Nov. 23. Brother O’Connell signed on with the SIU in 1943 while in the port of New York. One of his earliest trips was on the Cornhusker State. Brother O’Connell was born in Rockport, Mass., and sailed in the deck department. Before his retirement in 1985, he worked aboard the HMI Dynachem. Brother O’Connell lived in Salem, Mass. ROSCOE RAINWATER Pensioner Roscoe Rainwater, 85, passed away Dec. 12. Brother Rainwater was an Alabama native. He joined the union in 1946 and sailed with Waterman Steamship Corporation. Brother Rainwater worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Leader. Brother Rainwater started collecting his pension in 1989. He called Leeds, Ala., home. JOHN RODE Pensioner John Rode, 75, died Oct. 11. Brother Rode began shipping with the union in 1957. He initially worked aboard the Fairport. Brother Rode sailed in the engine department. His final trip was on the Panama. Brother Rode retired in 2002 and made his home in Baltimore. WINDELL SAUNDERS Pensioner Windell Saunders, 85, passed away Aug. 21. Brother Saunders became an SIU member in 1962. He originally sailed aboard the Hastings. Brother Saunders worked in the steward department. His last voyage was on the Long Lines. Brother Saunders went on pension in 1992. He lived in Baltimore. CARL THOMPSON Pensioner Carl Thompson, 69, died Nov. 4. Brother Thompson signed on with the Seafarers in 1960. His earliest trip was aboard the Ogden Challenger. Brother Thompson was a steward department member. He started collecting his pension in 2008. Brother Thompson lived in Semmes, Ala. MARK TREPP Pensioner Mark Trepp, 61, passed away Jan. 28. Born in Cleveland, Brother Trepp joined the union in 1977. He first sailed aboard the Saginaw Bay. Brother Trepp was a deck department member. Prior to his retirement in 2009, he shipped on the Cape Ducato. Brother Trepp called Hernando, Fla., home. JOHN WALLACK Pensioner John Wallack, 85, died Oct. 3. Brother Wallack became an SIU member in 1953. He first sailed with Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Wallack last shipped aboard the OMI Wabash. The deck department member went on pension in 1991 and resided in Maine. ANDREW WITKOWICKI Brother Andrew Witkowicki, 59, passed away Sept. 3. He donned the SIU colors in 1973 while in New York. Brother Witkowicki initially sailed with Maritime Operations Inc. He was born in Poland and shipped in the engine department. Brother Witkowicki’s final trip was on the Advantage. He made his home in Barnegat, N.J. INLAND ANTHONY DECICCO Brother Anthony DeCicco, 46, died Dec. 25. Brother Decicco began shipping with the union in 1991. A member of the deck department, he initially sailed in the deep sea division aboard the LNG Aquarius. Brother DeCicco’s final trip was aboard the Integrity. He resided in Cape Cod, Mass. WILLIAM DIZE Pensioner William Dize, 64, passed away Sept. 8. Brother Dize was a Virginia native. He joined the SIU in 1986 and sailed with the Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. Brother Dize started collecting his pension in 2008. He called Ewell, Md., home. ROBERT ELIA Pensioner Robert Elia, 84, died Sept. 20. Brother Elia began sailing with the union in 1973. He originally worked with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Elia was a member of the steward department. Before retiring in 1991, he sailed on a Moran Towing of Philadelphia boat. Brother Elia was a resident of Vineland, N.J. CHARLES GWALTNEY Pensioner Charles Gwaltney, 82, passed away Oct. 28. Brother Gwaltney became an SIU member in 1962. He initially worked with Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Brother Gwaltney was born in Virginia. His final trip was on a Moran Towing of Virginia vessel. He went on pension in 1995 and made his home in Hampton, Va. SEAN HICKEY Brother Sean Hickey, 56, died Sept. 25. He signed on with the union in 2010. His earliest trip was aboard the Liberty Island. Brother Hickey sailed primarily in the steward department. He most recently worked on the Achievement. Brother Hickey resided in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CHARLES HORSEMAN Pensioner Charles Horseman, 84, passed away Jan. 4. Brother Horseman joined the SIU in 1961, and his first boats included ones operated by Marine Towing and Transportation. Brother Horseman was a Vienna, Md., native. His last trip was with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Horseman worked in the engine department. He retired in 1988 and lived in Franklin Township, N.J. DONALD SMITH Brother Donald Smith, 39, died Nov. 19. He started shipping with the union in 2005. Brother Smith primarily worked with Crescent Towing & Salvage Company. He sailed in both the engine and deck departments. Brother Smith made his home in Bessemer, Ala. ALLEN STILES Pensioner Allen Stiles, 70, passed away Sept. 18. Born in New Jersey, Brother Stiles joined the union in 1972 and initially sailed aboard a Gellenthin Barge Lines vessel. Prior to his retirement in 2009, he shipped with Interstate Oil Transportation. Brother Stiles called Kenneth City, Fla., home. DAVID TAUSIG Brother David Tausig, 30, died Oct. 23. He donned the SIU colors in 2008 and sailed with Penn Maritime Inc. for the duration of his career. Brother Tausig sailed in the deck department and was a resident of Centerport, N.Y. THOMAS VALLERCHAMP Brother Thomas Vallerchamp, 55, passed away Nov. 25. He became an SIU member in 1983 while in Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Vallerchamp’s first vessel was the Sugar Island; his last was the Dodge Island. The engine department member resided in his native state, Florida. GREAT LAKES WALLACE MASTERS Pensioner Wallace Masters, 80, died Sept. 13. Brother Masters was born in Wisconsin. He started his SIU career in 1972. Brother Masters mainly sailed with American Steamship Company. He became a pensioner in 1996. Brother Masters, who sailed in the deck department, settled in Shingleton, Mich. JEFF MYROUP Brother Jeff Myroup, 45, passed away Sept. 28. He signed on with the union in 1995 while in Detroit. Brother Myroup worked with Great Lakes Towing Company. He made his home in Illinois. LOUIS SHULTZ Pensioner Louis Shultz, 82, died Dec. 3. Brother Shultz began his seafaring career in 1960. He primarily sailed with American Steamship Company. Brother Shultz was a deck department member. He retired in 1995 and called Oregon, Ohio, home. June 2013 5/28/2013 10:55:37 AM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ENERGY ENTERPRISE (Waterman Steamship), March 3 – Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Eddie L. Siplin, Deck Delegate Elmo Davis, Engine Delegate Louis Valencia, Steward Delegate Wilfredo A. Perez. Chairman discussed a few issues pertaining to the current contract and stated further research needs to be done. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members were reminded no hats, tank tops or flip flops in mess hall. Request was made for Direct TV to be in individual rooms. Next ports: Norfolk, Va. and Fall River, Mass. FLORIDA (Crowley), March 28 – Chairman John Lamprecht, Secretary Hazel Johnson, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Deck Delegate Marvin Chester, Engine Delegate Ann Mensch, Steward Delegate William Young. Bosun reported another safe trip. He thanked everyone for doing their jobs professionally and in a timely manner. Crew was reminded to keep garbage areas clean. Secretary reminded them to contribute to SPAD, because when you do, you help yourself as well as your union shipmates. He also asked crew departing vessel to leave rooms how they would want to find them. Educational director reminded fellow members about importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Mariners were advised to read the Seafarers LOG to stay up-to-date on benefit changes and shipping rules. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate thanked deck and engine gangs for helping keep house clean. Crew asked about vacation benefits. Vessel still needs to have internet and email connected. Crew thanked steward department (Hazel Johnson, William Young, Marvin Davis) for a five-star job. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 17 – Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary Robert T. Seim, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper. Crew awaiting response concerning eminent danger pay. Chairman reported another safe trip with no lost-time injuries, bringing the cumulative total to 3,118 days. He gave special thanks to everyone for “doing their jobs professionally and in a timely manner, and special thanks for Steward Assistant Jose Garcia keeping all the spaces clean and orderly.” Secretary encouraged fellow mariners to read the LOG to stay updated, and also contribute to SPAD “because when you do, you help yourself as well as your union brothers.” Educational director reminded crew members to get their time in and take advantage of upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 19 The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. Saluting a Fellow Seafarer Seafarers and officers aboard the Maersk-operated USNS Henson recently lauded QMED Charles Kirksey as the longtime SIU member prepares to call it a career. “He has been sailing 40 years and is a great shipmate and role model,” noted MDR Brandon Maeda. In the photo below at left, Kirksey displays a knot board built by Bosun Joseph Gierbolini as a retirement gift. Kirksey also is pictured with vessel master Capt. Ryan White (presenting a ship’s cap) in the photo below at right, and is standing at far left in the group photo at right. Also pictured (from left, standing) are QMED Romeo Ferrer, STOS Christopher Johnson, STOS Victor Brabble, AB James Copeland, Storekeeper Deanna Moore, Chief Steward Pete Williams, GVA Sabrina Long, MDR Maeda and Chief Cook Wagner Pellerin. Kneeling (from left): Bosun Gierbolini, AB Algernon Reed, GVA Mahlik Rogers, and GVA Joseph Martin. The bosun said this crew is one of the best he’s ever worked with, and described them as a very professional bunch of Seafarers who respected and looked out for one another. “In many ways, we are like a large family.” disputed OT reported. Crew made numerous suggestions for next contract. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 24 – Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Lashawn L. Rivera, Educational Director Eric D. Bain. Chairman thanked crew for safe voyage. Secretary reminded departing mariners to make sure rooms are clean and clean linens are ready. Educational director encouraged fellow Seafarers to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department received vote of thanks for job well done. Crew requested increased pension benefits. PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Crowley), March 3 – Chairman Jose A. Jimenea, Secretary Gerald J. Joseph, Educational Director David C. Carter, Deck Delegate Dennis Saggese, Engine Delegate Phillip Niles, Steward Delegate Michael Harris. Chairman discussed STCW Basic Safety Training and upcoming payoff in Houston. Educational director suggested that all members, whether experienced or new to the industry, go to school to upgrade in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported need for new mattresses, pillows and pillow cases. Captain was very pleased with all crew for keeping a clean and healthy ship. Chairman also thanked steward department for job well done. PRIDE OF AMERICA (NCL America), March 14 – Chairman Rene C. Govico, Secretary Rolando J. Dinong, Educational Director James M. Crosby, Deck Delegate Gary Hunt, Engine Delegate Aristotle Cortez. Chairman discussed vacation benefits. He advised crew members to be prudent when ashore. Also discussed importance of shipboard safety and keeping documents up-todate. Secretary emphasized importance of contributing to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. “This is our vehicle for promoting and protecting our job security.” Educational director suggested crew take advantage of courses available at maritime training center in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew revisited vacation benefits and asked that they be increased. They submitted photos to the LOG (see page 9). RACER (Maersk Line, Limited), March 28 – Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Brian H. Miller, Engine Delegate Jeffery Bull, Steward Delegate Manes Sainvil. Chairman talked about upcoming payoff and crew change. He reported a safe trip and thanked everyone for their extra efforts. Secretary thanked deck gang for their help. No beefs or disputed OT reported; deck delegate requested a few clarifications. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Charleston, S.C., Savannah, Ga., Houston, and Mobile, Ala. MERCURY (Maersk Line, Limited), April 2 – Chairman Brian P. Corbett, Secretary Richard E. Hicks, Educational Director Christopher M. Eason, Deck Delegate Donivan T. McCants, Engine Delegate Ernest D. Bullock, Steward Delegate Cornelius J. Taylor. Chairman discussed issues involving company’s fleet upgrade, which involves reflagging eight vessels and replacing them with eight newer ones. Also talked about the different runs some vessels will be on. He thanked everyone for doing their parts and more. It was a safe, accident-free trip with much cooperation between all departments. Educational director reminded everyone to renew documents early and take advantage of Paul Hall Center. Upgrading means pay raises. “We have a fine school. Take advantage of it.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed importance of members being aware that U.S. Merchant Marine needs to prove itself in value and skill at all times. Crew discussed length of assignments and how that length is documented. They also urged the union and companies to confer on new and upcoming STCW-related regulations and how they affect pay. Steward department was thanked for fine job. OVERSEAS BOSTON (OSG), April 7 – Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Carl T. Poggioli, Educational Director Patrick L. Coppola, Deck Delegate Walter Wilde. Chairman discussed STCW-mandated rest hours. He said vessel will take on stores in Long Beach, Calif., before heading to Hawaii. Secretary reported new dryer will be picked up. He said crew “is doing a great job keeping the house and ship clean and running well.” Educational director reminded fellow members to keep an eye on document expiration dates, and allow plenty of time for renewals. Also head to Piney Point to upgrade. He reminded everyone to stow weights properly when done working out in gym. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed potential need for Chinese visas. Crew thanked steward department, with special thanks to SA Hernando Basilan for a great job. Seafarers LOG 19 5/24/2013 2:03:39 PM �CIVMARS Support Our Troops A mariner aboard the Seafarers-crewed USNS Richard E. Byrd attaches cargo to a helicopter while the T-AKE vessel conducts an underway replenishment with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz April 28 in the Pacific Ocean. The Byrd is crewed in the unlicensed positions by members of the SIU Government Services Division. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Raul Moreno Jr.) Coast Guard Issues Reminder, Instructions For Obtaining STCW Security Endorsements As previously reported, the most recent amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) led the U.S. Coast Guard to issue a policy letter outlining new security training and endorsement requirements for all vessel personnel. According to that policy letter (No. 12-06), as of Jan. 1, 2014 all mariners must have an STCW security endorsement as part of their merchant mariner credential (MMC) in line with their respective assigned duties. Detailed information is available in a March 28 post in the News section of the SIU website at: www.seafarers.org/news/2013/Q1/STCWSecurityEndorsementInfo.htm ATTENTION: SEAFARERS Contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Action Donation) The same information should be available at all SIU halls. Included with the March 28 post are links to the policy letter; a related, two-page FAQ (which also covers information from a separate policy letter); a sample letter (which also is included at the end of this article); and a link to Coast Guard forms 719B and 719K. Questions may be directed to the National Maritime Center (NMC) at 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-4275662), from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SIU members who currently have a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) endorsement already comply with the new requirement. Other members will need to secure a letter from their employer (company) or vessel master confirming sea time or performance of security functions equivalent to designated security duties for six months in the previous three years that satisfy the requirements for the new endorsements and then send it to the NMC, or they’ll need to show proof of having completed an approved course that meets the requirements. If demonstrating completion of an approved course, the certificate of completion should be attached to Coast Guard form 719B as an application for an endorsement. If the mariner is also seeking a renewal of an existing document, form 719K (Medical Evaluation Report) would also have to be filed. Alternatively, mariners who commenced sea service prior to Jan. 1, 2012 may apply for the VPDSD endorsement by providing documentation attesting to seagoing service with designated security duties for a period of six months in the preceding three years. These duties may include, but are not limited to, duties specified in the vessel security plan or as assigned on a station bill. Documentation of this service can be a letter or certificate signed by a company official, including a vessel master. This letter is to be presented to the NMC as an attachment to a form 719B. Another method of satisfying the requirement is to secure a letter signed by a company official attesting to performance of security functions considered to be equivalent in scope to shipboard designated duties for a period of six months in the previous three years. The three STCW security endorsements are: n SA – VI/6 – Security Awareness n VPDSD – VI/6 – Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties n VSO – VI/5 – Vessel Security Officer Unless VSO has already been placed on the STCW page of a mariner’s MMC, he or she will need to obtain one of the endorsements listed above. Both the SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., believe that most mariners will require the VPDSD endorsement. According to the policy letter, mariners will not be charged for adding an STCW endorsement if they apply before Jan. 1, 2014 unless they’re seeking a renewal or a raise in grade of their MMCs, nor will the expiration dates change. Sample Letter for those with Sea Time Prior to January 1, 2012: Commanding Officer U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center 100 Forbes Drive Martinsburg, WV 25404 Dear Sir: This letter is to provide documentation that NAME has seagoing service with designated security duties for a period of at least six months during the preceding three years and meets the STCW qualifications for Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties. Sincerely, NAME OF MASTER OR COMPANY OFFICIAL Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 20 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 20 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June 2013 5/24/2013 2:03:40 PM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—national security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Electrician July 27 September 20 Marine Refer Tech September 28 November 8 Advanced Refer Containers June 29 July 26 Pumpman November 30 December 13 Welding June 29 July 27 September 14 October 26 November 30 July 19 August 16 October 4 November 15 December 20 Deck Department Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 22 July 20 August 17 September 14 October 12 July 5 August 2 August 30 September 27 October 25 July 20 September 14 November 9 August 16 October 11 December 6 Able Seaman July 6 August 24 August 2 September 20 Radar Renewal (One day) August 26 December 16 August 26 December 16 Radar Observer September 7 September 20 ARPA September 21 September 27 Bosun Recertification July 13 August 5 Fast Rescue Boat June 15 August 3 June 21 August 9 STOS (RFPNW) Engine Department Designated Duty Engineer Prep June 15 July 6 July 27 June 28 July 19 August 9 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) July 20 September 14 November 9 August 16 October 11 December 6 FOWT June 15 August 17 October 12 July 12 September 13 November 8 August 24 October 26 October 18 December 20 Junior Engineer UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book # _________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? o Yes o No If yes, course(s) taken____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 21 Safety Upgrading Courses Advanced Firefighting July 13 August 17 September 14 July 19 August 23 September 20 Basic Firefighting/STCW June 15 August 10 September 7 June 21 August 16 September 13 Government Vessels July 20 July 26 Medical Care Provider July 20 August 24 July 26 August 30 Tank PIC Barge (DL) October 14 October 18 Tanker Assistant (DL) July 27 August 9 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Chief Steward July 6 October 5 August 16 November 15 Serve Safe June 8 August 31 November 23 June 14 September 6 November 29 Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Chief Cook These modules start every other week. The next class will begin June 10. Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. COURSE ____________________________ START DATE _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable.Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4 /13 Seafarers LOG 21 5/24/2013 2:03:40 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class #771 – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this 60-hour course April 12: Brandon Aguigui, Kevin Alicea, Mohamed Alomari, Auston Billiot, Rhodhanes Deveon, Lorenzo Finley, Anthony Fraccalvieri, Alexander Franklin, Kadeem John, Ashley Lee, Hector Morales Ortiz, Patricia Placek, David Sanchez Flores, Noel Segovia, Shewanna Stephenson, Nick Turano and Matthew Yeackel. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BAPO – Sixteen individuals graduated from this course April 19. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Kyle Bennett, Aaron Ellis, James Grant, Bernard Hall, Shari Hinton, Omari Hotl, Chase Knisley, Richard Lawson, Unis Malahi, William McCrory, Jerry Morlett Jr., Edward Seelig, Harge Semilla, Ahmed Sennain, Laurence Valerio and Oshema Watson. John Wiegman Jr., their instructor is standing at the far right in the back row. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Designated Duty Engineer – Four individuals completed the enhancement of their skills in this course April 5. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Omar Aleman, David Delano, Hurston Harcum and Jason Jones. Class Instructor Scott Ciatto is standing at the far right. Government Vessels – Eleven upgraders completed their training requirements in this course April 19. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Mohamed Alomari, Albert Bharrat, Rhod DeLeon, Marguerite Diggs, Roger Dillinger Jr., Yung-Fan Haloski, Kenneth Ledeoux, Thomas Leroy, Ruden Perez, Rey Robles and Tyree Watkins. Class Instructors Wayne Johnson and Mark Cates are the far left and far right, respectively. Advanced Firefighting – Eighteen upgraders finished their requirements in this course April 26. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Francisco Anacta, Daniel Babatunde, Christopher Baxter, Stephen Blanchard, Woodrow Brown, Tenereo Cacpal, Matthew Carroll, Al Fernandez, Charles Ford, Lewis Johansen, Alvin Martin, Michael Moore, Brendan O’Brien, Windred Opare, Leland Peterson, Coda Russell, Leonard Soriano and Lee Weygandt. Their instructors, Wayne Johnson Sr., and Joe Zienda, are standing at the far left and far right, respectively. 22 Seafarers LOG 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 22 Welding – Ten upgraders finished their requirements in this four-week course April 26. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Russell Bravo, Ryan Brown, Michael Fertl, Paula Gomez, Wilbert Hinton, Douglas McLaughlin, Arturo Reyes, James Ross, Michael Souza and Daniel Thompson. Class Instructor Buzzy Andrews is standing at the far right in the back row. Computer Classes - Upgrader Ali Matari (right) recently completed several computer classes while upgrading his skills in the steward department. In the photo above, he proudly shows off his certificates while posing with his instructor, Rich Prucha. Able Seaman – Twelve individuals finished this course April 12. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Matthew Alexander, Darvin Brown, Richard Cristiani, Joseph Dasteel, Jacob Gawne, Carlo Gentile, Julius Gimutao, Hamza Jinah, Jason Meyers, Yousef Mohamed, Nikita Ryshkov and Derrick Siefke. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Combined Basic and Advanced Firefighting – Sixteen individuals finished the enhancement of their skills in this course April 5. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Babbitt, Russell Bravo, Ryan Brown, Roger Dillinger Jr., Abdulkarim Ghaleb, Steven Hamilton, John Jasinski, Ricardas Juska, Diego Lewis, Jarrod Nix, Jimmy Ocot, Robert Rocanelli, Terrance Sasnett, Winston Thompson, Zarko Vrbjanac, and Jerome Wong. Wayne Johnson Sr., and Wayne Johnson Jr., their instructors, are standing in the back row at the far left and far right, respectively. June 2013 5/24/2013 2:03:48 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes BST Renewal (SIU) - The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 24: Kenneth Baker, Jimmy Broussard, Seth Davis, Jeremiah Dougherty, Michael Eaton, Ryan Galloway, Robert Hoffman, John Howard, Randy Isenhart, Carlicia Jones, Charles Mills, Mark Mize, Abraham Moreira, Harvey Owens, Nathan Putman, Ashward Rankin, Shawn Rector, Jon Richardson, Kim Tye and Fred Vanderveer. Class Instructor Wayne Johnson Jr., is at the far right. Small Arms Training – Six upgraders completed their requirements in this course April 5. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: William Dowzicky, Rick James, Erick Johnson, Thomas Moore, Robert Oppel, and Gregory White. Class Instructors Robbie Springer and Stan Beck are at the far left and far right, respectively. BST (SIU) – Twenty Seafarers graduated from this course April 19. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Badr Abdullah, Alphonzo Berry, Jack Drossos, Saleh Elhubishi, Raymond Garcia, Anthony Kimbrell, Billy Love, George Maranos, Louis Mastrototaro, Leslie McGirt, Yahya Mohamed, Ryan Palmer, Rolando Pulido, Glenn Quitorio, Nate Sherrill, Jeffrey Thomas, Kervin Velazquez, Quintonio Walden, Brian Wilder and Jerome Wong. Joe Zienda, their instructor, is at the far right. Able Seaman – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 12: Kevin Blackman, Carlos CayetanoMena, Jape Geonzon, Yung Fan Haloski, Alfonso Marin and Diomedes Vigo. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is at left. Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman – Eleven Phase III unlicensed apprentices graduated from this course April 19. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Baker, Noel Fedee, Adrian Fraccarolli, Michael Hunnicutt, Derek Minnix, Ammar Mohamed, Ali Musid, Paul Nelson, Mark Stahovic, Joe Turcketta and Christopher Wing. BST (HAWAII) – Twenty individuals completed this course April 13 at the Barbers Point, Hawaiibased Seafarers Training Facility. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Alvinmar Aldana, Brandy Allender, Robert Aurand, Bradley Bong, Kevin Brown, Steven Carter, Johnisha Childs, Mark Cimino, Samuel Clark, Nashville Cole, Christian Delgado, Kathy Elmore, Sheryl Leventhal, Leonardo Paulino, Joseph Peters, Michelle Ribeiro, Jeremy Smith, Singaravelu Subramanian, Armando Tampoc and Krystal Zurek. June 2013 15046_JUNE2K13LOG_X.indd 23 Medical Care Provider – Nine upgraders completed this course April 12. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jason Babbitt, Roger Dillinger Jr., Abdulkarim Ghaleb, Steven Hamilton, James Kayser, Michael Kelly, Paul Miller, Robert Rocanelli and Zarko Vrbjanac. Class Instructor Wayne Johnson Jr., is at left. BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) completed this course May 4 at the Seafarers Training Facility in Barbers Point, Hawaii: I Gusti Ketut Adiputra, Reginald Abroise, Matthew Brown, Olivia Carbone, Nestor Cruz, Bernardo Shepard, Felix Esprit, Erika Marquez, Micah McKinley, Robert McNeil, Devone Medlock, Nigel Montrope, Jeremy Quinn, Jamie Reiff, Jermilini San Pedro, Andrew Sepulveda, Christopher Smith and Trammel Williams. Seafarers LOG 23 5/28/2013 10:55:46 AM �Volume 75, Number 6 June 2013 Paul Hall Center Course Dates Page 21 ABOARD OVERSEAS BOSTON – Patrolman Nick Marrone II submitted these photos after an April 10 servicing of OSG’s Overseas Boston on the West Coast. Sitting left to right in the crew mess (photo above) are STOS Adolph Romero, STOS Scott Jones, AB Chad Schultz and AB Mykola Smirnov. Pictured in the galley are (photo at right, from left) SA Hernando Basilan and Chief Cook Vincent Alonzo. The remaining photo shows AB Walter Wilde working the gangway. Coast To Coast With the SIU WITH MEMBERS AT G&H TOWING – Thanks to Seafarer Lindsay Price for sending these photos of members at G&H Towing in Houston. Pictured left to right in the group photo at left below are Engineer Tony Gonzales, AB Chris Bartholmey Jr., Mate Becky Johnson and Captain Mike Zimmerman. Left to right in the group photo below in the center are Oiler Jimmy Cady Jr., Mate Nick Moraski, Engineer Bob Young Jr. and Captain Lindsay Price. Johnson and Price also are pictured below at right. ON THE ATB RESOLVE – Following a recent visit to the ATB Resolve in Jacksonville, Fla., Patrolman Brian Guiry sent these snapshots of Seafarers aboard the Crowley vessel. Left to right in the group photo above are SA Edward Smigielski, Steward/Baker Willie Frank and Chief Cook Daniel Miller. Frank is also pictured at left, while Smigielski is shown again at right. 15046_JUNE2K13LOG.indd 24 5/24/2013 2:04:04 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2013 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNION WELCOMES NEW TONNAGE CONGRESSMAN HUNTER DELIVERS PRO-U.S. MARITIME MESSAGE CRESCENT CREWS RATIFY GAINFUL 3-YEAR PACTS MAERSK, CROWLEY MSC BRING IN NEW TONNAGE CONGRESS EXAMINES U.S.-FLAG SHIPPING MEMBERS VOW TO SUPPORT KEY MARITIME PROGRAMS; SIU TESTIFIES ST. LOUIS PORT COUNCIL HONORS THREE BIG PORT COUNCIL TURNOUT IN HAWAII INCLUDES SENATORS, CONGRESSWOMAN, MAYOR, GOVERNOR SIU ACTIVE IN FOURTH ANNUAL SAIL-IN; FOOD FOR PEACE FOCAL POINT PRESIDENT NOMINATES FOXX FOR TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY ADMIRAL SHANNON ASSUMES COMMAND AT MSC WASHINGTON URGED TO SUPPORT MERCHANT MARINE UNION’S NEW CLINIC SYSTEM OFFERS MORE CONVENIENCE COAST GUARD APPROVES PINEY POINT STCW COURSES CLASSIC BENEFITS WOUNDED WARRIOR ANGLERS, HELPS IMPROVE TRAINING ENVIRONMENT AT PHC NATION HONORS MERCHANT MARINERS COAST GUARD ISSUES REMINDER, INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING STCW SECURITY ENDORSEMENTS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2013 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. 75, No. 6 2013 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b77e0f94736dc81f73b4e89957d3fe82.pdf 0fbe0bcc18249f612ab5d8a71b200e2b PDF Text Text JUNE F E B2014 RUARY 2014 76O NO. V O L U M E VOLUME 76 o N . 62 Union Relocates NY-Area Operations to Jersey City The SIU is on schedule to move its New York-area operations to Jersey City, N.J., around mid-June. Rank-and-file Seafarers approved the move during voting at membership meetings last summer. The relocation will see the SIU move from its current hall in Brooklyn (photo below) to a newer facility at 104 Broadway Ave. in Jersey City (photo at right). SIU Takes Maritime Message To Congress Second Waterfront Classic Benefits 2 Worthy Causes The fourth annual maritime congressional “Sail-In” proved successful as representatives from all segments of the industry teamed up to promote American crews and U.S.-flag shipping. SIU officials and staff members participated in the event, which featured 173 brief meetings in House and Senate office buildings. One of the meeting groups included (among others) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (far right) and Crowley Maritime President and CEO Tom Crowley (second from left), shown in the office of Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). Page 5. The second annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic took place April 29 at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The event is a fundraiser benefitting the Wounded Warrior Anglers and the school’s waterfront restoration project. More than 100 individuals (including Chief Cook Casey Pearson, below) participated, either aboard the 10 sponsored boats or ashore as volunteers. Despite bad weather, all concerned deemed the day a success. Pages 12-13. Member Portal has New Feature Page 6 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 1 SHBP Scholarships Awarded Page 7 School Hosts Wellness Events Pages 8-9 5/22/2014 9:40:07 PM �President’s Report Delivering Our Message There’s nothing positive about potential cuts to the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), but I’ll say this: The timing of a proposed $20 million reduction by a House committee last month gave our industry an immediate, widespread chance to point out the dangers of such a move. That’s because the House took its action one day before the annual maritime congressional “Sail-In.” Needless to say, Sail-In participants (including SIU officials) had a timely issue to discuss in the 173 meetings that took place May 7 with senators, congressional representatives and their staffs. I’m confident we’ll come out on top in this fight by securing the full funding amount for MSP. The military wants full funding, the administration wants full funding, and the program enjoys solid bipartisan support. Still, there are lessons to be learned from this latMichael Sacco est attack on our industry. It reinforces why we have events like the Sail-In in the first place, and why it’s so important for rank-and-file Seafarers to be politically active. The proposed MSP cuts are a sobering example; if we weren’t fighting to protect the program, at least six or seven ships would be cut, along with lots of SIU jobs. I know we beat the SPAD drum a lot, but that’s because your jobs are at stake. Your support of the union’s voluntary political action fund is vital. It helps give us a chance to state our views in the nation’s capital and at other levels of government, too. If you’re already contributing to SPAD, thank you. If you’re not on board, I’d ask you to reconsider, especially with this being an election year. The monetary support of pro-maritime candidates is important, but it’s not our only tool. Grassroots activities also mean handing out flyers, doing precinct walks, working the phones, getting out the vote, and engaging in basic educational discussions with your families and friends and neighbors. It means meeting with your elected officials at all levels. Please do whatever you can to help the cause this year when your port agent or patrolman asks for help – and on Election Day, vote your job. While we’re on the subject of politics, I should mention that the SIU is doing its part to continue protecting the Jones Act as well as fighting to preserve and strengthen cargo preference laws, including the Food for Peace program. This may sound like old news but believe me, it’s literally a daily battle. Attacks on the Jones Act would almost be laughable if they didn’t threaten SIU jobs along with U.S. national and economic security. One attempt that has resurfaced lately is to blame rising fuel prices on the Jones Act (a law that requires cargo moving between domestic ports to be carried on vessels that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American). But it already has been proven that if there’s any impact on fuel prices from the nation’s freight cabotage law, it’s so small that it’s barely measurable. The bottom line is that we aren’t letting our guard down but I’m reasonably confident that the Jones Act is in good shape. The same cannot be said of Food for Peace, which remains in the crosshairs. This may be an oversimplification, but attacks on this program boil down to one big lie repeated and repeated until it gets traction. The falsehood is that making direct cash payments to foreign governments would feed more people than delivering U.S.-grown commodities on U.S.-flag ships. There’s no evidence – none – to support such a claim, and in fact there’s ample evidence from our own government that turning Food for Peace into a cash program would mean little or no accountability. Bags and containers of food can be traced to make sure they get to the right places. Bundles of money have a way of disappearing. Stay tuned, and be assured we’re sparing no resource in this fight, not just because of jobs but because lives literally are at stake. In an ideal world, one of these years, participants in the Sail-In would spend the whole day thanking people for supporting our industry. In the real world, while we do have plenty of folks on our side, we have to keep educating members of Congress about who we are and what we do – and why America needs us. That’s what it takes to keep the U.S. Merchant Marine alive, and that’s a mission our union will support forever. FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 76 Volume 76 Number 6 o The Seafarers-crewed USNS Spearhead (part of the union’s Government Services Division fleet) maneuvers alongside a pier in Lagos, Nigeria, April 13. The ship was preparing for a multinational counter-piracy exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Communications Specialist Seaman Weston Jones) Report: Piracy Dropping Worldwide Piracy on the world’s seas continues to diminish, according to a new report by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). In its report, the IMB, which is part of the International Chamber of Commerce, said piracy incidents during the first quarter of 2014 were at the lowest level since 2007. Despite the gains being made against the practice, the IMB warned that piracy still poses a threat. According to the report, there were 49 documented incidents of piracy during the first quarter of 2014, making it the lowest number in seven years. In 2007, 41 incidents were reported. During the first three months of 2014, two vessels were hijacked, 37 were boarded, five were fired upon and five reported attempted attacks. Out of those, 46 crew members were taken hostage and two were kidnapped from their vessel. The waters off Somalia, which are notorious for pirate activity, are still of concern. According to the report, five incidents were reported in that region during the first quarter of the year, the same number as 2013. IMB Director Pottengal Mukundan said those incidents show mariners should remain on guard for pirates, despite the recent gains. “Although the number of attacks continues to remain low, the threat of Somali piracy is still clearly evident,” Mukundan said. “There can therefore be no room for complacency as it will take only one successful Somali hijacking for the business model to return. Masters are, therefore, advised to maintain vigilance and adhere to the latest best management practices and recommendations.” As evidence of the need for such vigilance, the report cited the case of a tanker that was fired upon off the coast of Salalah, Oman, from a skiff launched by a larger mother vessel. The attack was repelled and international navies intercepted the mother ship, which was an Indian vessel that had been hijacked itself days before the incident. Eleven Indian mariners were freed and five suspected pirates were captured. According to the report, 12 incidents were recorded off the West African coast, including the hijacking of two vessels with 39 crew members, with two crew members being taken hostage. Six of those incidents were linked to Nigeria, including the hijacking of a supply vessel, which was used to hunt for other potential targets. The IMB noted that Angola saw its first reported hijacking during the first quarter of 2014, demonstrating the range of Nigerian piracy if left unchecked. Indonesia, meanwhile, ranked as the country with the highest number of attacks with 18, compared to 25 during the same period last year. Vessels were boarded in every incident. “While these are predominately low-level thefts from vessels, seven crew members were taken hostage in five incidents, while in four incidents it was reported that the robbers were armed with guns,” the report read. Support for Maritime from Aloha State NO. 2 June 2014 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Brian Ahern; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2014 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 2 SIU President Michael Sacco (center) met with Sen. Brian Schatz (left) (D-Hawaii) and Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie (right) May 8 in Washington, D.C. Among other maritime topics, they discussed ongoing efforts to enforce the Jones Act and cargo preference laws as well as the numerous national security benefits stemming from the Maritime Security Program. June 2014 5/22/2014 9:32:58 PM �SIU Maintains Jobs On Bob Hope LMSRs SIU jobs aboard seven Bob Hopeclass vessels are secure following a recent announcement by the Defense Department. In late April, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) exercised an option to extend by one year the existing operating agreement of Seafarers-contracted General Dynamics American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) covering those ships. The original contract was awarded in 2010 and includes options that would extend through the third quarter of 2017. The extension covers the large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessels USNS Bob Hope, USNS Benavidez, USNS Brittin, USNS Fisher, USNS Mendonca, USNS Pililaau and USNS Seay. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker stated, “These extensions are not automatic, and this one clearly is a credit to the SIU crews and AMO officers aboard the ships as well as to AMSEA. I know our SIU brothers and sisters will continue doing a great job.” “AMSEA has successfully operated the vessels in this program for the last nine years and we will continue our superior service for our customer under this new contract,” said AMSEA President Thomas Merrell. During Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, LMSRs carried much of the U.S. military equipment to the Middle East. Each one can carry an entire U.S. Army Task Force, including 58 tanks and 48 other tracked vehicles, as well as more than 900 trucks and other wheeled vehicles. The Bob Hope ships, which can sail at up to 24 knots, were built at Avondale in New Orleans and were delivered from 1998 to 2003. U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Bob Hope lower a vehicle Feb. 16 in San Diego during an exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Bigley) Representative Garamendi: Use American Crews, Vessels For Natural Gas Exports The ranking member of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee sees a potentially great marriage between two domestic assets that are vital to America. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), speaking at a Washington, D.C., Propeller Club luncheon May 8, said the burgeoning natural gas industry makes for a substantial opportunity to boost U.S. shipbuilding and the U.S. Merchant Marine. He told the audience that up to 100 new ships could be needed for natural gas exports from a halfdozen U.S. ports. He got plenty of applause when he added, “If we’re going to export LNG, then it must be done on American-made ships with American mariners.” The SIU had a strong turnout for the gathering, which took place during a busy week for the maritime industry in the nation’s capital. Attendees included SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President SIU President Michael Sacco (left) is pictured with Rep. Garamendi following the congressman’s remarks. June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 3 Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and Vice President Great Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski. Garamendi said he believes public policy neglect has harmed the American maritime industry, but “public policy can drive a resurgence.” He pointed to natural gas, including liquefied natural gas or LNG, as “a huge opportunity” for the maritime industry and described it as one of the nation’s strategic resources. Another such resource, Garamendi said, is the shipbuilding industry. He called it “a fundamental asset – a fundamental strategic part of our nation – from the very beginnings even before we were a nation…. However, today we are on a trajectory to lose the ability to [build] ships.” He said without orders from the U.S. Navy, the industry “is gone. But, by combining two of the strategic resources this nation still has – natural gas and shipbuilders – we can rebuild and strengthen and keep the American maritime industry in relatively better shape.” This can be achieved through strong political partnerships involving all components of the respective industries, the congressman said. When it comes to delivering the message, “You say it is in the strategic national security interests of this nation to have a shipbuilding industry – for the U.S. Navy, for the Coast Guard, and for jobs in America,” Garamendi said. “It is a national security issue. You combine that with the strategic asset of natural gas…. We’ve got to work together to make this happen.” Turning to the ongoing fight to protect cargo preference laws including the Food for Peace program, Garamendi candidly said the program “remains at risk.” He emphasized that turning the program into a cash giveaway would be disastrous. This is a personal issue for the congressman, not just a political one – he and his wife have volunteered in famine-stricken areas overseas for many years. “We know what it means when a sack of grain arrives and it has the U.S. flag on it,” he stated. Gen. Paul J. Selva (right) accepts the United States Transportation Command guidon from Chuck Hagel, Secretary of Defense, during the USTRANSCOM change of command ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Divine Cox) General Selva Assumes Comand at USTRANSCOM Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva took command of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) in a ceremony May 5 at Scott AFB, Ill. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the union at the outdoor event. USTANSCOM is vital to Seafarers. The organization oversees (among other tasks) sea transportation supporting U.S. forces worldwide. Its components include the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel presided over the ceremony, during which Selva became the 11th USTRANSCOM commander and the outgoing commander, Gen. William M. Fraser III, retired. “It is no exaggeration to say that our military could not do its job without TRANSCOM’s capabilities on the ground, at sea, and in the air,” Hagel said.  “You help keep our people fed, our equipment fueled, and you help get everyone and everything to where they need to be on a scale that surpasses any organization in the world.” Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took the podium next and acknowledged USTRANSCOM’s accomplishments under Fraser’s command. “Thank you young men and women of United States Transportation Command,” Dempsey said.  “One of our military’s greatest strengths is that our people know when they ask for something, they’re going to get it.  No matter the danger or the circumstances they trust that what they need is on the way because it’s in the hands of Transportation Command and the men and women who populate your ranks. “You are truly what makes us global,” Dempsey continued, “so on behalf of the Joint Chiefs, who I represent, thank you for what you do. That trust, even more than the materiel you deliver, makes us the strongest military that the world has ever known.” Once the flag was passed and command assumed by Selva, he thanked all involved. He talked about the trust needed to always successfully deliver the strategic mobility required to achieve the nation’s objectives. He also thanked what he called “Our fifth component: our civilian partners…. In times of peace and in times of war, to you we are forever indebted.” Fraser received an award and his retirement certificate. He then addressed the crowd and members of his former command. “I came to you relatively uninitiated into the mobility world but yet you took me in,” he said. “You taught me the concepts and you have made me an enthusiastic advocate.” Seafarers LOG 3 5/22/2014 9:33:01 PM �St. Louis Port Council Honors 3 During April Event Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster sent a charge through those attending the 34th anniversary dinner-dance of the Maritime Trades Department’s (MTD) Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council, stating that if it’s “old-fashioned” to support working families, then he’ll “stay old-fashioned.” Koster was one of three honorees at the April 26 event in St. Louis. He received the Able Helmsman Award. Joining him on the dais were Jeffrey P. Aboussie, Labor Man of the Year, and Col. Ronald A. Battelle, Management Man of the Year. MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco pumped the crowd up prior to Koster’s address. He noted that the St. Louis native had a section of his professional website devoted MTD/SIU President Sacco (left) welcomes St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay to that city’s annual port council dinner-dance. to workers’ rights, declaring Koster “is our type of guy.” Sacco added that the attorney general consistently has fought for prevailing wage and against worker misclassification. “He is dedicated to the same principles that are the very foundation of the labor movement.” Koster told the hundreds of local union leaders and rank-and-filers with their families, as well as the political, business and civic representatives in the room that socalled right-to-work laws and paycheck protection are designed to “chip away at collective bargaining.” He said he relies on the men and women within the room who have learned a trade, who receive a pension and who fight for better health care for all. Before Koster accepted his award, he drew praise from Aboussie: “A public figure you can trust and believe in, Chris is that guy. He is a friend of working men and women in Missouri.” Aboussie, who is the executive secretarytreasurer of the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades, said he accepted the Labor Man of the Year Award “for all the men and women who provide leadership of our affiliate unions.” A 32-year trade unionist, he took over the reins of the building trades in 2010. “This is not your father’s building trades,” he stated. “I say this with pride. We believe less in confrontation and more in collaboration. I am a vendor/supplier and I have a product to sell: a skilled workforce that will beat anybody and make you a profit.” Port Council Vice President Jack Martorelli introduced his fellow Operating En- Rep. Oberstar Remembered As ‘Mr. Transportation’ Affectionately known as “Mr. Transportation,” Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) was a powerful champion to all transportationrelated industries, including maritime. To the SIU, he was a close friend and ally – someone who fought tirelessly for the maritime industry, including the U.S. Merchant Marine. Oberstar died May 3. He was 79 years old. “Congressman Oberstar was someone who understood what was needed to make the U.S.-flag maritime industry work, whether it was on the Lakes, the rivers or the seas,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “He worked for everyone and is greatly missed.” Oberstar – Minnesota’s longest-serving congressman (1975-2011) – was known for his bipartisan, results-focused approach to governing. He rose to the chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he was able to protect the maritime industry from potentially dangerous legislation, while also guiding federal dollars to vital maritime programs. He was particularly celebrated for his work with the Great Lakes region. U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriers flew their vessels’ flags at half-mast May 8 in Oberstar’s honor. Oberstar received many maritime-related accolades during his time in Congress. Those honors include the Propeller Club’s Salute to Congress award in 2000 and being named the first Legislator of the Year by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force when the group launched the award in 1999. “Great Lakes shipping has lost its greatest friend and staunchest supporter,” said James Weakly, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association. “He was at the forefront of every effort to make waterborne commerce on the Lakes and Seaway safer and more efficient.” Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), an SIU ally and strong maritime advocate, also paid tribute to Oberstar, calling him a “brilliant and kind man.” “No one knew more about transportation policy than him,” Garamendi said. “Just last Wednesday, I talked with him about strategies to pass a good transportation bill. I will miss him. The nation has lost a tremendous public servant.” President Barack Obama also praised 4 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 4 Pictured from left at the port council event are MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, St. Louis Building Trades Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jeffrey Aboussie, Col. Ronald Battelle, Port Council VP Jack Martorelli and Port Council Secretary-Treasurer/SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper. gineer Local 513 member, pointing out the honoree grew up in a construction family with a full understanding of both the business and union sides. Presenting Battelle to the body was Port Council Secretary-Treasurer/SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper. She praised his 40-year career as a law enforcement officer, noting he was the first to climb through the ranks of the St. Louis County Police Department to become chief. Battelle thanked the numerous locals who have donated and helped his cause since retirement: The Backstoppers Inc., raises funds to take care of police, fire fighters and EMS personnel injured or lost in the line of duty. As executive director, Battelle oversees an organization that started in 1959 serving parts of Missouri and Illinois. He said he was “feeling honored, appreciated and humbled” that he and Backstoppers were being recognized. In Memory of Brother Khaled Munassar The family of the late Bosun Khaled Munassar submitted these photos for publication in the LOG. Brother Munassar died earlier this year at the far-too-young age of 37. As one family member put it, “Khaled was well-respected wherever he went. He was loving and caring for his family and he will be missed.” Former Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), an SIU friend and ally to the maritime industry, died May 3 at the age of 79. He’s pictured here giving the keynote address during the 2010 Congressional Sail-In on Capitol Hill. Oberstar for “devoting his 36 years of public service to improving America’s infrastructure, creating opportunity for hard-working Minnesotans and building a strong economy for future generations of Americans.” Nearly 500 people attended a funeral service for Oberstar May 8 at a church in Potomac, Md. Speakers included members of Oberstar’s family and Minnesota’s congressional delegation. Formal tributes were also scheduled to take place on the floor of the House of Representatives May 19, with both a moment of silence and tributes shown on C-SPAN. During the funeral service, according to The Pioneer Press, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DMinn.) called Oberstar “a man of purpose and grit, as resilient as the people he represented in northern Minnesota,” adding that Oberstar was dedicated to doing what was right, rather than what was politically convenient. “In this day of sound bites and quick fixes … he was not afraid to give the long explanation to his constituents,” Klobuchar said. “There is no question Jim Oberstar left this Earth a better place than he found it.” June 2014 5/22/2014 9:43:12 PM �Acting Maritime Administrator Chip Jaenichen (above) addresses participants before the scheduled meetings. This framed bag in the halls of Congress (above right) was a welcome reminder of the importance of food aid delivered overseas on American-crewed, U.S.-flag ships. SIU Helps Deliver Pro-Maritime Messages to Congress Industry Teams Up for Fifth Annual Congressional Sail-In SIU officials and staff members were active in this year’s congressional “Sail-In,” a day-long event on Capitol Hill that emphasizes the importance of America’s maritime industry. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone each served separately on one of 24 meeting groups composed of representatives from throughout the industry. Those groups – totaling around 130 individuals – met with senators, congressional representatives and staff members from mid-morning to late afternoon May 7. There were 173 meetings, total, including 50 with senators and House members. This was the fifth straight year of the Sail-In, organized by the U.S. Maritime Coalition, to which the SIU is affiliated. As in previous events, the meetings involved a mix of longtime industry supporters from both political parties as well as newer members of Congress who may not have been familiar with maritime. Also as in past years, central topics included the Maritime Security Program (MSP), the Jones Act, and cargo preference including Food for Peace. Before participants scattered throughout the three House and three Senate office buildings, Acting Maritime Administrator Chip Jaenichen addressed them. He said the Maritime Administration fully supports the Sail-In, and added that it’s more important than ever to spread the word about the industry’s importance to U.S. national and economic security. Mariners and the maritime community “have long been what I would call the unseen, silent servants of our economy,” he said. “Our nation, as we know, would not be the same without our maritime industry and our seafaring trade, and we need to let the AmeriContinued on Page 6 Crowley VP Jay Brickman, Amy Hauser of Maersk, Neil McManus of the Propeller Club of Tampa, Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), Paul Doell of AMO, Daniel Duncan of the MTD. Kate Ballengee of Metro Group Maritime, Kayla Turner of Maritime Executive, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-Ct.), MEBA VP Chris Guerra, MM&P VP Don Josberger, Terry Turner of Turner-Pollard June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 5 (Editor’s note: All captions list the individuals pictured from left to right) SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, MM&P President Don Marcus, Capt. Richard Phillips, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Maersk VP Clint Eisenhauer, Charlie Papavizas of Winston & Strawn, MEBA President Marshall Ainley MM&P President Don Marcus, Maersk VP Clint Eisenhauer, Capt. Richard Phillips, Sen. Susan Collins (RMaine), SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Charlie Papavizas of Winston & Strawn, MEBA President Marshall Ainley MEBA President Marshall Ainley, MM&P President Don Marcus, Capt. Richard Phillips, Sen. Patty Murray (DWash.), SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Charlie Papavizas of Winston & Strawn, Maersk VP Clint Eisenhauer American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier President/COO Eric Ebeling, Transportation Institute Chairman Jim Henry, Kristin Marshall (legislative correspondent for Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.), Nick Rawls (legislative correspondent), Crowley VP/General Counsel Art Mead, Sara Fuentes of the Navy League, Josh Shapiro of Liberty Maritime, Mark Fowler (policy aide) Daniel Duncan of the MTD, Crowley VP Jay Brickman, Amy Hauser of Maersk, Rep. Steve Southerland (R-Fla.), Paul Doell of AMO, Neil McManus of the Propeller Club of Tampa MEBA VP Chris Guerra, MM&P VP Don Josberg, Kayla Turner of Maritime Executive, Rep. Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.), Kate Ballengee of Metro Group Maritime, Terry Turner of Turner-Pollard John Jaskot of Jones Walker LLP, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock VP Bill Hanson, Crowley Maritime President/CEO Tom Crowley, Matthew Jensen (military legislative research assistant for Sen. Orrin Hatch, RUtah), Doug Dynes (military legislative assistant), SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Leo Bonser of Intermarine, Yvette Wissmann of American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier Terry Turner of Turner-Pollard, MM&P VP Don Josberger, Rep. Albio Sires (D-N.J.), MEBA VP Chris Guerra, Kayla Turner of Maritime Executive, Kate Ballengee of Metro Group Maritime, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker Seafarers LOG 5 5/22/2014 9:43:22 PM �Portal Offers Option For Scheduling Clinic Exams SIU members have a new online option for scheduling clinic exam services. As reported at the May membership meetings, those services may now be ordered through the members-only portal on the union’s website, www.seafarers.org. The membersonly area itself has been available since June 2011 and is free of charge. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plans (SHBP) Administrator Maggie Bowen noted in her May report to the membership, “You can order exams within 60 days of your current expiration dates, so don’t wait until the last minute. This site will also allow ineligible participants to order exams and pay using PayPal.” She added, “If you do not see the exam that you are trying to order, please email shbpmedical@seafarers.org and if you have any other questions please email map@seafarers.org or call 1-800-252-4674.” As reported in past issues of the LOG, on the union’s website and at the monthly membership meetings, the SHBP started using a new health clinic system in early 2013. Comprehensive Health Services (CHSi) features more than 2,000 participating facilities in the contiguous United States, which has made it much easier for Seafarers to find clinics that are closer to home, whether they’re taking annual exams, functional capacity evaluations or interval exams. Using the clinic system allows mariners to schedule the exams they need as follows: Automated Exams n Annual Physical Examination – required no more than once annually, no sooner than 60 days prior to the expiration date of the previous exam n New Member Physical Exam – this is a one-time requirement and is necessary only upon entry into the system n U.S. Coast Guard Exam – required once every two years unless the mariner is upgrading n Interval Exam – needed once every six months for deep sea members n DOT/U.S. Coast Guard Drug Test – required when renewing documents or when random exemption expires n Benzene Clearance – mandatory (for mariners sailing on tankers) no more than once annually, no sooner than 60 days prior to the expiration date of previous clearance Ready to Ship Out? Make sure your documents and paperwork are current: n Merchant mariner credential (MMC) with security endorsements (security awareness and/or vessel personnel with designated security duties, abbreviated as VPDSD, VSO for officers) n MMC indicating completion of Basic Training (formerly BST) (VI/1 and related verbiage) n Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) n Passport n ServSafe Management (chief cook and higher) n ServSafe Food Handler (entry level) n Medical certificate (acquired by passing U.S. Coast Guard physical once every two years and submitting to local REC) n Annual physical exam and interval exam (required once every six months) n Drug test (every six months unless continuously sailing) n If you take prescription drugs, make sure your medications will last longer than the duration of your voyage. If you need early or extended refills, contact the claims department for assistance. Dial 1-800-252-4674 and follow the prompt for prescriptions. n Steward Department Certification – required no more than once annually, no sooner than 60 days prior to the expiration date of the mariner’s certification n Unlicensed Apprentice Physical Exam – will become automated after initial HLSS notification of acceptance. This exam, which must be requested at a local port office, is required one time only upon entry into the system n Functional Capacity Evaluation – required no more than once annually, no sooner than 60 days prior to expiration date of previous annual exam Approval Required Exams n Return to Duty Exam – (repatriation, interval illness or injury, etc.) required upon demand by SHBP Medical Department n MSC Physical Exam – required by job order and approved as necessary by the SHBP Medical Department n MSC Shots only – required by job order and approved as necessary by the SHBP Medical Department n Commercial Non-MSC Shots only –approved as necessary by the SHBP Medical Department n ARC Exam – approval required by ARC and SHBP Medical Department n TB Screening only – required no more than once annually, no sooner than 60 days prior to expiration of existing clearance Additionally, as a result of amendments to the STCW Convention, mariners who sail internationally are required to carry a medical certificate issued by the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC). The Seafarers who need those medical certificates should have received them in the mail by March 31. Any SIU member who sails internationally and who has not received the medical certificate should contact the NMC right away, either by phone at 1-888-427-5662 or via email at IAskNMC@uscg.mil. Union, Industry Walmart Using Taxpayers to Pad Profits Report Finds Retailer Receives Billions in Tax Breaks, Subsidies Officials Visit Capitol Hill Continued from Page 5 can people know that. The U.S. Merchant Marine has been integral to every armed conflict since the American Revolution…. Our nation owes a great debt to the U.S. Merchant Marine.” The Sail-In included participants from almost every segment of the American maritime industry engaged in the transport of waterborne cargo, including maritime labor, vessel operators, marine terminals, shipyards and more. Collectively, the domestic industry alone moves nearly 888 million tons of cargo every year and plays an important role in relieving congestion on the nation’s crowded roads and railways. “This is an exciting time for American maritime. The industry is investing billions of dollars to meet the nation’s transportation needs; it is creating thousands of jobs for Americans; and it consistently works to bolster our national security at zero cost to the federal government,” said Thomas Allegretti, chairman of the American Maritime Partnership, another important coalition whose members include the SIU. “These Congressional meetings are an important opportunity for the maritime industry to join together and brief their elected officials on the many ways American maritime is making our nation safer, stronger and more secure.” Captain Richard Phillips, whose rescue from Somali pirates was made into an Oscar-winning film starring Tom Hanks, also participated in this year’s Sail-In. He noted that the strength of America’s merchant marine comes in part from the Jones Act, which boosts our nation’s economy while also strengthening America’s national and homeland security. “The nation’s merchant mariners are some of the most highly trained in the world and are prepared for any situation they may encounter,” Phillips said. “Most importantly, the men and women of American maritime are proud stewards of our nation’s waterways, because not only do they work in these communities, they also live in them.” In related events, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force presented its Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award to Rep. Bill Huizenga (RMich.) the same day as the Sail-In, while on May 8, the International Propeller Club of the Unites States presented the Maritime Industry Salute to Congress Award to U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (RCalif.). 6 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 6 Walmart may be earning enormous profits as the nation’s largest retailer and private employer, but that didn’t stop the company from coming to American taxpayers for billions in handouts, according to a new report by Americans for Tax Fairness. Titled Walmart on Tax Day: How Taxpayers Subsidize America’s Biggest Employer and Richest Family, the report found that Walmart and the Walton family – who are majority shareholders – receive at least $7.8 billion in tax subsidies from American taxpayers annually. Released as workers nationwide pay their tax bills and fight for a livable minimum wage, the report offered an eye-opening view of taxpayer-funded corporate welfare. “The report finds that the American public is providing enormous tax breaks and tax subsidies to Walmart and the Walton family, further boosting corporate profits and the family’s already massive wealth at everyone’s expense,” the executive summary of the report read. Walmart currently employs 1.4 million workers, more than half of whom made less than $25,000 last year. The company, meanwhile, made $16 billion in profits last year on more than $470 billion in revenue. Owning more than 50 percent of Walmart shares, the Walton family earned billions in dividends last year and has a net worth exceeding $148 billion. Collectively, six members of the Walton family have more wealth than 49 million American families combined. As Americans for Tax Fairness pointed out, the $7.8 billion in tax breaks and taxpayer subsidies Walmart receives each year is equal to hiring 105,000 new public school teachers. Here is a breakdown of how American taxpayers are subsidizing Walmart each year: n $6.2 billion – Subsidies from food stamps, governmentsponsored health care and other taxpayer-funded programs Walmart employees are eligible for due to their low wages. n $1 billion – Tax breaks and loopholes used to keep Walmart from paying its full tax bill. n $607 million – Tax money the Walton family avoided paying because they earned money from dividends, which is taxed at a much lower rate than a regular salary. The family also benefits from economic development subsidies from state and local governments. In addition to the $7.8 billion in taxpayer subsidies received by Walmart and the Walton family every year, the report also found that the Walton family avoided an estimated $3 billion in taxes by using special trusts to dodge estate taxes. This number could rise to tens of billions of dollars if the practice is allowed to continue. The report also found that Walmart benefits when non-employees are paid low wages, as well. Last year, the report found, Walmart had an estimated $13.5 billion in sales thanks to taxpayer-funded assistance programs. A new report finds Walmart pays its employees so little that many of them rely on food stamps and other taxpayer-funded programs. June 2014 5/22/2014 9:45:41 PM �SHBP Awards $132,000 in Scholarships Eight individuals – one active Seafarer and seven dependents – now are better prepared to cope with the financial burdens associated with their respective higher education ambitions thanks to grants totaling $132,000 given to them recently by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Scholarship Program. Seafarer John Cox, along with dependents Jennifer Abdullah, Jeren Dingal, Amy Pinkham, Ryan Malloy, Laura Vega, Lashawn Shakes and Kevin Nguyen were chosen as recipients of the 2014 Charlie Logan Scholarships by the SHBP Scholarship Committee. Convening May 9 in Savannah, Ga., the group tagged Cox, Abdullah, Dingal, Pinkham, Molloy and Vega to receive $20,000 each to offset costs linked to obtaining four-year college degrees. Both Shakes and Nguyen landed $6,000 for use toward two-year degrees. John Cox Inland Master John Cox signed on with the union in 1979 following his graduation from Millikan High School in Long Beach, Calif. He joined the SIU in the Port of Wilmington, Calif., and received his apprentice training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Following his completion of the school’s entry-level curriculum, it was off to the high seas for Cox. He initially sailed in the deep sea division and worked in the capacities of ordinary seaman, wiper, tankerman and able bodied seaman. In 1994, Cox came ashore and assumed duties as a union representative – initially patrolman and later port agent – in the port of Wilmington. Returning to sea in 2008, Cox obtained his mate’s license and began working in the inland waters division, principally with Crowley Towing and Transportation in Wilmington. He currently sails as a master with Houston-based G&H Towing. “I have had the luxury of being an SIU member for almost 35 years,” Cox said in his scholarship application package. “Over the years I have been able to benefit from what the organization has provided me. “As port agent, I was able to learn about the many ways the SIU benefited the membership and one of those benefits is the Scholarship Program and how good this program is for the member and their dependents,” he wrote. “If awarded a scholarship through this program, I intend to use it in the area of oil and gas since I live in the oil and gas capital of America, Houston.” Cox plans to pursue a degree in business via online courses through Phoenix-based Thunderbird Executive School of Business. A native of Torrance, Calif., Cox currently resides in Kingwood, Texas, with his wife, Tausha, and two daughters, Alexis and Ashley. Jennifer Abdullah Jennifer Abdullah is the daughter of deep sea QMED Mohamad Abdullah (and mother, Yuharnis). She was born in New York. Abdullah is a 2014 graduate of New York’s College Campus High School where she achieved an overall 90.26 grade point average (GPA). Abdullah was active in her community, participating in walks for breast cancer and AIDS. Additionally, she worked in several neighborhood beautification projects and held membership in her school’s language and culture clubs. The victim of several health is- June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 7 sues while growing up, Abdullah described herself as a horribly frail child. “I had asthma and suffered many attacks,” she shared in her scholarship application package. “I spent many holidays on a hospital bed, getting my pulse checked while other children were spending time with their families,” she continued. “Fortunately, my immune system improved tremendously.” As one may suspect, the foregoing infirmities presented unique challenges for Abdullah, who missed many hours of valuable class time. By meeting these obstacles head-on, however, she not only persevered, but also prevailed. “When I was healthy enough to attend school normally, I learned I had a talent for mathematics,” she said. “When I was in middle school, I was placed in a high-school level course, where I would obtain high school credits. In high school, there was a placement test for calculus classes. I scored high enough to gain entry to the college calculus class.” Abdullah hopes to follow her mother’s career path – she formerly was an accountant. Abdullah has applied for admission to Bernard M. Baruch College, Hunter College and the City College of New York. “Baruch College is recognized for their exceptional finance and accounting programs,” she said. “After I graduate, I hope to attend the Zicklin School of Business, which is a part of Baruch College, where I will obtain an MBA.” Jeren Dingal Jeren Dingal aspires to become an electrical engineer. He hails from Waialua, Hawaii and is the son of deep sea AB Jerry Dingal (and mother Jocylene, a cafeteria worker). A 2014 graduate of Waialua High School, Dingal finished his requirements with a 3.98 overall GPA. He ranked sixth in his class, which numbered 94 students. Dingal participated in junior varsity and varsity basketball and football, varsity volleyball, and varsity track. He also served as manager of his school’s girls’ volleyball team and was a member of the Waialua High School Japanese Club. Jeren was a volunteer coach for his community’s middle school basketball team. Additionally, he participated in cleanup projects involving beaches and other specialized locations used to grow Hawaii’s favorite starch staple, the taro root. Working hard to achieve one’s objective is a guiding principle in Dingal’s approach to life. “This is a value that my dad has modeled and instilled in me over the years,” he said. “As a Seafarer, my dad worked very hard over the years. I know that it wasn’t always easy, but he always made sure that we had what we needed. “Another value that my parents instilled was the importance of education,” he continued. “They constantly pushed us to study hard and do our best.” Dingal looks forward to the next step in his journey: attending college. “I know that it will take a lot of hard work and perseverance to make this dream (becoming a civil engineer) a reality, but I am up for the challenge,” he said. Dingal has already earned three credits at Leeward Community College in Pearl City, Hawaii. He has been accepted for admission to Oregon State University. Amy Pinkham Amy Pinkham was born in Albany, New York and is the daughter of deep sea Recertified Bosun Errol Pinkham (and mother Patricia, a teacher). A 2014 graduate of Colonie Central High School in Albany, Amy ranked 46th in her class of 428 students, and she posted a 94.17 GPA. Pinkham held membership in several honors organizations including the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. She participated on her school’s junior varsity as well as varsity cheerleading squads. A National Cheerleading Association All American, she was the recipient of numerous awards in national competition. But there’s another side to Pinkham’s life: an outside-the-classroom episode that could well have spelled her downfall had it not been for her tenacity. She was the victim of cyber bullying – someone used information technology to deliberately harass her. After facing the reality of the devastating public toll this event could have on her life, “I had two choices,” she said. “I could let the taunts define me or rise above … I chose to face the problem head on.” While navigating this adversity, she turned to a group called iCARE. The people from that organization exemplified integrity, community, accountability, respect and empathy, according to Amy. After experiencing the group’s benevolence, she was encouraged to give back. “A group as well-meaning as iCARE needed to be brought to the forefront,” she said. “So I decided to become a spokesperson. During my senior year, I became vice president.” “I have gotten a taste of what it feels like to rally people behind a cause,” she added. “I now know that I want to help others in the future. I would like to do event planning for non-profit organizations to bring their causes to the forefront.” Pinkham has been accepted to the University of New Hampshire. She will pursue here degree in liberal arts. Ryan Molloy Ryan Molloy hails from Dunnellon, Fla. He is the son of inland waters AB Robert Molloy (and mother, Linda, a teacher). Molloy is a 2013 graduate of Dunnellon High School where he achieved a 4.56 overall GPA and ranked first in his class of 269 students. He participated in student government, was member of the National Honor Society and served as support commander in Dunnellon’s Junior ROTC Program. In the athletic arena, he was golf team captain and also played soccer and baseball. Molloy tutored elementary school students, worked with the Salvation Army and participated in town beautification projects. “Serving my country has been a dream of mine and therefore I desire to attend college in order to gain knowledge,” Molloy said. “Both of my parents served in the military and because of this I have always had respect for their devotion to duty; my goal is to follow in their footsteps and serve my country.” Molloy’s aspiration is to become a civil engineer. “I have always been fascinated with building things and solving problems,” he said. He currently attends the University of Florida where he is majoring in civil engineering. Malloy has earned 18 credits towards his bachelor’s degree. “By attending the University of Florida and gaining valuable leadership skills, I will be better equipped to achieve my goals,’ he concluded. Laura Vega Laura Vega’s passion is veterinary medicine. The daughter of deep sea QMED David Vega (and mother, Robin) she was born in Baltimore. Vega is a 2014 graduate of Baltimore’s Greater Grace Christian Academy. The salutatorian of her class, she posted a 3.8 GPA. Laura was a member of her high school soccer team and was active in her school’s drama as well as theater clubs. She worked in the food pantry at Jerusalem Lutheran Church and labored nearly two years as a volunteer in the kennels at Eastern Animal Hospital. That experience had a deep and abiding impact on Vega. “I was so moved by the hard work and dedication it took to care for the sick, injured and even abandoned animals,” she said. “Each experience changed me and although I was doing the often more laborious jobs to care for them … I do not regret one moment of it. “It is because of this experience, which so humbled me that I hope to make Baltimore a better place one animal at a time,” she continued. “This is why the profession of veterinary doctor interests me so.” Laura has applied for admission to Concordia University and the Community College of Baltimore County. Lashawn Shakes Lashawn Shakes is the wife of Great Lakes FOWT Earl Shakes. She hails from Jacksonville, Fla., where she graduated from First Coast High School in 1997. Following graduation, she earned 16 credits at Florida Community College. In 2000, Shakes joined the Seafarers and was a member of Water Survival Class #608 at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. She sailed for about one year and achieved the rating of steward assistant. Although her career at sea was short-lived, the experience of sailing would leave a lasting impact on Shakes’ life. “I met many interesting people from all over the world and still communicate with some of them,” she shared. Apparently she communicated with one of those “interesting people” on more than a few occasions. One of those individuals was her future husband, Earl. The two met, were engaged and later married. They became parents in August 2000 with the arrival their son, Anthony. “Our son was due in August and I planned on going back to sea by December ….” But Shakes’ plans would not come become reality. While her son was born with a clean bill of health, she emerged from the childbirth with several serious complications. As a result, Shakes’ desire to return to sea was dashed. “It took years to recover and I became a housewife.… I worked part time and also volunteered at schools and hospitals,” she said. In 2009 she entered Sanford Brown Institute to study nursing. One year later, she completed her curriculum and became a certified medical assistant (CMA). Along the way, she achieved a perfect, 4.0 GPA. Since graduation, Shakes has been working at the University of Florida as a CMA. “This career has given me knowledge and skills in patient care, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, CPR, First Aid, Phlebotomy and more,” she said “I plan on pursuing my nursing career at Florida State College of Jacksonville for my first 60 credit hours to obtain my associate degree in science. Then I plan to continue by transferring to Chamberlain School of Nursing to finish with a bachelor’s of science in nursing.” Kevin Nguyen Kevin Nguyen was born in Seattle, Wash. He is the is son of deep sea Recertified Steward Rang Nguyen (and mother, Dung ). A 2014 graduate of the Academy of Citizenship and Empowerment in SeaTac, Wash., Nguyen posted a 3.60 overall GPA. He was active in athletics, participating in track and field, cross county, swimming and ultimate Frisbee. In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, Nguyen was deeply involved in his community. He volunteered his time working and supporting a host of endeavors including blood drives, food banks, Toys for Tots, Kits for Veterans, and Totem for Fitness. An inherently motivated individual, Nguyen describes himself as one who loves a challenge and is unafraid of failure in his ongoing quest to achieve excellence. “I have a firm belief that it is never enough to do well … but to do well after being forced to go above and beyond the threshold,” he said. It was this approach to self-actualization that prompted Nguyen to enroll in community college while still in high school. At the time he submitted his scholarship application package, he had already earned 75 credits at Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash. While still doing his high school work, Nguyen posted a cumulative 3.35 GPA in his community college courses. “While it was extremely difficult, especially since I had to juggle between college, high school, sports and home, I enjoyed it,” he said. “I have to be tenacious and persevere to teach myself how to deal with difficulty and (the possibility of) failure.” Nguyen has applied for admission to the University of Washington, Seattle; University of Washington, Bothel and Washington State University. He plans on majoring in computer engineering. The SHBP Scholarship Committee consisted of: Dr. Trevor Carpenter, College of Southern Maryland; Dr. Louis Fernandez, California State University; Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College; Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Keith Schlender, Lourdes University; and Dr. Henry Toutain, Kenyon College. Seafarers LOG 7 5/22/2014 9:45:42 PM �Margaret Reasoner Managing Director Crowley Marine Personnel Janet Nolan Wellness Coordinator Paul Hall Center John Dobson Instructor Paul Hall Center John Hetmanski Executive Chef Paul Hall Center Robert Johnson Instructor Paul Hall Center Maggie Bowen Plans Administrator SIU Members See Positive Effects of Wellness Program Union, School Conduct Health Fair, Develop Food Policy The SIU’s new health and wellness program is underway, and members have begun to reap the benefits. From holding its first health fair at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Md., to developing healthy options for members at sea, the SIU has taken major steps when it comes to promoting health and wellness among its membership. “We are really excited about the things we’re working on and where we see this thing going,” SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen said during a meeting on the wellness program. “We are really trying to organize this from the whole industry perspective.” That effort included the April 28 wellness fair and a meeting later that week to chart the progress in educating members and providing healthier meal options. For the Piney Point health fair, the SIU partnered with a local hospital to provide screenings for blood pressure, glucose, BMI calculations and cholesterol. Members also had access to health-related vendors, recipe demonstrations and exercise classes. “The members who attended were enthusiastic about the information that was presented to them,” Bowen said during her report at the SIU President Michael Sacco, left, and SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen greet attendees during a health fair April 28 at the Paul Hall Center. May membership meeting. “We hope to be able to continue with these types of events in many of the local halls.” In addition to the health fair, officials met at the PHC to discuss plans to revitalize food and cooking strategies. Seafarers, in fact, may soon notice some healthy changes when they head to the cafeteria for a bite to eat. From prominently placed salad bars and an increase in healthy offerings, to the addition of tools and information designed to promote health-conscious choices, Seafarers will have an array of new opportunities to stay on top of their health while at sea. It’s all part of an effort that provides access to healthy options while not placing any burdens on individual Seafarers. Traditional fare will remain on the menu and no one will be required to go on a diet. Wellness Coordinator Janet Nolan said food was the perfect place to start since a poor diet is linked to health issues like obesity, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure. Educating members and providing healthy options, she said, could make a world of difference. “Food is wellness and we are looking to embrace that,” Nolan said. “We have to make people want to come and eat and gain that credibility. We did changes in meal planning, recipe testing, purchasing and we enhanced the (food) presentation. We hear people saying, ‘you’ve got to try this. And that’s the hook.” PHC instructor John Dobson, who worked on the program’s food guidelines, said his main focus was on calories, sugar, salt and fats. The key is training cooks to keep the meals tasting good while preventing high fat, sugar and calorie counts. “By focusing on those areas, we can develop (cooking class) curriculum,” Dobson said. “It’s important that the menus we teach our students offer healthy options. It’s not that we can’t serve things that are fattening, but it can’t be everything.” The point, he added, was not to force people to eat certain things, but inform them about what they are putting into their bodies while also providing healthy alternatives. “A healthier membership is a happier Susan Carson Representative Sysco membership,” Dobson said. “We can’t control what people do, but we can inform them of the dangers of some of the things they do. A lot of people just don’t know.” One of the key factors in helping members make those healthy choices is menu planning. PHC Executive Chef John Hetmanski, who worked on menu planning, said that process is all about communication. “The menu itself is really a cooperative effort,” he said. “We really need to open up communication and develop what direction we want to go into.” He added that the school would start teaching cooks and stewards to develop menus that included healthier options, while also focusing on what works and what doesn’t. That strategy includes developing a calendar of recipes that rotate over a shorter time frame. “We came up with a two-week (menu) cycle here in Piney Point. Previously, it was 30 days,” Hetmanski said. “Putting it in that format gives us an ability to look at it objectively. We can get more favorites in there and things we enjoy.” Echoing earlier statements, Hetmanski said the strategy inevitably comes down to offering options. Healthy food won’t be required eating, though access to it will increase. “The underlining tone here is choice,” he George Tricker VP Contracts SIU said. “As we educate and communicate with them, that healthy choice is going to be there.” Working to make sure every choice is appetizing is instructor Robert Johnson. He’s been busy with menu testing and discussed the taste test form used to gauge opinions on different recipes. Rating those recipes based on presentation, taste, texture and smell, the testing process will help determine what should end up in SIU galleys. “Through that process we can develop better recipes,” Johnson said. “And if it’s successful we can go ahead and put that recipe in production.” While the recipes would include some healthy offerings, Johnson said it was important to note that it wouldn’t be a buffet of flavorless meals. “We are not saying everyone has to eat water and oatmeal. We are not saying everyone should be on a diet,” he said. “We just want the members to be educated.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker said that approach is important. “We have to create a culture where we give the mariners a choice,” he said. “When they make those choices they will know if they are Continued on next page Seafarers and Paul Hall Center employees (above and at right) arrive at the health fair for free medical screenings. 8 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 8 June 2014 5/22/2014 9:48:59 PM �An SIU apprentice learns about health and wellness (photo above) while others (photo at right) take part in an exercise class. Wellness Push Gains Traction Continued from Page 8 ordering something that’s healthy for them or not healthy for them.” Discussing the wide-reaching benefits of having such a wellness program in place was Crowley Managing Director for Marine Personnel Margaret An attendee takes advantage of a free massage. An attendee greets a vendor. Reasoner. SIU-contracted Crowley – which was just named one of America’s healthiest companies by Interactive Health – has joined with the SIU to help develop an industry-wide wellness program. The benefits of a healthy membership, Reasoner said, are enormous. Since starting its wellness program, Crowley has experienced higher productivity, improved morale and a reduction in healthrelated costs and expenses. “Because we share the same group of people, it will be nice that we are all on the same page,” Reasoner said, discussing an industry-wide wellness program. “It’s a good thing to do, and it’s not hard. It’s just that most of us don’t know.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel agreed, adding that having the union and companies on the same health-related page is vital to the program’s success. “It’s important everybody is on board,” he said. “We don’t all have to have the same policies, but it’s important we are all pushing toward the same direction.” Ultimately, Nolan said, it comes down to education, healthy options and members making a decision to take control of their health. “We are not going to force anything on them, but we will help them make good decisions,” she said. Health & Wellness Mission Statement “Our goal is to create a wellness platform that promotes a healthy environment at sea and ashore. Through collective efforts with industry partners, we strive to educate and empower every mariner to embrace this program and realize the benefits of healthy living not only today, but well into a rewarding retirement. We are 100 percent committed to the wellbeing of each and every Seafarer.” Healthy Recipes n 1 boneless pork loin n 6 whole garlic cloves n 2 tbsp. thyme leaves n 2 tbsp. rosemary leaves n 2 tbsp. cracked black pepper n 1 tsp. kosher salt Garlic Herb Pork Loin Place meat fat-side up on rack in open roasting pan. Make small cuts into pork loin and insert garlic cloves. Mix remaining ingredients together and rub over pork. Bake at 325º for one to one and one-half hours or until internal temperature is 145 º for four minutes. Slice and serve with pan au jus. Quinoa Tabbouleh n 1 cup quinoa n 2 cups water n 1 cup cooked black beans n 1 small cucumber – peeled, seeded, chopped n 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped n 1/3 cup fresh minced parsley n ¼ cup fresh lemon juice n 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil n ½ tsp. kosher salt n ½ tsp. black pepper Boil water, add quinoa, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork and transfer into a bowl. Allow food to cool completely. Add beans, cucumber, pepper and parsley. Whisk remaining ingredients together, drizzle over salad and refrigerate until chilled. Serve. Free screenings were staples at the health fair. Attendees get cooking tips and learn new recipes. June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 9 Seafarers LOG 9 5/22/2014 9:49:06 PM �Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964, for the year ended June 30, 2013. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(38,798) as of June 30, 2013, compared to $(89,348) as of July 1, 2012. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $50,550. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $580,176, including employer contributions of $578,017, earnings from investments of $87 and other income of $2,072. Plan expenses were $529,626. These expenses included $177,029 in administrative expenses and $352,597 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: An accountant’s report; Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 3923611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.00 for the full annual report or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC, or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice – MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important funding information about your pension plan (“the Plan”). This notice also provides a summary of federal rules governing multiemployer plans in reorganization and insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2013 (referred to hereafter as “Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The funded percentage of a plan is a measure of how well that plan is funded. This percentage is obtained by dividing the Plan’s assets by its liabilities on the valuation date for the plan year. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and two preceding plan years is set forth in the chart below, along with a statement of the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. 2013 2012 2011 Valuation Date January 1, 2013 January 1, 2012 January 1, 2011 Funded Percentage 159.05% 155.24% 153.87% $6,814,098 $6,911,490 $7,049,456 Value of Assets Value of Liabilities $4,284,318 $4,452,173 $4,581,505 Fair Market Value of Assets Asset values in the chart above are actuarial values, not market values. Market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status as of a given point in time. However, because market values can fluctuate daily based on factors in the marketplace, such as changes in the stock market, pension law allows plans to use actuarial values for funding purposes. While actuarial values fluctuate less than market values, they are estimates. As of December 31, 2013, the unaudited fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $7,083,650. As of December 31, 2012, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $6,807,171. As of December 31, 2011, the fair market value of the Plan’s assets was $6,791,092. The December 31, 2013 fair value of assets disclosed above is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Participant Information The total number of participants in the plan as of the Plan’s valuation date was 785. Of this number, 258 were active participants, 411 were retired or separated from service and receiving benefits, and 116 were retired or separated from service and entitled to future benefits. Funding and Investment Policies The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Once money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries who are responsible for plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning various types or categories of investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6 percent. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 40 percent of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Interest-bearing cash 4 2. U.S. Government securities 5 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred 15 A ll other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred 1 All other 31 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 0 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 0 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 0 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 4 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 40 15. Employer-related investments: 10 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 10 Employer Securities 0 Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0 Critical or Endangered Status Under federal pension law a plan generally will be considered to be in “endangered” status if, at the beginning of the plan year, the funded percentage of the plan is less than 80 percent or in “critical” status if the percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Rehabilitation and funding improvement plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The Plan was not in endangered or critical status in the Plan Year. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report A pension plan is required to file with the U.S. Department of Labor an annual report (i.e., Form 5500) containing financial and other information about the plan. Copies of the annual report are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or, you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Summary of Rules Governing Plans in Reorganization and Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. For more information about the PBGC and benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll-free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7242). June 2014 5/22/2014 9:49:10 PM �TALKING UNION ON WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (left) is pictured with AFL-CIO Executive VP Tefere Gebre earlier this year at a central labor council event on the West Coast. At Sea And Ashore With the SIU APPRENTICE EARNS DIPLOMA – Apprentice Imran Khan (right) received his high school diploma during the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Congratulating him is SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Khan earned the diploma through an accredited, decades-long program available to students at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. WELCOME ASHORE IN MOBILE – Port Agent Jimmy White (right) congratulates newly retired QMED Gilbert Preyer on his career and hands him his first pension check at the hall in Mobile, Ala. Preyer most recently sailed on Maersk’s Alliance St. Louis. VOLUNTEERING OVERSEAS – Seafarers, officers and Navy personnel from the USNS Bobo (operated by Maersk Line, Limited) early last month visited an orphanage in Olongapo City, Philippines. Some of the shipboard personnel are shown in the group photo along with children and orphanage workers. The photo at left shows AB Jason Baker learning braille with one of the kids. ABOARD NATIONAL GLORY – Pictured aboard the Crowley-operated National Glory in late April in San Juan, P.R., are (from left) AB Adrian Surillo, QMED Michael Cruz, QEE Boyko Kovatchev, Bosun Tony Carvalho, Chief Steward Veronika Cardenas, Chief Cook Lizzie Robinson and AB John Telles. The vessel runs from Houston to Puerto Rico. SPECIAL GUEST – Bosun Martin Simmons brought his daughter, Olivia, for the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 11 SEAFARING FAMILY – Recertified Steward Juan Vallejo (second from right) emailed this photo of him and his two uncles and son. The nautical roots of this SIU family go back more than 50 years. From left: SA Argelio Perez, retired Recertified Steward Pedro Laboy, Vallejo and Apprentice Juan Vallejo Jr. The elder Vallejo noted his family started sailing SIU in the early 1960s in New York. B-BOOK IN PUERTO RICO – AB Luis Ramos Rosa (left) picks up his B-seniority book from Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hall in San Juan, P.R. Seafarers LOG 11 5/22/2014 9:49:16 PM �A few of the volunteers and participants report to the lobby as the day begins. Participants head for the boats at dawn. Phil Fisher, chairman of the waterfront project and tournament sponsor Ten sponsored boats participated in the second annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic. Waterfront Classic a Winner Event Benefits Wounded Warrior Anglers, Piney Point Restoration Sequels aren’t always easy to pull off, but the second annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic delivered. Conducted April 29 at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Md., the event raised funds for both the Wounded Warrior Anglers of America and the PHC’s waterfront restoration project. Rank-and-file Seafarers and military veterans were among the 97 participants who sailed on 10 sponsored boats. Altogether, they reeled in more than 800 lbs. of fish (38 catches in all) despite less-than-ideal weather. Also taking part in the event were executives from Seafarers-contracted companies, SIU and PHC officials, family members and other guests. The steady rain and winds were incidental, as far as David Souders – president of the Wounded Warrior Anglers – is concerned. “The event was amazing,” he said. “It was extremely well put together and just tremendous. It kind of leaves you speechless. All of our people had a blast, and it didn’t matter that the weather was a little bit on the crummy side.” He added, “All of our warriors were extremely impressed and enjoyed themselves. They got to meet people who cared that they were there, people that cared about their service.” Souders offered special praise to Jake Sena- tore, son of PHC Admissions Director Priscilla Senatore. Jake not only worked hard assisting others throughout the event, he donated a big portion of his prize (for a 26.75-lb. catch) to the Wounded Warrior Anglers. “That was incredible,” Souders said. “You don’t see that from a young man every day. And he was constantly helping, too. Most kids would have been off to the side.” Mike Botelho of the Wounded Warrior Anglers had the largest catch of the day, a 34.2 lb. rock fish. Event chairman SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker pointed out that, as was the case last year, the boats carried a mix of sponsored operators, wounded warrior anglers and SIU officials. “We found in 2013 that blending the teams really promoted camaraderie while honoring our veterans,” he stated. “The same held true this year.” He continued, “I can’t say I wasn’t at least slightly concerned when the weather forecast looked bad, but the tournament came off without a hitch. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and there’s no doubt the causes are extremely worthwhile. If we can raise money for the Wounded Warrior Anglers and the school, and have a great time doing it, I’d call that a win.” Immediately after the last boat returned and before the awards banquet, participants gathered at the waterfront park for a quick ceremony honoring Keystone Shipping executive (and waterfront project chairman) Philip W.J. Fisher. A plaque bearing his likeness was unveiled on the park’s miniature lighthouse; SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel commended Fisher’s philanthropy and constant support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Fisher called the honor “a dream come true,” and told the crowd he believes it’s very important “to give back when you can.” He also commended the SIU’s officials for always protecting the interests of the membership. The team on the North Star brought back 137.4 lbs. of fish. The teams reeled in more than 800 lbs. of fish. Recertified Bosun Ken Steiner (right) and his brother walk toward one of the boats. 19991_Seafarers_JUNE2014_LOG_centerspread.indd 2-3 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 12 PHC Trustee Tony Naccarato, Wounded Warrior Anglers President David Souders Jim Hannon of Sealift, Inc. Congratulating Wounded Warrior Michael Botelho (center) on the largest catch are SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, the tournament chairman. David Hammett of the PHC (photo above) filets some of the catch. Anglers reeled in more than 800 pounds of fish during the outing. In the photo at right, classic participants and guests enjoy some of the day’s bounty. Wounded Warrior Anglers gather with Jake Senatore (holding trophy) at the main dining room. Pictured from left are Edwin Basto (USMC), Gary Benenati (USMC), Keith Neal (Navy), Ed Hammond (Navy), Damon Zeigler (USMC), Senatore, Michael Botelho (Air Force), Natalie Sayles (Army), David Souders (USMC and Air Force), and Tate Hutchinson (Army). The event benefits the Wounded Warrior Anglers and the waterfront restoration project. 12 Seafarers LOG Earning the day’s biggest catch was Wounded Warrior Michael Botelho. June 2014 5/22/2014 9:54:38 PM June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 13 Attendees gathered at the waterfront park for a brief but heartfelt tribute to Keystone executive Philip W.J. Fisher (third from left) right after the tournament. Pictured from left are SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, Fisher, Paul Hall Center Trustee Tony Naccarato and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Seafarers LOG 13 5/22/149:54:45 10:30 PM PM 5/22/2014 �6/14 14 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 14 June 2014 5/22/2014 9:54:49 PM �June & July 2014 Membership Meetings Piney Point..................................................Monday: June 2, July 7 Algonac........................................................Friday: June 6, July 11 Baltimore.................................................Thursday: June 5, July10 Guam....................................................Thursday: June 19, July 24 Honolulu....................................................Friday: June 13, July 18 Houston.......................................................Monday: June 9, July 14 Jacksonville.............................................Thursday: June 5, July 10 Joliet......................................................Thursday: June 12, July 17 Mobile...............................................Wednesday: June 11, July 16 New Orleans...................................................Tuesday: June 10, July 15 New York.....................................................Tuesday: June 3, July 8 Norfolk....................................................Thursday: June 5, July 10 Oakland.................................................Thursday: June 12, July 17 Philadelphia...........................................Wednesday: June 4, July 9 Port Everglades......................................Thursday: June 12, July 17 San Juan...................................................Thursday: June 5, July 10 St. Louis.....................................................Friday: June 13, July 18 Tacoma......................................................Friday: June 20, July 25 Wilmington...................................................Monday: June 16, July 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Attention SEAFARERS Help Keep America’s Maritime Industry Strong! Contribute to SPAD (The Seafarers Political Activity Donation) June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April 16, 2014 - May 15, 2014 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups Trip A B C Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Deck Department 12 4 2 9 5 1 0 19 11 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 11 4 0 4 4 0 3 10 8 0 13 12 2 13 12 4 6 20 29 5 4 1 0 4 1 0 0 5 3 1 11 4 3 8 2 0 1 22 6 4 55 14 3 31 12 2 22 83 20 4 25 21 2 29 10 2 9 75 38 5 8 5 1 2 1 0 0 8 5 1 9 4 1 8 0 1 2 15 4 1 10 5 1 3 2 0 1 17 5 3 49 15 0 33 14 0 27 82 31 2 14 24 6 8 16 2 6 26 33 7 15 13 1 14 5 0 6 44 21 1 5 4 0 6 5 1 6 5 6 1 3 1 0 1 2 0 0 3 2 1 5 5 1 5 4 1 3 12 17 1 35 18 6 20 9 2 10 79 23 7 1 3 0 3 0 0 0 5 4 1 34 14 4 25 12 0 15 67 43 5 319 171 33 226 118 16 117 597 311 53 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Engine Department 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 2 5 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 2 0 1 0 0 8 13 2 10 3 0 4 4 1 3 15 5 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 8 4 1 8 2 0 2 20 10 5 26 8 1 9 9 0 5 36 11 1 19 24 1 22 7 2 4 44 44 8 2 3 1 0 1 1 0 2 3 0 7 2 4 3 3 0 1 12 3 0 1 5 0 3 1 0 1 5 6 0 22 8 3 17 13 2 12 29 16 3 7 14 0 7 8 0 4 14 33 0 7 5 0 6 2 2 0 23 4 2 2 0 1 3 0 1 2 4 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 4 5 0 1 2 1 1 4 9 6 19 7 1 12 5 0 8 27 13 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 3 0 14 13 0 5 7 0 4 23 29 1 156 112 19 105 68 12 49 273 213 35 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Steward Department 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 1 1 1 0 0 5 0 0 7 1 1 7 3 1 2 11 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 13 4 0 7 0 0 3 17 8 0 17 10 3 13 3 0 9 30 14 3 20 6 0 15 5 1 8 31 14 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 5 0 1 4 2 0 2 9 0 1 3 3 0 3 0 1 0 9 5 0 25 4 1 18 3 0 9 31 9 4 11 9 2 10 8 2 3 19 19 4 27 6 0 17 5 0 8 37 8 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 6 2 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 7 5 0 13 5 0 15 2 1 8 16 6 0 3 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 2 0 24 3 1 16 6 0 6 47 15 4 183 60 13 132 43 7 60 287 114 24 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Entry Department 4 8 8 3 10 2 2 3 12 12 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 2 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 0 3 1 0 4 2 1 0 8 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 5 5 0 3 4 1 6 8 12 2 8 6 2 9 2 1 6 19 4 1 16 18 1 8 8 0 1 22 30 0 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 5 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 6 20 6 2 9 5 3 13 40 26 0 12 20 0 4 5 0 0 26 44 3 7 9 1 7 2 6 4 30 13 0 3 0 1 3 1 0 0 2 2 0 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 2 3 12 5 3 6 2 2 5 33 8 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 3 12 5 0 5 5 1 7 27 52 25 122 89 14 74 42 18 51 249 216 GRAND TOTAL: 683 465 154 477 303 77 244 1,208 887 328 Seafarers LOG 15 5/22/2014 9:55:05 PM �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services Editor’s note: This month’s question was posed to Seafarers who are attending upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point,Md. Question: What do you plan on doing this summer? continuing to upgrade because the more you upgrade the more valuable you become. That’s my whole focus … hitting the books and studying. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Mark Merenda OMED I sail out of the port of Tacoma, Wash., and I plan on going back to work this summer. I got off my last ship—the MV Mohegan—in March and hope to go back to work sometime in May. When I go back, I hope to be aboard either the Bennett or the Advantage. Mark Faust Mate Charles Brown AB I work aboard the Tug Freedom with Express Marine. I have been with the union 11 years and am homeported in Philadelphia. This summer, I plan on going to a big family wedding in Long Branch, N.J. I’m looking forward to getting up there a couple of days early, staying a couple of days late, and spending a lot of time with members of my family. I sail out of the port of Jacksonville and am here going through the AB to Mate program. I’ve been sailing since 2007 after finishing the apprentice program in 2006. I plan on hitting the books hard during the summer and beyond because I’ll be here until sometimes in September. So I just have to keep studying hard and in school for (rating forming part of a navigational watch) STOS. I can’t wait to start. Gilbert Allen ACU Karen Suzuki GUDE My home is Englewood, Calif., and I joined the union in the port of Wilmington, Calif. I hope to use the summer finding a job; one in the specialty that I’ve been Brandon Albro AB I’ve been sailing for past four years. I sail out of port of Philadelphia. I plan on going back to work, possibly aboard the Sultan if it works out. I’m from Puerto Rico, ship out of the port of New York and home ported there. I was a certified chef when I was in the Navy. I’m here attending the certified chief cook course. I hope to finish in late June or the first week in July. When, that happens I look forward to going back aboard a ship. Pic-From-The-Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Oiler David Cameron is pictured aboard the tanker National Defender (Vantage Shipping Corp.) in October 1973. The 851-footlong vessel was launched in 1959. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 16 June 2014 5/22/2014 9:55:11 PM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JOHN BAKER Brother John Baker, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1982 in San Francisco. He was originally employed on the Endurance. Brother Baker shipped in the deck department. He enhanced his skills on three occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Baker’s most recent ship was the Horizon Hawk. He is a resident of Thailand. URSEL BARBER Brother Ursel Barber, 63, began shipping with the SIU in 1968. He was first employed on the Semmes. The engine department member attended classes frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Barber’s last ship was the Cape Victory. He lives in Midway, Texas. GREGORIO BERNARDEZ Brother Gregorio Bernardez, 65, became an SIU member in 1994 in New York. He initially worked aboard the President Tyler. Brother Bernardez sailed in the steward department and upgraded in 1999 at the Paul Hall Center. He is a native of Honduras. Brother Bernardez’s most recent trip to sea was on the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. He now makes his home in Bronx, N.Y. RODERICK BRIGHT Brother Roderick Bright, 55, donned the SIU colors in 1978 in Piney Point, Md. He originally shipped on the Overseas Alaska. Brother Bright enhanced his skills often at the union-affiliated maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Bright’s most recent trip was aboard the Cyprine. He calls Norfolk, Va., home. PEDRO CAMPOS Brother Pedro Campos, 68, signed on with the Seafarers in 1988. The deck department member first sailed on the USNS Assertive. Brother Campos’ last ship was the Maersk Montana. He resides in Tampa, Fla. June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 17 JOSEPH CRUTE Brother Joseph Crute, 65, started shipping with the SIU in 1993 in Norfolk, Va. He initially sailed aboard the Producer. Brother Crute worked in the engine department and concluded his career on the Cape Ray. He settled in Virginia Beach, Va. JAMES DIXON Brother James Dixon, 68, became an SIU member in 1989. Brother Dixon originally worked aboard the Green Valley. He often enhanced his skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Dixon shipped as a member of the deck department. He was last employed on the Liberty Eagle. Brother Dixon lives in Ocean Springs, Miss. RONNIE HADNOTT Brother Ronnie Hadnott, 63, joined the SIU ranks in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. His most recent ship was the Cape Vincent. Brother Hadnott worked in the steward department. He upgraded on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Hadnott resides in Galveston, Texas. MOHAMED HADWAN Brother Mohamed Hadwan, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1981. He originally sailed aboard the Express. Brother Hadwan was born in Yemen and shipped in the engine department. He enhanced his skills in 1996 and 2002 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hadwan’s most recent trip was on the Maersk Michigan. He is a resident of New York. ELHASSAN HUSSEIN Brother Elhassan Hussein, 72, joined the Seafarers in 1997 in New York. The deck department member’s earliest trip was aboard the Independence. Brother Hussein upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent trip was on the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. Brother Hussein makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. ALVIN MCCANTS Brother Alvin McCants, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1970. He first sailed aboard the Evelyn. Brother McCants took advantage of educational opportunities at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He last shipped on the Liberty Pride, as a deck department member. Brother McCants calls Mobile, Ala., home. MAAMOR MIA Brother Maamor Mia, 66, joined the union in 1978. He initially sailed on the Tampa. Brother Mia was born in Singapore and was a member of the deck department. His most recent ship was the Maersk California. Brother Mia lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. NICHOLAS NOVICK Brother Nicholas Novick, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1993. He first shipped aboard the USNS Tenacious. Brother Novick sailed in the deck department. His most recent voyage was on the USNS Assertive. Brother Novick is a resident of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. WILFREDO RODRIGUEZ Brother Wilfredo Rodriguez, 65, signed on with the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1979. Brother Rodriguez’s first ship was the Santa Magdelena; his most recent, the Mokihana. The former steward department member makes his home in Wilmington, Calif. QASEM SAEED Brother Qasem Saeed, 65, became an SIU member in 1992. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Independence. Brother Saeed sailed in the deck department. He most recently worked on the Indiana Harbor. Brother Saeed calls Dearborn, Mich., home. DARRY SANDERS Brother Darry Sanders, 65, began shipping with the union in 1969. He initially sailed on a Hudson Waterways Corporation vessel. Brother Sanders was an engine department member. He enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Sanders’ final trip was aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak. He lives in Mobile, Ala. GEORGE VITELLO Brother George Vitello, 65, joined the SIU in 1991 in Hous- ton. The Texas-born mariner first shipped on the China Sea. Brother Vitello upgraded in 1993 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He worked in the deck department. Brother Vitello’s last voyage was aboard the Commitment. He lives in Houston. EUGENE VON FLOTOW Brother Eugen Von Flotow, 67, started his seafaring career in 1999 in Wilmington, Calif. He originally shipped in the inland division with Crowley Towing and Transportation of Wilmington. Brother Von Flotow was a steward department member. He was born in Santa Monica, Calif. Prior to retiring, Brother Von Flotow sailed on the APL Korea. He now resides in Redondo Beach, Calif. LOTHAR WICK Brother Lothar Wick, 63, was born in Germany. He became an SIU member in 1985 in Honolulu. Brother Wick’s first voyage was aboard the Independence. The engine department member most recently worked on the Global Sentinel. Brother Wick enhanced his skills several times at the Paul Hall Center. He lives in Piney Point, Md. INLAND GEORGE MIDGETT Brother George Midgett, 67, first donned the SIU colors in 1974. He was initially employed with Association of Maryland Pilots. In 1979, Brother Midgett attended classes at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed with Allied Transportation Company. Brother Midgett is a resident of Rodanthe, N.C. KEITH WOODY Brother Keith Woody, 59, started sailing with the union in 1975. He primarily worked with G&H Towing. Brother Woods was a member of the engine department. On two occasions, he upgraded at the Piney Point school. He resides in Rockport, Texas. GREAT LAKES DARYL OVERBY Brother Daryl Overby, 67, joined the SIU in 1968. The Minnesota native’s initial trip was aboard the Redland. Brother Overby attended classes in 2008 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Overby, a member of the steward department, last sailed on the Indiana Harbor. He calls Rapid City, S.D., home. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION ALBERTO LAUREL Brother Albert Laurel, 65, was an NMU member prior to the 2001 merger with the Seafarers International Union. He worked in the engine department. Brother Laurel is a resident of Carson, Calif. VERNON WEIRICH Brother Vernon Weirich, 65, joined the NMU before the SIU/ NMU merger of 2001. He makes his home in Windsor, Calif. EMMETT PROUDFOOT Brother Emmett Proudfoot, 65, joined the union in 1967 in New Orleans. His first ship was the Maiden Creek. Brother Proudfoot was born in Mobile, Ala. He shipped in the deck department. Brother Proudfoot’s final trip was with Crowley Towing and Transportation of Jacksonville. He enhanced his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Proudfoot continues to make his home in Alabama. Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, we were unable to publish the column that normally appears in this space - “This Month In SIU History” - in this edition of the Seafarers LOG. Space permitting, this column will return in its entirety and in its normal location in future editions. Seafarers LOG 17 5/22/2014 9:55:13 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA EMILIO BARRITO Pensioner Emilio Barrito, 96, died Sept. 29. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953. Brother Barrito initially worked on the Steel Admiral. A member of the steward department, he was last employed aboard the Producer. Brother Barrito retired in 1982 and made his home in the Philippines. JOSEPH CHADZAK Brother Joseph Chadzak, 84, passed away Nov. 14. He joined the union in 1951. Brother Chadzak first sailed on the Bull Finck. He was a deck department member. Brother Chadzak most recently shipped aboard an Ocean Clipper Inc. vessel. He went on pension in 2001 and was a resident of Williamston, N.J. STURMAR CRABBE Brother Sturmar Crabbe, 80, died June 20, 2013. He sailed with the Marine Cooks and Stewards before that union merged into the SIU. Brother Crabbe called Hawaii home. ERNEST DOOMS Pensioner Ernest Dooms, 65, passed away Dec. 8. He started shipping with the Seafarers in 1966. Brother Dooms’ first vessel was the Sabine. He was born in Alabama and shipped in the steward department. Brother Dooms last sailed on the Florida. He became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in Houston. TIMOTHY FITZGERALD Pensioner Timothy Fitzgerlad, 63, died Nov. 23. He began sailing with the union in 1978. Brother Fitzgerald was born in Kansas City, Mo. He was originally employed aboard the Erna Elizabeth. Brother Fitzgerald worked in the deck department, most recently on the Freedom. He began collecting his retirement pay in 2012 and was a resident of Tacoma, Wash. CHARLES GALLAGHER Pensioner Charles Gallagher, 85, 18 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 18 passed away Nov. 12. Born in New Jersey, he started shipping with the SIU in 1967. Brother Gallagher’s first ship was the Ponce; his last was the Nuevo San Juan. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Gallagher retired in 1994 and made his home in Burlington, N.J. WILLIAM GOELTZ Pensioner William Goeltz, 65, died Nov. 23. Brother Goeltz signed on with the union in 1973. The deck department member’s ships included the Buck Monitor and the Presque Isle. Brother Goeltz was born in Wisconsin. He became a pensioner in 2011. Brother Goeltz resided in Ashland, Wisc. WILBERT HAYWOOD Pensioner Wilbert Haywood, 75, passed away Nov. 28. Brother Haywood first donned the SIU colors in 1998. The engine department member was born in Hampton, Va. Brother Haywood’s final ship was the Patriot. He went on pension in 2005 and lived in Portsmouth, Va. CHARLES JAMES Pensioner Charles James, 91, died Dec. 16. He started sailing with the union in 1955. Brother James was a native of Minden, La. He initially sailed with Waterman Steamship Corporation. Brother James was a member of the deck department. He was last employed with Steuart Transportation Company. Brother James started receiving his pension in 1990. He made his home in Houston. HENRY MCCULLOUGH Pensioner Henry McCullough, 87, passed away Nov. 23. Brother McCullough was born in Pennsylvania. He joined the union in 1951. Brother McCullough originally worked with Hendy International Company. The steward department member’s final ship was operated by AMSEA. Brother McCullough began collecting his retirement pay in 1991. He settled in Brooklawn, N.J. AGUSTIN PAGAN Pensioner Agustin Pagan, 86, died Nov. 24. Brother Pagan became an SIU member in 1971. His earliest trip was on the Ponce. Brother Pagan was born in Bayamon, P.R. His final ship was the Maersk Alaska. Brother Pagan sailed in both the steward and engine departments. He retired in 1996 and called Tampa, Fla., home. FLORENTINO RAMOS Pensioner Florentino Ramos, 93, passed away Nov. 22. Brother Ramos signed on with the Seafarers in 1961 while in New Orleans. He initially sailed on a Pennsylvania Transportation Company vessel as an engine department member. Brother Ramos was born in Eagle Pass, Texas. He last shipped with OMI Champion Transportation. Brother Ramos went on pension in 1986 and lived in Cocoa, Fla. RONALD VANTRESS Pensioner Ronald Vantress, 67, died Nov. 21. Brother Vantress joined the SIU in 1969 in New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed in the deck and steward departments. Brother Vantress’ earliest trip was aboard the Del Uruguay. He most recently sailed on the Robert E. Lee. Brother Vantress started receiving his retirement pay in 2011 and settled in Tallahassee, Fla. MANUEL VIDAL Pensioner Manuel Vidal, 86, passed away Nov. 15. Brother Vidal was born in Spain. He started shipping with the union in 1957, initially working aboard a vessel operated by Ore Navigation Corporation. Brother Vidal was a member of the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1992, he sailed on the Long Lines. Brother Vidal made his home in Baltimore. INLAND LEON DUSCHL Brother Leon Duschl, 59, died Sept. 26. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1975 while in New York. Brother Duschl primarily worked aboard Interstate Oil Transportation Company vessels. He was a native of Pennsylvania. The deck department member was a resident of Lacey Township, N.J. JOHNNIE MATHEWS Pensioner Johnnie Mathews, 84, passed away Dec. 5. Brother Mathews first donned the SIU colors in 1946. He initially worked with Virginia Pilot Corporation. Brother Mathews was a deck department member. He last shipped on a Marine Oil Service Inc. vessel. Brother Mathews went on pension in 1988 and resided in Hertford, N.C. ROSA MEZO Pensioner Rosa Mezo, 69, died Oct. 23. Sister Mezo joined the SIU in 1994. The steward department member sailed mainly with Orgulf Transport Company. Sister Mezo became a pensioner in 2007. She lived in Lexington, Ky. GEORGE MILAZZO Pensioner George Milazzo, 83, passed away Nov. 6. Brother Milazzo started shipping with the union in 1953. His first vessel was the Southern City. Brother Milazzo worked in the deck department. He was last employed with Mariner Towing. Brother Milazzo retired in 1990 and settled in Covington, La. RUSSEL RHODA Pensioner Russel Rhoda, 75, died Dec. 12. He signed on with the SIU in 1972 while in Philadelphia. Brother Rhoda primarily shipped with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. He was born in Pennsylvania. Brother Rhoda began collecting his retirement compensation in 2000. He called Middle Township, N.J., home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU), have passed away. LUIS AMAYA Pensioner Luis Amaya, 91, died Oct. 20. Brother Amaya was born in Honduras. He became a pensioner in 1988 and lived in Austin, Texas. LLOYD CRAWFORD Pensioner Lloyd Crawford, 84, passed away Oct. 20. Brother Crawford, a native of Port Arthur, Texas, began collecting his pension in 1994. He continued to reside in Texas. HARRY ELIA Pensioner Harry Elia, 86, died Oct. 14. Brother Elia went on pension in 1967. He was born in Boston but called Medford, Mass., home. PRUDENCIO GACITA Pensioner Prudencio Gacita, 65, passed away Oct. 17. Brother Gacita retired in 2013. He was a resident of the Philippines. JOE GONZALEZ Pensioner Joe Gonzalez, 83, died Oct. 15. Born in California, Brother Gonzalez became a pensioner in 1982. He called Manteca, Calif., home. GEORGE GOZINSKY Pensioner George Gozinsky, 88, passed away Oct. 6. Brother Gozinsky was born in Ohio. He retired in 1969 and resided in Baltimore. LEO HOLMES Pensioner Leo Holmes, 83, died Oct. 10. Brother Holmes was a native of Lakes Charles, La. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1992. Brother Holmes made his home in Shreveport, La. away Oct. 23. Brother Kelly was born in Wayne, Mich. He began receiving his pension in 1995. Brother Kelly lived in Charlotte, N.C. TOMMIE MCPHERSON Pensioner Tommie McPherson, 87, died Oct. 24. Brother McPherson, a native of Beckenridge, Texas, started collecting his retirement compensation in 1976. He resided in Auburn, Wash. JOSE QUINONES Pensioner Jose Quinones, 94, passed away Oct. 30. Brother Quinones was born in Rio Grande, P.R. He went on pension in 1968. Brother Quinones made his home in West Haverstraw, N.Y. ENRIQUE QUINTERO Pensioner Enrique Quintero, 86, died Oct. 3. The Nicaragua native became a pensioner in 1997. Brother Quintero settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. JUSTINO RUCCI Pensioner Justino Rucci, 89, passed away Oct. 15. Born in Humacao, P.R., Brother Rucci started receiving his retirement compensation in 1985. He lived in San Juan, P.R. RICHARD SANCHEZ Pensioner Richard Sanchez, 82, died Oct. 30. Brother Sanchez was born in New Orleans. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1994 and continued to make his home in Louisiana. BURNICE SEARCY Pensioner Burnice Searcy, 93, passed away Oct. 10. Born in Florida, Brother Searcy started receiving his pension in 1969. He lived in St. Petersburg, Fla. HARVEY SMITH Pensioner Harvey Smith, 79, died Oct. 2. Brother Smith, a native of Springfield, Mo., began collecting his pension in 1989. He made his home in East Wenatchee, Wash. GEORGE SNAY Pensioner George Snay, 76, passed away Oct. 17. Brother Snay was born in Hammond, Ind. He went on pension in 2001. Brother Snay continued to make his home in Indiana. PEDRO VALDELOMAR Pensioner Pedro Valdelomar, 93, died Sept. 13. Born in Nicaragua, Brother Valdelomar retired in 1969. He resided in San Francisco. NEXTOR VALENTIN Pensioner Nester Valentin, 93, passed away Oct. 12. Brother Valentin, a native of Moca, P.R., started collecting his retirement compensation in 1980. He lived in Carolina, P.R. CHARLES KELLY Pensioner Charles Kelly, 85, passed June 2014 5/22/2014 9:55:15 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings FLORIDA (Crowley), March 23 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Hazel Johnson, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Deck Delegate Jose Sanchez, Engine Delegate Ali Mohamed, Steward Delegate Brian Young. Chairman reported another safe trip with no lost-time injures. He thanked everybody for working professionally and efficiently. Payoff scheduled for March 31 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Secretary encouraged mariners to purchase MDLs and contribute to SPAD when you can. Educational director encouraged all members to get their sea time and take advantage of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. They were also advised to read the Seafarers LOG to stay informed of the latest changes to benefits and shipping rules. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate thanked fellow crew members for their help keeping ship clean. Crew discussed patrolman’s visit explaining new medical benefits and sea-time requirements needed to qualify for those benefits. Suggestions were made pertaining to vacation benefits. Crew members thanked the steward department for a job well done. Next ports: Corpus Christi, Texas, and Marcus Hook, Pa. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), March 30 – Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Lovie L. Perez, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate Daniel P. Lovely, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Obadi S. Kassem. Chairman reminded mariners to keep dues current and encouraged them to donate to SPAD. Members were informed that a copy of latest agreement is available in crew lounge. Educational director urged members to pay attention to document expiration dates and visit The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. Piney Point school whenever possible. Treasurer reported $9,944 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested about reimbursement of transportation costs. Concern was expressed about having to take multiple physicals per year. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., Anchorage, Alaska and Kodiak, Alaska. INTREPID (Maersk Line, Limited), March 28 – Chairman Abdulla Alwaseem, Secretary Robin D. Ballard, Educational Director Ralph B. Garner, Deck Delegate Robert Richardson, Engine Delegate Salvador Baclayon, Steward Delegate Marcelo Rodriguez. Bosun went over ship’s itinerary and reminded crew to use caution on gangway. Secretary informed mariners that new medical endorsement was being mailed from Coast Guard. Educational director recommended training at the Piney Point school and stressed the need to keep documents up-to-date. Treasurer noted $3,434 in crew fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new mattresses and new flat-screen T.V. for crew lounge. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 23 – Chairman David Zurek, Secretary Alexander Banky, Educational Director Kevin Cooper, Deck Delegate Carlos Zapata, Engine Delegate Sammy Montana, Steward Delegate Edward English. Crew expressed displeasure with various requirements for physical exams. Chairman reported another safe trip with no lost-time injuries. He announced payoff scheduled for March 30 in Newark, N.J., and also thanked steward department for great food. Secretary encouraged everyone to read the LOG. Educational director advised fellow mariners to be on the lookout for new medical certificate that’s being Aboard the Evergreen State These photos were taken April 25 in Crockett, Calif., on and near the Crowley tanker Evergreen State. Apprentice Cole Briggs mailed by Coast Guard. Disputed OT reported in engine department; no other department-specific beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked SIU VP Contracts George Tricker for his written response (and corresponding actions) to questions raised in an earlier shipboard meeting. Crew discussed use of riding gang, contract language applying to apprentices, and procedure for scheduling medical appointments. They would like to be able to file for vacation check online. Crew thanked galley gang for all the good meals. They listed 10 separate suggestions for the next contract, including ones concerning crew size, various benefits, and much more. Next port: Newark, N.J. MAERSK IOWA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 11 – Chairman Egidio Ferreira, Secretary Paul Isherwood, Educational Director Aboard the USNS John Glenn Port Agent Jeff Turkus and Government Services Division Assistant VP Chet Wheeler recently met with Seafarers aboard the USNS John Glenn in San Diego. Some of the crew members are pictured here. The vessel is a mobile landing platform operated by Ocean Shipholdings for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. SA Henry Gonzalez Patrolman Nick Marrone II, Steward/ Baker Brian Cushing Eufemiano Gomes. Crew asked for direct deposit of vacation checks and also stated they want to have the option of filing for those checks from home. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed importance of staying up-to-date on union news by reading the LOG. Crew inquired about bonus. They would like to manage their own money purchase plan accounts. They expressed frustration about delays in or absence of responses to various questions. Crew asked about standby reliefs and day off for day’s pay after completing 35-day voyage. MAERSK MEMPHIS (Maersk Line, Limited), March 23 – Chairman George Perry, Secretary Kenneth Hagan, Educational Director Daniel Dean. Crew discussed some requirements of amended STCW convention, including safety training. Educational director mentioned receipt of a medical sticker that goes in MMC. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed SOLAS requirements. They stated each room should have electric fan. Concerns voiced about conditions of mattresses. Crew stressed need to be safe in ports. Bosun and steward bought a new coffee maker. Crew thanked steward department for great food. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga. OCEAN CRESCENT (Crowley), March 23 – Chairman Kyle Schultz, Secretary Janice Gabbert, Deck Delegate Ryan Legario, Steward Delgate Gladiz David. Chairman thanked crew for efforts and success in improving vessel’s overall cleanliness. He commended everyone’s teamwork and also encouraged mariners to read the contract before taking the job. Crew touched on value of upgrading in Piney Point and importance of keeping documents current. Disputed OT reported in steward department; no other beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed importance of cargo preference/PL 480 in keeping the ship working. Crew suggested increasing retirement pay and also boosting travel reimbursement. Ice machine to be repaired in U.S. Mi- June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 19 crowave is broken. Next ports: Lake Charles, La., and Albany, N.Y. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (OSG), March 31 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary R. Sanderson, Educational Director Anthony Hulsey, Deck Delegate Jefferson Julian, Engine Delegate Dionesio Monteclaro Jr., Steward Delegate Charles Atkins. Chairman reminded everyone to keep documents up-to-date. Secretary reminded crew to separate plastic and paper. Educational director encouraged fellow members to upgrade at SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed desire for “better dental plan” and lower co-payments for medical charges. Crew thanked steward department for great job. Next ports: Anacortes, Wash., and Los Angeles. USNS SGT. WILLIAM R. BUTTON (Maersk Line, Limited), March 17 – Chairman Gregory Jackson, Secretary Edwin Bonefont, Educational Director Deralle Watson, Deck Delegate Kenneth McDaniel. Chairman discussed new medical certificate and importance of keeping all documents current. Secretary reported on physical exam requirements and eligibility requirements. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New TV secured for crew and new carpet put in some rooms. USNS SODERMAN (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), March 26 – Chairman James Orlanda, Secretary Richard Wythe, Educational Director Reginald White. Chairman thanked all departments for their professionalism. Educational director reminded fellow members of availability of members-only portal on SIU website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew talked about importance of keeping medical certificates and other documentation up-to-date. Crew asked for increase in reimbursement for safety shoes. Washing machines need to be repaired or replaced. Next port: Guam. Seafarers LOG 19 5/22/2014 9:55:19 PM �Commemorative Bricks Highlight Park Commemorative bricks, including the ones pictured below, are a collectively noteworthy part of the waterfront park located at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. For more information, including how to donate a brick, visit the SIU home page (www.seafarers.org) or go directly on the web to: http://www.seafarers.org/SIUBricks.htm Questions may be emailed to siubricks@seafarers. org Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246, for the year ended July 31, 2013. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(166,746) as of July 31, 2013, compared to $(299,616) as of August 1, 2012. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $132,870. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $9,508,617, which included employer contributions of $9,489,976, realized losses from the sale of assets of $1,015, earnings from investments of $2,813 and other income of $16,843. Plan expenses were $9,375,747. These expenses included $321,525 in administrative expenses and $9,054,222 in benefits paid to participants. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: An accountant’s report; Financial information and information on payments to service providers; Assets held for investment; and Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone number (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.50 for the full annual report or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC, or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to Public Disclosure Room, N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, US Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board 20 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 20 by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 June 2014 5/22/2014 9:55:20 PM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and - in times of conflict - national security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Start Date of Title of Course Date Completion Deck Department September 13 October 10 Able Seafarer (Deck) November 8 December 5 ARPA June 28 July 4 Bosun Recertification July 12 August 4 ECDIS June 7 June 13 July 12 July 18 Fast Rescue Boat June 21 June 27 July 26 August 1 GMDSS September 27 October 10 November 29 December 12 Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Advanced Referigeration Containers August 23 September 19 Marine Electrician June 21 August 15 September 27 November 21 Pumpman June 7 June 20 Welding June 7 June 27 July 12 August 1 Safety Upgrading Courses Advanced Firefighting August 9 August 15 September 13 September 19 Basic Firefighting/STCW July 5 Juy 11 September 6 September 12 Basic Training Refresher/VPDSD July 12 July 18 August 16 August 22 Government Vessels June 21 June 27 July 19 July 25 Medical Care Provider June 7 June 13 August 16 August 22 Tank Barge (DL) September 13 September 19 June 21 July 4 Lifeboatman/Water Survival July 19 August 1 August 16 August 29 Tanker Ship Familiarization (DL) September 14 September 26 RFPNW August 16 September 12 October 11 November 7 Radar Renewal (One day) June 3 June 3 July 8 July 8 August 18 August 18 Galley Operations June 21 July 18 July 19 August 15 Certified Chief Cook These modules begin every other week. The most recent class started May 24. The next class will commence June 7. Radar Observer June 14 June 27 September 6 September 19 Engine Department Chief Steward August 9 September 19 November 1 December 12 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) July 19 August 15 September 13 October 10 June 21 July 18 FOWT (Able Seafarer Engine) August 16 September 12 October 11 November 7 Junior Engineer August 30 October 24 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o Steward Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Galley Operations June 7 July 4 July 5 August 1 August 2 August 29 August 30 September 26 ServeSafe June 21 June 27 August 2 August 8 September 13 September 19 October 25 October 31 December 6 December 12 COURSE ____________________________ START DATE _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class #___________________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? o Yes o No If yes, course(s) taken____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back or relevant pages of merchant mariner credential, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/14 June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 21 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ Seafarers LOG 21 5/22/2014 9:55:21 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #784 – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 11: Christian Borroto, Gideon Decker, Ryan Drummond, Thomas Drummond, Aaron Gray, Kalil Hughes, Brian Jones, Simon Kamau, Kevin McDonald, Patrick Montgomery, Jiwoong Park, Andrew Petrilli, Assiel Roedan, Gabriel Waiwaiole, Emory Wheeler and Stephen Zbornik. Their instructor, Ben Cusic, is at the far right. Combined Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed their requirements in this course April 25: Christopher Allen, Vladimir Baez, Jonathyn Bland, Daniel Chisum Coffey, Joie Flesner, Barry Hamm, John Reid, Gary Turner and Lebarron West. Their instructor, Mike Roberts, is at the far left. Water Survival – Two upgraders finished their requirements in this class April 11. Graduating were Mosiuesar Roudu (above, left) and Mohamed Jahamee. BST Renewal (Express Marine) – Seven individuals finished this class April 16. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Shane Anderson, Donald Bishop, Edward Garner, Gregory Jones, Parran Keane, Jerold Register and Thomas Spain. Class instructor Mike Roberts is at the far left. Basic Training Refresher (Express Marine) – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 30: Gregory Allman, Michael Daniels, Mark Faust, George Greggs, Jerry Harper, Mark O’Neal and Billy Sawyer. Class Instructors Wayne Johnson Jr., and Wayne Johnson Sr., are at the far left and far right, respectively. Basic Training Refresher – Eleven upgraders graduated from this course April 23. Finishing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Justin Biggerstaff, Martha Bye, Edwin Coleman, Joseph Evans, Cody Fox, Christian Harber, Harry Kinsman, Deven McCoy, Viliamu Milikini, Mark Pearson and Miguel Ruiz. Their instructor, Joe Zienda, is at the far right. BST Renewal (Crowley Maritime) –Twentytwo upgraders finished this course April 10. Graduating (right, in alphabetical order) were: Willie Allen, Joel Anderson, Darryl Atherley, Luther Bartholowew, Sirio Centino, Patrick Ciulla, Frederick Cleare, Jack Gainers, Kris Goulette, Mark Homeyer, Piotr Kwiatkowski, Keith Langley, Luis Martinez, Marijan Masnov, Sean McCranie, David Nimmer, Mike O’Leary, Edward Pinnance, Francis Pelosi, Tim Smithwick, Sean Walker and Philip Wright. Their instructors, Ethan Evans and Wayne Johnson Sr., are at the far left and far right, respectively. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 22 June 2014 5/22/2014 9:55:25 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – The following Seafarers (left, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 18: Vladimir Baez, Bryan Benak, Thami Boulabat, Jose David, Lordiem Garcia, Barry Hamm, Benjamin Ines, Kosar Iqbal, Mohamed Jahamee, Kevin Jenkins, Radu Marinescu, Devon McCoy, Alejandro Mejia, Adele Messina, Julius Morala, Karen Thomasson, Jonathan Tucker, Courtney Turner, Jesse Turner, Edward Villanda and Mary Whatley. Class instructor, Mark Cates, is in the second row at the far right. Important Notice to Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Tank Barge (DL) – Seventeen Seafarers completed the enhancement of their skills in this course April 11. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Kelly Doyle, Theophilus Essien, Steve Fuentes, Julio Gomez, Kaamil Gray, John Jasinski, Jenny Marcelin, Julius Morala, James Moore, Adam Poole, Michael Ross, William Sculley, Jason Smooke, Jovan Williams, Kevin Wimbley, Edward Wright and James Wynegar III. Mitch Oakley, their instructor, is at the far left. ECDIS – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 15: Nicholas Conway, Robert Eastwood, David Keefe and Randall Scott. Class instructors Brad Wheeler and Chip Noell are at the far left and far right, respectively. Junior Engineer – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course May 2: Keith Carswell, Gregorio Clotter, Daniel Cunningham, Peter Dadzie, Earl GMDSS – Nine Seafarers finished their requirements in this course April 8. Those gradu- Dimmick, Omar Espinosa, William Gibson, Victorino Labrilla Jr., Mark Loughman, Enrique ating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Charles Brown Jr., Michael Cousin, John Cur- Medri, Jeffrey Nicholson, Ryan Palmer, Fidel Pascua, Antoine White, Jonathan White and ran, Ernest Frank III, Kendric Henry, John Nersten, Coda Russell, Jared Smith and Jerry Frederick Wright. Their instructor, John Wiegman Jr., is at the far right. (Note: Not all are Wilder. Brad Wheeler, their instructor, is at the far left. pictured.) Tankship Familiarization (DL) – Nineteen upgraders finished their requirements in this course April 25. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Kevin Blackman, Brandon Blue, Curtis Church, Dean Crisostomo, Dominador Diaz, Kelly Doyle, Steve Fuentes, Julio Gomez, Michael Harris, Miguel Matos, Mark Merenda, Robert Ott, Rickey Pettaway, Jeffery Roddy, Michael Ross, Christopher Shivalier, Christopher Sykes, Kevin Wimbley III, and James Wynegar. June 2014 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 23 Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed the enhancement of their skills in this course April 18: Charles Brown Jr. Michael Cousin, John Curran, Ernest Frank III, Ronel Guerzon, Kenric Henry, John Nersten, Coda Russell, Jared Smith and Jerry Wilder. Seafarers LOG 23 5/22/2014 9:55:29 PM �F E B R2014 UARY 2014 JUNE o VOLU M E 7 6 76 NNO. O . 62 VOLUME Annual Funding Notice Page 10 With Seafarers Aboard the Overseas Los Angeles Port of Oakland Patrolman Nick Marrone II, during a servicing visit aboard the Overseas Los Angeles, snapped these photos for publication in the Seafarers LOG. Overseas Los Angeles QEP Clarence Verdun signs the patrolman’s and safety reports. SA Ziyad Omar, CS Kenneth Greenidge and CC Roberto Martinez ABG Julius Dagoldol performs gangway duties. Taking a lunch break in the crew mess (left to right) are Los Angeles crew members including CC Roberto Martinez, ABG Julio Guzman, CS Kenneth Greenridge, SA Ziyad Omar and Bosun Teodulfo Alanano. Overseas Martinez Ties Up In Port of Martinez, Calif. Port of Oakland Patrolman Nick Marrone II serviced the unioncrewed Overseas Martinez April 25 when the vessel was tied up in the Port of Martinez, Calif. Following a shipboard meeting and payoff, Marrone took photos of some of the crew. In the photo at right, Chief Cook Charles Atkins and SA Hamid Shahbian prepare a meal in the galley. Pictured in the photo below are GUDE Abdulla Omar, OS Ali Ali, CC Charles Atkins, ABG Casey Matheson, Steward Baker Jennifer Jim, SA Hamid Shanbaib, QEP Anthony Husley and GUDE Bobby Brown. The remainning picture (a file photo) shows the Martinez being moved into docking position by tugboats. 19991_JUNE2014_LOG.indd 24 5/22/2014 9:55:41 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2014 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES REPORT: PIRACY DROPPING WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVE GARAMENDI: USE AMERICAN CREWS, VESSELS FOR NATURAL GAS EXPORTS GENERAL SELVA ASSUMES COMMAND AT USTRANSCOM ST. LOUIS PORT COUNCIL HONORS 3 DURING APRIL EVENT REP. OBERSTAR REMEMBERED AS ‘MR. TRANSPORTATION’ SIU HELPS DELIVER PRO-MARITIME MESSAGES TO CONGRESS INDUSTRY TEAMS UP FOR FIFTH ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL SAIL-IN PORTAL OFFERS OPTION FOR SCHEDULING CLINIC EXAMS WALMART USING TAXPAYERS TO PAD PROFITS MEMBERS SEE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF WELLNESS PROGRAM WATERFRONT CLASSIC A WINNER COMMEMORATIVE BRICKS HIGHLIGHT PARK Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2014 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. 76, No. 6 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5f6f67974e05d48610b5618cf51f017b.pdf 27ccc70ecaa175a3da0c526fd97044fd PDF Text Text JUNE F E B2016 RUARY 2014 V O L U M E VOLUME 7 6 o N78ONO. . 26 New Tonnage Galore The SIU recently welcomed three new Jones Act tankers into the Seafarers-contracted fleet. Those vessels are the Louisiana (background of top photo), the Garden State (lower right) and the Magnolia State (directly below). Among the individuals in the group photo are SIU crew members, Crowley Maritime Chairman/CEO Tom Crowley (front, center), SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (next to Crowley) and Port Agent Chris Westbrook (fourth from left). Page 3. Waterfront Classic Thrives SIU VP Contracts George Tricker waves to dockside spectators as he and teammates head out to participate in the 4th annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic. Pages 14-16 El Faro Recorder Found Page 2 Advisory Board Meets Page 4 Crescent Crews Ratify Contracts Page 6 �New Panama Canal Study Raises Safety Concerns President’s Report Waterfront Classic a Winner For the fourth straight year, the SIU and our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, were proud to host the Seafarers Waterfront Classic, benefiting both the Wounded Warrior Anglers of America and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. It’s a great event that brings together Seafarers, military veterans, representatives of SIU-contracted companies and many other friends and colleagues. Check out our coverage elsewhere in this edition, and if you missed the online posts, go on Facebook and search for 2016 Seafarers Waterfront Classic. The photos from the event page give a good sense of the camaraderie enjoyed throughout the day, as well as the strong attendance. In many ways, this gathering captures the mutual respect that exists between SIU members and the men and women of our armed forces, plus our veterans. That’s a bond that goes back three quarters of a century – and one that will endure for many, many years to come. Michael Sacco I completely understand that as Seafarers help uphold the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital role as America’s fourth arm of defense, what matters is delivering the goods wherever and whenever needed. In some cases it also may mean transporting the troops themselves. But it’s a bonus to know that our members have a commitment to backing our military which runs much deeper than simply wanting to wrap up a voyage efficiently. Our hearts are in those missions. We know the military depends on us, and that’s a commitment we treat with utmost dedication. On the heels of National Maritime Day (check the SIU website and next month’s edition of the LOG for coverage), I salute all of our SIU brothers and sisters who’ve supported our troops throughout the years. Like the merchant marine song says, “Give us the goods and we’ll deliver.” Register and Vote It’s not too soon to make sure you’re registered to vote on Election Day, or even before then by absentee ballot. Check out the brief on page 5 of this issue or ask your port agent how to get started. Our union has a long record of supporting pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates at every level of government, regardless of political party. That’ll never change. I’ve already touched on this topic earlier in the year and probably will hit it again more than once between now and November, but be fully assured the union does our homework very thoroughly before throwing our support behind any candidate. We also respect each individual’s right to back the candidate of his or her choice. My personal view is that it makes the most sense to support the candidates who will support both the U.S. Merchant Marine and the rest of America’s working families. In that spirit, you may know that the SIU very early this year endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. I understand that any such endorsement is going to bring out strong emotions, and again I respect people’s right to an opinion. But for anyone who didn’t read the letter from Secretary Clinton outlining her detailed backing of our industry, take a few minutes and either look it up on our website or read it in the February issue of the LOG. Copies of the letter also are available at all of our union halls. If you can find anything wrong with that letter, let me know. It’s as strong and thorough a declaration of support for the U.S. Merchant Marine as I’ve ever read from any candidate. Lastly, this is also an election year for us in the SIU. Your vote counts, so make sure you exercise your right to cast a ballot. As usual, we’ll publish eligibility rules and voting procedures in the coming months. In fact, we’ve already got a brief covering absentee ballot instructions this month. This is especially useful for our brothers and sisters who plan to be at sea from November through the end of the year. FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 76 Volume 78 Number 6 o NO. 2 June 2016 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2016 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG An independent safety study into the Panama Canal expansion commissioned by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has raised pressing concerns about the canal’s new locks. The study was carried out by Brazil’s Fundação Homem de Mar (FHM), in response to safety concerns raised by its Panamanian member unions. FHM was tasked with preparing a mathematical model, using a Maneuvering Simulator Class A, to recreate the new locks, a neo-Panamax vessel and the tugboats that would assist its maneuvers. The concerns raised by the unions centered on the Panama Canal Administration’s refusal to engage in dialogue on matters such as training, as well as the technical and construction issues that have led to delays in the operation of the new infrastructure. According to the results of the study, using a neo-Panamax model vessel and two tugboats, it was concluded that the safety of maneuverability is compromised due to several factors: n The locks’ dimensions are too small for safe operation (with both gates closed); n There are no refuge areas for the tugboats inside the locks, leaving no room for failure (human error, miscommunication, broken lines or engine failure); n The bollard pull is insufficient; n In terms of maneuverability in the locks, the control of the vessel was compromised under the average environmental conditions present in that geographic area (data provided by the contracting party). The main reasons were the low power of the tugboats and the required bollard pull. With milder conditions the exercise was concluded safely. The study recommends that a complete risk analysis and special training should be carried out to avoid any accidents that may result in loss of life or pollution. The study’s conclusions were released April 27 at a press conference in Panama City that was attended by leading representatives of trade unions, safety and maritime organizations, as well as government representatives. “I wish I could report that the study gave the new locks the all clear. Sadly, I can’t. Instead we face a situation where those working on the canal, and those passing through it, are potentially at risk. That will have to change,” said ITF general secretary Steve Cotton. “The study was based on the PCA’s original plan to use one forward tug and one aft tug. We understand that compensatory alternatives are being examined, which we welcome. “The issues identified in this study will not be a surprise to workers on the canal. Unfortunately their expertise and experience have up to now been snubbed. Thankfully they’re still on offer. Those who’ll be working these locks have to be brought into the process, while there’s still time to fix the defects,” continued Cotton. “We share our affiliated unions’ concerns and we can assure that The ITF and its canal affiliates want the new canal to be safe and to work. The Panama Canal is crucial for the international maritime industry. We offer our full support to make this important maritime route safe for all those who transit it or work on it, and for a positive engagement between unions and the PCA,” concluded Cotton. Federation Orders Study of MLC The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has commissioned an in-depth study into the implementation and enforcement of the ILO Maritime Labor Convention 2006 (MLC), which came into force in August 2013. The study will be carried out by Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI). The ITF was a major mover in the development of the MLC, which sets out comprehensive and enforceable minimum standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions, and which has been described as the most ambitious convention ever, covering the modern realities of working conditions on board a 21st century ship. According to the federation, the MLC is the “fourth pillar” in the maritime regulatory regime, along with SOLAS, Marpol and the STCW conventions. ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel, who is secretary-treasurer of the SIU, explained, “Al- though the ITF is delighted that the convention is now in force, there is a clear need for a critical evaluation of its implementation and enforcement. Both port state control and ITF inspectors have reported numerous breaches of the MLC. That’s why we’ve decided to commission SRI to do a thorough study to assess its effectiveness, and identify any areas where it may need strengthening. That study is likely to take around two years to complete.” He continued, “The MLC is a fine, pioneering achievement of which all of those who supported it can be proud. But there is no room for complacency. We’ve said all along that its enforcement and effectiveness must be monitored and checked. We’re glad to be supporting that aim.” The International Chamber of Shipping and the ITF had discussed a joint project, but it was decided that the ITF would commission the study. Investigators Find El Faro’s Data Recorder U.S. Coast Guard Convenes Second Round of Hearings The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the research vessel Atlantis located the El Faro’s voyage data recorder (VDR) April 26 near the Bahamas, but the process of retrieving it and extracting the information could take another two or three months. Two days after the recorder was found, the agency announced that a separate mission would be required to recover it. “The team of investigators and scientists aboard Atlantis collaborated with investigators at the National Transportation Safety Board lab in Washington and determined that given the VDR’s proximity to the mast and other obstructions, recovery of the VDR cannot be accomplished with the equipment currently available on the ship,” the NTSB noted. “Video and photographic images revealed that the VDR appears to remain attached to a steel beam connected to the mast structure.” “Now that we have been able to see just how the VDR is oriented relative to the mast structure, it’s clear that we’re going to need specialized deep-wa- ter salvage recovery equipment in order to bring it up,” said Brian Curtis, acting director of the NTSB Office of Marine Safety. “Extracting a recorder capsule attached to a four-ton mast under 15,000 feet of water presents formidable challenges, but we’re going to do everything that is technically feasible to get that recorder into our lab.” A week later, NTSB officials told reporters that the VDR should contain data and the final 12 hours of audio from the El Faro’s bridge. The device reportedly was constructed to withstand pressure up to 20,000 feet below sea level. The recent search mission was a follow-up to the initial one last October and November, which involved locating the sunken vessel itself and surveying the debris field. Data collected at that time was utilized to plot “high probability” search zones for the VDR. Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation in mid-May began a second round of public hearings in Jacksonville, Florida, on the loss of the El Faro and its 33 crew members, including 17 Seafarers. They were scheduled to end too late for inclusion in this edition. (Please check the News section of the SIU website for updates.) June 2016 �New Crowley Vessel Louisiana Boosts SIU Fleet SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation recently christened the third of four new product tankers at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans. The vessel, named the Louisiana, will join two sister ships, Texas and Ohio, in the Jones Act trade, and will carry a crew of SIU mariners. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Port Agent Chris Westbrook represented the union at the christening May 5. Attendees representing Marathon Petroleum Corporation, the vessel’s charterer, and shipbuilder Philly Shipyard Inc., watched as Carrie Templin, wife of Don Templin, Marathon executive vice president, carried out the time-honored tradition of christening the tanker by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne across the hull. The 50,000 dead-weight-ton (dwt), 330,000-barrel-capacity Louisiana is one of the first tankers to receive the American Bureau of Shipping’s LNG-Ready Level 1 approval, giving Crowley the option to convert the tanker to liquefied natural gas for propulsion in the future. “This is a great day of celebration for Crowley, Marathon, Philly Shipyard and all the people who had a role in bringing this great ship to life,” said Tom Crowley, company chairman and CEO. “We also celebrate the men and women seafarers who will be counted on to operate her safely and reliably for our customer, Marathon. There is nothing more important.” The new tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design that incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability, and the latest regulatory requirements. Similar to its sister ships, Louisiana is 600 feet long and is capable of carrying crude oil or refined petroleum products, as well as other chemical products. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker said, “This new vessel is the pinnacle of modern technology, combining efficiency and environmental safety to help ensure smooth sailing. Our mariners undoubtedly will do outstanding work aboard this ship.” Construction management services were provided by Crowley’s marine solutions group, which provides oversight and management in shipyards across the country for Crowley and other third-party companies. Philly Shipyard (formerly known as Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc.) also built the tankers Texas and Ohio for Crowley; the fourth ship in the program is under construction, with delivery planned for third quarter 2016. “The christening underscores our contin- ued commitment to building and operating innovative vessels that deliver the best possible service and efficiency for our customers who depend on us for safe and reliable transportation of petroleum products,” said Rob Grune, Crowley’s senior vice president and general manager, petroleum services. “And, as is the case with its sister ships, we designed and built the Louisiana to have the capability to be converted to LNG propulsion in the future, increasing the likelihood of a long service life as new emissions regulations are developed in the years ahead.” The new Crowley tanker Louisiana (photo at top of page), which will sail in the Jones Act trade, features this SIU crew (photo directly above): Pumpman Kevin Hall, Bosun Greg Jenkins, ABM Rodney Roberson, AB Angel Carrillo, AB Willie McCray, AB Henry Brown Jr., SA Marvin Davis, Steward Joe Emidy, Chief Cook Marta Williams, Oiler Dave Garrett, OMU Darnell O’Hara and ABM Edward Tennyson. Thanks to Patrolman Andre MacCray for the crew photo. NASSCO Christens Two Tankers in San Diego Anyone doubting the capabilities of U.S. shipbuilders hasn’t paid attention to General Dynamics NASSCO lately. The San Diego shipyard – a union facility – recently hosted christenings for two state-ofthe-art, SIU-contracted, Jones Act tankers: the Garden State and the Magnolia State, respectively. The vessels are part of a five-ship order for American Petroleum Tankers. They will be operated by SIU-contracted Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, a Crowley subsidiary. Each of the tankers is 610 feet long, with a 330,000-barrel cargo capacity. They’re being built to allow for conversion to LNG power. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone represented the union at the Garden State ceremony, which took place May 7. “This new tonnage is great news for our union and great news for the U.S. maritime industry as a whole,” Marrone noted. “We welcome the new jobs, and on top of that, the additions to the Jones Act fleet are vital for American’s national and economic security.” “The launch of the Garden State symbolizes and celebrates the culmination of thousands of hours of hard labor put forth by the men and women of General Dynamics NASSCO,” said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO and Bath Iron Works (and himself a former union mariner). “NASSCO is proud to be building yet another quality product tanker for longtime partners American Petroleum Tankers and Kinder Morgan.” “We are excited to see our third ECO Class tanker, the Garden State, launched and christened,” said Rob Kurz, vice president of Kinder Morgan Terminals and president of American Petroleum Tankers, June 2016 The Garden State slides down the ways at the shipyard in San Diego. a Kinder Morgan, Inc. subsidiary. “This marks another milestone in the construction process of our five-ship program with NASSCO. We thank everyone at NASSCO for their continued support and look forward to adding this impressive vessel to the APT – Kinder Morgan fleet this coming August.” Ship sponsor Mrs. Yvette Romasko christened the vessel with the traditional break of a champagne bottle on the ship’s hull. The Honorable Greg Cox, from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, served as the keynote speaker. Previously, Cox ceremonially laid the keel for the ship. Just two weeks earlier, on April 23, SIU Port Agent Jeff Turkus was on hand as the shipyard christened the sister ship Magnolia State. U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-California) spoke at the ceremony, and the ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Trang Cormack, christened the vessel. According to NASSCO, the tankers in this order “are equipped with a new ECO design which will provide a very significant improvement in fuel efficiency.” “San Diego’s shipbuilding industry currently supports as many as 14,000 local Continued on Page 5 Seafarers LOG 3 �David Heindel SIU Secretary-Treasurer Attendees listen to a presentation. Advisory Board Examines Present, Future of Maritime Union-Affiliated Paul Hall Center Hosts Key Gathering of Industry Stakeholders Experts from many segments of the maritime industry recently convened on the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), which played host this year to the annual PHC Advisory Board meeting. Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Maritime Administration, Comprehensive Health Services (CHS), union-contracted operators and the SIU executive board all met April 27 at the Piney Point, Maryland, campus to participate in a forum covering current state of maritime training as well as the latest news from the Paul Hall Center. Speakers at the event included David Van Nevel, legal advisor to the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, USCG; E.J. Terminella, maritime personnel qualifications division, USCG; Ira Douglas, director of marine personnel, Crowley; Tracey Singleton, program manager/RN, CHS; Priscilla Labanowski, PHC director of training; John Hetmanski, executive chef, PHC; Robert Smith, curriculum development, PHC; Susan Fagan, simulator coordinator, PHC; and Tracey Mayhew, director of training standards, PHC. Representing the union were Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski and SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen. Tommy Orzechowski SIU VP Great Lakes 4 Seafarers LOG The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Apprentice Daniel Dunn, after which Heindel gave his opening remarks. Heindel used this opportunity to describe the purpose of the meeting. He said, “We want to know what we’re doing right, we want to know what we could do better, and even what we’re doing wrong.” This sentiment was echoed by other speakers from the union and school, and reflected the cooperative nature of the meeting. Guests and panelists discussed the topics including new and scheduled upgrades to the Paul Hall Center, best practices for staying ahead of new STCW regulations, and USCG rule updates. Representatives from the Coast Guard presented first, offering some clarity on the subject of changing credential requirements and upcoming dates when new rules take effect. They discussed the many effects of the STCW transitions that are happening, as well as the most recent changes to renewal requirements. This included topics such as revalidation courses needed for MMC renewal, the requirement for schools to have a quality standard system (QSS), qualified assessor requirements, new LNG regulations and the polar code. Next to speak was Douglas, representing Crowley. He addressed the importance of staying ahead of upcoming STCW requirements from an operator’s standpoint. “We’re ready to go to get ahead of Ira Douglas Director of Marine Personnel Crowley these requirements,” said Douglas. “Mariners working for Crowley are about 95 percent compliant at the moment. More than half of that remaining five percent is retiring, and we’re aware and concerned about that number.” He also used his presentation as a chance to address the importance to operators of being prepared for new requirements: “If you’re not in front of these things and actively engaged, you’re going to get surprised by them.” Singleton addressed the crowd next, speaking of the improvements made to the availability and convenience of medical care to Seafarers on the beach. The number of clinics authorized to medically evaluate and clear SIU mariners has expanded from 24 to 60, and 60 percent of active mariners have used those facilities, as opposed to going out-of-network. Additionally, she talked about the addition of A1C testing into the standard physical exam. A1C glucose-level testing is a key indicator of Type 2 Diabetes, also commonly called adult onset diabetes. This new testing has already helped some mariners in learning that they were unknowingly diabetic. Labanowski took to the podium next, and gave a comprehensive rundown of the newly created or redesigned courses at the Paul Hall Center. These course changes have been well documented, in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG and on the union website. She also touched on the usage of the E.J. Terminella Maritime Personnel Qualifications Division, USCG SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez addresses the crowd. Freedom Star, the newest training vessel provided by MARAD for use by PHC students. While the ship is currently being well-utilized by all departments for training purposes, it will begin to set sail on educational voyages in the near future. “We will be taking the Freedom Star out on 12-hour voyages as part of David Van Nevel, Legal Advisor to Office Of Commercial Vessel Compliance, USCG Continued on Page 17 Priscilla Labanowski Director of Training Paul Hall Center June 2016 �Two More Tankers Join Jones Act Fleet Continued from Page 3 jobs,” said Peters. “Part of this is due to the Navy’s rebalance to the Pacific, but it’s also due to significant private contracts such as this one. The Magnolia State created good jobs for San Diegans and will provide a safe, more efficient, and cleaner way to transport fuel across the ocean. It was an honor to be present at the start of is construction, and it’s an honor to see her off.” The ships were designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) of Busan, South Korea. The design incorporates improved fuel efficiency concepts through several features. The tankers will have dual-fuel-capable auxiliary engines and the ability to accommodate future installation of an LNG fuel-gas system. SIU President Delivers Keynote Address Sacco Calls for Support of Candidates Who Will Stand with Working Families SIU President Michael Sacco kicked off the convention of the International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production Workers by urging the delegates to get and stay involved in the upcoming fall elections. “We need to make sure our members know who really supports workers and get those people elected,” declared Sacco to the more than 125 delegates on April 26. “We don’t care if they are Republican, Democrat or independent – they must support workers and jobs!” Sacco was the keynote speaker for the Novelty Workers, who were gathered in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Members of that union produce Weber grills, Great Dane trailers and various other goods. The SIU president reminded the delegates a lot of money will be spent during the upcoming election cycle to confuse workers and their families as to who will watch out for them once elected. He noted the SIU has endorsed Hillary Clinton because she clearly understood the issues before the union and the maritime industry – more so than any of the other presidential candidates running from either party. But he added that his union readily supports candidates from both major parties running for the U.S. Senate and House. While the unions may not come close to matching the dollars that will come from big business and other sources, “we still know how to get out the vote,” Sacco stated. “That’s SIU President Michael Sacco urges delegates to back pro-worker candidates. how we’re able to elect pro-worker candidates, and that’s the key to our resurgence. We’ve literally made the difference, time after time, in elections at the federal, state and local levels.” Sacco pointed out several of the issues for which the labor movements is fighting: workers’ rights to join a union, overcoming income inequality, reigning in health care costs while providing coverage for all, infrastructure needs and improved education. “We have to throw our support behind the political candidates who will stand with us not just between now and November, but for years beyond. And we must hold them accountable,” he advised the delegates. Bosun Dan Carman, Port Agent Jeff Turkus Mrs. Trang Cormack christens the Magnolia State. Shipyard President Fred Harris is at right. SIU President Michael Sacco poses between International Union of Allied, Novelty and Production Workers President Mark Spano (left) and Secretary-Treasurer Steve Torello after delivering the keynote address at the union’s convention. Union Encourages Seafarers to Register, Vote Like its sister ships, the Magnolia State will sail in the Jones Act trade. June 2016 Seafarers are strongly encouraged to vote on Election Day (or by absentee ballot during the election period). Detailed information about voter registration is available online at: https:// www.usa.gov/register-to-vote Via that website, depending on one’s state of residence, a visitor can either register directly online (23 states offer online registration) or complete the National Mail Voter Registration Form and then print, sign and mail it to the address listed under the user’s state in the individual “State Instructions.” The website also includes information about voter eligibility, voting by absentee ballot, finding local election offices and much more. Seafarers LOG 5 �Pictured from left to right are Seafarers Billy Barletto, Kevin McDermott, David Findley, Alex Mata, Viet Nguyen, Charles Messmer, Terry Murley, Bryan Hughes, Mike Nance, Dutch Carrillo, Jeff Adams, Grant Gutter and Greg Gerrets. Crescent Crews Approve New Contracts Three-Year Agreements Boost Wages, Maintain Benefits By overwhelming majorities, SIU members employed by Crescent Towing recently approved new, three-year contracts calling for wage increases while maintaining benefits and securing other gains. One of the contracts covers SIU boatmen based in New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia, while the other applies to Seafarers located in Mobile, Alabama. The agreements are nearly identical, and altogether they cover approximately 250 employees who sail aboard Crescent’s 26 tugboats. “These contracts are good for everybody involved, both from the union and from the company,” said SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, who served on the negotiating committees. “We made a number of important gains and the company definitely got increased stability. It’s a win-win situation.” Joining Westbrook in the Mobile bargaining group were Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White and Seafarers Davin Tucker, Ronnie Walker and Michael Hurst. The SIU’s negotiating committee for New Orleans/Savannah included White, Westbrook and union members David Findley, Kevin McDermott, Charles Hammesfahr and Terry Murley. “We got a good contract,” stated Murley. “We worked at it and we did what we were supposed to do to take care of the guys on the boats. We maintained our (benefit) contributions and got a little bit of a raise on top of it. That’s pretty much The Mobile bargaining teams included (from left) Crescent Asst. VP John Fountain, Port Agent Jimmy White, Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Davin Tucker, Crescent Senior Consultant Prentiss Willcutt, Captain Delegate Ronnie Walker, Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Engineer Delegate Michael Hurst, Crescent Exec. VP Keith Kettenring, Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg, Crescent VP Edward Pinner and Crescent Operations Manager James Fowler. 6 Seafarers LOG what I was shooting for. I think we did good and the company did good, too. They have good people working for them.” McDermott noted that although he has worked for Crescent for 22 years, this was his first time serving on a negotiating committee. “It was a tough experience and there were a lot of headaches and stress for a couple of days, but it worked out good for everybody,” McDermott said. “Everyone got raises across the board, and all our benefits are there. It came out good for all the guys.” The contracts maintain medical benefits the highest level (Core Plus) while providing annual wage increases. They also continue with full contributions to the Seafarers Pension Plan while improving seniority protections. Crescent also boosted its contributions to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Westbrook applauded that change and credited the company for “clearly understanding that Piney Point is a valuable tool – one they’ll need more and more in the future.” He added, “These were among the best negotiating committees I’ve ever served with. They brought a wealth of knowledge and were fantastic to work with.” Negotiations for New Orleans/Savannah took place in Kenner, Louisiana, April 6-9. Voting began April 9 and concluded on April 15. The Mobile negotiations took place April 14; voting began that same day and ended on April 18. Serving on the New Orleans/Savannah negotiating groups were (from left) Port Agent Jimmy White, Engineer Delegate David Findley, Crescent Senior Consultant Prentiss Willcutt, Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Kevin McDermott, Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Charles Hammesfahr, Crescent Executive VP Keith Kettenring, Captain Delegate Terry Murley, Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Crescent Operations Manager James Fowler, Crescent VP Edward Pinner, Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg and Crescent VP Hays Clark. June 2016 �Senate Hearing Examines Maritime Industry SIU, Other Unions Reiterate Critical Need for Strong U.S. Merchant Marine The SIU recently joined with other maritime industry allies and representatives in delivering a pro-U.S.-flag message to Capitol Hill. Six maritime unions jointly submitted testimony for an April 20 hearing of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security. Those organizations are the SIU; the American Maritime Officers (AMO); the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P); the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA); the Marine Firemen’s Union (MFOW); and the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific (SUP). MM&P Chief of Staff Klaus Luhta presented the joint testimony. Also testifying were Michael Roberts, senior vice president and general counsel, Crowley Maritime Corporation; Perry Bourne, director of international transportation and rail operations, Tyson Fresh Meats; and Mark McAndrews, director of the Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi, and chairman-elect, American Association of Port Authorities. Focusing on the state of the American maritime industry, the hearing was a continuation in a series of such gatherings. The April 20 hearing was led by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), chair of the subcommittee, with additional questions asked by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-South Dakota), Senators Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut). Fischer said in her opening statement, “As a global leader, the United States needs an efficient and reliable intermodal freight transportation network, to help our economy grow and create new jobs. As freight flows continue to increase, the United States maritime fleets and our ports are critical to keeping America competitive in this global market.” Booker also gave his endorsement, saying, “This country’s ports, vessels and merchant marine forces are absolutely critical to our nation’s economic growth, military preparedness and disaster relief efforts. These are things I know personally. Our nation’s ports and maritime terminals, as well as the rail and road networks that support them, are essential for getting American products to overseas markets and generating U.S. jobs and driving economic growth.” Speaking on behalf of the unions, Luhta told the subcommittee that U.S.-flag shipping is critical to life in America as we know it. However, support for the industry could be significantly better, he stated. “Despite the repeated expressions from leaders in the Department of Defense (DOD) that our nation needs a U.S.-flag merchant marine, the privately owned U.S.-flag merchant marine has, in recent years, declined, threatening the ability of our nation to provide the commercial sealift capability and U.S. citizen mariners that DOD requires,” he said. Luhta noted that the number of vessels in the U.S.-flag foreign trade fleet declined from 106 vessels in 2011 to 78 vessels at the end of February 2016. He also stressed the amount of time it takes to train new mariners to sail on Crowley Hosts Admiral For National Launch Of Mariner Safety Week SIU-contracted Crowley hosted a national launch event April 19 in Jacksonville, Florida, for Mariner Safety Week, featuring leaders from across the maritime industry. U.S. Coast Guard Commander Rear Adm. Scott Buschman (at podium) kicked off the event at Crowley’s offices during remarks to 40 representatives. The week highlighted innovative safety trends to communicate top issues and solutions to upper management representatives from class societies, labor organizations, industry members and news media. The goal is improving safety and reducing injuries across the maritime transportation sector. The event was sponsored by the National Safety Council’s Waterborne Transport Group, which is chaired by Crowley’s Peter Sutton, manager for health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE). June 2016 American-flag ships, through schools such as the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education: “Our country and our industry will not be able to recover overnight from the continued downsizing of our fleet and the outsourcing of American maritime jobs when the call goes out for mariners to once again respond to our nation’s need. Young people will not be encouraged to enter an industry that is ignored or abandoned by policy-makers and that promises no realistic future for employment. Rather, the government, U.S.-flag shipping companies and America’s maritime labor organizations should continue to work together, as we did last year to address issues surrounding the Maritime Security Program, to modify and enhance existing programs and to create new programs and opportunities that will increase the number of vessels operating under the U.S.-flag, the amount of cargo carried aboard U.S.- flag vessels, and the shipboard employment opportunities for American licensed and unlicensed merchant mariners.” Roberts echoed those statements before making specific note of the current economic struggles in Puerto Rico. While some have attempted to cast partial blame on the Jones Act, there is no evidence to support those claims, he asserted. “Carriers in the trade have supported efforts by political leaders on the island and on Capitol Hill to develop a legislative package that will help stabilize the economy,” he said. “A few have taken this legislative activity as an opportunity to urge that a Jones Act exemption for Puerto Rico be included in the package. They have of- fered no credible proof that such a change would help Puerto Rico, and we are confident it would do more harm than good both for Puerto Rico and for the country generally. Such a change would put at risk the reliable, efficient service the island currently receives, as well as hundreds of private-sector jobs on the island, with no offsetting gains. It would also send a chilling message that would bring further investment in vessels built in U.S. shipyards to a standstill.” Roberts also addressed the importance of continuing to operate U.S.-flag ships internationally: “Accordingly, two longstanding government programs have enabled a number of U.S.-flag vessels to continue operating commercially in international trades,” he said. “The Maritime Security Program provides a flat-rate stipend to the owners of contracted U.S.-flag vessels to offset the extra cost of operating under the U.S. flag. The contracts also require the owners to participate in the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, a readiness program covering the use and potential requisition of U.S.-flag vessels entered into MSP. The second program, cargo preference, generally requires that government shipments move on U.S.-flag vessels. It was intended that the combination of the two programs would provide enough of an incentive for carriers to participate. MSP by itself would not be enough.” Bourne delved into shipper concerns about upcoming implementation of SOLAS amendments, while McAndrews discussed the port system and how to fight congestion. Union Constitution Outlines Absentee Ballot Procedure LOG Will Publish Comprehensive Guide Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2016 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2016 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2016. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2016. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2016 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2017. Seafarers LOG 7 �Union Dedicates El Faro Memorial in Piney Point Seafarers and guests gathered at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to solemnly dedicate parts of the school’s waterfront park in memory of those who perished aboard the El Faro. The heartfelt ceremony took place April 26 in Piney Point, Maryland, following the fourth annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic. A plaque and a ship’s bell were dedicated on the park’s lighthouse (the vessel’s name means “the lighthouse”). The park also features memorial bricks for each of the 33 individuals (including 17 SIU members) who were on the El Faro when it sank near the Bahamas during Hurricane Joaquin last Oct. 1. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel opened the ceremony. He said that even though the maritime industry doesn’t leave anything to chance, “sometimes it’s in the hands of God, no matter what we do.” He cited both the Paul Hall Center and the American Maritime Officers school in Dania, Florida, as testaments to the thorough training that the El Faro mariners and other crews have completed throughout the years. Ben Christian, a vice president from vessel operator TOTE Maritime, said the company considers all 33 members of the El Faro’s final crew as family, but added he knows that no one other than actual family members can fully understand the pain of the lost lives. “But their memories live on through this memorial and others,” he said. “This is one more way we remember them.” Fr. Paul Nguyen from nearby St. George Catholic Church led a prayer, and also said he was struck by the camaraderie in the maritime community. (He had led the memorial mass last November at the school.) “As SIU President Mike Sacco says all the time, we are a family,” Fr. Nguyen noted. “The El Faro crew will always be part of that family.” (President Sacco was out of town April 26, fulfilling a commitment made long ago to deliver the keynote address at another union’s convention.) Paul Hall Center Trustee Tony Naccarato and SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez also addressed the crowd, offering words of comfort and vowing to help maintain the memories of the crew. “The way we keep their legacy alive,” said Tellez, “is by training and best practices and safety. Our profession is a noble profession and there are many, many folks that depend on us, Each of the 33 crew members is memorialized via a brick at the Piney Point, Maryland, campus. especially our military.” Tellez also thanked the members of the Wounded Warrior Anglers who were in attendance. A new plaque and bell adorn the lighthouse at the waterfront park Fr. Paul Nguyen Pictured from right to left are SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, PHC Trustee Tony Naccarato, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Seafarers, guests, SIU officials and Paul Hall Center personnel convene for the memorial dedication. 8 Seafarers LOG Ben Christian VP, TOTE Maritime June 2016 �CANVASSING IN BALTIMORE – SIU members and officials gather at the Baltimore hall before a busy day of reaching out to area residents and asking them to support pro-worker candidates, including Hillary Clinton, whom the union endorsed early this year. Among those pictured are Port Agents Elizabeth Brown (center, leaning forward) and Pat Vandegrift (fourth from right). At Sea and Ashore With the SIU CONGRESSMAN VISITS TACOMA HALL – U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Washington) (right) spoke to Seafarers during the April membership meeting at the hall in Tacoma, Washington. A strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, he is pictured with Port Agent Joe Vincenzo. AT THE HALL IN SAN JUAN – A few career milestones recently were observed at the hall in Puerto Rico. In photo at left, above, OMU Jose Vega Caraballo (right, with Port Agent Amancio Crespo) receives his full book. In the other photo, Reisa Martinez (left) shows her first ABW registration, while QMED Richardo Quinones (right) displays his newly acquired A-seniority book. Martinez said, “I’m very excited and looking forward to travel, experiencing the industry and being part of the SIU family.” Quinones stated, “I’m very proud to obtain this book and look forward to expanding my horizons by pursuing my third engineer license.” GOOD AS NEW – This snapshot from the Crowley-operated USNS Button reflects the handiwork of ABs Cindy Granter (right) and Howard Vance Guilliams (left). When Bosun Jo Postell (center) assigned Cindy and Howard the task of repairing the Button’s name board, they went all out – sanding, filling, repairing, staining, carefully painting the letters and then varnishing it so it looked like new. ABOARD MAERSK IDAHO – This photo was taken May 2 aboard the Maersk Idaho in Port Newark, New Jersey. Pictured from left are Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos, Captain Kevin McHugh, Recertified Bosun Ronald Mena and Apprentice Christian Cruz. The captain told Ramos he appreciated the SIU dispatching well-trained seamen and also gave a big thank you to the steward department for great meals. June 2016 A-BOOK IN JERSEY – Engine department Seafarer Tsawang Gyurme (left) picks up his A-seniority book from acting Port Agent Mark von Siegel at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. ABOARD CHARLESTON EXPRESS – Pictured from left to right are SA Hussein Quraish, Chief Cook Rene Gil, Chief Steward Ron Tarantino and Apprentice Tarrell Jones. The ship is operated by Marine Personnel and Provisioning. WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Longtime Seafarer William Drummond (right) picks up his first pension check at the union hall in Jacksonville, Florida. Congratulating him is SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware. ON SITE IN HOUSTON – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) and Port Agent Mike Russo (right) recently showed off the site where the union’s new hall is under construction in Houston. Joining them were Julian Alvarez (second from left) and Jeanette Dela Cruz of the Texas Workforce Commission. Seafarers LOG 9 �Outreach takes place in areas of great need, including this one in the Philippines. AB Wilson (standing toward the right, in plaid shirt) and helpers prepare to distribute meals to kids. AB Still Dedicated to Helping Others Seafarer Wilson Continues Philanthropic Efforts For AB Sean Wilson, devoting time, money and personal supportiveness to help impoverished kids is as much a part of life as going to sea. One of his bigger outreach projects took place early this year, when Wilson and other volunteers teamed up to donate school supplies and sporting goods for 2,000 kids in the Philippines. They also fed 150 homeless children on Christmas. “I’m planning on doing it regularly,” said Wilson, who has been involved in domestic and overseas charity work for many years. “A little money goes a long way.” Now in his tenth year as a Seafarer, Wilson (a graduate of the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program) is understated about his philanthropy. Inspired during voyages to the Philippines, he has set up a non-profit organization aimed at assisting people in need (primarily there, though not exclusively). He’s also still working cooperatively with his mother, Dr. Rosamaria Machado, whose faith-based mission work takes place around the world. If it takes a bit of prodding to get Wilson to open up about his volunteerism, it’s not necessarily easy to slow the passionate pronouncements of Machado. She noted that there is much more significance to their outreach than just the food or supplies themselves. “We want to protect kids from predators and help youth excel,” she said. “My intention is to show them other options than becoming prostitutes, for example, or otherwise entering the world of human trafficking. All of those things are happening in a world with such extreme financial difficulties. Someone offers them a carrot, per se, and they become entrapped.” She added that drug addiction and substance abuse are “tragic” problems across the globe, and that when young people fall into that trap, “they become property and not people. We help them to know there’s another way. We give them safety tips and teach them that they have their own personal power – things that we teach our own kids. Most of all, our goal is to educate.” Moreover, when asked where religion fits into these efforts, she replied, “We aren’t there to promote a religion; we promote faith. We aren’t trying to push our beliefs on anyone, and parents are always present when the subject is discussed. “It’s an interfaith ministry and it’s really more of an outreach to the community,” she added. “We promote it this way: God has a plan for everyone, and you are part of that plan. Every player in the orchestra plays their part; if one part of that music doesn’t play, the conductor knows. You as children or adults are part of that great music.” Wilson noted that although the work is vital and rewarding, it also can be frustrating. “As you start, you feel like you’re going to change the world and make a big difference,” he said. “After you help the kids, you realize how much you have that they don’t, and you also realize how many more of them you can’t help. No matter what you do, it’s never enough – but I keep trying.” Want to Donate? Make checks payable to Xcel Ministries Incorporated and mail them PO Box 773, Rainier, WA 98576. Donations are tax-deductible, and efforts are being made to arrange for online contributions. For additional information, email XcelMinistriesInc@gmail. com Humility, Perseverance Pay Dividends in Career of Recertified Steward Newly Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez Cruz knows first-hand that even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome, provided the proper mix of humility and perseverance is employed in one’s undertakings. His SIU career to date provides evidence that such a proposition not only has merit, but also oftentimes is true. A native of Puerto Rico, Mendez Cruz signed on with the union in 2001 and initially was a member of Paul Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Class #623. Although Spanish was his primary language, he did—to a degree—speak and understand English. At the outset, life for the young apprentice was good and devoid of any significant challenges. His initial courses largely were of the hands-on variety. Students were required to demonstrate their mastery of certain skills by actually performing specific tasks. As the curriculum grew more intense, however, and oral and written communication skills started coming to the fore, he began experiencing difficulties. “I did not speak or write English very well at that time,” he said. “And a lot of in-depth material was being presented in my classes. I found myself falling further and further behind my classmates. “In my second month of training, I failed the First Aid/CPR class twice,” he continued. “As a result, I was moved back one month in my training and placed in Class #624.” At that point, Mendez Cruz was faced with a huge choice: He could quit, accept defeat, and pursue some other occupation; or he could take full advantage of the resources available to him at the PHC and continue working toward his dream of being a steward aboard an American-flag vessel. He chose the latter. With the support and backing of then Commandant Pat Vandegrift (now Piney Pint port agent), Mendez Cruz mapped out a new strategy to complete his classwork. 10 Seafarers LOG He would spend non-class hours improving his English skills. Enter PHC Academic Advisor Peggy Densford and Gail Dobson, a former part-time academic instructor. Both spent considerable hours – sometimes two to three daily – with Mendez Cruz reviewing and reinforcing his classwork as well as tutoring him in English. “When he came to the trainee program, he could barely speak English, but he was clearly well educated,” said Densford. “He could read very well … so that really helped him a lot. “He would come to me after his vocational classes and we’d go over everything that he did that day,” Densford continued. “In his case, I think that the key was that he had a good academic background so he knew how to study. “English was not his first language,” Densford concluded. “But it just goes to show that if you are willing to work at it, you can overcome those types of problems. He really worked his tail off…. He knew how to study and he never stopped trying.” “Miss Peggy and Ms. Gail helped me a great deal during my apprentice training,” recalled Mendez Cruz. “After my vocational classes were over, during the afternoons and evenings while my classmates were relaxing, I was studying with Miss Peggy and Mrs. Dobson. It took me one year to complete my apprentice training. I always will be grateful to both of them for all that they did for me. “My goal was to become a steward when I joined the union because I love to cook,” Mendez Cruz continued. “Here I am now 15 years later a recertified steward, an accomplishment that I didn’t even think about back then. I owe it all to the school and people like Miss Peggy and Mrs. Dobson. “The school and staff have always been there for me,” Mendez Cruz concluded. “They helped me get to where I am today.” Editor’s note: Policies regarding recycling students at the PHC have changed since Brother Mendez Cruz went through the apprentice program. Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez Cruz (right) poses with PHC Academic Advisor Peggy Densford shortly after his recent graduation from the school’s Steward Recertification Program. Mendez Cruz credits Densford, former part-time academic instructor Mrs. Gail Dobson and the PHC vocational staff for his ascension to his current rate. June 2016 �‘Rescued from the Brink of Death’ Survivor Recalls Dramatic Episode at Sea from 1980 Editor’s note: This article and the accompanying photos were submitted by Lauren Vuong, who was rescued by the SIU-crewed LNG Virgo decades ago. She is interested in hearing from anyone who was aboard the ship at that time, and may be reached by email at lauren.vuong@ gmail.com and by phone at (415) 6031025. My Florida Reunion: 36 years of Gratitude to Seafarers My family was rescued from the brink of death from the South China Sea in June 1980. My lifelong dream of meeting and thanking my family’s rescuers came true on March 26, 2016. Please join in my journey of survival, perseverance and gratitude. The Past Imagine a little girl, three years old, who worships her father because he fights for his country. She tags along like his shadow whenever he’s home. One day she wakes up and finds him gone. She’s told that he will be away for a few months. Three years later, he’s still not home.One day, when the little girl is six, she walks all day with her mother and grandmothers on unpaved roads and plowed fields to the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. She’s told her father will be there and that she’ll see him. When she gets there, a barbed wire fence separates her and a man faintly resembling her father. She waits all day under the scorching sun. When her father finally approaches, he’s different, not the shining hero of her memory. Next, imagine that same little girl, not yet eight years old, still missing some teeth. One night she and her family slip quietly out of their house without a single goodbye to anyone. They have in their possession: a small bag of dried foods, a few gold chains sewn into their hemlines, and her father’s army dog tag. They board a tiny fishing boat to flee communist Vietnam. They bring the dog tag to prove her father’s affiliation with the U.S. Army. I was that little girl. My father, a captain in the South Vietnamese Army, was imprisoned for four years in a Vietcong reeducation camp after Saigon surrendered. As a child, I was not permitted to attend school because my father was “a traitor.” My family was under constant surveillance from our neighbors who would report even the most minor detail of our lives, like what we ate or what soap we bathed with. A few months after my father’s release in 1979, we were compelled to attend an execution of an accused subversive. The purpose of our mandatory attendance was to remind us that the same fate could befall my father. Lauren Vuong (birth name Vuong, Ngoc Lan) and other refugees were photographed after being transferred to the SIU-crewed USNS Sealift Antarctic. She’s pictured on the right, second row. June 2016 The writer (far right) is pictured recently with family members. Our persecution was pervasive, unbearable and ceaseless. There was no future for my father and likely none for us. My parents realized with great sadness that the only option was to escape Vietnam.My parents and their trusted associates, some of whom were imprisoned with my father, meticulously planned the escape. They pooled money to buy a fishing boat, and secretly gathered emergency supplies like medicine and dried goods. Even the timing and route were carefully calculated.We left during the monsoon season and took the route commonly known as Typhoon Alley to the Philippines. We chose the longest route during the most dangerous time of the year because most of the families on my boat were high political risks, such as former military officers, governors and intellectuals. Capture would have likely resulted in a death sentence. We therefore hoped that by choosing such a dangerous time to leave, there would be less coastal patrol, thus helping us to elude capture. The estimated travel time was seven days in good weather. The first two days of good weather allowed us to safely get to international waters and avoid capture. The next days are now a blur in my mind. What I do remember: the awful smells of human waste; the constant churning of my stomach; vomiting until I thought I would die. I remember the black walls of water that threatened to engulf our boat. I remember hunger so great that it took on its own shape: dark and twisting like a rope around all my organs. I remember my brother falling ill and others openly discussing what to do with his body if he were to die. I remember the desperation on my mother’s face as she looked at us, listless, starving and dehydrated. On the tenth morning, the skies cleared. We were lost, low on fuel, food and water. We understood our dire situation. Barring a miracle, imminent death was a certainty. As we floated hopelessly, a ship flying the U.S. flag spotted us and slowed down. We waved our arms, jumped up and down and prayed for rescue. That ship was the LNG Virgo, part of the SIU-contracted company Energy Transportation Corporation fleet which transported liquefied natural gas from Indonesia to Japan.We were rescued by the Virgo in June 1980. (Seafarer Don Hicks was the bosun, while L. Jarman was the chief steward.). There were 62 of us; 27 were children under 12 years old. After about a week on board the Virgo, we transferred to another SIU-crewed ship, the USNS Sealift Antarctic. At the time, I understood that the transfer was made for our benefit because following the United Nations’ Geneva Convention on the refugee crisis in July 1979, President Jimmy Carter ordered the Seventh Fleet operating in the South China Sea to look for and pick up “boat people.” Such an active decree by the president led us to believe that being under a U.S. Navy ship’s rescue (as opposed to a commercial vessel) would almost certainly ensure our refugee status and resettlement in America. In my mind, though, it did not matter whether the vessel was military or commercial. The undisputed fact was that we were saved by ships flying the American flag. That image forever cemented itself in my mind as synonymous with life and freedom. We transferred to the USNS Sealift Antarctic on July 3, 1980 and disembarked two days later in Singapore, many of us shoeless and still with only the clothes on our backs. We spent the next five months in a refugee camp in Galang, Indonesia, waiting for resettlement. We lived in a tinroofed army barrack with other families. There were 104 people in my barrack. There was no electricity or indoor plumbing in the camp. My family resettled in San Jose, California. My parents went to school in the daytime to learn English. At night, they went to trade school to learn electronics to work in the Silicon Valley. We cleaned houses on the weekends. My parents did everything they could to ensure our survival. My siblings and I were told never to squander the life our saviors gave us. We tried very hard in school; failure was not an option. The Present I am now a practicing attorney in San Francisco. My brother works in information technology in the Silicon Valley; my sister is a pharmacist in Westminster. Both my parents are in good health and enjoying their well-deserved retirement. Since June 1980, the skyscraping image of the Virgo never left my mind. It was my lifelong dream to find and thank the captain and crew who saved us. I first started searching for the Virgo in 1991 when I was researching college scholarships. My mother said our saving vessel’s name is “Viet-go.” I could not find any such ship in the maritime registries. In 2007, I realized that my mother was mispronouncing the ship’s name. I asked her to spell out “Viet-go;” she wrote “Virgo.”With the help of a researcher and the marvel of the internet, I located Captain George Overstreet. I initially thought Captain Overstreet was our rescuer. He clarified, however, that our benefactor was actually Captain Hartmann Schonn, who passed away in 2000. Though disappointed, I still wanted to find others who were present during our rescue. Captain Overstreet introduced me to retired Chief Engineer Don McLendon, who sailed with various ships in the ETC fleet and who had Continued on Page 17 Seafarers LOG 11 �Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246, for the year ended July 31, 2015. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $277,852 as of July 31, 2015, compared to $36,743 as of August 1, 2014. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $241,109. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $12,771,153, including employer contributions of $12,767,344, earnings from investments of $1,572, and other income of $2,237. Plan expenses were $12,530,044. These expenses included $343,735 in administrative expenses and $12,186,309 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on pay- ments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 telephone number (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964, for the year ended June 30, 2015. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(156,720) as of June 30, 2015, compared to $(155,407) as of July 1, 2014. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $1,313. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $653,439, including employer contributions of $650,279, earnings from investments of $35, and other income of $3,125. Plan expenses were $654,752. These expenses included $196,488 in administrative expenses, and $458,264 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 3923611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $0..25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompany- ing notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice – MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2015 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage 2015 2014 2013 Valuation Date January 1, 2015 January 1, 2014 January 1, 2013 Funded Percentage 163.51% 159.16% 159.05% Value of Assets $6,748,469 $6,779,398 $6,814,098 Value of Liabilities $4,127,355 $4,259,436 $4,284,318 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2015 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 $6,758,379 $7,027,934 December 31, 2013 $7,079,945 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2016, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 763. Of this number, 259 were current employees, 380 were retired and receiving benefits, and 124 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 0 2. U.S. Government securities 4 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 14 b. All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 0 12 Seafarers LOG b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other 28 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 3 44 0 0 0 0 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at:Margaret Bowen, MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, (301) 899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. June 2016 �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www.seafarers. org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit PlansSeafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at (800) 252-4674. Annual Funding Notice – Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2015 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage 2015 2014 2013 Valuation Date January 1, 2015 January 1, 2014 January 1, 2013 Funded Percentage 138.3% 132.8% 126.5% Value of Assets $1,441,263,299 $1,330,414,329 $1,161,019,565 Value of Liabilities $1,042,173,488 $1,002,084,254 $917,691,730 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2015 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. December 31, 2015 Fair Market Value of Assets $1,422,000,000 December 31, 2014 $1,441,263,299 December 31, 2013 $1,330,414,329 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2016, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,713. Of this number, 7,304 were current employees, 7,660 were retired and receiving benefits, and 4,749 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees to manage as Plan Asset Manager, such Plan Asset Manager will discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Plan’s assets in accordance with the fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA and all regulations thereunder and shall not violate any of ERISA’s “prohibited transaction” rules. The Plan Asset Manager shall be a bank (trust company), insurance company, or a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Plan Asset Manager shall acknowledge in writing that it is a fiduciary of the Plan within the meaning of Section 3(21)(A) of ERISA and an “investment manager” within the meaning of Section 3(38) of ERISA. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Target Range Domestic Equities 50% 40% - 60% Fixed Income and 45% 35% - 55% Cash equivalents 0% 0% Real Estate 5% 0% - 10% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/ or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided June 2016 to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 1 2. U.S. Government securities 21 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 16 b. All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 0 b. Common 35 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 0 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 1 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 19 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 7 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 0 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities 0 b. Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746; (301) 899-0675 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. Seafarers LOG 13 �Two Worthy Causes Benefit from Seafarers Waterfront Classic Anglers make their way to their assigned boats. T he 4th Annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic was another overwhelming success, according to organizers as well as anglers who participated in the annual outing. Held April 26 at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland (PHC), the event raised funds for the Wounded Warrior Anglers of America (WWA) and the PHC waterfront project. Some 135 individuals comprised this year’s field of anglers. Included were rank-and-file Seafarers, military veterans including 15 WWA members, executives from Seafarers-contracted companies, SIU and PHC officials and staff, family members and other guests. Wounded Warrior Anglers who took part in the classic were: PFC Robert Harvey (U.S. Army), CPO Daniel Preis (U.S. Navy), Judy Souders, WWA Board of Directors, Sgt. Terrell Brooks (U.S. Air Force), Capt. Frank DePace (U.S. Army), CPO Buck McTee (U.S. Navy), MCPO Ralph Camp (U.S. Navy), PFC Tate Hutchinson (U.S. Army), Seaman Brian Foreman (U.S. Navy), SFC Angel Vazquez (U.S. Army), SFC Kevin Santos (U.S. Army), SFC Harold Burgos (U.S. Marine Corps), Sgt. Gary Benenati (U.S. Army), SPC Jackson Clyde (U.S. Army), SPC Daniel Rakijasic and Capt. David Souders (U.S. Army). Participants were divided into teams which consisted of at least one wounded warrior angler, a sponsored operator and union official. Teams were transported to their respective fishing locations aboard 17 sponsored boats. As a group the anglers landed 62 striped bass (AKA rock fish) for a combined weight of 1,393.45 pounds— more than double last’s year’s haul of 680 pounds. The catch was prepared several different ways by chefs from the PHC culinary staff and later served to those who attended the classic’s awards dinner. Baltimore Port Agent Elizabeth Brown earned the day’s bragging rights for her catch which weighed in at 35.7 pounds. Brown reeled in this “beast” while fishing from the Steven D. Ellen Silver from the SIU legal office was the classic’s jackpot winner. Her catch was made aboard the Anna Lynn. It tipped the scales at 33.5 pounds and earned her a handsome total in prize money. Rather than pocketing the loot, Silver—keeping the charitable spirit at the fore—do- nated her winnings equally between the WWA and Doctors Without Borders. The award for landing the three largest fish by a sponsor was claimed by Ron Perrone of ASB Capital, via the Steiner group aboard the Shea-D-Lady. This party landed five rockfish for a combined weight of 72.7 pounds. Ken Steiner’s 25.5-pounder led his team. Not far behind was Alex Steiner who reeled in a 24 pounder. The catches of both Dave and Phil Steiner each tipped the scales at 23.2 pounds. Cameron Steiner rounded out his party’s catch with a very respectable 20-pounder of his own. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, who again served at the classic’s chairman, was pleased with all aspects of the gathering. “Today’s event was a total success in all regards,” he said. “We were blessed with outstanding weather and everyone appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. “There is no doubt that the causes for which the classic was held are worthwhile,” he continued. “We not only accomplished our objective of raising money for both the Wounded Warriors Anglers as well as the school’s waterfront project, but also had a great time on the water. The day’s events were punctuated with a great meal and awards ceremony. In my book, that’s a winner all the way. “My hat is off to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this outing the tremendous success that it was,” he continued. “Their efforts are greatly appreciated, and the event once again proved to be a perfect partnership between the Wounded Warrior Anglers, our contracted operators, the Seafarers International Union and the school.” Keystone Shipping Executive Philip W.J. Fisher, who served as waterfront project chairman and classic sponsor, echoed Tricker’s sentiments. “This year’s waterfront classic was the latest in a continuing series of outstanding accomplishments that was made possible through cooperation between the SIU and the management of its contracted operators,” he said. “Everyone involved did a terrific job. “Through their efforts, we were able to put on a great event,” he continued. “It’s simply wonderful that we again were able donate proceeds to the Wounded War- riors Anglers and some to the school.” “The Wounded Warrior Anglers again had the privilege to attend the 2016 Seafarers Waterfront Classic on April 26 in Piney Point, Maryland,” said Wounded Warrior Anglers President and Co-Founder Capt. David Souders. “It allowed us to bring together 15 of our Warriors—from multiple regions throughout Florida, Maryland and West Virginia—to enjoy such a great uplifting event. “The Seafarers Waterfront Classic is always one of the highpoints of the year for Judy Souders and me, along with our warriors,” he continued. “Each year, Wounded Warrior Anglers strive to open this great experience and opportunity to different warriors. I’m always amazed by the exemplary treatment and respect that our warriors receive and the honors the Seafarers bestowed upon us. We are truly humbled by their continued generosity.” Fort Lauderdale Port Agent Kris Hopkins also weighed in. Hopkins was a participant as well an active organizer of the event. “The fourth Annual Waterfront Classic was an awesome event,” he said “Being in the company of the warriors was extremely rewarding. It was made even more so to see them be able to unwind and enjoy themselves in the relaxed atmosphere made possible during this annual SIU-sponsored outing. “Those I talked to (Wounded Warrior Anglers) couldn’t say enough about the reverence they were afforded during the entire event and the sense of dignity they garnered from it,” he continued. “Everyone involved in putting on this affair did a fantastic job; hopefully it sent the message that everyone in the SIU is truly appreciative of the warriors’ sacrifices and service they have done for our great country. “Through this annual event, the union and its contracted companies have has done great things to help all Warriors who need it,” Hopkins concluded. “In my view, if we helped just one Warrior get back on track through this classic, then we’ve made a positive difference. I for one am proud to be part of this annual event and I look forward to many more.” Vessels (photo above) depart the Piney Point docks en route to their fishing locations. Among the last sights anglers aboard the vessels saw on land upon their departure was the the Seafarers Training and Recreation Center Hotel (photo below). PHC Trustee Tony Naccarato More photos from the classic are available on Page 16 Above is some of the art that was on display in the lobby of the Seafarers Training and Recreation Center Hotel during registration for the classic. The works were provided by SIU Retiree Nick Grassia. 14 Seafarers LOG June 2016 The Shea-D-Lady Team June 2016 The Game Over Team Seafarers LOG 15 �Melissa Serridge, TOTE Services Lee Egland of Crowley Maritime (center) shows off his catch which unfortunately was not a keeper. Members of his team marvel at his skills. Wounded Warrior Anglers President Capt. David Souders proudly poses with his catch. SIU Port Agent Elizabeth Brown hoists the trophy she won for landing the classic’s largest fish, a 35.7-pounder. Making the presentation were Ed Hanley of Maersk Line, Limited (left) and Keystone Shipping Executive Phil Fisher. The Double D Team Bosun John Natoli (left) and Ed Washburn, Pasha Hawaii Some of the Wounded Warrior Anglers who participated in the classic VP Contracts George Tricker (seated at the far right) poses with members of the Wounded Warrior Anglers at the conclusion of the classic’s awards dinner. 16 Seafarers LOG June 2016 �Robert Smith Curriculum Development Paul Hall Center Susan Fagan Simulator Coordinator Paul Hall Center John Hetmanski Executive Chef Paul Hall Center Tracey Mayhew Director of Training Standards Paul Hall Center Tracey Singleton Program Manager/RN Comprehensive Health Services Maritime Industry Experts Gather in Piney Point for Board Meeting Continued from Page 4 classes,” she stated. Labanowski also spoke about the new AB to Mate modular program and how successful it has become among those seeking to obtain their Third Mate license. Smith talked about the FOWT to Third Assistant Engineer modular program that is under development. He gave a detailed explanation of the components involved, and the substantial effort in creating this new curriculum. Next to speak was Susan Fagan, who covered the school’s state-of-the-art simulators. She reviewed current simulator training, stating that SIU-contracted companies have utilized the simulators for company-specific courses in both area and exercise development. To begin the discussion on changes taking place in the steward department curriculum, Hetmanski covered the finer points of a directive he refers to as Culinary 2.0. This new direction for the steward department focuses on healthier menus, less wasted food, and more costeffective operations in the galley as well as a better-trained mariner in terms of leadership, time management and computer skills. Hetmanski said, “A healthy mariner is a safer mariner, and a more productive mariner.” Decades-Old Sea Rescue Remains Fresh in Mind of Grateful Survivor Continued from Page 11 himself participated in several rescues. Don was still connected to many in the seafaring community and offered me his help. Through the power of his MEBA and SIU contacts, Don tirelessly tracked down various leads to ascertain who was onboard the LNG Virgo in June 1980. We had a series of near hits and disappointments, each time more crushing than the previous. Don, however, refused to let me give up hope. Don’s profound benevolence transformed my thinking. I realized that it was immaterial that he and George Overstreet were not actually on board at the time of my rescue. The gratitude I felt extended to all seafarers who rescued refugees in distress. I could not distinguish between the compassion extended to me and the one that benefitted others like me. In my mind, if they saved one Vietnamese boat person, that person could have been my father, my mother or someone I know. Without these generous seafarers, the Vietnamese-American community as we know it would not exist. I expressed a desire to meet those who contributed to saving refugees. Captain Overstreet invited us to visit in Florida. Miraculously, a week before our planned reunion, Don, with the assistance of the editors of the Marine Officer and Seafarers LOG, located archival articles documenting the LNG Virgo’s collaboration with USNS Sealift Antarctic to rescue a total of 185 boat people. One article mentioned Captain Hartman Schonn and his USNS Sealift Antarctic counterpart Master Douglass Torborg. Doug, incredibly, still retained a copy of the rescue ledger. He June 2016 confirmed that my family was “Family #11” and that I was “#56” on the ledger.The next day yielded equally amazing news: Kenneth Nelson, then cargo engineer on board the Virgo, actually assisted in our rescue. He boarded our boat, assessed the situation and declared our vessel unseaworthy, thus clearing the way for rescue. Mr. Nelson stood on our boat, timed the sea swell and individually handed over every child to Assistant Engineer Dan Hanson waiting on the gangway. I contacted Engineer Nelson. During our conversation, Ken realized he still had the photos and sent them to me. My family stared in disbelief at our images from 36 years ago, the joy evident on Revising the curriculum also included reviewing the software packages used in the classroom, both for in-class assignments and potentially to replace the current software used in galley aboard SIU-contracted ships. He referred to that search nearing completion, saying, “There are many programs out there the meet our needs; now all we have to do is pick one.” He and Tricker also led a breakout group discussion on the curriculum of the steward department. They solicited opinions from the assembled operators and other maritime partners on the quality and effectiveness of the current steward department program, as well as changes that should be implemented. our faces. Immense gratitude filled my heart.On March 26, 2016, we reunited with our saviors after 36 years. Words are inadequate to describe how we felt upon meeting George Overstreet, Don McLendon, Doug Torborg and their respective families. Tears flooded our eyes as we embraced the people who gave us life. I individually asked Doug, Don and George about their experiences rescuing refugees from the South China Sea. McLendon emphatically refuses any credit. He claims that rescuing boats in distress is “the seafarer’s way.” Doug, when receiving belated accolades for his heroism at sea, said, “We were trained to render assistance to people and vessels in distress.… It was just part of our job.”George simply stated, “It was the right thing to do.” The Future I continue to be astounded by the seafaring community’s generosity. Without This photo taken aboard the LNG Virgo in 1980 shows Lauren (third from left), family members and other refugees and a crew member. All of these changes are a part of the larger project of updating and relocating the current steward lab at the PHC. The new culinary lab will include many upgrades and modifications, including new equipment and individual workstations for students to perform practical cooking assignments. Hetmanski noted, “The steward lab that is currently located in the bungalow next to the port office will be relocated to the main galley in the hotel in the existing bakery. The bakery will be relocated in the old chef’s office in the next room. Our students will no longer have to walk over to the former lab in bad weather, as we will all be under one roof.” Don’s tireless efforts, my family would not have had the opportunity to thank our saviors for their compassion so many years ago. George hosted my party of six for five days in his home. Doug, Don and their respective wives gave up their weekend to see us. I am grateful to be able to hold each of the mariner’s hands and tremble through the words that have been ever-present in my heart for the last 36 years, “Thank you.”The reunion was beyond any fantasy I could conjure as the bumbling 18 year-old searching for the Virgo in maritime registries. Yet, greedily perhaps, I persist in my desire to find others: Bill Hewitt, chief mate of the Virgo during my family’s rescue; Assistant Engineer Dan Hanson who assisted on the gangway, and all other yet-identified mates, engineers and unlicensed crewmen. From the USNS Sealift Antarctic: Second Mate Ed Wheeler, Third Engineer James Murphy, ABs Ed Marz and William Richardson, Third Mate and doctor Michael Carlisle, Chief Mate Thomas Jacobsen and Messmen Sebastian Terres and Ali Saeed. And most important personally, I wish to find Anna Carina Schonn, Captain Schonn’s daughter. I believe Anna Schonn currently lives in Germany. I very much wish to meet Ms. Schonn and tell her what her father’s immense compassion did for us. I know that my family’s reunion with our saviors after 36 years is not the end of the story, but rather the beginning of a new and continuing dialogue that connects our two communities. I hope that many more families will have the opportunity to express their gratitude as we have. Above all else, I hope that the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of people like George Overstreet, Don McLendon, Douglas Torborg, Ken Nelson and so many others, will see the truly historic impact their fathers made on the history of an entire immigrant community for whom existence would not have been possible. I am humbled. I am blessed. I am grateful. Seafarers LOG 17 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by SIU members at the union hall in Oakland, California. Question: What is your favorite type of vessel to work on, and why? Artis Williams Bosun “Well, I have several types of vessels I like to work on, each for different reasons. Working on cable ships is a great learning experience, while government vessels offer opportunities for additional training. But my favorite ships to work aboard have to be container ships. They go to more varied places, and there’s usually a faster pace to the work aboard a container ship. Raymond Roldan Jr. Engineer “Anything that lets me sail as a QMED works for me. I’ve been sailing on a bunch of tankers, and those are great to work on.” Sutthipong Ticer QMED “Car carriers are my favorite ships to work aboard. The military contracts that we get go all over the place, and so they offer the greatest opportunities for travel.” George McAnern Jr. Engineer “I usually sail on containerships, because the job usually entails a lot more varied work. I also like to sail on the MSC (Military Sealift Command) contract ships, because they sail all over the place, and the potential for travel is a big draw for me.” Richard Grubbs AB “I particularly like the car carriers, as they tend to travel to different ports all the time, as opposed to cargo ships, which tend to travel the same routes all the time. That opportunity for travel is one of the reasons I love my job.” Gustavo Osorio QE4 “I don’t have a favorite, really. As long as I’m sailing on a U.S.-flag ship, I’m happy. I usually just pick based on what the job is, as opposed to the type of ship. I’m very happy with every type of ship I’ve sailed on.” HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1730 Jefferson St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Members of the SIU and the Brotherhood of Marine Engineers took to the picket lines July 29, 1953 to challenge unfair labor practices by the Valentine Steamship Company. According to former SIU member Andrew Messana, who provided the photo above as well as information about it (he is pictured second from left along with another SIU member at immediate left), the company had just purchased the tankship Val Chem and was having it fitted out in the Bethlehem Steel Company at 27 Street, Brooklyn, New York. Messana stated that while the vessel was being worked on, Valentine officials agreed to discuss crewing the Val Chem so as to give SIU members on the beach an opportunity for employment. In subsequent meetings, Valentine officials indicated that the SIU would receive full consideration in manning the vessel. After discussing matters with the SIU and reading their contract, however, the company secretly signed an agreement with another union before hiring even one SIU crew member. “They didn’t even bother to notify the SIU of their actions,” Messana said. In response, the SIU, joined by members of the Brotherhood of Marine Engineers (three of whom are pictured above from the right) took to the picket lines to protest. “Typical of their disregard of the rights of working men was the deliberate way one of the company straw bosses ran down two SIU pickets with his car, sending both of them to the hospital,” Messana said. The pickets lasted 10 days and the SIU prevailed. “We in the SIU have always fought any attempt to weaken the security of union members. Whether they were AFL or CIO men,” Messana said. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 18 Seafarers LOG June 2016 �June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point........................Monday: June 6, *Tuesday: July 5 Algonac...............................................Friday: June 10, July 8 Baltimore...........................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Guam.............................................Thursday: June 23, July 21 Honolulu............................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Houston.............................................Monday: June 13, July 11 Jacksonville.......................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Joliet..............................................Thursday: June 16 , July 14 Mobile........................................Wednesday: June 15, July 13 New Orleans.....................................Tuesday: June 14, July 12 Jersey City..........................................Tuesday: June 7, July 5 Norfolk...............................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Oakland..........................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Philadelphia...................................Wednesday: June 8, July 6 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April 16, 2016 - May15, 2016 Tacoma...............................................Friday: June 24, July 22 Wilmington...........................................Monday: June 20, July 18 *Piney Point change created by Independence Day Holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Total Shipped Registered on Beach Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS All Groups Trip All Groups A B C Reliefs A B C Deck Department 12 13 1 4 8 1 1 23 13 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 3 5 1 1 3 0 0 7 9 1 11 8 2 9 12 1 8 22 16 4 1 0 0 3 3 0 0 2 1 0 13 0 1 7 0 1 1 15 0 0 7 1 0 5 2 0 1 23 6 0 41 8 2 43 12 3 24 150 13 9 34 14 4 23 11 2 9 64 26 6 39 9 1 36 10 0 15 64 22 2 2 2 0 5 3 0 1 2 2 1 7 4 1 4 2 1 1 14 3 1 18 16 4 10 9 4 7 33 28 1 16 4 1 8 3 0 5 34 8 3 6 0 0 1 2 0 0 9 7 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 3 4 0 8 4 0 2 3 0 1 12 10 0 28 7 1 40 4 3 16 71 18 3 2 3 0 2 0 0 0 2 6 0 31 11 1 25 7 1 8 47 22 8 280 112 20 229 95 17 98 600 215 41 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Engine Department 2 6 0 2 4 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 1 2 3 0 0 4 5 2 5 3 0 8 3 0 1 14 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 6 1 0 4 1 0 1 7 0 1 5 5 0 6 5 0 1 15 7 0 13 9 2 9 4 0 7 30 13 2 21 15 0 14 6 1 4 38 24 3 8 7 0 6 5 0 1 29 7 0 0 5 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 4 2 2 3 1 1 1 7 4 1 7 14 1 10 4 1 6 20 25 0 10 1 1 7 3 0 2 19 7 2 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 1 2 3 0 2 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 1 5 11 1 9 1 1 9 6 3 6 28 8 2 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 4 0 8 5 0 4 4 1 2 16 17 2 109 86 9 91 54 7 33 241 150 18 Port San Juan...........................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 St. Louis.............................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Total Registered A All Groups B C Steward Department Algonac 5 2 0 3 3 0 1 3 2 0 Anchorage 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Baltimore 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 Fort Lauderdale 11 3 0 10 3 0 3 17 6 0 Guam 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 Harvey 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 4 0 Honolulu 10 0 0 13 0 0 5 15 0 0 Houston 19 7 1 17 3 0 5 29 7 1 Jacksonville 16 7 1 8 2 1 5 28 10 1 Jersey City 12 2 0 13 3 0 8 24 4 0 Joliet 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Mobile 3 1 2 3 4 1 0 5 0 1 Norfolk 13 8 2 11 9 2 8 23 13 3 Oakland 10 3 0 12 2 1 8 15 9 4 Philadelphia 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 Piney Point 4 2 0 0 2 0 1 5 3 0 Puerto Rico 0 3 0 2 2 0 0 1 5 0 Tacoma 14 3 0 10 2 0 5 27 4 0 St. Louis 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 Wilmington 17 5 0 23 2 1 10 30 11 1 TOTALS 144 46 7 127 38 6 59 245 81 12 Entry Department Algonac 1 11 6 0 3 3 1 4 12 5 Anchorage 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 Baltimore 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 2 Fort Lauderdale 0 3 3 0 3 2 0 1 5 6 Guam 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 Harvey 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Honolulu 0 5 2 1 5 2 0 1 12 7 Houston 3 12 3 4 6 2 1 9 25 5 Jacksonville 2 9 17 1 6 6 0 5 15 20 Jersey City 0 16 2 1 10 0 1 5 27 5 Joliet 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 Mobile 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 Norfolk 1 16 2 0 15 4 1 2 21 10 Oakland 3 8 4 3 9 1 3 3 19 6 Philadelphia 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Piney Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 Puerto Rico 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 Tacoma 1 10 4 3 6 3 1 2 16 8 St. Louis 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Wilmington 3 13 7 5 7 8 6 5 48 12 TOTALS 15 115 54 20 74 32 15 41 213 90 GRAND TOTAL: 548 359 90 467 261 62 205 1,127 659 161 June 2016 Seafarers LOG 19 �Seafarer Shares Story of Recovery The Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC) has helped more than 2,400 SIU brothers and sisters regain their alcohol- and drug-free statuses over the last 40 years. While the privacy of those enrolled in the program is safeguarded and kept confidential, retired Recertified Steward Brian Gross has chosen to share his story, in the hopes that he can inspire his fellow Seafarers to regain their sobriety as he did. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Brian joined the SIU in 1980, and sailed until the early 2000s before failing a random drug test aboard a vessel. He elected to seek treatment at the SARC, because of his desire to continue sailing. “I wanted to sail, so I went,” he said. “I didn’t have to, but I wanted to get back out there. You have to have an open mind to want to go there.” According to the center’s web page, “The Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center is a private, non-profit residential treatment facility operated by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan as a proactive response to the problem of chemical The Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center has a strong record of helping SIU members to get back on the right track. dependency in the maritime industry. In operation since 1975, the program is depleting the program, and sailed out of made the rehabilitation of mariners his was impressed with the level of treatsigned to address alcohol and other drug the Port of Baltimore on the Tyco Delife’s work. ment and individual attention. “When I issues relevant to the United States Merpendable until 2013. He attributes his Jack said, “The ARC is all about getgot to the SARC, everyone was so nice chant Mariner. The staff at the SARC success to the SARC and the union. “I ting these members clean and sober, to me,” he recalled. “Unlike those big understands chemical dependency to be was fortunate that the ARC gave me the but it’s also about getting them back to fancy clinics, the SARC gives so much a primary illness in itself, thereby comfoundation I needed to get my life back,” work. Brian is a great guy, and his sucmore personal attention. We’re getting pounding and contributing to problems he stated. “I understand the blessing that better care there than at Betty Ford [Cen- cess is really a credit to him. He put in in all life areas. SARC rehabilitation efthe union has given me. The amount of the work, and he still calls to check in forts are guided by the philosophy that is ter] and those.” support from my brothers was very surfrom time to time.” That personal care is overseen by the foundation of all SIU efforts on beprising, and I’m very thankful for that.” Brian did return to work after comhalf of the membership: the development Jack Gallagher, SARC director, who has He also wished to thank Maureen of the worker as a whole person, not just Gallagher and Port Agent Elizabeth the person as a worker. A Seafarer may Brown in particular for their support, as volunteer to attend the rehabilitation prowell as SIU President Michael Sacco, gram or may be mandated to treatment saying, “I appreciate that Michael Sacco for job-related incidents involving alcoIf you think you may have a problem website, www.seafarers.org/memberkeeps the program going. It really is very hol and other drugs. These referrals may with drugs or alcohol, please contact benefits/sarc.asp for more information helpful, and I thank him for that.” be made by the union, contracted compathe staff at the Seafarers Addiction Re- and instructions on how to enroll. You In closing, he offered the following nies, or the United States Coast Guard.” habilitation Center. The confidentiality can also call the center at (301) 994advice to his fellow mariners: “If you Treatment and accompanying services at of those enrolled at the SARC will be 0010, extension 5330 for more inforthink you have a problem, you probably the SARC are a union benefit and free of respected at all times. Please visit the mation. do. Don’t wait until you get popped on a charge to eligible members. test to go.” Once Brian arrived at the SARC, he Do You Think You May Need Help? Spotlight on Mariner Health Blood Glucose Testing and Equipment If you have diabetes, your blood glucose should be tested often. Usually, the doctor will tell you when to test it. Keep a record of all your results for the physician to see when you go in for your office visits. These results will let the doctor know if you are taking the correct medications or not. Remember, the doctor may need to change your medications many times before finding the proper dosage for you. When choosing a blood glucose meter, look for the one that is easiest to use. There are all types of meters with test strips, and the cost will fluctuate depending on what the blood glucose meter can do. You can find meters at CVS, Walgreens and elsewhere, and choose from brands such as Accucheck or Glucometers. They all basically do the same thing. They give you a blood glucose result. Many of the meters can now be plugged into a computer system to print out your blood glucose log. However, be sure to always write 20 Seafarers LOG down your glucose results in a notebook. Most meters are low-cost. Many doctor’s offices can give you free ones. You can also get them through your insurance companies with a prescription as well as the test strips. Some meters can give you coupons that will allow you to get money back. The cost is in the test strips. They usually come as 25 or 50 in a box. Many can cost as much as $40-$50 a box or more. Insurance can help defray the cost. The lancets are usually not expensive and you can also use insurance to cover them. There are many types to choose from. As long as the lancet fits the pen you use to prick your finger or arm, then the cost is up to you. Make sure that you read all the instructions that come with the blood glucose meter you choose. Before checking your blood glucose, wash your hands thoroughly and let them dry. If you use an alcohol swab to clean the area to be pricked, make sure you let the area dry completely. There is a little sugar in the alcohol, and you do not want a high reading! Make sure to discard all testing materials/supplies in a sharps container and not in the trash can. No one wants to be stuck with another person’s lancet/needle. Also, never share your equipment with anyone else. You do not want to pass any blood contaminants to anyone else. Remember, if you do get a high reading or a low one, always recheck the blood glucose. If it is still high or low, call your doctor immediately. You should have had instructions from your doctor about what to do if you have high or low readings. Use your sick day rules/ guidelines if you are ill, and monitor your glucose levels closely. Keep your equipment clean and in a dry place. Have a bag that is stocked and can readily be taken with you when you need to leave the house. You never know when you may need to check your blood glucose level, and you must have your equipment ready for use. Healthy Recipe Stuffed Peppers With Ground Turkey Courtesy of Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship n Mix all ingredients to- Servings: 25 n Stuff the bell pepper halves 12 1/2 whole bell pepper, cut in half & seeded 1 quart brown rice, cooked 3 1/3 pounds ground turkey 1 1/16 cups onion, chopped fine 1 1/16 cups celery, chopped fine 2 teaspoons granulated garlic 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons black pepper 2 2/3 tablespoons parsley, chopped fine 2 whole eggs 1 quart tomato sauce n Sauté the onions and celery together for about 7-10 min. over med.-heat. gether in a large bowl. (NOT THE TOMATO SAUCE) with the ground turkey mixture. Place the stuffed pepper in 2” hotel pans equally. n Top the peppers with the tomato sauce. Bake covered in a 350’F oven until 165’F internal temp. (cover with plastic wrap & foil) Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 239 Calories; 6g Fat (24.1% calories from fat); 15g Protein; 31g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 65mg Cholesterol; 478mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain (Starch); 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 0 Fat. June 2016 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MOHAMED ABDULLA Brother Mohamed Abdulla, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1989. He was initially employed on the Independence. Brother Abdulla mainly worked in the steward department. He was born in Yemen. Brother Abdulla’s most recent trip was aboard the Cape Mohican. He is now a resident of Melvindale, Michigan. LARRY BALLARD Brother Larry Ballard, 60, began working with the SIU in 1980. The steward department member’s first trip was on the Westward Venture. Brother Ballard upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. His final ship was the Maunawili. Brother Ballard makes his home in Las Vegas. RAFAEL CHOW Brother Rafael Chow, 67, donned the union colors in 2003. He originally shipped on the Shughart. Brother Chow enhanced his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Chow’s most recent vessel was operated by Seabulk Tankers Inc. He calls North Miami, Florida, home. RAMON CORRETJER Brother Ramon Corretjer, 68, started shipping with the SIU in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. He upgraded in 2001 and 2004 at the Piney Point school. A member of the engine department, Brother Corretjer last shipped aboard the Horizon Navigator. He lives in Carolina, Puerto Rico. JAMES DUNN Brother James Dunn, 65, became a Seafarer in 1990. His first ship was the Los Angeles; his most recent, the Anchorage. Brother Dunn enhanced his skills twice at the unionaffiliated school. He worked in the deck department. Brother Dunn is a resident of Seattle. REUBEN FIFE Brother Reuben Fife, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1987. He initially sailed aboard the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Fife upgraded on numerous occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Fife’s last trip was on the Intrepid. He resides in Thailand. June 2016 KENNETH HAGAR Brother Kenneth Hagar, 65, joined the union in 1970. He initially sailed in the Great Lakes division. Brother Hagar first shipped aboard the Peter Reiss. He worked in the deck department. Brother Hagar upgraded at the Paul Hall Center often. He concluded his career on the Sulphur Enterprise. Brother Hagar settled in Garden City, Michigan. THOMAS HALL Brother Thomas Hall, 65, began his SIU career in 1967. He was originally employed aboard the Steel Apprentice. In 1967, Brother Hall took advantage of educational opportunities at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland (the year the school opened). He last sailed with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Hall, who sailed in the engine department, lives in Mobile, Alabama. NASIR ISA Brother Nasir Isa, 58, first shipped aboard the Manhattan in 1981. He upgraded frequently at the union-affiliated school in southern Maryland. Brother Isa shipped as a member of all three departments. His most recent voyage was on the Maersk Atlanta. He resides in Brooklyn, New York. JOHN KERN Brother John Kern, 65, became a union member in 1991. He initially worked aboard the USNS Capable. Brother Kern shipped as a member of the medical department. In 2001, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Kern’s most recent ship was the Observation Island. He makes his home in Vancouver, Washington. DANIEL LAITINEN Brother Daniel Laitinen, 62, joined the SIU ranks in 1969. His first voyage was on the Columbia Rose. On numerous occasions, he upgraded in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Laitinen sailed in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Liberty Grace. Brother Laitinen was born in New Orleans and now calls Portland, Texas, home. VINCENTE MOLINA Brother Vincente Molina, 65, signed on with the union in 1987. He originally shipped on the Charles L. Brown. Brother Molina worked in the steward department and enhanced his skills in 2000 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. His last trip was on the RJ Pfeiffer. Brother Molina is a resident of Kapolei, Hawaii. SJARIFUDIN NOOR Brother Sjarifudin Noor, 66, began his seafaring career in 1990. He initially sailed aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. Brother Noor was born in Indonesia and worked in the engine department. He attended classes frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Noor’s final ship was the Energy Enterprise. He settled in Elmhurst, New York. SAMUEL NORTEYE Brother Samuel Norteye, 67, started shipping with the SIU during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He worked in all three departments. In 2001, Brother Norteye visited the SIU-affiliated school. His final trip was on the Evergreen State. Brother Norteye lives in Santa Cruz, California. ROBERT OPPEL Brother Robert Oppel, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1968. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Oppel first sailed aboard the Antinous. His most recent trip was on the Cape Wrath. Brother Oppel primarily sailed in the engine department but also made a few trips as a member of the steward department early in his career. He continues to reside in his native state, Maryland. HERBERT OQUENDO Brother Herbert Oquendo, 67, joined the SIU ranks in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. He last shipped aboard the American Phoenix, as a deck department member. Brother Oquendo calls North Hollywood, California, home. JOSEPH PITTMAN Brother Joseph Pittman, 65, became an SIU member in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. He enhanced his skills frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Pittman worked in the steward department. His most recent vessel was the Alliance Fairfax. Brother Pittman is a resident of Houston. CLARENCE POORE Brother Clarence Poore, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1998. His first ship was the Maersk Arizona; his most recent, the Maersk Carolina. Brother Poore upgraded twice at the Paul Hall Center. He shipped in the deck department. Brother Poore makes his home in Suffolk, Virginia. DAVID TILLMAN Brother David Tillman, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989. His first trip was aboard the Falcon Champion. Brother Tillman was a member of the engine department. He upgraded in 1997 and 2001 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Tillman’s last voyage was on the Liberty Star. He lives in Tickfaw, Louisiana. FERNANDO VEGA MERCADO Brother Fernando Vega Mercado, 56, joined the Seafarers in 1985, initially working aboard the Long Lines. He was born Puerto Rico and sailed in the steward department. Brother Vega Mercado attended classes in 2011 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. His most recent trip was on the Horizon Trader. Brother Vega Mercado makes his home in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. INLAND GIULIO FARNESE Brother Giulio Farnese, 66, became a union member in 2002. He sailed with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. Brother Farnese was born in Hoboken, New Jersey. The deck department member upgraded his skills in 2002 at the Paul Hall Center. He now calls Union City, New Jersey, home. BRENDA LITTLEFIELD Sister Brenda Littlefield, 66, began shipping with the union in 1990. She was originally employed aboard the Rover. Sister Littlefield sailed in the steward department. She enhanced her skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Prior to her retirement, Sister Littlefield worked on the Padre Island. She is a resident of Irvington, Alabama. WALTER MARSH Brother Walter Marsh, 64, signed on with the SIU in 1974. He first sailed with Mariner Towing. Brother Marsh was born in Pennsylvania and sailed in the deck department. He last sailed aboard an Interstate Oil Transportation Company vessel. Brother Marsh resides in Wilmington, Delaware. JACK PRESCOTT Brother Jack Prescott, 62, joined the union in 1977. He originally shipped on the Cantigny. Brother Prescott worked in both the deck and engine departments. He often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Prescott was last employed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. He calls Oceanside, California, home. MARTHA SMITH Sister Martha Smith, 66, started shipping with the SIU in 1993. She primarily sailed with Orgulf Transportation Company. The steward department member enhanced her skills in 1996 at the Piney Point school. Sister Smith lives Nampa, Idaho. DAVID TURINSKI Brother David Turinski, 62, became an SIU member in 2002. He was originally employed with Ameristar Casino East Chicago. Brother Turinski sailed in the deck department. He upgraded in 2003 and 2008 at the union-affiliated school. Brother Turinski last worked aboard an Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning vessel. He is a resident of Holmen, Wisconsin. PAUL YOST Brother Paul Yost, 63, joined the union in 1997. He primarily sailed with G&H Towing. Brother Yost worked in the engine department. He attended classes twice at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Yost makes his home in Hull, Texas. GREAT LAKES DENNIS BEAUDRE Brother Dennis Beaudre, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1969. He originally worked on the McKee Sons. A member of the deck department, Brother Beaudre’s final trip was aboard the Charles E. Wilson. He continues to live in his native state of Michigan. RONALD DEROUIN Brother Ronald Derouin, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1998. He was employed with Upper Lakes Towing Company for the duration of his career. Brother Derouin calls Gladstone, Michigan, home. MICHAEL QUINN Brother Michael Quinn, 65, signed on with the union in 1998. His first ship was the John Boland. Brother Quinn sailed in the deck department. He most recently worked on the Burns Harbor. Brother Quinn resides in Caseville, Michigan. Seafarers LOG 21 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MICHAEL ANGINO Pensioner Michael Angino, 96, passed away February 12. The Pennsylvania native joined the SIU in 1951. Brother Angino initially worked aboard the Steel Admiral. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Angino’s last vessel was the Van Horizon. He retired in 1984. Brother Angino called Blair, Pennsylvania, home. JACOB DUSICH Pensioner Jacob Dusich, 63, died January 16. Brother Dusich started his seafaring career in 1977. His first ship was the Great Land; his last was the Manukai. Brother Dusich sailed in the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 2007 and was a resident of Federal Way, Washington. ALLEN GEORGE Pensioner Allen George, 85, passed away January 30. He became an SIU member in 1948. Brother George initially worked aboard the Phillip Barbara. He was born in Mobile, Alabama, and worked in the engine department. Brother George’s final ship was the Spirit of Texas. He became a pensioner in 1990 and settled in Citra, Florida. THOMAS HAWKINS Pensioner Thomas Hawkins, 88, died February 16. Brother Hawkins was a native of Seattle. He signed on with the union in 1949, originally working on the Chiwawa. Brother Hawkins was a deck department member. He most recently sailed aboard the Kodiak. Brother Hawkins began collecting his retirement pay in 1998. He resided in Missoula, Montana. TORRY KIDD Pensioner Torry Kidd, 73, passed away January 2. Born in Alabama, Brother Kidd initially worked with Hudson Waterways Corporation in 1963. He shipped as a member of the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 2002, Brother Kidd sailed aboard the Sgt. William R. Button. He made his home in Mobile, Alabama. 22 Seafarers LOG RAMDHANI NANDKESHWAR Pensioner Ramdhani Nandkeshwar, 86, died January 11. Brother Nandkeshwar was a native of British Guiana. A member of the deck department, he last sailed on the USNS Denebola. Brother Nandkeshwar started collecting his retirement compensation in 1994. He was a resident of Virginia. REBECCA POULIOT Pensioner Rebecca Pouliot, 68, passed away January 24. She joined the Seafarers in 1986. Sister Pouliot originally sailed aboard the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. The Minnesota native was a steward department member. Sister Pouliot’s final ship was the Richard G. Matthiesen. She went on pension in 2012 and settled in Keaau, Hawaii. MELTON SAM Pensioner Melton Sam, 59, died January 6. He started shipping with the SIU in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. Brother Sam was born in Lafayette, Louisiana. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Challenger as a member of the deck department. Brother Sam became a pensioner in 2013 and lived in Houston. MAJOR SMITH Pensioner Major Smith, 67, passed away January 17. He began sailing with the union in 1968. Brother Smith first shipped on the Petrochem. He worked in the engine department. Brother Smith’s final voyage was aboard the 1st Lt. Harry Martin. He retired in 2013 and made his home in Mobile, Alabama. WILLIAM SUTTON Pensioner William Sutton, 89, died February 24. Born in Ariton, Alabama, he donned the SIU colors in 1964. Brother Sutton initially worked with Mayflower Steamship Corporation. He was an engine department member. Brother Sutton last sailed aboard the Aleutian Developer. He began receiving his pension in 1991 and called Medford, Oregon, home. ANGEL TOUCET Pensioner Angel Toucet, 83, passed away March 13. Brother Toucet started sailing with the SIU in 1967. He originally sailed on the Houston. Brother Toucet was born in Penu- elas, Puerto Rico and sailed as a member of all departments. He last shipped aboard the Crusader. Brother Toucet retired in 1997 and resided in Carolina, Puerto Rico. ZITING XU Pensioner Ziting Xu, 65, died February 18. He became a Seafarer in 1998. Brother Xu’s first trip was on the Cape Florida. He was born in China and sailed in the engine department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Xu shipped aboard the Maj Barnard F. Fisher. He settled in Kenner, Louisiana. INLAND ROBERT CROFT Pensioner Robert Croft, 83, passed away January 12. Brother Croft signed on with the SIU in 1952, initially sailing in the deep sea division with Emerson Steamship Company. A native of Concord, Massachusetts, he worked in the engine department. Brother Croft was last employed with G&H Towing. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1994. Brother Croft was a resident of Hitchcock, Texas. NORVAL HEARN Pensioner Norval Hearn, 83, died January 31. Born in Pennsylvania, Brother Hearn began sailing with the SIU in 1965. He was initially employed with Meyle Towing Company. Brother Hearn last sailed on a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. He became a pensioner in 1997 and lived in Delaware. GARNETT LEARY Pensioner Garnett Leary, 71, passed away February 14. He started shipping with the union in 1970. Brother Leary originally worked on a Gulf Atlantic Transportation Corporation vessel. He was born in North Carolina and sailed in the deck department. Brother Leary’s final ship was operated by Express Marine Inc. He began receiving his pension in 2008 and resided in New Bern, North Carolina. PAUL MCCOOL Pensioner Paul McCool, 66, died January 19. Brother McCool was a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was initially employed with Penn Maritime Inc. Brother McCool was a deck department member. His most recent trip was aboard an Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning vessel. Brother McCool went on pension in 2015 and made his home in Alfred, Maine. WAYNE MOORE Pensioner Wayne Moore, 69, passed away January 5. He joined the SIU in 1973, originally sailing with Taylor Marine Towing Company. Brother Moore shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last worked aboard a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Brother Moore retired in 2010 and called Lewes, Delaware, home. DAVID RUSHING Pensioner David Rushing, 63, died February 2. Brother Rushing became an SIU member in 1979. He was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Rushing, an engine department member, started collecting his retirement compensation in 2013. He was born in Snyder, Texas, and settled in Aransas Pass, Texas. RICHARD SIMMONS Pensioner Richard Simmons, 69, passed away January 15. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he donned the SIU colors in 1991. Brother Simmons originally worked with Red Circle Transportation Company. He was a steward department member. Prior to his retirement in 2008, Brother Simmons worked on an Orgulf Transportation vessel. He lived in Brooksville, Florida. ROBERT STICKNEY Pensioner Robert Stickney, 71, died January 11. He began his SIU career in 1972. Brother Stickney mainly sailed with Interstate Oil Transportation Company. The Pennsylvania native was a deck department member. Brother Stickney went on pension in 2009 and settled in Avalon, New Jersey. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION CHARLES BROOKS Pensioner Charles Brooks, 88, passed away January 9. The New Orleans native retired in 1994. Brother Brooks called Terrytown, Louisiana, home. DEFONZA CARROLL Pensioner Defonza Carroll, 69, died December 4. Brother Carroll was born in New York and started receiving his pension in 2011. He was a resident of Owing Mills, Maryland. VICTOR DETROY Pensioner Victor Detroy, 90, passed away December 23. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, Brother Detroy became a pensioner in 1967. Brother Detroy settled in Woodside, New York. LEROY EVERETT Pensioner Leroy Everett, 86, died January 17. Brother Everett was a native of Honduras. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1984. Brother Everett resided in Brooklyn, New York. HENRY GUARNELO Pensioner Henry Guarnelo, 88, passed away January 1. The Texas native went on pension in 1967. He lived in San Antonio, Texas. MIGUEL HOYOS Pensioner Miguel Hoyos, 88, died January 26. Brother Hoyos started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1970 and made his home in Puerto Rico. JOSEPH JALBERT Pensioner Joseph Jalbert, 86, passed away December 31. Brother Jalbert was born in Massachusetts. He became a pensioner in 1985. Brother Jalbert called Baltimore home. REUBEN JEFFERSON Pensioner Reuben Jefferson, 79, died December 22. Brother Jefferson was born in Louisiana. He went on pension in 1994 and lived in Compton, California. FRANK MILLER Pensioner Frank Miller, 77, passed away January 3. He was a native of Pennsylvania. Brother Miller retired in 2004 and made his home in Las Vegas. RODNEY MILLER Pensioner Rodney Miller, 86, died December 1. Born in Honduras, Brother Miller became a pensioner in 1995. He settled in South Wales. SAMUEL OAKLEY Pensioner Samuel Oakley, 97, passed away January 6. Brother Oakley started collecting his retirement pay in 1967. He lived in New Jersey. RODOLFO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Rodolfo Rodriguez, 67, died December 16. The Corpus Christi, Texas, native retired in 1992. He continued to call Texas home. FREDERICK SMITH Pensioner Frederick Smith, 78, passed away January 12. He was a native of Alabama. Brother Smith began receiving his pension in 1989. He was a resident of Mobile, Alabama. JOHN VALJALO Pensioner John Valjalo, 92, died December 18. Brother Valjalo was born in Croatia. He went on pension in 1966 and resided in Liverpool. Name Chit, Ho Dumas, Ernest Martin, Charles Morris, James Morrison, Kenneth Sanchez, Guillermo Victor, Charles Age 97 89 87 86 89 90 92 DOD Jan 9 Jan 21 Jan 1 Jan 14 Jan 10 Jan 6 Dec 13 June 2016 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings JEAN ANNE (TOTE Services), February 1 – Chairman Tom Johnson, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Matthew Bryant, Steward Delegate Mary Louise Maddox. Chairman advised crew to keep up-to-date by reading latest issue of Seafarers LOG. Educational director discussed the port dispatch system. Deck delegate made suggestions pertaining to benefits. Crew was notified of donations collected and funds raised for families of El Faro crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was thanked for their work, with special thanks given to the steward department for good variety of food. The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. Round-the-World Voyage Yields Cool Scrolls During a recent stop at SIU headquarters, Chief Cook Tommy Cyrus (below, right) brought two colorful papers he received when the Liberty Promise completed a voyage around the globe. Some of his shipmates from the Liberty Maritime vessel are pictured in the bottom photo. Visit the SIU Facebook page to see larger, color versions of the scrolls. USNS BRUCE C. HEEZEN (USMMI), February 21 – Chairman Robert Natividad, Secretary Karen Mischel, Educational Director Latanya Jackson-Johnson, Engine Delegate Randy Corey. Chairman reminded crew that disputes should be handled with department heads first before escalating to the captain. He also read the latest president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Educational Director discussed changing STCW requirements in 2017, and urged members to keep up. Crew passed motion concerning hazard pay and habitability. Deck and steward delegates voiced concerns about overtime. Next port: Bahrain. MARJORIE C (TOTE Services), February 27 – Chairman Dan Davenport, Secretary Sam Sinclair, Educational Director Mark Santoli, Deck Delegate Billy Cooley, Engine Delegate Dale Graham. Chairman relayed information from Port Agent Hazel Galbiso in regards to Basic Training renewal requirements. Chairman urged crew to stay on top of all document renewals, and read president’s report from LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for outstanding job, and advised to take upgrading courses in Piney Point. Crew discussed vacation checks and direct deposit. ANCHORAGE (Matson), March 5 – Chairman Chris Pompel, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director Gary Dahl, Engine Delegate John Groom. Chairman reminded everyone to check the expiration dates of all documents. Secretary urged members to donate to SPAD. New mattresses and health plan were discussed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. O/S SANTORINI (Overseas Ship Management), March 6 – Chairman Tyronne Burrell, Secretary Donna Saling, Educational Director Edwin Feliciano. Secretary thanked crew for courtesy. Educational director advised crew of SIU text alert service, as well as importance of maintaining documents. Members requested cable TV in rooms. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks were given to the steward department for another fine job. MAERSK IOWA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 28 – Chairman Michael Ratigan, Secretary Robin Ballard, Engine Delegate Antonio McAdams. Chairman discussed vacations and benefits. Crew requests LOGs be sent to the ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new computer in crew lounge. Next port: Norfolk, Virginia. OVERSEAS ANACORTES (Overseas Ship Management), March 31 – Chairman Tony Beasley, Secretary June 2016 Dana Paradise, Educational Director Cary Pratts, Deck Delegate Paa Polley Kwakye. Chairman advised crew to vote for candidates who support the Jones Act. Educational director urged members to keep their documents up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested yogurt machine in galley, and thanked steward department for great work. Next port: Tampa, Florida. mariners to check expiration dates and STCW requirements for all documents, and recommended using member portal on the union website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Received and discussed two letters from SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Crew offered vote of thanks to the steward department for “5-star service and food.” Next ports: San Juan, Puerto Rico and Jacksonville, Florida. ISLA BELLA (TOTE), April 3 – Chairman William Mulcahy, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director John Walsh, Deck Delegate Junior Augustin, Engine Delegate Damien Law, Steward Delegate Sheilla Daguio. Chairman reported crew working well together. Mariners were reminded of cell phone policy while on watch. Secretary reminded everyone to check lint trap in dryer, and thanked crew for keeping common areas clean. Educational director reminded CHARLESTON (USS Transport), April 3 – Chairman Tim Koebel, Secretary Ken Whitfield, Educational Director Peter Joseph, Engine Delegate Reggie Colbert, Steward Delegate Atik Almontaser. Chairman urged members to speak up over concerns in contracts, and read President Sacco’s latest report. Educational director sought clarity on upcoming STCW changes from port agent. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Kudos given to steward department for fine fare and ex- cellent Easter dinner. Next ports: Philadelphia, Houston, and Corpus Christi, Texas. OVERSEAS MYKONOS (Overseas Ship Management), April 10 – Chairman Albert Mensah, Secretary Anthony Jacobson, Educational Director Patrick Carroll, Steward Delegate Francisco Madsen. Chairman offered thanks to steward department for making voyage special. He also thanked the deck and engine crews for their hard and safe work. Secretary thanked crew for pulling together and keeping common areas clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to have direct deposit for vacation checks. Next port: Port Canaveral, Florida. SAFMARINE NGAMI (Maersk Line, Limited), April 11 – Chairman Mathew Bevak, Secretary Ibrahim Elsayed, Educational Director Arkady Bichevsky, Steward Delegate Carlos Diaz. Chairman urged crew to donate to SPAD. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to upgrade at union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, and also reminded everyone to keep all documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. A vote of thanks was given to steward department for good work. JEAN ANNE (TOTE Services), April 14 – Chairman Noel Camacho, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Matthew Bryant. Chairman made April LOG available on ship’s computer for crew to read. He reminded crew of the importance of the Jones Act and contributing to SPAD, and also relayed STCW information from the Honolulu hall. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Timing of alarm testing was discussed. Crew requested Internet access in crew lounge. Seafarers LOG 23 �Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretarytreasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No mon- 6/16 24 Seafarers LOG ies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION. If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 6/16 June 2016 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Gap Closing Courses Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 9 August 5 BAPO July 16 August 12 September 10 October 7 FOWT June 18 July 15 August 13 September 9 Engineroom Resource Management June 18 June 24 October 8 November 4 September 17 September 23 October 1 October 7 October 8 October 14 Junior Engineer July 30 September 23 Machinist July 2 July 22 November 12 December 2 Leadership and Managerial Skills June 25 July 1 September 12 September 16 October 22 October 28 Marine Electrician September 10 November 4 Marine Refer Tech November 5 December 16 MEECE June 11 June 17 June 25 July 1 Pumpman July 23 August 5 September 24 September 30 October 15 October 21 Welding June 11 July 1 August 20 September 9 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck June 18 July 15 August 13 September 9 October 8 November 4 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Stu- dents will be advised of dates once accepted. Steward Department Courses Advanced Galley Ops June 18 July 15 Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. Most recent class started June 4. Advanced Meteorology June 11 June 17 Chief Steward July 2 August 12 ARPA June 18 June 24 December 3 December 9 Galley Ops July 16 August 12 Bosun Recertification July 16 August 8 Crane Familiarization June 25 July 1 August 13 August 19 ServSafe August 27 September 2 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic Training w/16hr FF June 11 June 17 ECDIS July 16 July 22 September 24 September 30 December 3 December 9 Basic Training Revalidation July 29 July 29 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation July 9 July 15 Fast Rescue Boat July 16 July 22 August 13 August 19 August 27 September 2 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 4 June 10 Government Vessels June 18 June 24 Medical Care Provider June 11 June 17 Tank Barge - DL June 18 June 24 Lifeboat July 2 July 15 July 30 August 12 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL/LG July 30 August 12 November 19 December 2 Radar Observer November 19 December 2 GMDSS November 5 November 18 RFPNW July 16 August 12 September 10 October 7 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. June 2016 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG September 3 September 9 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/16 Seafarers Log 25 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #810 – The following Phase 1 apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 22: Rene Bravo Harrington, Andres Brown, Blake Caviness, Kirk Chambers, Daniel Dunn, Nicholas Kragh, Gavin Kuehn Jr., Alicia Plunkett and Zachery Robbins. Water Survival (Upgraders) – Five upgraders graduated from this course April 22. Completing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Matthew Botterbusch, Stephen Goletz, David James, Andrew Mendoza and Tyrane Savage. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding – Six upgraders completed their requirements in this course April 15. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Kevin Haymer, Cody Higgs, Patrick Montgomery, Alisia Scheurer, Grant Simonson and Edward Williams. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. BAPO – Ten Phase III apprentices (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 22: Abraham Arias, Jarvis Carter, Eric Castle, Patrick Dean, Korrey Green, Gajatri Normatova, Douglas Pentecost Jr., James Rightnour, Richard Stone and Keshawn Webster. Class instructor Keith Adamson is at the far left. Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 15: Bernard Baker, Ernest Bullock Jr., Erik Clausen, Michael Colonna, Arthur Cross, Carlos Eclarino Eclevia, Si Issac Hughes, Charles James, Thomas Jansen, Robert Orloff III, Lamar Pinckney, Daunteley Signal, Justin Spadoni and Mony Williams Jr. Mark Cates, their instructor, is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Machinist – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 22: Ryan Aaron, Joseph Dickinson, Jonathon Foulks, Trent Jacobsen and Mitchell Rylander. Jason Murphy, their instructor, is at the far right. 26 Seafarers LOG BAPO (Upgraders) – Three Seafarers completed the enhancement of their skills in this course April 22. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Christopher Brown, Melito Dadivas Daguio and Gil Lawrence. Their instructor, Keith Adamson, is at the far left. Bridge Resource Management (Crowley) – Thirteen mariners finished this course April 21. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Conrado Abinuman Jr., Charles Brown, Nicholas Conway, Darryl Davis, Thomas Edenfield, John Gates, Flynn Jarrett, Gustavo Martinez Padilla, Michael Morgan, Steven Sears, Joseph Spicciani, Steven Tonn and Gregg Wolffis. June 2016 �Paul Hall Center Classes Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 22: Lindsey Austin, Ryan Landers, Noel Lau, Ryan McElroy, Sunnil Motley, Mykola Smirnov and Slavi Zahariev. Brad Wheeler, their instructor, is standing fourth from the left. ECDIS – The following mariners (above, in alphabetical order) completed this course April 4: Robert Arble Jr., Joseph Bowen, Jason Dameron, Edward Garner, Philip Inman, Flynn Jarrett, Ian McManus and Paul Stanford. Engine Room Resource Management – Six individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 22: Vyacheslav Baklanov, Zachary Cantwell, Mark D’Allura, Carnell McIntyre, Andrew Neault and Vernon Rorie. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is at the far right. Government Vessels – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) completed their requirements in this course April 22: Latiffe Brooks, Erik Clausen, Jessica Crockett, Gregory Eady, Mauricio Elopre, Michael Henry, Si Isaac Hughes, Richard Jefferson, Rudy Lopez, Perry Martin Sr., Emmanuel De Garcia Matias, Marcel Motley, Jose Rigoberto Norales, David Parker, Grant Simonson, Patricia Sullivan and Rose Ward. Class Instructor Mark Cates is at the far right. Galley Ops – Two Seafarers who sail in the steward department completed this course March 25. Graduating (above, from the left) were Jason Beckford and Ragab Mossad Ayed. June 2016 Medical Care Provider – Five upgraders graduated from this course April 22. Finishing their requirements (above, in alphabetical order) were: Ernest Bullock Jr., Michael Colonna, Robert Orloff III, Daunteley Signal and Justin Spadoni. John Thomas, their instructor, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Emergency Procedures – Six mariners recently completed their requirements in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Lindsey Austin, Ryan Landers, Noel Lau, Ryan McElroy, Sunnil Motley and Mykola Smirnov. Their instructor, John Gorman, is at the far left. Chief Steward – Six steward department upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 8: Marcelo Alicea Jr., Richard Jones, Jose Rigoberto Norales, Patricia Ricks, Verleshia Robinson and Tyrell Nasheed Thabit. Chief Cook – A pair of steward department mariners graduated from this course earlier this year. They are Brian Lunsford (above, left) and Ali Sleiman Bazzi. Seafarers LOG 27 �JUNE F E B R2016 UARY 2014 NO. o N V O LVOLUME U M E 7 6 78 O. 6 2 4th Annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic Pages 14-16 SIU Ships Hook Up for Unrep Crews Demonstration Proficiencies During Exercise In early April, SIU crews from the tanker Empire State and the Military Sealift Command oiler USNS Yukon performed an underway replenishment exercise near Port Hueneme, California. The Empire State is operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, while the USNS Yukon is crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division. The photos on this page were taken during the exercise from aboard the Empire State as the vessel transferred liquid cargo to the Yukon. 28 Seafarers LOG June 2016 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2016 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW PANAMA CANAL STUDY RAISES SAFETY CONCERNS FEDERATION ORDERS STUDY OF MLC INVESTIGATORS FIND EL FARO’S DATA RECORDER NEW CROWLEY VESSEL LOUISIANA BOOSTS SIU FLEET NASSCO CHRISTENS TWO TANKERS IN SAN DIEGO ADVISORY BOARD EXAMINES PRESENT, FUTURE OF MARITIME UNION-AFFILIATED PAUL HALL CENTER HOSTS KEY GATHERING OF INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS SIU PRESIDENT DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS SACCO CALLS FOR SUPPORT OF CANDIDATES WHO WILL STAND WITH WORKING FAMILIES UNION ENCOURAGES SEAFARERS TO REGISTER, VOTE CRESCENT CREWS APPROVE NEW CONTRACTS THREE-YEAR AGREEMENTS BOOST WAGES, MAINTAIN BENEFITS SENATE HEARING EXAMINES MARITIME INDUSTRY SIU, OTHER UNION REITERATE CRITICAL NEED FOR STRONG U.S. MERCHANT MARINE CROWLEY HOSTS ADMIRAL FOR NATIONAL LAUNCH OF MARINER SAFETY WEEK UNION CONSTITUTION OUTLINES ABSENTEE BALLOT PROCEDURE UNION DEDICATES EL FAR MEMORIAL IN PINEY POINT AB STILL DEDICATED TO HELPING OTHERS SEAFARER WILSON CONTINUES PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS HUMILITY, PERSEVERANCE PAY DIVIDENDS IN CAREER OF RECERTIFIED STEWARD ‘RESCUED FROM THE BRINK OF DEATH’ SURVIVOR RECALLS DRAMATIC EPISODE AT SEA FROM 1980 TWO WORTHY CAUSES BENEFIT FROM SEAFARERS WATERFRONT CLASSIC MARITIME INDUSTRY EXPERTS GATHER IN PINEY POINT FOR BOARD MEETING SEAFARER SHARES STORY OF RECOVERY SIU SHIPS HOOK UP FOR UNREP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2016 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. 78, No. 6 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d0335d5856462057c44960b2a7331fb9.pdf 5f7a1a7814937176bb32d586072895d0 PDF Text Text JUNE F E B2017 RUARY 2014 VOLUME NO.. 62 VOLUME 7 6 o 79 NO DOT Hosts 2017 Maritime Day SIU Officials, Paul Hall Center Apprentices Turn Out in Force Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao (directly above) served as keynote speaker during the National Maritime Day ceremony in the nation’s capital. In photo at the top of the page, SIU President Michael Sacco (ninth from left) is pictured with a contingent of apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Joining Sacco is U.S. Transportation Command Commander Gen. Darren McDew (center), SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right of McDew) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (far left). For more on the annual Maritime Day observance, see Pages 3-4. Congressman Promotes Jones Act Page 2 MSP Gets a Boost Page 5 Waterfront Classic Coverage Pages 12-14 �Congressman Hunter Defends Jones Act President’s Report Waterfront Classic Success Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s Seafarers Waterfront Classic, which lived up to its reputation as a fun event benefiting two worthwhile causes. Even though the fish mostly decided to sit this one out, no one went hungry and all participants seemed in good spirits. Check out our extensive coverage elsewhere in this edition. Meanwhile, I will say that the tournament really symbolizes many positive aspects of the SIU. Through our partnership with the American Military Veterans Foundation, the Classic reflects our decades-long backing of our men and women in uniform. We are proud of our role as America’s fourth arm of defense, and we also appreciate chances to get to know, and build friendships with, the veterans and troops. (Of course, many Seafarers also have served in the military.) The Seafarers Waterfront Classic also shows the camaraderie that exists between our rank-and-file members and officials, as well as the respect and the solid working relationships that exist between the Michael Sacco union and our contracted operators. Last but not least, the home base for the tournament – the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland – continues to shine as our hub. Incredibly, we’re just a few months away from the school’s 50th anniversary, and as someone who was on the scene almost from the start, I can say with confidence that it has evolved from extremely modest beginnings to become a world-class facility which has served as a model to many other training schools around the globe. On that note, I also offer a tip of the cap to all the employees at the school who worked so hard to contribute to the Classic’s success. Progress and Challenges There’s been a wave of good news for our industry lately, including big wins on Capitol Hill and new tonnage continuing to enter the Jones Act fleet. As I mentioned at last month’s membership meeting in Piney Point, one of the keys to our success is political action. Without it, we’d never be able to report on victories involving new ships or the Maritime Security Program or the Jones Act or cargo preference. Politics is our ticket to winning. And our members are very involved at the grassroots level, which is a credit to all concerned. You also know that our battles never end, and one in particular that’s back in the news is the baffling suggestion to replace America’s Food for Peace program with cash giveaways. I think such a move would be a catastrophe. I believe many of the people who otherwise would receive food from the United States would instead starve to death. So, you could say I’m very motivated to make sure the SIU continues to do our part to defend this effective, common-sense, humanitarian program. Meanwhile, our entire industry is facing a manpower issue. Here at home, we have ramped up our recruiting efforts and we’re taking steps to make it easier and more affordable to get into the apprentice program at Piney Point. We continue to work with veterans groups to offer opportunities to men and women who are separating from military service. But this problem won’t be solved overnight. Again as I mentioned at the membership meeting, keep an eye out for people who you think might be a good fit in the SIU. I know all the training and medical requirements (mostly stemming from international maritime treaties) can be a pain, but there’s still a great opportunity for people who want to go to work in this industry. You can make a good living and see the world, and pretty much pick your own schedule. In the SIU, we’ve got plenty of jobs and we also have a career-advancement asset that’s second to none in the Paul Hall Center. So, if you know of any prospective members, send them to our website or connect them with your port agent, and we’ll take it from there. We have a lot to offer. FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 76 Volume 79 Number 6 o NO. 2 One of the American maritime industry’s most consistently outspoken advocates recently issued a characteristically strong defense of the Jones Act. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-California) posted and circulated the op-ed in late April, under the headline: Protecting our southern border with U.S. mariners. Hunter serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and chairs the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Among other assignments, he also serves on the House Armed Services Committee and its Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces. The congressman’s article sets a pro-maritime tone in the opening paragraphs, which read in part, “I am proud to be an unwavering defender of the Jones Act — a critical U.S. national security law that requires vessels moving from one U.S. port to another must be U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed. The Jones Act, in fact, is the quintessential definition of ‘Buy American, Hire American.’ It’s also a point that President Trump, along with his national security and economic teams, would be well-served to recognize in the effort to revive American industry and capability.” Hunter then pointed out that America’s freight cabotage law – in effect for nearly a century – “ensures that vessels and workers engaged in coastwise trade are U.S.-compliant while providing domestic shipbuilding and mariner capacity to support our armed forces at times of war.” Referring to a speech earlier this year by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer Michael Herbert at a Maritime Trades Department meeting, Hunter underscored Hebert’s identification of “the inherent difficulties in trying to police and protect the more than 95,000 miles of coastline in the United States. In his remarks, Officer Herbert spoke about the importance of the Jones Act and its critical role in protecting the homeland first and foremost. In the Gulf of Mexico, for instance, this law also applies to vessels servicing the offshore platforms that deliver our nation’s energy supplies – exactly the type of critical infrastructure that CBP and others are committed to protecting. “Because of this, the Jones Act has been supported by every modern president and has explicit support from our nation’s Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy leadership,” Hunter continued. “To further em- First Tony Sacco Scholarship Presented “Those of us who knew Tony will never forget him, but this scholarship will help ensure that his name and legacy live on.” With those words, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Inspector Ricky Esopa presented the first annual Tony Sacco Memorial Scholarship on behalf of the Charleston (South Carolina) Port and Seafarers’ Society. The bestowal took place May 2 during a National Transportation Week banquet in Charleston. The grant went to Clemson University freshman Tiffany Mobley, who is majoring in biological sciences. Mobley’s mother accepted the scholarship on her behalf. Sacco, the son of SIU President Michael Sacco, unexpectedly passed away last year at age 55. He sailed with the SIU for many years and also served June 2017 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry and Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2017 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG phasize this crucial maritime capacity, CBP recently established the Jones Act Division of Enforcement (JADE) in New Orleans to support the office in ensuring vessel compliance.” The Jones Act has been in the news because of a CBP ruling designed to help properly enforce the law as it applies to offshore service vessels. Previously, Hunter wrote, U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter “foreign compa(R-California) nies and crews [took] advantage of a loophole and circumvent[ed] the build and staffing requirements of the Jones Act. Naturally, foreign entities are now upset that their loophole has been closed and are making unfounded claims to pressure on the CBP to drop the revocation. “The fact of the matter is that if the revocation proceeds, as it should, there will be 3,200 U.S. jobs generated in the Gulf of Mexico alone with absolutely no disruption of offshore energy exploration and production,” Hunter asserted. “The added benefit of these jobs means that an estimated additional 1,000 mariners will be qualified to help the U.S. Ready Reserve Fleet, which is activated in times of war to move military cargo to war zones.” He concluded, “The choice comes down to supporting U.S. mariners and shipyard workers, keeping U.S. critical energy infrastructure safe with no disruption to our offshore energy exploration and production and in compliance with U.S. law, or allowing foreign interests to prevail in undermining all of the above. CBP’s intent to uphold the extraordinary importance of the Jones Act should be commended…. It’s in America’s interests to recognize the significance of the Jones Act in strengthening U.S. maritime and national security.” ITF Inspector Ricky Esopa (right) presents a certificate to the mother of the scholarship recipient. A close-up of the certificate is shown at the upper right. as an official. He worked as an ITF inspector for his last 15 years and also was an active volunteer and member of the board of directors at the International Seamen’s Center of Wilmington, North Carolina. Late last year, the Charleston Port and Seafarers’ Society dedicated the seamen’s center at the North Charleston Terminal of the South Carolina State Ports Authority in his memory. During last month’s gathering, Esopa stated, “On behalf of the entire Sacco family, I’m honored to have this chance to present the first Tony Sacco Scholarship…. Tony had a huge heart. He dedicated most of his life to helping other people, regardless of whether or not they were mariners. But he particularly worked hard to help his fellow seafarers, often in challenging and unglamorous circumstances.” The committee that organized the banquet and other local National Transportation Week events is a conglomerate of port agencies, shipping companies, labor unions, mariner welfare organizations and others. Nine scholarships were awarded; during the past decade, the committee has given more than $350,000 in grant money to local college students. Retired NFL kicker David Akers was this year’s main speaker. The former Pro Bowl player and Super Bowl participant talked about hard work, perseverance, striving for perfection and overcoming obstacles. June 2017 �SIU President Michael Sacco introduces Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, who served as keynote speaker during the annual National Maritime Day observance. Gen. Darren McDew Commander, U.S. Transportation Command Ceremony Honors Mariners Past and Present DOT Hosts Annual National Maritime Day Gathering Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao delivers the keynote address during the May 22 National Maritime Day observance at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C. Joel Szabat Executive Director U.S. Maritime Administration June 2017 Lisa Wieland Director Massachusetts Port Authority High-level leaders from the military and government recently made it clear that America not only appreciates its maritime history, but also plans to invest in its future. Those sentiments were reflected in remarks at this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters in Washington, D.C. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao gave the keynote address during the May 22 gathering. She was followed by Gen. Darren McDew, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM); Lisa Wieland, director of the Massachusetts Port Authority; and U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Charles Ray. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Executive Director Joel Szabat served as master of ceremonies. SIU President Michael Sacco introduced Chao and was part of a typically strong SIU contingent that also included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, Port Agent Pat Vandegrift and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC). Apprentice Raphael Henson served as a wreath tender while classmate John Hodges rang the traditional eight bells. Sacco said of Chao, “We’ve got the right leader at the helm of DOT. Secretary Chao knows our industry extremely well. Throughout her previous work at MARAD and the Federal Maritime Commission and, of course, as the Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush, Secretary Chao has always been proactive, fair, approachable and energetic. “One of the main things I personally ap- Vice Adm. Charles Ray U.S. Coast Guard preciate is the time she has spent visiting American-flag vessels and, more importantly, our American crews,” he continued. “I’ve seen her up close in those situations and it’s very obvious she cares about the American worker. She wants our people to succeed, and I know she is committed to helping ensure that as new technologies emerge, our mariners and shipyard workers and longshoremen keep up with the times so we remain the world’s best. And I also know from our conversations that she is committed to the growth of the American-flag fleet.” Chao thanked the SIU president “for your strong and steady leadership on behalf of the men and women of the SIU, and your great concern for the state of the U.S. Merchant Marine. I also want to thank you for your friendship, and your guidance and counsel over the years, which I have treasured.” The secretary described the ceremony as “recognizing the dedicated seafaring men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine who have served our country since its founding. This includes the tens of thousands of U.S. citizen mariners currently employed in ocean-going, inland river, Great Lakes and maritime-related shore-side jobs. “Throughout our history, the American Merchant Marine has contributed significantly to our country’s economic strength and national security,” she continued. “Merchant mariners have played a vital role by ensuring the safe and efficient waterborne delivery of commercial cargos here at home and across the globe. And they are a key factor in our country’s military readiness. They transport supplies and equipment during times of conflict to our military forces abroad. The maritime industry has been a steady and important influence nationally for more than 240 years.” Chao also pointed out that, as reflected on the U.S. Merchant Marine flag, mariners answer the call both in peace and in war. “We will never, never forget that America’s merchant mariners are always among the first to be called to action to help those in need, both at home and abroad,” Chao stated. “Whether it’s rushing aid to hurricane victims on the Gulf or East Coast of the United States, or shipping food, water and medicine to victims of the earthquake in Haiti, U.S.-flag vessels bring hope and critical supplies to the victims of natural disasters. In war time, the U.S. Merchant Marine has served heroically from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and every conflict in between. Never has this been more evident and costly than during the Second World War.” She reiterated the administration’s support for the industry and added, “The Department of Defense still relies on U.S.-flag ships, crewed by American civilian mariners, to move our war fighters’ equipment and supplies when- Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 3 �Hundreds of maritime industry supporters (above) listened to speeches by officials from the military and government during the National Maritime Day observance. The photo at right shows a chair set aside in honor of former Rep. Helen Bentley, the First Lady of U.S.-Flag Maritime, who passed away Aug. 6, 2016. For almost all of her life, the maritime stalwart fought for the men and women who crewed, built and handled U.S.-flag ships. Ceremony Honors Mariners, Nation’s Maritime History Continued from Page 3 ever and wherever they need to go. The U.S. Merchant Marine plays a key role in defending our country and in making the world a better place.” McDew noted that he spent most of his career focusing on air power, but, since taking the helm at USTRANSCOM, “The last 21 months have made me realize how vital our nation’s merchant mariners are to projecting a decisive combat force anywhere on the planet.” He mentioned that he recently spoke at the christening of the USNS City of Bismarck, a Navy expeditionary fast transport, in Mobile, Alabama. (That vessel will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division.) He said the ship “embodies everything that makes America’s combat readiness the best in the world. It also reminded me of something that has been a cornerstone of American life since our founding, and it is especially prevalent in our maritime force. It is simply embodied in one word: resolve.” The general cited the earliest days of World War II, when U-boats were sinking allied ships faster than they could be built. “Our allies called for help, and the American maritime industry answered, producing and manning Liberty ships at an unbelievable rate,” he said. “In a matter of years, the emergency shipbuilding program put more than 6,000 ships in the water. That is resolve.” Today, he declared, “Logistics readiness is war-time readiness. In the future, our merchant mariners may face some of the most contested sea lanes the world has seen, and their resolve – our resolve – may determine our fate as a world superpower, and may preserve democracy as the world knows it.” McDew also said the U.S. maritime industry is “the decisive force, the decisive advantage” for the nation. “There are many who believe our mariners just deliver things. You and I know they do much more than that,” he said. “Really, you deliver one thing: options. Options for our president and for America. Options for our decision makers and our allies. Options that no other nation can match. “I thank you for what you do,” he concluded. “I thank you for who you are, and I thank you for what you represent to this nation. It is my honor to be part of a team that makes America’s resolve a reality.” Wieland described the solid partnerships her port enjoys with maritime labor. She said ports contribute to America’s grown “and to our identity.” Ray stated, “America is a maritime nation and we always will be.” He expressed appreciation for having a group of World War II mariners in attendance along with the PHC apprentices. Like McDew, he said America’s maritime strength is “a lead- The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education were wellrepresented at the DOT ceremony. President Trump Sends Maritime Day Proclamation On National Maritime Day, we recognize the important role the United States Merchant Marine plays in supporting our commerce and national security. We honor the proud history of our merchant mariners and their important contributions in strengthening our economy. Americans have long looked to the sea as a source of safety and well-being. Bounded by two oceans and the Gulf of 4 Seafarers LOG Mexico, and crisscrossed by inland waterways, America was destined to be a maritime nation. Our fledgling Republic expanded and became stronger, as our Nation’s growing Merchant Marine connected the States and cemented ties among our new allies. Today, the men and women who crew ships remain essential to our Nation’s prosperity and security. Those in the maritime industry, including merchant mariners, promote our economic growth, facilitating the export of more than $475 billion in goods just last year and sustaining our critical defense industrial base. Merchant mariners also actively protect ing source of our influence in the world.” He also pointed out, “While automation is approaching, there is still a place for merchant mariners. They are the ones who will decide whether we succeed or not.” The ceremony also featured recognition for the aforementioned World War II mariners as well as a newly produced MARAD video promoting American-flag shipping and U.S. crews. Editor’s note: Next month’s LOG will include coverage of National Maritime Day observances that took place elsewhere. Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (left) is shown with Paul Hall Center Apprentices John Hodges (center) and Raphael Henson (right). Hensen served as wreath tender during the ceremony while Hodges rang eight bells. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez (right) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (left) pose with Morton Schlanger (third from left), who received World War II Merchant Marine awards and medals during the ceremony. Schlanger is flanked by Paul Hall Center Apprentices Charleton Jenkins (left) and Dylan Anderson (right) our homeland, serving as our eyes and ears on the seas. They serve with distinction and courage, heading into war zones, and too often sacrificing their own lives for our protection. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship, in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2017, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first. DONALD J. TRUMP June 2017 �Bipartisan Bill Boosts Maritime Security Program Legislation Also Helps Maintain Cargo Preference, Ready Reserve Force The $1.1 trillion federal appropriations bill passed by both the House and Senate and signed by President Trump on May 5 includes funding for several programs important to the U.S.-flag maritime industry as well as health care for retired coal miners and their families. The bipartisan bill covers federal spending for the rest of Fiscal Year 2017, which runs through September 30. Among other components, the Consolidated Appropriations Act fully funds the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) at $300 million, boosting it to the amount called for in the most recent National Defense Authorization Act. Securing the increase (from $210 million) was a years-long effort in which the SIU worked exhaustively along with many allies. Through the increase, each vessel in the 60-ship MSP fleet will receive a stipend of $5 million (the previous amount was $3.5 million). Military and government leaders have explained that the total cost of the MSP is a tiny fraction of the tens of billions of dollars it would cost the U.S. to replicate the sealift capability, intermodal infrastructure and other support made available to the Department of Defense by private-sector program enrollees. The program itself maintains a fleet of militarily useful, commercially viable, American-crewed, U.S.-flag ships that sail in international commercial trades. Those vessels are made available to the Defense Department in times of war or other urgent circumstances, including humanitarian relief missions. Additionally, the bill included money for the Food for Peace Program. Also known as PL-480, the program ensures that food and grain grown by American farmers and carried by American transportation workers is loaded onto U.S.-flag vessels by American dockworkers to help those in need around the world. It has been called one of the most successful foreign aid programs ever, and long has had bipartisan support. The SIU has been fighting attempts to weaken the program through giving straight cash payments to non-governmental organizations and/or foreign governments in the place of actually providing food. Overall, the bill provides $1.9 billion for various food aid programs covered by cargo preference. The appropriations act includes approximately $274.5 million in funding for the National Defense Reserve Fleet, including expenses related to the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force. In fiscal year 2016, the appropriation was approximately $273 million. Meanwhile, Seafarers LOG readers may recall previous articles about the crisis facing more than 22,000 union retirees and their families from the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), as their health care was about to be cut off unless the federal government intervened. The Mine Workers were promised health care by President Truman during a 1946 contract agreement. Congress passed needed funding measures in 1992 and 2006 to uphold that pledge, but the 2008 recession and related problems threatened the pact. Until last month’s measure was passed, health care funding for these retirees and families would have ended May 5. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, formerly president of the UMWA, stated, “For thousands of coal miners who suffer from black lung, as my father did, this funding for health care is as important as a breath of fresh air. The members of my union, the United Mine Workers of America, dug the coal that powered this country for the last 150 years and created massive wealth for American industry. Our union members kept our part of the bargain while mining corporations used bankruptcy laws to break their promises to provide good health benefits and a secure retirement. For months, UMWA members and allies stormed Capitol Hill to demand action, and today we are grateful that Congress helped make it right. Congress has done the right thing by providing permanent funding for the care coal miners need. “President Trump has said he supports coal miners—and signing this deal will put those words into action,” he concluded. Navy League President Blasts Hawaii Senator Hirono Receives Honor Editorial Against Food for Peace During Annual Salute to Congress Event Responding to an April 23 Washing­ ton Post editorial attacking the PL-480 Food for Peace Program, the president of the Navy League of the United States told the paper, “Our nation’s cargo preference programs, including the Food for Peace Program, are instrumental to sustaining the U.S. Merchant Marine and maintaining our national defense sealift capability with the attendant billions saved.” National President Skip Witunski’s letter to the Post’s editor was published April 29. He pointed out the value the U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine provides American citizens in the wake of the newspaper’s calling for eliminating the use of American farmers and mariners to provide badly needed food to the world’s hungry. This Post editorial (as in previous ones published over the years) urged the U.S. government to provide dollars to non-governmental agencies or foreign governments directly to purchase the goods locally. The editorial further “cited studies suggesting that the government could save $80 million just from allowing greater freedom in shipping and eliminating monetization.” Witunski restated the Navy League’s longstanding support for PL-480 and challenged the newspaper’s assumption in his reply: “The minor savings from cutting cargo preference must be viewed with the huge cost of acquiring sealift capability by other means and the damage to our U.S. Merchant Marine that would occur.” The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Board passed a statement of support for PL-480 when it met in March, while noting the unfortunate launch of “a pilot program a couple of years ago to take some of the money used for Food for Peace and simply ship it overseas with a minimum of oversight and accountability.” Additionally, in her remarks to the board, Navy League Executive Director Cari Thomas specifically underscored her organization’s support for cargo preference laws to strengthen the U.S.-flag fleet. In his letter, Witunski wrote: “The U.S. Merchant Marine is a valuable national asset that has always been there for the United States in times of war and national emergency. The U.S.-flag commercial fleet carried more than 90 percent of the materiel to Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Defense Department has repeatedly stated that its reliance on this public-private partnership saves American taxpayers billions of dollars.” The Navy League of the United States’ mission statement calls for “a well-balanced, integrated, mobile American defense team, of which a strong Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine are indispensable parts.” U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a longtime advocate of the Jones Act and U.S.-flag shipping, as well as a trusted ally of the SIU, is the recipient of the 2017 Salute to Congress Award. The legislator received the award May 2 during this year’s International Propeller Club Salute to Congress event at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. “America’s maritime industry is vital to our island state, accounting for thousands of jobs and infusing $1.8 billion into Hawaii’s economy each year,” Hirono said in accepting the honor. She continued, “A strong domestic maritime industry is critical to accessing the goods local families need to lead productive, healthy lives, and that’s why I will continue to advocate for the Jones Act and other measures that support this vital segment of our economy and national security. “America is a maritime country,” she added. “Know that I am on your side.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman represented the SIU during the event. “Hawaii plays a critical role for the merchant marine, and the senators and representatives from Hawaii have often been some of our strongest supporters. Senator Hirono is the senior senator from Hawaii, and her support for the Jones Act, Maritime Security Program (MSP) and cargo preference has been steadfast,” said Schoeneman. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), who was last year’s Salute to Congress honoree, told the audience that Hirono “understands the critical role the domestic maritime industry plays in the nation’s economic, national and homeland security”  Report Examines Workplace Safety Federation Finds 150 Workers Die on the Job Every Day AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka June 2017 In 2015, on average, 150 workers died from preventable work-related injuries and illnesses every day in the United States, according to a report released in late April by the AFL-CIO. The federation (to which the SIU is affiliated) confirmed that 4,836 workers died due to workplace injuries, and another 50,000-60,000 died from occupational diseases. The number of immigrant workers killed on the job reached a nearly 10-year high. “Corporate negligence and weak safety laws have resulted in tragedy for an astonishing and unacceptable number of working families,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “These are more than numbers; they are our brothers and sisters, and a reminder of the need to continue our fight for every worker to be safe on the job every day.” The document, titled Death on the Job: The Toll of Ne­ glect, marks the 26th year the AFL-CIO has reported on the state of safety and health protections for workers in the United States. The report shows the highest workplace fatality rates are in North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Nebraska and West Virginia. According to the report, Latino workers have an 18 percent higher fatality rate than the national average. Deaths U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) Since its inception 33 years ago, the prestigious Salute to Congress event has recognized one legislator each year for his or her efforts on behalf of the maritime industry, and by extension, is intended to thank all members of Congress for their support. Hirono is the ranking minority member of the Senate’s Subcommittee on Seapower and supports many programs of importance to maritime community. among Latino workers increased to 903, compared with 804 in 2014. Overall, 943 immigrant workers were killed on the job in 2015 – the highest number since 2007. The report also finds that construction, transportation and agriculture remain among the most dangerous sectors. A total of 937 construction workers were killed in 2015 – the highest in any sector. Older workers also are at high risk, with those 65 or older 2.5 times more likely to die on the job. Workplace violence resulted in 703 deaths. The complete, 228-page report is available online in PDF format. It’s linked in an April 26 post in the News section of the SIU website, and available directly at: https://aflcio.org/reports/death-job-toll-neglect-2017 In part, the report’s executive summary reads, “These are challenging times for working people and their unions, and the prospects for worker safety and health protections are uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the toll of workplace injury, illness and death remains too high, and too many workers remain at serious risk. There is much more work to be done.” The summary also includes what many would deem sobering numbers about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In particular, there are only 1,838 inspectors (815 federal and 1,023 state) to inspect the 8 million workplaces under the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s jurisdiction. That translates to federal-level OSHA having enough inspectors to examine workplaces once every 159 years, and state-level OSHA having enough inspectors to check workplaces once every 99 years. According to the summary, there is one inspector for every 76,402 workers. Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU President Michael Sacco (standing in photo above) addresses the board (photo at left) as Chef John Hetmanski (far left) and SIU VP Tom Orzechowski look on. The annual meeting covered, among other topics, the numerous improvements that have been made at the Paul Hall Center, including new simulators and modernized classrooms. Advisory Board Reviews School Upgrades On May 3, leaders from the maritime community convened at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, for the annual PHC Advisory Board meeting. The assembled experts included representatives from contracted operators, Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) and the SIU Executive Board, who joined the staff of the school for presentations of the recent improvements that have been made to the campus and curriculum. Other topics pertaining to the U.S. maritime industry also were covered. Representing the union at the meeting were SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Counsel Leslie Tarantola, Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Port Agent Chris Hopkins, Port Agent Pat Vandegrift, Port Agent Mark von Siegel, Port Agent Joe Baselice, Port Agent Chad Partridge and Port Agent John Hoskins. Speakers at the event included Priscilla Labanowski, PHC director of training; John Hetmanski, executive chef, PHC; SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen; and SIU Plans Medical Director Dr. Eric Schaub. Labanowski opened the presentations with an overview of the additions and changes to the courses offered by the PHC that have taken since the last board meeting. After explaining details about general apprentice training, Labanowski described the new Steward Unlicensed Apprentice program, which features ServSafe, Basic Training, Government Vessels, Galley Operations and more. Following the initial seven weeks, steward department students transition to on-the-job training aboard ships. With this shorter, more focused program, the school is able to produce qualified Steward Assistants at a much faster rate, she said. She also introduced the Galley Assessment Program (GAP), which is aimed at potential stewards with prior culinary experience, including ex-military culinary specialists and those with degrees from culinary schools. If those students possess the necessary certifications and documents, they can enter a four- week course, designed to get them working faster and with less repetitive courses. “Chef John and his staff have the ability to evaluate whether each student can sail as a pending chief cook, or as a steward assistant,” said Labanowski. After 240 days of sea time, and with a positive evaluation from the captain of their vessel as well as the chief steward, they can earn their respective certificates. Next to speak was Hetmanski, who presented the brand new “Culinary 2.0” program to the assembled guests. This complete redesign of the steward department program offered at the PHC has been many months in the making, but the Hetmanski and the staff at the school are now confident in their ability to provide the most modern, practical and highquality instruction to incoming and recertifying stewards. “We are comfortable now that we have gotten all of our coursework aligned with the other curriculum that’s here [at the school],” said Hetmanski. More than 1,900 staff hours were put into redesigning the steward department curriculum, from completely redesigning the Galley Operations course (the entry-level course taken by all future steward department mariners) to the addition of new, challenging Priscilla Labanowski PHC Director of Training assessments that are designed to help students improve their skills. Every steward department course has been redesigned from the ground up, in order to provide the highest-quality education possible, Hetmanski stated. (Look for indepth coverage on the new culinary program in future issues of the Seafarers LOG.) Rounding out the meeting’s presentations was Schaub, who educated those in attendance on the origins of the current fitness for duty standards being applied by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and how those standards were developed after the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). He indicated that Johns Hopkins performed an extensive study of industry conditions back in 1993 to ascertain what job functions mariners had to perform and what level of physical fitness was required to perform these functions.  “Of course, things have changed a lot in the last 25 years,” said Schaub. “Ships have changed, crewing has changed, the equipment on ships has changed. We think now is a good time to go back and take another look … to try and update that.” The PHC is currently in the proposal process with three groups, one of which will review the 1992 study and examine how the Margaret Bowen Seafarers Plans Administrator physical job requirements may have changed in the last quarter-century. They will then suggest updates to bring those guidelines up to date with current vessels and equipment in the U.S.-flag fleet. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez SIU Plans Medical Director Dr. Eric Schaub speaks at the board meeting as Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen stands nearby. Piney Point Hall Gets Upgrade Mariners who ship out of the Piney Point, Maryland, union hall have welcomed the transition to a new space, as the facility has moved into the Crowley building at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Education and Training. Here are a few recent snapshots from the new hall. Port Agent Pat Vandegrift is in the foreground in photo at the immediate right. 6 Seafarers LOG June 2017 �SIU-Contracted Pasha Updates Vessel Order Containerships Will Sail in Jones Act Trade Seafarers-contracted and Honolulubased Pasha Hawaii on May 11 announced that the company has selected Keppel AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas, for the construction of two new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled containerships, with the option to order two additional vessels. Pasha Hawaii was in the process of finalizing contract specifications at press time. The new U.S. Jones Act vessels will carry 2,525 TEUs, including a fully laden capacity of 500 45-foot containers, 400 refrigerated containers, and 300 40-foot dry containers, with a sailing speed of 23.0 knots. Delivery of the first vessel is expected in the first quarter 2020, with delivery of the second vessel projected for the third quarter of 2020. The shipyard’s “technical expertise in LNG propulsion and commitment to customer service were two very important factors in our selection decision,” said George Pasha IV, president and CEO of Pasha Hawaii. “From the start, they went above and beyond and worked closely with us in customizing a vessel design that matched our requirements. Their experience in LNG vessel conversions will also prove to be very valuable as we build LNG dual-fueled vessels for the Hawaii trade.” According to the company, the new vessels will operate fully on LNG from day one in service, dramatically reducing environmental impact and increasing fuel efficiency. Energy savings will also be achieved with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller, the company reported. “When compared to conventional fuels, LNG is a much cleaner alternative fuel for shipping and offers significant environmental benefits, including the reduction of up to 95 percent sulphur oxides, nearly 100 percent particulate matter, up to 90 percent nitrogen oxides, and up to 25 percent carbon dioxide emissions from engine exhaust emissions,” the company noted in a recent news release. “As with the construction of our Jean Anne and Marjorie C (both crewed by SIU members), we look forward to working with an extremely qualified shipyard, based in the United States,” added Pasha IV. “Pasha Hawaii is a firm believer in the Jones Act, and is proud to support our shipyards and the highly skilled workers who make valuable contributions to this important industry on a daily basis.” The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, requires that cargo moving between domestic ports be carried on ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. On the books since 1920, the law has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support and backing from U.S. military leaders. Backers site the Jones Act as critical to America’s national, economic and homeland security. A study by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the Jones Act helps maintain nearly 500,000 American jobs and contributes billions of dollars to the domestic economy each year. Union Publishes Booklet On Managing Personal Finances An artist’s rendering shows the look of the new containerships, which will be crewed by SIU members. (Image courtesy The Pasha Group) The SIU has put together a booklet for members and their families titled, “A Guide to Your Personal Finances – What Every Seafarer Needs to Consider.” Printed copies of the 16-page document are available at SIU halls and at headquarters. A PDF version is available on the SIU website, both via an April 27 post in the News section and on the landing page for the Member Benefits and Resources section: http://www.seafarers.org/memberbenefits/members.asp The booklet contains four sections, titled as follows: n Learning to budget your money n Using credit wisely n What you need to know about paying income tax n Why you need savings There’s also a short list of additional resources on the last page. Alaska Tanker Company Earns Safety Award SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) recently added to its already substantial collection of wellearned safety awards. In early April, the company received the Governor’s Special Achievement Award during the 36th annual Governor’s Safety and Health Conference in Anchorage, Alaska. ATC was recognized for its crews having completed more than 21 million man-hours (spanning 15 years) with only a single losttime injury (a fractured finger). The company also noted that its vessels “have carried over 1½ billion barrels of Alaskan crude oil, and there have been no crude-oil spills to sea in this period (except two gallons of water laced with a trace amount of crude oil in 2003, 200 miles offshore).” Always quick to acknowledge their June 2017 mariners and the respective unions that represent them, ATC credited both the SIU and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) in an article the company submitted for the conference. ATC said it is “deeply grateful” to both unions “for their long-term partnerships.” ATC has been previously recognized for its safe operations by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, legislators from the State of Alaska, the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council, the Washington State Department of Ecology, the California Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the Pacific States–British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force, and the AFL-CIO. ATC also received the U.S. Coast Guard’s prestigious Benkert “Osprey” Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in marine environmental protection and community outreach. In the aforementioned article, the company noted, “This long-term performance by the men and women of ATC … is simply stunning…. Our belief has been that if we demonstrably care for each individual and give workers the tools they need to work safely on every job they do, their personal commitment will grow. Ultimately, and over time, that individual commitment to safety will drive safety performance to levels that were previously unattainable. Deep personal introspection in each crew member, when combined with training, education, and advocacy for safety, created this positive work environment on the ships.” ATC recently earned this award. Company executives including CEO Anil Mathur and Labor Relations VP Bill Cole consistently credit strong partnerships with unions as crucial to ATC’s success. Seafarers LOG 7 �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www.seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at (800) 252-4674. Annual Funding Notice – Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2016 and ending December 31, 2016 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage 2016 2015 2014 Valuation Date January 1, 2016 January 1, 2015 January 1, 2014 Funded Percentage 136.9% 138.3% 132.8% Value of Assets $1,424,697,469 $1,441,263,299 $1,330,414,329 Value of Liabilities $1,041,022,333 $1,042,173,488 $1,002,084,254 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2016 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Market Value of Assets $1,467,869,581 $1,424,697,469 $1,441,263,299 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2017, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,256. Of this number, 6,954 were current employees, 7,470 were retired and receiving benefits, and 4,832 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment Objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion within certain guidelines is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Target Range Domestic Equities 50% 40% - 60% Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents 40% 30% - 50% Real Estate 10% 0% - 20%   Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made 8 Seafarers LOG which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when based on all available information, when it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 0 2. U.S. Government securities 7 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 2 b. All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 0 b. Common 33 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 0 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 1 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 21 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 16 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 0 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities 0 b. Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at (301) 899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the U.S. Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.”   Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2017 �Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246, for the year ended July 31, 2016. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $486,181 as of July 31, 2016, compared to $277,852 as of August 1, 2015. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $208,329. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $13,424,878, including employer contributions of $13,411,616, earnings from investments of $11,572 and other income of $1,690. Plan expenses were $13,216,549. These expenses included $354,638 in administrative expenses and $12,861,911 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, telephone number (415) 7644990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $5.75 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964, for the year ended June 30, 2016. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(73,411) as of June 30, 2016, compared to $(156,720) as of July 1, 2015. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $83,309. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $849,888, including employer contributions of $846,716, earnings from investments of $65, and other income of $3,107. Plan expenses were $766,579. These expenses included $197,589 in administrative expenses, and $568,990 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 3923611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice – MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2016 and ending December 31, 2016 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage 2016 2015 2014 Valuation Date January 1, 2016 January 1, 2015 January 1, 2014 Funded Percentage 164.72% 163.51% 159.16% Value of Assets $6,692,948 $6,748,469 $6,779,398 Value of Liabilities $4,063,143 $4,127,355 $4,259,436 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2016 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2016 $6,685,248 December 31, 2015 $6,758,034 December 31, 2014 $7,027,934 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2017, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 756. Of this number, 279 were current employees, 356 were retired and receiving benefits, and 121 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 7.9 2. U.S. Government securities 0 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 19.3 b . All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): June 2017 a. Preferred 0 b. Common 26.4 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 0 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 0 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 0 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 0 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 45.9 15. Employer-related investments: a . Employer Securities 0 b. Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0.5 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, (301) 899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. Seafarers LOG 9 �WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Recertified Bosun Jimmie Scheck (right) picks up his first pension check at the union hall. A Seafarer since 1977, the bosun is pictured with Asst. VP Mike Russo. WELCOME ASHORE IN SAN JUAN – Carlos Marcial (left) wore many hats during his 35-year SIU career, including those of QMED/electrician, shore gang bosun and more. He is shown picking up his first pension check at the union hall and receiving congratulations from Port Agent Amancio Crespo. “The SIU has been a blessing for me and my entire family,” Marcial said. “I recommend to anyone interested in a seagoing career to join the SIU.” WELCOME ASHORE IN HONOLULU – Artemia Gandeza (right) picks up her first pension check at the union hall. Gandeza joined the SIU in 1990 and most recently sailed as an SA. She is pictured with Safety Director Amber Akana. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU COMPANY EXECS PAY SHIPBOARD VISIT – Chief Steward Samuel Sinclair (right) and other mariners recently welcomed Pasha Group Senior VP Mike Caswell (left) and Chairman/CEO George Pasha (center) aboard the Marjorie C in Honolulu ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Pictured aboard the Tote Services-operated ship in early May in Jacksonville, Florida, are (starting above, from left) Recertified Bosun Noel Otero, QE4 Hector Ginel, Chief Cook Bryan Alvarez, SA Christian Borroto Lopez, (directly below, far left) Steward/Baker Antonio Mendez Cruz and (group photo, from left) QEE Clive Steward, GUDE Gerardo Rosaly Martinez, AB Victor Cortes Maldonado, AB Wilfredo Velez, AB James Walker and AB Arsenio Omabao. FULL BOOK IN JAX – OMU Gary Longmire (left) is sworn in for his full B-seniority book at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. Patrolman Joseph Koncul is at right. BOOKS GALORE IN PINEY POINT – Three SIU members recently picked up their respective full books from Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (left in each photo) at the union-affiliated school in southern Maryland. They are FOWT Bobby Dunn (above, left), QMED Fredrick Wright (above, center) and FOWT Cody Higgs (above, right). 10 Seafarers LOG June 2017 �Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­ farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­q uently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION — SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION. If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 6/17 June 2017 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers Waterfront Classic Marks Fifth Year Piney Point Tournament Remains Popular with Participants The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, has hosted the Seafarers Waterfront Classic each year since the tournament’s inception in 2013. D espite a lack of fish, the fifth annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic nevertheless set records on its way to another successful year. Conducted on May 2 at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, the yearly fishing tournament gives members of the maritime community a chance to come together for a fundraiser that supports the American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS), previously called the Wounded Warriors Anglers of America. AMMILVETS President David Souders praised the event, saying, “I think everything went great. The guys really enjoyed going through the simulators, as well as the great food and the tournament. They always enjoy meeting the SIU executives and members, and spending time with them out on the boats.” Spirits were high as 19 vessels crewed by SIU members and officials, executives from Seafarers-contracted companies and AMMILVETS members set out early to test their luck. While many smaller fish were caught, only three striped bass (or rockfish) of qualifying size were landed. In total, 153 individuals attended this year’s tournament, with a mix of sponsored operators, veterans and SIU personnel on each boat. “Thanks to generous sponsorship, our fifth annual event proved once again to be a huge success,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, who served as the classic’s chairman. “Bringing together friends, colleagues, and contracted operators to honor our heroes and showcase the Paul Hall Center brings the union great pride.” SIU Port Agent Kris Hopkins, who was instrumental in organizing this year’s tournament, said, “We again held another fine event that supported the American Military Veterans Foundation. The feedback from the vets that I personally heard was unbelievable. From how this experience has personally helped one veteran, to hearing that this was the best time of another’s life … the personal stories are really quite humbling.” Hopkins continued, “The kudos that went out to (SIU) President (Mike) Sacco and the entire SIU executive board, as well as the staff of the Paul Hall Center was remarkable. As one veteran put it, he simply felt like he was home.” The veterans contributed more than their share of time to the event. Since 2015, AMMILVETS has organized the Warrior’s Handcrafted Rod Building Program, a therapy course that gives veterans a meaningful project to complete. Some of their latest hand-built fishing rods were on site during the tournament. “We started the rod building program a few years back, and we all get together to build them,” said Souders. “I usually build about 90 percent of the rods we bring to the Waterfront Classic myself, but this year I had shoulder surgery a few months prior and couldn’t finish them. A few of the veterans helped me finish them and we got them to the school in time.” During the awards ceremony, the winners of the tournament each received a commemorative trophy. In addition, each angler on the Maersk Line, Limited team received an award for winning the team trophy. AMMILVETS member Craig Thaler caught a 43.6 lb. fish, taking the prize for the largest catch of the day. In addition, Thaler’s catch is the largest fish ever caught during the tournament, a feat made 12 Seafarers LOG even more impressive by 2017’s total catch of 87.7 lbs. Second place was earned with a 25.4 lb. catch by AMMILVETS President Souders, with the remaining 18.7 lb. fish reeled in by Peter Fortier. Tricker remarked, “Even though a mild winter and a 35-inch size limitation for keepers limited our catch, we still had a great day on the water – sometimes the fish have to win. Not surprisingly, our team had a solid Plan B and nobody went away hungry, thanks to the school’s culinary staff and a special delivery of New York sausage.” In addition, several veterans received special recognition for their service, as they were presented with plaques by Ed Hanley, vice president of Maersk Line, Limited, and Philip Fisher, an executive of Keystone Shipping. Souders would score one last prize, taking home the classic’s 50/50 jackpot as well. “I’ve entered it every year, and it was fun to finally win it,” he said. “I think I’m going to use it to add fly-tying to our rod building program. Whatever I end up doing with the money, it will go back into AMMILVETS programs, for sure.” “Any time we can help someone in need, regardless of the issue, it makes me feel proud to be a member of the SIU,” concluded Hopkins. “And there’s no finer group of individuals than our American Military Veterans.” International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) personnel participated in the tournament. Pictured from left are Inspector Shwe Aung; ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel (who also serves as the SIU’s secretary-treasurer); Inspector Vincent Giannopoulos; Inspector Corey Conner; and Inspector Barbara Shipley. The crew of the Kit II show off their tournament-winning catch. AMMILVETS President David Souders holds his catch, which would earn second place. Peter Fortier of Chesapeake Crewing poses with his catch, which was large enough for third place. Those aboard the Temple-M proudly show off the second-place striped bass. June 2017 June 2017 For more photos from the tournament and awards banquet, see next page Seafarers LOG 13 �Veteran Craig Thaler (right) holds up his catch of the day, with an assist from Maersk Line, Limited, President and CEO Bill Woodhour (left). Dan Poggioli shows off his catch. SIU Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen helps weigh the day’s third-place striped bass. Anglers (photo at left) head inside after an enjoyable day on the water. Certainly, the largest “catch” of the day (photo at right), ITF Inspector Vincent Giannopoulos is wheeled away by a Paul Hall Center apprentice. Pictured from left to right are Pete McDaniel, Paul Niepling, Anthony Alioto and John Zimmerman aboard the Miss Evelyn. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) looks on as SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker addresses the crowd. SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (left) stands with Dan Poggioli as the latter receives an award. More Snapshots from Seafarers Waterfront Classic The winners of the team trophy (photo at left), from left to right: SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski; Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) Vice President Ed Hanley; MLL President and CEO Bill Woodhour; MLL Chairman of the Board Russ Bruner; Veteran Craig Thaler; and MLL Director Marine Personnel Dennis Houghton. In the photo below, The AMMILVETS members as- semble for a group photo, along with Keystone Shipping Executive Philip Fisher (back row, center). 14 Seafarers LOG June 2017 �Identification Correction On page 11 of the May LOG, we inadvertently mixed the order in a caption for three separate photos of Seafarers with Port Agent Pat Vandegrift. As a result, OMU Wilfredo Lopez and QEP Oscar Cordero were misidentified. Below are their photos with the correct names underneath. OMU Wilfredo Lopez QEP Oscar Cordero June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................................Monday: June 5, July 3 Algonac....................................................Friday: June 9, July 7 Baltimore.............................................Thursday: June 8, July 6 Guam...............................................Thursday: June 22, July 20 Honolulu..............................................Friday: June 16, July 14 Houston................................................Monday: June 12, July 10 Jacksonville.........................................Thursday: June 8, July 6 Joliet.................................................Thursday: June 15, July 13 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: June 14, July 12 New Orleans.......................................Tuesday: June 13, July 11 Jersey City......................Tuesday: June 6, *Wednesday: July 5 Norfolk................................................Thursday: June 8, July 6 Oakland...........................................Thursday: June 15, July 13 Philadelphia.....................................Wednesday: June 7, July 5 Port Everglades...............................Thursday: June 15, July 13 San Juan.............................................Thursday: June 8, July 6 St. Louis..............................................Friday: June 16, July 14 Tacoma................................................Friday: June 23, July 21 Wilmington............................................Monday: June 19, July 17 *Jersey City change created by Independence Day obser­ vance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m Help the Union Leadership Be Your Voice On Capitol Hill Contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation) June 2017 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April 16, 2017 - May 15, 2017 Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach A All Groups B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Deck Department 7 6 0 5 5 1 3 12 5 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 3 5 5 2 4 1 2 7 4 4 14 10 5 17 10 2 8 19 19 8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 15 0 9 9 0 6 4 23 0 8 9 8 3 9 5 2 2 12 10 2 44 17 15 54 9 9 27 96 18 23 46 13 15 28 11 5 15 74 23 22 40 11 5 27 9 1 21 63 19 7 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 2 8 5 4 7 3 2 2 13 5 4 24 17 4 10 10 2 8 37 21 5 25 4 0 18 1 0 6 33 10 2 5 0 0 4 0 1 1 6 6 1 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 0 8 9 0 2 2 0 2 13 12 0 35 6 4 39 8 4 24 61 7 5 2 2 0 1 3 0 0 3 3 1 30 11 4 19 6 4 5 50 18 6 323 127 75 252 87 41 131 538 184 101 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Engine Department 2 5 0 1 4 0 0 1 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 5 4 2 1 3 0 0 5 4 1 7 7 1 9 3 1 2 11 9 2 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 1 6 4 0 3 4 0 2 13 11 0 20 13 1 12 3 0 6 27 14 3 13 15 3 16 13 0 8 33 17 4 19 6 1 13 7 0 8 24 12 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 3 1 1 3 1 1 7 5 1 15 11 3 7 4 2 3 20 20 5 4 5 1 1 1 0 1 11 9 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 1 7 0 1 4 0 0 0 9 0 5 2 0 1 3 0 3 7 7 6 12 6 6 13 3 2 5 29 15 4 4 2 0 1 1 0 0 5 2 0 17 3 4 6 5 3 5 22 8 5 140 95 25 90 62 10 46 226 152 38 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Steward Department 3 5 0 3 2 0 1 5 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 2 0 3 1 0 3 3 1 0 12 5 1 10 4 1 2 16 7 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 6 0 0 2 0 0 0 10 1 0 8 0 1 10 0 1 3 15 0 1 22 5 1 17 3 1 6 38 6 1 8 10 2 16 8 0 6 28 14 1 13 0 0 11 1 0 6 16 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 4 3 2 2 1 1 0 6 4 2 16 9 1 8 6 0 6 27 13 1 20 1 2 15 2 0 9 34 4 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 5 1 16 1 1 11 3 0 6 19 2 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 20 6 3 16 5 1 10 26 10 6 157 50 15 128 38 5 58 252 81 21 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Entry Department 2 5 9 0 2 4 0 2 5 7 0 2 6 0 2 3 1 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 1 2 5 1 4 2 1 1 8 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 1 1 2 0 4 5 1 4 1 0 3 6 10 2 10 11 4 8 3 1 1 19 16 2 14 21 0 9 16 2 6 15 54 0 12 6 2 10 5 2 1 25 8 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 13 22 5 2 7 2 2 23 30 2 15 8 1 7 7 3 3 17 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 6 8 3 4 7 0 7 17 23 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 13 26 1 4 14 4 13 22 56 23 100 137 19 59 72 17 40 168 237 GRAND TOTAL: 643 372 252 489 246 128 252 1,056 585 397 Seafarers LOG 15 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 This month’s question was posed to members who recently completed steward recertification training at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? Sedell Mitchell Reynolds Recertified Steward I joined the SIU in search of a lifestyle change after being a bartender for 27 years. My faith in God, along with the feeling of security that being an SIU member brought over the years, has given me the transformation I sought. Verleshia Robinson Recertified Steward I joined the SIU to be part of a growing industry and to take full advantage of the educational opportunities it has to offer. I also wanted to be part of an organization that met the needs of all its members. I’m glad I stayed because the union is now stronger and better than ever. Richard Jones Recertified Steward I joined the SIU when I was young because I wanted to get a better understanding of what shipboard life was really all about. After sailing for a while, I decided to remain with the union because I found that I really enjoyed it. In my mind, it was the best thing to do. Gilbert Louis Recertified Steward I joined the SIU because I wanted a better quality of life. I now know that it would have taken me longer to achieve my goals had I not made the decision that I did. I have stayed with the union because it has enabled me to see almost every goal I set come to fruition. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Arturo Rodriguez Recertified Steward I joined the union in 1987 because the job I had before, on an oil rig, slowed down. I am still here because the union has given me so many opportunities. Thank you, SIU! Joseph Welle Recertified Steward I joined the SIU in order to support my family and fulfill my dream of being able to travel the world, see difference places and interact with people from different cultures. I remained with the union because it has been very good for me and my family. Lionel Packnett Recertified Steward I joined the SIU in order to have a career opportunity that would enable me to take care of myself, my family and to see the world. I still enjoy the camaraderie with the brothers and sisters I have sailed with, past and present. Ernest Carlos Recertified Steward I joined the union in search of a better life. I have been to most countries, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. As a documentary film maker, this job has afforded me many great opportunities to go to countries that I may have never been able to afford on my own. I have met many new friends and I look forward to many more trips around the world. Pic From The Past If the reader only glances above the hand of Oiler Felipe Aponte, it may seem as if someone used a time machine to send him an oversized smart phone for this 1970 snapshot. Upon closer inspection, however, it turns out the Seafarer is checking gauges in the engine room of the Sea-Land Newark against specifications called for in his log book. The 497-footlong vessel was docked in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG June 2017 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MICHAEL AMADOR Brother Michael Amador, 70, began sailing with the SIU in 1989. He originally shipped on the Independence. Brother Amador enhanced his skills numerous times at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Amador’s last vessel was the El Yunque. He lives in Fleming Island, Florida. REYNALDO BALUYOT Brother Reynaldo Baluyot, 68, first donned the SIU colors in 2001 when the NMU merged into the Seafarers International Union. The steward department member upgraded in 2001 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Baluyot last worked on the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. He calls Vallejo, California, home. LAVERNE BERASIS shipped aboard the Overseas Juneau. Brother Isenstadt attended classes twice at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He worked in the deck department. Brother Isenstadt concluded his career on the Global Link. He was born in Canada and settled in Columbia, Maryland. BRUCE KORTE Brother Bruce Korte, 63, became a Seafarer in 1989. The engine department member initially sailed on the USNS Vindicator. Brother Korte is a Chicago native. He upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Korte last shipped aboard the Texas. He now makes his home in Orange, Texas. WILMER MCCANTS Brother Wilmer McCants, 61, began sailing with the SIU in 1973. He originally worked on the Mobile. Brother McCants was born in Alabama and often took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school. He sailed in the engine department, and his final ship was the Seakay Spirit. Brother McCants resides in Mobile, Alabama. SALEH NASSER Sister Laverne Berasis, 77, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1998. She was initially employed on the Independence. Sister Berasis was born in Hawaii and worked in the steward department. She attended classes often at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Sister Berasis’ most recent trip was aboard the USNS Charl­ ton. She is a resident of Honolulu. Brother Saleh Nasser, 65, started working with the union in 1978. He first shipped aboard the Aleutian Developer. Brother Nasser attended classes in 1986 at the Paul Hall Center. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Nasser’s final trip to sea was on the North Star. He was born in Yemen but now calls University Place, Washington, home. PATRICK EDGELL NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ Brother Patrick Edgell, 65, donned the union colors in 1970. He first sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel, and most recently shipped out aboard the Senator. Brother Edgell upgraded on three occasions at the Piney Point school. He worked in the engine department and now resides in San Jose, Costa Rica. Brother Nicholas Rodriguez, 63, began his seafaring career in 1978 in San Francisco. He initially sailed aboard the President Thurman. Brother Rodriguez upgraded in 1981 and 1983 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He worked in the steward department. Brother Rodriguez’s final ship was the Horizon Pacific. He is a resident of Hercules, California. THOMAS HERBERT Brother Thomas Herbert, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1973. He originally worked aboard the Van Defender. Brother Herbert upgraded often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Herbert’s last trip was on the Quality. He calls Melbourne, Florida, home. BRIAN ISENSTADT Brother Brian Isenstadt, 66, joined the union in 1977. He first June 2017 ARTHUR SHAW Brother Arthur Shaw, 65, sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with the Seafarers International Union. He enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Shaw worked in the engine department, most recently on the Safmarine Ngami. He makes his home in Jamaica, New York. came a union member in 1981 in Norfolk, Virginia. He initially sailed in the inland division with Lynnhaven Service Inc. Brother Stillman was a deck department member. On several occasions, he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school. Brother Stillman’s last trip to sea was aboard the USNS John Glenn. He resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. became a union member in 1993. He started his career working aboard the Sugar Islander. Brother Abrams was born in Guyana and sailed in the deck department. On three occasions, he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Abrams’ most recent trip was on the Pacific Reliance. He settled in Missouri City, Texas. STEVEN BRUNDAGE Brother Eddy Stwaeard, 70, joined the SIU ranks in 1979. His first ship was the Long Lines. He most recently worked as a member of the shore gang in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Brother Stwaeard, a native of Honduras, was a member of the deck department. He attended classes often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Stwaeard lives in Brooklyn, New York. Brother Steven Brundage, 63, began shipping with the union in 1989. He originally worked with Mariner Towing. Brother Brundage upgraded frequently at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Maryland. He sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Brundage shipped aboard a vessel operated by Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning. He lives in Castle Hayne, North Carolina. NORMAN TAYLOR ROYCE DONNELLY Brother Norman Taylor, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1986. He enhanced his skills in 1987 and 2010 at the Piney Point school. A member of the deck department, Brother Taylor originally worked aboard the USNS Contender. Before his retirement, Brother Taylor sailed on the Maersk Utah. He makes his home in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Brother Royce Donnelly, 65, started shipping with the SIU in 1973. He was primarily employed with National Marine Services. Brother Donnelly sailed in the engine department. He is a resident of Metairie, Louisiana. EDDY STWAEARD PAUL WADE Brother Paul Wade, 55, began shipping with the union in 1980, originally working with International American Shipping Corporation. He upgraded frequently at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Pont, Maryland. Brother Wade worked in the deck department. He most recently shipped aboard the Ocean Giant. Brother Wade resides in Baytown, Texas. JOHN ZEPEDA Brother John Zepeda, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1969. He first shipped with Victory Carriers. Brother Zepeda attended classes often at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He is a native of Galveston, Texas and worked in the deck department. Brother Zepeda’s final trip to sea was on the Overseas Cascade. He is a resident of Texas City, Texas. INLAND JERRY STILLMAN WILLIAM ABRAMS Brother Jerry Stillman, 66, be- Brother William Abrams, 64, STEVEN HOUSINGER Brother Steven Housinger, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1977. His first sailed with H&M Lake Transport. Brother Housinger was a member of the deck department. His final vessel was operated by G&H Towing Company. Brother Housinger resides in Canyon Lake, Texas. DAVID LANE Brother David Lane, 56, joined the SIU in 1979. He initially sailed in the deep-sea division aboard the Pisces. Brother Lane worked in the deck department. He upgraded on three occasions at the Seafarersaffiliated school. Brother Lane’s final trip was on the Courage. He calls Palm Bay, Florida, home. NORMAN LITTLES Brother Norman Littles 71, started sailing with the union in 1994. He mainly shipped with Port Imperial Ferry. Brother Littles was a deck department member. He enhanced his skills in 2001 and 2004 at the Piney Point school. Brother Littles makes his home in Orlando, Florida. Towing Company. Brother Niday sailed in the deck department. In 1975, he attended classes at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Niday lives in Port Isabel, Texas. PETER QUINN Brother Peter Quinn, 65, began his SIU career in 1979. He was originally employed with Hvide Marine. Brother Quinn last sailed on an Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning vessel. He was a member of the deck department, and upgraded twice in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Quinn resides in Orange, Texas. CARLOS RODRIGUEZ Brother Carlos Rodriguez, 66, joined the SIU in 1991. He initially worked in the deep-sea division aboard the Robert Lee. In 2002, Brother Rodriguez took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. He shipped in the engine department and was last employed on the Padre Island. Brother Rodriguez calls Cypress, California, home. MICHAEL TOWNSEND Brother Michael Townsend, 62, began his seafaring career in 1993. He was first employed aboard the USNS Pollux. Brother Townsend sailed as a member of the deck department. He concluded his career with G&H Towing. Brother Townsend resides in Carriere, Mississippi. WARREN WIRTH Brother Warren Wirth, 71, donned the SIU colors in 2001 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was mainly employed with Penn Maritime Inc. Brother Wirth sailed in the deck department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. Brother Wirth makes his home in Silver Springs, Florida. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION ROBERT LOPES Brother Robert Lopes, 66, was an NMU member before the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He lives in New Bedford, Massachusetts. JOHN NIDAY Brother John Niday, 65, signed on with the union in 1973 in Houston. He primarily worked with G&H Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA PHILIP BRESLIN Brother Philip Breslin, 68, died February 25. A member of the deck department, he first sailed on the John Paul Bobo in 1991. His final vessel also was the John Paul Bobo. He resided in Pensacola, Florida. LOUIS CLARKE Brother Louis Clarke, 97, passed away January 7. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, he joined the SIU in 1978. Brother Clarke shipped as a member of the steward department. He first sailed with Delta Steamship Lines on the Del Oro. Brother Clarke last worked with American Ship Management in 1988 and resided in Fountain Valley, California. ANTONIO CRISTOBAL Pensioner Antonio Cristobal, 88, died January 28. A member of the engine department, he first sailed on the Manhattan in 1977. Brother Cristobal’s last vessel was the Thompson Pass. He became a pensioner in 1993 and lived in Cerritos, California. LEOPOLDO EMNACE Pensioner Leopoldo Emnace, 71, passed away January 16. Born in the Philippines, he joined the union in 1980. Brother Emnace sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Maersk Idaho. He settled in Bedminster, New Jersey. WESLEY HUGHES Brother Wesley Hughes, 43, died December 2. He was born in Germany. Brother Hughes’ first trip to sea was as an engine department member aboard the Great Land in 1991. He most recently worked on the Maj. Ber­ nard F. Fisher in 2016. Brother Hughes lived in Valparaiso, Florida. ARTHUR MALLORY Pensioner Arthur Mallory, 79, passed away February 24. Brother Mallory signed on with the SIU in 1969, when he sailed on the Loma Victory. He 18 Seafarers LOG worked in the deck department and was a native of Florida. Prior to Brother Mallory’s retirement in 1982, he sailed aboard the OMI Willamette. He continued to reside in Florida. MICHAEL McNALLY Brother Michael McNally, 63, died March 18. He began his seafaring career in 1975 with Transeastern Shipping. Brother McNally sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard the Horizon Kodiak. He called Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, home. ANGEL MORALES Pensioner Angel Morales, 86, passed away January 30. He started sailing with the union in 1969. Brother Morales initially sailed on the Steel Rover. The Puerto Rico native worked in the engine department. Brother Morales most recently sailed with the Mt. Vernon Tankers Corporation. He retired in 1988 and settled in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. JUAN PATINO Pensioner Juan Patino, 86, died January 11. Brother Patino became an SIU member in 1953. His first trip was aboard the Abigua. Brother Patino concluded his seafaring career working on the Great Land. He began collecting his pension in 1995. The engine department member made his home in Federal Way, Washington. LANCE RENE Pensioner Lance Rene, 87, passed away January 30. Brother Rene, a member of the steward department, first sailed on the Santa Mariana in 1978. He concluded his seafaring career aboard the Producer. Brother Rene started collecting his retirement compensation in 1994 and resided in Washington State. FRANK ROSALES Brother Frank Rosales, 90, died February 11. He was a native of Eagle Point, Oregon. A member of the steward department, he first sailed the Santa Maria in 1978. Brother Rosales last worked aboard the Matsonia in 1993 and continued to make Oregon his home. JOSEPH SPELL Pensioner Joseph Spell, 89, passed away January 11. Brother Spell began shipping with the SIU in 1970. His first ship was the Steel Maker; his last, the Green Island. Brother Spell was an engine department member. He went on pension in 1992 and called Wiggins, Mississippi, home. ATHANASIOS VASSILIKOS Pensioner Athanasios Vassilikos, 75, died January 31. He began sailing with the SIU in 1968. Brother Vassilikos initially sailed aboard the Citadel Victory. The Greece native worked in the engine department. His final vessel was the Flickertail State. He retired in 1994 and settled in Attica, Greece. INLAND THOM HUTCHINS Brother Thom Hutchins, 48, passed away January 21. A Texas native, brother Hutchins joined the union in 1984. He initially worked with G&H Towing. Brother Hutchins shipped as a member of the deck department. He was last employed with Crowley Towing of Jacksonville in 2007. He called Friendswood, Texas, home. DONALD JONES Pensioner Donald Jones, 75, died February 12. Brother Jones joined the SIU in 1975. He sailed with Allied Towing, working in the steward department until retirement in 2002. He resided in Camden, North Carolina. EDWARD RYNN Brother Edward Rynn, 48, passed away February 27. Brother Rynn began sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation in 2008, and remained with the company until 2014. He was born in Norwalk, Conneticut, and shipped in the deck department. Brother Rynn called Hastings, Florida, home. JOE TRAYWICK Brother Joe Traywick, 59, died February 16. He began his SIU career in 2000, originally sailing with Waterman Steamship Corporation. Brother Traywick was a deck department member and a native of Mobile, Alabama. He most recently shipped on the Delta Mariner in 2016. RICHARD UTLEY Pensioner Richard Utley, 80, passed away February 22. He became a union member in 1960. Brother Utley initially worked with Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. He spent most of his career with G&H Towing, sailing in both the engine and deck departments. The Galveston, Texasborn mariner went on pension in 1998. MILAN WOLGAMOTT Brother Milan Wolgamott, 61, died January 10. Born in Michigan, he started sailing with the SIU in 1984. Brother Wolgamott was initially employed with Tampa Tugs. He sailed in the engine department and last sailed on the Liberty Island in 2016. Brother Wolgamott resided in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION RICHARD DOBBYN Pensioner Richard Dobbyn, 78, passed away December 23. Brother Dobbyn was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He resided in New Hampshire. FRANCIS DRAPELA Pensioner Francis Drapela, 69, died December 13. Born in Houston, he later called Pearland, Texas, home. JUAN ESPADA Pensioner Juan Espada, 90, passed away December 17. Brother Espada was a native of Puerto Rico. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1985. Brother Espada resided Hialeah, Florida. JAMES FELDER Pensioner James Felder, 96, died December 29. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. He was a resident of San Francisco. 87, passed away October 29. The Puerto Rico native went on pension in 1999. He made his home in New York. LUIS MAZIER Pensioner Luis Mazier, 93, died November 20. He was a native of Honduras. Brother Mazier began collecting his pension in 1975. He lived in Terrytown, Louisiana. JOHN MONROE Pensioner John Monroe, 88, passed away November 29. Brother Monroe was born in Lancaster, South Carolina. He started collecting his pension in 1969 and was a resident of Houston. FELIX ROVIRA Pensioner Felix Rovira, 78, died November 19. Brother Rovira was born in Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 1998 and continued to reside in Puerto Rico. LEE RUMBLES Pensioner Lee Rumbles, 88 passed away December 1. Brother Rumbles was born in Newport News, Virginia. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985. Brother Rumbles called Philadelphia home. ALEJANDRO SANCHEZ Pensioner Alejandro Sanchez, 83, died December 23. Brother Sanchez was born in Cuba and started receiving his pension in 1995. He lived in San Diego. FRANK THOMAS Pensioner Frank Thomas, 81, passed away December 22. He was born in Simmesport, Louisiana. Brother Thomas went on pension in 1997 and resided in Texas. JUAN TORRACA Pensioner Juan Torraca, 91, died December 29. Brother Torraca was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He started collecting his pension in 1973. Brother Torraca lived in Central Islip, New York. Name Afonso, Manuel Bonilla, Angel Da Silva, Herminio Ebanks, Burton Gladstone, Anthony Kroll, Felix Santiago, Juan Age 89 87 97 93 88 87 92 DOD Dec. 23 Dec. 12 Dec. 29 Dec. 26 Dec. 27 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 ALBERTO MAC FALINE Pensioner Alberto Mac Faline, June 2017 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings CHARLESTON EXPRESS (Crowley), March 19 – Chairman George Price, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Deck Delegate Rudy Harjanto, Engine Delegate Kenneth Powell, Steward Delegate Edyson Chaniago. Chairman thanked all departments for good housekeeping. He advised all to save money and start 401k. Educational director reminded mariners to check expiration dates of all documents. Members were urged to enhance their skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from the Seafarers LOG was read. Upcoming itinerary for vessel was discussed. Internet access was installed on the ship while in Houston. Crew mentioned suggested changes for upcoming contract negotiations including increase in vacation days, and boot allowance for wiper and OS. A reduction in days needed for retirement was also suggested. Next port: Houston. INTEGRITY (TOTE), March 19 – Chairman Shannon Smith Secretary John D. Bukowsky. – Chairman discussed beef over hydro blasting. A grievance committee has been requested to find a resolution. Secretary reported contract will soon be negotiated and the floor is open for proposed changes. The importance of the merchant marine for national defense was noted as well as the need to reduce red tape. Members discussed pay rates and asked that entire crew be included in Wi-Fi access. They also made suggestions pertaining to bilge cleaning and weekend OT rates. Crew reported need for new mattresses. JEAN ANNE (TOTE), March 27 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Engine Delegate Servando Jesus Canales. Chairman advised crew to look at latest Seafarers LOG and reviewed where they could find it on computer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members questioned the need for physicals every six months and were told that it is a company requirement. Crew members would like to look in to the possibility to purchase stock in Pasha. MAERSK KENTUCKY (Maersk Line, Limited), March 19 – Chair- The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. man Albert C. Williams, Secretary George W. Rose, Educational Director James Watson, Deck Delegate Carlos Castillo, Steward Delegate Rene Gil. Secretary praised crew and told them to continue safe operations. Educational director encouraged upgrading at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Crew said they need all union halls to make sure members get assignment letters before leaving halls. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Next port: Norfolk, Virginia. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), March 18 – Chairman Michael D. Sedita, Secretary James A. Kingsley, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate Eric Moreira, Engine Delegate Reynaldo Lacayo, Steward Delegate Elizabeth Byrd. Chairman announced payoff March 11 in Newark, New Jersey and reported another safe voyage. Crew was encouraged to file for penalty time for the company’s refusal to pay for launch service in Algeciras, Spain. Reminders given to review documents and to renew STCW, eliminating the need to retake full basic safety training. Secretary suggested members stay up to date reading the LOG as it reports changes in benefits as well as shipping rules. He also reiterated the importance of SPAD contributions and the resulting union gains. Educational director urged members to look for class schedules on www.seafarers.org. Beefs were reported in all departments pertaining to penalty time for restriction to ship in Algeciras. Crew insisted a resolution be made regarding ongoing issue with the unrepaired dishwasher. Electrician raised the issue of allegedly unfair distribution of expensive food items between the permanent steward and the relief steward. Steward department was thanked for all for the great meals, desserts especially. Several suggestions were made in regard to the upcoming contract negotiations. Next ports: Newark, New Jersey; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and Houston. MAERSK MEMPHIS (Maersk Line, Limited), March 25 – Chairman Keller Gilyard, Secretary Isabel R. Sabio, Educational Director Francis Supporting Our Troops In this May 13 photo, taken in the Pacific Ocean, Bosun’s Mate 3rd Class Ronaldjay Juego watches as the Seafarers-crewed USNS Rappahannock sends a fuel probe to the guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer during a replenishment at sea. The Rappahannock is crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelsey L. Adams) S. Brown Deck Delegate Kevin Combs, Engine Delegate Mario Moralita, Steward Delegate Mohammad Abou Abdou. Chairman noted an injury in the engine department resulting in a member’s absence. A replacement QMED boarded within two weeks. Under old business, chairman noted ongoing complaints about mattresses. He also touched on standard contract stipulations pertaining to time off. Secretary suggested increasing vacation time and boosting wages. No beefs or disputed OT reported. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), March 10 – Chairman Konstantinos Prokovas, Secretary Darryl Goggins, Deck Delegate Celso Zuniga, Steward Delegate Stanford Drakes. Bosun thanked crew for safe voyage. Secretary reminded mariners getting off to make sure rooms are clean and have fresh linen. Members were reminded to upgrade skills at Piney Point school. Educational director passed out in- formation with instructions on how to request their sea time as well as directions for accessing member portal on union’s website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Gratitude was expressed to both the deck and engine departments. Members expressed concerns regarding their attendance at multiple safety conferences. Members prefer time with family after two trips rather than additional time away at the school. Suggestions were made concerning reimbursement for cab fare and increasing pension benefits. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MYKONOS (OSG), March 12 – Chairman Gerald M. Alford, Educational Director Stephen P. Roberts, Steward Delegate Mamie Porter. Chairman discussed steward-department protocols. He reported shortage of cleaning supplies. Crew requested new mattresses. They noted availability of Seafarers LOG on website (both the full edition in PDF format as well as Bosun Ends 25-Year Career Following Record-Setting NOAA Vessel Deployment Continued from Page 24 achieved the rank of Bosun Mate Second Class. “My longest period at sea prior to sailing on the Brown during the three and one-half year mission took place while I was in the U.S. Navy,” he said. “I was gone for 150 days during one stretch back in the 70s.” The sea, it seems, is just as much a part of Cowden’s essence as any other characteristic that distinctively defines him. “My first transatlantic voyage was back in 1966 when I was about 12 years old,” he said. “My dad took us across the Atlantic aboard the old Queen Elizabeth. I think that trip was what really got me started with my love affair with the sea. “I have always been drawn to the sea, I suppose,” he continued. “I started working sailboats off the coast of South Carolina when I was 17. I later joined the Navy and spent six years there. I also spent a couple of years working at shipyards. “I then joined NOAA, got my AB (ticket) and the rest is history. That’s all I’ve done since,” Cowden said. “My family is of Norwegian ancestry who hail from New York and New Jersey,” he continued. “I have a number of uncles and other relatives who were sea captains … so I guess you could say that the sea is in our blood. We sim- June 2017 ply love it.” Reflecting on the industry currently as opposed to how it was during his early days as a mariner, Cowden said a great deal has changed. “The industry now is tremendously different from what it was when I first started sailing,” he said. “Mariners now have so much more technology available to them in all aspects of their jobs than we did. Suffice it to just say that we had the sextant, they now have GPS. That’s how much it’s changed. “Besides technology, the other thing that really comes to mind is credentials,” he said. “There are so many different things involved in getting a [document] now…. It is so much harder. My original [document] was not that hard to get and there was no expiration date on it. “And that’s one reason I am retiring,” Cowden continued. “I don’t want to have to deal with the Coast Guard anymore. The credentialing process is now way too difficult and far too expensive.” However, “Despite all of the these changes, I’d do it again (choose being a mariner for a career) in a heartbeat,” he said. “I’ve lived a richer life because of the sea and I have traveled all over the world. There are not too many places I have not been. Sure, there are hardships involved, but I learned to deal with them over the years. The thing I’ll miss most is the adventure of travel and experiencing other cultures.” individually posted articles). USNS BUTTON (Crowley), April 4 – Chairman Jo Postell, Secretary Edwin Bonefont, Educational Director Michael Deren, Deck Delegate Douglas Hemphill, Steward Delegate James Martin. Bosun read minutes from previous meeting and encouraged crew to work together and help one another on the ship. He talked about inclement weather procedures and the responsibility of each crew member to secure their belongings at sea. He reviewed several unresolved issues including a request for shipboard email. Educational director urged members to keep documentation in order and to be more involved with their union, stating that every voice counts. He noted April 28 is Workers Memorial Day, to mourn all our fallen brothers and speak out for workplace safety. Members were encouraged to enroll in 401k plan. Requests were made for increases in wages, benefits and vacation days. For anyone weighing the pros and cons of becoming a merchant mariner, Cowden said he’d advise them that it’s not a life for everybody. “A lot of people should not even think of doing it,” had said, “but for those who are adventure-minded and want to see the world, it’s probably the best way to travel. Why pay to go to those places when you can get someone to pay you to take them there?” Reflecting on the SIU and the role it has played in his life over the years, Cowden said: “I never had to use the union very much. I never had any issues with jobs, pay and so on during my career Still it was always reassuring just knowing I belonged to the SIU and that they (union officials, reps, rank-andfile brothers and sisters) were there to help you in case I needed them,” he said. “I know that they work hard looking out for the membership, negotiating good contracts and landing good jobs for us. “And that’s what I pass on to the people I work with who are not SIU members,” he continued. “I always tell them that what they would pay in dues for being members pales in comparison to what they’d receive in terms of support if they ever had any problems concerning jobs, wages, grievances and so on.” The bosun said that currently, he had no firm future plans. “I might do a little contract work for science since the majority of my career was spent in the scientific arena and most of my skills entail the deployment and recovery of scientific equipment,” he said. “Or I may do nothing at all. “Most likely though, I may start remodeling houses or something along that line. I’ve got to find something to keep me busy though; I can’t simply sit still and watch TV all day,” he concluded. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Machinist September 9 September 29 FOWT August 12 September 8 Junior Engineer July 15 September 8 October 7 December 1 Marine Electrician August 5 September 29 Gap Closing Courses Marine Refer Tech September 30 November 10 Leadership and Managerial Skills October 28 November 3 Pumpman September 30 October 6 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck June 17 July 14 August 12 September 8 October 7 November 3 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Stu- dents will be advised of dates once accepted. Advanced Meteorology August 26 September 1 Advanced Shiphandling August 5 August 18 Advanced Stability August 19 August 25 ARPA September 30 October 6 Bosun Recertification July 15 August 7 Crane Familiarization August 26 September 1 October 21 October 27 ECDIS July 1 July 7 August 26 September 1 October 14 October 20 Welding June 10 June 30 August 19 September 8 Steward Department Courses Advanced Galley Ops June 19 July 14 October 7 November 3 November 18 December 15 Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. The next class will start June 12. Chief Steward July 15 September 8 September 23 November 17 Galley Operations July 15 August 11 September 9 October 6 Galley Assessment Program (GAP) July 15 August 11 August 26 September 22 ServSafe August 26 September 1 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic Training w/16hr FF June 17 June 23 Fast Rescue Boat June 24 June 30 July 22 July 28 GMDSS September 2 September 15 Basic Training Revalidation Lifeboat July 1 July 14 July 29 August 11 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 24 June 30 September 16 September 22 Radar Observer September 16 September 29 Novermber 25 December 8 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting Radar Renewal (one day) Government Vessels June 24 June 30 August 12 August 18 Contact the PHC Admissions Office RFPNW July 15 August 11 September 9 October 6 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 22 August 4 BAPO July 15 August 11 FOWT June 17 July 14 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this applica­ tion, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG July 14 August 19 July 14 August 25 Medical Care Provider June 17 June 23 August 26 September 1 Tank Barge - DL October 21 October 27 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL/LG August 5 August 18 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG June 17 June 23 July 15 July 21 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train­ ing and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with ap­ plicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/17 June 2017 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class # 823 – Eleven Phase I apprentices finished this course April 21. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Reco Bennefield, Austin Bobo, Benjamin Curran, Tianna Evans, Cody Klekar, Keyrondey Mincey, Branden Murdock, Levon Prophet, Marcelino Jose Santos Bermeo, Charles Turner Jr., and Shawn Yancey Jr. Class instructor Stan Beck is at the far left. BAPO – Nine Phase III apprentices completed their requirements in this course May 21. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Adam Brundage, William Cannon, Dion Cheeseborough, Micah Ferreira, Arsenio Jenkins, Kyle Savage, Arlen Vernimo Jr., Hayden Vogt and Kyle Williamson. Instructor John Wiegman III is at the far right. BAPO (Upgraders) – The following Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) completed the enhancement of their skills in this course when they graduated April 21: Ferdinand Malicay Cabanlit, Roger Abujin Clegg, Essam Abdulla Hussein, Carlos Laguerta Madayag and Fernandez Lacpta Wilcox Jr. John Wiegman III, their instructor, is at the far right. Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Twelve upgraders finished this course April 28. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Abdulaziz Mohamed Nagi Alsinai, Daniels Ebo Boye, Robert Brady, Bobby Dunn Jr., David Garrett, Jon Mahannah, Demarkus McNabb, David Myrick, Cesar Arnaldo Rivera-Polanco, Philip Sharp, Edwin Velez and Edward Williams. William Dodd, their instructor, is at the far right in the front row. Machinist – Five Seafarers improved their skills by completing this course April 7. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Alvin Cabahit, Cortney Gantt, Oscar Emilio Garcia, Roger Nesbeth and Teon Shelton. Instructor Keith Adamson is at the far right. June 2017 Welding & Metuallurgy – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 21: Jarvis Carter, Mark Fitzgerald, Samuel Franke, Thedford Jones Jr., Domenick Longmire, Gajatri Normatova, Tad Van and Jome Gayo Zerna. Chris Raley, their instructor, is at the far right. Marine Refrigeration - The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 28: Allan Bombita, Aleksander Djatschenko, Ricardo Ducay, Aaron Ellis, Michael Gray, Mahare Kidane, Randolph Patterson, Steven Tatum McField, George Velez, Fredrick Wright and Igor Vasilevich Yakunkov. Class instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Pumpman – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course April 21: Alvin Cabahit, Cortney Gantt, Oscar Emilio Garcia, Roger Nesbeth and Teon Shelton. Their instructor, Keith Adamson, is at the far right. Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Eight upgraders enhanced their skills by completing this course March 10. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Franklin Clotter, Smyrno Desir, Ricardo Bonuel Ducay, Joseph Eaton II, Andre Mitchell, Robert Noble, Mohamed Lamin Sheriff and Trent Sterling. Instructor Joe Zienda is at the far left. UA to FOWT – Fifteen Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 24: Christopher Brown, Jarvis Carter, Clinton Cephas, Samuel Franke, Thedford Jones Jr., Gil Lawrence, Domenick Longmire, Zachary Manzi, Gajatri Normatova, Isaac Nugen, Liam Richey, Tad Van and Keshawn Webster. Class instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 10: Angel Daniel Corchado, Jaime Reanos Guerrero, Emmanuel Borbon Loyola, Joseph Marino, Nagi Ahmed Mihakel, Valerie Russo, Sean Ryan, Kreg Stiebben, Erick Fabian Toledo Colon, NicholasTurano and Cornelio Alindato Villano Jr. Their instructor, Mike Roberts, is at the far right. Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) improved their skills by graduating from this course March 3: John Albritton III, Michael Banks, James Bleckley III, Alexander Capellan, Buzz Engelke, Steven Gedrich, Imran Khan, Richard Lawson, Jaquel Nesmith, Charles Packer, Dylan Sapp, Hermano Sillon, Lance Spain, Mario Standberry and Jeffery Thomas. William Dodd, their instructor, is at the far left. Government Vessels – Seventeen Seafarers completed their requirements in this course March 3. Those graduating (photo at left, in alphabetical order) were: Rashawn Arrington, Randolph Beers, Rio Ngitong Cuellar, Marvin Argus Fabrizius, Lamond Fulton, Kenji Hoffman, Christopher Jensen, Aretta Jones, Emmanuel Loyola, Gustavo Rigobert Osorio, Prateek Poras, Mohamed Lamin Sheriff, William Summers Jr., Stevon Taylor, Richard Salazar Torres, Kenneth Williams and Mariano Canete Ylaya. Class instructor Stan Beck is at the far right. Government Vessels – The following upgraders (photo at right, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 31: Katherine Anderson, Kent Arroyo, Susan Beach, Timothy Belcher, Gerard Cox, Kevin Harvey, Tammie Howe, Supattara Inthapanti, Carl Jones, Terrence Meadows, Deeanne Merriman, Liliana Oliveros, Christopher Perry, Michael Poblete, Dindo Prellagera Reforsado, Bradley Renollet, Devalence Smiley, Annie Walker, Sheltia Wright and Jome Zerna. Important Notice Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Train­ ing and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2017 �Paul Hall Center Classes Marine Electrician – Seven upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 17: Allan Bombita, Aaron Ellis, Mahare Kidane, Steven Tatum McField, George Velez, Fredrick Wright and Igor Vasilevich Yakunkov. Sterling Cox, their instructor, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) improved their skills by graduating from this course March 17: Edwin Villanueva Castillo, Ricardo Bonuel Ducay, Andre Mitchell, Robert Noble and Garrett Phillips. Class instructor Mike Roberts is at the far left. Small Arms – Seven Seafarers honed their skills by completing this course March 9. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Abdoulla Ahmed Alssoudi, Volodymyr Olexandrovych Bendus, Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Fidel Alvarez Dipasupil, Bryan Howell, Brett Van Pelt and Kenneth Williams. Class instructors Robbie Springer and Stan Beck are at the far left and far right, respectively. Galley Operations – Five members of the steward department completed the enhancement of their skills in this course April 21. Graduating (above, from left) were: Nasr Ahmed Ali Almusab, Fadhel Nagi Saleh, Bridget Burkhalter, Michael Gordon and Walter Lent. Certified Chief Cook – Four steward department upgraders recently completed modules 2 and 3 of this course at the union affiliated Paul Hall Center. Completing module 2 on April 7 (above, from left) were Ian Schluder, Marquisha Simmons and Ronnie Kincaid. Darius Edwards (photo at immediate right) finished module 3 on April 21. Tankship Familiarization DL/LG – The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 31: Rashawn Arrington, Jose Juan Calix, Alexander Capellan, Rafael Angel Cardenas Jr., James Davis Jr., Joseph Eaton II, Roberto Tremor Flauta, Pedro Garcia Santos, Kenneth Holly, John Jasinski, Emmanuel Borbon Loyola, Raymond Maldonado-Garcia, Daniel Marcus, Andre Mitchell, Randell Cuares Paredes, Lazaro Salvador Rivera Rodriguez, Erick Fabian Toledo Colon, Gabron Chanell Turner, Charlie Wescott III and Daniel Zapata. Galley Ops – Phase III Apprentice Andres Brown (above) graduated from this course April 21. Once he completes his training, the Norfolk, Virginia native plans to work in the steward department aboard SIU crewed vessels. Tankship Familiarization LG – Twenty Seafarers (above, in alphabetical order) completed their requirements in this course March 3. Graduating were: Nathaniel Balos, Daniel Ebo Boye, Davon Brown, Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Jonathan Omar Chaparro Lorenzo, Shawn Clark, Smyrno Desir, John Diaz-Hernandez Jr., Jon Dillon, Armando Ismael Garayua-Gonzalez, David Garrett, Rosemary Glover, John Gryko, Norman Hook, Dwight Hunt Sr., Gerret Jarman, John McKay, William Mercer, Arsenio Cabazal Omabao Jr. and Julio Enrigue Perez. June 2017 Seafarers LOG 23 �JUNE F E B R2017 UARY 2014 o VOLUME VOLU M E 7 6 79 NNO. O. 6 2 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 SIU Mariners Crew Vessel During Historic Voyage Seafarers from the SIU’s Government Services Division were aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship that recently made history by becoming the longest-ever deployed NOAA vessel. The platform, the NOAA ship Ronald H. Brown, returned to its home port in Charleston, South Carolina, March 27 following 1,347 days. During this period, the 275-foot vessel—which departed Charleston July 18, 2013—traveled nearly 130,000 miles while conducting scientific research and servicing buoys that collect a wide variety of environmental data. At various points in its record voyage, according to several sources, the Brown’s crew and as many as 30 research scientists, among other tasks: n Recovered, serviced and deployed more than 80 buoys that monitor ocean and weather conditions in the tropical ocean, including ones that recorded El Niño; n Studied ocean acidification, intense moisture-bearing winter storms known as “atmospheric rivers” off the U.S. West Coast, and took part in an unprecedented multi-agency rapid response mission to observe the 2015-2016 El Niño; n Took more than 1,600 water measurements in the Atlantic Ocean, from Iceland to Antarctica, and in the Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Antarctica, to better understand the ocean’s physical properties and long-term changes in those properties; n Surveyed 353,975 square miles of sea floor, including a project near Kingman Reef and Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific, to map the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf; and n Conducted ecological assessments of bays on the north slope of Alaska, and fisheries and oceanographic studies off the Arctic coast of Alaska. The NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown sails into Charleston, South Carolina March 25, 2017 following its longest-ever deployment. (Photo by AB Tracy Sorgenfrei, NOAA) “My congratulations and thanks to the officers and crew of NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown for their hard work, dedication and service during this extended and unprecedented deployment,” said Rear Adm. David Score, director of NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, upon the vessel’s return to its homeport. “Working from ocean to ocean and from pole to pole, the ship and her crew have expanded our understanding of some of nature’s most powerful forces.” Seafarers aboard the vessel during its unparalleled voyage included: Bosun Bruce Cowden, ABs Reginald Williams, Michael Lastinger, Daniel Hauerland, Nickolas Baker and Tracey Davis, 2nd Cook Emir Porter and GVA Richard Jackson. “It’s really good to be home,” said Bosun Cowden, the highest-rated SIU mariner in the Brown’s unlicensed crew during the unequaled voyage. “That was a long time at sea. “We did go into various ports during the voyage,” he continued, adding that crew members took leave at various points during the deployment. “Our legs at sea averaged from 35 to 40 days before making port, but Pictured in the photo above (from left to right) are: AB Tracy Davis, GVA Sean O Connell, AB Mary Beth Phillis, AB Michael Lastinger, BGL Reggie Williams, AB Daniel Hauerland, Chief Bosun Bruce Cowden and three NOAA scientists. we did not return to our home port for the entire time.” Prior to this trip, Cowden said the longest period that he’d spent at sea was 150 days. “That happened back in the 70s while I was in the Navy,” he recalled. So, what can one say of spending three and one-half years on the high seas? “It was a good voyage,” shared Cowden. “I really can’t think of any real problems that I or members of the crew ever encountered during the entire time. Aside from being away from home for so long, which some dealt with better than others, the most difficult part of the trip was having to work during bad weather. And that did not happen very often – for the most part the weather was very good. “We spent time in a lot of very good ports including Iceland, Maderia, Natal Brazil, Antarctica, Straits of Megellan, Tahiti, and Easter Island to name a few,” he said. “We were stuck in Barbados for two weeks because of a government shutdown.” (On Oct. 1, 2013, the U.S. government shut down for 16 days after Congress was unable to agree on a budget for the new fiscal year.) Cowden said the crew enjoyed a good working relationship with the officers as well as the research scientists aboard the vessel. “They never voiced any complaints regarding the quantity or quality of our work,” he said. “The crew’s training was very sufficient to handle the job at hand and we took advantage of every opportunity to hone everyone’s skills, especially when we were in ports. We did firefighting training drills while in Seattle…. We drilled every week. Overall, the entire experience was a positive one for all involved,” Cowden concluded. “They (officers and research scientists) really took care of us and we did the same for them. It was a totally successful team effort.” Record Mission Marks End of Bosun’s Career The nearly three and one-half year voyage of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) vessel Ronald H. Brown which concluded March 27 was significantly more than a historic milestone for at least one of the vessel’s crew members. For Bosun Bruce Cowden, the unprecBosun Bruce Cowden is pictured edented journey marked his final trip on the aboard the Brown in the frigid waters high seas as an active member of the SIU. He will retire effective June 23 following of the arctic. 25 years of dedicated service. A native of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Cowden donned the SIU colors in 1989. “I joined the SIU roughly one year after I started working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,” said Cowden, who is married and the father of three. Interestingly, the bosun’s career ended aboard the same platform on which he had spent the bulk of his life as a professional mariner. “I have been working for NOAA for quite a few years,” Cowden said. “Before this voyage, I already had sailed aboard the Ron Brown for 17 years. I also had worked four years aboard the NOAA Ship Ferrel and another six on the Malcolm Baldrige.” Prior to launching his career as a civilian mariner at NOAA, Cowden served a six-year stint in the U.S. Navy where he Continued on Page 19 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2017 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CONGRESSMAN HUNTER DEFENDS JONES ACT FIRST TONY SACCO SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTED CEREMONY HONORS MARINERS PAST AND PRESENT DOT HOST ANNUAL MARITIME DAY GATHERING BIPARTISAN BILL BOOST MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM LEGISLATION ALSO HELPS MAINTAIN CARGO PREFERENCE, READY RESERVE FORCE NAVY LEAGUE PRESIDENT BLASTS EDITORIAL AGAINST FOOD FOR PEACE HAWAII SENATOR HIRONO RECEIVES HONOR DURING ANNUAL SALUTE TO CONGRESS EVENT REPORT EXAMINES WORKPLACE SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD REVIEW SCHOOL UPGRADES ALASKA TANKER COMPANY EARNS SAFETY AWARD SEAFARERS WATERFRONT CLASSIC MARKS FIFTH YEAR SIU MARINERS CREW VESSEL DURING HISTORIC VOYAGE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2017 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. 79, No. 6 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/cac000e4ce27fdfd378ab3a7e1805667.pdf def474a9735bd3eec8604c213b9542b8 PDF Text Text JUNE 2018 VOLUME 80, NO. 6 Crowley Acquires Three Tankers Move Means New Jobs for SIU Members Seafarers-contracted Crowley recently finalized its acquisition of three Jones Act vessels from SeaRiver Maritime Inc. Now carrying SIU crews, those ships are the Oregon (left), Washington (directly below) and California (bottom). Page 3. Anglers Dub Annual Waterfront Classic Enormous Success The sixth annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic, which took place April 24 at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, was a little light on fish but heavy on what matters most, including fellowship and fundraising for the American Military Veterans Foundation. SIU President Michael Sacco (below, right) is pictured at the awards dinner in Piney Point, Maryland, with veteran Charles Greenholdt. SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, the event chairman, is third from right in photo at left. Pages 12-14. Congressman Backs Jones Act Page 3 Advisory Board Meets Page 4 Annual Funding Notices Pages 10-11 �President’s Report National Maritime Day Quick, how many of you had ever heard of National Maritime Day before you started working in the industry? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Just like the U.S. Merchant Marine is often an unintentionally well-kept secret other than in port towns and in maritime families, National Maritime Day doesn’t exactly pop out from the average calendar. Congress designated May 22 of each year as National Maritime Day in 1933. The original intent was to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship, in 1819 by the SS Savannah. Through the decades, though, the day’s focus has understandably shifted. Given the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital contributions in every conflict of the last and present centuries, it’s fitting that Maritime Day ceremonies often highlight those efforts. In particular, the commemorations in the nation’s capital and in other cities across the country duly Michael Sacco credit the absolutely indispensable, heroic sealift mission carried out by our World War II mariners. (For those who are unaware, more than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives during the war.) But Maritime Day isn’t just a history lesson or a memorial service. Prominent speakers from the military, government and industry usually also explain why America still needs a strong U.S.-flag industry with American crews. The White House annually issues a proclamation that also blends a tip of the cap to past service with an informal summary of why our country simply cannot afford to lose our fleet or our mariners. In fact, here’s a brief excerpt from last year’s statement by President Trump: “Today, the men and women who crew ships remain essential to our Nation’s prosperity and security. Those in the maritime industry, including merchant mariners, promote our economic growth, facilitating the export of more than $475 billion in goods just last year and sustaining our critical defense industrial base. Merchant mariners also actively protect our homeland, serving as our eyes and ears on the seas. They serve with distinction and courage, heading into war zones, and too often sacrificing their own lives for our protection.” Brothers and sisters, that’s anything but token acknowledgement, and it shows that despite the previously mentioned challenge of educating the public about the U.S. Merchant Marine, we don’t always lack for recognition. All in all, National Maritime Day is a very important occasion for the SIU and for our industry, even if you can’t find a greeting card for it. This year’s ceremony in D.C. was scheduled to happen right after the LOG’s deadline, so we’ll have full coverage next month. In the meantime, please check out our National Maritime Day posts on the SIU website and on our Facebook page. We usually have that coverage available the same day of the gathering. Meanwhile, I would be remiss in not briefly stating the case for why we need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine moving forward. Our domestic maritime industry alone supports nearly 500,000 American jobs and pumps billions of dollars into the economy every year. Our internationally trading deep-sea ships help ensure that we won’t be held as economic hostages by other nations, and our civilian-crewed military support ships guarantee that our brave men and women in uniform won’t have to cross their fingers and hope that foreign crews on foreign-flag ships decide to deliver the vital materiel they need in times of conflict. We can honor the past by working hard to ensure the ongoing vibrancy of this vital industry. Volume 80, Number 6 June 2018 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2018 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Honored in ‘The Big Apple’ SIU officials turned out in support of two recent events in New York City that honored individuals for their backing of the U.S. maritime industry. The Marine Society of the City of New York on April 16 honored Ed Hanley, vice president of labor relations and marine standards at SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. Hanley is pictured at far left in photo at right, with (from left) AMO National President Paul Doell, SIU President Michael Sacco and Paul Hall Center Trustee Tony Naccarato. On April 25, the Seafarers International House presented its Outstanding Friend of Seafarers awards to Phil Fisher (lower right) and Bill Van Loo (lower left). Fisher is the executive VP of SIUcontracted Keystone; Van Loo serves as secretary-treasurer of the MEBA. SIU attendees at the latter event included President Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Port Agents Joe Baselice and Mark von Siegel and Patrolmen Ray Henderson and Andre MacCray. Federation Releases Annual Report on State Of Safety, Health Protections for U.S. Workers According to a report released April 26 by the AFL-CIO, 5,190 American workers died on the job in 2016, an increase from 4,836 deaths the previous year. Another estimated 50,000 to 60,000 died from occupational diseases, meaning approximately 150 workers died on the job each day from preventable, hazardous workplace conditions. Overall, the national job fatality rate increased to 3.6 per 100,000 workers from 3.4 in 2015, the federation reported. “We deserve to walk out the front door in the morning knowing we’ll return home safe and healthy after a full day’s work,” said AFLCIO President Richard Trumka. “It’s a travesty that working people continue to lose their lives to corporate greed. The selfish and reckless decisions being made in boardrooms and in Washington are killing the very people who built this country. This is officially a national crisis, and it’s only getting worse.” The report, titled “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” marks the 27th year the AFL-CIO has produced its findings on the state of safety and health protections for workers within the United States. The report shows the highest workplace fatality rates are in Wyoming (12.3 per 100,000 workers), Alaska (10.6), Montana (7.9), South Dakota (7.5) and North Dakota (7.0). Startlingly, workplace violence is now the second-leading cause of death on the job, accounting for 866 workplace deaths. Other report highlights show that the construction, transportation and agriculture industries remain among the most dangerous. In 2016, some 991 construction workers were killed – the highest total of any sector. Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting was the most dangerous industry sector, with a fatality rate of 23.2 per 100,000 workers. Despite these alarming findings, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues to face a desperate dearth of resources. Responsible for regulating 9 million workplaces, the agency’s 764 federal inspectors would need 158 years to visit each site just once. The annual report features state and national information on workplace fatalities, injuries, illnesses, the number and frequency of workplace inspections, penalties, funding, staffing and public employee coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. It also includes information on the state of mine safety and health. The Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law in 1970, signaling a promise to American workers for safe jobs. The federation estimates that more than 579,000 workers “now can say their lives have been saved since the passage of the act. “Since that time, workplace safety and health conditions have improved,” the AFL-CIO said when announcing the latest report. “But too many workers remain at serious risk of injury, illness or death as chemical plant explosions, major fires, construction collapses and other preventable workplace tragedies continue to occur. Workplace violence is a growing threat. Many other workplace hazards kill and disable thousands of workers each year.” Moreover, the federation asserted that chronic occupational diseases “receive less attention because most are not detected for years after workers are exposed to toxic chemicals, and occupational illnesses often are misdiagnosed and poorly tracked.” In 2016, nearly 3.7 million workers across all industries, including state and local government, had work-related injuries and illnesses that were reported by employers, with 2.9 million injuries and illnesses reported in private industry. Due to limitations in the current injury reporting system and widespread underreporting of workplace injuries, this number understates the problem, the AFLCIO reported. “The true toll is estimated to be two to three times greater – or 7.4 million to 11.1 million injuries and illnesses a year,” the federation said. “The cost of these injuries and illnesses is enormous – estimated at $250 billion to $360 billion a year.” The report also noted that President Trump ran on a pro-business, deregulatory agenda, promising to cut regulations by 70 percent. Since taking office at the end of January 2017, he has acted on that promise, issuing a number of executive orders to roll back or review existing regulations, including one order that requires that for any new regulatory item issued, an agency must remove two from the books. He signed more than a dozen bills overturning regulations issued by the Obama administration. In part, the report concluded, “These are challenging times for working people and their unions, and the future prospects for safety and health protections are uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the toll of workplace injury, disease and death remains too high. Workers in the United States need more safety and health protection, not less. More than four decades after the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, there is much more work to be done.” June 2018 �SIU Members Secure New Jobs on 3 Tankers Seafarers-contracted Crowley in midApril announced that it completed the acquisition of three tankers from SeaRiver Maritime Inc., and is now chartering them back to SeaRiver under varying multi-year terms. “This development means new jobs for SIU members,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “I’m fully confident our crews will do their typically outstanding work aboard all three vessels.” The tankers previously named Liberty Bay and Eagle Bay, now under Crowley ownership and operation, each have a capacity of 760,000 barrels and transport crude from Alaska to West Coast refineries. The tanker formerly named American Progress has a capacity of 342,000 barrels and transports refined petroleum between the U.S. Gulf and East Coast ports. Crowley has renamed the ships. The Liberty Bay is now the Washington; the Eagle Bay is the California; and the American Progress is the Oregon. “With the regulatory approvals in place and the sale officially complete, we are now focused on operating these tankers in the safest, most reliable manner possible,” said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corp. “Our knowledge, passion, talent, ingenuity and helpfulness drive business for the company and provide the basis for highly successful partnerships such as the one announced today.” An SIU-contracted company for decades, Crowley operates and manages the largest U.S.-flag petroleum and chemical tank vessel fleet in the country. With the acquisition of these three tankers, the company now operates 40 Jones Act-qualified large petroleum transportation vessels in the United States with a combined capacity of more than 12 million barrels. Among this tank vessel fleet is a tanker and an articulated tug-barge (ATB) already on charter to SeaRiver. Seafarers are pictured aboard the Oregon, with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (back row, second from left). “Throughout the transition, the officers and crews have proven to be a great fit and we are very happy that so many are now Crowley employees,” said Rudy Leming, Crowley vice president of labor relations. “They have embodied the highest levels of professionalism and commitment to the project and we are certain they’ll be a critical piece to our ongoing success.” “Safety is of paramount importance to us and our record reflects that,” said Rob Grune, Crowley senior vice president and general manager, Crowley Shipping. “Last year, for example, we transported more than 472 million barrels of product and made 5,196 product transfers with zero Thanking Senator for Support SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (left) is pictured with U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (center) (D-California) and Charles Farruggia last month at a political gathering in San Francisco. Celona and Farruggia, a longtime friend of the SIU, both thanked Harris for her ardent support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The senator is a consistently outspoken advocate for American-flag shipping and U.S. crews. She is signatory to a recent Senate letter backing the U.S. Maritime Security Program June 2018 spills – a credit to our professional, safetyminded crews and management systems.” Crowley has been operating in Alaska since 1953, six years before statehood, providing upstream energy support services, tanker assistance and escort services with tugboats, and petroleum transportation, distribution and sales throughout the state. In addition to the company’s own ATBs operating in Alaska, Crowley currently manages and crews tankers carrying petroleum between Alaska and U.S. West Coast refineries. Crowley owns and/or operates a diverse, sophisticated fleet of double-hull tank vessels, including 17 ATBs and now 23 tankers, all built since 2002. SeaRiver Maritime, Inc., headquartered in Spring, Texas, is a privately held subsidiary wholly owned by ExxonMobil that provides a wide range of technical and commercial marine services to ExxonMobil affiliates throughout the world. The Jones Act has helped protect U.S. national, economic and homeland security for nearly a century. The law mandates that cargoes moving between domestic ports are carried on vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. It helps sustain nearly 500,000 American jobs, and pumps billions of dollars into the U.S. economy each year. Congressman Rick Larsen Speaks Out for Jones Act U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington) recently spoke on the House floor in support of the Jones Act, a maritime law that is vital to protecting U.S. national, economic and homeland security. A longtime backer of the American maritime industry, Larsen delivered his brief remarks April 18. He stated, “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my continued support of American maritime jobs through enforcement of the Jones Act. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 is more commonly known as the Jones Act, named for the primary sponsor at the time Wesley Jones from my home state, Washington state. The Jones Act exists for good reason. It sustains and protects a strong domestic maritime and shipbuilding industry. “It creates job opportunities for U.S. mariners, many of whom are veterans,” the congressman continued. “It underpins U.S. maritime defense policy and is essential to preserving national security interests at home and abroad. The Jones Act requires the use of American owned and operated vessels to move all waterborne cargo between points in the U.S.” Larsen added, “I have long maintained that the Jones Act ensures domestic industries can remain vibrant contributors to the global shipping industry. At its core, the Jones Act is a critical labor standard that helps put U.S. seafarers to work and maintains important workplace rights…. In 2012, I called on the then-administration to protect American jobs by adhering to the Jones Act in response to rising gas prices and the proposed release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Last year I spoke up to support the Jones Act fleet in its heroic re- U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen sponse to the natural disaster that hit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.” He concluded, “As a senior member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I am committed to working with my colleagues to uphold the longstanding tenets of the Jones Act to safeguard the important role maritime industries play in our economy. The Jones Act exists for good reason. We should use it to good effect.” A video of Larsen delivering the remarks is available on his website and also is linked in an April 19 post in the News section of www.seafarers.org. Seafarers LOG 3 �Tom Orzechowski PHC Acting VP The advisory board meeting convenes in Piney Point, Maryland. Advisory Board Examines Training Needs, Updates Attendees on Piney Point Progress George Tricker SIU VP Contracts The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) is constantly pushing to stay ahead of the ever-changing needs of the industry – and that’s an endeavor that works best with input from different stakeholders. With that in mind, the PHC on April 25 hosted a meeting of its advisory board, which features representatives from the school, the SIU and Seafarers-contracted companies. The information-packed gathering took place at the Piney Point, Maryland-based campus, with approximately 40 people in attendance. Topics covered by the board included engine department curriculums; storekeeper training; the revamp of the school’s steward Bart Rogers PHC VP/Manpower Director John Hetmanksi PHC Executive Chef Priscilla Labanowski PHC Director of Training Dr. Eric Schaub SIU Plans Medical Director 4 Seafarers LOG department classes; the global opioid epidemic and what’s being done to combat it; and apprentice training that focuses on social responsibilities, communication and more. The meeting blended formal presentations with substantial question-and-answer sessions. Attendees included officials and staff from the school, the union and the Seafarers Plans; executives from a half-dozen SIU-contracted companies; an inspector from the International Transport Workers’ Federation; and employees from Comprehensive Health Services. The formal presentations were given by (in order) Bill Dodd, a PHC engine department instructor; PHC Director of Training Priscilla Labanowski; PHC Vice President/Manpower Director Bart Rogers; PHC Executive Chef John Hetmanski; SIU Plans Medical Director Dr. Eric Schaub; and Dr. John Gallagher, director of the Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center. Also addressing the meeting were PHC Acting Vice President Tom Orzechowski, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. Dodd comprehensively explained current and projected engine department courses, including a program that’s being developed to facilitate progress from apprentice to third assistant engineer. He said all of the classes are very true to what mariners will experience aboard ship. Dodd also said the school’s hands-on training is a valuable hit with students. “It’s not just show and tell” in the courses, he said. Orzechowski, Rogers and Labanowski then talked about the school’s new class for storekeepers (see related story on page 7). “It’s pretty intense,” Labanowski said. Rogers stated, “All in all, it’s a huge success.” Instructors and students in the first offering sometimes teamed up for 12 hours a day in order to properly review the curriculum. Next, Hetmanski and Labanowski reviewed Culinary 2.0, the school’s revamped coursework for steward department members. The updated classes are being offered to upgraders and to apprentices. “It has been going very well,” Hetmanski said. “The interest is there” from students. Extensively covered in past editions of the Seafarers LOG, Culinary 2.0 refers to the overall steward department curriculums and also to a pair of specific courses: Orientation/ Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 and Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0. Labanowski said the course critiques submitted by students have been “extremely wonderful.” Schaub briefly reviewed the U.S. Coast Guard’s history of drug testing, which started in the 1990s. He also described both how the opioid crisis developed and a relatively new concern about possible impairment on the job from legal drugs. Schaub talked about ways in which the medical department, the Seafarers Plans and the union are working together to help ensure personal and shipboard safety while also facilitating members’ ongoing eligibility to ship. Finally, Gallagher gave an energetic overview of various topics that are mandatory parts of training for the school’s apprentices. They include social responsibility, communication, problem solving and conflict resolution, diversity, health awareness and much more. Near the end of the meeting, a shipping company executive who first visited the school in the 1970s stated, “Everyone here should be complimented, from the top down, on everything from the quality of the training to the quality of the food to the quality of the facilities. It’s remarkable and you should all be proud of it. It’s very impressive.” Dr. John Gallagher ARC Director PHC Instructor Bill Dodd reviews the school’s engine department courses. June 2018 �Seafarers Help Deliver Jones Act Message Capitol Hill Outreach Thanks Legislators for Backing Cabotage Law Metal Trades Department President James Hart (at microphone) helps kick off the event. Rank-and-file Seafarers met with legislators and staff April 17 in the nation’s capital as part of a day-long outreach to express thanks for support of America’s freight cabotage law, the Jones Act. SIU Port Agent John Hoskins, Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, and Senior Political Consultant Terry Turner joined SIU members Cesar Dela Cruz, Robinson Eromosele, Michael Ingram, Breon Lucas, Stephen Martin and Tyrell Thabit for the event, which was coordinated by the Maritime Trades Seafarer Tyrell Thabit (right), an Alabama resident, meets U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Alabama). Department and the Metal Trades Department (each a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO). Members of other unions also participated. Led by Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan and Executive Board Member Brett McCoy (from the United Association), nearly 75 people worked with Metal Trades Department President James Hart and Dredging Contractors of America Executive Director and CEO William Doyle for a rally outside the steps of the Capitol before heading to legislators’ offices. Duncan, Hart and Doyle spoke about the importance of the Jones Act for the nation’s economic and domestic security. They pointed out that the Jones Act directly and indirectly provides “approximately 500,000 decent, family-sustaining American jobs resulting in nearly $100 billion annually for the economy.” In addition, American mariners working on Jones Act vessels offer security on the nation’s inland waterways and harbors. Representatives from the Maritime Trades Department-affiliated Electrical Workers; Machinists; Seafarers; Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers; Transportation-Communications Union; and United Association donned red, white and blue “Jones Act All American” lapel stickers to show their appreciation. Each legislator or their aide received a booklet containing Jones Act facts and figures, including the six-month data revealing 114,000 containers have been delivered by American-crewed Jones Act vessels Pictured from left are SIU Senior Political Consultant Terry Turner, Seafarer Robinson Eromosele, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington), Seafarer Cesar Dela Cruz, Seafarer Michael Ingram and Maritime Trades Dept. Exec. Board member Brett McCoy. June 2018 since Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico. Union members met with U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Doug Jones (D-Alabama), Chuck Schumer (D-New York) and Richard Shelby (RAlabama) as well as U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (DWashington) and Linda Sanchez (D-California). They also discussed the Jones Act with aides from other Senate and House offices representing both political parties, reflecting the continued strong bipartisan support of the measure, which has helped protect U.S. national, economic and homeland security for nearly a century. Three SIU members are pictured with U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Alabama). From left: Stephen Martin, Shelby, Breon Lucas and Tyrell Thabit. SIU personnel helped promote the Jones Act in Washington, D.C. Pictured from left are Tyrell Thabit, Michael Ingram, Robinson Eromosele, Stephen Martin, Cesar Dela Cruz, Port Agent John Hoskins and Breon Lucas. Seafarers LOG 5 �Recertified Steward Breon Lucas (left) is congratulated by SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel just prior to taking the podium to deliver his speech. SIU VP Contracts George Tricker is in the background. Recertified Stewards Michael Ingram (left) and Tyrell Thabit share a lighthearted moment while listening to the speech of one of their classmates. Six Ascend Ladder to Recertified Steward Status Continued from Page 24 made me a better person.” His advice to the trainees was simple. “My recommendation to those coming up: Have a dream, and work to achieve it,” he said. Michael Ingram Sailing out of the Port of Joliet, Illinois, Ingram joined the union in 2006. He began his speech with a quote from poet Maya Angelou: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” He then spoke on the impact that the union has had on his life, saying, “The union has allowed me to provide for my family, purchase my own home and has allowed me to travel to many different countries.” After mentioning the knowledge he gained about the political process from visiting Capitol Hill, he took the opportunity to thank the school’s instructors who helped him get where he is today. “I’d like to thank John Hetmanski, John Dobson, Paulie (Gelrud), Chef R.J. (Robert Johnson) and Jessie (Sunga), along with many others that have come and gone. I’d also like to thank Steward Danny Jackson, as well as the rest of my fellow Recertified Stewards.” He offered some personal advice to the apprentices, saying, “Study hard while you are here. Believe it or not, I was days away from being homeless, and look at me now!” Breon Lucas Lucas, who sails from Jacksonville, Florida, spoke about his 23-year career. “The union has been good to me. They’ve put a roof over my head and offered me a better way of life in general. Through working for the SIU, I have also been able to travel to various different places,” he said. After praising Instructor John Dobson, he thanked the union leadership for allowing the recertified stewards to attend the recent trip to Congress, saying, “I saw firsthand how you guys have to stand up for us. Thank you for protecting us and our jobs.” 6 Seafarers LOG Stephen Martin Martin joined the union in Wilmington, California in 1999 and now sails from the Port of Jersey City, New Jersey. He said he is proud to graduate from the recertification program. “The staff at this school have been great. It’s been like spending time with family,” he said. Turning his attention to the trainees, Martin continued, “Remember, when you are working in the galley, you are part of a team. Be proactive, and if you have any questions, come see the bosuns or the stewards. Out of all of your lessons, learn to work together, work hard and you’ll be just fine.” He closed by congratulating his fellow graduates and thanking the SIU for helping to provide the life he now leads. Tyrell Thabit Before joining the union in Mobile, Alabama, in 1992, Thabit explained that he served in the U.S. Navy for over 10 years. “In my career, I have sailed on over 50 different ships, and travelled to most of the places a merchant mariner could possibly sail,” said Thabit. “The union has been a very important part of my life, because it has given me opportunities to grow and develop my skills in my chosen profession. “I would like to thank the instructors and staff here at the school for all that they do,” he continued. “You are all very professional people, who work very hard to make sure that we, as trainees and upgraders, get the best education.” He also expressed his gratitude for the firsthand look at what it takes to defend the Jones Act on a daily basis, before saying, “The union leadership needs our help to protect our industry and our way of life. We need to always do our best, upgrade our skills, and donate to SPAD.” He concluded by offering the following advice to the future mariners in the room: “Study hard while you’re here. Learn from your instructors, and work together with your classmates. When you get to the ship, listen to your supervisor, ask questions, and never be afraid to stand up for yourself.” Near the end of their training, each of the recertified stewards was required to individually prepare, plate and serve a complete meal for lunch. Included in the menu were: Salad – shrimp pasta salad with Italian dressing; Entrée – Chicken Cacciatore; Starch – fried sweet potatoes; Vegatable – Steamed Broccoli; and Dessert – homemade apple pie. Proudly displaying their respective creations are Recertified Steward Cesar Cera Dela Cruz (photo above) Recertified Steward Robinson Eromosele (photo below, left) Recertified Steward Stephen Martin (below, center) and Recertified Steward Tyrell Thabit (below right). June 2018 �Paul Hall Center Offers New Storekeeper Course The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently witnessed a milestone achievement: a betatest class of students successfully completed the Military Sealift Command (MSC) Basic Storekeeping course along with Supply Configuration Management. Both were offered for the first time in the history of the Piney Point, Maryland-based facility. According to Paul Hall Center (PHC) officials, in the future, throughout seven consecutive weeks, students will attend two classes: a three-week Basic Storekeeper class, and a directly related, four-week Supply Configuration Management class. Both courses must be completed in order to be eligible to sail as a storekeeper on an MSC vessel. “This course was two years in the making,” said PHC Assistant Vice President and Manpower Director Bart Rogers. “We had many planning meetings between the school and MSC. It was a collaborative effort that created this course, and there were many people involved from both the SIU and MSC that made this a reality.” The course, Rogers said, was created out of a demand for highly qualified, MSC-trained storekeepers to sail on their civilian-crewed vessels. He explained, “At first, there was a little resistance from MSC, but we were able to con- vince them that there was a need on board the vessels for this particular rating and the training that’s associated with it. We were having more and more difficulty finding [storekeepers] in the military, so the best solution was to teach and train our own.” As with every course designed for mariners to sail on MSC-contracted vessels, the curriculum was taken directly from MSC training materials. For the first iteration of the class, MSC provided an instructor. A second instructor from the Paul Hall Center assisted and gained knowledge on how to properly teach the class in the future. The first class served as a trial run of sorts, but the mariners who completed the course were highly qualified, according to Paul Hall Center Acting Vice President Thomas Orzechowski: “This was an excellent class. Moving forward, we’re going to sit down with the instructors, we’re going to sit down with our development team, and we’re going to have to put together a list of prerequisites or a test to ensure that the members coming in have the skills they need to pass the course.” “The class itself was pretty intense,” said Paul Hall Center Director of Training Priscilla Labanowski. “It was kind of interesting to see the students huddled in the classroom together, and they always came out of the classroom with tons of books.... If you talk to anyone who has taken the class, they will tell you it is definitely one of the hardest courses they’ve ever taken at Piney Point.” Rogers offered some insight into the stateof-the-art class: “This course requires some computer skills, specifically in Microsoft Word and Excel. If you do not have the required computer skills, the course would be very difficult. It is also very helpful to have a background in engineering, but it is not required.” Beyond some slight technical issues, stu- dents praised the structured pace of the class, stating in anonymous reviews that “with the slow, slow learning curve, it was still somewhat overwhelming because of the amount of information and the rate at which we had to learn ... but the intense dedication, loyalty and hard work (of the instructors) to be sure we all succeeded – and still knew the material – brings tears to a man’s eyes. I thank them both very much!” The next classes are expected to take place in July 2018. EARN YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE THROUGH THE PAUL HALL CENTER ! The Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS) 5HVLGHQW�FRXUVHV�DW�3LQH\�3RLQW�EHJLQ� has partnered with the College of Southern -XO\��������� Maryland (CSM) to offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Maritime Operations Technology with a concentration x Associate of Applied Science Degree in either x Nautical Science (Deck department) x UA courses apply toward the degree -orx Marine Engineering (Engine dept.) x Fully accredited Students must complete a combination of academic general education courses and technical education courses in order to earn x Some courses held at SHLSS the degree. Courses completed during the Unlicensed Apprentice program apply toward the x Online classes degree. Students can complete English, Math and x Scholarships available Physics courses at SHLSS. The remaining general education courses can be completed online. The following classes will convene at SHLSS: July 9, 2018 through July 27, 2018 English 1011 – Composition and Rhetoric Math 1011 – Math for Technologies Enrollment Information 7 Credit Hours Please contact Seafarers Harry Lundeberg Includes: tuition, textbooks, room and School Academic Coordinator Dale Rausch board plus one hour of tutoring following (301) 994-0010 Ext. 5411 -or- Mariners study intently during MSC Storekeeper class. From left to right: Joseph Evans, Joseph Garnett, William Mulcahy, Miles Partridge and Zarko Vrbljanac. each daily class session drausch@seafarers.org 6/18 Spotlight on Mariner Health Presenting the Real Scoop On Vaping and E-Cigarettes E-cigarettes and other vaporizers use a battery to heat a liquid – commonly referred to as “vape juice” – and produce a vapor for inhaling. The juice often contains varying levels of nicotine and is popular among teenagers and adults as an alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. Most vape juice contains a mixture of glycerin, propylene glycol and water, along with various flavorings and specific amounts of nicotine. While some vape juice does not contain nicotine, most does, and as such can be as addictive as tobacco cigarettes. In recent years, the number of teenagers that have taken to vaping has soared. An annual survey by the Minnesota Department of Health recently revealed that one in five high school students use e-cigarettes. (The survey also showed youth tobacco use is rising for the first time in 17 years; it concluded that using e-cigarettes or vaping is a gateway to smoking.) The availability of vape juice and e-cigarettes has grown dramatically as well, with an increased focus on fruit-flavored juices and smaller, more discrete designs in vaporizers. This burgeoning market has also seen an increase in vape juice and vaporizers with poor quality control, so buyer beware when purchasing from less-reputable sources. For example, according to Dr. J. Taylor Hays, June 2018 director of the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center, “There are probably 600 different kinds (of e-cigarettes) you can purchase on the internet. There are 7,000 to 8,000 different solutions you can purchase. Vaping as Smoking-Cessation Tool Some turn to vaping as a way to gradually quit smoking. With vape juices prominently displaying the nicotine content on the bottles, smokers are able to gradually wean themselves off of nicotine, as opposed to cutting themselves off “cold turkey.” While the full effects of vaping are currently unknown, it does not contain the harmful carcinogens that are found in traditional cigarettes. The possible side effects of vaping are very similar to cigarettes: coughing, lung irritation, dizziness and more. In addition, most vaporizers use lithium-ion batteries, which have the potential to ignite or explode if improperly charged, stored or overused. The bottom line is that, despite the lack of tobacco and carcinogens, vaping any level of nicotine can be highly addictive, and can damage your lungs and pulmonary system. “It’s safer, but it’s not safe,” Hays stated. “What we don’t know are what long-term effects will these lower-level toxicants have.” Healthful Recipe Grilled Chicken Breast Servings: 15 Ingredients 15 6 oz chicken breasts without skin, butterflied 1 tablespoon Mrs Dash seasoning 2 teaspoons paprika, ground 1 tablespoon oregano, dry, ground 3 tablespoons olive oil Preparation ❑✃ Season chicken with the Mrs Dash, paprika, oregano, and olive oil. ❑✃ Brown the chicken breasts in a frying pan over med-high heat. Cook both sides 2-3 min, cook to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Chicken can be finished in a 350 degree F oven to reach desired internal temperature. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 175 Calories; 4g Fat (23.9% calories from fat); 31g Protein; trace Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 79mg Cholesterol; 89mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 4 ½ Lean Meat; ½ Fat. Provided by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship Seafarers LOG 7 �ABOARD MAERSK HARTFORD – Labor and management get together for a photo aboard the Maersk Lines, Limited (MLL) vessel. That’s MLL President and CEO Bill Woodhour second from right, along with SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, second from left, plus Seafarers and the vessel master. WELCOMING NEW CONTRACT – Seafarers at New York New Jersey Rail recently ratified a new four-year contract featuring annual wage increases. Pictured from left are SIU Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos, Brakeman Rich Vaughan and Conductor James Lada Sr., who serves as shop steward. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU TALKING JONES ACT IN PUERTO RICO – SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (right) meets with The Hon. Michael A. Quinones, a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, in San Juan on April 24. They discussed the numerous, vital economic and social benefits of the Jones Act on Puerto Rico, including the job opportunities it offers to residents of the territory. B-BOOK IN OAKLAND – Congratulations to Chief Cook Ronald Williams (right) on receiving his full B-seniority book. He is pictured with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone during the April membership meeting in Oakland, California. COMMITTED TO THE INDUSTRY – The Seafaring life agrees with FOWT Francisco Valle, who recently got a tattoo reflecting his enthusiasm for the industry. In photo above, he’s pictured at right with Port Agent Nick Marrone II . The photo below is a closeup of Valle’s new ink. ACTIVE IN LABOR MOVEMENT – Congratulations to SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (left) on his election to the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO executive board. He’s pictured with Rick Blocker, president of the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. ABOARD USNS BELLATRIX – Pictured from left aboard the TOTE Services-operated vessel during a recent breakout exercise are Chief Steward Samuel Sinclair, SA Melaethon Silas, SA Isreal Caldwell and Chief Cook Paulette Hilliard. NOT A ROUTINE STOP ASHORE – SA Italy Byers is pictured at the tiger park in Thailand. She visited the site during a recent voyage aboard the USNS Pililaau. No matter how calm she looks in the photos, Italy told the Seafarers LOG, “I was terrified, but I just figured, I’m traveling, it’s my first time in Thailand, and I might as well do everything.” Visit our Facebook page for additional photos from the park. 8 Seafarers LOG FULL BOOK FOR QMED – Congrats to QMED Daniel Grant (left) on getting his full book. Daniel is a shop steward at Harley Marine NY. He’s pictured with Patrolman Ray Henderson ABOARD ATB VISION – Pictured from left to right aboard the Crowley vessel are Chief Engineer John McCranie, Chief Mate David Nimmer, Tankerman Sidnei Barboza, Capt. Charlie Carlson and Port Agent Nick Marrone II. June 2018 �)UHH�&ROOHJH�%HQHȴ�W 7KH�8QLRQ�3OXV�)UHH�&ROOHJH�%HQHȴ�W�R΍�HUV�DQ�DFFHVVLEOH�� GHEW�IUHH�DQG�FRQYHQLHQW�KLJKHU�HGXFDWLRQ�RSSRUWXQLW\�� 0HPEHUV�DQG�WKHLU�VSRXVHV��FKLOGUHQ��ȴ�QDQFLDO�GHSHQGHQWV� DQG�JUDQGFKLOGUHQ�FDQ�HDUQ�DQ�$VVRFLDWH�'HJUHH�ȃ� FRPSOHWHO\�RQOLQH��IRU�)5((� 1 APPLY 3 68%0Ζ7 2 &203/(7( 4 ENROLL TO EASTERN GATEWAY THE FREE FAFSA <285�75$16&5Ζ376 Ζ1�&/$66(6 �������������� XQLRQSOXVIUHHFROOHJH�RUJ 6/18 7KH�+LJKHU�(GXFDWLRQ�%HQHȴ�W�FRYHUV�WKH�FRVW�RI�WXLWLRQ�IHHV�DQG�ERRNV�DIWHU�DQ\�3(//�RU�RWKHU�IHGHUDO�JUDQW�RU�HPSOR\HU�UHLPEXUVH� PHQW�LV�DSSOLHG��7KH�UHPDLQLQJ�DPRXQW�ZOO�EH�FOHDUHG�ZLWK�WKH�)UHH�&ROOHJH�VFKRODUVKLS��$V�ORQJ�DV�\RXU�ȴ�QDQFLDO�DLG�ȴ�OH�LV�FRP� SOHWH��WKHUH�LV�QR�FRVW�WR�WKH�VWXGHQW�DQG�VWXGHQWV�DUH�QHYHU�DVNHG�WR�WDNH�RXW�DQ\�ORDQV� June 2018 Seafarers LOG 9 �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www.seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at (800) 252-4674. Annual Funding Notice – Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2017 and ending December 31, 2017 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2017 2016 January 1, 2017 January 1, 2016 133.6% 136.9% $1,467,872,431 $1,424,697,469 $1,098,922,827 $1,041,022,333 2015 January 1, 2015 138.3% $1,441,263,299 $1,042,173,488 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2017 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Fair Market Value of Assets $1,600,000,000 $1,467,872,431 $1,424,697,469 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2018, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,487. Of this number, 6,865 were current employees, 7,360 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,262 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment 10 Seafarers LOG may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other Percentage 0 12 9 0 0 33 5 1 0 0 31 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at (301) 899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the U.S. Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2018 �Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246, for the year ended July 31, 2017. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $839,931 as of July 31, 2017, compared to $486,181 as of August 1, 2016. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $353,750. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $13,625,376, including employer contributions of $13,607,753, earnings from investments of $16,103 and other income of $1,520. Plan expenses were $13,271,626. These expenses included $355,285 in administrative expenses and $12,916,341 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, telephone number (415) 7644990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.25 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964, for the year ended June 30, 2017. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(80,274) as of June 30, 2017, compared to $(73,411) as of July 1, 2016. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $6,863. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $702,791, including employer contributions of $701,113, earnings from investments of $103, and other income of $1,575. Plan expenses were $709,654. These expenses included $220,422 in administrative expenses, and $489,232 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.25 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice – MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2017 and ending December 31, 2017 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. 2017 2016 2015 Valuation Date January 1, 2017 January 1, 2016 January 1, 2015 Funded Percentage 164.79% 164.72% 163.51% Value of Assets $6,678,855 $6,692,948 $6,748,469 Value of Liabilities $4,053,069 $4,063,143 $4,127,355 Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2017 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Fair Market Value of Assets $6,843,579 $6,685,248 $6,758,034 Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 779. Of this number, 299 were current employees, 343 were retired and receiving benefits, and 137 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6 percent. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30 percent of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other June 2018 Percentage 0.7 3.2 10.9 0 0 24.2 0 0 0 0 8.6 0 0 0 5.9 46.3 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities – contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2018, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the U.S. Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210, or by calling (202) 6938673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, (301) 899-0675 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. Seafarers LOG 11 �Personnel aboard the Miss Evelyn enjoy the day. It’s a tournament tradition: Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (who’s also the dock master) wishes good luck to all the anglers. Nineteen boats were utilized for this year’s tournament. ‘We’re Treated as Family’ Seafarers Waterfront Classic Again Honors Veterans Mutual respect, camaraderie and laughter were displayed abundantly throughout the latest iteration of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic. The sixth annual event took place April 24 at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland. As usual, it brought together members of the American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS), rank-and-file Seafarers, SIU and PHC officials and staff, contracted operators, vendors and other guests. Altogether, nearly 150 individuals participated in the yearly affair, which generates funds primarily for the AMMILVETS (formerly named the Wounded Warrior Anglers). Fellowship on the 19 boats and at the dinner afterwards completely overshadowed a scarcity of fish for the second straight year. Some of the anglers reeled in catches, but there were no keepers of qualifying size. “Not catching fish was just a blip,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, founder and chairman of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic. “We’re grateful that we have an event that brings together so many friends in a comfortable setting to honor those who have served. The main point is really to salute our heroes and enjoy the seafood feast together. The AMMILVETS guests are the stars of the show.” AMMILVETS President David Souders emphasized how much he and the others from his group appreciated the warm welcome and the friendly treatment throughout their stay at the southern Maryland campus. “It was a great time – it’s always a great time,” he stated. “Each year, we bring different guys up, so it’s not always the same people. Most of the individuals attending this year are Vietnam veterans dealing with PTSD. They initially were a little leery of getting on boats with people they don’t know, but we got there a day early, and they got to know people and were treated as family. “It put a lot of them at ease,” Souders continued. “The key thing is the guys truly got the feeling we’re treated as family, and we feel the same about you.” SIU Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins helped plan and conduct the event. Based at the SIU hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he frequently interacted with AMMILVETS personnel leading up to the classic. (The AMMILVETS is headquartered in Cape Coral, Florida.) “I think it was another great event,” Hopkins said. “Any time that we can help out our veterans and contribute to their wellbeing it is worthwhile, and what better way than the Seafarers Waterfront Classic? As in past years, a great job was done by all in organizing the event and making it all happen. From Mike (SIU President Michael Sacco) and George to the school staff and the boat crews, everyone was great. Our industry came together to make this happen for a worthwhile cause. Kudos to the anglers, the leadership, everybody that’s involved – the school, the captains and the mates on the boats. In the end, what it does for the anglers and veterans is a great thing.” The dinner included an awards ceremony plus an auction featuring paintings and other artwork, along with hand-built fishing rods. The latter items are part of an AMMILVETS therapy course named the Warriors’ Handcrafted Rod Building Program. “Our focus is always on the veterans,” Tricker concluded. “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to host them, and I look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come. I also extend a special thanks to (PHC Acting Vice President) Tom Orzechowski and the entire staff for working so hard and making it look easy. Their efforts definitely are not taken for granted.” This one didn’t get away, but Chris Mack threw it back since it was under the qualifying size. The crew of the Bay Quest gathers on the stern. Union Official Captures True Spirit Of Yearly Waterfront Outing for Vets For more photos from the Waterfront Classic, see Page 14. Fleet Capt. Butch Cornelius (right) chats with the event chairman, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. 12 Seafarers LOG SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins helped organize the event. Those aboard the North Star show off this year’s banner. When SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez won an auction for a painting as part of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic, it seemed like a routine part of the evening. But the union official had additional steps in mind. Tellez later that week donated the artwork to the American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS), and shipped it with a heartfelt letter that reflects the tenor of the annual gathering. Here’s the full text of the note sent to AMMILVETS President David Souders: “It was a privilege and honor to once again participate in the AMMILVETS annual fishing tournament. It is obvious that the commitment and dedication exhibited by all involved to the care and wellbeing of our veterans is the key to mission success. I am proud to play a small part in the endeavor. “Enclosed is the painting I won at the auction at Tuesday night’s festivities. I would like to donate it to the Foundation. May it hang on your walls as a token of the everlasting bond forged by the simple idea of getting folks together to go fishing each year. Besides the monies raised, the obvious good will towards our veterans is profound. Of significance in the painting is that the ship’s telegraph indication is set on “Finished with Engines”. Let it serve as a gentle reminder that our mission will never be finished with engines until every veteran in this country receives the care and attention they so rightfully deserve. Those aboard the Kit 2 group up for a post-sailing photo. June 2018 June 2018 “Stay true to the course, hope to see you next year and as always I remain.” Respectfully yours, Augustin Tellez Executive Vice President SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez donated this painting to the AMMILVETS. Seafarers LOG 13 �More Photos From Annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic SIU Pensioner Nicholas Grassia (left) listens as SIU VP Contracts George Tricker addresses the dinner guests. Seafarers Waterfront Classic participants and guests pack the main dining room. Among those pictured at the table in front are SIU President Michael Sacco (lower right) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (center, wearing SIU jacket). Trophies and plaques are always part of the dinner event at the Seafarers Waterfront Classic. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) is surprised by the sight of a new painting featuring him by Charles Greenholdt (center). AMMILVETS President David Souders is at right. Veteran David Tucker, a Bronze Star recipient, is pictured with PHC Trustee Tony Naccarato. 14 Seafarers LOG It’s not that retired Recertified Steward Carl Poggioli (right) can’t bear to look. He’s just being fair during a drawing. SIU VP Contracts George Tricker is at left. USAF Technical Sergeant Joseph Charles Steele (left) constructed the fishing rod in the foreground, as part of a therapeutic program run by the AMMILVETS. With him are PHC Acting VP Tom Orzechowski (center) and PHC Trustee Tony Naccarato. June 2018 �Options for Paying Coast Guard User Fees Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April 14, 2018 - May 13, 2018 Editor’s note: The following news item was posted May 8 on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Commons blog. For the convenience of our readers, this post provides updated information for mariners who need to submit payments for services and documents associated with merchant mariner credentialing, inspections, and vessel documentation. Online payments for Coast Guard user fees The Coast Guard encourages online payments by credit card or from a checking account. Forms for payments of fees for merchant mariner and vessel documentation services, as well as, forms for vessel inspection user fee payments are available at www.pay.gov. Once on the site, find Coast Guard forms for online payments by entering ‘USCG’ in the search field at the top of the page. The results will list Coast Guard forms for available online payments. New addresses for paying Coast Guard vessel inspection user fees by check The addresses for submitting payments by check to the Coast Guard, including for vessel inspection user fees, have changed. Payments sent to the old addresses will not be forwarded to the Coast Guard. Payments received after the due date will result in late fees and penalties. To ensure the Coast Guard receives payments sent by check through the U.S. Postal Service, use the following address: US Coast Guard Vessel Inspection P.O. Box 979118 St. Louis, MO 63197-9000 If using a delivery service that requires a street address, use the following address: U. S. Bank Government Lockbox Lockbox Number 979118 (COI) 1005 Convention Plaza ATTN: Gov’t Lockbox, SL-MOC1 GL St. Louis, MO 63101 Don’t forget to include the invoice number or the vessel name and identification number on the check. Additional information is available on the Coast Guard Finance Center’s website (https:// www.fincen.uscg.mil/VIF.htm). June & July 2018 Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................................Monday: June 4, July 2 Total Registered Port A All Groups B Total Shipped Registered on Beach C All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C 0 0 2 4 0 6 0 6 6 1 0 2 8 0 0 0 1 3 0 2 41 4 2 1 9 0 7 1 18 19 20 0 6 12 2 0 0 3 18 0 9 131 17 5 4 25 3 20 19 98 63 68 1 15 42 40 4 2 9 64 4 45 548 7 2 5 18 1 3 10 18 30 17 6 6 32 11 7 2 8 15 2 16 216 3 1 1 10 0 12 2 27 22 10 1 10 12 9 2 1 1 11 0 16 151 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 2 3 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 17 0 0 1 7 0 0 3 7 11 7 1 1 4 0 0 0 1 4 1 9 57 4 1 3 14 1 3 10 21 37 23 2 10 24 19 7 4 11 24 4 25 247 6 0 3 8 2 4 6 9 23 7 0 6 16 7 1 4 5 8 0 23 138 0 0 1 4 1 0 1 9 3 2 0 2 9 3 0 0 3 4 0 9 51 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 14 3 6 15 1 7 7 43 42 41 1 8 22 30 2 3 3 36 2 31 317 8 1 1 13 2 1 5 10 19 13 6 5 14 5 1 0 4 7 2 9 126 1 0 2 8 0 8 1 17 10 6 1 6 5 6 1 1 2 6 0 4 85 Deck Department 7 7 3 1 8 2 12 5 0 1 8 0 3 5 34 9 32 11 27 8 2 4 9 3 14 7 7 4 2 2 2 1 3 2 19 6 1 1 19 6 212 85 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 4 8 0 1 10 12 24 15 2 5 17 11 9 4 3 14 1 13 158 5 0 5 6 2 1 5 4 12 8 0 6 12 5 2 6 1 5 1 11 97 0 0 2 3 0 0 2 6 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 4 24 Engine Department 0 0 0 0 1 3 10 2 0 0 1 0 4 2 14 1 14 10 11 9 3 0 2 3 8 11 4 2 3 1 2 3 2 0 12 1 2 1 6 7 99 56 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 6 0 3 9 0 4 7 21 16 10 2 3 14 12 3 3 2 14 0 17 146 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 6 11 4 0 1 10 2 0 3 5 4 0 10 61 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 11 Steward Department 1 0 0 0 1 0 10 5 1 1 3 0 6 1 23 3 12 5 6 3 0 1 3 2 14 7 9 4 1 0 0 2 1 0 8 1 1 1 14 3 114 39 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 9 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 11 8 4 0 3 11 5 0 1 0 5 0 10 64 6 0 3 18 1 11 22 30 34 17 4 5 19 26 4 9 2 23 3 29 266 1 0 1 3 0 1 1 7 11 3 0 3 14 7 0 3 9 3 0 18 85 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 2 2 17 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 5 2 1 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 6 0 2 25 6 4 3 2 0 2 4 10 16 14 0 1 17 10 0 0 0 12 0 15 116 8 2 5 7 0 4 2 14 35 15 0 2 29 10 1 3 1 8 0 24 170 Entry Department 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 6 0 9 2 5 0 0 0 0 1 10 1 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 3 0 0 2 9 14 60 4 2 3 1 1 2 3 8 10 3 0 0 17 6 0 1 0 5 0 10 76 2 0 0 3 0 2 0 5 1 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 3 25 2 1 0 1 0 1 2 6 4 2 0 2 4 3 0 1 0 9 0 8 46 12 4 2 7 1 2 11 15 27 28 0 1 29 20 0 1 1 20 0 25 206 14 3 2 11 0 5 5 30 82 30 1 3 59 24 1 5 2 26 1 56 360 GRAND TOTAL: 646 400 290 143 277 1,107 645 579 Algonac....................................................Friday: June 8, July 6 Baltimore..............................................Thursday: June 7, July 5 Guam................................................Thursday: June 21, July 19 Honolulu...............................................Friday: June 15, July 13 Houston..................................................Monday: June 11, July 9 Jacksonville..........................................Thursday: June 7, July 5 Joliet..................................................Thursday: June 14, July 12 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: June 13, July 11 New Orleans.........................................Tuesday: June 12, July10 Jersey City.............................................Tuesday: June 5, July 3 Norfolk.................................................Thursday: June 7, July 5 Oakland............................................Thursday: June 14, July 12 Philadelphia....................Wednesday: June 6, *Thursday: July 5 Port Everglades................................Thursday: June 14, July 12 San Juan..............................................Thursday: June 7, July 5 St. Louis.................................................Friday: June 15, July 13 Tacoma..................................................Friday: June 22, July 20 Wilmington............................................ Monday: June 18, July 16 * Philadelphia change due to Independence Day holiday Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute to the Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD Works For You! June 2018 439 240 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by members in Tacoma, Washington. Question: What are some of the reasons you’ve made sailing your career, and why have you stuck with it? Justin Bowe AB I would say the flexibility of schedule is the number one reason I’ve stuck with it, but also the security of having a pension and health care that comes with being in the union. I usually work (as a) dayman, so it’s a new job every day, and I enjoy working a job that lets me stay physically active. Nasser Hafid Bosun/AB I started out sailing with my father, and when I was old enough I entered the “family business” and went to (the SIU-affiliated school in) Piney Point. It doesn’t hurt that the money is pretty great, and the flexible scheduling is hard to beat! Daniel Lovely Bosun/AB I’ve always been on the ocean, but I’ve stayed sailing – and stayed union – because of the job security. I’ve always been on the sea, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve been able to buy a house because of this job, and the economic freedom offered by sailing has opened new doors for me. Mark Billiot Recertified Bosun Just because I’ve enjoyed it so much, and I wanted to see the world, which this job has afforded me the opportunity to do. I’ve stuck with it because I really enjoyed being at sea and serving on the deck, and I figure why leave a job that you enjoy? I’m very happy with what I do for a living. Gerret Jarman Bosun/AB I would have to say the flexibility of the schedule. It’s a well-paying job, especially for a non-college graduate. I love the travel, seeing new places and getting new experiences. I’m a Piney Point graduate, and I’m very happy I made this my career. Jonas Robinson AB I started my career in the Navy, and I realized that I loved working on the sea, but I didn’t want to do it in the military. While I was still in the Navy, I met an SIU AB who told me all about the union and being a merchant marine, and I knew that was for me. I tell my kids, make sure to find a job you love, and I’m not sure what I’d do if I couldn’t sail anymore. If it ever came to that, I’d like to become an SIU patrolman or port agent. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Stop 16 1/2 Santurce, PR 00907-4601 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 This photo first ran in a 1958 edition of the LOG. It was taken at one of the Andrew Furuseth Training Schools – a collection of facilities that were forerunners to the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Cliff Taggart, mentioned in the original caption, was a charter member of the SIU. Here’s the full description from No. 14, Volume 20: “Congratulations are in order as Seafarer Cliff Taggart (left), instructor at the SIU Stewards Training School in Mobile, gives farewell handshake to graduates of monthlong course. The culinary cum laudes (l to r) are Dimitrio Franco, Robert Christian, John Young, Eddie Jackson, Cleo Jones and Milton Thibodeaux. Course includes shipboard culinary procedures and safety rules designed to maintain high standard of SIU feeding.” If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG June 2018 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA Maersk Pittsburgh and lives in Moreno Valley, California. MUSA AHMED Brother Musa Ahmed, 66, joined the union in 1989, initially sailing on the Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Ahmed last sailed on the Equality State and makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. ERIBERTO BULALACAO Brother Eriberto Bulalacao, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1999, first sailing aboard the USNS Assertive. A steward department member, he last sailed on the USNS Mary Sears. Brother Bulalacao makes his home in Summerville, South Carolina. DENIS BURKE Brother Denis Burke, 58, donned the SIU colors in 1982, initially sailing aboard the Independence. A member of the steward department, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Burke last sailed on the APL Philippines and lives in Seabrook, Texas. RONALD DREW Brother Ronald Drew, 69, became a member of the SIU in 1991, initially sailing on the Anchorage. He upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center and was a steward department member. Brother Drew most recently sailed aboard the Garden State and resides in Punta Gorda, Florida. LOUIS NICOUD Brother Louis Nicoud, 61, signed on with the SIU in 1980, when he sailed aboard the Oceanic Independence. The steward department member upgraded on several occasions at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Brother Nicoud most recently sailed aboard the Manoa and calls Stateline, Nevada, home. JETHRO POWERS Brother Jethro Powers, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2004, when he sailed on the Atlantic Forest. He was an engine department member and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Powers most recently sailed aboard the Overseas Texas City and resides in Pensacola, Florida. FAISAL ZAIN Brother Ely Tayag, 71, signed on with the SIU in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Cape Henry. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Tayag last sailed on the Garden State. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Faisal Zain, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1991, initially shipping on the Overseas Vivian. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 2003. Brother Zain last sailed on the Horizon Hawk. He calls Dearborn, Michigan, home. JOHN TAYLOR Brother Guillermo Quinones, 65, joined the SIU in 1969. He first shipped on the Steel Apprentice and was a member of the deck department. Brother Quinones upgraded at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point in 1977. He last sailed on the Value and calls Mercedita, Puerto Rico, home. Brother John Taylor, 65, joined the union in 1990, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1997. Brother Taylor last sailed aboard the Maersk Texas and resides in Modesto, California. PATRICK RAY RICHARD TROVILLO Brother Patrick Ray, 58, joined the SIU in 1979 and first sailed aboard the Pacer. A member of the deck department, he upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Ray last sailed on the Perla Del Caribe. He lives in St. Augustine, Florida. Brother Richard Trovillo, 69, signed on with the union in 2003. The deck department member’s first ship was the USNS Impeccable. Brother Trovillo upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. He last sailed on the USNS John Glenn and settled in Olympia, Washington. GUILLERMO QUINONES JOSE SIALANA Brother Jose Sialana, 65, signed on with the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Sialana last sailed on the Freedom. He resides in Tacoma, Washington. JOHN STEWART Brother John Stewart, 66, became a union member in 2001. His first ship was the Grand Canyon State; his last, the Green Bay. An engine department member, Brother Stewart upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2004 and settled in San Francisco. ROBERT PESULIMA DULIP SOOKHIRAM Brother Robert Pesulima, 70, signed on with the SIU in 1997, initially working aboard the Sam Houston. The deck department member took advantage of opportunities at the Piney Point school and upgraded on several occasions. Brother Pesulima most recently sailed aboard the Brother Dulip Sookhiram, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1999 when he sailed on the Shughart. He was a steward department member and upgraded on several occasions. Brother Sookhiram last sailed aboard the Maersk Idaho and calls Woodside, New York, home. June 2018 ELY TAYAG NATIVIDAD ZAPATA Brother Natividad Zapata, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1992. He first worked aboard the Independence and was a member of the steward department. He upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school and last sailed aboard the Maersk Detroit. Brother Zapata resides in Atlanta. INLAND RONALD CHAVERS Brother Ronald Chavers, 62, signed on with the union in 1979. He first worked for Dixie Carriers and was a member of the deck department. Brother Chaves upgraded his skills on several occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point. He most recently sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation, and resides in Abingdon, Maryland. STEVIE ELLIOTT RAPHAEL VARGAS Brother Raphael Vargas, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1977, when he sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Vargas most recently sailed on the Alliance St. Louis. He makes his home in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Brother Stevie Elliot, 62, joined the SIU in 1977, when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. A member of the deck department, he worked for the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Elliott makes his home in Wiergate, Texas. WILLIAM HUDNELL Brother William Hudnell, 67, joined the union in 1998, when he sailed for Express Marine. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Hudnell remained with the same company for his entire career and lives in Belhaven, North Carolina. FRANK MAHR Brother Frank Mahr, 65, signed on with the union in 2000. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mahr remained with Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He makes his home in New Port Richey, Florida. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION STEVE PIERSON Brother Steve Pierson, 65, joined the union in 1974, when he sailed on the Keva Ideal. Brother Pierson was an engine department member. He calls Plymouth, Massachusetts, home. Congratulations, Graduate! RAY WAITERS Brother Ray Waiters, 65, joined the SIU in 1973, first sailing aboard the Walter Rice. The deck department member upgraded on multiple occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point. Brother Waiters most recently shipped aboard the Sulfur Enterprise and settled in Mobile, Alabama. GUDE Bryan Velazquez (left) picks up his high school diploma at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. Velazquez earned the degree through the certified program offered by the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Congratulating him on the achievement is SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures MORRIS CORNELL Pensioner Morris Cornell, 80, passed away April 19. He joined the union in 1991 and first sailed on the Cape Edmont. Brother Cornell was a member of the steward department and last worked aboard the Champion. He retired in 2009 and settled in Altemonte, Florida. SORIANO GRANDE Pensioner Soriano Grande, 67, died April 22. He joined the union in 1989 when he shipped aboard the Independence. A steward department member, he last worked aboard the Green Bay. Brother Grande retired in 2016 and lived in Waipahu, Hawaii. WILLIAM HUDSON Pensioner William Hudson, 77, passed away April 3. He signed on with the SIU in 1957, initially sailing on the Cathrine. A member of the engine department, Brother Hudson last sailed on the Blue Ridge. The Mississippi native became a pensioner in 2003 and was a resident of Malcolm, Alabama. WARNER JAMES Brother Warner James, 61, died November 7. He joined the SIU in 2005 when he shipped on the Noble Star. A deck department member, brother James most recently sailed aboard the Pacific Tracker. He resided in Oak Harbor, Washington. GREGORY JOHNS Pensioner Gregory Johns, 65, passed away April 14. He signed on with the union in 1970, initially working with Rye Marine. An engine department member, Brother Johns last sailed on the Maersk Montana. He retired in 2016 and lived in Sanford, Florida. GEORGE NOTTINGHAM Pensioner George Nottingham, 84, died May 1. He donned the SIU colors in 1991, first sailing aboard the Meteor. A member of the deck department, he most recently sailed on the Cornhusker State. Brother Nottingham retired in 2005 and resided in Pikesville, Maryland GLENN TAAN Brother Glenn Taan, 52, passed away January 15. He joined the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. A member of the steward department, Brother Taan most recently worked aboard the Maersk Arkansas. He called Waipahu, Hawaii, home. ANTONIO TREVINO Pensioner Antonio Trevino, 83, died April 22. He signed on with the union in 1968 and first sailed on the Chatham. The deck department member last shipped on the Cove Sailor. Brother Trevino went on pension in 1999 and lived in Carrollton, Texas. THOMAS ONEYEAR Pensioner Thomas Oneyear, 73, passed away April 7. He became a member of the SIU in 1994, initially sailing on the USNS Persistent. A member of the deck department, Brother Oneyear last sailed on the Edward A. Carter Jr. He became a pensioner in 2009 and made his home in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. MARK WELSH Brother Mark Welsh, 53, passed away March 24. He signed on with the SIU in 2000, initially working aboard the USNS Bold. An engine department member, Brother Welsh last sailed aboard the Cape Intrepid. He resided in Edgewater, Maryland. JAMES SMITH Brother James Smith, 55, died December 9. He joined the union in 1982 and first sailed aboard the Charles E. Wilson. The deck department member most recently sailed aboard the Sam Laud. Brother Smith lived in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. PETER WOODWARD Pensioner Peter Woodward, 65, died April 27. He became an SIU member in 1976 and first sailed on the RD Conrad. Brother Woodward was a member of the deck department and most recently sailed aboard the Independence II. He became a pensioner in 2017 and settled in Whaleyville, Maryland. INLAND HASSAN AHMED Pensioner Hassan Ahmed, 87, passed away March 3. He started his career in the Great Lakes division in 1969 and first sailed aboard the American Seaocean. Brother Ahmed worked in the engine department and last sailed on the Bob Lo Island. He retired in 1996 and made his home in University Place, Washington. ALVIN STEVENSON Pensioner Alvin Stevenson, 70, died April 24. He joined the union in 1988 when he worked for Red Circle Transport. Brother Stevenson remained with the same company until his retirement in 2011. He lived in D’Iberville, Mississippi. ARMANDO VIDAL Pensioner Armando Vidal, 79, passed away April 14. He signed on with the union in 1969, first sailing on the Steel Seafarer in the deep-sea division. He sailed in both the engine and steward departments and later worked on the shore gang in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Brother Vidal retired in 1997 and resided in Bronx, New York. member of the SIU in 1991 when he worked for Sealand. Brother White was a member of the engine department and last worked with Cargotec Services. He went on pension in 2015 and settled in Norfolk, Virginia. NATIONAL MARITIME UNION LEONARD PADEN Brother Leonard Paden, 92, passed away March 12. He was born in Willisville, Arkansas and lived in made his home in Portland, Oregon. CHARLES PITT Pensioner Charles Pitt, 94, died April 20. Brother Pitt was born in Brooklyn, New York. He called Galveston, Texas, home. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. Bratten, James Cedeno, Mauro Colon, Marcos Fadl, Ibrahim Feliciano, Domingo Jones, Orio Richard, Joseph Saeed, Ali Simon, Mark Stover, Lyle Taylor, Arthur Villafane, Vicente 94 95 91 91 95 81 91 85 70 83 71 94 04/30/2018 04/16/2018 02/11/2018 04/06/2018 04/18/2018 10/29/2017 03/15/2018 04/20/2018 04/28/2018 04/11/2018 03/19/2018 04/30/2018 THOMAS WHITE Pensioner Thomas White, 68, died April 22. He became a UNREP In Pacific The Seafarers-crewed USNS Henry J. Kaiser (left) conducts a replenishment at sea with the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in the Pacific Ocean on May 10. The Kaiser is a replenishment oiler whose crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division. The Stennis is shown underway with the ships and squadrons of Carrier Strike Group 3, conducting a group-sail training in preparation for its next scheduled deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David A. Brandenburg) 18 Seafarers LOG June 2018 �The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Overseas Ship Management), February 13 – Chairman Robert Pagan, Secretary Judi Chester, Educational Director Justin Valencia Rodriguez, Steward Delegate Betty Cooper. Crew discussed room sanitary issue in relation to overtime hours. Secretary thanked deck department for job well done stripping and waxing decks. Crew was praised for working well together. Educational director reminded members to go to Piney Point to upgrade and gave thanks for steward department’s hard work. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed concerns with cold temperatures aboard ship. New blankets due to arrive. Crew expressed frustration regarding high costs to get ashore. Next Port: Jacksonville, Florida. ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited), February 26 – Chairman Robert Arneel, Secretary Robin Ballard, Educational Director Paul Pagano. New contracts available in crew lounge. Secretary reiterated importance of being aware of document expiration dates. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade. Engine delegate reported overtime issue. Members were reminded to be respectful of shipmates. Special thanks given to steward department. Crew requested new fountain drink machine. GOLDEN STATE (Crowley), March 14 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Michael Carello. Members reviewed mattress and linen orders. Chairman discussed President Michael Sacco’s report in Seafarers LOG and emphasized importance of Jones Act, which helps sustain almost 500,000 U.S. jobs. Secretary mentioned effects of new tax laws on merchant mariners. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date. Crew was directed to go to captain regarding purchases for vessel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new microwave and that dryer be repaired. KEYSTONE STATE (Pacific Gulf Marine), March 19 – Chairman Gheorghe Savencu, Secretary John Stephens, Educational Director David Quade, Steward Delegate Gregg Blevins. Buffet-style meals served to members. Crew thanked steward department for a job well done. Educational director reminded members of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point and stressed importance of keeping documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun instructed crew to collect dirty linen in bags and to turn in keys upon payoff. Crew acknowledged and thanked captain for assisting AB with blood-pressure check. Crew touched on 50th anniversary of SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which took place last year. HORIZON PACIFIC (PASHA), March 24 – Chairman Daniel Ticer, Secretary Donald Irvine, Educational Director Mario Delacruz, Deck Delegate Antjuan Webb, Engine Delegate Noli Aguirre, Steward Delegate Mercurion Abuan. Crew revisited requests for fans in rooms and lounge. Captain thanked members for a job well done on Coast Guard drills. Crew went over materials given by union representative in Oakland, California. Secretary advised members to contribute to SPAD and thanked them for repairs and cooperation. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at Piney Point and stay up to date on documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to SIU president and staff. Chairman asked members to keep noise down while off-watch crewmembers sleep. Steward department agreed with members’ requests for night lunch menu. Next Port: Oakland. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Overseas Ship Management), March 25 – Chairman Robert Pagan, Secretary Judi Chester, Educational Director Justin Valencia Rodriguez, Deck Delegate Willie McCray, Engine Delegate Braulio Ente, Steward Delegate Deitre Jackson. Old business discussed among members. New blankets provided for crew. Chairman reiterated importance of keeping up with ship cleanliness. He noted good work in shipyard and job well done by steward department. Secretary told members where to find new contract and asked that it be returned promptly when borrowed. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school before he announced his hope to see them in the future. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested to use ship’s fund for TVs and refrigerators. Members asked for Wi-Fi access. Next Port: Pasadena, Texas. PALMETTO STATE (Crowley), March 28 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Danny Brown, Steward Delegate Francisco Zuniga Arzu. Chairman discussed wheel relief and related communications with chief mate. Deck delegate reported 10 hours of disputed OT. Engine delegate reminded everyone about protocols for resolving problems. Bosun thanked galley gang for good food and hard work. ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), March 31 – Chairman Michael Moore, Secretary John Huyett, Educational Director Tristan Brand, Deck Delegate Domingo Cazon, Engine Delegate Kevin Kelly, Steward Delegate Deandre Speight. Crew awaits update on replacement computer chairs and recliners. Educational director urged members to upgrade and mentioned available help with application process. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for good food. Next Port: Valdez, Alaska. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime), April 2 – Chairman David Crisp, Secretary Sulay Martinez, Steward Delegate Daniel Miller. Crew discussed benefits of upgrading at SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point. Treasurer reported $1,500 in ship fund. Deck delegate reported problem with OT. Mariners encouraged each other to read union newspaper. Crew suggested lowering sea-time requirements needed to qualify for pension. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Company), April 7 – Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary Lewis Johansen, Educational Director Marion Collins, Engine Delegate Corey Hann. Ship reactivated from lay-up in Portland, Oregon. Crew scheduled to make three voyages before heading to Malaysia for cold lay-up. Chairman wants membership meetings to be held more frequently and reminded members to keep union dues up to date. Chairman provided clarification on new penalty rates and gave instructions for filling in time sheets. Secretary advised members to keep up with all necessary endorsements and medical cards. Educational director recommended crew take as many courses possible at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. DVD players ordered for members. Steward department commended for great food. Good morale on ship. ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska Tanker Company), April 8 – Chairman Alvin Martin, Secretary Just Self, Educational Director Jeremias Cepeda, Deck Delegate Lindsey Austin, Engine Delegate Mohamed Ghaleb, Steward Delegate Robert Resurreccion. Chairman discussed email from team leader of Alaska Tanker Company. Email pertained to weekly meetings and standard tanker agreement. Small food stores port order set for Valdez, Alaska. Secretary reported issues with produce walkin box and deck walk-in freezer. Repair needed for middle dryer on b-deck. Deck delegate requested clarification regarding travel arrangements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew voted for new television satellite system. Members requested updated music systems and new recliners for state rooms. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt June 2018 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion BAPO July 28 September 22 August 24 October 19 FOWT August 25 September 21 Title of Course Junior Engineer August 11 October 27 October 5 December 21 Machinist June 16 September 1 July 6 September 21 Marine Electrician August 11 October 5 Marine Refer Tech October 6 November 16 MEECE July 21 August 3 Pumpman July 7 July 13 Welding August 18 Start Date Gap Closing Courses Engineroom Resource Management October 6 Leadership & Manageral Skills October 13 Date of Completion October 12 October 19 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck August 25 October 20 September 21 November 16 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Students will be advised of dates once accepted. Advanced Shiphandling June 23 July 6 ARPA June 30 October 20 July 6 October 26 Bosun Recertification July 21 Crane Familiarization September 7 Steward Department Courses Advanced Galley Ops August 25 Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. The next class will start June 11. August 6 Chief Steward July 7 August 24 July 14 July 20 Galley Operations July 14 August 10 100 Ton Master October 13 November 2 Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 ECDIS October 20 October 26 June 23 July 21 June 29 July 27 Fast Rescue Boat June 16 July 7 August 11 June 22 July 13 August 17 Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 June 16 July 7 June 22 July 13 GMDSS September 22 October 5 Serve Safe July 28 August 3 Lifeboat June 30 July 28 August 25 September 22 October 20 July 13 August 10 September 7 October 5 November 2 June 16 October 6 June 29 October 19 Radar Observer September 21 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic Training w/16hr FF June 16 July 14 June 22 July 20 Basic Training Revalidation July 13 July 27 July 13 July 27 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 18 August 24 Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting July 7 July 13 RFPNW July 28 September 22 November 17 Government Vessels June 23 June 29 Medical Care Provider July 14 July 20 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL August 25 August 31 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG August 4 August 10 August 24 October 19 December 14 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers December 1 December 14 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes †�No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? †Yes †�No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/18 June 2018 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #834 – Graduated February 23 (in alphabetical order): Patrick Anderson Jr., Keilah Freeman, Matthew Jasper, Joshua Mann, Nelito Ronie Monterio, David Moore, Andrew Murphy, Luther Sarvis IV, Taj Scott, Harry Whitney IV, Kevin Willis and Seamus Woods. Apprentice Water Survival Class #835 – Graduated March 23 (in alphabetical order): Dominique Archibald, Reny Arzu, Badr Eddine Bouziane, Mark Dennison, James Douglas, Steven Ellis Jr., Adam Salim Elmenani, Marcus Lopez, Brady Martin, Ivan Gabriel Meza, David Franz Pelczmann, Quinton Sashington, Bertram Horatio Solomon Jr., Steven Thornton, Cole Vose and Demario Cortez Walter. Instructor Bernabe Pelingon is at the far right. Welding – Graduated March 16 (in alphabetical order): Steven Gedrich, Thomas Leroy and Matthew McClintock. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. Water Survival Upgraders – Graduated February 23: Antonio Duhaylungsod Zorrilla (left) and Mark Nover Miranda Lata Water Survival Upgraders – Graduated March 23 : Mark Loreto Mamangun Lagundi (left), Rahsean Sharp and Francois Emmanuel Doucet III. Instructor Bernabe Pelingon is at right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BAPO – Graduated March 9 (in alphabetical order): Enrique Tabamo Ampil, Peter Babor Durangparang, Merville Lariosa Gallema, Mohammed Alam Gir, Jared Johnson, Mark Loreto Mamangun Lagundi, Bryant McGiffen Jr. and Mason McGowan. BAPO – Graduating March 9 (in alphabetical order) were Phase III apprentices Alberto Luis Alvarez-Gonzalez, Caleb Donovan, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, Tianna Evans, Cody Klekar, Michael Lane, Eli Lopez, Ethan Love, Montel MacKey, Tommy McGahe, Philip Pete, Camonte Terrell, Stephen Venditti and Shawn Yancey Jr. Each plans to work in the engine departments of American-flag vessels upon completion of their training. June 2018 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW – Graduated March 9 (in alphabetical order): Phase III Apprentices Mason Cook, Benjamin Little Feet Curran, John Hodges, Alphonso Johnson Jr., and Rahsean Ameir Sharp. Once their training is completed, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels. Junior Engineer – Graduated March 16 (in alphabetical order): Ryan Brandle, Kem Burton, Vincente Dunbar, Gabriel Freeman, James Grant, Jing Hui Huang, Joseph Marino, Isaac Nugen, Daniel Joshua Ramos Resultan, Michael Antonio Ribeiro and Tad Van. Instructor Christopher Thomas is second from the left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated March 23 (in alphabetical order): Andrew Barrows, Randall Campbell, Laurentis Colbert, Timothy Fogg, Jasper Hayward, Marva Paige and Jeffrey Wheatley. Marine Electrician – Graduated March 16 (in alphabetical order): Alvin Cabahit, Jared Cabasug, Derek Chestnut, Earl Dimmick, David Kelch, Todd Lander, Jean Paul Merino Lozada, Mana Hassan Muhsen and Charles Packer. Instructor Sterling Cox is at the far left. GMDSS – Graduated March 23 (in alphabetical order): Dylan Mikaele Casuga, Johnathon Gager, Scott Gilleland, Charles Hosea Jr., Shoal Nervo, Earnest Paulk III and Douglas Simmons. Instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at the far left. RFPNW – Graduated March 9: Daniel Afran Mensah (left) and William Asdrubal Mercado Ramos. Engineroom Resource Management – Graduated March 16 (in alphabetical order): Van Dixon, George Bernasco Pobee and Daniel Tapley. Instructor William Dodd is at the far right. Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated March 9 (in alphabetical order): Robert Boomer, Servando Jesus Canales Jr., Scott Gilleland, Charles Hosea Jr., Joseph Loguidice, Shoal Peter Nervo, Angel Alfredo Nunez, Michael Riley, Patrick Schoenberger, David Seymore, Richard Vega Villafane and Ameen Abdo Yahya. Instructor Joe Zienda is at the far left. Basic Training Revalidation – Graduated February 23 (both photos above, in alphabetical order): Hussein Hussein Ali, Richard Barnes, William Barrett, Romeo Barredo Bendico, Nathan Bryant, Cesar Cera Dela Cruz, Alexander Vasilyevich Glebov, Lucian Gravelle, Kaamil Ibn Salam Gray, Mohamad Mahmoud Kammoun, Michael Kanga, Mohammad Salim Khan, Ammar Saeed Mohamed, David Amer Mohamed, David Myrick, Abdulsalam Mohamed Omar, Eduardo Osorio, Stephen Roseberry, Mark Stahovic, Scott Thompson, Andrezej Tlalka, Wayne Webb and Marvin White. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2018 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated March 16 (in alphabetical order): Charles Mills, Christopher Morgan, Michael Morgan, Thomas Powell, Elmer Prestidge, William Racette, Brett Ruppert, Jason Stahl, Benjamin Stevens and Andrew Van Bourg. Instructor John Thomas is at the far left. Chief Steward – Graduated March 2 (in alphabetical order): Alonzo Belcher, James Cameron, Darryl Goggins, Jerome Jordan and Cayetano Terria Toledo. Chief Steward – Graduated March 16 (in alphabetical order): Alphonzo Berry, Danny Brown, Robert Greenwood and Gregory Melvin. MLC Cook – Graduated March 16: Brenda Taylor (left) and Miriam Merluzzo. Chief Steward – Graduated March 23 (from left): Arlene Yalo Thomas, Shanita Flachbart and Darrion Ingram. Galley Ops – Graduated February 9 (from left): Khiry Bivins*, Munassar Mohamed Ali and Luis Guardado Jr. June 2018 Basic Training Basic Firefighting (Upgraders) – Graduated March 30 (in alphabetical order): Crista Ali, Toriano Aderyll Brown, Jovita Guadalupe Carino, Ines Armando Castillo Flores, Lawrence Croft, Abdul Ali Hassan, Gerald Joseph, Fernando Fernandes Lopes, Erik Loret, David Seymore, Michael Sivells, Lowell Topham Jr., Ronaldo Salazar Torres and Robert Vazquez. Certified Chief Cook – Graduated from Module 1 February 12: Kevin Joel Valentin Rivera. Galley Ops – Phase III Apprentice Michael Musgrave graduated from this course March 9. Once he completes his training, Musgrave plans to work in the steward department aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Chief Steward – Graduated March 30 (in alphabetical order): Alan Bartley, Thomas Cyrus Jr., Caezar Rivera Mercado and Jonda Tanner. MSC Storekeeper (Basic) – Graduated March 16 (in alphabetical order): Tyesha Boyd, John Cedeno Jr., David Dunklin, Joseph Evans, Joseph Garnett, Christopher King, Sebastian Damian Krowicki, William Mulcahy, Eduardo Osorio, Miles Partridge, Zarko Vrbljanac and William Young. Instructor Matthew Rogers is at the far left. Seafarers LOG 23 �JUNE 2018 VOLUME 80, NO. 6 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 Recertified Steward Cesar Cera Dela Cruz Recertified Steward Robinson Eromosele Recertified Steward Michael Ingram Recertified Steward Breon Lucas Recertified Steward Stephen Martin Recertified Steward Tyrell Thabit Stewards Complete Highest Level of Training Six SIU members recently earned their respective ways to the top of the steward department upgrading ladder. During the May 7 membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, the following Seafarers graduated from the Paul Hall Center’s steward recertification program: Cesar Cera Dela Cruz, Robinson Eromosele, Michael Ingram, Breon Lucas, Stephen Martin and Tyrell Thabit. The three-week class blends practical instruction with classroom work, and covers a wide range of topics. Those subjects include collective bargaining, communications and problem solving, functions of various departments within the SIU and the AFLCIO’s Maritime Trades Department, and computer technology. The class also covers social responsibilities and leadership, baking skills, sanitation, nutrition and more. This particular class of upgraders also participated in a trip to Capitol Hill, where they joined other maritime industry allies in meeting with congressmen and senators who support the Jones Act and other crucial components of the U.S.-flag fleet. (See story, page 5.) As part of the graduation ceremony, each newly minted recertified steward offered some insight into their personal stories, as well as some words of wisdom for the apprentices in attendance. The following are excerpts from their graduation speeches, as well as comments submitted to the Seafarers LOG by the graduates in advance. Cesar Cera Dela Cruz Sailing out of Honolulu, Dela Cruz joined the SIU in 1983, and offered his thanks to the staff and instructors at the school. He then described his relationship with the union: “The SIU has been important in my life; it is my bread and butter. It has helped create the foundation of my life in Honolulu, and without the union I wouldn’t have any of that.” He also offered advice to the trainees assembled in the school’s auditorium, saying, “Study while you’re here and learn from your instructors. Learn to work with your classmates, and when you get out to sea, work hard and carry your load. Never be afraid to be ask questions of your department head.” After reminding the mariners assembled of the importance of upgrading their skills at the Paul Hall Center, he concluded, “The union’s leadership needs our help to protect our industry and our jobs. We need to donate to SPAD (the union’s voluntary political action fund) in order to give our leadership the resources they need to work for us.” Robinson Eromosele Eromosele, who emigrated from Nigeria to the United States in 2001, joined the SIU in 2003 and began sailing out of the Port of Houston. He admitted that, while his English skills were lacking at first, he quickly SIU officials joined the newly minted recertified stewards and one spouse for this photo immediately following their graduation. gained proficiency in the language. “I have been so blessed that I have been able to send my children to college without borrowing money,” he said, noting that two of his children are now medical doctors, with a third child working as a chemical engineer. “The union has been a blessing to me and my family in all aspects of life. I have been able to purchase my dream home in Nigeria, and another family home in Richmond, Texas.” He also spoke highly of his time spent upgrading at Piney Point: “The overall experience has been very awesome, as this recertification class has given me the opportunity to understand the full meaning of the Jones Act and the importance of SPAD. Everything I have come to know about shipping is all because of the tireless, gentle and very humble instructors I met or took their classes at one point or another. They Continued on Page 6 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2018 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CROWLEY ACQUIRES THREE TANKERS MOVE MEANS NEW JOBS FOR SIU MEMBERS ANGLERS DUB ANNUAL WATERFRONT CLASSIC ENORMOUS SUCCESS HONORED IN ‘THE BIG APPLE’ FEDERATION RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT ON STATE OF SAFETY, HEALTH PROTECTIONS FOR U.S. WORKERS SIU MEMBERS SECURE NEW JOBS ON 3 TANKERS CONGRESSMAN RICK LARSEN SPEAKS OUT FOR JONES ACT ADVISORY BOARD EXAMINES TRAINING NEEDS, UPDATES ATTENDEES ON PINEY POINT PROGRESS SEAFARERS HELP DELIVER JONES ACT MESSAGE PAUL HALL CENTER OFFERS NEW STOREKEEPER COURSE PRESENTING THE REAL SCOOP ON VAPING AND E-CIGARETTES ‘WERE TREATED AS FAMILY’ SEAFARERS WATERFRONT CLASSIC AGAIN HONORS VETERANS STEWARDS COMPLETE HIGHEST LEVEL OF TRAINING Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2018 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. 80, No. 6 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/130fcfb218db34ec9b23e005587bcdb0.pdf aa6841dc17efc557e5c3cbc02c8002c7 PDF Text Text JUNE 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Crescent Boatmen Approve Contracts By overwhelming majorities, SIU crews employed by Crescent Towing have approved new two-year contracts featuring wage increases and other gains while maintaining all benefits. Voting took place in April aboard the boats and at fleet landings. The contracts are similar; one covers approximately 230 SIU boatmen working for Crescent in New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia, while the other covers 20 Seafarers based in Mobile, Alabama. Pictured aboard one of the boats in New Orleans are (standing, from left) Captain Delegate Terry Murley, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, David Clasen, Kyle McDermott, Viet Nguyen, Jamal Dix, Engine Delegate David Findley, Jamie Ortiz and (kneeling) Chip Kline. Page 3. Seventh Waterfront Classic Features Bountiful Catches, Camaraderie, Fellowship This year’s Seafarers Waterfront Classic proved successful on all fronts, from the weather to the catches, and from the fundraising to the camaraderie. The annual excursion raises donations for the American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS). Pictured at left is David Souders, AMMILVETS president, speaking at the seafood feast that followed the outing. The other photo includes (from left) Wayne Raley, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (the event’s founder and main organizer), Andrea Gianni, Edivaldo Dos Santos, Dean Charbonnet and Gary Brunick. Overall, 125 anglers participated; they kept 134 fish and threw back hundreds more. Pages 12-14. Stewards Complete Recertification Course, Reflect on Union, School The Seafarers International Union’s newest class of recertified stewards offered insightful, often-poignant reflections during their respective graduation speeches May 6 in Piney Point, Maryland. The six graduates are pictured at left with family members, SIU officials and school personnel following last month’s membership meeting at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Page 6. Jones Act Updates Pages 2, 5 New Tonnage Page 7 SPP Funding Notice Page 8 �Trump Tells Legislators: No Jones Act Waiver President’s Report Good News on Ex-Im Bank It didn’t receive as much publicity as many other recent stories originating in the nation’s capital, but a potentially key development for our industry occurred in early May when the U.S. Senate voted to confirm three board members to the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im). The immediate significance for the organization itself is that restoration of a quorum means the bank can authorize transactions larger than $10 million (which would be the vast majority of its dealings). It had been more than three years since the bank’s board had a quorum, which left it unable to approve larger projects – and which in turn stopped the bank from authorizing long-term financings. The Ex-Im Bank’s primary business is backing low-interest loans for the export of U.S.-made goods. As many Seafarers know, cargo generated by the bank is carried on American-flag ships, so that’s why the quorum restoration matters to us. But it also matters to our nation as a whole. Founded in 1934, the bank helps maintain good American jobs, and it generates significant money Michael Sacco for the U.S. Treasury. It’s an independent federal agency which, according to its mission statement, “promotes and supports American jobs by providing competitive and necessary export credit to overseas purchasers of U.S. goods and services. A robust Ex-Im can level the global playing field for U.S. exporters when they compete against foreign companies that receive support from their governments. Ex-Im also contributes to U.S. economic growth by helping to create and sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. In recent years, 90 percent of the total number of the bank’s authorizations has directly supported small businesses. Since 2000, Ex-Im has provided $14.8 billion to the U.S. Treasury after paying for all of its administrative and program expenses.” Those numbers make it all the more maddening when opponents claim to see the bank as so-called corporate welfare and a drain of tax dollars. The facts simply do not support their argument, but it still took years for Washington to do the right thing. By the way, there are 60 or so other nations with similar institutions to promote their goods for export around the world, which somehow is rarely if ever acknowledged by critics. In that regard, the fights over Ex-Im remind me of the battles concerning the Jones Act, our nation’s freight cabotage law. Opponents attempt to conveniently overlook the fact that 91 other countries maintain some form of cabotage regulation. As with other political scrapes involving laws and programs that boost the U.S. Merchant Marine, our work supporting the Ex-Im Bank definitely isn’t finished. The bank’s charter is up for renewal in September, and it’s a safe bet it’ll only happen if the American maritime industry and other backers step up with grassroots mobilizations. For now, though, the recent confirmations are worth celebrating. As Ambassador Jeffrey D. Gerrish, Ex-Im chairman and president put it: “This is a great day for U.S. exporters, their workers, and their suppliers across the country. Ex-Im has nearly $40 billion worth of export deals in the pipeline that can move forward in support of hundreds of thousands of American jobs. The Senate’s bipartisan votes today renew opportunities for U.S. exporters to compete on a level playing field in markets and industries where China and other nations are aggressively supporting their exporters. With Ex-Im restored to full functionality, our exporters again have a fighting chance to win export sales on the fair basis of quality and price instead of on the availability of government-backed financing.” Recertified Stewards I occasionally encourage LOG readers to check out specific articles, and this is one of those times. Take a look at this month’s coverage of the newest class of recertified stewards, and see what they say about the SIU as well as the Paul Hall Center. You certainly don’t have to complete a recertification class in order to have informed opinions on the union or school, but those members generally are experienced and insightful. They speak from the heart, and they always leave me feeling energized and encouraged about our future. FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 76 o “No Jones Act waiver” was the message coming from six Senators and one Congressman as they left the White House following a meeting with President Trump on May 1. Several news organizations relayed the declaration after U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Kennedy (RLouisiana) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) as well as House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) met with the president after reports emerged a week earlier that some in the administration were considering an extended Jones Act waiver to move American LNG to domestic ports. The delegation advised the president that the Jones Act has strong bipartisan support on Capitol Hill. They said Congress would not support such a waiver of the nation’s freight cabotage law. “We thank President Trump for standing by the Jones Act and the hundreds of thousands of good American jobs associated with it,” noted SIU President Michael Sacco. “We also thank all the members of Congress who have remained steadfast in their support of the Jones Act.” According to Reuters, Cassidy told reporters, “He was going to oppose any changes to the Jones Act and any waivers. That’s what we went there hoping to get and that’s what we did get.” Cassidy also said in an online statement, “We cannot let the United States become dependent on foreign countries to transport energy and critical products within the United States. The Jones Act is essential to preserve our domestic shipping industry and protect our national and economic security.” Sullivan stated to Politico, “I would say he committed.” Kennedy stated, “After talking to President Trump, I am confident that he realizes how important the Jones Act is to Louisiana’s maritime industry and that no changes will be made. I made the case that the livelihood of Louisiana families is at stake. Louisiana is the greatest beneficiary of the Jones Act with thousands of jobs that depend on it. Our maritime industry is part of the lifeblood of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast economy. It would be foolish to push aside those jobs in favor of foreign made and foreign crewed ships.” A week before the meeting, Matt Woodruff, chairman of the American Maritime Partnership (to which the SIU is affiliated), stated, “The 650,000 Americans whose jobs depend on the domestic maritime industry would find it inconceivable that President Trump – who is committed to putting ‘America First,’ supporting U.S. jobs and manufacturing, and also just last month signed an executive order helping military veterans transition into the American maritime industry – would choose to favor foreign shipping interests over American workers. American maritime is the quintessential ‘America First’ industry and we are confident President Trump, who has championed and supported our American shipyards, mariners, and industrial base, would not start us down a path now that would cripple our national security.” Enacted in 1920, the Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. It enjoys strong bipartisan support in Congress as well as consistently ardent backing from top U.S. military leaders because it is vital to national, economic and homeland security. A new study by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the nation’s freight cabotage law helps sustain nearly 650,000 American jobs while contributing $154 billion to the nation’s economic growth annually. Propeller Club Honors Richmond With ‘Salute to Congress’ Award Once again declaring himself “a strong supporter of the Jones Act” and “a strong believer of cargo preference,” U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-Louisiana) received the International Propeller Club of the United States annual Salute to Congress Award. During a dinner in northern Virginia on May 1, Richmond became the 35th elected official to be so honored. SIU attendees included President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, Senior Political Consultant Terry Turner and Consultant Lanier Avant. Richmond said that maritime’s “positive impact on the U.S. economy is real.” He noted that he helped create the Congressional Maritime Caucus (which he chairs) to raise awareness of the industry in Congress because “Democrats and Republicans come from every corner of the nation.” The five-term representative from New Orleans told the audience, “Any effort to chip away at the America First maritime policy is a step in the wrong direction. Maritime is imperative for the economic vitality of this nation.” Richmond also announced he is a proud sponsor of the effort to honor World War II merchant mariners with a congressional gold medal: “Now is the time for them to receive Congress’ highest honor.” The legislator received the 2018 Government Man of the Year Award from the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York/New Jersey and Vicinity. He addressed the 2013 Maritime Trades Department Convention. NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 81 Number 6 June 2019 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Piney Point Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2019 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) are pictured at the awards dinner with honoree U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-Louisiana). June 2019 �Pictured at the conclusion of negotiations for the New Orleans/Savannah agreement are (from left) Crescent Towing Marine Administrator Steven Reeg, Crescent VP Savannah Hays Clark, Crescent VP New Orleans Edward Pinner, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Crescent Executive VP Keith Kettenring, SIU Captain Delegate Terry Murley, Crescent Senior Consultant Tad Willcutt, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Charles Hammesfahr, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Kevin McDermott, SIU Engine Delegate David Findley and Crescent New Orleans Operations Manager Benjamin Morvant. Crescent Crews Ratify Two-Year Contracts SIU inland members employed by Crescent Towing have approved new two-year contracts featuring wage gains and other improvements while maintaining all benefits, including company contributions to the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Voting took place in April aboard the boats and at fleet landings, and both agreements were approved by overwhelming majorities. The contracts are very similar. One agreement covers about 230 SIU boatmen working for Crescent in New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia, while the other covers 20 Seafarers based in Mobile, Alabama. All of the crews perform ship-docking operations aboard a total of 26 tugs. SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook headed up the union’s negotiating committees, assisted in Mobile by Port Agent Jimmy White. The rank-and-file delegates were as follows: in New Orleans, Captain Delegate Terry Murley, Engine Delegate David Findley, Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Kevin McDermott, and Wheelman/ Deckhand Delegate Charles Hammesfahr. The Mobile team included members Captain Delegate Ronnie Walker, Engine Delegate Patrick McKibbon and Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Josh Burns. The pacts include wage gains, and they maintain Core Plus health coverage along with pension benefits. Union negotiators obtained two additional vacation days for longer-term employees who are licensed, while making no concessions. Westbrook said the New Orleans/Savannah committee “was fantastic – one of the best I’ve had the pleasure of working with. They’ve all done it before, and they’re standup guys who spoke when needed and made good, legitimate points. There was a lot of substance to what they said, and some of the gains certainly are attributable to the expertise and experience of the rankand-file delegates. “With the Mobile committee, it was the same thing,” he continued. “They were terrific. Ronnie is a veteran of bargaining committees and he led the way; the other delegates were new but they also did a great job.” Westbrook further noted that the contracts feature strong incentives for unlicensed boatmen to upgrade. “Everything worked out great,” Walker said. “Chris and Jimmy did a good job. We got a good contract for the next couple years.” Murley stated, “We got what we thought was fair. Both sides came out happy.” Findley said the negotiations “were okay. There were a few little tight moments, but that’s to be expected. Chris is really good at what he does, and it’s great to have him. He was very focused.” The New Orleans and Savannah negotiations started April 1; contract ratification was complete April 11. In Mobile, bargaining started April 17, and ratification was finished April 23. Westbrook added that Crescent’s SIU crews are proud of their safety record. Last year, for example, they logged 750,000 man hours with only one lost-time injury (a minor one). “I think the contract packages reflect the experience and professionalism we have in this fleet,” he concluded. “They’re also doing a great job with the Subchapter M requirements that are coming online.” Bargaining committee members are pictured with other SIU boatmen as well as Port Agents Chris Westbrook and Jimmy White (standing fifth and sixth from left, respectively). The lineup, from left: Roy Saranthus Jr., Taylor Hurst, Roy Saranthus Sr., Mike Hurst, Westbrook, (kneeling) Jose Ojeda, White, Ronnie Walker, Matt Aucoin and R.J. Walker. Mobile committee members included (from left) Crescent VP Edward Pinner, SIU Captain Delegate Ronnie Walker, Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg, SIU Engine Delegate Patrick McKibbon, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Crescent Executive VP Keith Kettenring, Crescent Senior Consultant Tad Willcutt, SIU Port Agent Jimmy White, Crescent Mobile Operations Manager Travis Stringfellow and SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Josh Burns. June 2019 Pictured from left aboard the Point Clear are Engine Delegate David Findley, Capt. Pat Cain and Engineer Jeff Adams. Seafarers LOG 3 �Attendees meet in the Maryland Room at the Paul Hall Center. Paul Hall Center Hosts Advisory Board Meeting Group Examines Latest Training Developments and More Both the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) constantly strive for improvement – and there was plenty of progress to report during the most recent meeting of the school’s advisory board. The group gathered May 17 on the PHC’s Piney Point, Maryland, campus. Representatives from the union, PHC, Seafarers Plans, and SIU-contracted companies discussed several key topics and capped off the event with a detailed tour of the massively upgraded engine department training building. The agenda included formal addresses Tom Orzechowski PHC Acting VP from (in order) PHC Acting Vice President Tom Orzechowski; PHC Executive Chef John Hetmanski; Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen; and SIU Plans Medical Director Dr. Eric Schaub. Many others joined in the discussions, however, including several company executives who asked questions and offered feedback, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, PHC Director of Training Priscilla Labanowski and SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez informally briefed the board on the union’s latest efforts to promote and protect the industry on Capitol Hill; later, SIU President Michael George Tricker SIU VP Contracts Maggie Bowen Seafarers Plans Administrator John Hetmanski PHC Executive Chef Honored in ‘The Big Apple’ The SIU was well-represented both on the dais and in the audience April 25 in New York City, during the Seafarers International House’s 19th annual Setting the Course awards banquet. This year’s honorees were (from left) SIU ITF East Coast Coordinator Ricky Esopa; Lois Zabrocky, president and CEO, International Seaways, Inc.; SIU VP Government Services Kate Hunt; and Bill Woodhour, president and CEO of SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. They each received an “Outstanding Friend of Seafarers Award” for helping improve mariners’ lives. The SIU was out in force for the event; attendees included President Michael Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, VP Contracts George Tricker, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, Port Agent Mark von Siegel, Safety Director Osvaldo Ramos, Patrolman Ray Henderson, Patrolman Edwin Ruiz, Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen and SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Aung. 4 Seafarers LOG Sacco described some of the benefits of the improved training facilities. After Orzechowski briefly welcomed attendees, Hetmanski thoroughly reviewed the school’s various steward department classes. He explained the career path for mariners in that department and explained that training assessments at the school have become “a really big part” of the coursework. “Assessments are critical,” he said. No matter the specific class, though, Hetmanski said the school always emphasizes sanitation and safety. Concerning the new Culinary 2.0 classes for chief stewards and chief cooks, Hetmanski said that “all of the critiques (from students) have been extremely positive.” Dr. Eric Schaub SIU Plans Medical Director Bowen recapped training that recently had been provided to company personnel regarding utilization of their online portal. She showed examples of how to upload and access various shipping and medical documents and skills reports. Schaub discussed various requirements for vaccines and also touched on the company portal. He talked about how the medical department checks information on the portal and how they respond to various indicators in the documents. Tellez summarized recent developments in the fight to protect the Jones Act, a century-old maritime law that is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. He also provided updates on the U.S. Maritime Security Program and the nation’s overall sealift capacity. Next, many of the board members visited the renovated machine shop (the improvements will be featured in an upcoming edition of the LOG). Union and school officials pointed out that the improvements are direct outcomes of past advisory board meetings. Labanowski added that around 2,000 hours were invested by school personnel during the past year-plus to redo some courses and add new ones while also identifying, acquiring and installing the best new equipment. Sacco said that the improvements further boost the value of hands-on training at the school, while individual PHC instructors gave demonstrations with some of the new gear and explained how it’s used in classes. Photo at left, from left: SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Keystone Shipping Executive Phil Fisher and SIU President Michael Sacco listen during the Paul Hall Center advisory board meeting. In the photo below, SIU President Michael Sacco (foreground, left) addresses board members during a tour and says the school’s practical training is invaluable. June 2019 �Bipartisan Coalition Voices Backing for Jones Act Legislators, Industry Leader, Cabinet Member All Favor U.S. Cabotage Law Strong bipartisan support for the nation’s freight cabotage law is continuing in the face of misguided attempts to weaken or repeal the critical statute. Legislators from both sides of the aisle, the head of a major industrial coalition, and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao all recently spoke in favor of the Jones Act. The law helps sustain nearly 650,000 American jobs and is vital for national, economic and homeland security. During a budget hearing in early April, Chao was asked about the Jones Act and whether it hampered hurricane recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. The secretary noted that damaged infrastructure – not a scarcity of cargo – was the problem. “Periodically, the Jones Act is blamed and criticized and there are attempts to get rid of it,” Chao stated. “I’ve been in government service now for such a long time, it comes up, and this has come up, for example, in Puerto Rico. But, the problem with distribution of cargoes is not the problem of – due to the Jones Act, the vessels or the cost. Rather, it was due to the lack of warehouses and the devastation of the roads so that once the cargoes were unloaded in Puerto Rico, they could not be distributed.” She was speaking to U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (R-Florida), another ardent Jones Act supporter who weeks later published an op-ed in The Hill. Therein, he wrote in part, “This pillar of maritime policy is to credit for successfully pro- tecting our maritime economy and our national security for nearly a century…. While the American maritime industry supports many high-paying, skilled-labor jobs, not every country offers the same opportunities to its workers. For example, China exploits labor to build vessels at a fraction of the American cost. If we allow these vessels to sail between U.S. ports, our domestic maritime industry would have the impossible task of competing with China’s cheap labor and subsidized manufacturing. Removing the market certainty that the Jones Act provides would decimate the American maritime industry, putting our national security in jeopardy.” Rutherford continued, “Without a strong domestic maritime industry, the U.S. would be forced to rely on countries like China to sell us vessels, ship military supplies, and transport fuel and goods between U.S. ports – like the strong supply chain between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. We must not overlook the importance of protecting these supply chains. By relinquishing control to foreign entities to build our vessels and transport our goods, we essentially auction our national security to the lowest bidder.” Around that same time in late April, maritime stalwart U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) posted an op-ed on the MarineLink website. Like Rutherford, Garamendi was responding to published reports indicating the White House was strongly considering a Jones Act waiver. Garamendi wrote, “I served as the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee of Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation for six years. Through that experience I gained a firsthand understanding of how vital the Jones Act is for our nation. Repealing it would prioritize foreign shipping interests over American workers while undermining America’s national security and economic development. “The Jones Act is the lifeblood for a U.S. maritime trade that supports 650,000 jobs and almost [$150] billion in annual economic impact,” he continued. “If the Jones Act did not exist, the U.S. maritime industry would be sharply undercut by foreign shippers with lower labor protections, environmental requirements, and safety standards. Not only would we outsource marine transportation along our coasts and inland waterways to the cheapest foreign bidder, we would also hollow out a key component of American industrial might and eliminate jobs in American shipyards, which employ 110,000 people in 26 states.” Garamendi also described the law as “essential for our national security and our war fighting capacity. Our military relies on privately owned sealift capacity and highly trained merchant mariners to transport and sustain our armed forces during times of conflict.” Moreover, Michael P. Balzano, executive director of the National Industrial Base Workforce Coalition, in early May SIU Executive VP Tellez Named To Key DOT Maritime Committee The SIU will continue to be represented on a noteworthy maritime advisory committee. U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao on April 24 announced the appointment of 29 members to the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee (MTSNAC). SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, who first served on the committee beginning in 2011, again has been appointed as a member. Established in 2010, the MTSNAC “is made up of leaders from commercial transportation firms, trade associations, state and local public entities, labor organizations, academia, and environmental groups that advise the Secretary on policies to ensure that the marine transportation system can respond to projected trade increases,” the DOT reported. “This advisory committee will help strengthen and modernize our nation’s maritime capabilities, as we work to improve our waterborne transportation systems and our country’s gateway ports.” said Secretary Chao. In a news release, the DOT further noted, “The MTSNAC is composed of members from public and private entities whose purpose is to guide the Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to marine transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system. This includes the viability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Committee members will serve two-year terms, with no more than two consecutive term reappointments.” “The insights, experience, and perspectives of these committee members are essential to federal transportation decision-making,” said Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby. “The MTSNAC is a strategic resource needed to strengthen and re-energize the maritime industry, and I look forward to their bold ideas and strong recommendations.” Finally, in making the announcement, the DOT said it “strives to select dynamic individuals with in-depth knowledge of their respective industries or government sectors. Members are nominated through a full and open process published in the Federal Register.” In addition to Tellez, the committee members are Gary Adams (Walmart Inc.), Lindsey Brock (NE Florida Regional Transportation Commission), David Cicalese (International Longshoremen’s Association), Berit Eriksson (Sailors’ Union of the Pacific), David C. Fisher (Port of Beaumont, Texas) Joe Gasperov (International Longshore and Warehouse Union), John Graykowski (Maritime Industry Consultants), Daniel Harmon (Texas Department June 2019 Augie Tellez SIU Executive VP of Transportation), Jared Henry (Hapag-Lloyd USA, LLC), Robert Hughes (Cargill Inc.), Jim Kruse (Texas A&M – Transportation Institute), Paul C. LaMarre III (Port of Monroe, Michigan), Griff Lynch (Georgia Ports Authority), Brian Jones (Nucor Corporation), James Pelliccio (Port Newark Container Terminal), Bryan Ross (Missouri Department of Transportation), Gene Seroka (Port of Los Angeles), Scott Sigman (Illinois Soybean Association), Karl Simon (Environmental Protection Agency), Sean Strawbridge (Port of Corpus Christi Authority), Anne Strauss-Weider (North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority), Andrew Strosahl (The Lawrence Law Firm), Jack Sullivan (Matson Navigation Inc.), Capt. Richard Suttie (Center for Homeland Defense & Security), Robert Wellner (Liberty Global Logistics LLC), Thomas Wetherald (General Dynamics-NASSCO), Lisa Wieland (Massachusetts Port Authority), and Brian Wright (Owensboro Riverport Authority). penned a piece for the Washington Examiner that pointed out President Ronald Reagan’s support of the Jones Act. During Reagan’s 1980 campaign, Balzano served as his liaison with many unions. Balzano said Reagan “supported the Jones Act because he knew the national security consequences of losing the rest of the maritime fleet. In Reagan’s day, the Chinese did not have a merchant fleet or a navy. But now the Chinese carrying their own merchandised trade on their ships. They now have over 3,000 merchant vessels, all capable of carrying troops and military cargo, and a navy that includes aircraft carriers and submarines along with missiles that they claim can take out any of our warships. “The Chinese have converted atolls in the Philippine sea into mini aircraft landing strips and warned the U.S. to stay out of their newly claimed territorial waters,” he continued. “They are also building ports around the globe, increasing their ability to move throughout the oceans with impunity. Yet the number of U.S. merchant ships has fallen from the 500 that Reagan saw as a crisis to fewer than 100 ships today.” He concluded, “History tells us that wars are won or lost by a nation’s ability to put its boots on the ground. American boots in both World Wars were delivered by American ships…. Without a vibrant maritime industry, America will not be a global sea power in the 21st century. The loss of this industry will have consequences.” New AFL-CIO Report Reveals 275 Daily U.S. Worker Deaths in 2017 More than 5,000 working people were killed on the job in 2017, according to an annual report by the AFL-CIO. Released April 25, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2019,” stated that 5,147 working people were killed on the job and an estimated 95,000 died from occupational diseases in 2017. Each day, on average, 275 U.S. workers die from hazardous working conditions. According to the report, workplace violence is the third-leading cause of workplace death, accounting for 807 fatalities, including 458 homicides. For the third year in a row, workplace violence injuries increased, with nearly 29,000 workers suffering serious violence-related injuries due to assault on the job. The report found a small decrease in the overall rate of fatal job injuries in 2017 from the previous year – 3.5 per 100,000 from 3.6 per 100,000 workers. However, in recent years, there has been little overall change in the job fatality rate. Moreover, the most recent studies on the burden of occupational injuries and illnesses find that the toll of occupational disease deaths is much greater than previously estimated. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, the country’s top organized labor officer, expressed support for H.R.1309 – the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. The legislation, if passed, can be instrumental in preventing workplace violence, he said. This marks the 28th year that the AFL-CIO has produced its report with findings on the state of safety and health protections for working people within the United States. The report shows the highest workplace fatality rates are in Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, West Virginia and South Dakota. Other notable components of the report show that Latino workers continue to have an increased risk of dying on the job and that the number of Latino worker deaths increased in 2017 to 903 from 879. Deaths among older workers also increased; workers 65 or older have nearly three times the risk of dying on the job as workers overall. The construction, transportation and agriculture industries remain among the most dangerous. In 2017, 917 construction workers were killed—the highest total of any sector. Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting was the most dangerous industry sector, with a fatality rate of 23 per 100,000 workers. Despite these disturbing findings, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) meager resources are declining. Currently, federal OSHA has only 752 inspectors—the lowest number since the early 1970s. It would take the agency 165 years to visit workplaces under its jurisdiction just once. Seafarers LOG 5 �Frank Ramones Recertified Steward Port of Oakland Rocky Dupraw Recertified Steward Port of Jacksonville Fakhruddin Malahi Recertified Steward Port of Oakland Angela Robertson Recertified Steward Port of Norfolk Ali Munsar Recertified Steward Port of Oakland Robert Owens Recertified Steward Port of Houston Six Stewards Ascend Ladder to Recertified Status Six SIU members recently achieved milestones in their respective careers by ascending the uppermost rung of the steward department’s upgrading ladder. They etched their names in SIU history May 6 during the union’s monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, when they graduated from the Paul Hall Center’s (PHC) steward recertification program. Completing the three-week curriculum were: Rocky Dupraw, Fakhruddin Malahi, Ali Munsar, Robert Owens, Frank Ramones and Angela Robertson. Regarded as the school’s top steward department curriculum, the course covers a wide range of topics including computer technology, social responsibilities, leadership, Coast Guard updates, baking skills and other department-specific workshops on sanitation, nutrition and more. The course also offers insights on collective bargaining agreements, functions of the various departments within both the SIU and the Seafarers Plans, and the union’s affiliations with the Maritime Trades Department and its parent group, the AFL-CIO. In keeping with tradition, each of the newly minted recertified stewards addressed those in attendance at the membership meeting. During their presentations, they discussed their respective careers and offered valuable insights to the apprentices. They also expressed gratitude for the opportunities they have been afforded to enhance their skills, improve their lives and those of their families, and become better shipmates to their brothers and sisters aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Collectively, they also thanked the union leadership for its continued support, and the PHC vocational and hotel staffs for providing excellent instruction and accommodations, respectively. Following are highlights of the graduation speeches (in chronological order), supplemented in some cases by written comments submitted to the LOG. Frank Ramones Ramones was first to take the podium. A native of the Philippines, he signed on with the SIU in Honolulu and has been sailing since 1993. Currently, he sails out of the port of Oakland, California. “It is an honor and privilege to stand before you today,” Ramones said. “I am so honored to be a part of something so special. To be [selected to attend] recertification training is one of the greatest and sweetest moments of my life. “I just want to say thank you, Lord, for everything that you have done for me,” he continued. “Thank you for guiding me throughout my journey, and I know you will continue to guide me.” Ramones said that being a Seafarer has really changed his life. “It’s not just a profession, but also a way of life that demands a great deal of passion and service,” he said, adding that although he had encountered some minor setbacks along the way, ultimately, he was able to put everything into proper perspective and find true happiness in his career. “To the SIU, thank you for the opportunity that you gave me. I might not be who I am today if not for your endless support,” he said. Ramones sent a shout out to the officials in his home port of Oakland. “Thank you for believing in me and my talent,” he said. Turning to the PHC personnel, Ramones acknowledged the school administrators, faculty members and steward department chefs who helped him time and again during his training. “They never got tired of giving me their full support, sharing their techniques and imparting their knowledge,” Ramones said. “I want to thank Miss Jeri Draper, our computer 6 Seafarers LOG instructor, who also was very helpful and kind…. She brought out the best in me. “To the trainees, enjoy your stay but study hard, learn as a team and listen to your instructors while you are here,” he said. “Never be afraid to ask questions when you go on your first ship; one day you will be the best at your profession.” Ramones closed by reflecting on his early days as a Seafarer, and on his daughter. At a younger age, she “could not understand why I needed to go back to the ship; it tore me apart every time I had to say goodbye to her,” he shared. “Thanks to this union and your trust in me, she is now a degree holder. To all of you, I am grateful. God Bless everyone, Mahalo!” Rocky Dupraw Dupraw was a member of PHC Lifeboat Class 646 and went through the training program in 2003. He currently sails from the port of Jacksonville, Florida; however, he has also shipped out of the ports of Oakland and Piney Point. He thanked all hands at each of these ports for providing him with quality service while he was among their ranks. “I came through the training program when I was 24,” he told those in the audience. “My first ship was the El Yunque, my most recent was the John Page.” Dupraw added that to date, he had visited more than 35 countries while sailing aboard at least 25 union-contracted vessels. “I have come to realize the world is a beautiful place,” he said. Reflecting on his recertification training, Dupraw said that during the prior few weeks, he was afforded the opportunity to meet and sit down with all of the faces behind the names of people who currently occupy key positions at union headquarters and at the PHC. “And the one thing that I’ve noticed is everyone’s strong passion for the SIU,” he said. “It’s their love for labor that convinces me that we as a membership are in good hands. And it all starts with leadership. With that being said, I thank our executive board for dedicating their lives to the SIU. They fight for us daily, not only in Washington D.C., but also worldwide. That is why SPAD is so important. SPAD gives us a voice; it gives us a seat at the table to help push our agenda, which is protecting our jobs. A wise man once told me: If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Dupraw said that in addition to supporting SPAD, it’s also important for union members to get involved in their hiring halls’ local activities. “I want you to remember that it’s not what your union can do for your but what you can do for your union,” he said. Dupraw offered heartfelt words for the school’s instructors and staff. “Thank you for treating me like family,” he said. “Special thanks to the culinary department. These men and women have provided me with the recipe to be successful. “To the trainees, when you get on the ship, pay attention to details and learn your trade,” Dupraw said. “If there’s a question, ask! We are here to help. Educate yourselves, take your sea project seriously and come back and upgrade as often as you can. Remember, stay safe out there and enjoy the ride!” He also encouraged the trainees to regularly read the union’s official newspaper (Seafarers LOG) and attend union meetings. “This is where you get your best information,” he said. In closing, Dupraw once again acknowledged the union for giving him the opportunity to provide a better quality of life for himself and his family. He also sent a special recognition to someone near and dear to his heart: his wife. “Thanks to my wife for supporting me in my career,” he said. “It’s not easy being a sailor’s spouse.” Fakhruddin Malahi Malahi is home-ported in Oakland and joined the SIU in 1996. “I came from a [long] line of family members who were in unions,” Malahi said as he addressed the audience. “My uncles were in the SIU during the 1960s, 70s and 80s; they got me in the union. My father was also a union member, too. “I enjoy sailing,” Malahi continued. “I have been on most of the Asian runs and also to all West Coast ports. But more importantly, I like our union and what it has accomplished for its members and the jobs it has provided. I want to thank President Mike Sacco and the executive board for giving me this opportunity and for building a strong union.” He described the recertification program as “an eye-opening experience. I learned more about contracts, pensions, and the day-to-day operations of the union. I send my thanks the PHC staff and the instructors for all that they did for me. “I also found out about the importance of SPAD donations,” he said. “In a way, it’s the backbone of the union because our leadership uses it to help keep jobs and secure our futures.” Malahi advised the upgraders and apprentices to unfailingly give their best while at sea. “Always give all you got and continue to make the SIU a strong force in the maritime industry,” he concluded. Angela Robertson Robertson hails from the port of Norfolk, Virginia, and was a member of PHC Class 490. She signed on with the union in 1991 and previously has upgraded her skills on five occasions at the PHC. “I feel privileged to be a part of such a strong union – a union that gives me stability, strength and hope for the future,” she said upon taking the podium. “The SIU enabled me to provide a good way of life for my daughter, who has graduated from Norfolk State University.” Robertson told the audience that during her career, she has encountered a myriad of challenges. “Some of them I wanted to face, others I did not. I often told myself, I can do it, I can do it … and I did. It’s been a long road but I persevered,” she said, “carrying with me these three words: believe, achieve and succeed.” Robertson then expressed her gratitude to the union leadership and the PHC personnel: “To the instructors and staff, all of you have gone above and beyond. President Sacco, executive board members and port agents, all of your hard work and dedication to the union have never gone unnoticed. Thank You!” Commenting on her training, she said, “In the past three weeks, I’ve consumed so much knowledge. I will leave here today with a better understanding of how the union works. I look forward to sharing this knowledge with my shipmates. “To my daughter, you have been there from day one,” she added. “We shared a lot of laughs, tears and goodbyes. Your understanding heart never ceases to amaze me. Thank you! To my husband, thank you for taking my hand, for understanding me and joining the ride.” Robertson told the trainees to always believe in themselves: “Set your goals high, higher than one would ever think imaginable. Further educate yourselves and volunteer some of your free time to a good cause and donate to SPAD. “You are the future,” she concluded. “Remember, we stand strong as one!” Ali Munsar Munsar became a Seafarer in 2001, signing on in San Francisco. He sails out of the port of Oakland. His father was a Seafarer, as were eight other members of his family. Prior to being a member of his recertification class, Munsar upgraded his skills at the PHC on six previous instances. “The union has been important in my life,” he told his brothers and sisters in the audience. “It supports my family by allowing me to make a good living. With the help of the SIU, I have sailed around the world, which helped me to learn many new things.” Munsar had words of praise for the PHC’s instructors and staff for being there during his training. “I really want to thank all the instructors and all the staff at the school, including the library staff, for all the hard work that they do,” he stated. “Piney Point is an awesome maritime school for Seafarers and trainees because it gives them the opportunity to improve their lives for themselves and their families. “I also want to thank the union leadership for all the hard work they do on behalf of the membership,” he continued. “They protect our jobs and our industry.” In closing, he encouraged everyone in the audience to do their part to preserve the union by donating to SPAD and voting in national elections. He urged the trainees present to study hard while in school and to learn all they could from their instructors. Robert Owens Owens was the final recertified steward to address the audience. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, he signed on with the SIU in 1994 in the port of Mobile after a 10-year stint in the U.S. Navy. Home-ported in Houston, Owens resides in Ft. Worth, Texas. “I have been part of the SIU for 25 years and sailed the world twice over,” he said. “The union has been important in my life and has allowed me and my family to live a most beautiful life.” Reflecting on his career as a mariner, Owens acknowledged a number of people who made lasting contributions to him along the way. “I thank all who have given me the opportunity to grow as a mariner,” he said. “This includes Bonnie Johnson from manpower who first shipped me, to all the great instructors and staff who had a hand in my training and development, my union hall which has supported me and fellow brothers and sisters who have guided me along the way. “I also extend a heartfelt thank you to President Sacco and the union leadership for their hard work and dedication in keeping our union strong, and securing and protecting our jobs,” Owens added. Turning to his upgrading experience, Owens offered: “My steward recertification training was truly an eye-opening experience. It provided me with an in-depth perspective on how the union as a whole operates and the dedicated people who keep this well-oiled machine running. The information I received on contracts, medical benefits, pensions and the money purchase plan will prove invaluable when I return to the ship and interact with my shipmates.” Owens told the audience that while the union’s officials do a great job in all respects, they still need assistance from the rank-andfile. “The leadership needs our help,” he said. “We need to donate to SPAD so our leadership can continue to work for us. I’ve seen firsthand how SPAD donations keep both our jobs secure and our industry safe. I ask you to continue your SPAD donations.” In closing, Owens addressed the trainees. “To the apprentices, I challenge each of you to be the very best mariner you can be. Learn your job, carry your load and make the union proud. “It’s up to you to take our union to higher heights,” he concluded. “You are our future; you are the SIU!” June 2019 �Pasha Hawaii Marks Construction Milestones For LNG-Fueled Ohana Class Containerships SIU-contracted Pasha Hawaii recently celebrated construction milestones on two new Jones Act vessels that signify new jobs for Seafarers. Company and shipyard executives along with dignitaries on April 30 attended the ceremonial keel laying of the M/V George III and the cutting of the first steel plates for the M/V Janet Marie. The event took place at Keppel AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas. Each LNG-fueled containership is 774 feet long. Both are slated for delivery next year, and will sail between Hawaii and the mainland United States. The ships, part of the Ohana Class, are named in honor of the late parents of The Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha IV. “Construction of the new vessels continues to progress on schedule,” said Pasha. “These LNG-powered container- ships were designed to support the needs of shippers in the Hawaii trade lane, while minimizing environmental impact in the communities we serve. Adding George III and Janet Marie to our existing fleet will greatly enhance our service capabilities and on-time delivery, marking three generations of service to Hawaii.” The new vessels will operate fully on LNG from day one in service, substantially improving their environmental footprints. Energy savings will also be achieved with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a highefficiency rudder and propeller, the company noted. “We are pleased to be able to support the Pasha Hawaii fleet with the design, engineering, and construction of the two new dual-fuel LNG containerships,” said Simon Lee, president of Keppel AmFELS. “Texas currently ranks third in the nation for domestic maritime jobs, and we are proud to support a thriving skilled workforce in our local community as a leading shipyard in the region. Our team will continue to execute this project safely and efficiently.” “The Maritime Administration supports the U.S maritime industry’s investment in the future by building Jones Act-compliant ships that run on cleanerburning liquid natural gas,” said U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Richard Balzano. “In addition, U.S.-built, U.S.owned and U.S.-crewed ships support America’s national and economic security. With LNG, the industry is also leaping over future regulatory barriers, responding to environmental challenges, and looking toward a more affordable and plentiful fuel.” “Today’s construction milestones at Keppel AmFELS are real evidence of the capability we have at shipyards across the U.S. to build any kind of ship,” said Matt Woodruff, chairman of the American Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is affiliated. “These Jones Act ships being built at Keppel will be amongst the most modern, fuel-efficient containerships in the world, and are living and breathing proof that we have the know-how and the can-do spirit to keep America a global leader in shipbuilding innovation.” Pasha Hawaii is a wholly owned subsidiary of the family-owned global logistics and transportation company, The Pasha Group, one of the nation’s leading Jones Act shipping and integrated logistics companies, “and is proud to support U.S. shipyards,” the company said in announcing the recent milestones. Military Sealift Command Christens USNS Guam in Japan New jobs are on the way for SIU CIVMARS following the recent christening of a high-speed transport vessel. The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) on April 27 christened the USNS Guam during a ceremony at Naha Military Port in Naha, Japan. Speakers included U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry B. Harris Jr.; Guam Rep. Michael San Nicholas; Lt. Gen. Eric M. Smith, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF); Rear Adm. Robert T. Clark, deputy commander of MSC; and Mrs. Bruni Bradley, a 25-year Navy veteran, the ambassador’s wife and the vessel’s sponsor. The vessel will carry SIU Government Services Division mariners. “The Navy has a glorious history of naming ships after heroes, epic battles and key places in the U.S., and this ship is no exception,” said Harris, who is also a retired Navy admiral. “Guam is the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific campaign (of World War II). “Although most of the greatest generation are no longer with us, we can hear their stories of duty, honor and courage,” Harris continued. “Their spirits walk among us, and with us, and call out to us. Today, we’ve answered their call with an innova- tive ship, which serves as a reminder of their heroism and a tribute to a beautiful place called Guam, U.S.A.” The ceremony concluded with the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle against the ship’s hull. The aluminum-hull catamaran, 373 feet long, was built in 2008 as a civilian fast ferry boat for the Hawaii Superferry company, capable of carrying more than 800 passengers and nearly 300 cars. It was acquired by the Navy from the Department of Transportation in 2012 and underwent renovations before it became operational in late 2017. The USNS Guam’s design allows for the ship to be fast, maneuverable and reconfigurable to fit a variety of military operations. The true value of the vessel, according to Smith, is this flexibility, which he described as “from supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; to transporting Marines, Sailors and equipment throughout the Indo-Pacific theater. This ship is vital to us,” he said. “It carries the most precious cargo that there is: The Marines and Sailors of the III MEF.” Earlier plans to christen the ship in Guam were thwarted by unforeseen typhoons in the region, which necessitated the venue change to Japan. Bruni Bradley, sponsor of the USNS Guam, breaks a bottle of champagne during the christening ceremony. (Photo by Grady T. Fontana) June 2019 Marines walk past the high-speed transport USNS Guam after the christening on April 27. (Photo by Grady T. Fontana) Vessel Reflags Under Stars and Stripes The Safmarine Mafadi, replacement ship for the Maersk Kentucky, recently reflagged in the Bahamas. The first SIU crew (pictured with several officers) included Bosun Keller Gilyard, ABs Kevin Penrose, Hermen Crisanto, Devon Pullins, Eric Hurt and Robert Mack, QMEDs Christopher Eason and Domenick Longmire, GUDE Braulio Ente Jr., Steward/Baker Edward Porter, Chief Cook Juan Poblete-Inostroza and SA Dagoberto Guevara. Thanks to vessel master Capt. Chris Zimmerman for the photo. Seafarers LOG 7 �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www. seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at (800) 252-4674. Annual Funding Notice Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2018 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2018 January 1, 2018 142.9% $1,634,843,633 $1,143,708,805 2017 January 1, 2017 133.6% $1,467,872,431 $1,098,922,827 2016 January 1, 2016 136.9% $1,424,697,469 $1,041,022,333 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2018 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 $1,547,000,000 $1,634,843,633 $1,467,872,431 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2019, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,754. Of this number, 7,310 were current employees, 7,200 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,244 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. 8 Seafarers LOG The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10.Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other Percentage 0 16 6 0 0 24 0 1 0 0 37 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at (301) 899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 899-0675 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2019 �Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246, for the year ended July 31, 2018. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $1,198,443 as of July 31, 2018, compared to $839,931 as of August 1, 2017. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $358,512. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $14,185,579, including employer contributions of $14,153,683, realized losses of $938 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $31,146 and other income of $1,688. Plan expenses were $13,827,067. These expenses included $348,196 in administrative expenses and $13,478,871 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, telephone number (415) 7644990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $5.50 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964, for the year ended June 30, 2018. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(108,229) as of June 30, 2018, compared to $(80,274) as of July 1, 2017. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $27,955. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $704,068, including employer contributions of $702,442, earnings from investments of $89, and other income of $1,537. Plan expenses were $732,023. These expenses included $218,366 in administrative expenses, and $513,657 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administra- tor, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice - MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2018 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2018 January 1, 2018 275.26% $6,668,926 $2,422,758 2017 January 1, 2017 164.79% $6,678,855 $4,053,069 2016 January 1, 2016 164.72% $6,692,948 $4,063,143 Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2018 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Fair Market Value of Assets $6,465,879 $6,843,579 $6,685,248 Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 750. Of this number, 306 were current employees, 312 were retired and receiving benefits, and 132 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other June 2019 Percentage 0 9 11 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 51 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities – contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries.The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2019, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at:Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746; (301) 899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. Seafarers LOG 9 �The Oldest Tugboat Man in Baltimore Editor’s note: This article was written by Rafael Alvarez, who spent 20 years as a city desk reporter for the Baltimore Sun. The son of a longtime member of the SIU’s inland division (pensioner Manuel Alvarez, 85), he has published numerous books in addition to briefly sailing with the union. This piece first appeared in Chesapeake Bay Magazine; it is reprinted with the author’s permission, under its original headline. The subject, Bill Bobac, is an SIU pensioner. Back in ’56, when the Port of Baltimore was booming and jobs were plentiful, Bill Bobac worked his family’s waterfront gin mill at Pratt and Light, a place called Vann’s catercorner from the infamous Elmer’s Musical Bar. One day, a tugboat man walked in and asked if he could cash a check. Bobac agreed. The next week, the same guy – an engineer on boats owned by the Arundel Corporation –returned with his paycheck and had a few. “Those guys could get pretty lit up, and that’s putting it mildly,” said Bobac, a used-to-be tough guy from Steubenville, Ohio, who aged into an affable, quick-to-laugh cream-puff after years of running with men who had names ripped from pot-boilers: “Skinny” Keller, Marion “Mugsy” Mugavero, a Polish guy named “Dutchie,” and Georgie “Bullets.” Bobac gave the man his wages (taking a small cut for the courtesy) and it occurred to him that the boatman was making more docking ships and pulling barges than he did serving ’em up from dawn to dusk. “I asked if they were hiring and he said to go down to the pier on such-and-such a day and speak to so-and-so,” recalled Bobac, sharp of memory at 97. “They needed an oiler on the [tug] Choptank.” Over in Fairfield, where the Arundel tugs tied up near Maryland Drydock, Bobac dropped the name of the guy who’d given him the hot tip and was hired on the spot. “My first day in the engine room, the chief told me to oil a piece of equipment,” said Bobac, who’d never been aboard a tug before. “I told him I didn’t know what to do. He said, ‘I thought you worked down below before.’” To which Bobac replied, “No sir, I’m a bartender.” The engineer threw up his hands, muttered a few choice words and kept Bobac on with strong encouragement to join the deck department. Thus were seafaring careers launched in the days before the most casual scrutiny. Bobac picked up the fundamentals of the engine room – some of the technology hearkened to the First World War – and moved to the deck department. Over the next 30 years, he handled lines on the Patapsco River, the Chesapeake Bay and Retired SIU member Bill Bobac is pictured at home in Essex, Maryland. (Photo by Jim Burger) at sea with long runs to India, the Far East, and South Africa. Bobac’s time with Arundel, during which he saw a deckhand put ashore during an electrical storm near Matapeake for daring Christ to strike him dead by lightning, lasted until 1962, when he shipped out deep sea as a galley messman in the days when both officers and crew on U.S.-flagged ships were served their meals. Like many local tugboat men who came of age during World War II (Bobac served with the Army in the Pacific), he retired from the Baker-Whiteley towing company in 1984 when management busted union contracts that had governed tug labor in Baltimore since the mid-1950s. “My first boat with Baker-Whiteley was working as a fireman and water tender on a steam tug called the Britannia,” said Bobac, who has an oil painting of the coal-fired vessel (built at Sparrows Point in 1899) in his Essex apartment, a small museum of all things baseball, Roman Catholic, and seafaring. Along with a liquor decanter in the shape of Brooksie (“the human vacuum cleaner” at third on 33rd) and framed photos of the old B-W fleet tied up at the City Recreation Pier – the Holland, the Scandinavia, and the America among them – all with white dots on dark red stacks, he displays what was once ubiquitous in Crabtown, especially along the heavily Catholic waterfront, and now seldom seen. “When St. Patrick’s school closed down on Broadway [at Regester Street], I bought some of those big rosaries the nuns used to wrap around themselves,” he said, a flea market maven who still gets around pretty well with a walker, his daughter Betty Jo Shifflett, and the help of friends with automobiles. A favorite outing is just around the corner from his home at Schultz’s Crab House on Old Eastern Avenue for a nice, hot, roast beef with mashed potatoes. “Make sure it’s hot,” he tells the waitress every time. Baker-Whiteley was established on South Clinton Street in industrial Canton in 1876 as a coal company with mines in Pennsylvania. It is long gone, like the Britannia and the firm’s last moorings at the Recreation Pier, a dormant municipal property which in 2017 opened as a luxury hotel, the rooms costing more per night than a vintage tugboat man made in a month. Coming aboard the Baker-Whiteley tugs in 1964, Bobac befriended a crew of unforgettable characters that included my father. Among them was Simone Garayoa, a veteran of the Spanish Civil War (loyal to the Republic) who owned a bar next to Jimmy’s Diner on South Broadway with his wife, Agnes Karcz. If Simone didn’t know you, he wouldn’t unlock the door. Also, Jerome “Romey” Lukowski, a first mate born and raised at 1718 Thames Street in the “Seaman’s Cafe,” his mother’s boarding house. Romey was known to drink his fill at the Cat’s Eye late Saturday night and make it to Mass around the corner at St. Stanislaus the next morning. And Bobac’s best buddy, William H. Miller (the H stood for “Hollingsworth” but we called him “Mister Bill”), who hosted decades of summer cookouts and card parties at his shore home near Sparrows Point High School and, between work shifts, could be seen leaning on the mailbox at Thames and Ann Streets with other men who quenched mighty thirsts at a fabled tavern called Zeppie’s. “That mailbox,” said Bobac, “had everybody’s elbows on it at one time or another.” Today, no seafarers hang on that mailbox; still there in front of the Penny Black, which had been the John Stevens, which had been Zeppie’s, which had been the Five Point Tavern, which had been … who knows just what in an age when St. Stanislaus is a yoga studio. All but Bobac and my father – Manuel, a retired chief engineer, now 85 – have made their final departures. According to Seafarers International Union officials, Bobac is at or near the top of their most senior pensioners and easily the oldest tugboat man in Baltimore. Born near the end of the Harding Administration, he gives a rueful chuckle and says, “I’m just about the only one left….” Spotlight on Mariner Health Melanoma Kills Thousands Annually in United States Editor’s note: The following article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. There are several types of skin cancer, but melanoma is the most dangerous. In 2018 alone, 178,000 cases of the condition were diagnosed in the United States. These cancerous growths kill an estimated 9,320 people annually. Melanoma affects people of all colors and races, although those with light skin who sunburn easily have a higher risk. These cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations that cause the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. Melanoma normally occurs in the skin, but can also manifest itself in the mouth, intestines, or eyes. These cancers originate in the pigment-producing melanocytes in the innermost layer of the skin’s epidermis and often resemble moles; some in fact can develop from moles. The majority of melanomas are black or brown in color; however, they can also be skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white. Melanoma is usually caused by intense, occasional by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or from tanning beds. The good news is that if recognized and treated early, melanoma is almost always curable. If it is not, the cancer then will advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes much harder to treat. If a mole is suspected of being mela- 10 Seafarers LOG noma, surgery to remove the affected tumor is normally the course of action that doctors will pursue. When a mole is removed, it will be sent to pathology where a diagnosis will be made. If the mole is determined to be melanoma, the doctor will assign a stage to it. This tells clinicians how quickly the cancer is progressing and spreading. The higher the stage the more serious the melanoma. The doctor will also examine the thickness and appearance of the tumor and assign a Tstage. Lymph nodes are the first thing to be affected whenever cancer spreads. These nodes are located all over the body and are part of the immune system. The doctor will also give these nodes an N-stage as to where the cancer is located and how many nodes are affected. If the cancer has spread, then immunotherapy, biologic therapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be used improve survival rates. The best way to guard against melanoma is to become a “skin detective.” Get to know your body and check it monthly to become aware if something is changing. Be on the alert when a mole that has looked the same for years starts to change. This can be in color, size, shape, symmetry, and the border around the area. Get checked by a doctor if you have concerns. Also, remember to use a good sunscreen when going outside and reapply often. It’s also a good practice to wear sunglasses that protect from UV light. Healthful Recipe Broiled Salmon w/ Roasted Grape & Tomato Relish Servings: 20 Ingredients 5 pounds salmon filet, whole side, skin on 1 2/3 cups red grapes 1 2/3 cups green grapes 1 cup onion, chopped small 1 2/3 cups grape tomatoes, cut in quarters 1 2/3 tablespoons kosher salt 1 cup olive oil, separated in halves ¼ cup Mrs. Dash seasoning Green onion, chopped for garnish Preparation Cut the salmon in 4 oz filets. Place the fish in 2” hotel pans evenly. Season the fish with the Mrs. Dash seasoning. Talk half of the olive oil and drizzle it over the fish evenly. Mix together the grapes, tomatoes, garlic, salt, onion, and the other half of the olive oil in a large bowl. Place the mixture onto a sheet pan. Roast the mixture in a 325-degree F oven for 20-35 minutes. Take out of the oven and place in a container and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside. Bake the salmon in 375-degree F oven for 15-20 minutes until flesh is flaky and internal temperature is 145 degrees F. Top the fish in the pans with the grape relish. Garnish the pans with fresh chopped green onions. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 248 calories; 15g fat (54.1% calories from fat); 23g protein; 5g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 59mg cholesterol; 548mg sodium. Exchanges: 3 lean meat; ½ vegetable; 0 fruit; 2 fat. Provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship. June 2019 �TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSWOMAN – SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (right) recently met with U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Michigan) (second from right) and others at the IBEW Local 58 training center in Warren, Michigan. Topics included the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference and the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Also pictured are Jason Dahl (left), director of the IBEW center, and Jeannette Bradshaw (second from left), IBEW Local 58 recording secretary/registrar. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Bosun John McMurtray (left), pictured with Port Agent Warren Asp, picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. ABOARD ALASKAN EXPLORER – SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left in both photos) recently met with Seafarers aboard the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel in Richmond, California. In the photo at left above, he’s with SIU hawsepiper Detricke Kelly (center), currently sailing as first assistant engineer, and QE4 Kevin Kelly (Detricke’s brother, who recently earned his third assistant engineer license). ABOARD LIBERTY PASSION – Gathering for a snapshot in Freeport, Texas, just before a union meeting on the Liberty Maritime vessel are (from left) GUDE Brandon Reed, Recertified Bosun David Campbell and GUDE Eshrak Dewan. ABOARD LIBERTY PROMISE – Chief Cook James Cherico (right in photo at immediate right) serves up Japanese fried chicken (pictured in photo immediately above) to a fellow Seafarer aboard the Liberty Maritime vessel. June 2019 AT THE HALL IN PUERTO RICO – SA William Otero stopped by to register and brought his family. That’s his wife, Eunice Feliciano, at left, and welcome new addition Emma Otero Feliciano being held by dad. ABOARD MAGNOLIA STATE – Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship in Beaumont, Texas, are Recertified Bosun William Yurick, Paul Hall Center Apprentice Tyler Thompson and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday. ABOARD NANCY FOSTER – SIU NOAA crew members are pictured on the research ship in North Charleston, South Carolina. From left are GVA Cody Higgins, AB Denek Salich, GVA Blair Cahoon, Junior Engineer Joseph Clark, Bosun Greg Walker and Second Cook Brent Townsend. According to the agency, the ship “supports fish habitat and population studies, seafloor mapping surveys, oceanographic studies, and maritime heritage surveys.” Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers Waterfront Classic: A Southern Maryland Tradition W hile the camaraderie and spirit of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic only grows larger each year, the actual fishing tournament is historically “feast or famine.” Thankfully, the seventh annual event - which took place on May 16 at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland - was very much a bountiful day on the water, with 134 fish kept by the 125 participants. (Hundreds more fish were caught.) The outing, as in previous years, brought together event sponsors, maritime industry partners, SIU officials and members, PHC personnel and members of the American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS). Just after sunrise, 18 vessels left the docks, each fisherman hoping to land the biggest rockfish of the tournament. In the end, Nicholas Forsey (from Comprehensive Health Services) was named the winner of this year’s competition, landing a rockfish which weighed in at 11.7 pounds. Continued on next page AMA President Captain Bob Johnston and SIU President Michael Sacco Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen manning the weigh-in station. She is also the event’s dock master. Tournament winner Nicholas Forsey from Comprehensive Health Services Pictured alongside the crew of the Shea-D-Lady: Wounded Warrior Joseph Kosty, Alan Sofge, Michael Cox, Jake Peters, Joe Bowen, Michael Glaser and Hank Toutain. 12 Seafarers LOG Tournament fishers aboard the Fin Finder II: SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Wounded Warrior Joseph Steele, James Snyder, Tracy Singleton, Kristina Powell, Shawna Cutler and Nicholas Forsey. June 2019 June 2019 For more photos, see next page Seafarers LOG 13 �Crowley’s Lee Egland displays his catch. AMMILVETS President David Souder (left) receives an award from SIU Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins. GCR’s Dean Charbonnet holds up his biggest catch of the day. Anglers Land 134 Keepers During Annual Classic Continued from Page 13 “This year’s event checked all the boxes: great weather, awesome catch, and the privilege of spending the day with 12 of our heroes,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, founder and chairman of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic. “Special thanks to our steward department, who blew people away from the moment they showed up until the day they left.” The day’s catch did include 14 catfish, which were larger but ultimately disqualified from bringing home the top prize. The award ceremony and dinner featured an art auction, with paintings from Nick Grassia that were graciously Ed Washburn holds up a massive (but disqualified) catfish. AB Joe Bowen displays his catch. 14 Seafarers LOG gifted to the PHC. AMMILVETS President David Souders, who won a few awards himself this year, expressed his gratitude to the event organizers, and explained how valuable support programs like the fishing tournament are to the veterans: “Since our founding, we’ve seen how important these programs and events are to our members. These programs are really needed. We’ve watched some of these [individuals] change their lives, back from a place where they were kind of closed off and not really wanting to do anything. Some had kind of given up on themselves, and were at that stage in life, and they are here today; they’ve come back around thanks to programs Crowley’s Kristy Benard shows off her catch. like this. And I really want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart. We all do.” After the awards ceremony, guests were treated to a delicious seafood feast prepared by SIU steward department members and staff at the PHC, showcasing their talents and the freshness of the day’s catch (along with tasty side dishes). Diners described it as an extravaganza, and noted the many different, scrumptious ways the fish were prepared. “This was a great year for the Seafarers Waterfront Classic,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins, who helps to plan and orchestrate the annual event every year. “We have Recertified Bosun Ken Steiner holds up a rockfish. to thank the SIU leadership and all of the organizers that help make this very important event become a reality. Not enough can be said in relation to headquarters, the Paul Hall Center leadership and crew, and the many participants that get involved to help support the American Military Veterans and their members. It’s an honor for me to be involved in this extremely worthy cause and perform a small part in supporting our veterans.” “The weather was fantastic, and the fish were bountiful,” said Acting PHC Vice President Tom Orzechowski. “but the camaraderie was the best of all. It’s all for a great cause, and we were happy to host the event for its seventh year.” Maersk’s Marcus Logan poses next to his largest catch of the day. PHC employees David Hammett (right) and David Aud work diligently to prepare the fish for cooking. Joseph Soresi SIU VP Atlantic Coast Wounded Warrior Joseph Steele June 2019 �Notice/Reminder Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Culinary 2.0 Training Still Available at Paul Hall Center As previously reported, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continues to offer Culinary 2.0 classes designed to help students boost their skills while complying with a new rule that takes effect next year. Completing the coursework also is intended to aid individual shipping opportunities. Shipping Rule 5.A.(6), which will go into effect January 1, 2020, states, “Within each class of seniority in the Steward Department, priority shall be given to those seamen who possess an advanced Culinary 2.0 certificate from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, in the event such program is being offered and that the seaman is registered in Group I, Steward Department.” While every new member of the steward department who completes their apprenticeship at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship will have successfully passed Culinary 2.0, it’s important to remember that those already sail- ing as chief cooks and chief stewards must also take the coursework in order to exercise preference and priority beginning next year (unless they have received training after January 1, 2017 at the Piney Point, Maryland-based campus). For those seamen currently employed as permanent stewards aboard commercial vessels, they must attend Culinary 2.0 in order to maintain their current employment status. For those already sailing as chief cooks and chief stewards, there are two new revalidation courses that have been designed to ensure a consistent level of culinary training and efficiency: Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 and Orientation/ Assessment Chief Cook 2.0. The courses are being offered regularly, but spaces are limited, so members are encouraged to plan ahead and enroll as soon as possible. For more information, contact your port agent and/ or the school’s admissions office. June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................................Monday: June 3, July 8 Algonac....................................................Friday: June 7, July 12 April 16, 2019 - May 15, 2019 Total Registered All Groups B Total Shipped All Groups B C Trip Reliefs 1 1 3 1 0 2 0 12 6 4 0 1 11 3 1 0 0 3 0 4 53 Deck Department 6 3 1 2 0 1 13 9 1 2 9 4 6 3 41 15 25 17 26 5 1 0 8 2 9 13 9 3 3 4 2 0 4 7 23 11 1 0 27 14 215 115 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 9 4 1 1 2 4 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 31 0 0 7 10 2 2 3 12 14 8 1 5 12 2 1 0 3 3 2 12 99 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 5 17 Engine Department 0 0 1 0 2 4 11 7 0 1 1 3 4 1 10 7 19 15 5 7 2 0 2 0 5 9 5 1 2 2 5 0 2 1 11 4 1 1 11 7 99 70 4 0 2 12 1 4 9 24 19 12 0 6 20 15 2 5 2 9 2 18 166 1 0 0 4 2 1 0 3 9 2 1 4 13 3 0 3 3 2 0 7 58 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 7 1 2 25 8 3 1 3 2 4 3 16 19 11 1 0 12 15 2 1 1 9 1 14 126 3 1 3 3 1 4 3 3 17 2 1 0 25 5 0 1 0 2 1 10 85 GRAND TOTAL: 633 423 163 Port A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 20 1 4 13 2 10 7 51 33 29 2 12 27 11 7 4 9 34 1 26 303 9 3 3 10 1 5 2 17 22 9 1 4 12 3 0 5 7 13 0 14 140 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 6 11 1 2 5 17 18 12 2 3 15 6 1 2 8 15 1 13 139 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS C Baltimore............................................Thursday: June 6, July 11 Guam.................................................Thursday: June 20, July 25 Honolulu................................................Friday: June 14, July 19 Houston.................................................Monday: June 10, July 15 Jacksonville.........................................Thursday: June 6, July 11 Joliet..................................................Thursday: June 13, July 18 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: June 12, July 17 New Orleans.........................................Tuesday: June 11, July 16 Jersey City..............................................Tuesday: June 4, July 9 Norfolk................................................Thursday: June 6, July 11 Oakland.............................................Thursday: June 13, July18 Philadelphia....................................Wednesday: June 5, July 10 Port Everglades.................................Thursday: June 13, July 18 San Juan..............................................Thursday: June 6, July 11 St. Louis.................................................Friday: June 14, July 19 Tacoma..................................................Friday: June 21, July 26 Wilmington...............................................Monday: June 17, July 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD SPAD Works For You. June 2019 Registered on Beach A All Groups B C 1 2 1 11 0 2 0 23 19 12 0 6 9 8 1 2 5 19 0 16 137 27 4 4 27 4 14 21 106 54 60 4 14 35 17 4 5 13 62 4 42 521 12 1 3 19 0 7 4 35 35 19 4 6 21 7 2 7 6 20 3 17 228 3 3 2 5 0 4 1 18 7 8 3 3 23 4 1 0 2 5 2 13 107 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 11 0 0 2 6 0 2 1 7 11 3 0 2 6 1 2 2 3 6 0 6 60 2 0 10 13 1 5 17 26 23 18 1 4 21 14 5 0 14 25 1 21 221 0 0 4 13 2 3 4 17 29 9 2 9 21 4 3 1 5 6 5 15 152 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 1 1 1 2 4 2 0 0 0 3 1 11 32 Steward Department 3 0 0 0 1 1 15 7 1 2 4 2 6 2 11 5 9 3 10 3 1 2 0 1 14 9 5 4 1 0 4 2 1 3 9 1 2 0 15 5 112 52 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 8 0 2 3 6 7 5 0 0 9 3 1 0 2 8 0 6 60 5 1 3 14 2 9 16 34 32 19 0 9 23 31 4 2 5 20 4 29 262 1 0 1 6 1 0 4 9 17 2 0 3 15 4 0 2 9 6 1 22 103 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 2 2 2 0 2 1 1 0 0 4 0 2 21 Entry Department 2 4 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 0 0 6 12 2 14 2 9 0 0 0 0 0 12 2 7 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 8 0 1 0 9 18 85 3 0 3 2 2 0 3 3 12 5 0 0 11 3 0 2 1 10 0 4 64 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 5 4 0 0 5 3 1 4 1 4 0 0 36 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 5 2 0 1 0 5 1 0 1 11 1 12 50 9 5 1 8 1 3 8 21 46 26 1 1 23 17 2 1 0 15 0 38 226 13 3 3 3 0 5 4 18 59 15 1 2 46 11 0 3 1 18 2 22 229 111 293 1,054 709 389 A 444 322 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by students who’d just completed either the Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 class or the Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 class (both part of the Culinary 2.0 curriculum) at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Question: What did you think of the class? Carlos Diaz Chief Cook It was very, very good. It’s basically retraining us and refreshing our skills. I especially liked the time-management lessons, which are part of the curriculum. On a scale of one to 10, it’s a 10. I liked it. Thalis Ealy Recertified Steward It was wonderful. The leadership aspect of it was what I liked. It measured up to my expectations fairly well. I would recommend it – learning is essential to job productivity. Ryan Gallano Chief Cook I think it’s very helpful and necessary. Especially in the steward department, we have to be on the computer, and sometimes older stewards and cooks don’t know how to use them, so this training is good. The leadership component is also very helpful for us – managing the department. Gerald Kirtsey Recertified Steward I thought I came up here and already knew it all, and I found out I didn’t. It boosted me and gave me motivation. This helped me take a step back, learn, and now I’m refreshed and ready to go again. It’s a wonderful class. Darryl McCoy Chief Cook I really liked it. In fact, I loved every minute of it. I learned how to use the computer – I wasn’t very computer-savvy. I also learned some things in the kitchen. I especially liked the leadership class. Overall, it was good and I needed it. Just Self Recertified Steward It was awesome. It was informative, and I’m definitely going to benefit from it. I especially liked the Word, Excel and managerial skills parts. The class met my expectations if not went beyond. It was challenging but good. Karen Smith Chief Cook It was very well put together. I enjoyed it. It helps all the cooks when they want to upgrade to steward – gives you a lot of insight into what’s next. Learning computers was a highlight. Overall, if you had a problem or needed more information, the instructors would go into great detail. Samuel Sinclair Chief Steward I thought it was outstanding, and I’m not trying to sugarcoat it for anybody or anything. It reinvigorated my passion for the job. The class reintroduced me to the fact that I’m a leader, and my position is important to the company and the union. Pic From The Past NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 This 1979 photo was taken aboard the self-propelled hopper dredge Manhattan Island, not far from the stretch of land it was named after. Pictured from left are ABs Jack Wolos, Mark Jahn, Harry Daniels, Frank Rediker and Tan Ahjoon. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG June 2019 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA Goose Creek, South Carolina. LUIS ALVAREZ DONALD DEFLORIO Brother Luis Alvarez, 72, became a member of the union in 1994. He initially shipped aboard the Independence and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Alvarez upgraded on several occasions at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Alliance Norfolk, and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Donald Deflorio, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1992, initially sailing on the Jack Lummus. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Deflorio last sailed aboard the El Faro, in 2002. He resides in Randolph, Vermont. ILARIA AMAYA Sister Ilaria Amaya, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1998 when she sailed aboard the Gem State. She upgraded on multiple occasions at the maritime training center located in Piney Point, Maryland. A steward department member, Sister Amaya last sailed on the Maersk Virginia. She makes her home in Bronx, New York. JARED BLAVAT Brother Jared Blavat, 65, started his SIU career in 1990 when he shipped on the USNS Altair. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Blavat most recently sailed aboard the Alliance Fairfax. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. DAN BUCKLEY Brother Dan Buckley, 66, embarked on his SIU career in 1971, first sailing aboard the Western Hunter. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year. Brother Buckley last sailed on the Liberty Wave. He calls Metairie, Louisiana, home. RICHARD BUTCH Brother Richard Butch, 65, became an SIU member in 1972 when he shipped on the Detroit. An engine department member, he upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Butch concluded his career aboard the USNS Chesapeake. He is a San Francisco resident. RODRIGO CASTILLO Brother Rodrigo Castillo, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2005. He was a member of the engine department and first sailed on the Pride of Aloha. Brother Castillo most recently shipped aboard the Pacific Collector. He lives in June 2019 KASHMIR DHILLON Brother Kashmir Dhillon, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1989, first shipping aboard the Independence. An engine department member, he upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Dhillon last sailed on the Cape Mohican. He makes his home in Fairfield, California. JAMES EMIDY Brother James Emidy, 65, started sailing with the union in 1974 when he worked on the Eagle Traveler. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Emidy concluded his career on the Maersk Iowa and lives in South Kingston, Rhode Island. EUFEMIANO GOMES Brother Eufemiano Gomes, 66, joined the SIU in 2001 during the NMU/SIU merger. His first SIU vessel was the Maersk Maine and he sailed in the engine department. Brother Gomes upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. He last sailed on the Maersk Iowa before settling in North Bergen, New Jersey. JULIO GUITY Brother Julio Guity, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1990, first sailing on the USNS Bellatrix. The steward department member upgraded on multiple occasions at the maritime training facility located in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Guity’s last vessel was the Horizon Navigator. He calls Bronx, New York, home. WALTER HOLTON Brother Walter Holton, 62, joined the SIU in 2001, initially sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the Maersk Memphis. Brother Holton resides in Jacksonville, Florida. WALTER LAUX Brother Walter Laux, 71, became an SIU member in 1991 when he shipped on a Pacific Gulf Marine vessel. He sailed in both the engine and deck departments and in 2001 upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Laux most recently shipped aboard the Cape Kennedy. He is a resident of Kenner, Louisiana. JOSE LIWAG Brother Jose Liwag, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1994, first sailing aboard the Global Sentinel. An engine department member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Liwag’s final ship was the USNS Charlton. He calls Riverview, Florida, home. MELITON OROSCO Brother Meliton Orosco, 65, joined the SIU in 2007. He first shipped on the Pride of America, and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2009. Brother Orosco was an engine department member and sailed on the same vessel for the majority of his career. He resides in Honolulu. RODOLFO VECINO Brother Rodolfo Vecino, 68, joined the union in 1996, first sailing aboard the USNS Algol. He primarily worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Vecino last sailed on the Honor and lives in Bridge City, Louisiana. GARY RHYNE Brother Gary Rhyne, 65, became a member of the union in 1978 when he sailed on the McKee Sons. A member of the deck department, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Rhyne last shipped aboard the Long Lines. He resides in Arbutus, Maryland. GREAT LAKES RANDY FRANK Brother Randy Frank, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1989, initially sailing on the Sam Laud. An engine department member, he concluded his career on the American Mariner. Brother Frank makes his home in Alpena, Michigan. JAMES HABERMEHL Brother James Habermehl, 64, joined the SIU in 1973 and first sailed aboard the J.B. Ford. He sailed in the engine department and most recently shipped on the Alpena. Brother Habermehl resides in Lachine, Michigan. INLAND LEROY ADAWAY Brother Leroy Adaway, 62, joined the SIU in 1998 when he worked with Penn Maritime. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2006. Brother Adaway remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He lives in Zavalla, Texas. NICHOLAS CANETTI Brother Nicholas Canetti, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978, initially sailing on an Amherst Shipping vessel. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Canetti concluded his career with Crowley Towing. He resides in San Pedro, California. JAMES JONES Brother James Jones, 71, started his SIU career in 2008, first working for Seabulk Tankers. He sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard Seabulk Towing’s Energy Hercules. Brother Jones makes his home in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. DONALD MCQUAID Brother Donald McQuaid, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing with Dixie Carriers. He shipped in the engine department and last sailed with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother McQuaid settled in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. BRUCE MESGER Brother Bruce Mesger, 63, became an SIU member in 1978 when he worked for American Barge Lines. A steward department member, he upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Mesger most recently sailed on the Innovation. He lives in Bradenton, Florida. JACQUES MOUTTET Brother Jacques Mouttet, 61, joined the SIU in 1988, sailing first with G&H Towing. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. Brother Mouttet was employed with the same company for the duration of his career. He resides in Corpus Christi, Texas. SANTOS REYES Brother Santos Reyes, 67, joined the union in 1980 when he worked for G&H Towing. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Reyes was employed by the same company for his entire career. He makes his home in Houston. RICHARD WEAVER Brother Richard Weaver, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 2000, initially working for Riverboat Services. A deck department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Weaver most recently sailed on the Legacy. He calls Marathon, Florida, home. ERNEST ZEPEDA Brother Ernest Zepeda, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1970, first shipping on the Houston. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed aboard a G&H Towing vessel before settling in La Marque, Texas. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA FLOYD BISHOP Pensioner Floyd Bishop, 66, passed away April 3. He began his career with the SIU in 1971, initially sailing aboard the Trans Hawaii. Brother Bishop shipped in the steward department and last sailed on the Sulphur Enterprise. He became a pensioner in 2017 and resided in Wilmer, Alabama. THOMAS BROOKS Brother Thomas Brooks, 68, died March 8. He joined the union in 1999 when he sailed with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Brooks was a deck department member and most recently sailed on the Texas. He was a Miami resident. JON DILLON Pensioner Jon Dillon, 58, passed away April 28. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1985, when he shipped with Orgulf Transportation. Brother Dillon was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Isla Bella. He became a pensioner in 2018 and resided in Brooksville, Florida. MICHAEL EARHART Pensioner Michael Earhart, 65, died March 25. He signed on with the SIU in 1990, initially sailing on the Independence. Brother Earhart was a deck department member and concluded his career on the Pacific Collector. He retired in 2018 and settled in Yacolt, Washington. JOHN EMRICH Pensioner John Emrich, 74, passed away April 18. Initially sailing with Buckeye Steamship, Brother Emrich joined the SIU in 1968. He sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Horizon Consumer. Brother Emrich went on pension in 2007 and made his home in Whittier, California. EDWARD KING Pensioner Edward King, 81, died April 9. Born in Maryland, he became an SIU member in 1972. Brother King was a deck department member and first shipped on the Van Horizon. He last sailed aboard the Atlantic Guardian before retiring in 2003. Brother King lived in Pikesville, Maryland. 18 Seafarers LOG NORBERTO PRATS Pensioner Norberto Prats, 84, passed away December 21. He signed on with the SIU in 1968 when he shipped on the Merrimac. A deck department member, Brother Prats concluded his career on the Expedition. He became a pensioner in 2004 and was a resident of Ponce, Puerto Rico. RAYMONDE REGNIER Pensioner Raymonde Regnier, 94, passed away April 30. She embarked on her career with the SIU in 1978 when she worked for States Steamship. Sister Regnier was a steward department member. She last sailed on the President Madison before retiring in 1992. Sister Regnier made her home in Tempe, Arizona. JULIO ROMAN Pensioner Julio Roman, 77, died April 20. Brother Roman began shipping with the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing on the President Pierce. He was a steward department member and most recently sailed aboard the Cape Jacob. Brother Roman retired in 2013 and lived in Federal Way, Washington. KENNETH STERNER Pensioner Kenneth Sterner, 91, passed away April 10. He joined the union in 1980 when he sailed on the Consumer. Brother Sterner was a deck department member and last sailed on the Senator. He began collecting his pension in 1993 and settled in Pompano Beach, Florida. passed away April 19. He became an SIU member in 1953, first sailing on the Ames Victory. Brother Todora was a member of the deck department. His last vessel was the OMI Leader. He became a pensioner in 1993 and settled in Garland, Texas. STEPHEN TREECE Pensioner Stephen Treece, 67, died April 30. Brother Treece joined the SIU in 1971 when he shipped on the Paul H. Townsend. He primarily sailed in the engine department and concluded his career on the Charleston Express. Brother Treece went on pension in 2014 and resided in Houston. GREAT LAKES FRANCIS BELLANT Pensioner Francis Bellant, 81, passed away April 22. Brother Bellant signed on with the union in 1961. He was a member of the deck department and last sailed with Luedtke Engineering. Brother Bellant retired in 1999 and lived in St. Paul, Minnesota. INLAND JIMMY BANNISTER Pensioner Jimmy Bannister, 62, died April 21. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1977, working for Dravo Basic Materials. A member of the deck department, Brother Bannister remained with the same company until his retirement in 1990. He called Uriah, Alabama, home. CLORA DOOM Pensioner Clora Doom, 87, passed away March 27. She started her career with the Sea- farers in 1987. Sister Doom primarily sailed in the steward department, and worked for Orgulf Transportation for the duration of her career. She became a pensioner in 1998 and resided in Paducah, Kentucky. TIMOTHY PICKERING Brother Timothy Pickering, 42, died April 13. He began sailing with the SIU in 2017 when he worked for Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning. Brother Pickering shipped in the deck department and continued to sail with the same company for his entire SIU career. He was a resident of Salem, Massachusetts. MAURICE BOWIE Pensioner Maurice Bowie, 66, passed away April 25. He joined the SIU in 2001 during the SIU/NMU merger. A steward department member, Brother Bowie’s first vessel was the Chesapeake Bay. He last shipped on the Maersk Nebraska before retiring in 2009. Brother Bowie was a resident of New Orleans. JOHN HARDEE Pensioner John Hardee, 92, died March 11. Brother Hardee was born in North Carolina and became a pensioner in 1990. He lived in Norfolk, Virginia. PAUL PONT Pensioner Paul Pont, 71, passed away May 8. He joined the union in 1970, first working for Interstate Oil. Brother Pont worked in the deck department and sailed with the same company for the majority of his career. He went on pension in 2013 and made his home in Williston, Florida. MOISES JOHNSON Pensioner Moises Johnson, 87, passed away April 5. He was an NMU member before the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. Brother Johnson was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Maersk Maine. He went on pension in 2003 and settled in New York. WENCESLAO VAZQUEZ Pensioner Wenceslao Vazquez, 77, died May 1. He signed on with the SIU in 1976 and primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Vazquez worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career before retiring in 1998. He called Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, home. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NMU GEORGE BERGER Pensioner George Berger, 89, died February 19. Brother Berger was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He became a pensioner in 1995 and lived in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Name Age Antalan, Raymond 74 Arce, Dagoberto 82 Arroyo, Roosevelt 82 Flynn, Willie 93 Huertas, Felipe 80 Hughes, Wade 80 Lopez, Justo 88 Melendez, Francisco 85 Merren, Richard 95 Mitchell, Willie 78 Moody, Arthur 93 Perez, Ricardo 84 Powery, William 83 Royere, Thomas 92 Santos, Marshall 97 Stephens, Paul 88 Torres, David 92 Young, Lee 103 Yung, Vee 96 DOD 04/29/2019 04/19/2019 03/24/2019 05/10/2019 05/11/2019 04/29/2019 04/13/2019 03/30/2019 05/05/2019 04/15/2019 04/01/2019 04/12/2019 04/28/2019 04/26/2019 11/15/2018 04/22/2019 05/11/2019 04/22/2019 04/03/2019 Aboard Kaimana Hila WALTER STEVENS Pensioner Walter Stevens, 92, died May 10. Brother Stevens began his career with the SIU in 1956, first working with Ore Navigation. He sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Navigator. Brother Stevens went on pension in 1994 and was a resident of Arnold, Maryland. CHARLES TODORA Pensioner Charles Todora, 91, Matson’s union-built containership Kaimana Hila is one of the newest vessels in the SIU-crewed fleet. Pictured from left to right aboard the vessel on the West Coast are ACU Saleh Sewileh, Recertified Steward Stephen Valencia and Chief Cook Alberto Insong. June 2019 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HOUSTON (USS Transport), January 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Fausto Aranda, Educational Director William Mercer, Deck Delegate Terrance Jones, Engine Delegate Noel Magbitang. Chairman thanked steward department for good food and variety of menu options. Secretary praised crew for a job well done. Educational director reminded members to check documents and upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New TVs for all rooms and Wi-Fi now available. HOUSTON (USS Transport), February 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Bruce Johnson, Educational Director Jorge Lawrence, Deck Delegate Terrance Jones, Engine Delegate Noel Magbitang. Chairman reminded crew to keep ship clean and advised members to check credentials for expiration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. HOUSTON (USS Transport), March 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Fausto Aranda, Educational Director Jorge Lawrence, Deck Delegate Terrance Jones. Crew requested to remove the required Anderson Kelly physical. Chairman encouraged members to attend upgrading courses at the Piney Point school. He reminded everyone to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New refrigerator and new furniture aboard ship. Bosun thanked crew for keeping ship clean. The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. CAPE WRATH (Crowley), March 10 – Chairman William Dowzicky, Secretary Robert Brown, Educational Director Timothy Chestnut, Deck Delegate William Howell, Engine Delegate James Corprew. Chairman discussed schedule and upcoming payoff. He reminded C-card members that they are only guaranteed 60 days or one foreign voyage. Crew discussed changes to 2019 medical benefit. Members are keeping up with common areas. Educational director urged crew to upgrade as often as possible at the Paul Hall Center. He provided contact information to members needing assistance with course registration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over details for GUDE position and GVA. GUDE has work availability in deck or engine department. GVA has work availability in any of three departments. Members were directed to fill out stateroom forms when broken items are in need of repair. Vote of thanks given to steward department for providing good meals. Next Port: Kuwait. GOLDEN STATE (Crowley), March 17 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Michael Carello, Steward Delegate Terry Fowler. Ship vent systems need to be cleaned and house floor in need of repair. No Wi-Fi available for stateside crew. Great food on board. Secretary discussed tax forms. Educational director recommended members upgrade at Piney Point and keep documents in order. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman went over importance of Jones Act. Crew requested increase in both vacation and pension benefits. Members asked for TVs and refrigerators in staterooms. Crew discussed policy regarding “in lieu of day off” pay. EL COQUI (Crowley), March 31 – Chairman Abel Vazquez Torres, Secretary Juan Vallejo Hernandez, Educational Director Rodney Passapera-Barbosa, Deck Delegate Kemer Rojas, Engine Delegate Christian Rosado, Steward Delegate Bryan Alvarez. Crew discussed old business including vacation extension and Wi-Fi access. Chairman reiterated importance of safety and keeping documents up to date. He thanked steward department for great food. Members gave thanks to Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez and Port Agent Amancio Crespo for their work on Capitol Hill. Educational director encouraged crew to enhance their careers by upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members proposed changes for future negotiations, to include additional compensation for shared bathrooms and rooms. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (OSG), April 19 – Chairman Billy Hill Jr., Secretary Carlos Sanchez, Educational Director John Groom. Chairman reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew and advised everyone to donate to SPAD. He emphasized importance of taking breaks and staying hydrated as warm weather approaches. A job well done by steward department with getting Welcome Ashore In Mobile Seafarer Steve Woods (left) picks up his first pension check at the hall in Mobile, Alabama (he’s pictured with Port Agent Jimmy White). Woods, an engineer, sailed with Crescent Towing from 1996 through March of this year. ship in order. Secretary reminded crew to bring all dishes back to galley. Educational director urged members to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New pillows and DirecTV boxes received. Crew waiting for delivery of correct fans. Members request an increase in dental and vision benefits. Next Port: Tampa, Florida. INDEPENDENCE II (TOTE), April 21 – Secretary Christopher Amigable, Educational Director Ricardo Fuentes, Steward Delegate Thomas Cyrus. Payoff scheduled at sea. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall and lounge clean. He reminded members to put away any used items. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Piney Point and to contribute to SPAD. Members requested Wi-Fi and pay raise. Vote of thanks to steward department for a job well done. Next Port: Baltimore. LIBERTY PRIDE (Liberty Maritime), April 23 – Chairman David Martinez, Deck Delegate Wilfredo Guerrero, Engine Delegate Marcus Lopez, Steward delegate Gladiz David. Chairman reminded crew to work safely. He noted the union’s effort securing and maintaining jobs for members and encouraged crew to contribute to SPAD. Chairman discussed difficulties securing LNG-related certifications from Coast Guard. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses. AB reported fume from A/C vent in his room. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt June 2019 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, for the next several months. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses Leadership & Managerial Skills June 29 June 22 August 17 October 12 AB to Mate Modules July 19 September 13 November 8 Modules must be taken in order. Those who are not in the mates program cannot apply for these courses. Contact the Admissions Office for further details. ARPA September 28 October 4 Bosun Recertification July 20 August 5 Crane Familiarization October 5 October 11 ECDIS September 21 November 16 September 27 November 22 Fast Rescue Boat July 20 August 17 July 26 August 23 GMDSS July 20 August 31 August 2 September13 Lifeboat June 29 July 27 August 24 September 21 October 19 November 16 July 12 August 9 September 6 October 4 November 1 November 29 Radar Observer September 14 September 27 Radar Renewal (one day) Contact the PHC Admissions Office RFPNW July 20 September 14 November 9 August 16 October 11 December 6 September 7 September 27 100 Ton Master Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 13 July 26 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses BAPO July 20 September 14 November 9 August 16 October 11 December 6 Engineroom Resource Management June 22 June 28 FOWT June 22 August 17 July 19 September 13 Junior Engineer June 22 September 28 August 16 November 22 Machinist June 29 July 19 Marine Electrician August 10 October 4 Marine Refer Tech July 13 August 23 Pumpman July 20 July 26 Welding July 20 August 17 August 9 September 6 July 5 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck Title of Course Steward Department Courses Advanced Galley Operations June 22 July 19 Certified Chief Cook Modules run every other week. The next class will start June 10. Chief Steward July 27 September 13 Galley Operations July 20 August 16 Orientation/Assessment Chief Cook 2.0 June 22 July 20 June 28 July 26 Orientation/Assessment Chief Steward 2.0 June 15 July 6 June 21 July 12 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic Training/Basic FF July 6 July 20 Basic Training Revalidation July 26 July 26 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 22 June 28 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting August 17 August 23 Government Vessels June 22 June 28 Medical Care Provider August 24 August 30 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL July 27 August 2 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG July 20 July 26 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, 45353 St. George Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/19 June 2019 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class 847 – Graduated February 22 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Leonard DeLeon, Jessina Fernandez, Christopher Fisher, Austan Fryar, Dakota Guthrie, Michael Howard Hutton, Frankinns Joseph, Timothy McDonald, Noah McHenry, Sheldon Mitchell, Joshua Rivers, Charles Sassone, William Storey II, Rhendall Thatcher, Daniel Ursitti, Montrell Wiggins and Arkala Williams. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Water Survival – Graduated January 25: Jerome Aninion (above, left) and Nahun Moises Bernardez Bernard. Water Survival – Graduated February 22: Jamila King (above, left) and Ana Marie Chona Razon Calma. Crane Familiarization – Graduated February 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcos Humberto Arriola, Paul D’ugo, Emmanuel Kwesi Atta Essien, Rolando Guity, Reynaldo Bermudez Lacayo and Trevor Patterson. Class instructor Stan Beck is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Machinist – Graduated January 25: Dean Parks (above, left) and Eddie Solichin (center). Instructor Keith Adamson is at the right. UA to AS-Deck – Graduated February 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamil Andre Centeno-Rosario, Julien Kei Charlet, Jeffery Gullett Jr., Daniel Afran Mensah, Samuel Moore, Devon Pullins, Alton Robinson, Dzmitry Sasnouski, Chauncey Wilkerson and Javaris Wright. Government Vessels – Graduated January 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Paul Adams, Ali Nagi Alhadad, Jerome Verdon Aninion, Arles Ballestero, Christopher Bean, William Cassell III, Roni Anival Castillo, Rubenia Marina Flores, Carlos Enrique Gibbons, Arvin Tarroza Heras, Nathaniel Hunter, Adam Middaugh, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Primus Nkemnyi, Luisa Oben, Erwin Renon, Lamont Robinson, Denyse Sineath, Lucica Ulianov and Richard Wright. Class instructor Tom Truitt is at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) June 2019 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes UA to FOWT – Graduated February 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Nicolas Brailsford, Caleb Donovan, Tianna Evans, Christian Fredrick, Raphael Henson, Daryl Hicks, Michael Lane, Eli Lopez, Montel Chevez MacKey, William Means, Eddie O’Bannon III, Shawn Smith, Thomas Tooke, Kevin Willis and Shawn Yancey Jr. Pumpman – Graduated February 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Durango, Dean Parks and Eddie Solichin. Keith Adamson, their instructor, is at the far right. Medical Care Provider – Graduated March 1: Carlton Banks (above, left) and James Ross. Instructor John Thomas is at the right. Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated January 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Keithley Andrew, Ryan Armstrong, Frederick Cleare, Douglas Crockett Jr., Oleg Derun, Robert Gratzer, Ronel Guerzon, Basil Messer Jr., Earnest Paulk III, Tyler Purdy, James Robinson, Igor Vasilevich Yakunkov and William Ziadeh. Instructor Joseph Zienda is at the far left. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated February 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Jarrett Andrews Jr., Rex Bolin, Thomas Andres Caballero, Samuel Calder Jr., Farook Mohamed Essa, Denando Ewings, Ruthellen McDonough, Foaad Mousa Saleh, Kassem Mohamed Saleh, Jose Benjie Santos and Elston Sintok Yu-Mateo. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated March 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Thommie Hampton, Andrea Hargrove, Bernadette Hill, Carlicia Jones, Vrysalyn Semetara Joy, Raymond Lackland, Miriam Merluzzo and Tyler Unkle. Class instructor Mike Roberts is at the far right. Government Vessels – Graduated February 22 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Abdulaziz Mohamed Nagi Alsinai, Kofi Asamani, Fontaine Barber, Deirick Coltrane II, Reginald Dillard, Harold Gerber II, Abdulla Ginah, Andrea Hargrove, James Hill, Leportre Jasper, Alexander Karre, Stephen Martin, Waleed Yahya Mohsin, Waverly Moore, Mark Pearson, Randy Pearson, Joey Roberts, German Teodosio, Robert Wagner Jr., William White III and Michele Woodley. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2019 �Paul Hall Center Classes Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated January 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Kirk Fisher, Sharon Hoffman, Mark Keller, Adele Messina and Nathaniel Simmons Jr. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated February 1: John Val Raz Teodosio. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated January 11 (above, from left to right): Jeffrey Beasley, Charles Brooks and Christopher Bacalso Amigable. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated February 15: Michele Woodley and Danilo Malcaba Florendo. Advanced Galley Operations – Graduated February 1 (above, from left to right) Jack Boscia, Bryan Onill Alvarez and Casey Pearson. Galley Operations – Graduated March 1 (above, from left to right) Diosdado Variacion Abugotal Jr., Gervacio Francisco Antonio Simon and Marcelino Pabito. June 2019 Certified Chief Cook (Module 6) – Graduated January 11 (above, from left to right) Walter Lent and Michael Poblete Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated January 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Erwin Raphael Saludares Asinas, Zoe Felton, Dustin Haney, Aaron HeltonCox, Arturo Montoya and Dominique Villanueva-Kaaiahua. Certified Chief Cook (Module 2) – Graduated February 8 (above, from left to right): Andres Brown, Dijon Cuffee and James Fisher. Seafarers LOG 23 �JUNE 2019 VOLUME 81, NO. 6 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Father-Son Teams Learn Aboard Freedom Star Apprentices Randy Slue and Christian Kalinowski recently experienced a unique period of training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, when their fathers arrived at the school to work alongside them. QMED Randy Slue and SIU hawsepiper Third Mate Christopher Kalinowski (currently a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers union) joined their sons aboard the Freedom Star - the school’s dedicated training ship - for a fast cruise, which is defined by the U.S. Navy as “a simulated underway period that prepares the crew for life at sea.” The four mariners used the time aboard the ship well, as both an opportunity to learn and a chance to visit with family. “Because we weren’t able to go out on the [planned voyage], we did a lot more instruction, line handling and such,” said Christopher. “At night, [my son] was on watch, so I spent that with him. And then we bunked together, so we caught up during those times as well. I was very fortunate for this time with him.” Randy was also thankful for the experience, saying, “I tried to give him (his son) a little advice on things to look out for on the job, stuff like that. We caught up as we worked on the ship, made sure he was getting along at the school and all that. It was nice to spend some time with him.” The sons also praised the experience of working aboard the training vessel, remarking on the value of learning on a real ship as opposed to exclusively in classrooms and on simulators. Christian said, “Being able to feel fresh air was a bonus. Feeling how hot an engine actually is was cool, it’s not really reflected in the simulators. It was much more realistic working aboard the Freedom Star.” Both second-generation mariners spoke of their fathers as inspirations for their career decisions. The younger Randy explained his reasons for following in his father’s footsteps, saying, “The stories From left: Apprentice Randy Slue, QMED Randy Slue, Third Mate Christopher Kalinowski and Apprentice Christian Kalinowski. he used to tell me when he got home really got me excited. He would tell me about his trips to Japan, and throughout Europe and all kinds of other countries. He showed me pictures and stuff from his travels, and told me what a great career it would be.” His father, who joined the SIU in 2003, remarked on his son’s path to becoming a mariner: “I’m pretty excited that he decided to do this. He made the decision all on his own, and I’m proud of him. The only thing I pushed him towards was getting a career instead of a job, something long-term. He came up with the plan, and he’s followed through. I was supportive of him no matter what, obviously, but he came to the decision on his own.” Christian was similarly inspired by his father’s career, and also hadn’t been pushed towards a life on the water by his father. Christopher praised his son’s decision, saying, “I’m extremely proud of him. He has become a man of great work ethic, and it’s almost comical how identical his footsteps are to mine. I was in lifeboat class number 500 as a trainee, and he’s following right behind me.” The older mariners also observed the many improvements to the school since they first trained at the facility in Piney Point, Maryland. “I was impressed with the Freedom Star,” said Christopher. “It’s a functional, sea-based platform, and when they do go out on a cruise, the things the trainees can do out there, they really won’t be able to do until much later in their career. It’s a great platform for teaching…. Not only did I get a look at the curriculum on the Freedom Star, I got to peek in at the simulators, and they are really something. It’s world’s different from when I trained here.” Randy was also impressed by the training vessel: “I think it’s awesome,” he said. “I think that it is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience with the instructors. You can get ignored sometimes when you’re working out at sea, and not receive the best on-the-job training, but on the Freedom Star, you really get a chance to get that quality training time on a ship.” The apprentices reflected on the advice their fathers had given them in preparation for attending the school, and how that advice had compared to the current facility and curriculums. “Everything that he really told me about it was to prepare me for the lifestyle and environment,” said Randy. “I knew it was going to be military-like, and I was ready for that, so I wasn’t too surprised. He prepared me before I even applied, while I was still in high school, so I was mentally ready for the training here. What stuck with me was that he said to stay focused, and not worry about what other people say. Know what you’re there for, and work hard to achieve your goals.” Christian recalled his father’s advice to him: “He told me to keep your head low, and said that people will try to shake you up, but just work hard and you’ll get through. He was here in the ’90s, class 500, but my dad was right on. It’s not as crazy as he said it was, but it’s certainly changed over the years. He had prepared me for barracks and spigot showers, but it’s way nicer than that nowadays. A lot has changed here since the ’90s.” Both apprentices emphasized their excitement to finish their training and travel the world. Randy expressed his desire to upgrade his skills and climb the ladder to third engineer, whereas Christian’s plan includes upgrading his deck department skills while sailing on as many different types of vessels as he can. “I’d really love to travel with my pops on a ship, if we can get on a ship together,” said Randy. “He’s really taught me a lot, even in the short time we worked together onboard the Freedom Star. I’ll always appreciate this time with him.” Apprentice Randy Slue (left in photo above) is pictured aboard the Freedom Star with his father QMED Randy Slue. In photo at left, Third Mate Christopher Kalinowski (second from left) and Apprentice Christian Kalinowski (right) are pictured with other mariners at the school. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2010-2019 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXII-LXXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010-2019 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2019 Description An account of the resource Headlines: CRESCENT BOATMEN APPROVE CONTRACTS SEVENTH WATERFRONT CLASSIC FEATURES BOUNTIFUL CATCHES, CAMRADERIE, FELLOWSHIP TRUMP TELLS LEGISLATORS: NO JONES ACT WAIVER PROPELLER CLUB HONORS RICHMOND WITH 'SALUTE TO CONGRESS' AWARD CRESCENT CREWS RATIFY TWO-YEAR CONTRACTS PAUL HALL CENTER HOSTS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING BIPARTISAN COALITION VOICES BACKING FOR JONES ACT SIU EXECUTIVE VP TELLEZ NAMED TO KEY DOT MARITIME COMMITTEE NEW AFL-CIO REPORT REVEALS 275 DIALY U.S. WORKER DEATHS IN 2017 SIX STEWARDS ASCEND LADDER TO RECERTIFIED STATUS PASHA HAWAII MARKS CONSTRUCTION MILESTONES FOR LNG-FUELED OHANA CLASS CONTAINERSHIPS MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND CHRISTENS USNS GUAM IN JAPAN THE OLDEST TUGBOAT MAN IN BALTIMORE MELANOMA KILLS THOUSANDS ANNUALLY IN UNITED STATES SEAFARERS WATERFRONT CLASSIC: A SOUTHERN MARYLAND TRADITION ANGLERS LAND 134 KEEPERS DURING ANNUAL CLASSIC FATHER-SON TEAMS LEARN ABOARD FREEDOM STAR Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2019 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. 81, No. 6 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/10bca92d7cb342de02013d7b240007c5.pdf 42da4248d7eb04c9f62714a9fdedd6c7 PDF Text Text JUNE 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Delivers During Pandemic Seafarers Adapt to Worldwide Challenges As the United States continues grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, dedicated SIU members are still on the job – in addition to assisting others in their respective communities. Virtually no part of life has been unaffected by the global outbreak, but despite a few vessels laying up in late April, the vast majority of SIU-crewed ships are still operating. In the large group photo at immediate right, Seafarers aboard the USNS Maury (operated by Ocean Shipholdings) demonstrate social distancing during a group photo. Pictured from left are (first row) OMU Kevin Willis, OMU Zachary Cartwright, MDR Brandon Maeda, SK Michael Dupee, (second row) Bosun Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi, (third row) SA Pedro Maysonet, AB Christian Nunez, GVA Mason Kamhed, GVA Arabi Muthala, (back row) Steward/Baker Christopher King and OMU Karl Morrow. In photo directly below, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (right) checks the temperature of an oncoming individual at the gangway of the USNS Algol (Ocean Duchess) in San Francisco. Acuman built the testing area in part to block the wind. In the remaining photos at the lower right, SIU personnel pitch in with a Honolulu food drive to assist local residents. Pictured from left in the group photo are SIU Safety Director Amber Akana, Dion Dizon of the Hawaii AFL-CIO, and SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. Page 3. New Coalition Page 4 SIU Election Info Page 6 Pension Plan Funding Notice Page 8 �President’s Report Worthy Addition to Next Stimulus For all the alterations to day-to-day life brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing that hasn’t changed is the SIU’s constant effort to promote and protect the U.S. Merchant Marine. As reported elsewhere in this edition and on our website, American maritime remains fully engaged in standing up for the Jones Act (which turns 100 this month), the Maritime Security Program, cargo-preference laws – and, most importantly to me, for the dedicated mariners who continue to deliver during this time of crisis. There is another important topic, however, that is flying at least a little bit under the radar as Congress weighs the potential contents of its next stimulus package. That subject is retirement security, and no matter what happens this summer, it’s certainly an issue we are bound to hear discussed during election season. We are fortunate in the SIU. Again as reported elsewhere in this issue, the Seafarers Pension Plan is fully funded and in great shape. (Members have additional avenues toward retirement security, including the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, and the Seafarers 401K Plan.) But that doesn’t mean the future is guaranteed, or Michael Sacco that many millions of our fellow Americans aren’t concerned about having enough money for retirement. Age doesn’t matter. True, a 25-year-old may not be looking at retirement income the same way a 55-year-old would, but planning a secure future is something that affects everyone. Thanks to the struggles of union members following World War II, blue-collar workers gave up part of their contracted pay raises to invest in pensions for retirement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized this when he said, “The Labor Movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute, and above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life.” For many union members, multiemployer pension plans were created. These programs typically covered highly mobile workers who moved from one employer to another, often for short periods of time. Some of the industries included transportation, building and construction, entertainment, retail and others. In these industries, the workers would belong to one union but have different employers throughout their careers. The average plan would have between 500 to 2,000 participants, with between 20 to 40 contributing employers. Pensions supplemented by Social Security and savings were considered a mainstay of the middle-class. However, the financial downturns at the beginning of this century hit companies and workers hard. Industry deregulation and other factors led to companies merging or going out of business. Changes in the law allowed creative usage of bankruptcy by firms to discard their pension obligations. Therefore, fewer companies with downsized workforces were paying less into these plans. While many of the nearly 1,400 multiemployer plans weathered these storms, just over 100 have not been as fortunate. With that in mind, the AFL-CIO has endorsed passage of the Rehabilitation of Multiemployer Pensions Act, also known as the Butch Lewis Act. The bill addresses the multiemployer pension crisis facing more than one million Americans, serving as an important backstop to ensure that retirees do not lose the pensions they earned through decades of hard work. The Butch Lewis Act would address the pension crisis by creating a new office within the Treasury Department called the Pension Rehabilitation Administration (PRA). The PRA would allow pension plans to borrow money needed to remain solvent and continue providing security for retirees and workers for decades to come. In order to do this, the PRA would sell Treasury-issued bonds to large investors in the open market, such as financial firms. The PRA would then lend the money from the sale of bonds to the financially troubled pension plans with long-term, low-interest loans, buying time for the pension plans to continue providing benefits while refocusing their investments for long-term health. The Butch Lewis Act was awaiting action by the U.S. Senate after being approved in the House of Representatives last summer. It’s now a candidate for addition to the next stimulus package, and that’s a move that makes sense for our country. Defense Scholar: Time is Now To Refocus on U.S.-Flag Fleet Loren Thompson, the chief operating officer for the Lexington Institute, recently wrote an op-ed for the Forbes website strongly stating that the current coronavirus pandemic should refocus the government’s attention to rebuilding the U.S.-flag fleet. In an April 17 article titled “Coronavirus Makes the National Security Case for Rebuilding U.S. Maritime Power Compelling,” Thompson states as China continues to expand its maritime footprint around the world, especially in shipbuilding and global port operations, America is sailing away. “The problem here isn’t that China is competing with U.S. maritime interests and winning,” he notes. “The problem is that official Washington has largely deserted the field, failing to frame policies that can maintain a reasonable balance of maritime interests.” After recalling how U.S. maritime capabilities were severely lacking at the start of both World War I and II, Thompson reflects how in the present time, “This could be disastrous for the United States. In a major conflict, the U.S. might lack the capacity to import essential goods from other countries, it might lack the shipping tonnage to sustain a protracted sealift effort, and it might lack the merchant seamen to operate what vessels it does possess. “Without a reasonably robust American-flagged commercial fleet, there won’t be enough experi- enced seamen to sustain a military sealift operation in wartime,” he adds. Thompson saluted the efforts to support and protect the Jones Act (the nation’s freight cabotage law) and the Maritime Security Program (which provides annual stipends for 60 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels capable of being deployed in military or national emergency operations), but they are not enough: “Such policies are helpful but inadequate.” He proposes Congress “bolster the American commercial oceangoing fleet and mariner community by raising the cargo preference requirement for all federally assisted loads to 100 percent.” In addition, he believes there should be a comprehensive domestic shipbuilding program and an effort to “defray the differential operating costs of U.S. ships once they went to sea, since some nations impose virtually no requirements on the credentialing and work conditions of merchant mariners.” Thompson wraps up his case by stating, “As policymakers rethink economic priorities in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis, now would be a good time to recommit to being a first-class commercial seafaring nation.” The Lexington Institute is a Virginia-based public policy think-tank that focuses on national security-related issues. U.S.-Flag Maritime Industry United in Opposing Oil Companies’ Scheme for Jones Act Waiver Union and non-union mariners, shipowners, dredgers, schools, barge operators, pilots, suppliers and other stakeholders within the U.S.-flag maritime industry – large and small – recently joined together to send a letter to President Donald Trump indicating their vehement opposition to waiving the Jones Act, the nation’s freight cabotage law. The letter was sent to the White House on April 2, one day before the president met with executives from oil and petroleum companies who publicly expressed their desire to waive the 100-year-old law. SIU President Michael Sacco was among the letter’s nearly 250 signers. According to numerous sources, including ones from the meeting, the waiver request didn’t happen. “Waiving the Jones Act means outsourcing American maritime jobs to foreign shipping companies that do not pay U.S. taxes,” the letter reads. “Many of the foreign vessels would have been made in China and are operated by foreign crews who do not pay U.S. taxes and cannot be counted on to go into harm’s way for America’s interests.” The letter further notes, “The American domestic maritime industry produces 650,000 jobs nationwide that have been designated by the Department of Homeland Security as part of the essential critical infrastructure workforce.” Referring to the current coronavirus pandemic and the economic downturn it has caused, the letter continues, “A Jones Act waiver in these circumstances – replacing American mariners and American ships with foreign mariners and foreign ships in our home waters – is unnecessary and contrary to our collective need to come together as a nation to fight this virus.” The SIU has long fought for the Jones Act, which continues to receive bipartisan support on Capitol Hill despite continuous efforts by outside forces to cripple the law. More than 90 countries have some type of cabotage law on their books. With Seafarers Aboard Maersk Michigan O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 6 June 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Part of the SIU crew is pictured aboard the vessel in April while delivering cargo in the Far East. Included are Pumpman Walden Galacgac, AB Donald Bernard, Chief Steward Elizabeth Byrd, AB Zachary Ballard, GVA Ibrahim Ghalib, AB Hussen Mohamed, AB DM Fernando Haber, QMED Theodore Gonzales, AB DM Tomas Calderon Robinson and QMED Raymond Roldan. Thanks to vessel master Capt. T. Pham for the photo and IDs. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG June 2020 �COVID-19 PANDEMIC The Global Sentinel deck gang is pictured behind a flag painting done by Thor Young. (See page 4 for additional photos from the Sentinel.) SIU Weathering COVID-19 Pandemic Union Ramps Up Crew Changes; USCG Eases Requirements With the world still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, SIU crews around the globe continued delivering the goods as of early May. At press time, a few SIU-crewed ships were on the verge of laying up due to lack of cargo – a direct result of the novel coronavirus that had infected more than one million people worldwide while claiming more than 66,000 lives in the United States. However, the vast majority of Seafarers-crewed vessels and tugs were still operating. Two noteworthy exceptions are the cruise ship Pride of America and the passenger ferries of NY Waterway. The cruise ship has been idled in Honolulu since mid-March, and it remains the only known vessel where any SIU members (a minimal number) have been diagnosed with the virus. Most of NY Waterway’s ferries are out of service because of quarantines in New York and New Jersey. With U.S. unemployment having already reached Great Recession levels and threatening to worsen, the U.S. Merchant Marine’s essential nature has been underscored while mariners remain on the job. Perhaps the two most visible examples were the CIVMARcrewed hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, both of which were mobilized fairly early in the crisis. However, in terms of scope and sheer numbers, the larger contribution to U.S. national, economic and homeland security is being made by various cargo ships, tankers, tugs, barges and other platforms. Meanwhile, the SIU in late April implemented protocols for larger-scale crew changes following an initial month-long moratorium that was designed to protect members’ safety. Preparations also were being made to reopen the hiring halls whenever it’s safe to do so (there is no target date for now), and modifications were made to some of the Seafarers Plans in order to assist participants. The U.S. Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration, respectively, also made numerous alterations covering testing for credentials, renewals, TWICs and more. Similarly, the State Department announced that U.S. Passport Services will accommodate mariners whose current valid passports expire within 13 months, and those who need a passport for international voyages. (Editor’s note: All of these developments are reported in detail on the SIU website. Check the COVID-19 section on our home page.) While Seafarers largely seem to have adapted to myriad changes caused by the pandemic, one contentious subject exists in Precautionary setups are now the norm on SIU-crewed ships, including the USNS Maury. June 2020 the SIU Government Services Division. The SIU (along with the MM&P and MEBA) filed a grievance against the Military Sealift Command because of a restriction-to-ship order that the unions charge is not being applied to non-crew members. In part, the SIU grievance (which only applies to federal-sector mariners) reads, “The SIU recognizes we are living through extraordinary and distressing times and we support all reasonable efforts to keep the CIVMAR crews safe, but this restriction is not achieving that goal and is causing extreme distress to the unlicensed members we represent.” Meanwhile, at least one SIU-crewed ship initially didn’t feel much of a disruption. The Global Sentinel (SubCom) had been at sea from Feb. 20 through most of April, laying cable on the West Coast. “We are one of the safest ships out there,” noted Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman. “We are about to touch dry land and then head out for 70 more days. The crew that is coming on has been quarantined for 14 days in a hotel. The entire ship is grateful and thanks the union for their support.” He added, “The crew has been great and just rolled with the punches.” AB Alicia Plunkett makes the most of extra shipboard time on the USNS John Glenn (Ocean Shipholdings) in Saipan. At press time, SIU headquarters continued operating with a skeleton crew, as did the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The school was still training approximately 30 apprentices, but all upgrading courses had concluded. Modifications are happening in hiring halls for whenever the facilities can safely reopen. These late-April photos from Houston show new dividers at the counter (bottom right), fresh paint (left), and wider spacing of seating arrangements (top right). Seafarers LOG 3 �New Wisconsin Maritime Coalition Announced In late April, labor and business leaders from around the Badger State stood up the Wisconsin Domestic Maritime Coalition (WIDMAC) as the voice of the domestic maritime industry in Wisconsin. The coalition, comprised of leading unions and employers from throughout the state, launched with an announcement of 41% growth of domestic maritime industry jobs in Wisconsin. These jobs are critical to the state’s supply chain, enabling the delivery of vital resources and supplies that businesses and citizens need during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the findings of a new report conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the Transportation Institute (TI), Wisconsin ranks among the top 20 states in the nation for the number of domestic maritime jobs, employing 9,670 individuals and generating more than $635.3 million in worker income. This thriving industry produces $2.2 billion annually for the Wisconsin economy – an 88% increase since the previous study was completed. The backbone of the domestic maritime in- dustry is the Jones Act, serving as a pillar of economic strength and job creation for Wisconsin. Specifically, this law states that the transportation of cargo between U.S. points is reserved for ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. The new coalition will educate state leaders, media, and policymakers on the importance of this vibrant, growing industry, fighting for the nearly 10,000 domestic maritime workers in the state who continue to keep America’s supply chain moving forward in a safe and efficient manner. “It’s a fact – the Jones Act is a jobs creator and economic driver for Wisconsin,” said Michael Gerhardt, president of WIDMAC and vice president of the Dredging Contractors of America. “Shipyards alone account for more than 8,000 jobs and $437.2 million in worker income, having delivered over 1,800 American-made vessels for the U.S. government and private sector, including over 60 dredges. Deep-draft commercial ports and small recreational harbors are dredged and kept open by second- and third-generation family-owned, entrepreneurial U.S. companies, enabling domestic shipping companies to move millions of tons of cargo each year, which boosts local economies and strengthens the overall health of the state.” James Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, said, “Great Lakes vessels carry the raw materials that drive the nation’s economy. Our lakers are crucial to keeping the American economy running, and maritime workers across Wisconsin have stepped up to meet demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ships are made and maintained in Wisconsin shipyards and move iron ore, grain, and coal from Wisconsin ports and deliver salt, cement, stone, and fuel to Wisconsin docks. With many of our sailors living in Wisconsin, we proudly stand up for this vibrant, all-American maritime economy.” “The state of Wisconsin is a leader in the domestic maritime industry, supporting over 9,000 family-wage jobs and contributing over $2.2 billion to the economy,” said James L. Henry, TI chairman and president. “The findings in our most recent study and growing impacts in Wisconsin demonstrate the strength and necessity of the Jones Act.” “These numbers show how the Jones Act is crucial to not only national security but also economic security and job growth. We’re proud to see the domestic maritime industry’s investments in Wisconsin lead to job growth like this,” said Michael Roberts, president of the American Maritime Partnership. Thanks to the Jones Act, the domestic maritime industry now employs approximately 650,000 Americans across all 50 states, creates $41 billion in labor income for American workers, and adds more than $154.8 billion in annual economic output each year. Nationally, there are more than 40,000 American vessels – built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies – that operate in our waters 24-hours a day, seven days a week. With Seafarers Aboard Global Sentinel Galley gang, led by Chief Steward Josh Hinton Chief Electrician Aleksey Vigovskiy ABs Mike Pockat, Ivan Perez and Alex Reyes 4 Seafarers LOG AB Tony Arizala June 2020 �USA Maritime to Congress: Prioritize Sealift A major maritime coalition recently urged the United States Congress to support America’s sealift capability. USA Maritime, to which the SIU is affiliated, sent a communication in late April to the majority and minority leaders in both the House and Senate. The letter was signed by the SIU and other affiliates. It was delivered to the respective offices of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-New York), House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California). The letter reads as follows: “On behalf of the undersigned maritime labor organizations and U.S.-flag shipping companies belonging to the USA Maritime Coalition and operating and crewing all U.S.flag vessels enrolled in the Maritime Security Program, we respectfully ask Congress for urgently needed assistance to sustain our industry’s essential role in protecting and enhancing our nation’s economic and military security, and to ensure the continued retention and employment of the essential American maritime workforce who crew our U.S.-flag vessels. Assistance as requested below will ensure that the militarily-useful commercial vessels enrolled in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and their U.S. citizen crews remain in a state of operational readiness available to provide the commercial sealift readiness capability as needed by the Department of Defense. We respectfully ask that such assistance be a priority as Congress considers the next Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. “The worldwide impact of COVID-19 is having a significant and extremely negative effect on the operation of U.S.-flag vessels in the international trades. The COVID-19 emergency has essentially stopped the global commercial seaborne trade and halted most U.S. military and civilian government cargo on which the U.S. maritime industry largely depends. This situation, which shows no realistic signs of ending any time in the immediate future, puts at severe risk the ongoing ability of our industry to provide the sealift readiness capability and surge support relied upon by the Department of Defense and to support American troops deployed anywhere in the world. Moreover, without the assistance we are requesting, there is a serious risk that the already dangerous shortfall in the number of trained and qualified American merchant mariners will worsen, thereby jeopardizing sealift readiness. “As you know, Congress has repeatedly reaffirmed its strong support for the Maritime Security Program and the critical importance of maintaining its maritime security fleet of 60 militarily-useful United States-flag and United States citizen-crewed commercial vessels. Congress has demonstrated this support most recently by including language in the last national defense authorizations legislation to extend the program through fiscal year 2035. Equally important, at the same time Congress GOP Senators Urge President to Leave Jones Act Alone Seven United States Senators — all Republicans — called on President Trump to keep the Jones Act intact, and even look for ways to strengthen it, during the nation’s coronavirus pandemic. The elected officials represent various parts of the nation. The signatories to the letter supporting the Jones Act are Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy of Louisiana, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, and Deb Fischer of Nebraska. Dated April 27, the letter to the president reads: “We appreciate the strong leadership you have shown during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. As the nation prepares to reopen the economy, we urge you to oppose any proposal that would weaken the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones Act (P.L. 66-261). Undermining this law would cost American jobs and damage the domestic maritime industry. “The Jones Act has enhanced American prosperity and national security for 100 years. It ensures that maritime transportation between two U.S. ports is carried out by vessels that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-crewed. The law is fully consistent with your Buy American, Hire American agenda. “Unfortunately, opponents of the Jones Act have used the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to attempt to undermine existing law. There is absolutely no connection between the Jones Act and COVID-19. In fact, the law has helped produce the types of vessels and qualified mariners necessary to support a variety of crisis response operations. If anything, the Administration and Congress should look for ways to strengthen the Jones Act. “We ask that you join us in opposing any efforts to weaken the Jones Act.” As noted in the letter, passage of the Jones Act occurred 100 years ago. Since the SIU was chartered in 1938, the union has fought constantly for the nation’s freight cabotage law, which declares any cargo moved from one American port to another must be carried by U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-flagged vessels. More than 90 nations have some form of cabotage laws in existence. June 2020 adjusted the annual stipend that supplements the revenue derived through the carriage of commercial and government cargoes in order to ensure the continued operation of the vessels enrolled in the maritime security fleet. Taken together, these three components – the annual stipend available under MSP, the carriage of commercial cargo, and the carriage of government cargoes – are the primary means by which the U.S.-flag international fleet ensures that our country can depend on the U.S.-flag vessels, worldwide intermodal logistics networks and U.S. citizen crews needed to provide the requisite commercial sealift readiness capability when needed by our nation. “Absent significant action by Congress, vessels enrolled in the MSP are facing protracted lay-up, and the American mariners who crew these vessels are facing long-term unemployment. The assistance we are requesting will significantly mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the U.S.-flag international fleet, the U.S. citizen merchant mariners who have been recognized as part of America’s essential workforce, and the commercial sealift capability provided by our industry under the Maritime Security Program. While the stipend plus an emergency relief payment will leave significant carrier expenses uncovered, including those related to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, the emergency readiness payment will permit the MSP vessels to remain 100% militarily ready, including full crewing, during the crisis. “Specifically, we respectfully ask Congress to approve an emergency relief payment to offset the negative impacts of COVID-19. This payment is essential to maintain the U.S.-flag vessels enrolled in the MSP in a constant state of operational readiness, which includes the continued full employment of a vessel’s crew. We urge Congress to authorize and appropriate $109.8 million to provide $1.83 million to each MSP vessel for the period April 1, 2020 to the end of the current fiscal year, as well as to authorize $1.82 million per vessel with a total authorization of $109 million for the period October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 to be appropriated as needed. “Without this additional assistance, coupled with the loss of revenue associated with the carriage of commercial and government cargoes, vessel operators will not be able to maintain laid-up vessels in the readiness status needed by the Department of Defense, and the licensed and unlicensed American merchant mariners will be facing protracted unemployment. “Maritime labor and the U.S.-flag shipping companies stand together during this difficult time for our industry and our country. We will continue to do what we can to meet this current challenge. However, we need your help and we again ask Congress to provide the financial assistance discussed above to protect the jobs of American merchant mariners and to ensure the continued viability and effectiveness of the Maritime Security Program and the international U.S.-flag shipping industry.” UNREP in the Atlantic SIU CIVMARS from the union’s Government Services Division help in sending fuel and stores from the USNS Supply to the destroyer USS Donald Cook (foreground). The underway replenishment took place April 28 in the North Atlantic. (Photo by Lt. Lauren Spaziano, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet) BLS Says 30 Million People Are Jobless Another 3.84 million Americans filed for jobless benefits nationwide in the last full week of April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced on April 30. That pushed the number of jobless individuals due to closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic to more than 30 million. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) warns that 30 million may actually be an undercount. Its survey of jobless people in the weeks before late April found 40% of those seeking to claim benefits from the various states couldn’t get through as the unemployment systems were overloaded and crashed. The BLS figure was seasonally adjusted, but the actual number of claims in the week ending April 25 was 3.49 million. That’s 792,000 fewer claims than the week of April 18. But the BLS also used a base of 145.79 million people in the workforce, and 30 million is more than 20% of that. The BLS says, however, the “seasonally adjusted” figure – not the actual number of jobless claims – is just short of 20 million. Michigan (21.8%) and Vermont (21.2%) now exceed the reported national jobless rate, the BLS said. They’re followed by Connecticut and Pennsylvania (18.5%), Nevada (16.8%), Rhode Island (16.7%) and Washington (16%). Nevada’s entire Las Vegas strip, which is highly unionized, is shut. EPI says even 30 million reported jobless may be too low. “Millions of the newly jobless are going without benefits as the unemployment system buckles under the weight of new claims, according to our new national survey, conducted in mid-April,” EPI senior analysts Elise Gould and Ben Zipperer reported. “For every 10 people who said they successfully filed for unemployment benefits during the previous four weeks, three to four additional people tried to apply but could not get through the system to make a claim and two additional people did not try to apply because it was too difficult to do so.” Which means, they added, that only “half of potential unemployment insurance applicants are actually receiving benefits.” The system needs basic reforms, Gould and Zipperer declared, starting with a change to a new basic assumption: That everyone who seeks benefits is jobless and deserves them, rather than having to prove they’re jobless before getting any cash. Proof can wait until later, “when the flood of claims slows down,” they added. For the week of April 18, that flood continued in Florida, which saw 326,251 more residents seek jobless benefits than did so in the week ending April 11. The next four states with rising numbers of claims – Connecticut, West Virginia, Louisiana and Texas – had an increase of slightly more than 119,000 new claims, combined. Seafarers LOG 5 �Secretary-Treasurer Sends Message to SIU Members Concerning Union Elections Editor’s note: This letter was mailed to active Seafarers in mid-April and also is available on the SIU website. April 17, 2020 Dear SIU Brothers and Sisters: In addition to 2020 being a presidential election year, we are also scheduled to conduct our union election. While we still plan to run the SIU election as usual pursuant to the union’s constitution, we are taking extra steps in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to help ensure the ongoing safety of all concerned while also promoting maximum participation. With that in mind, the union’s executive board has approved lenience for prospective candidates who are unable to pay their dues on time for the second and/or third quarters of this year because of the pandemic. Our constitution specifies that candidates must have been in continuous good standing for at least three years (12 calendar quarters) immediately prior to the nomination period (which is July 15-August 15). Per executive board action, any candidate who was in good standing for at least 10 consecutive quarters as of the end of the first quarter of 2020 will not be precluded from nomination because of late dues payments in the second or third quarters this year. Please also note that the board has cancelled the May membership meetings, again due to the pandemic. Normally, the president’s pre-balloting report is read at the May meetings. The report will be available on the SIU website and in the May edition of the Seafarers LOG. I urge you to look up the full report as it contains valuable information relative to our elections and specifically the upcoming nominations’ period. In addition, Articles XII and XIII of the constitution contain all the relevant information, and the full constitution is also available on the SIU website. We will ensure that all of our election-related communications are available online. That information also will be available at the hiring halls upon reopening. We are in regular contact with the U.S. Department of Labor to help ensure that we’re following “best practices” and keeping individual safety at the forefront while also facilitating a democratic election with robust participation. We will continually monitor the situation regarding this pandemic and we will try to remain as flexible as is needed, which might mean that additional changes may become necessary as time goes on. Lastly and as a reminder to anyone who’s unaware, we have added a COVID-19 section on our home page, with the intent of making our pandemic-related announcements easy to find. Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail Fraternally, David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Notice/Reminder Headquarters Located on Capital Gateway Drive Due to State-Ordered Address Change Both the union and the Seafarers Plans now have a new address despite not having physically relocated their headquarters operations. As previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, because of a Maryland State Gov- 6 Seafarers LOG Officials Release Procedures For Requesting Absentee Ballots For Upcoming SIU Elections ernment-ordered action, the street name changed from Auth Way to Capital Gateway Drive. The numerical portion of the address, as well as all phone and fax numbers for the building, remain unchanged. Thus, as of April 22, the new address became: 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 The old address, as members and most other stakeholders are aware, was 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. It had remained unchanged since 1982, when the SIU relocated to Maryland from New York. The union nor Seafarers Plans sought this address change. In fact, both petitioned responsible officials envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2020 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2020. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2020. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2020 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2021. against it, but to no avail. Other organizations along the same street in Prince George’s County also are being forced to comply with the alteration. The street itself already had been named Capital Gateway Drive beyond the Seafarers building, which is next to a subway station. Mailings from headquarters were sent to SIU pensioners and other interested parties, alerting them of this change. June 2020 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS BENAVIDEZ – Thanks to American Maritime Officers member and Paul Hall Center alumna Capt. Jennifer Senner for these photos from the U.S. Marine Management vessel, taken in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The deck gang (photo above) includes Bosun Wallace William, AB Glen McCullough, AB Deontre Blount, AB William Zambula, AB Damon Zschoche, OS Vincent Williams, OS Lynne Hazelip and OS Jia’mall Whitaker-Brickers. Engine crew (photo below) includes EO Kurtis Solberg, QMED/E Donna Sylvia, QMED Scott Reynolds, QMED Arvin Heras, QMED Bobby Dunn, Jr. and Wiper Derreqwuan Carroll. Last but definitely not least is the steward department (photo at right), which includes Chief Steward Penny Taylor, Chief Cook Jack Boscia, ACU Elena Hoener, SA Tracy Ward and SA Kaberlyn Daniel. AT THE HONOLULU HALL – Both of these snapshots were taken well before the COVID-19 pandemic. In photo above, AB Dominador Hugo (right) receives his A-seniority book. Congratulating him is Shureen Yatchmenoff, administrative assistant. In the photo below, AB Robert Hinkley (left) picks up his first pension check. At right is Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. ABOARD WASHINGTON EXPRESS – On April 12, Seafarers aboard the Washington Express (Marine Personnel & Provisioning) extended their Easter greetings to fellow “brothers and sisters of the sea, working out there despite the hard times.” These snapshots were taken while the vessel was on its run in Northern Europe (all IDs are from left). In photo directly above are Chief Cook Pauline Crespo, Recertified Bosun Zeki Karaahmet and SA Nikia Cooper. Pictured in the photo at top right are AB Michael Ratigan, Cooper and AB Glenn Davis. In the photo at immediate right are Capt. Adam Labrato, Cooper, Crespo and Chief Steward Jasmine Garrett. June 2020 Seafarers LOG 7 �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. The Plan will now accept money orders as payment for the COBRA premium. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www. seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 800-252-4674. Annual Funding Notice Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2019 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2019 2018 January 1, 2019 January 1, 2018 131.9% 142.9% $1,547,219,772 $1,634,843,633 $1,172,841,327 $1,143,708,805 2017 January 1, 2017 133.6% $1,467,872, 431 $1,098,922,827 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2019 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets January 1, 2019 $1,760,410,000 January 1, 2018 $1,547,219,772 January 1, 2017 $1,634,843,633 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2020, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,832. Of this number, 7,491 were current employees, 7,084 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,257 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employer’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment Objectives Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on 8 Seafarers LOG all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets. Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other Percentage 0 15 6 0 0 25 6 1 0 0 37 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at:Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746; 301-899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2020 �Summary Annual Report – SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246, for the year ended July 31, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $1,611,056 as of July 31, 2019, compared to $1,198,443 as of August 1, 2017. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $412,613. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $14,680,171, including employer contributions of $14,593,925, realized gains of $2,326 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $82,706 and other income of $1,214. Plan expenses were $14,267,558. These expenses included $363,757 in administrative expenses and $13,903,801 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report. 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone number 415-764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.25 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964, for the year ended June 30, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $108,088 as of June 30, 2019 compared to $(108,229) as of July 1, 2018. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $216,317. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $735,543, including employer contributions of $732,554, earnings from investments of $74 and other income of $2,915. Plan expenses were $519,226. These expenses included $230,708 in administrative expenses and $288,518 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone 415-392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Annual Funding Notice MSC Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2019 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2019 January 1, 2019 314.91% $6,561,949 $2,083,726 2018 January 1, 2018 275.26% $6,668,926 $2,422,758 2017 January 1, 2017 164.79% $6,678,855 $4,053,069 Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2019 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2019 $6,700,795 December 31, 2018 $6,478,947 December 31, 2017 $6,843,579 Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 735. Of this number, 308 were current employees, 300 were retired and receiving benefits, and 127 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1..Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): Preferred All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): Preferred Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: Employer Securities Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation June 2020 Percentage 0 9 12 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 50 0 0 0 17. Other 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities – contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746-4275, 301-899-0675. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2020, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single- employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, 301-899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856.Annual Funding Notice MSC Supplementary Pension Plan EIN#51-6097856 Seafarers LOG 9 �UNION PLUS CAN HELP COVID-19 has impacted all of us. Union Plus can help. Our Union Plus program partners have accommodations for members struggling during this public health crisis. Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or Supplemental Insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through the Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program and Union Plus Hardship Help. Visit unionplus.org and follow Union Plus on Facebook at facebook.com/unionplus for ongoing program updates and resources. Be well and stay healthy, The Union Plus team For details visit unionplus.org 6/20 10 Seafarers LOG June 2020 �Historian Recalls Role Played By Seafarers During WWII Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 3-May 4. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 5. Continued from Page 20 Caribbean ‘Carnival’ Just as the Atlantic seaboard in 1942 was called “U-boat Lane,” so could the Caribbean and the Gulf have been called “U-Boat Lake” – for the German undersea raiders roamed these waters at will, becoming so bold in their hunt for prey that they sank ships in the very mouth of the Mississippi, in the narrow passage between Key West and Havana, and at the entrance to the Texas oil ports. The height of bold audacity was reached on the evening of July 2, 1942, when a sub entered the harbor of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and sank the SS San Pablo. During the first two months of war, six American ships were torpedoed and sunk in the Caribbean and the Gulf. Six more were sent to the bottom in April; and in May the Germans had a month-long field day, sinking no less than five ships on the 4th, two on the 6th, and three on the 12th. The total bag for the month of May in American vessels alone across the Gulf and the Caribbean was 31 ships. By the end of June 1942, a total of 167 Allied freighters and tankers had been sent to the bottom in these warm, southern waters! It was the SIU-manned Robert E. Lee, a former Eastern Steamship Lines passenger ship, that was sunk when almost within the “safety” of the mighty Mississippi – on July 30, with considerable loss of life among both passengers and crew. A surprisingly large number of these U-boat victims were cargo carriers manned by SIU seamen and it would seem, from a study of the war records, that the Germans had a special liking for Waterman, Bull, and Alcoa ships. An entire fleet of them was lost in 1942. Limited space permits describing only a few of the many dramatic incidents involving SIU ships during this phase of the war. A book would be needed to tell about them all. For the undersea raiders it was a Roman holiday – simpler than knocking off clay pigeons at a shotgun shoot. So it was with the Elizabeth and Clare of the Bull Line, as they plodded along the southwest coast of Cuba on the night of May 20, 1942. A bright moon lit up the sea and silhouetted the two ships as they headed south with their holds full of general cargo for the Islands. On the Clare’s bridge, the Skipper watched a light that had been reported a minute or so before by one of the lookouts. He couldn’t tell whether it might be a small Island freighter or a fishing boat, for it was moving across their bow and lay some distance off. Total Registered Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C A All Groups B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C Lost in the Dark A rain squall blanketed the moon just as the Skipper was trying to identify the unknown craft, which seemed to be pursuing an erratic course. Up forward in the hot fo’castle, Fireman Ernest Torres was stretched out in his bunk, clad only in a pair of shorts. It was stickily hot and he was trying to read. He had almost decided to take his mattress on deck and stretch out on number one hatch, rain or no rain. Just then a bright searchlight blossomed out on the vessel ahead, playing over the Clare from bow to stern with a blinding intensity. Almost immediately a torpedo smashed into the hull at number one hold; just where Fireman Torres was about to stow his mattress for a cool snooze. “It made one hell of a noise,” says Torres. “The explosion threw me out of my bunk and onto the deck. The old Clare shivered like a shimmy dancer. All the lights went out and I ran like hell to my lifeboat station. I had the book in my hand all the time, but I never even thought of going back for my clothes or my papers. The spray from the explosion gave me a shower bath when I ran down the deck.” So violent had been the blast that water cascaded down the vents into the fireroom. There was no panic on the ship and the Captain visited all the crew’s quarters to make sure that no men were trapped in their rooms, after which he gave the order to abandon ship. Both boats lowered away and the men pulled as hard as they could for the shore. Elizabeth Gets Hit They hadn’t taken many strokes before the Elizabeth, still following along behind and caught proverbially “between the devil and the deep,” received a torpedo amidships, accompanied by a bright flash that momentarily lit up the vessel and then was gone. From the boats the crew of the Clare could see little lights blinking on the Elizabeth as her men ran out of the deck house doors and pushed aside blackout baffles on their way to the boats. Several of the men laughed at the sight, for it seemed amusing in a way to see other guys get it, too. “I bet they don’t save any silk stockings for the girls in Puerto Rico,” someone said. “It ain’t funny,” said an Oiler. “If they got hit in the engine room there’s some good guys goin’ down.” June 2020 Seafarers LOG 11 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by members either outside or headed to the hiring hall in Oakland, California. In what may be an Inquiring Seafarer first, the question is the same as last month’s query. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some of your thoughts about the pandemic? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Casey Coddington AB It’s kind of scary. My family is overseas, but luckily, they’re in the Philippines. I’m more afraid of being here, because there are so many more cases in the U.S. People are trying to get back to work. We’ve got to be flexible; I understand that. These guys here in Oakland are manning the phones and they’ve been a big help. Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Richard Grubbs Bosun Right now, for those of us who are on the shore it’s absolute torture. We’re kind of in a comatose mode, trying to get through day by day. That’s how it feels. You’re just taking it day by day. It’s such a worry about what the future will hold. We wonder if anything will be back to normal again. I feel sorry for people whose lives and livelihoods have been turned upside down.. Nicholas Johnson GUDE It could be a good and a bad thing. A lot of people are getting to spend time with their families and loved ones. It might have delayed our plans to ship, but I believe everybody is where they’re supposed to be. A lot of people are struggling, but there’s always been people out of work. It’s all how a person wants to take it – what they want to make of it. Kevin Brown OMU It’s a hard time right now for everybody, but it’s especially hard for us sailors. Once you’re on a ship, you’re isolated already and away from your family. Then when you get back home, you can’t even do things you normally do. I feel really proud that we do a job where a lot of our vessels deliver essential cargoes. We have an essential purpose. I feel a sense of pride in that. Larry Tharp AB People need to come together mentally and spiritually. We can stay away from each other but still stay in contact. I’m getting closer with my kids. They’re grown and headed in different directions, but we’ve had family meals and cleared up a lot. It’s actually drawing my family closer. There are more important things than petty differences we had before. Joe Gallo Recertified Steward As merchant mariners, we have a duty to support and defend our country in peace and in war. And we have a privilege at this time to show the United States that after 245 years of proud tradition, we are at the helm. All individuals on ships and on the shore should be ready to man the ships until properly relieved. This is our duty. This is Brotherhood of the Sea. I understand there are some contractual issues to be ironed out, but duty comes before contract. We’ll sort all of that stuff out a later time. We are, in this war, the first line of defense. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 Pic From The Past Retired Recertified Bosun Ronald Mena submitted this 1959 photo of his late father, Pedro Mena, sailing as a deckhand aboard the SS Mayflower. ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 Seafarers LOG If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2020 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA RENE ALFARO Brother Rene Alfaro, 72, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2003, initially sailing on the Matej Kocak. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Alfaro most recently sailed on the SBX. He makes his home in Loxahatchee, Florida. SHIRLEY BELLAMY Perales most recently sailed aboard the Seabulk Trader. She resides in El Paso, Texas. most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Michigan and lives in Stockton, California. DAVID PERRY CHARLES WASHINGTON Brother David Perry, 70, joined the SIU in 2004, first sailing aboard the Atlantic Forest. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2016. Brother Perry last sailed on the USNS John Glenn and settled in Abbeville, Louisiana. Brother Charles Washington, 65, began shipping with the union in 1991 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Washington last shipped on the Cape Victory. He resides in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Sister Shirley Bellamy, 67, started sailing with the union in 1997 when she shipped on the Global Mariner. A member of the steward department, she upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Sister Bellamy last sailed on the Alliance Fairfax and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Kamin Raji, 69, started shipping with the union in 1989, initially sailing on the Independence. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Raji’s final vessel was the Maersk Atlanta. He lives in Jersey City, New Jersey. MARCO GALLIANO HERMAN STITH Brother Marco Galliano, 71, signed on with the SIU in 1970 when he sailed aboard the Summit. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Galliano’s final vessel was the Liberty Pride. He makes his home in Spring Hill, Florida. Brother Herman Stith, 66, joined the union in 1997. He was a member of the steward department and first sailed aboard the Cape May. Brother Stith upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Carolina and settled in Norfolk, Virginia. MUHARAM HUSIN WALTER TAULMAN Brother Muharam Husin, 74, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1981, initially shipping on the Golden Monarch. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Husin last sailed on the Maersk Kensington. He resides in Woodside, New York. Brother Walter Taulman, 71, donned the SIU colors in 1992 when he sailed aboard the Indian Ocean. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Taulman’s final vessel was the Maersk Kensington. He makes his home in Houston. STEPHEN AIKENS ROBERT VAZQUEZ Brother Robert Baumann, 65, signed on with the union in 1976. He first worked for Orgulf Transport and shipped in the deck department. Brother Baumann was last employed by Mariner Towing in 1987. He makes his home in Stratford, New Jersey. ALICE KWASNJUK Sister Alice Kwasnjuk, 65, started her career with the union in 1999, first sailing aboard the Kinsman Independent. She upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the steward department. Sister Kwasnjuk’s final vessel was the John Paul Bobo. She makes her home in Aitkin, Minnesota. RODOLFO OPINALDO Brother Rodolfo Opinaldo, 71, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002 when he sailed aboard the Gus W. Darnell. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Opinaldo last shipped on the Magnolia State. He calls Hayward, California, home. LETICIA PERALES Sister Leticia Perales, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1980, when she sailed on the El Paso Southern. She was a steward department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister June 2020 KAMIN RAJI Brother Robert Vazquez, 59, signed on with the union in 1989, first sailing on the Rover. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and was a deck department member. Brother Vazquez’s last ship was the Maersk Yorktown. He resides in New York. CORNELIO VILLANO Brother Cornelio Villano, 73, joined the union in 1985, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Villano JOHN WELLS Brother John Wells, 68, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1970, first sailing on the Sea Ohio. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Wells’ last vessel was the USNS Seay. He settled in Moira, New York. STEPHEN WILLIAMS Brother Stephen Williams, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977. A deck department member, he initially sailed aboard the Penn. Brother Williams upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year. He most recently shipped aboard the Wilson and makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. GREAT LAKES Brother Stephen Aikens, 70, joined the SIU in 1976 when he sailed aboard the E.M. Ford. A deck department member, he concluded his career on the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother Aikens resides in Clovis, California. member of the deck department. Brother Grachico’s final vessel was the Dodge Island. He calls Portland, Oregon, home. TIMOTHY HAGAN Brother Timothy Hagan, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1974, working with Inland Tugs. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Hagan’s final vessel was the Developer. He makes his home in Deming, Washington. PHILIP INMAN Brother Philip Inman, 65, joined the SIU in 1975, first working for Stone Towing Line. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Inman last sailed with Express Marine. He settled in Wilmington, North Carolina. GREGORY LUCE Brother Gregory Luce, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1977. Sailing in the deck department, he was initially employed by Mariner Towing. Brother Luce last worked with Turecamo Maritime and makes his home in Philadelphia. INLAND CLIFTON NOE ROBERT BAUMANN Brother Clifton Noe, 62, signed on with the union in 1999 when he worked for Allied Transportation. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Noe’s final vessel was the Resolve. He resides in Smyrna, North Carolina. PABLO LUIS PEREZ NOBREGAS MARK FITHIAN Brother Mark Fithian, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1974. He was first employed with Gulf Atlantic Transport and sailed in the deck department. Brother Fithian upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1993. He last sailed on the Manhattan Island and lives in The Villages, Florida. ISMAEL GRACHICO Brother Ismael Grachico, 67, joined the union in 2003. He first shipped aboard the Sugar Island and was a Brother Pablo Luis Perez Nobregas, 68, began sailing with the union in 2012, initially working with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Perez Nobregas most recently shipped aboard the Innovation. He calls Cape Coral, Florida, home. Star. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the deck department. Brother Raquet most recently sailed on the Courage. He lives in High Springs, Florida. MELVIN ROLON HUERTAS Brother Melvin Rolon Huertas, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1986. He was first employed by Crowley Puerto Rico and sailed in the deck department. Brother Rolon Huertas continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. He lives in Staten Island, New York. MITCHELL ROBERTS Brother Mitchell Roberts, 58, signed on with the SIU in 1990. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Roberts worked for OSG Ship Management for the majority of his career and settled in Grantsboro, North Carolina. EMMANUEL ROLDAN Brother Emmanuel Roldan, 63, became a member of the union in 1989, initially sailing with OSG Ship Management. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Roldan worked for the same company for most of his career. He resides in Kissimmee, Florida. MICHAEL SCHMIDT Brother Michael Schmidt, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1978 when he worked for HVIDE Marine. A deck department member, he upgraded on several occasions at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Schmidt was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Lynden, Washington. LOUIS SMITH Brother Louis Smith, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1997. He shipped in the engine department and was employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia for the duration of his career. He lives in Hudgins, Virginia. WILBERT WILSON Brother Wilbert Wilson, 64, began sailing with the union in 1989. A deck department member, he was employed by Orgulf Transport for the duration of his career. Brother Wilson calls Fayette, Mississippi, home. BRUCE RAQUET Brother Bruce Raquet, 62, started his career with the SIU in 2009, initially sailing aboard the Noble Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ABDULLA ALMANSOOB Pensioner Abdulla Almansoob, 84, died March 30. He signed on with the SIU in 1976 and first shipped on the Overseas Juneau. Brother Almansoob was a member of the steward department. He concluded his career on the El Faro and became a pensioner in 2001. Brother Almansoob resided in Dearborn, Michigan. GERONIMO BARRENG Pensioner Geronimo Barreng, 66, passed away January 31. He joined the SIU in 1980. A steward department member, Brother Barreng first sailed aboard the Oceanic Independence. He last shipped on the USNS Petersburg and went on pension in 2005. Brother Barreng was a Honolulu resident. RICHARD HOUGHTON Pensioner Richard Houghton, 81, died April 22. He became a member of the union in 1961, initially working for Taylor Marine Towing. Brother Houghton sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Liberty Sun before becoming a pensioner in 2004. Brother Houghton lived in Highlands, Texas. JOE LOCKETTE Pensioner Joe Lockette, 67, passed away April 29. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2002; his first vessel was the Developer. Brother Lockette primarily worked in the deck department. He most recently sailed aboard the Green Cove and became a pensioner in 2017. Brother Lockette was a Houston resident. ANSELMO LOPEZ Pensioner Anselmo Lopez, 78, died April 7. He joined the SIU in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. Brother Lopez was a steward department member and last shipped on the Maersk Georgia. He began collecting his pension in 2008 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. LYNN MCGIVENS Pensioner Lynn McGivens, 81, passed away April 9. She began sailing with the union in 1962 14 Seafarers LOG when she shipped on the Overseas Ulla. Sister McGivens was a member of the steward department. She concluded her career on the USNS Bellatrix and retired in 2005. Sister McGivens lived in New Orleans. JOSEPH MOORE Pensioner Joseph Moore, 78, died February 24. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1963 when he sailed aboard the Inger. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Moore last shipped on the Liberty Sun. He became a pensioner in 2004 and resided in Independence, Louisiana. MARIANO MOREIRA Pensioner Mariano Moreira, 91, passed away April 4. He began his career with the SIU in 1989, initially sailing aboard the USNS Altair. Brother Moreira was a steward department member, and last sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce. He became a pensioner in 1987 and made his home in Lawrenceville, Georgia. SUZANNE SANTORA Pensioner Suzanne Santora, 77, died April 14. She joined the SIU in 1998, first sailing on the Charles L. Brown. Sister Santora shipped in the steward department. She concluded her career aboard the Liberty Island and retired in 2007. Sister Santora called Hanover, Maryland, home. JOSEPH SPELLER Pensioner Joseph Speller, 86, passed away March 18. He started sailing with the union in 1957 when he worked for Ore Navigation. Brother Speller was a steward department member and last shipped on the Galveston Bay. He began collecting his pension in 1996 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. RANDOLPH TANNIS Pensioner Randolph Tannis, 79, died February 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1970, initially sailing aboard the Western Clipper. Brother Tannis was an engine department member and last sailed on the Maersk Missouri. He retired in 2006 and made his home in Staten Island, New York. GREAT LAKES KIRK DIENER Pensioner Kirk Diener, 71, passed away March 4. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1974, initially sailing on the Detroit Edison. Brother Diener was a steward department member and concluded his career on the American Mariner. He went on pension in 2013 and called Indiana River, Michigan, home. WILLIAM STRAUB Pensioner William Straub, 73, died March 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1968 when he worked for Esco Dredge and Oil. Brother Straub was a member of the engine department and last sailed aboard the St. John. He retired in 2009 and lived in Erie, Pennsylvania. INLAND JUAN CANALES Pensioner Juan Canales, 81, passed away April 5. He started sailing with the SIU in 1976, initially sailing aboard the Eagle Traveler. Brother Canales shipped in the deck department. He concluded his career on the USNS Soderman, and went on pension in 2003. Brother Canales resided in San Juan, Puerto Rico. HOWARD COOK Pensioner Howard Cook, 60, died March 28. Signing on with the SIU in 2000, he first worked for G&H Towing. Brother Cook was a member of the engine department. He continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career and became a pensioner in 2020. Brother Cook lived in La Marque, Texas. NASA JENNETTE Pensioner Nasa Jennette, 89, passed away April 8. He was a deck department member and began sailing with the union in 1967. Brother Jennette worked with IBCO for the duration of his career. He retired in 1991 and resided in Buxton, North Carolina. WILSON REX Pensioner Wilson Rex, 91, died April 10. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1981 when he worked for Interstate Oil. Brother Rex was a deck department member. He last sailed with OSG Ship Management and became a pensioner in 1999. Brother Rex lived in West Sand Lake, New York. RANDALL SCOTT Pensioner Randall Scott, 66, passed away April 12. He donned the SIU colors in 2003, first sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Scott shipped in the deck department and remained with the same company until his retirement in 2016. He made his home in Tallahassee, Florida. Seafarers in 1973, initially working with Allied Transportation. Brother Smith was a deck department member and last sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He went on pension in 2015 and settled in Salem, Oregon. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Campbell, Harold 81 Cimaglia, Nicholas 81 Coleman, Clifford 91 Dunwoody, Peter 67 Feliciano, Paulino 90 Foster, Edward 83 Hunt, Sidney 87 Jackson, Rubin 87 Jones, William 97 Knox, Quinton 97 Lake, Julio 86 Laurent, Verdell 87 Lawrence, Henry 90 Levy, Theodore 91 Lizano, Fernando 84 Martinez, Roman 84 Muehlberger, Floyd 82 Rosario, Amilcar 98 Santiago, George 73 Surillo, Manuel 75 Vazquez, Tomas 87 92 Villa, Julio Yip, Jow 94 Zorrilla, Daniel 90 DOD 04/28/2020 04/04/2020 04/03/2020 03/18/2020 04/11/2020 02/29/2020 02/08/2020 03/12/2020 04/15/2020 04/05/2020 04/20/2020 04/11/2020 04/04/2020 03/31/2020 04/08/2020 04/15/2020 03/03/2020 04/25/2020 04/08/2020 04/04/2020 04/19/2020 04/25/2020 02/06/2020 04/11/2020 CRAIG SMITH Pensioner Craig Smith, 69, passed away March 21. He joined the Absentee Voting Information With the COVID-19 pandemic dominating the news cycle, it can be easy to forget that 2020 is an election year. (Okay, maybe not easy, but at least possible.) The following information (accurate as of press time) outlines which states allow for some form of alternative voting. Absentee Voting Laws Thirty-four states offer “noexcuse” absentee ballots, and will mail residents an early ballot upon request: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. You can request your absentee ballot online by visiting www. absentee.vote.org, and filling out a short request form. Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington send ballots to all eligible voters, so residents do not need to request one. All states permit residents who will be outside their home county to vote absentee, as well as voters with an illness or disability. Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia also offer the option to elderly voters. Early In-Person Voting Laws Thirty-nine states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands offer the option to vote early and in-person. Only Alabama, Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, do not offer early voting. Early voting periods range in length from four days to 45 days; the average length is 19 days. Visit www.vote.org for your specific county’s laws. June 2020 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OVERSEAS TEXAS CITY (Overseas Shipholding Group), January 19 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Keesha Holloway, Educational Director James Rodweller, Deck Delegate Romulo Gutierrez, Engine Delegate Gerardo Gamboa, Steward Delegate Randall Campbell. Chairman commended crew for a job well done with cargo. Everyone worked safely. Steward department thanked for doing a great job. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, and to check the member portal. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested refrigerators and fans for all rooms. Members need new bath towels. NATIONAL GLORY (Crowley), February 2 – Chairman Jerrold Foke, Secretary Rose Ward, Educational Director Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Deck Delegate Vince Adolph. Chairman reminded members to address issues and follow proper protocols so problems do not escalate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Members request TV in crew lounge and stronger Wi-Fi availability. Ship continuing to deliver relief supplies to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria and recent earthquake. Next port: San Juan, Puerto Rico. WASHINGTON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), February 2 – Chairman Modesto Rabena, Secretary Samuel Harris, Educational Director Edgardo Barrios, Deck Delegate Dionisio Bermudez, Engine Delegate Philip Francia, Steward Delegate Gary Loftin. Chairman advised crew to encourage family members to apply for the apprenticeship program. He urged members to keep up with documents. Educational director recommended crew upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. reported. Crew requested internet and Wi-Fi installation aboard ship. Next port: Oakland, California. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), February 23 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary John Hale, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Steward Delegate Keith Small. Chairman reminded members to renew documents and keep up with dues. He discussed the transition from Alaska Tanker Company to Overseas Shipholding Group. Educational director advised crew to view upcoming classes at the Paul Hall Center online. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members request increase pertaining to extra meal for steward department. Crew asked for increased optical benefits and vacation days along with improvements to pension plan. Next port: Long Beach, California. MAERSK MONTANA (Maersk Line, Limited), February 23 – Chairman Arsenio Omabao, Secretary James Cameron, Educational Director Steven Miller, Deck Delegate Julius Morala, Engine Delegate Antonio McAdams, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Chairman urged members to take necessary courses at the Piney Point school. Secretary thanked SA and GVA for keeping house clean. He reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Educational director instructed crew to pay close attention to expiration dates on credentials. He encouraged everyone to renew well in advance. Vote of thanks given to steward department. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Secretary advised members to read the president’s report in latest Seafarers LOG. Crew requested increases to health, pension and vacation benefits. Members asked for upgrades to Wi-Fi. Bosun reiterated importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Easter Cookout on USNS Button Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson submitted these photos from the Crowley-operated vessel, where the steward department treated everyone to an Easter cookout. Pictured in the larger group photo immediately below (no particular order) are : Chief Steward Lamond Fulton, Chief Cook Steve Riley and SAs Sam Ortiz, Mario Siclot, Jasmine Donahue and Johanns Rivera. Jackson said the feast “was very much appreciated by all crew members.” The photo directly above includes (from left) Chief Mate/SIU Hawsepiper Michael J. Parks, AB Samuel Thatcher and Capt. Mark A. Schwamm. Thatcher designed and built the cornhole boards, with support from Parks. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt June 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #859 – Graduated January 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Lexter A. Alfaro-Rivera, Robert Dagata, Jessica Davis, Shamir Jameil Ford, Tyler Foster, Keon Hatcher, Austin Jandreau, Stephen Jarrell, Tanner Jefferies, Anson Johny, Roger Mathews, Kalin Mitchell, Peter Pataki, Taylor Rabb, Raul Soto, Chadon Williams and Woodrow Williams. Water Survival (Upgrader) – Graduated February 21 (above): Ameer Amin Hussein Ali. GMDSS – Graduated February 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile and Ian Michael McDonough. Class instructor Patrick Shoenberger is at the far left. RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated February 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Diquan Adamson, Andre Barbary Jr., Kaleb Josef Bogan, Christian Spiros Cavathas, Zaid Cooper, Jacob Couvillon, Nicholas Kai Fortunato, Solomon Foster Jr., Allen Gilmore, Christian Kalinowski, Chauncey Malcolm Kaniloa Kukahiko, James Moody II, Draven Nolan, Marcell Gabriel Santos-Pascual, Jonathan Silva, Kenneth Smith Jr., and Luis Ricard Venegas Nolasco. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of unioncrewed vessels. 16 Seafarers LOG June 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated February 21 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Ja’shon Adams, Jalen Denson, Christopher Fisher, Troy Hubbard, Robert Mason III, Zeke Alec Pasquarelli, Jahmiah Peets, Shannon Peterson and Anthony Rahsell Timmson-Brown. Christopher Morgan, their instructor, is at the far left. Once their training is completed, each plans to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels. Medical Care Provider – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile and Kevin Hunt. Government Vessels (Apprentices) – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Bradley, Eliezer Estremera, Alexus Guillory, Reinaldo Rivera, Johanns Rivera-Rivera and Kevin Santiago De Jesus. Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Bonifacio Adote, Saleh Musa Ali, Santiago Aquino, Arkady Bichevsky, Eric IvanRay Castle, Agustin Clotter, Antonio Jones, Richard Lawson, Mark Lettman, Juan McCakeren, Fayez Mohamed Mussa, Mohamed Ali Saleh Nagi, Bashir Mohamed Nasser, Steven Roberts and Marquisha Keyonna Simmons. June 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineer – Graduated February 7 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Joel Boyd, Caleb Donovan, Paul Hudgins, Jacob Laroche, Tyriq Mills, Re’sean Peters, Dontrell Riddick, Andy Salado, Maksim Shpylyevyy, Daniel Lowie Rivera Surell and Kevin Willis. Instructor Bill Dodd is at the far left. Tankship Familiarization DL – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Saleh Musa Ali, Eduardo Arroyo, Carlton Banks, Thomas Drummond III, Mark Feldhaus, Daniel Fields, Lance Gibson, Wayne Gomillion Jr., Brandy Griffin, Mohamad Mahmoud Kammoun, Joshua Kraynak, Salah Ahmed Muthana, Bashir Mohamed Nasser, James Sanchez, Shewanna Jones Stephenson, Travis Arnez Sumpter, Victor Jose Velez Perez and Wilfredo Velez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated February 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Eduardo Arroyo, Frederick Ashby, Thomas Drummond III, Lance Gibson, Wayne Gomillion Jr., George Kee Jr., Joshua Kraynak, Dennis Naing Morallo, James Sanchez, Shewanna Jones Stephenson, Travis Sumpter and Victor Jose Velez Perez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 18 Seafarers LOG June 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization DL – Graduated February 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Mark Bolin, Todd Colabella, Kevin Hale, Frank Harris III, Dominic Hix, Mason Con Melland and Gavin Scott. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic Training (Advance Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Karen Gossett, Richard Huffman, Gilbert Johnson, Tyrone Leonard and Joseph Longo. Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated February 14 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Austin Anderson, Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Eric Garcia, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Michael Hodges, Kevin Hunt, Melvin Hunter Jr., Antonio Jones, Vicente Ordonez, John O’Shaughnessy and Andrzej Tlalka. Basic Self Unloading – Graduated February 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Gerald Birgy, Maurice Antonio Brodie, Hayder Jebur, Brian Smith and Parker Tiffany. Class instructor Don Jaegle is at the far left. Galley Ops (Phase III)– Graduated February 21 (above): Osmar Luis Ramos. Upon the completion of his training, Ramos plans to work in the steward department aboard SIU contracted vessels. Galley Operations – Graduated February 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Hussein Monsar Al-Qari, Roche Aurea Bonita, Claribel Cabral, Atrenique Tramani Deamus, Agnes Jocson Gamboa, Maurice Henry Jr., and Sharde Merria Ross. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated February 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Monserrate Blas Jr., (Note: Not all are pictured.) Daniel Kane, Rashaad Jalloud Mangram, Saleh Mohsin Saleh and Milton Sivells. June 2020 Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 6 JUNE 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Played Vital Role in WWII Editor’s note: This is the second installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the war. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The first installment was published in the May 2020 LOG and is available on the SIU website. This one picks up aboard the SIU-crewed Seatrain Texas, which had just arrived on a site strewn with wreckage off the East Coast (around the Carolinas). The date was June 19, 1942. U-Boat Lane The men stopped at one wave-washed collection of flotsam, lifted an inert body aboard and then went to another, where a grimy seaman half lifted himself out of the water, trying to grip the gunwales of the boat. Strong Hands Help Strong hands bore him to safety, while those on the Seatrain’s bridge used megaphones to direct the crew to where a third and fourth body could be seen half-alive, half-dead in the winter sea. In a matter of minutes, the boatmen had done their work, and were back at the vessel’s side to be hoisted aboard with their human cargo. At first the survivors were too weak to talk, but when they had been warmed with hot coffee and wrapped in blankets, they revealed that their ship had been the City of Atlanta. They told how the one-time passenger vessel had been torpedoed without warning early that morning – how she had gone down so fast that there had hardly been time to jump over the side … how the burning hulk had rolled over to starboard onto the only lifeboat that cleared the ship, crushing its unfortunate men beneath the sea. For a while after the sinking, they recounted, some of the crew had floated around on bits of wreckage while they joked and sang in an attempt to keep their spirits up. Then, one by one, all but five of them had sunk beneath the cold, dark waters. And of the five who were still afloat at daybreak, only three were alive when the Seatrain Texas hove by. The others lay astride their bits of wreckage, but had died sometime during the morning hours. Living to tell the story of the City of Atlanta, one of the most costly sinkings along the Atlantic Coast, were Oiler Robert Fennell, Jr., Seaman Earl Dowdy, and Second Mate George Tavelle. Captain Albert Dalzell and Chief Engineer Tom Kenney of the Seatrain Texas heard their story without wanting to believe it could be true. Tragic Coincidence For the Chief it was a hard story to hear. His father was Chief Engineer of the City of Atlanta. Both Capt. Dalzell and Chief Kenney had started their seafaring careers on the City of Atlanta many years before, when she was a well-known coastwise passenger liner. Capt. Dalzell’s father had commanded her for many years before Capt. Leemon Urquehart took over. “U-boat lane” they called Atlantic coastal waters now. Nazi submarines ambled down the seaboard on sinking sprees that cost hundreds of lives, and sent scores of ships to the bottom with a huge loss in precious cargoes. The SIU-crewed Seatrain Texas docks in Northern Ireland in October 1943. (Photo courtesy National Archives) There was no naval defense worthy of the name, and it was to be five months yet before the first convoy was organized for protection of shipping along the seaboard, in the Gulf and the Caribbean. Merchant ships, in the meantime, sailed unescorted and, in most cases, unarmed – with the Uboats so bold, they shelled their prey even within sight of the Delaware Capes. As the rate of sinkings increased, no seaman could be sure that his ship would reach its destination. Legion were those that didn’t, but they kept sailing, nonetheless, and none of them idled in port for lack of crews. In some cases, there were even more men willing to “ship out” at SIU Halls than swimming soon.” This call came two minutes later: “Torpedoed twice. Ship still afloat but listing badly. Captain requests assistance immediately.” He then gave the ship’s position a number of times. The third and last message was heard at 1:22 a.m. “Cannot stay afloat much longer.” No more reports came through, for soon after the radio man had tapped out this message on his key the Venore sank and Sparks, true to the tradition of his calling, stayed at his post too long to escape. Several lifeboats were launched by the Venore’s crew and the survivors were picked up 38 hours later. “In some cases, there were even more men willing to ship out at SIU Halls than there were ships for them to sail.” - John Bunker, SIU Historian there were ships for them to sail. At the old New York Hall of the SIU, at number two Stone Street, across from famous Bowling Green, men reported for the hourly “calls” as though there was no war within ten thousand miles. They manned the ships and kept the cargoes moving. On January 25, torpedoes struck again, sinking the 550-foot Venore off Cape Hatteras with a loss of 18 men. She, too, was a well-known SIU ship. The end of this vessel is dramatically told in the terse, urgent calls for help sent out by her radio operator. At 12:47 a.m. he flashed this SOS: “Two crashes so far. Will keep informed. Think Sinking declined along the Atlantic seaboard after coastal convoys were inaugurated in May of 1942, but the U-boats prowled these waters off and on right up till the end of the war. In fact, the collier Black Point was torpedoed just a few miles from the big naval base at Newport, Rhode Island, on the fifth of May, 1945, the last American ship to be lost in the war. Many more SIU vessels were to be numbered among the 154 Allied ships sunk along the coast and in the northwest Atlantic between January and June of 1942. Among them were the Robin Hood, Alcoa Guide, Oakmar, Marore, Major Wheeler and Pipestone County. The Major Wheeler – of the Bull Line – completely disappeared, never to be heard from again, while the Robin Line Pipestone County, a well-liked freighter among men who sailed SIU ships, was sunk en route from Trinidad to Boston, about 200 miles due west of Bermuda. Two of her boats spent 16 days at sea before being picked up. Chilore Gets it U-boats continued their attacks despite the use of convoys, and the SIU-manned Chilore of the Ore Shipping Company was hit while in a heavily protected convoy under escort of surface ships, planes and blimps. Known as convoy KS 520, this fleet of 19 merchantmen left Lynnhaven Roads in the Chesapeake on July 14, 1942. When it was off Cape Hatteras the next day it ran into a flock of torpedoes. No one even saw a tin fish until the Chilore got smacked, to be followed a minute or so later by the tanker Mowinckel. The Bluefields, a small Nicaraguan freighter carrying explosives, was blown up while the escort ran around dropping depth charges and the escorting bombers spattered the water with bombs and machine gun fire. It was the freighter Unicoi, however, which got credit for sinking the doughty sub, along with an Army patrol bomber. The Chilore and Mowinckel dropped out of the convoy and headed for the nearby shore under their own power, but both of them ran into a minefield and suffered more explosions. The big Chilore capsized and sank while being towed toward Baltimore several days later. Continued on Page 11 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU DELIVERS DURING PANDEMIC DEFENSE SCHOLAR: TIME IS NOW TO REFOCUS ON U.S.-FLAG FLEET U.S.-FLAG MARITIME INDUSTRY UNITED IN OPPOSING OIL COMPANIES' SCHEME FOR JONES ACT WAIVER SIU WEATHERING COVID-19 PANDEMIC NEW WISCONSIN MARITIME COALITION ANNOUNCED USA MARITIME TO CONGRESS: PRIORITIZE SEALIFT GOP SENATORS URGE PRESIDENT TO LEAVE JONES ACT ALONE BLS SAYS 30 MILLION PEOPLE ARE JOBLESS SECRETARY-TREASURER SENDS MESSAGE TO SIU MEMBERS CONCERNING UNION ELECTIONS OFFICIALS RELEASE PROCEUDRES FOR REQUESTING ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR UPCOMING SIU ELECTIONS SIU PLAYED VITAL ROLE IN WWII Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/1/2020 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. 82, No. 6 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d74b5b797e7a8a02c7d377377ede5516.pdf 6cc7f990056d01c8f7d860832a8d2953 PDF Text Text JUNE 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Vaccination Efforts Ramp Up SIU members across the country continue lining up for vaccinations against COVID-19. In Houston (photo at far right), members arrive at the hall for a vaccination event hosted by the union in partnership with a local health care provider. In Jacksonville, Florida (photo below), SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) and Patrolman Adam Bucalo (third from right) pose with health clinic personnel after receiving their respective vaccines. In Piney Point, Maryland (photo at immediate right), Paul Hall Center apprentices who want the vaccine are receiving it through an arrangement with the school and local health agency offices. Apprentice Michael Reardon is pictured receiving his first shot. Page 3 Crescent Crews At Three Locations Approve Contracts SIU boatmen employed by Crescent Towing recently ratified (by overwhelming majorities) new three-year contracts that increase wages and maintain top-tier benefits. The agreements cover members who sail aboard Crescent boats in New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Savannah, Georgia. Members and some of the negotiating committee members are pictured at left. From left are Deckhand Bryce Brown, Deckhand Stephen Gros, Captain Nolte Lincks, Captain Joe Carson, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Engineer Delegate David Findley, Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Kevin McDermott, Engineer Bryan Hughes and Engineer Hunter Daniel. Page 4 Annual Funding Notices, Summary Annual Reports Pages 8-9 Pro-Worker Task Force Forms Page 2 ‘BookWaves’ Project Continues Page 10 �President’s Report PRO Act: Time is Now You may be aware of polling from the past couple of years that reflects a very favorable view of unions in the United States. Around 65 percent of Americans approve of labor unions, which is the highest percentage in almost 20 years. I didn’t know until recently that those same surveys indicate almost half of non-union/unrepresented workers also say they would vote for a union if given the chance. That’s a huge increase compared to when a similar poll was conducted many years ago. Our movement, and indeed our country, have a chance to turn these numbers into something positive for America’s working families, specifically by enacting the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. That legislation has been passed by the House, and President Biden enthusiastically backs it, including during his recent address to Congress. If the PRO Act were law, I firmly believe that the recent union election in Alabama, involving workers Michael Sacco at an Amazon warehouse, would’ve turned out differently. By the way, some of the reporting that followed the vote indicated, more or less, that it was a “resounding” defeat for the union. I don’t believe that for a second. Those workers endured months of illegal activities by the employer (as charged by the union, in a case that’s under review). And it wasn’t just any employer, but one with virtually unlimited resources that were used to bully, intimidate and brainwash. All of it happened in the deep south, and yet more than 700 people stood up and voted to join a union. To me, that’s something to build on. Let us not forget, it took the UAW several tries to organize Ford, and it took the SIU more than once to organize Cities Service back in the 1950s. The campaign in Alabama underscored a point that we in the labor movement have made for a long time. If so many workers say they’re interested in union membership, why don’t they have it? The truth is that our current labor law, which is supposed to not only protect but in fact promote the right of workers in the private sector to organize, in practice makes it an uphill climb. They face too many hurdles while employers can and often do get away with illegal interference, without consequence. The PRO Act repairs many of the biggest shortcomings with current law. Enacting the legislation would signal a major step forward when it comes to restoring workers’ ability to organize and negotiate for better wages, benefits and workplace safety and fairness. For example, I recently read a fact sheet that said in one out of every five union organizing campaigns, employers fire pro-union workers, because they figure it will scare other workers and harm the campaign. This is flat-out illegal under the National Labor Relations Act, but employers do it anyway, because the penalties usually are minimal or non-existent. Another example: In nearly half of all such campaigns, employers ultimately are charged with breaking the law in one form or another. The PRO Act offers several remedies. This is a lesser-known problem outside the labor movement, but it’s common for employers to challenge the makeup of the bargaining unit, which Amazon did. The bill addresses employer stalling tactics and clearly spells out that the decision about the proper bargaining unit should be made by workers and the NLRB, not rigged by employers. Far less surprising is that employers often hire third-party, anti-union consultants to push against unionization. This happens in three-quarters of organizing campaigns, and it’s not cheap. Employers in recent years have spent an average of $340 million per year on anti-union consultants, who often stay hidden from the workers (even while pushing their lies). That’s a lot more money than it would cost to give workers the wage and benefit increases they seek. The PRO Act requires timely disclosure of union-busting activities and closes the loophole through which employers and consultants have avoided reporting. Finally, even when workers vote for a union and the results are certified, it’s not uncommon for employers to stall the collective bargaining process. More than half of all workers who vote to form a union still are without a contract a year later. Once again, the PRO Act solution has a solution – in this case, establishing a mediation and, if necessary, arbitration process that keeps employers from dragging their feet. Getting the PRO Act passed in the Senate is a challenge, but it’s doable. Our country will be much better off when it becomes law. White House Establishes Pro-Worker Task Force In late April, President Biden signed an executive order establishing the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment. The task force will be dedicated to mobilizing the federal government’s policies, programs, and practices to empower workers to organize and successfully bargain with their employers. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka stated, “The fight to strengthen working people’s freedoms on the job has never been more urgent, and President Biden is right to give this effort the resources and attention it demands. He understands that unionism is the single most effective tool we have for building a fairer economy and a more just society. Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Labor Secretary (Marty) Walsh, this task force will put organizing and collective bargaining at the center of the federal government — part of their steadfast commitment to worker empowerment. Of course, the most important thing we can do to empower workers is pass the PRO Act, and we look forward to working with the Biden administration to get the job done.” The executive order directs the task force to make recommendations within the first 180 days on two issues: How can existing policies, programs, and practices be used to promote worker organizing and collective bargaining in the federal government; and, where are new policies, associated regulatory and statutory changes needed? According to the text of the executive order, “President Biden and Vice President Harris have long championed workers’ rights. As the President has said: America was built by the middle class, and unions built the middle class. Throughout our country’s history, unions have been the driving forces for advancements in workers’ rights and improved living standards for union and non-union workers. They have fought for higher wages, greater job security, safety and health laws, essential benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and protections from discrimination and sexual harassment for millions of workers across the country. Sixteen million workers in the United States are union members or in a job that provides them union representation. More than six in ten of those workers are women and/or people of color. Union workers earn roughly 13 percent more than non-union workers on a similar job site. They also experience drastically lower rates of labor standards violations, like employers wage theft or workplace safety and health hazards.” Also as cited in the text, “Despite the importance of unions to our economy and democracy, and nearly 60 million workers today saying they would join a union if given the chance, American workers have faced increasing barriers to organizing and bargaining collectively with their employers. Economic change in the United States and globally, technological developments, and the failure to modernize federal organizing and labor-management relations laws so they respond appropriately to the reality found in American workplaces have made worker organizing exceedingly difficult. The result has been a steady decline in union membership in the United States over past decades. In 2020, union members made up just 10.8 percent of the U.S. workforce, down from more than 30 percent in the 1950s. “Widespread and deep economic inequality, stagnant real wages, and the shrinking of America’s middle class are all associated with the declining percentage of workers represented by unions,” the executive order continued. “In addition, lower union membership rates have exacerbated the pay gap for women and workers of color. The decline of union density has also weakened our democracy. Unions ensure workers’ voices are heard in their workplaces, communities, and government.” Committee Approves Records Seven SIU members in early May approved the union’s financial records for 2020. The SIU Constitution requires that a group of rank-and-file Seafarers (elected by fellow members) annually examines the organization’s financial records for the previous calendar year. Accordingly, this process began with the financial committee’s election in Piney Point, Maryland, and then in the following days when they reviewed the paperwork at SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland. The committee found that the SIU’s financial records for 2020 are in good order. Their report, filed with the secretary-treasurer’s office, will be read in all ports and presented for approval at the union’s June membership meetings. Serving on the committee were QMED Donald Lumpkins (chairman), Recertified Bosun Earl Castain, AB James M. Osborne, QEE Laura Hollar, QMED Riley Donahue III, Chief Cook Thomas Cyrus and Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett. They were elected May 3 during the monthly membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The members handled their tasks in accordance with Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution, which lists the duties of the annual financial committee along with rules and procedures for electing the group. In part, their report reads, “We, the committee, do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the union and have found that the system of internal control is adequate to safeguard them properly…. We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The members reported that they met with representatives from the certified public accounting firm that periodically audits the union’s books and records. Those representatives explained their procedures for checking the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records, and they also further discussed the SIU’s overall financial operation. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel also worked with the committee “and made himself and the records of his office available” to the group, according to the report. Moreover, the union’s legal counsel met with the committee and made themselves available should the committee members have any questions. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 6 June 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Committee members are pictured with SIU officials after wrapping up their work. Pictured from left are (seated) QEE Laura Hollar, Chief Cook Thomas Cyrus, Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett, (standing) AB James M. Osborne, Recertified Bosun Earl Castain, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, QMED Donald Lumpkins, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and QMED Riley Donahue III. June 2021 �Members and guests (photo above, left) are pictured at the Houston hall. In photo at right, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) introduces Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Vaccinations Slow Global Pandemic Houston Hall Hosts Successful Event for Seafarers, Families The COVID-19 pandemic is on the decline in the United States, as vaccines become more widely available and restrictions on businesses have relaxed somewhat. However, the COVID-19 virus has taken a serious toll on the country, and the effects aren’t done. As of press time, the pandemic had killed 578,500 in the U.S., and infected 32.5 million Americans. Since the beginning of May, the rolling weekly average of new reported cases has dropped to fewer than 50,000, and 260 million vaccine doses have been administered. In addition, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 44 percent of Americans over the age of 18 have been fully vaccinated, with 58 percent having received at least one dose of a multipledosage vaccine. The percentage of fully vaccinated people over 65 in America is up to 71 percent. Houston Hosts Event Dozens of Seafarers were vaccinated May 3 at the hiring hall in Houston, where the union teamed up with a local health care provider (United Memorial Medical Center) and with Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia to offer the shots. Health care professionals administered the Pfizer vaccine; a follow-up vaccination event for second doses was scheduled for May 24, also at the hall. Garcia kicked off the May 3 gathering by thanking the union for hosting it. He also emphasized the need to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated. “For those of you who are taking the vaccine, thank you for the confidence in taking it,” he said after being introduced by SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. “What I need you to do now is to be an ambassador. Let people know that you’ve taken it. Let people know that they should take it as well. That’s how we’re going to save lives.” Garcia also thanked the SIU “for all you do. You keep our economy moving, you keep products on the shelves and you keep people employed.” ICS Answers Common Questions Recently, the International Chamber of Shipping – the global trade association for shipowners and operators – released a practical guide to COVID-19 vaccinations as they relate to the maritime industry. They included a Q&A, which answered common questions on vaccine safety, efficacy and side effects. To summarize, the vaccines have been carefully reviewed and studied, and determined to be safe and effective by the appropriate national and international health authorities. All CDC-approved vaccines have been proven to both protect against contracting the virus, and limit the severity of the symptoms if contracted. The vaccines start providing protection against the virus, on average, 12 days after the injection. Side effects are generally mild to moderate, and can last up to 48 hours. These can include fever, fatigue and pain at the injection site. As of press time, even if a mariner has been vaccinated for longer than two weeks, the current U.S. Coast Guard requirements state that all mariners must wear masks and take social distancing precautions while aboard a vessel. There are exceptions, including while eating or drinking or in one’s own stateroom. Masks also may be removed if they’ll interfere with a particular task. Shipping Companies Weigh In As a whole, the American maritime community has been staying on top of the issue of COVID-19 vaccine availability and distribution to mariners. Working closely with the union, the SIU’s contracted operators have taken many steps to ensure both the safety of the mariners working aboard their vessels, as well as the availability of vaccines. While mariners are still advised to seek out the Johnson & Johnson brand, single-dose vaccine, any of the CDC-approved vaccines are safe and effective. Mariners are encouraged to schedule their single-dose vaccine appointments a few days before they are shipping out, to avoid having to work through the common side effects that can occur the day after being vaccinated against COVID-19. It is also advisable to schedule all of a mariner’s required vaccinations while that mariner is ashore, to allow for two weeks between the COVID-19 vaccine and any other required shots. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (seated in photo at left) gets his vaccine in Jacksonville, Florida. Paul Hall Center Apprentice Ricky Williams (photo above) receives a vaccination in southern Maryland. June 2021 Seafarers LOG 3 �The Mobile negotiating committees included (from left) Crescent Mobile Operations Manager Travis Stringfellow, SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White, Crescent Senior Consultant Tad Willcutt, SIU Capt. Delegate Chris Walker, Crescent Exec. VP Keith Kettenring, SIU Engineer Delegate Patrick McKibbon, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate R.J. Walker, Crescent VP Eddie Pinner, Crescent Senior Operations Manager Ben Morvant and Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg. Serving on the New Orleans bargaining committees were (from left) Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg, SIU Engineer Delegate David Findley, Crescent Senior Consultant Tad Willcutt, SIU Captain Delegate Terry Murley, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Crescent Exec. VP Keith Kettenring, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Kevin McDermott, Crescent VP Eddie Pinner and Crescent Senior Operations Manager Ben Morvant. Not pictured, but also serving on the committee, were Crescent VP Hays Clark and SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Chris Sikes. SIU Crescent Towing Crews Ratify Contracts Add another pandemic-era first for SIU boatmen employed by Crescent Towing. As the nation continues grappling with challenges associated with COVID-19, the SIU recently finalized two new three-year contracts covering Crescent crews in New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Savannah, Georgia. Members ratified the agreements in mid-April, by nearly unanimous majorities. The contracts, covering approximately 200 SIU members, are practically identical, and they include annual wage gains while maintaining top-of-the-line benefits. One agreement covers members in New Orleans and Savannah, while the other applies to boatmen in Mobile. The pandemic didn’t stop union and company personnel from bargaining in person, though the respective negotiating committees isolated in hotels beforehand, and additional precautions were taken. Voting took place aboard the boats. “Most of the people involved have been vaccinated,” pointed out SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, who led the union’s committee. “This COVID thing has been really challenging for everybody, but it’s amazing how the crews have operated through all of it. They have done the work and never had to shut down. “A lot of that stability is a testament to the long tenures of the employees and the quality of the crews,” he added. “Crescent tends to get good, long-term employees, and I think the pandemic is a testament to why that’s important. And with that as a backdrop, we were able to negotiate a very fair package that in this day and age, a lot of other people aren’t seeing. Hopefully this will be the one and only time we negotiate during a pandemic.” Westbrook noted that the seven rank-andfile delegates who served on the bargaining committees have a combined 188 years of employment with Crescent (an average of slightly less than 27 years per member). The SIU’s committee for the New Orleans/ Savannah contract consisted of Captain Del- egate Terry Murley, Engineer Delegate David Findley, Wheelman/Deckhand Kevin McDermott, Wheelman Chris Sikes and Westbrook. The Mobile group included Westbrook, SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White, Captain Delegate Chris Walker, Engineer Delegate Patrick McKibbon and Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate R.J. Walker. Bargaining took place April 6-9 for the New Orleans/Savannah contract and then April 14 for the Mobile pact. Ratification happened April 9-16. In addition to securing wage gains and maintaining medical and pension benefits, the union negotiators also bolstered seniority clauses, enhanced bereavement benefits, added to vacation benefits for employees with at least 15 years of service, and established a training committee. That group, consisting of representatives from the union (including rank-and-file members) and company, is slated to convene within the next 90 days to identify “fair and equitable ways to train employees,” Westbrook said. “There’s no doubt the industry is becoming more technical and requires more training.” “It’s a good contract,” said Murley, who started his SIU career in 1978 after finishing the trainee program in Piney Point, Maryland. “We were prepared and we tried to be reasonable with our expectations. I think we got a pretty good contract for the next three years and I think Crescent came out on top, too. It’s kind of a partnership, and at the end, you shake hands and everybody goes back to work.” McDermott agreed that members have ample reason to be pleased with the contract, and he also credited Westbrook for leading the group. “It’s a good contract, and Mr. Westbrook is a beast,” McDermott said. “Chris does his homework, and he gave us useful insights. I think we got a spectacular contract compared to what’s going on elsewhere during the pandemic. We couldn’t ask for anything else.” Chris Walker said the agreement is “a good, fair contract for the men. Everybody was able to get a little bit of something out of it. Bargaining was fairly quick. The company understood what we wanted to put on the table, and we understood what they wanted.” “The crews were pleased,” said White. “Based on what we obtained, the guys were excited about it. Because of the COVID situation, they weren’t sure whether the company would be in position to do anything positive. But, through negotiations, it turned out well.” Crescent operates 17 boats in New Orleans, five in Savannah and three in Mobile, with four-person crews that generally adhere to a schedule of seven days on followed by seven days off. The boats are used for ship-docking operations. Note to Readers Virtually without exception, the individuals pictured on this page have been vaccinated against COVID-19, or had recently tested negative before the photos were taken, or both. The respective bargaining committees isolated in hotels prior to the start of bargaining. From left, Delegates Kevin McDermott and David Findley discuss the contract with Capt. Joe Carson and Engineer Hunter Daniel. Members sign in before voting on the Mobile contract. SIU members sail aboard Crescent Towing’s fleet of 25 boats, including the ones pictured above 4 Seafarers LOG Mobile-area SIU boatmen are pictured with SIU Port Agents Jimmy White and Chris Westbrook. Standing left to right are Taylor Hurst, White, Cameron Cooper, Roy Saranthus Sr., Daniel Nicolaidis, Chris Walker, Bo Tucker (rear), R.J. Walker, Westbrook, Ronnie Walker, Jose Angel Ojeda, Patrick McKibbon, Darrin Anderson and Grayson Sheppard. June 2021 �AFL-CIO Releases Death on the Job Report The AFL-CIO on May 1 released the 2021 edition of Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, a report on the state of safety and health protections for America’s working families. The release marked the 30th year that the federation has produced the narrative. Since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 50 years ago, significant progress has been made toward improving working conditions and protecting workers from job injuries, illnesses and deaths, the federation pointed out. Federal job safety agencies have issued many important regulations on safety hazards, silica, coal dust and other health dangers, strengthened enforcement and expanded worker rights. These initiatives have undoubtedly made workplaces safer and saved lives, but much more progress is needed, according to the AFL-CIO. The federation further noted that the previous administration worked to dismantle these advancements, attacking workplace safety protections and longstanding structures for issuing future protections, cutting agency budgets and staff, and failing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in many workplaces. The Democratic majority in the House of Representatives helped improved oversight, accountability and action on critical worker protections, and took opportunities to oppose anti-worker attacks by the previous administration, according to the report. However, the Senate blocked much-needed protections and reforms in job safety. Now, with a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, there are more opportunities for action on long-needed worker protection legislation, the federation noted. “The recent election of President Biden brings promise and hope to a nation and world decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to working people who have struggled for years under anti-worker policies that make their workplaces more dangerous,” the AFL-CIO said when announcing the report. Following are 18 key findings from the 2021 Death on the Job report. In 2019: n 275 U.S. workers, on average, died each day from hazardous working conditions. n 5,333 workers were killed on the job in the United States. n An estimated 95,000 workers died from occupational diseases. n The overall job fatality rate was 3.5 per 100,000 workers, the same as the previous year. n Latino and Black worker fatalities increased; these workers are at greater risk of dying on the job than all other workers. n Employers reported nearly 3.5 million work-related injuries and illnesses. n Musculoskeletal disorders continue to make up the largest portion (30%) of workrelated injuries and illnesses. n Underreporting is widespread – the true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is 7 million to 10.5 million each year. n States with the highest fatality rates in 2019 were: Alaska, Wyoming, North Dakota, Montana and West Virginia. n Industries with the highest fatality rates in 2019 were: agriculture, forestry, and fishing and hunting; mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; transportation and warehousing; construction; and wholesale trade. n America’s workplaces have been a primary source of COVID-19 outbreaks, with thousands of workers infected and dying. However, information on workplace infection and outbreak is limited because there is no national surveillance system. n Workplace violence deaths increased to 841 in 2019, while more than 30,000 violence-related lost-time injuries were reported. n Workplace violence is the third-leading cause of workplace death. There were 454 worker deaths that were workplace homicides. n Women workers are at greater risk of violence than men; they suffered two-thirds of the lost-time injuries related to workplace violence, and were five times more likely to be killed by a relative or domestic partner in the workplace than men. n Deaths among all Latino workers increased in 2019: 1,088 deaths, compared with 961 in 2018. Some 66% of those who died were immigrants. n The Black worker fatality rate of 3.6 per 100,000 workers continues to be higher than the national average. In 2019, 634 Black workers died on the job—the highest number in more than two decades. n Workers 65 or older have nearly three times the risk of dying on the job as other workers, with a fatality rate of 9.4 per 100,000 workers in 2019. n The cost of job injuries and illnesses is enormous – estimated at $250 billion to $330 billion a year. The full report is available at https://aflcio.org/reports/death-job-toll-neglect-2021. SIU, MTD Urge White House To Overturn CBP Ruling The SIU, along with the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) and its Port Maritime Councils, have written letters to President Biden, urging his administration to change a recent ruling by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) that violates the Jones Act. As stated in a letter sent by SIU President Michael Sacco (who is also president of the MTD), “On January 27, 2021, one month after the passage the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 that included a provision affirming that all federal laws, including the Jones Act, would apply to offshore wind energy sites in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (“EEZ”) of the Outer Continental Shelf, CBP issued a letter ruling to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDDC), an SIU-contracted company that employs American mariners on Jones Act vessels. That letter ruling confirmed GLDDC’s understanding that, under the new law, the transportation of scour-protection rock to the pristine seabed in the U.S. EEZ would be covered under the Jones Act. Less than two months later, on March 25, CBP reversed this finding and instead concluded that the Jones Act would not apply in the scenario for which GLDDC requested guidance.” The letter from the SIU continued, “Regardless of the reasoning for the change in guidance, this letter ruling has the potential to cause considerable disruption in GLDDC’s and other American ship operators’ plans to build and operate vessels designed to help install, maintain, and supply offshore wind energy farms in the US EEZ. GLDDC and other American companies have already committed significant SIU President Michael Sacco resources to help launch these efforts and we expect this work to create hundreds of good paying, middle class jobs for working families across America. Under this letter ruling, that work would instead be done, in large part, by foreign companies using foreignbuilt ships and foreign crews. This is exactly the scenario that the NDAA provision was designed to thwart, and it is diametrically opposed to the policy of the federal government as stated in Executive Order #14005. Sacco added, “We are greatly appreciative of the efforts your Administration has made supporting working families across America, and it is no exaggeration to say that your efforts on behalf of the U.S. Merchant Marine, both as president and in your long career in public service, have been exemplary. With that in mind, we strongly urge you to direct CBP to correct these mistakes.” Since that letter was sent, every Port Maritime Council has also sent letters to the Biden administration on this subject. June 2021 AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka speaks during a February 2020 Congressional press conference on the PRO Act. (Photo courtesy of AFL-CIO) Federation’s Push to Pass PRO Act Continues in Events Coast to Coast Demands for passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act continue to make headlines across the country as the AFL-CIO’s phone-banking initiative targeting voters and urging them to call their senators has kicked into full swing. Initially launched April 26, the “PRO Act Blitz” took center stage May 1 during May Day marches, teach-ins and other actions from coast to coast. The AFL-CIO reported more than 700 events were planned, and suggested that count may be low, because individual unions checked in with their own marches, meetings and other assorted activities. As previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, the U.S. House of Representatives on March 9 passed H.R.2474 – the PRO Act of 2021. The legislation is considered by many to be the most wide-ranging, proworker rewrite of labor law since the original National Labor Relations Act of 1935. It previously was approved by the House in 2020, but the then Republicancontrolled Senate failed to take it up. The House passed it again in early March by a vote of 225-206, largely along party lines. Five Republicans voted for the bill, while one Democrat opposed it. The measure currently is stalled in the U.S. Senate, where winning approval figures to be difficult, unless Democrats in that chamber do away with or evade the filibuster. The filibuster would allow a minority of senators to hamstring the bill by requiring 60 votes for passage. This scenario provided the impetus for the federation’s phone banking initiative as well as the other activities taking place across the country. “We’re not going to let a minority in the Sen- ate stop” the PRO Act, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka vowed in a video press conference with lawmakers and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights just before House debate on the PRO Act began. “If people (lawmakers) know corporations are too strong and workers are not strong enough” economically, “and they make corporations stronger” anyway, by defeating the PRO Act, “they do so at their peril,” Trumka warned. “And in an era of extreme polarization, nearly two-thirds of Americans – 65% -- approve of labor unions, so it’s not surprising workers would form unions if they were given the chance. That’s 60 million people knocking on our doors. The PRO Act would let them in.” President Biden during his first address before a joint session of Congress on April 28 called for the passage of the PRO Act and for a $15 federal minimum wage. “The American Jobs Plan is a blue-collar blueprint to build America, that’s what it says. And, it recognizes something I’ve always said. The guys and women on Wall Street … didn’t build this country. The middle class built this country. And unions build the middle class,” Biden said. “And that’s why I’m calling on Congress to pass the Protect the Right to Organize Act, the PRO Act, and send it to my desk to support the right to unionize. By the way, while you’re thinking about sending things to my desk, let’s raise minimum wage to $15,” he added. “No one, no one working 40 hours a week should live below the poverty line.” Seafarers LOG 5 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU HONORING WWII MARINER – In a ceremony conducted at the Houston hall, WWII Mariner Charles Mills (seated, with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey) was presented with the Convoy Cup Medallion in recognition of his service. The Convoy Cup salutes efforts made by mariners during World War II, who served as part of the critical supply convoys from North American Ports to Risør, Norway. As stated in a letter by Convoy Cup Foundation Chairman Steinar Engeset, “Thank you for the great service that you provided during World War II, which allows us to enjoy the peace we do today.” The chairman of the American Merchant Marine Veterans International Affairs Committee, Jens Inge Egeland, also conveyed the organization’s gratitude in a letter to Mills, saying, “It was a great honor and a privilege for me to nominate you to be honored with the Convoy Cup Medal for your service in the Allied Convoys of WWII. We can never thank you and your fellow sailors enough for what you did to restore freedom to our lands. You are truly the greatest generation.” ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – Recertified Bosun Gerry Gianan says the galley gang aboard the Patriot-operated ship “is the most awesome group I’ve ever sailed with.” The bosun, captain and chief engineer all recently commended the steward department personnel for their hard work and excellent menus. Among those pictured in the photos above and below are Chief Steward Dennis Dizon, Chief Cook Solymar Herrera, SA Emily Lepley and SA Hezam Al Shabaei. TRAINING IN PINEY – Paul Hall Center apprentices stand aboard the training vessel Freedom Star. Pictured from left are Garrett Williams, Jade Ezera, John P. Mauras and Alan Butkow. They’re completing vessel familiarization prior to the next phase of the program. WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY – AB Frank Vogler (left) receives his first pension check at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. 6 Seafarers LOG June 2021 �FROM PUERTO RICO TO PINEY – Three Seafarers who ship from the San Juan hall recently completed upgrading training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Pictured at the union-affiliated school are (from left) Chief Cook Derick Morales, Chief Steward Elston Yu-Mateo and Chief Cook Pauline Crespo-Guillen. ALOHA-STATE SEAFARERS – Three SIU members recently picked up their respective full B-books at the hiring hall in Honolulu. In photo above, Chief Cooks Kevin and Kent Arroyo give additional meaning to the motto, “Brotherhood of the Sea.” ACU Frank Adkins is in the other snapshot At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FULL BOOKS IN FLORIDA – Four Seafarers receive their respective full B-books at the April 8 membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. Pictured from left in the group photo above are S/B John Billington, OS Ben Squaire, AB Joey Benosa and SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul. The snapshot at right features AB Chandler Dixon (right) and Koncul. FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – STOS Mark Malicki (right in photo above) receives his full B-book from SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick at the hiring hall. In the photo at right, AB Michael Gore (left) takes the oath from SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday before picking up his full book. CIVMARS HELP MAKE HISTORY – Members of the SIU Government Services Division did their parts April 21 when the USNS Medgar Evers (top) participated in the first-ever vertical replenishment ammunition offload involving the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (foreground). The operation took place in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Julie R. Matyascik) June 2021 SAN JUAN SPRUCE-UP – Pitching in with some painting and other light maintenance at the hiring hall in Puerto Rico are (from left) Chief Steward Luis Santiago, GVA Argelio Perez and SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Seafarers LOG 7 �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. The Plan will now accept money orders as payment for the COBRA premium. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www. seafarers.org, under “Member Benefits-Seafarers Benefit Plans-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 800-252-4674. Annual Funding Notice Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2020 2019 January 1, 2020 January 1, 2019 145.9% 131.9% $1,760,929,899 $1,547,219,772 $1,207,119,802 $1,172,841,327 2018 January 1, 2018 142.9% $1,634,843,633 $1,143,708,805 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2020 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 $1,900,000,000 $1,760,929,899 $1,547,219,772 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2021, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,111. Of this number, 7,364 were current employees, 6,528 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,219 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. 8 Seafarers LOG The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other Percentage 0 15 4 0 0 24 5 1 0 0 37 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; 301.899.0675For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2021 �Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 941431246, for the year ended July 31, 2020. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $1,683,441 as of July 31, 2020, compared to $1,611,056 as of August 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $72,385. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $14,547,692, including employer contributions of $14,465,757, realized gains of $856 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $79,624 and other income of $1,455. Plan expenses were $14,475,307. These expenses included $363,389 in administrative expenses and $14,111,918 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.75 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964, for the year ended June 30, 2020. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $45,678 as of June 30, 2020 compared to $108,088 as of July 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $62,410. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $702,654, including employer contributions of $701,638, earnings from investments of $38 and other income of $978. Plan expenses were $765,064. These expenses included $248,909 in administrative expenses and $516,155 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2020 January 1, 2020 302.33% $6,405,877 $2,118,801 2019 January 1, 2019 314.91% $6,561,949 $2,083,726 2018 January 1, 2018 275.26% $6,668,926 $2,422,758 Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2020 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2020 $6,803,739 December 31, 2019 $6,700,795 December 31, 2018 $6,478,947 Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 749. Of this number, 332 were current employees, 289 were retired and receiving benefits, and 128 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15.Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other June 2021 Percentage 0 9.4% 9.2% 0 0 21.2% 0 0 0 0 2.6% 0 0 0 8.0% 49.6% 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2021, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single- employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, 301-899-0675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. Seafarers LOG 9 �Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, AFT’s Leslie Getzinger and TOTE Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Pagan. In photo at right (from left to right), TI Vice President Sara Fuentes, Crespo and TOTE Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Pagan prepare to address the crowd. Book Program Distributes Second Wave of Materials SIU Continues Team Effort to Assist Students in Puerto Rico, Alaska, Guam The “BookWaves” program added to its donation totals in mid-April, delivering more than 7,000 additional books to children in Puerto Rico. BookWaves is a partnership between the SIU, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR), the Transportation Institute (TI) and the organization First Book. With the help of Jones Act vessel operators, the organizations have teamed up to help deliver free, bilingual, STEM-focused books to children in Puerto Rico, Alaska and Guam. The program is funded by AFT, TI and the Pi Beta Phi Foundation, with the shipping of the books handled by SIU-contracted operators Crowley, Matson and TOTE. During a press conference conducted in Puerto Rico on April 15, representatives of the unions and shipping partners presented the next sets of books. According to the AFT’s Leslie Getzinger, nearly 100,000 books have been shipped to Guam, Alaska and Puerto Rico as part of this program. Once the books arrive in Puerto Rico, SIU officials and members assist with the distribution. Members who pitched in to sort and distribute the most recent delivery included Bosun Isaac Vega, Chief Steward Luis Santiago and AB Luis Ramos. SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo said, “The Seafarers are proud to participate and promote bilingual education for these children, so they have the opportunity to amplify the chance to get jobs, especially in our U.S.-flag maritime industry, of which I am a product.” “AMPR, AFT and First Book efforts over the years to provide millions of books to students in need inspired our organization to bring together the U.S.-flag maritime industry, the Seafarers International Union, and our logistics partners to ensure that Americans that rely on our shipping services have better access to books, inspiring a lifelong love of reading and learning,” said TI’s Vice President Sara Fuentes. TOTE Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Pagan said, “The impact on the education system from COVID-19 has been deep and real, and TOTE – as part of the Transportation Institute and it’s Dedicated to Puerto Rico initiative – is honored to partner with teachers [AFT and AMPR] and First Book to provide the tools and resources students need to advance their education. TOTE is dedicated to the future of Puerto Rico’s youth and to creating a positive and lasting impact in our communities.” As part of the program, more than 40,000 books have been delivered in Guam from the East Coast by Convoy and then shipped across the Pacific Ocean by Matson Navigation. Volunteers from the Guam Federation of Teachers (GFT) and SIU will distribute the books to pre-K through 12th-grade public school students and families as soon as island lockdown restrictions are relaxed. “Our members are so excited to have so many and such great books to provide to our students,” said GFT President Tim Fedenko. “We are eager to start handing out books as soon as possible to support student achievement and to help build the sense of community that can be hard to create while doing remote learning.” In Alaska, the program is working with Alaska Marine Lines, Alaska Communications, Northern Air Cargo, Ryanair, TOTE, AFT affiliates in Alaska, and Alaskan Indigenous organizations to deliver books to as many rural and remote communities as possible. According to Rich Berkowitz, the Transportation Institute’s vice president of Pacific Coast Operations, “The broader effort led to a special partnership between the Alaska fishing philanthropic organization AFIRM and Western Alaskan Community Development Quota Program villages to provide access to books for their local youth. Kids from Atka to Naknek to Diomede will have an opportunity to select their own highquality books.” Along with the books, the AFT is providing bookplates for kids to write their names The SIU hall in Puerto Rico temporarily houses some of the donated items. 10 Seafarers LOG inside their books to give them a sense of ownership and pride. In Puerto Rico, materials are in Spanish and English; in Guam, bilingual English-Chamorro bookmarks include reading tips for parents on how to help their children become strong readers; and blank journals will be provided for students in Alaska, Guam and Puerto Rico so students have an opportunity to express themselves and write their own stories. SIU personnel including Port Agent Amancio Crespo, Bosun Isaac Vega, Chief Steward Luis Santiago, AB Luis Ramos and others pitched in. June 2021 �Notice/Reminders DOT Forbids Marijuana Use, Pre-Employment Drug Tests Are Reported to Coast Guard Seafarers are reminded that the U.S. Department of Transportation forbids the use of marijuana by employees subject to drug testing under DOT regulations. Even if marijuana use is legal in your home state, it is still illegal under federal law (federal law regulates the maritime industry). A recent report by an industry trade association representing hundreds of employers pointed out that many people trying to enter the industry hit a roadblock by testing positive for marijuana. Conversely, the percentage of active mariners who test positive for drug use is extremely low. The same article noted that maritime employers are required to report their respective yearly drug and alcohol testing data to the U.S. Coast Guard. This includes pre-employment drug tests. The bottom line for mariners – active and prospective alike – is that marijuana is still banned under federal law, and pre-employment screenings are reported to the Coast Guard. Paul Hall Center Modifies Some Requirements for Galley Training In an effort to facilitate important training for mariners while also helping promote career advancement, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has adjusted some of its requirements for steward-department coursework. Effective immediately, the path for entry-level students in the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program to advance to chief cook consists of first completing Phase 1 of the program, then accumulating at least 200 days of sea time, obtaining two letters of recommendation (one each from a chief steward and a captain), and applying for (and graduating from) the Certified Chief Cook course. Components of the Galley Operations course now are included in Phase 1 and in the Chief Cook Assessment program. For a copy of a letter sent from the school to prospective stewarddepartment upgraders, visit the News section of the SIU website. The letter is linked in a March 18 post. Questions may be addressed to the admissions department at (301) 994-0010, option 2, or at upgrading@seafarers.org. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point............................Monday: June 7, *Tuesday , July 6 Algonac........................................................Friday: June 11, July 9 Baltimore.................................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Guam.....................................................Thursday: June 24, July 22 Honolulu....................................................Friday: June 18, July 16 Houston.....................................................Monday: June 14, July 12 Jacksonville.............................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Joliet......................................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Mobile................................................Wednesday: June 16, July 14 New Orleans...............................................Tuesday: June 15, July 13 Jersey City...................................................Tuesday: June 8, July 6 Norfolk.........................................................Friday: June 11, July 9 Oakland.................................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Philadelphia...........................................Wednesday: June 9, July 7 Port Everglades......................................Thursday: June 17, July 15 San Juan...................................................Thursday: June 10, July 8 St. Louis......................................................Friday: June 18, July 16 Tacoma......................................................Friday: June 25, July 23 Wilmington...................................................Monday: June 21, July 19 * Piney Point change due to Independence Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m June 2021 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 10-May 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of April 10. Total Registered All Groups B Total Shipped Trip Reliefs 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 4 1 4 0 3 1 1 1 0 0 5 0 2 28 Deck Department 3 4 1 2 1 3 13 9 1 0 3 2 7 1 34 14 17 22 20 7 3 3 3 2 9 8 6 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 19 5 3 3 16 6 162 93 C 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 2 3 1 0 3 6 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 25 1 0 0 2 0 1 3 14 14 8 0 2 12 4 1 1 2 9 2 5 81 1 0 2 3 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 13 Engine Department 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 6 1 2 0 1 5 3 8 8 11 13 8 4 0 0 1 1 7 7 3 0 2 0 1 1 1 1 11 4 1 3 4 4 71 58 5 0 2 12 2 3 5 14 17 5 1 2 9 6 1 2 2 8 2 11 109 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 6 6 3 1 1 9 5 1 3 9 2 1 8 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 8 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 15 13 1 1 3 0 4 6 11 16 13 1 0 12 10 1 3 1 7 2 19 124 9 1 1 2 2 1 3 9 46 4 3 2 11 4 0 14 2 6 1 8 129 GRAND TOTAL: 458 373 178 Port A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 17 2 2 10 1 7 5 43 26 23 4 5 23 16 3 1 7 26 1 12 234 3 0 3 5 0 4 2 17 17 12 2 0 11 5 1 2 3 7 2 11 107 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 0 2 10 1 0 3 11 15 5 0 1 14 2 1 3 2 14 1 10 100 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS C A All Groups B C 1 0 2 9 1 3 0 17 18 14 2 4 9 2 1 1 1 12 0 10 107 38 6 3 25 5 18 9 80 62 58 3 8 47 22 8 2 12 45 1 39 491 7 1 3 15 0 7 3 34 43 21 4 1 17 5 4 4 4 9 3 26 211 0 2 0 6 0 5 2 10 6 9 0 5 3 2 2 1 1 8 0 7 69 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 12 1 0 1 5 0 1 1 8 10 2 0 0 3 1 1 3 2 6 2 3 50 9 0 1 15 2 2 7 22 27 15 2 3 20 6 4 2 9 17 1 28 192 2 0 1 7 0 1 4 17 22 10 0 6 22 7 2 4 5 10 2 10 132 1 0 1 4 1 1 1 1 5 1 2 0 4 3 0 0 0 4 1 0 30 Steward Department 1 1 0 1 1 0 7 3 2 0 2 1 4 4 12 2 7 7 2 0 0 0 0 3 5 12 6 2 0 1 0 2 3 7 7 1 1 1 10 9 77 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 7 4 5 0 1 1 10 2 1 0 3 2 0 10 50 9 0 1 18 0 7 10 24 26 17 2 5 18 24 4 8 5 13 4 37 232 3 1 0 6 1 1 5 9 18 3 2 3 17 8 0 5 4 2 0 12 100 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 5 2 1 0 3 1 1 0 1 2 0 1 21 Entry Department 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 1 4 2 3 1 14 0 11 0 0 0 0 1 12 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 7 0 1 1 8 8 72 5 1 0 3 1 0 4 7 29 1 0 0 11 1 1 13 2 3 0 6 88 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 4 1 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 20 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 3 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 9 0 6 33 24 3 1 3 1 5 6 20 35 19 3 0 19 16 3 1 1 13 1 32 206 15 3 1 2 1 2 5 14 93 20 3 4 27 12 2 7 5 20 2 14 252 127 227 948 649 372 A 318 All Groups B Registered on Beach 273 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was posed to upgraders attending classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you choose the maritime industry as a career as opposed to doing something else? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Shadonna Jones Certified Chief Cook I chose the maritime industry because it’s been a dream of mine for my entire life. I wanted to see the world via the lens of the ocean and do what I enjoy doing best, and that’s creating flavors. The maritime industry allows me to do this. I’ve been sailing for five years. Gervacio Simon Certified Chief Cook I just wanted to experience it to find out what it was like. And I have found that I like it and it’s what I want to do for a career. Some friends of mine introduced me to the industry and I am so glad that they did. It’s interesting and I plan to keep upgrading. Emelene Garcia Certified Chief Cook Because it’s a great job.To me, my job is all about health, fitness and of course personality and attitude. The job is steady and high income and it allows me to see the world. It’s the most challenging work I have ever had since retiring from my first job. I have a spirit of adventure, and sailing gives me a sense of freedom. After I started sailing, my son also got into the union, then my husband, my brother and my nephews. They are all SIU members. Randall Campbell Certified Chief Steward I chose it because it opens doors for me in the future. After my sailing days are over, I can take what I have learned here back home with me and put it to good use when I start my own business. I learned about the maritime industry from my mother, who went to school with someone who sails. She passed it on to my brother and he passed it on to me. Christian Cruz Oiler Money was one, travel was another. More than that though, it’s about the flexibility. It allows me to learn and work as I please. When I was in high school, I was taking a lot of technical classes and I discovered that I’m not that classroomoriented. So, I really like that fact that I can go out there, work for a while and then come back to learn more. It works perfectly for me. Starling Priester QMED I joined the maritime industry because of the opportunity it offers for career advancement through learning. I came in as a C-card and I wanted to advance my career as fast as and as far as possible in the shortest amount of time. The union has given me this opportunity to realize my goals. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG Former United States Vice President Walter Mondale (left) visits SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, during his 1984 presidential campaign. SIU President Frank Drozak is at right. The SIU first found an ally in Mondale in the late 1960s, when he was a U.S. senator for Minnesota working on issues pertaining to Great Lakes shipping and the seafood industry. Mondale passed away April 19, 2021, at age 93. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JOHN BULL GREGORIO ABALOS Brother Gregorio Abalos, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1990 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Abalos upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He was last employed by World Crane Services and lives in Seal Beach, California. ABDULLAH AHMED Brother Abdullah Ahmed, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988, initially sailing aboard the OMI Dynachem. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1996 and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Ahmed’s final vessel was the Hawaii. He is a resident of Detroit. Update On Annual Physicals Beginning July 1, 2021, an annual physical through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan will be required prior to shipping out. The SIU and the American Maritime Association (AMA, representing companies that are signatory to the standard freightship and tanker agreements) last year had dropped the requirement for a union physical, due to pandemicrelated considerations. Only a valid Coast Guard or Military Sealift Command physical had been required, unless the Seafarer left their last ship Not Fit For Duty or required shots. The union and the AMA have agreed to return to the old protocols, thereby reinstating the requirement for an annual physical through the union. Brother John Bull, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1989, initially shipping aboard the Independence. Brother Bull was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the Patriot and resides in Honolulu. LEBARRON BUMPERS Brother Lebarron Bumpers, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977 when he shipped aboard the Penn. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Bumpers’ final vessel was the Florida. He lives in Mobile, Alabama. VINCENT CARRAO Brother Vincent Carrao, 65, joined the SIU in 1977 when he sailed on the McLean. He upgraded on several occasions at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Brother Carrao sailed in both the engine and steward departments and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed by Cargotec Services and makes his home in Lakewood, New Jersey. RODNEY CLEMENTS Brother Rodney Clements, 65, signed on with the union in 1986, initially working with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Clements last shipped aboard the Green Ridge. He calls New Albany, Indiana, home. JOHN FERREIRA Brother John Ferreira, 67, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, his first vessel was the Energy Enterprise. Brother Ferreira upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career on the Maersk Ohio and lives in Seekonk, Massachusetts. JAMES FLETCHER Brother James Fletcher, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979 and first sailed aboard the Taurus. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1994. Brother Fletcher last shipped aboard the Capricorn. He makes his home in Pinole, California. SHAIF KASSEM Brother Shaif Kassem, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1982, initially sailing on the Coastal Kansas. He sailed in all three departments and last shipped aboard the USNS Brittin. Brother Kassem is a resident of Tacoma, Washington. WILLIAM LIGNOS Brother William Lignos, 68, joined the Seafarers in 1971, initially sailing on the Afoundria. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and sailed in the engine department. Brother Lignos last shipped on the John Paul Bobo. He resides in Columbia Falls, Montana. JAMES MURPHY Brother James Murphy, 64, became a member of the SIU in 1978 when he worked for States Steamship. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother Murphy’s final vessel was the Empire State. He calls Santa Rosa, California, home. ARISTON ORA-A Brother Ariston Ora-A, 65, started sailing with the union in 2000, when he sailed on the Independence. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ora-A most recently shipped on the Mar- jorie C. He resides in Paia, Hawaii. JOHN PICCIOLO Brother John Picciolo, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1973. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1980. Brother Picciolo’s final vessel was the USNS Antares. He settled in North Miami Beach, Florida. DEBBIE RANDALL Sister Debbie Randall, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1994. She was a member of the steward department and first shipped on the Noble Star. Sister Randall upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2015. She concluded her career aboard the Evergreen State and is a New Orleans resident. MARTA WILLIAMS Sister Marta Williams, 65, began sailing with the union in 1999 when she sailed aboard the USNS Silas Bent. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Williams’ final vessel was the Overseas New York. She makes her home in Jacksonville, Florida. GREAT LAKES the Buckeye. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Vanenkevort was last employed by Vanenkevort Tug and Barge. He lives in Bark River, Michigan. INLAND JOHN ANDRADE Brother John Andrade, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 2001. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Andrade’s first vessel was the Columbia Bay; his last, the Pacific Reliance. He is a resident of New Bedford, Massachusetts. JACK ANDREWS Brother Jack Andrews, 62, began sailing with the union in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Long Lines. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and was an engine department member. Brother Andrews was last employed by Moran Towing of Maryland. He calls Abingdon, Maryland, home. DON BRADDY Brother Don Braddy, 67, joined the SIU in 1973. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped with Interstate Oil. Brother Braddy upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1978. He worked for the same company for most of his career and resides in Chester, Virginia. JERRY STROPICH JOHN JONES Brother Jerry Stropich, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1987. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Stropich worked for Upper Lakes Towing Company for his entire career. He resides in Gladstone, Michigan. Brother John Jones 70, donned the SIU colors in 1969, first working for Interstate Oil. He sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for the majority of his career. Brother Jones makes his home in Pocomoke, Maryland. JOHN VANENKEVORT Brother John Vanenkevort, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979, initially working on Notice to Mariners With International Voyages The U.S. Department of State’s Passport Office has recently changed a policy that required mariners to show proof of an imminent international voyage in order to receive an expedited passport renewal. As stated in the revised rule, “Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, Passport Services continues to have limited operations at our passport agencies and centers. We will assist mariners who urgently need a passport for international voyages, and whose current valid passport expires in 13 months or less.” Following are the new instructions for renewing your passport. Instructions for Urgent Assistance with Applying for a Passport: 1. Contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and identify yourself as a mariner who ur- June 2021 gently needs to apply for (or renew) your U.S. passport. 2. The Duty Officer will take your information and schedule an appointment at the nearest passport agency. 3. Application Packages must submit the following: a. A completed DS 11 or DS 82 passport form, visit the Passport Services website for form instructions; b. Passport Photograph; c. Current Passport or evidence of citizenship such as an original or certified birth certificate or an original naturalization certificate; d. Letter from your supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union; and e. A clear copy of your Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC). 4. The Employer’s/U.S. Mariners Union Letter should include the following details: n Your full name; n Printed name and title of your supervisor or mariners’ union representative; n Signature of your supervisor or mariners’ union representative; and n Date the letter was issued. 5. Bring your completed application, required documents, and the passport fee that includes the $60 expedited fee with you to your appointment. If you have already applied for your passport but have not received it, contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and identify yourself as a mariner who has already applied and urgently needs your passport. The Duty Officer will provide further instructions and the passport agency will contact you to coordinate the delivery or pickup of the completed passport. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ASHLEY CARMICHAEL Brother Ashley Carmichael, 38, passed away March 23. He was born in Connecticut and joined the SIU in 2008. An engine department member, Brother Carmichael initially sailed aboard the Keystone Texas. He last shipped on the USNS John Glenn and resided in Savannah, Georgia. BARRY HARRIS Pensioner Barry Harris, 68, died April 5. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1974 when he sailed on the Long Lines. Brother Harris worked in the engine department and last shipped on the Capricorn. He went on pension in 2017 and lived in Mobile, Alabama. MARVIN LAMBETH Pensioner Marvin Lambeth, 81, passed away April 13. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1968 when he was employed by Delta Steam- ship. Brother Lambeth sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard the Horizon Trader. He retired in 2007 and made his home in Temple Hills, Maryland. ANSTEY MINORS Pensioner Anstey Minors, 84, died April 18. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1961, initially sailing with Interocean American Shipping. Brother Minors shipped in both the steward and deck departments and also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 1995 and settled in Florence, South Carolina. DIMITRIOS PAPAIOANNOU Pensioner Dimitrios Papaioannou, 92, passed away April 25. He donned the SIU colors in 1972 when he shipped aboard the President Pierce. A steward department member, Brother Papaioannou last sailed on the Expedition. He retired in 2000 and was a resident of Robbins, North Carolina. STEPHEN PARR Pensioner Stephen Parr, 69, died March 29. He signed on with the union in 1972 and was a deck department member. Brother Parr first sailed aboard the Yukon. He last sailed on the Spirit of Texas and went on pension in 2016. Brother Parr resided in Carlinville, Illinois. J.C. Wiegman Union, School Mourn Late J.C. Wiegman J.C. Wiegman, a mainstay at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, from the late 1980s until his retirement in early 2015, unexpectedly passed away May 5 at his home in southern Maryland. He was 72. Wiegman most recently worked as the director of training at the Paul Hall Center. He was known for his dedication and his exceptionally detailed knowledge of the maritime industry’s myriad training requirements. A more complete remembrance will be published in next month’s LOG. 14 Seafarers LOG GEORGE SILVA Pensioner George Silva, 94, passed away March 11. He began sailing with the SIU in 1956 when he shipped aboard the Suzanne. Brother Silva worked in the engine department and last sailed on the Spirit. He became a pensioner in 1992 and lived in San Leandro, California. INLAND FELIX CAMPESI Pensioner Felix Campesi, 73, died March 28. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1976. Brother Campesi shipped in both the engine and deck departments. He worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage until his retirement in 1991. Brother Campesi settled in Waggaman, Louisiana. MAGDALENO CASTILLO Pensioner Magdaleno Castillo, 69, passed away March 29. An engine department member, he signed on with the SIU in 2002. Brother Castillo worked for American Marine Corporation for the duration of his career and retired in 2016. He was a Las Vegas resident. LONNIE HOWARD Pensioner Lonnie Howard, 90, died April 2. He signed on with the SIU in 1981. A deck department member, Brother Howard worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 1992 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. JERRY INTONTI Pensioner Jerry Intonti, 95, passed away March 28. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1961 when he worked for Pennsylvania Railroad. Brother Intonti last shipped with Penn Central Transportation and retired in 1987. He was a resident of Newark, New Jersey. JERRY JAGGER Pensioner Jerry Jagger, 76, died April 9. He began sailing with the union in 1991. Brother Jagger was a deck department member and was employed by Virginia Pilot Corporation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2015 and lived in Mathews, Virginia. DAVY MENZIES Pensioner Davy Menzies, 70, passed away April 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1994. A deck department member, Brother Menzies worked with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2014 and called Jersey City, New Jersey, home. LURCY PRIMEAUX Pensioner Lurcy Primeaux, 77, died April 9. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1964 when he was employed by Higman Barge Lines. Brother Primeaux was a deck department member. He worked for the same company until his retirement in 1989. Brother Primeaux was a resident of Vinton, Louisiana. ISMAEL SOLIS Pensioner Ismael Solis, 93, passed away April 4. He became a member of the SIU in 1978 and was a deck department member. Brother Solis was employed by Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1991 and lived in Puerto Rico. WILLIAM STOWE Pensioner William Stowe, 74, died April 4. He joined the union in 1966 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Stowe worked with Virginia Pilot Corporation for his entire career. He retired in 2008 and settled in Raleigh, North Carolina. RICHARD SUMMERS Pensioner Richard Summers, 66, passed away January 21. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 2004, initially sailing on the USNS Hayes. A deck department member, Brother Summers last sailed on the Terrapin Island. He became a pensioner in 2019 and made his home in Port Orchard, Washington. NMU JAMES TYSON Pensioner James Tyson, 96, died April 2. Born in New York, he began sailing with the NMU in 1943, prior to the 2001 NMU/ SIU merger. Brother Tyson sailed in the engine department. He went on pension in 1965, but returned to sail well into his 70s and during Operation Desert Storm. Brother Tyson made his home in Laurel, Maryland. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Cardriche, James Carter, Sidney Cuellar, Jaime Flores, Julio Reyes, Marina Sellers, Baxter Stetz, Robert AGE 98 85 98 93 92 94 93 DOD 02/19/2021 04/05/2021 04/08/2021 04/06/2021 03/07/2021 04/09/2021 04/09/2021 All Hands Safe Aboard Pres. Eisenhower No injuries and no pollution were reported following a recent fire aboard the Seafarerscrewed President Eisenhower (APL Marine Services) on the West Coast. The SIU represents steward department mariners aboard the vessel. APL’s parent company, CMA CGM, issued the following statement: “On April 28, a fire occurred onboard the M/V President Eisenhower while she was transiting the Santa Barbara Channel. Thanks to the crew’s rapid response, the fire was extinguished. There are no reported injuries or pollution. We thank the U.S. Coast Guard for their prompt assistance. The incident is under investigation, and we are working closely with the appropriate authorities.” June 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALLIANCE NORFOLK (Maersk Line, Limited), March 30 – Chairman Eugene Perez, Secretary Robert Seim, Deck Delegate Abduljabbar Quraish, Steward Delegate Ma Marilynda Nance. Ship in need of new mattresses and linens. Chairman announced April 3 arrival in Jacksonville, Florida, and discussed shipboard safety. Educational director reminded members to check documents for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew in need of headgear, flashlights and lightweight masks. Vote of thanks given to the steward department. Next port: Jacksonville. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaskan Tanker Company), April 10 – Chairman Gregory Hamilton, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Donny Castillo, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward Delegate Dindo Reforsado. Crew went over old business. Current launch service in port is available upon request only and no longer launching every four hours. Members are awaiting clarification on missing-man wages and compensation for the 14-day quarantine period before joining ship. Crew still waiting for a union official to come aboard ship after making several requests. Ship in need of paperwork (crews list, ship minutes, current repair list). Secretary directed members to see the steward for new blankets. Educational director reminded everyone that the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is open and more and more classes are becoming available. Dispute in deck department pertaining to OT pay for hydro blasting and supper relief. One-hour penalty pay is due to AB for being on watch without relief. Members were encouraged The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. With Seafarers in Garden State SIU members are pictured at the Watco Marine Transfer Station in Elizabeth, New Jersey. As more and more members get the vaccine, things are at least beginning to return to normal, as evidenced by this mask-less photo. Among those pictured are Lawrence Rizzo, Kyle Pillsworth, Scott C. Smith (son), George Diamantakos, Scott Smith (dad), Ellison Champagne, Joel Santana, Eric Valdez, Corey Horning, Tommy Napoli and Brian Pillsworth. Thanks to SIU Patrolman Edwin Ruiz for the photo. to read the LOG and visit SIU website for updated information about the union, the maritime industry and the labor movement. Crew motioned for steward assistant pay rate to match general vessel assistant pay rate and motioned to have an extra meal rate for steward department. They discussed availability of memorandums of understanding. Ship in need of cold-weather gear and larger-sized PPE. Members requested to have Wi-Fi set up on ship and sought clarification on vacation pay requirements. Slop chest not available on ship. Crew was advised to check pockets for objects that might damage the washer or dryer and to improve housekeeping habits. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), April 13 – Chairman Jose Velasquez, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate Ryan Walker, Engine Delegate Ian Jordan, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. Course dates for the rest of the year are available on the union’s website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested better Wi-Fi availability, new fans, TVs, pillows and blankets. Crew went over pension benefits and requested a reduction in sea time requirements. Members asked for days off to increase to two days for 11-day runs. Crew requested additional benefits to current healthcare coverage. OVERSEAS CHINOOK (Overseas Ship Management), April 18 – Chairman Raymond Johnson, Secretary Jack Hart, Educational Director Brian Jackson, Deck Delegate Darius McCastle, Engine Delegate Wayne Watts, Steward Delegate Nelson Bernardez. Members discussed recent challenges with MMC renewals. Payoff scheduled May 1 at next port. Secretary thanked crew for keeping house and mess hall clean. He reminded members to continue practicing social distancing, wash hands regularly, and wear masks. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members made request pertaining to ABs on watch and asked for increase in vacation benefits. Next port: Mobile, Alabama. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board June 2021 by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIV- ITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Refer Containers July 12 July 23 Machinist October 18 November 5 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Pumpman November 8 November 12 Welding June 28 August 30 Juy 16 September 17 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 RFPEW August 23 November 15 September 17 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses July 26 September 27 November 15 August 13 October 15 December 3 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 25 November 22 October 8 November 5 December 3 RFPNW August 23 November 15 September 10 December 3 Radar/ARPA July 26 August 6 Fast Rescue Boat June 21 August 9 June 25 August 13 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 28 September 6 July 2 September 10 GMDSS July 12 July 23 Medical Care Provider Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 July 5 September 13 July 9 September 17 Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17 Basic Training July 26 August 9 July 30 August 13 Advanced Shiphandling June 21 July 2 Basic Training Revalidation Advanced Meteorology July 12 July 16 June 25 August 30 September 3 June 25 August 30 September 3 Advanced Stability July 5 July 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 FOWT July 26 September 20 October 25 August 20 October 15 November 19 Junior Engineer September 6 October 29 Marine Electrician September 6 October 8 Marine Refer Tech July 26 September 3 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG Certified Chief Cook June 14 July 19 July 16 August 20 Advanced Galley Operations July 26 September 27 August 20 October 22 Chief Steward June 28 August 23 July 23 September 17 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation June 7 October 25 June 11 October 29 Government Vessels June 14 June 28 July 19 August 9 June 18 July 2 July 23 August 13 Tank Ship DL Tank Ship Familiarization DL September 20 July 5 October 18 September 24 July 9 October 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG June 28 August 23 September 27 July 2 August 27 October 1 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/21 June 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #868 – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Turin Beamon,Jr,, Georgia Bussink, Padgett Carpenter, Declan Gallager, Tevin Good, Sira-Claire Kupaianaha Hauanio, Laura Katschman, Richard Russ Jr., Isis Marangelee Vasquez-Soto and Ricky Williams. Junior Engineer – Graduated April 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Anthony Brown, Christian Cruz, Casey Frederick, Crystal Higgs, Deidra Hunter, Michael Joel, Tony King Jr., Joshua Mann and Anias Stanford. Class instructor Christopher Morgan is second from the left. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Edna Bakhos, Paul Hiapomalulani Elderts, Aurora Foster, Frank Hedge, Bernadette Hill, Ronald McCray, Temiaka McLaurin, Antonio Norflett, Victor Nunez, Norman Rodriguez, Jerren Waller and Darrell Whitaker. (Note: Not all are pictured.) June 2021 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Marine Electrician – Graduated April 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Joel Bell Jr., Terren Fields, Jean Paul Merino Lozada, Nicolae Marinescu, Kyle Miller, Robert Neff, Charlie Wescott III, Kyle Williamson and Kevin Willis. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Small Arms – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Phuoc Chau-Hue Nguyen and Abraham Dionela Tunguia. Machinist – Graduated March 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcus Brown, Kirk Chambers, Olivier Luc Especa, Patrick Montgomery and Dhahabi Abdulla Quraish. Class instructor William Dodd is at the far left. Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated March 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Upgraders Aaron Van Burnett, Jamal Campbell, Jonah Chambly, Ryan Hatch, Kevin Hubble, Michael Kolich, Alexander Kostik, Bryce Ness and Jason Springer. 18 Seafarers LOG June 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated April 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Cameron Amir Azadi, Garry Bourgeois Jr., Dean De Vera Crisostomo, Jarrell Dorsey, Christian A. Duldulao, Ruben Haynes, Richard Jefferson, Norman Lucas II, Tony Pragosa, Jose Neil Dayal Sadaya, Mohamed Hameed Saleh, James Stanford, Steven Alborn Tatum McField and David Warner. Basic Tr a i n i n g (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated April 9 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Upgraders Cameron Amir Azadi, Howard Brooks Jr., Joseph Burke, Christian Duldulao, Wiliam Fortner, Richard Gould III, Raymond MaldonadoGarcia and Tony Pragosa. MSC Storekeeper – Graduated April 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathaniel Balos, Dillian Cannady, Julien Kei Charlet, Jamila King, Detrell Lambey, Steven Ariel Lopez Ferrer, Patricia Placek, Renita Walker and Nigel Williams. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated April 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Armon Rasheed Bailey, Adam Bechtold, Pauline Crespo-Guillen, Agnes Jocson Gamboa, Lordiem Victoriano Garcia, Arjay Navarro Hermoso, Anthony Jackson, Julieann Major and Derick Yanier Morales-Berly. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated April 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Torrika Devine, George Nier Egbert, Madina Lawless, Noah Schluder and Nathaniel Simmons Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) June 2021 Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Cameron Amir Azadi, Garry Bourgeois Jr., Christian Duldulao and Tony Pragosa. Seafarers LOG 19 �JUNE 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 6 Annual Funding Notices, Summary Annual Reports Pages 8-9 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Chatting at headquarters are (from left) SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Capt. Steve Sears and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. I t doesn’t take long in conversation with Steve Sears to identify what he truly treasures. Any mention of his wife of 30 years or their two adult daughters elicits genuine emotion and an unabashedly loving reaction. Yet, in reflecting on his 41-year career as an SIU member, it’s hard not to begin with the financial success he achieved. Sears, 62, who is believed to be the longestserving tugboat captain in Crowley’s fleet, is retiring with a substantial, hard-earned pension that easily could allow him to live quite comfortably the rest of the way. He also made a very good (and again well-earned) living as an active Seafarer, racking up many thousands of days at sea. But he didn’t rely solely on his full-time income, nor did he simply wait until he could collect the pension before pursuing other goals. “Steve is a great example to his fellow members of how some basic financial planning and investments outside the Seafarers Pension Plan can really make a difference,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, who takes particular interest in the long-term financial wellbeing of Seafarers. “Because SIU members don’t have to contribute to their pension plan, it frees up money that potentially can be invested elsewhere. And as Steve has shown, a combination of saving and investing can pay off in many ways.” Sears blended hard work, frugality and investments to lead a comfortable, eventually debt-free life. He is quick to credit his wife, Donna, for help with money management and working towards the same goals. He also appreciates the pension and medical benefits available through the Seafarers Plans (the latter of which limits out-of-pocket costs, thereby freeing up funds for savings and/or investments). The results are eye-popping. Sears, who grew up poor, recently paid cash for a $118,000 recreational boat. He didn’t take a mortgage on his most recent lakefront home in New Hampshire – and he also owns another boat and another house. He doesn’t flaunt any of his monetary acumen, and only agreed to discuss it when told it may help his fellow union members. While Sears followed the age-old investment guideline of “diversify or die,” his biggest windfalls came from real estate. He bought “nice properties” in Florida, New Hampshire and Gloucester, Massachusetts, paid them off early, and tripled his money on each one. “That’s what paid for college” for both of his daughters, he noted. Steve and Donna Sears have been married for 30 years. Natural Fit Sears grew up on the water, and began working on party boats at age 13. (If that sounds glamorous, know that his job mostly consisted of untangling fishing lines and otherwise assisting the paying customers.) He had no interest in, nor money for college, so he sampled life as a tub-trawling fisherman after finishing high school. The job paid well, but the physical demands – particularly in the middle of New England winter – quickly led Sears to contemplate other ways to make a living in the maritime industry. Largely by chance, an acquaintance got him into the trainee program at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in early 1979. Things didn’t start very well for him at the ‘I Was Driven’ Longtime SIU Member Sears Caps Fruitful Career Asked to offer other tips, he replied, “Watch where your money goes. I’ve seen it over the years – many people that could have a lot (of savings), but don’t. Also, be wary of paying interest, and don’t always go for that big kick. For instance, when I buy a car, I buy one that’s two years old and has 28,000 miles on it…. I don’t make payments. Everything I own, I own. I don’t owe a dime to anybody.” picturesque but isolated campus. “I’ll be the first to admit, I was as homesick as could be,” he recalled. “I did not want to be there, but I kept going and stuck with it.” Indeed, after graduating in Class 271, he became a bosun on the base. “When the new guys came in, I could tell them, ‘Look, I didn’t like it either in the beginning, but once you get into it, it’s not bad,’” Sears said. “I taught new guys every time, so it didn’t get old. We had new people arriving every week or every other week. I enjoyed it, actually.” Later that same year, he went to work for Dixie Carriers, making $56 a day. In December 1979, he switched to Crowley, where he made $88 a day. He appreciated the financial bump, but had no plans to stop there. “I was driven, and I knew that if I was going to be on that boat, I was going to do the best I could to move up and get paid,” Sears said. “I read the contract.” He also recognized the good fit at Crowley right away, and while the work certainly wasn’t easy, it compared favorably to handling fishing gear. “You do that (trawling) a couple times and then you go out on the tugs, I mean, on a rough day you didn’t even have to go outside the wheelhouse,” he said. “I liked the tugs. FishLongtime SIU member Steve Sears “grew up on the water” and plans to spend part of his ing was a lot harder.” retirement there, too, including aboard his newly purchased boat. Sears worked his way up to captain, and eventually became qualified to operate all of the company’s boats. He spent the next few decades moving various cargoes around the country, including to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. And for the record, he never once got seasick. From the Mouths of Babes Sears is in good physical shape and plans to stay active, including periodically helping Crowley with out-of-the-ordinary, part-time assignments. Though he’s been a dedicated family man all along, his perspective on life couldn’t help but change after his wife survived two different, harrowing health scares in recent years. Those experiences made him look forward to having more opportunities for family time. In fact, his only borderline regret about working so hard for so long is that he inevitably wasn’t home as often as he’d have liked. But even that consideration was at least partly allayed. “I always felt like I missed so much, because I worked all the time,” Sears said. “But when I was home, I was a (school) chaperone with my kids. I was the only dad that wasn’t working.” One year, a grade-school teacher said to one of Sears’ daughters, “Is your dad going to be home for Christmas?” The daughter said no, he usually works on Christmas. The teacher answered, “That’s so sad. I’m so sorry.” The daughter replied, “Why? When my dad isn’t home, we have two Christmases!” Sears visits the union’s headquarters building in mid-April. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: WHITE HOUSE ESTABLISHES PRO-WORKER TASK FORCE COMMITTEE APPROVES RECORDS VACCINATIONS SLOW GLOBAL PANDEMIC SIU CRESCENT TOWING CREWS RATIFY CONTRACTS AFL-CIO RELEASES DEATH ON THE JOB REPORT FEDERATION'S PUSH TO PASS PRO ACT CONTINUES IN EVENTS COAST TO COAST SIU, MTD URGE WHITE HOUSE TO OVERTURN CBP RULING BOOK PROGRAM DISTRIBUTES SECOND WAVE OF MATERIALS DOT FORBIDS MARIJUANA USE, PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTS ARE REPORTED TO COAST GUARD PAUL HALL CENTER MODIFIES SOME REQUIREMENTS FOR GALLEY TRAINING LONGTIME SIU MEMBER SEARS CAMPS FRUITFUL CAREER Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2021 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Collection Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 83, No. 6 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7af4dd9b2967081e71b945194c08e626.pdf b68ac44db0b26f47b38c6a0b2a041615 PDF Text Text JUNE 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O WWII Mariners Honored with Gold Medal Nearly 77 years after fighting ended and 34 years after token veterans’ recognition was granted, U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service, during a bipartisan presentation inside the U.S. Capitol on May 18. Above, WWII mariners are pictured immediately after the ceremony. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), a longtime proponent of the official recognition, is at far right. Page 3. (Photo courtesy Defense Dept.) D.C. Event Focuses on Jobs Pictured at a wind-energy event in Washington, D.C., on May 4 are (from left) SIU New Bedford Port Agent James Bast, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson. SIU Members Help Conclude Operation Deep Freeze 2022 Catching Up in Piney Point Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa (left) recently completed safety training at the Paul Hall Center – and also chatted with SIU President Michael Sacco (right) while at the school in Piney Point, Maryland. “It was great to catch up,” the bosun noted. The SIU-crewed Ocean Giant handled the second segment of this year’s resupply mission to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Bosun Richard Hamilton provided this photo (and others), shot from the Waterman-operated vessel as it sailed to the National Science Foundation facility. Page 24. DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act Page 2 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 1 Contracts Ratified Page 4 5/23/22 4:16 PM �President’s Report Answering the Call Congratulations to SIU members and to all of our union’s port personnel for the incredible job you did last month in filling a large number of jobs in less than 24 hours, in response to a handful of no-notice vessel activations. Our industry, like so many others, is currently weathering a manpower strain, so this wasn’t exactly an ideal time to handle those activations – but you all rose to the occasion, like always. On one hand, sure, this was just a case of doing our jobs. But realistically, it wasn’t easy, it was important and time-sensitive, and our team answered the call. I extend my thanks and admiration to everyone who helped get it done. New Leadership at MARAD Speaking of congratulations, I’m glad to note the recent confirmation of Rear Adm. Ann Phillips (USN, Ret.) to the post of maritime adMichael Sacco ministrator. She definitely has big shoes to fill – our longtime friend, Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, did an excellent job at MARAD (and previously at the Military Sealift Command) – but I know she’s up to the task. We’re already working with the new administrator and will continue doing everything possible to help the agency fulfill its critical mission of strengthening and maintaining the U.S. Merchant Marine. MARAD obviously is a crucial agency for Seafarers; their work to promote American-flag shipping and U.S. crews is part of our lifeblood. My thanks also go to Lucinda Lessley for her outstanding work as acting administrator prior to Adm. Phillips’ confirmation. Her integrity and thoughtfulness shined through at all times. Register and Vote While some Seafarers already have voted in this year’s primaries, it’s not too soon for others to double-check their voter registration status ahead of Election Day 2022 (Tuesday, November 8). Make sure you and your eligible family members are registered, and please support promaritime, pro-worker candidates. Without question, there has been an awakening across the U.S. regarding workers’ rights. In part, that’s why the labor movement finds itself at a crossroads with the elections on the horizon. The combination of a labor-friendly administration and a rising interest in collective action has generated considerable momentum, but at the same time, the opponents of labor are as well-funded and determined to dismantle worker power as they have ever been. To make matters even more complicated, partisan gridlock has stalled progress on more than one item on the labor movement’s agenda. It’s no secret that union membership across the country has declined over the years, but union households still play a major role in determining outcomes of many elections. This depends, though, on everyone from the movement exercising their constitutional right to vote. That the enemies of the working class have attempted so many times to interfere with that right only reveals how terrified they are of a unified labor movement making its voice heard. This encouragement goes beyond presidential and congressional elections. Union families must vote the whole ballot from state legislatures to city hall to local school boards. Those who seek to swipe power away from America’s working class operate best under the cover of darkness, funneling money into races and legislative manipulations that mostly escape the notice of national and even your local media. That’s why labor cannot leave any political stone unturned. Leadership must do its part to educate members on the issues, but ultimately the responsibility rests with each union member to cast her or his ballot strategically. Without concentrated political power at every level of government, the labor movement cannot achieve its goals. And make no mistake, those goals benefit not just America’s working families, but all of America. DHS Secretary Backs Jones Act U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently underscored his support of America’s freight cabotage law. During an April 27 hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, the secretary answered a question from U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Mississippi) about the Jones Act. Palazzo noted that during his time in Congress, he has seen “constant attacks against the Jones Act by special interest groups bent on allowing foreign ships and crews to push out American sailors and shipbuilders.” The congressman then pointed out that President Biden’s Made in America executive order “explicitly emphasized the importance of Jones Act shipping…. Do you support the Jones Act and are you committed to rigorous enforcement of the Jones Act?” Mayorkas replied, “I do and I am. And I want you to know that the President’s Buy American initiative is something that he is holding the entire administration to. We have strict protocols to which we must adhere and we do so quite proudly with respect to our contracting to make sure that we are indeed buying American…. I do believe in the Jones Act. I do support it. I know I have a waiver authority and we exercise that quite prudently in only cases of emergency….” The hearing concerned the Fiscal Year 2023 Department of Homeland Security Budget. The Jones Act is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. It helps sustain more than 650,000 American jobs while pumping billions of dollars into the U.S. economy each year. U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-Michigan), longtime union organizer and member of the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Labor Caucus, announced on May 10 that the U.S. House of Representatives adopted his resolution to grant congressional staff in the right to organize and bargain collectively, which was included in the rule for the Ukraine supplemental, by a vote of 217-202. The passage of the House resolution is the final step required to grant legal protection to most congressional House employees. The Senate must pass its own resolution in order for Senate employees to have the same protections. “After 26 years, the House has finally provided its workers the fundamental human right to form a union without fear of retaliation. As someone who has spent decades in the labor movement and devoted their life to protecting and enhancing workers’ rights, this moment stands out as a major highlight,” said Levin. “Congressional staff are joining a broader movement of workers in our society who are organizing, bargaining collectively and stepping up to make clear that they want more of a voice in their workplaces. I’m so proud that Congressional Democrats upheld our values of believing in the collective voice today. If there is any place in the country that needs to walk the walk and respect the will of workers, it is the U.S. Congress – the bedrock of democracy. We cannot stop fighting until every worker in the country can form a union without interference.” He added, “I want to thank deeply Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), Whip James Clyburn (D-South Carolina) and Chairperson Zoe Logfren (D-California) for their partnership in this important effort and for their steadfast commitment to workers in the People’s House. Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude and admiration to the congressional staff who fought to make this moment possible, shared bravely their workplace experiences, good and bad, clearly illustrated their need for the protected right to organize and demonstrated the sheer power of worker solidarity.” Logfren stated, “One of the first votes I cast as a Member of the House – late on my very first day in that Congress – was to pass the Congressional Accountability Act. As someone who grew up in a union family, as a former congressional staffer, and as a longtime advocate of workers’ rights and protections, I was proud to cast that vote. However, Congress failed to follow through on an important part of the law that would provide legislative branch staff with the option to organize, if they choose. Today, I’m proud to cast my vote for Congress to follow through on that promise. I am thankful for the tireless advocacy on behalf of Congressional staff by my colleague Representative Levin, the members of the Congressional Workers Union for their courage, and Speaker Pelosi for her leadership as we act to support those who make our work on behalf of the American people possible.” House Staffers May Form a Union International Propeller Club Honors U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney At Event O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 6 DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas June 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), a longtime advocate of the U.S. maritime industry, received the prestigious Salute to Congress award May 17 in Arlington, Virginia. The award is sponsored by the International Propeller Club. When announcing Courtney’s selection as this year’s honoree, International Propeller Club President C. James Patti said, “During his time in Congress, Chairman Courtney has been a forceful and outspoken advocate for all segments of the maritime industry. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in the enactment of numerous maritime legislative initiatives and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the programs and policies important to our industry are funded, implemented and enforced.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman attended the gathering. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 2 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �USA Maritime: Keep ‘Ship American’ Rules The coalition USA Maritime, to which the SIU is affiliated, has expressed strong opposition to a misguided attempt to turn over the transportation of U.S.-government financed cargoes to foreign-flag, foreigncrewed shipping interests. Such a move would, according to USA maritime, severely weaken the U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine, cost thousands of American maritime workers their jobs, and destroy the ability of the U.S.-flag industry to provide the commercial sealift readiness capability relied upon by the Department of Defense. Writing in response to a pair of concurrent resolutions introduced in the U.S. Senate, the coalition described the “ship American” components of cargo preference as “essential to the maintenance of our U.S.Flag Merchant Marine.” Further, USA Maritime called the resolutions unnecessary, because the law “already allows for the waiver of Ship American preferences if U.S.-flag vessels are not available at fair and reasonable rates. USAID cur- rently waives Ship American rules for 40% of its flagship Food for Peace program and awards 70% of such cargoes to foreign carriers.” The statement continued, “The resolutions are overbroad. They are not limited only to supplies for Ukraine but would waive Ship American rules everywhere. Resolution bined – accounts for only 8% of program costs. The premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts for less than 1% of program costs.” The statement concluded, “Today’s environment of rising peer nation competition from Russia and China is not the time to give up our U.S.-flag shipping capacity or turn it over to foreign interests. We need to be “The premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts for less than 1% of program costs.” – USA Maritime 37 would waive Ship American rules indefinitely; Resolution 38 would divert cargoes to foreign carriers for an arbitrary three-year period.” Significantly, the coalition also spelled out how the resolutions “dramatically overstate the cost of shipping American. All ocean shipping under the Food for Peace program – foreign-flag and U.S.-flag com- prepared to support our allies in Europe and elsewhere with American sealift ships and American mariners who have never failed to answer the call when needed by our nation.” According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, cargo preference “is the general term used to describe U.S. laws, regulations and policies that require the use of U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of cargo that is owned, procured, furnished, or financed by the U.S. Government. It also includes cargo that is being shipped under an agreement of the U.S. Government, or as part of a Government program.” Preference cargoes typically include military items, food aid, and shipments generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. There are corresponding percentage requirements that specify how much of the cargo must be moved on American bottoms, ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 percent. Cargo amounts themselves vary from year to year. For example, according to the Congressional Research Service, U.S. international food-assistance outlays fluctuated from Fiscal Years 2016 to 2020 based in part on demands that changed due to conflicts in Syria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. In the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2021, U.S.-flag ships delivered approximately 650,000 metric tons of food-aid cargoes around the globe. Rear Adm. Phillips Takes Leadership Reins At U.S. Maritime Administration the 6th Fleet Commander, Phillips was involved in the deployment of goods in support of the Pakistani earthquake relief efforts. Prior to her retirement, she was commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, which included 14 vessels and 10 subordinate commands – all part of the Amphibious Expeditionary Forces along the U.S. east coast. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary in 2016. Ku’uhaku Park, president of the American Maritime Partnership (to which the SIU is affiliated), said Phillips’ confirmation comes “at a time when maintaining a strong American Maritime is even more critical than ever. We look forward to working with Admiral Phillips to ensure our nation has the shipbuilding, sealift capacity, and reliable movement of commerce that is essential to America’s security.” MARAD is self-described as the Department of Transportation agency “responsible for America’s waterborne transportation system…. At our core, we support the technical aspects of America’s maritime transportation infrastructure – things like ships and shipping, port and vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety. We promote the use of waterborne transportation, and ensure that its infrastructure integrates seamlessly with other methods of transportation. MARAD also maintains a fleet of cargo ships in reserve to provide surge sealift during war and national emergencies, and is responsible for disposing of ships in that fleet, as well as other non-combatant government ships as they become obsolete. “Beyond that, we work hard to maintain the overall health of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Commercial mariners, vessels, and intermodal facilities are vital for supporting national security, and so the agency provides support and information for current mariners, extensive support for educating future mariners, and programs to educate America’s Ann Phillips testifies at a Senate young people about the vital hearing in late December 2021. role of maritime operations in the lives of all Americans.” (Sipa USA/Alamy) Ann Phillips is the new head of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), following her confirmation by the Senate on May 10. Phillips retired as a rear admiral after serving nearly 31 years on active duty with the U.S. Navy. “We look forward to working with Admiral Phillips at the Maritime Administration,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “She has an accomplished record within the Navy and in Virginia. “We also thank Lucinda Lessley for her work as the acting administrator,” he added. Prior to being nominated by President Biden in October 2021, Phillips was the Special Assistant to the Virginia Governor for Coastal Adaptation and Protection. In that role, she coordinated with federal, state and local partners to create equitable strategies to deal with rising waters and climate impact to critical coastal infrastructure assets within the commonwealth. She received her commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps upon graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1983. She served aboard two vessels – the USS Cape Cod and the USS San Jose – during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She was the first commanding officer aboard the USS Mustin. As the executive assistant to June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 3 One day before the medal ceremony, personnel from the American Merchant Marine Veterans, their families and friends visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. World War II Merchant Mariners Honored With Congressional Gold Medal in D.C. The SIU on May 18 joined in celebrating long-overdue recognition for U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II as they received the Congressional Gold Medal in the Capitol Building. Ten members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) participated in the one-hour ceremony, which featured remarks from members of congress, the administration, and the military. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the SIU at the event. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The veterans received the medal on behalf of the approximately 1,500 remaining mariners of World War II. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in wartime service. “The bravery demonstrated by the U.S. Merchant Mariners to keep Allied Forces supplied during World War II is second to none,” said AMMV President Dru DiMattia. “In the face of targeted attacks by German submarines and Uboats, the unarmed U.S. Merchant Mariners met the moment with resilience and courage, and serve as an inspiration for all of American maritime.” In 2020, Congress unanimously passed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act thanks in part to the advocacy of U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) along with organizations including the SIU. The bill was promptly signed into law, but the official award was delayed due to the global pandemic. “We gave up our yesterdays for your and their tomorrow,” stated former mariner Dave Yoho during the ceremony, which he called a “humble tribute to my fallen brothers.” Yoho served in the engine department, signing on as a 16-year-old. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (DCalifornia) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Kentucky) led the congressional delegation to recognize the mariners. “We celebrate these patriots for doing their part to preserve liberty,” Pelosi told them. “They earned their rallying cry: ‘We deliver the goods,’” added McConnell. Garamendi and the late U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) pushed Congress for years to honor the World War II mariners with a gold medal. After saying it was “a great day, a happy day,” Garamendi declared, “Without you, the success of the World War II would not have happened.” House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (California) said the presentation was “long overdue.” He saluted the mariners: “Everything America asked them to do, they delivered.” U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) paid tribute by quoting President Franklin Roosevelt: “The merchant marine delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operation and across every ocean in the biggest, most difficult job ever undertaken.” Also taking part in the presentation were Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command; U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Scott Buschman; and U.S. Maritime Deputy Administrator Lucinda Lesley. The gold medal will be placed on display in the American Merchant Marine Museum at the Academy in Kings Point, New York. The World War mariners on hand received duplicates. They included Yoho, William Balabanow, Gerard Driscoll, James T. Lindsey, Charles A. Mills, George Offenhauser Sr., Bob Ross, James Sciple, Jack Laub and George Shaw. For information on ordering a replica of the medal, email Katrina McRae at katrina.mcrae@dot.gov. Seafarers LOG 3 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Penn Maritime Crews Approve 3-Year Pact SIU members employed by Penn Maritime recently ratified a three-year contract that features significant gains. The new agreement, approved in mid-April and covering approximately 250 Seafarers, calls for annual wage increases; boosts contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP); raises the food allowance; and provides medical coverage for all members through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). The latter point is noteworthy, according to members and union officials. Penn Maritime was acquired by Kirby Corporation in 2012. Since then, any new employees received medical coverage through a company plan. Typically, those mariners paid several thousand dollars apiece each year just for the premiums (whereas Penn Maritime members covered via the SHBP do not have to pay premiums). “Getting everybody back on the SHBP medical coverage was huge,” said Chief Mate John Harvard, who served on the union negotiating committee. “For guys that have families, it’s a really big help. It shows that the company has some commitment to the members; hopefully, we can keep building trust and mutual respect.” The SIU bargaining team included Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Assistant Vice President Mike Russo, Harvard, Lead Tankerman Michael Lyons and Chief Engineer Jeff Pictured from left are Lead Tankerman Michael Lyons, Chief Mate John Harvard, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Kirby Exec. VP of Vessel Operations Jim Guidry, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo and Chief Engineer Jeff Rydza. Rydza. Negotiations took place in Houston. “This is a great example of a union and a company working together to hammer out a good agreement,” Russo said. “It’s something we can all be proud of. I think everybody walked away feeling good about this.” Harvard said the contract “exceeded my expectations. I think it was a good contract and we’re headed in the right direction. You don’t always walk away with everything you want, but we didn’t lose anything – just gained. Kudos to Dean, Joe and Mike for their work on the contract.” Soresi said, “The bargaining went well and we secured a good agreement. It certainly seems as if most the members are happy with the results.” Penn Maritime operates up to 15 tugboats and barges in the Gulf region, primarily moving asphalt along inland and coastal waterways. Seafarers Ratify New Contract At VanEnkevort Tug and Barge A new six-year agreement is in place for Seafarers employed at VanEnkevort Tug & Barge, Inc. (VTB). Members overwhelmingly ratified the pact through a combination of shipboard and remote voting in April. The contract took effect April 1 and lasts through March 2028. It calls for annual wage increases for the first three years and then a wage and benefit reopener in April 2025. The pact boosts company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP), maintains health benefits, and also preserves the Paul Hall Center benefit for training and upgrading. SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell and Port Agent Todd Brdak negotiated on behalf of the union. Nearly 50 Seafarers are employed by VTB. They work aboard four state-of-the-art articulated tug-barge units on the Great Lakes, primarily hauling taconite and stone. VTB was founded in 1967. Conveyorman Chris Heffernan said maintaining health care coverage and securing yearly wage increases for the first three years are the contract’s highlights. OS Joshua Childers said he values the boost to the SMPPP “and how every year, there will be pay raises. This was a good step forward, working towards what everybody wants.” Powell stated,“This agreement provides a robust wage package and various other enhancements for our members working for VTB. It is a fair and reasonable package both for the members and company, which is always the goal.” SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (left in photo directly above) meets with Cook Mark Quinney, AB Jonathan Slanga, OS Darrin McMillan, OS Alphonso Davis and OS Joshua Childers aboard the Dirk VanEnkevort in Toledo, Ohio. Pictured from left aboard the Clyde VanEnkevort in Toledo, Ohio in photo at immediate right are SIU Patrolman Ryan Covert, Watchman Gerald Johnson, Conveyorman Chris Heffernan, OS Adam VonRiedel and AB/Delegate Anthony Cronk. The SIU-crewed Laura L. VanEnkevort is shown in the photo at top right. 4 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 4 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Biden Administration Mandates U.S. Materials for Infrastructure Projects The White House has issued new guidance, requiring that the materials purchased for projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) be produced domestically. The stated goal is to ensure that federal dollars spent on infrastructure projects support U.S. manufacturing and stimulate the domestic economy. As highlighted by this latest guidance, the bipartisan infrastructure package contained a requirement that, starting on May 14, “none of the funds” allocated to federal agencies for projects may be spent “unless all of the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in the project are produced in the United States.” “From day one, every action I’ve taken to rebuild our economy has been guided by one principle: Made in America,” President Joe Biden said in an April 14 speech in Greensboro, North Carolina. “It takes a federal government that doesn’t just give lip service to buying American but actually takes action.” “There are going to be additional opportunities for good jobs in the manufacturing sector,” said Celeste Drake, director of Made in America at the White House Office of Management and Budget. Biden said he looks to reduce reliance on foreign materials, create American jobs and ease supply chain concerns. United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway said in a statement, “President Joe Biden’s interim Build America, Buy America guidance will ensure that publicly funded infrastructure projects help to rebuild the nation’s manufacturing base, strengthen supply chains and support good-paying jobs for U.S. workers…. America’s workers stand ready not only to build new transportation systems, communications networks and other infrastructure through the IIJA, but to supply the raw materials, parts and components needed for all of those projects. These workers lead the world in responsible production practices, and they’ll deliver unparalleled quality, ensuring new roads, bridges and other improvements stand the test of time. The USW looks forward to working with President Biden and his administration to finalize the Build America, Buy America guidance and unlock the full power of the IIJA.” The guidance includes three conditions that must be met for the requirement to be waived: if the purchase “would be inconsistent with the public interest”; if the needed materials aren’t produced “in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality”; or if U.S. materials increase a project’s cost by more than 25%. President Biden speaks in mid-April in North Carolina, underscoring his commitment to maintaining U.S. jobs. (Image courtesy White House Twitter account) VP Emphasizes ‘Historic Commitment To Worker Organizing and Empowerment’ The Biden administration will continue working to be known not merely as pro-worker, but as the most pro-union administration in U.S. history. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered that message April 12 during a gathering at a Sheet Metal Workers facility in Philadelphia. Attendees included U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh; U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania); U.S. Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-Pennsylvania); U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pennsylvania); Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D); Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney (D); and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, who traveled with the vice president. Harris described Shuler as a friend and “a fighter. She goes to work every day for the working people of our nation, and she is an essential partner to our administration.” The vice president’s speech was titled, “The Administration’s Historic Commitment to Worker Organizing and Empowerment.” She detailed many of the steps that demonstrate the commitment, including cross-country travel with Walsh for visits to “job sites and training facilities and union halls.” After mentioning Walsh’s long background in organized labor (including growing up in a union household), Harris said that although their respective histories differ, they have much in common. “My parents met while they were marching for civil rights,” Harris stated. “They taught me that people can make a difference and that when we use our collective voice, whether at a protest or a picket line, we can drive great change. And that belief in the power of solidarity has guided me, [Walsh], and all of us our entire lives. And it guides our administration. “President Joe Biden and I are determined to lead the most pro-union administration in America’s history,” she continued. “We know, each and every day in ways big and small, unions change lives. Unions negotiate better wages and safer working conditions for millions of workers around our country.” Harris also pointed out, “Even if you are not a member of a union, you (should) thank unions for every June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 5 benefit that you receive. Thank unions for the five-day workweek, for the weekend, for sick leave. We should all – anyone who works in America – know that you have benefited from the hard work, from the fight of the leaders in this movement. Our labor leaders, our unions train people to take on good jobs.” However, unions contribute more to society than just a skilled workforce, she said. The labor movement and the good jobs it helps create and maintain “provides community. It provides home. It provides a place that remembers that nobody should be made to fight alone. Vice President Kamala Harris tells a Philadelphia audience that the administration remains solidly committed to workers and the labor movement. (Photo by Bastiaan Slabbers) It is so fundamental in terms of the approach, which says that we all know we are stronger when we stand together. That is at the heart of the spirit behind this movement.” She continued, “Unions create stronger communities. They bring people together. And they, of course, protect workers from things like harassment and discrimination. They give workers a voice. Put simply, unions move our nation forward. And the American people know it. The American people know that when unions win, workers win, families win, communities win. When unions win, America wins, as evidenced by the fact that, today, unions have their highest approval rating since 1965.” Despite the favorable views of unions, it often remains an uphill climb to join one. The vice president said that’s because, in part, “powerful forces in our country have been hard at work building barriers to stop workers from organizing. We’ve got to then take it on with a powerful counterforce, which is why our administration is working even harder to tear those barriers down.” She discussed the work of the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, which she and Walsh lead. “Last year, our task force proposed nearly 70 actions the executive branch of our government can take to protect and expand the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain,” Harris stated. “Our President, Joe Biden, accepted every single one.” Harris explained that the bipartisan infrastructure bill that recently became law “will put thousands of union workers, carpenters, and pipefitters, and plumbers, and, yes, sheet metal workers, to work across the country.” She concluded, “Every worker deserves a safe and a healthy workplace. Every worker deserves a job with good wages and fair benefits. Every worker in America deserves the choice to join a union. And the President and I will always stand with you to defend these sacred principles. Our administration will do everything in our power to ensure the workers of our nation can succeed and can thrive. Because when workers succeed and thrive, so does our nation.” Seafarers LOG 5 5/20/22 8:43 PM �AFL-CIO Posts Annual ‘Death on the Job’ Report The AFL-CIO on April 26 released its 31st annual report, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” a national and state-bystate profile of worker safety and health. The report features information on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses, as well as workplace safety inspections, penalties, funding, staffing and public employee coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. It also includes information on the state of mine safety and health, and the state of worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a video press conference which highlighted the report’s release, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler outlined the findings of this year’s narrative and stressed the federation’s commitment to worker safety. She also expresses urgency in holding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Congress and employers everywhere accountable for stronger safety measures. Joining Shuler were AFL-CIO Safety and Health Director Rebecca Reindel; M.J. Burke, first executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees National VA Council; and Isaiah Thomas, an Amazon warehouse worker in Bessemer, Alabama. Among other disturbing findings, this year’s report reveals that in 2020: n 340 working people died every day because of hazardous working conditions. n More than 4,764 workers were killed on the job from injuries alone. n An estimated 120,000 workers died from occupational diseases. n The job fatality rate was 3.4 per 100,000 workers. n Latino and Black workers remain at greater risk of dying on the job than all workers. n Employers reported nearly 3.2 million work-related injuries and illnesses. n Musculoskeletal disorders continue to make up the largest portion (21%) of work-related injuries and illnesses. n Underreporting is widespread—the true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is estimated at 5.4 million to 8.1 million each year. “That’s tens of thousands of families losing a parent, a child, a sibling, every single year,” said Shuler. “Latino and Black workers specifically remain at greater risk of dying on the job than all workers. That is, frankly, unacceptable.” Despite these disturbing findings, OSHA still does not have the resources needed to hold employers accountable and enact lasting change, the federation reported. “Workers need more job safety and health protections, not less,” the AFL-CIO said when announcing the report. “Last year, there were only 1,719 OSHA inspectors nationwide, 755 on the federal level and 965 on the state level. That’s just one inspector for every 81,427 workers. Federal OSHA’s budget amounts to $4.37 to protect each worker, with no federal standards for protections against workplace violence and COVID-19.” Reindel emphasized how the AFL-CIO is calling on both OSHA and MSHA to enact stronger job safety and health protections, for Congress to increase resources for job safety agencies, and for workers to have a real voice on safety and health in our workplaces without the fear of retaliation or intimidation. “Having regulations is important,” said Burke during the call. “COVID-19 and the pandemic disproportionately impact minorities and Latinos, as well as women who are about to give birth. It’s so important as we hear the voices of workers across America. I can tell you why I joined a union: It’s about the safety and security of each other.” “Amazon loves to brag about how they have a safe work environment, and if there are any issues, the workers can bring them up to management,” said Thomas. “However, we do not work in a safe work en- vironment, and every time we bring these issues up to management, we are not heard, which is why we’re fighting so hard for our union at Amazon.” The OSH Act went into effect some 51 years ago, promising every worker the right to a safe job. More than 647,000 workers now can say their lives have been saved since the passage of the OSH Act, the AFL-CIO reported. Since that time, workplace safety and health conditions have improved, the federation added. “But too many workers remain at serious risk of injury, illness or death as chemical plant explosions, major fires, construction collapses, infectious disease outbreaks, workplace assaults and other preventable workplace tragedies continue to occur,” the AFL-CIO stated. “Workplace hazards kill and disable approximately 125,000 workers each year – 4,764 from traumatic injuries, and an estimated 120,000 from occupational diseases. Job injury and illness numbers continue to be severe undercounts of the real problem. “Over the years, our progress has become more challenging as employers’ opposition to workers’ rights and protections has grown, and attacks on unions have intensified,” the federation continued. “Big Business and many conservative politicians have launched aggressive assaults on worker protections. They are attempting to shift employers’ responsibility to maintain a safe workplace to individual worker behavior, and undermine the core responsibilities of workplace safety agencies.” The federation also reported that the prior administration in Washington “rolled back progress, attacking longstanding workplace safety protections – targeting job safety rules on beryllium, mine safety examinations and injury reporting, and cutting agency budgets and staff – and attempted to dismantle the systems for future protections.” In the fall of 2019, OSHA began reducing the number of inspections involving significant cases and complex health hazards, a policy that is still in place today. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA was largely absent from workplaces where it has the authority and responsibility to enforce workplace safety laws, according to the federation. While the number of inspectors and inspections have improved in FY 2021, “there is much more progress to be made to meet or exceed prepandemic levels,” the AFL-CIO noted. “The COVID-19 pandemic also brought to light the weaknesses in federal oversight of state OSHA plans. Congress continues to fund job safety at stagnant levels, allowing an OSHA budget that still only amounts to $4.37 to protect each worker covered by the OSH Act.” The federation concluded, “While progress is slow, the Biden administration has taken important steps to protect workers, prioritizing worker protections on its regulatory agenda, taking steps on targeted enforcement efforts on urgent hazards, and filling staff and leadership vacancies. It also launched broad efforts on worker empowerment and targeting workplace inequities. President Joe Biden has appointed and nominated strong candidates focused on worker protection to lead job safety and health agencies and labor agencies. Immediately upon taking office, he appointed a longtime United Steelworkers (USW) safety and health leader, James Frederick, as acting assistant secretary for occupational safety and health. In April 2021, the Senate confirmed Marty Walsh, the Boston mayor from the construction trades unions, as secretary of labor. In April 2021, Biden nominated Doug Parker to be assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health – the head of OSHA – and he was confirmed Oct. 25, 2021.” The “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect” report may be viewed in its entirety at aflcio.org/reports/death-job-tollneglect-2022 The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) in late April announced the availability of an additional $14.8 million in funding, for a total of $39.8 million, for the America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP). In March, MARAD announced the availability of nearly $25 million in grant funding for the AMHP through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The FY 2022 Appropriations Act made an additional $14.8 million available for the AMHP. According to the agency, “The America’s Marine Highway Program supports the increased use of the nation’s navigable waterways to relieve landside congestion, provide new and efficient transportation options, and increase the productivity of the surface transportation system. By working closely with public and private organizations, the AMHP helps create and sustain American jobs in U.S. ports, on vessels, and at shipyards, while also improving our supply chains.” “Under the president’s leadership, we are making a once-in-a-generation investment in our ports and intermodal infrastructure to move goods faster, strengthen supply chain resiliency, and reduce the climate impacts of port operations,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. In announcing the additional funding, MARAD also reported, “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails; upgrade and expand public transit; modernize the nation’s ports and airports; improve safety; help tackle the climate crisis; advance environmental justice; and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. It will drive the creation of good-paying jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably to help everyone get ahead for decades to come.” Coast Guard Foundation Marine Highway Program $14.8 Million Boost Recognizes Seabulk CEO Gets Raises Available Grant Funding to nearly $40 Million A top executive from an SIU-contracted company recently received accolades from the U.S. Coast Guard. On April 22, the Coast Guard Federation conducted its 26th Tribute to the United States Coast Guard Seventh District, which honors personnel from the agency and members of the general maritime community who have contributed to the success of the Coast Guard’s mission. Daniel Thorogood, president and CEO of Seabulk (left), is pictured with Crowley Chief Operating Officer Ray Fitzgerald. (Photo courtesy Coast Guard Foundation) 6 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 6 The night’s main honoree was Daniel Thorogood, president and CEO of Seabulk, for his support of the men and women of the Coast Guard throughout his career, which spans more than 30 years. In attendance from the SIU were Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President of Contracts and Contract Enforcement George Tricker, Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins, and Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen. During his remarks, Thorogood told a story about how Coast Guard-operated landing craft supported U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theater of World War II, ultimately leading to the release of his grandparents, who had been taken captive by Japanese forces from a diplomatic posting. Keynote speaker Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz thanked the foundation and those in attendance for their support, and was met with a standing ovation. Schultz was set to retire from the Coast Guard in June after 39 years of service. Also recognized were Coast Guard and industry efforts to safely evacuate 250,000 cruise ship passengers at the start of the pandemic, as well as the work of a helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater that rescued four people after extreme weather capsized their vessel 30 miles west of Cedar Key in June 2021. June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Former Transportation Sec. Mineta Passes Away at 90 Partnership to Boost Diversity The SIU is proud to partner with the Louisiana-based “Open Waters” project, which aims to attract people to employment opportunities in the domestic maritime industry – and in particular, works to increase diversity within the industry. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (second from left) is pictured at a recent meeting with other Open Waters personnel. From left are Captain Michael Bopp, president, Crescent River Port Pilots Association; Westbrook; Captain Roy Vance of the Crescent River Port Pilots Association; Captain Louis Wattigney, Jr., vice president, New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association; and Captain Lee Jackson of the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association. For more info about Open Waters, visit: https://openwaterslouisiana.com/ The SIU joins the rest of the nation in mourning the passing of Norman Y. Mineta, who died May 3 at the age of 90. Mineta, serving as U.S. Secretary of Transportation during the George W. Bush administration, addressed SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meetings in 2004, 2005 and 2006. “Secretary Mineta was someone our industry could count on,” recalled SIU President Michael Sacco. “He always stood with us while serving in the Cabinet and the Congress.” The California native served 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented San Jose and nearby California cities. He rose to chair the House Transportation Committee before leaving Congress in 1995. In 2000, President Clinton nominated him to be Commerce Secretary. Upon confirmation, he became the first Asian-American to serve in the Cabinet. In 2001, President Bush asked Mineta to stay in the Cabinet as the Transportation Secretary. He held the post into 2006. Mineta never forgot being uprooted as a 10-year-old from his California home to spend 18 months with his family in a Wyoming internment camp created immediately after Japan attacked Secretary Mineta addresses a 2005 Maritime Trades Department meeting. Pearl Harbor in December 1941 to bring the United States into World War II. He championed civil liberties and worked hard to gain an official apology for those Japanese Americans from the federal government, which happened in 1988. Spotlight on Mariner Health Strokes: Know the Signs, Take Preventive Steps Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke every year. During the past few years, strokes were the second-leading cause of mortality around the world, accounting for 11% of all deaths. There are three main types of strokes. The first (and most common) accounts for approximately 87 percent of all cases. This is the ischemic stroke. It happens when blood flow through the arteries in the brain become blocked and there is a decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the area below the blockage. The second type of stroke is the hemorrhagic stroke. This is caused by a rupture in an artery in the brain, which in turn causes damage to surrounding tissues. The third type is the transient ischemic attack, abbreviated as TIA. It is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” This happens when blood flow in an artery is temporarily blocked, usually for no longer than a few minutes. Common risk factors for strokes include untreated hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. Trauma to the head or neck, and cardiac arrhythmias are June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 7 also sometimes responsible. Many risk factors can be modified through lifestyle changes. For instance, exercising regularly and adopting a healthful diet can decrease chances of having a stroke. Managing diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, limiting alcohol intake, and losing weight also may help. It may be useful to be aware of stroke symptoms. For example, the face may droop to one side, and/or a person’s smile may be uneven. The face may become numb. Other symptoms can include arm weakness, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, and headache. Strokes can occur at any age but are most common in people ages 55 and older. Getting prompt medical treatment is imperative to decrease the damage done by a blocked artery. Treatment may include blood thinners (to dissolve a clot) and other medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, “A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications…. Effective treatments can also help prevent disability from stroke.” The CDC reported that stroke-related costs in the United States “came to nearly $53 billion between 2017 and 2018. This total includes the cost of health care services, medicines to treat stroke, and missed days of work.” Healthy Recipe Baked Salmon w/Everything Bagel Seasoning Servings: 24 Ingredients 9 pounds salmon fillet, cut into 5oz. portions 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons poppy seeds 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons dried garlic, minced 1 tablespoon dried onion, minced 1 tablespoon sea salt Preparation Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, combine dehydrated garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, caraway seeds and fennel seeds and stir to combine. Generously sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper and press skinless side into the “everything” seasoning mixture to coat. Heat oil in a large oven-safe heavy pan over medium-high heat. Flip. Add salmon seed-side down and sear 3-4 minutes. Flip salmon. Transfer pan with everything salmon into oven and cook 6-8 minutes, until fish is fully cooked. Serve hot, Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 214 Calories; 7g Fat (32.8% calories from fat); 34g Protein: Trace Carbohydrate; Trace Dietary Fiber; 89mg Cholesterol; 349mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 5 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship Seafarers LOG 7 5/20/22 8:11 PM �SHBP Offers COBRA Continuation Coverage to Union Members The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is notifying you of the right to elect to purchase continuation of health coverage if you lose coverage, or experience a reduction in coverage due to certain qualifying events. This continuation of coverage is known as COBRA. Generally, if you are the employee, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA coverage for a certain period of time if you lost coverage because you did not have enough days of covered employment (unless the job was lost due to gross misconduct). If you are the family member of a covered employee, you may also elect COBRA for a certain period of time when the employee loses coverage; or if you are going to lose coverage because of a divorce or the death of the employee; or in the case of a child of an employee, the child reaches an age at which the Plan no longer considers him or her to be a “dependent child.” In the case of a divorce or the death of an employee, you must notify the Plan within 60 days of the divorce or death in order to be eligible to purchase continuation coverage. If you do not notify the Plan in a timely manner, you may not be eligible to receive further coverage. If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee, you may also elect COBRA if you experience a reduction in coverage when the employee retires. When you retire, if you were eligible for benefits from the SHBP at the time of your retirement, you will be eligible to purchase COBRA continuation coverage for yourself and/or your family members, even if you are eligible for retiree health benefits. This will enable you and/or your family to continue to receive the same level of benefits that you had prior to your retirement for a certain period of time. If you meet the eligibility requirements for retiree health benefits, you will begin to receive those benefits when the COBRA period ends. The Plan will now accept money orders as payment for the COBRA premium. For more information about continuation coverage rights under COBRA, please refer to the Plan’s “Guide to Your Benefits.” The guide is also available in PDF format on the SIU website, www. seafarers.org, under “Benefits-Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.” If you have questions regarding this notice or COBRA, contact the Plan at 800252-4674. Annual Funding Notice Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 (“Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2021 2020 January 1, 2021 January 1, 2020 151.6% 145.9% $1,926,792,688 $1,760,929,899 $1,270,798,767 $1,207,119,802 2019 January 1, 2019 131.9% $1,547,219,772 $1,172,841,327 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2021 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. December 31, 2021 Fair Market Value of Assets $2,130,000,000 December 31, 2020 $1,926,792,688 December 31, 2019 $1,760,929,899 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2022, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 19,197. Of this number, 7,312 were current employees, 6,785 were retired and receiving benefits, and 5,100 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Domestic Equities Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents Real Estate Target 50% 40% 10% Range 40% - 60% 30% - 50% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. 8 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 8 The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest-bearing and non-interest bearing) 0 2. U.S. Government securities 9 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 11 b. All other 0 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred 0 b. Common 26 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 5 6 Real estate (other than employer real property) 1 7. Loans (other than to participants) 0 8. Participant loans 0 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 35 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 0 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 0 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 0 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 13 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 0 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 0 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 0 17. Other 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at (301) 899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling (202) 693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 8990675. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2022 5/23/22 4:16 PM �Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 941431246, for the year ended July 31, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Supplemental vacation pay benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $2,150,712 as of July 31, 2021, compared to $1,683,441 as of August 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $467,271. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $15,001,476, including employer contributions of $14,992,140, realized losses of $10,980 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $17,510 and other income of $2,806. Plan expenses were $14,534,205. These expenses included $400,876 in administrative expenses and $14,133,329 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., the plan’s administrator at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, telephone number (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Summary Annual Report for SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, EIN 942430964, for the year ended June 30, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Medical exam benefits paid under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers’ Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $83,495 as of June 30, 2021 compared to $45,678 as of July 1, 2020. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $37,817. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $700,148, including employer contributions of $695,826, earnings from investments of $42 and other income of $4,280. Plan expenses were $662,331. These expenses included $238,822 in administrative expenses and $423,509 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, the plan’s administrator, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, California 94107, telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan at 730 Harrison Street, No. 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Annual Funding Notice MCS Supplementary Pension Fund Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities 2021 January 1, 2021 310.30% $6,449,649 $2,078,497 2020 January 1, 2020 302.33% $6,405,877 $2,118,801 2019 January 1, 2019 314.91% $6,561,949 $2,083,726 Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2021 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Fair Market Value of Assets December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 $6,990,835 $6,801,674 December 31, 2019 $6,700,794 Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 708. Of this number, 305 were current employees, 274 were retired and receiving benefits, and 129 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. All other 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): a. Preferred b. Common 5. Partnership/joint venture interests 6. Real estate (other than employer real property) 7. Loans (other than to participants) 8. Participant loans 9. Value of interest in common/collective trusts 10. Value of interest in pooled separate accounts 11. Value of interest in master trust investment accounts 12. Value of interest in 103-12 investment entities 13. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 14. Value of funds held in insurance co. general account (unallocated contracts) 15. Employer-related investments: a. Employer Securities b. Employer real property 16. Buildings and other property used in plan operation 17. Other June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 9 Percentage 0 8 9 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 8 50 0 0 0 0 For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2022, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single- employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: Margaret Bowen 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 301-899-0675. Seafarers LOG 9 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Important News Notices, Maritime Notes for All Seafarers Renewing Tanker Asst. Endorsements: What Seafarers Should Know In an effort to assist in combatting the delays at the National Maritime Center (NMC) for renewing Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC), the Vocational Office of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has identified a frequent issue that causes applications to be delayed. If a mariner is renewing their MMC and holds endorsement(s) for Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG, they must meet the sea service requirement for renewal. To do this, one must show proof of 90 days of seatime, on a DL or LG tanker, within the past five years, to maintain the endorsement, OR a new course completion certificate. If the mariner does not have either the qualifying seatime or the course certificate, they must request in writing to renew without the Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG endorsements. This can be done by writing a statement on the USCG CG-719B MMC application form under Section II, in the “Description of Endorsement(s) Desired” box, or by attaching a separate written statement requesting to renew the MMC without Tanker Assistant DL and/or Tanker Assistant LG along with any international tanker endorsements. If the mariner does not provide this information, the renewal application will be delayed and an “Awaiting Information” letter will be mailed requesting it. The mariner then will need to provide the necessary information in the allotted time, as the application will not move through processing until it has been received. For more information, visit: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/national_maritime_center/ Coast Guard: Shipboard Mask Mandate No Longer in Effect Following a court ruling in mid-April, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the elimination of shipboard mask mandates for U.S.-flag vessels (and for some other modes of transportation). The agency on April 19 posted an update to its “Marine Safety Information Bulletin: COVID-19 Safety Requirements in the Maritime Transportation System.” In part, that update reads, “On April 18, 2022, the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, vacated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate for mask wear in airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs as well as on airplanes, buses, trains, and most other public conveyances in the United States, including vessels. Per this ruling, the CDC has declared that the mandate is no longer in effect. Federal agencies are reviewing the court’s decision. In the interim the Coast Guard will not enforce the directives requiring mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.” The complete update and several related links are available in an April 20 news post Postdating of Merchant Mariner Credentials The recently published rule titled “Implementation of the Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, and Changes to National Endorsements” (78 FR 77796) authorizes the Coast Guard to postdate a Merchant Mariner Credential 10 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 10 Notice to Seafarers About ROS Seatime The union has learned that the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) is denying mariners who have submitted ROS time for renewal of Basic Training (BT). For the purpose of the recency requirement, ROS seatime counts day for day for renewal of BT, Advance Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Craft (PSC), and Fast Rescue Boat (FRB). If you have received a denial letter for this issue, you should immediately email iasknmc@uscg.mil with the subject line “elevate to supervisor” and request reconsideration of ROS seatime not being counted day for day. Both the union and our affiliated school in Piney Point are in contact with NMC personnel regarding this situation. New Service Offers Convenient Method to Show Vaccination Status The SIU has partnered with WellCheck to bring members a new way of keeping proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the ready, on mobile devices. By using the WellCheck app, SIU members can upload their vaccine cards using their smartphone, where the information listed will be verified by state medical databases. Once verified, the information can be stored digitally on the member’s mobile device, as well as uploaded to their online SIU member portal (the latter will happen automatically). Once a member’s vaccine records are verified by the state medical database, their proof of vaccination through the WellCheck app can be used at both foreign ports of entry as well as various events and gatherings which require a verified record. All members are strongly encouraged to upload their vaccine cards through the WellCheck app, even if they have previously submitted their information. Additionally, when a member receives a COVID-19 booster shot, they are encouraged to upload their updated vaccine card through WellCheck. Members can also save their verified vaccine information to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on their mobile devices, to ensure they have ready access even if they lose internet connectivity. This is an added service being provided to the membership at no cost, and is not mandatory. To get started, see the May 17 post on the SIU website or visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdz48avh Seafarers Are Encouraged To Renew Documents Early Editor’s note: Due to the turnaround times for merchant mariner credential (MMC) renewals, Seafarers are encouraged to start the process up to eight months before their respective documents expire. Starting the process early will not shorten the “life” of the original document. This is due to a postdating option that the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center began offering in 2014. Parts of the original notice (which is still in effect) explaining the postdating procedures and related benefits follow. on the SIU website. The agency further pointed out, “Questions concerning this notice may be forwarded to Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, at wearamask@uscg.mil.” Previously, the Coast Guard reported, “The CDC mask order applies to all persons traveling on commercial maritime conveyances into, within, or out of the United States and to all persons at U.S. seaports. The term commercial maritime conveyance means all forms of commercial maritime vessels, including but not limited to cargo ships, fishing vessels, research vessels, selfpropelled barges, and all forms of passenger carrying vessels including ferries, river cruise ships, and those chartered for fishing trips, unless otherwise exempted.” (MMC) up to 8 months…. The implementation plan for postdating MMCs and the impact on the current delayed issuance process are listed below. Postdating: n Postdating of an MMC is defined as placing an issue date on the MMC that is in the future. n Postdating of MMCs will only apply to applications for renewal of a credential where no other credential activity is requested or results from the transaction. n Except upon receipt of written request documenting the need for immediate issuance, the National Maritime Center (NMC) will automatically postdate credentials with the appropriate future date. n The issue date of the MMC will be the day following the date of expiration of the current MMC, but no more than 8 months in the future. The expiration date and period of validity of the credential will be 5 years from This is the first screen that will greet Seafarers when signing up with WellCheck. the date of issuance. n If the expiration date of the mariner’s current credential is beyond 8 months from the date that the Coast Guard accepts a complete application, the new credential issue date will be 8 months from the date of application acceptance, at which time the current active credential will become invalid. n Any transactions initiated after a postdated MMC has been approved and mailed will result in endorsement labels being printed and mailed for both the mariner’s active MMC and the postdated MMC. Mariners must ensure that the endorsement labels are properly placed in the appropriate MMC. n The new credential will not be valid until the issue date listed on the new MMC. Mariners must continue to carry their current credential until that date. n In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), mariners are required to return expired or otherwise invalid credentials to the NMC. When the current credential expires, it should be mailed to the NMC. n It is the responsibility of the mariner to maintain control of the postdated credential. If a credential is lost, mariners must follow the procedures to apply for a duplicate, found in 46 CFR Part 10.231. Mariners and other providers should contact the Customer Service Center at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or 1-888IASKNMC (427-5662) with any questions or feedback. This code will open the NMC landing page for credential applications and renewals. Scroll down and look for the “Renewal” tab. For desktop access, go to https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_ mariner_credential/ The “Renewal” tab on the desktop version is on the right side, approximately halfway down the landing page. June 2022 5/23/22 3:37 PM �MEETING WITH PRO-WORKER CANDIDATE – SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (right) and Patrolman Adam Bucalo (left) chat with Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried during a labor-sponsored “meet and greet” at an IBEW hall. Fried is running for governor of Florida. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – OSM Carlos Velasquez (left) receives his full B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL – Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman (photo at immediate left) and AB Desmond Unutoa (directly above) display mahi-mahi they caught in Hawaii, while AB John Escobar (photo at far left) puts the finishing touches on his new artwork aboard the SubCom vessel. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – In-person career fairs are becoming more common as COVID-19 restrictions ease throughout much of the nation. In photo at right, SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson (right) and Patrolman James Bast man the SIU table at a recruiting event in Brooklyn, New York. In the photo above, SIU Houston Patrolmen Kelly Krick (right) and Clay Casteel (second from right) chat with students at a “Career Day” event hosted by Aransas Pass High School. June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 11 Seafarers LOG 11 5/20/22 8:11 PM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH CIVMARS ON WEST COAST – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo and SIU Government Services Division Representative Jesse Ruth recently met with federal mariners in San Diego. They also helped conduct habitability inspections on two new builds at General Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard. The photo at left was taken at NASSCO; Vincenzo is second from right, while Ruth is at left. The other two individuals are from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The large group photo below was taken aboard the USNS Miguel Keith, while the remaining shapshot above includes new and longtime CIVMARS waiting at a local hotel for vessel assignments. ABOARD ARC COMMITMENT – Many thanks to Bosun Anthony Newbill (below left) for these recent photos from one of the newer additions to the SIU-crewed fleet. “It’s a very nice and clean ship with an around-the-world trip,” the bosun noted. “The crew aboard the vessel has seemed very happy with the size of the rooms and the Wi-Fi.” The Commitment is operated by TOTE Services for American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier. Oiler Seth Schrader Oiler John Albritton 12 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 12 AB Yassid Lalin Steward/Baker Reshawn Solomon SA Samone Alston, Chief Cook Ricardo Petilo June 2022 5/23/22 4:16 PM �NEW DUTIES IN OAKLAND – SIU Patrolman Antjuan Webb (left), who sailed as a recertified bosun, shipped out his first member in early April: Recertified Steward Robert Bostick. REMEMBERING BROTHER BROYLES – Aboard Matson’s Mahimahi, vessel master Capt. Leonard Lambert (left) presents SIU Patrolman Antjuan Webb with the paperwork and flag from Recertified Steward Greg Broyles’ burial at sea. (The paperwork is illegible in the photo only because of lighting.) Brother Broyles shipped out of Oakland and sailed with the SIU since 1989. He passed away in December, at age 58, after a courageous battle with cancer. His last ship was the Mahimahi. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CONNECTING IN ATLANTIC – The SIU-crewed tanker Maersk Peary (right) and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (left), whose crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division, meet April 21 in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the U.S. Navy, they conducted “the first two-station consolidated cargo replenishment at sea (CONSOL). CONSOL capability is when a specially outfitted commercial tanker charted by Military Sealift Command conducts underway refueling operations, transferring cargo to a fleet oiler at sea.” (U.S. Navy photo by 2nd Mate Daniel Hall) WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Recertified Bosun Gregory Agren (left) is pictured at the hiring hall as he receives his first pension check (SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right). Agren started sailing with the SIU in 1987. June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 13 FIRST TRIP COMPLETE – SA Maximo Bencosme (right) is pictured at the San Juan hall with his wife, Vivian, after completing his first voyage as a Seafarer (aboard the Crowley-operated USNS Able). WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY CITY – QMED James Sieger (left), who began sailing with the SIU in 1973, displays his first pension check at the hiring hall hall. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right. SPRUCING UP HOUSTON HALL – Bosun Sergio Gonzalez volunteers some time and elbow grease in early April in the Lone Star State. Seafarers LOG 13 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Everyday savings just for you Looking for new ways to save? Union Plus makes everyday life more affordable with wireless savings, cash back shopping, discounts at restaurants and on movie tickets and live events, and much more. Wireless Savings Cash Back Shopping Restaurant Discounts Movie Tickets & Live Events Exclusive discounts for union families See more at unionplus.org 6/22 14 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 14 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �State Dept. Offers Passport Reminder Editor’s note: The U.S. Department of State issued this notice earlier in the year. It’s also available on the SIU website. Updated Notice to Mariners With International Voyages Effective February 18, 2022 To better serve mariners during this time we are updating our temporary provisions for passport renewals. These provisions are subject to change once operations are on a more normal footing. Qualifications n Be a credentialed merchant mariner; n Be eligible to apply on a DS-82 application for passport renewal. (Check eligibility at https://travel. state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/ have-passport/renew.html); and n Have a current passport that is expired or expiring in 7 months or less. Application and Mailing Instructions Applicants must submit the following: n DS-82 application completed, signed, and dated. Please use the online form filler tool to fill out and print your form: https://pptform.state.gov. This tool produces a barcode to help us process your application faster; n Passport photograph taken within the past six months; n Current passport; n Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC), front and back. n A check or money order in the amount of $208.32 made payable to U.S. Department of State if applying for a passport book only. If applying for both the passport book and card, the total fee is $238.32. This amount includes the passport fee, expedite fee, and 1-2 day delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees, please visit travel.state.gov). n Letter from supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union. The supervisor letter should include the following details: n Applicant’s full name; n Printed name and title of applicant’s supervisor or mariners’ union representative; n Supervisor’s or union representative’s signature; and n Date the letter was issued. Applications must be sent by traceable overnight delivery service to: El Paso Passport Agency (PPT/ EP) 44132 Mercure Circile, PO Box 1073, Sterling, VA 20166-1073. Attn: Mariner Program Service Expectations Completed passports will be mailed using a 1-2 day delivery ser- vice. Please be sure the application includes a physical U.S. mailing address and not a P.O. Box. Every effort will be made to process the passport application in about one week of receipt. For instance, applications received on Monday may be completed and sent out by Friday of the same week. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 12 - May 13. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 13. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C Requesting a Second Passport Mariners may wish to apply for a second limited validity passport (4 years). Second passports provide greater flexibility, particularly if mariners need to apply for visas when traveling domestically and overseas. For more information, please see: travel. state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/ have-passport/second-passport-book. html. Following are the two options for applying for a second passport. Option 1: Requesting a Second Passport when Renewing a Passport To apply for a second passport, applicants must also include: n A second DS-82 application (with photograph) completed, signed, and dated; n Signed statement describing the need for a second passport. (This is required in addition to the company letter authorizing use of these special procedures); and n Include payment for both applications in a single check totaling $416.64 ($208.32 per application). Option 2: Requesting a Second Passport without Submitting a Current Valid Passport If mariners need to use their current (10-year) passport while applying for their second passport, they can apply at a passport acceptance facility using a DS-11 form. They can expect to receive the second passport within the expedited timeframe posted at travel.state.gov. To apply at a passport acceptance facility, applicants need: n Completed (not signed) DS-11 application; n Passport photograph; n Photocopy of their 10-year passport data page; n Signed statement of need for a second passport as outlined on our website; n Payment of $208.32 to the U.S. Department of State, which includes $60 for expedite service and the additional $18.32 for 1-2-day return delivery; and n Additional payment of $35 to the passport acceptance facility to execute the application. To locate the nearest passport acceptance facility, see iafdb.travel.state. gov. June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point..............................Monday: June 6, *Tuesday : July 5 Algonac...........................................Friday: June 10, July 8 Baltimore..........................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Guam...............................................Thursday: June 23, July 21 Honolulu................................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Houston..............................................Monday: June 13, July 11 Jacksonville.......................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Joliet..............................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Mobile...........................................Wednesday: June 15, July 13 New Orleans.........................................Tuesday: June 14, July 12 Jersey City............................................Tuesday: June 7, July 5 Norfolk..................................................Friday: June 10, July 8 Oakland..............................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Philadelphia....................................Wednesday: June 8 , July 6 Port Everglades.................................Thursday: June 16, July 14 San Juan..............................................Thursday: June 9, July 7 St. Louis...................................................Friday: June 17, July 15 Tacoma..................................................Friday: June 24, July 22 Wilmington......................... *Tuesday : June 21, Monday: July 18 * Piney Point change in July due to Independence Day observance * Wilmington change in June due to Juneteenth observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG_X.indd 15 Seafarers LOG 15 5/23/22 3:37 PM �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 This month’s question was answered by Seafarers who recently served on the annual financial committee. Question: Why did you enter this industry and why have you stuck with it? Richard Toth Chief Steward I got into this industry after being in the restaurant business, back in the mid-1990s. I shipped for seven or eight years and then got back into the restaurant business – went through three or four restaurants, owning, running, consulting. Then I decided the place for me is back at sea, with this wonderful union we have. Gerard Costello Recertified Bosun I basically wanted to be a free man and control my own life. I saw the opportunity when I was very young – other men that did this – and I followed them. It’s been 38 years now. Riley Donahue QMED I always liked travel, and you get plenty of that in this industry. You can make good money, too. It’s just a good lifestyle for me. Cayetano Toledo Chief Steward You can travel around the world for free, and at the same time, you get paid. I’ve been doing this for 26 years and I love it. A number of my family members also are in the SIU. Marilou Toledo Chief Cook You have a chance to travel all over the world, and it’s a goodpaying job. This career has helped me and my family a lot. Exxl Ronquillo Recertified Steward This was the best opportunity for me and my family. You can travel around the world. I’ve always appreciated the SIU since I joined in 1989. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 16 Steward-department Seafarers are pictured aboard the Long Lines in October 1981 in Newark, New Jersey, where the cable ship was prepping for its next job. Overall, the galley gang included 22 people – part of a crew of 120 that was almost evenly split between licensed and unlicensed personnel. Few steward-department names are available in the original captions that accompanied this and other photos from the AT&T ship, but, Chief Cook Ralph Trotman is in front, second from right; Saloon Messman Terrence McArdle is seated at far left in the second row; Saloon Messman Pierre Bailey is seated at far right in the second row; and Third Cook Clarence Lacey is standing second from right in the back row. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MOHAMED ALI Brother Mohamed Ali, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1993. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in all three departments. Brother Ali upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the USNS Red Cloud and lives in Oakland, California. FELICISIMO BALORAN Brother Felicisimo Baloran, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1999, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He shipped in the steward department, most recently aboard the Maunalei. Brother Baloran is a Honolulu resident. RICHARD BARNHART Brother Richard Barnhart, 62, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990 when he sailed on the Flickertail State. He upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school and shipped in the deck department. Brother Barnhart’s final vessel was the Horizon Enterprise. He resides in Murrieta, California. KERMIT BENGTSON Brother Kermit Bengtson, 67, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1999. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bengtson’s first vessel was the Long Lines; his last, the Comet. He lives in Wells, Nevada. RAMON DURAN Brother Ramon Duran, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1992, initially sailing on the Independence. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1997. Brother Duran last shipped on the Horizon June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 17 Pacific and makes his home in Stockton, California. CARLITO EPISIOCO Brother Carlito Episioco, 65, signed on with the union in 1988, initially shipping with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Episioco last shipped aboard the APL Thailand. He is a Las Vegas resident. REGINALD GREEN Brother Reginald Green, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978 when he worked for Southern Ohio Towing. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1985. Brother Green’s final vessel was the Ambassador. He lives in Tampa, Florida. JAIME GUERRERO partment. Sister Rogers upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. She most recently sailed aboard the Ohio and calls Clarksville, Tennessee, home. Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Currence remained with the same company for his entire career. He resides in Gulf Breeze, Florida. JOHN SCHAFER JOHN FIGGINS Brother John Schafer, 57, donned the SIU colors in 1993 when he shipped on the Gemini. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Schafer’s final vessel was the Indiana Harbor. He lives in Blackduck, Minnesota. Brother John Figgins, 64, signed on with the union in 2007, initially sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. Brother Figgins was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and settled in Montpelier, Ohio. JOSEPHUS WILLIS Brother Josephus Willis, 61, began sailing with the union in 1999. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Willis’ first vessel was the USNS Pollux; his last, the Cape Race. He makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. GREAT LAKES STEVEN MCDONALD Brother Jaime Guerrero, 66, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Fredericksburg. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Guerrero most recently shipped on the Maersk Detroit and resides in Selma, North Carolina. Brother Steven McDonald, 62, joined the union in 1993 and first sailed with Upper Lakes Barge Lines. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 1995. Brother McDonald remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He resides in Escanaba, Michigan. PERRY McCALL JUAN SANCHEZ Brother Perry McCall, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1982 when he sailed on the Cove Leader. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother McCall concluded his career on the Cape Orlando and settled in Modesto, California. Brother Juan Sanchez, 65, started sailing with the union in 1974, initially shipping on the J.T. Hutchinson. A deck department member, Brother Sanchez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career working with Great Lakes Towing and lives in Cape Coral, Florida. SHIRLEY ROGERS Sister Shirley Rogers, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2016. She initially sailed aboard the Edward A. Carter, Jr. and worked in the steward de- INLAND STEVEN CURRENCE Brother Steven Currence, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989 when he shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney RUSSELL FURTNEY Brother Russell Furtney, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2013. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Furtney worked with Foss Maritime for the duration of his career. He lives in Seattle. THOMAS MERCER Brother Thomas Mercer, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1996. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mercer was employed by Allied Transportation for his entire career. He resides in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. JOSE GONZALEZ-MORALES ANTHONY RINKUS Brother Anthony Rinkus, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1990 and first shipped aboard the George Washington. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001 and worked for Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. Brother Rinkus resides in Chalmette, Louisiana. STEPHEN THALHEIMER Brother Stephen Thalheimer, 62, signed on with the union in 1992. A deck department member, he was employed by Moran Towing of Maryland for his entire career. Brother Thalheimer settled in Dover, Delaware. ROBERT VAN BLUNK Brother Robert Van Blunk, 63, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed with Mariner Towing. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school within a year after joining the union. Brother Van Blunk was last employed by McAllister Towing and is a Philadelphia resident. JAMES WILKISON Brother James Wilkison, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2004. He sailed in the deck department and worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Wilkison resides in Houston. NMU Brother Jose Gonzalez-Morales, 66, signed on with the union in 1976 when he worked with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Gonzalez-Morales continued working for the same company for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Miami. MIECZYSLAW PEKALSKI DANIEL MORRIS Sister Raymona Pohlman, 65, became a member of the SIU in 2001. She sailed with the NMU prior to the SIU/ NMU merger. Sister Pohlman was a member of the steward department and concluded her career on the Chelsea. She makes her home in Arcade, New York. Brother Daniel Morris, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1986. A deck department member, he was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of his career. Brother Morris is a resident of Laurel Fork, Virginia. Brother Mieczyslaw Pekalski, 65, donned the SIU colors during the 2001 SIU/NMU Merger. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Pekalski last sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise. He resides in Poland. RAYMONA POHLMAN Seafarers LOG 17 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA NGOC ALLEN Pensioner Ngoc Allen, 70, passed away February 15. She joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988 and first shipped on the Bonnyman. Sister Allen sailed in the steward department and concluded her career aboard the Ocean Atlas. She became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Robertsdale, Alabama. EDWARD CAIN Pensioner Edward Cain, 81, died April 19. He donned the SIU colors in 1960 when he sailed aboard the Sampan Hitch. Brother Cain was a deck department member and last shipped on the Independence. He retired in 2002 and resided in Grand Bay, Alabama. DOYLE ELLETTE Pensioner Doyle Ellette, 75, passed away April 4. He signed on with the SIU in 1969, initially sailing aboard the Eagle Traveler. Brother Ellette was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Constellation before going on pension in 2011. Brother Ellette lived in Irvington, Alabama. REUBEN FIFE Pensioner Reuben Fife, 74, died March 7. A deck department member, he started sailing with the union in 1987. Brother Fife’s first vessel was the USNS Silas Bent; his last, the Intrepid. He became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in Thailand. JERRY GONZAGA Pensioner Jerry Gonzaga, 70, passed away March 31. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989. The deck department member’s first vessel was the Independence. Brother Gonzaga last shipped on the USNS Wheeler before retiring in 2017. He resided in Omaha, Nebraska. DAVID KNUTSON Pensioner David Knutson, 67, 18 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 18 died March 10. He joined the SIU in 1976, initially shipping on the Saginaw Bay. Brother Knutson was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the USNS Red Cloud in 2007. He became a pensioner in 2021 and settled in Medford, Oregon. was the USNS Capella; his last, the Cleveland. Brother Vinca became a pensioner in 2006 and settled in Corpus Christi, Texas. FERDINAND LUGO Pensioner Ferdinand Lugo, 83, passed away March 3. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A deck department member, Brother Lugo first sailed on the Sea Fox. After concluding his career aboard the Alliance Fairfax, he retired in 2015. Brother Lugo made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. JULIAN MENDOZA Pensioner Julian Mendoza, 89, died March 26. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1961, initially sailing with Waterman Steamship. Brother Mendoza sailed in all three departments. He last shipped on the Cleveland before becoming a pensioner in 1998. Brother Mendoza called Laredo, Texas, home. LUIS PEREZ COLON Pensioner Luis Perez Colon, 77, passed away April 15. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970; one of his first ships was operated by MooreMcCormack. Brother Perez Colon was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. He last worked for Horizon Lines of Puerto Rico before retiring in 2006. Brother Perez Colon lived in Puerto Rico. GILBERTO SERRANO Pensioner Gilberto Serrano, 84, died April 2. He joined the union in 1961 and was a steward department member. Brother Serrano first sailed aboard the Alcoa Pilgrim. He last shipped on the Hawaii and went on pension in 2003. Brother Serrano was a resident of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. MIGUEL VINCA Pensioner Miguel Vinca, 81, passed away March 31. He started sailing with the SIU in 1990. Brother Vinca sailed in the steward department. His first vessel GREAT LAKES JAMES JOHNSON Pensioner James Johnson, 93, died April 14. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1953. Brother Johnson first worked for Michigan Interstate Railway. He was last employed by Michigan Tankers before his retirement in 1975. Brother Johnson lived in Traverse City, Michigan. LYNN MINER Pensioner Lynn Miner, 72, passed away February 25. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed with Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Miner worked in all three departments and last shipped on the Buffalo. He became a pensioner in 2014 and resided in Beulah, Michigan. RICHARD ROWLAND Pensioner Richard Rowland, 73, died March 16. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2004. An engine department member, Brother Rowland first sailed on the Sam Laud. He last shipped on the Burns Harbor and went on pension in 2015. Brother Rowland resided in Hampstead, North Carolina. INLAND ELTON ADAMS Pensioner Elton Adams, 79, passed away March 15. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1963. Brother Adams first worked for Hvide Marine. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Adams became a pensioner in 2005 and made his home in Hemphill, Texas. WAYNE BERRY Pensioner Wayne Berry, 66, died March 28. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1987. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Berry worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2007 and was a Phoenix resident. BERNARD CAIRES Pensioner Bernard Caires, 78, passed away March 8. He joined the SIU in 1981 and first sailed with Gloucester Fisherman’s Fund. Brother Caires was a member of the deck department. He concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation and retired in 2009. Brother Caires resided in Cape Canaveral, Florida. STEWART CORRY Pensioner Stewart Corry, 89, died August 15. He began sailing with the SIU in 1962. Brother Corry was employed by G&H Towing for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Houston, his birthplace. MICHAEL DOUTHITT Pensioner Michael Douthitt, 74, passed away March 23. He signed on with the union in 1983, initially working with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Douthitt sailed in the deck department. He was last employed by Martin Marietta and went on pension in 2011. Brother Douthitt made his home in Houma, Louisiana. HENRY FOSTER Pensioner Henry Foster, 88, died March 14. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1962 when he worked for R.K. Davis Transportation. Brother Foster was a deck department member. He concluded his career with Express Marine before retiring in 1999. Brother Foster resided in Pinetown, North Carolina. ELWIN LEBOUEF Pensioner Elwin Lebouef, 74, passed away April 3. A steward department member, he joined the Seafarers in 1992. Brother Lebouef first shipped with Dixie Carriers. He most recently worked with Allied Transportation and began collecting his pension in 2014. Brother Lebouef lived in Houma, Louisiana. JERRY MUNSON Pensioner Jerry Munson, 83, died April 2. He donned the SIU colors in 1970, initially sailing with Michigan Tankers. Brother Munson was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Mariner Towing. He became a pensioner in 2000 and settled in Green Bay, Wisconsin. WILLIAM PARKS Pensioner William Parks, 92, passed away February 26. He embarked on his career with the union in 1970 when he worked for Moran Towing of Virginia. Brother Parks sailed in the deck department and was last employed by STC Peggy S. Corporation. He retired in 1991 and lived in Onancock, Virginia. THEOPHLIOUS WALLACE Pensioner Theophlious Wallace, 92, died April 16. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1970. Brother Wallace was first employed with Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal. He last worked with New York Railroad Company and went on pension in 2001. Brother Wallace went on pension in 2001 and settled in Staten Island, New York. NMU GEORGE BROWN Pensioner George Brown, 78, died March 25. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with SIU. Brother Brown was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Eric G. Gibson before becoming a pensioner in 2008. Brother Brown made his home in Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Fernandez, Miguel Kasky, Benny Walker, Earl West, Lawrence AGE DOD 94 100 89 93 04/09/2022 03/16/2022 04/12/2022 04/16/2022 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Sunrise Operations), February 19 – Chairman George Khan, Secretary Toney Morris, Educational Director Carlos Amaya Avila, Deck Delegate Gerald Durham, Engine Delegate Michael John Valdez, Steward Delegate Jaime Austria. Chairman reminded crew to follow the company’s COVID-19 policy and mentioned new policy promoting safe workplaces. Crew discussed CHS and the long wait for physicals to clear. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded to keep all public places clean. Crew made several recommendations for the next standard contract negotiation. Recommendations included the availability of Wi-Fi at all times, a raise in overtime budgets when there is an annual crew raise, as well as raises in vacation pay and dental coverage. Members suggested annual pay raises and dental benefits for pensioners to match membership rates. CHS is not doing a very good job with physicals. According to members, CHS doesn’t answer phone calls and takes too long to provide results. COMMITMENT (TOTE Services), February 21 – Chairman Anthony Newbill, Engine Delegate John Albritton. Chairman thanked members for a safe voyage and reminded everyone to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Secretary praised crew for keeping mess The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. hall clean. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested improvements to the movie room, more gym equipment, transformers for rooms, better Wi-Fi and an upgrade to the computer room. Crew also asked for improvements to health coverage, better communication from union hall and more clarification for shore leave. Next port: Brunswick, Georgia. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 18 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Troy Smith, Educational Director Ahmed Sennain, Engine Delegate Mark Canada. Chairman advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Educational director urged members to check documents for expiration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew still without Wi-Fi access. Members were encouraged to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). Steward department was commended for a job well done. Crew requested increases to retirement and medical benefits. Next port: Cherry Point, Washington. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), March 20 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Samuel Sanders, Deck Delegate Zachary Ballard, Steward Delegate Adele Messina. Chairman commended crew for a wonderful trip. Secretary reminded members to place used linens in laundry bag outside in passageway before departure. Educational director recommended that crew upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increases in vacation to 20 for 30 and asked for one day off per month. Crew would like to see all contracted companies under one standard contract. USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), March 27 – Chairman Robert Natividad, Secretary Tyrane Savage, Educational Director Michael Ribeiro, Deck Delegate Abdo Saleh, Engine Delegate Alex Oliva, Steward Delegate Emmanuel Matias. Educational director reiterated the importance of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. Members were advised to keep a current address on file. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed COVID-19 home test kits and a possible data breach at CHS. Letters regarding data breach have been mailed out. Educational director stressed the importance of remaining ready and available due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Members requested internet access. ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services), March 27 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary In- grid Ortiz-Rosario, Educational Director Jesus Martinez-Ortiz, Deck Delegate Junior Augustin. Chairman reminded members to keep all documents safe when going ashore. He explained the importance of contributing to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) and 401K participation. Chairman thanked everyone for good housekeeping, working safely, and reported positive moral on ship. Members were instructed to place used linens in laundry bags outside stateroom doors. New linens will be issued the day before arrival of new sign-on. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Interested members should submit applications well in advance due to high demand. No beefs or disputed OT reported. DVR is on order for crew lounge. Crew would like better pillows and new mattresses. Members asked when requests for standbys will be reestablished instead of pay in lieu of day off. Crew went over various topics including pension, vacation and 401K benefits as well as tour of duty completions. Steward department was thanked for a job well done organizing storage spaces. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 27 – Chairman Joseph White, Secretary Lionel Packnett, Deck Delegate Hernando Bansuelo, Engine Delegate Christian Frederick, Steward Delegate Esperanza Crespo-Guillen. Crew expressed gratitude for new contractual wage increase. Chairman thanked members for a job well done. He reminded everyone to be considerate of shipmates by cleaning up after themselves and being quiet in passageways. Crew reviewed new contractual working rules and wages. Secretary thanked members for helping with storage and garbage, and keeping the mess halls clean. Educational director reminded everyone of the benefits of upgrading often at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses. Next port: Houston. JEAN ANNE (PASHA), April 3 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair. Secretary stressed the importance of member participation in contract discussions with company. Crew went over various contract negotiation topics including days required for retirement, 401K matching, cost of living increases and physical requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new mattresses and flatscreen TVs in rooms. Good morale reported on ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department for doing an outstanding job. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 19 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck June 27 August 29 July 15 September 16 Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival August 1 August 29 September 26 October 24 November 21 August 12 September 9 October 7 November 4 December 2 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 August 22 June 24 August 26 RFPNW July 25 September 26 November 14 August 1 August 12 October 14 December 2 August 19 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Welding October 31 November 18 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook July 11 August 15 September 19 August 12 September 16 October 21 ServSafe Management July 4 August 8 September 12 July 8 August 12 September 16 Advanced Galley Operations June 20 August 15 October 10 July 15 September 9 November 4 Chief Steward July 18 September 12 November 14 August 12 October 7 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training August 8 October 3 August 12 October 7 Basic Training Revalidation July 8 July 11 July 15 August 1 July 8 Juy 11 July 15 August 1 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 December 12 September 2 December 16 Government Vessels June 27 July 18 August 1 August 15 August 29 September 19 September 26 October 17 October 24 July 1 July 22 August 5 August 19 September 2 September 23 September 30 October 21 October 28 RFPEW July 25 September 26 November 14 August 19 October 21 December 9 FOWT August 29 October 24 September 23 November 18 Junior Engineer July 11 September 19 September 2 November 11 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 June 27 October 24 July 1 October 28 Welding July 11 September 26 July 29 October 14 Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 15 October 31 August 19 November 4 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 20 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/22 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #881 – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Jahnia Cain, Peter Krsna Katha Espinosa, Julius Franks II, Shailynn Guillory, Justin Manley, Zachary Parker, Alton Simpson, William Taylor, Alexia Villaescusa and Nashell Williams. UA to AS-D – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Bryan Aleman Medina, Robert Coleman III, Jacob Couvillon, Richard Diaz Jr., and Brandon Hoisington. (Note: Not all are pictured.) UA to AS-D – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Erik Arnold and Tyler Vitulli. Tank Ship Familiarization LG (Phase III) – Graduated April 22 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Boothby, Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran, Travis Morris and Jaime Rios. Welding & Metallurgy – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Alvin Ebdane Alcasid, Diole Abello Bonifacio, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Wordell U’lam Prescott and Lonny Scott. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far left. June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 21 Seafarers LOG 21 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels (Bosuns) – Graduated March 18 (above, from left): Naser Abdulaziz Saed Ahmed, Gregory Jackson and Franz Eder. Government Vessels – Graduated March 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Roslyn Anderson, Toby Blunt, Joherky Concepcion Castillo, Orin Godfrey Jr., Anthony Martinez, Shereka Morris, Rahman Phillip, Brian Alberto Rojas Perez, Michael Smith and Donald Williams Jr. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Daniel Hanback, Nathaniel Lynch and Roger Stewart. Machinist – Graduated April 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Theodore Gonzales, Vernon Van Humbles, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Joshua Mann, George Marcelo Mardones, Wordell U’lam Prescott and Lonny Scott. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 22: Juan Rafael Santiago Robles (left) and Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez. Small Arms – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Munassar Hassan Ahmed, Franz Eder, Noel Ramos Gemo, Gregory Jackson, Charles James, Mustafa Abdul Malik, Tomas Merel, Godofredo Froiland Milabo III, Nadiyah Taylor and Montiesha Wilcox. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 22 June 2022 5/20/22 8:11 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdullah Mohsen Munassar Alamri, Luke Coffelt, Terrell Cuffee, Cody Fox, Jahmal Jones, Kenneth Ledeoux, Christopher Marcani, Michael McGlone, Justin Nicholson, Gajatri Normatova and Julius Castillo Udan. Basic First Aid – Graduated April 29: LBJ Bliss Tanoa. Basic Firefighting (Upgraders) – Graduated April 8: Ronald Caoleng Santos (left) and George Stephanos Galanis. Government Vessels – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Gilbert Tito Allende Jr., Rodolfo Campbell, Sherron Davita Decoteau, Theodore Gonzales, Aurora Santos Kirkwood, Toriano Addaryl Lawson Jr., Emily De Dios Lepley, Domenick Longmire, Mustafa Abdul Malik, George Marcelo Mardones, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Abdulla Nasar Mohamed Mused, Muafa Ali Mohamed Quraish, Isabel Reino Sabio, Derrick Siefke, Kim Smith, Travis Smith, Loretta Stewart, Mukhtar Ahmed Mohamed Suwaileh and Michael Wees. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated April 29: Nicoll QuinonesRodriguez (left) and Agnes Jocson Gamboa. Important Notice To All Students Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Juan Domingo Cardona, Jocecil Lugo Rivera, Nadine Cecile Nomed-Ryf, Samuel Ortiz Reyes, Johanns Rivera-Rivera, Kevin Santiago De Jesus, Dewayne Thomas and Dennis B. Vega. (Note: Not all are pictured.) June 2022 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 23 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 23 5/20/22 8:11 PM �JUNE 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 Seafarers-Crewed Ocean Giant Finishes Operation Deep Freeze Bosun Richard Hamilton did his homework before sailing to Antarctica for the first time, but reading about Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) definitely isn’t the same as helping run it. “I knew what to expect but, being from Florida, I didn’t know much about winter clothing,” Hamilton said. “The only ice I know about goes in a glass.” Nevertheless, he and his shipmates aboard the Waterman-operated Ocean Giant earlier this year successfully wrapped up the latest iteration of ODF, the annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station, which is overseen by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The mission began in late December on the West Coast; the Ocean Giant returned to Port Hueneme, California, in late March. (Earlier, the SIU-crewed Maersk Peary delivered fuel to McMurdo during the first segment of ODF.) “We had to keep moving to stay warm,” Hamilton recalled. “The crew did very well. Everybody did their job. Over- all, it was a good discharge, especially considering the conditions we were working in.” According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Ocean Giant arrived at McMurdo Station’s ice pier in mid-February, after a stop at partner facility in New Zealand. The cargo offload was conducted by Seabees from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE. During a 14-day period, 503 pieces of cargo that include containers filled with mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies and electronics equipment, and also a modular building were transferred from the ship, MSC reported. In total, the SIU-crewed vessel “delivered 80 percent of the supplies needed (for) the year’s survival at McMurdo Station,” according to the agency. “This year’s ODF mission was a great success for MSC,” said Leonard Bell, deputy commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific. “The mission presented unique challenges that the crews of our Cargo operations (photo below, left) involving the SIU-crewed Ocean Giant take place during Operation Deep Freeze 2022 in Antarctica. In the file photo directly above, the ship loads materials in California for a prior iteration of Deep Freeze. (Vessel photo by Vance Vasquez, courtesy U.S. Navy) ships and our team on the ground handled flawlessly. The mission is an example of the true professionalism and dedication to duty that our entire team exemplifies over and over again. We are truly proud to have supported ODF 2022, and we look forward to our continued support to the National Science Foundation in the years ahead.” Hamilton said the crew made the best of it despite not being able to leave the ship due to COVID-19 protocols, and despite worsening weather. “The first day, the weather was beauti- Virginia Backs Jones Act The Virginia General Assembly earlier this year passed a resolution supporting the Jones Act, America’s freight Virginia Capitol (in Richmond) 24 Seafarers LOG 73682_JUNE 2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 24 cabotage law. Text of the resolution follows. WHEREAS, Virginia’s rich history of shipbuilding and maritime trade makes the Commonwealth a critical hub in the nation’s transportation system and essential in the growth of offshore renewable energy development; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining resilient domestic industries and transportation services for Virginia’s citizens and workforce; and WHEREAS, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act and codified in Title 46 of the United States Code, requires that vessels carrying cargo between locations in the United States be owned by American companies, crewed by American mariners, and built in American shipyards; and WHEREAS, America’s ability to project and deploy forces globally and to supply and maintain military installations domestically depends on the civilian fleet of Jones Act vessels and mariners; and WHEREAS, mariners aboard Jones Act vessels strengthen America’s homeland security as additional eyes and ears to monitor the nation’s 95,000 miles of shoreline and 25,000 miles of navigable inland waterways; and WHEREAS, Virginia is home to over 19,280 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act that generate $1.3 billion in labor income; and ful – cold, but not bad,” he said. “It turned a lot worse from that point on. Minus-15 degrees was the coldest, and the warmest was 3. I had never experienced cold weather like that before, but everything went well between the crew, the McMurdo personnel, Navy personnel and others who were involved.” He added that he would make the voyage again: “It’s definitely something to see.” SIU crews have supported Operation Deep Freeze for decades; the first mission took place in 1955. WHEREAS, maritime industry jobs create ladders of opportunity through high-paying, family-wage careers that offer significant career advancement without generally necessitating advanced formal education and extensive student loans; and WHEREAS, the Jones Act fleet, more than 40,000 vessels strong, supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs and over $154 billion in economic output nationally, including more than $4 billion in the Virginia economy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby express its support for the Jones Act. In affirming its resolute support for the Jones Act, the General Assembly also celebrates the centennial of the Jones Act as it continues to foster a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Virginia’s and the nation’s economic prosperity and national security; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter. June 2022 5/20/22 8:43 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource JUNE 2022 Description An account of the resource DHS SECRETARY ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS BACKS JONES ACT HOUSE STAFFERS MAY FORM A UNION INTERNATIONAL PROPELLER CLUB HONORS U.S. REP JOE COURTNEY AT AVENT USA MARITIME: KEEP 'SHIP AMERICAN' RULES REAR ADM. PHILLIPS TAKES LEADERSHIP AT U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINERS HONORED WITH CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL IN D.C. PENN MARITIME CREWS APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT SEAFARERS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT AT VANENKEVORT TUG AND BARGE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MANDATES U.S. MATERIALS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS VP EMPHASIZES 'HISTORIC COMMITMENT TO WORKER ORGANIZING AND EMPOWERMENT' AFL-CIO POSTS ANNUAL 'DEATH ON THE JOB' REPORT COAST GUARD FOUNDATION RECOGNIZES SEABULK CEO MARINE HIGHWAY PROGRAM GETS $14.8 MILLION BOOST FORMER TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY MINETA PASSES AWAY AT 90 NEW SERVICE OFFERS CONVENIENT METHOD TO SHOW VACCINATION STATUS RENEWING TANKER ASST. ENDORSEMENTS: WHAT SEAFARERS SHOULD KNOW NOTICE TO SEAFARERS ABOUT ROS SEATIME COAST GUARD: SHIPBOARD MASK MANDATE NO LONGER IN EFFECT SEAFARERS-CREWED OCEAN GIANT FINISHES OPERATION DEEP FREEZE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2022 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. 85, NO. 6 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5318d4e4b995f51bc1909dab2bc00af5.pdf 2461173c80bde13eef1b2f1295b43daa PDF Text Text JUNE 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Seafarers, Apprentices Featured in Maritime Day Ceremony The SIU came through with a typically strong turnout for this year’s National Maritime Day ceremony in the nation’s capital. In addition to union officials and Paul Hall Center apprentices attending (and participating in) the event, a half-dozen SIU members were featured in a well-received video shown to the in-person and online audiences. Pictured immediately after the ceremony at DOT Headquarters are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, FMC Chairman Daniel Maffei, DOT Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Carlos Monje, USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, USCG Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski and Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator Tamekia Flack. Also pictured are members of Paul Hall Center Apprentice Class 894. Pages 3-4. Waterfront Classic: Back and Better than Ever Charitable Event Benefits Organization Serving Veterans, First Responders Captains preparing their vessels before dawn for the tournament. Event coverage and additional photos appear on pages 12-14. Badlands Trader Flags In Annual Funding Notice Page 5 Page 6 �President’s Report Focusing on Manpower The SIU is far from alone in working to boost our nation’s merchant mariner pool. This sentiment proved obvious during a recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives and throughout an industry panel that convened at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters later in the month, on National Maritime Day. At the time of writing this column, I was scheduled to participate in the panel, and the SIU weighed in at the hearing via joint testimony with other maritime labor organizations. The fact that people from so many segments of the industry, and from the military, congress and the administration recognize the seriousness of this issue is essential to solving the problem. It’s an enormously important topic, which is why I’ve touched on it in this space every month. And while there’s a lot of work ahead, I’m optimistic that our union will continue being part of the solution. Check David Heindel out our coverage of the hearing elsewhere in this edition for more information, and in the meantime, I’m happy to report that our ramped-up recruiting efforts are starting to pay off. We’ve got several months’ worth of apprentice classes filled and we’re pursuing creative ways to attract credentialed mariners. The best examples for a being a merchant mariner come from you, our members. You can play a vital role in making sure well-trained, well-paid American mariners continue to sail the high seas. Spread the word and please encourage prospective Seafarers to visit the halls and check out our online offerings. This is not only important for the nation’s security, but it also assures qualified Seafarers are available when you need a relief. No one denies that there’s a lot of red tape in maritime, which is something we’re working to improve. But the U.S. Merchant Marine remains a unique and rewarding career path, while the SIU offers industryleading benefits and solid contracts. Put those components together and I think we’ve got a lot to offer. We will continue doing so as we spread the message online, in print and in person. More Progress After many months of work, the extensive refurbishment of the Norfolk hiring hall is almost finished. Keep an eye on our website (and our Facebook page, for those so inclined) for an open invitation to a ceremonial reopening in the very near future. We hit a few speedbumps along the way (inevitable, given the scope of the project), but the hall is looking good and I’m very confident that Seafarers, retirees and their families will be pleased with it. Speaking of gains, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan recently announced new benefits for eligible SIU dependents. Those benefits pertain to mental health and to substance use disorder, two areas that are taking on more and more prominence in our society. My hope is that these benefits will help improve lives and perhaps even prevent tragedies. Details are contained in a participant letter that was mailed in midMay, and we’ve also got an article about them elsewhere in this edition. Kudos to everyone who helped make these benefits a reality. Hats Off to WWII Mariners In addition to being saluted at various National Maritime Day ceremonies across the country, the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II was scheduled to be recognized during Memorial Day gatherings in the nation’s capital (after this edition went to press). Several mariners and their respective caretakers were lined up to participate in a parade, lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and more. For anyone unfamiliar with the heroism of World War II mariners – including thousands of SIU members – it is a history worth learning. Quite simply, and without any overstatement, the Allies would not have won the war without the incredible bravery, dedication and sacrifices of our mariners. It’s always gratifying when they are acknowledged, and their prominent inclusion on Memorial Day in D.C. is most appropriate. Kentucky Backs Jones Act Kentucky state legislators recently came together across party lines to pass a resolution in support of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Governor Andy Beshear signed the new resolution, which affirms the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s support for the Jones Act and emphasizes the importance of the law’s impact, both to the state and to the United States as a whole. House Concurrent Resolution 5 passed by a vote of 93-0 in the state house in mid-February and by 35-1 in the state senate in mid-March. Sponsors of the new resolution underscored the improvements that a strengthened domestic maritime industry will make to both Kentucky’s economy and to national security. The Jones Act has aided U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. The law requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Kentucky’s 1,600-mile network of navigable waterways includes access to both the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, making it a critical hub for the nation’s marine transportation system, the resolution states. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is home to 20,730 maritime jobs supported by the Jones Act, the fifth-highest per capita in the United States. According to the new resolution, these jobs generate $1.25 billion for workers and create accessible pathways to high-paying careers that do not require advanced formal education or the acquisition of exorbitant student loans. The more than 40,000-vessel Jones Act fleet supports more than 650,000 family-wage jobs across the nation and generates more than $154 billion in economic output, as well as providing an estimated $5.1 billion to Kentucky’s own economy. Moreover, the resolution points out that the United States’ ability to project and deploy forces globally, and supply and maintain military installations domestically also depends on the civilian fleet of the Jones Act vessels and mariners. The passage of House Concurrent Resolution 5 comes on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the importance of maintaining strong, resilient domestic industries and transportation services. AFL-CIO Releases Job Safety Report The AFL-CIO in late April released its 32nd annual report, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” a national and state-bystate profile of worker safety and health. Key findings from the report point to a troubling rise in worker deaths, particularly among Black and Latino workers, and illustrate the urgency of funding and support needed for critical job safety oversight and enforcement, the federation noted. The report shows the fatality rate for Black workers grew from 3.5 to 4.0 per 100,000 workers and more than 650 died on the job, the highest number in nearly two decades. Latino workers have the greatest risk of dying on the job, with a fatality rate at 4.5 per 100,000 workers that has grown by 13% over the past decade. There was also a slight uptick in deaths for Latino workers in 2021, and the overwhelming majority who died were immigrants. “Every American should be alarmed and outraged by the tragic data unearthed in this report,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “It is unconscionable that in the wealthiest nation in the world, Black and Latino workers are facing the highest on-the-job fatality rates in nearly two decades. This report is more than a wake-up call, it is a call to action. No one should have to risk their lives for their livelihoods. There is no corporate cost-benefit analysis that should put human life and worker safety on the wrong side of the ledger.” Shuler added, “This report isn’t just about data points, it is about people. Every worker who died on the job represents another empty seat at a family’s kitchen table. Every worker accounted for in this report is a person who just went to work one day and never came home. It is our solemn responsibility to these workers to do everything in our power to honor their memories by making America’s workplaces safer – because that’s what unions do. It is our history, it is our responsibility and it is our cause to always put workers and their safety first.” This year’s report also reveals that in 2021: 343 workers died each day from hazardous working conditions; 5,190 workers were killed on the job in the United States; an estimated 120,000 workers died from occupational diseases; the job fatality rate increased to 3.6 per 100,000 workers; employers reported nearly 3.2 million work-related injuries and illnesses; the true impact of COVID-19 infections due to work- place exposures is unknown. Limited data show that more than 1.5 million nursing home workers have been infected with COVID-19 and more than 3,000 have died; and, underreporting is widespread – the true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is 5.4 million to 8.1 million each year in private industry. The report, which includes data on the worker fatality rate in all 50 states as well as the most affected industries, also lays out recommendations for strengthening federal agencies tasked with enforcing worker safety. In 2021, there were 1,871 inspectors – 900 at the federal level and 971 at the state – for the more than 10.8 million workplaces under the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s jurisdiction. That equates to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) having the ability to inspect every workplace once every 190 years and just $3.99 in OSHA’s budget to protect each worker. Penalties for employer violations also remain too low to be a deterrent, and fewer than 130 worker deaths have been criminally prosecuted since 1970, according to the federation. The full report is linked on the SIU and AFL-CIO websites. TRANSCOM Leader Visits Seafarers O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 6 June 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director, Nick Merrill; Assistant Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The Seafarers-crewed USNS Watkins (Patriot) recently hosted Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (second from left), commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command. Pictured from left are Chief Steward Bill Moran, Gen. Van Ovost, Chief Cook Shafreda Thigpen and SA Juan Norales. June 2023 �Gen. Van Ovost: ‘Merchant Mariners are Patriots’ DOT National Maritime Day Ceremony Underscores Industry’s Importance Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost Commander, USTRANSCOM Daniel B. Maffei FMC Chairman PHC Apprentice Scott Haselbauer rings “eight bells” as part of the event. The United States has been well-served by its merchant marine for centuries, and must maintain a strong American-flag fleet with U.S. crews to preserve national and economic security. Those were among the key messages delivered May 22 at the annual National Maritime Day ceremony hosted at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The SIU had a strong presence at the event, both in person and on screen. Six SIU members – Recertified Bosun Robert Natividad, Electrician Michael McGlone, QMED Isaac Nugen, Storekeeper Christina Price, QMED/Electrician Ashely Burke and Electrician Yahya Mohamed – were featured in an SIU-produced video shown during the ceremony. Attending the gathering were SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Safety Director Jose Argueta, Trainee Commandant Craig Guy, and members of Paul Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Class 894. Two of those class members – Emily Castellano and Scott Haselbauer – played highprofile roles in the ceremony. Castellano was the wreath-bearer, while Haselbauer handled the traditional ringing of eight bells. Featured speakers (in order of appearance) were Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator Tamekia Flack (emcee), Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, DOT Under Secretary for Transportation Policy Carlos Monje, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Daniel B. Maffei, and U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost. The theme of this year’s DOT ceremony was “Mariners Move the Nation: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.” Approximately 250 people attended the gathering. Van Ovost discussed the maritime industry’s role in supporting “national defense objectives.” She said the industry is filled with “amazing people tirelessly serving in our shipyards, stevedores and port laborers, and the merchant mariners supporting the Jones Act and international trade. They are also keys to the success Continues on Page 4 Paul Hall Center Apprentice Emily Castellano (left) places a memorial wreath near the stage as dignitaries observe. Attendees convene at the DOT ceremony in the nation’s capital. June 2023 of our strategic sealift mission. They are part of our total force that we need with us all the way. Delivering on time is necessary to succeed.” However, they won’t achieve success “without a healthy merchant marine force,” Van Ovost added. “Why? Because the mariner truly moves the nation…. They continue to represent the difference between victory and defeat.” She cited the centuries-long history of reliable mariner service and pointed out how it continues today with sealift missions backing Ukraine. “At a moment’s notice, we stood in support of our allies and partners…. Nearly 70 percent of Ukraine’s total security cooperation material has been delivered by governmentowned ships or commercial vessels – all of which were operated by our U.S. Merchant Mariners,” she noted. Van Ovost concluded, “In the future, our nation will continue to rely on well-trained merchant mariners to meet the challenges of contested environments in the face of a persistent, capable adversary…. Mariners are patriots. They are people of deeds, not words. They will be there for us when we need them. When they are called, they will rise to the occasion.” Phillips said that since her confirmation last year, she has taken part in more than 80 “events and engagements” with maritime industry stakeholders. “I thank you for our thoughtful discussions and look forward to continuing to work together to support and advance this critical sector of our economy and our national defense,” she stated. “Our nation relies on us in ways that few understand for the success of our economy.” She noted the wartime service of mariners and added that MARAD is “working every day to foster, promote and develop the maritime industry in the United States to meet the nation’s economic and national security needs…. We are in the midst of long-overdue and critically needed recapitalization of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), and are implementing a major expansion of commercial sealift by bringing the Tanker Security Program online.” Monje thanked past and present mariners and noted their vital roles in the U.S. national Ann Phillips Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin USCG Asst. Commandant for Prevention Policy Carlos Monje DOT Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Tamekia Flack Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator Seafarers LOG 3 �2023 Maritime Day White House Proclamation Editor’s note: The White House issued the following statement: On National Maritime Day, we honor the thousands of dedicated merchant mariners who serve on United States vessels around the world. During times of both peace and war, merchant mariners are always there – stepping up to transport equipment, troops, and goods across the globe to make our country safer and stronger. With professionalism and passion, merchant mariners have forged us into the maritime Nation we are today. During the Revolutionary War, merchant vessels joined the vastly outnumbered American fleet to help defend our independence. During World War II, as our brave service members battled the forces of fascism, more than a quarter-million members of the Merchant Marine volunteered to transport tanks, ammunition, and troops across the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Many of them made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of freedom. And today, merchant mariners not only help move hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of cargo through our 25,000 miles of waterways and more than 360 commercial ports annually – they also crew vessels of our United States Ready Reserve, ship- ping vital military cargo to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against Russia’s brutal war. My Administration remains steadfast in its support of the Merchant Marine as well as the Jones Act, which ensures American workers see the benefits of our domestic maritime industry. We are also making historic investments to improve our maritime supply chains by making it easier, faster, cheaper, cleaner, and safer for ships to get in and out of our ports. We are strengthening our support for licensed Merchant Marine Officers, including requesting $196 million in my 2024 Budget to upgrade the United States Merchant Marine Academy’s campus, expand training, and help prevent sexual assault and support survivors – because every person at the Academy deserves to feel safe and have their contributions fully valued. We are also working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the ranks of the Merchant Marine because our economy and national security are strongest when we draw on the full skillsets and diversity of our Nation. The United States Merchant Marine underpins our Nation’s prosperity and upholds our Nation’s highest principles – freedom, liberty, and dignity. Today, and every day, we honor merchant mariners’ service and sacrifice and renew our commitment to stand by their side, from sea to shining sea. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2023, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day and to celebrate the United States Merchant Marine and maritime industry with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. Maritime Day Celebrated Continued from Page 3 and economic security. He described DOT’s maritime-related work as “critical priorities for this department and this administration. We are working to strengthen the maritime industry and invest in our future…. This administration is working to grow our fleet and add essential new capabilities.” He added, “We are now in the process of implementing the new Tanker Security Program to address the risks of reliance on foreign-flag tankers…. This administration is unwavering in its support of the Jones Act, which is a cornerstone of our nation’s domestic maritime industry and its economic engine.” Arguin said, “I’m honored to be here today to celebrate the critical role maritime plays in our nation’s ability to lead around the globe. National security and economic prosperity are inextricably linked.” He pointed out that waterborne trade “reduces congestion on our roads and remains the most efficient way” to transport goods, and commended the work of mariners during the pandemic. He asked the PHC apprentices to stand and thanked them for choosing the maritime industry. He also encouraged them to recruit others. Maffei echoed thanks for mariners’ work during the pandemic: “We must not forget any of these sacrifices.” He applauded the heroism of World War II mariners, who were “so absolutely vital to winning that conflict and who suffered higher casualty rates than any other service.” Maffei concluded, “Serving on U.S.flag ships is more important than ever.” Flack said, “The United States has always been and will always be a great maritime nation…. We thank all Americans who have sailed the seas to defend our freedoms, and we remember especially those who paid the ultimate price in service to our nation.” Gen. Van Ovost (left) chats with Paul Hall Center apprentices after the DOT ceremony. SIU retiree Mary Lou Lopez attends the National Maritime Day ceremony in San Pedro, California. 4 Seafarers LOG In addition to the DOT ceremony, other National Maritime Day events took place across the country. One such gathering took place May 18 in Norfolk, Virginia, where retired Recertified Steward Tony Spain (second from left) was honored as the Propeller Club of Norfolk’s Seafarer of the Year. Spain sailed with the SIU for 45 years. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from right) and Maersk executives Dennis Houghton (left) and Travis Hansen. June 2023 �SIU Members Crew Up Newly Reflagged Tanker SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the newly reflagged vessel in Greece. SIU members are working aboard the Badlands Trader, a tanker that reflagged to United States registry April 17 in Piraeus, Greece. U.S. Marine Management, Inc. (USMMI) is operating the ship for Maersk Line, Limited. Built in 2016 in South Korea, the Badlands Trader is 600 feet long and has a deadweight tonnage of 50,034. According to a USMMI spokesperson, the ship will replace the Maersk Michigan – though, at press time, the latter vessel remained in service. The first SIU crew members on the Badlands Trader included Recertified Bosun Basil D’Souza, ABs Faustino Cosby, Yoland Legaspi, Dean Diaz Sr., Donovan Armstrong and Richard Diaz Jr., Pumpman Tousif Khan, QMEDs Christopher Eason and Anson Johny, Steward/Baker Alba Ayala, Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed and GVA Desiree Wilson. “The crew is awesome,” said USMMI Risk Manager Henly Ervin. “Everyone stepped up and did an outstanding job to ensure a smooth reflag and certificate of inspection.” Diaz stated, “It’s a nice ship – a simple layout, nice and roomy as far as tankers go.” He added, “As far as the vessel’s condition, she was foreignflag, so she needs a little TLC, but it shouldn’t take much to get her looking good. We’re bringing the living conditions up to what U.S. mariners are accustomed to.” Armstrong said he appreciates the chance to assist with a reflag. “This is only my third ship and it’s my first trip as an AB,” he said in early May. “It’s a learning experience for the whole crew, but I’m personally really grateful to go through a reflag this early in my career. It has been unique and eye-opening.” Armstrong added that he expected the vessel to continue its shipyard period for at least a few more weeks. “We’ve been getting deliveries of stores and supplies almost every other day,” he stated. “We got 13 pallets’ worth of stuff today, including some TVs, and everything is coming along.” While there is plenty of work on the ship, the crew also has enjoyed time ashore – and they appreciate the strong internet connectivity that has been available since the reflag, Armstrong noted. Built in 2016, the tanker Badlands Trader is a new addition to the SIU-crewed fleet. Photos courtesy of AB Donovan Armstrong (above, left) and Maersk Line, Limited. Longtime Union Representative Dhooge Passes Away at Age 68 Gerard Dhooge, known for his versatility, insight and dedication throughout a 35-year career with the SIU, passed away April 22 at his home in Milton, Massachusetts, surrounded by family. He was 68 and had been stricken with brain cancer. Dhooge started working for the SIU as a field representative in 1985. He left in 1993 to work for pro-maritime Congressman Gerry Studds but returned to the union in 1995 and never left. At various times, he served as a port agent and consultant. SIU President David Heindel stated, “Our deepest sympathies go out to Gerard’s family for their loss as well as the loss of his special contributions over such a long period. On behalf of our entire organization, may he rest in peace.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said, “I worked with Gerard since he came aboard as a field rep replacing Joe Corrigan (who transferred to Honolulu) up in Boston. It was apparent from the beginning that he would be a good fit. Throughout his time with the SIU, Gerard proved to be a conscientious and effective operative in every project he took on, most recently the offshore wind industry. He was respected and admired by everyone he dealt with and he loved his family immensely.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski said, “Gerard was always ready to dive into the fight for maritime jobs. He had a great sense for the politics surrounding so many of the projects that the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) and the Seafarers have worked on over the years. His insightfulness, his willingness to broker labor peace when needed and ultimately his professionalism will be missed.” Karen Horton-Genette, national director of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers, said, “Gerard was a very kind gentleman and strong June 2023 union man. He fought hard for what was right and put everything he had into representing our membership. I am proud to have worked with such an all-around great man! He will be missed.” Daniel W. Duncan, who recently retired after a similarly lengthy career (first with the SIU and then with the MTD), added, “Gerard spent his entire career with Seafarers making sure the political community and the labor community knew the SIU throughout New England. He was a well-connected, determined fighter for all working people.” SIU Political Consultant Terry Turner said that no matter the task, “Gerard has demonstrated throughout his professional life that he is just that: a true professional. But more importantly to me, he was my friend. I will miss him dearly and think of him often.” Dhooge earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston State College (which later merged with another school). He subsequently served as the city hall manager for Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 198081, then worked for the Boston retirement system from 1981-84 before serving as an SIU field representative based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, from 1985-93 and again from 1995-2003. He became an SIU port agent in 2003 following the retirement of Henri Francois. As the union’s pursuits changed, he became a consultant in 2010 and from then on played a key role as the SIU explored rank-and-file job opportunities in the wind-energy sector. Additionally, he worked as the secretary-treasurer for the MTD’s Maritime Port Council of Greater Boston and New England Area from 19962000, then served as its president from November 2000 until his passing. He is survived by numerous family members and friends. Gerard Dhooge is pictured in June 2022 at the Maritime Trades Department convention in Philadelphia. Seafarers LOG 5 �Annual Funding Notice - Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2022 (“Plan Year”). The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2022 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2023, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 18,766. Of this number, 7,384 were current employees, 6,724 were retired and receiving benefits, and 4,658 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers’ contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan’s Actuary. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breached. Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. 6 Seafarers LOG For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Plan Administrator at: Seafarers Pension Plan, Attn: Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746; 301.899.0675 For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 13-6100329. June 2023 �U.S. House Hearing Examines Maritime Manpower Shortages SIU, Other Unions Weigh in with Joint Letter Citing Suggested Changes The SIU teamed up with several other unions and labor organizations to deliver a unified message during a recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on May 11 conducted a hearing titled, “Assessing the Shortage of United States Mariners and Recruitment and Retention in the United States Coast Guard.” Guest panelists included U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Paul Thomas, deputy commandant for Mission Support; Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, USN (Ret.), administrator, United States Maritime Administration; Heather MacLeod, director, Homeland Security and Justice, United States Government Accountability Office; and Dr. Beth Asch, Ph.D., senior economist, RAND Corporation. Submitting joint testimony that was entered into the formal record were the SIU; American Maritime Officers; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Marine Firemen’s Union; Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; and Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. The maritime labor organizations spelled out why the widely acknowledged manpower crisis is worthy of prompt action. “It is critically important that our government and the American people understand that without the U.S.-flag vessels and U.S. citizen licensed and unlicensed merchant mariners ready and available to provide the commercial sealift readiness capability needed by the Department of Defense, our nation would be forced to entrust the support, supply, and security of American forces deployed overseas to foreign flag vessels and foreign crews who may not support U.S. defense operations and objectives,” they stated. “It goes without saying that doing so would jeopardize the lives of American servicewomen and men who will no longer be guaranteed the supplies and equipment they need to do their job in support of our country.” They added, “It is therefore imperative that the downward trend in the number of SHBP Announces New Benefits for Dependents The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) recently spelled out new benefits for dependents of eligible SIU members. Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen in mid-May sent a letter notifying participants that the SHBP Trustees “decided to add mental health and substance use disorder benefits for dependents of eligible mariners at the Core-Plus and Core benefit levels. These services will be covered in the same way as all other professional services and inpatient hospital stays.” The benefits took effect May 1, as follows, for the spouse and children of an eligible mariner at the Core-Plus or Core Benefit levels: • Outpatient counseling and/or psychotherapy, including applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy treatment for autism. The Plan will pay for these services for a dependent in the same manner as other outpatient professional services. The Plan will pay 90% of the network-allowed amount for in-network treatment; or 65% of the reasonable and customary charge for out-of-network treatment. • Hospitalization for mental health disorders. The Plan will pay for an inpatient hospital stay for a mental health condition of a dependent in the same way it pays for other hospital stays. At in-network facilities, the Plan will pay 100% of the network-allowed charge for the facility fee, and 90% of the network-allowed charge for professional fees. For out-of-network treatment, the Plan will pay 70% of the reasonable and customary charge for the facility fees, and 65% of the reasonable and customary charge for professional fee. There is a $450 copayment for all inpatient hospital stays. • Inpatient detoxification from alcohol or drugs. The Plan will pay for inpatient detoxification for a dependent in the same way it pays for other hospital stays. A $450 copayment applies to this benefit. • Inpatient substance use disorder treatment. The Plan will pay for inpatient substance use disorder treatment for a dependent in the same way it pays for other hospital stays. A $450 copayment applies to this benefit. • Prescriptions for mental health and substance use disorders. The Plan will pay for these prescriptions in the same manner as it covers all other prescriptions. The letter also points out that all mental health and substance use disorder benefits are subject to the annual deductible. Questions may be directed to the Plan by phone at (800) 252-4674, option 3. vessels operating under the U.S. flag must be stopped and reversed, and the American maritime manpower shortage must be addressed and resolved. Simply put, the current manpower shortage is a national security threat, and it is clear that the Department of Defense cannot do its job if private industry is unable to provide the civilian American merchant mariners DOD needs. This requires strong, positive action by the Congress and the Administration to support and fund existing programs that support the operation of U.S.-flag vessels, including the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker Security Program, and the Jones Act; to eliminate statutory and regulatory impediments to the growth of the maritime manpower pool; and to propose and implement innovative and effective programs and policies that will increase the number of commercially viable U.S.-flag vessels, increase the number of American maritime jobs, and increase the amount of America’s foreign trade carried aboard U.S.-flag ships. Simply put, more cargo means more U.S.flag ships, and more U.S.-flag ships means more American mariners!” To that end, they recommended several viable steps that would boost U.S.-flag shipping and help grow the manpower pool. Those suggestions included developing “a realistic maritime strategy that includes at its core a national cargo policy that increases the percentage of America’s foreign trade carried aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels and ensures that American mariners have jobs during peacetime. The treatment of U.S.-flag vessel operations and American mariners under the tax code should encourage rather than discourage the utilization of U.S.-flag vessels and American mariners, and bilateral and multilateral trade agreements should reflect the strategic importance to our nation of a stronger, more active U.S.-flag fleet in the carriage of America’s exports and imports. Today, with the ongoing efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to secure domination over the world’s oceans and international trade as well as the proliferation of stateowned and controlled and foreign flag-ofconvenience vessel operations, including partial ownership in many security-sensitive foreign ports, we have seen the U.S.-flag share of America’s foreign trade fall to less than 2 percent. This situation threatens our security and threatens our economy, as China will only further increase its control over what cargoes move and at what cost unless we bolster our own U.S.-flag fleet and regain control over the carriage of our foreign trade.” The organizations further explained the importance of Congress “continuing to provide the Maritime Administration with the authority it needs to fully enforce and implement the nation’s U.S.-flag cargo preference shipping requirements…. Similarly, we recommend Congress increase the U.S.flag requirements for all other governmentgenerated civilian cargoes to 100 percent, the same percentage that covers the shipment of defense cargoes, with U.S.-flag carriage dependent, as it is today, on the availability of U.S.-flag vessels at fair and reasonable rates. Requiring 100 percent would greatly decrease the gamesmanship of U.S. government agencies intentionally violating cargo preference statutes , and will make Maritime Administration enforcement that much easier.” After highlighting additional recommendations, the groups concluded, “Finally, we strongly support provisions included by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in H.R. 2741, the bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2023. Reducing the time requirement for Able Seaman and authorizing additional funding for the Coast Guard to modernize its credentialing system are just two of the provisions that can and should help alleviate impediments to the efficient and timely availability of American mariners.” Video of the entire hearing is available on the subcommittee’s website. SIU-Crewed Tankers Will Remove Military Fuel from Red Hill Facility Seafarers-contracted U.S. Marine Management, Inc. (USMMI) recently was awarded two agreements by the Department of Defense to help with removing fuel from a military storage facility in Hawaii. Both contracts were announced in April: one for the Yosemite Trader, the other for the Pohang Pioneer. Both vessels carry SIU crews. The U.S. Navy operates the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, “supports military operations in the Pacific. This facility can store up to 250 million gallons of fuel. At the facility are 20 steel-lined tanks, encased in concrete, and built into cavities that were mined inside of Red Hill. Each tank has a storage capacity of approximately 12.5 million gallons. The tanks are connected to three pipelines that run 2.5 miles through a tunnel to fueling piers at Pearl Harbor.” However, a jet fuel leak from the station in late 2021 contaminated the local water supply. The Navy subsequently started implementing plans to empty the tanks in order to expedite repairs. In early 2022, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed the Department of Defense to “defuel” and permanently shut down the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. The Pohang Pioneer was awarded a five-year service contract while the Yosemite Trader received a three-year agreement. Great Lakes VP Powell Honored in Michigan SIU Vice President Great Lakes Bryan Powell recently received accolades from the Wayne County (Michigan) Commission. Powell on April 20 received a resolution signed by all 15 county commissioners. The document salutes his years of dedicated service to the state’s citizens, primarily in his role as vice chair of the board of directors for the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority. The commissioners also applauded his advocacy for maritime workers in the Great Lakes region and across the globe. The Wayne County Commission is the legislative branch of county government. Wayne County, the most populous county in Michigan, is divided into 15 districts, and commissioners are elected every two years in even-year elections. The text of the resolution follows: Whereas, it is with great pleasure that we, the members of the Wayne County Commission, recognize Bryan Powell for his years of investing in the city of Detroit, Wayne County, and the State of Michigan; and June 2023 Whereas, Bryan Powell presently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority, and has served on the board since 2017 in roles including board member and secretary-treasurer; and Whereas, Bryan Powell serves as Vice President for the Seafarers International Union of North America AFL-CIO, which is the largest labor organization representing merchant mariners aboard U.S.-flag vessels, devoting himself to advocacy for maritime workers and promoting the industry as a whole; and Whereas, a leader, strategist, problem solver, and innovator, Bryan Powell has demonstrated the ability to leverage his extensive project development experience and engagement in the maritime transportation sector to help drive and support the Port Authority’s mission and objectives; therefore, be it Resolved, that the Wayne County Commission commends Bryan Powell for his years of unwavering and selfless service to the residents of Michigan. Pictured from left are Commissioners David Knezik, Joseph Palamara (Vice Chair), Martha Scott, Glen Anderson, Melissa Daub, Irma Clark-Colemen, Sam Baydoun, Alisha Bell (Chair), SIU Great Lakes VP Bryan Powell, Commissioners Terry Marecki, Monique Baker McCormick, Tim Killeen, Al Haidous, Cara Clemente and Jonathan Kinloch. (Also signing the proclamation, but not pictured: Ray Basham.) Seafarers LOG 7 �STOPPING BY THE HALL – Seafarer Antonio Ramos (right), a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, picks up his first vacation check at the San Juan hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. MEETING WITH MARITIME SUPPORTER – SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) in early May attended a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) (second from right), a leading backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Also pictured are (from left) Christian Yuhas and Duncan Ballenger of MEBA. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CONFERRING WITH MAYOR – Pictured with New York City Mayor Eric Adams (center) at a NY Central Labor Council event are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (right) and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. BOATMEN WELCOME ASST. VP – SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (second from left) meets with Seafarers employed by G&H Towing. Pictured from left are Mate Nathan West, Russo, Capt. Vincent Forbes, Engineer Matt McRae and AB Alex Kakaletris. TEAMING UP FOR MARITIME INDUSTRY – SIU officials recently visited SUNY Maritime for the signing of a cooperative MOU aimed at boosting training and shipboard manpower. Pictured from left are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson. BROTHERHOOD OF THE SEA – ABs (and brothers) Thomas and Ryan Drummond recently received their respective A-seniority books. They are both 2015 graduates of the apprentice program, and are pictured at the Philadelphia hall with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice. Thomas is at far left, Ryan is in the middle. 8 Seafarers LOG WELCOME ASHORE IN WILMINGTON – Longtime steward-department Seafarer Eusebio Avila Solano (left) receives his first pension check at the Wilmington, California, hall (SIU Safety Director Gordon Godel is at right). He started sailing with the union in 1989 and most recently shipped aboard the Alaskan Explorer, earlier this year. June 2023 �WITH SEAFARERS IN FORT LAUDERDALE – AB Mark Lettman (left in photo above, left) receives his A-seniority book, while AB Fred Hayston (right in other photo) picks up his first pension check. Both Seafarers are pictured at the hiring hall, with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CELEBRATING JOB CREATION – SIU Port Agent John Hoskins (left) is pictured with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore at a ceremonial groundbreaking April 21 in Sparrows Point, Maryland. The site will host a new plant where wind turbine foundations and other windenergy components will be constructed. According to news reports, the facility will employ 125 union construction workers and account for 20 professional staff jobs. RECRUITING IN THE LONE STAR STATE – Setting up at a career fair in La Porte, Texas, are (from left) SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. CELEBRATING MARITIME INVESTMENTS – SIU members employed by Great Lakes Towing were on hand April 3 as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited the Port of Monroe for a news conference announcing state and federal grants. Among other projects, some of the money will go towards building a container terminal. Pictured at the event, from left in front of (and aboard) the tug Georgia, are SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak, AB Jason Brown, AB Tugman Foaad Saleh and AB Tugman Jeff Davis. June 2023 BECKONING IN THE BAYOU – SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (left) and SIU Safety Director James Brown man a booth April 22 at a New Orleans career fair, hosted at the city’s convention center. ABOARD LURLINE – Recertified Steward Ruti De Mont is pictured aboard the Matson vessel, preparing another scrumptious meal for her shipmates. De Mont started her SIU career in 1988. Seafarers LOG 9 �MEETING WITH WEST COAST BOATMEN – Pictured from left aboard the Starlight Marine tug Jamie Renea are SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera, Deckhand Stevie Rossi, Chief Engineer Florian Schreier, Capt. Dave Cadiz, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday and Mate Brian Edmiston. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Longtime Seafarer Stephen Ackley (left) picks up his first pension check at the Tacoma hall (SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right). Ackley signed on with the SIU in 1979 and sailed for a dozen years in the deck department before starting work on a shore gang. He most recently was the lead bosun on the Matson shore gang in Tacoma. WITH SEAFARERS IN OAKLAND – Completing paperwork at the hall in Oakland, California, are MDRs (from left) Joseph Samonte and Yan Paing. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD TANKER WEST VIRGINIA – Pictured aboard the Seabulk vessel on the West Coast are (from left) SIU Safety Director Dylan Rivera, QEP Scott Fuller, OMU Dana Thomas, Steward/Baker Munasser Ahmed, Chief Cook Torrika Devine and Oiler Oscar Vencer. READY TO SHIP OUT – New Seafarer Sandra Norato (left) recently completed the CCAP program in Piney Point, Maryland, and was about to head to her first vessel when this snapshot was taken in early May at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. “I met Sandra in the port of New Jersey in September 2022,” said SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta (right). “She asked tons of questions and I was happy to help out. I helped her obtain all the necessary documents to get into the CCAP program, as she had prior cooking experience.” WEST COAST FELLOWSHIP – Following the April membership meeting, Seafarers stuck around at the Wilmington, California, hall for a cookout. 10 Seafarers LOG June 2023 �6/23 June 2023 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers Waterfront Classic Worth the Wait Fishing Tournament Brings in Donations for Veterans Charity Boulder Crest Seventeen boats full of eager anglers gathered under a cloud-covered dawn at the Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, to participate in the 8th Annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic – all for a great cause. After a three-years-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seasoned sailors and spectators alike were happy to resume the fundraiser/fishing tournament on May 16, a decade after its inaugural event in 2013. This year’s iteration of the event generated funds for the Boulder Crest Foundation, which serves military veterans, first responders and their families. Seafarers and other excited fishers came from all over the country to participate in the tournament, some even hailing from as far as Canada. One such Seafarer was Vince Giannopoulos, the vice president for St. Lawrence and East Coast with the SIU of Canada. “I had a great time at the Seafarers Waterfront Classic,” he said. “We caught a few keepers and had a great time for charity. This was my third Waterfront Classic. I just think it’s a really cool initiative. It’s a lot of fun to be here, and the campus is as impressive as ever.” He added, “After three or whatever years of COVID, it was really nice to catch up with some people I hadn’t spoken to in a long time. Obviously, coming from Canada, we weren’t able to get down here during COVID. I met some new faces and was able to reconnect with some old ones as well.” The 161 fishermen and women who took to the Potomac River at 6 a.m. returned to the dock in the afternoon with a total of 139 fish, which combined weighed in at 521 lbs. Apprentices gathered at the pier to assist each boat with docking and bringing their catches of the day up to be measured by school staff. The largest catch of the day, in pounds, went to John Raggio from Sealift, Inc. He caught a 7.45lb rockfish while fishing with the rest of his crew aboard the Three Sons. When asked about his technique, Raggio stated, “I’m not a real fisherman; this is first-time luck. I was the fourth person to handle the rails and when my turn came up, I got the fish. It’s all luck, no talent. I just reeled him in and that’s it.” After a jubilant cocktail hour, where the participants and their families celebrated a successful day out on the river, attendees gathered in the PHC’s main dining room for the awards ceremony and seafood feast. Galley staff worked quickly to prepare the freshly caught rockfish into several dishes, including buffalo bites and fish tacos. This year’s event benefitted the Boulder Crest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to struggling veterans and first responders and their families. Boulder Crest uses the science of “Posttraumatic Growth” to help participants transform their traumatic stress and rediscover hope, purpose, and their belief in the future. SIU Vice President George Tricker, founder of the Seafarers Waterfront Clas- sic, formally introduced Boulder Crest as the new fundraising partner for the Waterfront Classic at dinner, saying, “For the first seven years of the tournament we were associated with the Wounded Warrior Anglers who have since changed their name to American Military Veterans Foundation (AMMILVETS). We have since parted ways with them. They’re a fantastic group, and we’re still in contact with them – they’re doing well, they send their regards and love. But this year we’re thrilled to be partnering with Boulder Crest Foundation, a wonderful new organization that we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know.” Tricker cited Maersk Line, Limited President and CEO Bill Woodhour as a major factor in the foundation’s collaboration with SIU for this fundraising event. “There are three things that I think make Boulder Crest a bit different, which is their clarity of mission, their passion, and their purpose,” Woodhour said. “I think they’re addressing a significant need in America today. I’ve been able to see this program on a personal level, volunteering on the weekends and working in the kitchens. I was reflecting with one of the past participants, when you see people on day one and when you see them on day five or six, there’s been a complete transformation.” Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy for the Boulder Crest Foundation, was also invited to the podium to further explain the non-profit’s mission. “There is a growing epidemic in the United States,” she said. “You may have heard the sta- tistics that 22 veterans take their lives by suicide every day, and that’s a low estimate these days. More first responders die by suicide than those in the line of duty.” She added, “For a long time, we have accepted this narrative that once someone takes off their uniform, their life is diminished, it is not able to be fulfilling once their service is complete. The role of Boulder Crest is to change that narrative. We are the home of post traumatic growth – the exact opposite of what PTSD is. It’s the notion that what doesn’t kill you makes you wiser – that there is life after service and that you can find a fulfilling life after in the aftermath of trauma.” SIU Vice President Nicholas Celona then spoke and honored the United States Merchant Marine, citing their motto, “Acta non Verba,” which translates to “Deeds not Words” and presented an award with that same motto to Boulder Crest, which will be on display in the PHC. Later, a painting, courtesy of SIU Pensioner Nick Rossi, was auctioned off for $350. Following the auction, plaques were presented to the person with the largest catch on each boat. One of the winners, Hope Wines, who represented Boulder Crest, said of her first Seafarers Waterfront Classic, “I had an absolutely wonderful time. I would absolutely love to come back, but I definitely encourage others to participate as well.” Turn to Page 14 for additional photos. Participants shove off for a typically early start in Piney Point, Maryland. 12 Seafarers LOG June 2023 �Scenes from the 8th Annual Waterfront Classic Guests enjoy excellent weather as the charitable event returns after a pandemic-caused hiatus. Sealift CFO John Raggio (left) had the largest catch of the day (a 7.45 lb. rockfish). SIU VP George Tricker (right), founder of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic, congratulates him on the pier. A few of the 161 waterborne participants gather for a photo. As reflected by the banner, this year’s event benefited the Boulder Crest Foundation. Anglers and event supporters head to the pier. From left, Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy for the Boulder Crest Foundation, addresses the attendees at the awards dinner while SIU VP George Tricker and Maersk Line, Limited President/CEO Bill Woodhour listen. June 2023 This unusual catch didn’t make it to the weighing station. Seafarers LOG 13 �Scenes from the 8th Annual Waterfront Classic Longtime labor relations official Tony Naccarato (left) and SIU VP Bryan Powell are pictured at the school as the boats return. Seventeen boats took part in the most recent Seafarers Waterfront Classic. Guests are seated for the awards dinner. PHC Advisory Board Convenes The day after the Seafarers Waterfront Classic, members of the Paul Hall Center Advisory Board conducted a meeting at the Piney Point, Maryland, campus. Above, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen addresses attendees. Topics included recruiting, an update on medical requirements for mariners, future training needs, and progress with various technical projects. 14 Seafarers LOG June 2023 �Medical Department Offers Important Reminders About Drug-Screen Success Editor’s note: The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s Medical Department provided the following article: SIU mariners are employed in safety-sensitive positions and must comply with the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) and U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) urine drug-screen (UDS) guidelines regarding workplace drug testing. Positive UDS results and refusal to test will result in time lost from shipping and may impact career goals. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 16 - May 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 15, 2023. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Ordering: UDS collections should only be requested when they are needed to prepare for shipping, if required for class, or to renew USCG merchant mariner credential (MMC). There are two types of drug tests that can be ordered: pre-employment and periodic. Periodic tests are ordered for issuance of USCG documents or new endorsements. Pre-employment tests are ordered to go to work. The member is informed when the exam order is recommended and may decline or postpone the exam. Scheduling: The acuity scheduler will confirm exam orders with the member when scheduling the clinic appointment. The member should not schedule an appointment for collection of UDS without reasonable certainty of negative results. Appointments should be made when the mariner’s schedule will allow the appointment to last at least three hours. The DOT guidelines allow three hours to complete the “shy bladder” protocol. Do not schedule the appointment on days when the member may be needed somewhere else within the threehour period. If necessary, the UDS may be rescheduled or cancelled. Be aware that no-shows or last-minute cancellations may cause a cancellation fee. Collection: Once the collection procedure is initiated at the clinic, it must be completed. This step is defined by DOT/SIU as the moment the donor is called out of the waiting room to the collection area. Failure to produce a urine sample, remain at the collection site, or cooperate with the collection process may constitute a refusal. A refusal to test will be reported to the USCG and investigated in the same manner as a positive result. Positive UDS: Positive UDS results will be reviewed by the Medical Review Officer (MRO). The donor will be contacted by the MRO to complete an interview. Prescription medications will be confirmed and the final exam results will be discussed. SIU members who have positive UDS results will be blocked from shipping pending USCG investigation and completion of requirements to meet USCG and DOT standards for return to duty. This is a lengthy process that takes at least one year to complete. June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Monday: June 5, July 3 Friday: June 9, July 7 Baltimore Guam Thursday: June 8, July 6 Thursday: June 22, July 20 Honolulu Friday: June 16, July 14 Houston Monday: June 12, July 10 Jacksonville Joliet Thursday: June 8, July 6 Thursday: June 15, July 13 Mobile Wednesday: June 14, July 12 New Orleans Jersey City Tuesday: June 13, July 11 Tuesday: June 6, *Wednesday: July 5 Norfolk Friday: June 9, July 7 Oakland Thursday: June 15. July 13 Philadelphia Wednesday: June 7, July 5 Port Everglades Thursday: June 15, July 13 San Juan Thursday: June 8, July 6 St. Louis Friday: June 16, July 14 Tacoma Friday: June 23, July 21 Wilmington **Tuesday: June 20, Monday: July 17 *Jersey City change in July created by Independance Day. **Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m June 2023 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was posed to members at SIU Headquarters and upgraders at the Paul Hall Center. Question: Has being a mariner measured up to what you thought it would be when you first signed on? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Edward Williams QMED It definitely has. It’s been a great experience because of the education, training and opportunities that the union and industry have provided me. I’m especially thankful for the situation I’m now in with respect to training: being able to get my engineering license. That translates into a more lucrative income for myself and my family. My only regret is that I did not start sailing sooner. Aevon Branch Ordinary Seaman Yes, it has. Becoming a merchant mariner has been a life-changing experience for me. I am now able to provide better opportunities for my family and friends. Rather than going to a bank, I can just work hard, save the money I make and do it on my own. I also get to see the world, go to places that I used to see on TV but never thought it possible for me to actually visit. Wilbert Hinton QMED Absolutely not, but only because I started in this profession when I was 18 and had no idea what I was getting myself into. Over the years, however, all of that has changed. Through my training, I have gained more knowledge and a better grasp on how everything works. As a result, everything is now falling into place. Tyrone Ellis Pumpman I started with the union back in 2007. Everything I heard was very positive, so after getting into the profession, I began to see some of the things they had told me about. Like any job, working in this industry has its ups and downs, but there definitely are more ups than downs. For that reason, I’m still here. It’s a great career and I tell as many people as I can about it who are searching for a profession. Carlos Gutierrez QMED Being a mariner entails a lot more than I thought it would when I first joined up. I had no idea that the training would be so in-depth and thorough. There really are a lot of intricacies involved. It was kind of a challenge at first, but I now know that paying attention to detail and doing everything safely benefits me and my shipmates. I am glad that I made the decision to be a mariner. Benjamin Verrett Steward Assistant Being a mariner has impacted my life on a scale far greater than I ever expected. The SIU has opened up so many more avenues for me. As a result, I have been able to open up two more businesses aside from the one I had when I came in. So, at the end of the day, I end up doing the two things I enjoy most: traveling and cooking. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG Seafarer Eric Foultz (left) shakes hands with Vice Adm. Michael Kalleres, head of the Military Sealift Command, after presenting the MSC commander with an SIU white cap he signed at a National Maritime Day ceremony conducted May 19, 1993 in the nation’s capital. Kalleres requested the cap for his personal collection. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2023 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JOSE CANALES DAVID Brother Jose Canales David, 65, started his career with the union in 1994. He first shipped on the Global Mariner and sailed in all three departments. Brother Canales David upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Isla Bella and makes his home in San Juan, Puerto Rico. DONALD CHRISTIAN Brother Donald Christian, 69, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Cove Sailor. He was an engine department member and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Christian most recently shipped on the Cape Rise. He resides in Williamsburg, Virginia. DORENE DUNN Sister Dorene Dunn, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980 when she sailed aboard the Oceanic Independence. She upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in both the deck and steward departments. Sister Dunn also worked on shore gangs. She concluded her career with American Service Technology and lives in Port Hadlock, Washington. FERDINAND GONGORA Brother Ferdinand Gongora, 71, began sailing with the union in 1969. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Gongora first sailed aboard a Hudson Waterways vessel and most recently shipped aboard the Maersk Atlanta. He is a resident of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. JOHN GRYKO Brother John Gryko, 82, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2000. He initially sailed aboard the Pride of America and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Gryko shipped in the engine department, most recently on the Pacific Tracker. He calls Port Charlotte, Florida, home. MARCO GUEVARA Brother Marco Guevara, 65, signed June 2023 on with the union in 1990. A steward department member, he first sailed with Sheridan Transportation. Brother Guevara upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Alliance St. Louis and settled in Houston. FREDERICK HAYSTON Brother Frederick Hayston, 65, became a member of the union in 2002, initially sailing aboard the USNS Dahl. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Hayston most recently shipped on the Texas Enterprise. He makes his home in Miramar, Florida. DANIEL HEINTZ Brother Daniel Heintz, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2008 when he sailed on the USNS Effective. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2013. Brother Heintz’s final vessel was the Global Sentinel. He resides in Meridian, Idaho. MOHAMMAD KHAN Brother Mohammad Khan, 72, donned the union colors in 2002 and first sailed aboard the Diamond State. He sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Rio Grande Express. Brother Khan is a Houston resident. ROBERT LINDSAY Brother Robert Lindsay, 69, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990. He sailed in the deck department, initially aboard the Cape Nome. Brother Lindsay upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Cape Ray and resides in Norfolk, Virginia. sailed on the American Freedom and lives in Honolulu. JOHN MENSAH Brother John Mensah, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2000, initially sailing on the USNS Wright. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mensah last shipped on the American Freedom and calls Olney, Maryland, home. ABRAHAM MILLS Brother Abraham Mills, 71, started sailing with the SIU in 1999 when he worked on the Maui. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mills concluded his career aboard the Haina. He resides in Houston. department. Brother Sims’ final vessel was the Charles L. Brown. He makes his home in Wailuku, Hawaii. LEO SULLIVAN Brother Leo Sullivan, 65, began sailing with the union in 1990. He sailed primarily in the deck department, initially aboard the William Baugh. Brother Sullivan upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Atlanta and settled in Boston. EDWIN TIRADO NIEVES Brother Edwin Tirado Nieves, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977 and first sailed aboard the Champion. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Tirado Nieves last shipped on the Columbia. He resides in Homestead, Florida. GREAT LAKES SAMUEL PORCHEA PATRICK BENSMAN Brother Samuel Porchea, 71, began his career with the Seafarers in 1997 when he shipped on the Allegiance. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Porchea last sailed aboard the Overseas Key West and settled in Florence, South Carolina. Brother Patrick Bensman, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1979. He initially sailed on the Columbia and was a deck department member. Brother Bensman last shipped on the American Mariner and resides in Alpena, Michigan. DUANE REBER Brother Duane Reber, 65, signed on with the union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Freedom. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Reber most recently shipped aboard the Overseas Key West. He calls Peoria, Arizona, home. MIGUEL RIVERA RICKY GUY Brother Ricky Guy, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1981. He first shipped on the E.M. Ford and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Guy’s final vessel was the Adam E. Cornelius. He calls Alpena, Michigan, home. ERIC NOETZEL Brother Eric Noetzel, 65, joined the union in 2010. He first sailed aboard the John Boland and worked in the engine department. Brother Noetzel upgraded at the Piney Point school often. He last shipped on the American Spirit and makes his home in Port Huron, Michigan. MARK MAHONEY Brother Miguel Rivera, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980. He was an engine department member and first shipped on the Producer. Brother Rivera upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Achiever and is a resident of Florida City, Florida. Brother Mark Mahoney, 71, began sailing with the union in 1999 when he shipped with Admiral Towing. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Mahoney most recently ALLANROY SIM MICHAEL BRENNAN Brother Allanroy Sim, 68, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1985 and first shipped on the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1992 and was a member of the steward Brother Michael Brennan, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2011. A deck department member, he was employed by Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. Brother Brennan lives in Palm Bay, Florida. INLAND GARY CORMIER Brother Gary Cormier, 58, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1993 when he shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Cormier most recently worked on the Zeus. He lives in Bridge City, Texas. CHRISTOPHER HARVEY Brother Christopher Harvey, 62, signed on with the union in 1982. A deck department member, he first worked on the Sugar Island. Brother Harvey upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2001. He concluded his carer on the Douglas B. Mackie and settled in Laramie, Wyoming. EDWIN HENLEBEN Brother Edwin Henleben, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1975, initially working for Higman Barge Lines. He shipped in the deck department and was last employed with National Marine Service. Brother Henleben calls Kirkwood, Missouri, home. DAVID JANKOWIAK Brother David Jankowiak, 69, started his career with the SIU in 1971. He was employed by Moran Towing of Maryland for most of his career and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Jankowiak is a Baltimore resident. ROBERT KING Brother Robert King, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and first worked on the Padre Island. Brother King upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1986. He last shipped on the Sugar Island and lives in Richmond Hill, Georgia. JOHN LLOYD Brother John Lloyd, 74, signed on with the Seafarers in 1972, initially sailing with Allied Transportation. A deck department member, he last worked for Overseas Shipholding Group. Brother Lloyd makes his home in Oriental, North Carolina. RUPERT PERRY Brother Rupert Perry, 55, joined the union in 1991, when he worked with Overseas Shipholding Group. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the deck department. Brother Perry remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Palm Coast, Florida. DAVE RICHARD Brother Dave Richard, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1981. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 1992. Brother Richard worked with Moran Towing of Texas for his entire career. He lives in Melbourne, Florida. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA OSWALD BERMEO Pensioner Oswald Bermeo, 84, passed away March 16. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1968, when he sailed aboard the Steel Age. An engine department member, Brother Bermeo last shipped on the National Glory. He retired in 2020 and settled in Miami. THOMAS BLUITT Pensioner Thomas Bluitt, 68, died March 21. Born in New York, he started sailing with the union in 1970. Brother Bluitt initially worked on the Jacksonville and was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Overseas Alice in 1995. Brother Bluitt went on pension in 2019 and was a resident of Harbor Beach, Michigan. WILLIAM CURTS Pensioner William Curts, 83, passed away February 25. He joined the SIU in 1967 when he sailed on the Bowling Green. Brother Curts was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Pacific in 1997. He became a pensioner the same year and made his home in Spokane, Washington. WILLIS GREGORY Pensioner Willis Gregory, 90, died April 9. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1956. Brother Gregory first CORRECTION An obituary in the May LOG was accompanied by the wrong photo. The correct one is included here. SALIM IBRAHIM Pensioner Salim Ibrahim, 75, passed away March 31. A deck department member, he started sailing with the union in 1976. Brother Ibrahim’s first vessel was the Overseas Joyce; his last, the Maersk Ohio. He went on pension in 2012 and made his home in Kissimmee, Florida. 18 Seafarers LOG shipped with American Trading and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Stonewall Jackson and retired in 1994. Brother Gregory resided in Jupiter, Florida. department. Brother Ramos last sailed on the Horizon Producer. He became a pensioner in 2004 and settled in Patillas, Puerto Rico. SAID MAJID Pensioner Said Majid, 84, passed away February 8. He donned the SIU colors in 1990 when he shipped on the Independence. Working in the steward department, Brother Majid concluded his career aboard the Louis J. Hauge Jr. He became a pensioner in 2003 and settled in Dearborn, Michigan. CARL MERRITT Pensioner Carl Merritt, 87, died April 13. He became a member of the union in 1967. Brother Merritt was an engine department member and also worked on shore gangs. He first worked on the Bradford Island. Brother Merritt was last employed with Sealand Manpower and began collecting his pension in 2005. He was a Baltimore resident. ADAM NOOR Pensioner Adam Noor, 75, passed away April 3. Born in Singapore, he joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990. Brother Noor first shipped on the Independence. He was an engine department member and concluded his career aboard the USNS Seay. Brother Noor became a pensioner in 2014 and made his home in Atlantic City, New Jersey. RICHARD PATUREL Pensioner Richard Paturel, 85, died February 25. Sailing first aboard the USNS Wilkes, he donned the SIU colors in 1988. Brother Paturel worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the Horizon Trader in 2004 before going on pension the following year. Brother Paturel resided in San Francisco. JOSE RAMOS Pensioner Jose Ramos, 83, passed away April 10. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1978. His first vessel was Waterman’s A. Stephens and he primarily sailed in the engine JOHN ROPP Pensioner John Ropp, 93, died April 11. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Manhattan. Brother Ropp worked in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the American Tern. He retired in 2011 and made his home in Modesto, California. DERALL WILLIAMS Brother Derall Williams, 64, passed away April 29. He began sailing with the SIU in 1986 when he worked aboard the USNS Vindicator. Brother Williams was a deck department member and most recently sailed on the Gopher State. He lived in Norfolk, Virginia, his birthplace. INLAND KENNETH BARRON Pensioner Kenneth Barron, 84, died March 18. Signing on with the union in 1977, he first sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation. Brother Barron was a deck department member and last shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. He became a pensioner in 2000 and settled in Macclenny, Florida. DAVID DEL BUONO Pensioner David Del Buono, 80, died March 23. Signing on with the union in 1977, he first sailed with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Del Buono worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation and became a pensioner in 2007. Brother Del Buono settled in Baldwin Park, California. UBIE HAMMACK Pensioner Ubie Hammack, 86, passed away April 13. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1965 and worked in the deck department. Brother Hammack was employed with Dravo Basic Materials for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1998 and called Range, Alabama, home. CRAIG MELWING Pensioner Craig Melwing, 73, died March 27. He embarked on his career with the union in 1986 when he shipped on the USNS Algol. Brother Melwing sailed in the deck department. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation before retiring in 2011. Brother Melwing resided in Harbor City, California. GEORGE REYNOLDS Pensioner George Reynolds, 88, passed away March 31. He joined the SIU in 1973, initially sailing with Norfolk, Baltimore and Carolina Lines Inc. Brother Reynolds worked in the deck department and concluded his career with Allied Transportation. He began collecting his pension in 1997 and made his home in Ennis, Texas. DOUGLAS SCOTT Pensioner Douglas Scott, 65, died April 2. In 1994, he became a member of the Seafarers International Union. Brother Scott was a deck department member and sailed with G&H Towing for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2022 and lived in Willis, Texas. NMU HENRY EBANKS Pensioner Henry Ebanks, 92, passed away November 28. Brother Ebanks concluded his career aboard the Texaco Minnesota in 1985. He became a pensioner the same year and settled in the Cayman Islands. BOBBY EDWARDS Pensioner Bobby Edwards, 80, died February 25. Brother Edwards sailed in the deck de- partment, and last shipped aboard the Lash Atlantico. He retired in 1997 and made his home in Lexington, South Carolina. FELIX MAS Pensioner Felix Mas, 93, passed away April 19. Brother Mas first shipped aboard the America in 1963. He was a steward department member and concluded his career aboard the African Dawn. Brother Mas went on pension in 1989 and lived in Puerto Rico, his birthplace. DOMINGO OQUENDO Pensioner Domingo Oquendo, 92, died February 11. He was born in Puerto Rico and began sailing in 1945. Brother Oquendo was a steward department member and first shipped on the John Ericson. He last sailed aboard the Constitution and became a pensioner in 1967. Brother Oquendo made his home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. MILTON ROBERT Pensioner Milton Robert, 96, passed away April 11. Brother Robert was born in Oklahoma City and started sailing in 1966. A steward department member, he first worked on the Robin Mowbray. Brother Robert last sailed on the Aspen and went on pension in 1990. He resided in Antioch, California. WESLEY SAMUELS Pensioner Wesley Samuels, 89, died April 25. Sailing in the deck department, he concluded his career aboard the USNS Victorious and retired in 2011. Brother Samuels made his home in New Orleans. GEORGE WISE Pensioner George Wise, 95, passed away April 15. Born in Rockford, Illinois, Brother Wise first sailed aboard the Andrew Hamilton in 1945. He shipped in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Harry Culbreath. Brother Wise became a pensioner in 1965 and was a resident of Waynesboro, Tennessee. June 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), February 25 – Chairman Angel Centeno, Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director Randy Slue, Engine Delegate Christopher Waters, Steward Delegate Branden Williams. Chairman brought up various overtime issues, including considerations regarding department delegates and meetings. Members qualify for one hour of OT weekly for sanitary. Chairman talked about missing-man pay and advised crew to call meetings to settle any disputes. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, for a pay raise. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew is requesting Wi-Fi access for their phones, rather than sharing one laptop among all SIU members. Members are being charged for home calls and asked why they aren’t covered by ship funds. Crew requested an additional phone line in crew lounge for outside calls, as well as new mattresses and TVs in all rooms. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 18 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Markese Haynes, Educational Director Mohsen Mohamed, Deck Delegate Angel Nunez, Engine Delegate Mark Canada, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Crew reviewed old business. Chairman asked for members’ patience for reliefs and reminded them to update their documents. Educational director encouraged crew to keep upgrading at the Piney Point school and reported a fleet-wide need for more ABs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members congratulated former SIU President Michael Sacco on his retirement as well as David Heindel on becoming the new president of the SIU. Crew requested more flexibility on rotation. Members asked to add penalty pay to extended MSC contract if a new contract cannot be achieved. They requested increases to vacation pay and day pay in lieu of day off. Chairman reiterated the importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Ship still waiting on Wi-Fi, and members requested refrigerators in their rooms. USNS PATHFINDER (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), April 2 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary Alphonzo Berry, Educational Director Ronald Sease, Deck Delegate Dhindo Faulve, Steward Delegate Hussain Nagi Ali. Ship arriving at Port Canaveral, Florida, April 3. Chairman read April’s president report in the Seafarers LOG. Educational director discussed the importance of attending upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center. Chairman asked for suggestions for ship funds. A boom box was suggested by a crew member for the pier activities while in port. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members are reportedly happy with the new OSI bridge contract. Everyone got a raise The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. and is looking forward to working with OSI in the future. Crew requested new box springs for state room single bunks. OCEAN GRAND (Patriot Shipping, LLC) April 18 – Chairman Lech Jankowski, Deck Delegate Fredrick Martinez, Engine Delegate Alonzo Sanz. Ship continues to have poor Wi-Fi service. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Piney Point school and referred them to the SIU’s website for further information about course dates and descriptions. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed restricted pay for Pakistan. Safety bonus pay no longer in effect with new company. OHIO (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 25 – Chairman Ali Al Kassemi, Secretary John Huyett, Educational Director Damien Bautista, Deck Delegate Carlos Bonilla, Engine Delegate Florencia Tindugan, Steward Delegate Kevin Hubble. Ship should be getting hard copies of new contract during current port stay. Chairman announced an upcoming sanitary inspection and advised crew to get LNG-certified as more ships are coming on line. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to use word-of-mouth recruiting to bring new members in to the union. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew dryer and crew ice machine still awaiting parts for repair. New shower curtains to be ordered. Next port: Long Beach, California. Crowley to Flag In 3 Tankers At press time, three Crowley-managed tankers were selected by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to serve in its Tanker Security Program. The chosen medium-range tankers are part of a joint venture between Crowley and Stena Bulk USA. The vessels – Stena Immaculate, Stena Imperative (pictured above) and Stena Impeccable (below) – will be reflagged as U.S.-registered vessels with U.S. crews. The tankers will continue international commercial operations but can be chartered to serve the U.S. government’s operations. (Photos courtesy Crowley) Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- June 2023 ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook July 10 August 11 August 21 September 22 September 25 October 27 October 30 December 1 December 4 January 5 ServSafe Management July 3 July 7 August 14 August 18 September 18 September 22 October 23 October 27 November 27 December 1 Able Seafarer-Deck July 17 August 4 August 28 September 15 October 23 November 10 July 31 August 25 Advanced Galley Operations October 16 November 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival July 3 July 14 July 31 August 11 Chief Steward June 26 July 21 August 28 September 8 September 11 October 6 November 13 December 8 RFPNW June 26 July 14 August 14 September 1 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses October 9 October 27 Medical Care Provider June 12 June 16 Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 Basic Training Revalidation June 19 June 19 July 14 July 14 Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6 Advanced Stability October 9 October 13 Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20 Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW August 14 September 8 November 13 December 15 FOWT June 12 July 7 October 2 October 27 Junior Engineer Program August 21 Marine Electrician September 18 October 13 Marine Refer Tech September 15 August 7 October 20 Advanced Refer Containers July 31 August 11 October 23 November 3 Government Vessels June 12 June 16 June 19 June 23 July 17 July 21 July 31 August 4 August 14 August 18 August 28 September 1 September 11 September 15 September 25 September 29 October 16 October 20 October 23 October 27 November 6 November 10 Tank Ship DL (PIC) August 14 August 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL June 12 June 16 September 18 September 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG June 19 June 23 September 25 September 29 October 9 October 13 Pumpman September 18 September 22 Machinist September 25 October 13 Welding July 17 August 4 August 28 September 15 October 16 November 3 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/23 June 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #894 – Graduated April 21 (above, in alphabetical order) Richard Calderon, Emily Castellano-Marquez, Ne’shawn Christopher, Qaadir GilletteJames, Colontae Hargrove, Scott Haselbauer, Lamar Johnson, Grant Lee, David Morris, Alex Needham, George Ortega, Sergey Sharov, Ian Trefry and Gary Wassel Jr. Able Seaman Deck – Graduated April 28 (above, in alphabetical order) John Joseph Alcos, Jordan Banks, Elijah Courtney, Robert Freer III, Levi Gorokhovsky, Ryan Henderson, Paul Jimenez, Travis Morris, Zion Oliphant, Darius Parker, Errol Wade-Cephas and Steven Ware (Note: Not all are pictured.) Instructor Dominic Hix is pictured at far left. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated April 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Roche Bonita, Howard Brooks Jr., Hyeyoung Choi Forrer, Dominique McLean, Anthony Parks and Sherley Rivera-Aguila. June 2023 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Advanced Refrigeration Container Maintenance – Graduated April 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Kirk Chambers, Angel Ivan Cintron Colon, Aleksander Djatschenko, Terren Fields, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez, Teon Shelton and Edwin Velez. Instructors Mike Fay and Roy Graham are also pictured. Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) – Graduated March 24 (above): Michael Martin. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated April 28 (photos above, in alphabetical order): Allan Acasio, Debra Bright, Marcus Dalton, Gregory Eady, Jasmin Franklin, Laura Katschman, Ricardo Petilo, Eugenia Porter, Shamprell Thomas and Benjamin Verrett III. (Note: Not all are pictured). FOWT (Apprentices) – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyree Carter, Christopher Emanuel, Danielle Gore, Ernest Grant Jr. and D’mitri Hill. (Note: Not all are pictured.) The course instructor, John Wiegman III, is also pictured (far right). FOWT (Upgraders) – Pictured March 24 (above, in alphabetical order) King Alfred Haber, Mikel Hatcher, Jaquan Jones, Ronald Jones, Luis Perez Garcia, Mukhtar Suwaileh, Daniel Ursitti and Darrell Whitaker. The course instructor, John Wiegman III, is also pictured (far right). 22 Seafarers LOG Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) – Graduated April 21 (above): Brandon Bob, John Caulder, Robert Durant, Esraa Alaa Abdel Hafez Embaby, Abel Palacios and Matthew Tiderman. FOWT (Upgraders) – Graduated April 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Boothby, Maria Guadalupe Escobar, D’mitri Hill, Jaquan Jones, Morey Lewis, Sean Wilson, and Michael Zabielski. June 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Samone Alston, Volodymyr Bendus, Reco Bennefield, Jasmine Donahue, Ricardo Antonio Escorcia, Simon Gathing, Jason Icasas, Eric Jackson, Diane MacDonald, Myles Otis, Arthur Peoples, Jose Perez, Andre Philippe, Paul Riley Jr., Dahiangely Rivas, Kenya Scott, Lovell Smith and Tahisha Watson. Machinist – Graduated March 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Elhassene Elkori, Crystal Higgs, Christopher Hinton, Justin Johnson, Mathew Palmer, Luis Sepulveda, Neil Tupas, and Michael John Estavillo Valdez. The course instructor, Patrick Coppola, is also pictured (far left). Government Vessels – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order) Tyvesha Dixon, Glenn Guthrie, Jermaine Ross, Brian Smith and Kendo Williams Sr. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated March 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Eric Jackson, Kim Tye, Paul Valiente and Tahisha Watson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Water Survival – Graduated April 21 (above, in alphabetical order) Shane Beal and Sammie Head. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated April 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Jamel BrownFaulkner, Johnnie Carswell, Theodore Cash Jr., Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Tyvesha Dixon, Christopher Emanuel, Torrie Florence, Manuel Cayetano Flores, Stanley Golden, Renato Calditara Govico, Dwight Hunt Sr., Dylan Jones, Erni Lizada, Michael Marrero, Jamaal McKenzie, Arturo Reyes, Marcus Rowe, Zaid Alawi Said, Tameka Scott, Samuel Clayton Tilles and Henry Ortua Wright Jr. June 2023 Water Survival – Graduated March 24 (above, in alphabetical order) Krystal Mosley and Nirale Rolle. Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated March 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Glancy, Toddrick Harold, Ruben Haynes, Alexander Hunting, Julio Martinez, Mark Mitchell, Baltazar Sambaoa, Daryl Thomas Jr. and Brian Wendler. Welding and Metallurgy – Graduated April 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel Angel Abad, Joshua Nino Bonita, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez and Daryl Thomas Jr. Instructor Chris Raley is also pictured (far right). Seafarers LOG 23 �JUNE 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 6 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 Seafarers Tackle ‘Labor of Love’ At Hawaiian Middle School More than 300 volunteers with membership in 23 different unions (including the SIU) teamed up in mid-April to participate in the Hawaii State AFL-CIO’s Labor of Love event, a yearly gathering where union members contribute their skills to support the local community. This year, volunteers worked to rehabilitate the Dole Middle School campus, a local school in Honolulu. Dole Middle School is a Title I facility, which, according to the U.S. Department of Education, means that it serves a large percentage of students from low-income families. When asked about the event’s significance, SIU Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso said, “This year was special because Dole Elementary School – which is located in Kalihi, the same town as our union hall – was selected. We always look forward to participating and helping to beautify less fortunate, neglected public schools.” Affiliates of the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council of the Maritime Trades Department (Hawaii PMC) often take part in this event. This year’s list of participating organizations included SIU, Marine Firemen (MFOW), Sailors’ Union of the Pacific (SUP), American Federation of Government Employees, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 142, Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1260, Hawaii Government Employees Association (AFSCME) Local 152, Elevator Constructors Local 126 and Laborers Local 368. The participation of fellow union members was a big plus for Engine Storekeeper Tanya Awong. “That was the first time I had ever gone to anything like that, because I usually am out of town. I had a lot of fun and met a lot of people. I thought it would be a smaller group, but there were a lot of other unions there, too. There were about 10 of us that showed up from SIU, but I wish that even more people came out. I would definitely do it again next year, if I’m on land,” Awong said. Bosun Jim Reynolds also appreciated the attendance at this year’s project. “The Labor of Love event was a great experience,” he said. “It’s always a worthwhile time to give back to the community by doing these types of projects. It was amazing how big a turnout there was from SIU and the other unions. I was happy to see fellow crewmates from the SBX there, too. The school staff was very emotional about the big response, and the turnout was so large that it took us way less time to repaint the designated areas around the outside of the school complex.” Dole Middle School received almost $80,000 worth of repairs during the Labor of Love event. In a single day, volunteers installed air conditioning units and laundry machines, renovated bathrooms, repainted several campus buildings and walkways, and set up new benches and picnic tables. “The school was a little run down,” observed Steward/Baker Marcus Rowe. “When the kids come to see the renovations, I hope it will uplift them and inspire them to do better in school and maybe in life because it showed that somebody cared.” Hawaii State AFL-CIO President Randy Perreira (of AFSCME) said of the event: “At a time when our community is facing ever-increasing costs and new challenges, Hawaii’s labor unions remain committed to fighting to raise living conditions and improve the quality of life for all citizens. Our Labor of Love project is where all unions bring their talents and resources together to improve a school in need. Today our union members proudly demonstrate that labor unions in Hawaii are more relevant than ever as we showcase our skills and commitment as valuable members of our local community.” After volunteers completed their work renovating Dole Middle School’s campus, the school hosted a Union Career Day. Members of several Hawaii PMC-affiliated unions took their places at booths to represent their respective organizations and educate future workers about the many possibilities for a career in which their labor will be rewarded. “You hear such bad things about kids these days, but these middle school kids that came out for career day were really interested – especially when I told them that I work with food,” Rowe noted. “The kids were asking questions about what it’s like going out to sea. I absolutely inspired some future Seafarers that day. I’m glad I did it, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” SIU volunteers at the Labor of Love outreach included (from left) Hazel Galbiso, Arturo Reyes, Marcus Rowe, Arjay Hermoso, Kent Arroyo, Jim Reynolds, Todd Lander, Amber Akana and Tanya Awong. Hawaii Governor Josh Green (left) and Steward/Baker Marcus Rowe were among the volunteers who helped beautify a local school. From left, Seafarers Todd Lander, Arturo Reyes, Tanya Awong and Marcus Rowe apply fresh paint to some sidewalk stripes. Seafarers take a photo at their booth during Union Career Day. Pictured from left to right are SIU Safety Director Amber Akana and SIU members Todd Lander, Arjay Hermoso, Jim Reynolds and Marcus Rowe. 24 Seafarers SeafarersLOG LOG SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (right) poses with two ILWU members and Hawaii AFL-CIO COPE Director Dion Dizon (left). May 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2023 Description An account of the resource KENTUCKY BACKS JONES ACT AFL-CIO RELEASES JOB SAFETY REPORT GEN. VAN OVOST: 'MERCHANT MARINERS ARE PATRIOTS' MARITIME DAY CELEBRATED SIU MEMBERS CREW UP NEWLY REFLAGGED TANKER LONGTIME UNION REPRESENTATIVE DHOOGE PASSES AWAY AT AGE 68 U.S. HOUSE HEARING EXAMINES MARITIME MANPOWER SHORTAGES SIU-CREWED TANKERS WILL REMOVE MILITARY FUEL FROM RED HILL FACILITY GREAT LAKES VP POWELL HONORED IN MICHIGAN SEAFARERS WATERFRONT CLASSIC WORTH THE WAIT MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OFFERS IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT DRUG-SCREEN SUCCESS SEAFARERS TAKE 'LABOR OF LOVE' AT HAWAIIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2023 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. 85, NO. 6 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2e6c7f6cc791684001ac34b4418ba11a.pdf 43f132aa1f9ece22a43921a57051ef65 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JUNE 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 6 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Crescent Crews Ratify Contract 3-Year Pact Includes Substantial Gains SIU boatmen employed by Crescent Towing recently approved a new three-year contract featuring significant wage increases and other advancements. Voting took place in April; members ratified the new pact by a near-unanimous tally. Before negotiations, SIU officials met with rank-and-file members to gather suggestions. That was the occasion for this group photo in Savannah, Georgia, featuring (from left) Deckhand James Peterson, Wheelman Dustin Schaaf, Wheelman Brenton Edonfield, Deckhand Kyle Futrell, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, and Delegate Chris Sikes. Page 24 (back page). Waterfront Classic Reels In Donations For Military Veterans, First Responders The 2024 iteration of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic proved successful in generating funds for the Boulder Crest Foundation, a nonprofit group that serves military veterans, first responders and their families. The annual event in Piney Point, Maryland – the brainchild of SIU VP Contracts George Tricker – also took place around productive meetings involving representatives from the union, the Paul Hall Center, SIU-contracted companies and other organizations. Above, some of the first of this year’s Waterfront Classic participants depart from a dock in Piney Point. Pages 11-13. MARITIME TRADES DEPT. COVERAGE • PAGES 3-5 // SIU ABSENTEE BALLOT PROCEDURES • PAGE 7 �President’s Report Heartfelt Congratulations T he SIU’s greatest strength has always been the professionalism and reliability of our rankand-file members, and those characteristics have been on display quite often lately. As you’ll see in this issue of the LOG, our members recently responded in fine fashion to a shipboard emergency; safely and compassionately rendered aid to refugees stranded at sea; and helped negotiate a truly outstanding contract with one of our largest inland companies. Aboard the USNS Bobo, SIU members teamed up with the ship’s officers to successfully extinguish an engine room fire while the vessel was underway. Most importantly, there were no David Heindel reported injuries. The ship itself remained operational enough to sail back to port. Without any prompting whatsoever, the ship’s bosun quickly credited the safety training received by him and others at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, as a key factor in successfully responding to the emergency. Brothers and sisters, that’s what I call a powerful endorsement. A week or so later, Seafarers on the Maersk Kinloss assisted a literal boatload of refugees who were stranded in the Atlantic, between Morocco and the Canary Islands. Times being what they are, our members proceeded cautiously but caringly. They provided aid to the 50 or so individuals – including children – who were inside the overloaded, inflatable craft until local coast guard personnel took over. They upheld the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Back here at home, rank-and-file delegates collaborated with union officials to secure a superb new contract with Crescent Towing. I encourage you to read the details and the quotes on the back page, but in the meantime, hats off to all concerned. Great contracts like this one don’t fall from the sky – they are earned. And I want to credit Crescent’s management, too, for stepping up and demonstrating that they value our Seafarers and their employees. I couldn’t be more proud of our members, and I extend my congratulations for your recent achievements. Keep up the great work. Meetings Underscore Solidarity One of the SIU’s most important affiliations is with the Maritime Trades Department, a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO. The MTD, with its 25 affiliate unions and 21 port maritime councils across the country and Canada, helps amplify our voice on critical issues. This is true at every level of government and in our communities at large. With that in mind, I was pleased to chair the recent MTD Executive Board meeting in D.C., in my role as MTD president. As reported in detail in the LOG and on our website, we heard from an array of noteworthy guest speakers, including a four-star general, the secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO and several others. As someone who’s spent many years working with other maritime unions from around the world (primarily through the International Transport Workers’ Federation), I was especially glad to welcome officials from two Singaporean unions. Their respective members were on the Dali when that ship infamously struck the Key Bridge in Baltimore earlier this year. I’m glad we had a chance to hear about what the mariners themselves have gone through. Their story has been overlooked, in my opinion. Collectively, the guest speakers reinforced a feeling of solidarity among the MTD, its affiliates, our partners in the military and our international brothers and sisters around the world. We share many of the same goals and it’s usually no exaggeration to say we’re all in this together. One of our guests, Dr. Sal Mercogliano, shared the interesting story of his largely unplanned rise to relative fame as a YouTube maritime spokesperson. He made some great points about how we can utilize social media to promote and grow our industry – and how we can also use it to make sure people understand the facts about maritime. Both the SIU and the MTD have “upped our game” on social media in recent years, and we’ll continue investing in the mediums. Weeks after the meetings, Sal posted a very worthwhile video explaining our nation’s sealift components, and cautioning against what may be a haphazard move to lay up some Army prepositioning ships. The situation is still fluid, but be assured that your union is actively working to protect your jobs and to maintain a dialogue about any plans for those vessels. MARAD Gathering Addresses Mariner Work-Life Balance Mariners, officials and industry leaders convened at the Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C. on April 16 to discuss potential work-life balance improvements for merchant mariners. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips opened the symposium with an overview, which was immediately followed by remarks from SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre. Phillips stated, “My goal as maritime administrator, consistent with our mission, is that maritime industry stakeholders create a collective sustainable balance between mariner work and life so that we can recruit and retain mariners to keep their valuable skills afloat.” Oubre’s address focused on the importance of the merchant marine and how central its duties are to the proper functioning of many industries that support our nation. He asserted that in order to improve worklife balance in this industry, merchant mariners need to be assured of the dignity of their station and of the work in general. “When people see and respect merchant mariners like airline crews, we will have an easier time Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 6 June 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG recruiting the next generation of merchant mariners for our ships, our boats, and our tugs,” Oubre said. He also emphasized the need for people to be able to envision themselves living a life at sea, which would strengthen recruiting efforts. “I acknowledge the good work that MARAD has already done in developing a high school curriculum and the development of a maritime high school, but I truly believe that to capture the imagination of our young people to become future mariners, it’s going to start earlier and it’s going to start in first and second grade when we read them ‘Scuffy the Tugboat’ books. In those early years when they read ‘Treasure Island’ and ‘2,000 Leagues Under the Sea’, it will open their imagination to life at sea,” he said. He stressed the importance of mentoring the next generation of merchant sailors as well as fostering affection for maritime careers, as “the love of being at sea has been the driving spirit of the merchant mariners for centuries.” According to Oubre, mitigating challenges such as the cumbersome renewal process for documents, medical cards, endorsements and training (among other suggestions) could help make the industry more attractive. Later, there were two panels dedicated to discussing new methods for enhancing mariner work-life balance, and a conversation with officials followed by breakout sessions. Those groups included representatives from the Coast Guard, maritime unions, SIU-contracted companies, the Military Sealift Command, MARAD and more. SIU Vice President George Tricker was among the attendees. The panelists touched on concerns like career progression, training, early exodus from sailing, and more. Fr. Sinclair Oubre NMC Extends Grace Period For Credential Renewals The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) in late April announced a substantial extension of the grace period for document renewal. Although identified as a temporary extension, the policy letter also “is effective immediately and will remain in effect indefinitely,” according to the NMC. The notification reads in part, “This policy letter will allow mariners to renew a merchant mariner credential (MMC) up to 6 years after its expiration without taking the complete original examination. All other credentialing requirements for renewal after expiration remain unchanged, and so in some circumstances an open book examination may be required in accordance with 46 CFR 10.227(e)(1). “Mariners who had previously applied for renewal of their MMC after the 1-year grace period had expired may re-apply for renewal if they are within the new, extended grace period,” the letter continues. “A new application will be necessary, including payment of required fees, per 46 CFR 10.219. If you have a current approval to test letter issued by the National Maritime Center (NMC) to re-instate an MMC expired beyond the 1-year administrative grace period but within 6 years, please contact the NMC at iasknmc@uscg.mil or (888) 427-5662.” Questions or feedback may be directed to MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or (202) 372-2357. The original policy letter is available on the SIU website. JUNE 2024 �2024 MTD Executive Board Meeting Maritime Trades Department Tackles Key Issues The venue and format were new, but the aim of the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board remained familiar when the group convened April 25 at AFL-CIO headquarters. Through a series of approved statements and input from guest speakers, the board focused on promoting all segments of American maritime while protecting the jobs of rank-and-file members of MTD affiliate unions, including the SIU. In years past, the board’s winter meeting often took place in Florida as a two-day gathering. This year’s session happened in the nation’s capital (a little later on the calendar) and wrapped up in a single day, as planned. SIU President David Heindel also serves as president of the MTD, a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO. The MTD includes 25 affiliates and 21 port maritime councils across the country that team up for grassroots action and community service. Heindel chaired the meeting and was assisted by MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements. In order of appearance, the board heard from the following speakers: AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond; Gwee Guo Duan, assistant general secretary of the Singapore Maritime Officers Union; Adam Tindall-Schlicht, administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; Michael Wessel, commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission; AFL-CIO Director of Advocacy Jody Calemine; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) Secretary-Treasurer Roland “Rex” Rexha; and popular YouTube personality Dr. Sal Mercogliano. U.S. Transportation Command commanding officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost addressed the board via a prerecorded video. The SIU had a strong presence at the meeting. In addition to Heindel, attendees included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice Presidents George Tricker, Joseph Soresi, Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice Presidents Kris Hopkins and Amancio Crespo, and Port Agents Mario Torrey, John Hoskins and Hazel Galbiso. In his opening remarks, Heindel paid tribute to his predecessor, the late SIU/MTD President Michael Sacco, who passed away late last year. “Mike was many things, but when it came to business, he ultimately was a pragmatist,” Heindel stated. “He believed in getting the job done the right way, without taking shortcuts, and he kept us moving forward at all times.” Heindel also touched on progress made by various port councils; the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in assisting with humanitarian aid in Gaza; the shipping crisis in the Red Sea; the recent, tragic accident in Baltimore involving the Key Bridge; the trade petition spearheaded by the Steelworkers that involves both China and domestic shipbuilding; and more. Redmond welcomed board members and guests to the building. He thanked the MTD for its support AFL-CIO Director of Advocacy Jody Calemine discusses some of his goals for the federation. JUNE 2024 AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond (left) welcomes attendees. SIU/MTD President David Heindel is at right. MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland “Rex” Rexha (right) describes a big win for his union as MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements listens. of his and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler’s administration and emphasized the importance of this year’s elections. Duan – accompanied by Chen Chuanyi, executive secretary of the Singapore Organization of Seamen – updated the board on what mariners from the Dali (the ship that struck the Key Bridge) have been facing since the accident. Those two unions represent the officers and crew. Duan and Chuanyi met with them aboard the ship the day before the meeting; Duan was candid in describing how the mariners truly appreciate the international solidarity they’ve received, including from the MTD, but how they’re also experiencing a lot of stress. Tindall-Schlicht reviewed his organization’s latest activities, while Wessel provided details about the petition aimed at holding China accountable for unfair trading practices. In the afternoon session, Van Ovost (via video) emphasized the partnership between the military and the commercial maritime industry. Calemine, a lifelong union advocate, described the initial experiences in his new job (he recently replaced longtime stalwart Bill Samuel), while Rexha explained how his union emerged victorious after a 13-year battle to secure a new contract for mariners aboard Staten Island Ferry vessels. Mercogliano wrapped up the proceedings by sharing how he has grown his maritime-themed YouTube channel to reach a wide audience, and encouraged others to also utilize social media to promote their respective organizations and the industry as a whole. The meeting also included a detailed report from Clements on various port council activities – and the formal welcoming of the MTD’s newest affiliate, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. Additional meeting coverage is available on the SIU and MTD websites and on the next two pages SIU/MTD President David Heindel (right), through his decades of experience with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, already knew Singapore maritime union officials (from left) Gwee Guo Duan and Chen Chuanyi before welcoming them to the nation’s capital. SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �2024 MTD Executive Board Meeting Gen. Van Ovost Emphasizes Maritime’s Vital Importance The commanding officer of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) recently reiterated her ardent support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Addressing the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board via video on April 25, Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost also made it crystal clear that America’s national, economic and homeland security depend on maintaining a vibrant maritime industry. Her remarks, aired at the board’s meeting at AFLCIO headquarters, included a warm tribute to the late MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco, who passed away in late 2023. SIU President David Heindel also serves as president of the MTD. Gen. Van Ovost stated, “America’s economic prosperity is delivered on the oceans, and America’s national security is rooted in it. All of you in the Maritime Trades Department and your organizations and affiliates are key to maintaining our collective prosperity. Your unwavering commitment and unquestionable expertise in maritime trades, anchored by your professionalism and patriotism, are the reasons why we continue to prosper today in a free and open world. It’s these qualities that make you such an important part of the TRANSCOM team. We rest assured knowing that when we are called, our partners in the maritime industry will be right there along with us to ensure the defense of our nation.” The general pointed out that recent months have been especially active and high-profile for the maritime industry. “I hope that you pause to reflect on how important the work you’ve done this past year has been to our nation’s success,” Gen. Van Ovost said. “Throughout the year, you continue to play a massive part in our country’s commitment to support the people of Ukraine against Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion. Your efforts … have had immeasurable impacts on global peace and security. “And of course, there’s the Red Sea,” she continued. “Houthi attacks on merchant vessels following Hamas’ horrific attacks on Oct. 7 threaten freedom Attendees watch the TRANSCOM video at AFL-CIO headquarters. of navigation, global shipping and economic security. With nearly 12% of global trade transiting the Red Sea, any disruption has major impacts on all countries, affecting millions of people who rely on the food, medicine, fuel and other essential supplies carried through it…. Thank you for your contributions to balance threat mitigation with executing national requirements. It took a team effort. Your commitment to the longstanding partnership between the military and maritime industry is greatly appreciated. And I hope you take great pride knowing that through these events, you have honored your legacy and commitments to our nation, in peace and war.” Gen. Van Ovost pointed out that sealift is often “the most cost-effective and efficient mode of transporting goods and supplies,” and with that in mind, “we rely on a strong maritime industrial base ensuring access to modern vessels, shipyards, repair facilities and drydocks and skilled workers…. We must prioritize expanding the fleet of American-owned, American-flagged and American-crewed vessels through reflagging foreign ships and producing our own.” She then reinforced her support of the Jones Act, the Tanker Security Program and other foundational components of American maritime. Reflecting on President Sacco, who had retired in early 2023, Gen. Van Ovost said his passing “filled us all with immense sadness. Mike embodied what it means to serve, dedicating 65 years to the maritime industry and four years in our great Air Force (he was a veteran)…. We remember Mike as being a wonderful partner to TRANSCOM and we will miss him dearly. As we build upon Mike’s legacy, the partnership between our organizations has never been stronger.” Gen. Van Ovost concluded, “Our future is on the water. So thank you for your professionalism, dedication and patriotism in service to our nation. And a big thank you to President Heindel for his leadership and partnership. I’m grateful for your abilities to chart a course for the nation and the maritime workforce on which our national prosperity and defense depends. We are a maritime nation. America was at our birth, and we sailed the oceans to global prominence. And it’s imperative that we maintain our strength as a maritime nation today. Together, we deliver.” Popular YouTube Host Advocates for Maritime Careers Dr. Sal Mercogliano didn’t aim to become one of the most recognizable faces in American maritime – but now that he’s firmly established in that role, he wants people to know about career opportunities in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Mercogliano, a full-time college professor and department chair and former mariner, is best known to the public as the host of the popular YouTube channel “What’s Going on with Shipping” (approaching 300,000 subscribers as of late April). He addressed the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board April 25 in the nation’s capital. “I teach in a four-year college,” he told the board. “I’m supposed to be the liberal college professor who tells you that the college degree is the end-all, be-all, and I tell my students (on) day one, if you want a good, high-paying job, quit college right now and I can get you a job in a minute (in maritime) that will pay you six figures fairly quickly. Now, that comes with limitations sometimes, but you can go do that.” He later added, “I am an unabashed fan of the U.S. Merchant Marine. I am one of those people who thinks that we can still fix what we have. I’m a historian. I can tell you what we came back from in the 1920s and 1930s…. When I see somebody wanting to blame everything on the Jones Act, I can’t help but go after them and say that’s wrong.” MTD/SIU President David Heindel introduced Mercogliano and thanked him for posting accurate information about the maritime industry. “If knowledgeable people aren’t out there setting the record straight, the maritime industry will fall victim to the same misinformation and disinformation that plagues much of the media today,” Heindel said. Dr. Sal Mercogliano Mercogliano, who sailed for three years on his license, told the audience at AFL-CIO headquarters about his surging online growth in recent years. “It happened by complete accident,” said Mercogliano, 56, who works at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. He had run a YouTube channel for many years prior to 2021 but mainly used it to post videos of collegiate lectures. Then, he recorded and shared a segment about the Ever Given disaster in the Suez Canal. That proved to be the launching point for “What’s Going on with Shipping,” which now features a library of more 4 4 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 than 700 videos. Some of the individual offerings have garnered more than a million views, including one with more than three million. He said the channel’s success “shows a thirst out there for knowledge about the maritime industry.” (Mercogliano also said that his teenage son helps him not only with technical support but also with keeping the channel in perspective. When the elder Mercogliano mentioned his recent video that surged past three million views, the younger one “in a second, will pull up a video of a potato ship rotating around to Funkytown that has 35 million views. Immediately puts me back in my place.”) Mercogliano, who also teaches an online class for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and works as a volunteer firefighter, encouraged attendees to take advantage of social media’s reach. “One of the things that I’ve realized is that social media provides access to groups that are unfamiliar” with maritime, he said. “I want to convey to you how important I think social media is. We know how difficult it is to get people to come work for all your unions and do the jobs we want to do. One of the problems is just the lack of knowledge of the industries and the job opportunities that are out there.” He said he’d be happy to utilize his channel to assist the MTD and its affiliates, and encouraged everyone to be patient in building and growing their own respective social-media presences. “It’s not simple and it’s not easy,” he concluded. “It took me a long time. When I posted a six-minute video, it took me 30 years (to reach that level of subject knowledge and proficiency), not six minutes. So, don’t get discouraged. This is a great opportunity.” JUNE 2024 �2024 MTD Executive Board Meeting Commissioner Outlines Importance Of Regaining Shipbuilding Capacity As China continues pouring billions of dollars into its maritime industry each year, the United States has a difficult but viable path to start closing the chasm between the nations’ respective shipbuilding prowess. That was a key point delivered by Michael Wessel at the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) meeting on April 25 in Washington, D.C. Wessel serves on the U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission. In that capacity and others, he has worked with the MTD and its affiliates for nearly a half-century. “Your union leadership understands very well what it meant to allow China into the World Trade Organization and the devastating impact it had not only on workers’ interests around the globe, but human rights and national security,” Wessel told the board. “We have been working together over many years to try and address those challenges.” He continued, “China has made clear … that in maritime logistics, shipbuilding, it wants to dominate global commerce…. So, we have drafted the petition alongside MTD and others to try and address some of these challenges. You well know the breadth of these issues. It includes tens of billions of dollars of subsidies.” He described the imbalance between China’s shipyards and U.S. facilities, pointing out that in 2023, the U.S. built 10 oceangoing vessels compared to 1,000 produced in China. “As China’s shipyards continue to expand, last year they accounted for over 47% of the new builds (worldwide) and 55% of all orders,” Wessel said. He added that U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro recently said China has more than a dozen shipyards with more capacity apiece than all of the U.S. major yards combined. “And you’ve all heard about Chinese involvement in ship to shore cranes and how they are able to use not only surveillance but potentially denial of service Michael Wessel describes new U.S. efforts to boost domestic shipbuilding. opportunities to shut down cranes at all ports,” Wessel said. “And that’s a major security threat as well. In addition, just for the national security area, the last three dry docks purchased by the U.S. Navy to repair and maintain their ships were purchased from the Chinese. No ships in the Maritime Security Program or Transportation Security Program were built in U.S. yards, and the last three ships for the MSP are all built by Chinese shipbuilders.” In light of these considerations, the MTD and other labor organizations recently teamed up and filed a petition with the United States Trade Representative (USTR). After reviewing the filing, the USTR is initiating an investigation of acts, policies, and practices of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. “It’s close to a 5,000-page petition,” Wessel noted. “It outlines a broad range of Chinese policies and practices that undermine our national and economic security. But the real question is, what do we do about it? The remedy that is proposed in the petition is a fee per ton on Chinese-built vessels entering a U.S. port that will be tonnage- and age-based…. As time proceeds, those fees will go up to try and deter foreign shipping lines from utilizing the ships as we seek to expand U.S. capacity to build them. The revenue from such a fee would be used to support a U.S. commercial shipbuilding restoration fund, which would be available to the shipbuilders as well as to the supply base – and most importantly, to make sure that we are able to train the workers that are needed throughout this supply chain.” Other measures in the petition aim to encourage transporting liquefied natural gas on U.S. bottoms with U.S. mariners, and strengthen the Jones Act. Wessel noted President Biden’s strong support of the petition. Responding to the filing, Biden said, “As long as I am president, I’ll fight for U.S. workers and jobs.” Great Lakes Administrator Emphasizes Progress As a featured speaker at the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) meeting on April 25 in Washington, D.C., Adam Tindall-Schlicht spoke on the importance of maintaining, upgrading and preserving the lakes and inland waterways that make up the U.S. side of the Great Lakes system. Tindall-Schlicht serves as the eleventh Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS), an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. As described by the Department of Transportation, “Administrator Tindall-Schlicht oversees the federal corporation responsible for the operation and maintenance of the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montréal and Lake Erie.” Prior to that, he served as the Director of the Port Milwaukee from 2018 to 2022. He began by saying, “It is an honor to be with you today, with such a distinguished table representing our maritime industry community, and for the opportunity to express my gratitude for the leadership of this body. Both in my former role as Director of the Port of Milwaukee, and now as COA Administrator within the Biden-Harris administration, I've seen firsthand the dedication, the expertise and the invaluable partnerships that those at this table have helped form while we continue to contribute to the success and the shared endeavors of the maritime industry, and indeed within the Great Lakes region, of which I primarily serve.” He then talked about the complexities involved in the operation of the locks system, before adding, “Central to these achievements is our unwavering commitment to our workforce. With 134 dedicated government employees of the Seaway – the majority of whom are skilled maritime trade professionals – we ensure reliable and efficient cargo movement. We bolster high-quality jobs, on both sides of the border. And indeed, the Great Lakes Seaway system, for almost 70 JUNE 2024 years, has stood as a testament to the collective efforts of these heroes of our maritime industry.” Evoking the theme of a statement which would be adopted later in the day, he spoke about the next generation of mariners, saying, “As I look toward future generations of our industry, the GLS is very supportive of the recent executive order issued by President Biden Adam Tindall-Schlicht related to expanding the use of registered apprenticeships in the maritime industry particularly, and we continue to examine how the GLS itself can best support new professional development initiatives for our unionized employees.” He then highlighted a recent victory, pointing out, “To underscore the immense potential of waterways and of maritime activity, we are creating new economies, and certainly creating new opportunities for Great Lakes-based maritime workers. I also have to say that our collaboration with other government entities is working as well, including trusted bi-national partners, like again the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard, with whom we recently established a new cooperative vessel traffic service working group and agreement. The agreement exemplifies a commitment to enhancing workplace safety for our mariners lowering operating costs on board and on land, and achieving greater efficiencies in the movement of freight within the system.” Later, he spoke about recent improvements made to the GLS: “Of course, we must acknowledge and highlight President Biden's historic infrastructure bill, as these significant improvements continue to be allocated to port infrastructure development projects throughout the Great Lakes region that I oversee. Projects currently range from infrastructure improvements at port terminals, to renewable energy initiatives. All told, this work underscores the President's commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability, while creating new U.S. jobs again in the maritime sector.” He then listed the many recently completed or currently underway projects in the region. “As I look around, at those of you in this room, I know that we share optimism. We share careful determination. And we carry a sense of purpose as we do this work together,” he concluded. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5 SEAFARERS LOG • 5 �Maersk Kinloss Crew Assists Refugees Pictured from left aboard the Kinloss are (back row) ABW Victor Valencia, DEU Mauricio Vega, ABW Jose Calix, ABM Edwin Salada, QMED Anatoli Vetsinov, Electrician Chris Eason, Chief Engineer Michael Rugarber, First Engineer Joseph Jacovino III, Third Engineer Andrew Pellechia, Second Engineer Ronald Forte Jr., (front row) Capt. Vitaly Kuznetsoff, Second Mate Benedict Choi, ABM Mohamed Mosed, ABW Edgardo Martinez, Recertified Bosun Raffy Giray, SA Ramon Lino, and Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado. Not pictured are Third Mate Benjamin Engel (on watch) and Chief Mate Mitchell Chisholm (taking the photo). T he crew aboard the Maersk Kinloss recently assisted refugees who were marooned on an inflatable boat in the Atlantic Ocean, somewhere between Morocco and the Canary Islands. The successful outreach happened April 19, starting around 5:30 a.m., after the Kinloss had received a distress call regarding the stranded boat from Las Palmas Rescue Coordination Center (RCC), located in the Canary Islands. Recertified Bosun Raffy Giray said he’s grateful to have learned the skills necessary for this kind of assistance. “I want to thank the SIU for the training they provide for a situation like this,” Giray said. “I’m thankful that we were equipped and ready to provide help to others when they needed it most.” The overcrowded, 20-foot, inflatable boat held approximately 50 people, including several children. It was equipped with a failing outrig engine, but had no communication gear. According to a news report, an unidentified witness said a nearby fishing trawler first sent the distress signal on behalf of the boat. The Kinloss promptly diverted its course to assist the disabled boat, since they were about 15 nautical miles away when the call was received. The crew continued communications with the RCC while a rescue boat, Al Manar, was dispatched from Morocco, but it would be at least four hours until that ship’s arrival. Once on site, the Kinloss crew passed several lines to the smaller boat, the first of which was used to stabilize the inflatable craft alongside the vessel. “While waiting for the rescue boat to arrive, our crew provided blankets, water, fruits and sandwiches for the people inside the boat,” said Kinloss vessel master Capt. Vitaly Kuznetsoff. “Fortunately, the weather was calm, which made the operation that much better.” Due to security concerns, migrants were not allowed to board the Kinloss. Instead, the Kinloss crew stayed with them for several hours until the Al Manar arrived, according to another crew member. Shortly before noon, all of the boat’s occupants had been picked up by the Moroccan vessel. “Upon arrival of the SAR vessel … the passengers were successfully transferred from their boat to the Al Manar, and the Maersk Kinloss resumed her voyage,” Maersk spokesperson Kevin Doell said. “We commend the exceptional seamanship and unwavering duty of care demonstrated by the American officers and crew of the Maersk Kinloss during their timely assistance.” SIU members aboard the Kinloss during this mission included Bosun Giray, ABs Edgardo Martinez Espada, Edwin Salada, Mohamed Mosed, Victor Valencia, Mario Suazo and Jose Calix, QMED Anatoli Vetsinov, Electrician Christopher Eason, DEU Mauricio Vega, Wiper Akil Spruill, Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado, Chief Cook William Fortner and SA Ramon Lino. These photos show various stages of the mission, including the arrival of the rescue boat from Morrocco. 6 6 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2024 �Seafarers International House Honors 3 The SIU had a strong turnout for this year’s Setting the Course awards dinner, hosted by Seafarers International House. The annual event honors individuals from the maritime industry while generating support for thousands of mariners who call on U.S. northeastern ports each year. The 2024 honorees were Katie Higginbottom, head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Trust; TOTE Group President and CEO Tim Nolan; and Government Fleet Representative Randi Ciszewski from the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P). Higginbottom and Nolan received “Outstanding Friend of Seafarers” awards, while Ciszewski garnered the Special Recognition for Service to Seafarers honor. Seafarers International House is a New York-based port mission that was founded 151 years ago. In a postevent communication, the organization said, “Thank you to all who participated in making the 2024 Setting the Course reception a success…. With the help of many dedicated supporters and our esteemed honorees we exceeded our net goal and will continue to care for thousands of mariners in the ports of Albany, Baltimore, Duluth, New Haven, and New York and New Jersey and offer them affordable accommodations in New York City.” Showing support for the mission and the honorees are SIU personnel (seated, from left) Representative Jordan Esopa, Pictured from left are 2024 honorees Katie Higginbottom, Randi Ciszewski and VP Joseph Soresi, President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, VP George Tricker, (standing) PaTim Nolan. trolman Ozzy Ramos, Port Agent Ray Henderson, and Exec. VP Augie Tellez. Members Welcome Congresswoman Notice Trustees Announce Increased Benefit The Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan are pleased to announce that they have increased the number of visits the Plan provides for physical, occupational, pulmonary, speech, and cognitive therapies to treat a non-catastrophic medical condition. Effective May 1, 2024, the Plan will increase this benefit from forty (40) to sixty (60) visits per year, for all of these therapies combined. This benefit applies to mariners and their dependents at the Core-Plus level, and to Pensioners who are not yet eligible for Medicare, but are eligible for health benefits from the Plan. Some examples of non-catastrophic medical conditions that this benefit applies to are autism, delayed development, or therapy needed after a broken bone or sprain. The Plan also provides a separate benefit for rehabilitation after a catastrophic medical condition, such as a stroke or a serious injury. This benefit is not changing. The Plan provides benefits for a total of forty (40) visits for physical, occupational, pulmonary, speech, and cognitive therapies to treat a catastrophic medical condition. The catastrophic benefit is available to mariners and their dependents at the Core-Plus level, and non-Medicare pensioners and their dependents. If you have any questions about this benefit, please contact the Plan at 800-252-4674. Seafarers met with a special guest at the April membership meeting in Tacoma, Washington: U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (center). She reiterated her support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights. Pictured from left are Steward/Baker Matthew Conyac, SA Naila Kling, Strickland, Chief Cook Nadine Nomed-Ryf, and SA Rami Kassem. 2024 SIU Election Absentee Voting Info Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when request- JUNE 2024 ing an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2024 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2024. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2024. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2024 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2025. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 7 7 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WEST COAST CONNECTION – SIU Wilmington Port Agent B-BOOK IN ALGONAC – AB Abdulrab Said (left) picks up his book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with Safety Director Jason Brown. ABOARD ARC INDEPENDENCE ‒ SIU Jersey City Patrolman Ozzy Ramos (left) meets with Seafarers aboard the TOTE vessel on April 16 in the port of Davisville, Rhode Island. Pictured from left (starting second from left) are Recertified Steward Gerald Hyman, Chief Cook Evelyn Cruz, SA Thomas Cyrus and Bosun Victor Eligio. PROMOTING MARITIME – SIU VP Bryan Powell (left) meets with U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) at the Senator’s office in Washington, D.C. Powell was on hand April 10 to help present an award from the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognizing the significant contributions she has made throughout her Congressional career protecting the Great Navigation System and supporting American jobs with investment in U.S.flagged Great Lakes shipping. Gerret Jarman (right) and Chief Cook Andrea Sharpe (second from left) recently teamed up for a recruiting visit to Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Sharpe provided in-depth information about the steward department; both Seafarers discussed the union and the solid viability of a career in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Labor Studies Instructor Louis Siegel is at left, while Culinary Instructor Edith Garnica is second from right. WIN FOR WORKERS – Retired Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan (right) celebrates with members of UAW Local 42 in Tennessee immediately following the union’s win at the VW plant in Chattanooga. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “The victory at Volkswagen’s plant in Tennessee marks a historic milestone for workers across the state and the broader South.” B-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – GUDE Anpeng Sun (second from left) receives his book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with (from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski. (Sun is the son of Chief Steward Maili Wang.) SAILING FROM TEXAS – The SIU-crewed ARC Resolve (TOTE) is pictured in Galveston, courtesy of ace photographer/SIU pensioner John Cox. WELCOME ASHORE IN NORFOLK – Steward/ Baker Douglas Flynn (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. Flynn joined the union in 1995. He’s pictured with an old shipmate: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. The two sailed together aboard the USNS Brittin. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ABOARD EL COQUI – Pictured from left on the Intrepid ship are Chief Cook Jesus Mendez, Safety Director Ricky Rivera and Steward/Baker Jesus Pacheco. JUNE 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GEORGE II – As reported in last month’s LOG, Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii recently christened the George II (formerly Horizon Reliance) following the ship’s retrofitting to run on liquefied natural gas. Pictured aboard the vessel are (group photo, from left) SA Ostin Harry, Chief Steward Ian Schluder, Chief Cook Abrahem Elsawy, (second from left) ABM Harold Harper and (remaining non-food photo) ABM Dominique Johnson. Some of the spoils of a recent shipboard cookout are shown in the other photo. MILESTONE IN SUNSHINE STATE – Chief Steward George Egbert (left) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. WELCOME ASHORE (TIMES 2) IN HOUSTON – Two longtime members recently picked up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall. In photo above, left, Capt. C.R. “Junior” Branch (center), who spent his entire 27-year SIU career sailing with G&H Towing is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (right) and Patrolman J.B. Niday. Remaining photo includes Recertified Bosun David Graves (center), pictured with SIU Patrolmen Kirk Pegan (left) and J.B. Niday. Graves started sailing with the SIU in 1990. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) and Safety Director Adam Bucalo man a table at a career fair hosted by Better Together in partnership with Northside Community Involvement, Inc. The event took place at the Northside Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Florida. PULLING INTO PORT – The Liberty Eagle (Liberty Maritime) arrives in Longview, Washington, on April 23. Photo and subsequent servicing by SIU Patrolman Dennison Forsman. ABOARD CAPE SAN JUAN ‒ Pictured from left in the group photo are SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls, Steward/Baker Pavel Kremen, AB Raymond Jones, Bosun Mark Brownell, QEE Malcolm Haynes, and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. The Crowley-operated vessel was serviced April 30. JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Chief Cook Irena Jansome (right) receives her first pension check at the hiring hall. She started sailing with the SIU in 2002. At left is SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo. ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR – Pictured in the larger group photo on the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel are (front) DEU Nabil Said, (middle row) AB Bernardino Eda, QMED Lee Peterson, SA Hayel Omer, (back row) Chief Cook Kristine Lacey, Bosun Donny Castillo, DEU Nassr Shayef, QMED Anne Scott, and Recertified Steward Albert Sison. The other photo features the galley gang: Omer, Lacey, and Sison. ABOARD MAERSK KANSAS ‒ Bosun Kyle Silva (right) and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Malik Rainey are pictured near the end of their trip aboard the Maersk Line, Limited vessel. OUTREACH IN COMMONWEALTH ‒ The union and its affiliated school continue to invest in tomorrow’s workforce. Pictured during a recent career fair at Naval Station Norfolk (Virginia) are SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (right) and SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls. MEETING WITH SENATOR ‒ SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is pictured with pro-maritime U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) in Concord, California, at a luncheon hosted by Seafarers-contracted Patriot. They discussed the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine and how to continue promoting the industry. ABOARD USNS ALGOL ‒ Mariners from the USNS Algol and USNS CONGRATS IN SAN JUAN – AB Reisa Martinez (right) receives her A-seniority book. She’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Capella (Ocean Duchess) enjoy breakfast while sharing some sea stories in San Francisco. From left: Bosun Anthony Pace, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, Recertified Steward Danta Cruz, Third Engineer Marcelino Cayabyab, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman, Third Mate Gavino Octaviano, AB Rolando Dinong. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 JUNE 2024 �All For A Great Cause Waterfront Classic Supports Veterans Organization O n May 16, as day broke and the sun lifted above the horizon in scenic Piney Point, Maryland, participants in the 9th Annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic emerged from the Paul Hall Center (PHC) and made their way to the docks, readying their rods for rockfish. This marks the second year that the fishing tournament/fundraising event has been reinstated following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the second year when proceeds from the event went toward the families of military veterans and first responders served by the Virginia-based Boulder Crest Foundation. The balmy 70-degree weather, complete with overcast skies and slight, strong winds, provided ideal conditions for the 131 fishers at the Classic. Fishing activity in the Potomac River was forecasted to be high from 7 a.m. until noon, coinciding with the time the boats left the pier. In record-breaking time, the 16 boats, many having caught their limit before noon, returned to shore with a total of 531 lbs. of fish caught. Due to emergency regulations put into place last year by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in order to protect spawning striped bass, the limit during the Waterfront Classic was one fish per person, per day. Fish caught and kept also had to be between 19 and 24 inches. Following the tournament, Waterfront Classic participants gathered to network as galley staff prepared several dishes with the rockfish that were caught that day. Preceding the dinner, which consisted of various iterations of the catch of the day, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker led the awards ceremony, commencing with acknowledgements from SIU President David Heindel. Guitar in hand, SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey then performed an original song titled “Brotherhood of the Sea,” written to honor the late SIU President Mike Sacco, who passed away late last year. Maersk Line, Limited Vice President Ed Hanley spoke briefly about Boulder Crest before introducing Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy for the Boulder Crest Foundation. Reid announced an upcoming initiative to broaden the scope of participation in the organization’s core principle of “post-traumatic growth” (PTG). “We’re launching a certification program for mental health professionals meant to democratize PTG so that people who are encountering traumatic circumstances outside of service first responders or veterans can also be trained in these practices,” Reid said. Following her remarks, participants who caught the largest fish from each boat received fish-shaped trophies. Weighing in at 5.5 lbs., the top catch of the day went to Dr. Phillip Steiner of Steiner Vision. SIU Pensioner Nick Grassia contributed a painting which was auctioned off for $450, which also served as another donation to the Boulder Crest Foundation. According to numerous attendees, this year’s Waterfront Classic was a good time for everyone involved, both seasoned sailors and newcomers alike. One such beginner, Angela Corgey, wife of Dean Corgey, also celebrated her birthday and received a cake during the awards ceremony. Another, Brenda Mossholder, the Accounting Systems Manager for American Roll On-Roll Off Carrier, said of her first Waterfront Classic experience, “The camaraderie that I’ve experienced in the past 24 hours, including the fishing tournament today was amazing,” she said. “The people are very serious and dedicated to what they’re doing in the industry, which I absolutely love.” Trophies were presented to the participant who caught the largest fish on each boat, and there were also some special recognition awards. SIU President David Heindel addresses the crowd during the award ceremony. SIU VP of Contracts and SWC Chairman George Tricker is at the far right. Janet Reid, Director of Philanthropy for the Boulder Crest Foundation, addresses the tournament participants during the award ceremony. SIU VP of Contracts and SWC Chairman George Tricker is at right. SIU VP of Contracts and SWC Chairman George Tricker (left) displays a painting made by SIU Pensioner Nick Grassia (right) to be auctioned off for charity. JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER LOG 2023• 11 11 SEAFARERS �2024 Seafarers Waterfront Classic: 131 Seafarers, The crew of the North Star included: SIU President David Heindel, Frank Boyland, Sherrell Hammond, Danielle Kosack, Ed Hanley, Dennis Houghton, Paul Giovino, Sadhana Duncan, JT Williams, Frank The crew of the Kitt II included: SIU AVP Chris Westbrook, Andrew White, Ben Morvant, Chelsea Williams, Dean Charbonnet and Paul Kakol. Heindel and Tamika Jones. The crew of the Shea-D-Lady included: SIU AVP Kris Hopkins, Robert Hicks, Joe Fischingar, Ken Hehir, The crew of the McKenzie Lee included: Ira Douglas, Spencer Bolander, Janet Reid, Casey Wallace, Ralph Diaz and Michael Vineyard. Kenny Hehir, Karen Hopkins, Liz Simon and Maggie Lushina. The crew of the Marica II included: SIU VP Dean Corgey, Kelly Witt, The crew of the Sea Fox included: SIU AVP Joe Vincenzo, Michaela Barker, Sue Campbell, Ed Hagan, Greg Fortune, Cindy Fortune, Tara James Witt, Mike Nigro, Lisa Nigro and Angela Corgey. Mathis and Julie Sole. The crew of the Fin Finder included: Ken Steiner, Fred Finger, Eric Mark, Andy Grasso, Brenda Moss- The crew of the Joyce Dixie included: SIU VP Joseph Soresi, Mike Stafford, Matthew Castrovinci, holder, Phillip Hajost, Dennis O'Neill, David Steiner, Phillip Steiner, Alexander Steiner, Cameron Steiner Carmela Castrovinci, Jonathan Benenson, Thomas Soresi, James Murphy, Travis Omps and Joe and Isabella Steiner. Lawson. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG • JUNE 2024 �Veterans and First Responders Catch for a Cause The crew of the Gerry C included: SIU VP Pat Vandegrift, Todd Christiansen, Bob Rice, Chris Holmes, Eunice The crew of the Bay Quest included: Ed Washburn, Mark Lotruglio, Gary Brunick, Andrea Gianni, Cadorette-Young, Peter Strohla, Brian Murray, JP Marcantonio, Whitney Lanier, Chelse O'Connor and Will Ed Dos Santos, Juan Rodriguez, David Pacheco, Steve Sears and Bobby Wieler. Sutherland. The crew of the Heritage included: George Strawn, Trevor The crew of the Loose Knott included: SIU VP Nicholas The crew of the Lisa S included: Manpower Director Mark von Siegel, William Buck, Mike Kraljevic, Giacomo Albanese, Donald Brazole, Billy Celona, Amy Kennemer, John Peppe, Kari Coffelt and Campbell, Stephen Piazza, Jaiby Thomas, Dominick Brusca, Amanda Delphia, Hartnett, Brea Ellis and Kristy Clements. Ruthie Baker. Gretchen Theriot, Henly Ervin and David Sloane. The crew of the Red Osprey included: Ellen Silver, Michael Given, Cristol Given, Cathy Hand, Nadia The crew of the Three Sons included: Lauren Liles, Joe Atkinson, Lisa Atkinson, Julie Poggioli, Anthony Alioto and Bob Keiffer. Pecoraro, Jim Given, Diane Given. The crew of the All In included: Ryan Covert, Dave Carroll, Andy Hake, Kim Bornemann, Rich Laskey, From left to right: SIU AVP Kris Hopkins, tournament winner Dr. Phillip Steiner and Maersk Line, Claire Theisen, Trish Lucius, Ronnie Caswell and Kim Caswell. Limited's Vice President and COO Ed Hanley. 13 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023• 13 13 SEAFARERS �Piney Point Training Pays Off As Crew Responds to Bobo Fire No injuries were reported following a recent fire in the engine room of the SIU-crewed USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (Crowley). The ship was carrying supplies as part of the administration’s Gaza aid mission when the mishap took place April 11, two days after it had departed from Jacksonville, Florida. After crew members extinguished the fire, the ship still had partial power, and it returned to Florida a few days later. An investigation of the accident’s cause was ongoing at press time. Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson credited his fellow Seafarers and the ship’s officers for their teamwork. “Like I’ve been telling everyone, thanks to our Joseph Sacco Firefighting and Safety School – where I’ve done most of my firefighting training – it paid off,” Jackson said in reference to a satellite campus of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. The bosun said that when the ship’s general alarm sounded, “I knew if you hear a fire alarm go off in the middle of the night, it’s for real. I went down to my station and met the fast response team. We donned our gear…. There was a lot of smoke in the engine room, coming up through the ladder well.” The mariners followed their proper protocols and eventually extinguished the fire, which occurred in the port main engine. Jackson added that the ship’s cargo was discharged upon returning to Jacksonville. AB Brandon Shields, asked for his assessment of the crew’s response to the fire, answered, “I wouldn’t fight a fire with anyone else.” Pictured from left are First Assistant Engineer John Piehl, Chief Mate Marissa Strawbridge, and Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson, some of the first mariners to respond to the emergency. Among those promptly reacting to the alarm (many are pictured above) were QMED James Grant, Chief Engineer Bryan Hoffman, First Assistant Engineer Colin Clark, Second Assistant Engineer Dave Burkhardt, OS James Braithwaite, GUDE Samuel Hunter, OS Jackie Jones, AB Brandon Shields, AB Fredrick Barber, OS David Rojas, Third Mate Jeff Beasley, AB Marquis King, Third Mate Seamus Scott, and AB Samuel Albuquerque. The USNS Bobo is pictured in Jacksonville, Florida, prior to its most recent voyage. Seafarers Mobilize for Humanitarian Aid The SIU-crewed MV Roy P. Benavidez (Ocean Duchess) recently transported cargo for use in constructing a floating pier off the Gaza shore in support of Operation Neptune Solace. According to the Pentagon, “The temporary pier will assist the United States Agency for International Development in the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, which will increase the quantity and flow of humanitarian aid, including food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters.” These U.S. Army photos were taken in late April, location undisclosed. The deck of the Benavidez is prominently visible in the inset photo at right. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 JUNE 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 13 - May 13, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 14, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 21 3 1 24 3 8 4 22 30 20 3 10 14 7 1 1 9 16 1 28 9 3 1 11 2 1 2 17 21 7 2 3 10 5 0 2 1 9 1 10 2 2 0 3 2 2 1 4 4 3 0 1 12 1 0 1 1 2 0 1 15 1 2 14 3 3 2 21 23 13 4 5 8 5 1 1 2 8 0 18 6 1 3 10 2 3 0 20 18 3 1 6 13 3 2 0 1 3 0 3 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 3 1 1 1 7 0 0 1 1 1 0 2 6 1 2 10 0 1 0 10 15 7 0 4 5 2 1 0 2 4 0 3 24 4 2 29 3 15 10 36 35 31 4 6 23 13 4 2 12 32 3 49 9 3 2 8 1 6 3 20 24 13 4 2 13 5 4 2 1 9 3 14 1 0 1 7 2 5 1 10 7 2 1 1 10 3 0 0 1 7 1 7 TOTAL 226 117 42 149 98 25 73 337 146 67 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 2 2 5 7 1 2 6 6 21 8 0 2 11 3 0 3 3 8 1 9 100 1 1 2 4 0 4 2 6 11 6 1 4 14 1 0 5 1 6 1 2 72 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 4 1 0 0 9 2 0 1 1 4 0 0 29 3 1 2 3 0 1 1 8 7 5 1 2 6 1 0 2 0 3 1 2 49 4 1 5 10 0 4 11 16 31 12 1 2 14 4 1 2 7 11 1 15 152 3 3 1 2 1 4 1 8 13 8 2 3 9 3 0 3 1 5 1 6 77 1 1 1 3 0 1 0 5 4 1 0 0 7 5 0 1 1 4 0 1 36 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 4 10 1 0 1 10 2 0 1 6 2 0 5 47 8 0 0 10 1 4 10 20 26 17 1 3 21 15 3 4 5 12 1 30 191 5 1 0 3 0 5 3 11 24 5 0 0 14 6 0 2 8 7 1 10 105 1 0 0 2 1 0 1 5 6 2 1 0 8 0 0 1 1 2 0 2 33 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 4 1 5 7 2 2 2 4 7 4 2 0 12 2 0 1 1 2 3 5 66 0 0 0 5 0 0 3 4 13 5 0 3 10 0 0 3 1 2 1 4 54 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 18 Steward Department June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Monday: June 3, July 8 Friday: June 7, July 12 Thursday: June 6, July 11 Thursday: June 20, July 25 Friday: June 14, July 19 Houston Monday: June 10, July 15 Jacksonville Thursday: June 6, July 11 Joliet Thursday: June 13, July 18 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Wednesday: June 12, July 17 Tuesday: June 11, July 16 Tuesday: June 4, July 9 Norfolk Friday: June 7, July 12 Oakland Thursday: June 13, July 18 Philadelphia Port Everglades Wednesday: June 5, July 10 Thursday: June 13, July 18 San Juan Thursday: June 6, July 11 St. Louis Friday: June 14, July 19 Tacoma Wilmington Friday: June 21, July 26 Monday: June 17, July 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. JUNE 2024 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 1 6 4 4 7 16 17 12 0 0 18 9 2 3 3 5 0 21 133 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 9 15 4 1 0 18 3 0 7 5 3 0 3 74 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 4 0 1 1 6 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 22 5 0 1 8 3 0 3 10 7 7 0 2 14 8 0 2 3 1 0 11 85 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 5 11 3 1 1 18 1 0 5 4 3 0 4 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 8 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 3 4 2 2 1 3 6 10 36 14 2 0 13 4 0 2 1 9 0 10 7 0 6 10 0 3 6 14 54 26 1 2 35 5 1 3 1 5 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 1 2 3 1 5 1 6 15 8 1 0 4 5 1 3 1 5 0 4 4 0 3 6 2 2 1 5 28 11 1 3 18 2 1 4 0 2 0 6 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 2 2 0 0 3 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 6 0 0 7 5 0 4 0 2 5 19 44 16 2 2 16 8 1 1 0 16 1 23 15 1 4 6 1 3 6 27 116 31 2 2 38 12 2 3 1 8 2 16 TOTAL 9 122 195 6 70 100 17 15 172 296 GRAND TOTAL 468 385 288 306 282 151 186 695 500 432 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was answered by members of the 2024 rank-and-file financial committee. Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Raymond Alexander Chief Cook Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters I became a Seafarer for the opportunity to travel while making good money. I’m still here because I love it. The brotherhood and sisterhood keeps me going, and I’ve got 24 years and counting of great memories at sea. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Kenneth Kelly Chief Cook BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 I was just coming out of the Navy and saw a merchant ship and was intrigued. It looked like they made good money, not that it is all about the money…. This is the best decision I have made in my life. I have been sailing for 33 years. GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 Jerry Costello Recertified Bosun JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 I joined because I saw a bunch of free men in my neighborhood who were merchant seamen, and I followed in their footsteps. I’ve made a 42-year career out of it. I’m thankful for the opportunity the SIU has provided: good pay, a good career, and a life well-lived. I’ll continue to keep on going as long as possible. JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Lamont Faulks Steward-Baker I joined for a better life. Twenty-one years later, I’m still sailing. I found out about the Seafarers through a friend, and back then, I never would have thought I’d be working somewhere for this long. Exxl Ronquillo Recertified Steward I have a lot of family in the SIU. I had heard [mariners] travel a lot, which is one reason I joined. This career provides a great life for my family. I have been sailing since 1989. Donald Christian Electrician Because I like the travel. Since I’ve joined the union, I’ve circumnavigated the globe at least 29 times. I’ve sailed for 44 years; I started in 1979. Emanuel Spain Chief Steward It’s a family tradition. We’re four generations in: grandfather, uncle, brother, and I’ve got two sons that sail. Pic from the Past NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Though in some ways it seems hard to believe, the current hiring hall in Baltimore opened 24 years ago next month. This snapshot from summer 2000 shows workers putting some finishing touches on the exterior of the Essex Street building. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1616 • SEAFARERS LOG JUNE 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA TROY ANCAR Brother Troy Ancar, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1999 when he sailed on the Maersk Tennessee. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ancar’s final vessel was the Colorado Express. He resides in Richmond, Texas. SALAH ASSABAHI Brother Salah Assabahi, 66, joined the union in 1990. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Assabahi upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the Maersk Idaho and lives in the Bronx, New York. JAMES BATES Brother James Bates, 69, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977, initially sailing with Dravo Basic Materials. An engine department member, Brother Bates upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the USNS Pililaau and lives in Mobile, Alabama. JAMES CANADA Brother James Canada, 72, donned the SIU colors in 1990 when he sailed aboard the USNS Silas Bent. He was an engine department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Canada concluded his career aboard the Baldomero Lopez. He is a resident of Gwynn Oak, Maryland. MARK CANADA Brother Mark Canada, 66, started his career with the union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Canada last shipped on the Empire State. He is a Honolulu resident. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. PHILIP CORL ANIBAL VEGA Brother Philip Corl, 68, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. A deck department member, he upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Corl’s first vessel was the Diligence; his last, the Horizon Spirit. He makes his home in Henderson, Nevada. Brother Anibal Vega, 65, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1999, when he sailed on the Baltimore. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Edward A. Carter Jr. Brother Vega lives in Carolina, Puerto Rico. MICHAEL DEMPSTER HOWARD VICK Brother Michael Dempster, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1992. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Long Lines. Brother Dempster upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Ocean Titan and settled in Henrico, Virginia. Brother Howard Vick, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 2004. He sailed in the engine department and first shipped on the Dodge Island. Brother Vick upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Howard O. Lorenzen and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. TERRY EVINS Brother Terry Evins, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996, initially working aboard the USNS Assertive. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Evins last shipped on the Howard O. Lorenzen. He lives in Portsmouth, Virginia. DOUGLAS FLYNN Brother Douglas Flynn, 62, joined the SIU in 1995. He first sailed aboard the Stephen W. Pless and worked in the steward department. Brother Flynn upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the Cape Wrath and is a resident of Hubert, North Carolina. VICTOR JIMENEZ Brother Victor Jimenez, 67, became a member of the union in 1991. He shipped in the steward department and first sailed on the Independence. Brother Jimenez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Ocean Freedom and settled in Palm Bay, Florida. INLAND WILLIAM GORDON Brother William Gordon, 67, joined the SIU in 2009. He sailed in the deck department and was employed with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for the duration of his career. Brother Gordon resides in Luna, New Mexico. STEVEN HAVER Brother Steven Haver, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2002. He first sailed aboard the Cleveland and worked in the engine department. Brother Haver upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and lives in Goodrich, Michigan. WILLIAM HOWELL Brother William Howell, 66, signed on with the union in 1979, initially working with G&H Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Howell last sailed with OSG Ship Management. He is a Baltimore resident. ANDRES MANO Brother Andres Mano, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1994, initially sailing aboard the Endurance. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Mano’s final vessel was the Green Bay. He lives in Long Beach, California. RALPH PRATER Brother Ralph Prater, 73, became a member of the union in 1975 when he worked with Dixie Carriers. Brother Prater worked in the deck department and concluded his career with National Marine Service. He calls Memphis, Tennessee, home. MARIO CLOTTER PEDRO VALDEZ CABRERA Brother Mario Clotter, 65, became a Seafarer in 2000. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Steven L. Bennett. Brother Clotter upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Chesapeake and is a resident of Brooklyn, New York. JAMES WELLMAN Brother Pedro Valdez Cabrera, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1998 when he worked on the Sulphur Enterprise. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Valdez Cabrera most recently shipped on the Independence and settled in Miami. Brother James Wellman, 72, began sailing with the SIU in 2010. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Wellman worked for Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. He settled in Covington, Louisiana. JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 17 • OCTOBER LOG • 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA IVAN AGUILAR Pensioner Ivan Aguilar, 77, passed away March 7. He began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1988. A deck department member, he first shipped on the President Taylor. Brother Aguilar’s final vessel was the Eugene A. Obregon. He went on pension in 2011 and lived in Metairie, Louisiana. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. JAMES WOOD CHARLES RICHARD Pensioner James Wood, 79, died February 3. He joined the SIU in 1982 and first sailed aboard the Independence. A deck department member, Brother Wood concluded his career aboard the John Paul Bobo. He retired in 2009 and settled in Lake Placid, New York. Pensioner Charles Richard, 61, died February 17. Brother Richard signed on with the union in 1982. He shipped in the engine department and worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Richard began collecting his pension in 2012 and resided in Slidell, Louisiana. INLAND FRANKLIN FUTCH MICHAEL ANSOTIGUE Brother Franklin Futch, 64, died December 16. He became a member of the union in 2001 and initially sailed aboard the Keystone Texas. Brother Futch worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Benavidez in 2013. He was a resident of Savannah, Georgia. Pensioner Michael Ansotigue passed away January 31. He became a member of the union in 1979. He was first employed with Mariner Towing and worked in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Ansotigue last sailed with OSG Ship Management, before becoming a pensioner in 2008. He lived in Brandon, Florida. CARL HERRMANN Pensioner Carl Herrmann, 68, passed away February 12. He signed on with the SIU in 2001 when he sailed on the Overseas New York. Brother Herrmann sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the USNS Pililaau in 2015. He began collecting his pension earlier this year and resided in Honolulu. ANDREW MACK Pensioner Andrew Mack, 81, died February 28. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1977, initially sailing aboard the USNS Potomac. Brother Mack worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Cape Mohican. He went on pension in 1997 and called Chesapeake, Virginia, home. RODERICK OREE Brother Roderick Oree, 52, passed away March 18. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 and was a member of the steward department. Brother Oree’s first vessel was the Keystone Texas; his last, the Cape Douglas. He lived in Charleston, South Carolina. JOHN PLATTS CARLOS GONZALEZ Pensioner Carlos Gonzalez, 76, died March 6. He began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1972 when he sailed aboard the Steel Traveler. Brother Gonzales was a deck department member. He was last employed by Westbank Riverboat Services and retired in 2011. Brother Gonzalez resided in Marrero, Louisiana. JACK MATIEVICH Pensioner Jack Matievich, 64, passed away March 4. He embarked on his SIU career in 2005 and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Matievich worked for Starlight Marine Services for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Hypoluxo, Florida. DESIRE NIKOLIC Pensioner John Platts, 73, died March 2. He became an SIU member in 1968. A steward department member, he initially shipped with Marine Carriers Corporation. Brother Platts concluded his career aboard the Horizon Producer in 2003. He began collecting his pension in 2015 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida. Pensioner Desire Nikolic, 80, died February 22. He started shipping with the union in 1995 and worked in the engine department. Brother Nikolic’s first vessel was the Padre Island; his last, the Manhattan Island. He retired in 2013 and made his home in Durham, North Carolina. ROBERTO QUIMPO STEPHEN PRENDERGAST Brother Roberto Quimpo, 72, passed away January 25. He signed on with the union in 1989 and worked in the steward department. Brother Quimpo was employed by AMCV Cruise Operations for the duration of his career. He lived in Vallejo, California. Pensioner Stephen Prendergast, 70, passed away February 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1999 and was a member of the engine department. Brother Prendergast was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2023 and lived in Galveston, Texas. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 DENNIS ROBINSON Pensioner Dennis Robinson, 79, passed away March 11. He joined the union in 1966 and worked in the deck department. Brother Robinson was employed by the Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. He retired in 2007 and settled in Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee. NMU EFRAIN COLLAZO Pensioner Efrain Collazo, 83, died March 5. He began sailing in 1963, initially aboard the Texaco Mississippi. Brother Collazo was a deck department member. He concluded his career aboard the Enterprise and retired in 1995. Brother Collazo lived in the Bronx, New York. CHRISTOPHER DUNN Pensioner Christopher Dunn, 100, passed away February 10. He concluded his career aboard the Lash Pacifico in 1984. Brother Dunn went on pension the following year and lived in Flushing, New York. HARRY EBANKS Pensioner Harry Ebanks, 77, died February 7. Brother Ebanks shipped in the deck department and last sailed on the Green Wave. He began collecting his pension in 1991 and was a Miami resident. ISMAEL LOPEZ Pensioner Ismael Lopez, 89, passed away March 17. Brother Lopez was a steward department member. His final vessel was the Austral Rainbow and he became a pensioner in 1999. Brother Lopez lived in the Bronx, New York. JAMES ROBINSON Pensioner James Robinson, 92, died February 14. A deck department member, he concluded his career aboard the Maersk Ohio. Brother Robinson retired in 2011 and settled in East Orange, New Jersey. GERALD SPURLOCK Pensioner Gerald Spurlock, 88, passed away February 11. Brother Spurlock worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Chemical Pioneer before becoming a pensioner in 2000. Brother Spurlock made his home in Jasper, Texas. RICHARD TIGERT Pensioner Richard Tigert, 78, died February 29. He was a member of the engine department and last sailed on the John Lykes. Brother Tigert retired in 2000 and was a resident of Galveston, Texas. JUNE 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. OVERSEAS HOUSTON (Overseas Ship Management), January 14 – Chairman Toribio Valentin, Educational Director Fernando Ortega, Deck Delegate Carlos Aquino, Steward Delegate Wardell Paze. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested refrigerators for all members, new washer and dryer and new coffee machine. Members asked for unlimited internet access. OVERSEAS CHINOOK (Overseas Ship Management), February 25 – Chairman Raymond Johnson, Secretary Verleshia Robinson, Educational Director Brian Jackson. Chairman encouraged crew to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for clarification for pumpman job duties and discussed missing-man pay. Crew requested increases in vacation days and suggested increasing the food budget when additional crew is on board. LONESTAR STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 3 – Chairman Lionel Rivas, Secretary Cayetano Toledo, Educational Director Teon Shelton, Deck Delegate Donaldo Valencia, Steward Delegate Marlin Carey. Chairman thanked crew for working safely and encouraged them to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Steward department was commended for a job well done. New gym equipment has been received. Linen is to be sent ashore, per secretary. Crew was reminded to clean and sanitize gym equipment after each use and to renew all documents at least six months in advance. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increase in vacation benefits. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dontrell Riddick, Steward Delegate Paul Mena. Bosun discussed questions about overtime and went over procedures for handling trash. Secretary reiterated the importance of keeping galley clean. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun let everyone know that he is open and available to help crew members. Members asked for physicals to be required annually. TEXAS (Seabulk Crew Management), March 9 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Furman Watson, Engine Delegate Oscar Lacayo Ruiz, Steward Delegate Marco Guevara. Crew would like refrigerators and new mattresses for rooms. Chairman thanked steward department for good housekeeping and engine department for working safely. He asked for members’ patience when waiting for relief. Secretary reminded members to return all dishes to galley after each use. Educational director reminded crew to make sure documents are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for increases to food budget and to health insurance benefits. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc), April 4 – Chairman Angel Centeno, Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director Paul Ianni. Chairman discussed details of various benefits including medical coverage eligibility, prescriptions, pension pay and vision care. Secretary reiterated the importance of shipboard union meetings. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Members were advised to put safety first and apply for scholarships. Crew discussed travel reimbursement for various classes and asked about extra meal payments for each person on board beyond the regular crew. Members talked about tour of duty incentives, laptops in the crew library and missing-man pay. Orders recently placed for pillows, towels, wash clothes, blankets and fitted sheets. OREGON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 31 – Chairman Burkley Cooper, Secretary Grazyna Tomaszewska, Educational Director Eric Guzman, Deck Delegate Anito Rarugal, Engine Delegate MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), April 5 – Chairman Cleofe Castro, Secretary Anthony Harrell, Educational Director Jerome Culbreth, Deck Delegate Younis Kaid, Engine Delegate Terry Taylor, Steward Delegate Stanford Drakes. Chairman provided crew with ship funds update. Educational director urged members to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new deep freezer for ice cream and new freezer for use by crew members. Carpets in crew rooms and lounge have been cleaned. Members were advised to leave clean rooms for onboarding crew and to complete paperwork well ahead of time. Crew asked for increase in reimbursement for travel to airport when departing ship and asked for clarification regarding days off. Members would like increases in vacation and retirement pay. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), April 29 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Mauricio Vega, Deck Delegate Edgardo Martinez Espada, Steward Delegate William Fortner. Chairman thanked steward department for providing good meals throughout trip. Secretary reminded everyone to check on credentials and keep them current. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested additional routers for B and C deck to get better internet signal, as well as new refrigerator and new speaker for karaoke machine. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return JUNE 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �The The Union Union Plus Plus Wireless Wireless Program Program WORKS WORKS FOR FOR ME ME “The “TheAT&T AT&TUnion UnionPlus Plusprogram programisis outstanding. outstanding.It’s It’sanother anotherway wayI Ican can take takeadvantage advantageof ofthe thebenefits benefitsof of being beingaaunion unionmember.” member.” See Seemore moreat at unionplus.org unionplus.org SIU-WR-1-17-24 SIU-WR-1-17-24 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck July 8 September 23 July 26 October 11 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Adv. Refer Containers August 26 September 6 Junior Engineer September 9 November 1 Machinist August 26 September 13 Pumpman September 16 September 20 RFPEW July 1 July 29 August 26 July 26 August 23 September 20 Welding July 15 August 19 September 23 August 2 September 6 October 11 FOWT July 8 September 23 August 2 October 18 Basic Training Revalidation August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 Government Vessels August 5 September 9 September 30 October 7 August 9 September 13 October 4 October 11 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 Tanker Ship Familiarization - DL July 1 August 19 August 26 September 30 July 5 August 23 August 30 October 4 Tanker Ship Familiarization - LG August 12 September 2 September 23 September 30 August 16 September 6 September 27 October 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook July 15 August 19 September 23 August 16 September 20 October 25 ServSafe Management July 8 August 12 September 16 October 28 July 12 August 16 September 20 November 1 Advanced Galley Ops July 1 August 26 July 26 September 20 Chief Steward July 15 August 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. JUNE 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #907 – Graduated March 29: Rickie Abrams Jr., Eric Amy, Elijah Chambliss, Paul Coen, Armando Contreras, Julian Cortes Aviles, William Folzenlogen, Tien Hoang, Monique Kennedy, Troy Lawrence Jr., Armontre Manning, Diego Montanez, Quinton Palmer, Steven Pham, Sandy Quezada, Stefan Ragler-Courtney, Alexander Sandoval and Johnny Wilkes. ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated April 12: Juan Baquera, Pauline Crespo-Guillen, Esperanza Crespo-Guillen, Edgar Manlangit, Derick Morales Berly, Jose Outeiral and Yacoub Shack. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4) – Graduated April 12: Porfirio Avila Ruiz, Larry Genetiano, Anthony Hunter, Erris Jackson, Faith Wood and Lawrence Wright. BASIC SAFETY – Graduated April 19: Justin Hill (left) and Cornelio Villano Jr. FOWT – Graduated April 5 (not all are pictured): Rommel Centura, Jevon David, Torrie Florence, Anthony Harrell Jr., Christian Marty Barrera, Matthew McManus, Jose Palacios Arriola, Malik Perez, Raychell Pryor, Decontee Saypoh, Donald Slue and Mizukami Youn. GOVERNMENT VESSELS– Graduated April 26 (not all are pictured): Mohsen Ahmed, Mustafa Ahmed, Tykeem Blowe-Warren, Angel Cacho, Anthony Creer, Esraa Embaby, Bre'onnah Evans, Justin Hill, Alfred Hogan Jr., Edwin Lashley, James Lavoile Jr., Omar Ortega, Rolly Pascua, Keauni Pullett, Jarek Ramos Santos, Adam Saleh, Charles Sassone, Jalen Shuman, David Wakeman and John Wattam. 22 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 22 • SEAFARERS JUNE 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos RFPNW – Graduated April 26 (not all are pictured): Andrew Brown, Nirel Escalante, Eliza Fitzgerald, Christopher Flood, Kenny Galeno, Nathan Goodhart, Victor Mak, Andrew Mentzer, Arkadiusz MochockiKlusik, Jacob Rhoney and Juan Velasquez Jr. PUMPMAN – Graduated April 26: Nicolas Brailsford, Jarvis Carter, Ricardo Escorcia, Damon MARINE REFER TECH – Graduated April 19: Alberto Alvarez-Gonzalez, Anson Johny, Juan Rochez, Anias Stanford and Daryl Thomas Jr. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far right. TANK SHIP DL – Above (not all are pictured): Felsher Beasley Jr., Laura Bess, Roy Graham, Mohsen Hassain, Jan Jalloh, Ramadan Karar, Patrick Wheat II and Chandler Williams. TANK SHIP LG (UPGRADERS) – Graduated April 5: Jarrett Andrews Jr., Travis Lee, David Johnson, Wilfredo Lopez and Carlos Parrilla. Instructor Patrick Coppola is at the far left. Pacheco, Brandon Thomas and Lavon White Jr. TERRESTRIAL AND COASTAL NAVIGATION – Above: Joseph Bowen, Aurora Foster, Jeffery Griffin, Caliph Johnson II, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon Zschoche. JUNE 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG23 • 23 �JUNE 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 6 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Crescent Crews Approve ‘Awesome’ Contract Before the union began contract negotiations with Crescent Towing in April, longtime SIU boatman Kevin McDermott – a veteran of several bargaining committees – helpfully cautioned the rank-and-file newcomers to this year’s group that “it won’t be easy and it might take a while.” McDermott chuckled at the memory, because it turned out the sessions were unusually brief and quite fruitful. They culminated in two new, virtually identical three-year agreements covering approximately 180 Seafarers employed by Crescent in New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia; and another 25 or so in Mobile, Alabama. SIU boatmen approved the two pacts by nearly unanimous votes that took place on the boats and near the company’s offices. Highlights of the new contracts include unprecedented wage gains, additional vacation days, an increased grocery allowance, and maintaining all benefits. Bargaining in New Orleans took place April 9-10, while the Mobile session happened April 17. The respective ratifications were finished quickly. Negotiating on behalf of the SIU were Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President Chris Westbrook, Port Agent Jimmy White, Port Agent Ashley Nelson, and Delegates McDermott, John Richardson, Eric Johnson, Chris Sikes, Kyle Tucker, Ricky Shumock and Davin Tucker. “This is an awesome feeling,” McDermott said. “When we presented the contract to the crews, everybody was shocked. These are the best raises I’ve seen in my 31 years here.” McDermott credited his fellow committee members as well as Crescent’s owner for the smooth negotiations. “The owner showed up and we also had one of the legends of the SIU, Dean Corgey, at the table with us,” Personnel from the union and the company are pictured following the New Orleans negotiations. From left: Crescent New Orleans Senior Operations Manager Benjamin Morvant, Crescent Savannah Senior Operations Manager Andrew White, SIU Savannah Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Chris Sikes, SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, SIU Engineer Delegate John Richardson, Crescent Exec. VP Keith Kettenring, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Kevin McDermott, Crescent Senior Consultant Prentiss Willcutt, Crescent VP Edward Pinner, SIU Captain Delegate Eric Johnson, Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg. he said. “It was exciting. Chris went into beast mode, as usual, and we had it done in one-and-a-half days. Everything went smoothly and the results are just overwhelming and delightful. This is exciting.” Westbrook thanked the SIU committee – and also was quick to credit the company for agreeing to an appropriate contract. “The wage numbers tell you what Crescent thinks of their guys,” Westbrook said. “It’s very gratifying to see them step up and maintain their culture.” Westbrook added, “Crescent probably has the safest, longest-tenured employees in the industry. We made a strong case that you don’t get those kinds of employees unless they want to stick with you. You have to step up and take care of them, and Crescent This snapshot was taken a couple of weeks prior to negotiations, after SIU officials met with boatmen in Savannah, Georgia, to gather rank-and-file input. Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Deckhand James Peterson, Wheelman Dustin Schaaf, Wheelman Brenton Edonfield, Deckhand Kyle Futrell, Deckhand Benjamin Murphy, and Delegate Chris Sikes. Pictured after a vote in New Orleans are (from left) Deckhand Luke Lobue, Delegate Kevin McDermott, Delegate Eric Johnson, Wheelman Seth Reid, Engineer Robert Trahan, Delegate John Richardson, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, and Capt. Vic DiGiorgio. rose to the occasion.” Richardson, who debuted as a bargainingcommittee member, stated, “Everything went great – better than we thought it would overall. The best part is the raises. Nobody’s ever seen those percentages.” Kyle Tucker, who has worked at Crescent for more than 30 years, said, “It’s a good contract. Everything went nice and easy; we weren’t there very long. The vacation time is a highlight, and also the increase in pay.” Crescent operates 16 boats in New Orleans, five in Savannah and three in Mobile, with four-person crews that generally adhere to a schedule of seven days on followed by seven days off. The boats are used for ship-docking operations. The Mobile bargaining committee included (from left) Crescent New Orleans Senior Operations Manager Benjamin Morvant, SIU Engineer Delegate Ricky Shumock, SIU Wheelman/Deckhand Delegate Davin Tucker, Crescent Senior Consultant Prentiss Willcutt, SIU Captain Delegate Kyle Tucker, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, Crescent Exec. VP Keith Kettenring, Crescent VP Edward Pinner, Crescent GM Travis Stringfellow, Crescent Marine Administrator Steven Reeg, and SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White. SIU officials Asst. VP Chris Westbrook and Port Agent Jimmy White meet with members in Mobile, Alabama. Pictured from left are White, Nick Turner, Ricky Shumock, Chris Walker, Westbrook, Jose Ojeda, Dan Buek, Gary Tucker, Josh Burns, Roy Saranthus Jr., Kyle Tucker and Cameron Cooper. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2024 Description An account of the resource MARAD GATHERING ADDRESSSES MARINER WORK-LIFE BALANCE NMC EXTENDS GRACE PERIOD FOR CREDENTIAL RENEWALS MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT TACKLES KEY ISSUES GEN. VAN OVOST EMPHASIZES MARITIME'S VITAL IMPORTANCE POPULAR YOUTUBE HOST ADVOCATES FOR MARITIME CAREERS COMMISSIONER OUTLINES IMPORTANCE OF REGAINING SHIPBUILDING CAPACITY GREAT LAKES ADMINISTRATOR EMPHASIZES PROGRESS MAERSK KINLOSS CREW ASSISTS REFUGEES SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL HOUSE HONORS 3 2024 ABSENTEE VOTING INFO ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE WATERFRONT CLASSIC SUPPORTS VETERANS ORGANIZATION PINEY POINT TRAINING PAYS OFF AS CREW RESPONDS TO BOBO FIRE SEAFARERS MOBILIZE FOR HUMANITARIAN AID CRESCENT CREWS APPROVE 'AWESOME CONTRACT' Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2024 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. 86, NO. 6 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b6d4ac7fe114bbcd20221128e5ca3659.pdf 1c96e8a01085b5958b2b7edc5f4f9c69 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JUNE 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 6 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SHIPS for America Act Introduced The most comprehensive maritime revitalization bill in more than half a century has been reintroduced in Congress. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center were well-represented at the related press event April 30 across from the Capitol; some Seafarers and apprentices are shown in photo at lower left. Directly below are co-sponsors (from left) U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana), U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California). Pages 2, 7. Maritime Trades Department Convenes in Nation’s Capital Labor and maritime issues were at the forefront as the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board met May 7 at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Below, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) addresses the board; MTD/SIU President David Heindel is at right. Pages 3-5. SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN FUNDING NOTICE • PAGE 6 // CAPE KNOX SHINES • PAGE 20 �President’s Report Progress and Challenges Whether you’re reading this column in print or online, you likely know that the SHIPS for America Act has been reintroduced in Congress. It happened a few weeks earlier than anticipated, but in this case, the sooner the better. As mentioned in my formal report to the membership for our May meetings, although shipbuilding is a primary focus of the legislation, there are also significant sections that aim to boost the manpower pool of United States mariners. We recognize the importance of revitalizing our shipyards and growing the fleet, but our main focus is shipboard jobs (and cargo), and that’s why we’ve David Heindel been so active in helping craft and publicize the bill. Additionally, for those of you who may be newer to the industry or who otherwise may be wondering about a possible timeline, these things can take years. For example, I’m sure most of us are very familiar with the Maritime Security Program. What you may not immediately recall is that the MSP was mandated by the Maritime Security Act of 1996. The Maritime Security Act originally was introduced in 1992, by another name. The Merchant Marine Act of 1970 was slightly before my time, but that legislation traces its roots to a 1968 campaign promise from Richard Nixon. During the SHIPS Act press conference on April 30, the senators and congressmen acknowledged that a bill of this size and scope doesn’t get enacted overnight. That’s not to say it won’t happen during the current session of congress, but, again, I think the historical context is important. With all of that said, the bill does indeed enjoy strong bipartisan support in addition to largely aligning with the maritime executive order issued recently by the White House. We will continue working with our allies across all sectors to get the SHIPS Act passed as soon as possible. Message to CIVMARS Many of you have asked how to maintain good standing with your union in light of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s failure to deduct and remit dues as it has done in the past – and as required by law. We are actively exploring all available options to resolve this issue and are already taking steps to address it. We will keep you informed as more details become available. To continue receiving email updates from your union, send your personal email address to tacoma@seafarers.org and we will add you to our Government Services Division email list. In the meantime, if you wish to remain in good standing, we encourage you to remit dues directly via check or money order to: SIU Attn: Government Services Division 3411 South Union Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98409. Alternatively, you may submit dues at any of our halls. A full list of hiring halls is available at www.seafarers.org and in every issue of the LOG. We also encourage you to keep an eye on our website for other updates (there’s a “CIVMAR RESOURCES” box that’s prominently displayed on the home page). As the saying goes, there are lots of moving parts in response to the executive order that canceled collective bargaining for many federal-sector workers. The order is being challenged in court, and although the Military Sealift Command’s initial request for an exemption was denied, we are nowhere near the point of having exhausted our resources. We’ll continue evaluating all potential remedies and actively working with allies on Capitol Hill and throughout the industry. In the meantime, the SIU continues representing all dues-paying members in grievances and other matters as permitted or required by law. This situation is frustrating and complicated, but I’m cautiously optimistic we’ll achieve a desirable outcome. If nothing else, the initial court decisions are favorable. While none of those cases dealt directly with CIVMARS, we are monitoring them all closely and will get involved if necessary. Stay tuned. SIU Helps Celebrate SHIPS Act Reintroduction The most comprehensive U.S. maritime legislation in more than a half-century has been reintroduced in Congress – and the SIU prominently helped mark the occasion. Shortly after the bipartisan bill formally landed on April 30, SIU members, officials and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) attended a Capitol Hill press conference featuring the legislation’s initial co-sponsors: Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana), Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), and Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi). PHC apprentices – holding signs promoting the legislation, the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act – stood behind the legislators and other invited speakers, across from the Capitol building. Also among the SIU contingent were several members, President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, and Chris Holloway, assistant commandant of the apprentice program. “I’m very excited about what’s happening,” said Bosun Lucas Tiderman, one of the attendees. “This is momentous for Seafarers.” Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 6 Chief Cook Marilou Toledo also attended the news conference. “It’s a privilege to be here,” she said. “It’s great to hear that we’ll be getting more ships and more job opportunities.” Legislators first introduced this bill, with overwhelming support from industry stakeholders, in December of 2024. While much of the legislation focuses on domestic shipbuilding, substantial components aim to grow and sustain the shipboard manpower pool. The SIU actively worked on the bill for more than a year, providing input and collaborating with other interested parties from throughout the industry. As noted at various points during the news conference, there are currently 80 U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce, while China has 5,500. The SHIPS for America Act “aims to close this gap and boost the U.S. Merchant Marine by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy, making U.S.-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce by cutting red tape, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention,” according to a joint news release from the aforementioned legislators. “After decades of dangerously neglecting our shipbuilding industry, we’re finally doing something about it,” said Sen. Kelly, a former mariner, Navy veteran and graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “The SHIPS for America Act is the most ambitious effort in a generation to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries and counter China’s dominance over the oceans. Building and staffing more U.S.-flagged ships will create good-paying American jobs, make our supply chains more resilient, lower costs, and strengthen our ability to resupply our military at times of war. We’ll keep working with our colleagues in Congress, this administration, and our partners in the industry to make our country safer and more competitive by passing the SHIPS for America Act.” Young, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, said, “America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and seapower was a significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth. Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion...” Continues on Page 7 June 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Seafarers, SIU officials, officials from other unions, and additional supporters are pictured with U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) (fourth from left in front). JUNE 2025 �2025 MTD Executive Board Meeting MTD Charts Courses for Bolstering Maritime, Protecting Workers’ Rights Convening for the second straight year at AFL-CIO headquarters, the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Executive Board had no shortage of red-hot topics to address on May 7 in Washington, D.C. SIU President David Heindel, who also serves as MTD president, summarized the conflicting emotions felt by many MTD affiliates. In his opening remarks, he pointed out that although the U.S. maritime industry seems on the verge of exceptionally noteworthy gains, the labor movement is battling against unprecedented attacks on federal-sector unions. “I’ve been part of the maritime industry and the labor movement for a lot longer than I care to admit, and through all those decades, I’m not sure there’s been another moment that has held so much promise on the maritime industry side while simultaneously carrying so many threats to workers’ rights,” he said. The MTD is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. Formed shortly before the General Strike of 1946, the MTD currently includes 25 affiliated unions (the SIU is one) and a network of 21 port maritime councils in the U.S. and Canada. Guest speakers addressing the board during its most recent meeting were, in order, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) (via video); AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler; American Maritime Partnership (AMP) President Jennifer Carpenter; Michael Wessel, maritime advocate and head of The Wessel Group; U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-New York); and Eric Bunn Sr., national secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). The board approved statements backing the SHIPS for America Act; the Jones Act; cargo preference laws; maritime-related recommendations from the United States Trade Representative (USTR); and federal workers’ rights. The SIU had a strong turnout for the meeting. In addition to Heindel, Seafarers attendees included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice Presidents George Tricker, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi, Joe Vincenzo, Hazel Galbiso, Pat Vandegrift, and Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice Presidents Amancio Crespo, Sam Spain, Todd Brdak, and Michael Russo, and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Kelly had been scheduled for an in-person appearance but was called away on other business. In the video, he thanked the MTD and its affiliates for supporting the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, which had been reintroduced in Congress a week earlier. Continues on Pages 4-5 MTD/SIU President David Heindel (left) and MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Brittanie Potter convene the meeting. SIU VP Hazel Galbiso presents a report about port council activities. AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer Eric Bunn Sr. updates the board on his union’s latest efforts. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) gives his regards in a video message. The meeting takes place at AFL-CIO headquarters in the nation’s capital. JUNE 2025 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �2025 MTD Executive Board Meeting MTD Executive Board Defines Future Priorities Continued from Page 3 Shuler provided a comprehensive review of the AFL-CIO’s efforts to stand up for workers’ rights, particularly in the face of an executive order that, at least for now, has removed collective bargaining rights for hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including some members of the SIU Government Services Division. She also answered several questions from meeting attendees. Carpenter offered an overview of AMP’s ongoing work to promote and protect the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, while Wessel reported on the most recent plans unveiled by the USTR to curb China’s maritime dominance. Following a midday break, Suozzi reinforced his support for the American maritime industry and for workers’ rights. He also stressed the importance of clearer pro-worker communication from Democrats, along with the benefits of respectful dialogue. Bunn wrapped up the guest speaker remarks with a sobering recap of the effects of the aforementioned executive order. He also explained how AFGE and other unions are pushing back, including through the courts. The MTD is scheduled to conduct its next quadrennial convention June 4-5, 2025, in Minneapolis. MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Daniel Duncan asks a question of one of the guest speakers. Mike Wessel discusses the recent plans unveiled by the U.S. Trade Representative. Congressman Urges Pro-Worker Platforms, Cooperative Dialogue U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-New York) firmly reiterated his complete support for the U.S. maritime industry during his May 7 address to the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board in the nation’s capital. Most of his remarks, however, focused on bigger-picture issues facing America’s working families as well as the Democratic Party. Suozzi, whose district includes the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, has an outstanding voting record on both maritime and labor issues. “I’m with you guys 100%,” he said. “But we have got a problem in our country, and the problem is that working men and women are not making enough money.” He continued, “If you’re in a union, thank God; you’re doing good. You’ve got a good wage and good health benefits. You have good pensions. But the rest of the country, the people who aren’t in unions are in a lot of trouble.” Suozzi said one of the nation’s goals should be “to get back to a place in our country where the American Dream is a real thing for everybody. I’ll work hard and in return for working hard, I make enough money so I have a good life. That’s it. I work hard, I make enough money, I can buy a house, I can educate my kids, I can pay for health insurance. I can retire without being scared. Too many Americans don’t have that anymore, and that’s why they're [upset].” After touching on last year’s election results and current messaging that seems well-received by working families, Suozzi stated, “My party has got to get back to a place where working men and women say, those are the guys looking out for me. Those are the people looking out for my interests.” He credited the labor movement for helping build the foundation of the American Dream, then offered a brief history lesson beginning in the 1970s. Suozzi gave examples of how, starting during that period, ownership management in numerous industries began prioritizing shareholder profits far more than employee or community wellbeing. In terms of generating income, “it worked. We made a ton of money in America from the end of the 70s to now,” he said. “The Dow Jones has gone up 2,500%, the GDP has gone up – but 4 • SEAFARERS LOG Pictured from left are UA Metal Trades Director Patrick Dolan, Congressman Tom Suozzi, and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. workers wages have not gone up (correspondingly). They’ve been stuck. So, we made all this money, but it was only for a certain group of people.” Looking ahead, Suozzi said that Democratic legislators and candidates “have to lay out our platform that says very clearly our main focus is raising people’s wages and benefits and retirement security. That’s our number one priority. We’ve got to get back to that basic message, and then we have to have the vehicles to communicate the message.” The congressman concluded by appealing for more open communication between people and organizations at every level, from individuals to legislators to businesses and more. “People are just fighting with each other, and you can’t solve complicated problems with everybody yelling and screaming at each other,” he said. “You can’t do it in your family. You can’t do it in your business. Can’t do it in negotiating a contract. You need people who may disagree with each other to sit down across from each other and say, I think this. Well, I think that. Well, how about this? Well, how about that? And you try and find some common ground so you can move us all forward together. That’s not happening in an environment where everything’s attack and counter-attack, punch and counter-punch. “One of the things I’m doing is, I’m the co-chair of a group called The Problem Solvers Caucus,” he continued. “We just had a meeting today…. Fifty members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans. The Republican co-chair is going to be Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), who’s a pro-labor Republican. We’re working to try and find common ground…. If you agree with what I’m saying, tell people the same thing and encourage this. Spread the word with your friends and your neighbors and your colleagues.” U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (left) outlines his pro-worker message to the board. At right is MTD/SIU President David Heindel. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 JUNE 2025 �2025 MTD Executive Board Meeting Federation President Shows the Way Forward AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler is realistic about the challenges facing the labor movement – and she’s also determined to help lead a strong recovery as the federation battles against a number of recent anti-worker developments. Shuler spoke to the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board May 7 at AFL-CIO headquarters, located in the nation’s capital. She thanked MTD/SIU President David Heindel for his leadership and reiterated the federation’s unwavering support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. “The attacks on the Jones Act are constant, and I’m so glad to work with Dave and all of you to really keep that front and center and educate people,” Shuler stated. “I feel like we’re always behind the curve when these attacks come – that people have a knowledge deficit, and we wring our hands and say, how could they do this? Well, mostly it’s because we have a lot of people that are retiring. We have turnover on the Hill, and it’s this constant education. But we’re going to fiercely defend the Jones Act with everything we have, at all times, because it’s bedrock. It is a fundamental right that that we will fiercely stand by as a labor movement.” She also commended the MTD and its affiliates for their work promoting the SHIPS for America Act, which is considered the most comprehensive maritime revitalization legislation in more than half a century. Shuler pointed to the MTD’s decades of solidarity as a guide for overcoming current challenges. “Solidarity is a word that really means something with the Maritime Trades,” she said. “You show up. You show up for those who aren’t even necessarily adjacent to your industry…. The OPEIU was born out of the solidarity you showed. In the 1960s and 1970s, when the public AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler sector was trying to organize, you showed up…. We could use that solidarity more than ever.” The federation president described some recent executive orders as “a full-frontal assault on our labor movement writ large. With the stroke of a pen, eliminating collective bargaining rights for federal union members…. It is the biggest attack on our labor movement in our history. People like to point back to PATCO, the air traffic controllers, which was a moment in time that was seminal. This is that moment on steroids.” She continued, “No matter what industry you’re in, there’s an executive order for you, and it’s coming a mile a minute. But we’ve been here before. The labor movement endures. It’s a matter of the fierceness and the speed we probably haven’t dealt with before, but we have definitely been here before and gone through hard times and come back stronger. So that’s our objective. We’re going to continue to organize. We’re going to continue to fight back, make our voices heard.” Shuler has been traveling across the country, mobilizing for various grassroots outreach. Among other messages, she has used the meetings and rallies to promote the AFL-CIO’s Department of People Who Work for a Living – a resource aimed at countering misinformation from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In starting the mobilization, “we said, we’ll tell you from our perspective what efficiency looks like, but we also use it as a platform to show the impacts of what these (DOGE) cuts look like on real people. The hearings we did were all across the country, and mainly purple districts…. We invited workers to come in and testify, and we invited small-business people. We invited farmers, we invited veterans to talk about what these cuts mean. And it was so compelling.” A lifelong trade unionist and longtime backer of the SIU, Shuler said that during her travels, “What I heard was that people want common sense. No matter if you’re Democrat, Independent, Republican, people want common sense. And what they’re starting to see (from the administration) is not that.” She pointed out that income disparity remains a significant issue in the U.S. For example, a CEO rakes in an average of 238 times more money than a worker at their company. Shuler also said the many people who attended those meetings expressed fear about potential cuts to Social Security and Medicaid. “It’s up to us as a labor movement to be that place where you connect that anger and that frustration to action,” Shuler said. “Now is our time, and unions have never been more popular…. We have a real opportunity for organizing and to continue to stay on that front foot.” AMP President Sees Great Promise for Maritime Industry The head of the nation’s leading domestic maritime coalition sees great opportunities for the industry – and is committed to helping capitalize on them. Jennifer Carpenter serves as both the newest president of the SIU-affiliated American Maritime Partnership (AMP), as well as president and CEO of the American Waterways Operators. She addressed the Maritime Trades Department’s Executive Board meeting May 7 at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Speaking immediately after AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Carpenter noted, “Labor was absolutely essential to the formation of AMP way back in 1995 when it went by the inelegant name Maritime Cabotage Task Force. We decided we needed to work on the nomenclature a little bit, but the purpose has been consistent for the last 30 years, and that is single-issue focused on defending the Jones Act, the law that really is the statutory foundation of the domestic maritime industry.” The Jones Act has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. The law requires that cargo moving between two points in the U.S. is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. “The case for the Jones Act has never been stronger or more relevant to issues that Americans care about,” Carpenter stated. “Everybody is focused on working-class American jobs, and that is the Jones Act through and through. We’re talking 650,000 American jobs, direct and indirect, that rely on this industry….” She pointed out that the general public gained a new appreciation for the maritime industry during the COVID 19 pandemic, when people “realized that empty shelves are a thing that can JUNE 2025 happen. Supply chains don’t just work miraculously; they work because people make them work.” The domestic maritime industry shined during that period, particularly compared to the “wild swings in international commerce” that took place, Carpenter recalled. “We didn’t see that domestically, because we had American control of our supply chain,” she said. “We had American workers, American owners committed to this trade. I think that that resonates with people in a way that it didn’t five or six years ago.” Carpenter then focused on a sometimes-underappreciated aspect of the nation’s freight cabotage law. “Somebody asked me not long ago, what does America without the Jones Act look like? And I said, borderless. Our coastline is our longest border, and the Jones Act is absolutely essential to maritime border security. We know that it is a very dangerous world. Maritime is a critical domain in which geopolitical tensions are being played out, whether we’re talking about the Middle East, whether we’re talking about the Taiwan Strait, whether we’re talking about Russia and Ukraine. So, I think that there is a relevance to our arguments that was always there, but that maybe folks didn’t recognize in the same way that they do now.” Turning her attention to politics, Carpenter said, “I think there is an emerging bipartisan consensus that growing our maritime industry is essential to economic and homeland and national security. In just the last two months, we’ve seen the president’s executive order on restoring American maritime dominance. We’ve seen the reintroduction of the SHIPS for America Act by that wonderful bipartisan coalition of Senator (Mark) Kelly, Senator (Todd) Young, AMP President Jennifer Carpenter (left) addresses the board. Also pictured is MTD/SIU President David Heindel. Congressman (Trent) Kelly and Congressman (John) Garamendi. These two important initiatives are focused primarily on growing the U.S.-flag international fleet. That is absolutely essential, because that’s where we’ve got quite a bit of catching up to do, but I think it’s significant that they take the Jones Act as a foundation.” Carpenter noted that it remains critical for industry representatives to promote American maritime. In particular, and notwithstanding the current strong bipartisan backing, she noted that there are dozens and dozens of new members of Congress along with new staff on Capitol Hill. “Let’s get out there and let’s educate them,” she said. “Let’s not assume that they understand what the Jones Act is. Let’s not assume that if they think they know what the Jones Act is, they’re right about what the Jones Act is.” She concluded, “The Jones Act is critical to a strong American workforce, economy, supply chain, and border security. Now more than ever, we need to amplify the voice of all workers in support of the Jones Act.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Annual Funding Notice For Seafarers Pension Plan Introduction This notice provides key details about your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”) for the plan year beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024 (“Plan Year”). Investment Policy Pension plans also have investment policies that provide guidelines for making investment management decisions. The Plan’s investment policy is a follows: This is an informational notice. You do not need to respond or take any action. This notice includes: • Information about your Plan’s funding status. • Details on your benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal insurance agency. Investment objectives: Assets of the Plan shall be invested with sufficient diversification so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless it is clearly prudent under the then current circumstances not to do so. Plan assets shall be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of ERISA and supporting regulations, and all transactions will be undertaken on behalf of the Plan in the sole interest of Plan participants and beneficiaries. Assets of the Plan shall be invested to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet benefit payment obligations and other Plan expenses. What if I have questions about this notice, my Plan, or my benefits? Contact your plan administrator at: • Margaret Bowen • Phone: 301.899.0675 • Address: 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 • Email: map@seafarers.org To better assist you, provide your plan administrator with the following information when you contact them: • Plan Number: 001 • Plan Sponsor Name: Seafarers Pension Plan • Employer Identification Number: 13-6100329 1) What if I have questions about PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees? Visit www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer for more information. For specific information about your pension plan or pension benefits, you should contact your employer or plan administrator as PBGC does not have that information. Federal law requires all traditional pension plans, also known as defined benefit pension plans, to provide this notice every year regardless of funding status. This notice does not mean your Plan is terminating. 2) How Well Funded Is Your Plan? The law requires the Plan’s administrator to explain how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The funded percentage is calculated by dividing Plan assets by Plan liabilities. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The chart below shows the Plan's funded percentage for the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. It also lists the value of the Plan's assets and liabilities for those years. Investment Guidelines: With respect to any Investment Manager who is appointed by the Trustees, the Investment Manager is a bank (trust company), insurance company, or registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Full discretion, within certain guidelines, is granted to each Investment Manager with regard to the sector and security selection and the timing of any transactions. Asset Allocation: The Fund’s assets are invested in the following asset classes and maintained within the corresponding ranges. The Trustees make appropriate adjustments if one or more of the limits are breeched. Asset Class Target Range Domestic Equities 50% 40% - 60% Fixed Income and Cash Equivalents 40% 30% - 50% Real Estate 10% 0% - 20% Standards of Investment Performance: Each Investment Manager is reviewed regularly regarding performance, personnel, strategy, research capabilities, organizational and business matters and other qualitative factors that may affect its ability to achieve the desired investment results. Consideration will be given to the extent to which performance results are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the Investment Policy and/or individual guidelines provided to an Investment Manager. The Plan’s investment policy outlines prohibited investments as well as limits regarding the percentage of the fund that may be invested in any one company and industry. Minimum credit quality guidelines are established and provided to investment managers. No investment may be made which violates the provisions of ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code. The Trustees review the Plan’s investment policy on a regular basis and make periodic changes when, based on all available information, it is prudent to do so. 3) Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets To provide further insight into the Plan’s financial position, the chart below shows the fair market value of the Plan’s assets on the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years. Market values fluctuate based on investment performance, providing a more immediate snapshot of the plan’s funding status. As of the end of the Plan Year, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following investment categories as percentages of total assets: 4) Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan’s funding status determines the steps a plan must take to strengthen its finances and continue paying benefits: • Endangered: The plan’s funded percentage drops below 80 percent. The plan’s trustees must adopt a funding improvement plan. • Critical: The plan’s funded percentage falls below 65 percent or meets other financial distress criteria. The plan’s trustees must implement a rehabilitation plan. • Critical and Declining: A plan in critical status is also designated as critical and declining if projected to become insolvent—meaning it will no longer have enough assets to pay out benefits—within 15 years (or within 20 years under a special rule). The plan’s trustees must continue to implement the rehabilitation plan. The plan’s sponsor may seek approval to amend the plan, including reducing current and future benefits. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the Plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2025, a separate notification of that status has or will be provided. 5) Participant and Beneficiary Information The following chart shows the number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the last day of the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. The numbers for the latest Plan Year reflect the plan administrator’s reasonable, good faith estimate. For information about the Plan's investment in any of the following types of investments common-/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities - contact Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: SPP Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. The average return on assets for the Plan Year was 12.3%. 7) Events Having a Material Effect on Assets or Liabilities By law, this notice must include an explanation of any new events that materially affect the Plan’s liabilities or assets. These events could affect the Plan’s financial health or its ability to meet its obligations. For the plan year beginning on January 1, 2025 (i.e., the year after the notice year) and ending on December 31, 2025, there was no amendment, scheduled benefit increase or reduction, or other known event taking effect in the current plan year and expected to have a material effect on plan liabilities or assets for the current plan year. The above table reflects actual year-end demographic data for the preceding two plan years. 6) Funding & Investment Policies Funding Policy Every pension plan must establish a funding policy to meet its objectives. The funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The Plan’s funding policy to provide benefits from contributions by signatory employers under the terms of collective bargaining agreements between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters and the employers. The Plan may receive the portion of the employers' contributions made to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan which the Trustees determine is necessary to provide for pension benefits based on the recommendation of the Plan's Actuary. 8) Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file an annual report, called the Form 5500, with the U.S. Department of Labor. The Form 5500 includes financial and other information about these pension plans. You can get a copy of your Plan’s Form 5500: • Online: Visit www.efast.dol.gov to search for your Plan’s Form 5500. • By Mail: Submit a written request to your plan administrator. • By Phone: Call (202) 693-8673 to speak with a representative of the U.S. Depart ment of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room. The Form 5500 does not include personal information, such as your accrued benefits. For details about your accrued benefits, contact your plan administrator. Continues on Page 11 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 JUNE 2025 �SHIPS Act Will Bolster Industry Continued from Page 2 “...Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping pace with China.” Rep. Kelly noted, “Strengthening America’s shipbuilding capacity and revitalizing our commercial maritime industry is critical to national security and economic resilience. Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re prioritizing these vital sectors. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Todd Young, and Congressman John Garamendi to help safeguard our maritime future.” Longtime maritime champion Garamendi stated, “With China's growing influence in the global maritime sector, the United States can no longer afford to overlook our maritime industries. The SHIPS for America Act will give our shipyards and merchant mariners the tools they need to rebuild America’s maritime industry and create good-paying American jobs. I’m proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly to strengthen America’s national security, economic strength, and global leadership on the high seas.” Other cosponsors in the Senate include Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania). Murkowski stated, “Because of our vast geography, the maritime industry is uniquely vital to Alaska, with many of our coastal communities relying on a strong U.S.-flagged fleet for everything from everyday logistics to commercial fishing and homeland defense. I am proud to cosponsor the SHIPS Act, which advances common-sense solutions that will invest in the workforce and revitalize our nation’s shipbuilding, increasing Alaska’s resilience and security.” Fetterman said, “When it comes to maintaining our competitive edge against China, failure is not an option. The SHIPS for America Act will help the United States compete with China’s production of ships while creating new manufacturing jobs in shipyards across the nation. Not only will this strengthen our national security, but it’ll also grow our local economies and support working families right here in Pennsylvania. I’m proud to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will help us build more ships in America and stand up to China.” Among many other achievements, the SHIPS for America Act would: • Coordinate U.S. maritime policy by establishing the position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House, who would lead an interagency Maritime Security Board tasked with making whole-of-government strategic decisions for how to implement a National Maritime Strategy. The bill also establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund that would reinvest duties and fees paid by the maritime industry into maritime security programs and infrastructure supporting maritime commerce. • Establish a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years by creating the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would facilitate the development of a fleet of commercially operated, U.S.-flagged, American-crewed, and domestically built merchant vessels that can operate competitively in international commerce. • Enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce by establishing a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards to “cut through the U.S. Coast Guard’s red tape that limits the international competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, modify duties to make cargo on U.S.-flagged vessels more competitive, requiring that government-funded cargo move aboard U.S.-flagged vessels, and requiring a portion of commercial goods imported from China to move aboard U.S.-flagged vessels starting in 2030.” • Expand the U.S. shipyard industrial base, for both military and commercial oceangoing vessels, by establishing a 25 percent investment tax credit for shipyard investments, transforming the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program into a revolving fund, and establishing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives program to support innovative approaches to domestic ship building and ship repair. • Make historic investments in the maritime workforce by supporting a Maritime Workforce Promotion and Recruitment Campaign, allowing mariners to retain their credentials through a newly established Merchant Marine Career Retention Program, investing in long-overdue infrastructure needs for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and supporting State Maritime Academies and Centers for Excellence for Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana) Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The bill also makes “long-overdue changes to streamline and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing system.” Schoeneman, in addition to his SIU duties, also serves as chair of the coalition USA Maritime. In the latter capacity, he commented, “The USA Maritime coalition supports the SHIPS for America Act and has been honored to work with Senators Kelly and Young, and Congressmen Garamendi and Kelly as the bill has taken shape over the last two years. This bill represents the most comprehensive maritime policy initiative in more than half a century. Now, more than ever, the United States needs a strong, vibrant and growing U.S. Merchant Marine, capable of carrying a substantial portion of our foreign commerce and supporting our military in time of war. This initiative will ensure our country has the U.S.-flag ships and American mariners needed to preserve, protect and defend America and our economic security. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this legislation.” Among those taking in the speeches are (far left) SIU President David Heindel, (fourth from left in front) SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, (far right in front) AMO President Willie Barrere, and (far right, rear) Bosun Lucas Tiderman. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center show up in force for the pro-maritime event. Immediately after the press gathering, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) (left) asks Paul Hall Center Apprentices about their training and their aspirations. JUNE 2025 U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) (nearest person facing camera) chats with Paul Hall Center Apprentices prior to the news conference. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA DARREN BATES Brother Darren Bates, 62, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. He first sailed on the Cape Hudson and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Bates was a deck department member and most recently shipped aboard the Resolve. He calls Magnolia, Mississippi, home. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. WILLIAM LEACHMAN FRANK KOSARICK Brother William Leachman, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1993 and first worked on the Sealift Arabian Sea. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Leachman concluded his career on the USNS Fisher. He resides in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Brother Frank Kosarick, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 2008. A member of the deck department, he originally sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Kosarick upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career with Penn Maritime and settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. GEORGE SCHUMPP RODOLFO CALDO PAUL MCDONELL Brother Rodolfo Caldo, 65, joined the union in 2005 and initially sailed aboard the Lawrence Gianella. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Caldo last shipped on the Horizon Spirit. He makes his home in Lathrop, California. Brother Paul McDonell, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Leo. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McDonell last shipped on the Maersk Chesapeake. He is a resident of Lake Placid, Florida. ROBINSON EROMOSELE Brother Robinson Eromosele, 76, started sailing with the SIU in 2003 and first worked on the Wilson. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Eromosele last shipped on the Liberty Glory. He resides in Richmond, Texas. BONIFACIO FORTES Brother Bonifacio Fortes, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Fortes most recently shipped aboard the Alaskan Navigator and settled in Stockton, California. PABLO GARCIA Brother Pablo Garcia, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Garcia last sailed aboard the Maersk Sentosa. He lives in the Bronx, New York. TIMOTHY HOLMES Brother Timothy Holmes, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996. He initially sailed on the USNS Bob Hope and worked in the steward department. Brother Holmes upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. His final vessel was the USNS Henson. Brother Holmes resides in Chemung, New York. LUMUMBA LASANA Brother Lumumba Lasana, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1997. He first sailed aboard the USNS Able and worked in the deck department. Brother Lasana last sailed on the SBX and settled in Chesapeake, Virginia. HUSSEIN MOHAMED Brother Hussein Mohamed, 49, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Mohamed concluded his career aboard the Maersk Kensington and settled in Melvindale, Michigan. MICHELLE WATERS Sister Michelle Waters, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1983 and first shipped on the Independence. She upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in the steward department. Sister Waters last sailed on the Cape Gibson and settled in Merritt Island, Florida. INLAND LESLIE HOLLOWELL Brother Leslie Hollowell, 62, signed on with the union in 1994, initially working with Penn Maritime. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Hollowell was last employed with Allied Transportation. He makes his home in Greenville, North Carolina. DAVID JOHNSON Brother David Johnson, 63, joined the union in 1999. A deck department member, he worked with G&H Towing for the entirety of his career. Brother Johnson lives in Tool, Texas. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG• OCTOBER 2023 Brother George Schumpp, 66, joined the union in 1994. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Schumpp was employed with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. He lives in Fairlawn, New Jersey. MARIA SMITH Sister Maria Smith, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990. She shipped in the steward department and upgraded her skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Sister Smith sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat for the duration of her career, most recently aboard the Mississippi Queen. She resides in Kenner, Louisiana. ROBERT THORNE Brother Robert Thorne, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2008. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. An engine department member, Brother Thorne worked for G&H Towing for most of his career. He lives in Kingwood, Texas. PHILIP WRIGHT Brother Philip Wright, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1993 when he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Wright most recently sailed aboard the Courage. He makes his home in Key Largo, Florida. NMU REYNALDO DEL MUNDO Brother Reynaldo Del Mundo, 70, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Keystone Texas. Brother Del Mundo lives in Alhambra, California. PAUL RICHARD Brother Paul Richard, 66, signed on with the union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and last sailed on the Cape Horn. He resides in Post Falls, Idaho. JUNE 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU MILESTONES IN MICHIGAN ‒ Three Seafarers recently picked up their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall in Algonac, Michigan. Pictured at left, starting with photo at far left, are AB Mohammed Obad, Steward/Baker Ammar Sailan, and AB Zaid Mesleh. Safety Director Jason Brown is at right in each snapshot. CATCHING UP IN HOUSTON ‒ SIU ABOARD MATSON ANCHORAGE ‒ Pictured from left are Chief Cook Christopher Hopkins, SA Nasser Hajaji, and SIU Patrolman Dennison Forsman. pensioner Arthur Ross (center) stops by the hiring hall to grab a copy of his favorite periodical and to chat with (from left) Patrolman J.B. Niday and Safety Director Kevin Sykes. Ross recently turned 81. His last vessel was the Sulphur Enterprise, in 2006. HONORING THE GREATEST GENERATION ‒ SIU Asst. VP Sam Spain helped salute the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II during this year’s American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) Convention, which took place in early April in Norfolk, Virginia. He’s pictured at right in photo above, left, with Rear Adm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret.), one of the keynote speakers. Pictured from left in photo above, right, are AMMV National Secretary (and former SIU member) Chris Edyvean, Spain, and SIU pensioner Michael Pooler, while the remaining snapshot includes (also from left) Sailors Snug Harbor Executive Director Jay Brooks, SIU pensioner Clay Brown, and AMMV President Dru DiMattia. JUNE 2025 SEAFARERS LOGSEAFARERS 2023 • OCTOBER LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ABOARD ‒ Crescent Towing Wheelman Cody Nelson (right) receives his full book. He’s pictured at the New Orleans hall with SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. (Nelson also just earned his Master of Towing.) WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS ‒ Crowley ATB Capt. Darren Bates (right) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. He sailed with the SIU for 35 years. Congratulating him on the milestone is SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. FAMILY TRADITION ‒ Seafaring often runs in families. At left is GUDE Matthew Lehnen aboard the Mariner (Eco-Tankers), with his uncle, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. “I am very proud of him,” Krick noted, “and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience walking up the gangway with him.” ABOARD FLORIDA ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid tanker are (larger group photo) SA Naila King, Recertified Bosun Samuel Duah, ABG Daniel Flanagan, and ABB Lucas Anderson. From left in the other non-ship photo: Chief Cook Crystal Cobbs, SA Naila King. CLASSMATES RECONNECT ‒ Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson and Chief Mate/Hawsepiper Mark Holman were Piney Point classmates back in 1980, and they ran into each other earlier this year while working for Pacific Gulf Marine. Jackson (left in the recent photo, with Holman) said they “shared many sea stories.” In the class photo, Holman is barely visible in back, near the center, while Jackson is easier to spot (front, far left). TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA ‒ Being sworn in during the April membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, are (from left, facing camera) ABM Markham Campbell (B book), AB Campbell Busbey (B book), Storekeeper Carl Bascara (A book), STOS Dion Bonner (B book) and OS Samuel Hall (B book). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. ABOARD SLNC YORK ‒ ACU Ryan Hatch is pictured aboard the Argent Marine vessel in Indian Island, Washington. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERJUNE 2023 2025 10 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELL-EARNED KUDOS ‒ SA Hyun Kim (right) recently ABOARD PACIFIC TRACKER ‒ Pictured from left aboard the TOTE vessel are ABMs Theodore Swift and Joey Benosa, and Bosun Leroy Reed. won the monthly recognition aboard the Alliance Fairfax (Maersk Line, Limited) for outstanding shipmate and cleanest room. Celebrating the occasion with her is Chief Mate Chuck Hendricks. Recertified Steward Rocky Dupraw said Kim “is by far the best SA I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Along with her work ethic, she has great attention to detail.” SHARING A SPECIAL MOMENT ‒ Talk about versatility: FULL BOOK IN PINEY POINT ‒ OS Marlon Gayle (left) receives his B book. He’s pictured at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, with SIU Patrolman Josh Gail. Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb. Sr., who earned a Doctor of Religious Education degree, recently was installed as an assistant pastor with his local church in Oakland, California. Celebrating the occasion are (standing, from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU pensioners Donald Benjamin, Larry Toston, and Perry McCall, Webb, SIU Patrolwoman Kathy Chester, SIU Oakland Port Agent Duane Akers, and (in front) pensioner Gerald Archie. PROMOTING SIU CAREERS ‒ The union’s efforts to attract the next generation of mariners never stops, as evidenced by this recent snapshot of (from left) Recruiting Director Ryan Covert and SIU Asst. VP Todd Brdak at a career expo in Detroit. Annual Funding Notice For Seafarers Pension Plan (Continued) Continued from Page 6 9) Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan's available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC, below), the plan must apply to PBGC for financial assistance. PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan's financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. 10) Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC Only vested benefits—those that you’ve earned and cannot forfeit—are guaranteed. What PBGC Guarantees PBGC guarantees “basic benefits” including: • Pension benefits at normal retirement age. • Most early retirement benefits. • Annuity benefits for survivors of plan participants. • Disability benefits for disabilities that occurred before the earlier of the date the plan terminated or the sponsor’s bankruptcy date. What PBGC Does Not Guarantee PBGC does not guarantee certain types of benefits, including: • A participant’s pension benefit or benefit increase until it has been part of the JUNE 2025 plan for 60 full months. • Disability benefits in non-pay status. • Non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, or death benefits. Determining Guarantee Amounts The maximum benefit PBGC guarantees is set by law. Your plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. The maximum PBGC guarantee is $35.75 per month, multiplied by a participant's years of credited service. PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit based on the plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate and your years of credited service. The guarantee is calculated as follows: 1. Take 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan's monthly benefit accrual rate. 2. Take 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate. 3. Add both amounts together. 4. Multiply the total by your years of credited service to determine your guaranteed monthly benefit. Example 1: Participant with a Monthly $600 Benefit and 10 Years of Service. 1. Find the accrual rate: $600/10 = $60 accrual rate. 2. Apply PBGC formula: a. Take 100 percent of the first $11= $11 b. Take 75 percent of the next $33 = $24.75 3. Add the two amounts together: $11 + $24.75 = $35.75 4. Multiply by years of credited service: $35.75 x 10 years = $357.50 In this example, the participant's guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50. Example 2: Participant with a $200 Monthly Benefit and 10 Years of Service. 1. Find the accrual rate: $200/10 = $20 accrual rate. 2. Apply PBGC formula: a. Take 100 percent of the first $11= $11 b. Take 75 percent of the next $9 = $6.75 3. Add the two amounts together: $11 + $6.75 = $17.75 4. Multiply by years of credited service: $17.75 x 10 years = $177.50 In this example, the participant's guaranteed monthly benefit is $177.50 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •11 11 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent SIU Tallying Committee. Question: If you could change anything about the maritime industry, what would you change? Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Jason Powell Chief Electrician Mubarek Ahmed Bosun I would like to [decrease] the regulations on seafarers so we can go to sea and be less encumbered by the Coast Guard. Being able to hit the shore faster, without getting held up for hours. Your time off is limited already, depending on what your position is on the ship. Hitting a port and just giving your ID, like you were at a domestic port, would be a lot easier. Ronald J. Davis Recertified Steward Richard Benoit AB Bring back more American-flag ships. We need increased trade. We’ve got to start building more ships, catch up with China and pass them. Try to [reduce] some of the Coast Guard regulations. There are way too many. I liked it back in the old days, when you got your documents and you were good until you retired or you upgraded. Chandler Williams AB Anthony Jacobson Recertified Steward Just how slowly things change in the industry. It can be a slog. Keep up with what seafarers are saying, so we have more input. From a steward’s point of view, these companies need to look again at the food budgets and make them realistic. Because of all the inflation that’s been happening, they’re not in line with inflation. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Wiper Nick Farinaccio checks out the engine room control board on the LNG carrier El Paso Sonatrach (El Paso Southern Tanker Co.) in late 1979. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2025 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Notice Important Reminder for Seafarers and Pensioners Seafarers and SIU pensioners are strongly encouraged to make sure that their beneficiary designations are up to date and accurate. If outdated beneficiary information remains on file, it may result in benefits being paid to one or more individuals no longer intended by the member or pensioner to receive those benefits. Unintended consequences may arise if, for example, a designated beneficiary has passed away, or if a member’s or pensioner’s marital status has changed. Seafarers and pensioners can update their designated beneficiaries by contacting the SIU Member Assistance Program (MAP) by phone: 1-(800) 252-4674 Option 2, or by email: map@seafarers.org in order to obtain beneficiary forms. “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from April 14 - May 13, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of May 14, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 12 Anchorage 2 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 14 Guam 2 Harvey 5 Honolulu 6 Houston 27 Jacksonville 31 Jersey City 26 Joliet 0 Mobile 10 Norfolk 27 Oakland 8 Philadelphia 4 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 5 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 18 Wilmington 25 9 1 4 8 2 4 2 17 21 7 4 1 14 4 1 4 3 2 10 3 2 0 1 7 0 3 0 9 12 3 0 2 9 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 21 0 2 13 0 4 2 26 23 13 1 8 17 3 2 1 4 1 17 18 4 0 5 5 0 6 0 13 16 6 1 1 11 2 1 3 3 2 5 2 1 0 1 4 0 3 0 7 10 4 1 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 1 10 0 6 0 18 17 11 0 2 8 2 1 1 5 0 8 5 17 5 6 29 6 12 12 44 59 31 6 13 28 12 2 2 8 1 26 59 12 2 3 7 2 7 4 30 36 10 7 4 17 7 1 4 2 2 10 6 4 0 0 7 0 4 0 19 7 5 1 4 16 1 0 0 1 2 3 8 TOTAL 226 121 53 176 86 38 103 378 173 82 Algonac 2 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 9 Guam 2 Harvey 3 Honolulu 1 Houston 10 Jacksonville 21 Jersey City 6 Joliet 1 Mobile 4 Norfolk 10 Oakland 4 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 2 Tacoma 7 Wilmington 7 TOTAL 101 0 0 6 5 1 4 2 9 26 1 1 0 14 4 1 1 1 0 2 3 81 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 5 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0 2 3 27 2 0 2 5 0 3 1 3 9 3 0 1 5 2 0 0 1 0 2 3 42 5 1 5 9 1 2 7 15 29 11 1 3 15 4 1 3 3 2 7 15 139 4 0 3 10 1 2 2 13 21 4 1 0 15 5 0 0 1 0 6 5 93 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 6 6 2 0 1 8 3 1 1 2 0 2 10 48 Algonac 4 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 6 Guam 2 Harvey 2 Honolulu 4 Houston 12 Jacksonville 23 Jersey City 8 Joliet 0 Mobile 4 Norfolk 23 Oakland 9 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 2 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 3 Wilmington 23 TOTAL 131 1 0 2 3 1 4 1 7 21 7 2 0 9 2 1 4 7 0 1 2 75 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 4 4 1 0 0 5 1 0 2 3 0 4 3 33 3 0 0 5 1 1 5 7 18 4 0 3 13 12 0 3 3 1 4 11 94 0 0 2 2 0 5 3 8 11 3 0 1 6 4 1 3 1 0 0 6 56 6 0 0 9 1 3 5 19 33 14 1 5 23 14 1 1 6 0 8 31 180 0 0 1 5 0 8 3 10 27 5 2 0 19 2 1 3 12 0 2 5 105 1 0 0 3 1 0 1 7 6 0 0 0 7 1 0 0 2 0 4 4 37 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 1 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 4 Jacksonville 0 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 1 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 1 Wilmington 1 6 2 3 4 0 0 2 17 25 18 0 0 7 11 0 1 0 0 4 16 13 0 1 10 5 2 3 14 55 15 1 0 40 22 0 3 0 0 11 23 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 0 1 2 1 1 0 3 7 3 0 0 5 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 2 1 5 0 1 2 26 50 22 0 1 11 12 0 3 0 0 11 14 17 1 1 16 3 6 4 28 108 26 1 2 52 22 0 3 0 0 14 31 Engine Department 2 1 3 5 1 3 4 3 11 4 1 2 11 3 2 0 2 1 6 7 72 1 1 5 1 1 4 1 5 13 2 1 1 13 3 0 1 1 1 2 3 60 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 3 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 16 Steward Department June & July Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: June 2, July 7 Thursday: June 12, July17 Thursday: June 5, July 10 Friday: June 20, Thursday: July 24 Honolulu Friday: June 13, July 18 Houston Monday: June 9, July 14 Jacksonville Thursday: June 5, July 10 Joliet Thursday: June 12, July 17 Mobile Wednesday: June 11, July 16 New Orleans Tuesday: June 10, July 15 Jersey City Tuesday: June 3, July 8 Norfolk Friday: June 6, July 11 Oakland Thursday: June 12, July 17 Philadelphia Wednesday: June 4, July 9 Port Everglades Thursday: June 12, July 17 San Juan Thursday: June 5, July 10 St. Louis Friday: June 13, July 18 Tacoma Friday: June 20, July 25 Wilmington Monday: June 16, July 21 Schedule change due to holiday observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. JUNE 2025 0 1 1 4 1 6 2 7 10 2 1 1 4 2 0 3 4 0 2 4 55 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 3 1 1 1 1 0 2 3 20 Entry Department 3 0 1 5 1 1 1 13 17 10 1 1 3 6 0 1 0 0 4 6 6 1 2 2 2 1 3 3 24 10 0 0 14 7 1 1 1 0 4 8 TOTAL 9 116 218 8 74 90 29 19 165 335 GRAND TOTAL 393 331 350 275 164 230 716 536 502 467 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JOHN ALICEA Pensioner John Alicea, 69, passed away February 22. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2000 when he sailed aboard the Independence. An engine department member, Brother Alicea last shipped on the Ocean Jazz in 2021. He became a pensioner in 2023 and settled in Port St. Lucie, Florida. DONALD BOATRIGHT Pensioner Donald Boatright, 73, died March 24. He started shipping with the union in 1970, initially working with Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Boatright was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Spirit. He went on pension in 2010 and resided in Pinole, California. CARLOS BONEFONT Pensioner Carlos Bonefont, 83, passed away March 13. He joined the SIU in 1960 when he sailed on the Evelyn. Brother Bonefont sailed in all three departments and last shipped on the Horizon Hawaii. He became a pensioner in 2008 and made his home in Amsterdam, New York. ARNULFO CALDERON Pensioner Arnulfo Calderon, 76, died February 6. He signed on with the union in 2001. Brother Calderon first shipped on the Bernard F. Fisher and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Harry Martin and went on pension in 2013. Brother Calderon resided in the Bronx, New York. DELFINO CASTRO Pensioner Delfino Castro, 79, passed away March 30. He donned the SIU colors in 1995 and first shipped on the Independence. A member of the steward department, Brother Castro concluded his career aboard the Chemical Pioneer and retired in 2012. He was a Houston resident. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. CRAIG CROFT PAULA KALEIKINI Pensioner Craig Croft, 58, passed away February 2. He joined the SIU in 1985, initially sailing with G&H Towing. Brother Croft worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Louisiana in 2021. Brother Croft went on pension in 2023 and made his home in Hitchcock, Texas. Pensioner Paula Kaleikini, 75, died February 11. She became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1992. Sister Kaleikini first sailed aboard the USNS Adventurous. She was a steward department member and last shipped on the North Star. Sister Kaleikini retired in 2015 and lived in Kapolei, Hawaii. ALFREDO CUEVAS Pensioner Alfredo Cuevas, 78, died December 4. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1987 when he shipped on the USNS Wyman. Brother Cuevas was an engine department member. He concluded his career aboard the Maersk Missouri and became a pensioner in 2015. Brother Cuevas made his home in the Philippines. JUANITO DANSALAN Pensioner Juanito Dansalan, 83, has passed away. Sailing first aboard the USNS Harkness, he donned the SIU colors in 1988. Brother Dansalan worked in the engine department and last shipped on the Charger. He went on pension in 2011 and resided in the Philippines. DANIEL GAMBOA Pensioner Daniel Gamboa, 73, died March 15. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2002. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Cape Farewell. Brother Gamboa last sailed on the Liberty Glory. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Houston. MICHAEL GAY Pensioner Michael Gay, 73 passed away March 3. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1971, initially sailing aboard the Yukon. Brother Gay worked in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Ocean Freedom. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and lived in Tallahassee, Florida. GEORGE HOLLAND Pensioner George Holland, 83, died February 1. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1963. Brother Holland first shipped with Moore-McCormack Lines. A deck department member, he last sailed aboard the Navigator. Brother Holland retired in 2002 and called Lacey, Washington, home. LEON CATLIN CHRISTIE JOHNSON Pensioner Leon Catlin, 79, died February 22. He became a member of the union in 2001. Brother Catlin worked in the steward department. He sailed aboard the Delaware Trader for his entire career before going on pension in 2012. Brother Catlin lived in Mobile, Alabama. Pensioner Christie Johnson, 88, passed away February 3. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1958. Brother Johnson first worked on the Beaugard. He last shipped aboard the Liberty Wave in 2000. Brother Johnson went on pension the following year and made his home in Eupora, Mississippi. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JOEL LECHEL Pensioner Joel Lechel, 66, passed away March 29. Brother Lechel embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing on the Indiana Harbor. He worked in the deck department. Brother Lechel’s final vessel was the Walter J. McCarthy. He began collecting his pension in 2010 and resided in Estero, Florida. ROMUALD LOS Pensioner Romuald Los, 91, passed away March 6. He donned the SIU colors in 1963 and first worked aboard the Transeastern. A member of the deck department, Brother Los concluded his career aboard the Freedom. He became a pensioner in 1995 and settled in the United Kingdom. PIOTR MLYMARCZYK Pensioner Piotr Mlymarczyk, 65, died January 21. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2003. Brother Mlymarczyk first shipped on the Gus Darnell. He was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Matson Tacoma. Brother Mlymarczyk became a pensioner in 2024 and made his home in Burien, Washington. ROSINDO MORA Pensioner Rosindo Mora, 100, passed away February 11. Sailing first aboard the Yaka, he donned the SIU colors in 1951. Brother Mora worked in the steward department and last shipped aboard the Crusader. He retired in 1990 and resided in New Port Richey, Florida. GUILLERMO QUINONES Pensioner Guillermo Quinones, 71, died March 4. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1969. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Steel Apprentice. Brother Quinones last sailed on the Value in 1994. He became a pensioner in 2018 and settled in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. TOMMIE SANFORD Pensioner Tommie Sanford, 86, passed away February 26. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1958, initially sailing aboard the La Salle. Brother Sanford worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Overseas Ohio in 1986. He began collecting his pension in 2003 and lived in Colmesneil, Texas. JUNE 2025 �JOSE SIALANA RONALD HALBERG FELTON BERCY Pensioner Jose Sialana, 72, died February 16. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991. Brother Sialana first shipped on the Independence. He worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the Freedom. Brother Sialana retired in 2018 and called Pico River, California, home. Pensioner Ronald Halberg, 75, died March 12. He signed on with the SIU in 1971. Brother Halberg worked in the steward department and was employed with Arnold Transit Company for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2013 and made his home in Saint Ignace, Michigan. Pensioner Felton Bercy, 76, died February 2. A deck department member, Brother Bercy last shipped on the Green Cove. He became a pensioner in 2009 and lived in New Orleans. WARREN WRIGHT Pensioner Warren Wright, 71, passed away March 10. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed on the Mohawk. Brother Wright sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He became a pensioner in 2018 and made his home in Newark, Delaware. ROGELIO YBARRA Pensioner Rogelio Ybarra, 67, died March 19. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1978. Brother Ybarra first sailed aboard the Connecticut. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and last shipped on the Overseas Chinook. Brother Ybarra began collecting his pension in 2016 and settled in Texas City, Texas. GREAT LAKES RONALD DANDREA Pensioner Ronald Dandrea, 80, passed away February 26. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 and first worked aboard the CL Austin. Brother Dandrea sailed in the deck department. He became a pensioner in 2009 after concluding his career on the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Dandrea made his home in Duluth, Minnesota. DONALD DEVLIEGER Pensioner Donald DeVlieger, 73, died February 13. He donned the SIU colors in 1970 and initially worked aboard the JA Kling. Brother DeVlieger last sailed aboard the JAW Iglehart and retired in 2005. He resided in Redford, Michigan. INLAND MEDFORD AUSTIN Pensioner Medford Austin, 85, passed away March 22. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968. A deck department member, Brother Austin first was employed with Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation. He concluded his career with Mariner Towing and went on pension in 2011. Brother Austin called Frisco, North Carolina, home. DONALD AUTERY Pensioner Donald Autery, 72, died March 29. He embarked on his career with the union in 1989 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Autery worked with Allied Transportation until he became a pensioner in 2011. He resided in South Mills, North Carolina. Pensioner Joseph Costa, 94, passed away March 6. Brother Costa began sailing in 1950. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Islander. Brother Costa concluded his career aboard the Eagle and retired in 1995. He resided in Northborough, Massachusetts. JOHN DORSEY Pensioner John Dorsey, 81, died March 2. Brother Dorsey sailed as a deck department member. He last shipped aboard the Denali and began collecting his pension in 2003. Brother Dorsey made his home in Rincon, Georgia. PHILIP HAWES DAVID KEEFE Pensioner David Keefe, 65, passed away March 8. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1990 when he sailed aboard the Gulf Trader. Brother Keefe was a deck department member and concluded his career working with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He became a pensioner in 2016 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. WAYNE PROUDLOVE Pensioner Wayne Proudlove, 79, died February 28. He began sailing with the SIU in 1969 when he was employed with Berg Towing Company. Brother Proudlove worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the American Eagle in 1989. Brother Proudlove started collecting his pension in 2014 and called Rogersville, Tennessee, home. Pensioner Philip Hawes, 78, passed away March 5. Brother Hawes sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Energy Enterprise before becoming a pensioner in 2005. Brother Hawes lived in Harahan, Louisiana. JAMES HOCKING Pensioner James Hocking, 75, died February 26. Brother Hocking worked in the deck department. He retired in 2014 after concluding his career with Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Hocking resided in East Falmouth, Massachusetts. RICHARD JOHNSON Brother Richard Johnson, 93, has passed away. Brother Johnson sailed in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Chesapeake Bay and lived in Goose Creek, South Carolina. LOUIS SMITH Pensioner Louis Smith, 84, passed away February 21. A deck department member, he joined the union in 1967 when he worked with National Marine Service. Brother Smith was last employed with OSG Ship Management and retired in 1993. He resided in Riverview, Florida. NMU ANDREW EGRESSY Pensioner Andrew Egressy, 87, passed away March 4. Brother Egressy signed on with the SIU in 1999. He first sailed aboard the Sam Laud and shipped in the engine department. Brother Egressy concluded his career aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger and retired in 2008. He lived in East Concord, New York. JOSEPH COSTA AGUEDO SABINO Pensioner Aguedo Sabino, 81, died January 19. Brother Sabino was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Energy Enterprise. He became a pensioner in 2009 and made his home in Portugal. CAROL ALLEN Pensioner Carol Allen, 70, died March 28. Brother Allen shipped in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Chesapeake and began collecting his pension in 2010. Brother Allen called Milton, Massachusetts, home. 15 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JUNE 2025 ERNESTO SALANO Pensioner Ernesto Salano, 97, passed away March 28. Brother Salano worked in the deck department. He sailed on his final vessel, the Delaware Trader, before retiring in 1996. Brother Salano resided in Isabela, Puerto Rico. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. CALIFORNIA (Fairwater Tanker Management), February 23 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Dante Cruz, Educational Director Demarkus McNabb, Deck Delegate Leonard Ajoste, Engine Delegate Latiffe Brooks, Steward Delegate Rey Chang. Chairman discussed the upcoming change of ownership. SIU contract agreement to stay in place. He reminded members to clean rooms before signoff. Educational director encouraged crew to renew documents as early as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed the latest union constitutional changes, including dues increases and four new constitutional halls, as approved by rank-and-file members during the most recent balloting period. Crew asked for tour of duty forms to be forwarded to ship. Vote of thanks given to all for working great together and special thanks given to steward department for providing excellent meals. Members requested increases in both safety boot allowances and vacation days to 18 for 30. Next port: Long Beach, California. TORM TIMOTHY (Eco-Tankers Crew Management, LLC), March 2 – Chairman Troy Glatter, Secretary Jeremias Luenzo, Educational Director Abasiama Essien-Ete. Members welcomed new steward/ baker and reported excellent morale on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed ship launches and ship restrictions as well as the Eco Tankers contract. Bosun requested new pillows and fitted sheets. Captain is trying to get them in Singapore. AMERICAN FREEDOM (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 6 – Chairman Joshua Mensah, Secretary Bruce Johnson, Deck Delegate Dwuan Reed, Engine Delegate Melgar Daguio, Steward Delegate Andrew Miller. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, and to renew documents early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was commended for a job well done. Chairman instructed crew to keep TVs connected so they work for the next member and reminded everyone to be considerate of those who are sleeping when closing doors. Members were reminded about phone use and shipboard safety. LIBERTY PASSION (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 6 – Chairman Duane Frosburg, Secretary Jessica Davis, Deck Delegate Efren Guerrero Cordova, Engine Delegate Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Steward Delegate William Johnson. New Wi-Fi routers to be installed once ship returns to U.S., per chairman. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center and to keep documents up to date. Members requested online access for job boards and/or fuel reimbursement for those who travel long distances. Crew asked for completion of duty to not be deemed a quit in instances where they do not get a relief. Members suggested adding a larger TV, gaming systems, better books and DVDs to improve crew lounge. Seafarer at Work Bosun Kemer Rojas is pictured aboard the Maersk Durban. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 JUNE 2025 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Latest Course Dates Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 30 Sept. 29 July 11 Oct. 10 Able Seafarer - Deck Sept. 1 Oct. 13 Dec. 1 Sept. 19 Oct. 31 Dec. 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Welding July 14 Aug. 25 Oct. 6 Aug. 1 Sept. 12 Oct. 24 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook July 7 Sept. 15 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 ServSafe Management June 30 Sept. 8 Nov. 17 July 4 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 Advanced Galley Operations July 21 Aug. 18 Sept. 15 Nov. 10 Aug. 15 Sept. 12 Oct. 10 Dec. 5 Chief Steward Oct. 13 Dec. 8 Nov. 7 Jan. 2, 2026 Engineers Needed OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Sept. 22 Sept. 26 Basic Training Revalidation June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 Tank Ship Fam. - DL Aug. 11 Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Aug. 15 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Tank Ship Fam./LG Aug. 4 Sept. 22 Oct. 27 Aug. 8 Sept. 26 Oct. 31 Chief Engineer/Engine Instructor (full- or part-time) The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has opportunities for qualified individuals to come ashore and use their seagoing experience to help prepare the next generation of mariners. Our instructors’ professionalism helps sustain a unique and dynamic environment throughout our campus in Piney Point, Maryland. If you’re potentially interested in applying to be an instructor, please email monicaszepesi@seafarers.org with a copy of your credential. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. JUNE 2025 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #919 – Recently graduating: Fuad Ali, Sincere Davenport, Dominick Davis, Ralpheal Evans, Travis Flippin, Devan Gadson, Daniel Gonzalez Jr., Kemar Grant, Harry Hurley, Reon James, Tomeria Kendrick, Karen Lira, Eric Nieves Jr., Lamillian Phillips, James Regan Jr., Demetrius Soto, Ishay Thomas, Trey Traughber, Noah Welch and Timothy Wheeler. FOWT – Among those graduating April 11: Ismael Andriamasy, D'Angelo Brown, Robert Crain, Luke Eastman, Joshua Higdon, Brandon Jordan, Harry McKever II, Cristian Salazar and Decontee Saypoh. DECK OPERATIONS – Graduated April 4: Raheem Ali, David Henneken, Darren Joseph, Robert Kitchen III, Evan Koslofsky, Dennis Krevey Jr., Christopher Leasure, Stephen Pagan Laureano, Alejandro Rivera Martinez, Hayden Scott and Jacob Watson. FIRST AID – Graduated April 11 (not all are pictured): Abdulhak Ahmed, Tajle Johnson, Anthony Pace, Yoali Salcedo and Justin Shepler. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated April 4: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Shandria McClain, Courtland Montejo, Seth Norris, Joseph Prather and Ayinde Richards. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduating April 11 (not all are pictured): Wajdi Ali, Sequoya Anderson, Thomas Bateman, Torina Brooks, Milton Buelto Fernandez, Dean Diaz Sr., Joy Eady, Casey Frederick, Daniel Hanback, Ardeccia Hill, Marquis Hill, Richetta Jackson, Ekaterina Jansone, Christian Jones, William Kilbuck, Arthur Kinsman, Steven Laubach, Angela Lewis, Kharon Mitchell, Ali Qasem, Ta'tiyana Roberts, Kassem Salem Sr. and Benjamin Wilson. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 MARINE ELECTRICIAN – Graduated April 18: Micah Champion, Sherrod Frazier, Danielle Gore, Eric Hondel, Damon Johnson, Sherman Kennon Jr., Zion Lyons, Dennis Malaran, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Tyson Richardson, Marcelino Santos Bermeo and Sean Wilson. JUNE 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated April 4: Frank Balitewicz, Averey Branch, Hunter Buster, Jadreanna Charleston, Jayvon Clayborn, Abdelhamid Dika, Charles Evans Jr., Cayden Foster, Austin Gottschlich, David Hebb, Nasir Hinton, Savonce Jackson, Christopher Johnston, Joshua Jordan, Tristan Kinsella, David Levin, Michael Saputo, Tyrone Scott Jr., Terrell Slater, Natalia Smith, Jermerish Standberry, Alayla Tilley and Darius Washington. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Among those graduating April 18: Lekeano Babb, Tristan Casarez, Genesis Diaz Jimenez, Jonathan Gil Paul, Kier Hansen, Joshua Harrell, Kevin Johnson, Keith Jordan III, Freedom Le, Heaven McInnis, Alec Neace, Eric Nieves Cortes, Tyler Singletary, Charles Stratton, Mirela Sutter, Leon Thompson-Repole, Jeffery Vega, Maxwell Walsh, Tre'von Warren and Isaiah Wells. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated April 25: Ronzell Collins, Grayson Goodwin, Raheem Joseph, Kassidy Mays, Unique Owens, Kendric Payne, Kyunjre Randall, Brittney Sharp and Natanael Velez Cordero. RFPNW – Graduated April 25: Sincere Davenport, Devan Gadson, Daniel Gonzalez Jr., Kemar Grant, Tomeria Kendrick, Lamillian Phillips, James Regan Jr., Deandre Ryan and Timothy Wheeler. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated April 11 (not all are pictured): Ahmed Ali, Scott Brainard, Kyra Buggs, Joshua Collins, John Edwards Jr., Jermie Francis, Bobbie Gibbs, Mohammed Gir, Carlos Gomez Hernandez, Deon Greenidge, Ja'von Harvey, Raphael Henson, Olivier Kozel, June Margaja, Jeffrey Phillips, Erwin Renon, Saleh Saeed and Wilma Smith. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated May 2: Cooper Allred, Dean Blake Jr., Andrew Cook, Jason SERVE SAFE MGMT – Graduated April 25, from left to right: Emma DiGennaro and LaToya Sanford-Leggs. JUNE 2025 Deeb, Floyd Dixon III, Ian Elder, Enrique Fernandez Martinez, Nicholas Gammon, Daniel Jones II, Conor Kennedy, Jack Knoll, Zachary Knox, Carlos Laureano Bonet, Boubacar Mbaye, Shandria McClain, Courtland Montejo, Seth Norris and Joseph Prather. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �JUNE 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 6 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Cape Knox Gets It Done The SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel MV Cape Knox, operated by Keystone Shipping Company, recently mobilized under a no-notice turbo activation – and the crew exceeded all performance expectations, according to vessel master Capt. Darin L. Huggins. The ship on Feb. 3 started transforming from reduced operating status (ROS) to full operating status (FOS) for a 10-day sea trial. Huggins noted that, hours after the initial contact from the U.S. Maritime Administration, a follow-on communication came from the Military Sealift Command: load up and deploy. “The SIU and MEBA answered that call, rapidly preparing the mighty Knox for an overseas deployment supporting multiple surge sealift missions,” Huggins stated. “Over the course of 90 days of exceptional operational performance, the crew delivered consistent results, earned multiple Bravo Zulus, and enjoyed some legendary BBQs.” The SIU members who participated in the Cape Knox activation included Bosun Ivan Vargas, ABM Terry Jackson, ABM Chester Pickens, ABM Edward Copeland, ABM Willie Dawston, ABM Saleh Almatari, OS Jason Pierce, QEE Jurgen Gottschlich, Oiler Joseph McClam, Oiler Jeremiah Anderson, Oiler Christopher Fisher, Steward/Baker Kenisha Neal, Chief Cook Zion Bradford, SA Latianah Griggs, SA Mohamed Diallo, GUDE Kimcherria Henry, GUDE Benito Chief Cook Zion Bradford grills some chicken for the crew. Figueroa, and GVA Dion Sanchez Cubas. “When I got on the ship on Feb. 5 in New Orleans, it was ROS at that time. We were supposed to do a 10day activation, and it turned into an actual mission,” said Pierce. “I was in New Orleans for Super Bowl weekend, so that was pretty cool, and then we took the ship up to Charleston, South Carolina. After that is when we got activated for the mission.” Pierce, who began his journey as a Seafarer only a year ago, was aboard the Cape Knox completing his first full mission, outside of doing sea trials. This was also Pierce’s first time out of the country. “It was pretty exciting,” he said. “I can't wait to do another one.” Similarly, Gottschlich, a seasoned Seafarer with decades of experience, was content to have what might be his final voyage before retirement aboard the Cape Knox. “This might be my last trip as a merchant seaman so, fortunately, we ended up with a great captain,” he said. “When we were out anchor, he made sure we had a launch to be able to go to shore to release some of this stress from working on the ship, 24/7. He made the trip very pleasurable for us.” “The last time this ship was activated was two years prior, and they did a round-the-world trip,” added Gottschlich. Transitioning a ship from ROS to FOS creates a host of opportunities, said Bosun Vargas. “ROS is great for us. I'm a married man who has bills, and a wife and kids, and this has been AB Sal Almatari and 2M Liam Reddan pose for a quick photo. Pictured above are many of the SIU members who sailed aboard the Keystone vessel during its recent activation. Kneeling in the front row (left to right) are AB Saleh Almatari and Electrician Jurgen Gottschlich. Standing behind them, from left to right are Bosun Ivan Vargas, AB Chester Pickens, QMED Jeremiah Anderson, GUDE Kimcherria Henry, AB Willie Dawston, AB Terry Jackson, AB Edward Copeland, QMED Christopher Fisher, OS Jason Pierce, and GUDE Benito Figuero. helpful financially for us,” he said. mission goes, there were no incidents He continued, “ROS is less or anything like that.” demanding, with less activity and less Huggins said that the Cape Knox pressure. The responsibility with FOS “stands as proof: When the call comes, is higher, because we do have more the U.S. Merchant Marine – with SIU work to do. We have to perform to and MEBA on board – will always the very best of our abilities, which is deliver. The mariners aboard the Cape always the case, but you could say we Knox stepped up and demonstrated have to do our jobs even more. Because once again that the U.S. Merchant the ship is at sea and because we have Marine remains a vital asset in support cargo, we have a higher responsibility.” of our nation’s warfighters.” When a vessel is in ROS, the Vargas said he was thankful the mariners aboard the ship comprise mission went smoothly. a skeleton crew, with only a handful “We went to some dangerous places of mariners working while the vessel where we were restricted to the ship, waits for its next military support but that was beneficial to us because voyage, Gottschlich explained. “There I feel that the union, the company are 11 of us…. We maintain the ship and and the government were concerned get it ready and make sure it's prepared about our safety,” said Vargas. “It went for its next activation,” he said. great. We have a great captain and “It was a pretty smooth transition crew. Nobody got hurt, which is the from ROS to FOS,” said Pierce. “There main thing, and everybody is safe. We were some long days, but we also will make it back home safely to our had some short days after we got families.” everything secured for sea. As far as the Electrician Jurgen Gottschlich Bosun Ivan Vargas The vessel (three photos directly above) upheld the United States Merchant Marine’s role as America’s fourth arm of defense. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource JUNE 2025 Description An account of the resource SIU HELPS CELEBRATE SHIPS ACT REINTRODUCTION MTD CHARTS COURSES FOR BOLSTERING MARITIME PROTECTING WORKERS RIGHTS EXECUTIVE BOARD DEFINES FUTURE PRIORITIES CONGRESSMAN URGES PROWORKER PLATFORMS COOPERATIVE DIALOGUE FEDERATION PRESIDENT SHOWS THE WAY FORWARD AMP PRESIDENT SEES GREAT PROMISE FOR MARITIME INDUSTRY SHIPS ACT WILL BOLSTER INDUSTRY CAPE KNOX GETS IT DONE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2025 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. 87, NO. 6 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/fc7c1155c02296073235df338983e872.PDF 263ad314d409e4825cb35640b5ed8f50 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America Vol. VIII. NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. JUNE 21. 1946 Senate Group Hears Hawk On Coast Guard Attention Members! Seafarers Sailing As Engineers WASHINGTON, June 20—The SIU followed up its offensive against Coast Guard control of the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation today as John Hawk, SIU Vice President, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Committee is considering the President's Reorganization Plan No. 3, which* provides for permanent transfer of the Bureau to the Coast Guard. Hawk's testimony before the Senate group followed by exactly a week his heated diatribe against Coast Guard jurisdiction before the House Committee on Execu­ tive Department Expenditures. By PAUL HALL His testimony last week NEW YORK—The Seafarers is brought immediate and tangible now engaged in a tough game, results.. Rep. William A. Pittengplaying for the highest stakes in er of Minnesota, a member of the the history of maritime organi­ Committee, took the matter on zation. the floor of the House, quoting The present negotiations are Hawk at length in a speech in the culmination of eight long opposition to the Reorganization lard years of continuous strug­ Plan. gle, during which the union has He said in part: -jrown from a small, loosely op"I call attention to Mr. Hawk's 3rated outfit to a strong, stream­ testimony because members of lined organization recognized as Congress whose districts border the most potent labor factor in on the Great Lakes of the mid­ the maritime industry. west, as well as those whose jdisParticularly in the past few tricts border on the Atlantic and years has the Union emerged Pacific Seaboards and the Gulf from semi-obscurity to its pres­ Coast States, are all very much ent strength. These years have directly concerned in connection not been idle ones. Starting un­ with this problem. der the handicap of war-time "Speaking very frankly to the government bureau suppression, committee, Mr. Hawk stated that the Seafarers laid 'down a prothe Executive Order which took gram of expansion and organithe sailors from the jurisdiction zation that has been adhered to at of the Department of Commerce all times—regardless of obstacles, and put them under the Coast The first step was getting out (Continued on Page 5) of the inadequate, poorly equip All members—retired mem­ bers and former members— of the Seafarers Internation­ al Union who are now sailing as licensed Engineers; Please report as soon as possible to the Seafarers Hall at 51 Bea­ ver Street. New York City. Your presence is necessary in a matter of great importance. No. 25 SIU Walks Out When Operators Ask 1920 Terms NEW YORK, June 19—The Seafarers Negotiating Committee walked out of contract conferences with the shipowners yesterday after the operators had capped their weaseling counter-proposals with the suggestion that ABs on slfips paying $15 5 a month take a $10.00 a month cut. 3- Careful Planning, Militant Action Responsible For Seafarers' Growth Seafarers Gets $2200 Beef For Blue Ridge Victory Men NEW YORK — The militant SIU way of handling beefs paid off V again this week when the Stewards Department of the SS Blue Ridge Victory collected more than $2200.00 in disputed overtime from the Calmar Steam­ ship Company. The beef arose over the ques­ tion of payment for extra meals served by the Stewards Depart­ ment. The Company contended that because the ship was an­ chored in the stream off South­ ampton, it could not be consider­ ed in port and therefore over­ time regulations did not apply. This maneuver fooled no one, and the Patrolman insisted on the payment of the full amount Iv, of the legitimate overtime auth)rized by the Department head. Although the vessel arrived in this port on June 13, settlement was not arrived at until June 17. And the settlement was a clear cut victory. "It was a good victory," said Patrolman Ray Gonzales, who handled the beef, "and the men really deserved the money. Only a bunch of sea lawyers would try to get away with saying that if a ship is anchored in the stream, it is not in port. That's plain silly!" The men affected by the settle­ ment are pretty happy, too. $2200.00 is a lot of cabbage to be collected by one Department. ped halls and acquiring Unionowned buildings representative of the progress of the Union. In line with this was the unifying of the Union apparatus, streamlin­ ing the Union structure and creating a uniform operational and business system. The halls that were acquired are something the membership ;an be justly proud of, a home for the Union member ashore. Recently, business experts sur•ej'ing the Union apparatus ac•laimed it as being comparable a the most efficient systems in ise anywhere. The Union strucure of today can no more be •ompared with that of a couple •f years ago than an old sailing hip foc'sle with a suite in the Valdorf-Astoria. were clarified to bring greater benefits to the membership. During this entire period the Union.kept the question of gov­ ernment bureau, and Coast Guard control in the forefront, and never ceased the fight against them even when other maritime unions were patting them on the back and preaching cooperation and playing stooge for the Wash­ ington bureaucrats. Those struggles created the solidarity and confidence neces­ sary to prepare the organizational drives and developed the organ­ izers to do the job. ISTHMIAN CAMPAIGN At this point the necessity for Jnion expansion was obviousthe necessary plans were made. The Isthmian SS Company was selected as the chief organizaional objectivBf for two reasons, ^irst, because it was the largest jnorganized company and sec. (ConfUiued on Page 4) The' operators said such a cut would "stabilize contracts" and provide a working base for all operators in the contract negoti­ ations. The Seafarers Committee flat­ ly refused to even sit in on nego­ tiations until it was understood that all wage adjustments must be revised upward. The remainder of the opera­ tors' counter proposals were equally absurd. The committee turned them down in their en­ tirety. NO PRECEDENT The Seafarers spokesmen said the SIU- had no intention of go­ ing for the proposed wage in­ creases, which the operators ad­ mitted were taken from the re­ sults of the recent Washington meeting of the CMU. Here is the summarized count­ er-proposal of the operators: Wage increases ranging from $12.50 to $24.50 per month. (The SIU asked a 30 percent wage increase.) Overtime rates at $1.00 an hour. (The Union had asked overtime rate increases ranging from 48 cents to $1.20 per hour.) Overtime in port after eight hours a day, with overtime STRUGGLES AIDED During the war the shipown­ ers took full advantage of gov­ ernment WSA operation and Coast Guard persecution to harass the Union in every pos­ {Continued on Page 5) sible manner. To meet these attacks a counter-campaign was launched. A Seafarers member facing Coast Guard charges in any port found that he always had cap­ able representation with the re­ sult that the great majority of Positive action to enforce the Union's demands for these cases were won. improved wages and working conditions was taken by the Any shipboard dispute whether Seafarers International Union in regular coastwise meet­ it amounted to only a few hours overtime or a falsified log was ing?, Wednesday, June 19. This action, made necessary by given the full attention of the the realization that the shipowners are not prepared to Union and fought to a finish. accede to the Union's proposals,* — The use of job action put to a came in the form of a resolution the Union to notify the United stop stalling tactics of the op­ to take a strike vote as soon as States Department of Labor of erators. In one case of a falsi­ possible. the intention to strike, in accord-, fied log on the Lou Gehrig, job In all ports of the Atlantic and ance with the Smith-Connally action at the point of production Act. resulted in over $25,000 being Gulf Districts, resolutions were The demands which the SIU is overwhelmingly passed to take a collected for the crew. making in the present negotia­ Prompt and decisive action re­ strike vote during the month of tions with its contracted com­ July so that a strike can be called sulted in manning scales being panies are much better than the "in the event a satisfactory increased from time to time. wages and conditions won by the agreement on wages and working Hardly a day passed without Committee for Maritime Unityl conditions cannot be reached." heated beefs with the shipowner, The resolution also authorized during which the agreements (Continued on Page 4) > Coastwise Branch Meetings Approve SIU Strike Vote �THE SEAFARERS Page Two LOG Friday, June 21, 1946 W£U- 11HINK CBX • ? ^|pW0,O0O WmiSSMlPt J igl SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the Avterican Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 X X i ^ HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 2 5, Station P., New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. We Serve Notice The shipowner:, their pockets swollen with money made during the war, are attempting to give the Seafarers ridiculous concessions only slightl) better than those which were accepted by the Committee for Maritime Unity. This constitutes downright arrogance since our con­ tracted companies were notified time and again that the agreements reached in Washington would in no way be considered binding upon us. Our demands are, of course, much better than those made by the CMU, but that is nothing new. The SlU^ has always had the best wages and working conditions in .the Maritime Industry, and we intend to keep it that way. This is not false pride; we are only asking for decent wages and conditions so that seamen can live as comfortably as their shoreside brothers. Seamen, who traditionally live a dangerous life, are not satisfied with less than the conditions enjoyed by other workers. And it is not necessary for them to be further deprived of a fair working day and an adequate wage. The 21 billion dollars which the shipowners made out of the suffering of the world, really belongs to the mer­ chant seamen who delivered the goods and were the first to fight. Instead of this, we are faced with smug bosses who answer our just demands by throwing them into the wastebasket. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, On the other hand, however, the shipowners are not as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging worried over the fact that most of the profits they made heavily on their hands. Do what yo^u can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. during the war were actually plunder. In fact, even now, they are making plans to buy sfhips from the War Shipping Administration at prices far below the actual present value of the boats, just as they sold them originally to the WSA at over-inflated values. This may be good business, but it is certainly not patriotism. The present negotiations, being conducted directly between the Union, and the Mississippi Steamship Com­ pany, representing the other operators, is now temporarily deadlocked. Unless the Company shows a willingness to meet the reasonable proposals of the Union, they will renjain deadlocked. And that will mean a strike. . . This entire situation may well turn out to be the biggest battle ip the Seafarers' history. It is' a tribute to opr solidarity and militancy that we arc prepared for any­ thing that can possibly turn up. If the operators want a scrap, we are the men who can give it to them. The coming strike vote will serve even more notice on the bosses and the Government strikebreakers that we don't scare easy. Seafarers solidarity will win this battle just as it has wPn in the past. NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL EDWARD CUSTER WILBUR MANNING J. W. DENNIS W. F. LEWJS R. M. NOLAN JOHN R. QUINN G. W- WIGGINS LEROY DAVIDSON HENRY UGLIS RAY D. LUSKO JESUS AMAYA E. LADINER AXEL HENRIKS EMERY SIMMS JAMES SNELL W. T. HUNTER SHERWOOD FINER AUSTIN GRAHAM JOHN ROY GOMEZ LUKE HOLLAND HENRY LOWERY HAROLD CLODIUS RAY FITTS XXX BRIGHTON MARINE HOSP. VINCENT JONES T. FARTIN WALTER CAHILL T. DINEEN ANTRONY KELLY R. R. GAYECKA ED. JOHNSON H. GILLAN P. CASALINUOVO HARRIS O. HANSEN AUSTIN CHASE G. PIIINNEY, Jr. STEPHEN KELLEY W. SILVERTHORN GERALD GOODWIN R. FRENCH J. COXWELL HOWARD STONE XXX STATEN ISLAND HOSP. J. E. TUCKER H. NEILSEN A. NELSON L. KAY L. A. CORNWALL G. ORPILLA R. G. MOSSELLER W. H- G. PAUSE W. B. MUIR J. M. DALY J. L. WEEKS L. R. PORJA L. L. MOODY, Jr. G. P. RAEBURN L. A. HORNEY C. A. MILLER M. J. FORTES W. J. GEIGER You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th flours) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) W. G. ROBERTS E. WEINGARTEN G. KUBIK C. KUPLICKI H. BEAKMAN E. B. HOLMES R. SAVIOR G. JANAVARIS C. G. SMITH • D. J. MULCAHY C. BENESCH R. MORCIGLIO G. H. STEVENSON 4. t. ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL D. McDANALD J. W. RUBEL M. BAILEN H. KARLSON 4. 4. 4. BALTIMORE MARINE HOSP» HOWARD NEAL ROBERT MILLER ' ELMER BROWN CHARLES STANCLIFF WALTER BENDLE JAMES HANCHEY WILLIAM REEVES VAH WARFIELD ' ; . ' i- -• �THE SEAFARERS Friday. June 21, 1946 '• LOG CAPE DOMINGO CREWMEMBERS Page Three Industry-wide Strike Must Be Weil Prepared By STEELY WHITE ••• J:' •' '• •'• •*'i.-;^ Part of the crew from Isthmian's recently acquired Cape JDomingo. Kneeling (left to right); Joe Lissner and Tex Roberts. Middle row: Frank Cole. Fred Schoenborn. S. Neilson. Arthur Johnstone and George Peteusky. Back row: William Kavitt, Douglas Laning, John Shepanski, George Palmer and Chas. Steinberg. Educational Job Must Be Done To Correct Public On Seamen By EARL SHEPPARD Recently the shipowners ran series of full page advertisements in the leading newspapers por traying the seamen as a high paid worker whose wages were all "take-home pay." The main thing that they failed to tell was that even in the most prosperous times, with shipping at its highest peak, a steady working seaman could only look forward to working an average of eight months of the year. • Another ^ thing they , failed to state is the great expense a sea­ man must undergo to maintain his family while he is at sea and the extra travel expense he has to bear in order to be with them during the brief periods he is ashore. A married seaman with no children joining a ship on the East Coast and paying off after a three months trip on the west coast is faced with quite a prob­ lem if he wants to enjoy a brief period of normal home life. COST OF LIVING If he stays on the ship his only out is to send for his wife. This involves roundtrip coa.st. to coast transportation and hotel bills for her visit and in the meantime the cost of maintaining his east coast home goes on. If he has children the problem becomes even more difficult as their care will have to be ar­ ranged for, or much additional transportation involved if his wife brings them with her. Add these costs to the allot­ ment the seaman must make to provide for his family while he is away and the result is the old ropeyarn payoff. The old army song. "All we do is sign the pay-roll, and we ne'r get a g—d—cent" really applies to the seaman. Figure in the high cost of clothing, medical expenses, etc., and the slave conditions a sea­ man lives under are evident. The shipowner likes to portray the seaman as a drunken, care­ free, brawler instead of a work- ingman with greater responsibil­ ities than are found in any'other group. One of the Seafarer's greatest organizational tasks is to break down this opinion and let the public know just what type of men go to sea, what their prob­ lems are and what they are do­ ing to solve these problems. The Union literature has help­ ed greatly in this. Educators, social groups, clubs, schools and other unions all over the world have requested and received copies of this literature but at its best this is only scratching the surface of public relations. The best medium of public re­ lations is personal contact. The Seafarers is a Union that every member should be proud of and each member should do his ut­ most to let the world know about it. The general public sees a unibn through the columns of Westbrook Pegler and. other unionhaters. The way to offset this opinion is to talk unionism at home, in the neighborhood and with friends. work of one or two conscientious rank and file SIU ships organizers has resulted in the ship voting 100 percent SIU. Unorganized seamen who were doubtful and suspicious of all unions have themselves become volunteer ships organizers after a visit to the SIU hall. The Union is judged by the conduct, ability and activity of the membership. The SIU mem­ ber on an unorganized ship who knows and does his job well is a good shipmate; he who is always ready to discuss ship problems and the Union is the organizer who brings the ship home with a majority SIU vote. NEW ORLEANS—The time is up on us when every member of the Seafarers must use his head for reasons other than to hang a sou'wester over — each Seafarer must use every ounce of logic, cold reasoning and com­ mon sense that he possesses. We in our organization are caught in a whirlpool of econom­ ic strife, in which we could easily be engulfed and destroyed. This can be prevented, if we; 1. Use intelligent analysis of problems by recognizing fac­ tors and conditions of fact and admitting them as such. 2. A cautious formulation and execution of program. .3, Avoid open battle until we honestly exhausted all reason­ able means oi reaching agree­ ment otherwise. 4. In the event we are forced to. strike some or all of our operators—grab our best hold and fight like hell with every­ thing we are big enough to swing. Many Seafarers have never physically witnessed nor par­ ticipated in a strike. Many who have participated in previous strikes came into direct contact with only certain factors of these strikes. A simple definition of a strike or lockout between a legitimate labor organization and manage­ ment could be defined as "a fight between parties who are mu­ tually dependent, each enabled to bring pressure upon the other but refusing to cooperate." NOT SIMPLE But, for us in the maritime in­ dustry it is not nearly so simple. A general strike by, or a lockout of, the SIU-SUP would be a very complex and complicated affair, if we expected to come out with any degree of success. There is a great deal more to Isthmian Nicaragua Victory Foiiows Seafarers Policies UNORGANIZED SEAMEN A large percentage of the sea­ men sailing unorganized ships to­ day started to sea during the war. Many of these have had no contact with the union what­ soever. They came right out of the maritime schools and were dispatched directly to an unor­ ganized ship from the WSA ship­ ping halls. Many of these men were dis­ patched to Pahamanian flag ships and think the conditions prevail­ ing there are those of all sea­ men. The Union's job is to reachthese men and the best and most effective way to do this is by personal contact. In line with other Isthmian ships which are rapidly adopting Seafarers policies and habits, the Nicaragua Victory held a ship­ board meeting on May 3rd while at sea. Details of the meeting were enclosed in a letter written by Seafarer William Murrell from Alexandria, and dated May 14th. Brother Murrell stated that the Nicaragua's crew was attempting to follow SIU policies in all re­ spects, and "We are trying our best to run and adjust every problem we meet in the SIU manner." Murrell continued, "Had it not been for the men who were working at the time of the meet­ ing, there would have been 31 men present instead of 23 as in­ dicated in the minutes." ISTHMIAN SEAMEN Because of the intensity and concentration on ships of the Isthmian fleet, the men sailing Isthmian know the score and have evidenced it by voting SIU overwhelmingly. On many Isthmian ships the "Everyone is well satisfied," wrote Murrell, "and enthused over the way the SIU meets and solves various 'problems ashore and on the ships." Don Kennedy was elected as chairman, and Kuhn as record­ ing secretary. Reports were sub­ mitted by the three department­ al delegates, and accepted by the meeting. Under the heading of New Business, motions were approved to have the Deck Dept. stop clean­ ing port passageway on the main deck; that each dept. confine themselves to the use of heads and showers assigned them; that fines be assessed for placing feet on messhall chairs; regulating the preparation, issuance, and disposal of linen; and that a per­ colator and toaster be placed in crew's messhall. Other motions approved were that deck delegate confer with Chief Mate in regard to Deck De­ partment overtime; that one man from each department be assign­ ed to keep laundry room clean; and that the slopchest be re-sup­ plied at the first port where sup­ plies are available. Meeting was concluded with a discussion by William Murrell on the Union and it's activities. Union functions were explained with an account of the various benefits that the SIU has pro­ cured for the seamen. a strike than souping a meeting up to fever pitch and making a motion to "hang the hook," or "packing your bag and falling down a gangplank." A union's strength and the in­ telligence of its leaders is not determined or measured by how quick we will strike, or how long v/e may be able to stay out on a strike, or how hard we may be able to shut the industry down. It is measured by how much we are able to accomplish with­ out a strike or before we have to go on a strike. A strike of any determination or duration not only cripples the operators but its puts a terrific strain on the union as an organi­ zation and its members as indi= viduals financially, physically, psychologically and morally. FIRST TO FIGHT The SIU, since its inception, and the SUP before the SIU was born, has always been the first to fight and win new and better conditions from the operators. If any further conditions are won we will be a controlling fac­ tor in winning them. We have today conditions that no other Union in the world can match. How did we get them? We got them by: 1. Being a trade union and stick­ ing strictly to trade union principles and procedure. 2. Stalemating any foreign poli­ cies that were tried to be in­ jected into our program. 3. Fighting the operators throughout the years with strikes, job action or anything we could lay hand to, to ex­ ecute the programs that had been created by democratic trade union policies. 4. Denouncing and fighting all phony programs injurious to the sailors' welfare be they sponsored by government agencies, operators, political opportunists, or a combination of all three. If the membership of the* SIUSUP contemplated striking to­ morrow, they would be immed­ iately faced with:— 1. The direct pressure, created, by the operators, the govern­ ment and government agen­ cies to break not onl^ our strike but our Union as well with everything from ma­ chine guns up. 2. Added political pressure for' laws to run us out of business. 3. Control of newspapers (which are all anti-labor) to turn the public's sympathies to them. 4. A split and prostituted mari­ time labor front. Exclusive of th& non-union men in the industry today, the officialdom of the CIO Maritime Unions, especially the Com­ munist Party-dominated NMU and ILWU, are either infested or entirely controlled by officials whose purpose and aims are of a political nature, and means the working man no good other than to promote the aims of their selfish political ambitions. These people have sabotaged the working stiff time after time and will do so again (the strike in the '30s and collabora­ tion with government agencies to (Continued on Page 6) . "•^1 S, �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Four Militant Action, Pianning Responsibie For SlU Growth Friday, June 21, 1946 Russia Bars AFL Agent The Soviet command in Vienna the government to quit stalling has refused permission to the (Continued from Pjfic 1} and as a result the biggest battle American Federation of Labor's ond, becaus'j it bad the greatest in the Union's history is now European representative, Irving open shop apparatus Bi-own, to visit a trade union The entire Union apparatus being waged. THE BEST CONTRACTS school and youth hostel in Marwas mobilized and its whole en­ Having started as a messman The Seafarers have always en­ tenstein in the Russian zone of ergy thrown into the drive. Re­ occupation, it has been reported gardless of all this, however, joyed the best wages and condi­ on the John ScuUy at $10.00 per by the N. Y. Times. nothing could have been accom­ tions in the industry—wages and month, Branford N. Hunt, Chief plished without the wholeheart­ conditions not handed out on a Cook, can see how much organi­ Brown was given the invita­ ed ,support of the membership. silver platter but fought for and zation has done for seamen since tion to visit the two union pro­ • This support was forthcoming won in Union style. The present 1908. jects by the Austrian Confedera­ from the very first day of the negotiations are aimed at keep­ tion of Labor, with whom he has He well remembers the days ing the Seafarers on top,'on win­ drive. been discussing plans for the re­ when seamen were at the mercy Members by the hundreds vol­ ning the best agreements Vet sumption of relations between the of the shipowners and the ships' unteered for the task and haunt­ known. Austrian trade union movement Our Union always keeps in officers, and he is glad that those ed Isthmian docks and offices and trade unions in the United days are over for good. until they managed to get a job. good trim and goes into every States. "Thanks to the Union,' he Aboard the ships the.se men en­ fight prepared. When the work There was no explanation given says, "we have decent wages and stoppage was called and the ship­ dured non-union conditions in hours. The shipowners would for the refusal. Brown said. How­ owners given an ultimatum, the order to build the Seafarers and ever, the Russians had also re­ never give us anything—we had Union had a complete strike ap­ organize Isthmian crews. jected an invitation to attend a The rank and file volunteer paratus set up and the machinery to take it." dinner for the AFL representa­ When Hunt first went to sea organizers who are responsible established for converting the en­ tire Union to strike purposes. tive. It is evident that the So­ in 1908, he never thought that it for the Seafarers success to date This apparatus consisted of viet attitude is in the nature of would become his life'.s work. He in the Isthmian line are now sea­ everything from picket cards to retaliaiton for the AFL's oppo­ only wanted to get the wander­ soned veterans and will be the soup kitchens and is still ready for sition to Communists. lust out of his blood so that he leaders of the future struggles of BRANFORD N. HUNT use whenever it may be requii'ed. could settle down to a quiet life our Union. The job they have Brown said that an attempt The negotiations preparations ashore. done will always stand as one of sea, Branford Hunt has retained would probably be made by the the greatest achievements in the have been conducted in the same Now he says, "I love the sea his militancy. "The Union AFL to work through friends in history of maritime organization, manner. All angles have been and I know I can't be happj' any the Austrian Labor Committee in covered and all points discussed other place. I've tried, and it brought better conditions for the PROGRESS EVERYWHERE carrying out the plans to dis­ Although the main organiza­ over and over in open group can't be done. In fact, even my seamen, and I'll fight for the patch relief directly and for giv­ tional emphasis and concentra­ meetings of negotiators and the ten-year-old son has developed Union anytime it's necessary. ing the Austrian workers full ac- ' tion was placed on the Isthmian membership. This thoroughness a love for the sea from hearing And I mean it, an;j' time and cess to international trade union drive no other field was ne­ is the thing that will bring the me talk, and he wants to be in literature. negotiations to a successful con­ the merchant marine when he any place." glected. A quick tugboat strike in Mo­ clusion. grows up." bile, Alabama, started the ball . There has been nothing spec­ EARLY JOINER rolling in that field on the Gulf tacular in the growth and de­ and resulted in substantial wage velopment of the Seafarers. Every Hunt joined the Union in 1910, increases and Union agreements step forward has been the result when belonging to a union was of planning designed to better an invitation to be put on the for the tugboatmen. The best tow-boat contracts the conditions of the membership. blacklist. He took an active part Every thing that has been ac­ in building up the union for sea­ as a pattern in their dealings ever known were signed on the (Continued from Pai-c 1) complished to date is paid and men, and when the 1921 Strike with us, and East Coast and the Hampton The Seafarers refuses to be bound Roads ferry boatmen were or­ parcel of the Union strength that was called, he served on the by the agreements entered into WHEREAS: The conditions has made the Seafarers the most picketline with the rest of the ganized. which we are demanding in our by the CMU, and it is therefore democratic, strongest and best militant unionists. In Philadelphia and New York contract negotiations are much necessary "to have an affirmative prompt and militant action by the maritime Union, a Union that can better than the demands that strike vote in the hands of your From 1929 to 1939 he worked Seafarers defeated attempted well serve as a model for all were made by the Maritime ashore. He held positions as (negotiating) Committee in order CIO raids on AFL maritime un- j unions everywhere. Unions affiliated with the Com­ to be in a position to strike, if The goal of the Seafarers is Chief Cook at many of the bet­ ions. mittee for Maritime Unity on necessary, to enforce our de­ full and complete organization of ter New York City hotels and Fighting a lone and tough bat­ their contracted companies, mands." tle the Union killed the wartime the entire maritime industry. To restaurants, and was busily es­ and Voting on the referendum bal­ riders of the WSA and forced the accomplish this the AFL mari­ tablishing a career for himself. lot will commence on July 1, WHEREAS: It may be necessary, shipowners to accept a rider time unions have formed a joint But when war came in 1939, he 1946, and will terminate with the as negotiations progress, to drafted and voted upon by the council for mutual cooperation felt it his duty to return to the regular meeting of Wednesday, have an affirmative strike vote Union membership. In this beef and support. Joint problems will sea. in the hands of your Commit­ July 31, 1946. "The merchant marine needed job action tied up 112 ships in be discussed and an unbeatable tee in order to be in position to The body of the resolution, as trained men then," he recalls, New York alone. The crews solidarity established. strike, if necessary, to enforce With its fighting, courageous "and so I figui-ed that I ought it was approved by the member­ showed their solidarity by stand­ our demands, membership at the helm the Sea­ to do my part. Of course, now ship, follows: ing fast and victory was won. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE­ STRIKE RESOLUTION farers cannot lose. that the war is over, the opera­ These were but a few of the SOLVED: That the Secretary be tors have forgotten the part we WHEREAS: At the present time many fights that were fought instructed to prepare a Strike the Seafarers International played in winning the war, but a .and won. Ballot immediately in accor­ Union of North America, At­ lot of other people remember." dance with the Constitution OUT TO WIN lantic and Gulf District, is en­ and WAR RECORD gaged in negotiations with omThe SIU-SUP stop work meet­ BE IT FURTHER RESOT.VED: ing showed the world that the Hunt really saw a great deal , contracted companies for im­ That the body of this Resolu­ proved wages and working con­ Union was in the fight to win bet­ of the war. While he never lost tion be printed on the face of ditions, and Elimination of a glaring in­ a- ship from under him, he was ter wages and conditions and was the Strike Ballot with the fol­ prepared to fight to the finish re­ equity in the Social Security Act bombed "in every continent" of WHEREAS: The Seafarers In­ lowing question: "Ar-e You in gardless of consequences. appeared possible as the House the world, as he puts it. ternational Union of North Favor of Authorizing Your The shipowners and govern­ Ways and Means Committee this America, Atlantic and Gulf "It was all bad," he says, Secretary-Treasurer to Call a ment bureaus who had been stal­ week accepted in principle a District, has always won the Strike in the Event a Satisfac­ ling both the "unity" negotiators proposal to extend unemployment "Suez, Casablanca, the Mediter­ best wages and working condi­ tory Agreement on Wages and in Washington and the Seafar­ compensation coverage to mari­ ranean, but the worst time \yas tions in the Maritime Industry D-Day at Omaha Beach, during Working Conditions cannot be ers, suddenly awakened to the time workers. and we intend to maintain that The Reached?" fact that hei-e was one outfit record in our present negotia­ The committee is disposing of the Normandy invasion. they couldn't bluff. The Seafar­ a series of proposed major Nazis hit us with everything they tions, and AND BE IT FURTHER RE­ ers made it plain that negotia­ changes in the Act which at pres­ had. I thought sure that I was WHEREAS: Although we have SOLVED: That the voting on this tions would have to be between ent excludes seamen from the seeing the last day of my life." ballot shall begin on July 1, stated for the record' to the Now that it is all over, Hunt the owners and the unions with­ old age and survivor's insurance 1946 and shall terminate with Public, the Government and out any government interference. provisions as well as from un­ hasn't forgotten the terrifying the regular meeting of July 31, to our contracted companies days of the war. He says, "I hope The result was that the Washing­ employment benefits. 1946, that we will refuse to be bound ton side show- was hurried to The protection for maritime my son never has to go through by any agreements entered in­ AND BE IT FURTHER RE­ an end and real negotiations workers was provided for in a that. Men shouldn't have to kill to in Washington by the ComSOLVED: That the actual date started in San Francisco and bill sponsored by Representative each other—we ought to be able mitte for Maritime Unity, our of calling the strike be left New York. Lynch of New York, a member to live together without fighting." contracted companies have at­ open for the membership to The Seafarers moved into ac­ of the committee. The amount After 38 years of following the tempted to use that agreement decide upon at a later date tion by threatening to declare a and duration of the unemploy­ which will be contingent upon general strike if the government ment compensation for seamen the progress of our negotia­ seized and sailed any single ship. would be determined by the regu­ tions with the operators, We forced Truman and the Wash­ lations of the State in which the AND BE IT FINALLY RE­ ington fakers from their avowed workers reside. All members—^retired members and former members—of SOLVED: That we notify the purpose of taking over the in­ Details for the plan to cover ihe Seafarers International Union who are now sailing as licensed United States Department of dustry. seamen under the provisions of Engineers: Please report as soon as possible to the Seafarers Wall Labor immediately of our in­ This Seafarers action was an the Act will be determined by the at SI Beaver Street, New York City. Your presence is neces­ tention to strike in accordance, ultimatum to the owners and to committee later. sary in a matter of great importance. with the Smith-Connally Act. Branford N. Hunt u Coastwise Branch Meetings Approve SlU Strike Vote New Bill Includes Seamen Under Social Security Act ATTENTION, MEMBERS! SEAFARERS SAILING AS ENGINEERS �. .. : juJ.i:>'^.,-> . -v' i:^'.^. Friday, June 21, 1946 THE SEAFARERS QUESTION:—In talking about a forty hour week for seamen, a shipowner said, "What would the men do with extra time at sea or in port. What will you do with your extra time when the four watch system is instituted on ships under contract to the SIU? 99 WILLIAM BADGER, FWT: More free time would give us a chance to do a lot of things that we never had time for. A lot of us have not had too much school­ ing and we could take books with us to study from. If one man is well educated, he could run class­ es for the others. Free time would come in handy for doing laun­ dry, reading books, writing let­ ters, and a hundred other things. Sometimes we finish a trip with­ out really knowing one another, but if we*had lime off. we could all get better acquainted. ALLEN BELL. Second Cook: That man didn't know what he was talking about. I never heard of a seaman who couldn't use more free time. We could check up on certain things that we ought to do. And if it only gave us a little more time to relax, it would be worth it. Maybe then we would not wear out so quick. This shipowner, who has prob­ ably never sailed on a ship as one of the crew, can't realise ho\v tiring and wearing the work real­ ly is. We need time to rest and time to relax. It looks like we're finally going to get it. tion certainly are no criterion, as ovei'lap or conflict with those of (Continued from I) compared with 47 years of peace­ the Department. The inspection Guard was to terminate six time operation. And remember, of merchant ships does have to months after the end of the war. these are years of peace from do with their safety, at sea, of "He said the men all wanted now on! course, hut there is no overlap­ that order terminated, that they ping of duties between the in­ CIVILIAN CONTROL had been satisfied with the De­ spectors and the Coast Guard The very nature of the Bureau partment of Commerce and want­ patrol boats. ed to be returned to its jurisdic­ demands that it be under civilian Actually, there's much more tion. I had occasion to li.sten to control. One of its major func­ overlap, more wasted govern­ the testimony and in my opinion tions is protection of the seamen ment funds under Coast Guard Mr. Hawk's argument should through the offices of the U.S. control than there was under prevail and Reorganization Plan Shipping Commissioners. Commerce. "When the Bureau A Master's word is law on ship­ was shifted by executive order No. 3 be defeated." board. If a seaman misses a day's Hawk's follow-up of the initial work, the Master can fine him in 1942, the entire civilian per­ promise of victory on the House two days' pay. If the infractions sonnel of the Bureau went along side of the Congress was well re­ are more serious, the Master with it. Coast Guard officers merely ceived by the Senate Committee takes it up before the Shipping and is sure to bear weight when Commissioner and local Steam­ supplemented from ihe top, and the matter comes up for a vote. boat Inspectors, and the seaman threw in some enlisted personnel at the bottom level. The actual The SIU has supplied opponents is brought up on charges. work of the Bureau was contin­ to the Reorganization Plan with But in addition to punishing ued by the old civilians. Where valuable and well-documented the seaman, the Shipping Com­ is any saving effected there? information which they will put missioner protects him from to use. WHY, INDEED? overbearing officers or venal There's another point I would The text of his testimony be­ shipping companies. If the Mas­ fore the Senate Committee fol­ ter's ruling is deemed too harsh, like to make. The Congress has lows: the Shipping Commissioner—who appropriated nine million dollars knows the law governing sea­ for continuation of the seaman's Mr. Chairman and men, may lessen the punishment training program under the Mar­ Gentlemen: itime Commission. Might I ask if he sees fit. In expressing the opposition of But under Coast Guard control, why more seamen are trained merchant seamen to Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is busy jurisdiction over the Bureau of the seaman has faced double jeo­ depriving trained seamen of their Marine Inspection and Naviga­ pardy for any infraction of ship­ papers every time one of them tion, as provided under the Presi­ ping rules. Let us say that a sea­ comes before them? dent's Reorganization Plan 3, man misses a day. He is logged The case against the Coast Part 1, I should like to start off for two days' pay by the Captain, Guard's control is a strong one which seems punishment enough. with an illustration. But in the eyes of the Coast from anj' angle, gentlemen. I urge this committee to report fa­ The railroads bear the same Guard sea lawyers it isn't. relation to the U.S. Army that When the ship puts in. Coast vorably on the bill to defeat Re­ the Merchant Marine does to the Guard officers look over the log organization Plan 3—so that the Coast Guard and Navy. For pur­ book. They see that a seaman has seamen and others who are af­ poses of supply the Army must missed a day. They call him be­ fected by it will at least have a have the railroads at its disposal. fore one of their hearing units— chance to be heard betore xtiey But if the Army operated as which in reality is nothing more are saddled with the Coast Guard foi-ever. the Coast 'Guard did during the than a kangaroo court. war, and has since, and will per­ In addition to losing two days' petually if the Reorganization pay he is deprived of his papers Plan goes thi'ough, railroad men for 30 days or more. This hypo­ would be examined for fitness thetical case has happened hun­ Seaf(U'ers Sailing to serve by a board of Army dreds and thousands of times. .4s Engineers Seamen arc on the beach, then, officers. for 30 days, deprived of mnlcing a Any infractions would be tried All members—retired mem­ by special Army hearing units, living, because of Coast Guard bers and former members— superimposed on the manage­ misuse of power. of the Seafarers Internation­ ment of the railroads. Railroad al Union who are now sailing NO OVERLAPPING men could be blacklisted from all The President's Plan spealcs of as licensed Engineers: Please railroads, and not allowed to "overlapping duties" of the Bureport as soon as possible to work on any of them for periods i-eau of Marine Inspection and' the Seafarers Hall at 51 Bea­ of months or years if the Army Navigation under the Department ver Street, New York City. heai'ing units saw fit. Your presence is necessary of Commerce and the Coast Guard. I challenge anyone to in a matter of great impor­ NO EXAGGERATION show me where the Coast tance. That is the situation of the Guard's normal peacetime duties merchant seamen under the Coast Guard, gentlemen. The il­ lustration is without exaggera­ tions; I merely put it in that way to point up the picture. It is because this situation exists that every licensed officer in the merchant marine, and four-watch system, the six-hour (Continued from Page I) every unlicensed seaman opposes for Saturdays, Sundays and holi­ day in the Stewards Department, continuation of Coast Guard jur­ and the six-day work week for days. isdiction. The shipping compan­ day men at sea and in port, pro­ At sea, overtime to be paid posing instead a 44-40 arrange­ ies join in the opposition. They, * for all work done on Sun­ ment. as we did, could see the necessity for military controls during the days— this to include men stand­ They said they couldn't go for war, but there is no reason for ing watches. (The Seafarers had the longshore work demands, asked for a four-watch system, a proposing to pay the crew the them in peacetime. The President's Plan points six day work week for day men same rate that longshoremen in out that the Bureau of Marine ashore and in port, and a six- that port are paid, with a $1.00 an Inspection and Navigation oper­ hour work day for men in tbe hour minimum. The SIU had asked an increase to $1.50 an ated successfully under the Coast Stewards Department. Here, then, is the way the op­ hour for the deck watch; $2.25 an Guard during the four years of the war, and thus has proven it­ erators knocked down the basic hour for the watch below. They made no counter propos­ self. But the Bureau was created demands of the SIU: by Congress in 1884, gentlemen, als for the otandby and tank They counter-proposed wage and operated under the Depart­ increases roughly one-third or cleaning rate increases. ment of Commerce successfully, less than demanded. All in all, the operators seemed to be primed to resist the SIU's and with no opposition by sea­ ABSURD OFFER equitable demands, to quibble men or shipowners all diu'ing the They proposed an uverllnie in­ and to split hairs. The Negotiat­ 47 years that preceded the war. There has been plenty of oppo­ crease of 10 cents an hour, about ing Committee walked out when sition to the Coast Guard since one-fifth to one-twelfth lower this became apparent through than the demands. the operators AB wage cut pro­ it took over. They refused to "consider the posal. Four years of wartime opera­ Attention Members! MATHEW CARSON. Wiper: Working 56 hours a week is damned rugged. I'll bet the ship­ owner who made that statement doesn't do 56 hours of real work a year. If I had more free lime, I would write letters, read some good books, and it would give me time to do a good job on my laundry. The way things are now, we have to hurry every­ thing we do. That's no way to live. And anyhow, it's none of that guy's business what we do with the time. All workers have a forty hour week. That's all we want. We're not asking favors. I've always wanted to develop ia hobby, but I've never had time. Now if the four watch system is started, I could take pictures (I'm a camera bug), and really be us­ ing my leisure time to good ad­ vantage. Besides that, I want snore time so that I can read, and write letters to my family. Some­ times we are on a trip for a few weeks without tuoching land once. It would not hurt to start the idea of having movies on board, in the crew messroom. We should have entertainment because we work hard and need relaxation. Page Fir^ Senate Committee Hears Hawk Testify Against Coast Guard mmm I THINK JACK HAYS. OS; LOG Seafarers Walks Out Of Meeting When Operators Weasel On Terms �E SEAF AHERS ''Page Six SlU, Longshoremen Beat Company Stall In Mobile lie By CHARI.ES KIMBALL MOBILE—Teamwork between and their subsequent actions are " ' " in the tradition of good unionism, the Seafarers and the "Mobile FIRST MOVE Longshoremen brought a quick Right off the bat,-they covered end to a dispute here last week. The entire situation came about up the hatches of the Cape Fal­ through the actions of one man, con and told the Company that the Skipper of the SS Cape Fal­ they were going fishing until the con, Waterman Lines. His tyr- sailors' beef was settled to the rany finally brought about his complete satisfaction of the SlU. undoing when he handcuffed an Following this, the officials of Oiler in the stack all one night. the Mobile Longshoremen's This, on top of the other small Union met with the Mobile beefs which had been building Agent of the SlU and a program up, blew the lid off, and the crew was Worked out to bring matters decided to leave the ship until to a head as soon as possible. something could be done to By 'this time the Company square the Captain away once realized that as long as the dis­ and for all. pute. was unsettled, there was no When the suitcase parade possible chance of sailing the started off the ship, the Long­ Cape Falcon. So they came to shoremen wanted to know the terms, and a satisfactory settle­ story. They were told in detail. ment was arrived at. Members of the crew were not surprised that their beef was squared away so rapidly. They know that the militancy of the SlU, plus the cooperation of their AFL Brothers, is a combin­ ation that cannot be beat. Foolish Questions Drive Dispatchers Stark, Raving Mad LOG MILITANT, UNITED ACTION PAYS OFF OTHER HEADACHES Please, fellows, confine your­ selves to questions that are about the issue at hand. Otherwise our nice congenial dispositions start to disappear, and that makes a tough job harder. Phone calls from your wives, sweetheart, or families, are an­ other headache. They want to knirw your whereabouts, and they, don't know your rating or department. So we have to search through the files, and take time from other duties. If all men will cooperate by not asking unnecessary questions, and by telling their families where they are, we will be able to do a better job, all around. Make Isthmian SlU! Four Watch System A Must By LOUIS GOFFIN We note that the shipowners, using their usual propaganda methods, were putting full page ads in newspapers throughout the country. The ads claimed that the demands made by the mari­ time unions were impossible. This is the crev/ of the Cape Falcon on the dock bag and bag­ gage. Their militant action won out against the bucko Skipper. Of course, with their bulging war chests they could afford such ads, paid for out of the cabbage which they made during the war. Blood money, made out the sacri­ fices of seamen who gave their lives, and taxpayers who gave their hard eai-ned money. These people were under the impre.ssion that they were mak­ ing sacrifices because it was the least they could do for their coun­ try. They did not give their lives and money so that the shipown­ ers could pile up enormous prof­ its, and then use these profits to try to beat down the seamen and the unions of their own choice. The Longshoremen ask the score, and get it from Blackie Neira. In the rear. Brother Neira is speaking to the president and secretary-treasurer of the Longshoremen. In the foreground is Charles Kimball, Mobile Agent, By PAUL GONSORCHIK Although it may not be ap­ parent, the men who work in the Dispatching Department are sometimes pretty well over­ worked. Lately, our Registration man, Benny Gonzales, has been even more rushed and that is the fault of the men. All Registration men have a tough job, but in New York it is much tougher than any other place. Registrations run high here and average close to 100 per day. And there is where the trouble starts. Practically every man comes up to Benny's desk asks two or three questions. That means JDCtween 200 and 300 questions a day. Answering is part of his job, but boy, some of the ques­ tions are dillys. • FOOLISH QUESTIONS Here are some samples; "Did you hear from Joe, I can't remember his last name, •^Ut he is about so high and has brown hair?" "Has A1 So-and-So stopped go­ ing around with that girl down in New Orleans?" "Did Pete's wife gave birth to her baby yet? Was it a boy or a girl?" How can the Dispatcher or the Registration man know any of the answers to these questions when most times we don't even know the people being asked about? Friday, June 21, 1946 TOOK RISKS While Mr. Shipowner was safe in his office, the men sailing the ships were in constant danger. We were known as "Heroes in Dungarees" and the shipowners basked in our reflected glory. Like ghouls, they gloated over the record made by the seamen who delivered ..the supplies and the men through war-torn seas. Many seamen died v/hile ship­ owners piled up the profits. Now thatjthey are being asked to share their ill-gotten gains, they sit back and give us a great big "NO." The war is now long over, and shipowners have short memories. They have forgotten our hero­ ism; they think only of the fact that they wil make slightly less profit if they give us a decent living wage. The Cape Falcon crew begin their suitcase parade. The man in the foreground is a longshoreman, and he seems to be pretty wrought up over the Skipper's actions. Industry-wide Strike Must Be Prepared (Continued from Page 5) tear down all the sailoi's' condi­ tions after Russia entered the war on the side of the Allies). . STRIKE BREAKERS These people will destroy the trade unions of which they are members or officials to advance their political purposes. Thdy have in the pa.st, and will in the future, feed their memberships treacherous propaganda and lies in order to sabotage sailors' con­ ditions and our Union. They have approached our op­ erators, when we were out on strike, and attempted to sail our struck ships for sell-out con­ tracts. They have openly finked on the MM&P. They have finked on their own rank and file mem­ bership (the '39 tanker strike). Can we afford to do business with people of this nature? They arc lovey-dovey now—sure, they want us off our ships and on the picketline in support of their strike-pledged memberships, re­ gardless of what our obligations may be. We are in complete sympathy with, and 100 percent for, the working stiffs in these unions and whatever they want in wages and conditions, but we cannot plaiy with fire and expect not to get burned. They may have the support of some commie-controlled un­ ions in the foreign countries, but do not think for one minute that the SlU-SUP could get this sup­ port if we were on strike and the Cornmie Party gang was bucking us. In the event we were out on strike and these people saw where they could take over our operators, provided the operators were foolish enough to dicker with them, on a sell-out contract and thereby gain control of the American Merchant Marine—do you for one minute think that they would not advocate and at­ tempt to do this? Old Joe Stalin would personally subsidize the American fleet for that oppor­ tunity. ^ We must not overlook a pre­ vailing condition that exists within our Union. Since the beginning of the war we have had to open our books to all com­ ers in order to sail our ships. This circumstance created this condition: 1. When it took guts to take a job off the board, torpedoes took a terrific toll of our best men. 2. Many commies infiltrated in­ to our ranks. 3. We have within our mem­ bership a number of class-conscious idealists who will ad­ vocate to a degree any mass strike movement against capi­ talist management contrary to their better judgment, practical reasoning, and trade union principles. 4. We have a great many new­ comers and green boys who are not educated or don't know the score in the com­ plex maritime labor field. Therefore, it is imperative that we deliberate thoroughly and democratically any proposed pro­ cedure we might undertake and not jump the gun on any super­ charged proposals that would lead us into trouble. We all make our living from the sea. The only bulwark be­ tween the seamen's conditions today and the conditions of '29-'33 are the SIU-SUP and the sup­ port we get from our affiliates, the Teamsters, the ILA and the MM&P, etc. I do not want anyone to misin­ terpret my position. I want everything for the sailors that the industry will stand. I am not backward in pulling the pin on a ship, but, a word of advice to each and every member of our Union—when you get a beef, be it large or small— 1. Know that you are right. 2. Try convincing by arguing your opinion and position. 3. If you have to hang the hook, drop both of them. With the resources at their command, they can convince the public that we are a bunch of overpaid, underworked bums. But the reverse is true, and if the public could only be made aware of the truth, they would be =on our side. No one could possibly think that our demands are exorbitant when all we want is .what all workers ashore already have. There is no reason why an elec­ trician, or a carpenter, or a ma­ chinist should work forty hours a week, while a seaman works fifty-six hours weekly, without the payment of overtime. DEMANDS JUST This situation must be cor­ rected, and the obvious solution is to start the four watch sys­ tem. This would only mean an additional five men on each ship, and would create more jobs for American merchant seamen. Mr. Shipowner claims that there is no room for more men aboard ships. We can all re­ member when college boys work­ ed their way to Europe during the summer. The operators found room for extra hands then, didn't they? There is plenty of room for the personnel that would be needed, but anything that takes profits away from these heartless bosses is out as far as they are con­ cerned. This issue is too important. We must do all we can to get the shipowners to accept the four watch system. We must be pre­ pared for any action to press home oiir demands. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, June 21. Id4fi Page Sevim^ Mobile Demonstrates How Union Solidarity Will Settle Beefs By CHARLES KIMBALL Reactionary American Legion Opposes Seamen's Bill Of Rights HQ NEWS?? By JOE ALGINA Silence Ihis.week from th* Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: MOBILE—This town saw one of the b^st demonstrations of unity when we had our special meeting and work stoppage on June G. didn't convince the people of Mobile that labor is united, the events of the next few days cer­ tainly have done the trick. FIRST BEEF First off, the Ranier, Deconhil Steamship Company, came in with a'oout $4000 worth of logs; not bad for a four month trip. The Skipper immediately got the Gestapo, I mean the Coast Guard, to come on board, and they .started holding a private Kan­ The men in Pensacola also hit garoo Court. the beach but they weii- unable We threatened to shut the ship to get here in time to attend. We kept them informed about down, and that brought the Port Agent to his senses. He asked the goings on by telephone. If this meeting and stoppage us to have the cases considered in the saloon without the Captain, and to this we agreed. We were compelled to hire a large hall for tjie meeting, and even that turned out to be too small, so we had to have a sec­ ond meeting later in our own Hall. it isn't one think it over again, and this PHILADELPHIA time he decided that coffee time BOSTON is a very good idea. CHARLESTON Dtsidca battling with the Coast Shipping is picking up here, SAVANNAH Guard. WSA. and the shipowners, but there is still room for im­ HOUSTON now we have to take on the provement. Now that the com­ SAN JUAN American Legion. This bunch is mies have called off their mari­ not satisfied to wear their uni­ time strike, I guess we'll have to forms and go on toots during carry the ball for the seamen as their conventions; no sir, they we always have. I still can't To make a long story short, have to stick their noses into figure what the NMU got out of all the logs were cancelled, the our business. the settlement — from here it charges were dropped, and the looks like Harry Bridges and his The American Legion has taken Stewards Department. Company asked us for permission Steward Praised It's not very frequent that the to keep the Skipper aboard long a stand that merchant seamen, union got the gravy, and the You could have scuttled my crew will single out the "Belly enough to square up his accounts. who served during the war, are NMU and the other unions got the leavings. towboat when the crew of the Robbers" for praise but that's ex­ not entitled to a "Bill of Rights" The second illustration of Galen Stone, Eastern Steamship actly what happened. The Stew­ That's the way we had it similar to the one granted to vet­ solidai-ity cam.e about on our Company, sang the praises of the ard and Chief Cook explained it erans of the Armed Services. figured all the time. beef with the Calmar Line. The this way. They claim that the merchant SS Roy K. Johnson had 83 hours "Whatever we have," thejy marine is a voluntary civilian or­ in disputed overtime, and all of said, "we put out. No man will ganization and that merchant it was legitimate. However, the ever go hungry as long as we seamen are not, and were not, Calmar repre.sentative didn't have food to give them. Of subject to military discipline and think so, and he flatly refused By LOUIS GOFFIN course, we try to make every­ to pay it. hardships. thing taste good, and we serve Don't laugh, fellows, thiey're JACKSONVILLE — Things in and the SS James Rumsey. it so that the men will enjoy the EXTRA WORK really serious. This scow signed on in New this port are as slow as ever, and sight of the food as well as the I sat down to talk to him, and prospects for the next few days York for a trip to the east coast taste." GESTAPO CONTROL of South America, but she ran pointed out that if he could Don't push, boys, this ship has Being under Coast Guard con­ are not much brighter. We have aground on a reef in the Ba­ show me how the work—defrost­ trol doesn't mean miliatry dis­ a few rated men registered and hamas and so she was towed into only a small turnover. ing and cleaning ice-box, sorting By the way, the Skipper of the cipline according to these guys. we will be glad to send them to this port. vegetables, sorting and bagging vessel took the opoprtunity to And being torpedoed and bombed any of the nearby branches that are in need of them. congratulate the Union on sup­ OTHER VISITORS doesn't constitute hardships. We had it understood that the Our other visitors during the plying such a good crew. There are 6000 seamen who James Purcell were sent to the bottom as a re­ coastwise runs were going to be week included the SS Amarillo resumed, but the Bull Lines » ft 4 Victory, which was here for one sult of enemy action. They didn't die of old age. If that doesn't threw a bombshell at us when day discharging a little cargo, Traditions Upheld count as a hardship, what does? they announced that, although and the SS Cornell Victory, I had the satisfaction of seeing Through their spokesman. Col­ they intend to go back into the which was here for a few hours a good gang upliold the principles onel John Thomas Taylor, the coastwise business, they do not and then steamed out for San and traditions of the SIU when I paid off the SS B. Herman, a American Legion .states that sea­ plan to use this port for some Pedro. Since no regular meetings are Weyerhauser ship. men were generally higher paid time to come. held here due to the shortage of When I came on board, I waa than servicemen and therefore PLANS CHANGED full book members, the men who met in the messroom by the Deck do not need, and are not entitled I Prior to the war. Bull had at are around express their senti­ Delegate, Brother H. Muckner, to, a "Bill of Rights." least one ship in here each week, ments that they are united be­ and the rest of the Deck gang. LITTLE PAY and we figui-ed that with the hind the negotiating committee Every one was sober, and theie resumption of the coastwise in whatever actions are neces­ were no beefs. This is complete hooey. Sea­ dirty linen—could be done in the" trade, they would Pperate as they sary to get our demands from the men wei-e paid a little more than All the rooms and lockers u.sed Steward Department's regular servicemen, but they had ex­ did in the past. We are very shipowners. (Continued on Page 9) working hoiu's, 1 would concede penses that had to be met out of the dispute to him. the money they earned, not To this he replied he wasn't through Goveinment allotments. a seaman; did not know anything Seamen had to buy their own about ships, and would not pay clothes, support their own fami­ the beef. By W. H. (RED) SIMMONS lies, and replace any personal be­ The crew refused to pay off longings lost due to torpedoing SAN FRANCISCO—No change es) $46.08 for doing work other until this wSs squared awaiy. or bombing. of pace out here this week. Ship­ than of a routine galley nature. After offering them their money, As a result of all this, many The overtime vouchers for which they would not take, the ping continues to be somewhat seamen averaged less pay than these men have been sent to the Calrnai' representative ordered slow as it has been for the past servicemen, not more. Mississippi Company's office in the crew off the ship. This or­ couple of weeks. This is not the first time that New Orleans. der was carried out to the letter. the American Legion has taken West Coast representative Bob At the payoff here of the MV Calmar thought that this a stand that is selfish and not in Matthews is in New York cov­ Wall Knott, three Oilers were the best interests of most people. ering the Engine Department in paid an average of 200 hours would be a good time to dry dock the ship and work her ovexv The organization has a long reac­ hopeful that when the fruit sea­ the current negotiations. each for tending the evaporators son starts, the Bull Line will However, the tugboatmen will tionary record, but they really We settled what we believe on sea watches. This Waterman change plans and use this port not move the ship until the be^ went out of their way to pick might be a precedent in the way ship was paid off here June 11. again. A ship a week would is settled, and the longshoremen on us. of beefs out here this week. We keep this port on its feet. have also told the Company that We did our job during the war. won overtime for the men tend­ they will not work the ship until Most of the ships that we have We don't want special credit, ing the evaporators on sea the company comes to terms with been getting here are SUP. Since just what others who served watches aboard the SS Charles the SIU. we have jurisdiction in the Deck Seafarers Sailing their country got. McDonnell, when the Mississippi Department only on those ships, Steamship Co. vessel paid off on That's the way things stand .4s Engineers TOUGH SKIPPER it doesn't do the members of the May 31. now, but we are in hopes that The Skipper of the Cape Fara- Engine and Stewards gangs any the company will see the light All members—retired mem­ The following men come in lon, Moran Tugs, is probably a good. Sb, we ship ABs and Oi*- for the specified sums as a result soon so that the whole mess can bers and former members— be cleared up. follower of Joe "No Coffee Time" dinairys fairly regularly, but we of the settlement; Edwin King, of the Seafarers IniemallonCurran. Anyhow, he refused to seldom have any jobs for the Oiler, ($54.00 less $10.80 taxes) al Union who are now sailing Other than these beefs, this give the night watch time for other two departments. as licensed Engineersr Please port is running very smoothly. $43.20; Leslie Blanchard, Oiler, coffee^.and the crew got a little report as soon as possible to Jhcksbhville is mainly a port of ($196.20 less $37.28 taxes) $156.90; tVe can use rated men, especially bit mad about the whole thing. the Seafarers Hall at 51 Bea­ call for SUP ships, just loading Alan. Peak, Oiler, ($64.80 less ABs arid Cooks, but I guess prac­ ver Stteef. New York City, I went down to'see hirrt, and he of discharging a little. But at the $12.96 faxes) $51.84; Louis Briant, tically every port is iri the same •ybu'r jirfesehte' is hiceiisafy in Mid that he didn't think the present time, we have .the SS Oiler, ($270.90. lesS $27.09 taxes) position. Busiribss and shipping meri l deserved the time. The Teiry Stephehson. which has just $243.90; Vefhbh Weideman, 3rd a matter of great iih|>oftahce. are very good—we hope the same fate' continues. crew gave him about 24 hoUfs to ^ghed oh for the Baukite fiih. Cook, has ($57.50 less $11.52 tax­ NEW YORK—If thing, it's another. The Patrolmen Say... Jacksonville Wants More Ships Frisco Wins Overtime For Oilers Attention Members! �THE SE AF ARERS LO G ^ Page Eight Florida Unions Work Together WITH To Beat Finky State's Attorney By SONNY SIMMONS r r TAMPA—We are finally lo­ cated in our new Hall, and while there are still some things to be done to make this place adaptable for our own use, nevertheless it is very comfortable. W^hen we get everything squared away, we will have the finest Hall on the Gulf. Our location is excellent since we are right in the center of all the union halls in Tampa. Of course, our Hall is one of the best, and we have nothing to be ashamed of. At the present time all of the unions that own halls here in Tampa have filed an injunction aginst the Tax Assessors to pre­ vent them from taxing the build­ ings. This is the latest move in a wide open campaign against., la­ bor. UNION BUSTER The big shot of the drive is the Attorney General of Florida, a character named J. Tom Watson. He is admittedly out to break unions, and he hates them so much that when he gets up to make a speech against them, he s^' By HUGH MURPHY taking part in local elections is VANCOUVER — A recent ar«. not the best policy, but we have rival here was the British freight­ to do something to beat this er, the Samshee, just about the scab-loving, fink-hiring, big dirtiest rustbucket ever to hit business stooge. There are lots of ships stop­ this port. The crew was up in ping here and at Boca Grande. arms against their intolerable The Luther Hurd and the Eleanor conditions, and at the bad treat­ are in EG now and we sent re­ placements to both. The Port ment at the hands of the Skip­ Agent for Waterman said that per. several of their ships are going This character had the dis­ on this run, and the first one, torted idea, that seamen are not the Andrew Jackson, will be in human. However, the crew mem­ this week. The Bull Line is also starting bers had other ideas and they coastwise runs on July 10, and knew that they had only to con­ that will be very good for us all. tact the local branch of the SIU Most of the fellows have ship­ to get action to improve t' r lot. A hearing of the complaints of ped, and we are having trouble getting rated men. -I hope this the crew was held in the Ship­ situation does not continue. If ping Office, presided over by the it does, I will probably turn gray. Shipping Master, at which noth- Operator Pays For Chiseling Try By WILLIAM STEVENSON DETROIT—While the Detroit and Cleveland boats were fitting out, the company had all mem­ bers of the Stewards Department examined by the company doc­ tor. This is a good way for a chiseling company to eliminate the militant crew members. And chat is exactly what happened. Because the people who were •ired were good Union members, ve were able to do something ibout it right away. We sent rsi > them up to the United States actually cries. I heard him make Public Health Service for an ex­ a speech to some finks here and amination, and then had them this weeping phony was really taken back on the ships they a sight to see. were fired from. The tears were rolling down his cheeks, and he was sobbing ALL COLLECT to beat the band. We good union Best of all, they collected full men down here would like to give pay and subsistence for the time him something to cry about. they had lost. I'll bet it will be One of the things he has done a long time before this company recently was to invite a fink tries to play games with the SIU herder named James Karam, and again. his phony Veterans Industrial It is a shame to see the way Association, to Florida to set up some Canadian seamen work shop. All labor is up in arms twelve hours a day for starva­ against this move, and we are not tion wages. Canadian shipown­ going to take it without protests. ers get the same freight rates as BEAT WATSON American operators, yet Ameri­ Watson comes up for election can seamen make three times as soon, and all the labor unions much money as Canadian sea­ are consolidating their strength men. to defeat this bum. I realize that Now the Canadian shipowners are fighting tooth and nail against the eight hour day. We have a contract with the Grand The Skipper of the SS John Truck Car Ferry, under Cana­ Gallup, Smith and Johnson Line, dian registry, and the seamen must be a very lonely man. At who work for that company have least, it sounds that way from the had the eight hour day for 27 fact that he would not give the years. Strange as it may sound crew any liberty in foreign ports. to the other operators, the Grand Or else, maybe he's just a Truck has made money and is tough guy who wants to show the Till making it. crew who is boss. He would not FINKS SCARED exchange any foreign money that Last. week the Noronic, Canathe crew had left over, and that Jian Steamship Lines, tried to made bad blood between him and dock here after beating it away the crew. from Thorold, Ontario, with a It is just such officers that finky crew. make unlicensed men resentful I got together with the repre­ of the authority given to the li­ censed men. We think that situa­ sentatives of the ILA and the tions iike this should be rectified MM&P and we told the Captain of the .ship to take her out of by the shipping companies. If anything like this happens there. After we finished talking on a ship that you are on, notify to him, he moved her upstream. the Patrolman as soon as he We gave him a little help by comes aboard. There is probably casting the lines off. Most of the windows on the something we can do about it. ship were broken, and it was no Ray Gonzales better than the Skipper and the Salvador Cools Johnny Johnston crew deserved. There is no place LONELY SKIPPER - : for finks in the maritime indus­ try. SHIPPING GOSSIP Shipping has been good in thi.s port for the last month. We could use more rated men in all departments if they are willing to sail on unorganized ships. Dave Walker, the Steward aboard the SS Cleveland III, gave the passengers a real treat on Mothers' Day. He had a big open house with ice-cream, cake, and a big orchestra. Our Duluth Hall is opening this week with Brother Nordaas as the Agent in charge. If any of the Brothers get up in that neck of the woods, they should make it a point to drop in. The same goes for visitors to this Hall. We like to see you, so come on along. Friday, June 21, 1946 SIU IN CANADA ing whatever was decided or ac­ be instrumental in raising our complished. standards and also removing the We went to work on this and menace of scab labor which is had the health authorities check only made possible by the inhu­ the ship and fumigate the crew's man treatment of British seamen. "In conclusion, let us add tliat quarters. This was not entirely satisfactory, but the ship was your members must indeed be very proud to have such an effi­ cleaned up after a fashion. cient Agent in this port." QUICK ACTION GREEK SHIPS We followed up on this action Quite a number of old rustby petitioning the Government buckets have been bought up to centralize the health inspec­ recently by Greek shipping in­ tion service in this port, and protests have been sent to mem­ terests, which are making a real bers of Pnrliarnent in regard to bid for some share of the fat the deplorable conditions under profits to be made out of ship­ which "Britannia Rules the ping. Who said a ship doesn't pay? Ask the man who owns one. Slaves." These racketeers must have Thanks from the crew of the learned the shipping business in Samshee is contained in a letter Britain, as they have the same which was sent to me right be­ philosophy as the British ship­ owner. This feeling that .seamen do not deserve decent wages and good conditions is one which we have to combat, and so far we have put a few of these Greek ships in order. The shipowners don't like the idea of dealing with the Union, and they have tried every pos­ sible to dodge to avoid it. But the Phaeax II, which is crowing up here, is no exception and she will be dealt with before -she clears. fore the ship sailed. follows: The letter "We, the crew of the Samshee, would like to extend to you our gratitude for the action you are taking in an effort to raise our so very low standard of living on the majority of British Freighters. "In the first instance, never have we experienced such amaz­ ing results as attained by you in so short a period of time. We really think that this case will In organizing seamen to fight for higher wages and better con­ ditions, I am reminded of what Clarence Darrow said. He put it better than anyone else, so here it is: "When you are organized, the boss will listen to you; the strong­ er ' your organization, the more attentively he will listen. As you become strong so will he become rea.sonable. Weaken and he will wipe you out." Waterfront Unions In Chicago Form Council By HERBERT JANSEN already been converted from a the City of Grand Rapids is tak­ coal burner to an oil burner. ing the run which the Milwaukee CHICAGO—On June 4 a meet­ Clipper had last year. RUNS SET ing was held to form a Mari­ The Theodore Roosevelt will Sounds kind of confusing, but time Council among the Port of Chicago Waterfront Unions. start her operation on June 22. it's easy to understand once you This body will thrash out any She will ply between Chicago get on to it. These ships need marine problems that come up, and Benton Harbor, Michigan. men, rated men especially, so and will also back each other She will be taking the place of if you want to sail from the up in the event of any trouble. the City of Grand Rapids, and Windy City, come right along. There is no question that this Council will be a benefit to sea­ men in this port. Shipping in the Windy City has picked up during the last By JIMMY STEWART week, and we have quite a few jobs on the board for coal burning Well, he finally took a ship. melons and unlimited ice cream. Firemen and Oilers. We have a You don't know who? Why Mr. We wonder what he is going to few ABs on hand now, but ex­ Bellyrobber Hutchin.snn, of do for his Bible while he is away. pect them to be gone in a short He can surely pick all the losers. course. He took it under the time. Well, Hutch old boy, maybe bet­ one condition — that some one ter luck when you come back. SIU GAIN At the time of the writing of would scare up all the Chief Get a good roll this time; Sara­ this report, we were able to place Stewards to work for him. toga will be open when you get After soliciting on the third here. Wipers aboard the Theodore Roosevelt, the North and the floor he finally made it.. He got If the membership is wonder­ South American. These ships old boy W. C. Vandorsall for ing why it is so quiet in the have never before carried Wipers a Chief Ccr-k, and the last we recreation room, it is becaus.e the and this constitutes quite a gain saw of Chief Steward Walsh he Big Wind, Bellyrobber Hutchin­ was counting and sorting soiled son, recruited all the Stewards, for the SIU. except an odd one or two, and In operation, out of this port linen. Hutch spoke of the good chow took them on his tanker. at the present-time are the RockHe has invited all hands to a wood, the Gilbert, the North he was putting out on his tanker. American, and the City of Grand Well—it may be true, but when turkey dinner on Sunday but Rapids. The Milwuakee Clipper he visited the recreation room, here is the catch—you have to is operating between Milwaukee he was overheard sending Stew­ swim to get it as his tanker is and Muskegon, Michigan, on an ard Joe Ryan for a liverwurst on the hook at the -Federal an­ sandwich on the Q.T. chorage. Well, good intentions all year schedule. We all believe him, of course, anyhow. Hutch. Waiting to go into a shipyard You know. Hutch, the road to in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, is the but the good chow he talked Sand Boat American. She will' about happened to slip out—10 hell is paved with good inten­ be lengthened 43 feet, and has crates of strawberries, ICQ water- tions. Bellyrobber Finally Takes Ship �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. Julie 21. 1946 TALKING IT OVER Page Nia»^ The Patrolmen Say— By ERIC UPCHURCH {Contbmcd from Page 7) Here is only an incident; but j those regions will not be easy based on very realistic fact. It, to Put over, If a man has been taught for could be used as an illustration years to disbelieve in a thing, it of the need for organization with­ is impossible to change him over­ in the Southern textile mills. night. I am a Southerner, and I by the Deck men were clean and ready for the next crew. Only the Deck crew was SlU, as this was an SUP ship. Tlie Black Gang and the Stew­ ards Department had plenty of beefs, and no one to represent them. But that comes under the heading of something for the Committee on Maritime Unity to worry about. Here's hoping I run into a lot more guys like those in the Deck Department of the B. . Herman. Johnny Johnston The screaming blast of the cotton-mill whistle informed the snuff-dipping working stiffs that it was time for lunch. They filed out to the mill grounds, eating slowly, never ga/.ing at each other, but looking shamefully downward. The grounds were protected by a high storm fence with three strands of barbed wire running across the top. "Scabs! Dirty, rotten, yellow, slimy, filthy scabs,!" were the shouts from without. And the day before the head "overseer" had told the crowd: "All of you that want to work in my mill can. I've got six men here with sawed-off shotguns to see that you're not molested." say this: A large part of the pop­ ulation flatly refuse to open their minds to things other than re­ vivals, corn whiskey, and corn cobs. It shall be somewhat try­ ing to teach old dogs new tricks. And In those who feel offended at this I say, if the shoe fits you, wear it. Brothers Dinnsen, Yatly. and Bertney discuss the action taken at the work-stoppage meeting. X t X Good Feeling Cooperation and good feeling between crew and officers is pos­ sible. This is proved by the way the licensed and unlicensed per­ sonnel got along on the SS John Gorrie, South Atlantic Company. The winner of the ships pool WHAT have we accomplished in thes2 long years? Years in which our Union supplied beer for the crew messand our Union alone has borne the brunt of the struggle. Years in which room and the saloon. The of­ paid fines for infractions as our Union alone has remained consistent never giving up the struggle which ficers HEROES ALL stipulated by the crew. In fact, Six men, with sawed-off shot­ has gone on since 1874 for one day or even for one hour. the Third Mate accompanied the Our course has been steady,* guns, and the sanction of the payment of his fine with a let­ our destination clearly chartered. agreement with seamen of other owner—Federal, State and City, police, the protection of the state ter of apology. Governments. The rocks of shipowners oppo.- countries. militia, the good dd Home Such cooperation must be com- • The first control of shipping The realization that "war mended. sition, the 'reefs of dissension Guard. These heroic Americans, heroes" are "peace-bums" in the have not wrecked us. Our des­ through our own hiring halls. James Sheehan tination is one strong union of The first establishment of an eyes of the shipowners. James Purcell all seamen, our final port of call The knowledge that leadership our own lives which we have must be constantly refreshed XXX dedicated to the success of this with new and vigorous elements. trip. Let us look back through A union conscious group of Crew Instructions the years and see what we have* union members who wouldn't When a man leaves a ship he gained through our Union. give up the ship. should make sure that every­ 1934-1945 thing is in order. It is not fair to 1874-1915 strike victory against all odds. take off as soon as the ship hits Founding of the first seamens Wage increases from a $22.50 the dock, and leave your work paper "The Coast Seamens Jour­ low to the scale of today. for others to finish up. nal." Living conditions that enable If you are a book member, you Organization of our parent or­ us to have pride in our profession. can be brought up on charges for ganization, the Sailors Union of Minimum hours, universal doing this. If you are a tripthe Pacific, which is this year adoption of the three watch sys- carder, you stand a good chance clubs and guns read—ready to celebrating its sixtieth anniver­ adequate manning scale. of having your tripcard lifted. blast away at their fellowmen. sary. The establishment of penalty Make up your mind as to The state militia in their bright Abolition of flogging and bucko pay for dangerous and obnoxious whether you are going to stay and shiny khaki—the little toy mates. cargoes. on the boat, or get off. Don't soldiers ready to make America The first national accord on Enactment of the first bene­ wait until the last minute to teU safe for the boss' democracy—ad­ ficial maritime legislation. overtime hours and pay. the head of your Department vancing to satisfy their sadistic First single agreement signed that you decided not to make an­ Foundation of the first interlust at the striker's expense. on a national scale (the agree­ other trip. It puts him in a bad coastal and Great Lakes union, These men, if they could be so ment of 1919-1921). hole, and sometimes puts the the National Seamens Union. called, little knowing or further Transportation back to port of Union behind the eight-ball. Foundation of the International caring who was beaten or killed. signing on (prior to this agree­ Last week, the SS George Already a northern labor leader Seamens Union. ment the law had considered the Washington sailed with two stew­ The" first negotiated contracts seamen an absolute transient had been beaten to death. How ardesses because one woman proud they were of this! between the seamen and the ship­ with no home). could not make up her mind. It owners. The "overseer" had shouted: 1921-1934 tem and definition of our duties. won't always work out that way, Freedom from the crimp and "Let it be a lesson to you. You'll A defeat that made us realize Piii-ticipation in all matters'so don't wait until right before get nowhere fast in the union. boarding house keeper. sailing time to make up your that officials alone cannot run pertaining to seamen. See where you are? The whole Better food and quarters. an organization. mind. Cooperate with the head Emergency wage increases. world is against you. Come back A knowledge of the forces at National recognition of the War risk pay—the bonus and of Department and the Union, to work or starve! ISU as the spokesman and cham­ the beck and call of the ship­ area compensation. I William Hamillon The whistle screamed a com­ pion of all seamen. mand, and the scabs obeyed. Passage of the "Seamens Act" of 1915 which first gave seamen i 3;. i their "place in the sun" and has In La Grange, Georgia, some proven a model for international few years ago, a CIO organizer's legislation. Andrew Furuseth, a great man, car was riddled with bullets. Luckily, the organizer was not a great sailor, a great leader. inside. At that time, the owners 1915-1921 of the Southern cotton mills had The first living wages for sea­ imbedded anti-union ideas into men. the entire working class, and The first international working used it against such attempts to unionize the workers. And this stands largely true in many portions of the South to­ day. The organizational cam­ If you don't find linen paign currently sponsored in whqn you go aboard your ship, notify the Hall at once. A telegram from Le Havre or Singapore won't do you any good. It's your bed and you have to lie in it. ATTENTION! Make Isthmian SlU! �rmaf, JtinA 81, 1946 THE SEAFAREHS LOG Page Teii . -/M. • SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS If EVERYTHING HAPPENED ON LAST AIKEN TRIP iiiiilill® Third Mate Has Good Humor Every once in a while, in the course of editing this page, we feel a twinge of conscience about the blasting the officers and Stewards take in the stories that appear here. That follows, of course, because llie stinkers art the ones the beefs come up about and it's the beefs that make the hews. Eut here, at long last, comes an officer who is good copy for neither reason; we have this story about him merely because he has a sense of humor. FINE SYSTEM • The John Gorrie crew set up a fine system, it seems, for the wayward Brethren who commit­ ted such felonies as spitting on the messroom deck, putting their feet in the soup or on the bulk hfeads, leaving coffee cups dirty, or other infractions which are commonplace on shipboard. Into the crew's mess for a cuppacawfee came Third Mate R. W. Mills. He had it, then left without washing his cup. The crew informed him that he had a fine coming. Did Mate Mills get Sore? Heck no. As we said be­ fore, he has a sense of humor. So he wrote a note to the crew, which we print, herewith: To; Members of the crew of fhe SS John Gorrie Subj. 25 cents fine of Robert W. Mills. Third Mate Dear Sirs: Please find enclosed the amount of twenty five cents. . (25c)(two bits), which rep' resents a debt incurred by my J per^n, for the act of my negli­ gence, by my leaving a java ctip upon the messhall table. With humble embarrassmenf . 1 remit this sum to you, to I c6Ver my act of law defilement. 1 frost and count upon your sense of fairness, that this : eondOnt will offset any charges or further acts of prosecution oft feat part against my per­ son. Thanking you in advance for any consideration shown to me pertaining to this unfortunate act of misdeamenor. I remain, yr. hmble servt. R. W. Mills, 3rd Mate SS John Gorire If we may lapse into editorial comment again, we'd like to say that it's too bad there are not more at home like Mills, Last Trip Of Aiken Eventful The editor of the Log has made a discovery, but it is a very hullow one. He ha.s found .some­ one who takes superlative (see pictures on this page) pictures, understands just how to frame a shot for maximum dramatic ef­ fect, and • who is able to repoil the events of a trip factually, in­ teresting and informatively. What's more, he is modest. He sent in the following report with the notation: "This is merely a sketch; you'll have to do your own writing; the following is as authentic as my feeble powers are able to produce." But the guy's much too modest. He didn't even sign his name. Here, however, is the unedited "sketch" which accompanied the pictures: The Aiken Victory, with Cap­ tain John E. Owens in command, was on its thirteenth voyage, bound for Liverpool with 1,000 PWs aboard, when, on the fourth day out of New York, one of the passengers became dangerously ill. ^^ ^ ' Here are the outstanding photos made by the unidenti­ fied crew member of the Aiken on her last frip: Top, Capt. John F. Owens. Master of the Aiken, tdews aft iceberg on the trip across; it looks small, but there's much more ice area be­ low the surface than shows above. Immediately below is the Bardstowrt Victory, plough­ ing through a flat sea and a foggy day. as she was over­ taken by the Aiken during the letter's twelfth trip; the Aiken beat hdr from LeHavre io New York by 10 hours. And here's a V frame for the Colby Vic­ tory as she came up to the Aiken to transfer her surgeon; aftermath is the small boat bearing the medic as she came alongside the Aiken. At bot­ tom is a beautifully framed shot of the Portuguese schooner Neptuno II, when the Aiken sent the Army doctor to boud her, to treat a sick man aboard. NO DOCTOR The Aiken was traveling with­ out a doctor, so it became neces­ sary to resort to the radio for medical advice and assistance. Fortunately, we had passed the Colby Victory (another troop transport bound for New York) a few hours before. In no time at all we had established con­ tact and were receiving advice from the Colby's surgeon. Because of the patient's condi­ tion, it became necessary for ex­ pert treatment and both ships changed courses sd the Colby's doctor could be brought aboard. This was accomplished, despite fairly rough weather, and by the time we reached our destination, the patient was well on the way to recovery. RADIO OUT On the return trip, bound for New York with American GIs, the third radio operator inter­ cepted an urgent request for medical assi.stance from the Por­ tuguese schooner Neptuno 2. In­ asmuch as the schooner's radio was inoperative, this message and others to follow were relayed by a Norwegian ship which no­ ticed the schooner's distress flag and stood by until all urgent ra­ dio traffic with the schooner was completed. It was learned that the schooner, like the Aiken on it's first lap, had a very sick mah aboard and required the serv­ ices of a doctor immediately. Without any hesitation our Skip­ per decided to go to the aid of the sphooner and offer the serv­ ice of our Army doctor, who hadn't done a damn thing up .to then atiyhow. A rendezvous was arranged and in about 10 hours we reached the position of the schooner, as given us. But -it took another four hburfi to fihdE the schooner. It wa.s finally located by radar {Continued on Page 14) �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. June 21, 1948 Digested Minutes Of SiU Ship Meetings WALTER L. FLEMING. May 6 — (Chairman and secretary not noted). Members of all de­ partments voted to hold up the payoff until all beefs are set­ tled. The following tripcard members, waiting to obtain Probationary books, were voted in by the full book men: T. Madigan, R. McDonald. D. Erwin. Leo Benski. Leo R. Johnson, F. Mill. David Shepard. James Harris, and T'gree Ratcliff. 4 4 4 Dashed If We Know yVhat The MinuLes Are This spacij was originally plan­ ned for a ship's minutes story. But the combined efforts of our crack identification corps proved futile—they just couldn't figure out which ship had "inferior syrup aboard" or whose Skipper and officers "black-marketed cig­ arettes." It's quite perplexing. The Log has accumulated a sizeable backlog of anonymous ship's minutes. No names—just dashes. For example: "Minutes of the SS——Ship's name, chairman and secretary, all fol­ lowed by dashes. We tossed a few of these min­ utes over to the editor with a "How - do -^ya - want - to-handlethis?' But all we got was a "Dash it all!" So, how about you guys help­ ing out. When you send in your minutes, check to see if you've filled in the dashes with the name of your ship. Thanks. Meanwhile, we're ducking out for a short one. We got the feel­ ing we're being followed by a dash. 4 4 4 CAPE HONDA. May 13 — Chairman C. L. Fosior; Secre­ tary A. H. Bennett. Motions carried: to hold next crew meeting on second night at sea in order to act on unsettled mat­ ters; to ask for Union action on the following: (1) Insulating crew messhall from the galley inasmuch as ship is on tropical run; (2) investigate possibility of better ventilation in crew messhall and quarters by means of blowers, etc.; (3) cooling cold water system. Mo­ tion passed to have delegates see Captain aboujl changing course while blswing tubes to aid in keeping after deck clean, 4 4 4 WILLIAM MOULTRIE. April 21—Chairman George Meaney; Secretary J. P. Thrasher. Dele­ gates report conditions favor­ able in their respective depart­ ments. Need for following re­ pairs cited: door on Steward Dept. head, messman's bunk, bunk light. Steward Dept. shower head, several fans in crew's quarters. List of needed repairs sent to mate and 1st Asst. Engineer. Suggestion made to have crew's messhall and recreation room painted. Steward agreed to this. Shel­ ves for books to be built in rereation room. Motion carried: that mess boy make coffee for 10 A.M.. and Wiper for 3 P.M. Deck Dept. to make it nights. Sat.. Sun., and holidays. Si­ lence for one minute in mem­ ory of Brothers lost at sea. 4 4 4 WILLIAM MOULTRIE, April 28—Chairman George Meaney; Secretary J. P. Thrasher. Bill Keller elected ship's dele­ gate. Tom Moore. Stewards Dept. delegate; O. Callahan. Deck Dept.. Sonny Moe. Engine Dept. Motion carried to have fo'csles painted out as soon as possible, with delegate to con­ tact head of dept. to have job done. 4 4 4 HENRY RICE. April 27— Chairman D. Groves; Secre­ tary R. Minvielle. Delegates report on Union status of crew members. Following conditions were prescribed for the messroom: Menu to be written on blackboard, butter to be put on two plates on each table, shirts covering armpits to be worn by crew at mess, members not to put cigarettes and ashes in cups and plates. Garbage is to be dumped after each meal, and containers cleaned. Crew welcomed former NMU man into SIU. 4 4 4 WILLIAM WIRTH. April 15 =Chairman A. L. Danne; Sec- A while back we ran a shot of crew members on the Powellton Seam, holding their mascot, Peggy. Only, as we pointed out in the outlines. Peggy was nowhere to be seen. Comes now Brother Robert L. Kennedys with a shot he made of the crew and mascot. Peggy is clearly visible here, in the life ring. Page Eleven SEAFARER SAM SAYS: I retary James Zannia. Dept. delegates gave their reports, with all reports favorable. Ben Hayes elected ship's dele­ gate. Motions carried: to write a letter to Union in Mobile to have Alcoa act on having wheel fixed. Letter to also point out that no "pro" kits are available, that the ventilators in engine room need repairs and that Black Gang needs water fountain below. Also carried were motions: to fix fan in recreation room, to get toasters and coffee percolators, to fix scuppers in scullery and crew mess, to change Bosun and Deck Maintpriance rooms, to change Oiler's and Fireman's rooms. Black Gang to take over Steward's showers. Crew must help keep mess hall clean at night, and keep feet off chairs and bulkhead. Observed minute of silence for departed Brothers of SIU. AsTHeR. KM ASHoae OR. A60ARD SHIP -ptB UNION AR6 WHfRg YOU kfAy/B Y«WR SAY - THAT'S To BRIMS seeps, YOC/R. QuSSTiONS, 5i;S6€STlON$, AND A^oyiONS. 4 4 4 Unhappy Washday Song Sung On Cape Mohican "We don't know whether the boys aboard the Cape Mohican are suffering from dishpan hands or whether the perfume in the soap that is supplied aboard her doesn't suit their personalities. CUT AND RUN By HANK At any rate, they passed a mo­ Well, while Jack Parker, the ice-skating champ, is door man­ tion to have the brand of soap ning the first deck, our town of New York is still getting the turn­ chSnged, over of visiting oldtimers . . . Yes sir, Charlie Simmons came into Secretary J. Fisher reports in town—looking good, feeling even better, greeting all his' friends with smiles and words. Not. only that, but you should have seen him give the minutes of the May 11 meet­ a real shipmatey greeting to his pal, "Flash"—Fred Fannin . . . ing that they need a new perco­ Little Ben Rabinowitz just blew in—with bow-tie, a swell tan, a lot lator on the Mohican, and that of smiles and a blue suit. there was a discussion about the 4 4 4 4 showers and toilets. Passengers, it seems, are crowding them out of their own. The meeting also voted to have locks fixed on all doors. 4 4 4 T. J. MCCARTHY, June 9— Chairman McCormick; Secrefary (nof noted). Motions car­ ried: to have Sec'y-Treas. give up-to-date information regard­ ing new 1946 contract; to have Union Hall send minutes of every regular meeting to all SIU ships; to have Patrolman contract Steward and Dele­ gates to explain duties of Util­ ity man aboard auto carrier: to get new springs, mattresses and pillows where needed; to gel washing machines forward and aft; to have aft end show­ ers and washing facilities re­ modeled; to have all carpenter work classed as overtime; to have the Firemen's rooms painted; all screens repaired and installed wheie necessary; Meetings are to be held once a week. It was recommended that the Patrolman. Delegates, etc.. watch their language and think before they talk to Union men. new members and ex­ pected members. 4 4 4 IRVIN S. COBB. May 1— Chairman Jack Binney; Secre­ tary William Ellis. Letter writ­ ten to Union censuring Chief Engineer for his profanity in speaking to the crew. Report­ ed that crew's ice box cannot be repaired. Coffee pot to be ordered for below. New mat­ tresses to be ordered. Recomisiended that Black Gang's toil­ ets be enlarged, that ship be fumigated. William Ellis elect­ ed Deck Delegate. Chairman discussed matter of men refus­ ing to present books and tripcarda to delegates. Hans K. Bergman who retired his book last week, is going back home to Norway as a passenger on a ship. Pleasant voyage to you, Hans, and we hope you haven't any beefs to have set­ tled . . . Timothy Less is trying to ship out—after just com­ pleting a voyage . . . Looks like Bull Huff shipped out last week. Don't dream too much about that farm. Bill . . . To Brother William Thornton we extend our hopes for good cheer and swift health to his mother who is in Duke University hospital down in North Carolina . . . Burly George White is New Yorking it right now. Everything shipshape with you now, George? 4 4 4 4 Hey, Andy Anderson, stop dreaming of Mobile's Royal Cafe. You know who's in town, all right. Yep, it's your pal, "Carioca, Red." . . . Oldtimer Milton Fljmn, who cooks in public schools, etc. in between voyages is looking for a ship nowadays . . . Steward Joe Daugherty, with whom we were shipmates on the Frederick Dau on the '43 Persian Gulf voyage, just shipped out. By the way, Joe would like to say hullo to Maxwell Longfellow and wonders where he is now? . . . Orlando Ranoni is firing the boilers on a T-2 right now . . . Arthur Berg must have missed his shipmate, Paul lliller, who is Skipper now, when Arthur was in New York a month aog. 4 4 4 4 Frank Gardner is waiting for a Steward's job right now. Frank has three kids to support and he knows as well as we do that neither Westbrook Pegler. the WSA or the shipowners never did care about any seaman, his wages or troubles or who he has to support . . . Brother "Sunshine." who is a Mate now. is midtowning in New York . . .Looks like William Bruning is back with us again, too , = Abe Gordon. David Knight and Homer Starling are over in Frisco right now. 4 4 4 4 Noi-folk Grapevine; "Jeff" the Steward was the proud father of a baby girl recently. Well, "Pop," did you do any cooking for the celebration? . . . James Manning was Acting Third Mate (ah, that's what we heard) for awhile, then went Florida way to see his wife, while "Snuffy" Smith kept holding down the town, no doubt . . . While Ray White turned to for a rest . . . Captain Ben Rees gave the Norfolk Brothers a pleasant surprise when he showed them his Captain's license over the harbor boats . . . "Curly" Wandell, Tampa Brother, has his family down Norfolk way, while he's night engineer . . . Steward Caspar Schweikhart has been oh the beach since November. No Steward jobs for you yet, "Brother Camel?" 4 4 4 4 Reefer Oiler Joe James, who quif frying lo get his Third Engineer's license, is on the SS Mayo Brothers . . . We're won­ dering if Joe Medrano is still down in Mobile and if Benjamin Stewart is still up there in bean-town Boston? . . . We've noticed that little Michael Quinn is trying to ship out. Mike, don't you knbw you'll have to be using your good old Irish luck novjadayjil �rajs s£jJTj^jiJs.s zoc J^fl0e Twelve Friday, June 21, 194S THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS A Sea Superstition Is Added By DeFazio :Dear Editor: I was Chief Steward aboard the Joseph S. McDonagh which went ashore on a sand bar 15 miles aouth of the Peruvian port of Cerro Azul about 200 miles south •Of Callao in the early morning of March 31. The accident was due to a heavy fog that enveloped the coast, and 48 hours later the 4^p broke in two owing to the force of the tidal wave. During the two months I «pent in Peru awaiting my passage back to the United States, I received from my family several of the weekly copies of the Seafarers Log. In one of them, I was very £lad to read that the SIU took care of its men far away from the United States when some­ thing happened to them. I read how the SIU arranged with War Shipping Administration and the Overtakes SS Corp. to increase cur draw from 10 to 25 dollars a week and sent us $100 in advance of the indemnity that we must collect for the lost property. At that time we were in a very J AWT , miserable condition and such an act by the Union was really ap­ preciated by the ships crew. My attention was drawn also to the articles on the supersti' tions and more keenly so because .of this accident, and this is why. I began going to sea in 1909 and have always disbelieved in the superstitions of seamen. Jlowever, at times I am inclined to believe in them because no matter what nation a seaman sails under, he like the others have the same ideas. In 1919 I was Chief Steward on a Yugo­ slavian ship called "Fiume." The ship's carpenter bought a small parrot and attempted to teach it Italian, but the bird would not, however hard the man tried, utter one word ex­ cept for an occasional chirp. The carpenter was impatient and nervous. In a fit of rage he threw the parrot overboard. As we were leaving Rio de Janeiro, the Captain ordered a fii'e and b6at drill. The crew took their positions and the life­ boats were swung out. The car­ penter's duty was to attend to the lall lines of boat number one. The line snapped and he fell overboard, disappearing below the surface. The ship was stop­ ped, and boat number two, on which I was an oarsman, search­ ed for him. After many hours We found a few parts of his body floating in a ocean of blood, probably as a result of sharks or his being caught in the propel­ ler. The ship returned to Rio de Janeiro where a mess was said for him. This incident has long been forgotten in my mind, and made no other impression on me till it was revived during the last trip. We left New York on Febraury 22. Aboard the ship there was a huge old cat which the crew had taken aboard in Bremen, Germany. Everyone like it and since it had become so friendly with the crew it became the pas­ time of the men to play with it on number three hatch. It was in this section that the ship split. We stopped at Colon, Panama and someone brought a small kit­ ten on board the ship. Rapidly the new kitten won the attention of the crew and caused them to forget the older cat. Strangely, as if it were a human being, it used to sit by itself in one of the, corners, still and forgotten. Its sadness touched me. I often watched it sit alone showing no signs of previously playfulness. When we reached Valparisio, Chile it had disappeared. The only conclusion that I could draw was that one of the crew must have thrown it overboard because it had disappered before we docked. Now the events of that incident long ago were revived and I, who had never believed in supersti­ tions and legends, had a strange premonition that something was going to happen to the ship. Up­ on leaving San Antonio, three men were missing from our crew. Up to the time we reached Antafogasta, Chile there were many accidents aboard. From Antafogasta we went to Callao, Peru where two of our men returned to the ship seriously wounded, they had been assaulted by the Peruvians. On March 31, one day after we left Callao, the most terrible of our punishments came when our ship was run aground during a fog off the Peruvian coast and cut in two right at number three hold where we used to play with the old cat. For 48 hours we were battered mercilessly upon the sand bar and after getting ashore we spent a night on the beach without any provisions. This narrative may not be of any consequental significance but, it does present a challenge and a question to the old subject, of superstitions of the sea. Thomas De Fazio, Chief Steward POWELLTON SEAM COOKING REMINDS HIM OF HIS MOM'S Dear Editor: I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the crew of the Powellton Seam for the swell cooperation they gave me when I was their messman. They are a fine bunch of fel­ lows, worthy of sailing with any­ time. The same sentiment goes for the Steward and galley gang (darn good cooks, by the way). Their cooking reminded me of my mom's. John Abrams I' ' Log-A •Rhythms Waterfront Gal By ROPE YARN ] This is the story of a gal we all know. To all the sailors, just a damned good Joe. A friend and sweetheart to us guys-that S£ul. She can usually bo found in our favorite gin mill; That's her stool, friend, just aft of the till. She's no raving beauty, brother, that's true; But, to the sailors, she's a friend true blue. No. Brothers, this isn't a seafaring Santa Glaus, it's Blackie. Fireman-Watertender, and Joseph Patrick. Carpenter, a mem­ ber of Neptune's court, as the SS Colabee crossed the Line dur­ ing a trip in 1943. The picture just turned up, and someone sent it into the Log with a request that we print it. WIFE HATED LOG, THEN READ IT — NOW A BOOSTER! Dear Editor: I cannot resist the temptation of letting you know the interest and pleasure I have weekly in reading your great little paper, which is sent to my husband, a Spanish war veteran who sailed as Cook, Baker and Steward since 1941 as a member of the SIU. He was compelled to re­ tire his book through illness, but now has "itchy feet" and is going back to sea. I thoroughly digest every word of the Log and realize that the SIU principles are based on truth, honor and living up to every promise made to the men in your Union, so different from the factics used by those commy skunks (with all apologies to the skunk). trifling little sheet. After read­ ing my first Log. this cartoon also shows yours truly in Scene II, wondering when hubby is ever going to finish reading it so I can enjoy it. Period! I do not believe this is any wishful thinking, but whether the strike comes off or not, I truly think this will strengthen the standing of the SIU in the pub­ lic's eyes. Wishing you, the Log and the SIU continued success, I remain, respectfully, Mrs. John Heifzenraeder, Hollywood. Fla. WELL, BROTHERS: WHY DON'T YOU WRITE THE LOG This is if. Right here is where you can blow off steam or do a little gum-beating. Every week 62.000 Seafarers and others turn to this page fo read what you are doing, thinking and s^ing. Maybe you've an idea for Union action, or a tip that will save your Brothers trouble. Surely, you and your ship­ mates. while plowing around various ports o'call, have run dnto things interesting or laughgetting. Seafarers and ahips— It seems to me that every member of your superior organi­ where they go, what they do. zation in grateful cognizance of your goodness and fairness to them should leave no stone un­ turned to talk SIU unceasingly to every non-member and prove to them what it really means to be a member of the SIU. Now, to go from the sublime to the ridiculous. I am enclosing a cartoon from the May 24th Log which depicts a little show AIN'T He in our household in two scenes. Prior to six or seven weeks ago, before I ever read a Log, this cartoon shows yours truly in Scene I, scowling and wondering their laughs and their beefswhat friend husband sees in that are news. Write 'em up. If ever you've troubles, or down on your luck. She'll hear your story, or lend you a buck. When after a payoff, you're blow­ ing your top. You're on the boozie, don't know when to stop. You wake in the morning with nary a pound— She'll have your roll pat, all safe and sound. It's a tough racket, Mac, without mother or sister. She may be a bum, but don't call her a blister. She can't take their place, that, friend, is true. She's a waterfront gal, but one of the crew. So. let's down a drink to our friend and pal: Our hats off fo you—'Our water­ front gal. t 4. 4. Dear Editor: I .sure am getting into your newspaper these days. Hell, if I keep on, them high-pressure columnists that write for the dailies ain't going to stand a chance next year when they go to sign on the dotted line, be­ cause, Ed, by that time I will be a first class brain buster . . . the only thing, Ed, they might get the papers fouled up and the "dotted-line" might be a com­ mitment to the "bug-house." Well, Ed, T am .sending you a poem that a friend of mine who is also a "brain buster" jointly composed the other day while having a drink. Only, Ed, he lurnished the brains while I con­ sumed the drinks; especially since he (the actual braiiis) paid for them. Now, Ed, you know me, I ain't exactly tight but have been accused of leaving-my pocketbook at home on purpose. Now you wouldn't call that tight would you. I know what you are going to say; in fact I can see your face .getting red, like it al­ ways does when you recall a cer­ tain incident down in the Turn­ ing Basin in Houston and shout­ ing "damned cheap chisler" . . . you know what else. Ed, that was -a dirty trick, in a way, for Sal to have rolled you like that. But she was a damned Mod sport, Ed. She let you and Blackie Hymes and the six bits street rummies h.?lp her blow it in at some bars. Rope Yarn �T'yy. Friday. June 21, 1946 j.njpr" THU SEAF ARE RS LOG Page Thirleen THOSE BONEYARD RUNS ARE BREAKING UP THAT OLD GANG BROTHER WANTS INFORMATION SPREAD ABOUT SEAMEN'S BILL OF RIGHTS Brady*s Captain Kuta Is Not So Very Cute The unidentified crew mem­ bers of the Bull Line's Winfield Scott in these pictures aren't together any longer. It's an­ other case of a boneyeurd rpn breaking up a "wonderful crew," as Joseph Blanchard, OS, on the Scott, who made the shots, put it. The Seafarers Log is great and is appreciated by all men, but how about bringing up the Seamen's Bill of Rights more? Many of the fellows do not know how much that bill means to many men and to themselves and it should be explained. Its pa.ssagp by Congress means m.ore to many of the men than any other measure could. •fhe American people would back that bill if the facts were really given to them, as Dean Jennings did in Coronet, Septem­ ber, 1945. The way a seaman is treated is a public slap in the face and that's all they will ever receive unless they pitch in together and fight for their rights. How about starting a concentrated drive to awaken the people to the fact and force those men in Washington to take action. It can be done and it's certainly vmrth everyone's time. There are plenty of facts that can be dug up and if you can't get the ball rolling, put an appeal in the Log. Please give this your most serious consideration; you'll do more for the men and the organization than by any other means. Let's really force this. A Mobile Brother Answer: If you'll recall about three months back when the Seamen's Bill of Rights was a hot issue, you'll remember that the Log carried several stories and letters, not to mention an editorial, about the Seamen's Bill of Rights. You'll also recall that it was one of the issues brought up at the Agents' Con­ ference. the situation and it was decided Dear Editor: 3. The Purser didn't see this Well, we've finally made it to send the delegates up to see man while he lay in his bunk; in home, wiser for our experiences Captain Kuta about the dinner. I fact he didn't even fill the doc­ with Captain Kuta, whom we tor's prescription. Right now the bill is lying in the limbo of a Congressional want to warn you Brothers about. IGOTA committee, but you can rest assured that as soon at it is re­ 4. The Captain came to see the Ever since we left Philadel­ 'BcrrCR \ Oiler on the third day and told ported out and becomes a live issue again the SIU will be push­ phia for Italy with coal on the 'BCefTM him he was better to get back to ing it in the halls of Congress and the Log will be playing it big John J. Brady, it has been my ,^ypbw/ work (the man had received no in the news and editorial columns. aim to have cooperation between treatment at all) he refused ex­ the crew and topside and until cept on a direct order from the we left Italy coming back I cleaning up of the heads and Captain. The Captain blew his SS FORT DONELSON thought we were getting along quarters. gasket and told him he was not fairly good. Then the Captain CONDITIONS TOPS, sick at all and went out in a It's men like these that hurt called me up one noon and put rage to get the doctor to show up CREWMEN CONTEND our Union and we think that all forth the declaration that the this faking. The old man's face Dear Editor: good Union men should strive to Deck Department had let him fell to the deck when the doc­ avoid the bad habit of not fulldown, and it really had hurt him This letter is being written in tor told him due to lack of treat­ filling their's and those of others deeply (he was referring to work the remainder of the turkey be­ regard to the splendid conditions jobs with the proper service. produetion). He said he was sure ing equally divided, and the mess ment that the man's condition was bad. The Oiler is going to aboard this ship the SS Fort the Union would stand by him boys working more than eight Let us, the crew members of put the boots to him as soon as Donelson which is operated by in his declarations about the crew hours. Well, he refused to see us, the Fort Donelson, inform all neglecting their jobs. This was he said he was afraid we'd put the hospital clears him. the American Pacific Steamship Brother members of our Union This Captain Kuta and Pur­ Co., recently Los Angeles Tanker that whenever they may see jobs pk-ay with me as I told him that in overtime for it. Back down to we hadn't let him down at all. the waiting crew we went. This ser is definitely a menace to "sea­ Inc. in the future on the board for So don't forget if you Hereafter there would be no over­ time we tried a new appi'oach men. Captain R. S. Utter is Master the Donelson that they can be time for the Deck Department we sent the Steward and the should see him aboard you know and may we earnestly say that quite sure that they will get a and if he Ihought any man was Delegate up under the pretense just what to expect. As far a^ Captain Utter is really making a taking it easy he would log him of finding out how many men he the Purser goes, after the Oiler name for himself in the SIU. for malicious lingering. He .stop­ was going to use at his dimier. and Union get down in Norfolk, Captain Litter always recognizes I think he'll be out. ped the overtime on deck with His orders followed: every part of our Union agree­ hell to hell hours for the watch In spite of the Old Man we ments and always tries to give 1. The turkey was put on for on deck. He also said that if he had a damn good trip. We the crew what they ask for, that was paying the wages there the passenger and officers: stopped in a couple of nice places is within his power to do so. therefore no division was necwould be no money, we would in Italy and we had a good crew There are several men who get paid in food, a little work a cessary. all around. have been crew members of this 2. Any man who dared to re­ little food, I believe that sys­ ship since February of this year, I'd like to extend my thanks tem is used on Devil's Island. I fuse to work at his dinner and we have from that time on wonder if that's where he got the would be put in irons till we to the Norfolk Agent, Ray White a very strict fine system con­ and his Patrolman, Earl (Snuffy) hit the states. idea at'/ Smith, W. G. (Red) Morris for cerning cleanliness of the quar­ But now comes the payoff. 3. There would be no celebra­ squaring away our overtime ters and messroom which gives This is a liberty running for tion for the crew, they would beefs and putting over a clear us quite a clean ship. We, the WSA by South Atlantic SB Com­ only get their regulars, three payoff. A lot of b^ys don't like crew of the Donelson, think that good deal as conditions are now, pany. We picked up some pas­ meals a day, which he and his Norfolk but with help of good every ship should use this fine and may we also say, as long as sengers in Bari, Italy, seven men staff had plus a dinner. men like these, they help to system in order to keep all of the Captain Utter is in charge, pro­ and five women who had booked Now we have nothing against make it a good port to pay off at. ships which we sail in a clean viding, however, you give him a passage to the States. They had and sanitary condition, making good deal, which is not more the passengers iii fact we are Ray Roberts, been warned beforehand that it it also a lot easier for our ship­ than fair. indebted to one doctor. If it might not be the Queen Mary Deck Delegate mates who are assigned to clean Below your will find several handn't been for him we would but it would get them there. We up and keep clean certain sec­ meals which have been served have had serious difficulties. Now were a day from Norfolk, Vir­ tions of the ship. aboard the Donelson recently, that brings me to the purser, I ginia, when Captain Kuta an­ for which the following men have might add that the Capt. and BAD HOMBRES nounced that this was to be the STOP PUSHING.^ I been resp^^nsible for, together Third Mate are brothers, and the night of his dinner to be given, YOU'RE rUKN ' Recently we had several mess- with the requests of the CaptairPurser is a brother-in-law so Witt COME.'/ as is the custom aboard passen­ men who, when told to mop the to the company; things are real cozy topside. The ger ships, right before you get in. decks of the messroom once each Purser: Chief Steward Homer BrouilBear in mind, we're still on this day and keep the water fountain 1. Refused to See an Oiler when old five-hatch Liberty no dif­ clean, claimed that the crew was lette; Chief Cook, Nate Pearce; ferent from any other except, of he was injured in" the engine just riding them. They decided Second Cook, Louis Coe. course, for our elegant Skipper. room. He said, !'he's not crippled, to get off of the ship after being DINNER—June 6. 1946 on the ship only six days which Not only are they to have a tell him to come up to see me." Pinto Bean Soup, Roast Leg oL didn't spite the crew any, as it dinner at 8:00 p. m., but they're 2. The passenger doctor ex­ Lamb, Fried Chicken, Buttered was good riddance if they didn't going, to eat the remainder of amined the Oiler the following Carrots, Buttered Peas, Mashed turkeys which he says is for the day (the Purser still' hadn't seen want to fuUfill their jobs. We al­ Potatoes, Apple Pie and Iceofficers and passengers; so had some trouble with several him) and prescribed' treatment We held a meeting to discuss for his injury^ men who would neglect the {Continued on Page 14) �:it•^ THE SEAFARERS LOG • Vage Fouxteen Wf = BURIAL OF BROTHER GABRIEL, OS ON KING WOOSLEY WORK STOPPAGE MEETING MEANT MUCH TO GRIMES Is •'•• Friday, June 21, 1946 To the Editor: After attending the Work Stop­ page Meeting at Webster Hall on June 6 hy the SIU-SUP, I came 'away with a self-satisfied feeling that I, too, was an SIU member. You ask why that proud feeling tingles up and down my spine? Simply because I'm proud to be even a small part of such a mili­ tant, democratic Union as the SIU. Other maritime Unions, not­ ably- those commie - dominated members of the Committee for Maritime Unity, spend weeks and months of vain talking with the shipowners and Washinglnn bu= reaucrats. Our Union doesn't be­ lieve in this. Wo of the Seafarers believe in action—job action or whatever type of economic or political action is necessary to achieve our aims. We Seafarers don't believe in expending all of our energy to send telegrams and hold meet­ ings protesting the course of im­ perialism which the United States and Great Britain is fol­ lowing. Incidentally, Russia is probably more imperialistic to­ day than any other nation! The SIU doesn't believe in throwing up picket lines around newspapers, making mass dem­ onstrations against Churchill, or promoting schemes to assist the starving mujiks of Krasnoyarsk to achieve tranquility or some­ thing. But, we Seafarers do believe in using our -economic strength fior job action, work stoppages, or strikes to gain a reduction in our working hours from 56 hours a week to 40 hours a week. SIU DOfl'T / fECK€T. A Last Trip Of Aiken Eventful (Continued from Page 10) , and our doctor was dispatched to the sailing craft by means of a small helicopter which the Aiken carries along for such em­ ergencies. BRANDY BARTER The first aid treatment required only about half an hour, but we were delayed several hours while the Chief Steward (acting as in­ terpreter) 'attempted to bargain lor a case of Portuguese cognac. After using up all the diploma­ tic tricks he could muster, he re­ sorted to cigarettes and bought several quarts. Just as well, too. The only use we can find for the stuff is a three-way prox (before, during and after). Crew members of the SS King Woolsey stand about the grave of Brother Antonio P. Gab­ riel, OS, of the Woolsey, during fuheral ceremonies. Gabriel was an extremely popular mem­ ber of the crew. Seafarers Seeks Information In Death Of Thomas Keevins Aboard Ira N. Morris Brother Thomas Keevins, Util­ ity, Book No. 28576; died on March 10 while a membef of the crew aboard the SS Ira Nelson Morris of the Robin Line. He was buried in St. Eloi, La Rochelle, France. Information is being sought on the circumstances surrounding Brother Keevin's death. The fol­ lowing men, who sailed on the last trip of the Morris with Keev­ ins, are urged to report immed­ iately to the New York Hall: Ernest Sjoholm, Bosun; Marcell Railland, AB; Wm. C. Hoff­ man, AB; David G. Sloan, AB; Frank B. Taylor, AB; Frederick Schardt, AB; Kermit L. Helms, AB; Albertus R. Green, Jr., OS; Karl E. Scott, Jr., OS; Leopold Marcus, OS; Alphonse, Logindis, Dk. Eng.; James E. Hansel, Oiler; John M. Libby, Oiler; Geo Gatton, Oiler; Wm. Homstead, FWT; Joseph Yanick, FWT; Ire Mer­ lin Olson, FWT; Robert Thomp­ son, Wiper; Wm. Crutchfield, Wiper; Adrian Otte, Steward; Eladio Grahaales, Ch. Cook Lindberg Cubbage, 2nd Ck. and Bk; Joseph Kozlowsky, MM; El­ mer C. James, MM; Donald Kemen and Clarence L. Graham Utility. . CHIEF STEWARD IS ON THE BALL ON COYOTE HILLS Dear Editor: Put this down on record and print this in the Log about our Chief Steward. He is one of the best men we've ever sailed with. H6's an oldtimer from away back. He's on the ball and plays square with all hands. We had a swell trip and plenty of food and a very good variety and he kept every one on the job. So we give a word of praise to George H. Seeberger, Chief Steward. We hope we can have the pleasure of sailing with him again. And, let us add, anyone sailing with him surely won't regret it. Above all, he'll get all he wants to eat, because this guy don't monkey. He puts out. Crew of Ihe Coyoie Hills SS FORT DONELSON CONDITIONS TOPS, CREWMEN CONTEND members also believe in taking militant action to gain wage in­ creases to partially offset the en­ ormous increase in cost of liv­ ing, and our greatly decreased take home pay. The Seafarers believe in di­ rect action to maintain and im­ prove the best shipping condi­ tions in the marine industry. However, we also believe in po­ litical action as an assistance to direct economic action, not in­ stead of it, as practiced by the commies. Yes, it's a great Union to belong to—the SIU! Joe Grimes SEAFARER THANKS SIU FOR BATTING IN HOOLIGAN GAME Dear Editor: I want to thank the editorial st^ff and everybody connected with the Log for their efforts in putting my case to the members about the underhand workings of the Coast Guard against the mer­ chant seaman. Keep up the good work, which you are doing in putting out the Log. I want to thank John Hawk and Paul Hall and Morris Weissberger for their untiring efforts for bringing out justice in my case, and preventing a lot of sea­ men from getting raw deals from the Coast Guard. J. (Doc) SiissmBn {Continued From Page 13) Cream, Fresh Milk, Coffee and Tea. DETROIT John Kosen, $5.00. Total—$5.00. NORFOLK SS JOHN SHERMAN K. R. Slattings. $11.00: C. L. Horvey $2.00; R. P. Baker. $2.00; F. A. Diaz, $2.0a; W. M. Bowman. $2.00; N. Manesa. $2.00; J. S. Lasaiter. $2.00; E. M. Laahley, $2.00; J. V. Russell. $2.00; J. V. Rusaell. $2.00; W. T. Sawyer. $2.00; R. W. Dixon. $2.00; W. E Hightower. $1.00; C. M. Wagenfer $2.00; R. O'Neill. $1.00; P. B?ady.. $2.00 J. J. McRae. $2.00; E. H. Drozeski. $2.00; S. Ruzyski. $2.00; M. Ellsworth $2.00; C. L. Watkina. $1.00; F. Martin. $2.00. R. Conway. $1.00; P. Papacanstantis $1.00; W. C. Bumgarner. $1.00; A. L Carey. $3.00 J. C. Lacaellade. $2.00; G A. Musehinski. $2.00; J. E. Smith. 3.00; J. T. Watkins. $2.00; W. Geir. $3.00; A D. Boardman. $1.00; W. C. Busbin, $4.04. SS DRAKE O. D. Moore. $2.00; F. S. Baker. $2.00; R. T. White. $2.00; W. S. Winslow. $2.00. Total—$96.04. GALVESTON INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS A. M. Guzman. $2.00; A. F. Casey. $2.00; J. R. Smith. $2.00; A. Tanquino. $2.00; G. F-. Okens. $2.00; L. W. Franzen. $2.00: H. Walsh. $2.00; C. Mc­ Queen. $2.00; E. Howde. $2.00; Earl C. T yr- Sch rader. $3.00; J. $26.00. $2.00; James H. A. Waason. $3.00. Bayles Total— NEW YORK bert Luter. $1.00; J. N. Jones. $1.00; M. H. Newton. $1.00; V. L. Overall. $1.00; Eli Ware. $5.00; C. A. Choice. $4.00. Total—$33.00. SS WESTINGHOUSE C. C. Hunnicutt. $2.00; C. O. Ber$1.00; R. J. Gordon. gagna. $2.00; Jack E. Williams. $2.00. M. Fitzgerald. $1.00. Total—$6.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS W. Stoveland. $1.00; Mrsfl R. Total—$3.00. SS JOHN MERRICK Paul Dandurand. $1.00; J. W. Logan. R. Brandenberg. $2.00; J. Moore. $2.00; R. D. Hobart. $2.00; J. V. $2.00; G. E Scott. $2,00. Total—$6.00, Brooks. $1.00; N. Berger. $2.00; A. SS JOHN GORRIE Wernick. $1.00; A. H. Enroth. $5.00; V. E. V. Dindia. $5.00; SS J. Gorrie D. Foica. $0.50; Angel A. Leon. $1.00; —Crew. $5.00. Total—$10.00 D. McClintock. $.50. Total—$16.00. SS CAPE CORWIN R. H. Pomerenk. $1.00; G. A. BjorklL. G. Linthicum. $2.00; B. B. Spears. nis. $2.00; E. A. Nogas, $2.00; J. H. Russell. St.00; E. Johnson. $1.00; S. Y. $1.00; Wm. Holland. $1.00; F. Con O. Fogelberg. $3.00; T. W. Taylor, zalez. $2.00; D. W. Thomas.- $1.00; T. $2.00; J. E. Murphy. $1.00; H. N. Waiter. $1.00; M. Santana, $1.00; J. J. Cronan. $1.00; McKinley E. Males. Grant. $1.00. Total—$14.00. $2.00; K. C. Zickerpoose. $2.00; J. E. SS CHARLES W. STILES Vazquez. $1.00; F. R. Miller. $2.00; E. Johnson. $.50; J. Papa, $2.00; A. J. Lopez. $1.00. Total—$16.00. M. Stever. $2.00; P. M. Jeffers. $2.00; SS J. GALLOP J. Morris. $3.00; W. Adklns. $3.00; K. P. Pressler, $1.00; 1^ L. Duke. $1.00; Marlin. $3.00; Wm. J. Boutelle. $2.00; W. J. Prince. $1.00; E. Szarythe. $1.00; R. McGueen. $3.00; W. Mutitng. $1.00; R. J. Clark. $1.00; J. Pedrosa, $2.00. R. Lanier. $2.00; Manuel Ansbro. $2.00; Wm. Parker. ..$4.00; A. Barone. $1.00; Total—$22.50. J. Floyd. $3.00; R. Darville, $3.00; D. SS SUNSET K. Jackson. $4.00; J. B. Bowers. $2.00; Gus T. Doyal. $2.00; J. B. Irving. R. Lindsey. $5.00; M. Oliver. $3.00; $1.00; A. T. Dorman. $1.00; J. A. Sealy. A. M. Robertson, $1.00. Total—$36.00. $2.00; A. L. Johnson. $1.00; C. R. DenSS SS'GEORGE WASHINGTON son. $2.00; I.. F. Penland. $2.00; R. M. N. Barrett, $2.00; A. Bryant. $2.00. Oliver. $2.00; C. E. ' ,ff. $3.00; Sam Rasco. $3.00; D. F. Carroll, $1.00; Gil­ Total—$4.00. SUPPER, June 5, 1946 Lettuce and Tomato Salad, Grilled Tenderloin Steak, Cream­ ed Ham on Toast, Fried Potatoes, Seasoned Spinach, Lima Beans, Cake and Ice Cream, Fresh Milk, Coffee and Tea. SUPPER, June 4. 1946 Pineapple Cheese and Lettuce .Salad, Fried Pork Chnp.s, Grilled Franks, French Fried Potatoes, Saurkraut, Mixed Vegetables, Watermelon, Ice Cream and Cake, Fresh Milk, Coffee and Tea. May the Donelson reiiiain to be a star ship on our list is our wish. Hoping also that any man who comes aboard' this or any ship will try their best to make our Union a Union of men su­ perior to all. James G. Smith Ships Delegate Carl S. Miller Engine Delegate B. Nelson Deck Delegate Walter Cutter Stewards' Delegate �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Juns 21. 1946 Page fifteen T. BUMJmN I—' - ' D — Unclaimed Wages— Mississippi Shipping Company, Inc. SlU HALLS Pes Santos, A. L ".01 do Treitas, F 23.85 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. Devane, George R 3.16 HAnover 2-2784 BOSTON 330 Atlantic Ave. Peveau, Bernard J 4.45 Liberty 4057 de Vries, Peter 23.07 BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. Calvert 4S30 De Wailly, H. L 79 This list comprises unclaimed wages as of December 31, 1945, some of PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Pcvvar, R. D. 1.80 Phone Lombaril fSSl Dewey, W. F 36.00 which may have already been paid. If you still have a claim, write to Mis­ NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 4-1083 Pey, Stanley D 12.00 sissippi Shipping Company, 339 Ghartres St., New Orleans, La., enclosing CHARLESTON 68 Society St. Dial, David 5.94 your z-iiumber, social security number, date and place of birth and present Phone 3-3680 NEW ORLEANS 339 Cliartres St. Diaz, A. G 1.42 Canal 3336 Diaz, Carlos M 2.23 address. SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 3-1726 Diaz, Edward 7.57 7 St. Michael St. .35 MOBILE Diaz, Rafail 24.89 Dryall, F. R 9.60 Evans, C 2.64 Eckert, R 2-1754 2.30 SAN JUAN, P. R Diaz, Salvadore 16.52 Duames, A. P 45 Ponce 8e Leon 9.96 Evans, E 4.81 F.ckols, Alfred J San Juan 2-5996 3.57 Dichini, L. J 5.25 Duarte, Antonio 15.20 Evans, Harry 1.48 Eckvarria, Hugo GALVESTON 305'/z 22nd St. 1.20 Diek, Hugh 6.11 Dublanica, Peter 2-8446 8.26 Evans, J 99 Eddleman, John T. Jr 1809-1811 Franklin St. 3.77 TAMPA Dick, II. A 49 Dubriel, Adelard 7.92 Evans, Leonard N. 20 Edelstein, A M-1323 1.98 JACKSONVILLE Dick. Norman J 59 Dubrosky, John 185.85 Evans, Robert A. ... 4.93 Edlund, John H 920 Main St. Phone 5-5919 1.00 Dickens, V/oodrow 5.24 Dubrow, Stanley 69 Evans, W 1.78 Edmonds, E PORT ARTHUR 445 Austin Ave. Evans, W. H Edmunds, Christian 6.22 Dickenson, K 01 Ducate, E. J 5.97 3.60 Phone: 28532 10.03 HOUSTON Dickenson, Woodward W. .74 Ducharme, Roger P 7137 Navigation Blvd. 2.67 Evans, William H. 2.67 Ednie, John M Phone Went worth 3-3809 9.75 Dickey, Clarence G 1.40 Duclos, R. A 4.10 Eveasen, Even 5.40 Edwards, Conrad H RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. 24.79 SAN FRANCISCO 1.20 Everett, Alphus T. Dickson, Earl S 4.50 Ducote, Luke C. 04 Edwards, Frank Dale 59 Clay St. Garfield 8225.. 32.30 Di Cupula, R. E 16.50 DIICOIP, Reese A , 01 Everj', August 5.50 Edwards, G. Y SEATTLE 8-3 Seneca St. 10.66 Ewing, William F. piutnch, Edward H 13.04 Dudley, A. L 17.00 5.94 Edwards, N. H Main 0290 2.68 Dill, G. T 4.80 Dudley, A. D. PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. 3.00 Edwards, Robt. L WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. 18.33 Dillman, Albert J 8.95 Duffey, Edward F 4.46 Edwards, Walter D Terminal 4-3131 Fagan, Wm. T 1.37 Edwards, Willie 26.74 Dinass, George S 8.11 Dufour, Andrew T 2.40 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. 2.52 BUFFALO 2.24 Fin, Dolphus R 10 Exchange St. Dineen, Clarence E 20 Dugan, Richard E 3.71 Egan, James Cleveland 7391 .99 5.25 Fiar, Dvid C Di Popola, J 9.90 Dugas, Anthony J 90 Egan, J. J CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. .45 18.59 Fairchild, Glen Superior 5175 Di.snoy, Edward E 2.84 Duguid, Archibald M 59 Egan.r J, W 1014 E. St. Clair St. 5.16 CLEVELAND 16.52 Faircloth, Charles O. Jr.,.. Di Tomaso, M. L 16.50 Duett, Charles 0 25.99 Eggleston, Ernest L Main 0147 5.94 Faircloth, Harold Darden.. 3.44 DETROIT Dixon, Clifford C 1.37 Duke, Jo.seph 7.61 Eggleston, J 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 11.96 9.50 Fajatowski, Jacob Dixon, F 2.00 Duke, Stanley F 9.86 Ehrclick, E. F DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Falana, John M 14.30 Eickmeyer, John A 2.23 Dixon, Geo. W 9.58 Dukes, J. W 11.25 Melrose 41 lO 1.48 VICTORIA, B. C 1.34 Falk, Bernhard 602 Boughton St. Dixon, Ray M 1.40 Dukeshire, Irvin 10.69 Eister, Clifford G 144 W. Hastings St. 10.56 VANCOUVER 79 Falnes, J Dixon, Stedtoe 64.33 Dulaney, Robt 71 Eklund, Erick R Earl, John W 2.25 Eklund, Paul 3.30 Doa, Vincenzo 4.13 Dulie, Jerome B 2.67 65.01 1.91 Fancutt, John Dnarski, Joseph S 1.37 Dullc, Leo M 11.47 Elardo, Simon F 40.75 3.92 Faris, Walter T Dobbins, David J 8.04 Du Maduros, F. R 26.60 Eldhuse, Anton 4.00 14 Farmer, Cary C Dobson, Austin M 2.87 Duncan, Eimest 80.56 Eldhuse, H 7.11 6.80 Farney, Wm. S Dodd, Geo. J 10.47 Duncan, E. T SS CHARLES McDONNELL 72 Eley, Rufus M .35 9.90 Farrar, M. G Podd, Nevin Wilson 3.28 Duncan, Frank A. Jr 6.03 Elf, Knute The following men have money 6.45 16.14 Farrell. William E Podds, P. J .33 Duncan, Meta H 2.07 Ellingsworth, James G due them for tending evapora­ 2.64 5.15 Farrow, Jack Dodge, Marshall A 3.12 Duncan, Roy W 98.75 Elliott, Jas tors on sea watches aboard this 1.90* Dodson, Gordon L 19.28 Duncan, Stuart 18.17 Elliott, Milford W. Jr., .... 13.47 Farthing, Roger J vessel which paid off in San 3.26 3.72 Farthorn, William P. •Podson, R. W 33 Dungan, Charles W 8.76 Ellis, Homer A Franciscb on May 31: Edwin 4.98 6.58 Fassinger, John F Doktor, Tadensz 3.47 Dunham, Frank 74 Ellis, Jack Elton King, Oiler, $43.20; Leslie Blan.76 1.48 Fath, Joseph A Doles(>, Sidney L 1.63 Dunlap, Frank H 2.25 Ellis, John W chard. Oiler, $156.90; Alan Peak, 4.50 6.75 Faulkner, J. E Domio, Roy 104 Dunlap, James Allen 5.96 Elrick, Wallace Oiler, $51.84; Louis Briant, Oiler, 1.91 15.21 Faustich, Chas. W Donahue, Jack 2.38 Dunn, Donald L 8.77 Elrod, Roy F $243.90; and Vernon Weidman, ^ 2.13 6.20 Fawcett, Paul G Donnelly, Elmer C. 3.96 Dunn, James S 89 Ely, Edward R 3rd Cook, $46.08. 6.39 59 Fay, J. F Donovan, James 7.92 Dunn, Oscar Jan 1.98 Emery, Oliver L % % % Fay. J 2.97 . ..F 0,;ER2 N .... NNN Donovan, Richard E 1.34 Dunn, Walter L, 27.30 Endres, Edwin 3.44 SS JOHN LaFARGE Durin, Thomas B 11.74 Dunphy, Colin U 8.61 8.53 Dore, Eugene N 6.65 Dunphy, Thomas 2.68 Engelhardt, Eugene E There is a check for $4.00 for 14.13 Dorgan, Maron 2.13 Dunsavag, W. 6.39 Egner, Fred A Frank Scott and a voucher fpr 14.62 Dorr, William W. Jr 2.23 Dupont, Joseph L 6.53 Egner, Roberl L $2.75 for Lawrence D. Wages England, Fred R 45 Dorsatt, Banks Will 1.37 Pupuy, Edward 2.55 The Duluth Hall of the fi'om the American Liberty SS 2.64 borsey, Floyd J. Jr 45 Durant, W Seafarers International 1.19 England, Minyard D Co. Get in touch with the Balti­ 10.00 Dotton, Samuel E 6.10 Durfee, Charles E Union, which had been clos­ 2.64 Englehard, G more Port Agent regarding this 3.44 ed for some time, has been 5.63 Englehardt, Jan Dotson, S. R 41 Durham, J money. 9.24 poty, George 33 Durkin, Albert 31.40 English, Thomas reopened at 531 W. Michigan * it. 45.89 Duuglierty, C. J 2.23 Dunn, Harold Street. 5.31 Englund, Arthur N Engstrom, Lincoln C. E 21.20 SS JOHN GIBBONS Dougherty, John T 70.25 Dust, Roy W 16.39 Engwall, J 8.21 Dougherty, Louis F 11.14 De Tenbeck, Hugo 31.13 Voyage. No. 6 ; 2.31 Douglas, Chas 3.56 Dutton, Robert R 12.29 Enna, Anthony Vouchers fi'om the OveiJakes 3.62 Douglas, Claude L 22.24 Dvorack, C. E 3.52 Enoches, E Freight Corp., are being held at 35.80 WALTER BARRETT Douglas, Jeremiah L 6.10 Dwight, Eugene N 19167 Enos, Gilbert J.* the Baltimore branch office for 2.48 Your papers are being held for Douglas, Louis J 4.39 Dwyer, Arthur J 10.05 Enriquez, Jacobo the following men: Thomas Ly­ 72 you at the Baltimore Hall. Please Douglas, Richard E 17.40 Dwyer, Charles J 2.23 Enna, Joseph Jr., ons, $26.84; J. H. Clarke, 71 6.00 advise the Agent what disposal Dowal J 4.13 Dwyer, Raymond F 37.22 Eplund, B. K cents; William T. Peters, $41.38; Epperson, Hebert A 3.96 you want made of them. Dowling, William 59 Dycus, Thomas L. . .73 John P. Fee, $35.36; JoJhn P. 1.65 Dowling, Wm. S 14.86 Dye, Eugene C .45 Erco, E its. Martin, $32.16; Clifton W. Ensey, Erdle, Fi-ancis E. 95.62 Down, A. A 16.56 Dykatra, Fredeidck .45 ROBERT GALL $28.71; William Rajski, $14.78. Downes, John M 1.05 Dykema, Martin 2.90 Erickson, Gavin Victor .... 8.66 Call or write the Baltimore Call at 5lh floor at New York 7.28 Downey, James W 2.23 Dylengaski, Richard 9.00 Erikson, Hans Agent regarding these vouchers. Hall.for your baggage checks. 1.74 Downie, J 7.35 Dzvonchik, Joseph . .52 Erickson, Irvin C Erwin, Bennie M 18.38 Downing, Marcus A 5.73 Erwin, Harold K 2.56 Dows, J. N 5.05 5.94 4.27 Ervin, Winston B. Doyle, Dennis Arthur 16.26 Earl, James 34.08 4.80 Escoffier, John Doyle, P ; 3.27 Easterling, W. A Anyone who was aboard th© 1.98 6.81 Escalante, Juste Draft, E 3.54 Eastman, Alfred FRANK "BLACKIE" plane from New Orleans, char« Eskew, Jonas H 8.86 braves, Robert 15.05 Eaton, Edward Currier .... 44.85 MCLAUGHLIN tered by the crew of the SS Tu3.10 4.45 Esteve, Edward J Dressier, Fred 76 Eaton, E Would have liked to see you, lane Victory, who knows any-v 1.39 21.80 Estrella, M. Drevas, Peter 95.62 Eaton, Jasper C. but lost your addi'ess. "Whitey" thing about two alligator bags," 55.64 123.75 Etheredge, William L Preyer, R 11.25 Ebanks, Carlman please get in touch with F. Rob­ LARRY WHITE, 14.75 2.56 Etherton, Terry G Driscoll, Edwin C. 3.90 Ebberts, Louis E inson, 35-24 72nd Street, Jacksoa 19 Marion Street 104.69 1.12 Ettinger, John J Drummond, David 2.06 Eckert, F. A Heights, New York. East Boston 28, Mass. 4.65 01 Eudy, Clifford D Drumund, Peanne p. 5.51 Eckert, Oscar Money Due Duluth Hall Opens NOTICE! PERSONALS ,i • . NOTICE! �THE SEAFARERS Page Sixteen ORGANIZING ISTHMIAN ri: i i It took plenty of hard work to make the Isthmian vessel. Cape Domingo, a strongly pro-SIU ship. Ask these fellows; they know! George Peteusky (left), Ed Bender and Joe Lissner. Heinrich Viik, who also helped considerEibly, was on watch and not available for a picture. Marine Hospitals Neglect Seamen, Seafarer Says By H. C. GORDON cause he has been off a ship for over two months. The merchant seamen do not want, or expect any special treat­ ment. As far as these hospitals accepting non-seamen as patients Gilbert and Sullivan could is concerned, fine and dandy have written the above and not with us. If people are sick they been far wrong. For if you are a must have treatment. But we seaman, your chances of becom io object to getting the brushoff ing a patient in such a place are while others get all the con­ remote. sideration. Now, a mail carrier, a govern­ Even long before the war, ment employee or a janitor in patients who were seamen, were some federal building, can gain forced to help clean the wards, admittance very easily. polish floors, fold dressings and And a few years back the do orderly work in general. If places were filled with CCC boys they refused thdy were dis­ who had chopped off various charged if they were able to parts of their anatomy while walk. And at times the food was building roads through the vir­ horrible. gin forests in Roosevelt's noble • I mention this to show that experiment to keep them out of ieamen were treated like stepthe poolrooms. :hildren for a long time back, and One such boy could not get that all these cases of discrimina­ over the fact that the patient in tion did not just originate sud­ the next bed was a merchant denly. seaman. In fact, he asked the The second world war is over; seaman how he happened to get lone also are the days of "heroic into the Marine Hospital. merchant seamen." From now The Marine Hospitals were or­ on, when addressed, it will be as iginally built for the care of sea­ "Hey, you!" The international situation is men. Seamen paid a small amount per month from their fast going haywire once more. wages for their upkeep. The They may need us again. Anything that the Union can hospitals also received fifty per­ cent of the fines, known as do that will bring this before "logs," which were deducted the public at large will be deeply appreciated by us. We feel that from seamen's pay. either the unfair practice.s of the Many an oldtimer made a two Marine Hospital bureaucrats and year trip and, on returning to homeport, found that he had some of their rattraps should be been logged for almost all his curbed, or else the name "Ma­ pay because he had not jumped rine" be dropped from the title fast enough when the skipper altogether. In which case we will attempt bellowed at him. to find a dark alley in which to The amount thus collected, al­ die, when the time comes. Or though no figures are available, perhaps crawl to the city dump must have been considerable. where the added odor would not But for some obscure reason, be noticeable. the powers that rule the U. S. ' Marine Hospitals today seem to be prejudiced against treating Sick or injured merchant seamen. Seafarers Sailing Of course', if taken sick aboard ship, there is no trouble about As Engineers crashing in. But, if through no All members—^retired mem­ fault of your own, due to slack bers and former members— shipping, you are taken ill while of the Seafarers Internation­ on the beach, after being ashore al Union who are now sailing for sixty days, the bars are raised as licensed Engineers: Please against you. report as soon as possible to Wives of Coast Guard men are the Seafarers Hall at 31 Bea­ admitted to the Marine Hospitals ver Street, New York City. as maternity cases. A seaman, in­ Your presence is necessary in jured through torpedo action, a matter of great importance. cannot get in for treatment be^ Stay close to your desk and never go to sea, and when you are ill you may be eligible to obtain treatment at the U. S. Marine Hospital. LOG Friday. June 21, 1946 Seafarers Maintains Wide Lead In isthmian Fleet Election NEW YORK, June 19—Latest •eports on the Isthmian election o determine a bargaining agent or that company reveal that the Seafarqrs is still maintaining a vide margin of votes over the .•ombincd totals of both the NMU md the company. Voting last Thursday, June 13th, at Philadelphia, crewmem)ers of the Clyde L. Seavey hung jp a good majority for the Sea-arers. Their vote, 70 percent ;or the SIU according to estinates, served to continue the /cry favorable pace already es.ablished in the election. Out on the Pacific Coast, at San Francisco, the Golden West rew was balloted on Tuesday, June 18th. Estimates of crewmembers and official observers ndicated that the Seafarers se­ cured better than 60 percent of .he votes aboard her while the 3IU didn't do too badly on the 3ca Hydra which was voted at Baltimore on June 12th. 13 PERCENT LEFT With the completion of voting jn Isthmian ships which docked this week, about 13 percent of the Isthmian Fleet remains to be polled. These 12 or 13 ships should be finished with their vot­ ing in the near future, probably within the next several weeks at the latest. Then, the matter of counting and tabulating the ballots by the National Labor Relations Board will be completed in short order, following by the certain certifi­ cation of the SIU as the Union bargaining agent for the Isth­ mian Lines. Among the ships remaining unvoted are: Anniston City, At­ lantic City, Cape Junction, Kath­ leen Holmes, Monroe Victory, Pere Marquette, Red Rover, Rob­ ert C. Grier, Sea Hawk, Sea Lynx, Sea Triton, Steel Electri­ cian and the Steel Inventor. SEAFARERS CONFIDENT The majority of these ships are predominantly for the Seafarers, and with one or two possible ex­ ceptions, should hang up an im­ pressive vote for the SIU when they are polled by NLRB repre­ sentatives upon their return to the shores of the continental United States. Every shipboard and shoreside organizer, as well as the many other Seafarers who have con­ stituted the mselves unofficial Isthmian organizers throughout the organizing drive, is calmly confident of the election's out­ come. When the complete tabulation of votes is made at the conclusion if the election, they expect rnnruiualiuii of Iheii ebtimales that the SIU will win by a big ma­ jority vote. In fact,. members of the SIU who have contributed no little amount to the success of the or­ ganizing campaign through their contacts with Isthmian seamen in all ports and with their selfsacrificing willingness to sail Isthmian .ships, are openly bet­ ting on the final results (and giv­ ing odds, tool). They can't find many takers unfortunately! SHIPBOARD MEETINGS Many Isthmian ships are now holding regular shipboard meet­ ings, just as they would if they were under SIU contract, and electing delegates to take up their beefs. With this kind of a setup, the crews of these ships have cut flown considerably on beefs. Isth­ mian ships are still a long way fi'om being run on a Union ship basis, as only an SIU contract can bring that about, .but SIU style meetings and beef handling by delegates has helped consid­ erably. It doesn't do any harm to re­ peat: only a Seafarers' contract for Isthmian ships can ensure wages and conditions which pre­ vail on SIU ships. Cape Domingo Goes To Isthmian, But Crew Goes To Seafarers when they first boarded her, but the Skipper, William F. Epperly, had her fumiatged to get rid of the king size roaches and bed­ bugs which threatened to run off with the ship. Formerly operated by the In­ ternational Freight Corporation (an NMU-contracted company), the Cape Domingo was recently taken over by the Isthmian Lines. Seafarers George Peteusky, Joe Lissner and Heinrich Viik have all done a swell job in organiz­ ing her for the Seafarers along with some valuable assistance from some of the other crewmembers. The foc'.?les were so filled with trash that a number of the men spent considerable time in clean­ ing them up. Now, things are fairly shipshape, and after the foc'sles are painted, the Domingo will be like any SIU ship—a clean ship. * Originally there were quite a few NMUers aboard the Do­ mingo, but the boys did a good job of converting most of them md some non-Union seamen to the SIU way. Several crewmembers asserted that as soon as possible they would hold a shipboard meeting to elect delegates, and show some of the younger seamen how a typical SIU ship is operated. DIRTY SHIP One of the Ordinaries was un­ able to make the trip due to be­ ing hospitalized at Staten Island Hospital, where the SIU -repre­ sentative visited him. While working, he was overcome by sudden abdominal pains, and is being kept at the hospital for further observation and diag­ nosis. Bosun Ivan "Hans" Kalroth, an IMU oldtimer, turned in his old mok and took out SIU member5hip. Now, there are only three Dr four aboard who are still NMU members, and the balance of the crew asserts that by the time chey return, they'll all be Sea­ farers. According to Domingo^^eamen, the ship was extremely dirty WORKING TOGETHER MATERIAL WITNESS Bosun Kalroth was also unable to leave with the rest of the Domingo crew when their ship pulled out Tuesday a. m. He was forced to remain in New York as a material witness in a manslaughter trial. Heading for Newport News to ;ake on more cargo after she left New York, the Cape Do­ mingo is expected to be absent for about four or five months. Her itinerary includes stops at Al­ exandria, Cairo, some Red Sea and Persian Gulf ports, Calcutta, Bombay, Honolulu, and . then back to the Pacific Coast. Attention Members! The port of Tampa is "a good example of the way unions connected with the Maritime Industry should cooperate. Perry Harvey (left). President of the Tampa Local. International Lor.gshoremers Association, and Claude (Sonny) Simmons, SIU Port Agent, talk things over at the work-stoppage held on June 6. Harvey and his local have pledged their complete support to the SIU in the present contract negotiations. This is nothing new. Both of these unions have shared picket lines in the past, and both have been instrumental in getting each others beefs squared away. With solidarity like this, we can't lose, and neither can the ILA. Crewmembers stated that they were of the opinion that Isth­ mian would be under an SIU con­ tract, after the completion of thd voting which heavily faVor? the Seafarers, and by the time that they return from their long trip. These seamen were also of the opinion that other Seafarers should sacrifice a little if neces­ sary to sail Isthmian ships until such time as Isthmian is under an SIU contract and enjoying the same conditions as other SIUcontracted companies. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 21, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 25 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 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SENATE GROUP HEARS HAWK ON COAST GUARD SIU WALKS OUT WHEN OPERATORS ASK 1920 TERMS CAREFUL PLANNING, MILITANT ACTION RESPONSIBLE FOR SEAFARERS' GROWTH SEAFARERS GETS $220 BEEF FOR BLUE RIDGE VICTORY MEN COASTWISE BRANCH MEETINGS APPROVE SIU STRIKE VOTE INDUSTRY-WIDE STRIKE MUST BE WELL PREPARED EDUCATIONAL JOB MUST BE DONE TO CORRECT PUBLIC ON SEAMEN ISTHMIAN NICARAGUA VICTORY FOLLOWS SEAFARERS POLICIES RUSSIA BARS AFL AGENT NEW BILL INCLUDES SEAMEN UNDER SOCIAL SECURITY ACT SIU, LONGSHOREMEN BEAT COMPANY STALL IN MOBILE FOUR WATCH SYSTEM A MUST FOOLISH QUESTIONS DRIVE DISPATCHERS STARK, RAVING MAD REACTIONARY AMERICAN LEGION OPPOSES SEAMEN'S BILL OF RIGHTS MOBILE DEMONSTRATES HOW UNION SOLIDARITY WILL SETTLE BEEFS JACKSONVILLE WANTS MORE SHIPS FRISCO WINS OVERTIME FOR OILERS FLORIDA UNIONS WORK TOGETHER TO BEAT FINKY STATE'S ATTORNEY OPERATOR PAYS FOR CHISELING TRY WATERFRONT UNIONS IN CHICAGO FORM COUNCIL BELLYROBBER FINALLY TAKES SHIP LONELY SKIPPER A SEA SUPERSTITION IS ADDED BY DEFAZIO SEAFARERS SEEKS INFORMATION IN DEATH OF THOMAS KEEVINS ABOARD IRA N. MORRIS SEAFARERS MAINTAINS WIDE LEAD IN ISTHMIAN FLEET ELECTION MARINE HOSPITALS NEGLECT SEAMEN, SEAFARER SAYS CAPE DOMINGO GOES TO ISTHMIAN BUT CREW GOES TO SEAFARERS Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/21/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ba7f7fe76805422213154dd9412caf43.PDF 6f91e685d42c30c708ebec06add8af5b PDF Text Text Vol. XIX No. 13 SEAFARERS LOG 'i: i • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THI SiAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND QULF PrSTRICT • AFL-CIO • 644) VOTE FOR SlU -Story On Page 3 La. Tidelands Tugboats Co SlU Story On Page 2 Four Seafarers, Daughter Of SlU Member Awarded $6,000 Union Scholarships Story On Page 3 West Coast oldtimer Carl A. Landberg of the Sailors Union (right) looks for names of ship­ mates in the American Coal fight, as an SIU head­ quarters staffer points them out on the board. Land­ berg, a 43-year sea vet, is ready to go back into the ACS fleet after recovering from illness on the Mar­ tha Berry. He said stories of SIU "defections" were NMU "pipe-dreams." (Story on Page 2.) He's Going Back, When -the coal ship battle opened, NMU President Joseph Curran sneered he would "whip SIU." But as it turned out, SIU refused to be whipped. Now Curran has petitioned for an NLRB election on the ships despite an SIU majority. He has claimed NMU would win because of "defections" by SIU of NA seamen—a pretty thin claim at best. Now evidence has turned up that thousands in cash and other favors have been offered as bait for "defec­ tions." Knowing Curran's past record including his ad­ miration for the "grea-t and wise leadership of Com­ rade Stalin" it is understandable that he still clings to the Staljpist tactic of any means to an end. That hat looks bigger than ever. ReprintoR From SEAFARERS LOG. March 18. 1957 '-i r^-Sj �rw SEAFARERS £0^ t . ..'.J MM S1.1MV > Call More Coal Jobs; SlU Lead Now 102-94 *" NCMRFOLK—The call for replacements aboard the American Coal ship Harry Glucksman resulted in a further gain for the SIU last week. Two National Maritime Union men got off the ship and were replaced by Seafarers, giving the SIU a lead of 102 to 94 through­ out the coal shipping fleet. The Glucksman was the NMU Tips Mitt On Election only ship to come in during the two week period in the con­ tinuing battle for a fnajority of the coal ship jobs. Actually, four jobs were called for, and all won by the SIU, but two of the four men who weye supposed to get off stayed aboard the ship. No Sea­ farers or members of SIU West Coast affiliates got off the ship. It is clear at the present that the SIU lead has resulted from the greater determination of oldtimers from the SIU, the Sailors Union, the Marine Cooks and Marine Fire­ men to ride these ships until vic­ tory Is won.- The figures on reSeafarer Claudio Barreiros, has been found dead of stab wounds in his foc'sle aboard the Casimir Pulaski. Police in Genoa, Italy, took into custody NMU member V. G 0 y enechea. Newspaper ac­ counts of the incident said that the veteran SIU member died of stab wounds from a pair of shears. No further details are available at the moment Barreiros, a na­ tive of Spain, was 64 yeai's old. He was sailing as oiler aboard the American Coal ship. placements for original crewmembers so far show that 28 NMU men have gotten off these ships volun­ tarily when they came In for re­ placements as against only 18 SIU men. Six of these SIU men were fired by the company. Two Ships Tramping On the company's side there have been some significant devel­ opments indicating important changes in the company's plans. Formed originally for the purpose of carrying coal to Europe, the company now has two ships in the Liberty tramp trade. The Martha Berry is carrying ore from South America on the Mooremac rUn, while the Coal Miner, the only ship evened by American Coal, is cur- Bid, Propaganda Aim Revealed BULLETIN—The fact that the National Maritime Union peti­ tion for a National Labor Relations Board election In the Ameri­ can Coal Fleet was purely a propaganda move has become more and more obvious with each passing day. At the time of Its peti­ tion for an election two weeks ago, the NMU was trailing hi Jobs on the American Coal ships by 100 to 96. The SIU lead has in­ creased in tiie past two weeks to the present 102 to 94 count. The tipoff on the NMU's move appeared in the last issue of the "Pilot" which stres.sed that despite the NMU petition "the election may not be held for months" and said that the SIU would obviously he responsible for stalling a vote. The NMU bid^for an election was headlined then as a means to a "showdown" in the coal ship fight despite the fact that the SIU was ahead. And now comes an NMU move Just yesterday at an informal conference at the Labor Board at which the NMU rejected an NIRB proposal which would have had the effect of hastening the election. It appears that this Is typical of the Curran tactic of rush­ ing in with loud phrases and letting the facts catch up with him later. The SIU position since the start of the coal beef last fall has been that the issue must be decided by an election, but under con­ ditions that would protect the rights of the men. An election would be the natural outcome of the steps taken by the SUl against the company. rently headed for Yugoslavia wth a grain cargo. The changes in the operation of the ships highlight a severe de­ cline in coal shipping rates to the point where runaway ships are once. again monopolizing the trade. Coal rates are down around $7 a ton from a high of $12 or more last fall and winter. Maritime Administrator Clar­ ence Morse cited the weak situa­ tion of US coal shipping on June (Continued on page 15) Gulf Tideland Tug Boats Go SIU In NLRB Vote NEW ORLEANS—Towboatmen employed by the National Lead Company, Barold Division, voted by a four to one ma­ jority in favor of SIU-Harbor and Inland Waterways Division representation in anf NLRB election conducted' in the intracoastal canal from New here June 10-11. Orleans to Cameron, Louisiana, Supplier For Drilling The company is a major supplier of drilling mud and chemicals used in the Louisiana tidelands oil ex­ ploration and production industry. It operates four small pusher-type tow boats and one service barge l;r=\ 1-, 'i*.' T, - ; i'^.- Oldtimers from the SIU end West Coast olfiliates take time out to enjoy a meal at the breakfast bar in the Colley Street hall. In' eluded In ^e picture are William Dupre, MCS, -behind the counter; : William Miller, MCS, (back to eamera)rWalter PoHle and Charlie i,LjMorrison,(wWi hat.J. , and in the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This industry Is now growing rapidly. Fifteen men employed on the company's vessels cast ballots and voted 12 to 3 for SlU-HlWD rep­ resentation. The bargaining unit Includes 18 employees but two men did not meet payroll ^igibllity requirements and a third did not exercise his right to vote. The company began its marine operations about a year ago with one boat and is expected to expand further In this field in the coming year. Completed Big Plant The Baroid Division only recent­ ly completed a big productioil plant on the Industrial Canal in New Orleans.. Negotiations are expected to be­ gin soon with the company for a fuU SlU-Hlwp agreement to ex­ tend the benefits of superior SIU wages, woi'king conditions and job security provisions to the men in the Baroid fleet, Lindsey J. Wil­ liams, New Orleans port agent, said. "The outcome of this elec­ tion is further evidence that unor­ ganized inland waterways workers recognize the need for SlU-HlWD representation as the only positive manner in which they can bring their wages and worMng condi­ tions. up to the standard enjoyed by union men." Waiting for shipping calls for ACS vessels, oM timers from the East and West Coasts relax around the TV set In the Colley Street hall in Norfolk. The hall was set up for tlie duration of the beef. Sailor Laughs Off NMU Pipe Ifream' Ready to plunge back into the American Coal Shipping beef, SUP oldtimer Carl A. "CUiptain Charley" Landberg ridiculed National Maritime Union claims of support from West Coast men as "one of Joe"* Curran's pipe dreams." at a chance to take on the NMU Landberg was in New York in a beef? There's plenty more on his way back to Norfolk after being taken off sick from the Mar­ tha Berry in Italy. Wheq. shown newspaper stories In which NMU claimed there was resentment among SUP men on the coal ships, he snorted, "that's-a lot of NMU baloney. Curran has as much chance of getting a Sailor to sup­ port him as a snowball has in the boiler room." Gave Up Jobs Landberg pointed out that, he, like other SUP men, gave up good jobs with top SUP pay "the best wages in the business" to sail the coal ships. "With the kind of wages and overtime we have on the West Coast," he said, "1 could make more in one month on an SUP ship than in several months on one of these coal buckets with their NMU-style pay and condi­ tions. "But as a Sailor, I know Landberg how much my union has done for me. When the Sailors Union goes on record to as­ sist our brothers in the A&G Dis­ trict, then any beef a Sailor like myself can take part in to protect my own conditions and help my union is a beef I'll pitch into. "Anyway," he concluded, "what Sailor worth his salt wouldn't grab MFOW Agents Hold Meeting like me out on the Coast who would be happy to if they had the seatime." The SUP oldtimer, who was deck utility on the Berry, has a record of 43 years' at sea behind him. "I'm heading back to Norfolk,!' he con­ cluded, "and shipping out again until these coal ships are SIU." SIU Crews 1st Isthmian Victorli Ship MOBILE—The first of two Gov­ ernment-owned Victory ships char­ tered by SlU-contracted Isthmian Lines crewed here yesterday and sailed for a loading berth.' The Plymouth Victory will take on car­ go in Houston Saturday, and then sail coastwise to New York before leaving for the Persian Gulf. , The Wellesley Victory, the sec­ ond of Isthmian's chartered ships, will crew here July 5 and load in Houston for the India run. Both vessels have been in Mobile ship­ yards, getting ready for service. The two ships were originally chartered to State Marine Lines for its berth operations. They were turned back to the Govern­ ment by States Marine and as­ signed to Isthmian for liner op­ erations on Its Persian Gulf and India runs. . SEAFARERS LOG SAN FRANCISCO—Officials of the Marine Firemen's Union wound June 21,1957 Vol. XIX No. 13 up the final session of their annual Agents' Conference here late this week. The meetings were held in conjunction with, the formal open­ ing of the new MFOW headquar­ PAUL HALL, Secretary-Treasurer' ters on June 7th. HERBEBT BRAND, Editor. BERNARD SEA­ MAN. Art Editor. HERMAN ARTHUR. IRWIN . All MFOW agents and head­ SPIVACK.AAL MARKIN. JOHN BUAZIL. Staff quarters officials, led by union Writers. BILL MOODY, Gulf Area Repre­ president Sam Bennett, took part sentative, in the discussions. One of the key Publlthad biwaaicly at tha haadquartara tha Saafarara Intirnatlonal Union, At­ topics concerned a series of , pro­ of lantic A Oulf District, AFL-CIO, *75 Fourth posed amendments to the-firemen's Avenua, Brooklyn 327 NY. Tal. HYaclnth 9-i600. Entarad at tacond class mattar constitution. at tha Pest.OfflcB In Brooklyn, NY, undar Also on the docket were plans tha Act of AUE, 24, 1912. 120 for the merged pension plan of the SIU Pacific District. ~ M �jaa* XI. mv SEAPARERS LOG TV Thr— VOTE Blanks District SO By 64-0 Margin BALTIMORE — The SIU hung another lopsided trouncing on District 50, United Mine Workers, here this week, when mates and engineers at six Baltimore tugboat companies voted 64f of paint was thrown through'the to 0 in favor of the SIU's French doors of the skipper's Harbor and Inland Water­ home. It exploded inside the liv­ room, narrowly missing his ways Division, There were ing daughter who was drenched with no "no union" votes in the white paint. Heavy damage was National Labor Relations done to rugs and furnishings. The . --'-A.'' ••'I '•i second paint bombing hit the out­ Board balloting. side of a brick home, narrowly In a previous vote for un­ missing a window under which the licensed crewmembers, the tug captain was sleeping. Ij / SIU had landed an equally con­ In addition. District 50 went to vincing haymaker by a count of the National Labor Relations 146 to 9 "no union" ballots, giving Board in efforts to nullify and District 50 just nine votes in the block the election. The board re­ entire harbor. jected the District 50 move since The crushing SIU victory came the catch-all union, as an affiliate after frantic District 50 attempts of the United Mine Workers, has to wreck the SIU campaign at any not filed the required non-Com­ cost. After the SIU win in the un­ munist affidavits and is not eligible licensed vote. District 50 called a to make use of the services of the "strike" on the tugboats and posted Board. The outcome of the mates' and pickets." However, after a few days, all the boats in the harbor engineers' votes leaves clear sail­ were moving again without dif­ ing for the SIU is negotiating a contract for the tugboat workers; ficulty. The night before the election (Thursday) city police swooped down on the Baltimore SIU hall and arrested Baltimore SIU port agent Earl Sheppard on gambling For the second year in a row, four Seafarers and the daughter of an SIU man led the charges. A search warrant had field to win the five $6,000 Andrew Furuseth Memorial Scholarships awarded by the SIU been issued Monday. The arrest Welfare Plan for 1957. The "awards are among the most valuable scholarships available in came after the barber in the Bal­ timore hall barbershop was picked the United States. up on a charge of making book. The winners are Richard A. The arrest of Sheppard, of Harford, electrician, of New course, meant that the Baltimore York City; John W. Logan, FWT, newspapers would have headlines Poughkeepsie, NY; Gene R. Sin­ to the effect that "SIU agent is ar­ Two stocking-masked holdup clair, AB, Oxford, England; Edward rested" on the day of the vote. men boarded the Robin Tuxford as Skorupski, electrician, Plainville, Conn., and Miss Joyce DeVries, When Sheppard appeared in she was tied up at Jersey City, shot daughter of Seafarer Peter De­ court, the police officers admitted the captain and seriously injured Vries, steward, of Hatboro, Pa. they had no evidence against him. the chief steward in an attempt to They were named Monday, June The arrest, they said, came as the ^et the ship's four-month payroll. The men, one armed with a gun 17, by the trustees of the Welfare result of an anonymous phone call. Plan on the recommendation of a The Judge released Sheppard re­ and the other with a set oL.Ieg panel of college administrators, marking there was no evidence irons, entered the quarters of Cap­ tain Kenneth L. Chambers while the selections were based on the whatsoever he was involved. candidates' past scholastic records, The Baltimore Federation of he was conferring with chief stewarf Lowell E. their scores on the standard Col­ Labor has adopted a resolution lege Entrance Board examinations Ha''1s and de­ calling for an investigation Into and general ability. manded the ves­ the phony charges and frame-up The fact that four active Seafar­ sel's payroll. against Sheppard. ers won four of the five scholar­ Chambers told Police officers who made the ships again this them that there arrests had picked up the barber's year as in '56 "is was no payroll bill pad and sent it to the police solid justification on board and lab for examination. They clmmed for this pro­ jumped the ban­ that a slip on top of the pad (a gram," SIU Sec­ dit with the gun. member's dry cleaning bill) had retary - Treasurer Harris joined in Harris left Impressions showing the names Paul Hall com­ the struggle and two horses. No evidence of this of mented. "It dem­ Chief elecirlcfan Ed Skorupski (left), one of four Seafarers awarded slip was produced in court. The was clubbed over the head with onstrates once an SIU scholarship Monday, is wreathed with smiles after getting barber is being held for grand jury the leg irons. The other mail shot again that the Chambers twice in the back when the news. SIU Welfare Plan trustee Charles Logan congratulates proceedings. Sinclair professional sea­ he ran from the cabin to call the Skorupski on his good fortune. He plans to enter New York Uni­ By strange coincidence, captains crew. Bleeding badly. Chambers man is a respon­ versity this fall for training toward a teaching career. of two tugs who sailed their boats staggered "down to the crew mess sible individual who can more than despite the District 50 pickfetlines hold his own in competition with to daughters of Seafarers and three assistant director of admissions, were targets of paint bombings in and roused the gang. Firing one youngsters fresh out of school. All to the sons of SIU men. Columbia College; Elwood C. their homes. In one instance a can shot at their pursuers, the holdup Of the winners deserve the com­ (Continued on page 15) Kastner, registrar, New York Uni­ One of this year's winners. Gene mendation of their Union brothers Sinclair, is now completing study versity, and C. William Edwards, for a fine showing." A total of 23 awards worth $138,- at Ruskin College, Oxford, Eng­ director of admissions, Princeton 000 have been made by the Wel­ land, under a one-year scholarship University. fare Plan since 1953. Thirteen of awarded in 1956 by the Institute of The SIU has notified its contracted operators of its de­ them have gone to Seafarers, seven International Education. He and Seafarer John Sweeney won two sire to reopen the Union-agreement for the discussion of of the three awards made by the monetary matters. A meeting is being, arranged this com­ Institute last year, the first time ing week for the purpose of taking up wages, overtime two members of the same union and other monetary features of the contract. took the honors in one year. The last dry cargo agreement took effect on October 15, The panel of educators who 1956, and was to run for a two year period until Septem­ aided in the selections consisted of ber 30, 1958. However, under a unique clause in the SIU Miss Edna Newby, director of ad­ iii contract, the Union is free to reopen the contract at any missions, New Jersey College for Mitt Joyc* DeVries', 18 (left), Women; F. D. Wilkinson, former time on money matters without wailing for an expiration and her father Seafarer Peter registrar, Howard University, who date or A mid-term reopener. Harford recently retired; Bernard Ireland, DeVrlei. Four Seafarers, One Daughter Winners Of SlU Scholarships Two Hurt In Hold-Up On SIU Ship SIU Reopens Pact • iifS •^i| �SE^AVAHERS ^-toc^l:''-^:-^::.:::: Paf» F«ap Big Wage Boost, Honrs Cut Won in Seaway Pact • r": •' • V ' • ': :t;'-j^-ti;vi»5T^c^^'%|| "ye '• . y"- • " "'''i. • • ' 'V'"" ^ •••V -w: "" ' •• 't''.J^ > You MONTREAL—DetaUs of the SIU Canadian District's first contract with Marine Industries Ltd. show that substantial wage increases and improved benefits and working conditions have been won for 600 crew-4 : members. As reported in the of the current navigation season; last SEAFARERS LOG. the room and board allowance' of < -y I- , ^ shut your eyes District won a decisive victory over $86.40 a month, and coverage by a company union in this fleet. the Canadian District welfare plan. Highlights of the contract are an The contract also provides for an eiglft-hour working day. Peviously, crewmembers on-the company's dredges had been forced to work as much as 10 hours a day, seven days a week. Boss Now Pays Welfare The welfare plan provision re­ quires the operator to contribute 20 cents a day per nfan to the plan. Before the agreement was reached, crewmembers had to pay The four-man crew of an Eng­ for insurance coverage out of their lish fishing vessel spent 58 hours own pockets. afloat in a self-inflated rubber lifeThe agreement was signed 10 raft without "suffering any discom­ days after the crewmembers fort" after their vessel sank in walked off their jobs to protest quiet seas. In fact, the skipper management efforts to promote a said he was more comfortable in company union, and deprive them the raft than in his own bunk on of their bargaining rights. It also the ship. followed by 40 hours a Canada La­ The men set adrift after the fly- bor Relations Board decision that \vheel of their 52-foot vessel broke the proposed union was compahyloose and holed the ship below the dominated and illegal. The Board waterline. .While efforts were be­ acted after 300 men appeared at ing made to pump the water out, public hearings in Ottawa to tes­ the raft was inflated on the deck tify on the company's relationship and loaded with supplies, water, with the company-sponsored union. and blankets. When the order to Marine Industries Ltd. is one of abandon ship was given, the raft the major companies engaged in was pushed over the side and the dredging and construction opera­ men stepped in to it right from tion on the Canadian side of the St. the' sinking boat. Lawrence Seaway. It operates a Flares Missed large number of boats on the job, Many ships were sighted including 34 dredges. Some of the throughout the next two days, but larger dredges carry crews of 65 none spotted the flares sent up. to 70 men each. Twice during this time the floor of the raft became soft and required hand pumping to harden it. Early on the third morning the fishing vessel Douglas was sighted and pillow cases were waved but failed to attract any attention. Two of the men stood iq the entrance BALTIMORE—Things in this to the raft and held a blanket be­ tween them to form a sail. The port are going along very well, raft came within 200 yards of the reports Earl Sheppard, port agent. Douglas before they were spotted. "Shipping has been only fair dur­ ing the past two-week period as This type of raft is now under registration outnumbered shipping consideration by the US Coast Guard for use on American ves­ in a small degree," he said. Bat sels. It is a small compact raft, there was no trouble for any Class packed into a valise. The valise is A men since a large number of thrown into the sea, and a cord Class B and C men also shipped. There were 12 payoffs, 8 sign attached to it is pulled, setting off a gas cylinder which inflates the ons, and 12 ships in transit. The raft in seconds. A protective dou­ Chilore, Feltore, Baltore, Santore, ble-skinned canopy is also inflated, Oremar (Ore); Evelyn, Emlia (Bull); offering covering from the rain' Cantigny (Cities Service), George and sun. Flaps on the sides of the A. Lawson (Penn. Shipping), Orion canopy can be pulled down, com­ Clipper (Colonial), Shinnecock Bay pletely closing in the entire raft. (Veritas) and Robin Hood (Seas The rafts come in several sizes, Shipping) paid off while the CMdepending on the number of-crew­ lore, Baltore, Feltore, Oremar, San­ men that may have to be accom­ tore (Ore), Texmar, Bethcoaster (Calmar), and Shinnecock Bay modated. One of the main advantages to (Veritas) signed on. The Robin Sherwood, Robin these rafts, besides the protection they give from the elements, is Gray, Robin Goodfellow (Seas that they can be launched more Shipping); Alcoa Ranger, Alcoa easily in rough seas than- can the Roamer (Alcoa); Steel Apprentice conventional lifeboats. There is no (Isthmian); Seamar, Marymar, Portdamage suffered to the raft if it mar (Calmar); Raphael Semmes collides with the ship, whereas (Waterman); Venore, Cubore (Ore) most wooden rafts would sink on were in port to be serviced. collision during launching, All of the ships were in good across the board wage increase of shape, with no major beefs, thanks 20 per cent, complete retroactivity to the cooperation among the dele­ at the new rates back to the start gates and crews. • v"v;. KVH while shaving inflatable Life Raft Successful with a •St Bait, Ship SO WHY TAKE CHANCES ON THE JOB? Jobs 'i Everybody knows that a straight edge razor is a mighty dangerous implement to slice your whisk­ ers with. That's obvious. Unfortunately, other equally-dangerous practices are sometimes not so obvious, whether they involve chipping without goggles, stepping into a bight or anyone of a halfdozen common couses of injury. Recognizing these points of danger is half the battle. Taking action to avoid them is the other halfi But if you're not aware of them there isn't much -you con do to prepare for on emergency. That's why it is so much in the self-interest of every Seafarer to participate personally in ship­ board safety meetings and to learn to avoid prac­ tices and work habits which invite injury. The shipboard meetings can go a long way to spread information on what to do and what not to do on the job. Attend your shipboarcT safety meetings. Learn, and practice, the safe way of doing your work— and everybody will benefit, including you. : ( •, I I^ i' Want To Sail Engineer? See BME The Brotherhood of Marine Engineers is now recruiting licensed men to fill open jobs resulting from new contracts and expanded service by several of Its operators. It prefers men who have come np ftom the foe'sle with its affiliated unions, men who know their Jobs aiid share the outlook of the SIU of NA. If you're interested in "gfag your ticket, consult the nearest BME representative, or Inquire at any SIU hall. ,- j An SIU Ship is a Safe Ship j ! I • �rrnc* nr» hEAFAREKS LOG J«fle tU lW Boilermakers Union Joins M'time Dept. WASHINGTON — The Int'I. Brotherhood of Boilermakers has become the 11th AFL-CIO union to Join the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. The Boilermakers affiliated with the MTD for the marine industry section of its 150,000-man membership; The Boilermakers maintain 801 lodges throughouf the country, with headquarters, in Kansas City, Kansas. Top officers are William A. Calvin, President, and William J. Buckley, Secretary. President emeritus Charles J. McGowan is a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council. The MTD represents several hundred-thousand union members in marind' craft industries. Among its, affiliates are the various divi­ sions of the SIU of NA, the Mas­ ters, Mates and Pilots, the Int'I Brotherhood of Longshoremen, ihe Commercial , Telegraphers, the Grain Millers, the Operating En­ gineers, the State, County and Municipal Employees, the Team­ sters, the Technical Engineers, and the Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers. Originally chartered by the AFL in 1946, the MTD includes local port councils of maritime and har­ bor workers on all coasts which cooperate closely on matters ot mutual Interest. SIU SecretaryTreasurer Paul Hall is MTD presi­ dent. Moving? Notify SlUpWeifaro Seafarers and SIU families whn apply for maternity, hos­ pital or .surgical benefits fromthe Welfare Plan are urged to keep the Union or the. Wel­ fare Plan advised of any changes of address while their applications are being proc­ essed. Although payments are often made by return mail, changes of address (or illegible return addresses) delay them when checks or "baby bonds" are returned. Those who are moving or plan to move are advised to immediately notify SIU, headquarters or the Wel­ fare Blan, at 11 Btoadway, New York, NY. Pursers In Delta Vote Pursers aboard Mississippi Ship­ ping Company vessels have begun voting as of June 12 on whe.ther they wish to affiliate with the Staff Officers Association. The voting will continue until August 31. The election, being conducted by the National Labor Relations Board, is the outcome of an organ­ izing drive by the SlU-affillated pursers union on lx>ard the Delta Lipe ships. The Staff Officers .Association currently represents pursers on ships of several major Atlantic and Gulf coast steamship companies. MA Plans Runaway Deal For Subsidized Operators WASHINGTON—The Maritime Administration appears ready to throw a $264 million windfall into the treasuries of American subsidized operators—despite the risk that it may kill off the rest of the US-flag shipping industry in the process. This mqve would have great ~~ appeal for the free-wheeling would otherwise go into the re­ nnson bill for strict limits on transfers said the Navy would not Congressional economy hloc, serve fleet. oppose switching ships such as the especially, with a record' peace­ time budget in the offing. It would require ho Government out­ lay Tor trade-ins. and would have the admitted advantage of spurring new construction immediately. All that would be needed would be a change in the shipping laws to perniit transfers of. aubsidized vessels before they reach the 20year age , limit. Under present law, subsidized operators can trade In their older ships to the Government and apply the tradein allowance on new construction. No Replacements Needed In theory, if they find certain trades undesirable, they already can legally transfer 20-year-old ships and not conunit themselves to build any replacement tonnage. In _these cases, subsidy contracts would be amended downward and that's all there would be to it. The feeling of the MA is that by aliowing the operators to trans­ fer their ships now. even before they hit the age limit, the opera­ tors can get a better price on them and save much more of the costs of new construction. This would cost the Government nothing ex­ cept the value of the ships that Launch New Marine Firemen's Hall MFOW President Sam Ben­ nett (left) welcomes' guests at formal opening of new Ma­ rine Firemen's tiq. in San Francisco. Decorative mural in front of building (right) de­ picts members' work. Guests included (I to r) Mike Sheehan, Canada SIU; J. J. McNulty, SUP; Jack Regan, BME; Jerry Demitratos, SUP; MCS patrol­ man John Stathis; Walter Stanley. MFOW, SIU SF agent Marty Breithoff. * * M One major aspect of this sltuation is the effect transfers of sub­ sidized C-type cargo ships, 'Victorys and passenger ships would have on the remaining non-tanker section of the US-flag industry. The tramp companies, operating Libertys only, wouHTbe in rough shape competing with foreign-flag C-types and Victorys. Non-subsid­ ized dry cargo fleets nsjng C-types would be at a similar disadvantage. In the ease of the passenger ships, the addition of Americanbuilt liners to the already mushi-ooming foreign - flag passenger fleet would make the going tough for all US-flag passenger opera­ tors, especially the newer ones. Fortunately for the passenger ship companies, they know they can al­ ways count on going to the Gov­ ernment for more operating sub­ sidies on this score. Congress al­ ways appears susceptible to the "prestige" argument that we must have at least a couple of foir-sized liners under the American flag— if only for appearance's' sake. Price Spread The form this huge giveaway would take is explicit in the MA's own figures based on today's .ship market prices and the estimated trade-in value of these ships at 20 years of age. The trade-in value of the 298 passenger and dry cargo vessels in the subsidized fleet is reckoned as $589 million and the present market value at $853 mil­ lion. Ships of 15 subsidized lines would be involved. ' Since the average age of the subsidized fleet is but 12 years and there is such, great emphasis on the need for new construction now, the 20-year rule is likely to go. Most of the Federal official­ dom concerned, with the exception of Labor Secretary James Mitchell, is counting on "assurances" that the transferred ships would still be under "effective US control" in the case of an emergency. Announcement of this policy was tipped a few weeks back when a Navy spokesman at a Senate sub­ committee hearing on the Mag- 5F Quakes Crack SUP BIdg. Steps SAN FRANCISCO—It wUl cost some $3,000 to repair damage to the SUP headquarters building caused by earthquakes during the past few years, and to enlarge thd dispatch board. Earthquakes, including the one which shook San Francisco during the SIUNA convention, have caused damage to both the interior and the outside of the building. The terrazzo steps on the Harrison street side have cracks in them, as had some of the linoleum in the building. The dispatch counter is to be lengthened eight feet in order to accommodate the new electric ship­ ping board to be installed soon. Acting on a recommendation by Secretary Morris Weisberger, the membership recently voted to re­ place the present board in San Francisco with a new modern elec­ tric board, similar to the one in SIU headquarters in New York. They also voted to place them in all SUP halls -at some future datA. US Lines' America to a runaway flag. This followed Congressional rejection of a.$90 million approptjation for the MA's ship replace­ ment program. Part of that fund was to provide a start on a replace­ ment for the aging America. The shipowner groups put up very little opposition to these cuts, a hint that they were aware of the new policy that would be forthcoming. For example, US Lines, under the program now in view, could get $9 million for the America on the world market, far more than it could count on in a trad^in. The future of all segments ' of the US merchant fleet will depend in^arge part on how fast the op­ erators rise to the bait. If the law is indeed changed and they start trying to dump too many shfps on the market at the same time, they may be in for a differ­ ent headache. •m ;f*il Six-Yr. Job High Topped In Houston HOUSTON—"Busy" was hardly the word for this port during the past two weeks when a record total of 315 men were dispatched to jobs. The record topped all shipping for the last six years in the Texas port area. The closest figure for shipping in one period from the Houston-Galveston area was at­ tained almost six years ago, in mid-November, 1951. Shipping that period totalled only 235 men, still way off. Since SIU shipping operations shifted from Galveston to Houston in November. 1954, the best that Houston has lieen able to come up with since then was 152 men shipped last September. SHJ port agent Bob Matthews attributed the "extraordinary" ac­ tivity to the wide assortment of payoffs and in-transits. There were six payoffs, the Sea Comet II (Ocean Carriers); Alice Brown, Margaret Brown (Bloomfield); Na­ tional Liberty (American Water­ ways); Irenestar .(Traders) and Ocean Ulla (Ocean Trans). All but the Ulla signed on again. Eighteen in-transit vessels were also listed for the period, covering ships for Isthmian, Seatrain, PanAtlantic, Mississippi, Waterman, Valentine, P'eninsula Navigation, American Waterways, Dolphin, Bull and Blopmfled. Due to the unusual job situation, men from Lake Charles and New Orleans were called on for some jobs "until we finally got the last man needed aboard," said Mat­ thews. However, the immediate future is not quite as bright. "As anyone who ships out of here more or less regularly knows, shipping here comes in spurts." v', . .J �SEAFARERS ra«« six Jane 11, 1957 LOG May 29 Through June 11 Picfured al dockside is the Grain Shipper, one of two Grainfleet vessels to be transferred under a transfer and build agreement. The company is to build a new type combination grain and oil car­ rier for use through the Seaway. The other vessel to be trans­ ferred is the Grain Trader. SlU Co. Plans Novel Oil-Grain Carrier WASHINGTON—An application for a construction sub­ sidy covering an unusual type of ship designed for Far East and Seaway operations has been filed with the Federal Mari-•time Board by the SlU-contracted Grainfleet Steamship Corp. Surplus Aid Pact Signed With Poland WASHINGTON — The United States - has signed an agreement granting $48,900,000 in farm sur­ plus and machinery to revive com­ munist Poland's foundering econ­ omy. The US has also promised help in securing Congressional authorization for another $46,100,000 in aid. As in other cases of this kind, 50 percent of the ship­ ments will go on US-flag vessels. The agreement, the largest and certainly the most important ever signed with a Communist nation since the Tito agreement, also pro­ vides for action on the part of the Treasury Department and the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce to 'ease trade restric­ tions with the Iron Curtain coun­ try. Poland has agreed "to take all possible measures" to prevent the resale or shipment of American goods to any other Communist na­ tion, especially Russia. This part of the agreement is in line with US foreign policy in not granting aid to die-hard Communist coun­ tries. But it'does leave the door open for possible negotiations with Red nations that seem on the verge of showing independence in their foreign policy. Similar aid followed Marshall Tito's break with feoviet Russia. Yugoslavia used the aid and loans granted by the United States to modify her system of compulsory deliveries of grain and foodstuffs to Russia. The agreement against resale is also seen as a possible factor to soothe the feelings of op­ ponents of the aid program. The agreement itself calls for repayment in two types of loans, one interest free, and the other bearing a Wz percent interest rate. The money is to be used to purchase American farm surplus and farm machinery, and for the repayment of transportation costs. The remaining $46.1 million can­ not be provided until the House votes on it. The company, the first SlU op­ erator to announce plans for Sea­ way operations, is preparing to build a unique combination oil and dry bulk carrier. The pro­ posed vessel is said to be the largest ship which will be able to travel the St. Lawrence Sea­ way. Its operation will involve the carrying of grain to the Near and Far East, and petroleum and petro­ leum products to Europe and the United States. One unusual factor of the ship's design is that the grain and .oil will be carried in the same cargo compartments which are designed to give maximum stowage. The ship is also designed to accommo­ date bulk cargoes of ore and coal, giving it, the company said, a flexi­ bility of utilization never before achieved on American-flag vessels, "By virtue of this, and because of the necessity of having cargo out­ bound and inbound, this vessel may probably be the prototype of a new American-flag tramp fleet." Estimated at a cost of $10.5 mil­ lion, the ship will be some 709 foot long, and have a service speed of 16 knots. Propelled by a steam turbine, the vessel will have an estimated deadweight tonnage of 25,000 tons. As part of the^build-and-transfer program, approved in principle by the Maritime Administration, Grainfleet will be allowed to trans­ fer two Libertys, the Grain Ship­ per and the Ocean Trader. Lakes Cruise Ship Struck MUSKEGON, MICH.—A dispute between the SlU Great Lakes Dis­ trict and the Michigan-Ohio Navi­ gation Co. which delayed the sail­ ing of the cruise ship Aquarama has been settled with the hiring of five additional men on a third shift during the excursion seasor^. Pickets were placed around the $7,500,000 cruise ship in protest against the hiring of shoreside workers to do fitout work normally performed by SlU members. The ship was originally set to start sailing June 9th, but was delayed while the issue was brought Tjefore .tbe. State Mediation Board. ,^ Boston New York Philadelphia ..........a......... Baltimore Norfolk Savannah Tampa ^ Mobile •... a...... New'Orleans. Lake Charles.... Houston Wilmington San Francisco '. Seattle . , 8 78 23 48 12 9 2 26 50 13 49 16 16 18 - Total .. .a Boston New York Philadelphia ... Baltimore ..... Norfolk Savannah Tampa ... Mobile New Orleans Lake Charles... Houston ... .'.v . Wilmington ..., San Francisco ., Seattle Dock B "•cii 147 368 DecH Deck B A Port Total Registered •A""4 2 17 46 6 14 29 46 14 5 6 . 2 3 0 24 3 28 15 10 10 . 43 30 13 8 14 3 10 15 DtCK B . Dock port Deck C 5 55 26 48 6 5 5 30 31 6 47 5 15 23 2 9 10 15 1 0 1 8 7 5 33 6 ' 3 6 3 11 6 5 2 . 0 0 3 8 3 27 1 3 3 307 106 75 Deck A Deck B Deck c BnB. A 273 •ng. A 5 48 16 35 2 12 5 30 40 6 35 12 19 15 2 21 * 21 6 1 3 9 18 6 22 6 5 10 Bng.' B 134 Bng. Bng. B C 1 41 20 33 2 7 2 23 41 5 52 8 9 17 4 13 6 21 ' 2 0 2 8 13 1 25 7 2 13 6 9 10 6 1 0 0 6 4 1 26 1 0 4 261 117 74 Bng. A stew. A 'S'- Bng. Bng. B C Stew. 2 9 8 17 5 2 2 1 11 2 22 9 5 12 Total A Total B 15 172 53 129 28 27 10 80 118 29 127 41 49 43 Stew. A stew. B Total A 280 105 921 8 47 16 67 16 5 5 13 44 18 74 23 13 37 386 1307 Total' B Stew. A stew. Stew. Total B ^ e. A Total B 218 66 0 5 2 6 1 0 0 4 1 3 35' 6 1 8 72 6 10 25 131 67 19 108 41 11 5 12 , 2 3 9 74 19 98 23 13 8 86 141 18 20 36 8 26 56 786 289 69 196 44 32 15 93 162 47 201 64 62 80 Total Reg. Stew. Stew. Total B A C 0 3 3 5 2 2 0 3 3 2 28 5 3 7 "St 219 Total B stew. A 4 35 21 27 3 0 2 21 26 2 42 7 12 16 Total Total Total Shig. C 25 181 104 166 20 14 12 106 134 28 315 46 48 97 9 . 25 18 17 4 0 0 13 , 13 7 88 8 4 15 Total Total c Ship. 221 1296 Alternating in fits and spurts of good and slow shipping, SlU job activity this period held to the pattern and rose again. Most of the rise could be credited to the record-break­ ing activity in Houston, which accounted for one-fourth of the total for the entire A&G Dis­ trict. • Houston shipped 315 out of the District-wide total of 1,296. Registration was T307. Besides Houston, which toppled all records for, that port for at least six years, and probably back to World War II as well, Philadel­ phia, Norfolk, Savannah, Mobile, New Orleans and Seattle also^ showed shipping gains. Boston and Wilmington remained the same: fair. ' In turn. New York, Baltimore, Tampa, Lake Charles and San Francisco declined. Both New York and Lake Charles have been rela­ tively "quiet" for some weeks. Although the overall registra­ tion ran ahead of shipping, activ­ ity in the engine department, showed the reverse. There were more black gang men shipped than registered. In the deck and stew­ ard departments, the spread be­ tween the jobs shipped and men registered was less than 30, but heavier on the registration side. A breakdown by seniority groups showed class A men getting a higher proportion of the total jobs than in the previous period. The class A portion was 61 percent; class B dropped, in turn, to 22 per­ cent, and class C men filled the rest. Savannah and Tampa shipped no class C men at all. The following is the forecast port by port: Boston: Fair . . . IJew York: Fair' . . . Philadelphia: Good . . . Balti­ more: Good . . . Norfolk: Slow . . . Savannah: Slow . . . Tampa: Quiet .. . Mobile: Good . .. New Orleans: Good . . . Lake Charles: Fair . . . Houston: Fair . . . Wilmington: Fair . . . San Francisco: Good . . . Seattle: Good. Shorthanded? If a crewmember quits while a ship is In port, delegates are asked to contact the hall Immediately for a replace­ ment. Fast action on their part will keep all jobs aboard ship filled at all times and elimi­ nate the chance of the ship sailing shorthanded. Hq Wins Big OT Bundle For Lake George Crew NEW YORK—A beef arising from the Lake George's trans­ fer foreign was settled in the crew's favor this week in the Commissioner's office, reports Claude Simmons, port agent. Altliough the union had to hold up paying off the ana, Texas, Savannah, Georgia, crew, he said, it was success­ New Jersey, New York (Seatraln); ful In collecting 1,400 hours dis­ puted overtime for 15 crew mem­ bers. The overtime involved work per­ formed by native shore gangs and restriction to the ship In Argen­ tina. "So there was some consola­ tion for the crew for losing their ship to the foreign flag," he added. Shipping In the port of New York has continued at a fair pace during the past two weeks. Be­ sides covering contracted ships, Simmons continued, the Union has been busy In the organizing field. At times, he said, the dispatcher was hard pu^ to secure the neces­ sary replacements. 42 Vessels There were 42 vessels In port during the past period. They In­ cluded 23 paying ofl!, 5 signing on, and 14 in transit. The Ideal X, Almena, Coalinga Hills (Pan-Atlantic); Pan-Oceanic Transporter (Penn. Nav.); Lake George (USPC); Frances, Kathryn, Elizabeth, " Beatrice (BuU); Steel Director (Isthmian); Seatraln New Jersey, Seatraln New York (Sea­ traln); Lawrence Victory (Missis­ sippi); Bradford Island, Chiwawa (Cities Service); Mermaid (Metro. Petrol.); Alcoa Pointer, Alcoa Ranger, Alcoa Roamer, Alcoa Pegasus, Alcoa Puritan (Alcoa) and the Rion (Actlum) paid off while the Steel Director (Isth­ mian), Robin Sherwood (Robin), Alcoa Pointer, Alcoa Pegasus and Alcoa Puritan (Alcoa) signed on. The following ships were in transit: Pan Oceanic Transjmrter (Penn.); Steel Apprentice, Steel Age (Isthmian); The Cabins (Ter­ minal Tankers); Seatralns Louisi­ Portmar, Kenmar, Bethcoaster (Calmar) and the Robin Hood (Robin), Senate OK's ' PHS Fund WASHINGTON—The Senate han followed the lead of the House and adopted the $44 million Public Health Service appropriation. The appropriation, which was in­ creased $5 million over the pre­ vious year on the recommendation of President Elsenhower, will go for the upkeep of marine hospitals throughout the country. One of the first objectives of the PHS Jhis year Is the building up of an Inventory of medical supplies which has run down in the past few years because the hospitals did not have enough funds to stock up. The increased amount will also go for new equipment and increased personnel to bring these hospitals up to first-class condition. The action by Congress brought badly-needed help for the marino hospitals which-have been under "budget cutting" fire since 1953. PHS has been threatened with ex­ tinction during the past few years by promoters of the Hobby-Hoover program. This program, the result of studies by ex-president Herbert Hoover which were adopted by the former Secretary of Health, Edu­ cation and Welfare, had sought the closing down of all Federal medi­ cal facilities for seimeh. ' �jwM XI, im SEAFARERS LOG YOUR DOLLAR'S WORTH Wider Port Seafarer's Guide To Better Bnyla^ Rights Won By SlU Co. /-•' "•' 'Tti;'• v^: 1. Pace. SevM Dream Ship ~ A Wine Tanker By Sidney Margoliua What Gives With Savings Bonds? WASHINGTON—Expanded and The public is confused over what to do about E bonds, now that their more flexible coastwise service by yield has been increased to 3V4 percent. the Pan-Atlantic Steamship Corp. In fact, despite the increase granted by Congress in April, people is now in view following the rec­ are still cashing in more E and H bonds than they are buying. Ques­ ommendation of an Interstate tions savings-bond officers are getting show that many people don't Commerce Commission examiner. even know about the increase, .while others are confused about the The examiner, M. L. Winson, status of their old bonds. has recommended that Pan-Atlan­ Congress inay have to legislate still another increase if it wants to tic be authorized to buy out the restore E bonds to their old status as the wage-earner's favorite ^way Atlantic Coast operating rights of to save. But meanwhile, the recent increase puts E bonds close to the the S. C. Loveland Co. of Phila­ top as the most, profitable way to save with no risk. A new survey of delphia for approximately $318,000. yields from different types of savings shows that the 314 rate now Pan-Atlantic now has authority paid by E bonds surpasses the typical 3 per cent now being paid by to serve eight large Atlantic Coast sdvings banks, equals the 314-314 paid by many savings and loan asso­ ports from Boston to Miami. ciations except in the Far West, and some parts of the South, as Flor­ Loveland has authority to service ida, and is outranked only by the 314-4 per cent paid by most credit every Atlantic port but has only unions, with some credit unions paying as much as 5 per cent. partially used this authority in re­ Here are answers to questions people are asking about the new cent years. Pan-Atlantic's acquisi­ status of E bonds: ^ tion of the Loveland rights would "Are old bonds bought before thO increase in rates still earning in­ enable it to service all of these terest?" ports, for which it now has no The forward section of the first American wine tanker is launched Yes, they earn an average of 3 per cent if held to maturity. The authority. in San Francisco. Tug boats towed the hulk to another dry dock The ICC examiner said that new 314 per cent rate applies to all bonds bought since Feb. 1. were it will be welded to the already completed stem. Manned "Is It preferable to cash in old bonds to take advantage of the higher Loveland's purchase by Pan-Atlan­ by West Coast seamen, the vessel will carry some two and one-half tic would mean a "vastly superior rate being paid on newly-bought bonds?" million gallons of wine from Stockton, Calif, to New York. It doesn't pay to turn in bonds you bought more than 214 years ago service" to the shipoing public. These will earn over 314 per cent from the 21f>-year mark to maturity, There would be a slight advan­ tage in turning in bbnds bought more recently, unless you prefer to postpone your tax liability on the increase value. The Masters, Mates and Pilots and 'the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association last Fri­ "What about bonds that have day both appealed for "earliest possible" action by the tvlro-man subcommittee named a already matured and which peo­ month ago by AFL-CIO President George Meany to look into the American Coal Shipping ple are still holding?" dispute. These earn 3 per cent, com­ The MM&P and MEBA re­ Potofsky, president of the Amalga­ their efforts to win bargaining pounded semi-annually, from the quests were contained in mated Clothing Workers of Amer­ rights for licensed officers on ACS time they mature. There is an separate telegrams ' sent to. George ica. The telegrams urged action ships. advantage in trading them for the Harrison, president of the Brother­ on the two unions' grievances Harrison and Potofsky were new model if you intend to keep hood of Railway Clerks, and Jacob against the NMU arising out of named as the subcommittee after your new bonds a while, but not a full report on the dispute had if^you intend to cash them within been given to the AFL-CIO Execu­ the next 214 years. tive Council by President Meany "Where do you redeem savings and representatives of all the AFLbonds?" CIO maritime unions involved. Either at your own bank which The MMStP telegram—signed by has a record of your signature, or Captain John M. Bishop, secretaryat a Federal Reserve Bank office, treasurer—declared that "more ANACORTES, Washington—Longshoremen in the Pacific than three weeks have elapsed if there's one in your city. "Should you name a co-owner Northwest, members of the International Brotherhood of since we were advised that the twoor beneficiary on E bonds?" Longshoremen, were assured full backing of the local Mari­ man subcommittee . . . would meet In case of death it simplifies imatters for your family if you name a to consider the American Coal dis­ co-owner. A beneficiary named on the bond can cash in E bonds, too, time Trades Department"*^ pute" and that "to date we still do but must show a death certificate. council on any and all beefs. particular union . . . has Just gone not have any action of a similarly on record to assess ourselves one nature taken by the AFLLong-Range Advantage James Willoughby, president dollar per year to further the MTD. positive CIO which would protect our The new bonds correct to some extent the disadvantage that E bonds of the Puget' Soqnd Maritime r know for a fact that other mari­ earn only a small return in their early years. You had to keep the Trades Council and Seattle port time unions have done exactly the rights as an AFL-CIO trade union." Tlie MEBA telegram—signed by old bonds nine years and eight months to earn the full three per cent. same.' President Herbert L. Daggett—as­ Now an $18.75 bond will be worth $25 in eight years and 11 months. agent of the Marine Cooks and "If anyone here has any doubt serted that "the lapse of time in a However, even the new bonds are on a sliding scale which still makes Stewards, told a regional longshore them more advantageous for long-range savings than for such tem­ meeting, "the MTD stands neady, that I don't know what it means to determination of this dispute can porary goals as purchases you plan to make soon. The new bonds willing and able to back you in be in a position where another only work against our interests." Both telegrams pointed out that earn 2.3 per cent the first year, and 2.8 the second year. Not until an all out effort in any economic undesirable union pours money and effort into thwarting the efforts President Meany has stamped the action you choose to take." the third year do they earn 3 per cent. Further, the MCS agent pledged of-honest trade unionists, the proof Rates paid by other savings accounts have been edging' up too. that the MTD would fight to resist of that is the success of the Marine NMU action "a clear violation of Average paid by savings banks in states that have them are now up to any infiltration by "certain so- Cooks and Stewards. "Wo were the basic principles of trade union­ an estimated 3 per cent. They are sometimes higher in New Eng­ balled independent forces who want determined not to be ruled by ism" and has promised both MM&P and-MEBA full AFL-CIO support. land, especially New Hampshire where a number of banks pay 314, to gain control of the IBL." those, who had interests detrimen­ The MM&P, in its telegram, also and also in Massachusetts, but go as low as 2 per cent in Indiana. tal to true trade unionism and The IBL foot­ reminded the subcommittee that Savings and loan associations now typically pay 314-314 per cent, and hold on the Paci­ eight years of struggle along with picket lines against the company as mudi as 4 per cent in California and several other areas. hundreds of thousands of dollars fic Northwest has had been established "in protest E bonds have a special advantage in their-tax-postponable feature. been a particular proved that." against the raiding of our jurisdic­ You don't have to pay Federal tax on the increase in value until you target of efforts tion by the cut-rate contracts of cash in the bond. This makes them especially useful for long-range by Harry Bridges District 50" and that "our dispute • savings as for retirement, or as a backlog against unemployment, who would like to involves whether or not another since in a year of low income you would escape the tax altogether. swallow up long­ AFL-CIO union will respect our On that basis their new 314 per cent yield is as good as a taxable 4 shoremen on all per cent return. Nor do you have to pay any state or local tax on the coasts. When notifying headquarters picket lines when our jurisdiction E-bond yield. by cable or wireless that a Sea­ is being raided by an independent The Maritime Willoughly Christmas Clubs farer has paid off in a foreign organization which is not an AFLTrades Depart­ port because of injury or illness, CIO union." A value-wise reader in Superior, Wisconsin, questions our advice ment, Willoughby pointed out, has MEBA pointed out that "Presi­ ships' delegates should include to save in regular accounts rather than Christmas Clubs. He points proof plenty that we can work dent Meany, as you know, has the following information: out that even if a Christmas Club account pays little or no interest, together in beefs that would have The man's full name, his SIU stated on several occasions that it is available when you want it, about Dec. 1, before Christmas shop­ been lost had we not joined hands there is no justification whatsoever book number, name of the ship, ping. But if you withdraw money from a savings account on that to ward off the phonies. We have for the position being taken by the date you'll lose the interest anyway. He feels Christmas Clubs en­ not sought the limelight of publici­ the port of payoff and the hos­ NMU in ignoring the legitimate pital where he is being treated. courage thrift. ty in our organization but we have The response of ship's crews picketline of MEBA, which in ef­ If they do, that helps. But it would be more profitable to encourage gone quietly at work accomplishing to the Union's request for these fect places NMU as giving support yourself. Banks credit interest on various dates, not necessarily on the things we intend to do in the notifications has been very good. to a splinter group, namely District Dec. 31. But more important^ one survey found that only one of four future and that is to be—through Sometimes though, not all of 50, which is not part-of the organ­ Christmas Club savers really saved for Christmas. Actually 31 per unity—a help to all our affiliates ^the above information has been ized labor movement." Copies of the telegram were sent cent transferred their club savings to regular accounts; 10 per cent alike in any issue that involves included. Be sure to list all of used the money to pay taxes; another 10 per cent used it for insurance wages, hours and conditions, or this data so that the SIU can to President Meany and the Ex­ ecutive Council as well as to th« premiums, and the rest for mortgage payments, year-end bills, and their jurisdiction. act as promptly as possible. subcommittee. . home-furnishltigs purchtsjes.,,; , . . "I might point out that my J -^i • -rs#! -I' Ship Officers Seek Coal Beef Action Paget Sound MTD Pledges Aid To IBL List Details in Cables To Union J| �Paire Elrht SEAFAKERS LOG MCS Cleans Up Bills; $10,000 Repaid To SlU Maritime Unions Honor War Dead The happy ending to a success story came this month when the membership of the Marine Cooks and Stewards voted repayment of financial aid granted to it by several organizations. Included among them"* Ed Turner of MCS were the California State repayment, noted, "Although ... we have Federation of Labor and the never been asked to repay this 1^ ' m Rap MA Bid For Power To Sell US Lay-Up Fleet r Ends In Lk. Chas. I. fmy:f . irr" • i- $8 Billions In Tax Cufs For Big Biz WASHINGTON —The "welfare state" for big busine^ enterprises will cost the Federal Government about $8 billion dollars by 1960, the AFL-CIO Economic Policy Committee reports. It quotes figr ures from Secretary of the Treas­ ury George Humphrey to show that the US has lost ^at stagger­ ing amount because of tax write­ offs granted by the Office of De­ fense Mobilization. Nearly 22,000 of these write-off certificates have been granted, most of them in the major indus­ tries like steel, railroads,, chemi­ cals, oil, public utilities and others. Five billion of the Government loss from November, 1950 to March 20, 1957 was in the form of direct loss in tax revenue. The other three billion involved, the cost to the Treasury of borrowing money to make up the loss in revenue. , — Normally, when a company builds a plant it is allowed to take a depreciation deduction on its plant and equipment for the life of the plant. If it is expected to last^ 20 years, for example, then the company can deduct the cost of the plant in installments over the 20-year period. But with the fast tax write-off, the company deducts the cost over a five year period, giving it a much bigger tax deduction item. After five years, it resumes paying full taxes on the plant, but has already received, in effect, an interest-free tax loan, from the Government for the cost of the plant. These same business groups have attacked the outlay of Gov­ ernment funds on welfare pro­ grams, such as the marine hospi­ tals, as "creeping socialism." ^ money by the A&G District, we certainly hope you can make good use of this in beating Joe Curran." In the resolution dealing with the repayment of the financial as­ sistance, the Marine Cooks mem­ bership noted that the Marine Cooks and Stewards "are now financially able to pay back the money that was borrowed in the organizing drive." The resolution further added that "as far as the Atlantic & Gulf District is concerned, that we not only pay back the amount of money that was loaned to us . . . but also Members of the clergy and Texas maritime unions are pictured that we go further on record to during Memorial Day services, honoring departed seamen who support the Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ gave their life in the defense of the US. Gathered around an It may be merely a coincidence, trict financially and in any other anchor-wreath of flowers are, I to r, J. J. Kennedy, MM&P; John way that our brothers on the East but—"As the ship was leaving Ant­ Serro, MEBA; the Rev. M. W. Bulgerin and Charles Kimball, SIU. werp," writes reporter E. B. Hard- Coast may ask us to." castle, ship's delegate on the Mar­ garet Brown, "a carrier pigeon arrived on board. The bird made himself a regular homebody while some of the crew glared hun­ gry-eyed. Said WASHINGTON—Strong opposition from both management and maritime labor has been pigeon disap­ expressed against the Maritime Administration's proposal that Congress grant the agency i. pears," he con­ jlanket powers to sell Government reserve fleet vessels to foreign nations. A bill to that Hardcastle tinued, "and the next meal consisted of stewed effect has been proposed byt chicken (?). The steward, mean­ Clarence Morse, Maritime Ad­ harm would come to the nation's different nations from time to time while, stalks the deck pretending ministrator as a substitute for maritime industry if such sales .when the State Department felt innocence." As we said, it may legislation now pending for sales were permitted. Under pending that such a sale would improve our be merely a coincidence, but. . . of ships to eight nations. Under legislation, "there would be sold to relations with the purchasing na­ Morse's proposal, such sales would our foreign cbmpetitors the tools tion. » 4; be restricted to use In the domes­ for international competition at sea at prices which are fabulous Talking about food, a good can­ tic trade of the nation involved. The unanimous opposition of bargains in today's market." didate for "the most considerate cook" would be Stanley Wojton, the industry to the proposal is In presenting his proposal, Morse 2nd cook and baker on the SS. based on the fear that it would stated that he would restrict the Santore. The crew voted him a open the door to wholesale bargain use of these ships to domestic hearty vote of thanks, writes ship's ship sales to foreign nations for trade. He also announced that UAlV President Walter Reuther advocate R. C. Hoiles, has entered delegate Chester F. Just, for this all purposes. The State Depart­ Congress should by-pass the 1946 excellent baking at all times, and ment has conceded that bids for statutory price and allow the De­ has asked Defense Secretary its second month. The dispute for the delicious coffee-time pas­ some 226 vessels have come from partment of Commerce to get every Charles Wilson to review a $119 started when the Newspaper Guild tries he makes for the entire crew. foreign nations to date. possible nickel out of the proposed million contract for 900 medium AFL-CIO sought better seniority While the Morse proposal would sales. He added that no ship needed tanks granted to the Government- rights and a Guild shop. Hoiles $ 4^ » restrict ships to domestic trades, for defense purposes would be sold owned facility at Newark, Del. then locked out members of the Other stewards have been martime observers took little com­ and that the competitive position Reuther termed the Detroit area a Typographical Union and the named for honors, Among them fort from that restriction, point­ of the American merchant marine distressed area by Labor Depart­ Printing Pressmen and Stereoment standards with unemployment typers when they refused to work ing out that similar limitations would be "protected." was the galley of more than six percent. High without a contract. Hoiles, the have been bypassed in previous crew of the • The Administrator specifically ship sales with the approval of opposed any bills what .would car inventories and the coming owner of Freedom Newspapers, Irenestar. "Well, end of the 1957 model production Inc., has imported workers from the US Government. as far as this authorize the sale of US ships to Speaking for maritime labor in West German countries for the year indicate, "Reuther said, "that other parts of his enterprises to ship is concerned, his capacity as president of the transportation of American coal. the situation will get worse be­ work behind picket lines. everybody is hap­ 4' 4* 4> Maritime Trades Department, He said that there were enough fore it gets better." py," said Robert Strikes which would tie up 75 .i t AFL-CIO, SIU Secretary-Treas­ vessels now on hand to take care Ayers, ship's dele­ The Flight Engineers' Inter­ percent of all cement production urer Paul Hall declared: "Before of this country's coal exports. He gate. "We sure the Government considers bolster­ referred to the recent drop in national Association, AFL-CIO, are "inevitable," warns Felix Jones have the food on ing foreign merchant fleets it freight rates to below $7 a ton in has ' announced distribution of of the Cement, Lime and Gypsum here, and a vote . a movie, "Man of the Sky," telling Workers, unless the companies en­ should consider the needs of this area. of thanks to the gage in "serious collective bargain­ American-flag shipping." steward department. This captain Although restrictions have been the story of the Flight Engineer's Contracts covering 105 is all for a good feeding ship." These sales, Hall pointed out, placed in previous sales on use of contribution to aviation safety and ing." cement manufacturing plants have economy. The film, starring Rob­ are actually US Government sub­ the vessels, it was pointed out that sidies to foreign citizens. The lat­ after ships were sold to the Philip­ ert Hutton and Don Haggerty, was already passed their primary ex­ ter could get all the ships • they pines for use in their inter-island shot at airports in Europe and the piration date and by July 1, con­ want on the open market but "are trade, permission had been granted United States, and has action shots tracts covering 25,000 workers will looking for a bargain at the ex­ by the Secretary of Commerce for of Flight Engineers at work in haye expired. The union is. asking pense of the US taxpayer and the the same vessels to be used in planes of most of the major air­ for a 10-cent hourly wage increase, a correction of area differentials^ lines. US merchant marine." International trade. and other benefit improvements. 4" 4" t It has been pointed out that un­ ..Thorsten V. Kalijarvi, Assistant LAKE CHARLES — The Paint­ 4) 4* 41 The AFL-CIO has joined with ers Union has signed a contract der the 1946 Ship Sales Act, Secretary of State for Economic David J. McDonald, president of the Air Line Pilots Association in Llbertys can be sold for as little with contractors here ending its as $540,000 at a time when the Affairs, said that instances "might calling for modifications in pend­ the United Steelworkers of Amer­ ^conceivably arise where the inter­ month-long strike. The union had going price in the world market is ests of the US might demonstrably ing legislation providing for mod­ ica, announced that certain em­ previously turned down two con­ up to $1,100,000. The open-handed be furthered by the sale of certain ernization of aviation traffic con­ ployers have created a secret tract offers because the terms sale of ships to foreigners con­ vessels not limited to purely coast­ trol. The legislation, based on rec­ school to train "union busters." He ,said that the school was not were unsatisfactory. trasts strongly with what an Amer­ wise operation." In such cases, the ommendations by Edward C. sponsored by industry generally, The Royal Oal^ Chiwawa, Gov­ ican citizen faces when he applies State department or the Depart­ Curtis, special assistant to Pres. but by "certain selfish people in ernment Camp, Bents Fort, Winter for Government shipping aid. In ment of Commerce could grant Eisenhower on Aviation Facilities American industry."- Speaking be­ Hill, Bradford, Island, Cantigny such an Instance, it takes weeks permission to use the ships in in­ Planning, would set up for three fore a regional conference in New (Cities Service); Val Chem (Val­ and perhaps months of hearings, ternational trade. years an agency to deal with air York, he reported that the "agi­ entine); Del Santos (Mississippi): and often special legislation before A total of 1,113 vessels were sold traffic problems. tators" school pays troiiiees $6,'60O and the SUP tanker Mission Santa such a request can be approved. to foreign purchasers before the t- t- tduring their year's course and that . . Barbara-.;werte. ;in port , during the Alvin ^haplro, ylce-presldent of old „ ship sales -authority,: expire^. The strike against .Jthe Lima, ihey .rece;ive $7^00,0 a; year .after ; last periocL' All were reported in the American Merchant Marine Since tiien there have been liills' Ohio, "Hews," one of the "many they are planted in jobs in mines, good shape. Institute, said that- "Irreparable proposed for sales in small lots to publications put out by anti-union mills and factories. SIU Atlantic and Gulf District among others. Consequently a check for $10,000 representing aid voted by the SIU membership back in 1953 has been forwarded to, SIU headquarters. In a letter accompanying the j,.- June 21. 195t �June 21, 19&7 •r -u v" >• >•' •" •'" •« • •r! :'-"-.i.: i'M-i SEAFARERS •i-J- >r3|T.\ Vc?- Fare Nine LOG >•'•.•' " - • -i" •.' % •'*' •• t; "•-.; '.i.f ... :- y...: .; •^:' - '••. -.•. '• r,'. •- •;.- '' •~- •"• v"'-. ^ ' ¥""• *• • •••; *';• • • \ '" A unique experiment in retirement livinji; for old-time Sailors is now in its fifth year. It con­ sists of comfortable efficiency apartments in or near the SUP port halls where men whb'have left the sea can still keep in touch with old friends and the seafaring life. A home for retired Sailors was dedicated In Wilmington on December 7, 1952, and other reirement apartmer.vs were provided later at new port offices in Seattle, and Portland. Each of the apartments includes a kitchen, living room and bathroom, fully furnished with all necessary gear. Automatic washing and dry­ ing machines are in the building. Tbe Wilming­ ton home, a block from the Union's hall,, is equipped with an electric cart to make it easy for disabled oldtimcrs to get around. Rents are moderate, varying from $15 -a month for those on disability 6r early retire­ ment pension to $30 a month for men on a full pension ($100 monthly plus Social Security). The program is assurance of comfortable, pleas­ ant surroundings-for the oldtimers. la iaa© z*x©[}Q(o)[?© '•m J.. - • -i-ai' 1 • •-> i.| •m .if;I - -<1 ••2 . '~-A 1 : • %\ /• m ' ^- •; • i.V ;• • ..... �Par* Tea British Plan 1-Class Superliner The idea of an American hotel man for a 9,000 passenger, one-class transatlantic liner— an idea which has been sidetracked here—is apparently being adopted, lock, stock and barrel by the British, according to the London Financial Times. That. newspaper has re­ the Atlantic, will offer a ported that plans are afoot low-cost cafeterias and In res­ named taurants. This too was one of the minimum off-season rate of $187.50. for a British-built superliner features espoused by Cantor. It will operate between New York, of 90,000 to 95,Q00 tons, carrying The proposed Swedish ship Zeebrugge and Amsterdam, taking all of its 9,000 passengers in one would accommodate 1,300 passen­ seven days for the crossing. The class. The ship would have a cruis­ gers and would have an auditorium ship, which is the former Badger capable of seating 800 people at Mariner, is now undergoing con­ ing speed of 351^ knots, which version at the Ingalls Shipbuilding conventions and other meetings. would permit it to make a trans­ Meanwhile, the only potential yard in Pascagoula, Miss. It wUl atlantic crossing inside of four low-cost operation under the Amer­ accommodate 900 passengers, most days. In combination with airline ican flag, the Arnold Bernstein of them in tourist class, and will service (one way by air, one way group, is making headway in its be completely air-conditioned. The Bernstein group has plans plans to go into service next spring. by ship) such a vessel would per­ Bernstein has announced that his for constructing two, new vessels mit the average American with a company has Joined the North for the transatlantic operation. The proposed British superliner two-week vacation to spend seven Atlantic Passenger Conference and has gone to Belgium to make ar­ undoubtedly would be built by the or eight days on the continent. rangements for a passenger ter­ Cunard Line if it should ever come 300,000 Horsepower minus in Zeebrugge for his opera­ to pass. Cunard offices in New As described by the. London tion. York said they had not received newspaper, the vessel would be The Bernstein ship, which will be any word of such plans to date. totally air-conditioned and would have its engine room back aft. The engines would generate the enor­ mous total of 300,000 horsepower. Some of the American aircraft carriers now afloat generate in excess of 200,000 horsepower. The New York hotel man, H. B. Cantor, has been proposing a ves­ sel of this size with equivalent WASHINGTON—Prospects for a continued flow of for­ passenger capacity for a number eign aid shipments, which would be carried under terms of of years, but thus far has been un­ able to interest Government offi­ the "50-50" law, were brightened last week when the Senate cials in acting on his proposal. authorized a $3.6 billion for-"*^ Meanwhile, existing American such action in the 10-year history transatlantic operators, such as US eign aid program after de­ of the forcdgn aid program. Lines, are proceeding, with plans feating a series of amend­ The two-year military aid au­ to build conventional three-class ments which would have crippled thorization was for $1.8 billion passenger vessels, providing for a type of travel which is fast becom­ the measure. In the House, the for planes and guns. In addition, foreign aid authorization is still in there was an $800 million item ear­ ing obsolete. marked for "defense support," Most foreign operators are al­ committee. which is economic aid to front­ ready actively involved in the oneThe Senate authorization—which line countries like Korea and Na­ class field, with the Swedish- represented a victory for the tionalist China to support their American Line announcing that it Eisenhower Administration—came military forces. would build a one-class Pullman- as the result of a 57-25 bi-partisan style tour ship providing meals in vote spearheaded by Sen. Knowland of California, the Republican floor leader, and Sen. Johnson of Texas, the Democratic majority leader. However, both Senate leaders, while defending the various sec­ tions of the bill, as recommended by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, hinted that cuts in the SAN FRANCISCO — SeventySAN FRANCISCO—Moore - Mc- program would be made when the three passengers and twenty-three Cormack Lines has announced the bill calling for actual appropria­ SIU Pacific District crewmembers transfer of the SS Mormacsurf to tions hits the Senate floor. its west coast operation. The vessel Last week's action simply au­ aboard the SS President Cleveland was transferred last week, its NMU thorized foreign aid spending ceil­ were stricken with Asian flu dur­ crew paid off and a full SIU Paci­ ings. To carry out the authoriza­ ing the vessel's 18-day transpacific fic District crew signed on, in­ tion, Congress must appropriate voyage. The ship was held in cluding members of the Sailors the money, and traditionally the quarantine off Treasure Island for Union, Marine Firemen and Marine Senaterlbwers the spending ceilings three liours. Cooks. when it comes to voting on the Ship's physician. Dr. Francis "No doubt the company will have appropriations. Gal'oraith, himself one of the vic­ Sen. Johnson, during the debate tims, said the flu was "quite mild" to bring her up to West Coast standards," said Morris Weisberger, on the authorization measure, and'no worse than American flu. SUP secretary. Among the im­ termed the appropriations pro­ Army technicians from the virus provements that will have to be cedure "a far different question" laboratory of Letterman Army made in order to maintain the than the authorization, and implied Hospital at the Presidio here standards set in the West Coast that the Government will not get boarded the vessel and took blood contract are built-in box bunks, all the money the Senate author­ samples from ten of the stricken refrigerators in each messroom, ized. passengers for laboratory exam­ fans in every room, as well as However, he warned against any inations. Military officials want to washing machines for the use of reductions in the authorizations make certain the flu was of the the crew. now and said the Foreign Relations same type that has swept across Committee had already "ap­ Asia since April. proached the peril point" in its The "oriental flu" has attacked $252 million cut in the Adminis­ over a million persons throughout tration's original foreign aid re­ India,-the Philippines, Japan and quest. Formosa. Some 500,000 were re­ The ensuing authorization vote ported affected in Bombay in two was looked upon as indicating fa­ weeks, 7,000 in one day in a town SAN FRANCISCO—There has vorable Congressional sentiment of 50,000 on Formosa, 15,200 in been little activity for Seafarers for the Administration's po.sition, New Delhi, and 80,000 in Japan. in this area during the past period even though some cuts may be The epidemic has begun to ebb In because of a slow-down in ship­ made later. most otner areas of Formosa ping. The two essential parts of the where there was a reported 1,000,There were no vessels paying off, Administration program, which 000 cases ia the last two months. and only one, the Fairport (Water­ were backed up by the Senate ac­ American officials feared that man), signed on during the last tion, were authorization of military the epidemic may spread to more two weeks. The Steel Executor aid for a two-year period and en­ US vessels and seamen, and even­ (Isthmian), Pennmar (Calmar), dorsement of a long-range fund, tually into the country. Tighter Grain Shipper ^Grajn Fleet), with no terminating date, to handle medical restrictions and examina­ Rebecca (Intercoastai), Arizpa, most of the economic development tions have been urged on vessels Young America (Waterman) and assistance to underdeveloped na­ coming from the Far East in at­ tempts to keep the possibility of the Coe Victory (Victory Carriers) tions. The latter action > was the first an epidemic here to a minimum. w«£e in transit. >. • ,f . >).» . '50-50' Future Brighter As Sefiate OK's Aid Biii Coast Crews Mormacsurf Slow Period Felt In Frisco Ir'" June 21. 1957 SEAFARERS LOG 'Asian' Flu Hits Crew, Passengers SLtZABITH (Bull) May If—Chitr' man, Wm. J. Aniieh; Sacratary J. Cook. Report to patrolmen about re­ striction of craw in Maccorla. Keep messhall clean cups to pantry. Hold patrolman untU repair Uit la checked. Topside knows meeting proceedings to be checked. One minute sUenca for departed brothers. MANKATO VICTORY (Victory Car­ riers) April 33—Chairman, R. Wright; 8acratary,~J. A. Long.. Clean payoff. Some extra repairs to be done. Mora repairs to be done ashore. Ship's dele­ gate of last trip resigned. Accepted. Vote of conBdence given him. New ship's delegate electedr New delegate to check on slop chest and sea chest as to pripes. REBBCCA (Intercontinental) (No date)—Chairman, M. Culpi Secretary, pairs that have been riding for Six months. Crew pantryman in hospital with a broken leg. Steward is taking over his Job and handling both Jobs weU. The captain would not authorize the steward to take on fresh milk. Ice cream and other, needed foods in Okinawa. Suggested the Company should be asked to' be sure about sail­ ing board times. Suggested that some Independent type of heating system should be used for two rooms upper aft. Preferably electric. Upper four men are cold and lower 18 men are hot. May f—Chairman, A. LIparl; Secre­ tary, J. Guard. SaUed deck engineer short due to error. This vessel hav­ ing no ship's fund it was suggested that each member contribute SI. to establish fund. ANDREW JACKSON (Wsterman), April 7—Chairman, B. Creel; Secre­ tary, I. Lienot. Most of repairs taken care of. Rest to be done at San Fran­ cisco. Not to use washing machine at night. Fix drain at the washing ma­ chine room. Delegate to see engineer ^•bout the sanitary water for toUeU. ^ May It—Chairman, C. White; Sec­ retary, F. Lopez. Beef on unsafe working conditions on deck. Will check with port steward to be sure fans are put on board in San Fran­ cisco. 'Vote of thanks to stewafd de­ partment for a very good feeder and a Job well done. BATTLE ROCK (USPC) Ap/il 30— Chairman, G. Ruf; Secretary,''^*. Mc- J. Torre. Deck department contro­ versy over sandblasting overtime. Is this time and a half or what? Creyv unanimously voted to go on record to check New York headquarters over unauthorized conversion of rooms -aboard. Cleaning of laundry to be done by departments. JOHN CHESTER KENDALL (Bull) May 12—Chairman, A. Smith; .Secre­ tary, S. Weiis. Vote of thanks for the steward for the good service for the trip. Suggestion to let delegates settle all beefs with patrolman in order for good payoff in SIU style. Suggestion for a new washing ma­ chine be put aboard. Ship's delegate to ask captain for list of draws and slops for each man. Crew warned about tales going top side and that was not SIU way of doing busine,?s."A vote of thanks to the captain from the crew for all the help and con­ sideration he has shown during this voyage. One minute of. silence for the departed brothers. ALCOA PEGASUS (Alcoa), May 12 —Chairman, R. Danieis; Secretary, R. Wendeil. Ship safety meeting held. S50 in ship's fund, S39.37 spent for baseball equipment and chess­ board. S10.63 left in ship's fund. Coffee urn- to be replaced. Repairs for last voyage not done. Have cylin­ der locks installed on all foc'sle doors. Members of steward depart­ ment will dump garbage from stern. Vote of thanks to steward depart­ ment for Job well done. Elected new ship's treasurer. ALCOA PENNANT (Alcoa), May t —Chairman, J, Brown; Sacretsry, M. Hummeii. See patrolman about all hands pulling boat in after firs and boat drill. All men under 40 years old to see about getting polio shots. Request for larger lockers on ship. Room for the ^ fireman. ALCOA PIONEER (Alcoa), April 17 —Chairman, R. Taiieksen; Secretary, J. Purseil. At safety meeting captain suggested that sitting on rails be eliminated. Complaints about baking discussed. Suggested to sea about changing brand of milk in Mobile as the present brand is not of good qual­ ity. Request having strawberries placed on board. ALCOA PLANTER (Alcoa), May 13 —Chairman, C. Mafette; Secretary, A. Andersen. New washing machine placed in port of New York at last voyage. S63.2B on hand. Vote of thanks to steward department for good chow and service, suggested steward not to use washing machine for ship's linen. Steward to requisi­ tion more bath towels and to order more army cots. ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), April IS —Chairman, T. Waiiiuk; Secretary, 0. Frank. Asked brother not to bring any mangos or trees into the States unless the okay is given by Agricul­ ture Dept. in San Juan. Fishing very bad this trip. We did not go to St. Croix. S9.4S in ship's fund. To install port hole In Bosun's foc'sle. AFOUNDRiA (Waterman), March 10—Chairman, J. Cislecki; Secretary, R. Walton. No repairs have been made and there is a shortage of Lava soap and sanitary supplies. This re­ pair situation has been going on for six (0) months. The creua has been cooperating fully on safety program. Topside doesn't seem to care if any suggestion involves spending a dollar. And then Company screams when someone sues. Penny-wise dollar foolish. Use a little discretion when using the heat aft. A suggestion was made to put a fresh air vent from the poop deck to the recreation room. Take it easy with the noise. Engine department head gushing sea water. It is suggested that we ask permis­ sion to use the hospital head. A vote of thanks for stewards department. April 14—Chairman, J. Cislecki; Secretary, R. Walton. Delegate leav­ ing this trip. Enjoyed his Job. Hit extremes In weather. No use for money this trip. Captain will be con­ tacted about the possibility of play­ ing a phono through the speaker in the mess room. Engine department will contact the patrolman about re- Oanisit. $.30.20 in ship's fund. The deck department has a case of preju­ dice against the mate. This will be taken up with the patrolman. The wipers are not to stand any watches in port. 1st Asst. to be watched for doing crew's work. Sailors to take care of water-tight doors. BENT'S FORT (Cities Service), May 32—Chairman, A. Herbert; Secretary, R. Alston. Showers being left on while no one is using them. Have patrolman contact captain to have door fans placed In starboard side foc'sle. BRADFORD ISLAND (Cities Serv­ ice), May 19—Chairmen, M. Hichecockr Secretary, D. Knight. Steward to order new toaster In New York. Vote of thanks to steward department for a good Job. ALMENA (Pan Atlantic), May 2t— Chairman, J. Sweeney; Secretary, A. Janes. Repair list completed except for one Item. No beefs. Ship sold, will probably be turned over to new owners in few months. Some dis­ puted overtime. Safety conditions improved. Reports accepted. Lines to 'be taken care of on way south and north. ALCOA PIONEER (Alcoa), May ItChairman, W. Egan; Secretary, j. Purseil. Safety meeting held. l.airge amount of disputed overtime in en­ gine department and small amount In steward department for shore gang work in Trinidad. Money collected for wreath for mother of crew mem­ ber. Report accepted. Suggestion to take enough bread to last entire trip: buttermilk to be placed on board in PR. Want baker removed from ship for not performing duties properly. Suggestion to get pickled pigs feet. Discussion on proper disposal of gar­ bage. Want better brand of milk placed on board in Mobile. Member thanked crew for floral wreath for mother. CECIL N. BEAN (Drylrans), April 7—Chairman, J. Mays; Sacratary, D. Collins. One member left in hospital in Trinidad. Few hours disputed overtime. Report accepted. Bath­ rooms to be kept clean. Need more pressure in drinking fountain. Linen money to be paid due to no laundry in Durban. Cots to be~laken care pf. April 21—Chairman, G. BusaigHe; Sacratary, R. Smith. No beefs. Draws to be put out one day before arrival but dated date of arrival. Report ac­ cepted. Want cold drinking water and require more pre.ssure In foun­ tain. Return cots after use. Keep drinking fountain clean. Clean and turn off washing machine when fin­ ished with same. Trash not to be thrown from portholes. Headquarters report discussed. May 20—Chairman, D. Collins; Sec­ retary, J. Malcolm. Beef over first engineer. Few hours disputed over­ time. Report accepted. Headquarters report discussed. Vote of thanks 'to steward department for Job well done. COUNCIL GROVE (Cities Service), May 20—Chairman, H. Vincent; Sec­ retary, R. Voss. Two men short. Ship's fund S6.73. Company to notify destination of next voyage so men not wishing to make trip can give 34 hours' notice. Need more agree­ ments and clarifications aboard. Dele­ gate tn see steward department about menus and have him give more super­ vision to his department or bring it to patrolman's attention for him to straighten out. ** DOROTHY (Bull), May 13—Chair­ man, E. Rubio; Secretary, T. P-. Greaney. Work from all departments shows things are in order. Repairs to be taken care of before arrival. Required by crew that while in port all lang.shoremen are granted use of recreation room, this room be left in a clean condition. ELIZABETH (Bull), June 2—Chair­ man, Louis A. Ramirez; Secretary, Ed. O'Rourks. Messman asks cooperation in keeping messhall clean. Beef about quality of fruit and vegetables to be referred to patrolman. Galley door needs a new lock or an inside latch. Definite payoff time wanted. Request a wooden covering be put over the fantall as there is on other company C-2 ships. �mm Jmw M, M5T Pug* EleToi SEAFARERS LOG We Choose...' Insurance Lobby Balking At Welfare $$ Controls WASHINGTON —While AFL=CIO President George Meany strongly urged approval of a bill to control both union and management operated welfare plans, the nation's insurance lobby has come out for limited legislation that ator John F. Kennedy for a prompt would exempt management- investigation into the plan by the Seattle Jobs Moving Fast I^ SEATTLE—Shipping in this area has continued' to run ahead of registration, said Jeff Gillette, port agent. More and more Class A men are taking advantage of this Increase in job activity and are getting off the beach. The Grain Shipper (Grain Fleet), Jefferson • City Victory (Victory Carriers), and the Sea Cloud (American Merchant Marine) paid off and signed on. The Yorkmar, Calmar, Pennmar (Calmar) and Ocean Deborah (Ocean Transport) were in ^ort to be serviced. Note Shipping Upturn In Hub BOSTON—Although things have quieted down somewhat on the labor front in this port, reports James Sheehan, port agent, ship­ ping has taken a turn for the better during the past two weeks, and is keeping Seafarers here busy. There were four vessels paying off, three signing on, 'and three were in transit. The Government Campi Royal Oak (Cities Service); Battle Rock (USPC), and the An­ drew Jackson (Waterman) paid off during the last period and the Government Camp, Royal Oak (Cities Service) and Andrew Jack­ son (WatermanJ signed on. ^ The Robin Gray, Robin LO'Cksley (Seas) and Government Camp pulled into port to be serviced. All beefs were settled at pay off and all of the ships were reported in good 'Shape^ The overwhelming swing to the SIU among tu^ and harbor craft workers and seamen both in the expanding Gulf offshore oil industry and elsewhere is ample proof—if any were need­ ed—that these men have been exploited for years. You can't argue with scores of 64-0, 146-9, 28-0, 12-3 and similar results. The heavy pro-SIU margins, often unani­ mous, arfe recognition that only the" SIU offers genuine Union security in this Industry. In recent months, after an election victory in the Phillips Oil fleet, the SIU won the first union agreement ever nego­ tiated in the Louisiana tidelands field. It followed this by signing what is regarded as the finest tug contract in the Gulf area with the giant G & H Towing Company. • In the latest instance, the 64-0 victory on the Baltimore tugs was achieved in spite of bitter opposition of United Mine "Workers' District 50, in itself a ship operator whose tactics rank with the best that anti-labor employers were able to bring jto-bear in the bitter strike battles of the 30's. No won­ der, then, that the tug men and tidelands workers are turn­ ing to the SIU today. They too need the kind of conditions and security which deep-sea sailors, under SIU contracts, have been enjoying for 20 years. ti> Something To Hide ? The very vocal opposition of several industry lobby groups on Government proposals for controls over employer-oper­ ated as well as union-operated and joint union-employer wel­ fare funds follows a familiar pattern. Management groups have naturally opposed this bill, not necessarily because they have something to hide—though AFL-CIO President George Meany has testified that^ a number of them do—but because labor is a handy whipping boy and the bosses don't want to be bothered with the extra paper work anyivay. This notion that labor-is-guilty-per-se-but-business-is-clean follows the same kind of illogical thinking behind the one­ sided Taft-Hartley requirements for a non-Communist af­ fidavit frpm union officials only. Coincidentally, two of the insurance lobby outfits opposing the bill covering all types of welfare plans are the same groups that arrayed themselves against the SIU when the Union sought—and won—a clear ruling from the New York State Attorney General upholding self-insured union welfare plans. At that time, the SIU nipped an effort which would have cheapened welfare programs covering hundreds of thousands of NY workers by tossing them into the laps of the insurance companies. Now the same lobbies have come forward again to seek exemption from controls for the employer funds only. It does make you kind of wonder if they really are hiding sbmething, after-all. ' : : ' operated funds. Spokesman for three insurance groups—^the American Life Con­ vention, the Health Insurance As­ sociation of America and the Life Insurance Association of America —strongly oppose an administra­ tion bill which would require em­ ployer-run funds to file reports as well as those run by labor or jointly by labor and management. Two of these three groups are the same ones which have tried, unsuccessfully thus far, to compel the SIU Welfare Plan and other self-insured plans to come under the control of insurance companies. These groups have declared they will go to Federal Court to com­ pel self-insured funds to come under regulations in New York State which would virtually make it mandatory for them to pay pre­ miums to an insurance company in order to operate. Cites Company Misuse In his testimony before a Senate labor subcommittee, Meany cited cases which he charges involved management misuse of employeremployee funds. There have been abuses in employer-managed funds, he said, which are similar to those actions by union officials which the National Association of Manu­ facturers termed "corruption and malfeasance." He cited the case of General Electric which placed $35,000,009 in annual health insurance pre­ miums with Metropolitan Life In­ surance Co. The insurance com­ pany has two directors in common with GE. General Electric, he said, has continually refused to talk of the plan's operations and has re­ fused to offer the program for competitive bidding. At least one half of the plan is employeefinanced. Another example of management bungling, he said, was the failure of the now defunct Reed Glass, Inc., to pay premiums on its health insurance policies, although it with­ held $2,991 from employee wages. The policies lapsed without the employees' knowledge. The com­ pany also failed to pay $64,000 in premiums on a promised pension program, leaving some 15 employ­ ees, who have reached the retire-, ment age, to sue for their pensions. Testimony by the federation president that a Boston transit firm received about $400,000 in returns in one year from a com­ pany financed health and welfare plan brought demands from Sen- La Salle On London Run For the first time since preKorean war days, the Waterman Steamship Company will start calling at British ports. Waterman has assigned the La Salle to open the service between the Gulf and London on the run from the Gulf to the continent. The La Salle will carry a load of pulp and general cargo. Present plans call for twicemonthly schedules to the English capital. Waterman currently main­ tains regular service to northern European ports such as Antwerp, Rotterdam and'-Bf-etnerhaven. Senate's special labor-management rackets committee. The company Meany reported, the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Co., placed its ' policies through the Eastern Mutual In-surance Co., which the transit com­ pany organized. Last year the in­ surance company received $670,510 in premiums, but rebated $400,839 in "dividends" to the transit cmnpany to reduce operat­ ing expenses. The insurance firm also paid a-t«tal of $95,000 in sal­ aries to three officers and a claims manager. The three officers are also officers of the railway com­ pany. The National . Association of Manufacturers and many big busi­ nesses have been protesting any bill which would bring employercontrolled plans under public scrutiny. Meany expressed preference for a bill proposed by Senator^|Paul Douglas (Dem., Ill) which would put Government control over em­ ployer as well as union welfare plans. A bill of this type has the approval of the Eisenhower admin­ istration. Mayflower II Makes: Port Under Tow PROVINCETOWN, Mass. — The Mayflower II arrived here last week somewhat inelegantly under tow, but upright, after a 53-day voyage from Plymouth, England. Although he vowed the ship would make it under her own sailpower. Captain Alan Villiers relented when he ran into northeast head­ winds off Nantucket Light and ac­ cepted a tow from a Coast Guard tug, the Yankton. Captain Villiers said that with­ out the tow he might have had to fight headwinds for a week before he could get the ship into port. No doubt there were a few victims of channel fever aboard who heai-tily cheered the decision. Crewmembers of the 180-ton vessel boasted beards and an eightweek hunger for a good hot shower. All were reported in good health although many of them had suffered regularly from seasick­ ness as the ship bounced about constantly in fair weather or foul. The crew reported that the ship was overloaded with a variety of British cargo. Including jeweled souvenirs of the voyage which are already being advertised at re­ spectable prices in US magazines. A crov/d of about 10,000 people welcomed the Mayflower II at this Cape Cod resort, which was the first landfall of the original May­ flower on November 21, 1620. The Mayflower II spent the night at Provincetown and then was towed to Plymouth, the site of the famed Plymouth Rock, where further ceremonies were held. After a brief stay at Plymouth, the Mayflower II will proceed to New York where she will spend the summer as a tourist attraction. After the summer the ship will be permanently docked in Plymouth as a memorial. The original Mayflower was sold at auction and scrapped a few years after her now-historic'voyage. 'I • )l > t| •i ' <1 �• >» June 21, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pare Twelve Del Mundo Gang Goes Out Oii The Town LOG-A-ithythm Poem Applauded To the Editor: The poem In your May 24th issue is one of the best sea poems I have ever read. It is beautifully written. ' ' While I did not like the last verse and wished the poet had merely suggested the final port without actually naming it, the. letters To The Editor All letters to the editor for publication in the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG must, be signed by the writer. Names will be withheld upon request. SIU crewmen on the Dal Mun­ do had themselves o ball in Santos, Brazil, recently, though the waitress seems d bit hardpressed to keep the boys' exuberance in check. On ha^nd for the occasion (I to r) were Herbert Mueller, oiler; John E. Brady, oiler; Davis, the bar owner; Mack Brendle, AB, and James Lea, DM. For the record, the lady is known as Lotus, according to Brady. Apparently a good time was had by all. LOG-A-RHYTHM: At My Side By Thomas Ulisse A sailor's life is a lonely one, I'm told. But this need not be if he has memories of old; When the sea is calm, And the full moon bright, With the stars in the heavens And a glowing light. The heavens above cast a ray doion to me. As a guiding light for my loved one to see. Though shrouded in a heavenly scented mist, I can see the rosy lips that I once kissed; My love sent down from the heaven above Is at my side, my goddess of love. 'Can-Shakers' Have No OK The membership is again cau­ tioned to beware of persons soliciting funds on ships in be­ half of memorials or any other so-called "worthy causes." No "can-shakers" or solicitors have been authorized by the SIU.. Burly MPetl! 1 5/HA5W0P MBHAUDJ.— SIU, A&G District BALTIMOKE .1316 E. Baltimore St. Earl Sheppard. Agent EAstern 7-4900 BOSTON ; 376 State St. James Sheehan, Agent Richmond 2-0140 HOUSTON , 4202 Canal St. Robert Matthews. Agent.... Capital 7-6338 LAKE CHARLES, La 1419 Ryan St. Leroy 'Clarke. Agent HEmlock 6-5744 MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Cal Tanner. Agent HEmlock 2-1754 MORGAN CITY 912 Front St. Tom Gould. Agent Phone 2156 NEW ORLE.ANS 323 Bienville St. Lindsey Williams. Agent Tulane 8626 NEW YORK 675 4th Ave.. Brooklyn HYacinth 9-6600 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. Ben Rees, Agent MAdison 2-9B34 PHILADELPHIA 337 Market St. S. Cardullo. Agent Market 7-1635 PUERTA. de TIERRA PR 101 Pelayo Sal Coils, Agent Phone 2-5996 SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St. Marty Breithoft. Agent Douglas 2-5475 SAVANNAH 2 Abercorn St. E. B. McAuley. Agent Adams 3-1728 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. Jeff GUlette. Agent Elliott 4334 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. Tom Banning. Agent Phone 2-1323 WILMINGTON. Calif 305 Marine Ave. Reed Humphries. Agent Terminal 4-2874 HEADQUARTERS... .675 4th Ave.. Bklyn. SECRETARY-TREASURER Paul Hall ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS J. Algina, Deck C. Simmons. Joint J. Volpian. Eng. W. Hall, Joint E. Mooney. Std. R. Matthews. Joint SUP HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. Phone 5-8777 PORTLAND 311 SW Clay St. CApltal 3-4336 RICHMOND, Calif.-...510 Macdonald Ave. BEacon 2-0925 SAN FRANCISCO ..450 Harrison St. Douglas 2-8363 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. Main 0290 WILSHNGTON. ...503 Marine Ave. Terminal 4-3131 NEW YORK 673 4th Ave.. Brooklyn HYacinth 9-6165 Canadian District HALIFAX. N.S 13814 HoUis St. Phone 3-8911 MONTREAL 634 St. James St. West PLateau 8161 FORT WILLIAM 130 Simpson St. Ontario Phone: 3-3221 PORT COLBORNK 103 Durham St. Ontario Phone: 5591 TOROrta-O. Ontario 272 King St. E. EMpUe 4-5719 VICTORIA. BC 617Vi Cormorant St. EMplre 4531 VANCOUVER. BC..M 398 Main St. Pacific 3468 SYDNEY. NS .'...304 Charlotte St. Phone: 6346 BAGOTVILLE. Quebec 20 Elgin St. Phone: 545 THOROLD. Ontario 32 St. Davids St. CAnal 7-3202 QUEBEC 83 St. Pierre St. Quebeo Phone: 3-1569 S.AINT JOHN 85 Germain St. NB Phone: 2-5232 Great Lakes District ALPENA .'....1213 N. Second Ave. Phone: 713-J BUFFALO. NY ..180 Main St. Phone: Cleveland 7391 CLEVELAND 734 Lakeside Ave., NE Phone: Main 1-0147 DETROIT 1038 3rd St. Phone: Woodward-1-6857 DULUTH 621 W. Superior St. Phone: Randolph 2-4110 SOUTH CHICAGO 3261 E. 92nd St. Phone: Essex 5-2410 preceding verses are so good that tho poem still must be list? ed among the great. I am sending you > another poem, of mine, "Queen of the River," which I wrote while sit­ ting on the Brooklyn Bridge and watching a Hudson River Day liner churn past. I don't know its worth, but after reading the poem in ^our current issue, I certainly don't know why you should ever print my inferior poetry when you. can get master­ pieces like that. Anyhow, I send it to you to use if you wish. Keep up the good work for poetry. You're doing swell. Roy Fleischer I Ed. note: The LOG poem re­ ferred to was "Final Departure," by C. Van Orden, describing an oldtimer's lonely wait for his last ship, bound for "heOven's door." A future LOG issue will carry a poem by Roy Fleischer, a sailor and sea poet of some re­ nown in his own right.) 4" 4" British Seatnah Asks For Mail To the Editor: I am a member of the Na­ tional Union of Seamen in Eng­ land sailing aboard the SS Braemar Castle in the rating of night watchman, which comes under the steward department. I have been going to sea now 40 years. We are now in Durban, but recently in Mombasa I found a copy of your newspaper and was wondering if it would be pos­ sible for me to hhve some copies mailed to my home address. Then on my next trip I could distribute them among members of my crew. I hope to be in England about the end of June and will mail you some copies of the "Seamen," which is our official union organ. I'd''also like to exchange views with some of your members, if they would care to write me at 73 Paynton Road, Silver Hill. St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex, England. Sydney A. Powell (Ed. note: Copies of the LOG will be sent to you from now on as you requested. .- '4. i, 4,- Morhihg Light Offered Thanks To the Editor: Please publish this in the next issue of the LOG. The family of the late Mrs. Helen R. Dixon, mother of chief steward W. E. Morse, wishes to acknowledge the beautiful floral . piece sent to her services by the crew of the SS Morning Light. The crews' kind expression of sympathy is deeply appreciated. W. E. Morse 4 4- 4" Honest Barman Wins Praise To the Editor: * We have with us on the Ines a fireman who left a couple of bottles in the Lido Cafe, 440 S. Beacon Street, San Pedro, Calif., three years and two mohths ago. Our man didn't know what happened to his precious stock until he walked in there one day recently. Jo his surprise, the bartender recognized him and returned his property. Tn my book, that is honesty. The drinks are reasonabale and the food is good also at the Lido. The bartenders are Tommy, Mickey and Betty Boo. It seems like a good spot. W. B. Yarbrough 4 4 4 Thanks Tampa For Blood Aid To the Editor: A million thanks to all the brothers in Tampa who were involved in arranging for the donation of blood for my wife's recent operation. Thanks espe­ cially to the donors themselves. There is a deep, warm feeling in knowing you have friends at a time like thjs. Cecil Wallick 4 4 4 Oceanstar Help Asked By Widow To the Editor: I would like to hear from any of the crew aboard' the SS Oceanstar v/ho knew my hus­ band, Clarence R. Haun. He died of a heart attack May 13 at sea. Burial was at sea. Any information any of the crew can give me coimerning his death will be appreciated greatly. I don't know anyone aboard the ship whom I can write personally so 1 am taking this means of trying to contact the men. My address is 306 44th St., Fairfield, Ala. Thank you very much for your help. Mrs. C. R. Haun By Bernard Seaman �ALCOA POLARIS (Alcea), May Ohalrman, A. L. Oanna; Seeratary, J. a. Hannan. Haka room for oiler and fireman in alop cheat ao each watch can have aeparate rooma. ALMRNA (Waterman), May it — Chairman, J. Sweeney; Secretary, Alex Jane*. Repair list from last meeting completed but one item, and it will be fixed in the morning. No beefs. Ship soid and will probably be ' turned over to new owners in a few months. Some disputed overtime. Safety conditions improved. ALCOA PIONEER (Alcos), May It— Chairman, W. Egan; Secretary, Jamea Pursall. Safety meeting held. A large amount of disputed overtime in en­ gine dept. and small amount in stew­ ards dept. for shore gang work in Trinidad. Have enough bread to last entire trip. Have buttermilk placed on board in Puerto Rico. Have baker removed from ship, for not doing his. work properly. Suggested to have pickled pigs' feet placed on board. Discussion on proper disposal of gar­ bage. Everyone asked to flush toilets properly. To see-about having a . bet­ ter brand of milk placed on board in Mobile. Thanks given by member for wreath for mother. BATTLE ROCK (USPC), May it— Chairman, O. Ruf; Secretary, R. McDaniels. There was a lot of perform­ ing after leaving the last port. Re­ ceived a letter from the welfare dept. Beefs to be taken up with dept. dele­ gate. Suggestion made to get some type of, transportation for crew at company expense. Ship's delegate to inform captain of motion about pay­ off. New slop che.st and medical chest to be made up for new crew. New repair list to be made out. Clean up your rooms before payoff. CECIL N. BEAN (Drytrans), April 7—Chairman, J. Mays; Secretary, J. W. Malcolm. Suggestion to keep heads clean, also to see chief en.gineer about more pressure on drinking fountains, al.so linen mone.v to be paid due to no laundry in Durban, also to take eare of cots in deck. April II—Chairman, G. Buselglie; Secretary, R. Smith. A draw will be put out at sea a day before arrival but will be dated the date of arrival. To see chief engineer about getting cold drinking water also about the pressure on fountain. Suggestion to bring in cots and not to mistreat "same. Help keep drinking fountain clean, refrain from spitting In same. Clean and cut olf washing machine when finished. Do not throw trash or spit out of port holes. May 10—Chairman, D. Collins; Sec­ retary, J. W. Malcolm. Beef over 1st engineer to be ironed out later.' Gen­ eral discussion of headquarters re­ port. A vote of thanks to the steward dept. for a job well done. CHIWAWA (Cities Service), April II—Chairman, J. F. Keelan; Secre­ tary, L. P. Hagmann. Keep laundry clean. Everyone shall leave It clean after using. The card players should leave messhall clean. Anyone leaving ship should strip fiunk and leave foc'sles clean. Bosun promises to clean passageways leading to fantail. Since there has been a lot of trouble with toilets suggest that after using they be flushed with a bucket of water, until they can be repaired. May 10—Chairman, B. Grice; Secre'tary, F. Raid. No beefs. Assured crew that continued persistence would Jteep food up to par on this ship. CHARLES C. DUNAIF (Colonial), May S—Chairman, H. R. Whisnant; Secretary, D. Skelton. Everything go­ ing smooth. One man missed the ship in Eureka, Calif., but joined in San Francisco. Captain said he would try. and get new wringer for the washing machine in Japan. Crew was asked not to foul up while in Japan, and stay in sober mind while working. In the near future the pavrolman shall check all repairs and requisi­ tions and for steward dept. working gear. Vote of' thanks was given to the steward department fnr a Job well done. Crew was asked to take more care of coffee pot and toasters. COB VICTORY (Victory Carriers), April 17 — Chairman, J. Nicholson; Secretary, J. Brigham, Storm doors In need of repair. Keep Koreans out of passageways. Repair lists to be turned in as soon as possible. DEL MUNDO (Mississippi), May 1 —Chairman, C. E.' Whidden; Secre­ tary, 0. W. Annls. No beefs 'at the present time, and would like to roslgn my post at this time. New delegate elected. Take -money out of ship's fund to buy games for crew. Talk on use of ship's fund which is to be voted on tinder new business, on how much to use for the various things voted under new business. DEL SANTOS (Mississippi), March —Chalrmsn, J. Baler.: Secretary, Ed. SahuRus. Brother Ernest Janoslo wae elected ship's delegate by all broth­ ers, Brother Jack Bates was elected Pare TMrteen SEATARERS FOG Jime 21, 1957 sh^'a reporter: Brother Jtian Crux was elected ship's treasurer, and Brother Sahuque was elected meet­ ing secretary. Put all excess linen In linen bags also put cups In sink and don't leave them on hatch. A vote of thanks. to. all brothers from the stewards for the flowers they sent when hlB mother passed away. May II—Chairman, J. Batas; See­ ratary, Ed Sahuqua. No beefs so far but will see agent In New Orleans about putting 120 days' stores on all Drita Line ships Instead of 83 or 90 days. Africa run needs 120 days stores and lots of extra fresh vege­ tables. DE SOTO (Waterman), April II — Chairman, Nona; Sacratary, R. Sha­ piro. Screens for all port holes need­ ed, not sufficient water pressure In after quarters (showers). Klckout panel steward's shower to be re­ placed. Repair list to bo made out and given to the steward to be typed, prior to arrival US port. May )*—Chairman, S. T. Zotterman; Secretary, S. Malybhan. Ship's dele­ gate reported that the repairs had been taken care of to some extent. Some painting of messroom and crew qiurters done. No major beefs to date. Reported everything running smooth. A vote of thanks was given "Scotty" Malvehan and the entire stewards department for the excellent meals served. Brothers getting off ship to strip all beds and leave quar­ ters clean and ship shape. FAIRLAND (Waterman), May 5— Chairman, P. Murphy; Secretary, M. E "Doc" Wstson. Deck dept. foc'sles tP be cleaned properly by sanitary man. Steward dept. toilet seats need new sprin.gs. Crews and electrician's toilets flush back while at sea. Insuf­ ficient water pressure on sanitary line to crew's toilets. GEORGE A. LAWSON (Penn Ship­ ping), May IS—Chairman, L. E. F. Schmidt; Secretary, F. T. Caiman. Shore leave In Trinidad in question. Coffee tirn and new mattresses to be placed on repair list. Mail and doctor in Trinidad to be taken care of same as on the way down. The captain will pass out pay slips before arrival. In States. Chief engineer's actions to be taken up with patrolm.m. Mate said that all rooms to, be painted at next trip. Crew to be properly dressed in messroom. Question and discussion on who can use the recreation room. HEYWOOD BROUN (Victory Car­ riers), Marcli It—Ctiaii-man, F. N. Meinerth; Secretary, A. Scliroter. Our washing machine is new and the main beefs are that they have to leave It clean for the next fellow. Ask ship's dele.gate to get in touch with radio operator to have loud speaker re­ paired In crew mess for the news. In­ form about what kind of money the captain wiU put out In the next port. INES (Bull), May 5—Chairman, A. C. Landwaltowicz; Secretary, W. B. Yarborough. This has been an extra good trip. No trouble, crew works together. Two (2) men missed ship in Kobe but captain didn't log them as he didn't figure it was their fault. Hotel manager failed to call them. Board in messhall is for official busi­ ness only. Phony fire di-ills and draws should be kept off. , In other words don't write any jokes on this board. JEAN (Bull), May li—Chairman, J. Sleven; Sec. D. Forrest. Ship's dele­ gate D. Plcefelli, warns the member­ ship of the importance of performing In SIU style. A vote of thanks by the membership was extended to the stewards dept. for excellent perform­ ance. The 1st assistant had rooms painted out after the deck dept. re­ ceived clarifications from Baltimore that room painting above was deck dept. work. The difference and un­ rest In the deck dept. seems to stem from the mate's attitude and his man­ ner of handling the dept. He Is ar­ bitrary and oplonated also takes per­ sonal Issue with each delegate elected and has tried to fire several deck delegates. The membership Is on record to have the Baltimore officials try to resolve this problem. JOHN B. WATERMAN (Welennan), May 5—Chairman, B. Parker; Secre­ tary, A. V. Aronlca. No beefs. Ship's delegate asked crew to be In a sober condition at payoff. Letters were sent to Joe Alglna and Waterman's port engineer In regards to crew's toilets not functioning properly. Ship's dele­ gate to sec patrolman about same. New refrigerator needed in crews pan­ try. AU soiled linen to be turned over to chief steward. Crew asked to be more quiet while men off watch are trying to sleep. Cups to be returned to pantry. Laundry room to be left clean after using. A vote of thanks to the steward's dept. for the excel­ lent meals prepared and served. Tony Sosa Is the chief steward. JOHN C. (Atlantic Carriers), May 19 —Chairman, M. Barton; Sec. R. Aguliar. A letter was mailed to hq con­ cerning proper loading on the SS John C. Letter was received from head­ quarters that action will be taken when the next safety shipping com­ mittee is held with the operator. Travelers' checks are hard to cash In the port of Kamalshi, Japan. AU those who are getting off should leave, the foc'sle keys with the next man stay­ ing on. Strip your bunk and leave the room clean for the next man tak­ ing the quitting man's place. MARORE (Ore), May ID—Chairmen, W. Lane; Sec. D, F, Carey. There Is friction between the bos'n and the crew. Received a letter of thanks from Willie Tomllnson whom wo took up a GoUectlon of $44.25 for because of hla father's death. Former treas­ urer had given the money to Bait, hall. S. CantcrU elected ship's treas­ urer. Latter to be drawn up to be turned into the ItaU about bos'n loSr ging et and other practlcea, Ill J Days Gone By His 11th Ship Seems More Like His 13th t--. "This Mount Vernon is my eleventh ship since I broke out of the Army two years ago, but after being on here two months I'm beginning to think it's my thirteenth," s^ys Sea­ farer Robert C. Meloy. "The nighf" before we on yet where the lookout tiptoes sailed from Houston it was to the bow wearing a lifejacket," Seafarers Piatt (left] and Rocky Adams are shown on the SS Algonkin in the Persian Gulf before the ship trans­ ferred foreign. Rocky sent it in to remind Plott to contact him on tha MV Alamo, c.'o Coyie Lines, New Orleans. noticed that numlier one tank was squirting gas into the forward pumprobm," Meloy noted. "'^The mate tried fixing it with every­ thing from corks to bubblegum, to no' avail. Since the ship was in­ tending to sail as is, the Coast Guard was notified, with the usual results, "A yeoman came down in the morning, -had a bit of conversa­ tion with topside and we sailed— as far as the end of the Houston Ship Channel. The hook was dropped, the mate and engineer took turns diving in the pumproom with masks and we were on our way. It's the only ship I've been Safety Laurels Not Enough, Del Monte Seeking BB Win. Safety is not the only field in which the SS Del Monte leads the way; the gang has more than its share of spirit as well. An open 9hallenge has been issued by their newly-organized baseball club, the "Del Monte • Mountaineers" despite one take them all. Who challenges?" imajor setback already. "Our says Arriot. Arrangements for spring ti-ainlng game with the SS games can be made through the Del Slid ended rather sadly," re- SIU halls in the Gulf or via Mis­ pprts ship's delegate Elden R. sissippi agents on the African run. Arnot, "but we are now limbered up and raring to go." The Mountaineeris' loss to the Del Sud is not too unexpected, since the "Rebels" have fielded a good ball club for several years. Besides, the Del Monte has already earned its share of laurels in com­ petition with the rest of the Delta Line fleet, by compiling the top safety recorii on the company's ships for 1956. And if spirit can help '*them make the grade, the Del Monte can do it on the baseball diamond also. !Good or bad, big or small, we'll he commented. Once the mixed cargo was de­ livered, the crew hoped the ship was headed back for tlie Statqs, but wound up instead in Leghorn, Italy, after bunkering in Algiers, to take a load of straight gas. Gassed On Cognac "Only two things of impdrtance happened then, the first of which was nearly the last," Meloy added. "After topping off the tanks with gas and himself with cognac, the chief mate spilled several hundred barrels on the deck which the deck watch tried to wash down without much luck. It seemed the here had more holes in it than the mate's head. We finally made it to the harbor entrance but ran aground, thereby putting a few 'more holes in the bottom." Eventually the Mount Vernon made it back to Haifa, discharged, patched its bottom with cement and diegan heading to what it is hoped will be home. "Seafarers sailing out of the Gulf in the next few weeks are advised to keep a sharp lookout, though," Meloy. adds. "If this thing was ever rammed you wouldn't have to wor­ ry about an explosion, only lock­ jaw from the rust." Josefina Is A Tramp —"for SIU MEMBERS! II 4j -'3 BMSdfWlfG'pO ANPSHOReWEARToASCuiilESIERAULATSjieaAu S£AOiKr PRICES your SEA CHEST SHORE WEAR t SEA GEAIi SEA GEAR I SHORE WEAR •1 Tramping all ovor th« Near and Far East on the Josefina 'are (top, I to r) George Aimers, AB, H. Joynes, bosun, and Roland Wimon, DM, ship's delegate who rides herd on the gong. Above, standing in for the "bellyrobbing",department, are Bill Rosades, 3rd «ook; baker Leo Carreon; (kneeling), steward Frank Sortille end Herry Ptpfii chief cook, Cerreen supplied the photos, ,. .y d •"vl — :m tm �Pare Firarteen SEAFARERS^ LOG Marltier Meets Mayor Jane XI, 1957 Says Good Turn Also Rates One To the Editor: Let's talk about "Good Joes." Every so often you pick up a LOG and read about some good "Good Joe" who passed away or ;who Is in business. Well, now let's talk about a real swell "Good Joe." I'm referring to Sgt. James Hand (Retired). Sgt. Hand is well known among seafaring men letters To The Editor Seafarer Andrew "Danny" Danilulc (left] !t greeted by Mayor Paul Asseman of Dunkerque, Francs, in tfie Mayor's chambers during a visit to the Town Hall. Daniluk, who was on the Seastar at the time, said the Mayor showed him around and invited him to participate in a local holiday celebration. SEAFARERS IN THE HOSPITALS USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND. NY , Edward Achee D. Ryan-McNeille B. Bonafont Pasquale MarinelU G. F. Crabtrea Jessie Matthews E. Cruz Ahmed Mehssln Felix Cruz Thomas Moncho Raymond M. Davis Stefano Nappi Frank de los Reyes J. Olabarrieta James Fisher C. Osinski Nolan L. Flowers Frank S. Paylor Percy Foster Paul Pope Jr. Rufus Freeman Markos Potirladli Burl Halve Angel Rlos Hans Hanssen Eustaquio Rivera Henry Herkinheins John L. Roberts Thomas Horan Jose Rodriguez Alfred Ka.iu R. Szczyglel John Klepadio Julio Valentin Paul Kronbergs R. Vellinga VA HOSPITAL NEW YORK, NY Loyd McGee USPHS HOSPITAL MANHATTAN BEACH BROOKLYN. NY Manuel Antonana Benjamin Martin Albert MartinelU Eladio Aris Fortunate Baeomo Vic Milazzo Joaquin Miniz Frank Campbell Norman J. Moors John Driscoll W. P. O'Dea Robert Gilbert Ben Omar William Guenther George Phifer Bart Guranick G. A. Pulssegur John Haas George Renale Howard Hailey Winston E. Renny Everett Haislett Samuel Saunders Percy Harrelson George Shumaker Taib Hassen Kevin Skelly Billy Hill Henry Smith Thomas Isaksen Stanley F. Sokol Ira Kilgore Ludwig Kristiansen Michael Toth Frederick Landry Harry Tuttle Leonard Leidig Virgil Wilmoth Archibald McGuigan Pen P. Wing H. C. Mclssac USPHS HOSPITAL MEMPHIS, TENN. Claude F. Blanks USPHS HOSPITAL , FORT WORTH, TEXAS ' B. F. Deibler James Lauer Siegfried Gnittke John C. Palmer USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK, VA. Francis J. Boner Charles C. Brown Editor, SEAFARERS LOG, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn 32, NY I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG — please 3ut my name on your mailing ist. (Print Information) NAME STREET ADDRESS CITY ZONE ... STATE T9. AVOID DUPLICATION: If you are an old subscriber and have a change of address, please give your former address .below: ADDRESS CITY ZONE.,.. Henry L. Horten W. D. Nuckles E. M. Jennings Clifford Vaughan L. B. Merrlam William J. Wolfe VA HOSPITAL HOUSTON. TEXAS John P. Williamson USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH, GA. Luis E. Diaz Fred Miller, Jimmle Littleton H. T. Nungezer I. Lopez Billia Padget Ralph McDaries J. A. Richardson USPHS HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS, LA. William Bargone Jack Moore John W. Bigwood Simon Morris Charles R. Bourg Michael Muzio John B. Collins Randolph Ratcllff Thomas L. Crosby Tage H. Roslund Serio M. DeSosa Toxie Sanford William Scruggs Leon Diliberto Toelil Smigielskl William Driscoll R. Eisengraeber Wert A. Spencer Gerald L. Thaxton Leon Gordon William Havelin Lonnie R. Tickle James Hudson Dolphus Walker Edward G. Knapp James Ward Leo Lang Ernest Wilson William Lawless Clifford Wuertz Harry P. Lewis Demetrio Zerrudo Robert McLamore Jacob Zimmer George Mitchell USPHS HOSPITAT, SEATTLE, WASH. Wayne T. Center Harry S. Murray Obert J. Morgan USPHS HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. Roy J. Barker A. F. Martinez John C. Carolan Alonzo M. Milefskl Noah C. Carver Fred Morris David Cincore A. F. Nottage Thomas C. Hlckey Philip Robinson Alexander Leiner James Waller USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON, TEXAS Maurice Gendron G. Svensson USPHS HOSPITAL BOSTON, MASS. August Eklund Kenneth LaRosa Wm. Kouzounas Charles McCarthy MONTEBELLO CHRONIC DISEASE HOSriT.i.L BALTIMORE, MD. Francisco Bueno USPHS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE, MD. Joseph .Arnold William Healey Elmer Baker Herman Kemp Burnette Brown Edward McGowan Harold Clyatt Walter Maas Estaban Conquet Ebble Markin Victor B. Cooper William Mellon Claudius Fisher Raymond Perry Joseph ftill . Edward Scherzer John Glass Charles Shaw George W. Harris Dester Worrell • Raft A Puzzle To irenestar Maritime Day last May. 22nd was nothing special for the Irenestar or most other ships at sea. But an item the Irenestar's deck gang fished out of the drink that day still has the crew puzzled. According to ship's reporter Robert E. Ayers, the ship sighted a raft from what turned out to be an Army plane, but when they came up to It there was nobody aboard and no sign that there ever had been anybody there. The raft was duly gotten aboard "with advice from all hands," Ayers said, but the mystery still remains. How did it get there—and why? We hope somebody can clear 'tliis one up. All letters to the editor for publication in the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG must be signed by the writer. Names will be withheld upon request. from the Gulf and all coasts. He Is always helping some seaman, especially if he's an SIU man. Sgt. Hand has a very interest­ ing hobby for which he saves cards and letters he receives from his many seafaring friends. He keeps them in an album, well-protected by cellophane. He would more than appre­ ciate it if some Seafarers would drop him a line by card or let­ ter. All you have to do is draw a hand with sergeant's stripes on it and address it to him in New Orleans, La. He'll get it. Duska "Spider" Korolia partment we would. have been In pretty rough shape. Thank you for everything, I hope the rest of the piembership appreciates the Union and what it has done for the sea­ men and their families. ^ Yes, the baby is fine. It's a girl. Bob Beliveau t 4" Job Preference For Sons Urged To the Editor: I thought while I'm on this "romance" run I would sit down and drop you a line concertiing our sons and the future of the SIU. Here is something I would like to see done. I would like to have the Union give out some kind of certificate that we could give to our sons in the order of their birth entitling them to a preference in getting jobs. As you know, some of the brothers have passed the stage where they can cash in on the ma­ ternity benefits and this ."would be doing something for the oldtimers in 4;he Union. As in the case of most occu­ pations, the sons of many SIU men would like to follow in their fathers' footsteps, but it is naturally difficult for new­ comers to get jobs on our ships. Oidtimer^'s Wife Views Progress To the Editor: This is a note of thanks to all concerned with my recent visit to your wonderful hall in Brook­ lyn. I appreciate most sincerely the courtesy and kindness af­ forded me, especially by Scotty Aubusson, the dispatcher, who escorted me around and ex­ plained everything. It was very interesting and, I thought, 'what an improvement on Beaver Street.'' My husband is on the SS Coal Miner, and is one of the oldtimers working,on this Ameri­ can Coal situation. We are with you all the way and hope it is soon settled with the SIU the winner and still champion. Good luck and best wishes. Mrs. L. P. llogan 4" S" i Applauds Union Welfare Service To the Editor: I'm writing this letter to thank the welfare department of our Union for the way it helped me and my wife in time of need. I recently made a trip to the Persian Gulf and left my wife at home pregnant. I had an in­ jury during the trip and when I came back home my wife went to the hospital to have the baby and I went to the marine hos­ pital for an operation. Things were pretty bad for us financially and physically and, for this reason, I want to thank A1 Tanner and Toby Flynn for their cooperation in helping us receive all the Union benefits. This includes the ma­ ternity and vacation benefits which I received while in the hp.spital. It will be another four or five Bionths before I taste salt air and brine again. I'm still an out. patient and without the help of our Union and the welfare de­ -• . To the Editor: Recently I .was the guest of the Portline steamer MV Port Quebec on which my very good friend steward Hugh P. Ghee entertained several colleagues and myself. The ship itself seemed very clean for a British ship, and well-stocked; however, there was one thing I noticed that didn't seem quite like our ships. ^ Everyone of the key personnel aboard seemed very much par­ tial to the shipowners, even at the risk of stepping on fellow members' toes. The general attitude was to skimp here and there to retain good favor with the company agents, and hahg it all for the men. "We had quite a discussion on points relevant to shipping. Naturally in the course of such conversations you can ascertain quite a lot about various holding companies which prefer ship­ ping consignments via foreignflag vessels to avoid paying higher wages and taxes to America. Some of them even have their own ships to help transport these cargoes, in which-they derive great returns while flying runaway flags. Of course if a war came along, you'd see how quickly they'd switch flags again just to be under the protection of Uncle Sam. That is why I believe it is important now for the men of the world's real maritime countries to wise up and de­ mand higher wages and proper union representation, preferably through an American union, as we are the most advanced. This would make our own Union stronger, discourage American shipowners from fly­ ing the runaway flags and con­ sequently make more jobs for us. Harold G. Horowitz 4 As far as E. B. Tart (left) is concerned, shipmate Jonas Heidt (right) "is the best baker in the SIU." They're together on the Ocean Dinny. Since we go back many years to get qualifying time for some of our welfare benefits, we could do the same for our member­ ship on this kind of thing. I think it could be done on a democratic basis, as we would start with the oldest members and work on down the line. E. B. "Pelockes" Tart SS Ocean Dinny (Ed. Note: Since shipping rights in the SIU are based on seniority rules established un­ der the regular Union contract with the shipowners, a proposal of this type would raise many problems with the National La­ bor Relations Board and other authorities.) 4 4* 4" All Goes Well Aboard Pennmar To the Editor: All is well on the Pennmar right now. The deck department is working in harmony, and there are no beefs and very little disputed OT. Each" and everyone is on his best behavior, so there is nothing to report ex­ cept that this has the makings for one of those pleasant trips. Brother R. Noren was elected ship's delegate by acclamation. This was a job he had held tem­ porarily until he was officially elected. Vincent £. Monte Ship's reporter iSii — 4" Urges Global Union Drive 4 4 Sailor Ashore In Boating Job To the Editor: I would likg some of my friends to know that I am work­ ing ashore in Norfolk for the summer since shipping here is pretty slow at present. If any of the boys who are down here are interested in any type of small craft or boat, they'd do well to come see me at Bell's Sports Marina. I have some nice ones on display. Best of luck to all the boys. I will be back on one of our ships before winter comes. C. O. Horton 4 4 4 Seafarer's Help is Appreciated To the Editor: It is with great pleasure that I write this missive in praise of the SIU and the good broth­ ers who belong to this great organization. At this time, I want to give all praise and thanks to Brother Louis Suslowitz. On the 7th day of September, 1956, Brother Suslowitz and I were discharged from the US Public Health Service hospital in New Orleans, and he went back to work. Since then, he has been a great help and comfort to me and I want to thank him pub­ licly for it. This brother has really gone all the way to assist me, in the tradition of the "Brotherhood of the Sea." Good luck and God bless all hands in the greatest seamen's union in the world. 'J Charles "Pop" Sweeney �SIU Widens •i,?- EVERY 1 SUNDAY I Coal Lead I DIRECT VOICE I DROADCAST I I y TO SHIPS IN ATLANTIC EUROPEAN AND SOUTH AMERICAN WATERS "THE VOICE OF THE MTD" WFK-39. 19850 KCi Ships in Caribbean, East Coast of South America, South Atlan­ tic and East Coast of United States. WFL-65. 15850 KCs Ships in Gulf of Mexico, Carib­ bean, West Coast of South America, West Coast of Mexico and US East Coast. WFK-95, 15700 KCs Ships in Mediterranean area, North Atlantic, European and US East Coast. Meanwhile, MTD 'Round-The-World Wireless Broadcasts Continue . . . Every Sunday, ;1915 GMT (2:15 PM EST Sunday) WCO-13020 KCs Europe and North America (Continued from page 2) 5,in a speech to the Coal Export­ ers Association when he again called for the construction of Tnodern coal-carriers. He pointed out that American Coal received char­ ters only because it promised the Government it would build new ship's for this trade. . Up until now, the company has been silent on its plans for new tonnage, if it has any. The Gov­ ernment 'Charters were granted nine months ago, at the beginning of October, 1956. Meanwhile, the National' Labor Relations Board has postponed ac­ tion on the case again both on the SIU's original unfair labor charges •and the NMU'S vote petition. The NMU, having a rough time on~ the hiring after boasting it would "whip the SIU," finds that the pres­ ent Impartial hiring system makes it difficult for NMU to get any kind of preference from the com­ pany. Consequently, by going to the Board, the NMU is exploiting whatever possibility exists that some changes could be obtained in hiring between now and the election. The SIU, on its part, has filed additional charges with the NLRB relating to firings of SIU men and other evidence of company dis­ crimination, despite the hiring or­ der, reflecting the company's anxi­ ety to remove the SIU from the pictime. WCO-16908.8 KCs East Coast South America • ^ ^ Face Ftfleen SEAFAttikS lOG Joite Z1, '19S7 WCO-22407 KCs West Coast South America ^ Every Monday, 0315 GMT (10:15 PM EST Sundoy) The deaths of the following Sea­ WMM 25-15607 KCs farers have been reported to the Australia ,, Seafarers Welfare Plan and the WMM 81-11037.5 SIU death benefit is being paid to Northwest Pacific their beneficiaries: Newton B. Cdrihgton, 67: On February 26, 1957, Brother Edrington died of Hodgkins Disease in the USPHS Hos­ pital in Staten Island, NY. He joined the Union August 19, 1944, and was sailing in the engine de­ Quentin Lee Raymond Queen partment. Broth­ ex-Lake George We regret to inform you that er Edrington is there has been a death in the Contact US Petroleum in refer­ survived by Elfamily. Please get in touch with ence to lost Union folder and cre­ dridge Edrington your mother at Cove Gap, West Va. dentials. of Corpus Christi, Texas. Burial Jerry took place in Ridge Park Ceme­ Logan M. Alien Please send your correct address Contact your wife at 739 Park tery, Hillsboro, Texas. to_ Troy Thomas, P. O. Box 17, AJI St., West Palm Beach, Fla., about Waresboro, Ga. the luggage. Heinrich Sterling, 64: Brother Edward Ndoney Sterling died in the USPHS Hos­ Ernest Harris Your records are filed under pital in Staten Island, New York, register number 74737 at the Pub­ Get in touch with the Medical on November 21, lic Health Service office, 67 Hud­ Business Bureau, 127 E. 60 Street, 1956. Death was son Street, New York 13, NY. NY 22, NY. due to natural Kai Hansen causes. He joined ex-Jefferson City Victory Would Seafarers who have color the Union April Contact the master of tfie Jeffer­ slides of life at sea^ please get in 9, 1947, and son City-Victory at 902 Southerly touch with Laurence"^ Stem, Chris­ sailed in the en­ Road, Towson- 4, Md., regarding tian Science Monitor, 1 Norway gine department. clearance of your souvenirs. Street, Boston, Mass. Brother Sterling is survived by Aleksander Padu of Bronx, NY. Burial took place in Evergreen Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY. VANCOUVER, BC—Organizing successes in the far north MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT PERSONAIS AND NOTICES All of the following SIU families have received a $200 maternity benefit pljM a <P25 bond from the Union in the baby's name: Maria Cirelli, born March 26, uary 26, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Pas- Oscar N. Ra^or, Mobile Ala. quale O. Cirelli, Philadelphia, Pa. ElHabeth Jane Henley, bom May Angelina Iglesias, born April 15, 25, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Raul James B. Henley, Savannah, Ga. Iglesias, Bronx, NY. Michele Williams, born May 20, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. James E. Williams, New York City. " Darlene Aiida Spivey, born May 16, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Woodrow W. Spivey, Tampa, Fla. Deborah Kay Stevens, born May 7, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Thomas H. Stevens, Mobile, Ala. Kenneth Drew Skonberg, born May 29, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Kenneth M. Skonberg, Newburgh, NY. Victoria Stankiewicz, born April 6, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Vin­ cent L. Stankiewicz, Philadelphia, Pa. Caivin Alfred Crabtree Jr., bom May 2,-1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Calvin A. Crabtree, Crichton, Ala. Beverly Lorraine Archer, bom May 5, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Robert Archer, New York City. Clarence V. Dyer, III, bom April 27, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Clarence V. Dyer, Algiers, La. Margaret Ann Tilley, born April 28, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. John R. Tilley, New Orleans, La. Ann Rita Plnilla, bom May 20, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Louis Pinilla, Bronx, NY. Frank Weston Drew, born May 17, 1951^, to Seafarer and Mrs. Frank W. Drew, Mullins, SC. Myra Gonzalez, born May 5, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Mariano Gon­ zalez, New York, NY. Tyrone Babb, bom November 17, 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. Otho Babb, Brooklyn, NY. , Linda Diane Raynor, born Jan­ The SIU drive will be stepped up'shortly in the Great Bear Lake region, which is said to have great future pc'.ential. Canadian Dis­ trict officials believe the activity • will eventually run dght up to the •M rently work 12 hours a day, seven days a week, without overtime or cargo time. The season runs four ana a half to five months a year. The SIU Canadian District plans to bring wages and conditions up It® ,lts regular^itandards. . \ 4" 4" ' ill .-'T '-f i :' ill ; i| SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN I Maternity j Benefit Ii I" Victor C. C. Bums, 56: Brother Burns died on May 1, 1957, at the USPHS Hospital in Norfolk, Vfi. The cause of death was "a, brain tumor. He joined the Union, March 28, 1956, and sailed in the deck department. Brother Burns is survived by O. S. Bums of Orangeburg, SC. Burial took place in Beaufort Cemetery, .Beaufort, (Continued from page 3) men fled down the gangway to a waiting car. Police officers who pursued the bandits later found one suspect, identified as George Teomah, hiding behind a car. Teomah, who admitted he was the one who wielded the leg irons, gave the names of two accomplices. Harris was taken to the Medical Center where an emergency opera­ tion was performed. He was report­ ed in serious condition, suffering from a fractured skull and concus­ sion. Chambers, 41, long a popular skipper with his crews, was not seriously hurt. The gunmen had timed their robbery badly. They attempted the raid at 9:55 AM whereas the de­ livery of the payroll, originally scheduled for 1 PM Monday, wae postponed until 1 PM Tuesday. Teomah, the captured suspect, identified his accomplices as Ber­ nard (Sonny) Berry and Ronald Spencer Steele. He named Steele as the "mastermind" behind the job. A check of Union records shows a Ronald Steele had shipped on a probationary book for four days within the last three years. His last trip was coastwise from June 29, 1956, to July 3, 1956, on the Robin Tuxford. The vessel was in from a fourmonth trip from North Africa and India with a cargo of iron ore. It was to be her last pay-oiff as an SIU vessel, as the ^ip was sold to Isbrandtsen. YOUR Arctic Next Canada SlU Target have been scored by the SIU Canadian District. The SIU affiliate has organized two companies employing more than 100 crewmembers in all de-> partments. 'It plans to seek Crewmembers in -the two com­ panies organized last month cur­ certification shortly. Two Hurt In Ship Holdup This pioneering SIU benefit has turned out to be one of the most useful ever adopted by th^ SIU Welfare Plan, with indi­ vidual benefits paid now Hearing the 3,000 mark and total payments ap­ proaching $600,000. It was approved as of April I, 1952, at the rate of $200 for every child bora to a Seafarer and still operates exclusive of family hospital benefits which cover other medi­ cal care costs. Twins and triplets get double and triple benefits accord­ ingly. Requirements are one day's seatime for the father in the previous 90 days plus 90 days in the lust calendar year. SEAFARERS aVT'L UNION, A&G DISTRICT ^ .i •I �• OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO i €^001) UHI6H NEVEf <iROW 0L1>.. #li» iiilfiK.::' ^lliilili SUP Bosun Otto B. Han­ sen began sailing in '23. /" '29 discharge landed DM job for SIU's Joe Cash. - 40-year-man E. R. Deshong, SlU, has oiler's Job. Bernardo Favila, SIU, a 40-year vet, is wiper. 39 years' time lands OS job for L. Pretious, SIU. '19 discharge dates Carl Pederson, AB, of SIU. THE AMERICAN COAL beef I has broughtoidtimers from the Sailors Union, Marine Firemen, Marine Cooks & Stewards and the SlU-A&G together again to fight the battles of the 20's and 30's once more in 1957. Seamen with a half-cen­ tury at sea behind them, like these SlUNA veterans on the Walter Mines l»age, are battling a new sub-standard operator, in the best tradition of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Hats off to all of them! (Pho­ tos by Seafarer Abe Goldsmit, steward on the Page.) Michael Sparks of MCS started at sea In '17. •fc--"'" r'' • l^r- •)i ' '!•- • • , ... -T •' k . I ^0 . First trip for SIU's Tom Bubar, OS, was in 1906. SIU oiler Lawrence E. Wesseis started in 1916. Apron Castillo, AB, SIU, boasts seatime from '28. Walter Pottle, MM. MCS, has 50 years' time. , t,ay,k.-w,vr •• y .' ' f . mmm � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959 Description An account of the resource Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 21, 1957 Description An account of the resource Headlines: 64-0 VOTE FOR SIU SHUTS OUT DIST. 50 LA. TIDELANDS TUGBOATS FO SIU FOUR SEAFARERS, DAUGHTER OF SIU MEMBER AWARDED $6,000 UNION SCHOLARSHIP CALL MORE COAL JOBS; SIU LEAD NOW 103-94 SIU CREWS 1ST ISTHMIAN VICTORY SHIP TWO HURT IN HOLD-UP ON SIU SHIP BIG WAGE BOOST, HOURS CUT WON IN SEAWAY PACT INFLATABLE LIFE RAFT SUCCESSFUL BOILMAKERS UNION JOINS M’TIME DEPT. MA PLANS RUNAWAY DEAL FOR SUBSIDIZED OPERATORS SIU CO. PLANS NOVEL OIL-GRAIN CARRIER SURPLUS AID PACT SIGNED WITH POLAND HQ WINS BIG OT BUNDLE FOR LAKE GEORGE CREW WIDER PORT RIGHTS WON BY SIU CO SHIP OFFICERS SEEK COAL BEEF ACTION MCS CLEANS UP BILLS; $10,000 REPAID TO SIU RAP MA BID FOR POWER TO SELL US LAY-UP FLEET BRITISH PLAN 1-CLASS SUPERLINER ’50-50’ FUTURE BRIGHTER AS SENATE OK’S AID BILL ‘ASIAN’ FLU HITS CREW, PASSAENGERS INSURANCE LOBBY AT WELFARE $$ CONTROLS SEATTLE JOBS MOVING FAST MAYFLOWER II MAKES PORT UNDERTOW LA SALLE ON LONDON RUN SAFETY LAURELS NOT ENOUGH, DEL MONTE SEEKING BB WIN ARCTIC NEXT CANADA SIU TARGET Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/21/1957 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. XIX, No. 13 1957 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/1ad9344c5f381073b01545e569fd79c3.PDF cc2b6e1ed0d1720d1f828d3c6a53067e PDF Text Text SEAFARERSALOG Vol. XXX No. 13 OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION . ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO Slaying of Senator Kennedy Spurs Gun Control Measure Page 3 • t Senate-House Conferees To Decide on Fleet Funds Page 3 V Five Seafarers Licensed; Engineers Now Total 256 "X. Page 6 \ j - , Jy'yyifty •y '.'-cift -r.-Xv iy r y ' i ^ K: , • /:•••;' /.V • y';\ ." ' V J- 1t • , • - ...-L;..-.. >. . -Vi;.-: , . • J i fv ' L-I..' i. _ . - • x ^;a:^ " -••-••"•'.• 'a,'.'-:- I • .•-•.• rr'^' ~'-.p ' h:-- • "^^jyipy I &M'm ft • / •" •'•yvy: 1 PS-'^ \i ' :i " :' •:. • v^ry -: '.. * f" .^"X'v" '• .. - *! '. fi. ^ -I _ '"• •, .* * 1 I • Y 'f-' i«-«|y w-.'" -M-i-y' y y>y • - v-''' ••' •-' y -• y .y ;y •*•-••-' 4 - ^ y'yw^s'y .> .! ., 7 i/i. ^y-.: G fyl.,'y;Gy U.^:; .-'Gy-AG ..'x. ;.;..•*, ..• •., -•-. y-'"-. '• �Page Two June 21, 1968 SBAFARtekS LOG Change in CG Disciplinary Protedure Deferred Following Protest by SlU WASHINGTON—As a result of vigorous protests by the SIU and its affiliates, the Coast Guard Merchant Marine Council has deferred action on proposals that would have deprived Hearing Ex­ aminers of the right to dismiss charges or specifications against an accused seaman as a matter of law, and would have allowed the ^ The SIU noted that "When in­ Even though the Hearing Ex­ Coast Guard to review the ex­ aminer, a qualified man, who quiry was made as to how many aminers' decisions. exercises independent discretion such instances occurred where The SIU stressed that such and judgment ... is in a better the Commandant was dissatisfied prt^osals, if put into effect, would position to make the determina­ with the rulings of the Hearing "deprive the seaman of substan­ tion, the Union said, the whole Examiner iu situations involving tial rights and due process (of change seems to indicate a lack dismissal of charges as a matter law)," and hamper the legal of confidence in the Hearing Ex­ of law, there were no figures or process, as well as undermine the aminer who would, as a result, facts available. Certainly changes authority of the examiners and merely become a figurehead with­ of this magnitude, affecting the create "administrative chaos." rights of all seamen, should not be out powers. ..." The decision to defer the pro­ The proposed change, the SIU made without all the facts. . . ." posals (46 CFR 137.23 and said, would also put a heavy bur­ 'Not Democratic* 137.35), pending further study, den Concerning the second of the of "unnecessary and need­ was made last month. The original less financial expense" on the proposed rule changes—the one Coast Guard proposals were put individual charged, in that it under which the Coast Guard forth on March 29, and the SIU "would require (him) ... to re­ Commandant would have been position was presented in a letter tain a lawyer in almost every in­ allowed to review the decisions to the U.S. Coast Guard Com­ stance (and) would also require of the Hearing Examiners—the mandant here on April 26. the filing of briefs in support of SIU declared that "It is unfair to Basically, the proposed rules the application. The obvious de­ a seaman and his reputation to would have given the Com­ have him declared not guilty and mandant the sole right to dismiss lay in determination with respect then have the Commandant, on charges or specifications as a mat­ to these specifications and charges review, cast comment on the not ter of law, and would further would influence the seaman's de­ guilty findings, which in effect is have given him the right to re­ cision and ability to ship and the really casting aspersions on the view and comment on not guilty length of time he should ship." seaman's reputation and nonSuch a situation is "unjust and determinations. guilt. This is not democratic and In arguing against the pro­ inequitable," the SIU declared. is not in compliance with due posals, the SIU declared that the Furthermore, "Under the pro­ process of law. It would result presently-existing regulations are posed change, any appeal of de­ already adequate to cover pro-' termination would be made to the in a situation where a seaman who has Been found not guilty ceedings where a seaman is same party who made the original may have a finding by the Com­ charged. determination. This is not only mandant say that he really is, Undue Hardship unjust but in violation of due although the not guilty finding The proposed change in the process." still remains." rulings, the SIU argued, "would seriously result in unnecessary delay, prejudice, and would de­ prive the seaman of substantial rights and due process. . . . Under the proposed change, this au­ thority <to dismiss charges or WASHINGTON—A bill lifting the six-percent ceiling on inter­ specifications as a matter of law) would be taken away from the est rates for federal shipbuilding loans and mortgages has been Hearing Examiner. Not only passed by Congress and is awaiting the signature of President would the man involved be de­ Johnson. struction of merchant ships in prived of a prompt determination, The measure, which had the U.S. yards. but the delay resulting from this The Sraate passed the bill change would create undue hard­ solid endorsement of the AFL(S. 3017) on May 27. By removing CIO Maritime Trades Depart­ ship and place a cloud over his the present six percent statutory ment, other representatives of qualifications and fitness to ship." Outlining several other points maritime labor and management interest ceiling on loans and mort­ of disagreement on the issue, the —as well as Administration back­ gages insured under Title XI, it SIU contended that the proposed ing—amends Title XI of the 1936 givM the Secretary of Commerce change "only takes the authority Merchant Marine Act, which the authority to approve such higher interest rates as he deter­ away from the Hearing Examiner to dismiss the specification or governs the maximum interest mines to be reasonable, taking charge .. . but does not take away rate allowed on loans and mort­ into account the range of interest the right to refuse to dismiss it. gages for shipbuilding insured by rates prevailing in the private The incongruity of this situation the Commerce Department. It is market for "Similar loans and the does not make sense. . . . designed to stimulate private con- risks assumed by the Department of Commerce. A companion bill (H.R. 14796) Relaxing in the Orient had been pending in the House. However, to speed action on the measure, the House adopted the Senate version and tabled its own. Prior to passage of the loan interest legislation the Maritime Administration had reported it has applications asking mortgage and loan insurance totalling $314,075,100 for the building of 70 ships and 691 badges with private funds. Tight money conditicms, under which private loans have been bringing in more than six percent interest rates, MARAD noted, had prevented availability of money for shipbuilding loans because of the statutory six per­ cent maxiniuin|binterest rate per­ mitted the Commerce Depart­ ment under present law. Commerce Department officials said once the bill becomes la^ While waiting for a ship, Seafarers relax in the SlU's Yoko­ there will be sufficient funds to hama hall. Left to right are: Enos Allen, Robert Wagner and Egon cover shipbuilding loans at the Christiansen. They recently completed trip on Galacia Navigator. higher rate. Congress Lifts Interest Ceilings On Federal Shipbuilding Idans Report of International President by Paul Hall A historic landmark, urged by the organized labor movement for the better part of a decade, is on the verge of realization following final passage by both the House and the Senate of the long-awaited "truth-in-lending" law. For much too long the average worker in America, with a tightlybudgeted amount of take-home pay at his disposal, has been victimized by the sharp-shooting merchandizer who offers with the one hand and takes away with the other. While this bill—fully backed by the Administration and only await­ ing the President's signature—is not due to take effect until July 1, 1969, it nevertheless provides sound ground for the consumer to resist exploitation which previously was allowed to run virtually unchecked. Therefore, the hard-working wage-earners, for which the law is designed, must begin now—after life-long economic victimization to put the people with the too-fast arithmetic on notice that their tallying method is coming to a close. The Truth in Lending bill provides, for the first time, that the con­ sumer must be fully informed as to true interest rates on money borrowed or on goods purchased on the installment plan. It is gratifying to know the working man has finally been assured of this vitally needed protection. The average American citizen wants only a fair return for his labors—adequate food, housing, comfort and opportunity for his family and himself. Unfortunately, the traditional conviction that one must pay his share for goods and services, has been exploited over the years to such an extent that continued wholesale abuses made legislation against them mandatory. No longer will the consumer be forced to accept loan or purchase terms on which the interest rate mysteriously doubles or triples with no explanation beyond the original sales pitch which persuaded him to sign a bihding contract from which he had no recourse—regardless of the fact that he had obviously been double-talked. It must be remembered, however, that the Truth in Lending law will not be an automatic shield against dishonest methods of stripping a worker of added dollars as he buys or borrows. Had there not been a concerted campaign on the part of the business establishment to systematically fleece its customers during all these years, there would have been no necessity for a legal curb on the ' pfactice in the first place. , The new law, therefore,, mys^ be recognized for what it is. It guar­ antees consumers the right to know what they are getting into when they sign a contract and forbids withholding of any information re­ garding the contract's terms requested by the consumer. But it does not insure complete information unless it is demanded—and a con­ tract, once signed, is still as binding as it ever was. Now that we have the law, we must use its protection to the fullest extent. Truth in Lending is yet another important piece of legislation in the long list of laws legalized by the labor movement in its continuing drive to gain for workers all the rights and protections to which they are entitled. Care must be taken to see that these hard-earned laws are utilized fully by those for whom they were intended—for one very significant reason: those who fought against them so diligently are busily devising whatever means possible to get around them. The only way to preserve our gains is to keep ever alert to attempts at cutting them down. Seafarers Pfying Vietmrn Ran eligible For New Service Ribbon WASHINGTON—^A Vietnam service ribbon has been author­ ized by the Maritime Administration in recognition of the im­ portant contribution Seafarers and others in the, merchant marine have made to the United States effort iji Soutlieast Asia. Acting Maritime Administrator James W. Gulick, in an­ nouncing the authorization, called attention to the patriotism of the "seamen of the American merchant marine who volun­ tarily answered" their country's call for men to serve the ships upon which our armed forces in Southeast Asia depend. "It is appropriate," Gulick said, "that their country should recognize the devotion and competence of these men who have served, and continue to serve, their country so well in so vital a mission." The new service ribbon has already been designed and approved by the' Institute of Heraldry. Production is expected to begin shortly. . All Seafarers who have served at any time since July 4, 1965, in Vietnam waters-aboard U.S.-flag ships in the supply effort for the Vietnam conflict are eligible for the service ribbon when it is available. Applications for the Vietnam Service bar should be made to the Office of Maritime Manpower, Maritime Administration, Washington, D.C. 20235, giving complete name, "Z" number, name of vessel, and period of service. �June 21, 1968 Job Call at Headquatfers SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy Spurs New Demand for Gun Control WASHINGTON—In the aftermath of the June 5 assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (D-N.Y.), an aroused public rallied behind President Johnson's call for a strong gun control law to cover rifles—such as those used in the slayings of President John P. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King—as well as pistols, telegrams and editorial blasts ex­ good might come from this last the weapon used to kill Senator pressing outrage. act of madness." • Kennedy, President Johnson promptly de­ The assassination in Los An­ (As the LOG went to press, a nounced the committee's inaction geles sharply revived memories of Senate Judiciary subcommittee as "a shocking blow to the safety the sla'ying of President John F. had unanimously approved a pro­ of every citizen" and "a bitter dis­ Kennedy, the senator's brother, in posal banning mail-order sales of appointment to all Americans and Dallas four and ors-balf years rifles and shotguns.) to the President." ago and the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis last The House Judiciary Commit­ Johnson said there is "no ex­ tee failed—on a 16-16 tie vote— cuse for failure to act . . . Of April. President Johnson, recalling to approve the Administration's the two million guns added each gun control bill, introduced by year to the arsenal already in the those assassinations in a speech to Committee -Chairman Emanuel hands of millions of Americans, the nation, declared that "those Celler (D-N.Y.). one million are sold by mail or­ awful events give us ample waiiiOnly two Republicans joined der houses in interstate com­ ing that in a climate of extrem­ northern Democrats in support- merce, and 30 percent of the ism, of disrespect for law, of con­ ing the measure, and most south­ murders by firearms committed tempt for the rights of others, vio­ erners voted with GOP oppon­ each year in this country are by lence may bring down the very best among us. And a nation that rifle and shotgun fire." ents. tolerates violence in any form As America paid final homagfe Paul Lopez (left), who ships in engine department and Raul Lopez of But there were indications that cannot expect to be able to con­ deck department, check jobs with New York dispatcher Ted Babkowthe committee would reconsider to the 42-year-old senator who fine it to just minor outbursts. had sought the presidential nomi­ ski at SlU Headquarters. They found a good ship and were off to sea. its action in the wake of letters, ' AFL-CIO Backs Ban nation of his party, the trade un­ ion movement voiced its feelings The AFL-CIO at its 1967 con­ in a statement by AFL-CIO Pres. vention called for a ban on mail Senate Cuts Maritime Funds George Meany. He said: order sales of all firearms and had supported an unsuccessful effort 'National Tragedy' in the Senate to add a ban on "Senator Kennedy's death is a mail order rifles as well as hand­ national tragedy. But, beyond guns to the crime control bill. that, it is a profound reproach— In the Senate, supporters of not to the United States alone— strong gun control legislation ap­ but to a world that remains torn peared to be picking up strength WASHINGTON—The pressure being'exerted upon Congressmen to cut the federal budget by and shaken from one end to the —^particularly among senators $6 billion in order to clear the way for the imposition of an Administration-asked 10 percent income other by political, social and cul­ from sparsely settled hunting tural hostility, violence and law­ states who previously had been tax surcharge has taken its toll on proposed budget expenditures for the U.S. Merchant Marine. lessness. adamant against any restriction Bowing to the demands of "Out of this tragedy some way on rifle sales. ster (D-Md.) casting the only shipbuilding. The extra $8 mil­ v economy, the full Senate laist negative votes to indicate their lion was added by the House Ap­ .must be formd to contam or teh^Senator George S. McGovern week voted to authorize only disapjpointment over the fund- propriations Committee, after the per the blind, unreasoning waves (DS.D.) announced that he is . $119.8 million for the buildlUg't^f stripping. Senate Commerce Committee had of human hatred and discord that switching his position in the be­ new ships in fiscal 1969, with the Up until the vote on the au­ agreed to go along with "the $237 lead disturbed""minds to' VidS^ence lief that South Dakota sportsmen possibility that the Administra­ thorization bill it appeared that million sought by the House Mer­ and to the search for targets and "will agree with me that addi­ tion may only spend as little as members of the Senate and House chant Marine and Fisheries Com­ scapegoats for their frustrations tional restrictions on purchases of $19 million for this purpose. The Subcommittees on Merchant Ma­ mittee. and animosities. rifles and shotguns are not an un­ Senate Commerce Committee, as rine, where the Congressional "Only then can there be any reasonable price to pay in the Senate-House conferees now well as the House Merchant Ma­ drive originated to upgrade the must decide on the final appro­ real hope that some element of hopes of reducing the horrible rine Committee, had recommend­ U.S. flag fleet, would be victori­ priation figure. misuse of firearms in our society." ed that $237 million be spent next ous in their fight to double the Another group of senators Congress this year is operating year as the first step in revitaliz­ amount of shipbuilding funds re­ sponsored additional legislation to ing the American-flag merchant quested by Ae Administration for the first time under a new law require national registration of all which grants the right of author­ fleet. firearms. The Justice Depart­ last January. izing funds for the merchant ma­ Following the Senate cut, what­ ment has urged all stated to con­ However, pressure on the Ad­ rine to the Senate and House ever Tunds are appropriated for ministration to cut federal spend­ Merchant Marine committees. sider registration and permit sys­ maritime this year will be decided ing, and thereby set the stage for The law provides that each legis­ Seafarers on the SlU-contracted tems for guns. by Senate-House conferees. Meanwhile, the Post Office De­ Congress to pass its bill for a 10 lative body must pass a similar Oceanic Ondine rescued 19 Ko­ partment announced that it will rean seamen from the sinking Research Also Cut percent income tax surcharge, ap­ authorization bill before an ap­ notify local police departments Panamanian-flag vessel Toryu, in The Senate also cut a recom­ peared to overshadow the urgent propriations bill can be i>assed by before <lelivering any firearm. the China Sea, it was reported both the House and Senate. mendation of $11 million for re­ pleas by Congressmen who seek .Kennedy died June 6 in a Los recently. funds to replace the obsolescent search and development for the Deleted in House The Ondine sighted a flare at Angeles hospital a little more merchant marine to $6.7 million vessels that make up the bulk of Last month the House was about 0599 on the night of March than 24 hours after he was shot after some senators delivered the fleet. ready to pass an apin-opriations 9 and headed for the stricken ship. in the kitchen of the Ambassador demands for economy in the na­ With the full $119.8 million bill which included $245 million Hotel. He never regained con­ tional interest. In each instance authorized in the amended bill for new ships. However, an ob­ The Koreans were spotted in a sciousness after six surgeons spent the final amount voted by the Sen­ for shipbuilding, it is estimated jection was raised on a technical­ lifeboat which was battling 30nearly four hours removing a .22 ate matched the total originally that only eight of nine new ships ity because the Senate had not yet foot swells and gale force winds caliber bullet from his brain. requested by the Administration. could be built next year. How­ passed its authorization measure. in a violent China Sea storm. The Sirhan Bishara Sirhan, 23, has Exertion of this pressure to se­ ever, the Administration has As a result the shipbuilding allot­ boat contained the Master, a mate been charged oflBcially with the cure wholesale slashes in the served unofficial notice that just ment was deleted from the House and 17 seamen. After the rescue murder. Sirhan, a Jordanian, the Koreans were taken to Da budget comes as a result of the $19 million—barely enough for bill. Nangj Vietnam, then to Cam Ranh had immigrated to the U.S. in position taken by the House-Slen- two ships—^would actually be. Disappointed Congressmen, Bay, where they were repatriated 1957 with his family. spent in fiscal 1969 and the re­ Kennedy's body was flown to ate Tax Committees iii response who are determined to modernize to South Korea by the Korean mainder of the funds would be the merchant fleet, said they Army. Three other survivors were New York for a requiem mass to the Administration's urging of carried over to future years. would insert the necessary funds picked up by the U.S.-flag freighter June 8 in St. Patrick's Cathedral. a 10 percent income tax sur­ Could Be Restored Burial in Washington later in the in a supplemental appropriations Glory of the Seas. charge. The Tax Committee has day was in Arlington National bill. The only way the funds can be refused to approve the tax hike The entire rescue was cited by In face of the Senate's'i one­ the MSTS Commander of Naval Cemetery alongside his brother, unless $6 billion is pruned from restored is if the Senate Appro­ John F. Keimedy. priations Committee, which must sided vote, however, it is doubt­ Forces, Philippines. the national budget. As a resuTt, act next, supports the Commerce Five others who were with ful that a subsequent bill would the Merchant Marine, which has Conunittee's recommendations. If gain approval. The Ondine had stood by the Kennedy as he left the hotel ball­ Toryu for about 27 hours, at­ room after a victory speech' on been used as a fiscal "whipping it doesn't, no substantial construc­ Econonty Again the Excme tempting to get a crew and line the results of the California Dem­ boy," became one of the first, vic­ tion of new sbip^ in U.S. yards t The fight to cut the shipbuild­ aboard for salvage. However, the ocratic primary were alsp wound­ tims of the economy drive. will be possible jiext year. ing funds from tbe Senate au­ lights aboard the stricken ship ed but later reported in good con? .The final vote on the amended Following the Senate vote, the thorization measure was led by went out at 2300 hours and 20 dition. Among them was Paul authorization bill—after the funds bill (H.R. 15189) was sent back Senators John" J; Williams (Rminutes later she disappeared Schrade, West Coast regional di­ were slashed—^was 78 to 2, with for action on the amended ver­ Del.), and Frank L. Diusche ID- from the radar screen. The rector of the Auto Workers, who Senators Warren G. Magnuson sion by the House, which had al­ Ohio) who sounded battle cries Oceanic Ondine left the scene the underwent surgery for removal of (D-Wuh.) and Daniel B. Brew­ ready approved $245 million for for economy. following day. a bullet in his skull. Senate-House Conferees to Decide On Fleet Authorization Measure SlU Vessel Rescues 19 Korean Seamen In China Sea Storm �Page Poor / s%kF A'kErn s L O G House Passes Clean Poaltry Bill; Striet lnspe€tion Standards Set • WASHINGTON—^The House has voted overwhelming 351-17 approval of a federal poultry inspection bill strongly supported by consumers, labor and the Administration. The legislation sent to the Senate for action gives states two years to set up strictly-enforced in­ spection programs for the 13 ^—:~~T :—: 7 ® By contrast, the extension of disease when they work in unin­ percent of poultry and poultry the principle to poultry stirred spected plants. products that does not cross little controversy. The union's top officers. Presi­ state lines—about 1 billion pounds -Congress had already felt the dent T. J. Lloyd and Secretarya year. The federal government wrath of consumer opinion. And Treasurer Patrick E. Gorman, will pay half the cost. the big trade associations in the hailed the House passage of "a Poultry sold in interstate com­ poultry industry represented proc­ strong consumer protective and merce is already covered by fed­ essors who dealt almost exclu­ worker protective bill" and ex­ eral inspection and the House bill sively in interstate commerce— pressed the hope that the Senate includes strengthening amend­ and were already tovered by fed­ will "act quickly" to complete ac­ ments to the 10-year-old federal eral inspection. tion on the legislation before Con­ The House bill carries exemp­ gress adjourns. program. The bill requires that state pro­ tions for small processors—those There has been no congres­ grams "at least equal" federal doing'less than $15,000 worth of sional action, however, on Presi­ standards, including continuous business a year—and permits ex­ dent Johnson's concurrent request inspection and rigid sanitary emptions of growers who do their for the start of a fish inspection own processing. A Republican program. standards. amendment to raise this-exemp­ A spot check by the Agricul­ "If poultry inspection is spotty tion to $100,000 was voted down. ture Department of retail mar­ today, fish inspection is virtually kets in 16 states showed that 20 • The legislation permits a state non-existent," Johnson told Con­ percent of uninspected chickens to take more than two years to gress. sold were unfit for human con­ put its program fully in effect if Ironically, it is because of the sumption—^while none of the fed­ it is already well under way when magnitude of the problem that erally-inspected chickens in the the two-year period is up. How­ opposition from the fish process­ ever, if a state fails to set up an sample showed signs of disease. adequate program, or lets its en­ ing industry is so great. In both The House bill is similar to the forcement standards slip below the meat and poultry areas, there meat inspection legislation en­ the promised level, the federal had been a substantial federal in­ acted by Congress last year after government will step in with its spection program in operation a bitter fight in which aroused own inspection program. and the problem was reduced to consumers proved a stronger extending coverage to the minor­ Major support for the legisla­ lobby than the big meat packing tion came from the Meat Cutters, ity of meat and poultry sold with­ trade associations. whose members risk infection and out crossitfg state lines. Truth-in-Lending Law Wins Passage After Eight-Year Campalgii by Labor • 'j I'i 'V/ • i- WASHINGTON—Congress has given its final approval to a truth-in-lending bill which will re­ quire stores and money-lenders to tell consumers in simple, easy-to-compare terms what they are •pa3dng in credit charges and interest. After an eight-year campaign, in which unions had a major role, final passage came with bring to consumers and wage- And it exempts the first 75 perpent amazing ease. earners the "sound credit protec­ of a worker's after-tax pay—or It cleared both the House and tion legislation which they badly $48 a week, whichever amount is Senate by voice vote and was needed." higher—from garnishment. And sent to the White House for Presi­ The legislation requires stores whenever the federal minimum dent Johnson's certain approval. and lending institutions to state wage is raised, the $48 figure goes The President had called for pas­ the full charge for credit and in­ up also. It is computed on the sage of the legislation at every ses­ terest both in total dollars-and- basis of 30 times the minimum sion of Congress during his Ad­ cents cost and in terms of true wage. ministration. annual interest. Some states have laws giving It would enable a family buying greater protection. In those cases, "Great Victory" Former Senator Paul H. Doug­ on the installment plan or borrow­ the superior state laws will apply. Exempt from the credit charge las (D-Ill.), who initiated the con­ ing money to shop for the best cept of truth-in-lending and first buy in credit—^without a degree disclosure law are all purchases under $25, items under $75 in sponsored the bill back in 1960, in mathematics. For example, the most com­ which the total credit charge is termed its passage "a great victory monly used methods of quoting fi­ $5 or less, and any sales over $75 for the people." nance charges are "add-on" rates, Douglas praised Senator Wil­ "discount" rates, and the monthly in which the credit cost is not more than $7.50. liam Proxmire (D-Wis.) and rate on the unpaid balance. An important provision of the Representative Leonor K. Sullivan bill is aimed at home repair sales­ True Rate Required (D-Mo.), the floor managers of men and others who seek to get The new legislation means that the legislation, "for the way they unsuspecting customers to sign steered the bill through in a strong the person who borrows $1,000 to a mortgage or a second mortgage be repaid over one year at an and improved form." on their homes under the pre­ And it was the trade union "add-on" rate of 10 percent inust tense that it is a normal install­ be told that the true interest rate movement, Douglas said, lining ment contract. ^ behind the bill, "which gave is 18.5 percent and the dollar cost To start with, the salesman of the credit is $100. If it is a 10 it mass support ^d helped to would have to inform the custom­ percent "discount" rate, it must be finally put it over." translated info a 20.5 percent true er that the paper is a mortgage on For this support from union interest and an actual cost of his home. But even then the members who wrote letters, passed $111.10. And if the rate is two custodier would have three days resolutions and lobbied for the percent a month on the balance, he after signing to cancel the agree­ bill, Douglas added, "we are eter­ must be told that he will pay a ment if he has second thoughts. Advertisements of goods or nally grateful." true rate of 24 percent a year loans — whether published or at a total cost of $130. AFLrCIO Legislative Director broadcast—-must quote true in­ Garnishment provisions in the Andrew J. Biemiller noted that terest and total cost If any credit final version of the bill aren't, as Douglas "'led the lonely fight for strong as the House originally or interest charges are used in the many years" and termed the legis­ passed—or as the AFL-CIO had advertisement. . lation a "monument" to his efforts. sought. The bulk of the bill takes effect He joined in thanking Mrs. Sul­ But it does make' it illegal for July 1, 1969; the garnishment pro­ livan and Proxmire for leading an employer to fire a worker the vision becomes effective July 1, "this year's successful battle" to first time his pay is gamisheed. 1970. • Jane 21, 1968 The Atlantic Coast by Earl (Bull) Shepard, Wca-Prasldent, Atlantic Coast Area Passage by the House of the Clean Poultry Bill, strongly sup­ ported by labor, brings the day closer when diseased chickens will no longer be sold to an unsuspecting public. It is obvious that such consumer bills can be passed, and are passed, when legis­ lators receive a steady flow of letters from concerned constituents. Seafarers can continue to help by urging the Senate to adopt the in any good ship. Earl's been a Seafarer for 17 years. House-passed poultry bill so it Shipping has been very good can become law. here and prospects look bright PhUadelphia for the coming period. The Delaware Port Council Baltimore honored SlU Port Agent John Fay recently. Fay is secretaryJames Michael is waiting treasurer of the Council, which around for a long trip after sail­ represents the Delaware Valley ing on the Ahtinous. Jim is a 22-year man and sails in the and vicinity. Among those present at the steward department. ceremonies were SIU President •Refreshed after a short vaca­ Paul Hall, who is also president tion, Edward Levy is scanning the boards for a trip to the Far East. He's been sailing SIU ships for 24 years. George Kontos recently re­ turned to this port from the Pennmar. He's interested in any ship running long and far. George has high praise for our welfare and vacation plans. Puerto Rico Flynn Kontos Oliver Flynn is anxious to get of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades off the NFFD rolls and get a good Department; Ray McKay, Presi­ ship. Among the oldtimers doing dent of District 2, MEBA, and Peter M. McGavin, executive sec­ standby work for Sea-Land are retary-treasurer of MTD. I Joe Garcia, Carlos Diaz, Barilio Warren Buliard registered for a Estreila and Enrique Vargas. Frank Miller is holding down good oiler's job, while Ed Toner is keeping his eyes open for the an AB job on the Ponce. Frankie first ship that needs a good AB. Maldonado is an oiler on the same Just off the Potomac is 27-year ship. Luis Hernandez, Adrian SIU man, James Berg&na. He Teiddor and Ernesto Torres are sails in the engine departtn^nt around the hall, waiting to ship. and is ready to go again.'* ' Boston Protasio Herrera was NFFD Francis Buhl recently Com­ awhile but is now set to ship as pleted an AB's job on the Sum­ soon as possible. He's anxious to mit and will be ready for another turn out the fresh bread and is ship shortly. well known as one of our better A ship heading for the Far bakers. East will have a good bosun in Norfolk Arthur Harrington. Arthur has Earl Mansfield had two good sailed with the SIU 22 years and trips in a row on the Producer, as last made the Vantage Venture as AB. A 27-year veteran. Earl is deck maintenance. interested in a short run to William McKeon registered for Europe next time out. a BR's job after completing ;a trip Earl Javins sailed in the deck on the Ocean Anna. The "Com­ department aboard the Potomac. modore" is holding down the hall After a vacation, he's interested until the right ship comes along. Surveying The Damage A Viet Cong shell struck the SlU-contracted ^teel Apprentice' in Saigon harbor June 3, causing a hole about two feet in diameter in the side of the ship, some 25 feet from the bow. Surveying damage, L. to R,: Ralph Duffell, chief electrician, E. Briimfield, wiper, L Doering, chip's delegate, J. Bocala, baker. At right is local Vietnamese. �Jane 21, 1968 SEAFARERS Wmlcer Delegates at ILO Parley Protest Jailii^ of Argentinian GENEVA—Protesting the imprisonment of an Argentinian trade unionist, worker delegates to the annual conference of the International Labor Organization here refused to take part in the election of Argentina's Secretunity to lay down guidelines that tary of Labor, Reuben San Se­ will enable the ILO to best ad­ bastian as president of the ILO's dress itself to the "highest and four-week session. noblest" of its tasks. This is, he San Sebastian won election said, the determination, the affir­ through government and employ­ mation and the safeguarding of er representatives and Jean Moeri, fundamental human rights." veteran Swiss labor leader, em­ The head of the ILO executive phasized the action of the worker body urged that the agency make delegates was not directed against a special effort "to meet the as­ San Sebastian, but was a protest pirations and needs of young against the five-year-sentence giv­ people." en earlier this year to Eustaquio Earlier, David Morse, the ILO Tolosa of the Argentinian dock­ director general, had urged the ers union. The Argentinan government conference to draw new guidelines prosecuted Tolosa because he had to achieve for all "the ideals of voted at a London union federa­ freedom and dignity, economic tion meeting to support a boycott security and equ^ opportunity." of the government for its antiHuman Rights Is Theme labor policies. Morse said in a human rights Moeri stressed that by refusing report setting the theme for the to subscribe to San ^bastian's conference that there must be no election the workers were not slowdown in "the promotion of challenging his good will or abil­ the rule of law, of political de­ ity. At the same time, Moeri con­ mocracy and of civil and politi­ tinued, the workers' decision not cal rights." to vote against him was to be In­ terpreted as a "gesture of con­ ciliation." Seek Release of Unfonist "It is our earnest hope," Moeri said, "that the government of Ar­ gentina will seek to improve its relations with trade union organi­ zations and that it will release-the' LOS ANGELES—The SIUimprisoned trade unionist." NA-affiliated Cannery Workers When opening the conference, Union of the Pacific has called or general assembly, of the 118for the establishment of a ceiling member United Nations special­ on tuna production in American ized agency in Geneva's Palace of Samoa "by restricting such pro­ Nations, Roberto Ago of Italy, duction to the total tuna pack chairman of the ILO's Governing' within continental Body emphasized the session's processed United States." human fights theme. In a letter to the Director of He urged'the more than 1,000 the Office of Territories of the delegates and their advisers to use Interior Department in Washing­ the general debate as an opporton, Cannery Workers President Steve Edney said "it is clear that concrete steps must be taken now to control this runaway tuna pro­ duction." Edney suggested that the quota should not exceed 10 percent of the canned tuna processed by fa­ WASHINGTON—Two more cilities located within the conti­ vessels—the Cypriot-flag, 7,277- nental United States during any ton Gloria and the 1,143-ton calendar year. He noted that a Lebanese-flag A1 Fares — have year-long review by the union in­ been added to the list of ships dicated that "serious economic barred by the Maritime Adminis­ problems and hardships have re­ tration from carrying U.S. Gov­ sulted from the ever increasing ernment - generated cargoes for tuna pack of American Samoa, having called at Cuban ports, the and further, that such production can be controlled without detri­ agency has announced. The Cuba blacklist now stands ment to the economy of Amer­ at 199 ships as MARAD con­ ican Samoa." The Cannery Workers presi­ tinues its policy, established in 1963, of denying government- dent pointed out that placing a sponsored cargo to vessels trad­ ceiling on tuna production would not be unique as evidenced by the ing with Communist Cuba. MARAD said that four vessels quota established in the Virgin have been removed from the list. Islands regarding the production The Liberian-flag Sea Explorer of watches. has regained eligibility to carry U.S. Government-sponsored car­ goes after its owners pledged that the ship would not engage in fur­ ther trade with Cuba. The other The following Seafarers three ships were removed because from the Monticello Victory they are no longer in operation. can claim personal effects left The .Maritime Administration on this vessel at the U.S. keeps records on all foreign-flag Customs Office, 7300 Winships of Free World countries and gate, Houston, Texas; Poland to establish which vessels Calvin Stevens, Monte call at Cuban ports. Smithy Edward Olsen, John MARAD said the 199 ships Ediund, Raul Cantu, Jr., now on the blacklist total Jackie McDaniel, Egon Chris­ 1,438,316 gross tons. Since 1963, tiansen and Marvin Chatom. a total of 112 ships have been removed from the list. Cannery Workers Propose Controls On Samoan Tuna Cuba Blacklist Adds 2 Ships, 4 Are Removed Gear BeingHeM Pmge Five LOG Hall Named to Boy Scouts'Board; First Labor Member To Bo Fleeted CHICAGO—SIU President Paul Hall became the first labor member ever to be elected to tbe national executive board of the Boy Scouts of America at the organization's annual meeting here which also adopted a long-range plan to enroll more boys from ghetto and rural poverty areas. Hall, who also is a vice-pres­ ident of the AFL-CIO and a member of its Executive Coun­ cil, said in accepting election to the board that it would be a "distinct privilege to have the op­ portunity to work with the other members in the interest of the youth of America. I hope I will be able to make a worthwhile con­ tribution to the efforts of the Boy Scouts of America, an organiza­ tion which I have long admired." Hall was the only new member elected to the Scouts' board at this year's meeting as it adopted an eight-year plan, entitled "Boypower 76," to raise the total number of scouts to 6.5 million boys by 1976 and to help "pre­ pare a new generation with the skill and confidence to master the changing demands of America's future and to give leadership to it." Irving Feist, newly-elected President of the Boy Scouts of Amer­ Hailed by Perils ica, (right) shows SlU President Paul Hall long-range plans for Leo Perils, AFL-CIO Commu­ youth programs in poverty and ghetto areas. Hall became nity Services director, hailed first trade unionist elected to serve on Boy Scouts national board. Hall's election to the council as recognition of "the tremendous B'rith "in recognition of his de­ job being done by union members Hulett C. Smith of West Virginia voted efforts and leadership in for his activities in providing job as Scouting volunteers and aware­ helping to build a world of free­ ness of the great potential the training and career opportunities dom, equality and justice." Also in the merchant marine for un­ trade union movement represents employed youth of Appalachia in he was awarded the Citation of as a source of productive com­ Honor of the National Commit­ munity leadership" Perils noted the "Mountains to the. Sea" pro­ tee for Rural Schools as a result gram. that support of Scouting has been In March of this year. Hall was of his "vigorous advocacy of edu­ a part of the AFL-CIO Commu­ named "Man of the Year" by the cational and economic opportu­ nity Services program for a num­ Anti-Defamation League of B'nai nity for the youth of all cnigins."ber of years and that 25 percent of adult volunteers in Scouting are union members. " . A resolution adopted by the BSA council expressed "sincere appreciation for the labor-scout­ ing partnership as we join hands in the interest of citizenship train­ by Frank Drozak, West Coast Representative ing, character development, and mental and physical fitness for Vice-President Hubert Humphrey is expected to be the major the boys of America." recipient when the California delegation won by the. late Senator It further noted that the AFLRobert F. Kennedy decides it's future course. CIO leadership has urged local During the primary, Senator Eugene McCarthy indicated he and international unions and would not join in a "stop Humphrey" movement but would con­ their members to participate in tinue his search for delegates^ Achilles, Loma Victory and Transscouting. Through its "Boypower 76" the regardless of the outcome in Oneida. BSA hopes to increase the num­ California. A noteworthy devel­ Wilmington ber of participating adults from opment is the fact that a third Shipping is excellent for all de­ last year's record 1,597,397 in of the state's Republican vot­ partments and ratings. The out­ proportion to the expected 50 ing in the pri­ look for the next period is for percent increase of boys during mary, failed to more of the same. the coming eight years. There vote for Gover­ Paying-off were the Seatrain are now 4,461,111 Scouts enrolled nor Ronald Rea­ Maryland, Sagamore Hill, Steel and the plan seeks to involve gan as a favorite Advocate, Seatrain Georgia and "deeply a representative oneson hopefully the Cosmos Trader. We have five third of all boys," with a con­ dampening his bid ships in transit, while six signedsiderable number coming from for the party on. underprivileged families. Presidential nomi­ Walter Marcos, one of our pen­ nation. Wide Community Activities sioners, has left the hospital and Malyszko U n f o r t u- sends his regards to all his old Hall, who also is president of nately. Max Rafferty defeated in­ shipmates. He would like to hear the seven-million-member AFLCIO Maritime Trades Depart­ cumbent U. S. Senator Tom Ku- from them. ment and chairman of the AFL- chel in the primary, depriving the Seattle CIO Committee on Organization, Republicans of a liberal Senator. Cecfl Mills recently completed has been active in a wide range It is important that labor back of community programs devoted Democratic candidate Alan Crans- • a job as oiler on the Amicus. After spending a week at home, he has to helping the less fortunate of ton in the November election the nation. He is a vice-president against the ultra-conservative Raf­ just taken the second pumpman's spot on the Vantage Venture. of the Civic Center Clinic in New ferty, SinHm Chaban is taking a rest York, ah organization which pro­ after doing a good job as baker San Francisco vides psychiatric treatment for on the Seattle. He'll be ready for youthful offenders as an alterna­ We have paid-off the following a new ship shortly. tive to prison sentences, and re­ ships this period: Cdumbia VicJoseph Malyszko would like a ceived the Civic Center Clinic's tmy, Kyska, Los Angeles, Seatrain bosun job after sailing as deck Humanitation Award for his ef­ Florida, Oakland, Steel Chemist, maintenance on the Wayne Vic­ forts in its behalf. Hattiesburg Victory, Steel Rover, tory. A member of the Advisory Shipping has been extremely Council of the President's Youth Steel Designer, San Francisco and good for two weeks and the up­ Raphael Semmes. Opportunity Campaign, he was coming period is promising. In transit are the Geneva, saluted last year by Governor The Pacific Coast �Page Six fr '(t- • II i ''i:' Five More Seafarers Earn Ureases; TotalUpgradedto Fngineer Now256 Five additional Seafarers have received an engineer's lidense after passing Coast Guard exami­ nations following completion of the course of study at the School of Marine Engineering sponsored jointly by the SIU and District 2, MEBA. A total of 256 men have now upgraded to licensed engi­ neer through the school. Engine department Seafarers electrician before receiving a sec­ Three of the men are new ond assistant's license. are eligible to apply for any of third assistant engineers, while Raymond Holder lives" in the upgrading programs if they two. received a second assistant's license. Clyde Cahill is a new second assistant engineer. He is a native of Ohio and lives in New Orleans. Brother Cahill joined the Union in that port in Holder Biriiop Judge Pritchart 1945. The 46year-old seaman Tampa. The 52-year-old native are 19 years of age or older and jailed as FOWT. of Alabama joined the Union in have 18 months of Q.M.E.D. Cahill George Bishop Tampa. He has sailed with the watch standing time in the engine sailed as FWT before receiving a SIU for 26 years and formerly department, plus six months' ex­ third assistant's license. Bom in held an electrician's rating. He perience as a wiper or equivalent. Alabama, he makes his home in is a newly-licensed third assistant Those who qualify and wish to Fairhop'*, Ala. A member of the engineer. enroll in the school can obtain Union since 1964, he joined in Before receiving a third assist­ additional information and apply Mobile. He is 31 years old. ant engineer's license, Joseph Wade Pritchart is 37 years old Judge sailed as FOWT. A native for the course at any SIU hall or and joined the Union in Galveston, of Butte, Montana, he lives in write directly to SIU headquarters Texas, in 1948. He is a native Seattle. Brother Judge joined the at 675 Fourth Avenue in Brook­ of Florida and resides in Lutz, SIU in Houston in 1965. He is lyn, New York, 11232. The teleFla. Brother Pritchart sailed as 39 years old. I phone number is Hyacinth 9-6600. The Gulf Coast by Undsey Williams, Vice-President, Gulf Area JtuM 21, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG Fathom Must So Jtoya/ Navy Nod The first exhibition, of the Louisiana Maritime Museum was on LONDON—^It doesn't take too display recently in the library of the International Trade Mart., long to fathom why the Royal Navy has abolished the fathom. The museum is still without a permanent home. For several years, leaders in the maritime and afiBliated indus­ It's because people are living in tries have discussed the need for such a museum, which would a world of decimals and the Ad­ miralty has come to the conclu­ honor the port of New Orleans ^ sion it will be better to state depths had a long session in drydock and and the Mississippi Valley and it's in meters instead of fathoms. is anxious to ship. George had importance in the growth of completed a trip aboard the Ky^ For instance, 40 fathoms, now America. The museiun was becomes 43.1520 meters. formed with the purpose of fur­ before his illness. After a good bosun's job on thering the science, practice, tradi­ Small British coastal vessels the Maiden Creek, John Hun- Have always used feet and inches tion, and history of marine trans­ portation of every type. because the measurement is more It will endeavor to acquire all accurate. types of marine artifacts, models, In America, the United States historical documents and nautical Navy will continue to use fathoms instruments. Also included in the at sea and feet, and inches in shal­ recent exhibit, valued at some low waters. $100,000, were rare photographs The. fathom goes back to an­ and documents—covering 250 cient Greece, where it represented years of city history—-plus a col­ Hunter Hartley the distance between tbe hands lection of models and materials of a man standing with his arms showing the history of boating tM- will get in some fishing and outstretched. That came down from primitive man's log raft to shrimping before going back to finally to an even 6 feet, which modern super freighters.' sea. now makes the fathom 1.8288 Another Seafarer on the Maiden New Orleans . Creek who enjoys a bit.of fishing meters. Jack Cobb is on the beach after is William Barnes. He was stew­ The Royal Navy planners also sailing as steward on the Fal­ ard on that ship. Bill has sailed believe they'll sell a lot more mouth. He made one trip to the Gulf area for 25 years. charts in meters than in fathoms. Pakistan and one to Vietnam. from Illness deprived the Seafarers Last year, the Admiralty sold Jack recently visited some rela­ on the Vantage Progress of a tives in Florida and Kentucky. firsf-rate chief cook, when Stavros nearly 2,000,000 charts—in fath­ John "Tiny" Adams shipped as Petrantes left that vessel. The oms—^worth the equivalent of $1,night cook and baker on the Del 15-year veteran is well again now 500,000. Norte. He will try to make the and ready to sail on the first good Manufacturers will have to Del Mar, especially if it's heading ship to hit the board. makeover depth sounding equip­ down South America way. Louis Hartley is registered in ment because of the shift and men William Mnnrell returned from group two, engine department. a voyage to West Africa as AB He recently completed a fast trip calling the depths will have to on the Dd Monte. Bill is NFFD aboard the Halycmi Panther. check with the man at the chart right now, but as soon as he re­ Louis has shipped from the Gulf to make certain they're both using the same unit. Othervidse there covers, he'll take the first AB's area for many years. job to come along—^any ship, any may be a screech of steel on rocks. Houston run. of the fathom is J. A. lOereb is looking for a in Abolishment Peter Monreale recovered from line with Britain's general shift a foot injury and is looking for good bosun's job. to decimals. The first droimal A. PinclMMA is on the beach a good chief cook's job. Pete will pennies were recently put into cir­ after completing a trip on the go anywhere, he said. culation for 50 million people Aldina. C. L. Moody just got Mobile back from the Far East and will who have been accustomed to six­ Geofo-e Bales is registered in spend some time on tugboats be­ pences, shillings, half crowns and group one, deck department. He fore taking another bosun's job. crowns for ever so Itmg. The Great Lakes by Fred F«m«n,S«cr«f«ry-TrMSur*r,OrMt i We have been officially ngtified by the Great Lakes Association of Marine Operators (GLAMO) that their negotiating team will meet with us to negotiate a new contract. William Crippen of American Steamship Company and Henry Rake, Reiss Steamship Company, will zepresent GLAMO while Fred Famen and Jack Bluitt will represent the Union. As usual, before taking off for Seattle to we will keep the membership ship as electrician or deck en­ abreast of all developments gineer. When he returns, he will enter the engineer's school in through this Column and at the Toledo. membership meetings. Dulnfli Contracts with several other Shipping has picked-up con­ companies not represented by siderably here with plenty of jobs GLAMO also expire this year. The first one is Ann Arbor Rail­ road. Prior to our first session with this company, we travelled to Frankfort, Michigan, home of Ann Arbor and held meetings with the crews regarding wages, pensions and welfare. Great Lakes shipowners are still fighting the railroads regard­ Worth ing coal rates from Lake Erie ports for trans-shipment by Lake for rated and imrated men. There or Lake-rail to domestic destina­ haye been numerous inquiries con­ tions. Tonnage handled by ship­ cerning contract renewals slated owners in 1967 was down 2.2 for this fall. These inquires con­ million tons compared to 1966 cern wages, benefits and work levels. rules. The new $40 million Foe Lock Orval Jenkinson is finally fit will open to-traffic July 13. The for duty after recuperating from lock will permit vessels up to an automobile accident in Jan­ 1,000 feet long to enter Lake uary. Orval ships as fireman. Superior and has bei^p qi^r.cQpim "Eugene "Ike" Isaacson shipped on struction for seven .years. It is the Uhlmann Brothers as watch­ one of four locks in the Sault man. A shipmate is Joseph complex operated by the U.S. McLevis of the deck department. Army Corps of Engineers. Tom Newgren, who sails as watchman on the Buckeye MonCbicj^ Shipping was extremely good, Itcw, received his AB ticket last period, with entry rariogs at Ihrough our upgrading school. a premium. All vessels serviced Frankfort are in good shape and the crews The City of Grem Bay paidare anxiously awaiting negdtia- ' off for 48 hours recently but no tions to begin on the new con­ word has been received about a tract. change of schedule as of this Just returned from a trip to date. We have met with officials Vietnam is Ed "Buddy" Woith, of the Ann Arbor Railroad Com­ who sailed as crew messman on pany in Dearborn, regarding wage the Citadel Victoiy. While aboard negotiations, but no settlement this ship, he learned how to bake was reached. No date was set for bread, cake, etc., and intends to a future meeting. follow-up this training by attend­ Alpena ing the cook's school in Toledo— Shipping is progressing nor­ providing the Army doesn't take mally for this time of the year. him first. While he was at sea the Board reclassified him. In the The crew from the J. B. Ford meantime. Buddy will be available was laid off and the company for a second cook's job on the was anticipating the lay-up of the Lakes. E. M. Ford, as well, but changed Peny Spiide was on the tanker its mind. Detroit until the ship laid-up. All Seafarers who dropped in He'll spend some time fishing in to see our new hall were very Iowa before shipping again. Julias pleased with the accommodations Johnson stopped in to say hello and location. SIU WELFARE, VACATION PLANS May 1~May 31, 1968 Number of Benefits Hospital Benefits (Welfare) ... 5,379 Death Benefits (Welfare) 41 Disability Benefits (Welfare) . . 1,171 Maternity Benefits (Welfare) . 35 Dependent Benefits (Welfare) . 487 (Averapet $202.75) Optical Benefits (Welfare) .... 539 oiit-Pcrtlent Benefits (Welfare) 5,728 Vacotlen Benefits . (Average! $420.26) Total Welfare, Vacation . BenejRts Paid This Perl^ . 13,380 1^ Amount Paid $ 59,424.84 97,933.18 258,163.00 6,993.00 98,725.02 8,143.25 4S,843.50 573,225.79 673,264.78 - 14,982 $1,246,490.57 �Jime 21, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG Court OK's Back Pay Award To Darlington Mills Workers RICHMOND, VA.—^The U.SS 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has brought rome 500 discharged workers and the Textile Workers Union of America within one step of .final victory in a 12-year .struggle for justice. The court, in a 5-to-2 decision, upheld a National Labor Relations Board finding that E>eering Milliken and Co., Inc., closed its Darling­ ton, S.C., plant in 1956 to discourage unionism in its 26 other U.S. plants. The decision also enforces the NLRB's order that the firm pay the discharged employees lost wages from the date of their layoff yntil they are offered reinstatement or placed on preferential hiring lists in other Deering Milliken mills. The company has 90 days from the date of the .decision. May 31, to request a U.S. Supreme Court review of the Appeals Court ruling. This would be its final move in the long, drawn-out case. The exact amount i)f wages that will be coming to the discharged Darlington workers if the Appeals Court decision sticks cannot be determined, he pointed out, because each worker's "lost wages" since 1956 will differ. But the total "will likely run into the mUlions," he estimated. The NLRB decided back in 1962 that Deering Milliken com­ mitted an unfair labor practice when it closed its plant immediately after TWUA won a representation election because the move was made to thwart union activity. It ordered the firm to bargain with the union about effects of the shutdown, to restore employees to similar jobs, and to make them whole for any pay they had lost because of die closing. The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals denied enforcement of the board order, by a 3-to-2 vote, on grounds an employer has the '^absolute prerogative" to go out of business in part or entirely, at any time. However, the Supreme Court in March, 1965, held "that a partial closing" of a plant is an unfair labor practice "if motivated by the purpose to chill unionism in any remaining plants" of a single employer. It then returned the case to the NLRB to determine if this was what happened at Darlington. In its decision of June, 1967—^which is now upheld by the Ap­ peals Court—the NLRB reaffirmed its 1962 decision and found that the "chilling" described by the-Supreme-Court- "at least in part, lay behind the decision to close the Darlington mill." The board, by a 4-to-O vote, also found in reaching its conclu­ sion that: • Those, in control of Darlington "had other business interests" sufficiently substantial to give promise of reaping benefits "from the discouragement of unionization in those businesses." • The company spenf $4G0;000 to improve the Darlington mills in the first eight months of 1956 and no serious consideration was ever given to closing the mill until it went union. • The company directors, headed •by Roger Milliken, met and decided to shut down just six days after the employees voted for TWUA. • Milliken told his stockholders at a 1956 meeting that he would not run the mill with a union and he sent messages to officials of his other mills clearly indicating he would close unionized plants. The American Bakery and Con­ fectionery Workers negotiated a new two-year contract for 20,000 "wholesale" workers with gains of 44 cents an hour described by ABC as the "finest settlement ever achieved" in the baking industry. A pattern accord was won from Continental Baking Co., in Paterson, N.J., and then agreed to by other major wholesale firms in the bread and cake industry—Ameri­ can Bakeries, Interstate Baking, General Host, formerly the Gen­ eral Baking Co., and Ward Foods. The pact covers members in"wholesale" bakery plants~from New York to Oklahoma. The new two-year agreement will' affect workers in all areas except for members of ABC Local 1, Chi­ cago, and Local 4, St. Louis, who went on strike for a Mondaythrough-Friday workweek. The Teachers union has latmched a drive for a "million dollar militancy fund" to help the nation's teachers establish their right to organize and bargain col­ lectively. The fund was launched at a meeting in New York of class­ room teachers and representatives of other national unions, state and local bodies, which took time out also to honor four teacher repre­ sentatives who had served jail terms diu^ng the school year for violation of strike-breaking injunc­ tions. AFL-CIO President George Meany, in a message saluted the courageous members of the AFT and declared that public pfficials "must learn that threats, injunc­ tions and jail sentences will not educate children, provide better school systems, solve the prob­ lems of neglected youngsters in ghettos or provide the wage levels and decent working conditions that America's teachers need and desire." The militancy fund will be used in state legislative cam-, paigns and to aid families of jailed leaders. * * * Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Work­ ers have ratified a new three-year contract with the New Jersey Bell Telephone Co. ending a six-week strike. The new contract covering about 8,300 IBEW members, calls for wage increases totaling 19.5 percent over the three years with initial increases ranging from $4 to $12.50 per week retroactive to May 26. Members of the Com­ munications Workers who had accepted contract terms earlier, honored the IBEW picket lines. Page Seven Mail-Order Slaughter! The life of yet another prominent Amer­ dom. A shocked and saddened citizenry ican was taken this month by the use of knows it at home and a shocked and critical world knows it abroad. a deadly firearm. The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy was fostered—however indirect­ Since the assassination of Robert F. Ken­ ly—by arms merchants within our own nedy the demand for some sort of gun con­ country who place personal profit above all trol has gained an added momentum— else. coming so quickly after the national indig­ Following the assassination of the late nation ignited by the assassination of Dr. President John F. Kennedy in 1963, wide­ King—which we hope will not again be spread debate on the need for gim control thwarted by the National Rifle Association in the United States was undertaken by and its adherants in the gun lobby. all—both in and out of government circles There is, unfortunately, a lack of overall —but nothing concrete was ever done about purpose toward gun controls in this elec­ it. The so-called "gun-lobby" opposed re­ tion year. Though pressure mounts daily, strictions of any sort. , many legislators have advanced their own bills to meet the tailored interests of their The gun lobby has had its way long own constituencies and are sticking by them enough. The slaughter by arms of any as the be-all and end-all to a problem American—whether prominent nationally which involves all 50 states. Hopefully, or just prominent to wife or husband and ' these regionalized efforts will be consolidated children—must no longer be condoned. into a solid federal law which would preserve After the assassination of Senator Ken­ the well-being of all Americans. nedy, President Johnson reiterated his plea We would all do well to remember the for the strifct control on private ownership opening words of the second amendment of ..of guns which he had issued following the the U.S. Constitution which reads: "A-wellwanton murders of both the late president regulated militia. . . ." Control and re^straand Dr. King. tion of firearms, as sought by level-headed Americans in the wake of continued evidence Rights are no more than privileges earned of violence and tragedy through misuse, is not through trial and proven responsibility. Of prohibition—^it is wisdom. all the civilized nations in the world, the United States remains the only country We have yet to see any bill proposed which—on a federal level—allows jmsseswhich would outlaw the purchase and sion of firearms without proven respon­ maintenance of a firearm by any citizen sibility for such possession. proven to be law-abiding, mature and legally sane. Curtailment of indiscriminate maU In the President's own words, guns in order procurement of guns—as urged by this country "are involved in more than the AFL-CIO at its 1967 convention—^is not 6,500 murders" annually, compared "with an infringement on the riglit to bear arms; 30 in England, 99 in Canada, 68 in West it is a rational guarantee that responsible Germany and 37 in Japan." Added to this, citizens, able to prove themselves respon­ it is a matter of record that the estimated sible to such a ri^t, will continue to enjoy 50 million to 200 million guns in private that privilege. hands in the United States last year were responsible for 10,000 suicides and 2,600 The open hunting season on our citizens, accidental deaths. must be closed forever. Hunting for "Sport" is one thing; hunting for humans by mal­ Such human carnage is inexcusable in. contents is quite another! history's stronghold of democracy and free­ �OJV THE UPGRADE SEAFARER -::aE,: _• T,.:.ri'-.- EAFARERS who cttmiMy and S wipet are provided widi an exceDent opportuhity to upgrade themselves at the SIl?s Harry . ?l > J -m t1cS!>h.m is .t ri9bt ir coxsw.in's posilion. Tho men must not only (now their own jobs perfectl^^ but are also trained to take over the {ob of a stricken shipmate if such an emergency arises, Among the procedures, the Seafarers must learn are oar positions. Here McQaharrr demonstrates sweepoar position. ii • %" ir \ V \ ¥ • . i.', ' ! I 'V- I. V' ft' -Jv" ' , i.,-V-. School Seamansh^). Operated in the port of New York, the school iis fully approved by the United States Coast Guard features the latest in fire fitting tmd lifeboat training. The cnnicnlum stresses complete ship­ board safety and proper training for all Seafarers. The Coast Guard gives a lifeboat ticket examination to all men as soon as they complete this part of their training. Th^ course usually lasts two to three weeks. An OS can upgrade to AB, wifile M^rs can ad­ vance to Qualified Member Engine'Department, enabling him to sail as firemen, oBer, watertender, dectrieian, junior enginea', pumpman, reefer en­ gineer, deck engineeir or machinist. A member of the deck department needs twelve months of sea time as ordin^ seaman wUle QMED requires six mondis sea time as wiper to apply for upgrading. For previous graduates of the Lundeberg School die time requirement is six "•"I'!" « f »« •» bnng their Coast Guud discharges. Any necessary assistance in arranging tiPHsportation. to New York wUl be provided by . your SIU Port Agent. Romn and board while attending the upgrading school is free to all stu­ dents., • The school features die finest mdnictmis avafl* ; J^e as well as the latest in instrnctkmil nwtni^| Deck depar^mnt wisjune to i^^ I McSaharn exp/ains " ,.u,. . ^ and high the DK+7C -r • correct way fo , ® *waa. ^o^nas, upgr2^'tv?°M? v*" ''^bolt t^W fankT^Ufr^ device. . r-i^i*- fi'T r.', ri' '-'r.' ^^WIlOCAT otvit's ' • '1 y •-». :j stoma WitH TVSNMICXM' v; 'H,\ 'zr\ knots, qplicmg, hi^dlii^ and use of block and tackle, basic riik» cd seamaitdiip and securb^ pro­ cedures. Engine de|»atinimit upgraders are taugjbd use «l tools, nomenclatiire and replacement machinery, fittings and devices for supplementing macfainery. Many Seafarers have been successful in climb­ ing the upgrading ladder<-^rom entry rating to a Ikense-l-aftm' prqinration at the Lundeberg Sdiooi. •. . To apply for yom* upgrading trainiiig see die Union Agent In anv SIU port, or ap|dv directty at the schoid schoo at 675 Fointh Avenue, Brooldyii/ N.Y. 11232. The telephone number is 212—499- ANCHOR SHANK — iiuQa.ctA=« tALM OR ^LUKE —^ •• f • '-1 • : GROUNf ' ' t i*- ~ ~ • .!j^^''V"^''us/ast;cS f - «JC« ' ;Y ^ Yerrton Adkinson is faught the usage of the chain locker. Anchor is hauled aboard the ship by means of a windlasis. in addition to qualifying for ; lifeboat ticket, Adkinson also-ettended Lundeberg School for AB upgrading. , .'S • 5l'i 2Wi?*?a IlFfUll 106 1 •"••-"'fcvjr toe M 13* m'h. Si' i: •) m si ii /, / Ftfjinoniii KSISIEIIIS i iWi' m ''Xil ^:'t, ;iM 1 ii'-' •V; •>1: Elison gives instruction on proper uses of shipboard ma- Instructor Ellison explains different valves to seachinery to Otto Roberson in the machine shop of QMED man Tom Bolton who is upgrading to FOWT, Boh school. Roberson is going for his fOWT endorsement, ton joined the Union in New York City in l967. ••;f R.Vy. i!^lH f • Conducting a class in QMED is instructor Edwin Ellison. He's holding an all-purpose Navy nozzle, explaining the different parts and show* ing Seafarers correct way' to keep nozzle clean and functional. This device is used fo learn whether bottom is muddy, rocky, Lifebdaf testing draws to an end with Seafarer Vernon Adkinson. using the boat hook to pull Ijfqbpa^^ to dock. Seafarers ,.; • 3| ^'-.-•--j^^^SchcfcTjisMocatedvat'-'Milf .Basini^®^^ �Pagre Ten SEAFARERS Pro^sed Emergenty Shipping Pim OpposedbyUnsuhsiiHzedCompanies Proposal by Boyd to Build Foreign Would 'Bury' Fleet, Halpern Says WASHINGTON—Republican member of Congress charged here recently that a proposal by Transportation Secretary Alan Boyd for the construction of U.S.-flag cargo vessels in foreign ship­ yards would "bury" the nation's merchant marine. Representative Seymour HalFish protein concentrate, some­ The Congressman suggested pern (R-N.Y.), speaking at a further amendments in the bill to: times called fish flour, is a highly meeting of the seven-million• Encourage government nutritious, odorless, tasteless pow­ member AFL-CIO Maritime agencies to sign long-term con­ der manufactured from whole Trades Department, said the for­ tracts with unsubsidized operators fish. Sutton said that its use could eign building plan would "under­ for carriage of foreign aid and "bring about a revolutionary cut our domestic economy and military cargoes, so that these op­ change in the health and selfput our balance of payments into erators can plan "the orderly re­ sufficiency of some two-thirds of greater jeopardy," adding that placement of their older ships the world's population which now suffers from an inadequate diet." other Boyd proposals would entirely with private capital." He questioned whether the "completely stifle private invest­ Protect Independents FDA had "submitted to pressures ment in new.ships." • Build safeguards into the ' The New York Congressman law to assig; that independent from giant and wealthy lobbyists accused Boyd of having "be^ operators gi^ priority for new and pressure groups" representing trayed" Democratic leaders on ship construc^n funds, once the the nation's dairy and grain inter­ Capitol Hill by negotiating a pro­ government has fulfilled its con­ ests which long have opposed posed maritime .program with tractual • obligations to the sub­ development of fish protein con­ centrate. them last fall, and then failing sidized lines. to "live up to his part of the StaDed on Ap^oval • Provide equal treatment for bargain." all operators in the payment of Sutton noted that federal ap­ Halpern added that Boyd had operating subsidies. proval of the fish protein concen­ also "double-crossed" some seg­ These changes in the law, Hal­ trate came only after "they could ments of the maritime industry pern said, will remove the "threat no longer refuse to grant approval who had sought to "trade off" the of maritime's extermination at to a product which is so gravely rest of the merchant marine "in Alan Boyd's hands." needed by the protein-deficient return for assurance that their At another MTD meeting last peoples of the world, a product own interests would be protected." week, an official of a marine re­ which had been proven to be re­ Because of the efforts to reach search corporation accused the markably valuable and undeniably agreement with the Transporta­ U.S. Food and Drug Adminis­ safe by world authorities on hu­ tion Secretary, the Congressman tration of having "arbitrarily man nutrition." continued. Democratic legislators blocked" the sale and use of a Charging that the grain and came up with a program which, protein concentrate which, he dairy lobbyists opposed to fish he said, "simply is not enough to said, could "materially" reduce flour are centered in Minnesota, do the job that is required." He malnutrition in America. home state of Agriculture Secre­ urged that legislation now pend­ Paul Sutton, executive vice tary Orville Freeman, Sutton ing in the House and Senate be president of Alpine Geophysical called on the Cabinet officer to amended to extend tax-deferred Associates, Inc., of Norwood, help remove "the criminal oneconstruction reserve benefits, now N.J., and New Bedford, Mass., pound-packaging restriction" available only to the subsidized said that the FDA had given its from the FDA regulation approv­ lines, so that all operators can put approval to fish protein concen­ ing the manufacture and distribu­ aside funds to build more ships. trate only "after five years of tion of fish protein concentrate. Also, he said, unsubsidized study ' and exhaustive examina­ Stressing the need for the new lines should get "first crack at tion." He added that the federal protein, the Alpine official noted foreign aid and military cargoes" agency then "dealt it a death that two-thirds of the world's as a means of strengthening this blow" by insisting that the prod­ population (some 2.2 billion peo­ segment of the fleet. Halpern uct be shipped in one-pound pack­ ple) "remains underfed" and even noted that the carriage of this ages. in America, there are 12 million cargo, at preferential rates, by He declared that this move had families "whose health is poor, lines receiving construction and the effect of "removing any possi­ whose physical and mental capaci­ operating assistance from the gov­ bility of developing an economic ties are inhibited and whose lives ernment "would constitute a dou­ base for this product in the United are shortened because of serious ble subsidy." States." malnutrition." NAME AMOUNT DUE Adaim, J. N. Addlngton, Homar Almandai, F. Almandras, F. . Alvarai, Ramon Amot, Eldan R. Atuosion, A. A. Aylar, Euatna BadaaU. William A. Banfa, Bania, Hanry nanry BaronI, Tony A. Baadias, W. H. S. ~ Backman, Donaid W. Binganhaimar, J. F. Boatnar, R. Brabham, Wm. L. Brackbill, R. R. Brazall, D. Brian, R. E. Brifton, E. G. Brawar, Wiillam, Jr. Brown. J. P. Brown, J. P. Brown, Paul W. Bninkar, C. C. Brunnall, Victor Bunn, Eugana J. Burfc, John M. Byan, J. in, J. rbonal, E. Carroll, bri D. Cartar, F. Charlas, S. Clina, J. E. Cola, E. Collins, E. L. Connaiify, Wm. Coopar, C. Cothan, Charlas W. Cousins' W. M. Craig, b. E. Craws, R. Cumlngham, W. N. Dabao, L. Dabao, L. J. Davis, M. C. Davis, M. J. Da Area. R. Dalacmz, A. T. Dasllva, H. DIPIatro, Jamat J. DlPiatro, Jamas J. Cebak, John Oolan, J. S tl7.t2 15.87 1529 281.04 21.17 9.83 .01 8.59 .84 7.93 .40 20J9 18.78 33.44 21.14 18.80 22;73 I3JI0 7J3 I7JS 8.14 103.08 4.73 3.82 18.37 12.95 10.11 5J8 1.12 8.19 14.45 .49 408.94 .70 I4.3B 10.97 .05 4J2 11.81 5.14 18.03 10.00 3m IJI I8J7 M At I.9B 20.11 38.90 2J0 2.17 9J3 3J» NAME AMOUNT DUE Dolan, John V. Donatt, Dwain Dowd, O. Ellis, Francis M. Estrada, Albart Falgoust, M. J. Falgoust, M. J. Fails, H. M. Farnandaz, J. V. A. B. Hrlia, L. Frandar, G. E. Galloway, N. Galvin, Garracht, Ronald Garracht, Ronald J. Gantry, F. Glaason, J. H. Goutiarraz, H. J., Jr. Gragory, Howard Harlan L.W. Hair, Gao. Hanson, Karl Hans Harada, 5. Harada, S. ' Harp, Richard A. Hashagan, G. HSIISS: "w.V Holsabus. Marian Holt, P. i. Huckaba, J. J. Huekaba, J. J., Jr. Hulsabus, Marian M. l^nt, J. Itoman, Y. Jackson, Forast Jackson, G. R. Jackson, Tyrona Jardlna, W. 5. Jansan, 5. Johns, Williams D. Johnson, A. Johnson, Naris Johnson, Wm. Johnson, William H. Jordan. A. W. JuW. B; Kally, Claranca Karr, Gaorgo C. Wno. «. ^ King, R. O. Khlgbt, It, R. C. 15.02 3.82 .75 10.11 9J5 4.44 |3J7 SJS 3.80 \At 3.78 m 0.34 10.07 23.09 8.00 20.40 22.48 |3m 9J3 13.83 5.13 4.04 .95 ||JS 4M 2.32 NAME AMOUNT DUE Kolby, Edmund Kokins, Waitar Kopflar, W. B. Labua, Thomas V. Lafranca, T. Smith Uird, C. W. Lavigna, T. Laavall, W. L. Laklnvili, AHrad Laon, A. 8.30 38m .95 18.74 B.OI 2.49 I2.a .01 4.84 4.10 NAME . June 21, 1968 LOG WASHINGTON—A proposed emergency shipping plan, being considered by the Defense Department, has drawn the objection of four unsubsidized SlU-contracted steamship companies who told top Administration officials the unsubsidized operators and congressional leaders that claimed "Respond" involves "not it benefits the subsidized lines only future service to military and poses a threat to the "very transportation, but our very exist­ existence" of the unsubsidized ence." operators. Copies of the telegram also Moving to block adoption of were sent to the Secretaries of the plan—known as "Respond," Commerce, Defense, Navy and spokesmen for the Central Gulf Transportation, as well as to the Steamship Corporation, Colmnbia Comptroller-General, and the Steamship Company, Isthmian chairmen of the House Merchant Lines and the Waterman Steam­ Marine and Fisheries Committee ship Corporation, requested that and the Senate Commerce Com­ a committee of Government and mittee. industry representatives be set up Legality Queedoned to review all of the effects of the It was explained the unsubsid­ plan before it is implemented. ized companies question the legal­ The subsidized lines originally ity of the shipping program—if proposed "Respond" about a year adopted—and they wanted to ago and now are pushing for its alert the Comptroller-General of early adoption. Basically, it is an this possibility. idea to obtain a peacetime Gov­ They point out that under the ernment commitment on cargoes plan the Defense Department in exchange for a pledge from merchant fleet operators that their would "retain competitive bidding ships, would be available to the by substituting a cost efficiency Government in times of national factor, which we accept, provided we are placed on a cost parity emergencies. with the subsidized lines with As contemplated, however, the whom we must compete for this unsubsidized companies would essential business." have to bid equally with the sub­ "The present and past practice sidized companies for Govern­ of competitive bidding and the ment cargoes, even though the intended future inclusion of cost Administration—through subsid­ efficiency as an element of quali­ ies—^pays almost 40 percent of the fication for United States Govern­ operating costs of subsidized com­ ment cargo discriminates heavily panies. in favor of subsidized operators, Called Unacceptable who have approximately 40 per­ The unsubsidized operators cent of their operating costs con­ have advised Navy and Military tributed as subsidy by the United Sea Transportation Service ofi[^ States Government," the telegram cials that the plan, as it stands, continued.' would be unacceptable because it "We believe the proposal must is unfair to the unsubsidized lines. be fully examined as to any legal "We firmly believe that first defect." allocation of military cargoes The unsubsidized operators also should be to those American flag pointed out in the telegram that operators who have been operat­ they have responded at all times ing their fleets and employing when called upon to help the Gov­ their crews without benefit of op­ ernment. Between 35 imd 40 per­ erating differential subsidy," they cent of all tonnage "sealifted" to said. Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 was In. a telegram to Vice Admiral handled by ships of unsubsidized L. P. Ramage, MSTS command- companies, they added. AMOUNT DUE Lawls, Fitton Lawkkal, L. Unas, T. O. Lockarman, W. LonciynskI, Harbart Long, R. Lyons, A. MacDonaid, Samual M. Mahaffay, Lastar J. Mansuato, J. 24.97 20.71 JO J52 13.70 4.80 2J5 8.44 9.33 321.M The Delta Steamship Lines has notified the SIU that it is holding checks for un­ claimed wages due crewmen as of February 29, 1968. The following Seafarers may-col­ lect their checks by writing to the Pay­ master, Delta Steamship Lines, Inc., No. 2 Canal Street, International Trade Mart-, 'Room 1700, New Orleans, La. 70130. Hi 29.70 « 57 loiu 12 38 20J5 1.43 84J5 ||.07 2.17 12.43 4.22 19.95 I2J3 jn 5.30 * 2.40 i.OO 57.39 19.83 2.27 24.00 I2A3 23.12 7.18 DELTA LINE MONEY DUE NAME AMOUNT DUE Markin, P. J., Jr. Matpacka, llmar W. Mathaws, T. J. Maswail, K. J. Mays, L. McAuliffa, W. A. McCay, Wm. McCiintic, William McDougall, L. McGiova, F. 5. McHala, Martin McLatn, J. McLamora, John Mandoia, Ernast Massarait, Bobby L. Miliar, C. E. Missimar, D. B. Montgomary, D. R. Moraland, Dannis Morsa, William E. Morsa, William E. Murrall, W. Myars, Jaka Myars, Ua Roy Naison, Arthur J. Nalson, W. A. Naw, David E. Nolan, U. E. O'Sulllvon, R. P. O'SwInkIa, Wm. A. Ovarton, R. R. Owan, John A. Owans, R. J. Owans, Robart J. Owans, Wm. Pakras, B. Parkar, J. W., Jr. Paschalson, G. J. Pastrana, F. A. Patino, J. Paraira, R. M. Phillips, Harold L. Phlliipr-Haroid L. Piaciykoln, Frank Plarca, Norman D. Petarsfcy, R. Pritch^. R. C. Ray, Robart F. Raynoids, F. L. Ries, J. Rebartsen, Philips Ronay.J. 5. Ruw, G. F. Sabaron, i. Sabllit, L R. 7.15 5m 29.87 1.07 I2JI IIIA4 5.49 I0J7 13.75 3.01 5.91 2J2 9J0 lOm 4.04 188.32 23411 I8JI3 I8JS 19.19 15.07 21.97 22J7 58m 2.07. 33A4 30m 7JI 2.17 2J5 .95 8A0 .44 5m 2.40 3JII 13m 2.BS 20.a 3.n 9.14 419.00 EOOioO im 7J| 2.98 12.43 5.49 18.03 19.83 3.M I3.tt .44 3.78 ism NAME AMOUNT DUE Saiam, Alfrad Sampson, Jamas L. Sandars, E. B. Sandars, Eugana i. Saundars, O. H. Sasan, J. Saxan, J. Saiby J. C. Shaa,^. R. Shall, J., Jr. Singlaton, W. C. Smith Edward R. Smith, R. C. Sommars, E. Starling, Clauda E. StawaiS E. E. Stiarhaim, M. P. Sunagawa, S. Swindal, W., Jr. Sxanto, Stava Takamlna, C. Takamina, Chesal Thompson, J. W. thropT F. R. Unslay, E. TInslay, E. Tolar, Richard L. Triguare, G. Trinidad, A. P. Undarwood, Donald C. Valladaras, John Varona, R. B. Vadrina, H. R. Vincant, C. Villacruxas, L. R. Vesabrlnck, Jonathan Vossbrlnck, J. H. Wada, L. G. Waad, M. F. Worst. G. R. Whaatlay, J. E., Jr. Williams. D. S. Windshaimar, M. WoW, L. Womack, Jamat Wong; H. M. Woo3, J. W.. Jr. Wood, J. W., Jr. Wood, J. W.. Jr. Woodall, Standisk Young, J. R. 9.B4 2m 2341 23.00 I.B4 1.15 SJ3 .95 .95 4J8 1249 3m 448 22.45 21.14 1.00 29JI 2749 13.97 SAX 4.n SOJO 945 327.94 1.18 145 88.03 37.03 3.00 41 i3;8 241 2m 2041 28.71 .57 7547 141 1841 340 1.13 4.72 l3Sm 44 4.91 1245 3048 43440 1241 4.04 144 8,14741 V �Jane 21, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG May 30 to June 13/1968 DECK DEPARTMENT TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED rani MMIHI •••••••••• Phlladilpkia ••••• New Yflric SV Norfolk Tampa Jaekionville New Orleans .... Houston MobUe Baltimore Wilmington Seattle San Frandseo ... fotals All Groups Class A Class B 0 1 14 10 43 64 6 9 9 7 10 6 63 86 43 34 20 44 26 12 31 13 16 27 90 93 379 338 All Groaps Class A Class B CUssC 0 0 0 10 6 7 88 40 17 6 3 11 2 2 1 5 2 6 43 29 9 82 31 16 10 11 8 18 17 18 15 23 18 16 22 26 4<' 39 20 249 219 153 ENGINE DEPARTMENT TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED All GFOUI Port Boston .......... Philadelphia New York Norxolk ......... Tampa JacksonTille New Orleans .... Houston Mobile Baltimore Wilmington Seattle San Francisco ... Totals .... ClassA C^IasaB 3 1 6 3 60 66 7 8 3 7 12 11 37 44 49 23 18 22 20 15 17 14 12 21 96 77 316 336 ClassA 0 7 33 4 1 13 31 22 10 16 8 16 47 208 2 3 45 2 6 10 29 35 16 12 14 15 34 223 4 4 22 8 0 9 11 16 6 18 19 20 11 148 STEWARD DEPARTMENT TOTAL SHIPPED TOTAL REGISTERED All Groui All Gronpa Port Bolton Philadelphia .. New York ... Norfolk Tampa JaekionTille .. New Orleani . Houston Mobile Baltimore .... Wilmington .. Seattle SanPrancisco^ ToUls daiaAqJlmB1 12 41 6 2 5 36 30 21 19 8 16 135 342 Shoreside Supervisors Eight-to-Picket OK'd by High Court ALBANY, N.Y.—The N.Y. State Court of Appeals, the high­ est court of the state, has reversed a State Supreme Court ruling and upheld the right of the Shoreside Supervisors Union to picket steve­ dore companies. The SSU withdrew its picketlines from the Brooklyn piers last October after a State Supreme Court ruling halted their drive to obtain bargaining recognition from the stevedore companies. The State C^urt of Appeals, by a margin of 5-2, reversed the injunction ruling handed down by State Supreme Court Justice An­ thony DiGiovanna, and subse­ quently upheld by an intermeSiate Appellate Division. The SSU, an affiliate of District 2 of the Marine Engineers Bene­ ficial Association, struck the stevedore companies last October 19 after the companies refused to recognize the bargaining rights of shoreside supervisors. 1 3 30 7 6 6 26 16 19 7 15 7 69 212 - dassA da«i(; 10 0 3 14 20 15 15 3 5 10 12 1 4 7 10 28 21 4 23 19 15 3 11 5 16 7 19 10 12 10 15 7 10 63 47 16 190 154 119 REGISTERED on BEACH All Groups Class A Class B 13 5 9 14 173 111 35 23 17 12 18 4 114 131 79 121 19 19 88 18 27 1 38 4 100 127 816 504 Six Veteran Seafarers Join Growing SlU Pension Roster Six more Seafarers have joined the ranks of SIU pensioners af­ ter completing their careers at sea. The latest additions to the pen­ sion roster include: Nicholas Peters, William Kam, Harry Wolowitz, Wallace Lanasa, Gustav^>-n ; r—r ;—r~:— Lueth and John Fairand. . shipped on the Azalea City. He Nicholas Peters sailed m the held a steward's rating engine department. He joined the Union in the Port of New York. Brother 'Peters served in the Navy during World War II. He was bom in the state of West Vir- REGISTERED en BEACH (TassA i[lassB 6 2 3 8 99 97 20 5 9 4 17 14 86 108 • 79 88 • 17 53 67 54 25 0 18 6 74 122 602 479 Farrand Peters Kam ginia and resides in Fairmont, West Virginia. His last vessel was the Rice Victory. William Kam sailed in the Great Lakes and joined the Un­ REGISTERED on BEACH AH All Groups I Oass A Class B 8 3 4 7 114 52 15 6 7 11 7 8 133 77 98 30 61 23 49 28 14 1 23 8 121 52 654 316 Foreign Trade lone Shipyard Unit Gted As Threat to US Industry WASHINGTON—New protests against a plan to establish a shipbuilding facility within the Foreign Trade Zone of the Port of New Orleans have been made by the Shipbuilders Council of America on the grounds that the Foreign Trade Zones Board, such a move would pose a seri­ which is considering the applica­ ous threat to the stability of the tion of the Board of Commis­ U.S. shipbuilding and repair in­ sioners of the Port of New Or­ dustry. leans for approval to erect a ship In identical letters to the Sen­ construction unit inside the port's ate Commerce Committee and Foreign Trade Zone. the House Committee on Mer­ Precedent Feared chant Marine and Fisheries, Ed­ Officials of leading U.S. steel win B. Hood, council president, companies also have the objected pointed out that Equitable-Higgins to the plan on the grounds it Shipyards proposes to use foreign would establish a precedent and steel—on which no duty would tend to encourage the use of be paid because of the zone duty-free foreign steel in similar exemption—to build barges, float­ shipyards elsewhere. ing containers and various small In an effort to enlist the-aid of vessels and then export the fin­ the Congressional committees ished marine equipment. against the Foreign Trade Zone If permission is given to set up shipbuilding plan. Hood wrote: such an unprecedented arrange­ "In sum, the objection from a ment, the council maintains, it shipyard point of view is that would seriously endanger the a vessel eligible for use in United stability of the U.S. shipbuilding States domestic trade could be and ship-repair industry. built within the foreign trade zone Hood has previously protested to shipyard using foreign materials which at no time would become subject to the payment of any duty. "If the same vessel were built instead in a United States ship­ yard, outside of the foreign trade zone, duty would have to be paid on any imported material. "Thus the shipyard facility in a foreign trade zone would have a direct price advantage over any yard outside the zone measured.at least by the duty that would be provided. The adverse effects on our industry would be obvious." Support AFL-CIO^Farm Workers £4^ Pnge Eleven ion in the Port of Elberta, Michi­ gan. A native of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, he lives in Honor, Michigan with his wife, Harriette. Brother Karn' sailed as AB and was last employed by the Ann Ar­ bor Towing Co. Harry Wolowitz sailed as FOW and joined the SIU in the Port of New Orleans. A Seafarer for 28 years, his last ship was the City of Alma. Brother Wolowitz was bom in Maryland and makes his home in New Orleans. An FOWT, Wallace Lanasa joined the Union in the Port of New Orleans in 1952. He was bom in Westwego, Louisiana, and lives in that town. His last ship was the Penn Victory. A Seafarer since 1944, Gustav Lueth joined the Union in New York. Bom in Hamburg, Ger­ many, he lives in North Bergen. Lueth John Farrand sailed as FOW, pumpman and electrician. He was born in Greenfield, England, and lives in East Boston, Massachu­ setts. His last ship was the Mai­ den Victory. He joined the SIU in New York. Hudson Waterways To Acquire Troopship In Trade for Tanker WASHINGTON—Application by the SlU-contracted Hudson Waterways Corporation to trade in its T-2 tanker Zephyr Hills for the 494-foot vessel George W. Goethals, a World War II troop­ ship now in the Hudson River Reserve Fleet at Jones Point, New York, has been approved, the Maritime Administration an­ nounced recently. The Goethals, in mothballs, since October 1959, will be put into service by the company after conversion into a dry cargo ship. Hudson Waterways has agreed to pay the Govemment $278,000 for the Goethals. This figure rep­ resents the excess value of the troopship, over that of the tanker, which is valued at $72,000 for trade-in purposes. In accepting the arrangement, the firm said it will enter into a contract with a shipyard to con­ vert the Goethals into a standard C-3 cargo vessel for worldwide tramp operations. The ship was built in 1942. Whale Watching is One Sport Which Saves Taxpayers' Money SUITLAND, Md.—U.S. Navy men have a new sport— whale watching. And while it may never gain popularity as a national pastime, it actually is important to the national interest in curbing costly sonar slip-ups. The Navy is interested in whale movements, according to officials of the Naval Oceanographic Office here, because a whale sounds like a submarine on underwater sounding devices em­ ployed in anti-submarine warfare procedures. Most of the whales are spotted in the Spring when the 40 to 60-foot sea mammals churn up the Atlantic coast from breed­ ing grounds near the Bahamas to cooler, northem waters. One oceanographic official said that during World War II, "a number of \^ales were depth-charged because ship officers thought they were enemy subs." He added that for this reason it was useful to alert sonar operators to the seasonal fluctuation in the number of whales off the East Coast. He said 132 whales.have been observed in the Gulf Stream between April, 1966, and December, 1967, and that the Navy is also charting the movement of schools of large turtles, which also are picked up by sonar operators. Watching whales and turtles is not costing taxpayers a cent however, because the watchers actually are there to keep track of the Gulf Stream in the interest of national defense. �Page Twelve SEAFARERS June 21, 1968 . LOG Career Whith Spanned 64 Years Retailed by Retired SlU Veteran FINAL DEPARTURES Preston Smith, 51: Brother the Air Force. Surviving is his Smith died on April 21, while brother, George Adams of Adams' sailing aboard Run, South Carolina. The burial - ^ the Manhattan. was held in Laurel. "I first went to sea as a cabin boy aboard the Scottish tramp, S. S. Viemera. We were bound for Death was caused Hoboken from the Caribbean with a load of sugar." The year was 1904 and the voyage marked the by a coronary at­ start of a 64-year career at sea for recently retired Seafarer Donald Gardner, who recalled some high^chaei Miller, 64: Brother tack. Smith was a lights of his sailing days. Miller died of pneumonia on ard got $120. There were, how­ ner had 13 officers and passen­ member of the en­ After Brother Gardner left the April 5. in the ever, no draws in foreign ports. gers to feed. "The food as a rule, department gine Viemera, he took a job in the USPHS Hospital, If a man was short of money, he was good for the officers, but and sailed as steward department of a ship New Orleans. He FWT. A native of called the Arras Castle, owned the deck and engine men got had to sell some of his clothing was a native of Tampa, Florida, by the London Castle Lines. It very little that was worth eating. to get a few dollars." Massachu­ On one ship, the potatoes were he lived in that city. Brother was dog eat dog Bought Fresh Milk setts and made Smith joined the SIU in Tampa in those days, as steamed with the skin on, eggs Brother Gardner believes he were steamed in the morning and his home in New and sailed for 27 years. Prior to the young seaman might have been "the first man served later, and other food was Orleans. He joining ihe Manhattan, he sailed soon found. "I ever to buy fresh milk for crewalso cooked well in advance of I joined the Union on the Cuba Victory. Surviving is got off that ship serving. There was also a par­ members in the Port of Phila­ his wife, Mae. The body was re­ in that city and because the first delphia." He was a ship's bakdl* turned to the United States for sailed for twenty years. A stew­ engineer ate my ticularly bad-tasting soup that was at the time. ard, his last vessel was the Steel supper and when "very sweet," he recalls. Gardner has also taken part burial. Executive. Brother Miller served "Fine prime beef was very rare in his share of strikes. "Once," I argued with him ^ in the Navy during World War and so were fresh vegetable?. he recalls, "I left a job when the about it, I got Woodrow Gatewood, 51: A Gardner II. He is survived by his sister, fired," he said. One company fed the men five- company wanted me to starve the hemorrhage claimed the life of Mrs. Mary Hjortsberg, of Valley "The same year, I got another day-old stew for supper and it crew. I got off when I was told Brother GateStream, Long Island, N.Y. The was unheard of for one ship to to Feed them for 40 to 45 cents ship back to Baltimore." wood on April 26, burial was held in Bemard Me­ In 1904, Baltimore experienced have three kinds of meat," the a day, per man. Some people at Lakeside Hos­ morial Gardens, Chalmette, La. veteran seaman said. "The qual­ one of the worst fires in history— don't know what we had to go pital, DeFuniak, ity of food also often depended with an estimated $125 million through to get a high standard Florida. A cook, in damage to the business section. on the chief stewards, since some of food on these ships." he last sailed on Louis Harris, 74: A heart at­ "I saw reflections of the fire in of them never wanted to prepare A native of British Guiana, the Walter Rice. tack claimed the life of Brother the skies that night," Gardner the food the way it should be Gardner now lives in Shirley, Long Brother GateHarris, April 13, prepared." recalled. Island, N.Y. He joined the Union wood joined the in New Orleans. When World War I came, the in it's earliest <days and his first After a stay in Baltimore, he Union in Mobile At the time of his was oflf to En^and again and the shipping board started to provide , SIU ship was the Irizpa as assist­ and sailed 21 years. Born in Ala­ death, he was on port of Hull, Yorkshire. After better wages. "Before the war," ant cook. He's held every steward bama, he resided in Baker, Flor­ an SIU pension. pa3nng-off, Gardner went to Lon­ Gardner said, "a cook's job paid department rating and his last ida. During World War II, he He was a native don by train. This was shortly only $20 or $25 a month. With ship was the Transsuperior. Now served in the Marine Corps. Sur­ -/VIHr Houston, Texafter the Boer War. "In England, the advent of the war, messmen 84 years old, the veteran Seafarer viving is his widow, Vonda. The M as, and resided in shipping was fair and I easily and galleymen earned $20, a sec­ has seen many changes and im­ burial was held in the Old Brad­ New Orleans. got a ship in Cardiff, Wales," he ond cook ami Ij^er pulled down provements in the lot of seamen ley Cemetery, Andalusia, Ala­ |H Brother Harris said. "This was the Claunly, an $90, and the chief cook could since those early days shortly bama. joined the Union in that city in Irish vessel." earn $100 a month while a stew­ after the turn of the century. —— 1940. He sailed in the steward Among his early trips were Mario Serrano, 53: Brother department and held a steward's TRANSHUBON (Hudson Waterways), several to Spain and Gibraltar. "I Serrano died in Jewish Hospital rating. His last vessel was the April 26—Chairman, P. G. Winfield: Secretary, J. McPhaul. Ship's delegate sailed on a ship called the John of Brooklyn on Steel Voyager. Brother Harris is reports no beefs. No dispute overtime. Hall, Jr., for a while and then One man transferred to deck department May 10. He was, survived by a son, Winston Har­ at sea. Election of new .ship's delegate, caught the Scottish Prince and a born in Ponce, ris, of New Orleans. The burial P. G. Winfleld. Russian passenger ship out of Puerto Rico and was held in the Garden of Memo­ SEAMAR (Calmar), May 10—Chair­ London." made his home in ries Cemetery, Jefferson Parish, man, Norwood Barbour: Secretary, Roy Taylor, Jr. Ship's delegate reports an­ On Russian Ship Brooklyn. Brother La. other television was brought .alraard and old one is to be repaired. No beefs re­ Serrano sailed in On the Russian ship, he was ported. Discussion held on retirement the steward de­ a galley boy at a salary of one plan. partment and/was pound, or $4.80, a month. Pay MISSOURI (Meadowbrook Transport), a Seafarer for 28 on other ships ranged at the time March 3—Chairman, Wilbur Purdy; MADAKET (Waterman), May 19— years. He joined the Union in • Secretary, Maxime Eugawan. Ship's dele­ from $7.20 to $9.60 per month. Chairman, C. M. Houchins; Secretary, gate reports some disputed overtime. No C. Norris. No beefs, everything: Puerto Rico^ His last ship was Conditions on the ships ranged David beefs reported. Everything running running smoothly, reports the ship's dele­ smoothly. No new business. Gave vote of $18.00 reported in ship's fund. No the Puerto Rico. Surviving is' his from poor to intolerable, Gardner gate. thanks to ship's delegate and also to the Seafarers are reminded disputed overtime. Vote of thanks to steward's department. wife, Maria Luisa. The body was remembers. After the Scottish cooks, messmen and ship delegate. that if they become ill or buried in Rosedale Cemetery, Lin­ Prince paid-off in Manchester, HOUSTON (Sealand Service), May 19 sustain an injury while on a -OVERSEAS EDGAR (Maritime Over.^ den, New Jersey. —Chairman. J. McHale; Secretary, G. England, he caught a vessel owned Walter. seas). May 17—Chairman, C. Quinn; Ship's delegate reports every­ ship, they should observe the by the Prince Line as second thing running smoothly. Ship sailed Secretary. R. Stewart. Ship's delegate following procedure: reported he contacted patrolman in Phila­ short four men. No disputed overtime. steward. delphia and in Baltiraiore in regard to Wilson Jones, Jr., 24: Brother Vote of thanks to stewards department. Report promptly to your changing crews quarters. All repairs "Conditions on this ship were Jones died at Coney Island Hos­ taken care of. New mattresses etc., are KENT (Bulk Carriers), May 19— department head and keep a worse than the others," he said. Chairman. Jose Ross: Secretary. H. abroad. No major beefs reported. pital, Brooklyn, copy of the report for your Hailiy. Ship's delegate reports bosun The vessel was the Honorious, was transferred ashore at Key West due on March 25, He STEEL APPRENTICE (Isthmian), own file; request a medical to illness. No beefs reported and no May 12—Chairman, E. Tatro; Secretary, bound for Argentina, and Gard­ disputed was bom in Clar­ overtime. certificate when leaving the P. Lopez. Department delegates report endon, Texas, and a fine trip. One man missed the ship at vessel unless hospitalized in Long Beach. $90.00 was reported in lived in Amarillo, ship's fund. . Lyle E. Doering was elected a foreign port; notify the SIU Hoisting A Cool One new ship's delegate. Texas. A member welfare department immedi­ of the engine de­ ately. MADAKET (Waterman), March 3— Chairman, Clarence Houchins; Secretary, partment, his last Unless these three steps are Berry Tippins. Ship's delegate reports ship was the Ezra everything running smoothly. No major taken, there will be a delay in bMfs. No disputed overtime. Ship's fund Sensibar. Brother liability payment on the part contains $37.00. John T. Cames re­ Jones joined the Union in New elected ship's delegate and treasurer. of the company imtil they Discussion with regard to Pension Plan. Orleans. He served in the Army have checked with the ves­ from 1960-to 1963. Surviving are AMES VICTORY (Victory Carriers), sel. This could cause a delay March 14—Chairman, J. Giordano; Sec­ his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson of at least a few weeks. If retary, Jack Lpng. Meeting called to elect ships delegate. No beefs or disputed Jones, Sr., of Amarillo. The bur­ overseas and unable to write overtime reported. One man missed ship ial was held in Citizens Cemetery, at Long Beach, Calif. Crew requests TV to the welfare department, be instalh.'d on ship. * Clarendon. the ship's delegate is urged to do so for you, stipulating SEATRAIN PUERTO RICO (Hudson Waterways), June 2—Chairman, T. clearly your name, book Henry Adams, 47: Brother Driscoll; Secretary, J. Carter. Ships fund stands at $B8.00.- No beefs were number, reason for leaving Adams died on May 17, in Buras, reported by ship's delegate. New crew the ship, and the hospital to members given a talk on keeping the Louisiana. He ship clean. which the Seafarer has been was a member of sent. ROBIN HOOD (Moore MacCormack), the deck depart­ May 29—Chairman, Malcolm Cross; All ship's^ delegates are re­ ment and joined Secretary, A. Shrimpton. Ship's dele­ gate reports good cooperation between all quired to notify headquarters the Union in the three departments. Sum of $66.00 in office if anyone leaves or ship's fund. No beefs were reported by Port of New department delegates. misses the vessel for any York. Bom in reason. Seafarers have been Laurel, Mississip­ FAN WOOD (Waterman), May 19— Chairman, Jack Kuberski; Secretary, stuck overseas for months be­ pi, he had resided Joseph Rioux. Charles R. Barnes was While waiting for shipping call at New York hall, these men enjoy a elected new ship's delegate. No beefs cause these procedures have in New Orleans. were reported by department delegates. cold one oh a hot day. Left to right are Tom McAloon. Pete Moran Discussions not been followed. Brother Adams last sailed on the was held concerning medical and his brother, Pat Moran. Photo was taken at Port O'Call bar. shots and the possible eifeets on crew Elizabethport. He is a veteran of members. f * 1 > Keep Informed On Welfare Rules —<i>,— w '(V ;y •i..' i �Jane 21, 1968 SEAFARERS Praises Passage of 'Truth-in~Lending' Danes Laud SlU For Help In Strike To the Editon At last Congress has passed the "truth-in-lending" legisla­ tion which has been continually fought for by trade unions for the past eight years. This new legislation will hopefully do away—once and for all — with the sly prac­ tices of many loan firms who make it a habit to either with­ hold or distort information con­ cerning how much interest a borrower will have to pay on a loan. Many's the time when a person, having been led to be­ lieve that his interest would reach only "X" dollars, sudden­ ly found it really was "Z" all along—after the deal has been concluded and nothing could be done about it. Until now, this trickery was legal. Because a legal contract for a loan had been signed, it was assumed that the unwary borrower was out of luck if he didn't know what he was getting himself into. Senator Proxmire, Represent­ ative Sullivan and former Sen­ ator Douglas, as well as the trade unions who, steadfastly held out for this legislation are to be commended for helping to achieve for the common man what he deserves—a fair shake. Sincerely, Sam Moorehead To The Editon This is to inform you that the Danish Ships' Officers and Radio Officers' strike has ended. We would like to express our deep appreciation for the way your union received and helped our Danish friends during the time they spent in New York. Yesterday we had the oppor­ tunity of speaking to Brother Nilsson of the Danish Seamen's Union, who was profuse in his praise for the assistance he had received in America. It is ex­ amples of such co-operation as this that show the real value of international trade unionism. SlncM'ely, C. H. Blyth Assistant General Secretary International Transport Workers Federatitm Boyd Maritime Policy Criticized T9.th« Editor: Transportation Secretary Alan Boyd must be the only Govern­ ment official anywhere, who tries to hurt, rather than help, an in­ dustry he seeks jurisdiction over. Boyd has proposed immediate elimination of subsidized Ameri­ can-flag passenger lines and place­ ment of the Maritime Administra­ tion under the Department of Transportation. He calls for allout building in foreign shipyards of American Ships. He wants the decisions and the amount of sub­ sidy for new ships under the con­ trol of the secretaries of Defense and Transportation. Secretary Boyd's attitude seems amazing. Our ocean passenger and cargo business is already near ruin and he just doesn't seem to grasp the importance of the worsening situation he has helped to create. The United.States is one of the few major countries that does not support its fleet. The position of the United States among ship­ ping powers is declining yearly. In fact, the United States is nearing a point where it will barelv qualify as a maritinie power. What ex­ actly'is the reason for Boyd's atti­ tude towards our industry? He has admitted that the Administration has reneged on previous agree­ ments with House and Senate leaders. Our best hope appears to be the replacement of this man who ap­ pears bent on destruction of an in­ dustry that has always made great contributions to the commerce of America in peacetime and her de­ fense in wartime. Sincerely, Thomas MuDigan ^ Winner Thanks SlU For Scholarship To The Editor: I received the news of my having been awarded the Sea­ farers Scholarship Award with mixed and happy emotions. I sincerely thank the admin­ istrators of the Seafarers plan and the membership as a whole, of the Seafarers International Union, who made it possible for me to participate for this award. In the challenging years ahead, I shall work very hard and do my best to live up to the standards that you all have set before me. I am proud that my father is a member of your fine orga­ nization and, again," I thank you for the courtesies and con­ siderations extended to me. Sincerely, Gary H<dm Rifle Association Called Unrealistic To the Editm*: The National Rifle Associa­ tion, the largest group in the "gun lobby" opposing federal regulation of gun sales, claims that such federal controls are unconstitutional and that we Americans are acting out of emotion and like children by asking the government to take away one of our basic rights. If the NRA so strongly be­ lieves this, then on principle alone it ought to lead the fight for another method to remove the dangers of political assas­ sination and murder. But to simply shout "No" to all sug­ gestions is to leave the door open to more of the same violence. Also if the NRA wants to be realistic in its objections to fed­ eral controls, how can it ob­ ject to the proposed restrictions that would be placed, on the mentally ill and knowti crim­ inals, etc., in obtaining guns. Laws exist prohibiting the mentally ill from voting. Events have shown clearly that such peoole could have an even worse effect on the democratic process when they are allowed to have guns with which they can kill can4idates, and are only denied the ballot. Sincerely Martin Brown LOt. Page Thirteen Seafarer BillUpfords Sanday Panrh Might Carry Him to Ringside Glory Seafarer William Lipford, who has already had some success as an amateur boxer, plans to turn professional shortly, secure in the, knowledge that if his ring career should prove fruitless, he has a secure job waiting for him aboard SIU ships. "I'll ship out between fights," he said, "and continue to sail after I stop fighting." A Seafarer since February, 1967, Lipford started as a messman and is now a third cook. Brother Lipford told the LOG of his plans while working out at the Seafarers' Gym near the New York hall in Brooklyn. His coach is George Ripol, Director of Sea­ farers Athletic Clubs. Lipford, who is 22 years old, recently won three fights in the New York Golden Gloves competition, held at the Sunnyside Gardens in Queens. Two of his victories were TKO's. He competed in the wel­ terweight sub-novice division and was eliminated in his fourth fight, when he lost a split-decision. There are three, two-minute rounds in amateur bouts. Brother Lipford thought the de­ cision should have been the other way around as did Ripol. "Lipford's punches turned him around" a few times," Ripol said of the Seafarer's opponent. "Now he'll have to wait until the next Golden Gloves competition to get another Seafarer William Lipford works out on the heavy bag in Seafarers chance at the coveted title." "I'll compete in the open divi­ gym at the New York hall. Looking on is his coach, George Ripol. sion the next time," Lipford said. director of Seafarers athletic clubs. Brother Lipford, who has After the competition, he will em­ sailed 16 months, plans a pro career after next Golden Gloves. bark on his pro career and has al­ ready talked to a possible man­ A native of Roderfield, West burg." If the inmate won, he'd ager. Bob Jones, a former singer Virginia, he lives in Twin Branch, carry the title back behind the turned fight manager, has ex­ West Virginia, and although the walls. I lost the first time, then pressed an interest in him. sport has lost some of it's pop­ beat him in a return match." Won Medal ularity, West Virginia is a pretty Lipford had an overall record of As a souvenir of his victories, good boxing state, with numerous ten wins and five losses in his Lipford. received a medal with fight clubs. One of these, the Mod­ amateur bouts. • three palm leafs on it—each one ern Press Boxing Club, Lipford Fan Of Clay representing one of his wins. "We joined. "We sometimes had crowds As a boy, he read a lot about also got little minature golden of 6,000 in the field house where boxing and also was a frequent gloves for competing," he said. we boxed," he said. He entered viewer of televised fights. Cassius The matches were sponsored by the Golden Gloves in Huntington, Clay and Floyd Patterson, former the New York Daily News. and gained the semi-finals in his heavyweight champs, are his "I was 12 years old when I home state. favorites. "I like their speed and became interested in Boxing," Lip­ Brother Lipford once fought an ford recalled. "An acquaintance opponent from the state prison in footwork," he declared. Although he considers Joe Frazier, current who fought in Army competition, West Virginia. "Our boxing club WBA champion as a good fighter gave lessons to neighborhood youngsters. He taught us how to and others would fight men from with a hard punch, Lipford is punch, showed us the proper the prisons and we would com­ convinced Clay would beat him. moves, how to build up speed pete for titles. I fought one in­ "No doubt about it!" he said and set up light and heavy bags mate for the title of "Middle­ emphatically. His interest in the merchant weight champion of Parkersfor us to work on." marine grew when he saw an SIU pamphlet describing the advan­ tages of a sailing career and the training programs offered by the Union. Soon after filling out his application, he was -accepted for training and came to New York you .as soon as possible in regard where he attended the SIU's Harry Robert Reddington Please get in touch with your to an important matter. Her ad­ Lundeberg School of Seamanship-. mother, Mary Reddington, 6826 dress is P. O. Box 3177, Agana, His first ship was the Beaver Summerfield Road, Toledo, Ohio, Guam 96910. Victory, aboard which he had a as soon as you possibly can. messman's job. Other ships on \|> which he has sailed include the ^ Charles Powell • Henry, Columbia' Banker and Charles Koch Please contact your brother, Your mother, Mrs. Carl Koch, Frank Powell at 12845 Market Montpelier Victory. would like to hear.from you in Street, Apt. No. 50, Houston, "I like it, Lipford says of sail­ regard to an important matter. Texas 77015. ing. "It is a good occupation and Contact her at 1202 Ridge Drive, a good education. You can see a South Charleston, W. Va. 25309, lot of the world and learn about Willie James McCoy , at your earliest opportunity. other people's customs. Please contact Mrs. Ida Mae Brother Lipford always finds v|> MdCoy at 2850 Danniel Street, time to stay in shape during his Friends of Joseph Jacobs Former Seafarer Joseph Jacobs New Orleans, La. 70115. spare hours on shipboard. "I'D is now in the Army and stationed go to the laundry room and pack ^— in Danang, Vietnam. He would some sheets into a bag and use it Fred Holmes like to hear from his shipmates Personal belongings left on for a punching bag," the 5-foot, who call at this port. board the Steel Executive have 11-inch boxer says. "I also do been itemized and stowed for you. exercises—pushups and isometrics Please contact ship's delegate —and shadow box a lot. I find Wayman LIzotte Your daughter, Patricia Ann Stephen Sloneski as soon as pos­ it's quite easy to stay in shape on a ship." Lizotte, would like to hear from sible. �Page Foorteen SEAFARERS June 21, 1968 LOG HASTINGS (Watermairi, April 14— Chairman, Melvin Bass; Secretary, John Wells. Brother M. Bass was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Department delegate reported that there were no beefs and no disputed OT. , FINANCIAL REPOBTS. The constitution of the SIU AtUntle. Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safesuardlna the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed CPA audit every three months by a rank and file audltlns committee elected by the membership. All Union records are available at SIU headquarters in Brooklyn. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf. Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered In accordance with the provisions of various, trust fund asreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees In charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the shipowners. Get to know your shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all Union halls. If you feel there has been any violation of your shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the Union and the shipowners, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt request^. The proper address for this is: Earl Shepard, Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board 17 Battery Place, Suite 1930, New York 4, N. Y. Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to you at all times, either by writing directly to the Union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available In all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which you work and live aboard ship. Know your contract rights, as^ell as your obligations, such as filing fot OT on the proper sheets and in the prop# manner. If, at any time, any SIU patrolman or other Union ofllclal. In your opinion, fails to protect your contract rights prop­ erly, contact the nearest SIU imrt agent. EDITORIAL POLICY—SEAFARERS LOG. The LOG has traditionally refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any Individual in the Union, officer or member. It has also refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the Union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membmhip action at the September, 1960, meetings In all constitu­ tional ports. The responsibility for LOG policy Is vested In an editorial board which consists of the Executive Board of the Union. The Executive Board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone In any official capacity In the SIU* unless' an official Union receipt Is given for same. Under no cIrcumsUnccs should any member pay any money for any reason unless he Is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he should' not have been required to make such payment, this should Immediately be reported to headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBUGATIONS. The SIU publishes every six months in the SEAFARERS LOG a verbatim copy of Its constitution. In addition, copies are available In all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so ss to familiarise themselves with Its contents. Any time you feel any member or officer Is nitempting to deprive you of any constitutional right or obli­ gation by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, then the member so affected should immediately notify headquarten. RETIRED SEAFARERS. Old-time SIU members drawing dIsabUity-penslon bene­ fits have always been encouraged to continue their union activities, including attend­ ance at membership meetinga And like all other SIU members at these Union meet­ ings, they are encouraged to take an active role in all rank-and-file functions. In­ cluding service on rank-and-file committees. Because these oldtimers cannot take shipboard employment, the membership has reaffirmed the long-standing Union pol­ icy of allowing them to retain their good standing throng the waiving of their dues. EQUAL RIGHTS. All Seafarers are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the Union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no Seafarer may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied tte equal rights to which be Is entitled, ha should notify headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIONS. One of the basic rights of Seafarers Is the right to pursue legislative and political objectives which will serve the best Interests of themselves, their families and their Union. To achieve these objectives, the Seafarers Political Activity Donation was establlsl^. Donations to SPAD are entirely voluntary and constitute the funds through which legislative and political activities are conducted for the benefit of the membership and the Union. If at any time a Seafarer feels that any of the above righU have been vMated, or that he has been denied his consUtntional right of access to Union records or inforamtion, he should immediately notify SIU President Paul Hali at headqnarters by certiiled mail, return receipt requested. JIALDEN VICTOHY (Alcoa). May 12 —Chairman, Donald Nelson; Secretary, James Manila. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Brother Donald Nelson was elected to serve as ship's del­ egate. Discussion held on retirement plan., ^MBAM (^eriean Bulk), April 26 —Chairman, FYank S. Paylor, Jr.: SecreUry, JYank Foley. Ship's delegate thanked the crew for their cooperation throughout the voyage. Disputed OT in all departments. HOUSTON (Sea-Lend), April SI— Chairman, C. Hemby; Secretary, O. Wal­ ter. Everything is running smoothly with no bMfs and no disputed TT, Diaeussion held on retirement plan. Ship needs new library. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a Job well done. DEL MONTE (DelU), May 12—Chair­ man, L. Blanchard; Secretary, Peter Gonzalez. Ship's delegate thanked Uie crew for their fine cooperation. Little disputed OT in engine department, otherwiM there were no beefs and everything is running smoothly. Motion was made that the Food Plan Consultant come aboard the ship and check the menus and to find out why there is insufficient night lunch on board. 8EATRAINOHIO (Hudson Waterways). May 16—Chairman, Calvin D. Monde; Secretary. Marvin Harbor, Jr. Ship's delegate reports one man missed ship In Danang rejoined ship In Saigon. One man taken off In Manila due to Injury aboard ship. Had a few beefs and some disputed overtime reported. Held a dis­ cussion regarding retirement and pension plans. Vote of thanks to stewards de­ partment. PRODUCER (Marine Carriers). May 19—Chairman, William J. Smith; Secre­ tary, J, R. Egan. No beefs or disputed overtime reported by Ship's delegate. Discussion held on pension plan. A vote of thanks for a job well done by stewards department. SIU-AGLIWD Meetings New Orleans July 16—^2:30 p.ni. Mobile ... .July 17—^2:30 p.m. - Wlhnington July 22—^2:00 p.m. San Frandsco July 24—2*00 p.m. Seaffle July 26—2:00 D.m. New York ..July 8—^2:30p.m. Phlladelplila July 9—^2:30 p.m. Baltimore . .July 10—^2*30p.m. July 12—2:30 p.m. Houston July 15—2:30 p.m. DIRECTORTot UNION HAIJ:.S ' SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Inland Boatmen's Union RESIDENT Pqpl Hall EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Csl Tanner VICE PRESIDENTS Earl Shspsrd Llndiey Wllllsmt Robart Matthews Cbvat Lakes SIU Meetii^ Detndt July 1—2:00 p.m. Alpena July 1—^7:00 p.m. Buffalo July 1—^7:00 p.m. Chicago July 1—^7:00 p.m. Cleveland ...July 1—^7:00p.m. Dulutli July 1—^7:00 p.m. Frankfort ...July 1—^7:00p.m. SECRETARY-TREASURER Al Kerr HEADQUARTERS tTS 4th Ave., IMyn. (212) HY ALPENA, Mich 127 River St. (517) EL 4-3&I& lALTIMORE, Md I2lt E. Baltimore St. (301) EA 7-4900 BOSTON, Hsis 177 Stste St. (617) Rl 2-0140 BUFFALO, N.Y 735 Washington St. SIU (716) TL 3-9259 IBU (716) TL 3-9259 CHICAGO, III. 93B3 Ewing Ave. SIU (312) SA 1-0733 IBU (312) ES 5-9570 CLEVELAND, Ohio 1420 W. 2Sth St. (216) MA 1-5450 DETROIT, Mich 10221 W. Jeffsrran Ave. (313) VI 3-4741 DULUTH, Minn 312 W. 2nd St. (218) RA 2-4110 FRANKFORT, Mich P.O. Bex 287 415 Main St. (616) EL 7-2441 HOUSTON, Tex v. 5004 Canal St. (713) WA 0-3207 JACKSONVILLE. FIs 2100 PssrI St. (904) EL 3-0987 JERSEY CITY. N.J 99 Montgomery St. (201) HE 5-9424 MOBILE, Ala 1 South Lawrence St. (205) HE 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS, La 630 Jackson Ave. (504) 529-7546 NORFOLK, Va. 115 3rd St. (703) 622-1892 PHlLADaPHIA, Pa. 2604 S. 4th St. (215) DE 6-3818 PQRT ARTHUR, Tex, 1340 Seventh St. SAN FRANCISCO, Csltf., 350 Frseihont St. • ^ (415) DO 2-4401 SANTURCE, P.R 1313 Fsrnsndsi Juneos Stop 20 724-2848 SEATTLE, Wash. ... .:.... 2505 First Avenue (206) MA 3-4334 ST. LOUIS, Mo. 805 Del Mar (314) CE 1-1434 TAMPA, FIs. ............... 312 Harrison St. - ' (813) 229-2788 WILMINGTON, Calif. .. 505 N. Marine Ave. (213) 834-2528 YOKOHAMA, Japan..Iseva BIdg., Room BOI 1-2 Kalgsn-Derl-Nskaku 2014971 Ext. 201 Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Region Chicago July 16—^7:30 p.m. tSault St. Marie 18—^7:30 p.m. 17—^7:30 p.m. 19—^7:30 p.m. 19—^7:30 p.m. 19—7:30 p.in. 15—^7:30 p.m. 15—^7:30p.m. SIU Inland Boatmen's Union New Orieans July 16—5:00 p.m. MobOe July 17—5:00 p.m. Phflad^hia. July 9—^5:00 p.m. Baltimore Okensed and nnUcmise^ ..Joly 10—5:00p.m. Norftdk ... .July 11—5:00 p.m. Honsttm .... Jnlty 15—5:00 p.m. ' Railway Marine Re^n Philadelpliia July 16—10 a*m« & 9 p.ni. Baitiinore , Jaly 17—10 B.in. & 8 p.m. •NorfWk 18-^10 amu & 8 p.m. Jmey CHy. Jnly 15—10 a.m. & 8 pjn. • Mee^'held at Labor Temple, Sanit . Ste. M;arie, Mich. . * IL^ng held at Labor Temple, New­ port News. I Meeting held at Galveston wharves. J"--; . .ii Brothers and SeweD Suits, Wing Shirts (Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America) White Furniture Co. (United Furniture Workers of America) United Industrial Workers United Industrial Woricers New Oriemis July 16—7i00 pja. Mobile .July 17—^7:00 p.m. New ¥«* . .July 17—7:00 p.m. Phfladelphla July 9—7:00 p.m. Baltimore ...July 10—^7:00p.m. ^Housttm .. .July 15—7:00 p.m. July Buffalo Juty Dnlnth July Cleveland .. .July Toledo .... .July Detndt July MDwankee ..July -n'l Seafarers and their families are urged to support a consumer boy­ cott by trade unionists against various companies whose products are produced under non-union conditions, or which are "unfair to labor." (This listing carries the name of the AFL-CIO unions in­ volved, and will be amended from time to time.) '• •• ' Stlizei-Wencr D^crfM "Old Fitzgerald," "Old Elk" "Cabin Stm," W. L. WeBer Bourbon whlskeyi (Distillery Workers) Gypsum Walihoard, American Gypsum Co. (United Cement Lime and Gjipsum Workers International) Kingspmt Press "World Book," "Chfldcraft" (Printing Pressmen) (Typographers, Bookbinders) (Machinists, Stereotypers) R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Camels, Winston, Tempo, Brandon, Cavalier and Salem cigarettes (Tobacco Workers International Union) Genesco Shoe Mfg. Co. Work Shoes . . . Sentry, Cedar Chest, Statler Men's Shoes . . . Jarman, Johnson ft Murphy, Crestworth, (Boot and Shoe Workers' Union) vl> Boren day Products Co. (United Brick and Clay Workers) "HIS" brand men's clothes Raynee Boyswear, Judy Bond blouses, Hanes Knitwear, Randa Ties, Bom Gloves, Rlchman Jamestown Sterling Corp. (United Furniture Workers) BaMimort Lnnhge Co. Lady Baltimore,- Amtilla Eariiart StarHte luggageStaiWe luggage (International Leather Goods, Plastics and Novelty Workers Union) Comet Rice MDls Co. products (International Union of United' Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drinks and Distillery Workers) Pioneer Flour hflD (United Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drink and Distillery Workers Local 110, San Antonio, Texas ANGELES (Sealand), May chairman, B. Schultz; Secretary, W. Langford. Ship's delegate reports $26.96 In ship's fund. No beefs but a few hours disputed overtime reported. Discussion held on pension plan. PENN TRANSPORTER (Penn Shipping), May 19—Chairman, S. Cleslak; Secretary, Roman Vlloria. Ship's delegate reports no beefs and no disputed overtime. The Captain said no draw would be allowed in Durban, South Africa. Deck department delegate re­ ports one man paid off In Antigua. MARGARETT BROWN (Bloomfleld), May 26—Chairman, Otis PInea; Secre­ tary, Ray Holt. Ship's delegate reports all disputed overtime will be taken up with Chief Mate and patrolman at pay off. No beef reported. A vote of thanks for a job well done by stewards de­ partment. SEATRAIN NEW YORK (Hudson Wa­ terways) (no date)—Chairman: none; No b^fs reported. A few hours dis­ puted overtime reported. Repair list will be given to boarding patrolman. Chief Cook missed the ship In Puerto Rico on June 11th. Vote of thanks to baker for a job well done. KENYON VICTORY (Columbia), April 21— Chairman, G. Dandrid^. C. Dandridge elected ship's delegate. Ship's delegate reports no beefs, no disputed overtime. Reason for meeting: election of delegates. CHATHAM (ChaOiam), March 80— Chairman, William Padgett; Secretary, Robert Creech. No , disputed overtime reported by ship's delegates. Only two small draws received at three ports visited since leaving Trinidad. Crews requested some extra Ijogs be sent to the ship. Extensive repairs needed oo air-conffitioning, TV, washing machine and showers. Giumanra Grapes (United Farm Workers) SEATRAIN TEXAS (Seatrain Lines), May 27—Chairman, G. Qulnones; Secre­ tary, 6. Quinones. Ship's -delegate re­ ports three men missed ship in Viet­ nam but rejoined at Okinawa. Ship's fund contains $8.90. No beefs. No overtime disputed Decision made that watchstanders be fed Jlrst at mealtime. Peavy Paper MOl Products (United Papermakers and Paperworkers Union) SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Hudson Waterways), May 6—Chairman, J. Ken­ nedy; Secretary, W. Yarbrough. Every­ thing running smoothly. No beefs, no disputed overtime reported by the ship's delegate. Di^ssion held on retirement plan for oldtimers. A vote of thanks given to steward's department 4> Magic Chef Pah Pacific Division (Stove, Furnace and Allied Appliance Workers International Union) S'raEL VENDOR (Isthmian), May 6, 1968—Chairman, John J. Morrison; Seeretary, Fred Shaia. $28.60, was reported in- the .ship's fund. No l^fs reported. No disputed overtime. Emrything run­ ning smoothly. The ship's delegate, John Morrison, was taken off the ship in Honolulu because of illness. A vote of thanks was extended to steward de­ partment V �Jane 21, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG Page Fifteen tlie BiiipS fsit Sei Ship's delegate William Eklns told newcomers on the Del Norte (Delta) that the ship's fund gets a $1 donation from each man and $4 for the movie fund if they wish to see film. He also explained the benefits of the ship's fund, such as $50 for crewmen hospitalized in a foreign port. Movie , director Leroy ostores, as in past year. The Del kept clean at all times, with a duty Rmker reported that "we Norte will visit Rio, Buenos Aires, roster posted, showing which de­ have received $55 for the Rosario, Santo, La Guaira, Cura­ partment is responsible for its movie fund from cao, then New Orleans for the cleanliness on a weekly basis, the ship's of­ payoff. Shrimpton wrote. The crewmen ficers in addition heard from chief electrician Joe to the $182.50 Hubert on the necessity, while in — from the ahip's Ships's delegate Richard Buie Italy, of using the port hole treasurer, Bill reports "a quiet and uneventful screens in the crew messhall, to Kaiser." A total voyage to date" combat the flies. of $233 was spent for Seafarers on for seven movies the Robin Hood Memorial Day services were in Houston and (MoOTe - McCorEkins held on the Jidin B. Watermmi in addition $2 for mack). There has (Waterman), in phone calls to Houston from New been "good co­ memory of all Orleans and Corpus Christi. This operation be­ those seamen who leaves $2.50 in the movie fund, tween all three have died or were Rinker stated. Delegates elected departments,"' at sea, ac­ lost were Joe Martello, engine depart­ Buie reported. Hubert cording to ship's ment; Robert Hubbs, deck depart­ Maictdm Cross, delegate H o r s t ment; and Horace Curry, stew­ meeting chairman, writes that A. "Ted" Treddin. ard department. Nick Pizzuto Steinsvik, oiler, was hospitalized ^ He reported that asked that a new laundry cleaning in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Meeting "the vessel was list be posted, it was reported. Secretary Aussie Shrimpton re­ Tieddln stopped at 1906 Some crewmen have asked about ported that the ship's treasury hours in Latitude 28-58 North having frozen orange and lemon contains the sum of $55. The juice and crabs added to the crew washing machine is to be and Longitude 89-01 West. Serv­ ices were presided over by the Master, John Wemmer, and all crewmen who were not on watch, attended. At the end of the serv­ ices, a wreath was solemnly thrown into the sea. Three long blasts were sounded on the whistle, bidding farewell to those Salvador Saavedra, bom FebDavid Douglas, bom December who have departed." raary 21, 1968, to Seafarer and 28, 1967, to Seafarer and Mrs. Mrs. Carlos L. Saavedra, New David Douglas, San Francisco, Meeting Chairman Thomas Orleans, La, Califomia. DriscoU told his fellow Seafarers ^ ^ on the Seatrain Walter Doirts, bom April 4, Raymond Bonafont, born May Puerto Rko(Hud­ 6, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Doug­ son Waterways) Ramon Bonafont, Rio Piedras, las E. Dorris, Hatteras, North that "all new Carolina. Puerto Rico. crew members were reminded — that this is their Dawn Baxter, bom April 21, Gertrude Dixon, bom Decem­ home and they ber 27, 1967,' to Seafarer, and 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Brad­ should alwajrs re­ ley A. Baxter, New Orleans, La. Mrs. George Dixon, Philadelphia, member to keep DtiscoD ^ Pennsylvania. it clean and com­ Hazel Ramirez, bom April 15, fortable at all times." A happy 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Edgar- ship is a good ship, he said. Ship's Edna Gale Dough, bom De­ do Ramirez, of New Orleans, delegate Howard Cole said that cember 20, 1967, to Seafarer and Louisiana. there are no beefs or disputed Mrs. Robert Ray Dough, Wanovertime. The ship's fund, con­ chese, N. C. Juan Ramon Martinez, bom sisting of $58, was "locked in the April 24, 1968, to Seafarer and Captain's safe imtil needed," ac­ Mrs. Santos Martinez, Metairie, cording to Meeting Secretary James Carter. Louisiana. w The SiU presented a "Brotherhood of Sea" award to the Russian ship Orekhov in Vancouver lost month for crew's efforts in the recovery of eight bodies of Seafarers lost when the Panoceanic Faith sank in the North Pacific October 9, 1967. In above picture, token by Russian crewmember, body of Seafarer from Faith is lifted aboard Orekhov in stormy seas. ^1> U.S., Canadian and Russian representatives attend luncheon after presentation. L. to R.: Stuart Gifford, Mayor-of West­ minister, B.C.; John Brown, Maritime Trade Council; Steve Troy, Seattle SIU Port Agent; Richard Slott, American Consul, and^Orelchov's Captain A. I. Fatianov, who accepted award. <I> SEAFARERSfeLOG June 21, 1968 • Vol. XXX, No. 13 Official Publication of the Seafarers International Union of North America, AtUntie, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO Sx0eutive Board PAUL HALL, President OAL TANNBR EARL SHBEARO Bxte. Vtee-Prei. Vice-President LIMOSEY WILLIAMS AL KERR See.-Treaa. Vice-President ROBBIT MATTBEWB Vice-President At presentation, Troy delivers award to Captain Fatianov. Others present are Orekhov crewman Alex Kovalencq, Slott, Norm David, Vice-Pres., SIU of Canada, Brown and Gifford. Kovalenco leaped into water to help recover the bodies. Lifeboat Class 199 Weighs Anchor Direetor of Pubticatione MIKB POLLACK Editor HARRY WITTSCHEN Assistant Editor TOM FIMMEOAN Staff Writers PETER WEISS STEVE STEINBERG Staff Photographer ANTHONY ANSALOI Russian motor "ship Orekhov at dockside tn Vancouver. • Piklhhst blwsskly st UO Ihsds liltsd Assais N.E., WsikliiitM, D. C. 2001S ly tlis Ssafirsn IntsniitloRal Onlsn, Atlastis, Gslf, UkM sst IslSBl Watsrs MsMlt, AFL-CIO, C75 Fssrtli AMIS, Brssklys, H.Y. 11232. Tsl. HYsilsHl 9-6S00. Ssttst SISM H«tSH psM •t WaiklRitsR, O.'C. FOSTMASTErS ATYEilTieii: Fsns 35T9 sardi ikHlt ki isst ts SMfarsrs Istsmallsaal Uiiss, Atiistls, Oill, Lskss sat lafani Woisn Oiitrist, AFL-CIO, «7S Fsartk Annas, Oraiklya, H.Y. 11232. o After attending the SlU's lifeboat school, these men have passed Coast Guard examinations and obtained their lifeboat ticket. In the front row, left to right: Clarence Harvin, Paul Ames, and Arche Nunnally. In the back row, senior Instructor Paul McGaharn, Ed Fogger, Walter Hildabrant, Robert Ramsden and Carlos Garcia. �Vol. XXX No. 13 SEAFARERS^LOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO Ovt^eas Mte Casts Off HE first U.S.-flag tanker to be built for an independent opener shicc T 1961, tbe SlU-contracted Overseas Alice, has embarked on her maiden voyage after crewing up in BaKfanon; last week. She will sail in die coast<> line trade, carrying crude oO between Alaska and Washington state. The new tanker, one of the most modem ships to sail down the sl^ways, is typical of the outstanding ships that could be boUt in U.S. shipyards if there were an equitable national shipbuilding program. . • ^ At launching ceremonies held in March, Stephen Shalom, a director of the tanker's owners, Maritime Overseas, said the company had been forced inh> buQding the Overseas Alice in the absence of a national policy, because (he company could not afford to delay any longer the replacement of its aging tankers. However, the lack of an ''eqi^ble" national maritime program h holding up plans for further ship constmction in U.S. shipyard^, company oflkials said. The Overseas Alice, and two sister ships now being ^built, cost $11miDion each. Constracted at die Bethlehem-Sparrows Point Shipyard, the Overseas Alice, is 660 feet long, has a torfofee ermine diat puts ont 15,000 horse­ power, and has a 37,250-ton canytng capacity making M among die most econmnkaliy and physically practkai id today's tankers. The endre ship Is ahr-conditloned' with individuid contnds in eadi room. A spechd two-way electronic crevr-caDi^ system comdsts (d a buzzer and flashii^ light unit in each watchslanding room and rdlowi (he man going off watch to alert the next man in Hne dmt he b dm. The vend has a new type of IntmitH' chamoding. The buttheads r^pbe no painting or maintenance. The mess and recreadon haUs'are inab^gmy-idfndl^ colored, and the wads are covered with paintings. The (^lley b fiilty centralized with four iceboxes to handle dte/iA^. load, and five or six walk-in boxes beneadi the gaDey for storage.' Sleephig rooms are jqiacfeus and each room has outlets for ra^ iand television antennas. ': .•'I I ! -J ! I Wiper Dick Whelan (at left) examines centralized control board in engine in engine room. " iS ? n AB Jose DeCosta (right) un­ packs in modern foc'sle that has all the comforts of home. 4d ,,-i i:. Chief Cook Ezteban Cruz (left) has space to whip up seven meals at once in giant galley. At right Seafarers J. Jones, E. Bemintende, A. Antoniou and R. Lawrance visit mess deck. •11 - IH; Washing dishes can be a snap with this setup say this pair of Seafarers, Timothy and John Henderson, who signed on as pantrymen for new vessel's first voyage. A. H. Southers and George Hand, oilers, think this recreation roorp, with comfortable chairs and widescreen television, rates with luxury of a modern lounge. Everything's new on the Alice so shipmates OS Joe Crandell and Chief Bosun Perry Konis familarize them­ selves with ship s equipment, including gangway winch. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1960-1969 Description An account of the resource Volumes XXII-XXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 21, 1968 Description An account of the resource Headlines: CHANGE IN CG DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE DEFERRED FOLLOWING PROREST BY SIU ASSASSINATION OF ROBERT F. KENNEDY SPURS NEW DEMAND FOR GUN CONTROL SENATE-HOUSE CONFEREES TO DECIDE ON FLEET AUTHORIZATION MEASURE HOUSE PASSES CLEAN POULTRY BILL; STRICT INSPECTION STANDARDS SET TRUTH-IN-LENDING LAW WINS PASSAGE AFTER EIGHT-YEAR CSAMPAIGN BY LABOR HALL NAMED TO BOY SCOUTS’ BOARD; FIRST LABOR MEMBER TO BE ELECTED COURT OK’S BACK PAY AWARD TO DARLINGTON MILLS WORKERS PROPOSAL BY BOYD TO BUILD FOREIGN WOULD ‘BURY’ FLEET, HALPERN SAYS CAREER WHICH SPANNED 64 YEARS RECALLED BY RETIRED SIU VETERAN SEAFARER BILL LIPFORD’S SUNDAY PUNCH MIGHT CARRY HIM TO RINGSIDE GLORY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/21/1968 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XXX, No. 13 1968 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/fe909c98b1d9670b56218bd23d0169e3.PDF cac7571631a476541c835646a5c071a7 PDF Text Text • • i''^" Inr Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America Vol. VII. No. 25 NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. JUNE 22. 1945 Atlantic War Bonus Is Cut Ignoring the appeals of the SIU not to sabotage the living standards of the seamen, and listening to the bleat of the profithungry shipowners, the Maritime War Emergency Board this week cut the Atlantic area bonus from 100 percent to 66 2/3 per­ cent in the north eastern section and to 33 1/3 percent in the central and southern sections (see map below). The cut was illegal, since the Board has never been granted authority to do anything but arbitrate disputes between man­ agement and labor over the bonus increases. But the failure of the NMU to line up with the rest of labor in fighting the Board's -•jurisdictional grabs in the' ~ Three SIU Men Decorated For Their Extreme Heorism WASHINGTON, June 2 2 — Three SIU seamen, who risked their lives to save their comrades were the recipients of service awards during the month of May, it was announced. Paul Irwin Valentine^ 2nd Cook and Baker, and Ensign George E. Baker, one-time OS, were award­ ed the Merchant Marine Distin­ guished Service Medah Only U3 of these citations have been made since the beginning of the war. Fireman William A. Sullivan won the Meritorious Service Medal, one of the 11 thus far awarded. Paul Irwin Valentine, Second Cook and Baker aboard the SS Daniel Huger, Mississippi SS Co., whose home is at 280 South San­ dusky St., Tiffin, Ohio, was awarded the DSM with this citati9n: "For heroism beyond the call of duty. "His ship was subjected to a two-hour high level bombing at­ tack by seventeen enemy planes. As a result of a near miss, bomb fragments pierced the hull and the cargo of high octane gasoline exploded. Despite heroic efforts to combat the flames two to three hundred feet high, the fire was soon out' of control and the ship was abandoned. Upon arrival of the Shore fire brigade it was de­ cided to try to save the ship with foamite, It was necessary to have a few men return to the ship, en­ ter the adjacent hold, and play a hose on the heated bulkhead to prevent the raging fire from spreading. Second Cook and Ba­ ker Valentine was one of fouur (Continued on Page 6) past, and the strong behindthe-scene support given the Board by shipowners and brass hats, means that the Board now has the power to sabotage the living standards of the rank and file seamen. The cut is scheduled to start as of July 15, 1945. The Board has pledged itself to keep a bonus "floor" of 33 1/3% for the dura­ tion of the war. Following is a break down of the various bonus areas throughout the world. CLASSIFICATION I , 190% BONUS—$100 MONTHLY MINIMUM Voyages or portions of voyages whiie within waters in the area bounded on the north by 60° north latitude; on the east by the 180th meridian; on the south by 13° south latitude; and on the west by 80° east longitude to its intersection with the coast of continental Asia and thence fol­ lowing the coast of continental Asia to its intersection with 60° north latitude. CLASSIFICATION II 66 2/51% BONUS—$80 MONTHLY MINIMUM CLASSIFICATION IV NO BONUS Voyages or portions of voyages while within inland waters of the Western Hemisphere. For this purpose the Western Hemisphere is defined to include North Am­ erica (except Alaska west of 136° CLASSIFICATION III west longitude and the Aleutian 33 1/3% BONUS—$40 MONTHLY Islands), Central America, South MINIMUM America, the Hawaiian Islands, and all islands within the areas Voyages or portions of voyages, described in Classification HI. not included in Classification IV, while within the following waters: Voyages or portions of voyages while, within all waters not in­ cluded in classifications I, III or IV. A. The Pacific Ocean east of 136° west longitude. ii •. .. . B. The Atlantic and Arctic Oceans west of the line fol• lowing 12° west longitude to its intersection with the northwest coast of Africa, thence following the north­ west and west coast of Africa to its intersection with 18° east longitude, and thence following 18° east longitude. SEAMEN'S FRIEND Among the friends of organ­ ized maritime labor is Con­ gressman Welch of California. As member of the House Com­ mittee on Merchant Marine 8E Fisheries, he requested the MWEB to delay any bonus cut until basic wages were increas­ ed. The text of his petition, which was ignored by the Board, appears on page six. �t<- Pas© Two THE SEAEARERS Friday, June 22, 1945 LOG SEAFARERS LOG Published W^My by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor W- At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 t t HARRY LUNDEBERG President 10 S Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. P. O. Box 25, Station P., New York City MATTHEW DUSHANE - - - Washington Rep. 424 5 th Street, N. W., ^ITashington, D. C. Entry As Second Class Matter Pending •2<7 Peacetime Conscription The House Military Affairs Committee has closed its public hearings on a proposed peacetime military conscrip­ tion bill. The bill was supported in the main, as might be expected, by the professional militarists of the country— the ranking officers of the Army and Navy—and "Citizens Committees" of Wall Street brokers and industrialists. An Ode To The WLB (Written on the Third Anniversary of the Board) HE GAVE A FOUR STAR PERFORMANCE There is more than one way of crashing the movies, but Walter Stanberry, member of the gun crew on the SIU Liberty John H. Labrobe, certainly did it the hard way. He went for a swim. Clash the cymbals, beat the tabors. Blow the bugles, rattle sabers. Shout the news in accents bold: Today the Board is three years old. _ Was ever an infant less tender and mild Than this, F. D. Roosevelt's most terrible child? Not a moment of peace has it had in its life; It was nurtured in discord and weaned upon strife. Indeed, like Minerva's, its birth was aberrant; For it sprang, armor-clad, from the brain of its parent. Through a war-weary head rests upon its young shoulders. In Its childish breast, lust for the battle still smoulders. So, on its third birthday, let's all give a cheer And wish it God speed in the coming new year. But lest we forget the close squeaks of the past When we thought its next breath would be also its last, I'll recall its 'scapes' the most deadly breach And celebrate them in this lyrical speech. Last week the East River in New York was ablaze with klieg lights, and swarming with direc­ tors, technicians, cameramen and actors. The government was mak­ ing a documentary film about the waterfront. In Chicago several thousand teamsters, independent as well as AFL, have gone on strike for the second time in 30 days, tying up 12,000 trucks (emergency deliveries are be­ ing made). Recall for a moment that ominous date. When the President floored us with nine-three-two-eighi. From April the eighth till the twelfth of May, We twiddled ouf thumbs and collected our pay: We issued no rulings, we processed no cases; We answered all queries with shrugs and blank faces; And then out of boredom, for worse or for better. We sent to our public this bitter form letter: The action reached a climax, Stanberry leaned far over the side, 'So as not to miss anything, then he slipped and went over the side into the black water. On the third day of the strike the Army took over and $oldiers drove the'trucks for the union-hating employers. In the words of Ellis T. Longenecker of the Office of De­ fense Transportation, who took over for the government, ^You can't beat the U. S. Army. The Army will break the Strike." "Dear Mr. Zilch, we are writing to you Because we have, nothing else better to do. Our skill and experience the President spurns; Instead, he relies on a fellow named Byrnes. Our noblest efforts, we're sad to relate. Have been basely subverted by nine-three-tv/o-eight. The opposition to a peacetime draft came from the churches, schools and colleges, and from every shade of labor opinion—with the exception of the communists. The AFL spokesmen before the committee stated their opposition to compulsory military training, and declared that in any event the matter should not be considered until the servicemen of this war have returned home, an4 are able to add their voices to the discussion. It has been pointed out that military conscription in Europe has proven no deterrent to war; that even ip the more democratic countries — Switzerland . and France, among others—conscript armies have been used as a strike­ breaking weapon. If anyone is in doubt as to the uses of a large standing army—^let them look at the American scene •^^ven today. But Mr. Longenecker goes even further than that. He |s going to refer the names of all strikers under 3 8 to the draft boards. He hopes to. have the men drafted and as' signed to drive the very trucks they quit. i We don't know v/ho Mr. Longenecker is, but we think 1^ has read too much of certain writings by the late Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini. Turning the government into a strikebreaking agency Is not a new idea. The labor haters have been advocating it |or years. That is why they are in favor of peacetime con­ scription. That is why we are against it. NOTICE TO ALL HANDS K. To cut down on beefs and make the payofis smoother; to know what is legitimate overtime, study your agreement. Keep an accurate record of your overtime, with date, exact hours worked, nature of work and by whom ordered. If possible, have the head of the department sign it. Keep separate sheets for "okay" and "disputed" overtime. Hang on to your records imtu payoff, i Remember: written evidence makes it much easier to settle your beefs at the point of production. "So please be advised that your wage application Has been painlessly put to death for the duration; And your personal fortune is now in the power Of a genius who dwells in an ivory tower. So great is the strength of this man in a crisis That he now has control of all wages and prices. He resides in a room full of technical tracts. Hermetically sealed from all practical facts; While there he will sometimes go into a trance And perform his exotic 'Inequities Dance.' And then, with Ben Cohen as his sole recorder. He'll shout out some wild new ExecMive Order. He managed, to wrap himself around a slippery piling, and shouted for help. But the actors were so busy acting, and the di­ rectors so busy directing, that no one even heard Stanberry for a full ten minutes. "And so, Mr. Zilch, you can see where we're at— . The War Labor Board is now hors de combat. If you're grimly determined to raise a big fuss. For God's sake call Byrnes and don't bother usi" But to rebound with vigor from shocks such as these Was mere child's-play and fun for our young Herculee. From Jimmy it wangled the May 12th directive. And d^KI*dly pursued its dual objective: To serve as an unmire, without fear or fervor. And to sit, oh so lightly, on the wage rates of labor." V —Voice of 212 'iJi The SS John Latrobe w:as at Pier 27, right in the middle of the activity. Stanberry was on watch, with nothing to do but to nurse a shrouded 5 inch gun which pointed toward the Pepsodent sign on the Jersey shore. So, he, decided to watch the movie making. Finally, one of the waterfront coppers pulled him out, and he was taken to the Brooklyn Naval Hospital, suffering from exhaus­ tion. "After this I ain't going to look at anything but Lana Tiarner," Stanberry said, "and I'm going to be sittin' in a seat when I do that." Keep In Touch With Your Draft Board, �V-IJft- Friday. June 22, 1945 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Strike Wave Grows As Labor Battles Union Busting Campaign Strike actions are on the increase all over the country. This is due, in the main, to three reasons: the inability or unwillingness of the WLB to act on wage increase requests based on mounting prices; the layoffs of workers and the reduction in take-home pay due to cutbacks; and the evident attempt of some employers to take advantage of la­ bor's no-strike pledge by violating contractual agreements with the unions. — ———— t Each of the actions is a major story in itself, and cannot be ade­ By PAUL HALL quately covered in this s h o r t space. However, we will give k SHAKING THE CAN brief summary, to .show the mag­ There came in recently a ship on which the Skipper had been nitude of labor unrest and the shaking, the can for what he called a "Proposed Seamen's Bethel." One of our members gave this guy 5 bucks for which he got a receipt. WASHINGTON, June 13—1,154 among the armed forces. During dissatisfaction of labor with the Seamen are targets for lots of can shaking rackets and always American ships were lost be­ the year 318 ships were sunk, dilatory tactics of the government have been. This, however, is a brand new type and to our knowl­ tween the outbreak of the Euro­ with the highest losse^ of the war agencies, and the revolt of the edge has not been used before. All members should view with sus­ pean war and V-E Day, it was re­ reached in June, when 49 Ameri­ rank and file against the one-sid­ picion any person, or group of people, putting the lug on them for vealed today, at the cost of 6,066 can vessels were sent to the bot­ ed nd-strike pledge. merchant seamen dead, missing tom. In Akron, Ohio, a general strike money, regardless of the claim made for the cause. or captured. against the city's rubber plantk The bulk of American tonnage It is a funny thing—seamen are the lowest paid skilled workers is being discussed. 20,000 men in the world, and what wages they do get they have to fight like Overall Allied merchant ship­ destroyed—570 ships of 5,431,456 walked out of the Goodyear hell for every step of the way. It looks as though when some of ping losses totalled 4,770 vessels, deadweight tons was sunk by plants after negotiations oh these people, including some companies, need a few bucks to start —2,570 of them British—aggre­ subs, mines and air attack. The grievances broke down. The gating 21,140,000 gross tons, a other American vessels—mostly some racket they go to work on the seamen's sympathies and pockets fleet more than three times that small ships totaling only 845,621 workers in the Firestone Co. vot­ first of all. ed 8 to 1 to strike, accusing the If any member runs across people of this kind, get as much in­ this country had in 1941, though tons deadweight — were lost in company of failure to abide by formation as you can and bring it straight to the union hall so it less than half of that flying the marine accidents resulting from WLB directives. American flag today. convoy operations, blackouts re­ can be investigated. 6,000 workers walked out of The most extensive destruction duced navigation aids and other two plants of the Pittsburgh COMING: A BIGGER WG was in the North Atlantic, where wartime hazards. Plate Glass Company. The Seafarers Log is going to come into its own very soon. Plans wolf packs of U-boats prowled Although sinkings were pro­ A midwest regional conference are being made now to increase the size of the Log again, and to against convoys, sinking 219 ships gressively lessened as protective of the United Auto Workers—^the add more features. Johnny Bunker, one of our members and the until curbed by fast expanding measures became effective, sub­ largest union in the world—voted same fellow who wrote "The SIU At War," is back in port and is Allied air and naval power. Next marine warfare remained unabat­ 5 to 1 to ask the NLRB to con­ going to assist in shaping up these new features for the Log and the Caribbean Sea was the most ed up to the very day of victory. duct a strike vote. This is signi­ give the Editors a hand in general, making our paper the best on popular hunting ground for the In the first four months of this ficant, since the auto union voted submarines, with 122 of our ves­ year an additional 22 ships were last year, by a 3-1 majority, to the waterfront. sels lost there. lost. , In accordance with the resolution passed and concurred in by keep the no-strike pledge. the majority of the mem'oership, the Seafarers Log will be mailed to The blackest days for the mer- Not included in these figures Truck drivers in Chicago are the home of every member who requests it. In addition, the Log chant seamen were in 1942, when' are American-owned ships under still on strike, in the face of the will be mailed tojsvery SIU ship as well. If you want the union enemy action was at its height foreign flags, or merchant vessels army taking over their jobs, and paper mailed to youf home, let us know. and the percentage of losses operated by the Navy and desig- the threat of the Office of De­ fense Transportation to refer to among seamen were higher than nated as military losses. WE MAKE FRIENDS, ETC. the draft board any striker under 38 years of age. The organizing campaign in Isthmian SS Company is beginning The five printing unions are to show real signs of progress. The Isthmian men are now coming maintaining their walkout against into our union halls regularly. Isthmian crews returning from their first trip since the drive started, call at the SIU Hall in the same Members of the Seafarers from Justices of Supreme Court, May­ the open shop, R. R. Donnelley & manner as the Seafarers members do. The reception given the Sea­ lillinois and New York who are ors of cities, and Town and Coun­ Sons, world's largest printer, af­ ter the company stalled on con­ farers by these men has been very gratifying and all members of eligible to vote will be interested ty officials. A merchant seamen away from tract negotiations. A WLB order the SIU should feel proud of the fact that, not only Isthmian men, in the following information on home may vote by absentee bal­ to return has been ignored. but all unorganized seamen look to the Seafarers for guidance and the voting requirements of these lot. To do so, he must register in These strikes mark the early leadership on the waterfront. person, applying for an absentee simmerings of a cauldron getting two states. Our strength is becoming greater every day among all unor­ ganized seamen and with the continued interest of our rank and file ILLINOIS: The war time vot­ ballot at that time. Voters in the heat. Unless some action is membership, as well as the cooperation and hard work on the part ing law does not include merch­ towns of 5,000 or less do not need taken to alleviate the intolerable of the Seafarers officials, it will only be a question of time until ant seamen. However, there is a to register. To be counted the position that American labor has ballot must be received by state been placed in, the watched pot Isthmian 'comes under the Seafarers banner. officials by noon, November 5th. will certainly boil over. general absentee ballot law which This is the first time that the Seafarers has met head-on in direct competition with other maritime unions in the organizing offers seamen a chance to vote. A ORGANIZING THE UNORGANIZED field, and the outcome of this drive should be interesting, and should man must register in person as a provide a peek into the future to see just what union is going to voter. Those so registered should be THE union. write to their county clerk re­ Since the Seafarers has started on the offensive in the maritime questing a form for application industry, we have increased our membership and financial resources for a ballot. and generally streamlined and tightened the entire organization. This means, naturally, we will be able to travel at a much faster This year there is a special pri­ mary election in the 24th Con­ clip on the waterfront. gressional District on July 31st, SHOW 'EM THE WAY and a special election for the In view of the bonus cut, it is more important now than ever same district on November 6th. before that the SIU hits the waterfront with all the strength that it In order to be counted the special can gather to bring the entire industry ino the fold of the Seafarers. primary ballot must be received This industry is not big enough for several major unions in the by the coUnty clerk by July 31st, pos^ war period. First of all, fewer ships will be operating then as and the ballet for the special elec­ there are now. Then, too, some of the maritime unions in the field tion must be received b^ the today are selling out the seamen as fast as they can and many sea­ county clerk by November 6th. men, particularly those on the NMU ships, are losing faith in water­ The 24th Congressional District front unionism. includes the following counties: If this feeling grows to any extent, even though the NMU is a Clay, Edwards, Hardin, Gallatin, dual and hostile union, it will make all NMU men union haters. Hamilton, Johnson, Massac, Pope, This would be bad for all unions. Saline, Wayne and White. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT? First of all, we can encourage these men to stay within that organization and make an effort to NEW fORK: A general elec­ upset the leadership, to try to change the NMU policy to one of tion will be held this fall to elect bonafide unionism. Secondly, all Seafarers members should carry There is plenty of rank^ and file interest in the SIU organiDag the word of this outfit to every NMU ship and every NMU member drive. All the members realize that a strong SIU is the only hop* who desires it, and show them by examples what a true maritime Keep In Touch With for post war jobs, wages and conditions. And to help make the SIU union is like. The:. Seafarers must show the way for the entire strong, they are offering their services as volunteer organizers. Her*' industry. Your Draft Board, a typical line-ttp> of volunteers outside the organisers office in Ih* After this is accomplished, and only then, can all seamen on all New York hall. How about you, brother—have you done your part? ships enjoy union conditions—^THE SEAFARERS WAY! 1 ALL ATLANTIC SHIPPING LOSSES NOW REVEALED VOTING REGULATIONS FOR N.Y. & ILL. V. .--U- 'd 1 1 �:ir: !(->->•;.••'• Page Four •I:. THE SEAFARERS LOG New Booklet On Parliamentary Proceedure Now Off The Pressi Do you stammer when you get on your feet? Do you know what a gavel is used for, besides tap­ ping a keg of beer? Do you get goose pimples before a crowd? Can you start a fire by rubbing two motions together? In short, what do you know about running a meeting? Well, if you know as little about these things as we did before reading the new SIU educational booklet, "Order!", you, too, will want to read it. (adv't) "Order!", subtitled "How to Conduct a Union Meeting on Ship and Ashore," is the fourth of the educational series put out . by the Educational Department o f t h e Atlantic & Gulf District. Written by an expert in his field, and il­ lustrated by Bernard Seaman, it will tell you everything you want to know about parliamentary procedure. HERE^WHi ITHMTK 'W QUESTION: What new feature would you like to see in the Seafarers Log? CHARLES ROZHON. Deck En­ gineer—I think the present fea• tures are enough. I cannot think of anything new I'd particularly like to see. However. I think there ought to be more stories on the SIU ships and membership. The fel­ lows are all interested in what is happening to their friends and buddies. The one drawback or being a seaman is that you are so often out of touch with your friends, sometimes for several months at a time. The LOG ought to give more space to this kind of news. It explains very simply the rights and priviliges of every member at a meeting, what he can do, and when, and how he goes about doing it. To prevent a meeting from degenerating into a mob scene, with everyone speaking at one time, certain rules of order have been laid down, clearly defining the pro­ cedure to be used at any particu­ lar moment. » In addition to explaining the technicalities of a "point of or­ der," "tabling a motion," and "ap­ pealing the decision of the chaii*," the new booklet tells how to make a motion, how to amend it, and the rules of discussion, and many other necessary bits of in­ formation. I Sill WILLIAM BOND. Oiler — I'd I like to see more news of outside unions. Knowing what the other unions are doing and how they are going about it can help the SIU in its struggles. It will also give the seamen a more rounded labor education. Seamen are not a group apart from the rest of the workers. What happens to them affects the seamen very much. I think they should be made aware of what is happen­ ing throughout the labor move­ ment. I. for one. want to know and I think that the LOG should give as much space to this fea­ ture as it can. "Order!" performs a appreci­ ated task by giving valuable hints on how to prepare your speech, so that it is connected and coherent. It also gives agen­ This is the cover of the new SIU Booklet. "Order." Profusely I das for meetings, ship and ashore. illustrated with cartoons, the booklet gives the method of holding Sound interesting? Get yourself business-like and democratic meetings aboard ship and ashore. | a copyt Free at the union hall. Every union man should have one. Some Of The Illustrations In Booklet "Order" Tt^'Benrro SP£Al(/$ Friday. June 22, 1945 iTHeL'PS..^ HAROLD C. ANACKER. FOW —What the LOG should do. in every issue, is to run a summary or index of the outstanding events of the past month or two, and give the dates of the LOG in which these stories appeared. The • LOG is the only way we have of keeping in touch with the things happening in the maritime field. When we get off a ship, without having seen a paper in months, we always ask the Patrolman to tell the news. He always does, but he can't possibly cover every­ thing by memory. A new feature of this kind would solve the problem. J. H. LEE. Jr. Engineer—The I LOG could be really helpful to p' the membership if it ran a listing tei? •of places to go and things to see L//'-' I in every port. A seaman coming into a strange town doesn't know where to go to have a good time and like as not will run into a' clip joint. It's mostly guess work. Above are two illustrations from the new booklet. "Order!", put out by the Educational Depart­ If the LOG could run every week a directory of places — dances, ment of the Atlantic and Gulf District, as a guide in conducting meetings on ship and ashore. The character on the left is showing how not to act at a meeting, by violating the cardinal prin­ bars. etc.—it would be doing the membership a good service, by ciple of the Seafarers, democracy for all. On the, right is the cartoon Ulustrating the text on the mak­ seeing that they had a reasonable ing of motions and amendments. Amendments, the booklet points out. are made for the purpose of chance of having a good time, clarifyiitg a motion, but can be overdone. and by steering them clear of I clip joints. "Order!" is published free for the membership of the SIU. Come down to the hall and get your copy today. �Friday, June 22, 1945 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Postwar Conscription Seen As Move Against^nionism By WILLIAM McKAY SS Frances Lee Stars In Coffledy Of Errors By ARTHUR THOMPSON NOTICE FOR ALL AGENTS If any members are laid up in the Marine Hospitals in your port, send news of them to the Log. A regular depart­ ment giving news of the men in the hospitals will be print­ ed as soon as this information starts coming in. Not only the union brothers in the hospitals want such news, but the men on the ships want to keep track of their shipmates who are laid up. Send a weekly report. BALTIMORE — Shipping has been very good in the Port of Baltimore and from the looks of things it will continue that way. There are indications that we are going to have a lot of grain shipping, which will be a change from the scrap iron that was sent but of this port in pre-war days. The local pie-cards have been kept very busy, not because of the many ships paying off, but for the simple reason that Cap­ tain Perkins and a few other company representatives insist on hanging fire on the most simple beefs. We note that the law makers are going to pass a bill allowing the defense workers $25 a week when they lose their well paid jobs but, of course, merchant sea­ men and veterans are not consid­ ered in this bill since the work they have been doing evidently is not considered defense work. It is time we were getting to­ gether on a matter like that to beef out loud, for as far as the politicians are concerned all you are going to get out of this mess is what the merchant seamen and veterans got out of the last war— a good old kicking around with a few dirty old clubbings thrown in to boot. There is a great deal of specu­ lation going on as whether it is in the best interests of the coun­ try to have a postwar military training period for our young men. In our opinion, the ability of the average American to ab­ sorb military training in a much shorter period of time than the men of other nations, shows that we spring from a nation of fight­ ers who had to battle for their very existence when they found­ ed this country. We are inclined to think that this postwar draft was hatched in the minds of some of our bigger industrialists to use it as a wea­ pon against labor. It has been done before and as the British would say: One never knows, does one? Most of our men and material being deployed from the Euro­ pean theatre direct to the Pacific zones will go via the Panama Canal, and friend shipowner and their WSA stooges are getting ready to establish a pool of sea­ men in the Canal area. It might be a good idea for the SIU to think about sending a rep­ resentative down that way, be­ cause within a few weeks beefs coming from the direction of the Canal are going to be loud and long. The Baltimore hall improve­ ments are about finished and we are hunting up some decent chairs and other furniture so that the men can relax. One of the rooms is being reserved for a library and reading room, and we are interested in getting aU the worthwhile books we can to stock it. If you have a couple of books or so to spare send them along to us. The part that struck me funny was the fact that the men were kicking about not having enough water to take a bath in. Next day a girl came into the office in a rather perturbed state of mind. She had a letter from the FBI concerning her husband. It seems he shipped out and fail­ ed to report for his physical be­ fore the ship sailed, as he was or­ dered to by his local board. I The SUP ship, the SS Elwood I had only a couple of men reg­ went to the FBI in Savannah and Meade, just came in and we have istered in the Stewards Depart­ gave them all the details in the to put on a full deck crew. ment, so I called Charleston for case. They said they would turn Two Robin Line ships are due help, and had to ship a couple of it all over to the draft board who in this week and one of them is WSA men, much as I hated to, would then act on it. in transit and the other is a pay­ because the time was short. The guy did no intentional off. I hope Til have enough men The ship left on time, but did­ wrong and probably nothing will to fiU the job. n't get far. The next morning she be done about it. At any rate, was back at the dock,. and she nothing can be done until the had a beef about rationing water. ship returns. I don't think it can I went down and saw the skipper be stressed too strongly, however, and read the law to him and that failure to comply with orders everything was apparently squar­ from your draft board can get By E. S. HIGDON ed away. you in plenty of hot water. NEW ORLEANS—This port is ships — one a cuaw to sail for Shore leave expired at noon Agent Jack Parker called from busy with ships in transit—there Waterman on the 2nd of July— and the ship was due to sail that Tampa for some men for a new aren't many signing on or paying the other the SS Hydra to sail for night, but Fate stepped in again ship and I managed to round up off here, but the city is cfowded the Mississippi. eight of the men. They were and held it up. She was still with seafarers from the SS Sea- New Orleans has had two other given transportation by the WSA there aU night and-during the train New Orleans, the SS Ke- payoffs, the SS E. LaMarr of the and six of them came through, early hours Sunday they were testing the engines. Either the but two of them missed the train. gum, SS James I. McKay, the SS Overtakes Line on which there lines were too old or the engines I said it before and I'll say it Charles S. Haght, SS Wm. Brew­ was a beef in the Stewards De­ too powerful; but, whatever the again: This kind of carrying on ster, SS Richmond P. P. Hobson, partment now cleared up with no cause, one of her lines parted and is bad. Transportation is some­ SS Moldova, SS Sam Houston, hard feelings, and the SS George before they could stop the en­ thing we had to fight for, and if SS George A. Marr, and the SS Uhler. Next week there will be gines the other lines parted, and we abuse it we may lose it. Aside Mordova. New Orleans knows four ships in this Gulf port to pay the ship shot across the rivpr from that the Agent in Tampa there's a war on and that seamen off, and we expect to see an ex­ and got stuck in the mud. didn't get the amount of men he are doing their damnedest to keep ceptionally busy time for the the U.S. on the winning side. One of the sailors, whose name expected and may have had to Crescent City. we couldn't get, was ashore at take non-union men on the job. Good progress is being made in This is no time to flood the union our organizing drive. Soon that the time and when he saw the "Brotherhood of the Sea" banner ship pulling away from the dock with too many newcomers. —with all the membership co-op­ Every new man who comes in he dove overboard and started erating as they have been—^will means so much longer you have after it. The current got him and be flying even higher than ever to wait to ship out and this may carried him downstream. It was before. reach serious proportions in time about 2:30 A.M. and rather dark NOTICE ALL PORTS: Do not and the current in the Savannah to come. By D. STONE The MV Check Knot finally got ship Henry H. Rowell, Messman. River is nothing to sneeze at. Fortunately for our hero, he squared away. She's leaving for He just pdid off the E. Scripps of GALVESTON—This week has in this organizing drive, finally bumped against something Charleston and Norfolk and has the Alcoa SS Line, with a record been pretty busy. We only had 21 We wish to thank the crew hard and held on. The Coast not signed foreign articles yet. I not to be proud of. He stayed payoffs, but there are a lot of members of the following ships Guard picked him up hugging went aboard to take a gander at drunk all the time he was at sea ships in transit that want replace­ for their contributions for flowers her. The quarters are pretty good and also hit the Chief Cook on ments. As there is only a hand­ for the funeral of the late Brother and there aren't i a n y booms the head with his favorite cup. ful of men on the beach here and James A. Nelson who was buried since she has only three hatches. The Chief Cook had to have sev­ in Houston, we have be.en forced here in this port by the Union on The engine room looks good, but eral stitches taken in his head, so to call New Orleans and Mobile. May 30th: SS Thomas Sully, SS the material in the construction if you want to keep out of a It has been impossible to get Wm. Pace, SS Geo. W. Alter. Also looks cheap. Some of the bulk­ tangle with this guy—keep him enough ABs, so any AB who Hy Block and J. L. Nissen of heads in the house are made of a off the shipping list. wants to ship out will be more Galveston, who made individual kind of plastic which doesn't The SS T. Merriman, Bull SS than welcome in this port. offerings. make a very neat job. Line, paid off here in New Or­ We had such a rain storm here The mattresses are filled with leans with a small beef in the the other day that they could what looks like horse hair, and black gang. They complained that have launched anything up to a I'm sure they won't last long. Of the oiler did all the overtime Victory ship right in front of the course, she may turn out to be a work and n * the company won't hall. Brother Lyyke and I had to good ship and we certainly hope pay off for overtime. The case is use a pair of oars to get the car so, but that remains to be seen. hanging fire—but we expect set­ down to the Union Hall. The mate is an SIU man and has tlement soon. Now the army is It is good to note the progress the screw of another ship down­ a good name. The chief engineer going to take her over. The Mer­ being made in the organizing stream. When the tide rose, a seems to be okay also, and the riman is a ship the merchant sea­ drive by the SIU. We will, of couple ,cf tugs pulled the Lee off Stewaru is not a company man. men will hate to lose, for she is a course, do everything possible to the mud anJ she was tied up He's been in the union for quite nice, clean cement ship that men make every unorganized man in again with no harm done, and our a while, has a full book, and was were glad to get a berth on. this area an SIU man. The mem­ ]>4U0 none the worse for his ad- well liked by the crew of his last The government takes over the bership, especially the y o u n g e r ship. veiture. above, but is releasing two more element, is very much interested SAVANK,1H—Last week, when the Francis Lee was in, I had some trouble getting men for the Stewards Department. Two of the men paid off and some extra men were needed because she was supposed to carry troops back. The call came in as soon as the ship hit the dock, and the men were wanted in a hurry as the 'ship was supposed to leave immediately. SEE BUSY WEEK IN N.O. AB Seamen Needed Way Down Peep In The Heart Of Texas '.'f, ete . lllll- • v_. Tl �:r.w::-. Page Six THE Ship's Officer Suspended For Assaulting Messman By J. P. SHULER SEAFARERS LOG N: Y. MEETINGS IN WEBSTER HALL Mew Yozk Branch meetinga ar* hald evary olhar Wadnes> day eronlng, 7 PM. ai Wabalar Hall, 119 East lltfa Straat, baiwaan 3rd and 4ih Aranaaa, To gal Ihara laka lha 3rd ATa„ Elaralad and gel off al 91k SI., or the East Side IRT Subway and gal off al Aslor Place. No cards will be stamped after 7:30 PM. Friday, June 22, 1945 YOU SHOULD SEE WHAT'S HAPPCNIHG] RACK HOME,''THE UNIONS HAVE PUSHED WAees UP TO ZiLCHy Business in the Port of New member Tommy Howard (knov/n York stepped up a little this week to crews that have sailed in the with 22 ships paying off and 21 focs'le with him as "Tommy the signing on. Tattler"), a good Waterman SS The SS Prospector of the Alcoa stiff, who beat up a mess boy in .DOLLARS A SS Company, paid off here in an St. Johns and was jailed for it. Army Base, and two Patrolmen Tommy is now at his old game WEEK/ managed to get aboard her. This again. But what a difference! No is the fourth SIU ship that has at­ jail this time. Not even an entry tempted* to pay off in an Army in the ship's log. Why? Mr. How­ Base in New York in the last two ard is the first assistant engineer aboard the SS Warrior—an of­ weeks. ficer. The crew of the SS Blue Island Victory paid off, but all of the The Merchant Marine Hearing (Continued from Page 1) other crews held fast and de­ Unit of the USCG boarded her on manded representation. The re­ arrival here and followed the who volunteered to risk his life sult was the ships paid off in the usual procedure of questioning in an attempt to save part of the company offices. The operators the captain and officers. The cargo, which was so necessary to realize that the crews must have captain and officers regarded the the continuance of war opera­ representation at payoff. They episode so insignificant that it tions. That the fire was eventu­ have all agreed now to arrange was not mentioned. But Jorden, ally brought under control and the payoffs of all ships that are in the Messman involved, didn't msot of the cargo saved, was due Army Bases in an office, so that take it so lightly. He knew the in no small measure to his out­ policy of the SIU was not to put the Patrolmen can be present. charges against anyone as long as standing bravery. The shipowners and the WSA it could find another solution to Ensign George E. Baker, USMS, of 11718 Cloverdale Ave., have been patting themselves on the problem. • the back and admitting what good So he brought his beef to the Cleveland, Ohio, won his DSM attack, the falls of a lifeboat were guys they are, and how consider­ Hall. Charges were placed while serving as ordinary seaman fouled with the result that the boat ate they are going to be to the against Howard. He appeared be­ aboard the SS Matt W. Ransom, filled with water and its occu­ ting up early and going to bed fore the Merchant Marine Hear­ Smith & Johnson SS Co., the ci­ pants were thrown into the sea. soldiers that are being returned ing Officer with a staff of lawyers tation reading; The men immediately swam tohome after a long hard war in and witnesses that reminded one "For distinguished conduct un­ Ward other lifeboats, but the Europe. of the old Capone days. For such der especially hazardous c o n d i- Chief Engineer, who had only an insignificant charge, this seem­ tions. one arm, clung to the life net They have arranged it so that "While the crew was abandon­ spread over the ship's side. All these soldiers, who have been get- ed strange. late for the past three years, now Attorney Ben Sterling repre­ ing the sinking ship in which he efforts to get him to another life­ will have nothing more to do sented the Messman, Jorden, at served, following enemy torpedo boat failed, whereupon Baker vol­ untarily climbed down the net than clean toilets, mop decks, the hearing and evidence was handle heavy boxes of food stuff, brought out in the testimony of feloniously assault him. How­ while the ship still had consider­ clean up garbage and act as men­ all eye witnesses that Howard ever, this testimony of the Cap­ able headway—^released the Chiefial servants from 6 a.m. until 9 struck Jorden with a salt shaker, tain Bligh Brigade was not very Engineer— swam with him to a a can of milk and his fist. p.m. each day. convincing to the Hearing Officer. nearby lifeboat, and assisted him Of course, the fact that the According to the testimony of The result? Howard had his li­ into the boat. In performing this practice will eliminate a merch­ Captain Morgan Hiles, 3rd Assist­ censes and certificates suspended gallant act he imperilled his own ant seaman from the payroll, and ant White and 1st Assistant 2 months with 8 months' proba­ life, but managed to keep afloat until he was picked up a half line the shipowner's pocket with Tommy Howard, what had once tion. hour later. a few- more dollars of the tax­ seemed a small incident was now This should be a warning to payers' money has nothing to do the case of the First Assistant some of those would-be feuhrers "By risking his lifp in saving a with the situation. protecting himself from a violent who would hide their cowardice disabled shipmate under especial(ly hazardous conditions. Baker There are many who will re­ berserk pugilist who intended to behind an officer's rating. SCRfiLION I'VE JUST BEEN DISCHARSED... I'D LIKE A TRY AT ONE OF THOSE JOBS PAYING ZILCHY SCRlULION BOCKS. You WERE HOllERlM' ABOUT 'EM — mmAi!£WS^ SIU Members Are Hoflored upheld the fine traditions of the United States Merchant Marine.'l Service in an emergency aboarc the Liberty ship John C. Calhoun,' Calmar SS Co., won the MSM for Fireman William A.' Sullivan, of Whistler, Ala., his citation stat­ ing: "While moored on the outboard side of a heavy laden ammuni­ tion ship, the SS John C. Calhoun, loaded with high octane gasolineJ was set afire by an internal ex­ plosion. Though the fire was rag­ ing toward the engine room, and! the danger of new explosions was ever present, Sullivan, the Chief Engineer, his three assistants, and the Third Mate refused to aband­ on ship, and, with utter disregard for-their personal safety*, remain­ ed aboard throughout the night fighting the fire until it was suc­ cessfully extinguished." Congressman Welch States The Case For Seamen (Congressman Richard J. Welch comes from California and is a proven friend of the SIU-SUP. When the Maritime War Emergency Board announ­ ced that it wcis contemplating a cut in bonus, Welch filed a statement on behalf of the sea­ men. asking that no cut be made effective until the basic wage scales could be upped. The voices of the shipowners were too strong to buck, how­ ever. Following is the text of Welch's statement, as submit­ ted on May 26 to Edward Macauley. Chairman of the Board.) May 25, 1945 Throughout the twenty years of my Congressional service I have been a member of the Committee on Merchant Mar­ ine and Fisheries of the House of Representatives. This has brought me into very close touch with every phase of our maritime interest. As you will recall, I took an»active part in the development and enactment of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, and I am particu­ larly! anxious that no steps ever be taken that will bring the re­ turn of the deplorable condi­ tions which existed prior to its passage. The following language ap­ pears in the statement of prin­ ciples which led to the estab­ lishment of the Board: "In order to afford a proced­ ure for settling questions re­ lating to war risk compensa­ tion and insurance ... such questions shall be settled in such manner as shall most cer­ tainly assist in the prosecution of the war . . . "Insofar as areas, war bonuses and insurance are concerned, it is regarded as desirable and necessary that a uniform basis for each item covering the en­ tire nation and the entire in­ dustry be reached." In the beginning through col­ lective bargaining the maritime companies and unions arrived at a bonus agreement on the basis of an increase in "take home pay." There was com­ plete agreement on the part of all concerned as to the dangers involved during war-time, and a provision was written into contracts providing $5000 in­ surance coverage. This was a "war risk" insurance. The War Shipping Administration took over the handling of this insur­ ance. It developed that these first War risk insurance policies only gave protection to merch­ ant seamen against direct act of war, and when this weakness was discovered, a second form of policy was issued. The splendid service render­ ed by our merchant seamen has been a major contributing cause to our successes. Some 6000 of them Tiave given their lives in the present conflict and they have won a place in the heart of every American. Their rec­ ord demands that every pos­ sible protection should be ex­ tended to them. However, this second war risk insurance pol­ icy has been limited in its scope by administrative interpreta­ tion. The result has been that many deserving cases have re­ ceived no protection, I strongly recommend that steps be taken to rectify this sitfiation. Con­ gress has given its.SEinction to these insurance policies by the passage of two acts (Public Law 17 and 449). It seems desirable that HR-2346, known as the (a) until our merchant seamen ^ "Seamen's Bill of Rights" and have a wage adjustment which HR-1899, known as "Seamen's has been approved by the War Unemployment Insurance Bill," Labor Board or (b) until the are desirable to give full mean­ War Labor Board has agreed ing to these public laws and to to the reopening of the agree­ war risk insurance. I am there­ ments made with licensed of­ fore doing everything I can to ficers, despite the fact that they bring about their passage. do not expire until six months The so-called "war bonus" after the end of the war. When paid to our merchant seamen is such wage agreements read­ in fact a wage increase given^ justing wages shall \become ef­ for the purpose of maintaining fective for ALL mercliant seaart adequate labor supply. Sea- men, consideration can be menship requires special skills. given to reducing the "War Incentive must be retained to Bonus" in ALL areas equal to the amount of any wage in­ insure an adequate supply of competent merchant seamen. crease granted. This is no timC for taking ac­ By carrying out the two rec­ tion that will in effect lower ommendations I have madq. their wages. The very nature , above to give adequate war risk' of their employment makes insurance coverage and retain them subject to occupation the war bonus, ,I believe the from one ocean to another. Board will more fairly meet the They must at all times be avail­ economic requirements of our able for voyages anywhei'e in merchant seaman and a.t the the world, regardless of the same time discharge ite respon­ War. Thus the matter of "war sibilities in our war effbrt to bonus" is an industry-wide the public by encouraging ti-e matter that cannot be limited necessary manpower to man to any single ocean. our ships. I therefore strongly recom­ Very sincerely yours, mend that there be no down­ (Signed) RICHARD J. WElCl ward revision in the war bonus ItC. k-vi.', •-•J. ,1 �THE Friday, June 22, 1945 SEAFARERS Page Seven LOG T BUIIMIN M l Morris, William J 1 Morrisey, John T 1 Morrison, Vernon M. 1 Morrow, J 1 Morrow, Joseph T 1 Morrow, Roy N 1 Morse, Howard 1 Mortensen, Martin C 1 Mosedale, R 1 Moseley, A 1 Mosher, William F 1 Moss, George D 1 Motes, Louis J ^ Motler, W Mouton, O'Rell P ,.. Moyne, R. H Mracko, Frank Stephen .... Mularz, Frank A Mulholland, Robert Mullen, Edward J Mulley, James Mulligan, Donald F Mulligan, Leo V Mulrey, Arthur J. ..." Monday, David E Mundy, Munrow R. Munnerlyn, Chas. J Munyer, Harry J t Murdo, R i Murphy, David V. Murray, Chevalier C. si Murray, Francis i Murray, John C. ._... Murray, John T 4' Murray, Joseph B Murry, Paul Murphy, Peter Muscatto, Charles A Muskat,'Edward Mustakas, G Myer, Clayton H Mylonas, Peter 2.23 3.20 8.40 9.02 248.16 11.88 15.82 133.19 1.21 5.09 27.29 10.74 .63 2.47 17.14 82.15 150.00 12.52 4.02 134.61 11.66 6.91 3.28 4.50 16.10 3.61 8.78 22.93 2.89 17.64 9.44 3.17 .80 12.58 18.80 42.94 2.11 2.11 14.52 23.17 23.17 3.94 Unclaimed Wages Mississippi Steamship Company Puum, Konstantin Pyhus, Alex 84 11.88 7.52 Quillan, Edgar J 1.27 Quinly, D. F Quinby, Wm. S 2,23 Quinn, John O ;.... 8.40 4.45 ) Overholt, Charles D. 90 Perkins, J. W Nelson, Arthur M Quinones, Anastesio^ 6.83 5.38 5.69 Perkins, Mac M ) Owens, Irving N Nelson, Charles F Quinn, Robert E 32.17 96.29 21.19 Perpente, E. J ( Owens, J. F Nelson, Eldred E R 1.51 129.86 Pereth, Luis ) Owens, Marvin G Nelson, Harry G Perry, Saul 4.06 Rabinowitz, Benjamin 16.59 Nelson,' John A ! n Peret, Mitchell 70 Rackley, Paul W 16.00 » ^ Neskey, Steve 9.05 Peters, F ^ Paaoao, Wm 16.09 Radford, Mike 1.07 Nesser, Wm .53 Peters, T , Pace, John R 1 5.95 Radzvila, Frank 40.10 Nesser, Wm. F 5.29 Pieters, Wilhelm Padolin, Isia 10.92 Ragas, Norman 2.31 Newak, Joseph J .... 5.59 Peterson, Carl E Page, Frank M 28.24 Ragland, Wm 39.46 Newberg, Walter .tT. , 23.50 Petersen, Charles E Page, Waldo 98.75 Raherta, S 20, Newton, C 1.98 Peterson, J Pallay, Stephen A 14.81 Ramey, Harold 12.61 Newton, Clarence Osborne .... 7.11 Peterson, Lawrence R J Pallaro, S 13.54 Ramin, Walter 7.11 Nicholson, E. S 2.00 Peterson, William J , Palmer, C. T 3.96 Ramos, F 13.79 Nick, Jules T., Jr 11.88 Petterson, Karl V J Palmer, Francis G 10.90 Ramvich, Henry Erling .... 209.79 Nickens, John C 1.50 Petit, Michael ^ Palmer, John 15.09 Rancic, Leonard 23.26 Ncles, Paul 10.23 Petrianos, Stevros J J Panhurst 26.04 Rando, Frank, Jr 2.85 Niedt, Norman A .01 Petro, Paul J Panlon, M 33 Randolph, Claude N 3.16 Nielson, Nils 79 Petterson, Algot J Panter, Bruce A 3.71 Randolph, Wayne G 2.11 Nieves, Francisco .... 5.83 Pharo, Joseph J Panto ja, Jaime 5.64 Rank, Dean 0 33 Nihoff, Archibald 4.31 Phelps, Allen D. .1 J Pappas, John 8.08 Rankin, W 1.27 Nikonowiez, Walter .. 20.30 Phillips, Richard B J Pqrrata, Rafeel 1.39 |Ranta, Eugene 39.46 Noah, Wilbur , 148.99 Piacitell, Vincent M J Parish, Charles J 3.76 ^Rappaport, A 33.18 Noble, Albert 55.21 Pichet, Ralph A J Parish, Edward A 4.92 Rapport, Haris K 1.98 Noel, Harold L , Parker, James 2.42 Pickle, Jfesse R J 7.11 Rappmundt, Paul 2.23 Nogas, Edmund 5.69 Picou, John W. , Parker, John A 3.23 5.52 Rassmussen Nolan, Robert 31.03 Picou, Rene , Parker, L 1.98 4.90 Rast, Howard Nolan, William V 9.24 Piedra, Charles A i Parker, Lee 45.86 74.41 Ragerby, Alex Nordell, James L 19.87 1 Parker, Richard M 11.14 Pierce, Renwood 2.23 Ratcliffe, Robert Noren, Donald R 3.38 Pierre, S. ) Parodes, Rudolph W. 13.01 1.69 Raverta, Stanimer Nosidlak, Frank S _... .... 2.97 Pihl, Royal P , Parrett, Thomas R 26.41 9.34 Rayford, Raymond W Novaes, Delmar 24.45 Pinkham, Joe 1 Parsons, James C 2.08 Rayne, James V 4.27 Nunez, Eugenio 5.94 Pino, Beltram , Partain, J. W 9.39 Reagan, Wren 5.00 Nunez, Gaillermo ... 19.25 Pirnie, John I Pasinosky, J 40.17 Reams, R 13.25 Nunez, J ! Paska, John ... 7.52 Pirog, Anthony J 16.28 Rech, Warren .74 Nurmi, Tauno E. Pastrana, Damase ... 5.07 Pitney, Eddie J 11.49 [Recker, Edward A 3.55 O 1.58 Pizzeck, Guido Patin, Ralph .74 i Redmond, William T. 4.98 ...» .99 ' Patterson, E. A 3.56 I Reed, Charles Placador, Joseph 4.98 N ' Paugh, Dorsey ... 2.84 Platts, Fred H .Reed, Ernest 17.77 .79 4.b7 Naasik, John ; 2.13 Plumbe, James O. Pauiuoda, Edward T 22.34 I Reed, John A. 2.14' Magle, J 1.16 ' Paul, Morris , 28.41 Plunkett, Thomas G., .99 Reep, Therman 1.42 Nash, Frederick J. , 5.83 O'Brien, Paul D 8 Paulson, William E ... 5.72 Podgornik, Baldomir -^2.45 Reese, Vance B. 2.13 Natale, Alfredo 1.75 O'Brien, WiUia* G 20.62 Payne, George ... 1.07 Polask, J. W 7.52 Reeves, Oliver D. 4.98 ,35 O'Brien, William T Naugle, John'G 3.76 Payne, Gordon L ... 5.03 Polome, Rein 14.46 Reffitt, C. 1.98 7.33 O'Callaghan, Michael Naylor, Edwin L.*-. 24.98 Peace, Wm. T 1.58 Pollock, Leonard D 2.23 Regan, J. T 4.64 6.56 Odom, Claiade Neal, Alfred 12.17 Peak, Alan P. .74 Politis, Gustave Reid, F 9.75 3.42 .79 Odom, Hwiest L -ys^eal, G. ^ 50 Pearson, Wayne W .74 Pomkaez, Frederick Reid, Roger A. 7.99 .60 6.00 O'Dowd, Geo. M Nealon, J. P 121.26 Peck, J. H 1.14 Ponson, John H Reisbeck, E 13.13 2.84 Neveille-Neil, George V.. 7.12 O'Hara, Earl 16.98 Pope, Milton S Peckham, Dale O 1.00 4.22 Remarine, Bern Nielson, Charles ... 5.50 O'Keefe, Joseph James 2.07 Peckham, Sherman B 38.52 Popovich, John 2.39 Resseler, F. (Francis P.) .... 13.69 O'Kussick, J. J 4.50 Pedersen, Bjourne .95- Porter, Fred W 59 11.74 Restucher, H Olander, Erik 13.83 Pedersen, H ... 10.53 Porter, Vernon L Rith, F. (Reth, 3.56 Olden, Thomas 8.53 Pedersen, Otto 2.67 Porter, William W. Fi-ederick B.) 5.69 33 Olivier, Benjamin P .33 Pedroza, F. M . 44.71 ,Porter, Wilson Woodrow .... 9.95 SS GRACE ABBOTT 3.63 Rever, A. (Alexander) Oliver, Edward H 2.38 Peed, Louis W 12.97 Reyes, J. W. (John W.) 33 Voyage No. 7 Oliver, Ralph D 18.06 Pekkola, O. 10.89 Reynolds, E. V., Jr 72.52 Herman Close, Jr., $2.52; Earl Oiler, Ernest 2.84 Pelikeze, Stanislaw 8.69 R. Tucker $1.68, H. C. Bloxone, Oiler, Juan 7.29 Pellay, Wm 34.97 rs, Richard W 1.78 Steward, $19.35; N. W. Jorgensen Olsen, Charles 5.08 Perrelay, Earl M . 3.76 t, T. A 2.38 $31.42, R. V. Keyoth $24.89, A. A. Olsen, Christopher 29.14 Percival, Robert Louis ... 10.90 William C. 74 Abrams, Jr. $1.68, J. W. Polaski Olsen, Hans 12.96 Perdue, James W. NEW YORK SI B.a..r Si. 9.45 )us, Donald A 78 BOSTON $3.15, L. C. Abrams $5.05, G, Ru- Olson, Edwin J 330 Atlantic Ave, 8.91 Perez, Adolfo 1.06 • ant, Abel L 38.85 BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. dat $1.68, C. Gross $20.20, J. A. Olson, Ernest A 9.40 Perez, Julio 1.52 6 . North 6th St. all, Chris 19.30 PHILADELPHIA Payne $26.16, A. A. Barstow Olson, William David 5.35 NORFOLK 25 Commercial PL »n, George W. 75 $33.81, C. Labrose $49.00,. E. J. Olson, William L 9.27 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. G. K 98.75 CHARLESTON McDougall $21.65, C. F. Eastman O'Malley, Leo B 68 Society St. 3.88 William G 2.97 SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. ''$1.27, C. Lugo $31.80, W. Velas­ Oneaha, Joseph L 5.11 TAMPA 842 Zack St. quez $28.59. Collect at Calmar SS O'Neill, Joseph A WILLIAM L. HART j 1.98 920 Main St. Chad 8.74 JACKSONVILLE Company Office. O'Neill, R 3.23 Please get in touch with Charles j MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. )onald J 18.17 i- i a> SAN JUAN, P. R. ,,,. 45 Ponce de Leon Oninby, J 2.42 T. Gaskins, Rt. 1, Box 495b, Dov.79 GALVESTON 305^4 22nd St. SS SIMON WILLIARD Orlando, Birschel A 8.53 er, Florida. ] 1.27 HOUSTON P 6605 Canal St. 6.45 Ship paid off in Jacksonville. Orme, Nathan 257 5th St. t t t * ] 4.74 RICHMOND, Calif it, Martine 1081.48 WM. CHARLES G. LINGARD ] The following men have money Orr, Wm. T SAN FRANCISCO 69 Clay St. 4.27 Lewis SEATTTLE 86 Senecs St, 3.71 due, as follows: R. O. Dioner, 5 Ortalano, J Claude 1.48 PORTLAND Your seaman's passport and op- 1 Ill W. Bumside St. ; 3.81 hrs; F. St. Cyr, 5 hrs; J. Aiello, Ortega, Alfred, Jr. mme, Joseph H. 117.50 WILMINGTON erating engineers union book are 1 440 Avnion Blvd. 43 5 hrs; Harvey, 5 hrs; M. Peret, Ortez, P 16 Merchant St. ci, Leon 5.97 HONOLULU being held for you at the New 1 3.55 5 hrs; K. Nielson, 5 hrs; R.-Davis, Ortiga, Robert T BUFFALO 10 Exchaace St. R. W 3.38 York hall baggage room. 1 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. 15.83 . 5 hrs; T. Vlahos, 1 hr; J. De Ortiz, R. J 27.57 SO. CHICAGO .. 9137 So. Houaton Ave. t 4. t ^ 98.75 Caires, 1 hr; D. E. Snyder, 16 hrs; OryaU, Floyd A 45.99 CLEVELAND 1014 E. St. Qair St. WILL P. SCALO ^ 40 J. W. Redding, 16 hrs; A. Kula, Oger, O 1038 Third St. 80.05 DETROIT Book number 41411, see . Fred 37.65 $5.25; J. Cruz, $5.25; P. Cardona, 08er,-0. O DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. 7.89 Hart, Steward Patrolman, at the ' $5.25. Collect at Waterman SS Ostolazo, Guilermo VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. 9.27 VANCOUVER, B. C., 144 W. Hastings St. Co., 19 Rector St., New York. O'Toole, Rex B 33.99 5th floor of the New York hall. 1 MONEY DUE SW HALLS PERSONALS : �:••; •.••'r'Tv;'?.-: Page Eight THE SEAFAkERS LOG Friday. June 22, 1943 fSWMIAN Mtfl / HERE^ OME OF VOOR 'X^ISMAN K£CE/N!Tl.y WALKED/MTO T»J£ SEAFARERS HAU. /A/ AfEW YORK J^J'/'TAHD JO/AlEDTHHOMIOA. -^-vs hlERE. IS WHAT HE SAID: I>i THROUeH WORKING K)R ISTHMIAN; 1^ -THAT IS, DNTIL THEY ARE ORGANIZED ^^^AND f^cEDTO STfZ^HtEM OUT WAGES AND COAlDlTiOAlS. IwAs o/N THE S.S, ZHNEGREy. WE WERE FORCED TO STAND So-CALLED SECURITY WATCHES — AFTER A FDU. PAY'S. WORK — AND NO OYERTlME ;^V. EGGS WERE RATIONED NOT BECAUSE THERE WERENT PTENTYOFTHEM, BUT BECAUSE "THE STEv\^\RP WANTED TO SAVE TOUGH^^^^# LATER., I WAS ON THE S.S. STEEL INVENTOR THERE WAS NO FRlGlPAlRE, AND THE OLD FASHIONED ICE BOX WAS OUT OF ICE MOST OF TfiE TiME. THE FCOPlSS^tii/WENT 8AP.- THEN I JoiNED THE S.S, ANNiSTON E GOT NO OVERTIME FOR PUMP/NG GARBAGE . THE SHIP WAS HUNGRY AS HELL AFTER 4M MONTHS ON THE ZANE GREY I RECEIVED A TOTAL OF ONLY 90 HOURS ovfeRTiME. AND WE GET KICKED AROUND PLENTY AT PAYOFFS FROM NOW ON I WANT A UNION PATROLMAN ID f^pRESENT ME IN MY BEEFS WiTH THE SHIPOWNER. ^ '..a;-' t tl-v^Sf- ¥^.-, Jaf: ^:'' SEAFARERR -a m ')>x' W'r la- 'ik^i: . .... • M k:;s!";"v. •' I**-'- >v.; � 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 June 22, 1945 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VII, No. 25 Description An account of the resource ATLANTIC WAR BONUS IS CUT THREE SIU MEN DECORATED FOR THEIR EXTREME HEROISM PEACETIME CONSCRIPTION AN ODE TO THE WLB HE GAVE A FOUR STAR PERFORMANCE STRIKE WAVE GROWS AS LABOR BATTLES UNION BUSTING CAMPAIGN ALL ATLANTIC SHIPPING LOSSES NOW REVEALED VOTING REGULATIONS FOR N.Y. &ILL. NEW BOOKLET ON PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE NOW OFF THE PRESS SHIP'S OFFICER SUSPENDED FOR ASSAULTING MESSMAN CONGRESSMAN WELCH STATES THE CASE FOR SEAMEN Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/22/1945 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1945 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f09f3ddf70f1fc0245f7cf9cf3d1645e.PDF 82cf14283b391e1ff3f7708040e2d448 PDF Text Text •r* BRITISH DOCKERS WORK SHIPS; PHOHY CSU 'STRIKF FOLDS UP Dockworkers in British ports finally learned the true character of the commie-dominated Can­ adian Seamen's Union this week. When the fog of propaganda the CSU's leaders had spread about their phony "strike" against the 100-odd Canadian east coast ships, which are contracted to the SIU, Canadian District, lifted a bit, the British dockers; understood the situation and immediately with­ drew their support from the CSU. As a result, all Official Organ, Atlantic & Golf District, Seafarers International Union of NA the Canadian-flag vessels contracted to the SIU, are now being worked in all British ports. No. 21 NEW YORK. N. Y.. WEDNESDAY. JUNE 22, 1949 VOL. XI » The action of the British dockers just about ended the CSU's phony 11-week action, "since the ships are now sailing every­ where with full SIU Canadian crews. Seventeen of the SIU A&G District's 50 contracted companies have signed agree­ However, the commie-line ments calling for a $7.50 clothing* allowance for all ratings, and several other operators leaders of the CSU let out one are expected to fall into line within a few days. Paul Hall. Secretary-Treasurer of the last bleat on June 17. The CSU leaders sent a letter A&G District, announced. to Prime Minister Saint Laurent The action by the operators came within a matter of hours after the SIU. on June WASHINGTON—The battle in 16, sent letters to all contracted operators requesting talks on a $7.50 increase. The now- of Canada, offering a four-point .settlement — CSU-commie style. Congress over repeal of the TaftHartley law is now in its third signed operators signified their okay, and the new provision will now be written into the However, since the CSU pro­ posal took no account of the week, with a skirmish shapiS[g contracts without opposition. facts of the situation, it was ex­ up in the Senate on the issue The boost went into effect on June 17 aboard' the ships of the companies now pected to die aborning. of injunction versu's seizure in signed. the handling of strikes which SIU WARNING In announcing the boost in take-home pay, the Union stated that it did not expect may be classified as "national The British dockers took their to encounter any difficulties with the operators still to be heard from. Full details of emergencies." action after the SIU had cabled The Senate will consider sev- the SIU's latest increase will appear in the next issue of the LOG. Prime Minister Attlee of Britain ei'al amendments to the Admin­ saying that British-flag ships The companier which have signed to date are: istration Bill, which would aban­ South Atlantic Steamship Company, Waterman Steamship Corporation, Alcoa Steam­ might be boycotted by the AFL don the injunctions now author­ Maritime Trades Department in ized in such disputes by the ship Company, Bull Lines, Eastern Steamship Company, Mississippi Shipping Company Atlantic and Gulf ports of the Taft-Hartley law. Seas Shipping Company, Seatrain Lines, Smith & Johnson Steamship Company, Cuba Dis­ US, if the wildcat, misguided ac­ Senator Taft is intent upon re­ tilling Company, White Range Steamship Company, Mar-Ancha Corporation, Illinois-Atlan­ tions against the SIU Canadian taining the restrictive features of ships was not halted. tic, John M. Carras, Inc., Trans-Fuel Inc., Dry-Trans Inc., and Coral Steamship Co. his anti-labor bill, but pro-labor Mr. Attlee apparently turned forces in the upper House are the cable over to President Ar­ trying to win support for the re­ thur Deakin of the Trades Union pealer by softening up provi­ Congress, British counterpart of sions of the Administration's the American Federation; who measure, commonly known as asked the American unions to the Thomas-Lesinski Bill. hold off the boycott until the British unions could straighten AGAINST INJUNCTION matters out. The Administration labor leg­ smash teamsters' strikes, and so is no need for a merchant marine This the American unions were WASHINGTON — A bill en­ islation, backed In its original reserve to insure manning of US on. glad to do. form by the AFL and CIO, con­ dangering the very life of the Representative Potter's bill, vessels in wartime, the Union From then on the problem was tains nd provision for injunc­ SIU and other maritime unions described as a "monstrosity" by officials declared. largely one of informing the tions or for government seizure is up for hearings before a sub­ one observer, would prescribe British dockers of the true facts, They stressed the fact that during national emergency dis­ committee of the House Commit­ uniforms for reservists on duty, which British unionists together there was always more than putes. It provides, however, for tee on Merchant Marine and a thirty-day cooling off period. Fisheries. If the bill becomes enough manpower to keep the and would set their pay at Navy with a representative of the SIU scales. Reservists would get a proceeded to do. Senator Paul Douglas (D., 111.), law, SIU spokesmen said, it will merchant marine moving, even minimum of one month's pay a As a result, the British dock­ who is anxious to insure passage set the stage so that striking during the most trying days of year if they kept their noses ers are now working the SIU the conflict. of the repeal law, has proposed seamen could be put into uni­ Canadian vessels. SIU Washington representa­ clean. an amendment, aloiig with Sen­ form and ordered to break their The Canadian beef dates back ator George Aiken (R., Ver.), that own strikes. And the precedent, tive, Matthew Dushane, will ap­ The Merchant Marine Reserve would allow government seizure once established, could be used pear before the sub-committee to would be organized and admin­ to March. At that time, the inform the Congressmen of the istered by the United States commie leaders of the CSU, af­ of struck plants in emergencies in any industry. affecting national health and Specifically, the biM seeks to threat not only to seamen's Maritime Service. However, the ter . several months of negotia­ unions if the bill becomes law, Maritime Service would be em­ tion, Induced the CSU member­ safety. create a Merchant Marine Re­ but to emphasize that the same powered to delegate its functions ship to reject an arbitration In this way, Douglas and his serve embracing all licensed and bi-partisan supporters hope ' to unlicensed personnel aboard US device could be used in other to other federal, state or private award to which the CSU leaders* own spokesman on the arbitra­ fields—that if a Merchant Ma­ agencies. defeat a substitute bill, backed, merchant ships. As a result of this provision, tion board agreed. rine Re^rve can be created to by Taft and others, that would It was introduced by Repre­ seamen might wake up one The CSU membership was left smash seamen's strikes, a team­ retain most of the basic features sentative Charles Potter, Repub­ sters' reserve may be set up to (Continued on Ptge 11) of the Taft-Hartley act. CContinued on Page 11) Bitter opposition to the Doug­ lican, of Michigan, on April 29. las-Aiken amendment came early It went virtually unnoticed un­ in the week from Senator Wayne til the hearings were announced Morse (R., Ore.), who offered his the other day. SIU officials pointed out that own proposal. the section of the proposed legis­ Morse's plan would exclude use An^ important role in combatting the Merchant Marine Reserve Bill (HR 4448), lation. calling for members of the of the injunction, but would per­ now before a House Sub-Committee, rests with the individual members of the SIU. mit Congress to decide what reserve "to be available for im­ Letters of protest from seamen all over the country, their families and friends, lend should be done on a case-by-case mediate mobilization in time of war or national emergency," is great weight to the campaign of opposition being waged by the SIU and supporting basis. Under the Morse amend­ loaded with danger. ment, Congress could decide on unions. NO NEED use of the injunction, however. All members are urged to write the sub-committee and stress the importance of Inasmuch as the bill does not Organized labor's objection . to keeping maritime free of militarization. The members of the House Merchant Marine the Morse proposal would stem define what is meant by "na­ and Fisheries Sub-Committee are: principally from the fact.that it tional emergency," the SIU would institute compulsory arbi­ spokesmen held it could serve Edward Garmatz, (D. Md.), Chairman; H. C. Bonner, (R. Mich.); William Barrett, tration, since it provides that the as a cloak for government-spon­ (D. Pa.); James B. Hare, (D. S.C.); Phil J. Welsh, tD. Mo.); Alvin F. Weichel, (R. fact-finding board's recommenda- sored strikebreaking. Ohio); Edgar Jonas, (R. 111.). The committee's address is: House Office Building, tions are to be put into effect Moreover, the merchant sea­ Washington 25, D. C. . pending final settlement of the men's contribution to victory in dispute. World War H shows that there Battle Over Operators Sign $7.50 Increase T-H Repealer On In Senate Proposed 'Reserve' Bill Weuld Have Seamen Breaking Own Strikes Oppose. Merchant Marine Reserve Bill! • �•,m^ Page Two THE SEAFARERS Wednesday. June 22, 1949 LOG SEAFARERS LOG Published Three Times a Month by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTIF AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Afiilialed with the American Federation of LaboE At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 Reentered as second class matter May 27, 1949, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. , 267 - New Tactics A Government-sponsored, Government-organized Merchant Marine Reserve for use in war and undefined national' emergencies is the nightmare Congressman Charles Potter has dreamed up and embodied in a bill scheduled for congressional hearings this week. The Michigan Republican's bill, HR 4448, is nothing but the newest strike-breaking weapon on fhe market. It would put a lot of seamen in shiny military suits and send them down to sail the ships the first time a maritime union hit the bricks in a proper economic beef. For you can bet your last two bits Congressman Potter means "strike when he piously writes "national emergency." At the hearings in Washington before a subcomrfiittee of the House Committee ori Merchant Marine and Fisheries, a representative of the Seafarers will testify to the true character of the bill, and demonstrate clearly that a semi-military Merchant Marine Reserve is the last thing we need from Congress—in peace or in war. For if the seamen permit a strike-busting trick like this to be put over on them, the waterfront unions will be finished. And then you will be seeing "reserves" organized to break unions in other fields. The SIU is going to make a fight on HR 4448. Moreover, we are going to win that fight, and every -Seafarer should be ready to do his part. Sit down now and write or telegraph the seven Congressmen listed on page one of this issue of the LOG. Tell them that HR 4448 is a new scheme to smash the seagoing imions. Ask them to disapprove it—but fast. " , Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegates by post­ card. giving your name and the number of your ward. ' Mimeographed Postcards can be obtained free at the Social Service desk. Tremendous Opportunity If words will do the trick, we will always have a inerchant marine, a whopping big one. But asking words to do it. is- a large order. Nevertheless, in an address to the King's Point Mer­ chant Marine Academy graduating class. Major General Philip B. Fleming, the new chairman of the United States Maritime Commission, declared confidently the other day that he did not expect a merchant marine sh mp at the present time. General Fleming was almost enthusiastic. The way he spoke, you would think that the maritime industry was expanding. Yet the truth of the matter is that while the Commissioner was speaking, the trek to the boneyard was being stepped up. The only signs of expansion were a few passenger ships in the drawing board stage and a few tankers, some of them for foreign-flag use, actually on the ways. The MC's optimism is difficult if not impossible to justify, and is not shared in many quarters. For in..stance, from Washington comes news that Senator Warren ll^ G. Magnuson's special subcommittee on maritime is be­ ginning its investigation of what the Senator himself terms the "woeful condition" of the shipping business. The committee will seek to determine whether pres­ ent day facilities are adequate, whether US ships carry a proper proportion of passengers and world cargo, whether shipyard work is strategically distributed on a geographical basis and how military shipping affects commercial shipping. The committee has the opportunity to do a tremen­ dous service for maritime. - Certainly it is high time that this country's maritime future came in for a little con­ sideration. The sloppy policies followed by the US since the end of the war have wreaked more damage than we can afford, and it will take more than cheerful speeches to mend matters. A. LUTEY W. VAUGHAN W. G. ALSTON A. L. MASTERS H. G. REYNOLDS M. REINKE G. S. SCOTT G. D. BRADY Si's. S. GALVESTON HOSPITAL BILLY BROWN FRED P. LALLIER EDWIN T. DANBACH HospHak These are Ihe Union Brothers currentlv in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writing them. NEPONSET HOSPITAL R. A. BLAKE L. BALLESTERO J. S. CAMPBELL V. W. CHESNER J. T. EDWARDS I. H. FRENCH E. FERRER V. JIMINEZ J. T. KEMPT K. G. LUNDBERG C. L. MOATS W. SEARS H. SELBY ^ J. SILLAK Q. TULL L. TORRES T. WADSWORTH G. WOODS F. ZESIGER » » » FORT STANTON J. LIGHTFOOT A. McGUIGAN D. MCDONALD J. SUPINSKI W, H. ROBERTS J. ASHURST A A A STATEN ISLAND ffOSPlTAL H. E. BONEWALD N. DOHPMi^S J. P. PROBST J. W. FAILLA W. R. THOMPSON M. J. LUCAS A. TREVINO J. HERNANDEZ M. FERNANDEZ L. OIEir ' T. KANADY I. RHODEN M. ROSSI V. GROVER J. MAZZIOCCHI J. F. THOMPSON W. B. BADILLO J. J. DEVINE ' » » » MOBILE HOSPITAL J. CURTIS L. REINCHUGK J. ASHURST J. BERRIER J. PORTER L.-HOWARD L. GROVER W. SIMON R. SHEPPARD H. FOY t A » BALTIMORE MARINE HOSP. W. H. WOODILL T. WADSWORTH G. A. CARROLL D. BOYCE F.TKORVATIN 4VI. I. ELMOUR ^ tr if % NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL E. E. GROSS t, E. R. MESSINA E. MA^EY J. DENNIS ROTZ F. LANDRY ELLARD L. WILLIS N. I. WEST ' w. MCDONALD L. LA CHAPELL G. PETEUSKY G. H. NOLES G. MEANEY ,•4 C. RAYFUSE G. MIHALOUPOULOUS J. PATTERSON C. BROWN E.-G. PLAHN DICKINSON A. ARVANTIS M. A. LIUZZA B. C. RESKO F. L. DROUANT R. G. BEAUFORT ; J. GALIANO m.: ». '4 :!• �WMnesda]r> Jime 12, 1949 THE JUST OFF THE PRESS The "Shipping Guide for Seafarers." a 16-page booklet containing complete, up-to-date information on registration, shipping and transportation rules has just been published by the Educational Department of the SIU Atlantic and Gulf District. The cut above is an enlarged reproduction of the booklet's cover. Actual size is 3>/2 inches by S'/z inches. The "Guide" also listr the principal Branch Halls of the various districts of the international. The booklet is available in all A&G District Halls, and may be had upon request. All members are urged to get a copy, read it carefully and keep it handy at all times. The Union's purpose in publishing the booklet was to prevent misunderstandings arising out of any unfamiliarity with the Union rules. SEAFARERS LOG Sunmount Example Of New Deal For Canadian Seamen Under SlU When a crew has solid Union crew's mess aft with the PO Canadian District Seafarers backing, it can work wonders Messman serving as Utility man. found that the drain from the even aboard a prematurely aging Since the Sunmount lacked a drinking water fountain aft ship like the SS Sunmount, one recreation room, the PO mess- went down to the after peak of the vessels now imder con­ room was used for this purpose, fre.sh water tank. They immediately had this tract to the SIU Canadian Dis­ as well as a place where the water condemned. Then they trict, and manned by Canadian men could do ironing. Next, the SIU delegates set fixed the pipes so that the over­ Seafarers. about spicing up the food fare. flow "from the fountain ran out­ During the voyage which end­ Up to this point the menu had side. The lads were naturally ed recently in Port Alfred, Quebec, the Canadian District been static, featuring one meat more comfortable after that lads transformed the former CSU and two vegetables each meal, whenever thirst overtook them. ship from a rust-crusted old with the same two vegetables FRESH PAINT water pail into a trim SIU ship. sometimes appeaftng for the Wherever paint was sorely Poorly functioning equipment lunch and supper meals. needed, and that was mostly was whipped into shape, handl­ Immediate enthusiasm was everywhere, the Seafarers wield­ ing and stowing of stores was registered by all hands when ed the brushes—crew's quarters, standardized and duties of crew­ two varieties of meat and three messrooms, decks and the rest. men were clarified, to cite a vegetables braced the table at Equipment was obtained to al­ few of the improvements every meal time. The Steward low the men to make the proper noted that this improvement re­ wrought by the Seafarers. sulted in very slight increase in repair jobs, and a well-defined The Sunmount's most distinct system of storing gear was de­ mark of antiquity-^blue linen the cost of stores. Topside was veloped. The plant, which was in the foc'sle, permitted by the especially enthusiastic about this operating sporadically, came in CSU despite the fact that con­ change. for a good overhauling and it tracts had called for white— stopped acting up from then on. SORRY STOVE was one of the first to be swept Previously, the geherators In the course of straightening went on the blink every two or aside in the cleaning up cam­ out the chow situation, the Ca­ three days, lights were frequent­ paign. Reclamation of the Sunmount, nadian Seafarers had opportun­ ly going out, and the fans were only about three years old but ities galore to demonstrate their fouled up. All were set in order. looking 30, was clearly' the re­ ingenuity. The Canadian "District men sult of her sailing under SIU An inefficient "fuel-saving" aboard the Sunmount said that contract. George McNash, a Ca­ stove was a prime example. This the former CSU men just never nadian District Seafarer who stove never got hot enough and, had the support of their union, was an OS on the Sunmount, as a result, the cooks had to and so they never could accom­ said "Union representation did work as long as 14 hours a day plish anything. in order to" have the meals ready As McNash pointed out, where it.'-' on time. there's a will, there's a way. SUNMOUNT ACCOUNT On the return trip from And the SIU Canadian District In support of this contention, Georgetown to Port Alfred, the has shown it has the will to stove went on the blink. The protect and back up its mem­ McNash gave a detailed account Carpenter did some improvising. bership. of the stem-to-stern tightening He rigged up a couple of "hobo That's why the Canadian Dis­ up of conditions aboard the stoves" by taking two five-gal­ trict is showing the way, and Canadian ship. Here are the lon buckets and padding them Canadian seamen are getting a highlights: decent deal. When the Seafarers boarded with cement. They worked fine, too. For the ship they discovered that the first time, the men found the Mate wanted to continue that their meals were always" having two men "on watch, as ready on time. was the case under CSU con­ The SIU delegates also brought tract. to a halt the CSU system of The delegates showed the rations, whereby each man was Skipper where the SIU agree­ given each week his quota of ment called for three men and sugar, coffee, tea and milk to said the contract must be en­ be stored in a small locker pro­ forced. A three-man watch was NEW YORK —Nearly 130,000 vided for the purpose. instituted. members of the International The SIU men inaugurated the Marked improvements were Ladies Garment Workers Union, more satisfactory method of made almost immediately in the AFL, received $5,450,000 worth serving everything—even these galley setup. The PO messroom of vacation checks last week. staples—right from the galley was abandoned and the Car­ Union business agents went penter, Bosun and Donkeyman for each meal. from shop to shop distributing A considerable amount of the began eating their meals in the effort in cleaning up the Sun­ the holiday pay. The money mount was expended in the en­ came from the employers—who gine room. The dirty, greasg- pay„31^ percent of their payroll laden floor plates were a round- expenses into the ILGWU's health and vacation funds. the-clock hazard. About half the funds went to The chapter is prepared to Even a slight roll of the ship 85,000 members of locals be­ pay that part of the cost of care would send a black gang man longing to the Dress Joint Board, and treatment you cannot meet," sliding from port to starboard. and the rest to 45,000 workers she said. "This includes trans­ There were no dust panels un­ under the jurisdiction of the portation, after-care and such der the ladders to keep the dirt Cloak Joint Board--the ILGWU's aids as wheel chairs, braces and from falling down the necks of two big bargaining units in New the men on fireroom • duty. other orthopedic equipment." York. No tool boards were provided. I. Robert Weinberg, labor di­ Vacation payments are based rector of the chapter, noted that Gear was left here, thex-e and on wage rates, and the prevail­ everywhere. "this service is made possible by ing wage in the cloak and suit the annual March of Dimes CHANGES MADE industry is higher than among which organized labor and per­ the dressmakers. sons throughout the nation sup­ All this was changed by the Central records are kept of Seafarers. Tool boards were set port. This support has assured each worker's employment, since that every patient of this disease up, dust panels installed and garment •workers may work in will receive all the care he must the grease removed from the as many aS half a dozen shops deck. have." A fresh coat of paint was ap­ during a year. This system makes One other point emphasized plied for the first time in three it possible for a worker to re­ was that fear and anxiety should years. It was revealfed that in ceive credit for all time worked, be held to a minimum. A calm, the three years under the CSU, in the industry. confident attitude is conducive the ships engine room had never A new phase of the ILGWU's to health and recovery. social security program got un­ been painted at all. Parents, it was noted, should Another example of the CSU's derway this week, too. The Dress remember that of all those failure to provide safeguards for Joint Board announced that 1000 stricken, 50 percent recover com­ the welfare of its membership union members over the age of pletely, while another 25 per­ aboard the ship, was its flagrant 65 have qualified for $50 a cent are left with only slight disregard of the drinking water month pensions. Their checks are going out this week. situation on the Sunmount. after effects. Polio Foundation Lists Five Proiautions Warning that the 1949 polio Kason is "just around the cor­ ner," the Greater New York Chapter of the National Founda­ tion for Infantile Paralysis to­ day issued a list of precautioniary measures for parents and those in charge of children dur­ ing the epidemic danger period. This period usually runs from May through October, reaching its peak in Greater New York City during the Summer months. Miss Jean Rosborough, execu­ tive director of the chapter, list­ ed five easy-to-follow rules for children which have been issued by the . National Foundation's medical authorities. These are: 1. Avoid crowds and places where close "contact with pereons is likely. 2. Avoid over fatigue caused by too activ6 play or exercise, ©r irregular hours. 3. Avoid swimming in pollut­ ed water. Use only beaches or public pools declared safe by lo­ cal health authorities. 4. Avoid sudden chilling. Re­ move wet shoes and clothing at once and keep extra blankets and heavier clothing handy for sudden weather changes. 5. Observe the golden rule of cleanliness. Keep food covered tightly and safe from flies or other insects. Garbage should be covered and, if other disposal facilities are lacking, it should be buried or burned. It is advised that a doctor be called at once* Miss Rosborough noted, if there are symptoms of headache, nausea, upset stomach, muscle soreness or stiffness, or unexplained fever. Pointing out that early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important and may prevent crippling, the Founda­ tion suggests taking the doctor's advice if he orders hospital care. The next step, Miss Rosbor­ ough stressed, is to contact the Foundation's Greater New York Chapter, 1 F. 54th St., Murray Hill 8-1525. Page Three ILGWU Members In New York Get Vacation Checks �Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Wednesday, June .22, 1949 Boston Shipping Bull Line Goes All-Out On New Ship Good Shipping, Very Few Beefs, Continues Along Halifax Reports In Old Groove By BEN LAWSON By ROY LA PIERRE HALIFAX—Shipping has been BOSTON—Despite the crewing pretty good around this Canad­ of Eastern's Yarmouth, another ian port. In the past week we two weeks have passed without shipped upward of 100 men. ' any marked improvement in the shipping situation in this port. • Incidentally, almost half of the The Yarmouth took her first latter were former members of crew and set sail on schedule. the commie-led and practically It's too bad she's only due to defunct Canadian Seamen's Un­ run during the hot summer ion. months. They certainly are glad to get The excursion boats are run­ out from under the commie-line ning now. The last one, the officials who have been shoving Holiday, will take a crew Fri­ them around in recent years. day. These excursion jobs come We signed on three ships this under the jurisdiction of the week. They were the Saint Malo, SIU affiliate, the Marine Allied Grande Hermine and Wabana, Workers, and all the men aboard all of the Dominion Coal and are MAW members. Steel Company. We had a few Waterman ships We had the Wabana back inArchitect's drawing of the SS Puerto Rico as she will appear edter reconversion. in from the Gulf and a couple transit, too, along with tlje Louisof stray tankers in from the It looks as if Bull Lines' is mer silhouette did not conform York every second Thursday, ar­ burg and Arthur Cross of the South. They came in clean and going all out to capture a big to the present day standards of riving «t San Juan three-and-a- same company. In addition, we left without taking replacements. chunk of the West Indies cruise naval architecture. half days later. had the American fiag Alcoa The Carabulle, Cuba. Distilling business. The company is spend­ The aftermast has been short­ After a brief lay-over, she will Pioneer to which we sent a re­ tanker, was that company's first ing $750,000 to convert the SS ened 58 feet, the foremast 30 proceed to Ciudad Trujillo and placement for a Fireman who ship to hit this area in eight Puerto Rico, formerly the Bor- feet and a 29-foot tripod radar then return to New York, ar­ paid off here. months. We paid her oft in inquen into a real floating pal­ mast has been set atop the riving the following Monday. There were night lunch beefs Providence and sent six replace­ ace. In "Other words, she will make aboard the- Arthur Cross, the wheelhouse. ments aboard. The Trinity, an­ The vessel is being completely Wabana and the Louisburg, plus The old style funnel has been a : series of 12-day trips. other tanker, paid off in Portland rebuilt inside and out at the replaced by a more rakish one. The ship's machinery is get­ some complaints about improper and took eight men. Maryland Dry Dock Company The 30-foot cutaway forward of ting the same kind of overhaul sanitary work. However, we .got in Baltimore. Accommodations the bridge has been plated up that the profile and the accom­ everything squared away and the ANN MARIE IN and public rooms are being en­ and the old stern has been re- odations are receiving. Exten­ ships sailed in good style. Bull Line's new addition, the larged so that the passenger styled with stepdowns. sive alterations are being made We held an informal meeting Ann Marie, a knot ship, has capacity will be cut from 377 to on the engines, boilers and tur­ in the Hall the other night. Jt The Puerto Rico will leave been running into this -port 199. from Pier 22, Atlantic Avenue, bines, and cast iron sea valves had to be informal because we steadily for the past weeks and, did not have a quorum of books. Even the exterior lines of the Brooklyn, on August 18 to* make are beingreplaced with steel. we understand, will continue. Nevertheless, there were about Bull Lines acquired the Puerto Puerto Rico are being altered. her first trip to San Juan and We're a favorite port for in70 men around and we had a Rico, then the Borinquen, along The ship, which is 429 feet long' Ciudad Trujillo. After that she transits, but, darn it, few pay­ and has a gross tonnage of 7,114, will run on a regular, schedule. with two freighters^from Agwil- good get-together on SIU history offs. and policy. was built in 1931 and her for­ The vessel will leave New ines recently. During the past two week pe­ riod we contacted all of the Cities Service ships hitting this general vicinity. The crews are patiently awaiting certification. although we must" admit we're The Associated Fress, the huge the maritime •unions roared their Navy and I understand the Navy The AP's recent retraction did getting a bit anxious to get it newspaper wire service which protest. told them there was no basis for not mean that the wire service over with. When the SIU gets likes to boast that it reports the A week later, on January 28, the story." had suddenly got religion and certified it will mean big things news impartially and accurately, the Navy denounced the stoty as A Navy public relations offi­ was anxious to undo its past sins. for this port, as we have four was forced to" eat a little crow a lie, but the proud Associated cer substantiated the Marine What forced the AP's hand was or five «f their tankers in here the other day when it retracted Press neglected to put out any Corps' statement. But the AP the almost dead certainty that each week. Here's hoping the a six-year old lie which did retraction of the original false still neglected to retract its re­ the NMU was going to win a final okay is not long in coming. great damage to union seamen report. port. libel suit the CIO seamen's un­ everywhere. It was high time. The Navy's repudiation was re­ Congress then took a hand and, ion had brought on the basis of On January 22, 1943, the AP leased in the form of a .report after investigation, a congression­ the story. The AP cried "uncle" carried a story out of Akron, by Admiral "Bull" Halsey, com­ al committee branded the wh9le and along with the Journal-Am­ Ohio, which maintained that a mander at that time of US story as completely unfounded. erican paid the NMU some ra­ Senator Warren G. Magnuson ther piddling damages. union crew had refused to un­ forces in the South Pacific. load a ship at Guadalcanal on a "In no instance," Halsey said, revealed that the Akron sob sis­ At the conclusion of the four Sunday. At that time fighting on "have merchant seamen refused ter had declined to identify the paragraph retraction published By WM. (Curly) RENTZ Guadalcanal was heavy. to discharge cargo from their three marines, the two sailors on June 3, the AP said that "a BALTIMORE — shipping here, First appearance of the story vessels or in any other way fail­ and the pilot who had been the thorough investigation" had fail­ unlike the weather, is not so was in the Akron Beacon-Journ­ ed to cooperate with the US source of her phony yarn. The ed to produce any evidence to AP took no notice of the devel­ hot. Our old reliables, the coast­ al the day before. A girl reporter forces in that area." opments, and the falsehood per­ substantiate .the original phony turned it in, allegedly after in­ The Admiral added that "the wise ships and the Ore boats sisted. version. continue to come and go steadily; terviewing three marines, two merchant seamen's cooperation, Navy seamen and a Navy pilot. efficiency and courage, on some it's the foreign-run ships that are making us cry in our beer— The Beacon-Journal splashed occasions in the face of enemy the sob sister's yarn under an attack, have won high praise." they're not coming in. eight-column, front page head­ NO BASIS We expect • four ships in for line, "Ship 'Strike' Ires Guadal­ By GAL TANNER And how did the papers play payoffs following fqreign trips, canal Fighters." the Halsey report? Here are two' MOBILE — Shipping in the way City, Alcoa Pegasus, Alcoa but unless-more materialize out The newspaper claimed that of thin air, this will be a lean "a high official source in Wash-- examples. The New York Journ­ Port of Mobile held its own for Pointer, Fairhope, Afoundria, week. We handled the week's ington" had confirmed the story. al-American gave it one" para­ the past two-week period. In­ Yaka, Ponce de Leon and De graph on an inside page in its cluding ' approximately twenty Soto. crop of steady runners without FALSE HEADLINES first edition of the day, then towboat and six deep sea relief any trouble, and sent a few^ re­ In addition, the Bessemer Vic­ The AP picked up the phony dropped it. placements aboard each, just jobs, 181 riien were shipped since tory, Bull Run, Steel Scientist enough to keep the port moving. tale and spread it around the The Chicago 'Tribune also gave our last regular rpport. and Canton Victory were incountry, adding that union reg­ it just one paragraph on an in­ The outlook for the coming ulations forbade the crew to side page, but did manage to - Ships paying "off were the transit callers. Bienville, Morning Light, Iber­ On the shipping side again, two-week period is not too work on Sunday. carry the story in all editions. bright. The current crop of lay- In New York, old man Hearst's But eveh before the Navy ville, DeSoto and Monarch of prospects for the next week look ups among the .tankers has nip­ labor - baiting Journal - American released the Halsey report, the the Seas, Waterman; Clipper, fair. Both Alcoa and Waterman ped shipping a bit, and the long leaped at the chance and played Marines had issued what amount­ Pointer, and Pegasus, Alcoa, and have a couple of ships each that the William H. Allen, Isthmian. are scheduled to hit this port. lay-over between cargoes for the up the story on page one. The ed to a denial. ^There \yere no beefs of any con­ Waterman will have its usual tramps also contributes to the equally anti-union Chicago Trib­ In Washington, a Marine"^Corps sequence on these ships. The three coastwise ships, plus a for-' general slowdown. une along with many another general handling public relations The advice from this port is: paper also gave it big headlines. told reporters: "The Marine few minor ones were settled to eign payoff. Alcoa, will have a passenger ship and one foreign Don't come unless you are pre­ With the war effort just swing­ Corps knows nothing about the the crews' satisfaction. pared to spend a good spell on ing into high gear, the cause of published charges. The people in Vhese ships signed on this payoff. )^e beach. If we get a boom unionism in general and mari­ Akron called us about it and we week: We'll give you the full pic-; out of the blue, we'll spread the time unionism in particular suf­ told them we knew nothing Morning Light-, Alcoa Clipper, ture in the Mobile report in the word; fered a vicious blow. Naturally, about it. We referred them to the Iberville, William Allen, Gate­ next issue of the LOG. Associated Press Retracts Wartime Smear dipping Cool In Baltimore Mobile Shipping Holding Fast �Wednesday. June 22, 1949 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Jfive Legitimate Unions And The Two-Book Man By CHARLES HAYMOND (A&G District) T. RYAN (SUP) P. MCDONALD (Gt. Lakes District) Although they are completely devoid of influence among maritime workers, there are a few fringe organizations whose main aim in life is to stir up trouble. Aware that their ideologies are, repulsive to alert trade union­ ists, these sterile groups hope to accomplish something by use of the smear technique. The article on this page was submitted by Brothers Haymond, Ryan and McDonald, mem­ bers of three of* the Districts of the Seafarers International Unfonf, to show how these dis­ gruntled elements operate. Most seamen are acquainted with the problem, but the Sea­ farers' article is an interesting refresher. smearing by these ulcerated crackpots exceeded their best efforts in the past. Actually it has no basis in fact, and was merely a rehash of the stories that appeared first in the various commie propaganda sheets. The intellectual freaks who edit the lunatic fringe papers carefully study for "news items" the. commie sheets, all of which they claim to despise and condemn. There are some 14 unions on the waterfront to which various workers ashore and afloat claim membership. There are six AFL, six CIO and two independent unions. Each claims the right to continue as factors in the maritime industry through contractual relationship with various Two of these editors naively admitted in print employers. Each union came into existence be­ that their sources of information stemmed from cause of prevailing conditions and circum­ random letters, careful study of the capitalist stances. press and their own ideas, based on a profound Their activities through the years have estab­ knowledge of the class struggle. lished a pattern of behavior by which each can be identified as a good or bad influence. The The admissions were made as a result of pro­ politically dominated unions are mainly con­ tests, and in order to remove the responsibility cerned with ideologies, which make improve­ At a meeting of these fringers, the organized for these cockeyed articles from the shoulders of ments on the job of secondary importance. worker is blasted for his stupidity in belonging their know-nothing followers, who are hardly in The non-political upions have, as a result, to a union that can do nothing for him; the un- ^ position to support the hearsay carried in the contributed the greatest number of economic organized worker is blasted because he is so gossip sheets as news. improvements in the industry. Whether or not backward; all workers in general are blasted be­ CONFUSED CHARACTER there are too many unions on the waterfront is cause they, as a class, are so misled by the The two-card atian is looked upon as a carrier something that the maritirne workers will have capitalist-controlled school system, radio, press of information to his brother union men and as a to decide for themselves. " and pulpit. COMPANY UNIONS composes the diet in speech and print potential fringe group organizer. He is also de­ Excluded from the above figures are two friend of the exclusive few pended upon to bring some information back on groups of licensed officers who are compelled to "^o try unceasingly to gam, recognition as an "s taking place within the union, join company unions, sponsored and controlled integral part of the labor movement. Rarely does the two-carder know much about by the United Fruit Company and the American proving to themselves that all others are either. - He does not possess the savvy to fully Export Lines .wrong, it is felt that they must be correct. That understand the odd position in which he is There are several such company unions for the conclusion is easy to reach. If that conclusion is placed. He fails to realize that he Is being used unlicensed personnel. Thus the employees may challenged, then one or several are expelled, as the fall guy, who by virtue of union membe carefully dosed with employer-approved pubousted members can then join some other bership might get away with utterances and licity through the company union. The mem- established unit or start one of their own. actions among other union men, or in union bers of these unions are occasionally granted •» pamphlet and speech, each outfit takes all hall, that , would not be tolerated from anyone small concessions. This serves to keep the boys others to task and proves how phony the whole else. in line and prevents gravitation toward the legipolitical in outlook; These bush league groups have no policy or timate unions, through which would be ob- others claim a mixture of all the finer points, program, unless it is to deceive and' confuse. Several, claim to be interested solely in m those They are exclusive units who maintain halls tained more and broader benefits. strata of humans who work for wages. Each where thought and opiniop are carefully chan­ The company union cannot protect its mem­ bers, but must condone the thousand and one unit claims a following on the waterfront. There­ neled. By their, actions in the labor movement, abuses and penalties with which employees are fore, a contact is established in various ports it is possible to think of them as recently continually threatened by the company brass. where members can meet and add to the general awakened Rip Van Winkles, dazed and be­ Also excluded from the first group are the fund of mis-information. It amounts to a wildered. They can lurther be thought of as the night riders of the labor movement who, ipolitical and. social clubs, parties, educational screwed-up "fire and boat drill." with other anti-labor forces, constantly snipe at MALARKEY MILL leagues, crackpots and others who make up the lunatic fringe of the labor movement. They are Lacking an informed membership in the in­ the unions. The communist party and the em­ many in number, all different in philosophy and dustry, the leaders find it necessary to go to ployers owe the lunatic fringe a vote of thanks. attitude. None of these makes a pretense of other sources in search for data on the everFringe units, as you know, are made up of nonimproving the well-being of the worker in in­ shifting scene. They must grub to make more unionists. By their contacts and educational produstry. Their memberships are tiny-and very plausible the stream of mis-information they cesses, they have become violently anti-union. exclusive because of the very nature of each pour into print. Articles emitting from these Those who work for a living are among the sources rant, rave, slander and hurl abuse, and great numbers of unorganized, always available outfit. to fill jobs in non-union outfits. You can im­ are rarely written by union workers. ODD LOT The articles are drawn up by such whose agine the job a fringe member can do on the As a result, each attracts a peculiar element acquaintanceship with the waterfront is based "illiterates." Innoculated with a rustry victrola which can only find comfort in each other's needle, their yapping is incessant and, through presence. They are made up of worker and on a rare trip aboard a ferry or excursion boat. utterances born of a warped mind, will repeat Papers which carry that sort of educational non-worker alike, with all the gradations of each, including the most useless element of material are personal mediums of expression. untiringly the rehashed versions of all the anti­ union propaganda issued by the employers and society. Each. for reasons best known to itself The editor is subject to varying moods, depend­ ent on painful corns, bellyaches or callouses. the intellectual crackpots. has become a part of the fringe movement. The actual workers who belong to fringe units These are the screwballs who shape news to fit HAVE ANTI-UNION RECORD are those who never belonged to a union, or preconceived notions, and invariably print their Records also show that when unorganizect were' kicked oUt of unions for various reasons. notions. workers were being balloted in this industry, the During the past two months, these characters This element, teamed up with others who sornefringe members and their mistaken friends were how live without working, make up the majority. have poured into print a running account of the SIU's activities during the Canadian waterfront the most eloquent ip persuading others to vote The rare two-book member is more often the beef. They carefully ignored mention of the against all unions. person who started with the fringe, and finally The two-card man would never willingly joined a union through which many benefits international commie set-up as a major factor and its threat to other unions. They forgot to sacrifice the interest he feels in the union con­ could be obtained with the least outlay of time, energy and money. Union benefits were given mention that the SIU obtained for the Canadian tracts that protect him, through which he is put them which could never be offered by the fringe seamen security on the job that they never had on the job with all the guarantees that automa­ tically go with union membership. It is some­ before. outfits. They neglected to mention that the Canadian thing which no art of the fringe groups can Some others have tried to join unions, but for various reasons were rejected. There are obvious seamen obtained higher wages and improved offer or ever, create. The mis-informed union reasons why each unit has some adherents. Each conditions. However, the great fund of mis- man may adopt a pattern of behavior inimical has a share of the industrial and social misfits. information, the ill feeling, the stored-up venom to the best interests of his union. That would the "eccentrics, TrWsporTsrbTes and disgruntled —all found an outlet in \his opportunity to as- mean lending aid and comfort to the enemy, members of the human family. These persons sassinate the characters of the elected officers It would be best if the union membership as occasionally gain an audience into whose ears of the Union, and the membership in general. a whole eliminated these few two-card members can be poured the noises best described as the All were described in the fringe papers as the and those friendly to this form of self-destruc• proverbial "tempest in a teapot." phoniest collection on this planet. The job of tion. There is no room for them here. �Page Six T H E S E A F A WE R S LOG Wednesday, June 22,' 1949 AND NEWS SS Calmar Gourmet Feasts (Alone) On Hawk A La Kilby FORMER LIGHTWEIGHT BATTLER If you're tired of regular shipboard fare, Berle Kilby, crewmember of the SS Calmar will gladly give you his recipe for parboiled and fried hawk, a rare delicacy which he claims tastes like chicken.* r ^ 1 a meal on the wing, for it took Of course, first you have to off on a straight course, steadily gaining altitude. It flew on out catch the hawk. 'Aid Until Well,' Maiden Crew Tells Injured Seafarer The crew of "the SS Maiden Victory, Waterman, gave a first rate demonstration recently to show that the SIU truly is- the Brotherhofid of the Sea. When crewmember C. A. Young was hurt ashore and sent to a hospital in Astoria,' Wash­ ington, his shipmates were quick to toss 70 bucks into a kitty which would see him through any rotigh times he might en­ counter. However, after the money was collected, the Ship's Delegate, whose responsibility it was to see that the sum reached Brother Young, discovered that the in­ jured seaman had been trans­ ferred to the U.S.- Marine Hospi­ tal in Seattle. But Young got the money any­ way, for Ship's Delegate McCulloch wired it on to Seattle, and in a telegram told Young that if more money was needed he should let the Maiden's crew know. The crew Would take care of the rest. Young was informed. y How Brother Kilby caught his of sight, but with the binoculars bird and prepared the sumptuous it was followed for a distance meal is describe i by fellow crew- of five or six miles. member Jack F. Christy, in DIVE BOMBER letter to the LOG. Christy, like a good reporter, recorded the tale "It suddenly dove with out­ as*it came about, all grisly de stretched needle sharp talons on tails included, but when it came its prey, a tern, killing it in­ to sampling the dish, being no stantly. A few minutes later it gourmet and the possessor of alighted in the crosstrees again, squeamish constitution, he gra­ out of breath, but victorious. It then proceeded to pick the fea­ ciously bowed out. thers off the tern and pop bits Here's Brother Christy's acof flesh into its bill. After its fill count of Operation Kilby: of chow it sat back to await "We had just left Panama nightfall and sleep. heading for .Long Beach, when we noticed the hitchhiker. It "Here Brother Berle Kilby, Seafarer Larry Schroeder, a familiar figure around southern was perched on the railing the four to eight Ordinary, arenas a few years back, sticks up his dukes for the camera. the crosstrees of the foremast, climbed,the mast with a pair of Brother Schroeder, who doffed h^ gloves for the seagoing and from all appearances there leather gloves protecting his " life in 1947, battled many big names in the fight game during weren't any other birds around hands-and grabbed the hawk by his career as a lightweight, welterweight and middleweight. except this''lonely hawk. the legs. Evidently he intended Schroeder says sailing in the SIU is easier than scrapping for a living. "Suddenly it must have seen to train it to hunt for him, but it was to no avail. The hawk couldn't be mastered. "Thus it was, after great deiberation, Kilby chopped its head It is the proud boast of the off with" a deck scraper, scalded, By SALTY DICK Seafarers International Un­ plucked, cleaned arid dissected. ion that an SIU ship is a^ clean Kilby then parboiled it and dip­ ship Let's keep it that way. ped it in cracker crumbs and Quiz: How many states are ing in a garage, but comek has sailed aboard. He can also Although most of the crews fried it. there in the United States? (An around the New York Hall reg­ tell you all the details, dpwn leave a ship in excellent con­ "I watched the proceedings. swer at end of column)... The ularly to see "his pals... If you to the exact penny he made on dition, it has come to the at­ plan to qtut the sea, retire your each trip. » tention of the membership Kilby picked off bits of meat and old Borinquen (renamed the book in good standing ... dairies Answer to Quiz: 45 and three stuffed them into his kisser. He Puerto Rico) is soon to come out that a few crews have vio­ beamed and cut off bigger slices. and ply between New York^ F. Byrne has a little book with commonwealths: Pennsylvania, lated this rule. So they have the names of all the ships he Massachusetts" and Virginia. gone on record to have all. Somehow it made me think of Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo the hawk picking apart the tern on a 14-day cruise... In 1941 quarters inspected by the an hour or so earlier. After the Harry L. Schuler joined the SIl' Patrolman before the payoff, meal was completed, Kilby rose on the West Coast and since and if the conditions are im-satisfactory, he has the right and announced that the meal had ^ that time he has never had his been most enjoyable. It tasted picture in the LOG. to hold up the payoff until better than chicken, he an- Who is the fellow who attend­ everything is spic and span. nounced. ed a wedding with his camera Remember that the Patrol­ Since that time he has suffer­ and after taking pictures al man can only have repairs made if he knows what has ed no ill effects. However, crew- evening discovered he hadn't members have reported to me pulled his slide out—no pictures to be done. Cooperate by that often on an evening they ... One of the best dressed Wip­ making up a repair list be­ fore the ship docks. Give one have seen Kilby standing at the ers sailing out of here is Teddy rail, binoculars to eyes, scan- Garcia. He's now on the Cape copy to the Skipper, and one ning the horizon. But we haven't' Nome heading for the Med. to the Patrolman. Then you'll By JAMES H. DUBOSE see some action. played host to a hawk since. Big Andy Carillo, formerly an Can't blame them, either." Army Cook, is noW ashore work- Oh, mighty waters, down to the sea, Keep It Clean! 'The Voice Of The Sea' Ode To The Mississippi ' HEADING SHOREWARD FROM THE SANTA CLARA VICTORY Flowing on into eternity From where do you come, and where go, From driving rain and melting snoW. -. - Moving slowly into the distances, Taking the course,of least resistance. If only you'd speak, I'd hear your tales, Of battles fought on indian trails. - C -: ,^ 15 ., Of adventures of Marquette and Joliet, Yes, all this and more you'd sJy. The massacre of Natchez and even more. The fall of Vicksburg in the Civil War. .V . Tales of side wheelers and gamblers brawls. Of bayous echoing with mallards' calls." Of the" British attack in 1812, ' And on Jackson's victory a tnoment you'd delve. From a vanlaga point on. the dock. Seafarer Norman Maffie skelchec the arrival of the liberty launch from the Isthmian ship Santa Clara Victory, in Bombay, India. You'cf speak of Lafitte, the pirate prince. And other great men you've known since. Yes, yours is a story of endless sensation, Because you reflect the life of a nation. . ^ " ^ �Wednesday. June 22, 1949 THE SEAFARER S LOG Page Seven Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings DOROTHY. April 3 — M. C. McCranie. Chairman; J. Henault. Secretary. Discussion on the bread situation. Since the Baker .is already working extra hours and is not receiving over­ time for baking bread, the Stew­ ard hag approved the purchase of bread in Puerto Rico. Ship's delegate reported that 12 hours overtime had been collected for Oilers at payoff, as result of Chief Engineer and Captain working on deck. No beefs in the Engine and Stewards De­ partments. Deck Department has a minor overtime dispute. Suggested that flyspray be used in the messroom while the ves­ sel is in island ports. Also that deck around card table be swept by players at termination of nightly games. Brother Calebaugh asked for clarification of work to be performed by men on gangway watch. meeting read and accepted. Ship's and department delegates made their reports. Motion car­ ried that each departrrlent dele­ gate prepare a repair list and submit it to ship's delegate who is to turn them over to the Captaon.' A ball team is to bq or­ ganized and a collection taken up for- gear. Each man is to buy his own jersey and cap. qo-managers are be elected at meeting to be held following this one. 444 STEELORE, April 24 — -R. Preston, Chairman; J. Castle, Secretary. Following the reports of the department delegates, the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Mot­ ions carried: That no crewmember is to pay off until all beefs have been settled by the Patrol­ man; that each mah turn over his book to the Patrolman at the payoff, pay his dues, get a receipt and have his book stamp to date. Under Good and Wel­ fare there was discussion on sanitary work, and it was rec­ ommended that this work should be taken over for a week by the three departments on a ro­ tating basis. Notices are to be posted announcing the schedules for the cleaning work. dum. There was considerable pro and Con discussion on this issue. One minute of silence in memory of departed Brothers. • 4* 4 4 SEATRAIN NEW ORLEANS, April 10 — Capote, Chairman; Hatch, Secretary. Ship's dele­ gate reported that Brother Sheppard will be on board at arrival in New Orleans to settle any old beefs. Two hours of disput­ ed overtime were reported in the Deck Department; no beefs in the Black Gang or Stewards Department. Brother Gautraux resigned as deck delegate and Brother Alstatt relinquished job of ship's delegate. Brothers Wright and Kelley \^ere elected i. i, to replace them respectively. CALEB STRONG, Mar 10 — Crewmen extended a vote of Westphall. Chairman; Cornell, thanks to the retiring delegates. Secretary. Delegates reported 4 4 4 that all was smooth in the three CITY OF ALMA, Mar 31 — departments. Doyle elected ship's Cliff Wilson, Chairman; Daniel delegate by acclamation. All Goldblatt, Secretary. Under Old hands were reminded that when Business, there was discussion in foreign ports they must put of motion calling for Patrol­ in requests for time off. Vote man's intervention in regard to of thanks given to the Stewards painting of messroom. Motion Department for the good work carried inquiring Steward to done on this trip. One minute furnish requistion of stores that of silence in memory of depart­ are being picked up in Honolulu. 444 ed Brothers. EVELYN, April 18 — Bill El­ Patrolman is to be called in to 4. 4. 4. . aid in having water tanks ce­ liot, Chairman; C. Mitchell, Sec­ Minutes of previous ROBIN "GOODFELLOW, Mar. mented as they are in deplor­ retary. 21 — Vincent Meehan, Chair­ able condition. Repair lists are meeting read and accepted. De­ man; C. Howard R^rdon, Sec­ to be given to the Department partment delegates' reports ac­ retary. Ship's delegate issued a delegates. One minute of silence cepted. A new repair list is to warning on the consequences of in memory of deceased Union be drawn up and turned in for this voyage, §is the list from the intoxication during working Brothers. previous voyage had not been hours. Disputed overtime was turned in. After discussion on reported existing in the three the forthcoming payoff, it was departments. Motion by Vincent Meehan, seconded by Anthony agreed that no one is to pay­ off until given an okay by their Pedicini, carried, that any man respective department delegates. going ashore and leaving an­ Brothers stood one minute in other in his place, is-to make silence in memory of departed certain that substitute is cap­ 4 4 4 able of performing the duties SEATRADER. Mar. 20 — Union members. required. Under Education, there Charles Oppenheimer, Chairman; STEEL FABRICATOR, April was considerable , discussion on Fred Bruggner. Secretary. Gen­ the history of the SIU and the eral review of repairs submitted 10 — Earl H. C. Poe, Chairman; structure of the organization. in list of previous trip; accom­ H. D.^ Higginbotham, Secretary. There was also a reading of and plishments were discussed and Ship's delegate stated that every­ discussiop on the A&G shipping those repairs rejected were not­ thing is going along smoothly. rules. It was suggested that ed. In election of delegates, the Excfept for some disputed over­ Stewards Department exercise following were chosen by ac­ time, all is okay in each of the the maximum sanitary precau­ clamation: Fred Bruggner. ship's departments. Motion by Bates, tions inasmuch as the health of delegate;Teddy Ostaszeski. deck; carried, recommending that Pa­ the entire crew depends to a A. Sanchez, stewards, and F. Jt- trolman see Captain about re­ great degree on their cleanli­ Sylvia, engine. Ship's delegate pairs before ship leaves Balti­ ness. Fred Bruggner made a short more. Motion by Higginbotham talk on the ports to be visited that letters of recommendation and advised all hands to go easy be given to permitmen aboard. on drinking. He said that each Under Education there was gen­ and every jjian . is expected to eral discussion on Union activit­ do his job and that performing ies. would not be tolerated. Steward Bryiint briefly discussed the stor­ ing of the ship and welcomed suggestion for the change of menus.- Lights are to be put on Members who forward deck near cargo lashings. Bro­ 4 4 4 their membership books to JOHN B. WATERMAN, Mar. ther Oppenheimer solicited the the New York Hall for retire­ 20 — W. S. Porter, Chairman; aid of men interested in wiring ment are ugred to mark the E, Jones. Secretary. Delegates to members of Congress and the envelope with the notation reported that all was okay. Senate on the Bland Bill. He "Attentions: 8th floor," in or­ Motion carried to call to Patrol­ was also drafting a letter to the der to insure quicker hand­ man's attention the changing of Secretary of Commerce, petit­ ling of the matter. the sailing board at such short ioning him to grant charters to ' Marking of the envelope in notice. It was suggested that the Arnold Bernstein line for the manner advised above two ships. , the washing machine be kept will save time and will result clean at all times. Every man in prompt return of the book was advised to get up to the • COLABEE.^Apra^lO — Harry to the sender. Hall and vote on the transpor­ Jaynes. Chairman: John Dugina. tation question in the referen- Secretary. Minutes of previous RETIRING BOOKS TheLop is-theone .srare oj^ of reeuohiti^^^ttie^ m&mbczship coith your c^iM&ns and proposals. Letters to ineLop on the urelfere. o£- tlieUnion, yc£ir experiences, and hec^ cvill brin^^ your ideas before the tvidesrir l^ion^uddicticc. pertnittin^,all letters ojill those ttot mlpht cojnceivuifiy cbm the Union.Let foom ' I CUT and RUN By HANK Thanks to Brother "Sloppy," the oldtimer, for letting us knowabout changing the bundles of LOGs going to a Santos, Brazil, bar. Now they'll be available at the Washington Bar.. . Mucho appreciation. Brother "Sloppy" ... Brother John Dolan writes that he's shipping out. Smooth voyaging, Brother Dolan... It looks like D. D. Story is up in Massachusetts from his latest voyage... Congratulations to Brother William Lord of Pennsylvania. He just rang himself into happy wedding bells. A long voyage of happiness in the sea of matrimony, Brother Lord... Brother Richard King writes he's Yokohama-bound aboard the SS James Swan. Good voyaging to you. Brother King... Here are a few Brothers in town right now—Woody Lockwood, William Brady, Vic Sulfenick ... Brother Jgck S. White writes that he's in San Francisco waiting for a ship. 4 4 4 Brother Richaxd "Phoiobug" Martinez and Joe Kotalik are in New York waiting to ship out. Brother Martinez can't wait to launch his seafaring photography. Brother Kotalik probably will auction his "Man from Mars" radio helmet (which scared the living daylights out of a few Brothers)—unless, of course, it still works out at sea... We remember Brother Jake Fediow telling us about how he remembers the hard times in those good "old bad days" when the soles of his shoes were so thin he could know whether he stepped on a penny or a dime... The fine way many of the fellas have been voluntarily helping for many weeks in putting the hall in a shipshape oondition is good unionism, indeed... Brothers, the political in-action of many Congressmen and Senators still keeps the Taft-Hartley Act on the backs of the labor movement. So keep writing those letters. Brothers, urging them to repeal this anti-labor lai^ without re-enacting similar destructive amendments. The SEAFARERS LOG • will be sailing to the homes of the following Brothers—Leo Feher of New Jersey, J. Daly of Illinois, V. O'Mary of Mississippi, William Tarrant of Oklahoma (by the way, he's in New York right now), Melvin Fontenot of Louisiana, Jack Thornburg of Arizona, T.-E. Maynes of Pennsylvania, Andy Anderson of California, Helmar Bjork of Pennsylvania, A. -11. Guidry of Louisiana, Joseph Mucia of New York, Major CosteUo of Louisiana, Joseph Wing of Maryland, William Utley of Louisiana, James McComas of Maryland, Vincent Chamberlain of MassachusStts, Glyn Vaughn of Alabama, Roberto Zaragoza of New York, Robert Miller of Virginia. 4 4 4 Joe Pilutis just came into town... We hear "Peg Leg" Andy Anderson is down in. Baltimore... Happy voyaging to Timmy McCarthy, who's pjrobably, out at sea now bound for a long voyage to India with Adam Hauke and some other Brothers ...Several Brothers have told us they had to wipe their eyes and hold on to th^ bar when about a week ago they found a beautifully-rigged Indian motorcyclev parked 'in front of the tables. And then in a corner on one of the largest seats they saw a six-foot model-ship of the English-passenger type... Well, seeing is believing—and that looks like one. situation which won't ever be duplicated or niade better, indeed... Brothers, keep up with your Union. Read those booklets. Catch up on Union activities from back issues of your LOG. Happy sailing! �Page Eight THE SEAFARERS LOG Wednesday, June 22, 1948 THE MEMBEBSHIP SPEAKiS Recuperates On Job 'Company-Minded' Poor Argument Bosun After Stint Of 'Light Duty' For Vacation Plan, Says Buckley To the Editor: ing over the side. If you want muscles, don't write to Charles Atlas, see our Captain. If you're hurt on this ship it's just tough. I fell on deck and hurt my knee. I was unable "to bend it. The only medical atten­ tion came from the Mate, who gave me something to rub on it. He gave me a job sewing a canvas cover for the sounding machine. I was sitting down working at the job when the Captain carne along. He seemed disturbed to see me sitting down. I was too. I should have been lying down with my leg elevated. Jus\ thought that I'd drop a by the SIU thai broke up these Brothers realize that when jobs line or so to give the story of were plentiful they acted inde­ cliques.I am opposed to compulsory Let us correct ourselves on pendently and even though it the trip aboard Isthmian's At­ vacations. constructive ideas necessai-y for meant putting themselves out lanta City. We have a swell To say that a Union Brother the welfare of the Union instead they Tefused to take a job to crew aboard. The Mates are in becomes company-minded or is a of getting the old hungry job- cover the Union. Now that the their early twenties, the bulk of creator of cliques because he conscious enyy of the individuals famine is approaching they the Deck Department is older wishes to remain aboard ship who have more staying power blame the Union rules and wish than the officers. The Skipper is trip after trip is just so much to remain on the job. to change things in order to cov­ 36, but to hear him talk he nonsense. We have many mem­ Let's get shed of these so- er their own lack of responsibil­ should be much older. He thinks bers who are married men and called Union Brothers who sign ity and to hell with the Union. that he is the only one on the require a steady income to raise aboard ship and then . in the ship who knows the score. Joe Buckley a family. It is understandable first port of call head for a SS Seatrain New York The trip started out to be a why they remain on the job. booze joint and forget to re­ (Ed. Note: Brother Buck­ good one, but it sure changed To say that a seaman becomes turn until the ship's whistle ley's letter is in response to in a hurry. If you should happen lax in union principles because blows an hour before sailing. a LOG article by Richard to hurt yourself here there is no he remains on the job for a long Let's get shed of these free­ Miartinez urging support of such thing as taking it easy. HOLLYWOOD CREW period is darn poor judgment loaders who are too darn lazy the Mobile resolution calling You're put to work on light of your fellow men. The Union to produce a day's work and are for compulsory vacations. The duty, which'consists of sougeeing He gave me a lecture on the book doesn't make a Union man, constantly whispering among LOG welcomes further com­ the . foremast, sewing canvas, beauties of shipping Isthmian be­ fore the SIU entered the picture. it's the man who makes the their shipmates that the Bosun ment on this subject.) stowing anchor chain and paint- To him we are a bunch of Holly­ is a slave-driver, all because Union book. wood sailors. He told me that be­ As an example, let us take these guys are too darned lazy fore the Union came in, one THE PRIDE OF TAMPA the ship on which I am a crew; to produce. watch used to top all the booms. Let's get shed of these supermember—the SS Seatrain New That's a fairy story I'm going York. This job would provide duper saviours of the working to teU my grandchildren. We a livelihood for any Union mem­ stiff who constantly beat their stayed at anchor the last nght ber who wished to work and a gums that' this or that Union in port and guess what; the an­ official is a phony, but when chance to visit his home every chor ball was up all night in­ face to face'with the guy they're other week. stead of the anchor light. But We have several Union Broth­ as sweet as honey and try to we're the Hollywood sailors, so' ers' aboard this ship who have talk their way into the official's we couldn't tell them how to' heen holding down this job right good graces. run the ship. If it's the future these Broth­ steady and they seem to have Just before we left port I gopd Union principles. At least ers worry about, then let's go asked the Mate if he were going in my opinion they seem good. out for more of the unorganized to break the sailors out to se­ I!ve seen crewmembers come ships so that we cah make the cure the ship." He told me to take and go and all you can hear is "Brotherhood of tlie Sea," a care of my job and he would continuous griping about the hundred percent reality under take care of his. I told him that ship being phony, or that this one banner. the Union agreement, called for particular man doesn't part his The Brothers who object to hair correctly to suit these in­ members staying aboard ships all ships to be secured before dividual free-loaders who only should keep in mind that they going to sea. He didn't agree. I use this ship as a ferryboat to had the same chance. I know Seafarers gather before the SIU's Tampa Hall, a showplace told him that I was going to what it is to blow my top just get to another port. in the Florida city. Seafarer Richard Martinez submitted the bring the matter to the Union's I don't know how long the because things didn't suit me, attention when we hit port, but picture to the LOG. writer of the resolution in Mo­ as we grow older time makes he didn't change his mind. We bile (to make vacations compul­ us understand that the other had deck cargo consisting of sory after one year) has been guy has the privilege of an empty drums and we left the going to sea, but were he to go opinion and too, that you may port imsecured. We had time to back into the records he would have to humble yourself at do the job, but the Mate seem­ discover that the greatest num­ times. This makes you realize ed to think that painting over ber of home* guards and com­ that it pays to take life on the the side was more important. pany-minded stiffs came from slow bell. Five days later at sea we final­ it, to determine his own bargain­ This business of job security To the Editor: the old ISU days. It was the ly secured cargo. ing agent") The SIU won the reorganizing of these seamen makes many of these Union The oppositidn of .the Cities election by an overwhelming ma­ I understand the last crew got Service Oil Company to the SIU jority. off because- they couldn't stand SMILES FOR PUERTO RICO is deeper than the - question of It is high time that laws be the officers. I'm sure the story union representation of crews on enacted by Congress to penalize will be the same this trip. As its ships. The company is, in firms which deliberately flout for the many charges of laxity . reality, opposing the principles the laws of the land by deny­ levied at the crew, as Bosun I of democracy and the constitu­ ing their employees their con­ can say that none of the crew . tional right of men to choose stitutional rights. loafed. ..The trouble is, I think, ' their own representatives. that the Captain has made too . THEIR VOICE many runs to the Persian Gulf. It is a kick in the teeth to The Seafarers International Frank J. Richardson each and every seaman on CS Union, now speaking as the ships, whether he voted for the •voice of the Cities Service sea­ SIU or not. The company has men, speaks in terms of democ­ set itself above the laws of the racy, of progress and stable hu­ land and above a citizen's fun­ man industrial relations. A man When your ship'has been damental rights. ceases to be a pawn or a slave out of hot water for over The Cities Service code is the of company policies. The laws twelve hours make sure that master and slave ideology) a of the land become the great ar­ this fact is recorded in the throwback to the dark ages. biter in all disputes which may Engine'log book. It will save Even the dictators- are forced to arise in the future. a lot of trouble when your pay lip service to the people of Is this power feared by. the 'ship hits port later. their lands, proclaiming their re­ Cities Service Oil Company, If you are in port when actionary rule as being "central­ which boasts of its "American­ the boilers give up the ghost,. ized democracy." ism" to the American people in notify the Hall immediately But not so with Cities (Serv­ paid newspaper advertisements, and a Patrolman will handle ice. They oppose by hook and termed "public service?" There the matter with the com­ Here are some of the deck .gang aboard the SS Ines, the crook any effort of their seamen seems, to be a gap as wide as pany. Don't wait until the new Bull Line ship, just before reaching Puerto Rico on a to gain their freedom. This wri­ the poles between their pqbli- ship is half way across the recent trip. Back row (left to right): E. Pantojas, OS; G. ter believes that tjie fundamental city and operations department. ocean before you send word: Malby, AB; R. DUlon, AB; B. V. Ledo, AB. Center row; A. rights of the "Mfessboy on a CS They should find out about each let out a yell before your Maldonado. AB; D. Diaz. DM; C. Negron, Bosun; G. Carmacho, ship are as great as those of the other. The right hand should ship leaves port and the mat­ Chips.., Down in front: an unidentified OS. Picture was snapped company president. The Messman learn what the left hand doeth. ter will be settled at once. and submitted to LOG by Juan Colpe. Pantry Utility. has the right, and'has exercised Wandering Seafarer To the Editor: CS Boasts Of Americanism, But Denies Seamen Freedom No Hot WateK? �Wednesday. June 22, 1949 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine Seafarers At Work — Asea And Ashore The photos on this page show two groups of Seafarers as they toiled to get things ship-shape - at sea, aboard the Sanford B. Dole, and ashore, in the Union Hall in the Port of New York. The operation aboard the .San­ ford Dole got under way when crewmembers turned to in a suc­ cessful effort to refloat the vessel after she had run aground. The' Dole Seafarers' seamanship paid off after 58 hours of labor, when -the vessel was refloated without assistance. In all she was aground 72 hours. In photo left, Bob High does his mighty bit by swinging a sledge hammer on the deck of the Dole. Back again in photo right. Bob and some of his ship­ mates attempt to lash a stream anchor to two lifeboats for the kedging operation. Lifeboats couldn't carry it, and a launch finally had to be used. Advice and encouragement flowed freely from the deck of the Dole to the group lashing the anchor to the lifeboats. Here are John Rood (facing camera) and other members of the Deck Gang as they watched the operation in progress below. The Dole crew Was proud of the fact that no assistance from out­ side sources was needed to refloat the ship. All pictures of the Dole operation were submitted to the LOG by Brother Rood. The shoreside task—cleaning,' painting and putting gear in ship-shape, condition—in the New York Hall wasn't an emergency like that aboa:d the Dole, but it was rigorous nevertheless. Here is part of the crew that is responsible for the bright new look of the New ^ork building. Front row (left to right)—Joe Kotalik, JValter Fisher. George Perez. Dave Miller and Cecil Thomas; • middle row—George Lucik, John Carr, Edgar Blake. Norman Pasakoff and George King; rear row—John Murphy. Alex Becker, JBen Schwartz. Sid Green and Edward Gonsalves. ^ " .1 1 ) Nothing was slighted as the alteration crew went to work on the building equipm^t. Chairs that appeared to be on their last legs were skil'fully whipped into practically brand-new condi­ tion. In photo above. Brothers Becker, Thomas. Pasakoff and Gonsalves are seen as they sanded down the furniture preparatory to applying the new finish. Looking on are Surrath Singh (wearing dark glasses) and John Carr. When these men and their co-workers were finished with their job, the Hair was ample testimony that the Union slogan, "An SIU ship is a clean ship," applies wherever Seafarers congregate. More than the efforts of a single crew is required to keep the quarters sparkling throughout the year. So posters were placed around the building reminding all hands that they could do their bit'by cooperating. Here are (left to right) Joe Kotalik. Paul Lansky and Paul Zimmerman, preparing posters asking all to "Please Keep This Place Clean." Included in the statistics furnished by the lads working on the clean-up project in the New York Hall were these: More then 20 chairs, and five desks were reconditioned; some 50 signs, urging cooperation in keeping the building clean, were painted. Several pounds of gum were scraped from the second deck alone—a job that took 6 men 2 hours to complete. �Page Ten TAMPA Chairman, Ray While, 57; Recording Secrelary. R. H. Hall, 26060; Reading Clerk, L. R. While, 27165. Accepted readings of previous minutes of other Branches. Sec­ retary-Treasurer's financial re­ ports for preceding two weeks read and accepted. Agent said that business and shipping were on the slow side, although the usual number of ships were coming into port on in-transit status. Agent's and Dispatcher's reports accepted. Motion car- THE SEAFARERS Wednesday, June 22. 1949 A&G Shipping From June 1 To June IS PORT * Boston New York. Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk. Suvannah Tampa Mobile New Orleans Galveston West Coast San Juan. .GRAND TOTAL ried that any man registered in one Registration Group not be allowed to change to another un­ til the next regular meeting after registration. After discus­ sion a hand vote was taken with 51 favoring the motion, none against. Motion adjourn was carried at 8:30 PM, with 54 members present. 4 4 4NEW ORLEANS —Chairman, Herman Troxclair, 6743; Record­ ing Secrelary. George Allen, 114; Reading Clerk, Buck Stephens, 76. LOG REa DECK 22 160 39 113 39 17 6 45 63 . ^"98 35 14 .... 650 REG. ENG. REG. STWDS. TOTAL REG. 17 130 30 72 17 6 6 56 65 78 33 9 32 141 ' 16 62 24 9 4 48 117 66 32 17 71 431 84 247 80 32 16 149 245 242 100 40 29 85 22 81 26 17 • 6 67 72 28 19 13 24 64 10 04 28 12 7 55 64 24 22 8 82 93 8 52 11 17 9 59 122 16 34 9 135 242 40 197 65 46 22 181 258 68 75 30 519 568 1,737 465 382 512 1,359 SHIPPED DECK the meeting. Agent's, Patrol­ men's and Dispatcher's reports read and accepted. One minute of silence in memory "of departed members. Meeting adjourned at 8 PM, with 205 members present. 4. 4> SAVANNAH — Chairman. J. Drawdy, 28523; Recording Secre­ tary, E. B. McAuIey, 26081; Reading Clerk, C. M. Rice, 40707. Agent gave his verbal report. Dispatcher reported that men had been sent to the following ^hips: Steel Travel, Purdue Victory,- Trinity, Marquette Vic­ tory, Yarmouth, Carrabulle, Ann Marie 'and Ampac Wa^shington. Minutes of previous meetings approved. Readings of Secre­ tary-Treasurer's financial report. Branch Agent stated that ship­ ping had been fair for the past two weeks, with several clean payoffs *highlighting the activity of the period. The Bull Line's SS Dorothy was in port at the time of the meeting. Requests from several members seeking to be excused from the meet­ ing were disposed of by the membership. Motion by J. Goude that all monies owed to a crewmember be paid at one time. After much discussion on the motion, it passed. One Members stood in silence for one minute in memory of de­ parted Union Brothers. Consid­ erable discussion took place on many subjects under Good and Welfare. , Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM, with 65 bookmembers present. 4 4 4 SAN FflANCISCO — Chair­ man, H. Hutchershn, 126; Re­ cording Secretary, A. Hellmuth, 7755; Reading Clerk, E. M. Col­ lins,' 102120. Previous minutes of all port meetings read and accepted. Port financial reports approved. Charges against crew members of a Seatrain" vessel accused of conduct unbecoming a Union member were read. Motion car­ ried to notify accuked to appear before a trial committee in this port. Port Agent stated that business affairs of port were in good shape and that, although shipping had fallen off some­ what, it was expected to pick up before next meeting. On schedule at the moment were eight ships for payoffs and more than 25 for in-transit calls, he said. Dispatcher gave break­ minute of silence in respect to down on shipping and registra­ the memory of deceased Union Meeting adjourned tion figures for the two-week members. at 7:30 PM with 69 members period. Excuses referred to the Dispatcher. Daniel Maurin ,4ook present, 3^ 4. 4, Oath of Obligation. There was NORFOLK — Chairman, Ben much discussion under Good and Welfare on matters of vital Rees, 95; Recording Secretary Union importance. Meeting ad­ and Reading Clerk, J. A. Bul­ journed at 8:20, with 291 book- lock, 4747. members in attendance. Minutes of previous meetings i in othey Branches read and ac­ BALTIMORE—Chairman, WU- cepted. The Agent reported liam Renlz, 26445; Recording fuUy on the organizing work SecrelEury, A1 Slansbury, 4683; that is now in progress. He re­ Heading Clerk, G. A. Maslerson, counted in detail the good work 20297. done by the Norfolk membership Motion' carried to suspend with the crew of the SS Tadregular order of business and dei until an agreement was take up Obligations and charges. signed. The Dispatcher listed J. H. Williams, E. Barton and H. the ships that were due in this port. Under Good and Welfare, the cleanliness of the Hall was discussed at great length. Mo­ tion carried to allow any man with a fine assessed in Nor­ folk to work out the fine by • W._ Spencer took the Oath of cleaning the Hall. Meeting ad­ Obligation. Charges against a journed at 8:25 PM, with 125 permitman were read. Trial members in attendance. Committee found him guilty of 4. 4. 4. stealing a letter and cashing BOSTON — Chairman, J. check contained therein belong­ Sweeney, 1530; Recording Secre­ ing to a Brother member. Com­ tary, B. Lawson, 894; Reading mittee recommended man be Clerk, A. Melanson, 44406. placed in 99-year club. Minutes of previous meetings read and Motion carried to accept pre­ accepted. Motion carried to vious Boston minutes as read. non-concur with section of Mo­ Minutes of other Branch meet­ bile minutes dealing with ship­ ings road and accepted. Head­ ping rules. Several men with quarters' and Secretary-Treas­ valid reasons were excused from urer's financial reports approved. New business of previous Branch meetings read and ac­ cepted. Headquarters' financial report approved. Motion carried to accept Headquarters' report and recommendations contained therein. Agent and Dispatcher made their ' reports." Oath of Obligation was administered to W. J. Hall. Memembership stood in silence for one minute in memory of Union members lost at sea. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM, with 89 book and permitmen present. 4 4 •4 SAN .JUAN — Chairman. T. Banning, 3038; Recording Secre­ tary, J. . Evans,'^7573; Reading Clerk, R. Ramos, 21954. Minutes of previous meetings in this and other ports read and approved.- Brother Banninjg re­ ported that shipping had picked up a little in "the past two weeks and that he expected it to be even better in the very near future. Secretary-Treasurer's financial report read and ac­ cepted. Motion carried to refer excuses for absence from meet­ ing to a fiVe-man committee. Motion carried calling for repair of water cooler in Hall. One minute of silence in memory of departed Brothers. 54 members were present when meeting ad­ journed at 7:40 PM. 4 4 4 MOBILE — Chairman, C. Sim­ mons, 368;' Recording Secretary, James L. Carroll, J4; Reading Clerk, Harc^ Fischer, 59. Previous meetings' minutes ac-' cepted as read. Port Agent out­ lined the prospects for shipping in the port' for the next two weeks, naming the ships that are due to come in. He also SHIPPE ENG. discussed the current organizing drive of the SIU affiliated Ma­ rine Allied Workers, and urged everyone to support this - effort. He concluded by telling of the plans for building alterations which were forwarded to Head­ quarters. Action should be forthcoming in the very- near future, he said. SecretaryTreasurer's financial report read and accepted. Patrolrnen re­ ported on the number of ships signing on and paying off. All beefs were settled, they reported. Dispatcher gave a breakdown on the registration and shipping figures for the past two-week period.. Six men • took the Union Oath of Obligation. Charges were "referred to Union Trial Committees elected by* the membership. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM, with 265 members in attendance. 4 4 3r GALVESTON Chairman, Ray Sweeney, 20; Recording Secrblary, Keith Alsop, 7311; Reading Clerk, W. E. Coutant, 25376. Minutes of previous meetings in other Branches read and ac­ cepted. ' Agent reported that shipping had slowed down a bit, and that there was a sufficient number of men on the beach to crew most anything that came along. He cited the crew of the Irenestar, a new ship belonging to a company recently con­ tracted* to the SIU, for doing a first-rate job. The payoff was one of the cleanest that had hit this port in a long time. He mentioned that a considerable number of ships called at Texas ports during the past two weeks. Dispatcher gave the fig­ ures for registration and ship­ ping. Motion carried to refer all communications on excuses to Dispatcher. Charges against permitman -^were read. After considerable"' discussion on the floor, membership decided to al­ low him a period of six months to prove himself. If he is again guilty ' of misconduct during this period, his permit is to be revoked, it was recommended. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM, with 109 members present, 4 4 4 PHILADELPHIA — Chairman, 3. Sheehan, 306; Recording Sec retary, C. Little, 39770; Reading Clerk, D. HaU, 43373. shipping in the port for the past couple of weeks and he explain­ ed the prospects for the .weeks ahead. Communications read, in­ cluding one from this city's Cen­ tral Labor Union, the AFL body, thanking SIU for opportunity to show "Battle of Wall Street" to its delegates and business agents at their June 8 meeting. Patrol­ men and Dispatcher reported on shipping and registration. Re­ quests for excuses from meeting were referred to Dispatcher. Charges read and referred to elected Trial Committee. Under Good and Welfare, there was some discussion on the practice of some ships giving draws in vouchers. One minute of sileiice in memory of departed Brother. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M. 4 4 4 NEW YORK—Chairman, John Arabasz, 29836; Recording Secre­ tary, Freddie Stewart. 4935; Reading Clerk, Eddie Mooney, 4667L Minutes of other port meetings read and accepted. Motion car­ ried to non-concur with that part of Philadelphia' minutes recommending fines for men tak­ ing jobs for the weekend and then reporting back to the Hall. It was pointed out thiat the mem­ bership is not of>posed to the dea of penalizing men who take iobs to chisel, but that it is op­ posed to making it a rule, since many' men imavoidably in a situation like this would suffer. Secretary - Treasturer's financial report read and accepted, as was the Headquarters report. ' Port Agent discussed the status of shipping and explained that the drop in shipping figures was the result of several ships being di­ verted to the Port of Norfolk. One minute of silence in mem­ ory of Brothers lost at sea. Dis­ patcher's reports read and ac­ cepted. Meeting adjourned at 8 P.M., with 1,056 members presr ent. ' AFL Sends Food To Aid Striking Boriin Workers NEW YORK — Fully $5000 worth of CARE food packages are oh their way to striking Berlin transport workers from the AFL, Vice President Matthew Woll disclosed last week. Woll,'who is chairman of the AFL's interna$ional labor rela­ tions committee, also wired lead­ ers of the free trade unions in Berlin: "Please convey Berlin strik­ ing railroad workers our warm­ est solidarity. Their courageous fight against Russian totalitarian oppressors and Moscow's menial German stooges, the Commun­ ist scabs, is a vital phase of international labor struggle for Reading of minutes of previous social justice and human free­ meetings. Port Agent reported on dom." �TWednesday, June 22. 1949 THE S E A F A R.E R S LOG Page Eleven British Dockers Load SiU Ships And Phony, CSU 'Strike' Coiiapses i HSS ROBIN GRAY J. T. Morton, $2.00: E. O. Berwald, $2.00: A. Jones, $2.00: G. O. Benefiejd, $1.00: W. O Brien, $1.00: A. F. Knauff, $1.00: W. J. McLaughlin, $2.00: D. Van Alst, $1.00: Ah Kan Ho, $1.00: I. N. Rosvold, $3.00: J. V. Sullivan,* $2.00: L. Alleluia, $2.00: O. W. Guernsey, $2.00: W. Sharp, $2.00; R. C. Oden, $1.00:' J. M. Soto, $2.00: E. E. Walker, $1.00: C. Young, $I.OQ: E. Jusino, $1.00: -J. Casas, '$1.O0: J. Burgos, $2.00: j. F. Ross, $2.00; M. J. Delaney, $1.00: Wm. L. Nesta, $2.00: R. K. James, $2.00; L. B. West, $2.00. SS BESSEMER VICTORY B. R. Johansen, $1.00: ' M. Simon, $1.00. SS SEATRAIN HAVANA W. H. Susikari, $1.00; G. S. Carlson, $1.00: C. Savant, $2.00; A. Olaguibel, $4.00; J. A. Hammond, $2.00; W. B. Stokes, $1.00: E. Burke, $1.00; V. L. Mansalto. $1.00. SS SEATRAIN N. J. ' J. A. Dugos, $f.OO. SS COLABEEA. C. Castelo, $1.00: Wm. Gerrick. $1.00: R. A. Johnson, $1.00. 'sS HASTINGS J. C. Stewart, $1.00; J. H. Parnell, $3.00: J. D. Saxon, $1.00; G. Black, $1.00: G. A. Tardieu, $1.00; S. Frank, Jr„ $1.00: F. S. Crumpbler, $2.00; P. Baker, $1.00. SI U H fl L L S SIU, A&G District (Continued from Page I) high and dry by virtue of the communist leaders' maneuver to plunge Canadian east coast ports into confusion and chaos. Rejection of the Board's pro­ . SS CAPE MOHICAN B. Hartsog, $2.00: Receipt No. posals indicated clearly that this 82849, $2.00: T. H. Watson. $1.00; L, was the objective of the com­ Klplaks, $1.00. munists. SS MARINA It was at this point that the A. Sweigart, .$1.00: X; C. Diego, $1.00: M. Stephen, $1.00; Nieves, $1.00; SIU Canadiah , District, which Bartolome Delvalle, $2.00; J. Archie,' had .many friends among CSU $1.00: C. Conkle, $2.00; J. Word, $1.00; E. V. Corral. $2.00; H. Dawkins, $.1.00: rank-anR-file, signed the agree­ ments and demonstrated that J. W. Parker, $1.00. » SS EVELYN Canadian seamen were ready and C. Mitchell, $1.00: C. Hospedoles, willing to man the ships. $L00: P. E., Reed, $1.00 ; T. . Moriaty, "STRIKE" IDEA $1.00: M. Snow, $1.00: W. B. Prltchett, Only then did the startled $2.00: A. C. Buchacz, $1.00; R. M. Guthrie, $1.00: H; KilUtrom, J 1.00: W. communist leaders of the CSU Baranowski, $1.00;, J. J. Cook, $1.00; call their "strike." CSU memE. G.. Ret^ky, $2.00; E. Ardoin, $1.00; jDerj, however, long awaiting the R. E. Wagner, $1.00. opportunity to get out from un­ - SS MiVRINE STAR S. Garcia, $3.00; C. E. Doty, $1.00; der communist domination, were J. R. Lafoe, $2.00; W. R. Stoncj $1.00: joining the SIU in droves..^ and G. T. Skillberg, $5.0; k. M. Ingebrigtsen, $1.0^: G. P. Rosario, $2.00; sailing the ships under SIU con­ J. Byrne, $3.00; R. Comstock, $2.0O: tract. H. W. Spencer, $1.00; R, Hcrbst, $2.00; In a short time, the "strike" J. D. Marchetto, $2.00; W. M. Addi­ son, $1.00: D. Walizer, $1.00: E. Oi»en, $1.00; B. Mpontsikaris, $2.00; D. L. Pittman. $2.00; T. M. Johnson, $1.00; J. Retour, $2.00;' E. Schiewek, $2.00: J. Ortiz, $1.00: L. Bumatay, $1.00: O. W. Eisele, $2.00; J. Ditrich, $10.00: J. Nuuhiwa,-$1.00. SS HASTINGS J. F. Allbritton, $1.00; R. Wells, $1.00: J. H. Dinkins, Jr., $1.00; E. J. Ronan, $1.00; G. Dean, $1.00; M. Nicholas, $1.00; W. Roche, $5.00; B. McNuIty, $2.00. SS suzAime R. B. Oliver, $1.00; F.' C. Cunning­ SALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. William Rentz, Agent Mulberry 4640 ham, $1.00; H. Bank, $2.00; A. Gonza­ BOSTON 276 State St.] lez, $2.00, SS WM. R. DAVIS Ben Lawson, Agent Richmond 2-0140 W. Laclair, $2.00: F. . C. Holmes, Dispatcher Richmond 2-0141 GALVESTON 308Vi—23rd St. $3.00: W. E. Gray, $2.00; W. H. HowKeith Alsop, Agent Phone 2-8448 land, $2.00. SS STEEL RANGER MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. E. Mclnis, $2.00. Cal Tanner, Agent Phone 2-1764 SS KENYON VICTORY NEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St. " R. V. Pulliam, $4.00; W. Elliott, E. Sheppard, Agent Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. $2.00; F. Radzvila, $3.00. SS HILTON Joe Algina, Agent HAnover 2-2784 R. McManus, $1.00; R. Schram, $1.00. NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St, SS COLABEE Ben Rees, Agent Phone 4-1083 A. "Jensen, $2.00. PHILADELPHIA 337 Market St. SS BEATRICE J. Sheehan, Agent Market 7-1635 A. Anderson, $2.00: H. Morey, $1.00. SAN FRANCISCO 85 Third St. SS THE CABINS Frenchy Michelet, Agent Douglas 2-547? E. R. Hall, $1.00: J. Shefuleski. $1.00. SAN JUAN, P.R 252 Ponce de Leon SS STEEL DESIGNER L, Craddock, Agent San Juan 2-5996 H. Kowalski, $1.00. SAVANNAH 2 Abercorn St. SS CITY OF ALMA Jim Drawdy, Agent Phone 3-1728 E. J. Rogg, $1.00. TACOMA 1519 Pacific St Broadway 0484 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. Ray White, Agent Phono M-1323 WILMINGTON, Calif., 227Vi Avalon Blvd. E. B. Tilley, Agent Terminal 4-2874 HEADQUARTERS. . 51 Beaver St., N.Y.C. SECRETARY-TREASURER Paul Hall DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION Lindsey Williams ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURER Robert Matthews J. P. Shuler Joseph Volpian SUP HONOLULU ...16 Merchant St. Phone 5-8777 PORTLAND Ill W. Bumside St. Beacon 4338 RICHMOND, Calif.^ ; .257 5th St. Phono 2599 SAN FRANCISCO ...59 Clay St. DougUs 2-8363 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. Main 0290 lyiLMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. Tanninal 4-3131 Canadian District MONTREAL .404 Le Moyne St. Marquette 5909 HAUFAX ' 128</i Hollis St. Phone 3-8911 PORT ARTHUR 63 Cumberland St. Phone North 1229 PORT COLBORNE....-.103 Durham Sti Phone: 5591 TORONTO.. lllA Jarvis St, Elgin 5719 VICTORIA. B.C .'...602 Boughton St. Empire 4531 VANCOUVER 565 Hamilton St. Paciflc 7524 HEADQUARTERS.......812 McGUI St. , Montreal PUtoao 670 HHartia's Book Exposes Communists, Govemment Red-Tape Artists A book by Captain Harry Mar­ tin, former president of Local 88 of the Masters, Mates, and Pilots, and also a former presi­ dent of the national Organiza­ tion, has recently been placed on sale. The book is titled "Mer­ chant Marine Machinations," and is an expose of the way the government red-tape artists have worked to cut down the Ameri­ can merchant marine in favor of foreign countries. THOMAS F. GALVIN Your mother asks you to write her at White Plains. t t t John D. Petriga is drydocked in the Marine Hospital at Staten Island and would appreciate hearing from any of his old New Orleans shipmates. His address is: 537 West End Avenue, New York City. tit LOST PAPERS The following Brothers can re­ claim their lost papers at the PhUadelphia Hall: PETRO KUKRKEMILIS WOODROW W. WOLFORD JAMES LEE VINCENT PEREZ RONALD EARL SMITH ADOLPH j. KARST ROBERT BENDERS HENRY WILLETT E. SAVIO JAMES MALFARA JAMES JOSEPH RYAN FRANK D. McCALLENHENRY E. HUMPHREY JOHN SYRBEHUK t t t -L. V^NTZ Your clothing is being held in the New Orleans. Waterman office. movement on the Canadian front and General Workers Union, callcollapsed completely, and the'ed upon members of his organCSU leaders began a vigorous, ization to ignore the commun­ campaign to draw British .wa­ ists' pleas for "support. terfront worker^ into their fight The International Transportto -retain control over Canadian workers Federation, world or­ seamen. ganization of anti-communist Communist party hafks, in­ maritime, transportation and al­ cluding CSU president Harry lied workers, similarly con-" Davis, flew to the British dock demned the CSU's communists' areas of Bristol, Avonmouth and leaders' illfated "strike." other ports, and succeeded in FINiSHING TOUCH provoking sporadic, wildcat ac­ tions by small groups of dockers The return to work by Bri­ who fell under the spell of the tish ddckers, who had been fol­ communists' fantastic versions of lowing the communist line in refusing to load and unload 'Can­ the "strike." adian ships under SIU contract, Britain's trade union move­ spells final defeat for the com­ ment, however, saw eye to eye munist tacticians. with the SIU—that the "strike" was a political maneuver for wa­ Two weeks ago, the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress sus­ terfront power. After conferences in London pended the CSU from the or­ with the SIU's International rep­ ganization for adhering to the resentative, .^Arthur Bird, nation­ communist ling. al secretary of the Docks Group The TLC said that the CSU of Britain's powerful Transport had violated the "spirit and let­ ter" of the TLC's constitution; had failed "to recognize, and ac­ cept its responsibilities," and has issued literature "vilifying tried and trusted trade union leaders." The CSU thus has been repu­ diated by its own membership, Captain Martin knows his sub­ the Canadian trade union moveject well since he is the veteran ; ment and responsible labor brpf close to forty years sea-time, ganizations abroad. having obtained his first job, in, sail, in 1910. He knows from I practical experience the cpndi- 'DAAAjMffA' DSII tions he writes about. Ilvvwl Vv Dill The material contained in the book is of such controversial na-t ture that commercial publishers refused to have anything to do with it. Some friends of Captain Martin furnished the financial (Continued from Page 1) support that made publication morning to find their affairs be­ of the book possible. ing run by either the Navy or Copies can be ordered through the shipowners, neither of whom the A&G Headquarters at 51 would think twice before smash­ Beaver Street. The price of the ing a strike, the SIU officials ex­ book is $1.25, postpaid. plained. The events recounted in the This week, Seafarers were be­ book are of interest to all sea- ing urged to send letters or tele­ farihg men, and will make in­ grams to the seven members of teresting reading during a long the House committee conducting or short voyage. Captain Mar­ the hearings asking the Con­ tin was 'one of the first in the gressmen to disapprove the bill maritime labor movement to which is designated HR 4448. At realize the danger of the com­ the same time, the SIU called upon the entire labor movement munists, and his chapters on to join in the fight since the bill this subject are worth the price represents a threat to all or­ of the book alone. ganized labor. Weapon Against Strike Action RICHARD RAIA Your sister has moved and asks you to contact her at 219 Roslindale Ave., Roslindale, Mass. t t t HILARIO BULOUERIN Communite with your wife at 1563 Wallace Avenue, San Fran­ The SEAFARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea< cisco, Calif. farers International Union is available to aU members who wish to have it sent to their home free of charge for the enjoyment of t t t their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to have DAVID R. BASS Your mother asks you to write the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at every SIU branch-for ^is purpose. her immediately. * However, for those who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU t t t hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG, HUBERT J..ANDREWS which you can fill out, detach and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51 Your mother asks you to con­ Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. tact her at once. Your father is ill. PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION t t t To the Editor: WILLIAM R. SWEET I would like the SEAFARERS LOG mailed to the Contact Shirley Wessel, 25 South Street, New York. address below: t t t Name BOBBIE B. GUTHRIE Your mother asks you to communicate with her. Your Street Address grandfather" has died. Zone.. ... State aty t t t MARCEL JANDRYS Signed You are requested to get in touch with your parents. There Book No. has been an automobile acci­ dent. • Notiee To All SIU Menbors �T H E S E AF A R E R S Page Twelve LOG We^esday, June .22, .1949 'Battle Of Wall Street' Premieres At Sea Shoreside Unions, Too, Ask For SlU's Documentary Film "The Battle of Wall Street," documentary .motion- picture filmed by the SIU "during the 'AFL United Financial Employes' - strike last - year, will have its .shipboard premiere this week aboard the SS Seatrain New Jersey. Seafarer Robert Lester, Quar­ termaster on the Seatr^ ship, who operates his own 16mm. SDu^d projector as an entertain­ ment feature for his shipmates, purchased a copy of the Unionmade film of the Wall Street struggle at SIU Headquarters . last week. New m Film laLastStages Of Profiuction The SIU film was unreeled at the June 8 meeting of the Phil­ adelphia Central Labor Union. Delegates and Representatives came out in large numbers af­ ter having received advance no­ tice of tfie showing, Joseph A. McDonough, the CLU's Business Manager announced. Brother Mc­ Donough reported that t?ie re­ sponse to the film was "splen­ did." The Philadelphia labor gi'oup, in a letter to the SIU, lauded .the Seafarers' policy of aiding other unions, of which "The Battle of Wall Street" is a He said that there would be graphic example. several showings of the "Bat­ STIRRING THEME tle" during the Seatrain New The film records the entire Jersey's current woyage and at least once during each subse­ strike, beginning with tiie for­ quent trip, since it will become mation of the first picketlines. part of the ship's permanent A stirring example of interfilm library. union cooperation, the "Battle"' "It's a film we can always features the Seafarers in its use as part- of our educational traditional role of supporting other labor organizations in­ setup," Brother Lester said. volved in legitimate economic WIDE AUDIENCE beefs, in this case the AFL United Financial Employes. Although the Seatrain show• ihg of the documentary will be The principal points of action the first one at sea, thousands in the film are the Ne^ York of Seafarers have already view­ Stock Exchange and New York ed the film at SIU Halls on the Curb Exchange, targets of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The .strike, and the SIU Hall at 51 picture will continue to be Beaver Sjireet, which served as shown at frequent intervals so temporary headquarters for the that the entire membership may striking AFL financial workers. have an opportunity to see it. Highlight of the production is In addition -to the Seafarer the tense moment in which the audience, vast numbers of trade police attempted to smash the unionists throughout the na­ picketlines and sent strikers and tion have seen the SIU's film Seafarers to the ground under record of the Wall Street beef. swinging nightsticks. The film . Considerable acclaim has been is narrated against a musical accorded the unusual movie by backgroun'd. the many unions which have "The Battle of Wall Street" purchased copies for showing is available to SIU crews hav­ to their memberships. Requests ing sound motion picture equip­ for the picture continue to come ment aboai'd ship and who wish in from labor organizations in to place the film in their librar­ every section of the country. ies. It is also available to other The Central Labor Union of trade unions. Philadelphia and Vicinity, a Those intere.sted ma.y obtain municipal body .of AFL organ­ copies of the film at SIU Head­ izations, took occasion to record quarters, 51 Beaver St., New "its warm praise of the "Battle" York 4, N.Y. The purchase price after witnessing it at the invi­ per copy is $40 and includes tation of SIU Port Agent Jimmy Sheehan. express costs. The . SIU, A&.G district* ig completing and will shortly re­ lease^ a new union-sponsored film, depicting the growth of the Union and' the many benefits en­ joyed through membei'ship. Robert Lester, Quartermaster aboard the SS Seatrain New Jersey, looks over copy of. Union-made film, "Battle of Wall Street," which he purchased last week in behalf of his ship­ mates. Brother Lesteir will run the pictfire off on his own projector during the Seatrain vessel's current voyage. Entitled "This Is The SIU," the 18-minute sound film por­ trays the activities of a typical Seafarer in the New York Hall from the tirhe he pays off until he takes a new job. Included in the film are shots of an actual payoff, the adminis­ trative set-upi of the Union Headquarters' recreational facili­ ties and many other features showing the SIU -in action. One oL the highlights of the film is last year's Thanksgiving Day, Dinner, sponsored by Headquar­ ters and attended by members of all maritime unions. The SIU documentary is now in the process of final editing. A definite date for the film's release has not yet been set, but it is expected to be available shortly. Following the initial showing, copies of the film will be made and dispatched to the various SIU branches. | CENTRAL LABOR UN-ION OF PHILADELPHIA AND VICINITY OFFICE of BUSINESS M©R . lOOS CfTY CENTRE BLO©. lomm A. llcOoMoosa Batlam Maaagor PHILADELPHIA 7, PA . TELEPHONES Rl. 6-2137-2138 Huur TIKUT Hoeoidlag Socnlatf Vlro-Pnild»Blt NOMUAM BlUMUl* FUHCW Conr IiiDoa MIUHK WtixiiM McEam Fia> iUosu Auzn Suia Pnildoal TruAt—M Leo iHMtacmt Rouir L-.oag lofcraiac Snet Soigoaal-al-At. Cunaa STOCK June IDth 1 5 4 9 Ur. Paul Hall, Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers Intemptional Uaj.on, 51 Beaver Street, Hevf York City,Nevf York. x Dear Brother Hall • Jl!e want to express our appreciation to the Seafarers' mtemational union and the efforts of Brother Sheenan of the Philadelphia local union of Seafarers' for the opportunity to .show the film "Plall Street Battle" at our"meeting held on June 8th. Upon reoeivii^ word that we could show this film, we commuaioated with our Delegates and Buelness Representatives advising them of this fact. Our attendance at the June 8th' Meeting was excellent and the response to the film was splendid. I received many comments from our delegates and Business Agents about the film after the meeting. I think that the film and other material published by your International union on the activiti'es of the Seafarers particularly its assistance^to other labor unions in time of need is beneficial to both your members and all others in preating unity and good will. Thanks again for your courtesy extended us. With .best wishes for continued success, I oi Sincerely yours. oeiu-14 This tense scene is one Of the highlights of the "Battle of Wall Street." filmed by the SIU during the AFL United Financial Employes strike last year. Copies of the sound motion picture are available at SIU Headquarters in New York. pi QA JOSE}PH A LIcDOlIOUGii^ Business ilanager ' Represenlaiives of AFL qhions affiliated with Philadelpbia's Central Labor -Union had high praise for the "Battle of Wall Street," after viewing the SlU-made film at the invitation of Port \ Agent Jimmy Sheehan. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 22, 1949 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XI, No. 21 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: OPERATORS SIGN $7.50 INCREASE BATTLE OVER T-H REPEALER ON IN SENATE PROPOSED 'RESERVE' BILL WOULD HAVE SEAMEN BREAKING OWN STRIKE OPPOSE MERCHANT MARINE RESERVE BILL NEW TACTICS TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY SUNMOUNT EXAMPLE OF NEW DEAL FOR CANADIAN SEAMEN UNDER SIU POLIO FOUNDATION LISTS FIVE PRECAUTIONS BOSTON SHIPPING CONTINUES ALONG IN OLD GROOVE BULL LINE GOES ALL-OUT ON NEW SHIP GOOD SHIPPING, VERY FEW BEEFS, HALIFAX REPORTS ASSOCIATED PRESS RETRACTS WARTIME SMEAR SHIPPING COOL IN BALTIMORE MOBILE SHIPPING HOLDING FAST LEGITIMATE UNIONS AND THE TWO-BOOK MAN SS CALMAR GOURMET FEASTS (ALONE) ON HAWK A LA KILBY 'AID UNTIL WILL,' MALDEN CREW TELLS INJURED SEAFARER MINUTES OF A&G BRANCH MEETINGS HELD IN BRIEF AFL SENDS FOOD TO AID STRIKING BERLIN WORKERS MARTIN'S BOOK EXPOSES COMMUNISTS, GOVERNMENT RED-TAPE ARTISTS 'BATTLE OF WALL STREET' PREMIERES AT SEA NEW SIU FILM IN LAST STAGES OF PRODUCTION Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/22/1949 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1949 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3c452189268f69af146c85a4355aed1d.PDF 00de7026c2cf3f684d110ca921769047 PDF Text Text imm SEAFARmS AWAROKO riKST PBIZE • OENBRAL EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE • 1995 • •'mi LOG if- INTERNATIONAL LABOR PRESS OP AKERltA • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFAR ERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO • _ U_ J University administrators who selected five XiOilCyC EMOOMO* 1956 winners of SIU scholarships worth $6,000 each go bver notes during their meeting. They are (1 to r) F. D. Wilkinson, Howard University; Miss Edna Newhy, NJ College for Women; Bernard Ireland, Columbia U., and Elwood C. Kastner, NYU. _ f f SIU scholarship winner Jeremiah tJOUDiC IvOOO LIICK* O'Neil, AB, shows former shipmates L. L. Pickett, left, and Richard Koch story of his award. Fortune also smiled on Pickett and Koch this week as mix-up saved them from air­ liner crash which killed one Seafarer. (Story on Page 5.) U.VOTES REPEAL OnOGHT TO WORK' Election Pledge To Voters Axed Anti-Labor Law Story On Page 3 Discussing labor's position following reIflOppillsf rtOnS* peal of the anti-union "Right to Work" law in Louisiana are (1 to r) Lindsey J. ^^illiams, SIU New Orleans Port agent, Raynal Ariatti and A. P. Stoddard. Williams is chairman of the executive board, Ariatti is president and Stoddard is secretarytreasurer of the New Orleans LLPE. (Story on Page 3.) Pelly, Byrne Bills Doomed, Sponsors Look To Next Year -Story On Page 2 • •• , yt •11: .•f • 1 'V'.- r. \ ^-•'l v'4j �Tnt* Tw» SEAFARERS Jane LOG IW Peliy, Byrne Bills IWTD Isn't Can Shaking Doomed, Sponsors Look To Next Year WASHINGTON—Two proposed laws which would have considerable bearing on the fu­ ture of US tramp shipping and the jobs of thousands of seamen appear doomed for this ses­ sion of Congress. They are the Felly bill which would require foreign'^tramps to matdi US cargo rates and the Byrne bill to subsidize tramp ship­ New Headquarters For 15 Million Union ping. However, both sponsors Bulletins sent out to « number of ships by "The Committee Aealnst Waterfront Screening" have attempted to identify the Maritime Trades Department with the committee's efforts. A section of the bulletin lu-ges ships' crews to support the MTD'i demand for civilian control over merchant seamen. In the next breath, it says, "Yoii can collect a few dollars and send it to this Committee to help in our fight." The MIID has no connection with this committee and does not .solicit funds from the membership'of affiliated unions, as it is supported by per capita payments. The MTD's policy toward the Coas^ Guard jshould not be construed as supporting the opera­ tions of "The Committee AgaUist Waterfront Screening," which appears to be a front for •anry Bridges and the remains of the old Communlst-doiiilBgted National Union of Marine Cooks and StewardB. Members in US intend to revive the Issue in Janu­ ary when the new Congress meets. The Byrne and Pelly bills were unable to make headway at this session because of the lateness of their introduction and the pend­ ing national elections for Presi­ dent and Congress. The legisla­ tors are anSious to wind up busi­ ness in anticipation of national nominating conventions which are just a few weeks away. 'Musf* Bills Get Go-Ahead Consequently the only shipping legislation getting the go-ahead sign deals with actual ship con­ struction bills where inaction would mean too much delay. These Include such items as atom-ship construction proposals, Pan Atlan­ tic's plea for charters on 20 US tankers, revision of Government mortgage guarantees and similar items. As originally introduced, the Pelly bill, sponsored by Repre­ sentative Thomas M. Pelly (Rep.Wash.) would have required for­ eign ships to pay American wage scales whenever they carried USGovernment cargoes. It represent­ ed an extension of a practice sanc­ tioned many times by Congress on Government-contracted construc­ tion work. Dual Rate System If reelected, Pelly says he in­ tends to attack the problem from a different angle in the next ses­ sion, to overcome objections to his current proposal. He plans to in­ troduce a bill which would set up a dual rate system for foreign tramps bidding for "50-50" cargoes. This would simply involve apply­ ing the "fair and reasonable" rule to foreign tramps as well as to US Photo shows striking new home of the AFL-CIO in Washington, just across the square from ships. ^ the White House. Originally begun as a new AFL headquarters, the building was adapted At present, Government cargoes for its new function when the AFL and CIO merged before construction was completed. can be withheld from US ships if President Dwight Eisenhower and other top officials participated in opening dedication cere­ their rates are not "fair and rea­ monies. sonable" in light of going market rates and operating expenses. For­ eign tramps have no such limita­ tion. The result is that in recent weeks, foreign rate^ have almost reached the levels of American tramp fees, bringing charges from Government officials that foreign ships, particularly the runaways, are profiteering at US expense. Filing of an election petition by the International Brotherhood of Longshoremen, AFLDiscourage Transfers Obviously a "reasonable" rate CIO for longshoremen in New York harbor is scheduled to take place in the very near fu­ for foreign ships would be well be­ ture. All indications are that the IBL will present its pledge cards and petition to the Na­ low the American rate. Felly is tional Labor Relations Board > hopeful that his measure would dis­ in the early part of July, well on any of its pre-election promises to reaffirm the Union's standing courage any further transfers to ahead of the expiration date and by continuation of the abuses position of support for IBL in foreign flags and offer incentives of the current ILA contract. which caused its expulsion in the New York and in any other ports toward maintenance of a perma­ Secret Vote first instance. ILA ties with Harry where it would challenge the ILA. nent US tramp fleet. The petition means that long­ Bridges and operations of proFor the moment, the focus of the The Byrne bill, put forth by Rep. shoremen In New York will have Communist elements in ILA are IBL drive is the Port of New York James Byrne (Dem.-Pa.), would another opportunity to decide by other major issues in the coming where IBL has collected more than have offered operating subsidies to secret vote whether they want to vote. enough pledge cards to meet the tramps on voyages where they had discard the AFL-ousted Interna­ 30 percent requirement of the Na­ Full Labor Support to compete with foreign tramps. tional Longshoremen's Associa­ tional Labor Relations Board. IBL men in New York have been Byrne has promised "If I am in a tion and join the AFL-CIO fam­ Despite ILA-inspired rumors to position to introduce it next year I ily as IBL members. the contrary, the IBL will go into heartened by repeated moves of In the last waterfront election the election with the full support the ILA to duck out on an elec­ will reintroduce it at the earliest possible date" so that Congress will in May, 1954, the ILA won by the of the AFL-CIO and of the Mari­ tion, including efforts to rejoin have time to consider the measure. narrowest of margins, less than time Trades Department represent­ AFL-CIO in one form or another. The bill was introduced too late 200 votes out of 20,000. Since then, ing seagoing and shoreside unions These efforts, all of which have IBL supporters report, the ILA in the maritime industry, including been rejected by AFL-CIO, are this year to make any progress. Both measures' are backed by has further alienated longshore­ the SIU. Seafarers at the mem­ seen as a confession of the JLA's men by failure to follow through bership - meeting of! June 13' voted weakness in the port. the Sltl and other sea unions. li b'iii n'i ••!5 'yj-:•* •• • IBL Readying Petitions For New Dock Election SIU Backs Broader Ship BUI WASHINGTON—SIU Sec­ retary-Treasurer Paul Hall put the Union on record in favor of a bill which would en­ courage construction of new pas­ senger ships in testimony this week before the House Merchant Marine Committee. Hall spoke for passage of HR 11554 which would broaden the area in which the Gov­ ernment could offer lOp percent mortgage insurance to p^vate op­ erators planning to build US pas­ senger vessels. Late yesterday the House Mer­ chant Marine Committee voted the bill out of committee after broad­ ening its coverage to ihclude cargo ships. An Immediate beneficiary of the bill would be the Arnold Bernstein Line, which seeks to begin lowcost passenger service to' Europe. In his testimony Hall pointed out that existing passenger ves­ sels built by long-estaiblished op­ erators have all had the benefit of the 100 percent insurance which made it a lot easier for them to raise ship construction money. The pending bill would do the same for other operators seeking to fill a long-felt need for an adequate pas­ senger ship fleet. This area could provide jobs for thousands of sea­ men who have suffered as a re­ sult of the drop in ships under US flag. Need Passenger Ships American seamen and the Amer­ ican merchant marine, as well as the country's defense establish­ ment, have all suffered from our inadequacy in passelfger ships. Hall said. On some trade routes deemed essential by the US, not a single American-flag passenger ship is op­ erating. Nobody doubts that the business is there. Hall pointed out, with hundreds of thousands now having the money for foreign travel. But the ships have not been built be­ cause operators have had trouble raising money. The new bill. Introduced by Rep. Herbert Bonner (Dem-NC) would eliminate this difficulty by provid­ ing 100 percent US insurance un­ der Title XI of the 1936 Merchant Mai^ne Act. SEAFARERS LOG Jm. 22. 1966 Vol. XVIil. N.. 13 PAUL HALL, aecretary-jCreasurer HEBBERT BHAND, editor; RAY OENISON, Managing Editor; BEBNABD SEAMAN, Art. Editor; HERMAN ABTBUB, IBWIN SPIVACK, Sta]f Writers; Bnj. MOODY, Gulf Area Representative. lao Published biweekly at tne headquertere of the Seafarer:: International Union, At­ lantic & Gulf District, AFI^IO,«75 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel HYacinth 9-66IIQ, Entered at second class matter at the Post Offlce In Brooklyn, NY, under' the Act of Aua. 24,. ^*12. , >' <1 !! �jriuM ii i956 SEAFARERS Pafc HUM LOG Louisiana Repeals 'Wreck' Law Becomes First State To Dump Anti-Union Law •'Rli rtU\SlAW-4 BATON ROUGE, La.—A two-year fight by Louis­ iana working men and women for the security of their trade unions ended in a complete victory last week when the State legislature, in session here, repealed the socalled "right to work" law. The successful fight of Lou­ isiana labor, in which Seafarers played a leading r^le, is the greatest victory scored thus far by AFL-CIO in its campaign against state and national legislation harmful to all Americans. Until last week, Louisiana was one of 18 states with a "wreck" law on the books. The repeal action followed a US Supreme Court decision upholding the union shop on the na­ tion's railroads. It may mark a turning point after ten years of legislative setbacks to the labor movement. The repeal cleared the State ^ Senate June 15 by a vote of 21 served as the headquarters nerve to 18, after the House voted center of the AFL-CIO during the repeal 57 to 44. The vote was the state elections. SIU New Orleans climax to the election last spring port Jgent Lindsey J. Williams of state legislators, many of them served as chairman of the bOM-d newcomers to the legislature, who for New,Orleans' Labor League pledged to the voters that they for Political Education during the would seek repeal of the law. Gov­ campaign. ernor Earl Long also campaigned Law Undermines Unions on the repeal platform. "Right 10 work" laws (which are As the LOG went to press the described by labor as "right to bill was on the Governor's desk wreck" laws) have as their basic and his signature was expected aim the undermining of unions by momentarily. prohibiting any form of union se­ The Seafarers' role in the repeal curity. Unions are not allowed to drive was highlighted by the fact sign any contracts which require that the SIU New Orleans hall all workers in a bargaining un.t to join up and pay dues. At the same The citizens of Louisiana have a right to be proud this" time, unions are compelled to rep­ week because their state has taken the lead in wiping out resent non-members in the unit drastic limitations on the rights of trade unions and union who will not pay dues. The laws then are rigged to keep members. The action of the Louisiana legislature in repeal­ unions as weak as possible, making ing the so-called "right to work" law remedies a serious in­ them fair game for employers, and of course, keeping wages and con­ justice to the trade unions of the state and what's more, at low levels. recognizes the economic facts of life of a modern industrial NEW ORLEANS—Last week's repeal of the Louisiana ditions Commenting on the legislature's "right to work" law was a clear expression of the, voters' action, Williams declared: "To system. Louisiana wdlerfront and shoreThese facts are simply stated. In our modern, high-powered wishes, for a sizable majority of the state's legislators owed side workers, repeal of this vicious their election to their promise economy the purchasing power of the consumer, whether to do away with the law. The voters. A second part of the cam­ law against the working men and country farmer or city worker, is all-important in keeping current legislature represents paign was a door-to-door drive women means their union organ­ now will be able to present the wheels turning. Any legislation which seriously handi­ a considerable turnover from the throughout the state to acquaint izations a stronger front to their employers the public with the issues. caps trade unions in their fight for a fair share of productiv­ previous one as Louisiana working Working out of the SIU New in bargaining for decent wages and people registered their objections working conditions. It means too, ity is bound to have a damaging effect on the prosperity of to "right to work" backers by vot­ Orleans hall. Seafarers and mem­ that everyone will have a far bet­ . all. The only ones who benefit are short-sighted low wage ing them out of office. Prominent bers of other unions rang doorbells, ter opportunity to improve his in the successful campaign in re­ distributed literature and utilized economic standards in unorganized profiteers. aieas in this state." (Continued on page 15) vamping the make-up of the legis­ Louisiana's action is a tremendous boon to labor's drive lature were many rank and file for wholesale repeal of these laws in 17 other states. By their Seafarers, with the SIU New Or­ action the legislators went on record as saying that after a leans hall serving as the center of labor's election operations in this two-year experiment the "right to work" law has been a com­ city. NEW ORLEANS—Louisiana legislators who voted to repeal the so-called "right t5 work" law have been thanked for their action in plete and utter failure. The effect was that voters elected telegrams sent by Lindsey J. Wiliiams, SIU New Orleans port Lousiana's action assumes added significance because it new representatives to almost 50 agent. Williams serves as chairman of the executive board of follows the Supreme Court's unanimous decision that "right the New Orleans Labor League for Political Education. The text Names of La. legislators who of the message is as follows: to work" laws do not legally apply to railroad workers in voted to repeal State's "right "YOU ARE TO BE COMMENDED FOR THE PUBLICInterstate commerce. The two developments, taken together, to work" iaw are on page 15. SPIRITED MANNER IN WHICH YOU SUPPORTED PAS­ are certain to encourage current efforts by labor groups ift SAGE OF IIB-250 GUARANTEEING TO THE WORKING other states. With Louisiana discarding the'law as damaging percent of the House seats. Many MEN AND WOMEN OF LOUISIANA THE RESTORATION OF THEIR FREEDOM OF CONTRACT AND THEIR DEfdOand useless, and railroad workers exempt from the legisla­ of these new legislators had pledged themselves to repeal. In tion, it becomes awfully difficult for "right to work" backers the State Senate, only 13 of 39 CRATIC RIGHT TO BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS. to justify the continued existence of the laws. Certainly it succeeded in re-election. Most of "WE ARE INFORMING OUR MEMBERSHIP OF THE should put the kibosh on efforts to extend the law to other the senators who lost re-election SPLENDID MANNER IN WHICH YOU HAVE ACTED TO were beaten on the "right to states such as Washington. Congress, which paved the way bids PROTECT THE UNION SECURITY PROVISIONS OF, OUR work" issue. CONTRACTS WHICH OUR MEMBERS RECOGNIZE AS THE for "right to work" via the Taft-Hartley law, might also be The successful labor drive for BULWARK GUARANTEEING TO THEM THE RIGHT TO repeal got underway shortly after encouraged to take a second look at the issue. WORK IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF DECENCY AND SELF'right to work" was enacted. Union Seafarers in the ports of New Orleans and Lake Charles members RESPECT AND TO MAINTAIN FOR THEMSELVES AND and their leaders care­ are entitled to toot their horns over this labor victory be­ fully prepared for a test of public THEIR FAMILIES THE ACCEPTED AMERICAN STANDARD cause their efforts in the recent state elections helped assure sentiment on the law in this OF LIVING. "ON BEHALF OF OUR MEMBERSHIP, I WANT YOU TO Candidates a pro-labor majority in the legislature. Their services were spring's elections. KNOW THAT YOUR EFFORTS IN THEIR BEHALF AL­ were urged to make public com­ far ovd of proportion to their numbers, which de;monstrates mitments of their stand, so the WAYS WILL BE REMEMBERED AND APPRECIATED." what as nited and purposeful membership can acconaplish. issue would be clear cut for the 'Wreck' Law Repeal Met Voters' Wishes SIU Telegram To La. Legislators ''j I n nI ',<1 �ftre Foo* " r-'' W • :< . I'' -'vv (; • ! \: •I-: W' •if • 1•• >/•' L'--* 5', • S'. " •, f. #/• A'-. • if;!-". • Welfare Plan Maintains Speedy Service Record I" . • • ' / - P-i . - Ir.. H -s •r • y • are going out daily, on the same day that the applications are re­ ceived at the Welfare office. The only incident where payments are not made immediately is where a Seafarer has failed to file a bene­ ficiary card or an enrollment card or the card on file lacks all the necessary information. In this area, the Union noted, there has been considerable im­ provement. Most Seafarers now realize the importance of having up-to-date, accurate beneficiary and enrollment cards on file with the Welfare Plan. Seafarers are also urged to file copies of their marriage certificates and children's birth certificates, both documents being needed to process hospitalsurgical benefits. Speedy Records An important asset to the Wel­ fare Plan in offering itr speedy service is its records system which gives a complete record of every Seafarer's seatime up to hia cur­ rent voyage. The record enables a quick check of eligibility to be made for the previous year or past years, so that at most the Seafarer is called on to supply discharges, showing one day's work in the 90 days prior to filing the claim. The survey revealed that mateiv nity benefit payments are almost totally delay-free, for the obvious reason that these are long-antici­ pated • events. Sfafarers who are fathers-to-be usually get applica­ tions from the Union before the day arrives and have marriage cer­ tificates and seatime proof ready. As soon as the Seafarer or his wife has the baby's birth cer­ tificate, the package is sent in to the Welfare Plan office and a check goes out the very same day. Death benefit payments to Seaferers' beneficiaries can be com­ pleted within a week under ideal cir­ cumstances. What can hold up a death benefit payment is the delay in obtaining a death certificate. This is particularly true if death takes place in a foreign country. Assuming the Seafarer died in the US, the filing of an applica­ tion with the death certificate and a quick check of the seatime rec­ ord is sufficient to get a check mailed out usually the same day the documents are received. Dif­ ficulty arises here if the beneficiary card is missing or improperly filled out. This means that under law the beneficiary has to go to court to be appointed administrator of the estate. There can be a delay June 22, MM LOG Question: What quality do you believe is necessary to make « good delegate? Alfonso Rivera, bosun: A del^ gate has to know the agreement because If he knows what he's talking about there is no beef on the ship. He also has to be after the court acts, the administra­ error. These requests go to the adserious about the tor is not permitted to touch the di-ess listed on the beneficiary Job and be a re­ sponsible person benefit for several months after­ card. because a good wards. The enrollment card is what delegate can counts in payment of hospital-sur­ Commonest Errors make a great deal of difference on gical benefits. If enrollment, mar­ The commonest errors, on these riage certificates and birth certifi­ a ship. 4. $ » cards are failure to sign the cards, cates are on file then all that the ICt ti Tom Little, AB: A guy who can Leonardo Torres, wiper: The absence of a date, failure to desig­ Seafarer has to "supply is the ap­ get along with everybody in the most important thing I think is nate a proper beneficiary and in­ plication, with accompanying hos-" that a delegate dicate their relation to the Sea­ pital and doctor bills, and recent crew and cooper­ should be fair farer, if any, and failure to have seatime. But if an enrollment card ate with all de­ partments makes and not play fathe card witnessed. should be missing then the claim a good delegate. V o r i t e s. He When a card comes in from a. has to wait until the Seafarer fills He should also should keep in Seafarer with these errors on it, one out. know his busi­ mind that he ness; no sea law­ represents the yer but some­ crew at all times body who knows and should stick what'he's talking with them and about. He should not fool around be able to stand up to the officers. with the officers when the crew is X involved. William C. Palmer, chief stew­ 4 t 1. • Frank Panette, fireman: A dele­ A delegate first of all should When Seafarer Ed Jacobsen, 68, decided it was time to call ard: gate has to have information about a seaman-who it quits to hiis sailing days his shipmates on the Steel Designer be the job and the knows his obli­ thought it only proper to give him an appropriate send-off. gations as a Un­ agreement. H e It took the form of a farewell-t has to know the ion member and facts and be able party in the crew messhall be­ a complete surprise to Jacobsen the " agreement to back them up. fore payoff in 'New York at v/ho was kept in the dark on his between the There is no qual­ which he was presented with gifts shipmate's plans. A cake with company and the ity that will sub­ appropriate trimmings was sup­ Union so he can stitute for expe­ plied by the baker, while crew- set a good exam­ rience in a delemembers presented him with an ple to the new­ g a t e's Job; I expensive pen and pencil set and comers and let think the Union a bottle of Scotch to celebrate his them know what it means should have a school to train them. Union men. retirement. ^ The SIU's record of giving the fastest possible service to Seafarers and their families through the SIU's 13-point Welfare Plan is being maintained, according to a survey made this week by the Union of the Plan's administration. The SIU check-up disclosed that thousands of dollars of several^ weeks, plus legal ex­ the Plan immediately sends out a worth of SIU benefit checks pense for this purpose. Then even new one to him, pointing out the fi 1 '• • i'r • SEAFARERS Jay Gold, OS: Most Important is good knowledge of the agreement and the ability to apply the con­ tract intelligent­ ly. Also a dele­ gate ought to have a flair for dealing with the officers and the crew so he can get things done as smoothly as possible with no disturbance. Crew's Surprise Party Hails Retiring Seafarer SIU Award Caps Long Try Getting a college education came the long way around for Seafarer Jeremiah O'Neil, but it proved to be one instance where perseverance paid off. It's been 15 years since O'Neil graduated high school and immediately went to work to help support a family of 11 brothers and sisters. Now the Sl-year-f old Seafarer has enrolled in was one of four Seafarers to win the competition for the 1956 SIU Columbia University. With the help of the $6,000 SIU scholar­ ship award, he intends to apply himself with determination to his college studies. O'Neil's experience smacks of the classic Horatio Alger pattern, only in his instance it was a thirst for knowledge rather than riches that moved him. Even before he got out of high school at 16 he had Ed Jacobsen been working after school hours and the best wishes of his ship­ to pay his own why. He worked mates. Jacobsen has been sailing for 47 This Is the first of a series of years on European and American articles en the 1956 SIU ships, the last seven of them as an scholarship award winners. SIU member. After being in a number of unions, Jacobsen is con­ ashore two years after graduation vinced that SIU membership offers in and around his native Provi­ the best in protection and security dence, Rhode Island, as a factory for seamen. hand and construction worker un­ The carefully-planned party was til he entered Sheepshead Bay maritime school in 1943. From then on he worked steadily SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN on SIU ships. As he is the second 11 BROADWAY oldest of 12 children, a good deal of his earnings went to help the NEW YORK CITY younger brothers and sisters. All Please check my enrollment and beneficiary cards the while he had the idea of going to see if they are properly filled out. Send the answer to on to college at some future date. Meanwhile though, his education the following address: was not neglected. Like many Sea^ farers he is a voluminous reader Naine ............................................. and he took advantage of his spare time to familiarize himself with Address Soc. Sec. No the giants of literature—Dostoievski, D. H. Lawrence, Faulkner, City State James Joyce, Thomas Wolfe, Hem­ ingway and others. Now he in­ Use the above form if you have already filled out enrollment tends to major in English litera­ and beneficiary cards and want to make sure they are correct. ture and his wide reading is sure If you have not filled out these cards, or want to make changes, to give him a head start over class­ you can get new cards from any SIU port office. mates. I Fittingly enough, what finally scholarship awards, which should make the going much easier for him from now on. "I'm profoundly grateful," he de­ clared, "for the chance given me to attend college at this late date. The scholarship award the Unfon has given me is that much more incentive to do the very best work I possibly can. I intend to apply all my energies to justify the faith the Union has placed in me." PORT O'CALL Seafarer Jeremiah O'Neil thanks SIU for scholarship at hq membership meeting. shaped his decision to enroll was the success of a shipmate in win­ ning an SIU scholarship. "I got a big lift," he said, "when Seafarer Pickett Lusk won the scholarship award last year. It was very en­ couraging to my ambitions to know that he had made the grade." He decided to take a crack at the scholarship and win, lose or draw, to enroll at school anyway, paying his way by his earnings as a Sea­ farer if that was necessary. All of his brothers and sisters are now grown up with the youngest finishing high school, so he was free to devote his funds to his own purposes. As it turned out though, O'Neil miommim BAooKLt^ BAXMAom etS'JimF. tms BAix • • ,'^wy '• ?!• •UMi u.-Kfei �SSB 3m 28, SEAFARERS LOG Seafarers Laud Winners Of SlU College Awards Seafarers in all ports applauded the announcement that four SIU members had been awarded $6,000 Andrew Furuseth Memorial Scholarships to cover four years of college or university study. A fifth award was won by the daughter of a Seafarer. In four of the ports, Seafarers were able to congratu­ specialize in English literature, has and then enter the University of late the winners in person, already enrolled at the Columbia California at Los Angeles. He is three of them at the last member­ ship meetings. Seafarer Jeremiah O'Neil, AB, was at the New York meeting and spoke briefly, thank­ ing tl^e membership for his newlywon opportunity. Seafarer Earl Laws, chief electrician, paid off the Steel Recorder in Raltimore EARL LAWS, electrician, gets hearty congratulations at Balti­ more membership meeting from Soafarers George Reier (left) and Thomas Lowe, among others. Laws paid off Steel . Recorder in the Bay city. University School of General Stu­ dies. He then took an AB's job off the board in New York on the Mankato Victory, headed for Eu­ rope. Butenkoff shipped aboard the Savannah the day the awards were announced. He has been-at­ tending Newark College of Engi­ neering and is specializing in marine electronics.. _ Laws was on tenterhooks over whether or not to sign on for an­ other trip on the Steel Recorder "When the news of his award came through. He promptly paid off and started making arrangements to enter the Milwaukee School of Engineering where electronics will probably be his specialty. Sperling has said he will complete another year at Long Beach City College majoring in economics and may go oh to a law degree. The foim Seafarers make a total Stories on four of the five winners of this year's scholar­ ship awards will appear in next week's issue ot the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG. The fifth winner Is portrayed In the current issue on page four. of nine SIU men who have won the awards since the SIU's scholar­ ship plan was instituted in 1953. One Seafarer has already com­ pleted his studies. Five children of Seafarers are currently attending college unden-the scholarships. Seafarer One Of Victinis As Air Crash Kills 74 Anne Virgin JEREMIAH O'NEIL, AB, was warmly a^tplauded at New York membership meeting. He's shown afterwards with SlU Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall. O'Neil has enrolled at Colum­ bia University's School of General Studies. upon getting the good news and was present at the meeting there to be greeted by the membership. Seafarer Herman Sperling, cur­ rently attending Long Beach City College, was presented to the membership at the Wilmington port meeting, and expressed his thanks to the Union for giving him a big boost towards a career in economics and law. The fourth SIU winner. Seafarer George Butenkoff, AB, was at sea aboard the Seatrain Savannah on meeting night. Daughter Of Seafarer The winner of the 'fifth award was Miss Anne Virgin, daughter of Seafarer Claude Virgin of Atlanta, Georgia. Miss Virgin is currently attending the University of Georgia where she is maintaining an out­ standing record after graduating number one in her high school class. She intends to teach English in the secondary schools. The overjoyed winners wasted no time in following through on their successes. O'Neil, who will Calmar Buys 2 More Libertys HERMAN SPERLING, AB, now attending Long Beach City College was at Wilmington meeting and got a hand each from W. Woodill (left) and B. Haukebo. He will switch over to the University of California at Los Angeles, i \ Two more Liberty ships will be crewed by Seafarers in the near future as the Calmar Steamship Company has purchased them for use in the intercoastal trade. The two ships were bought from an NMU-contracted company. The purchase reflects the grow­ ing demand for shipping space in the intercoastal service. In re­ cent months, some shippers have been unable to find space for cargoes. The withdrawal of Isthmian from the intercoastal service fol­ lowing sale of that company to States Marine has also added to the need for ships in this trade. Originally, an eight-ship fleet, Calmar has been expanding in re­ cent years with the addition of the Texmar and Flomar, and the Bethcoaster, an LST. The new purchases will make 12 Libertys in. alL '.•:i • • .•.•r, ! One Seafarer lost his life and at least two others narrow­ ly missed disaster when a Venezuelan airliner crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near New York on June 20, killing all 74 passengers and crew, Seafar-'•fer Frank Barenthin, FWT, postal Venezolana, the Venezuelan national airline. Accounts of th» was one of the victims of the accident, as reported from- th« worst air disaster in US history. He was headed for a berth aboard the Sandcaptain, the Construction Aggregates dredge which is now completing work on the Mar a c a i b o ship channel job. Three other Seaf a r e r s, D. DeGraff, FWT, Barenthin Richard Koch, welder, and L. L. Pickett, AB, missed taking the plane only be­ cause of a last minute mix-Up. Sev­ eral other Seafarers have been dis­ patched to the ship by air during the past week. The four engine Super-Constel­ lation was operated by Linea Aero- Coast Guard and other sources, said that the pilot radioed he had engine trouble a short period aftei* he left New York Interna­ tional Airport, and was turning back. Subsequently the plans caught fire, apparently while it was jettisoning extra gasoline in preparation for a 1 a n d i n g. It plunged steeply into the sea and burned. Coast Guard rescue craft were unable to locate any survi­ vors. Barenthin, who,was 34 years old, made his home in Baytown, Texas. He had been sailing with the SIU for two years. He had been sent ahead on the plane while other crewmembers were left behind be­ cause there was urgent need for a fireman-watertender on the Sandcaptain. Here now is the complete story of the SIU in 1955—all 26 issiles of the SEAFAR­ ERS LOGI The Union's dayby-day victories, the defense of our hardwon rights and the new triumphs in ben­ efits for Seafarers and families — the full story in perma­ nent form for ship or home. Available at cost price of $7. SEAFARERS LOG 675 Fourth Avenue Brooklyn 32, NY Bound volumes for years back to 1950 also available at the same price. �•at-:.' SEAFARERS Pacre Six Heading For Jobs On A Supertanker June 22. 1956 LOG Shipping Round-Up & Forecast May 30 Through June 12 Registered Port Deck A Boston .. 10 New York .. 80 ' Philad^phia .... .. 18 f • Baltimoie .. 61 Norfolk 8 • •'••••••••••a ;. Savannah ....... • •••••••••'a at ..12 3 Tampa a a a • a a a aa a a a a .. Mobile ......... aaaaaaaaaaa^a .. 18 New Orleans .... • aaaaaaaaaaaa .. 47 Lake Charles ... • aaaaaaaaaaaa .. 13 15 Houston aaaaaaaaaaaaa .. Wilmington ..... aaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 4 San Franciso .... • aaaaaaaaaaaa .. 17 Seattle ......... aaaaaaaaaaaaa .. 17 Deck A Total ....... • aaaaaaaaaaaa . 323 J \ . r Deck B 3 27. 2 , 38 7 5 2 9 21 10 4 4 12 13 Deck B 157 Ens. A 4 67 16 45 5 9 1 17 35 12 9 2 10 5 Ens. 237 E 5 22 12 29 1 3 2 5 30 8 10 7 5 9 148 stew. A 3 61 16 35 2 3 5 17 64 4 7 6 12 6 Stew. A 241 Stew. B 1 9 6 17 8 3. , 3 6 21 8 5 2 5 9 stew. B 103 Total A 17 208 50 141 15 24 9 52 146 29 31 12 39 28 Tout A 801 Total B 9 58 20 .84 16 11 7 20 72 26 19 13 22 31 Total B 408 Total 26 266 70 225 31 35 16 72 218 55 50 25 61 59 Total Keti 1209 Shipped Port - New York ...... Part of crew dispatched from Wilmington hall to supertanker Orion Star are shown before boarding bus for San Diego. They are (I to r): A. Hill, G. Quinones^ P. Raptakis. H. Peterson and A. Slaybough. i' •)il "V? 7?. $:• m\ IS5-.I -IC' SlU Wins SG Extra or For Dredge Crew NEW YORK—Steward department members in the SIU crew of the Army dredge Chester Harding collected $5,000 worth of disputed overtime at the payoff here this month as ocean-going tank ships began sailing through a new man- manned dredges involved digging made channel at Maracaibo, an eight-mile-long channel at the Venezuela, for the first time. neck of the lake to permit deepThe Harding has been returned to the Army after completing ten months on the bonus-pay dredging job. She had been operated under charter by Construction Aggre­ gates, an SIU company which han­ dled a $12 million offshore chan­ nel-digging contract in Venezuela. A second ship, the SlU-manned Sandcaptain, has been on the scene since December, 1954, and is due to remain at least another three months. Settle Steward OX Beef SIU headquarters officials who paid off the Seafarer-crew of the Harding last week reported full settlement of the 2,000-hour over­ time steward department beef for the men, according to SIU Assist­ ant Secretary-Treasurer Claude Simmons. The overtime represents routine items disputed during the 10-month period and accumulated while it was outside the US and lacked services of Union patrolmen. Since both the Harding and the Sandcaptain are operating under special SIU contracts, providing bonus rates of 25 percent above regular monthly wage and over­ time scales, the beef netted an additional $5,000 to be split among galley personnel. The special pacts also provided an additional 25 percent bonus for Seafarers who remained on the job nine months or more, because of the tropical conditions under which they had to work and the long period of the sign-on. Completion of the first phase of the huge dredging project enabled the Dutch tanker Kermia to sail from Lake Maracaibo back to Eu­ rope on June 1 with a full cargo of oil pumped from one of the nu­ merous wells sunk, deep in the lake bed. Previously the oil had to be pumped overland to refineries or onto shallow draft barges which in turn pumped it into ocean-going tankers offshore. Dug 8-Mile Channel^ The assignment 'Of* SlU- .. Baltimore ....... Norfolk ' Savannah Tampa Mobile New Orleans ..., Lake Charles ... Houston Wilmingtonr ..... San Francisco .... ....... Seattle Total Deck Deck Deck Cos. Ens ens. Stew. A B . C A A 0 0 0 0 2 21 19 62 56 15 22 4 1 12 15 5 .16 48 39. 29 49 34 33 23 11 4 1 12 3 4 2 0 3 2 5 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 9 2 10 5 24 19 15 11 .50 12 12 36 16 22 35 7 0 4 9 '0 6 7 4 9 2 9 12 1 0 9 0 4 15 6 4 13 5 2 12 14 10 15 0 4 8 8 Deck Deck Deck Ens. Ens. En's. Stew. A B B C A C A 129 77 240 212 145 87 Another SIU 'First' draft tankers to sail in on their own. The present channel opens the way to ships with a draft of 31 feet and an 18,000-toh displace­ ment. Eventually, when the entire project is completed, there will be a channel depth of 38 feet. The overall job is estimated to cost $56 millioil. One Venezuelanfiag dredge and numerous smaller vessels belonging to other compa­ nies are taking part in the "digout" program. Meanwhile, shipping in the port remained at a good pace, with over 300 men shipped to regular jobs. Another 26 standby jobs split among all three departments were dispatched during the period. Headquarters dispatchers report the port still short on deck and engine ratings. The outlook for the future is still good. A total of 18 ships were paid off, 5 signed on foreign articles and 17 were serviced in transit during the period. All of them paid off in good shape, Simmons said. | Stew. Stew. Total B C A 0 1 1 195 16 14 53 4 1 131 16 16 27 7 1 8 2 1 0 1 17 72 6 9 20 20 121 23 2 0 34 6 1 3 24 0 6 39 1 3 2 27 Stew. Stew. Total B C A 63 96 772 Total B 3 59 23 88 13 4 5 34 48 17 25 9 -17 25 Total B 370 Total C 0 48 7 68 5 5 2 22 54 0 7 0 7 2 Total C 227 Total Ship. 4 302 83 287 45 17 24 128 223 40 66 33 63 54 Total Ship. 1369 SIU shipping boomed again during the past two weeks, equalling the high mark for the year. The gain was almost entirely due to the class A jobs shipped, as the class B and class C dispatch figures redozen and a half jobs, however. mained fairly constant. Standby jobs more than took care Eight ports, particularly of this lapse. Baltimore, Mobile and New Or­ leans, shared the prosperity, while six others, including Nfew York, declined. The slight dip for New York amounted to less than a Philadelphia, Norfolk, Tampa, Wilmington . and Seattle also showed increases, as • Boston, Savannah, Lake Charles, Houston and San Francisco .all, slipped back slightly. Baltimore Record Major gains were scored in Baltimore, which broke a 29month record, and Mobile, which climbed over the 100-job mark again. New Orleans was very good also. The district-wide shipping gain showed the class A shipping al­ most even with class A registra­ tion, and the same held true for class B. The biggest shortage of WASHINGTON — White collar men still was in the engine de­ partment, where shipping and workers are lagging further be­ registration were relatively far Mrs. Mert Woodill, wife of hind in their efforts to keep up apart. Seafarer W. Woodill, is with rising wage trends because On the other hand. New York, shown with first born, 3of their failure to join unions, the Baltimore and New Orleans month-old daughter. $200 AFL-CIO reports. A survey of shipped fully 75 percent of all the maternity benefit plus $25 wage changes since 1939 shows class C men shipped in the dis­ white collar people on the bottom trict, while three others, Boston, bond went to family. of the wage raise pyramid. Lake Charles and Wilmington, The survey, reported in Eco­ shipped no class C men at all. nomic Trends, a monthly publica­ Class A Gains tion of the AFL-CIO Committee The percentage figures show on Economic Policy, listed salary class A shipped 56 percent of the gains for semi-skilled workers at total jobs, a gain of five percent; 233 percent in the 1939-1954 class B shipped 27 percent, a de­ period. By contrast, male white cline of two percent, and class C collar workers only received 163 shipped 17 percent, or a three SEATTLE—A long way from her "home" on the New York percent increases, «nd skilled percent decrease, although only two less C men were shipped this to South Africa run, the SlU-manned Robin Hood was due workers got 224 percent. Unions Closed Gap period than in the preceding two to arrive in Yokohama this week to discharge cargo from the West Coast. The report concluded that the weeks. statistics show "how the manual The following is the forecast payoffs, the Coeur d'Alene Victory The Robin Line ship is un­ worker, with the help of unionism, port by port: and the Longview Victory, both for der charter to States Marine has been narrowing or eliminating Victory Carriers, are due in. any BOSTON: Very slow;' should Lines and is due back in San Fran­ cisco in July to take on cargo for time, SIU Port Agent Jeff Gillette the old gap between himself and pick up . . . NEW YORK; Good; the white collar worker." Added needs deck and engine ratings... ' Europe. She paid off here during said. to the union members' wage gains PHILADELPHIA: Good . . . BALT­ Besides the Robin Hood, the the past two weeks after complet­ are the fringe benefits and job IMORE: Booming . . . NORFOLK: Wacosta (Waterman) paid off and ing another voyage to the Far East. security under Union contract. signed on again during . the last Fair . . . SAVANNAH: Slow . . . She's due back in New York period. In addition, Calmar pro­ Many of the wage gains of TAMPA: Fair ... MOBILE: Good after the European trip. vided three in-transit ships, the white collar workers in the 15- . . . NEW ORLEANS: Slowing up . Prediction Js 'Fair' Yorkmar, Calmar and Alamar, and year period, it was emphasized, . . . LAKE CHARLES: Fair . . . Shipping here, meanwhile, has Waterman sent in the Fairport and were given to them to match gains HOUSTON: Good . . . WILMING­ remained good and is predicted Wild Ranger.. There were no out hegotiated by unions representing TON: Fair . SAN FRANCISCO:' ^'fair''- for dhe-«ciHrrent period. Two iStaiiditigi.beef8':'on>..anyt<jd{ thfem.*- :.| tnanual< wQ|'kei'&-. •.Good:nr, . iSEATTLBjiCbod.' - ' 5 Far From Regular Run, Robin Hood Eyes Japan 1 4 .-f: i> t r a At yitf if!i tjut ft*-'''-. >: .s- �• M '• - isi HIM SEAFARERS tOC Pare Seven YOUR DOLLAR'S WORTH SKI Go's Seek 25 Reserve Ships Seafarer's Guide To Better Buying As Gov't Plans Huge Caigo Lift • »• By Sidney Margolius WASHINGTON—^Predictions of very h^yy ship movements of Government and private tonnage in the,next two years highlighted current Federal Maritime Board hearings on pro­ posals to break out Government reserve ships. The International Cooperation AdministraHow To Pick Auto Repair Shop tipn and the Department of-* Modern high-horsepower cars with automatic drives, multi-barrel carburetors and complex ignition systems are increasingly complicated Agriculture plan to ship over charter another 15 ships fo^ the connected with ICA are pending, to repair. They require- more expert service and their engines require 23 million tons of bulk com­ same reason. Syran estimated that including legislation which would, more sensitive adjustments, because of their close tolerance, than older modities in the coming year aione, a breakout of 30 Victoiys would be give SlU-contracted Pan Atlantic witnesses told, the board. SlU-con- a conservative figure. the use of 20 T-2 tankers for the cars needed. Applications for ICA ship break­ coastwise trade. Unless present-day cars do get expert care, some queer phenomena tracted companies have so far outs now total 75 vessels with the occur. In fact, one of the country's outstanding service experts tells asked for 25 ships. Coal Export Company Substantiating the need for addi­ following SIU companies seeking this department that nowadays a Adding to the prospect of a con­ given symptom may not be at all re tional tonnage. Colonel Arthur ships: Bull Steamship Company— tinued shipping boom is the for­ lated to the seemingly ailing cbm Syran, IGA Director of Transpor­ 10 Libertys or Victorys; Robin mation of a new corporation con­ tation, said that he had to waive Line—^five Victorys, and Marine ponent. sisting of several major coal com­ In modern cars, everything must the '^50-50" law and charter 11 Transport Line—10 Libertys or panies. the United Mine Workers runaway flag ships at exorbitant Victorys. Most of the other ton­ of America and major coal-carry­ synchronize. One component can throw others out. An automatic rates because no American-flag nage has been requested by West ing railroads. The new corpora­ transmission may fail to upshift ships were available. The Depart­ Coast companies. tion will seek to promote export of Other ship breakout requests not coal, which is expected to increase promptly because the motor itself ment of Agriculture has had to needs a tune-up. Or a car may creep, by 10 million tons this year over not because anything is wrong with 1955.. It has announced that it is the transmission, but because me in the market for ships to engage chanics sometime advance the idling in long-term coal carrying trade. speed to offset stalling caused by im­ The huge tonnage to be moved proper carburetor adjustment or by ICA and the Agriculture De­ faulty ignition. partment includes 6 million tons Not only arc cars more delicate of wheat, ricb and beans alone and precise, but they are driven un under the international wheat der increasingly harder conditions agreement and an additional 5.6 million tons under barter agree­ Nothing is as rough on a car as to ments. Cotton, coal, lumber, fer­ day's stop-and-go traffic conges tion. tilizer, sugar and steel scrap are For these reasons it's increasingly other heavy items. important to find a reliable' repair In face of these huge projected shop. Car owners not only can't repair their own cars any more but shipments, the Maritime Adminis­ they can't even take-a chance on relatively inexperienced repairmen tration revealed that US privatelyHere are tips developed with the aid of auto club and repair specialists owned dry cargo ships dropped that can help a cost-harrassed and repair-bedeviled car owner select from 627 to 615 in the year 1955. a competent service shop. Syran's testimony strongly un­ derscored the need for additional Does the shop use modem t^st equipment? The equipment a shop toifnage to keep cargoes out of the uses is one clue to its competence. A well-equipped shop these days hands of runaway-operators. He increasingly needs and should use volt meters, engine operation and reported foreign rates on coal had vacuum gauges, distributor gauges and fuel-mixture testers. increased 61 percent, and any­ Does the shop look well-organized? Mechanics themselves judge where from 42 to 88 percent on service shops by their appearance. Thej^ know that a clean, wellgrain. Foreign rates are now prac­ organized shop is better able to handle a car efficiently. Admittedly tically identical with .US rates, a dirty shop may have a top-notch mechanic. But the shop's appear­ which means a bonanza for taxance does often reflect the attitude of the owner and mechanics to­ free. low-wage runaway ships. wards your car. Does the mechanic diagnose carefully? A careful shop makes ade­ quate tests before it will say what the trouble is. A less-skilled or less careful serviceman is more apt-to give a flash diagnosis. For example, if the difficulty is insufficient power in a comparatively new engine, a careful mechanic will either use a dynamometer (which Regular membership meet­ Seafarer Frank Prezaiar of Jackson Heights, New York, glee­ simulates road conditions) or at least hand! instruments, and also roadings in SIU headquarters and fully shows $318 in vacation pay he received after IS months test the car. Or, before telling you you nepd a new battery, he'll not at all branches are held every aboard the Sandcaptain in Venezuela. Prezaiar and his wife only test the old one but also the generator and voltage regiUator. The second Wednesday night at plan a 28-day vacation trip by train to Montreal, Quebec, extra time he spends will often save you money in the long run. 7 PM. The schedule for the Lake Louise, California and the Middle West. He was chief next few meetings is as follows: Is the shop experienced in your make? An AAA mechanical special­ cook on the dredge. June 27, July 11, and July 25. ist advises that in these days of automatic transmissions and other power features it's especially desirable to use a trained specialist in your particular make or accessory. Is the shop unionized? As with other services, the special advan­ tage here is that since work conditions are more stabilized (the men have seniority and stay on the job) you are more likely to get highlyskilled personnel. Many union shops also have formal apprenticeship programs of four-year duration, plus additional training, which further assures car owners of skilled service. What do others think of the shop? Ask other owners about their experiences with local shops. Also note if the shop seems busy. A good shop is often a busy one. All those people can't be wrong. Does the shop use high-pressure? A scrupulous mechanic will advise you on your needs but won't high-pressure you, and often may advise that you don't need something you think you want. For example, he BOSTON — Unable to justify won't sell you a set of plugs merely because you've had yours in a certain number of miles, but will test them to make sure, and clean further maintenance costs for and regap the old ones if that is sufficient. flreboat that didn't fight any fires, Does the shop practice'preventive maintenance? A good shop tries Boston's Fire Department has sold to locate incipient troubles while still small. For example, it will try to kefp the body tight to avert costly future body and steering its lone flreboat, which has been gear repairs. It will check spark-plug gapping to make sure plugs standing by idle for two and a fire properly. It will hydrometer-test your battery periodically and half years. The flreboat was unceremoni­ recommend regular lubrication. A well-greased car not only mini­ ously towed away from the Com­ mizes chassis wear, but saves gas and wear on the engine wear because mercial Street dock she's called the chassis has less friction to overcome. A leading repair specialists tells this department that he finds a car home for several years and turned that is regularly serviced rarely needs as many or expensive repairs' over to a private company. She as the one that doesn't come into the shop until trouble shows up. had been carrying a crew of 12, including a captain and 11 men. It's simply true that grease is cheaper than metal. Shipping Doe To Rise Sometimes owners themselves abuse their cars. The most common abuses cited by service specialists are unnecessarily fast acceleration, For the moment shipping is which strains car components and Is especially damaging to automatic quieter than it has been in a long transmissions; habitually abrupt stops, which damage brake systems; time here, and should increase fast driving In cold weather before thb oil has a chance to warm up; soon. During the past two weeks turning the steering wheel while the car is standing still (assuming the Government Camp (Cities you don't have power steering), and Infrequent use of the ear. Cars Service) paid off and signed on Seafarer Roy Guild (right) and SEAFARERS LOG editor, used only on short trips build up carbon faster than those that oc­ again, and the Robin Doncaster Herb Brand, look at prize-winning poetry entry in LOG by casionally get a chance to warm up fully on a highway. Also, constant (Seas Shipping) and the Steel De­ Guild's mother, Mrs. E. A. King. Guild is holding SEAFARERS city stop-and-go driving is hard on cars and builds up carbon quickly. signer (Isthmian) stopped off in LOG award his mother-won in 1955 competition. Award it A car used mainly in city traffie should get a highway trip now and transit. ' None of them 'had aqy then to clean put the carbon and free the valves. major beefs. an engraved key. .1 .il: '••MA .M 1 •.•".i'f ! Ready For A First-CSass Vacation IVIeeting Night Every 2 Weeks Hub Peddles Flreboat— No Business Stands In For Mother On LOG Award • I J >I •• i 5; I �Wagm Elsht SEAFARERS LOG Jane 22, ISM .r \l i I -- ^ f: yi' Aboard the SlU-mcnned Del Sud, steward department crewmembers Woody Perkins, left, and George Riehm, at right, busy themselves during a recent trip to South America. Perkins is messman and Riehm is ship's linenkeeper. '%V- #• I. -1 ll •i i i i n i m lii| A trio of Seafarers aboard the Calmar Line intercoaster Pennmar grab a bit of air during trip from West Coast to East Coast. Men are (I to r) O'Neil, ABr Don Wagner, OS, and Harold Riggs, AB. Photo was sent to LOG by bosun L. Collins. i Completion of a job well done brings smiles to face of ship's delegate J. Deeds at left. Ship was the Albion, now transferred foreign. At right, R. H. Reynolds, OS aboard the Marore, shows beard to camera of crewmember J. E. Carender. Meering chairman and meeting secretary get ready for ship's meeting aboard the SS Arapahoe. Left is chief cook Bob McCulloch, chairman, reading report on SlU's campaign to save "50-50." Secretary is Red Barron, bojyn. SS Rayvah crewmen display barracuda hooked near Rio. Men are (I to r), M. Spurgeon, wiper; R. McCutcheon, AB; W. Zojono, MM; Ed Lynch, OS; E. Woods, DM, and L. Ghezzo bosun. , , Crevvmembers listen intently as report is mode to crew during course of ship's meefing. Actual irieeting took place during March. Photographs were taken by Qfewrnember E Rbgg on-the Arapqhoe; �Joiw n, 1956 SEAFARERS LOG Par* NIB* Baltimore SiU Jobs Top '54 Mark BALTIMORE—SIU shipping snowballed here during the last two weeks to reach the highest point in almost two> and a half years. Taken together, the deep-sea jobs and standby jobs combined to- out-distance even that high figure, which was set-* ^ • — back in January, 1954. All told, 299 lobs jobs were snipped This Sea Lawyer Is Genuine Article during the busy period, including a dozen standbys. The 1954 high mark was 296 jobs. Port Agent Earl Sheppard said that "from all appearances, this Seafarers aboard ship will have available in their crew high level of activity will stay on for some time to come." Shipping the services of an authentic "sea lawyer" when Douglas fj^kt many similar slogans "fair trade"law in this area has been good for O'Neill, AB, grabs his next SIU ship. Recently discharged means the opposite. "Fair trade" is a re* months, and has been over the from the US Air Force,. • qoirement by a manufacturer that all deal­ 200-job mark since mid-April. ers must charge you the same price every­ O'Neill intends to ship for a where for his product. Any dealer who sells Can Get Out Fast year or two before settling the item at a lower price can be cut oft As a result, Sheppard again down to the practice of law either from his supply .and hauled into courr urged class A and class B men in in San Francisco or his native St. under laws business firms have pushed other ports where shipping is a Louis. through many state legislatures. little slow to make the trip here O'Neill, who is 28, has been "where they can get out as fast as shipping on and off with the SIU they please." He noted a port since back in 1947. His earnings record of 68 class C men shipped as a Seafarer financed eight years in two weeks, because of the lack of college and law school studies nerican unions have challenged these of available class A and B men. which he jammed into a smaller totally unfair laws and have already suc­ This is more than the entire A&G period by attending day and night ceeded in have them declared unconsti­ District has shipped from class C school together during one period. tutional in' many states, thus giving you on several occasions. more value for your money and restoring He got his law degree in-Septem­ a semblance of competition to "business. He reminded Seafarers who ber, 1953. have sailed Ore and Calmar ships Air Force Advisor recently that some items of dis­ Six months later he was in the SfiAPARERS i-OG puted overtime, such as beefs over callbacks, penalty breakfast hours Air Force at Forbes Air Force for the 4-8 watch, lookouts break­ Base in Kansas, where he was legal ing cement in anchor pipes and advisor to 3,500 men. He also got disputes over jurisdiction in pump- married, in the process, to an room and fanroom spaces can now Army nurse who is still in service, be collected from the companies "which makes me a servicewoman's directly. A few other items still dependent." Pending his wife's discharge, - , r. i .-MM -II pending are now in the process of O'Neill will get in some seatime. Seafarer Douglas O Neil! being cleared up, he added. After a four-month strike, the ers Union were involved. Average During the past two-week pe­ probably out of New Orleans. International Association ^of Ma­ wages at the plant are now $2.15 riod, 16 ships paid off, 9 signed on chinists has won a 17^-cent wage an hour. and 15 called in transit. All beefs package for 11,000 members em­ 4/ 4 4 Were settled to the satisfaction of ployed by Republic Aviation. The Paper mill workers in the North­ the SIU crews involved. contract covers two ^ Long Island, west have won a six percent in­ Brother Earl Laws, chief electri­ New York, plants and covers a twoyear period. It includes additional crease amounting to an average of cian, paid off the Steel Recorder better than 12 cents an hour, plus (Isthmian) here and was on hand vacation and welfare benefits. another five cents for journeymen for the last membership meeting. t t t mechanics. About 19,000 workers The biggest drive eter attempted are covered in the Pulp and Sul­ One of four Seafarers to win a in the non-union southern textile phite and Paper Makers unions. $6,000 SIU scholarship award, he field is being opened by the Textile The two unions negotiated jointly. was cheered on his success and perserverance. The deaths of the following Sea­ Workers Union. Target of the MOBILE—Seafarers sailing on farers have been reported to the drive is Burlington Industries Inc., Waterman and Pan-Atlantic ships Seafarers V/elfare Plan and the one of the country's largest textile SIU death benefit is being paid are invited to participate in an firms and operator of 99 mills employee stock purchase plan to their beneficiaries: throughout the country. There are which is being set up by McLean 62 mills in Virginia and North Eugent T. Nelson, 45: Brother Industries, Inc., the parent com­ Carolina alone,' with the union Nelson died of a cerebral hemor­ pany of the Waterman ship and presently organizing actively at 25 For some time now the ^Union's Orleans. A total of $227 was raised rhage on May 3, 1956. Brother Nel­ shoreside operations. The plan of these. It reports several thou­ V/elfare Services Department has in two tarpaulin musters for the son had been sailing as a chief provides for an allotment system sand pledge cards to date. been asking crewmembers to no­ injured crewmembers. Wesley A. electrician aboard.SIU ships since whereby crewmembers can make tify headquarters whenever an Palmer is the ship's delegate 4 4" 4" 1946. He joined the Union in the regular deposits at the Merchant's A Job security dispute between SIU man is sick or becomes in­ Port of New York. He is sur­ National Bank of Mobile. The 4 4 4 the American Guild of Musical jured aboard ship. That was just Pitching in at the May 31 mem­ vived by his brother, Lewis E. Nel­ bank, in turn, will purchase the Artists and the Metropolitan Opera what Dave Furman, secretary-re­ bership meetings in the various son, of Brooklyn, NY. stock each month in large quanti­ Association has been settled with porter on the Ocean Ulla, did when ports were a number of rank and ties and allot it to the individuals. 4 4. 4 agreement on a new two-year con­ one crewmember had to be hospi­ file Seafarers who were elected to Fred L. Pittman, 51: A resident The advantage of the system tract. The association had threat­ talized in Bremen. meeting posts. Up in the Beantown of Baltimore, over regular stock purchases by ened to cancel the next season's 0. MacQueen and W. Whitford Maryland, Sea­ 4 4 4 individuals is that the brokerage presentations of the world-famed Aboard the were on the platform; E. Degen in farer Fred Pittcommission charges are lower on opera company prior to the settle­ Alcoa Runner Houston; H. Knowles and J. Bucci man, died of a bulk purchases. It also provides ment. both the deck in San Francisco and J. McElroy in kidney ailment for systematic savings by the in­ gang and the Wilmington. Other Seafarers in on May 6, 1956, ft 4 4" dividuals involved. The company An agreement on arbitration has steward depart­ meeting jobs were Roy Lundquist, in the USPHS does not participate financially in ended a six-week strike against two ment seem to Hospital in Bal­ Baltimore; Ben the program, which is purely vol­ Northern New Jersey bus lines. have enjoyed a Grice, Lake timore. Place of untary. Lodge 329, Brotherhood of Railway smooth running burial is not Charles and J. Stock Allotments Trainmen, had demanded 16 cent operation with Thomas and S. B. known. He Seafarers sailing on intercoastal hourly increases, vacation improve­ the crew voting joined the Union in Norfolk in Sikes in Seattle. and deep sea runs can participate ments, four new paid holidays and their thanks and 1939 and sailed in the steward de­ Palmer 4 4 4 other gains. The Rockland Coaches appreciation t o There should partment. His beneficiary is a by signing an Agreement of Par­ and Hill Bus Compahy were in­ bosun Zenon Rivera and steward be a well - in­ friend, Julius Kukolove, of Balti­ ticipation and have allotments de­ posited "monthly to the Stock Pur­ volved in the tie-up. A. W. Wasiluk for doing an out­ formed gang of more, Maryland. standing job. chase account the same as family Seafarers aboard 4" 4 4 4 4 4 allotments. state restrictions on picketing John F. Monteverde, 58: On May 4 4 4 the Del O r o MacQueen On coastwise and Puerto Rican Among good feeders Is the by the United Automobile Workers (Mississippi) with 14, 1956 Brother Monteverde died against the Kohler Company were SS Oremar (Ore) which has been ship's delegate Paul Whitlow mak­ in St. Josephs Hospital in Savan­ vessels the Seafarer would have to upheld by a six to three vote of doing "such a fine job" of prepar­ ing sure everybody is up to date. nah, Georgia. Brother Monteverde notify the skipper in advance of the US Supreme Court. The UAW ing and serving meals, and also Ill addition to reporting on ship­ was a charter member of the Un­ the payoff how much is to be de­ has been on strike against Kohler, there's compliments to Harry board matters. Whitlow also gave ion, joining in New York, and he ducted from wages at the end of plumbing appliance manufacturers, Southern for his baking on the the crew a run-down on the latest had been sailing in the deck de­ each voyage. for the past two years. Tlie ruling SS Young America. These are developments in the Union, McLean Industries common partment. He is survived by his allows a state agency to intervene just a few of the mentions of good wife, Florence Monteverde, of Sav­ stock is now selling at $7 to $7.50 4 4 4 in a matter pending before the Na­ feeding on SIU ships to come a share and is not currently pay­ Everybody is probably ship­ annah, Ga. tional Labor Relations Board. It across the desk recently. ing dividends. Preferred stock shape when they go ashore from 4 4 4 was criticized on this basis by the the SS Royal Oak these days—not Eugenic P. Lucero, 51: A stom­ goes for $42.50 to $43.50 a share •4 4 4 three dissenting jurists. Traditional seafaring generosity a wrinkle anywhere. The spic and ach ailment was the case of Broth­ and presently pays 75 cents a v;as the story aboard'^ the Alcoa span appearance is due in part to er Lucero's death on December quarter or $3 a year, amounting to 4 4 4 A week-long strike at three Corsair when two of the crew- Brother Theodore Jones who vol­ 21, 1955, in Kobe, Japan. Brother close to a seven percent return on plants of the Worthington Corp. in members had to be hospitalized, unteered to go ashore and buy an Lucero had been sailing in the the investment. Full information New Jersey ended in a 14-cent one man being flown home from iron."" From there it's up to the steward department. He is sur­ on the plan can be had aboard package settlement. About 2,000 La Guaria, Venezuela, and the brothers to put a neat crease in vived by his brother, Gregorio Lu­ any Waterman or Pan Atlantic members of the United Steelwork- other being left behind in New the trbiisers. ship. cero of Cavit'e, PI. •••• i I •if\ •: lABOR ROUND-UP You Wanna Be(X)nie A Shipowner? SEATARERS IN ACTION -•^1 I �* SEAFARERS Pace Ten Two Tampa Seamen Get Disability $ I ifi f.Vf 11 ir 1??It-j; jf-. LOG MEET THE SEAFARERS • ^ ••--.i-!- - "Wl June 22. IIM eciAN JOYCI (OcMn Trant.), May 17—Chairman, John Calhounf Soerotary, R. Htrnandai. Haadquartera fo be notUted of captain's faUure to ob­ tain hoipital slips when ship com* pleted last voyage: also his practice of calling a doctor to ship and asking exhorbltant fees of crcwmembers; his refusal to give additional medical at­ tention to crewmember. C^Uectlon made to send brother to private doc­ tor to determine fitness for duty. and manning scale. Delegate to draw up detailed work schedule for 3 mesomen to oquallxa work. FORT HOSKINS (Cities Service), May 24—Chairman, none; Secretary, H. Westphsll. Discussion on transpor­ Ofi$ Townsend. AB Donald H. Collins. Pumpman tation from dock to town, one round trip free a day for each man. More Scranton, Kansas, about 75 miles They make seagoing life sound equal wages for whole crew. Suggest west-south-west of Kansas City, is full of adventure in the magazine raising messmen, wiper, OS wages $75.00 per month. just about the furthest distance stories, but it must seem placid to from an ocean you could find any­ Seafarer Otis Townsend, after his LAWRINCR VICTORY (Mississippi), ROYAL OAK (Cities Service), Jday May 13—Chairman, Herbert LIbby; 10—Chairman, James Phillips; Secre­ where in the United States. But World War II experiences. Secretary, S. Rivera. All repairs made. tary, D. Beard., Crew's quarters being H. Collins made the jump He started off in 1941, at the age One man missed ship at New Orleans. painted. Radio repaired. Ship's fund TAMPA — Seafarers here Donald Discussion on varloua mailers fur $41.71. New ship's delegate eiectea. to the seashore when he was 17 of, 15, when he enlisted in the crew welfare. More cooperation urged between cheered the news last week and now, at 28, rates as an SIU Army and spent a year in service messmen. Mosquito lotion supplied that'two more veteran SIU veteran. ROBIN TRBNT (Seas Shipping), by mate. Radios to be tuned low. until his age was discovered. Then March 4—Chairman, James Corcoran; men from this area have just Collins went to US Maritime he-turned around and joined the Secretary, W. Walsh. Foc'sles and JEFFERSON CITY VICTORY (Vic­ qualified for the SIU disability Training School in 1945 and at the Navy as soon as he was of age. tory Carriers), May 20—Chairman, J, H. Smith; Secretary, R. W. Elliott. benefit roster. age of 17 shipped He and an older brother both were j Supplies needed for slopchest. Patrol­ The announcement followed the out as an oiler on man to find out about draws in for­ aboard the cruiser Nashville dur-1 eign ports. start of monthly $150 benefit pay­ the Isthmian ing the terrible sea battles prior to ments to oldtimer-Seafarers How- ship SS Edmund YAKA (Waterman), May 22—Chair­ the invasion of the Philippines. The j man, F. McCall; Secretary, C. Oullet. Fanning. He Nashville' was Ship's fund $24.12. New ship's dele­ found himself gate elected. Man suspected of rob­ singled out bery taken oR ship. as a- target for right in the mid­ Japanese Kami­ dle of-the SIU STEEL RECORDER (Isthmian), May 23—Chairman, J. Morrison; Secretary, kaze planes, and organizing drive J. Wise. Delegate to ask patrolman suffered and joined the on verbal agreement from topside re­ garding beefs. Engine foc'sles and hundreds of cas­ Union then and messroom to be painted. Verbal ualties with over there. agreement on awning. All union books to be turned In upon arrival He took part in the 1946 Gen­ 100 dead. Townto speed up payoff. Discussion on eral Strike while in New York and send's brother bunk lights. has been sailing SIU down to the was killed and he Delgado Parker passageways to be painted. Ship's STEEL AGE (Isthmian), May 2S— present with the exception of a himself suffered burns and shrap­ fund to be established. Proper dis­ Chairman, none; Secretary, none. posal of trash and garbage imged. Communications read and accepted. ard C. Parker, 59, and Frank G. three year hitch in service during nel injuries. Houra for using washing machine to Delgado, 64, after they were pro­ the Korean war. When the war ended, he spent a be limited. CECIL N. BEAN (Drytrans), May 24 nounced unfit for duty. Both men —Chairman, E. Savols; Secretary, P. Collins was in a paratroop unit, few months at home in Salisbury, STEEL FLYER (Isthmian), May 20— Jakubcsak. Ship's fund S33.00. Re­ had been sailing SIU ships since and before his time was up had on Maryland's eastern shore and Chairman, E. Parr; Secretary, E. Saul. pair list turned in. Men getting off the earliest days of the Union and made a total of 24 jumps, all of then started shipping oat of Bal­ Repair list to be submitted to patrol­ asked to clean up their quarters. man. Keys to be obtained for bath­ had been going to sea almost 20 them in practice arodnd Fort timore with the SIU. Since then room and showers. Ship's fund, $142. SHINNECOCK BAY (Veritas), May years, said Tom Banning, SIU port Bragg, North Carolina. The unit he has sailed steadily out of New 13 hours disputed overtime. Need men 12—Chairman, H. Parks; Secretary, A. to work on Sunday In port preparing Bryant. Captain will not sell crew agent. never did get shipped overseas for Orleans, Norfolk and the Bay City, hatches for sugar. Racks to be put up' playing cards. Also will not pay for for condiments In messhall. Delgado completed his last trip active service. The first couple of mostly from the latter. any chits signed by crew while ashore in Alexandria. Egypt. A«h trays and only last February, when he paid jumps were exciting, he said, but His usual shipping pattern is to ALCOA CAVALIER (Alcoa), May IS bathroom to be kept clean at all —Chairman, E, Moyd; Secretary, Les­ times. off as a firemen on the Chickasaw after a while the strain became grab a couple of long runs through lie Gulilot. Fruit being put out too (Pan Atlantic) and returned to his considerable on most men. . the fall and winter months and late in voyage. Beefs to be taken up SEATRAIN NEW JERSEY (SeeTampa home. Parker made his in Port of Mobile. Two men getting train), May 27—Chairman, P. ScrogAlthough he has all engine room then when warm weather comes, off ship. Sins; Secretary, P. Patrick. Union final trip on the SS Florida in ratings except electrician, Collins go home to Salisbury and spend communicatiorf read and discussed. September just before she was prefers to sail pumpman and will his spare time fishing, crabbing or STEEL AGE (Isthmian), May ItChairman, R. SImpkifis; Secretary, TOPA TOPA (Waterman), May Sitransferred foreign. He is a veteran take the coastwise tankers over clam-digging. The long four to William Sharp. New washiqg machine Chairman, T. Hill; Secretary, T. P. member of the deck department, other ships. He finds there is five month round - the - world placed aboard. All disputed oertime Greaney. Contacted patrolman In from last trip paid. Repair list not New Orleans about . windscoops and and makes his home in Hialeah, usually more money in this kincKof trips are his dish because they give completed. Patrolman to check on screens. Communications from head­ Fla. Both men were added to the run. Besides, he says, coastwise him enough of a payoff for a this. Ship's fund, $3.00. New deck quarters read and accepted. New delegate and steward delegate elected. ship's de'.egate and deck delegate disability benefits' list by action of ships have one big advantage—the couple of months' leisure on the Third mate to furnish movie machine elected. Suggestion made that plat­ SIU Welfare Plan trustees at their beefs never have a chance to grow beach. and crew agreed to pay $10. each to form be built on end of lifeboat. cover expenses for films. meeting in New York earlier this to major proportions because there Townsend confesses there's "still DOROTHY (Bull), May 21—Ohalrmonth. Three union and three is always a patrolman available in a little of the tourist in me" and a OCEAN EVA (Maritime Overseas)^ . man, J. Macdonald; -Secretary, J. W. May 13—Chairman, A. Howse; Secre­ company representatives are trus­ a day or two. Barnes. One oiler paid off In San lot of places I haven't been to yet,' tary, Adolph Capote. Drinking and Juan and flew to US due to his tees for the plan. performing on board will not be tol­ broken hand. Two stowaways found Collins now lives in Charlotte, another reason for grabbing the erated. Ship's fund. $20.00, Headquar­ on deck one day after leaving San Others On List North Carolina, which he describes offshore jobs. ters reports accepted. Suggestion that Juan. Union communications accepted. crew clean up mess after using wash­ Pantryman not using hot water for But the big advantage of sailing Several other oldtime Seafarers as "a nice town, but badly in need ing machine. dishes. Discussed repair list. Water in this area are also receiving SIU of unionization." He is mar­ SIU, he finds, is the ability to cooler to be fixed. Wiper not turn­ SEAGARDEM (Penlntuler), May If— ing wind shutes for port holes. Stew­ disability benefits regularly and ried and recently bought a home come and go as he pleases and Chairman, C. KempcskI; Secretary J. ard requested linen to be turned in have been on the inactive list for there for his family which he is to take time off when he wants it A. Proulx. All logs lifted with excep­ on linen day. tion of third cook. Few hours dis­ some time. paying for with his earnings as a and then to throw in for the run puted overtime. Need new additional VAL CHEM (Valentine- Tankers), and the job he has a fancy for. They and the brothers on the Seafarer. fans. Need more ashtrays. All tanks May 4—Chairman, J. B. Gunter. TV not to be cemented in foreign ports set to remain on board. Ship's fund beach are finding themselves in the at one time. Crew to keep feet off $28.30. Bosun fired. middle of a hot, dry spell which is chairs. drying up many of the lakes in the ALMENA (Pan Atlantic), May 27—. DEL VALLE (Mississippi), May 22 Chairman, C. M. Cain; Secretary, H. area. You can't take this Tampa —Chairman and Secretary net given. Elide. One man missed ship in Letter to Senator Long regarding Houston. Ship's fund S13.30. weather too lightly. Banning com­ duty-free customs allowance on sou­ mented. venirs purchased abroad. OCEAN ULLA (Maritime Overseas), May 20—Chairman, A. Lutay; Secre­ Shipping ran a little better than ROBIN GRAY (Seas Shipping), May tary, D. Furman. Letter written to usual during the past two weeks 13—Chairman, J. Mullar; Secretary, SIU Welfare Services regarding J. Watson. Discussion on mattresses brother being sent to hospital in Bre­ when the Chickasaw and three and cold drinks. Too much noise in men. Germany. Secure list of all re­ other in-transit ships each took a passageways. Suggestion to start pairs from each department. Washing WASHINGTON—Following its referral to the full House ship's fund. Toilets to be fixed. machine bought by member of crew few replacements from the hall. Committee for action this week hope brightened for passage Shortage of lulcet and canned fruit. does not belong to company. Some There were no payoffs or sign-ins of legislation authorizing the SlU-contracted Pan-Atlantic quarters painted. Engine and steward GENftvTEVE PETERKIN (Bloom- departments need sougeeing. during the two-week period. fleld). May 20 — Chairman, Casey The Fairisle, and Iberville (Pan Steamship Corp. to charter 20 Jonas; Secretary, H. Sullivan. Ship's GOVERNMENT CAMP (Citlci Serv­ fund S25.0O. Few houra disputed ice), May 27—Chairman, E. W. WashAtlantic) and the Alcoa Partner Government - owned tankers of Congress, the bill has to clear overtime. New ship's delegate elected. both the full House and the Senate. Ins; Secretary, J. N. Atchison. Fruits (Alcoa) were the other in-transit for its "piggyback" coastwise Linen to be changed on Friday in­ promised by steward as soon as avail­ Under the measure, Pan-Atlantic stead of Wednesday. Ladder sltould able. Non-availabiiity of launch serv­ vessels in port. All of them were cargo service. be Installed outside smoke stack for ice in Lake Charles reported. Ship's clean. Introduced late in this session would contract to build one new •afety reasons. Repair list to be fund $12.39. Ship's treasurer elected. 18-knot, 32,000-ton supertanker for turned into delegate each week. Top­ every two tankers it charters from side washing machine to be used be­ TROJAN TRADER (Traders), May S cause laundry is being chipped and —Chairman, Ray Hodges; Secretary, the Government. It would also painted out. Suggestion that number Leroy D. Plarson. Malaria reported have the right to trade in C-2 dry of each man's fire and boat drill sta­ in Chlttagong. Repair li.st repaired. tion be stenciled over his bunk. Cleanser to be left In laundry. Turn cargo ships as part payment on In all e.xtra linen. the new tonnage. STEEL NAVIGATOR (Isthmian), May 13—Chairman, J. Barrlnger; Secre­ IBERVILLE (Fan Atlantic), June 3— At the same tlme^ the Navy is tary, A. Hitas. New ahlp's delegate Chairman, P. Valentine; Secretery, L, A training and recreation center Active in formation of Maritime due to take over 10 of the 20 elected. Fresh watey to be conserved Strickland. Ship's fund S29..34, New for the Marine Cooks and Stewards Trades Councils in Canadian ports, tankers requested by Pan-Atlantic otherwise will have to be rationed. delegate elected. Bulletin read and Clothes not to bo hung In fidley. accepted. Delegate to be rotated each Union will go under construction the SIU Canadian District reports for Military Sea Transportation Washing machine to be cleaned after trip. First deck, then steward and soon at a 400 acre ranch in north­ another council established in Service use in the current tight using. then engine department. ern California. The main building Thorold on the Lakes, with unions ship market. However, the Navy BENTS FORT (CItlat Service), May BRADFORD ISLAND (Cities Ssrvwill house a training center for directly and indirectly participat­ has said the ships would . be re­ 24—Chairman, Thaadara Waamt; Sec­ Ice), May 2$—Chairman, F. Flihar; retary, Jack Raynelds. Repair list Sacratary, M. Hitchcock. Cots to be cooks, bakers, butchers and other ing iri'shipping joining up. A coun­ tired again when privately-oper­ and safety list drawn up. Cigarettes taken off deck at night. Messman to crafts. Cabins will be built for cil had previously been formed in ated tankers are available "at rea­ to be kept off boat deck. Classes and be given enough time to set up tables. spoons to be kept clean. vacation purposes for MCS mem­ Vancouver, British Columbia. Messroom to be left clbaner at night. sonable rates." Variety of fresh fruits requested. bers and their families. MAE (Bull), May 24—Chairman, CyThe new Pan-Atlantic service rla Waganfar; Secretary, Emmarick. Tentative eligibility rules have uses two T-2 tankers fitted with F^BINS (Cabin Tanktr), May Screens ordered. Ship's fund $37.25. J?~5 ilL"'-""' l" . t it Secretary, been set up by the Staff Officers special platform decks to carry 58 Air condttlonlpg requested. M. O. Ohstrom. Reports from head­ A manning scale for the pas­ Association for a pension plan to fully-loaded truck trailers between quarters read and accepted. Ship's ROYAL OAK (CItlat Service), May delegate, treasurer, and sec'y-reporter senger ship LaGuardia has been cover its membership. The Staff New York and Houston. The ships 24—Chairman, D. Sheehan; Secretary, elected. Discussion on welfare per­ negotiated by the Sailors Union of officers, representing pursers on carry both oil cargoes and trailers 'D. Beard. Ship's fund $34.71. One taining to benefits to family other man left ship In Lake Charle.s without than wife and children. the Pacific calling for 40 men in American flag ships, have also northbound, and return with trail­ 24 hours notice. New ship's treasurer the deck department. The La­ opened their contract with the ers only southbound. A third ship and delegate elected. All shipping STEEL. MAKER (isthmian). May 27 to be ehacked. Discussion on 60 —Chairman, E. Blst; Secretary. O. Guardia will be converted for serv­ American Merchant Marine Asso­ is due to be added to the servic? cards day rule. Iron tfc be purchaaed. Fielding. Ship's fund $17.50. Hospital ice in the San Francisco to Hawaii ciation for a review on.wages and next month. Service between other, Steward refuses to recognize working rules as they are cargo ships rules deck. Repair list made up. trade. joveryme. I ' porti is also plapned. Early House Vote Seen On PA 20-Tanker Bill AMONG OlIR ATFIlIAffi !&• a.-. 1 • 4 �vS''ii-"- Jpne 22, 1956 SEAFARERS Pare Elerai LOG Atomic Cargo Ship Voted By US Senate TO SHIPS IN ATUNTiC * SOUTH AMERICAN • EUROPEAN WATERS i 4'!; WASHINGTON — Backers of a commercial-type atompowered merchant ship won a major Senate victory when that body voted to construct a $37 million prototype vessel. A similar bill was voted by the House of Representatives mum amounts of time at sea." Such a ship would be a large oil last July. THE riRST DIRECT VOICE BROADCAST TO SHIPS' CREWS The Senate action Is in line with the thinking of maritime unions and the industry Who want to go ahead with development of proto­ types for commercially - useful ships. The Administration had been supporting a proposal for an atom-powered "peace ship" which would have been a floating show­ case of atomic energy exhibits and would have used an old Nautilustype reactor. Maritime interests and the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy in Congress had argued that the "peace ship" would only delay de­ velopment of useful atom -ship plants. The vote came after hearings revealed sharp disagreement be­ tween the Administration and members of the Senate on which type of ship to build. However, it was generally agreed that the US must be the first to build an atompowered merchant ship. Strong support for the commer­ cial atomic ship came from Sen­ ator Clinton P. Anderson, New Mexico, who is*chairman of the Joint Committee on Atomic En­ ergy. Anderson called for design and construction of a true mer­ chant ship and opposed t'le "show­ boat" idea . of the Administration because it would only serve adver­ tising purposes. Admittedly the "showboat" would not represent any advance in nu­ clear power plants. Tanker 'Logical First' Anderson suggested that "the proper design and construction of a - nuclear-propelled oil tanker would seem to be the logical first step." He quoted a report de­ livered to his committee which em­ phasized that atomic propulsion had the best chance of competing in the form of "large, high-pow­ ered ships which carry heavy bulk cargoes . . . and spend the maxi- iVERY SUNDAY • 1620 OMf Voice of the AtTP Wn-39,19150 KCi Shtpi In Coribbton, Eoit Cooit of South America, South Atlantic ond Eoit Cooil ol United Stotei. WFL-65, 15850 KCt Shipt In Gulf of Mex.Ico, Corlbbeon, West Copit of South Amer­ ica, West Coast of Mexico and US East .Coost WFK-95.15700 XCl Ships In Medlterranebn area. North Atlantic, European end US East Coost, UP-TO-THE-MINUTE UNION AND MARITIME NEWS OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO YOUl BROUGHT TO YOU BY. THE DEEP SEA UNIONS OF THE MARirflME TRADES DEPARTMENT SIU-A&G DISTRICT • SUP • MFOW • MCS • ROU • MM&P • BME • SlU-CANADIAN DISTRICT EVERY SUNDAY, 1915 (2:15 PM EST Sunday) Europe and North America WCO-13020 KCs East Coast South America WCO-16908.8 KCs West Coast South America WCO-22407 KCs h>nwnAY MIR rkTl . EVERY MONDAY^, 03IS GMT • I (10:15 PM EST Sunday) | I Australia WMM 25-15607 KCs • " I Northwest Pacific WMM 81-11037.5 ^ | f I X Low-Pay Tugs Lack Safety Too MOBILE—Unorganized Gulf tugboatmen need union representation not only to protect them from unscrupulous operators but also to assure that the boats are manned by qualified officers, SIU Port Agent Cal Tanner declared this week. Tanner made his statement"* to a boat was employment in a in commenting on the course shipyard some time before. of a Coast Guard investigation The mate on the tug had been Into a collision between the tug G & H and the SlU-manned freighter Claiborne in the Mobile Ship Channel. Mate Didn't Know Rules Testimony at the hearings re­ vealed that the tug was on the wrong side of the channel, and that the mate at the wheel of the tug had no experience, did not know which side of the channel he should navigate and also did npt know any of the rules of the road. There were no injuries caused by the mishap, but the daniage to both vessels was considerable. Appearing at the Coast Guard hearings here, the mate admitted he had no experience in the ac­ tual operation of ,a tugboat and, ifti fact, hadn't been on a boat for atout ten 'years.' .Effs^clpsesti link required to pull six-hour shifts at the wheel, to relieve the tug's cap­ tain, Fred J. Schmidt of Harvey, La. The tug was enroute to New Orleans pushing a barge loaded with bauxite when the collision with the Claiborne occurred. The SIU ship was moving up the chan­ nel on the return-trip from Puerto Rico. A proper solution to the safety problems as well as relief from unduly long watches would be for the men to organize. "A union would see to it that qualified nien are placed in responsible positions. This would benefit the companies as well as the tug personnel." SIU shipping, at the same time, took a welcome turn for the better and again edged oyer the 100-job mark. A total of 128 regular jobs wert shipped, and tlje fpture .also lodikjsi.gQodi -• Lake Chas. Biz Runs Smoothly LAKE CHARLES—^Aside from a dispute between the bosun and the mate on the Cecil N. Bean (Drytrans) which was squared away to everyone's satisfaction, the business of this port Is moving along smoothly. The beef was handled by SIU Port Agent Leroy Clarke in Port Arthur, Texas, where the ship paid a short visit. All of the other ships were in fair shape. Shipping has fallen off some­ what but is due to pick up again soon. Seven Cities Service tankers plus the Val Chem (Valentine), in Port Neches, Texas, and the Cecil Bean were serviced during the past 'jt!;!ivd''Weeks'. 'X-)t « ."'"V HotShipping Old Tale In 'Frisco Hall SAN FRANCISCO — Shipping ran just ahead of registration in this area during the past two weeks, as the shortage in deck and engine department ratings con­ tinued. The only department not enjoy­ ing any real prosperity here is the steward department. Fort Agent Leon Johnson declared. All other ratings are in short supply, he added, and are welcome any time. The forecast is for more good shipping in the future. Job Activity Good Two payoffs and three sign-ons joined with four in-transit ships to keep job activity at a good pace. All of them took a fair share of men off the bea%h. On the payoff roster were the Ocean Dinny (Ocean Trans) and the Wild Ranger (Waterman), both of which signed on again. The Wacosta (Waterman) also signed for another trip. In transit were the George A. Lawson, Celestial (Pan Oceanic), Alamar (Calmar) and Steel Artisan (Isthmian). All the ships fh port in "^^ibod"Shape. " tanker or bulk ore carrier. The report estimated that elimi­ nation of fuel oil requirements on a 20,000-ton tanker would lead to additional revenue of $1 miUion a year. The "showboat" proposal was ad­ vanced by administration spokes­ men, including Lewis Strauss, chair­ man of the Atomic Energy Com­ mission, and Admiral H. G. Rickover, who supervised construction of the Nautilus. They, argued that. use of the admittedly-outdated Nau- tilus reactor was the best and fastest way of getting a nuclear merchant ship afloat. The ship would be used as a floating showcase to advertise peaceful application of atomic en­ ergy. Asks US Aid On $50-Fare Liner WASHINGTON—An application has been filed with the Federal Maritime Board seeking Govern­ ment assistance for construction of two 6,000-passenger low-cost trans­ atlantic liners. The ships would be buUt and operated by a corpora­ tion headed by H. B. Cantor, presi­ dent of the Carter Hotel chain. Each ship would carry a crew of 1,350. The application seeks construc­ tion aid and mortgage guarantees, but does not ask for operating sub­ sidies. The ships would be oper­ ated Pullman-style, with passen­ gers paying $50 for berths from New York to Zeebrugge, Belgium, and buying food and other services from concessionaires aboard the vessels. Plans for this service were first outlined by Cantor at the last SIU of NA convention in Montreal. Originally they called for a 10,000 passenger vessel but were scaled down to reduce construction costs and improve chances of approval. ^ A/OYV IN SOTH ^AitiMoee- �Coffeetime On Alcoa Polaris i s ii """-""••"••ei LOG-A'RHYTHM: Why? i H iI ill lill piiiiiitit By Harry Wolowitz Why is this world so divided. Divided in troubles and joys; Some children haven't a plaything. While others have too many toys. Why should one man's daughter Trod the happy road, While another superior in beauty Must carry the scarlet load. Why are some born with a golden spoon While others ne'er see any gold Why should a few lead a happy life While others grow lonely and old. Stumbles In Reverse Race, Just Misses Those who- have been hold­ ing their breath and specu­ lating on the outcome of an offbeat footrace staged on the Steel Designer in Manila some time ago can relax now. The results arrived simultane­ ously with the ship, which paid off In New York last week. The race was held on arrival in the Philip­ pines, following the advance no­ tices in the LOG on April 27. It appears that the forward footwork of reefer Harold Eddy In the 100-yard distance proved a match for "backtracking" Sam White, messman, who tried to beat Eddy going 75 yards in reverse. Ship's reporter Herman Rogge called it "a close race." White was actually leading for a while, but stumbled and couldn't recover in time. Aside from this contest, the rest of the four-month voy­ age seems to Oliver have been un­ eventful. T. F. Oliver, ship's dele­ gate, said the trip ran smoothly all the way, with no beefs or up­ sets. He hailed the efforts of the delegates—J. Cheshire, Joe Falasca and Pete Suarez, representing the deck, engine and steward depart­ ments, respectively, for keeping things on an even keel. Rogge, in turn, added that the steward department did "a splendid job." He said the De­ signer is "one of the best feeders" and substantiated this with the ob­ servation that most of the crewmembers gained weight. "In fact, even the passengers said the food was better than on many of the regular passenger ships they had been on," he noted. Eric Klingvall was the steward. Cornered In the messhall during coffeetime, SlU crewmen on the Alcoa Po­ laris cast a collective wary eye on a shipboard lensman. Pictured (I to r) are bosun Earl Di Angelo, "Flash" Serdonr "Smolcey" Owens, "Sleepy" Baxter and George Forrest. Al­ though he tagged almost everybody else with a nick­ name, the photog gave no hint at all who he was. Some are like wrecks on the ocean, Drifting they never know where; Others are safe in their lifeboats. With never a trouble or care. Why should some die of hunger While others eat peaches and cream. Eat high off the hog— The fat of the land. While to others it's only a dream. Yes, if some wise man- could tell me If some sage could open my eyes. And answer all my questions Only then would I stop asking "why." — SS Del Mar WiUiam H. Rhone Peter Notias Telesfore Olivaces George H. Robinson Francis J. O'NeiU Jose Rodriguez Walter Snell Scayroa Papoutsis John Szcepanski Aniceto Pedro Benedetto PorceUo Samuel L. Vandal Trinidad Vigo Jose Quimera Niilo V. Reittl USPHS HOSPITAL MANHATTAN BEACH BROOKLYN, NY Edmund Abualy Joseph D. McGraw Manuel Antonana Archibald McGuigan Eladio Arls David Mcllreath Fortunate Bacomo H. F. MacDonald Frapk W. Bemrick Michael Machusky Robert L. Booker Albert Martinelll Frank T. CampbeU Vic MUazzo WiUiam J. Conners Joseph B. Murphy E. T. Cunningham Joseph Neubauer Walter L. Davis James O'Hare EmiUo Delgado Ralph J. Palmer Robert M. Douglas George G. Phifer John J. DriscoU James M. Quinn Robert E. GUbert F. Regalado WiUiam Guenther Daniel F. Rugglano Bart E. Guranick G. E. Shumaker Everett Haislett G. Sivertsen Taib Hassen Henry E. Smith Joseph Ifsits Karl Treimann Thomas Isaksen Harry S. Tuttle Ludwig Kristiansen Fred West Frank J. Kubek Norman West Frederick Landry John T. WestfaU James J. Lawlor Virgil E. WUmoth Kaarel Leetmaa Pen P. Wing Leonard Leidlg Chee K. Zai MUce Lubas USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK. VA. Francis J. Boner Thomas B. Harmon Buren D. EUiott Andrinos P. Spyrou USPHS HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. Marcelo B. Belen Dwlght Skelton Charles Dwyer A. Stankiewicz M. H. Hammond John S. Sweeney Per H. Karrman Harry M. Thomas Luther R. MUton USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH, GA. Maximlno Berncs Herman Killstrom James Dayton Jlmraie Littleton L. A. Holbrook James R. Mathews R. L. Johnson Jr. Herman T. Nungzer Clifford Kent USPHS HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. L. Bosley Arthur A. Furst G. F. Cobbler R. P. Reiman USPHS HOSPITAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS Frank E. Anderson John C. Palmer B. F. Delbler Rosendo Serrano, Joseph J. FuseUa VA HOSPITAL ALBERQUERQUE. NM Charles Burlon VA HOSPITAL KERRVILLE, TEl^S Billy R. HUl VA HOSPITAL DURHAM, NO Oscar Pearson USPHS HOSPITAL LEXINGTON, KY. Schuyler J. Plerson KINGS COUNTY HOSPITAL BROOKLYN, NY Joseph A. Puglisi BEEKMAN DOWNTOWN HOSP. TO AVOID DUPLICATION: If you are an oW subscriber and hava a change NEW YORK, NY of address, please give your former address below: Joseph Shefuleskl VA HOSPITAL BOSTON, MASS. ADDRESS Edward J. Toolan i'ZONE ...5 ,...•. STATE •.vt.'.L.Vri.. USPHS HOSPITAI, BALTIMORE, MD. Terrell Adami Gorman T. Glaze Blair AUison Peter Goodzuk G. E. Anderson Leo C. Hannon Francisco Bueno Ira H. Kilgora Morgan L. Carroll Frank Kumiega Victor B. Cooper Manuel Lourido Michael Duco 1. McCormack Donald Forrest George E. Renal# Thomas D. Foster Marion Sharpe Joseph GUI Wm. Weatherspoon USPHS HOSPITAL BOSTON, MASS. Joseph W. Carey James A. Patrice Joseph GareUo USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON, TEXAS Robert Kehrly Concpcion Mejia John E. Markopolo Frank B. RoweU 6TH DIST. TB HOSPITAL MOBILE, ALA. David M. Barla USPHS HO.SPITAL NEW ORLEANS, LA. Frank N. Bachot Jesse Lyles Claude F. Blank* Andrew McCloskey Edward Brevier Michael Papusha Robert Brown WiUiam Paris Sebastian Carregal Edward *Poe Albert T. Cooper Jerry Pontiff Fioyd Cummings Randolph Ratcliff Chas. F. Dorrough Edwin Ritchie Jaime Fernandez Tage H. Roselund Clarence Graham Wade H. Sexton Walter Harris T. Smlgielski WUliam Havelin Theodore Spencer Charles Jeffers West A. Spencer Joseph Kamienskl Lonnie R. Tickle Martin Kelly Luciano Toribio Edward G. Knapp Juan Vasquez Thomas Landa Wm. H. Waldrop Leo H. Lang James E. Ward William Lawless David A. Wright Cosby Linson USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND, NY Adrian Aarons James Higgins Giovanni Altomare Earle Hinds John Andringa Konstant Kain Samuel J,-Brooks Alfred Kaju Fructuoso Camacho John Laszlo George Carlson Loyd McGee Jose N. Castro Donald McShane Wayne S. CoUard John McWllliams John Dovak Thomas Moncho James H. Fisher Alonzo W. Morris Estell Godfrey Francis Napoli Editor, SEAFARERS LOG, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn 32, NY . . I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG—please put my name on your mailing list. (Print Information) NAME STREET ADDRESS CITY • ZONE Signed CITY ##eae#eee*eeeee*»*»»»**"*******"*""" " -• STATE Jane LOG 19U are and spare no efforts to see that they are fulfilled. And last' but not least, the Union's hospital delegate is do­ To the Editor: ing a real bang-up Job catering I would like to put In a word to all our cares to the best of of praise for the marine hos­ his ability. He visit us twice pital here in Seattle, Washing­ a week- and really goes out of ton. his way to help us. Thanks The doctors here are the best again for his help. I have seen in any marine or Jerry Pontiff private hospital. I'must say the 4 4 4i same for the nurses; they are also the best I've seen. They reaUy treat you nicely. They make every attempt to make To the Editor: I am the owner of the Cafe Penguin Bar in Lourenco Mar­ ques. A lot of SIU men have come to my place and asked me for the LOG, but until yesterday I never knew there was an SIU paper. Now that I have seen a copy of the LOG, I would like to have some sent here so I can AH letters to the editor for give them to the boys when they publication in the SEAFAR­ come in. ERS LOG must be signed by Incidentally, I enjoyed the the writer. Names will be LOG very much and would be withheld upon request. very pleased to receive it. I think it is a very fine paper and one's stay here comfortable and that the SIU must be a fine un­ ion. I wish we had something pleasant. The food is better by far than like you have over here. Jose Pereira at any other marine hospital I've seen. I've talked to many (Ed. note: Extra copies of the patients here, and they all say LOG will be sent you each issue the same as I do. This is really from now on.) ^ a home away from home. Hails SIU Fight My thanks also to our everalert officials whose activity has helped keep our hospitals open. To the Editor: I'm sure they'll stay open if the I have a suggestion that I membership will stand behind would like you to print and put its officials with all of its sup­ before the membership. port. My idea is that we should I have been treated swell by have a roving patrolman or an our Union brothers and our port "ambassador-patrolman" to ride agent, Jeff Gillette, who makes it a point to be here every week the ships on each coast and with our "coffee and!" He also teach the rnen how to do their lets us know that if we need Jobs as delegates and how to get along with the officers topside. anything we can call on him. Regards to the brothers down This would help us approach in Lake Charles. I'll be seeing topside on various problems and them later on in the summer. make it easier for the crew and I'm glad to report success in officers to get along. It would also show the crew my treatment at this real home the reason for having its own away from home in Seattle. delegates on a ship and the need, James Merrell to respect the delegates once 4^ 44they are elected. This is often a big problem on the ships today. First the crewmembers elect a delegate and To the Editor: then over half of them run top­ I want to take this opportu­ side over the head of the dele­ nity to thank all of the SIU men gate with their beefs. Then when the delegate goes who may have contributed blood for my husband's aunt re­ topside on behalf of the crew he cently. She was very badly is put in a "bad spot because burned and has since passed some of the men have been there before him and confused away. However, I went these men to the whole situation by coming know that I. was deeply grate­ to an agreement the delegate ful for the help they give. knows nothing about. Thank you all on behalf of ipy I believe a roving patrolman husband, Albert L. Bagley, and would be an answer to this prob­ my son, Albert J. Bagley,' who lem and would help establish are both SIU members. good faith between the crews Mrs. EUzabeth Bagley and the officers. More men would also be willing to take the 4 4" 4" job of delegate. As it is now, many won't take these jobs and those who do aren't always sure whether the crew is with them To the Editor: By the time you receive this or not. Sometimes it seems as if dele­ letter, we here in the marine hospital at New Orleans will gates are elected just because it have witnessed our first movie happens to be Union policy to have them. I hope the mem­ donated by the SIU. We want to extend'our thanks bership will consider this idea. I also think we should have and appreciation to the SIU for all the efforts to see to It that some kind of representative for we shut-ins can have a few our tankers running in the Per­ nights a month to look forward sian Gulf. There are a good many men on them who are not to a little recreation. Brothers, anyone who has SIU men. It seems to me it would pay spent any length of time in a to have a man over there while hospitial can realize that we all look forward to "Movie Night." we have ships operating on that What makes us proud is that shuttle run. We have had men these movies, along with a pro­ in the steward department rid­ jector, were donated by the ing the ships to help the cooks and stewards to perfect the SIU. It's a great feeling of security meals and feeding. Why not to know that we have the kind have one to perfect relation­ of representation that we have. ships? , . . Dave Barry. Our officials see what our needs Lauds Treatment By Seattle PHS • • •> Par* TWCIT* SEAFARERS Barman in L-M To Hold LOGS Letters To The Editor Wants Patrolman To Ride Ships Seafarers' Blood Aid Appreciated NO Shut-ins Hail SIU Movie Gift �Jnc 22. 195t CALMAR) (Calmar), May It—Chali^ man. M. Kalban tacratary. T. Jack•an. Ship'a delegata aleeted. Shlp'a fund Cll.OO. Chief eook'a dlaputed OTartlme. Llfarafta to ba Inatalled on ahlpa of thla typa. Booka to ba re­ turned to«lounge. Queation about maala whlla canal workera are aboard. BTEEL CHEMIST (Isthmian), May 27 —Chairman, R. Burdlck; Secretary, S. Plaga. Ship's fund S2.20. Food not prepared properly. To take up col­ lection for ship's fund. DEL SUD (Mississippi), May 27 — Chairman, W. Perkins; Secretary, H. Ellis. Time of MTD broadcast posted so crewmembers can read same. $18.00 for ship's fund and $15.00 to picnic fund. Some disputed over­ time. Committee of all delegates to be formed. Date of picnic to be de­ cided and which orphan asylum to be Invited. Children to be taken care of by committee. All noise to stop at 10:00 PM. All hands to see that picnic fund is sufficient to show children, SIU members and wives a good time. DEL MUNDO (Mlstltslppl), May It —Chairman, J. Hand; Sacratary, C. McLallan. More books needed. Ship's fund $42.00. Ship's delegate and treasurer elected. Discussed mail sit­ uation. Delegate to contact purser. WESTERN TRADER (Western Nav.l, April 22—Chairman. 6. Conrad; Sac. ratary, J. Powers. Manager of Sea­ man's Club in Genoa. Italy, paid crew personal visit, invited crew to club. A good time was had by aU. Rubber windscoops to be ordered for port holes. Stop to be put on ice box door to prevent bumping bulkhead. Cov­ ered cans to be ordered for coffee and sugar. MAIDEN CREEK (Waterman), May to—Chairman, 6. Lawion; Sacratary. C. Watt. New delegate elected. Ice box and washing machine to be shown to patrolman. Fans to be installed where needed. All hot air vents to be repaired. Delegates to remain sober when transacting business. WESTERN TRADER (Western Nav.l. May a—Chairman, J. Pranklln; Secre­ tary. J. Powers. All repairs and painting attended to. Good payoff in Houston, Texas. No communications and no LOGS received. Captain will Issue American money as a draw. In Haifa or Israel pounds will be issued. Greasy pants not to be washed in washing machine. Rollers on machine ruined. Good fresh milk, vegetables, Italian cheese and salami bought in Genoa, Italy. COE VICTORY (Victory Carriers). June 3—Chairman, N. Leone; Secre­ tary. J. Byrne. Two men logged. Re­ pair list handed in. Good chow and good menus this trip. CHILORE (Ore Nav.l, June •—Chair­ man, Webb; S^retary, Earley. Ship's fund $17.20. Clarification need on matter of loss of Job because of fail­ ure to report to ship at time of sail­ ing. DEL RIO (Miss.), May i—Chairman, D. Ramsey; Secretary, V. Hall. Some repairs taken care of. New delegate elected. Laundry room to be cleaned after use. FAIRISLE (Pan Atlantic), June »— Chairman, P. Wldegren; Secretary, M. Duet. Repair list turned in. Ship's fund $9.25. Bathrooms and messhall to be left clean. MANKATO VICTORY (Victory Car­ riers), June $—Chairman and Secre­ tary not given. Repair list turned in. PENNMAR (Calmar), June 3—Chair­ man, C. Siymanskl; Secretary, V. Monte. All cots to be turned in after use. Foc'sles to be left clean. Ship's 'fund $10.40. More food to be issued, such as mushrooms, cherry, peppers. More fresh milk to be put aboard. CAMP NAMANU (US Petroleum Carriers), June 3—Chairman, W. O'Connor; Secretary, V. Chavez. Some new stores in slopchest. New awn­ ings needed. Ship's fund $25.14. Clar­ ification needed on transportation if ship pays off in foreign port. Cook's room too small and hot Recommend different location. JOSEFINA (J. H. Winchester), May 30—Chairman, H. Jaynes; Secretary, J. C. Reed. All beefs to be taken up with boarding patrolman. Delegate to ask captain for a payoff statement for each man. ALMENA (Pan Atlantic), June Chairman, H. Bllde; Secretary, none. Ship's fund $13.30. New delegate elected. Mattress to be checked be­ fore leaving vessel and linen turned in. ROBIN OOODFELLOW (Seas Ship­ ping), May 27—Chairman, F. Morelgllo; Secretary, E. Oeuldlng. All books to be returned to library after read­ ing. Library to be locked in all ports. SEAFARERS Discussion on disability pension pay­ ment to SIU members physically imable to work. All refuse to be put In trash pails. Less noise in passage­ ways. Laundry to be locked when vessel la in port. New screens in doors on main deck needed , Page Thlrteca LOG Gear Locker Yields 3 Stowaways STEEL FABRICATOR (Isthmian), June 3—Chairman, none; Secretary, none. Disputed overtime. All problems to be taken up with delegate rathei: than topside. Ship's fund $10.90. Crew to keep washing ma­ chines clean. Steward requested to order fresh ice cream in Honolulu. Repair lists to be completed by arri­ val in Honolulu. JEAN LAFITTE (Waterman), Juno 3—Chairman, Rode; Secretary, W. Masterson. Seven men logged. Con­ tacted mate in Yojcohama about no catwalk and was refused. Also in­ sufficient securing of gear to be re­ ported to patrolman and safety com­ mittee. Ship's fund $17.00. Chief cook missed ship in Yokohama and returned later. Wages to be split during his absence. Money or travel­ lers checks to be given in Far East ports if in accordance with laws of that particular port.. One man fined under threat of logging by captain for loss of pass. SEACARDEN (Peninsular Nav.l June 3—Chairman, F. Maclolak; Sacratary, F. Leonard. New ships' delegate elected. Laundry to be left clean. Keep noise down at night so crew can sleep. Messrooms and bathrooms to be kept clean at all times. Repair list to be drawn up. Behavior in port discussed. Suggestion may be asked to let crew sougee foc'sles. MASSMAR (Calmar), June IB— Chairman, J. Elchanberg; Secretary, S. Zubovich. Captain Libby back-in command. Chief engineer on vaca­ tion. Ship's fund $20.00. Communi­ cations read and accepted. New dele­ gate elected. One member missed ship In Baltimore. Suggestion made to build ship's fund to approx. $50.00 and set aside $10.00 for Union busi­ ness. TEXMAR (Calmar), June 7—Chair­ man, C. Hensley; Secretary, P. Fox. Ship's treasurer elected. Repair list taken care of. Donation of SOe re­ quested for ship's fund. Suggestion to use less green peppers in soups. Steward to replace cracked cups and broken dishes. MONTEBELLO HILLS (Western Tankers), June 3—Chairman, E. Har­ rison; Secretary, McKreth. Ship's fund 3800 yen. - Delegate reports nothing will be done about water and tanks. Two men short in deck department. One man short in Stewart department. Letter to be sent to headquarters explaining conditions of ship. No slopchest, no American cigarettes. Messhall chairs to be repaired. Re­ move wind shutes from main deck. INES (Bull), June 3—Chairman, J. Slavan; Secretary, W. Williams. Dis­ cussion on fresh fruits and vegetables purchased in Iskenderun. PACIFIC OCEAN (World Carriers), May 37—Chairman, not given; Secre­ tary. not given. Obtained box of bobks. Collected $1 each from crew and bought new books totalling $23.80. Passageways to be painted on return voyage. American money will be given out on draw. INES (Bull), May 3—Chairman, V. Swanson; Secretary, J. Slaven. Ship's fund. $6.50. Ship's reporter elected. Delegate to get fresh fruit in Spain. One crewmember hospitalized in Genoa. Company agent taking care of him. SEASTAR (Triton), May 37 — Chairman, W. Mellon; Secretary, R. Kyle. Radios to be kept low at night. All strangers to be kept out of pas­ sageways while sUp is in port. Wash­ ing machine to itt turned off after using. Cups to be taken back to pantry. VENORE (Ore), June 3—Chairman G. Rler; Secretary, C. White. Patrol­ man to be contacted concerning dirty drinking water in port and starboard fountains. Engine delegate elected. All departments to turn in repair lists. WINTER HIL^ (Cities Service), May 19—Chairman, J. Barton; Secretary, Basil Palmer. Report on fight against wage freeze read and approved. Screens for port holes ordered. Re­ pair list to be submitted to mate. STEEL TRAVELER (Isthmian), May 31—Chairman, M. Bruno; Sacratary, N. Sosplna. Discussion on wearing of shorts in passageways and gangways. Stowaways to wash and take care of crew's laundry. Ship's ftmd $16. Arti­ cle to be sent to LOG regarding stow­ aways. DEL AIRES (Miss,), June 4—Chair­ man, M. King; Secretary, V. Zomllt. Ship's fund $60. Reporter elected. SlUp is net clean as SIU ship should be—greasy decks and handrails. Deck foc'sles dirty. Ship's fund should be kept for needy causes. More clean­ ing gear powders needed. Drinking fountain should be renewed. Butter dish covers needed. CANTI6NY (Cities Service), June < —Chairman, C. Copeman; Secretary, W. Cassldy. Treasurer elected. Ship's fund $15.16. Union communication read and accepted. Need electrician to fix galley stove. STEEL VENDOR (Isthmian), May 17 —Chairman, H. Newton; Secretary, V. Drenclo. New washing machine sup­ plied. Repairs completed in New York and Baltimore. Ship's fund $31.55. Delegate, reporter and treas­ urer elected. Hand wringer should be used for heavy clothes, such as dun­ garees. Trio of Indonesian youngsters are shown with SIU crewmembers before their short-lived sea adventure came to a halt. Pictured II to r) on the SS Steel Traveler are Seafarers Matt Bruno (left), Antonio Schiavone (seated, center) and D. J. Leberre (2nd from right). In photo at right, Leberre points out stowaways' hiding place in small locker on boat deck. The boys were put ashore a few days later. Both photos by reporter Bill "Sonny" Armstrong. Three teenage Indonesians with cherished dreams of seeing New York despite little on their backs and even less in their pockets helped liven up the voyage of the SS Steel Traveler recently. Puns 'it Buns The boys had crammed them­ eler left Djakarta. They were dis­ selves into a small storage locker covered calmly promenading about Pep Crewmen on the boat deck when the Trav- the deck after the ship was well underway and, eventually, were Aboard Ulla put ishore at Belewan Deli back Indonesian territory. "Don't let the tomcat have RATS NEVER in According to Bill "Sonny" Arm­ all the fun" is the slogan on ship's reporter, ail three the SS Ocean Ulla, and the KNEW SHIP strong, of the stowaways spoke English gang is doing^ its best to live up to and had decided to make their it, says crew reporter O. S. Bailey. way to the " 'United States metrop­ Coffeetime always seems to WAS 'CLEAN' olis of New York." They had com­ bring out the best gags—and pas­ It's a good bet when a ship has a "rat-free" certificate that some of the foiu*-legged rodents aboard are going to feel neglected. No­ body likes to be taken for granted. Still, the fact of the matter is that the SS McKittrick Hills had both a "rat-free" certificate and a "cargo of sea water and rats" on a recent run to Venezuela. She was traveling in ballast to pick up an oil cargo at the time. Rats Not Notified Ship's reporter Daniel D. Backrak points out that bosun, Blackie Adams, brought up the ro­ dent problem at the ship's meeting and called attention to the fact that the ship is supposed to have a rat-free certificate good for six months. However, someone obvi­ ously neglected to notify the rats about this." The subject drew a number of suggestions at the .meeting. One was to post the "rat-free" certifi­ cate in a more conspicuous V place. (It's possi­ ble of course that the rats just Backrak might have missed seeing it.) One crewmember wanted to know if the rats were sufficiently literate to understand what the certificate was all about. Another crewmember proposed organizing the cats a little better, but it's felt this would be useless since the cats probably share their milk with the rats. Still another proposal was to place rat-guards in likely places on the ship. Guards Useless This was also turned down since rat-guards obviously don't stop rats. "They're not even good against mosquitoes," someone else commented. At the end, some practical sug­ gestions were thrown in which will actually be tried. What they are is being kept under cover, how­ ever. They're afraid the- rats will catch on and find a way to tell their side of the They mi|^t even name names;, .i... pletely overlooked the problem of getting by American immigration officials and didn't have a single item of monetary value among them. Their native wearing ap­ parel would hardly have been con­ sidered appropriate or fashionable in Manhattan. Future Bleak "Still, we had to admire their enterprising spirit, although we couldn't condone their method of travel. The future for a young man in Indonesia today appears very bleak. "But it is traditionally American to be curious, so we can also re­ spect others who have the heart and gumption to try the unknown and search, perhaps foolishly, for a better way to live." While they remained aboard, the boys found the ship's shower and sanitary facilities a particular de­ light, and enjoyed American food. An SIU ship's meeting resolved the problem of finding them a way to earn their keep by having them do the laundry. "The solution was a happy one on all sides. We were sorry to see them go," Armstrong added. tries, incidentally—during a full 15-minute "vaudeville" show by our wise-cracking old salts who have a good selection of gay rou­ tines down pat by now. "Whitey Townsend, bosun, is the head of the class, and Walter Horw a t h can be counted on for a daily monologue about his lady loves that would make many an old burlesque comic blush . . . There's never a dull moment on here." Bailey In addition to comedy, coffeetime and mealtime on the Ulla offers a daily variety of baked goods "that makes our tables look like a bakery window display and assures us hot rolls of various types every day." Bailey said the last ship's meet­ ing voted the crew's unanimous thanks to night cook and baker John Indorf "for his untiring ef­ forts to produce only the best in baking." Cruising Down To Rio Squinting into the sun on the deck of the cruise ship Del Mar as she headed south for Buenos Aires and Rio are (I to r) George Perdreauville, James Ahearn and the 2nd electrician. Milton J. Phelps, shipV reporter, sent in the photo. �SEAFARERS Vac* Fourteen Runner Jogs Along, Needs Musicians 7 Some of the SlU gang on the Alcoa Runner relaxes for cardgame and bull session in the messhall as reporter Ronald Burton pops his camera at the group. Burton said the ship's small combo band is keeping busy, and the welcome mat is out for some more good musicians. Stony Creek Not Fazed By Anchor Paint Job Anybody can paint an anchor by hanging over the side of the ship. The test is to do the job neatly in the paint locker. Although the demand for such skills is at a minimum, it can be done very simply, "Sailor Jack" Denley confides. trip has been a good one, Denley Denley was on the Stony pointed out. The deck gang, in­ /• t Creek recently, where the issue al­ legedly came up. It's likely there was just a little too much "rock and rofiin' " on the Stony Creek at the time. In any event, Denley's scheme requires so little effort that even the most hide­ bound chief mate could appreciate it. As he described it, "all you do is fill some balloons with gas, float them near the fore peak vent, connect them to Dixon the anchor and lower away into the paint locker. An hour with the spray gun is all you need to get It done." Fortunately, coffeetlme came along just about the time they were ready to try out the Idea and it got lost in the rush. Even without this, however, the cluding "Whip" Collins, bosun, Frank Harris, Jerry Yockey, Carl "Red" Gibbs and himself, has also managed to keep busy with more orthodox projects. The galley gang, in turn, has been doing "a real bang-up job," led by Paulos Vourderis, steward, and chief cook John Dixon. Right now the crew is looking forward to some real fancy eating on July 4th, because the Stony Creek has a tradition for holiday feeds from way back. Sunsports Ship's Electrical Stores Run Short Journey home, as it should be We're supposed to load grain downhill all the way from here. there for Europe. The boat deck, bridge deck This outfit, Seatraders, really and stack are all dressed up, • went all-out for us.this time and To the Editon For some time now I have been and the superstructure fairly gave us the New Orleans SlU sailing electrician, and it seems shines with the traditional hall for a mailing address. Al­ that on every ship we never Robin Line colors. By the time though we are signed on for a have the proper stores as I am we hit Boston she should be the voyage to Europe, we don't sure most every fellow sailing traditional clean SlU ship, if know just where we're heading, and will probably have a mail­ in this rating will agree. Be­ you'll pardon the repetition. Very. Few Beefs ing address for Europe upon cause of the chief engineer and As deck delegate and ship's our return from there. That is, the shoreside office workers cut­ ting an item here and there and reporter on this vessel, I haven't if we ever go there. neglecting to pay attention to yet run into any beefs which Robert Ingram the order list, we invariably couldn't be settled handily by Ship's reporter wind up with nothing that's a patrolman at the payoff. Un­ 4 4" 4" less something develops before we arrive in the States, we'll have experienced a smooth voy­ age with but very few excep­ tions. Art Harrington, ship's To the Editor: delegate. Is on the ball. This just a line to inform It is rumored that we are to you that we lost another brother pick up five more passengers this trip on the Catherine (Dryon arrival in Capetown and that . trans). will make the full quota of cash Brother Joel Anderson, DM, AH letters to the editor for customers for this type of ship, was taken off in Port Alfred, publication in the SEAFARas I understand it. Quebec, on June 9, after injur­ 'ERS LOG must be signed by Incidentally, I am looking ing his eyes while using a spray the writer. Names will be forward to bringing my nephew gun in the cargo holds enroute withheld upon request. and son, Bruce E., to New York from Hamburg, Germany, to this summer to see all the sights, needed and a box full of elec­ including our beautiful and ef­ Conakry, French West Africa. Treated In Africa trical equipment that is next to ficiently-managed headquarters useless. He was treated by the doctor hall. in Conakry, who gave him Kor example, the ship I am Clarence L. Cousins presently on, the MV Del Oro, medicine to take with him and doesn't have anything that's use at sea, but he never seemed to get much better. Finally needed. To top it off we ran out of light bulbs. It seems as when we got to Port Alfred the though the chief engineer and captain had him sent ashore to the chief mate both counted the To the Editor: ' the doctor. He was given an same fifty bulbs. So when the Just a word to let the broth­ unfit for duty slip and ordered first fifty was gone the next fifty ers know that I am now on to report to the hospital at once didn't materialize and darkness crutches and am unable to sail. for treatment. resulted. We understand he went to I would like to hear from some The problem is, why can't the of the many shipmates I sailed the hospital in Norfolk, so he electrician not only order but with in previous years. They I will be near his home and also check all his stores when can reach me at E-G-11, Puerto family. coming aboard and be sure he Nuevo, San Juan, Puerto Rico. We want to wish him a has the proper equipment and speedy recovery at this time George Litchfield what the ship needs to be main­ and let him know that if thei-e tained properly? As if is most 4» 4" 4" is anything we can do for him ships have lots of shoreside we will be only too glad to do equipment which can't be used it. All he has to do is let us on any ship. This is due to the know. engineers taking it upon them-' Crewmembers selves to cut out items and sup­ to the Editor: SS Catherine We have a great gang here plement with items of their 4> 4> 4) on the Sea Comet II. I would own. say for my own part that .1 Electrician Gets Blame never sailed with a better bunch Some engineers don't know of guys. one part from another and will We have a top-notch steward To the Editor: accept anything that is sent to department and it is putting out I would like to have a copy of the ship. When it turns out to number one chow. Everything be wrong, then naturally, the else is also running along the issue of the LOG (May 11, 1956) containing the informa­ electrician is blamed. smoothly so far as the crew is Maybe in time we can do concerned and we get along tion about absentee voting, and something about this. I would very well together. This makes I would also like to send my like to hear some more from the any ship a good ship, as you greetings to all my friends in the SIU. other fellows who have had this know. I am not able to get out much trouble. We are going to use the money now as I have diabetes, heart Union H. Sanders Jr. from the ship's fund for a beer trouble and arthritis, but I can­ party in Corpus Christi, Texas, not praise the Seafarers Interna­ 4^ t i* and then will replenish the tional Union enough for what it fund with money collected from has done and is doing for a man an arrival pool. in my condition. Just Got Address Many, many thanks to the To the Editor: Nobody seems to know where brothers in the SIU who made As I write this we are steam­ we are going after that, how­ it possible for old timers like ing into Capetown on the Robin Sherwood, on our return voyage ever. We got the Corpus Chris­ myself to be able to live our last down the African coast and ti address just as we came days decently, not just to exist back to the States. through the Canal from San as many must. The SIU weekly We hope to have a night "on Francisco and then we head, I disability benefit which I re­ the town" in Capetown if we think, for New Orleans, land of ceive is a blessing. Greetings to you all. make port in time to dock. Then the Orange Blossom Fizzes we'll prepare for the long where the ginmills never close. Thor "Tom" Thorsen Catherine Sends Best Wishes Letters To The Editor $1 Wants To Contact Ex-Ship Buddies Sea Comet Runs A Merry Chase Sm Disability Aid Appiauded Get That SS Number Right Seafarers filing vacation money claims should make sure that they use their correct Social Security number. Use of the wrong number means a clerical headache for the Vaca­ tion Plan office and slows up the handling of payments. Also, a Seafarer who uses the incorrect Social Security number is crediting his tax de­ ductions to some other US worker. June iZ, Um LOG Sherwood Shines With New Paint Taking in the sun on the Oceanstar are Seafarers Blandino, OS (left), and DeCulty, AB. The ship was in Sibenik, Yugoslavia, at the time. Photo by Steve Emerson. �SEAFARERS JOB* 22, 195t •ATIWAY CITY (Watarman), May 17—Chairman, T. L. Taara; Sacratary, O. W. Collins. Wrote Senator Daniel letter thanking hlin In behalf of Sena­ tors that voted for 00-90 bill. New Orleans to Inveatlgato why Waterman Is ao lata sendUtf out allotments. Complete ship's Itinerary sent to headquarters. Ship's delegate to be re-elected. Suggestion for library to be changed in New Orleans. •UZANNC (lull). May 10—Chairman, Roland Lanoua; Sacratary, J. S. Shaw. Ship's delegate elected. Ship's fund S10.40. Shipboard action to be taken at payoff: Repair list to be brought to captain's attention. Re­ ports accepted. SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatraln Lines), May M—Chairman, S. Oarcla; Sacratary, S. Rothschild. New ship's raplanlshad. Wiper la aooparata In cleaning laundry. AFOUNDRIA (Watarman)/ May It— Chairman, J. Rarmani Sacratary, R. Hayas. Request patrolman to visit ship. Coffee sltuatlen diactuscd. ALCOA FLANTRR (Alcoa), May >7 —Chairman, C. DaHespadalas; Sacra­ tary, W. Hartlava. New washing ma­ chine to be Installed. To rotate ship's delegate every three months for each department. ALAMAR (Calmar), May 17—Chair­ man, J. Rarnett; Sacratary, J. McFhaul. Ship's fund S20.6S. Some dis­ puted overtime. All repairs made, uiier demoted to wiper. To lee agent about same as oiler had blopk gang endorsements. Ship's reporter and treasurer elected. Contact captain and patrolman about port time dlacharges for time In shipyard. HASTINOS (Waterman), May 17— Chairman, Stivers) Sacratary, Rallard. Ship's fund S24.00. One man left In hospital in Germany. Steward to put out better grade of cookies. Chief cook unsatisfactory. - ORION CLIFFRR (Orion), May IS— Chairman, C. Oatas; Secretary,-. E. Manual. Wage scale on super tankers needed. Donation of Sl.OO to ship's fund requested. Stamps to be bought out of ship's fund. Cautioned crew about smoking on deck or any other place while loading or discharging cargo. Delegate to see captain about American money or travelers' checks on draw. delegate and treasurer elected. Pa­ trolman to decide which department takes care of galley screens. ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), May 2«— Chairman, A. W. Waslluk; Secretary, W. Souder. Main deck being painted. Messhall to be painted. Ship's fund $14.50 New Iron bought in NY. Elected-ship's reporter. Dis­ cussion held about not doing sanitary work properly. STEEL VOYAGER (Isthmian), May 20—Chairman, C. Seoflcid; Secretary, F. Sample. Some repairs made. Sug­ gestion to clean out library and throw out torn books. CAROLYN (Bull), June 2—Chairman, Harry Thrash; Secretary, J. Gallagher. Ship's fund $^4.00. Repair list to be made up by each department. All extra linen to be turned In each_ week. ALCOA POINTER (Alcoa), May IS —Chairman, J. Hannay; Sacratary, Leo Bruce. No mall or LOGS re­ ceived this trip. _ Repair list to be turned In at NV. Three men logged -will see patrolman. Try to get water­ CAMP NAMANU (USP Carrier) May melons and cantalopes next trip. 13—Chairman, 0. D. Murick; Secre­ SEAMONITOR (Excelsior), May 19 tary, Wm. O'Connor. One man was hospitalized in Bahrein. Lost two men —Chairman, W. McCarthy; Secretary, J. Devlne. Ship's delegate elected. due to illness in Bahrein Island. Ship's delegate elected. Slopchest all Rumor that trip Is being extended out of toilet articles. Need new awn­ four more months. Delegate to check stores in hull. / ing on poop deck. ALCOA ROAMER (Alcoa), May 1«— Chairman, W. Otii; Sacratary, A. Gon­ zales. Repair list turned in. Ship's fund $14.00. \ STONY POINT (US Petroleum), May So—Chairman, James Purcell; Secre­ tary, W. McBrlde. Three men hos­ pitalized in Singapore. Telegram sent to headquarters. Treasurer elected. Ship's fund $5.50. Resolution drawn concerning overloading vessels with non-citizens over and above the quota set by law. Men changing from one department to another. Have not been getting money when arriving in port. NORTHWESTERN VICTORY— (Vic­ tory Carriers), May 24—Chairman, D. C. Gay; Secretary, S. Arales. Ship's delegate elected. Failure of cooks to improve taste of food, also to add more variety of cooked meat In night lunch. ALCOA CORSAIR (Alcoa), May 27— Chairman, S. Morris; Secretary, G. Clarke. One man missed ship in Kingston. One man Injured and flown home from LaGuaria. Crew collected $105.00 for him. Also collected $123.00 for brother taken off ship due to ill­ ness. Ship's fund $233.77. Cups to be returned to pantry. Deck crew to re­ frain from leaving old bars of soap on decks of showers. STEEL ADVOCATE (Isfhmlan), March 11—Chairman, B. Bankston; Secretary, T. Ralney. Ship's reporter elected. Ship's fund $16.33. Washing machine to be repaired. Discussion on 50-50 bill. Members urged to write Senators. Discussion on safety pro­ gram. Donation of $1.00 per man for ship's fund. ELIZABETH (Bull), June 2—Chair­ man, G. Bonafonte; Secretary, S. Bern- stain. Book rack to be installed. Most repairs made. Awning back aft will be taken care of. VAL CHEM (Valentine), May 30— Chairman, B. Jones; Secretary, H. Moore. Ship's fund $10.92. Bosun missed ship in Texas City. Delegate to get ruling on cleaning radio shack from patrolmen. All headquarters communications to be posted. Dele­ gate elected. Ship Is due for shipyard first part of July and repair lists should be turned in. Discussion on TV aerial tabled until ship comes out of yard. BEATRICE (Bull), March 24—Chairr man, J. Eddlns; Secretary, M. Kamln- skl. Headquarters report on fight to save 50-50 shipping law and recent new shore restriction to SlU men in Korea read and accepted. Complaint about water In port passageway and scuppers not working. Crew to stay out of pantry during meal hours. An­ other percolator needed. ALCOA PEGASUS (Alcoa), May 30 —Chairman, Gordon; Secretary, Kar- lak. One man missed ship In La­ Guaria and was logged. Also missed a 4-hour watch In Trinidad. Ship's fund $60.00. Delegate to refer him to patrolman on payoff for perform­ ing. Charges for crewmember's negli­ gence in engine dept. $50.00 fine recommended and that he be expelled permanently If he continues to per­ form. OLYMPIC GAMES (Weslarn), May DEL ORG (Mississippi), May 20 — Chairman, W. Perry; Secretary, P. 20—Chairman, J. Grimes; Secretary, Whitlow. Loggings heavy this trip L. Sellx. Some disputed overtime. and will be referred to patrolman. Delegate to see captain concerning Agent asked for decision on crew requisitioning of stores, linen, parts custom seizure in Port of Rosario. for fane and repair of washing ma­ One brother hospitalized in Rio and chines: also cleaning and painting one in Buenos Aires. Ship's fund hospital: also cleaning of fantall $45.09. Delegate discussed passage of dally. 50-50 bill. Better mail service to ships STEEL TRAVELER (Isthmian), April at sea requested. Suggestion that arrival pool be drawn up and $20.OO 22—Chairman, W. Elliot; Sacratary, N. Scaplna. Delegate missed ship in be donated to ship's fund—$100 to the winner. Repair lists to be turned San Francisco. New delegate elected. over to delegate. Steward to make New secretary-reporter elected. Laun­ dry to be kept in good shape at all list of all Items that he runs short. times. Schedule placed on bulkhead. STEEL ADVOCATE (Isthmian), May Ship's fund to be started with each 24—Chairman, J. Samsel; Secretary, member donating fifty cents. D. Fisher. Tales being carried top­ STEEL DESIGNER (Isthmian), June side, members warned as to penalty. Nytlce Issued by captain relative to 3—Chairman, E. Rhingvald; Sacratary, H. Rogga. Ship to be fumigated for feeding and handling of animals. Ship's fund $11.58. Twenty hours dis­ rats. One crewmember resigning. puted overtime in deck department. STEEL SEAFARER (liVhmlan), May Communications on 50-50 -bill and clarifications read. Discussion about 27—Chairman, J. Jordan; Sacratary, members of steward department be­ R. DaVlrglllo. Ship's fund $16.00. ing incompetent: delayed sailing in Ship's delegate elected. Ice boxes to Colombo, Ceylon: overtime: bosun be Inspected. Crew requested less handling deck department. Repair spicy foods and better preparation. lists turned In. Two hospital cases ALCOA PENNANT (Alcoa), May 27 picked up for repatriation to US. These men not receiving proper trans­ -Chairman, T. Mots; Sacratary, A. portation back to port of engagement. Danna. LOG to be given to delegate Patrolman to meet ship In Wilming­ of each dept. Not enough buttermilk ton, NC, to square matter away. given In Mobile. More pillows to be Unsanitary cond'tlons caused by car­ put aboard In, Mobile. go of wild animals to be discharged SEAMAR (Calmar), June S—Chair­ In Savaiinah. Ga. man, J. Bargaria; Sacratary, J. Miles. GEORGE A. LAW30N (Pan Oceanic New ship's delegate and treasurer Corp), May 13—Chairman, C. Lawson; elected. Water tank to be cleaned. Sacratary, G. Fsva.- New delegate and New Iron to be purchased In Long new reporter elected.. Library to be Beach. Calif. Pace Fifteea LOG James Eller Urgent you contact Jimmie D. Coker c/o SIU Seattle hall as soon as possible. Tony Comman Serious illness in family. Con­ tact Mary Cornman, 3119 Baldwin -St.. Los Angeles 31, Calif. J. S. Capps Your family is anxious to get in touch with you. " IVilliam Saltarez Contact Abraham Freedman, District Supervisor, Children's Court, 30 South Broadway, Yonkers 2, NY. Philip Rubish Mother critically ill in Weirtin Hospital, Weirton, West Virginia. Come as soon as you can. Helen Cuffori. Charles Muscarella Carroll J. Rollins Contact attorney Charles A. Palermo, Carondelet Building, New Orleans 12, La. Orman M. Bartlett Get in touch with M. Martone, Department of Taxation and Fi­ nance, Collection Bureau, 15 Park Row, NY 38, NY, or call DIgby 9-1714, ext. 87. Thomas Winters Contact Jean Bunger, 1022 Co­ lumbia Ave., North Bergen, NJ, or call Swathmore 5-2228. Dick Bowman Get in touch with your old buddy at USPHS Hospital, Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, NY. Norman West. Bill "Scotty" McKenzle Write me c/o SS Michael, J. M. Carras Inc., 21 West St., NY, NY, as soon as possible. Fred J. Bi'uggner. Richard Brown Urgent. Contact your wife, Mary, at 716 Hilltop Road, Balti­ more 26, Md., as soon as pos.sible. Severe illness in family. Thomas C. Hickey Your wife, Ermora, has moved to ^406 Ncwkirk Ave., Brooldyn, NY. Leonard Smith Your discharges left aboard SS McKettrick Hills have been for­ warded to SIU hall in Wilmington, Calif. J. R. Thompson Your letter about the SS Arthur Huddell received by SEAFARERS LOG but no photos were enclosed. 'Wreck' Law Repeal Met Voters Wishes (Continued from page 3) every opportunity to take labor's case before the public. Directing AFL politicai activity here was Labor's League for Political Edu­ cation. SIU port agent Lindsey Williams served as chairman of its executive board. Committee hearings and debate on the repeal bill offered a strik­ ing contrast in methods between those used by labor representatives and the pro "right to work" man­ agement interests. The AFL-CIO delegation, headed by Victor Bussie, Shreveport, presiilent of the Louisiana State Labor Council, confined its activities to appearing before the committee and explaining the dangers of the measure. Senator B. B. Raybum. Bogalusa, subsequently described the measure on the Senate floor as "one of the most dangerous laws ever saddled on the backs of the working people of the state." Organized management groups keyed their efforts toward setting up a panic psychology. ; These groups, including such phony front outfits as the "Louisi­ ana Free Enterprise Association, Inc.," spent untold thousands on full page and half-page newspaper ads which featured scare head­ lines such as "Keep Your Freedom from Union Dictators." Pro-repeal legislators were threatened with recall movements, but these threats have evaporated for lack of public support. Besides the tangible advantages of their victory, Louisiana work­ ers derive much satisfaction from knowing that the state law nn longer declares union security "contrary to public policy." La. State Legislators Who Voted To Repeal State's 'Right To Work' Law La. State Senate Olaf J. Fink Charles E..Deichmann John O'Connor John J. Petre Theodore M. Hickey Harry H. Howard Alvin T. Stumpf Farrell A. Blanchard A. O. Rappelet Guy W. Sockrider, Jr. Arsene L. Stewart Dr. Gabriel A. Ackal Rexford C. McCullough John S. Nelson J. D. De Blieux Frank M. Edwards B. B. Rayburn C. H. Downs Sylvan Friedman Speedy O. Long F. E. Cole La. State House Holman E. Donaldson James D. Martin Buford Smith John S. Lewis Horace L. Jones Lon Tyndall W. C. Steen, Jr. W. Wayne Gaudin A. T. Sanders, Jr. Howard B. Fontenot Walter A. Chacliera J. Allen Taigre Samuel C. Cashio I. J. Allen James E. Beeson John F. Rau, Jr. Allen Babineaux Richard J. Bertrand James R. Brignac Woodrow Wilson E. H. Haynes Frank J. Altmyer Patrick B. McGittigan Walter P. Clark Vernon J. Gregson Joseph R. Bossetta Anthony J. Vesich, Jr. John J. Matassa William J. Hankins Lucien T. Vivien, Jr. Charles F. Donaldson Henry P. Brennan Nicholas J. Lapara Samuel F. Albro, Jr. Edward F. LeBreton, Jr. J. Marshall Brown Peter W. Murtes John T. Sullivan C. Cyril Broussard Lawrence Gibbs Ben F. Holt Lloyd T. Teekell August J. Compagna Bryan J. Lehmann,.Jr. Shelby Alford Laurie J. Roussel D. Elmore Recnel C. Kenneth Deshotel Robert Angelle ^Jesse D. McLain Nicholas Cefalu Carroll L. DuPont Bert A. AdamsJ. Douglas Shows Elmer L. Bernard W. Spencer Myrick Ashton B. Collier DIRECTORY Of SIU BRANCHES SIU, A&G District BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Earl Sheppard. Agent EAstern 7-4900 BOSTON James Sbeehan, Agent 278 State St. Richmond 2-0140 HOUSTON 4202 Canal St. C. Tannehill. Acting Agent Capital 7-6558 LAKE CHARLES, La Leroy Clarke. Agent 1419 Ryan St. HEmlock 6-5744 MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Cal Tanner. Agent HEmlock 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 523 BlenvlUe St Lindsey Williams. Agent Tulane 8626 NEW YORK NORFOLK Ben Rees. Agent 075 4tb Ave.. Brooklyn HYaclnth 9-6600 127-129 Bank St. MAdison 2-9834 103 Durham St WILMINGTON, CaUf 505 Marine Ave. PORT COLBORNE Ontario Phone: 5591 Reed Humphries, Agent.. Terminal 4-2874 272 King St. E. HEADQUARTERS... 675 4th Ave., Bklyn TORONTO. Ontario EMpire 4-5719 SECRETARY-TREASURER t Paul HaU VXCTORIA EC 61713 Cormorant St Empire 4531 ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS 298 Main St. J. Algina, Deck C. Simmons, Joint VANCOUVER. BC Pacific 3468 J. Volplan, Eng. W. Hall, Joint E. Mooney. Std. R. Matthews. Joint SYDNEY, NS 304 Charlotte St Phone 6346 SUP BAGOTVILLE. Quebec 20 Elgin St. Phone:" 545 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. 52 St. Davids St. Phone 5-8777 rUOROLD. Ontario CAnal 7-3202 PORTLAND 211 SW Clay St. 85 St. Pierre St. CApltal 3-4336 QUEBEC Quebec Phone: 3-1569 RICHMOND, CALIF. 510 Macdonald Ave. 85 Germain St. BEacon 2-0925 SAINT JOHN NB Phone: 2-5232 SAN FRANUSCO 450 Harrison St Douglas 2-8363 Great Lakes District SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave Main 0290 ALPENA 3215 N. Second Ave. Phone: 713-J WILMINGTON 505 Marine Ave. Terminal 4-3131 180 Main St NEW YORK 675 4tb Ave.. Brooklyn BUFFALO, NY Phone: Cleveland 7391 HYaclnth 9-6165 CLEVELAND .... 734 Lakeside Ave.. NB Phone: Main 1-0147 Canadian District FHILADELPHIA 337 Market Sf. S. Cardullo, Agent Market 7-1635 PUERTA do TDERRA PR Relay o 51—La f Sal CoUs, Agent Phone 3-599P SAN FRANCISCO ' 450 Harrison St Leon Johnson. Agent Douglas 2-5475 Marty Breithoff, West Coast Representative 1038 3rd St. 128V3 HolUs St DETROIT SAVANNAH 2 Abercom St HALIFAX. NR. Headquarters Phone: Woodward 1-6857 Phone; 3-8911 K B. McAuley, Acting Agent Adams 3-1728 531 W. Michigan St. SEATTLE 2505 1st AVJ. MONTREAL..,.?..634 St James St. West UULUTH Phone: Randolph 2-4110 PLateau 816) Jeff GUlette. Agent EUiott 4334 3261 E 92nd St .........laOpSimsop St SOUTH^ CHICAGO Phone: Essex 3-2U4 ''•I,- BE9S fr �SEAFARERS AWARDED FIRST PRIZE • GENERAL EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE • 19SS • LOG INTERNATIONAL LABOR PRESS OP AMERICA • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION * ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO .i- f , J .. : \ k-' tV Have You Forgotten Something • V .V V 'J. £S'' I' I pate BUtH bctcby • tPVease •ptlol pttit — —^rpiiat (^please r ^uriW HO. m to designate- tecelye the --;s...3:£r.rpu.«'p°'' vrho idee benefits nn' ^ItneJaea pat CARD NAMB fiMPtoVcB'j HAVE YOU FILLED OUT A BENEFICIARY CARD? if not, do it soon in order to guarantee your wife, your family or a friend the full protection of your $3,500 death benefit. If you have already filed a card but want to change your beneficiary, merely fill out a new card. The new card will automatically cancel out the old one. Experience has shown that where men have failed to file cards, there has often been delay and heartache. HAVE YOU FILLED OUT AN ENROLLMENT CARD? Your wife and unmar­ ried children under 19 are eligible for SIU hospital-surgical benefits. To relieve the financial burden of an illness or injury, all Seafarers are urged to file an enrollment card as soon as possible. Be sure to enclose with the card photo­ stats of your marriage license and your children's birth certificates. You will then be fully prepared should a medical emergency arise. Middle ••••?.? EMPLOYEE^ Dare 0/Birth 2-Na •============Zr!""'^^ No. * aSiD" ams~ The Seafarers Welfare Plan •—A Program Of 13 No-Cost Benefits To Seafarers And Their Families yran oH, t'nraa'ried ChiUm, � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959 Description An account of the resource Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 22, 1956 Description An account of the resource Headlines: LA. VOTES REPEAL OF ‘RIGHT TO WORK’ PELLY, BYRNE BILLS DOOMED, SPONSORS LOOK TO NEXT YEAR SIU BACKS BROADER SHIP BILL IBL READYING PETITIONS FOR NEW DOCK ELECTION LOUISIANA REPEALS ‘WRECK’ LAW BECOMES FIRST STATE TO DUMP ANTI-UNION LAW WELFARE PLAN MAINTAINS SPEEDY SERVICE RECORD SEAFARERS LAUD WINNERS OF SIU COLLEGE AWARDS SEAFARER ONE OF VICTIMS AS AIR CRASH KILLS 74 SIU WINS 5G EXTRA OT FOR DREDGE CREW SIU CO’S SEEK 25 RESERVE SHIPS AS GOV’T PLANS HUGE CARGO LIFT BALTIMORE SIU JOBS TOP ’54 MARK TWO TAMPA SEAMEN GET DISABILIT $ EARLY HOUSE VOTE SEEN ON PA 20-TANKER BILL ATOMIC CARGO SHIP VOTED BY US SENATE GEAR LOCKER YIELDS 3 STOWAWAYS ‘WRECK’ LAW REPEAL MET VOTERS WISHES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/22/1956 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. XVIII, No. 13 1956 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6b1434fed32a39d319e0a46af25eb6a0.PDF a9dcf55e4a9c953df4d6a7047f72c61f PDF Text Text arers  Seafarers'  International  Union of  North  America  Official Organ of the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes Seamen  VOL. I  NEW YORK, N. Y., FRIDAY, JUNE 23,1939  BROTHERHOOD  OF THE­ SEA  ' 446  NO. 12  COMPENSATION  BILL  TANKER STRIKE  A  FLOP!  SlU  COMES  GUT  ON  TOP  MUST  BE  DEFEATEO  ll^mbers of  SIU Gain  Concessions  Return to Jobs in Body  —  ^  NMU MEMBERS TURN  Seamen's  Compensation Bill  It seems  to  us  to  be  a  rather  auspitjious  time  to  point  ovit  TO SEAFARERS  a  few  pertinent  facts regarding  the SIU  .strike on  the ESSCO  "WEST  COAST  SAILOR"  PRAISES  Passed to Comm. on Commerce  ships,  and  the  NMU  tanker  strike.  Balfimore Reports  First  and  foremost  is  the  fact  that  when,  we  struck  the  Sharp  Increase  Would Take Away  Rights Already  Eastern .sliips,  they  Avere  100  percent  tied  up,  and  not  one  of  Belonging to  Seamen  tliem  sailed  during  the  entire  strike.  The  NMU,  on  the  other  Baltimore,  Md.,  June  20  —  Shipping  continues  moderately  hand,  could  not  tie  up  the  .struck  tankers  even  close  to  100  good  out  of  Baltimore  with  the  BILL  MUST  BE  DEFEATED  .^jercent, and  those that  they did  succeed  in tying up eventual­ Dispatcher  reporting  90  members  ly  sailed anyhow.  The  ESSCO  strike  la.sted  about  nine  days,  shipped,  73  registered  and  a  total  A  Bill,  knoAvn  as  8.2477,  Avas  introduced  in  the  Senate  whereas,  the  tanker  strike  was  of  about  two  months  dura­ registration  of  194  at  the  end  of  on  May  24,  19.39,  was  read  tAvice,  and  referred  to  the  Com­ the  past  week.  The  end  of  the  tion.  Now;—although  we  made  no  monetary  gains  in  our  tanker  strike fizzle  has  produced  mittee  on  Commerce.  The  Bill,  as  it  .stands,  is  one  of  the  strike,  Ave  neverthele.ss  did  get  a  few  concessions  in  condi­ no  great  changes  in  the  general  tions.  The  NMU  not  only  failed  to  gain  a  thing  out  of  the  situation  here  except  that  the  most  vicious  ever  introduced,  and  Avill  absolutely  take  from  tanker  strike,  but  actually  came  out  the  loser  all  the  way  number  of  NMU  men  wantin.ij  to  the seamen  the right  to sne for recovery  for  illness or injury.  around.  They  don't  even  have  an  agreement  anymore,  and  turn over  to the SIU  has increased  It  denies  him  the  right  to  trial  by  jury,  and  actually  takes  the  men  who  walked  off  the  tankers  are  without  jobs!  On  sharply.  Most  of  the.se  men  are  from  him  what  he  ali'eady  possesses.  All  seamen  arc,  at  present,  entitled  to  mainteuanee  and  the  other  hand  the men  who  struck  the  Eastern  ships  went  being  turned  down,  however,  be­ cause  of  being  unable  to  prove  (!ure.  and  this  bill  wonld  merely  substitute  AA'hat  they  term  back  to their  jobs  in a  body.  tivy  flnkiriff  durinr,  f­nmponRution,  and  limit  the  .eea  the  recent  strike.  NMU's  efforts  men  to certain  set amounts for  in­ and  seventy­three  weeks'  com­ STRIKE WELL  ORGANIZED  to  get  their  members  back  on  the  juries.  pensation.  Tlefore  the  SIU  tied  up  the  ESSCO  ships,  it  Avas  bclicA'cd  Esso ships isn't  getting anywhere;  Longshoreman's  Act  "(6)  Thumb  lost', fifty­one  that  these  .ships  could  not  be  tied  up.  PIoAvevcr,  the  SlU  the finky  Esso  Tanker  Men's  As­ Aveeks'  compensation.  The  present  Longshoremen's  clearly  demonstrated  that it  could  be. done, and  regardless of  sociation  made  hay  while  the  sun  and  Harbor  Workers  Compensa­ "(7)  First finger  lost, twenty­ the  fact  that  the  member.s  in  the  steward's  department  on  shone  and  are  pretty  strongly  en­ tion  Act  is  an  example  of  the  l.im­ eight  weeks'  compensation.  trenched  in  that  outfit  now.  With  the.se  vessels  did  not  vote  to  strike,  they  nevertheless  gave  it  the  Esso  ofilcei­s  in  a  Company  I  its  which  Avill  be .placed  upon  the  "(8)  Great  toe  lost,  twenty­ their  eomplete support.  Tlie strike in  itself  Avas AVCII  organized,  union, the  Avhole fleet  is now  Com­ j  .seamen  if  ,S. 2477''"is  allowed  to  be­ si.x  weeks'  compensation.  and  Avell  conducted, and  it  Avas  very  educational  to  many  of  pany  Union  dominated,  with  the I  come  law.  For  instance,  regard­ "(9)  .Second finger  lost, eight­ those  AA'ho  had  neA^er'beeti  involved  in  a  strike  prcvioii.sly.  exception  of  the  ARTA­CIO  radio  ing  compensation  for  disability,  een  weeks'  compensation.  the  Longshoremen's  Act  reads  as  It also  demonstrated  that  this organization  has an abundance  operators  Avho  showed  their  true  follows;  "(10)  Third finger  lost, seven­ colors  by  ignoring  the  NMU­CIO  teen  Aveeks'  compensation.  of  Tuilitant  members  Avithin  its ranks.  picket  lines  and  sailed  Avith  scab  "Compensation  for  disability  "(11)  Toe,  other  than  great  Now,—^the  fact remains  that we still  have a  contract  Avith  crews.  A  highlight  of  the  pres­ shall  be  paid  to  tlie  employees  toe  lost,  eight  Aveeks'  compensa­ as follows:  "the  ESSCO  ships,  still  have  the  jobs,  and  a  closed  shop.  The  ent  situation  is  to  see  one  of  the  tion.  NMU,  on  the  other  hand,  has no  agreement,  no  jobs,  and  an  scab­herders  riding  past  the  NMU  "(a)  rermanent  total  disabil­ "(12)  Fourth finger  lost,  OPEN  SHOP!  Even  if  we  did  not  succeed  in  winning  our  Hall  in  a  brand  new  car  and  hol­ ity:  In  case  of  total  disability  ECA^en  Aveeks'  comjiensation."  to  the  hundreds  of  NMU  adjudged  to  be  permuneat  66^3  demands  for  a  raise  in  wages,  we  nevertheless  gained  some­ lering  men  on  the sidewalk,  "Thanks for  per  centum  of  the average Aveek­ Compensation  Limited  thing.  while  the  NMU  lost  everything!  the  car,  suckers."  ly wages  shall be  paid  to the em­ The  foregoing  is  Avhat  the  long­ ployee  during  the  continuance  shoremen  are  entitled  to  for  in­ WEST  COAST  PRAISES  SS  Catlierine  such  total  disability.  Loss of  jury,  and  it  is  certain  that  com­ T­o  quote  the  "Wc..t  Coast  Sailors":—"What  impressed  On  the  annual  visit  to  drydock  of  here of  the SS  Catherine from  the  both  hands,  or  both  arms,  or  pensation  for  seamen  Avill  not  ex­ seamen  was  the  disciplined  manner  in  which  the  Seafarers'  int'er­island  run, the patrolmen  did  both  feef,  or  both  legs,  or  both  ceed  these amounts, and  will  prob­ '^struck these ships, which had not been struck  in 30  years, and  their  best  to  make  her  but  were  eyes,  or  any  two  thereof  shall,  ably  be  less.  Furthermore,  under  the  solidarity  with  which the  m.en  carried  out  their  program.  met  by  a  horde  of  Avatchmen  and  in  the  absence  of  conclusiA­e  the  Longshoremen's  Acl  (Section.  They  walked  out  in  a  body  and  they  returned  to work  in  a  wai­ned  off.  Everything  was  done  .proof  to  the contrary,  constitute  14  (m):  "The  total  compensation  permanent  total  disability.  In  payable  under  this  act  for  injury  body.  Comparing  this  strike  with  that  of  the  NMU  against  to  try  and  get  the  non­union  all  other  cases  permanent'  total  crew  but  they wouldn't  even  come  ^he  oil  company tankers,  it  is no wonder  the  East  Coast  was  dOAvn  to  the  dock  to  take  their  disability .shall  be  determined  in  or  death  shall  in  no  event  exceed  the  sum  of  ?7,500."  In  other  impressed  and  knows  there  is a  difference  in  unions."  stores aboard  while  the  patrolmen  accordance  with  the  facts.  words,  regardless of  how many  de­ Yes,­the  SIU  shoAA^ed  them  that  the  Eastern  ships  can  be  Avere  there. The  wage  scale  on  the  "(b)  Temporary  total  disabil­ pendents  the  injured  or  deceased  tied  up,  and  they  Avent  to  town  after  they  tied  them  ixp!  Catherine  is  ten  dollars  below  the  ity: In  case of  disability total  in  has,  the  total  compensation  can­ character  but temporary  in  qual­ not  possibly  exceed  a  measly  They hit  the picket line, and  carried on  the strike as  it should  union  rate.  Departures  ity,  per  centum  of  the  aA'­ $7,500 ­  which  is  a  damned  cheap  be  carried  on!  That  the  rank  and  file  negotiating  committee  ,  The  Branch  regrets  to  report  erage  Aveekly  wages  shall  be  price  to  pay  for  a  human  life!  did  not  succeed  in  gaining  all  the  points  demanded  can­not  the  deaths of  Brother  Walter  God­ paid  to  the employee  during the  Wlio  Is  Beliind  Bill?  be  blamed upon  them.  They did  their best, and  exerted  every  lewski  who  fell  overboard  and  continuance  thereof.  Senator  Overton  now  proposes  .  effort,,  but  they  Avere  practically  up  against  a  stone  Avail.  was  drowned  while  his vessel  was  "(c)  Permanent  partial  dis­ to  pass  similar  legislation  affect­ The  company  officials  remained  adamant  in  their  refusal  to  in  port  here,  and  Brother  Tom  ability:  In  case  of  disability  ing  the seamen,  and  to  take  away  Hines  who  signed  on  for  the  long  partial  in  character  but  perma­ from  him  something  that  he  al­ grant  any  wage  increase  in  the  face  of  the  most  violent  de­ cruise  after  a  short  illness  in  the  nent  in  quality,  the  compensa­ ready  has!  Just  who  asked  this  mands  of  the  committee.  The  boys  did  the  best  job  they  hispital.  Both  brothers were  well­ tion shall  be  662.^  per centum  of  gentleman  from  Louisiana,  to  could,  and  they  deserve  all  credit  for  their  efforts.  known  and  liked  by  their  brother  the  average  weekly  wages,  sponsor  this  ieglsiatlon^  Is  some­ members  in  this  port  and  their  which  shall  be  in  addition  to  what  of  a  question;  but  one  thing  BACK  ON  JOBS  passing  is  felt  with  regret.  compensation  for  temporary  to­ Is  certain,—and  that  Is  that  In  any  event,  the  ships  ar >  running  again,  and,—what  is  "Reinembei'  the  Maine!"  tal  disability paid  in accordance  NO  MARITIME  LABOR  UNION  more  important,—THE  MEN  ARE  BACK  ON  THE  JOBS!  A hurry up call to a local exter- with  subdivision  (b)  of  this  ASKED  HIM  TO  DO  IT!  As  a  They  didn't have to  sit around  and  wait  an indefinite period  minator company was made here section, and  shall  be  paid  to the  consequence,  we  have  no  other  choice  but  to  assume  that  the  of  time to  be reemployed,  as the  NMU tanker  men are  forced  last week when the SS Maine, employee  as folloAvs:  shipowners  and  Insurance  com­ floating junk heap of th» Robin "(1)  Arm  lost,  two  hundred  panies  are  behind  the  bill,  as  It  to do!  Line, broke aVray from her moorAs  is usual,  folloAving  the signing  of  any  ncAV  agreement,  ings in a squall and crashed and  eighty  Aveeks'  compensa­ Is  a  well  known  fact  that  they  have  strong  lobby  representation  there are numerous discussions  regarding interpretations, and  into the dock. The populace tlon.  "(2)  Leg  lost,  two  hundred  Ahe  ESSCO  agreement  is  no  exception.  HoAAmver,  these  dif­ around Fort McHenry learned and  forty­eight  weeks'  compen­ In  Washington.  that when the old Maine Letter  to  Committee  ferences will  soon  be  ironed  out,  and  things  will  be  i­unning  later "  hit tlie dock, a regular army sation.  In  an effort  to forestall  tlie pass­ along  smoothly  again..  And  don't  forget  that  the  agreement  "(3)  Hand  lost,  tAvo  hundred  age  of  this  bill,  a  letter  has  been  cockroaches, bedbugs S • .expires in June  next  year, instead of  in April!  That, in itself,  ofand rats, other vei-min swarmed over and tAvelve  weeks' compensation.  written  to  the  Senate  Committee  {Continued on page 2) {Continued on page 2) ; is. an  important  point.  "(4)  Foot  lost,  one  hundred  .  I  /A •   hv.".  • m  .'• • .'­­r­ ­m  �Friday, June 23,1939  THE  SEAFARERS^  LOG  Published  by  the  COMPENSATION  Seafarers^ International Union of North America {Continued  from  page 1)  on  Commerce,  prote­gting  against  it.  The letter  reads  as follows:  Affiliated  with  the  American  Federation  of  Labor  y  .\ s;  S­¥­<­ rl Baltimore  Highlights  June 13, 1939.  "Committee  on  Commerce,  United  .States  Senate,  Wa.shington,  D.  C.  wlilch  must  go  down  on  the  rec­ {Continued  from  page 1)  the  side  and  made  for  the  dry­ ords  as  the  phoniest. fizzle  that  HARRY  LUNDEBERG,  Acting  President  dock  gate.  However,  tlie  situa­ was ever  pulled  on  tlie waterfront.  11 Steuart Street,  San  Francisco,  Calif.  tion  is  well  in  hand  again  as once  Anyliow,  even  if  the  NMU  have  it  was  noted  that  the  only  dam­ lost  tlie  tankers,  tliey  still  have  "Gentlemen:  Atlantic  District  age  (lone  was  tliat  to  tlie  inoffen­ their  old  friends  at  tlie  ^Maritime  "Tlie  member.g  of  tlie  Seafarers'  HEADQUARTERS International  Union  of  North  sive  (lock;  the  insect  mullitudo  Commission,  and  maybe  after  New  York  2  Stone  Street  America, Atlantic  District, wish  to  flocked  back  to  their  long­time  learning  liow  to fink  during  the  BRANCHES  Boston  1 Rowes Wliarf  enter  a .strong  protest  against  the  iionie  aboard  lier.  If  you  sliould  tanker  strike,  they  will  get  a  lit­ Providence  465  So.  Main  Street  passage  of  S. 2477,  introduced  by  see  one  of  the  boys  .scratching  tle  more  used  to  hanging  around  Philadelphia  6  Nortk  6th  Street  Mr.  Overton,  and  referred  to  your  himself  and  shouting,  "Remember  the  Government  "fink"  lialls!  Baltimore  212  East  Pratt  Street  Committer.  We  urge  tliat  this  bill  tlie  Maine,"  don't  take  it  for  The  Catlierine  has  just'  come  Norfolk  307  Eaet Main  Street  be  killed  in  Committe, as  there  is  granted  tliat  he  is  an  American­ port  from  her  semi­annual  dry­ San  Juan,  Puerto  Rico  8  Covadonga  Street  nothing in  it  of  benefit  to seamen.  Spanisli  War  veteran;  he's  prob­ docking,  and  we find  her  non­ "As  a  matter  of  fact,  this  Bill  ably  just  come  off  a  Robin  Line  union  from  top  to  bottom.  The  Gulf  District  Company  is  barring all  patrolmen  will  actually  take  away  from  tire  zoo.  HEADQUARTERS  from  her  vicinity,  but  we'll  get  seamen  something  they  already  Port  Council  Working  New  Orleans  309  Chartres  Street  her  before she  sails. Steady as she  iiave.  It will  deny  them  the right  BRANCHES  With  every  ship  coming  into  goes,  boys.  to  institute  legal  proceedings  for  Savannah  218  East'  Bay  Street  this  port  closely  guarded  by  Fraternally,  recovei y  because of  accident or  in­ Jackeonville  136  Bay  Street  watchmen,  new  organizing  is  get­ Miami  809  N.  E.  First  Avenue  jury, and  instead of  their cases  be­ John  Lui  ting  to  be  a  tough  proposition  Tampa  206  Franklin  Street  ing  considered  by  an  impartial  here for  both  SIU and  NMU.  How­ Mobile  55 So.  Conception  Street  jury,  they  will  be  entirely  at'  the  ever,  with  the  Port  Council  work­ Houston  1712  ­  75th  Street  Baltimore,  Md.,  June  12—Ship­ discretion  of  a single  referee.  ing  with  the  new  Watchmen's  or­ ping  is fair  out  of  this  port',  with  Great  Lakes District  "Seamen  are already  entitled  to  ganization,  the  situation  will  be  14  A.B.'s and  4  O.S.'s  shipped  dur­ HEADQUARTERS  maintenance  and  cure,  and  also  rectified  shortly, that  is, as  far as  Detroit  1038  Third  Street  ing  the  week.  Twelve  SUP  men  have  the  right  to  sue for  recovery  the SIU  is concerned.  Despite  the  registered,  and  we  have  one  bro­ because  of  loss  of  employment  refusal  of  Jim  Kelly  local  ILA  tlier  in  the  marine  hospital.  The  ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING THIS tlirough sickness and  injury. What  agent  to  come  into  the  Coun­ PUBLICATION TO: SS  Peter  Kerr  arrived  here  d'rom  then  has this  bill  to  offer  them?  cil,  the  organization  is  working  Philadelphia  and  has  gone  to  the  "THE  SEAFARERS'  LOG"  "Just  who  is  behind  this  bill?  smoolhly  and  with  the  teamsters  Maryland  Drydock  for  cleaning  P. O.  Box  522,  Cliurch  St.  Annex,  New  York,  N.  Y.  It  is  certain  that  the  maritime  backing it  up 100  percent,  the ILA  up.  The  company,  who  was  fail­ unions  are  not  fostering  it.  It is  holdout  is  hardly  noticed.  ing  to  replace  the  men  who  quit  also  a  well  known  fact  that  the  in  drydock,  was  straightened  out,  shipowners  and  the  insurance  and  now  a  replacement  is  made  companies have  very  strong lobby  Baltimore,  Md.,  June  13  —  All  representation.  As a  consequence,  goes  well  with  the  SUP  in  this  as soon  as a  man  quits.  We  note  tliat  Paddy  Whalen,  this seems to  us as  a  move  on the  port,  with  shipping  fairly  good.  part  of  the  shipowners  to  deprive  We  note  that  the  NMU  are voting  NMU  Agent  in  this  port',  has  the  seamen  of  their  Just,  and  to  go  back  to  the  tanker.s  without  bought  a  nice  little  speed  boat  legal  riahtS:  an  agictmcni;  cr  anything  clno  with  the  excuse  that  he  needs  it  A  RESOLUTION  "We wish  to  go  on  record  as de­ However,  it  is  extremely  doubtful  to  picket  tankers  that  can't  be  manding  a  public  hearing  on  thie  if  they  will  be able  to get  back, as  reached  from  the  shore.  Paddy  WHEREAS:  A  certain  group  of  individuals,  commonly  bill,  and  request  that  yovi  advise  we  hear  that  the .ESSO  Tanker­ has, as  usual, forgotten  to  get  per­ known  as  the  "Old  ISU  phonies",  headed  by  Grange,  Gus  us  as  to  the  date  of  the  hearing,  men's  Association,  a  phoney  inde­ mi.sslon  from  his  membership  to  so  that  we  may  have  a  represen­ pendent set­up  to  take  care  of  the  buy  such  a  boat,  and  register  it  Brown,  Reynolds,  Angle  and  other.s,  are  at  the  present  time  tative  of  our  organization  present  finks  who  scabbed  during  the  under  his  name.  It's  about  time  making  strong  efforts  to  start  an  independent  move,  under  to  protest  against  the  passage  of  strike, is  going  great  guns, and  It  the  NMU  boys  were  opening their  the  bill."  looks  like the  last  ships  the  NMU  eyes  on  their  officials,  or  there  the  banner  of  the  Tnternatioiial  Seamen's  Union,  and  The  letter  was  signed  by  Mat­ had  are  gone  forever.  Abe  Lin­ won't  be  a  cent  left  in  the  treas­ .  AVIffiREAS:  All  of  these  persons  are  known  to  be  labor  thew  Dushane,  Chairman  of  the  coln  said  that  "You  can't  fool  all  ury.  in  other  port's,  the  NMU  fakers  of  the first  water,  and  have  been  discredited  in  the  Atlantic  District  Emergency  of  the  people  all of  the  time,"  but  is Like  trying  to  blame  their  dumbness  if  Abe  were  alive  today  be  would  Board.  eyes  of  all seamen, through  their  past  actions,  and  Letters  have  also  been  written  have  to  change  his  mind  about  and  phoney  sell­out  in  the  tanker  to William  Green, President  of  the  that  when  he  thought  about  the  strike,  one  someone  else.  They've  AVHERBAS:  These  individuals  are  at  the  present  time  tried  to  pass  the  buck  to  the SIU  A.F.  of  L.,  and  to  Joseph  A.  Pad­ membership of  the NMU.  making  attempts  to  get  members  of  the  Seafarers'  Interna­ way,  General  Counsel  of  the  A.F.  We  wonder  how  long  it  will  and  the IWW,  but  the  NMU  mem­ tional  Union  to  sign  pledge  cards  designating  the  Interna­ of  L.,  urging  that  they  do  all  in  take the  NMU membership  to real­ bership  couldn't  swallow  it,  so  now  Whalen,  in  his  daily  buck  tional  Seamen's  Union  as  their  representatives  for  the  pur­ their  power  to  bring about  the  de­ ize  that  they  are being  played for  passing  sheet,  is  trying  to  bring  feat  of­this  vicious  measure.  the  biggest  suckers  that  ever  ex­ pose  of  collective  bai'gaining,  and  The  bill  is  printed  in  its entire­ isted,  by  their  officials.  Especial­ the  SUP  into  it.  A  recent issue  claimed  that four  ly  after  this  tanker  strike fizzle.  WHEREAS:  The  said  International  Seamen's  Union  is  ty  elsewhere  in  these  pages.  SUP  members  had  been  seen  officially  on  record  as favoring, shipping  seamen  through  the  drinking  with  "Tanker  Pete"  (ESSO  scabherder)  at  the  Chesa­ Maritime  Commission's  Fink  Hails,  to  ­which  we  arc  unalter­ peake Cafe  in  Fairfield.  The own­ ably  opposed, and  er  of  the  Cafe  said  it  was  a  damned  lie.  SUP  men  did  come  WHEREAS:  The  above  mentioned,persons  are  circulat­ into  his cafe  for  a drink  occasion­ ing  vicious.propaganda  detrimental  to  the  Seafarers'  Inter­ ally,  but  when  they  did,  it'  was  ­lil.OQ  J. Hall  for  a  drink,  and  not  to  talk  to  national Union,  and  have  openly  condemned  it's policies  and  1.00  R.  Fetters  scab­herders.  Paddy  forgets  that  principles; so  therefore be it  1.00  L.  Garman  the  SUP  membership,  never  hav­ 50  L. Burke  ing  done  business or  come  in  con­ Resolved:  That  the  member.ship  here  assembled  in  regu­ 1.00  tact  with  scab­herders,  wouldn't  W.  Behrhorst  lar  joint;  meeting  go  on  record  as  condemning  this  group­ know  "Tanker  Pete"  if  he  shout­ 1.00  S. A.  Betony  heading  the so­called  International Seamen's  Union  as  being  ed  who  he  was!  The  NMU  offi­ .50  Steward  cials  know  him  pretty  well,  and,  a  dual  organization  hostile  to  the  Seafarers'  International  .50  M.  Nartin  of  course  they figure  everyone  1.00  Union, and  be  it further  J. Saniardjie  else  knows  him;  and  the  reason  1.00  "W.  Williams  ...  Whalen  knows  him  is  that  it  is  RESOLVED:  That  any  member  of  the  Seafarers'  Inter­ Whalen's  men  who  are  shipping  1.00  Carlseu  national  Union  who  signs  a  pledge  card  designating  the  In­ through  Pete  on  the  supposed­to­ 5.00  W.  Nye  be­struck­tankers.  ternational Seamen's  Union  to represent  him  for  the  purpose  1.00  W. Barrett  Suppose,  Paddy,  you  get  up  at  of  collective  bargaining,  or  any  member  who  aids  and  abets  1.00  I.  N.  ]\reGIencIou  your  next  meeting  and  tell  your  1.00  members  you've  never  taken  a  Wm.  McVey  ...  •  y  these  efforts  on  the  part  of  these  phonies  be  automatically  drink  with  "Tanker  Pete,"  and  1.00  K.  Tiedeman  suspended  from  the  Seafarers'  International  Union,  upon  then  watch  what  happens!  1.00  Schoenburg  ....  the  presentation  of­ .sufficient  evidence,  and  be  it finally  All  goes  well,  boys;  steady  as  1.00  McCann  she  goes.  RESOLVED:  That  all  other  branches  of  the  Seafarers'  ATTENTION: MEMBERS  OF THE  S.I.U. OF N.A,  DONATIONS  TO  TOE  STRIKE  FUND  \ i i  International Union  be instructed to take action  on this Reso­ lution,  and  that  it  be  given  the  widest  possible  publicity.  :Signed: Anthony  Arenella,  No.  3284; Isadore  Cohen,  No.  194; Morris Chertov,  No. 2184;  John Gahling,  No. 1195; Ray­ mond, A,  Sohults,  No.  4584.  J'- i I  I.  Tine. 4>.ove  E.esolution  was introduced  at tke  regular  j'oint  meeting  at  New  York  Headquarters,  on  June  12,  and  was  jUNAN;.MpMLY CQNOUBRED  IN.  ­ M.  Ramos  J.^Ieudricksen  J. Avery  J. Powers  G.  G.  Price  De  Paz  T. Harkins  J.  McKenzie  Jobn  Soones  F. Velez  B.  Lagon  '  2.00  1.00  ­50  .50  ­50  .6b  .50  l.OO  3.00  .50  1.00  John  Lui  Notice:  Ships'  Delegates:  Demand  that  all  replacements  produce  a  properly  filled  out  assign­ ment  card from  the  Dispatcher  at  the  Union hail.  f ­  o  a''.  '  I  �Friday, June  23, 19­39  THE  SEAFARERS'  LOG  3  HERE  and THERE in the  G1 [JT.F  NEWS from NEW  ORLEANS  MIAMI  HAPPENINGS  in  MOBILE  Crew Brings  CURRAN  PROVES  HIMSELF  FOR ASSE^MENT  Tanker to Mobile  THE  ENVY  O^L RUNNERS!; Rank and  File Give  Joe the  Well  Known "Get Out of  Town"  PANTS­PRESSERS  NOT  WANTED  Now  Orleans,  La.,  June  20—Joe  Currau  lias  been  checked  in  at the  New  Orleans  Hotel  here since  Sat­ urday  morning.  Five  carloads  of  commy  beef  from  New  York,  and  all  the  commies  chased  out  of  Texas are  here.  Curran  held  cau­ cus  with  his  stooges  all  day  Sun­ day. Monday  at noon,  he mustered  the courage  to walk  into  the NMU  hall,  attended  by  an  armed  beef  squad.  C.  H.  Applewhite,  Gulf  District  Chairman  pro  tern,  informed  him  that  a  joint  meeting  was  sched­ uled  for  7:00  P.M.,  and  demanded  that  Curran  attend,  and  clarify  the  policies  of  the  Atlantic  Dis­ trict  pants­pressers.  pic  Games.  Cunningliam,  Wooder­ Bon,  'Venzke,  and  tlie  others  had  better  look  to  tlieir  laurels,  be­ cause  I'm sure  tiiat  Joe could  beat  tliem—providing,  of  course,  the  aroused  rank and file  was chasing  him!  A  few  of  the boys  were circulat­ ing  around  the  corners  last  night,  but  the  great  one­mile  runner  failed  to leave  his den  at the  New  Orleans  Hotel.  The  NMU  membership  in  the  Port  of  New  Orleans  is  known  to  be  on  record  to  keep all  the  pants­ pressers out of  their  meetings, and  it  is  open  season  on  commies  throughout  the  Gulf.  I  believe  that  the Great:  (?)  Joe  knows  that  he  can't  do  anything  down  here,  except  spend  some  Standard  Oil  money.  He  will  probably  leave  in  a,  day  or  so,  or  else  the  rank  and file  of  the  NMU  will  see  that  he  leaves.  They  are  tired  of  putting  up  with  his  crap  any  longer!  Members  Want  to Be  Assured of  Agreement  Miami,  Fia.,  June  20—Tlie  boys  in  the  P & 0  Line  have  taken  a  five  doilar  strike  assessment  for  the  purpose  of  backing  up  their  demands  for  an  agreement.  The  temporary  agreement  which  was  signed  was  a  clarification  of  the  phoney  agreement  which  was  in  effect  until  such  time  a.s  an  elec­ tion  was  held.  .SIU  Wins  Vote  Election  was  held,  and  the  SIU  received  246  votes  out  of  251.  We  are  now  certified  as  the  bargain­ ing  agent  for  the  unlicensed  per­ sonnel  on  the  P&O  ships.  Every­ thing  we  have  on  these  ships  was  obtained  through  job  action.  We  only  want  the company  to sign  an  agreement, which  is  nothing more  than  the  gains  we  have  already  gotten,  and  intend  to  keep.  Also,  we  would  like  a  little  raise,  but  the  raise  will  probably  be  difficult  to  get,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  SS  Munargo  and  the  Clyde­Mal­ lory  lines,  which  are  now  NMU,  have a very poor  agreement.  This  makes  it  hard,  as  the  company  claims  that  they  cannot  compete  with  other  lines  who  do  not  have  agreements  which  give  the  men  what  they  should  be  getting.  THEY  ARE  TOLD  TO  WAIT  UNTIL  SHE  IS  READY  TO  GO  OUT.  WAIT,  BROTHERS,  AND  YOU  WILL  SEE  THAT  THE  COMPANY  WHO  OWNS  THIS  SCOW  WILL  HAVE  A  CREW  OF  Mobile,  Ala.,  June  12—On  the  FINKS  EAGER  TO  TAKE  THE  SIh  of  June  1939,  the  crew  of  the  SHIP  OUT  OF  THIS  PORT!  SS  Cornelia,  a  Porto  Rico  line  .ship,  had  a  little  trouble,  and  the  crew  of  the  vessel  made  up  their  minds  that  they  would  not  sail  file  ship  with  the steward.  There  were  plenty  of  reasons:  First,  he  wasn't  putting  out  the  way  the  crew  thought  he  should.  His  job  went  to  his  head,  ap­ parently,  as  he  continually  rode  all  the  men  under  him.  They  held  the  ship  up  for  around  tliirty  hours, and  the crew  said  that  they  would  not  sail  un­ til  they  had  a  new  steward.  In  came  one  of  the  boys  (Rath­ bourne^  I  was  told),  and  he  told  them  to  sail  the  ship,  or  else—so  to  keep  in good  standing, sail  they  did.  NOTICE!  wiri niiy-.r. ARE  THEY  STANDING  BY  WAITING  ON  THIS  O.NE,  OR  DID  THE  COMPANY  TAKE  THEM  TO  WHERE  A  CREW  WAS  NEEDED  FOR  ANOTHER  SHIP?  "When  the  Maritime  Federation  of  the  Pacific  ­was  functioning,  be­ fore  the  commies  got  hoid  of  it,  an  injury  to  one  was  an  injury  t'o  all—in  fact,  not  in  fancy.  Remem­ ber  the  POINT  CLEAR  beef?  Ask  about  the  backing  the "WELDERS  got  in  Oakland;  ask  about  the  MACHINISTS  beef  in  the  Union  Iron  Works.  In  fact,  look  up  the  history  of  the  MFPC  prior  to  '37,  when  the  commies  took  control  of  Democracy,  CIO  Style  The  SS  Halsey,  a  Mallory  tank­ the  Federation, and  what  the Fed­ er,  supposed  to  be  hot,  came  eration  has  degenerated  into.  into  this  port  for  drydock  work.  THEN  STUDY  THE  NMU,  It  is  one  of  the  biggest  jobs  that  AND  KNOW  WHERE  THEY  has come in  in  some time. Granted  ARE  HEADED!  that  the  shipyard  workers  need  It  is  a  reflection  on  the  mem­ the  work—but  rernembor  that  th­c  bers  fhemselves,  that  they  allow  whole  set­up  of  the  CIO  is  built  such  a  thing  to  take  place.  upon  the  industrial  plan,  after  the  Maritime  Federation  when  it.  The  crew  of  the  SS Cranford,  a  Lykes  rust  pot,  refused  to  take  was  in  its  heyday.  "hot" oil,  and  refused  to  a,bide  by  • What  happened;  the finks  brought  the  ships  to  the  bar,  the  the  telegram  from  the  "wrecking  CIO  Shipyard  workers  then  took  committee,"  and  sailed  the  ship  her  into  drydock,  and  now  they  without  "hot" oil.  are  working  the  ship.  The  mili­'  CONGRATULATIONS  BOYS,  tanf  NMU  men  who  got  off  this  BUT  WATCH  OUT  FOR  THE  ship  and  went  on  the  picket  line,  AXE!  are  once  again  left  holding  the  THE  COMMITTEE  MAY  CAR.  sack.  RY  ON  WITH  THE  PURGE!  Cui'i'an  Gels  Away  Some  of  the  stooges  got  snotty  • with the  gang,  and  were  dumped.  Curran, however,  was  too  fast. An  aroused  rank  and  nier  chased  him  across  the  park  into  the  arms  of  the law,  who  are  proficient  at  pro­ tecting  rats.  Finn  Schefstad  The  NMU  meeting  lasted  from  7:00  P.M.  until  9:30,  and  Curran  Beach  Cleaned  &  Co.  w^cre  conspicuous  by  their  New  Orleans,  La.,  June  20—For  absence.  After  the meeting,  C.  H.  the  next  Olympic  meeting,  the  The  SS  Estrada  Palmer  broke  Applewhite  issued  a  statement  to  NMU  has  a  good  entry  in  the  her  tail  shaft,  forcing  her  into  the  press  charging  that  Curran  track  meet,  with  Joe  Curran  as  drydock,  and  the  SS  Joseph  R.  had  been  instructed  by  the  Gulf  their  man—even  if  Glenn  Cun­ Parrott  took  a full  crew,  cleaning  District  Committee  to  attend  the  ningham,  Jesse  Owens,  and  Gene  out  the  beach  once  again.  We  no­ meeting  to  clarify  statement's  Venzke  are  the  opposition.  "No­ tice  that  men  who  get  off  Bull  made  by  him  in  the  Pilot—that  Coffee­Time­Joe"  can  pass  them  Line ships here  immediately go  to  the Gulf  was shipowner­controlled.  all,  if  he  shows  the  speed  he  Fort Pierce,  a  port about  one hun­ The  Commies  had  A.  Thomas  showed  when  his own  membership  dred  miles  north  of  Miami.  It  is  picked  up  by  the Immigration  offi­ was  behind  him  from  in  front  of  our  suggestion  that  members  get­ cials,  to  get  him  out  of  their  way.  the  NMU  hall,  ting  off  a  ship  in  any  port  where  All  SIU  members  who  are  They  have sworn  out warrants for  Joe  must  know  that  he  is  not  there  is  not  a  Union  Hall,  should  confined  In  Marine  Hospitals  over  50  men  for  alleged  assault  very well  liked  in  the Port  of  New  be  suspended  for'  an  indefinite  arc  hereby  advised  io  imme­ and  wounding. Their  policy  seems  Orleans,  because  the  No­More­ period.  And  any  man  who  packs  diately  notify  their  SIU  Agent  to  be  to  attempt  to  have  all  the  Union  had  their  regular  business  a  SIU  book  should  go  to  a  porf:  in  the  port  nearest  to  where  militants  locked  up.  Then  they  meeting  last  night,  and  the  Na­ where  there  is  a  Hall,  and  not  to  they  are  hospitalized,  in  order  hope  to  be  able  to  take  control.  tional  President  did  not  attend.  a  port  where  there is­*no  Hall.  that  they  may  receive  regular  He  had  a  conference  in  the  N.O.  We  are  negotiating  with  the  weekly  benefits.  Storie.s  False  This  does  not  apply  to  mem­ The  assistant editor  of  the Pilot  Hotel  with  Bob  Meers, who  was  P&O Company,  and  everything is  stated  in  last  week's  issue  of  the  dumped  here  last  week  for  being  favorable for  us to  get  everything  bers  who  are  already  receiving  benefits.  Pilot  that  Thomas,  Applewhite,  a  Commy.  So  I  guess  Moscow  we  want.  John  Gunnison,  Gulf  No. 4  and O'Donahue  were taking orders  business  comes  before  Union  busi­ from  "Red"  Dean.  That  is  not  ness!  Baldy  Bollinger,  SlU  No.  300  true.  Although  they  are  good  friends  of  mine,  they  were  still  elected  by  the  NMU.  So  far  as  I  New  Orleans,  La.,  June 20—The  know,  they  take  i  ­rs  only  from  NMU. membership  is  fed  up  with  •   For  the benefit  of  those  mem­ The  members  of  the  Seafarers'  factional fights.  They  organized  bers  who  are  planning  on  go­ their  own  constituents.  International  Union  who  did  to fight  the  boss.  Now  they find  ing  to  the  Great  Lakes  this  picket  duty  in  the  port  of  Norfolk  It  was  also  charged  that  the  that, cliques are more  interested  in  year,  we  print  herewith  a  list  .$1.00  per  day  NMU  beef  squad  was  fighting  for  control  of  a  dues  col­ of  the  addresses  of  SIU  Offices  during  the  recent  strike  against  taking  orders  from  me.  the  Eastern  Steamship  Co.,  wish  lecting agency than  they are of  or­ in  that  district:  These  men  are  my  friends,  re­ to thank  everyone for  their  splen­ ganizing  opposition  to  the  ship­ Detroit  1038  Third  St.  did  support,  cooperation  and  gen­ gardless  of  their  present  union  owners..  (Headquarters)  affiliation.  They  have  been,  and  erosity.  Through  the aid  given  ue  10  Exchange  St.  by  many of  the  business people  in  will  remain  my  friends  even  Everyone  in  the  NMU  who  Buffalo  1426  Third  Sf.  Norfolk  we  were  able  to  carry  on  though  the  Communist  party  ob­ bucks  Curran  and  his  stooges  is  Cleveland  jects.  They are  tired  of  being dic­ called  a  Lundeberg ­ Dean. ­ ship­ Milwaukee  ..730  S.  Second  St.  our  strike  at  a  minimum  of  ex­ Chicago  810^  N.  Clark  St.  pense,  and  their  kind  assistance  tated  to,  and  that  is  something  owner  stooge!  Everyone who  bucks King  &  Co.  You  are  advised  to  contact  had a very  gratifying effect on  the  you  are  a  little  late  in finding  is  labeled  a  Communist.  any  of  these  branches  for  all  morale of  all the  men  on strike  in  out,  comrade  Fitzgerald.  Isn't it possible for  the rank and  information  relative  to  ship­ that port.  ,'Red"  Dean  file  to  have  an  honest  opinion  ping,  etc.  We  wish,  also,  fo  thank  the  New  Orleans, La.,  June  20—The  which  might  not  conform  with  members  of  the  steward's  depart­ either  faction?  Great  (?)  Joe  Curransky  arrived  have  talked  to,  I  learn  that  they  ment  for  their  cooperation  in  do­ in  New Orleans  on Saturday,  June  In  the  SIU  we  have  job  control  want  one  union.  The  majority  ing  voluntary  picket  duty,  and  17, and  checked  in  at the  New Or­ and  good  shipping.  The members  seem  to  think  that  the  NMU  can­ helping  us  maintain  a  united  are  getting  a  fair  wage  and  con­ leans  Hotel  with  his  Commy  goon  not  cut  the  mustard.  That  leaves  front.  Due to  a misunderstanding  ditions.  If  their  opinions  differ  the SIU  as their  only  hope.  squad.  on  the part'  of  the Strike  Commit­ He  went  to  the  NMU  Hall  from  those  of  the  officials,  they  The  problem  is  how  to  transfer  tee  in  Noifolk,  many  members  of  are  brought  up  at  the meetings.  around  12  o'clock  noon,  Monday,  while  the  agreements  are  signed  the  steward's  department  were  accompanied  by  his  own  beef  There is free  democratic expres­ in  the name  of  the NMU,  Answer  penalized  for  missing  picket  sion  and  discussion,.and  the ques­ squad,  and  from  what  I  actually  this  question,  and  the  Gulf  will  watches, etc., as we  did  not  under­ saw  with  my  own  eyes,  I  believe  tion  is  voted  on.  The  majority  have  one  big  union—the  Seafar­ stand  that any  picket  duty  on  the  Joe  to  be  the  greatest  one­mile  rules.  There  is  no  dumping  of  ers' International  Union!  part  of  the  members  of  the  stew­ racer  ever  to hit  New Orleans.  He  members, as  in  the  NMU  today.  Earl  Ward  ard's  department  could  be  only  From  the  many  NMU  men  I  really should  enter the  next Olym­ NOTICE  WHAT  HAPPENED  TO  THE  FINKS  WHO  BROUGHT  THE  SHIP  TO  THE  BAR?  Express AppreciatiDn  •>•   m  Tl  NOTICE  New York, N. Y. June 21, 1939. TO ALL ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT AGENTS: Re: Robert Bowles, Gulf No. ITS—Stewards. You are hereby advised not to register or effect the shipment of the above-named member until he has returned to New York Headquarters and stood trial. This brother is charged with attacking a brother member on the SS Scatrain Havana, and of hitting him from behind with a piece of pipe, or sotne other blunt weapon. He has, in fact, already admitted that he did So. Upon arrival of the Scatrain Havana in Hoboken yesterday (June 20), Bowles teas advised by the patrolman that he would have to come off the ship, as charges were being preferred against him. Bowles has not yet put in an appearance at this Hall, and it is believed that he left town. Fraternally, Matthew Dushane. Chairman, Atlantic District Emergency Board voluntary.  For  this  oversight  on  our  part  we  wish  to  offer  our  apologies,  and  a  plea  to  the  men  unjustly  penalized  to  kindly over­ look  our  error.  It  was  not  done  purposely,  nor  with  any  malice  aforethought, and  we are as  sorry  as anyone  else  that it  did  happen^  Norfolk  Strike  Committer  By—O.  C.  Bourne  j  m  I  �THE  SEAFARERS'  LOG  IPr­'­.  7  1^  m'  1^­*  L ­ f.r' Friday, June 23,1939  on  account  of  such  injury  or  '"(1)  a  master  or  member  of  death.  In  such  action  the  de­ a' crew of  any  vessel  under  eigh­ teen  tons  net,  nor  any  person  fendant  may  not  plead  as  a  de­ engaged  by  the  master  to  load  fense that  the injury  was caused  A  Bill  to  amend  tlie  Mercliant  or  unload  or  l epair  any  small  by  the  negligence  of  a  fellow  Marine  Act,  1936,  as  amended,  to  vessel  under  eighteen  tons  net;  servant.',  nor  that  the  employee  provide  compensation  for  disabil­ assumed  the  risk  of  his  employ­ "'(2)  a  master  or  member  of  ity  or  death  resulting from  injury  tlie  crew  of  any  A'essel  of  eigh­ ment,  nor  that  the  injury  was  to  employees  in  certain  maritime  teen  tons  net  or  over  unless  he  due  to  the  contributory  negli­ Grange, Brown  and Reynolds Trying  employments,  and  for  other  pur­ gence of  the  employee;  is  employed  on  (A)  a  ve.ssel  poses.  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  To Hoodwink  East Coast Seamen  "'(2)  nothing  in  this  Act  lie  it  enacted  hi/  the  Senate and  United  States, or  (B)  any  other  shall  be  ddemed  to  abrogate  or  House  of  Rept esentatives  of  the  vessel  under  a  contract  of  em­ otherwise  affect  the  riglits  un­ CALL  FOR  NLRB  VOTE  PHONEY  United,  iitates  of  America  in  Con­ ployment  enterei"  into  Avithln  der  the  maritime  law  of  the  press  assembled,  Tliat  the  Mer­ the  United  States  while  he  is  a  master  or  any  member  of  the  "\Vc  have  been  iiifornied  that  tlie  rampant,  I'ancous,  chant  Marine  Act,  1936,  approved  bona fide  resident  of  the  United  crow  of  any  vessel  with  respect  "Rajali  of  Ronkonkoma", Dave  Grange, has  been  passing the  June  29,  1936,  as  amended,  is  States:  or  to  maintenance  and  cure,  but  • "(3)an ollicor  or  employee of  the  reasonable  value  of  any  word  around  tliat  he  likes  to  have  us  write  about  him,  as  it  amended  by  adding  at  the  end  thereof  the  following  new  title.;  the United  States oi­  any  agency  maintenance iirovided, or  caused  gives  him  plenty  of  publicity.  Mebbe  so,  mebbe  so,  but  it's  "TITLE  XII  thereof  or  of  any  State  or  for­ to  be  provided,  to  an  injured  a  tdnch  that  the  sort  of  publicity  we  give  him  isn't  going  to  eign  government,  or  of  any  po­ employee  by  an  employer,  "M.MUTIMK  WORKKR.S'  do him  a  bit  of  good I  We  can't  truthfully  say  that  we  enjoy  litical  subdivision  thereof.  whether  or  not  provided  on  COMVK.V.SATION  writing about Grange, as we  can think  of  much  more pleasant  "SKC.  1201.  (a)  Paragraphs  (3)  "'(b)  No  compen.sation  shall  shipboard, shall, for  tlie  purpose  subjects about  which  to  journalize,  as  we  so  laugliingly  J'efer  and  (4)  of  section  .2  of  the  I>ong­ be  payable  if  the  injury  AA­US  oc­ of  computing  the  Gompensatinn  payable  to  sucli  master  or  mem­ shoremen's  and  Harbor  Workei's'  casioned  solely  by  the  intoxica­ to it.  tion  of  the  employee  or  by  the  ber  of  the  crew  during the  time  In  any  event,  the  erstwhile  dictator  of  the  old  IMarine  Compensation  Act,  as  '  amended,  willful  intention  of  the  em­ maintenance  is  so  provided,  be  are  amended  to  read  as  follows:  Cooks  &  Steward's  Union  is  still  very  much  in  evidence  "'(3)  The  term "employee" does  liloyee  to  injure  or  kill  himselt  deducted  from  the  amount  de­ aroiTnd  the We.st  Side waterfront,—although  for some  reason  not  include  a  master  or  member  or  another.  termined  to  be  the  amount  of  " '(c)  For the  purposes of  this  the  weekly  wages  of  such  mas­ ,  unknown  to  us,  he  made  himself  exceedingly  scare  one  day  of  the  crew  of  any  vessel  under  ter  or  member  of  the crew.'  eighteen  tons  net,  nor  any  person  section, a vessel  shall  be deemed  last  Aveek.  engaged  by  the  master  to  load  or  to  be  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  "SKC;.  1203.  Subsection  (b)  of  OTHERS  AID  GRANGE  unload  or  repair  any  small  vessel  of  the  United  States  if  it  is—  the  Longshoremen's  and  Harbor  "'(1)  documented  or  num­ Workers'  Compensation  Act,  as  While  Ave  are  forceil  to  admit  that  the  Rajah  ])lays  a  under  eighteen  tons  net.  bered  under  the laws  thereof;  amended,  is  amended  to  read  as  rather cunning  game, Ave  are neA'ertheless  a  fcAv  jumps ahead  "• (4) The  term  "employer"  "'(2)  permanently  located  follows:  means  an  employer  any  of  whose  of  hym.  For instance, AVO  knoAv exactly  Avhom  his chief  stooges  within  the  territorial  waters  "'(b)  The Commission  shall  es­ employees  are  employed  in  mari­ are,  and  are  not  alloAving  them  to  escape  our.  notice.  One  thereof;  time  employment',  in  whole  or  in  tablish  compensation  districts,  to  false  move  from  them,  and  it's going  to  be  ju.st  too  bad!  "'(3)  engaged  in  the  domes­ include  the  areas  within  the  part, upon  the navigable  Avaters  of  Grange  is,  of  course,  aided  and  abetted  by  others  of  his  the  United  States  (including  any  tic  commerce  thereof  in  the  in­ United  States  to  which  this  Act  ilk, but  Avith  all the  conniving  they  have done,, their  ])rogre.ss  drydock),  or  on  the  higli  seas  on  ternal  coastwise  or  intercoastal  applies,  and  shall  assign  to  each  or  is  practically  nil!  It  is  rumored  that  the  alleged  brains  be­ board  a vessel  sujbect  to the  juris­ trade;  such  district  one  or  more  deputy  "'(4)engaged  in  the  foreign  diction  of  the  United  States.'  hind  the  phoney  ISU  move  are  contained  in  the  sconce  of  a  "(b)  Section  2  of  such  Act,  as  commerce  thereof  under  tlie  commissioners, as  the Commission  certain  character  known  as  Reynolds.  As  AA^e  don't  have  the  amended,  ii  further  amended  by  OAvnership,  management,  opera­ deems  advisable.  In  the  case  of  injury  or  death  of  any  employee  misfoi'tune  to  be  personally  acquainted  Avith  this  bloke,  Ave  adding at  the  end  thereof  the  fol­ tion,  or  control  of  a  citizen  occurring  outside  the  territorial  thcreo.f  or  of  a  corporation  or­ limits  of  the  United  States,  the  can only  take the. Avord  of  others as to his  general reputation.  lowing new  paragraph:  ganized  therein.'  We  have  heard  him  referred  to  as a  "belly­robber," a  "com­ " '(20)  The term "vessel" means  deputy  commissioner  in  any  com­ "SKC.  1202.  Section  5  of  the  nensat.ion  district  .in  ;vhich  the  anj'  ship,  boat,  craft,  or  othor  pany  stooge",  and  various  other  terms  of  opprobrium.  Ac­ floating  structure  capable  of  navi­ Longshoremen's  and  Harbor  employer  is  subject  to  the  service  cording to  all the  information  Ave  can garner about  Reynolds,  gation.'  Workers'  Compensation  Act,  as  of  process  shall  liave  jurisdiction  ,  he  is  hardly  the  type  any  sane  seaman  Avould  Avant  to  repre­ "(c)  Section  3  of  the  Long­ amended,  is  am.enrled  to  read  as  in  respect  of  .sucli  injury or  death.  shoremen's  and  Harbor  Workers'  follows:  sent  him.  Judicial  proceedings  under  sec­ Compensation  Act,  as amended,  is  " 'SEC.  5.  The liability  of  an  em­ tions  18  and  21  of  this  Act  in  re­ PHONEY PROPAGANDA  ployer  prescribed  in  section  4  amended  to read  as follows:  The  Rajah  has  also  gone  to  great,  pains  to  drag  out  the  '"SIX;.  3.  (a)  Compensation  shall  he  exclusive  and  in  place  of  spect  of  any  any  injury  or  death  occurring out'side  of  the territorial  old  bugaboo  of  race  discrimination,  and  has  told  all  of  those  shall  be  payable  under  this  Act  in  all other  liability of  such employer  jurisdiction  of'fne  United  States  AA'ho  Avill  listen to  him  that  it  is the  policy  of  the SIU  official­ respect  of  disability  or  death  of  to  the  employee,  his  legal  repre­ shall  be  instituted  in  the  district  dom  to  drlA'e  the  members  of  his  race  oft'  the  ships,  and  re­ an  employee,  but  only  if  the  dis­ sentative,  husband  or  wife,  par­ court  within  whose  territorial  or  death  results  from  an  ents,  dependents,  next  of  kin,  and  jurisdiction  is  located  the office  of  place them  Avith  Avhite  men.  In the first  place, such  an  asser­ ability  injury  occurring  upon  the  naviga­ anyone  otherwise  entitled  to  re­ the  deputy  commibsioner  having  tion is  absurd  if  only  because  of  the  fact  that  Ave  don't  have  ble  waters  of  the  United  States  cover  damages  from  such  em­ juri.sdiction  in  re.spect  of  such  in­ the  membership  Avith  Avhich  to  replace  them,  even  if  such  a  (including  any  drydock),  or  oc­ ployer  at  law  or  in  admiralty  on  jury  or  death  (or  in  the  District  move  Avcrc  contemplated—AAffiich  it  very  definitely  is  NOT!  curring  while  such  employee  was  account  of  such  injury  or  death,  Court  of  the United  States for  the  that—  District; of  Columbia  if  such  office  Every  man  in  this  organization  is  entitled  to  a  job,  regard­ employed  on  or in  connection  with  except  "'(1)  if  an  employer  fails  to  is  located  in  such  District).'"  a  vessel subject  to the  jurisdiction  legs  of  race,  color,  or  creed,  and  there  can  be  no  question  of  of  the United  States, and  if  recoA­­­ secure payment  of  compensation  discrimination  in  an  organization  as  democratic  as  is  ours.  ery  of  the  disability  or  death  as  required  by  this  Act,  an  in­ SKC.  2,  This  Act  .shall  become  days  after  the  date'  Grange,  so  Ave  are  told,  has  also  made  the  assertion  that  all  through  workmen's "compensation  jured  employee, or  his legal  rep­ effective sixty  of  its  enactment.  the  colored  men  Avcrc  driven  oft"  the  West  Coast  ships  by  the  proceedings  may  not  validly  be  resentative in  case death  results  from  the  injury,  may  elect  to  provided  by  State, law.  No  corn­ Union.  This  is  another  deliberate  misstatement  of  fact,  as  pen.sation  claim  compensation  under  this  shall  be  payable  in  re­ the  SUP  has  never,  at  any  time,  had  more  than  a  very  fcAV  spect  of  the  disability  or  death  Act, or  to  maintain  an  action  at  colored  members  in  it.  laAV  or  in  admiralty for  damages  of­­ ISU  PHONIES  WANT  TO  REPRESENT  EAST  COAST  S  2477  THANKS!  HCW  MIGHTY  HAVE  FALLEN!  Philadelphia,  Pa.  •  SS Pan  Royal  XoAv,  there  Avould  he  no  use,  at  this  particular  time,  to  have  been a  time many,  many  j'ears atro  Avhen  Gns BroAvn  Ava.s  May  31, 1939.  drag  Grange's  record  out  of  the  past,  a.s  it  is  only  too  AA'ell  a  good  union man,—but  tliem  day.s  is  gone forever I  He  even  knoAvn  to  all  seamen  along  this  coast,  and  Avould  only  con­ Avent  to the trouble  of  riding the Eastern  ships  betAveen  here  Seafarers'  International  Union  •   taminate  the  atmosphere  anyhoAA^  But,  at  this  particular  and  Bo.ston  to  try  to  get  SIU  members  to  sign  pledge  cards  2  Stone  St.  time,  Ave  Avould  like  to  knoAv  what  happened  to  those special  for  his phoney  ISU.  "We  are certain  that he  didn't meet  Avith  New  York  City  made  cigars  that  he  used  to  smoke  (At  the  expense  of  the  any  success,  and  Ave  do  knoAV  that  the  deck  gang  on  the  Dear  Brothers:  member.ship!)  We  note  him  noAvadays  dejectedly  puffing  on  Bo.ston  politely told  him  to  get  the  hell  out  of  the foc'sle!  I  have  been  requested  by  the  crew  of  tlie  SS  Pan  Royal  to  ex­ a  Avorn  briar  pipe,  and,  no  doubt,  living  oA^er  the  glories  of  PHONIES  THROUGH  tend  their  appreciation  for  your  his past  Avhen  he  AA^TS  practically monarch  of  all  he .surveyed.  Can't  these  old  line  phonies  get  it  through  their  heads  cooperation  and  results  at  Hobo­ We  Avouldn't  say  that  he  has  descended  exactly  to  the  level  that  the  seamen  are  definitely  through  Avith  them?  They  re­ ken,  New  .lersey.  In  the  future,  of  a  panhandler,  but  Ave  do  knoAV  that  he  has  touched  up  pudiated  them  long ago,  and  they  Avill  never  again  be  in  the  we  will  endeavor  to  have  all  pa­ quite  a  fcAV  of  the  boys  for  needed  funds.  trolmen  act  as  you  did.  We  real­ mood  to  accept  them.  They  sold  the  seamen  out  before,  and  ize  your  heavy  burden  in  the  Port  RAJAH  DOES ABOUT  FACE  it  ia  a  foregone  conclusion  that  they  Avill  do it.  again  if  they  of  New  York  at  the  present  time,  In years  gone  by,  the  Rajah  wa.s Avont  to declaim  that  the  ever  get  a  chance.  and  wish  you  complete  success.  SteAA'ard;,  absolutely  could  not  get  along  Avithout  the  aid  of  IF  THE  OLD  ISU  PHONIES  ENTERTAIN  THE  IDEA  Yours  truly,  the  Sailoi­s  and  the  Firemen,  but  today,  he  has  performed  a  THAT  THEY  ARE GOING  TO  START  ANY  SUCCESSFUL  S.S.  Pan  Royal  complete  about  face,  as  is  .shrieking  to  all  Avho  Avill  listen  INDEPENDENT UNION MOVE ON  THIS COAST,  THEY'D  By  Deck  Delegate  A.  Keen,  Book  No.  12  to  him  that  the  stewards should have  their  own  independent  BETTER  THINK  AGAIN,  AND  THEN  PULL  IN  THEIR  union.  What  caused  this  sudden  change  of  ideas?  The  NECKS!  ansAver  is  simple.  Grange  knoAvs  full  Avell  that  the  great  Grange  has  made  the  assertion  that  if,  and  Avhen  he  gets  majority  of  the membership  of  the  SIU  Avill  never alloAv  him  a  sufficient  number  of  pledge  cards  signed  by  men  on  the  to  be. a  member  of  this  organization,  so  he figures  that  by  ESSCO  .ships,  he  Avill  call for  a  NLRB  vote.  So  Avhat?  THE  starting an  independent  SteAvard's  Department  union he  can  SIU  WILL  OPPOSE  ANY  ATTEMPT. TO  CALL  A  VOTE  S.I.U. Book  (Gulf  Nc  74)  and  once  again  be  kingpin,  HoAvever,—let  him  take  fair  warn­ ON  THESE  SHIPS,  ON  THE  GROUNDS  THAT  THEIR  papers  of  Charles  E.  Rhodes  ing,—and  not  count  his  chickens  before  they  are  hatched!  CONTRACT  WITH  THE  EASTERN  STEAMSHIP  COM­ were  found  In  Tampa,  Fla.  This  book  and  papers  are  As  a  matter  of  record  and  fact,  the  great  majority  of  the  PANY SUPERCEDES ANY NLRB RULING  OR DECISION!  being  held  by  Gulf  District  colored  stewards  do  not  want  Grange  either!  THE  SUP  DID  THE  SAME  THING  IN  THE  SHEPARD  Headquarters  in  New  Orleans  GUS BROWN  STOOGES  UNE  BEEF,—AND  THEY  STILL  MAN  THOSE  SHIPS.  and  will  be  forwarded  to  any  ,  Another  of  Grange's  playmates  is  none  other  than  Gus  THE  SIU  WILL  FOLLOW  OUT  THE  VERY  SAME  PRO­ S.I.U.  agency  upon  request  from  the  owner.  JlroAvn  of  the  old  Eastern  &  Gulf  Sailors' As.sni  There  may  CEDURE  IF SUCH  AN  EMERGENCY  ARISES!  NOTICE  M  Ifl  • ­­fi  •  ; • 'C'l  ' !|  • • Wi •  • 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/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. BCC The name(s) and email address(es) of the person to whom the email was blind carbon copied. 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Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Time Summary A summary of an interview given for different time stamps throughout the interview Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 To The name(s) and email address(es) of the person to whom the email was sent. Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound. Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 URL Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 23, 1939 Description An account of the resource Headlines: TANKER STRIKE A FLOP! SIU COMES OUT ON TOP COMPENSATION BILL MUST BE DEFEATED NMU MEMBERS TURN TO SEAFARERS ATTENTION: MEMBERS OF THE SIU OF N.A. CURRAN PROVES HIMSELF THE ENVY OF ALL RUNNERS P&O LINES VOTE FOR ASSESSMENT FINK CREW BRINGS TANKER TO MOBILE EXPRESS APPRECIATION ISU PHONIES WANT TO REPRESENT EAST COAST S. 2477 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/23/1939 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. I, No. 12 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1939 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a0c62e8053e0ecbd489b99df93cbe54e.PDF 9896806b0c3c99ffa9df6d3dc8f42710 PDF Text Text OFFICIAL OBOAN OF THE ATLAHHO AND ODLF DISTBICT, SEAFABERS' INTEBNAHONAL mnON OF NOBTH AUEBIOA Vol. VI. NEW YORK, N.Y.. FRIDAY. JUNE 23. 1944 No. 17 Warns 30,000 Cigarettes NMU Loses Pittsburgh Ornburh AgainstSubstitute Sent SIU Members Election On Lakes For Union Label In Prison Camps By Vote Of 720 To 889 CLEVELAND, O., June 20—The bitterest defeat ever accorded the National Maritime Union was rfenderec here today with the announcement of the NLRB, (Region­ al Office) that they had failed miserably in their attempts to carry the giant Pittsburgh Steamship Co.'s steel-ore- WASHINGTON, D. C. —I. M. Ornburn, Secretary - Treasurer, Union Label Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor, warned that a large Am­ erican shoe manufacturer is now placing the words, "Union Made," in shoes in place of the Union Label. This evasive method is often used by non-union manu­ facturers of products that may be manufactured by a company union or any other union not af­ filiated with the American Fed­ eration of Labor, he pointed out. He urged all AFL members to de­ mand the official Union Stamp of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union on footwear. "It will be necessary," Mr. Orn­ burn added, "to demand the Union Label on all products and the Union Shop Card and Ser­ vice Button for all services dur­ ing the war if trade unionists ex­ pect to maintain American labor standards after the war." NEW YORK, June 20—letter has been received by; the office of the Atlantic and Gulf District of the Seafarers International Union from the Imperial Tobacco Sales Co. of Canada, Ltd., in reply to the request of Sec'y-Treasurer; John Hawk that supplies of cigarettes be sent overseas to members of the Union presently^in Nazi concentration camps as prisoners of war. Other Shipments To Follow In this, the first instance, the cigarettes have been sent to Wm. E. Weaver, an SIU Brother, who is interned at Concentration Camp Mai-lag und Milag, Milag, NEW YORK CITY—Dressmak­ Germany, who will be respon­ ers Union Local 22, of the sible for distributing them to the ILGWU, decided to raise $2,000,other members of the SIU, also 000 in the Fifth War Loan in or­ held prisoners there. Other ship- der to replace the Liberty Ship, nients are"^'to follow at arranged SS Meyer London, recently re­ ported sunk in the Meffiterranintervals. ean. The Meyer London was one Future shipments are also be­ of the four ships supplied to the ing provided for, which will in­ government with the $8,000,000 clude tobaccos and other brands (Continued on Page 4) (Continued on Page 4) 2 Million In Bonds To Replace Sunken S S Meyer London carrying fleet by a vote of 720 for" the NMU to a vote of 889 against. So slanderous did the NMU's Because hundreds and hun­ wild assertions become that dreds of the crew members of Mardy Polaner, Sec'y - Treasurer those ships are Great Lakes Dis­ of the Great Lakes District re­ trict SIU members, they voted plied and exposed the sinister against the NMU's Washington aims of the organizers for the somaneuvers which kept this Union called "union" the NMU. Brother off the ballot. Proof of the NMU's Polaner's broadcasts effectively connivance with Washington bu­ exposed the NMU's propaganda reaucrats to accomplish this was and poison. seen in their violent protests Their eagernes to stem the when the Seafarers Great Lakes sweeping tide of men into the District asked for a place on the ranks of the SIU caused their ballot at the time it was announ(Continued on Page 4) • ced the election would be held. Apparently the NMU was afraid of the competition that the AFL Union would put up and rushed forward headlong, prefer"^'ffff^that the Lakes' seamen have no union at all ratner than risk giving the seamen a chance to vote as they willed in an open WASHINGTON, D. C.—At the "Yaw and Your Union" first of a series of educational pamphlets to be issued by i-equest of the Army Service election. For from the time that the Forces, the International Brother­ the SIU, is now; off the press and will be distributed in a few days. In announcing this NMU determined that it was to hood of Bookbinders is supplying first of several publications in a forthcoming educational series, John Hawk, Atlantic; be alone on the ballot the of­ 5,000 decks of union-made play­ and Gulf Sec'y-Treasurer pointficials of that outfit began pour­ ing cards for use by wounded ed out the need for such publi­ ing out every kind of poison they troops in hospital ships. The cations at this time due to the could lay tongue to. Radio time union's widespread gifts of these growth of the SIU during the was purchased without stint and cards are greatly appreciated by past two years. the air waves were filled with the the servicemen is evidenced by "With the consequent enroll­ NMU's frantic efforts in an in­ the countless extracts from the ment of thousands of new men tensified and eager campaign hundreds of letters pouring into unacquainted with the signifi­ the Bookbinders' offices here. against the SIU. cance of unionism," he said. "We believe these pamphlets wUl fill a need in telling new men who don't know about less prosperous years at sea, the vital role that the SIU has played in bringing better wages and living condi­ tions to American seamen." Directed to new men and oldtimers alike, "You and Yous trooper who's through his War information has a 1 w'a y s Union" is an attractively-printed courses, about the unusual activ­ been important and vital—^to the 32-page booklet which tells what enemy! Now, as events swing in­ ity at the nearby fine-parts or conditions at sea were like before to a dramatic climax in Europe airplane plants. solid union action brought about and move to the offensive in the Everyone has some informa­ better wages, shorter hours, de­ Pacific it becomes more vital tion like that and some people cent food, and better labor prac­ than ever—to the enemy! are carelessly spitting it out. Once tices to the American merchant . One loose word could cost us a spilt within earshot of an enemy, marine. It shows how these im­ convoy, a regiment or a division, it goes direct to the German In­ provements were won and re­ even a large scale battle action. telligence or the Japanese Intel­ tained by the united action of , There are plenty of spies in ligence, and there an expert jig­ AFL union members. America. Damned slick and fast saw puzzle job is done. Some­ Included in the booklet is in­ ones. Much too slick and fast to where a wolf-pack of submaries formation to trip card men and be recognized as they hold down is despatched to meet a convoy. a chapter on overtime and the a chair in the bar-room or even Somewhere an enemy air com­ elimination of "bum beefs." sweep the floor, or read their mand is tipped-off to expect cer­ Special feature is a table of newspapers next to us in the bus tain types of planes in the days wages by which a man can figure or the subway or even sit in a of battle to come. Somewhere out the pay coming to him by movie. plans are shifted to meet the Al­ the time his ship reaches port. They're here for one purpose: lied attacks and men will lie with Another feature of the booklet to pick up tiny bits of informa­ their blood gushing out on a is a short biography of Andrew tion about a ship that is being beach! Furuseth, long-time head of the loaded, a. convoy that will be Sailors Union of the Pacific, and ZIP THE LIPS . . . AND joined, about an airman whose founder of the SIU. Facsimilie of Cover of SIU's Latest Pamphlet SAVE THE SHIPS !!! training is complete, or a para­ Bookbinders Donate 5,OOODecksOfCards For Hospital Ships If You Have A Big Mouthful, Don't Say It — Swallow It; Campaign For Siletfce! Another SIU Educational Pamphlet YOU AMD YOUR UNION SEAF/IRERS International mioiv ilkk.; �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Published by the SEAFARERS' INTERNA'nONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Golf District Affiliated with tfjc Ameriean Federation of Labor, HARRY LuNdEBERc ------ VreMeni 110 Market Street, San FrancIscOt Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Tteas, P. O. Box 25, Station P., New York Gty MATTHEW DUSHANE - - - 'Washington Rep. 424 5th Street, N. W., VS^ashington, D. C. Directory of Branches ADDRESS BRANCH NEW YORK (4) BOSTON (10) BALTIMORE (2) PHILADELPHIA NORFOLK NEW ORLEANS (16)... SAVANNAH TAMPA MOBILE SAN JUAN. 28, P.R.. PUERTO RICO GALVESTON PHONE 2 Stone St 330 Atlantic Ave 14 North GAy St.. 6 North 6th St 25 Commercial PI 324 Chartrea St 218 East Bay St 423 East Piatt St 7 St. Michael St BOwIing Green 9-3437 Liberty 4057 Calvert4539 Lombard 7651 Norfolk 4-1083 Canal 3336 Savannah 3-1728 Tampa MM-I323 DUI 2-1392 45 Ponce de Leon 2 19 20th Street San Juan 1885 Galveston 2-8043 Wl W! W PUBLICATION OFFICE: ROOM 213, 2 STONE STREET New York City (4) BOwIing Green 9-834^ ^ ^^267 On Better Hiring Halls There is a current discussion around the Union's hall —and Brothers the issue is one which affects us all! It is the question as to whether or not the Union should buy proper­ ties for the Union's membership to meet and assemble in. All the old-time seamen who've fought for good con­ ditions on the ships definitely say: YES! For they know what it is to live in a rotten fo'csle and they fought tooth-and-nail to drive that condition from the ships. They know that the Union led the fight for separate assembly places aboard ships so their shipmates could sleep in the fo'csle without being disturbed by those who wanted to talk. We fought for reading rooms aboard ships for the same reason and so that the seamen would be free of the messrooms when off watch! The seamen by and large want good, clean hiring halls with expanded facilities that will keep pace with the ex­ pansion of the Seafarers International Union itself—for they believe in the future of their own Union. Today, many of the youngsters who've never had to fight for the conditions that were raised to the best stand­ ards in the world aboard American ships, are learning of that experience from the oldsters. All seamen know that clean, well-ventilated assembly halls and hiring halls are desirable, for the meeting hall can "be used for reading when a member wants a quiet place to Tead undisturbed; portions of the hiring halls can be given over to crad tables, checker tables, etc: Further, the Union will be in its own building alone! From a Trade-Union standpoint all members are be­ ginning to realize that the ownership of its Own Union Halls will remove the Union itself from the whimseys of hostile landlords and from the necessity of paying higher rents in the perhaps harder times in the post-war period— for such halls will put the Union on a solid foundation! Property is a stake in America which will stand the members in good stead in the fire of troubles with the ship­ owners which are almost certainly ahead after this war. We hear Union members openly voicing their sentiiments declaring that every possible member who votes has the obligation to himself and his Union to 'Vote YES; on the resolutions calling for a building assessment and for the buying of Union halls 'in Tampa and New York! The ques­ tion is on a democratic referendum at the mem^rship's order. The ballot is secret and the answer is in the mem­ bership's hands. SEAFARERS LOG Friday. June 23. 1944 WHArS DOING Aroui^ tile Ports ands'of dlplars in overtime that in all probability will never be At Monday evening's meeting, brought up or never collected. under Good and Welfare, this When situations of this type oc­ Branch had another open-hoDse cur, it represents one hell of a question and answers oh an open big loss to our membership in forum basis with reference to the dollars and cents. We have had several of the proper way of handKhg disputes, and what was a legitimate beef. "Bucko" types of Chief Mates This is the second time that the and Engineers in recently, but New York Branch has had this with direct action on the point of type of question and answer production, the officials here meeting and we find that it is managed to line these characters most educational to the member­ up very wCll. We find that usual­ ly this type of character is a little ship. This applies especially to bit of a dog to start with and it younger members who are not only requires a certain amount thoroughly familiar with our of pressure from the crew and working contracts. The officers the union officials to put them in of this Port recommend this to their proper place. Oh! for the good old days of other Branches as a g6od practice to follow for the regular Monday peace-time when you could grab night's meeting each week, after some bum like this and pull him regular business is disposed of. out on the dock and kick him in It seems that the Steward's Pa­ the fanny! Here's hoping it won't trolman, Claude Fisher, in this be long as my feet get to itching something terrible these days. Port, set some sort of a record up PAUL HALL, Agent here recently when he collected a total of $1,718.94 for several unusual types of disputes. They BALTIMORE were unusual in this manner: up­ on paying off in outports, the This week has been one of the crews on these vessels involved busiest we have had here for did not even put in a beef on quite some time, with about them to the Port officials where twelve ships in Port and all hol­ the vessel paid off. Later on, af­ lering for crews at once. ter reaching New York, these The highlight of the week was beefs were taken across the the arrival of the SS Alexander counter by Counter Patrolman J. Stevens of the Mississippi SS Co. P. Shuler, and due to the fact The first complaints received that they were Steward's Depart­ from the crew Were that the Cap­ ment Beefs, were turned over to tain had gotten a good load on Brother Fisher. and had started some Wild West He went to bat on all of them antics, brandishing a gun at one and knocked out the afore-men­ of the crew for being in the messtioned sum. This should be quite room, getting a sup of coffee at a lesson to some of these fellows night and subsequently, at the who brought these beefs in, so point of this cocked gun, forcing that in the future, when paying the man into his room. off in ANY Port, they will bring The Chief Engineer cut off the in a complete account of any­ fresh water from the crew's wash­ thing that they think is a dispute rooms and hooked up a salt water to the officers in that Port. line to the crew's showers. Of Undoubtedly, for every dollar course he did not do this to the that Fisher collected in this man­ officers, he had on the ship, most ner of dispute, there are thous­ of them punks, who haven't been NEV/ YORK MONEY DUE "The following members of the' crew of the SS JOHN SULLI­ VAN, ot the Shepard Steamship Company,. have money due tor security watches and overtime tor the Port ot Norfolk: R. Farley, $6.00 plus 4 hrs. overtime; F. Rickels, $6.00 plus 19 hrs. overtime; R. Miller, $6.00 plus 10 hrs. overtime: E. McLoo. 4 hrs. overtime; W. Mitchell, $6.00 plus 35 hrs, overtime; F. Irvin, 10 hrs. overtime; C. Williams, $3.00 plus 24 hrs. overtime. J. Morrison, Mess; C. Stanley, Mess; G. T. &4cGounich, Idess; D. Nicholdis, Mess; W. D. Kelly, Mess; E. S. l^uivetell. Mess; R. M. Ouint^ll, Mess. Collect at Com­ pany office. The following members have overtime c6itung— C. Wallehcier, AB, $12.17; P. C. Fletcher, AB, $19.47; J; K, Epper­ son, OS, $28.95; H. C. B'oyd, OS. $29.62; R. M. Tanamana, OS. $6.71. Collect at Conipahy's of­ fice. V » « » * e SS W. M. KENT: The following SS WILLIAM S. YOUNG— members each have Linen Money Division of wages for Joseph in the amount ot $15.48, coming— b'Donnell, AB. and L. Galliente, Hudson, Bos'n; Quinouer, AB; OS. 5-days division each. Collect E. J. Aublur, AB; F. Sundt, AB; at Company's office. • » » C. Wallander; AB; L. A. Bacon, AB; P. C. Fletcher, AB; J. K. Ep­ SS STEPHAN QAMBHILL— person, OS; W. W. Thompson, C. Neilson, Deck. Engineer, has OS; H. C. Boyd, OS; R. B. Pince, .52 hours overtime coming for Oiler; J. A. Baily, Oiler; B. J>. we^-end watches at sea. Joseph Mayfield, Oiler; L. B. Foster, jWild. OS, has 12 hours overtime FWT; A. M. Savique, FWT; P. icomihg for cleanlhg holds. Col­ Janica, Wiper; Billy Cany, 2nd lect at the American Range-Lib­ Cook; W. E. Anslin, N Ck b Bk; erty Line office. to sea for more than one year at the most. I Charges Made In the case of the Captain, I advised the men to place charges against him, with the Coast Guard. Then things began to happen. The Chief Engineer kicked one of the men down the companion« way because he asked for fresh water to bathe with and the First Assistant started to work out on another man, with dishes, be­ cause this man got the local Po­ lice and Coast Guard to arrest the Chief for almost killing one of the crew. , Well, believe it or not, thO whole gang was arrested, the First and Chief on assault charges and the men who notified the Police, on disorderly conduct charges. When I got wind of this sample of Baltimore Justice, I deemed it expedient to have some one rep­ resent the men, who was versed in law, so we decided to secure the services of Attorney Sol fierenholz, who has. made a good rec­ ord on our cases. Coast Guard Hearing As a result, the First Assistant was found guilty of assault and his license suspended for sixty days and the Chief's trial was held over until Monday, because the man he kicked was still in the hospital. In the meantime. Coast Guard Inspector Galloway, formerly of the New York Divis­ ion, and originally connected with some New York Steamship law firm, appeared to conduct hearings on the charges against the Captain, Chief and First As­ sistant Engineers and displayed clear bias as he personally went to the extreme of placing counter charges against the crew mem­ bers, who had called on him to assist them. Had it not been for the pres­ ence of Attorney Berenholz, at the hearings of the charges against this bucko trio, the crew members might have been con­ victed of the phoney charges placed against them by this man Galloway, who became eloquent when prosecuting the crew mem­ bers. Officers Guilty All three Officers were found guilty as charged and the Captain was reprimanded and the Chief had his license suspended for thirty days, the First Assistant being put ashore for sixty days. This crew is to be highly com­ mended; as it took three days for these issues to be settled and they all stuck it out until all cases were finished. If some more of these bucko Officers were ta­ ken care of in this manner, there would be less discord aboard ships. These men even put money out of their own pockets to be as­ sured they would obtain these convictions and it is my opinion that this was a Union affair ex­ clusively and the Union should foot the bill for the Attorney, who gave three days' valuable time to aid us in these cases. Fraternally, JOSEPH FLANAGAN, Agent r. ,'4. 11 -Iwlvj �F^:^da7< Jwi^ 23, 1944 rj#E S E AFAl^E^i idG Page Three ssg A F L Sets 750 Million War Bond Quota For 7 Million Members Rallied In Drive WASHINGTON, D. C.—The AFL has set a vol'untary quota of $750,000,000 in War Bonds purchases for its members during the Fifth War Loan Drive. Launching labor's participation in this all-out effort. President William Green declared: "The American Federation of Labor calls l^on its 7,000,000 members to purchase at least $750,000,000 worth of War Bonds during the Fifth War Loan Drive. •'To fulfiU this quota of $750,000,000 each member of the Am­ erican Federation of Labor should buy at least $100 worth of bonds during the drive. I know that many of our members, who are able to do so, will be glad to sub­ scribe more than this amount. "The workers of America can­ not and will not hold back their dollars at a time when millions of our boys are freely offering their lives to crush the enemy and win final victory over Hitler. "Every one of us is anxious to NOTICE To the following members from the SS DAVENPORT, Eastern SS Co. TerrelL oiler; C. D. Wilks, oiler; Carl Strothef; Carl Stroth61, Cook; please contact J. E. Laiphaih, fibston patrolman. back up the invasion forces in every way we can. The members of our unions can help our troops most and hurt Hitler most by working harder than ever before and investing every dollar they can in War Bonds." First large bond purchases by unions when the drive opened were $1,250,000 worth by the In­ ternational Association of Machinists and another $1,000,000 worth by the National Letter Car­ riers Association. SqiliMtty Guy SqtteaJcs — When He Is Squelched For Anti-Union Squeeze •-m You might call this story "Two-gun Squires ride# again," or "Who hit the free-loader?" Using a free loader as a stooge and an excuse, Calmar*# famous "Mister" Squires picked a new, if somewhat corney trick out of the bag last week in his campaign to hit union-* ism on Calmar ships. Accustomed to being hit below the belt by Calmar's swivel chair labor relations expert, the New York office reported his latest Sunday punch a little weak and slow. At the pay-off of the Firmore recently in New York a free- loader who rode the ship for three voyages without taking out a book (how this outfit does slipi 'em through the back-door) made a big talk at the pay-off that he didn't like any union and would not join no matter what, and tell» ing the others not to join. (Contimied on Page 4) submission, that portion of th# A dispute was submitted to award which constitutes a de» this office through the Norfolk parture is void. agent, Carl Rogers, in behalf of 5 If a portion of the arbitrator'^ the deck department of the SS award departs from the terms George Gershwin, American Hay­ of the submission, the award wire SS Company. may be sustained as to that This vessel, while laying in the portion which is within theport of Beira in weighing anchor, frame of reference, if the award the ship's anchor became fouled is severcible and the otherwise with an anchor of another vessel. valid portion is not affected by This anchor was hauled on deck the departure. and taken to Capetown. The In reference to thC "Fit for situation for the following rea­ affords an expeditious method of deck department claimed salvage light duty discharges," they state sons: Labor has pledged itself not settling disputes which might 6 Courts of Law generally regard that such notations are made in to strike during the war, with otherwise interrupt war produc­ the invalidity of an arbitrator's money for this operation. This matter was taken up with the interests of accuracy and, the guarantee that any dispute tion. It is also particularly im­ award as a bar to an action up->^ the War Shipping Administra­ again, as a further protection of that they may have with the em­ portant at this time in preventing on such awrad. If the case is tion, and they state that the city the patient. It means in effect ployers will be heard by a proper abuse of Labors' "no strike one of equity jurisdiction, a authorities at Beira required the that the man is not yet physically tribunal so that they may be able pledge." court of equity has the power War Shipping Administration to able to perform other than light to present arguments and expect The position that the War La­ to set aside an invalid award. post a bond of £500 that the an­ duty. They feel that a patient the tribunal to render a just de­ bor Board takes, that to review When the Board in its quasi chor would be returned to Beira. able to perform light duty should cision. The War Labor Board has all arbitrators' awards would not judicial capacity, established the They also state that the War not be retained in the hospital a been established by Congress as only weaken the established pro­ above six principles of law and Shipping Administration's repre­ day longer than is absolutely the tribunal to handle all dis­ cedure but would retard the war equity, and these criteria were sentative at Capetown intends to necessary. putes which would tend to inter­ program by increasing the time applied in several cases, the They also state that nobody fere with the war effort. bill the proper parties for saving required to settle disputes. The Board attempted to follow its the anchor, but had not settled outside of the Marine Hospital The Concilation Service' of the WLB has, therefore, accepted the well established principles of the claim when last advices were is permitted to have applica­ Department of Labor has been responsibility of upholding these dealing fairly with the issues that received in May. They are also tions for clinical abstracts. They designated as the proper agency awards, and has consistently re­ have confronted that body. of the opinion that the anchor have no evidence that shipown­ to refer any case to the War La­ fused to review them except as Dr. Frank P. Graham and Dr. will have to be returned to Beira ers' claim agents and insurance bor Board. The Union has found an arbitrator may have exceeded John R. Steelman who are par­ in accordance with the undertak­ adjusters have plenty of those itself dealing with the chief con- his authority. ties of the government agencies ing, and the cost and expenses forms. cilator of the Department of La­ The policy of the Board in re­ which have applied these criteria^ will eat up any recovery made. •Olden Banks, SIU Mobile: The bor, and a key member of the fusing to review non wage certainly have deviated from the They also state that the state­ Surgeon of the US Public Health War Labor Board, and they have awards of arbitrators on merit is concepts of these principles^ ment made by the crew that the Service has advised me that been acting as'the arbitrators. not new, but flows from the legal when they violated the State­ anchor was sold and the pro­ Brother Daniel W. Fischer has Now we will check and see status of the awards. The courts, ment of Principles, and on their ceeds awarded to the WSA are been admitted to the Marine hos­ what the policy of the War Labor also, will not review these awards own motion have seen fit to ar­ erroneous. They suggest that pital at Mobile for treatment. Board is on cases that have been on merit. However, a court, upon bitrate an issue, without the any further inquiries on this mat­ However, as there are no facilit­ arbitrated, and the parties in- petition of one of the parties can parties making any submission ter be taken up with their insur­ ies at the Marine Hospital for vloved believe that the arbitra­ correct or annul an award on to the arbitrators. (The Maritime ance adjuster, Mr. E. A. Bloom- mental cases, the transfer of tors have exceeded their author­ technical grounds. It may, for War Emergency Board.) quist, 99 John Street, New York, Brother Fischer to the U.S. Pub­ ity, or have npt rendered a de­ example, set aside a part or all The policy of the NWLB is as this matter has been turned lic Health Service Hospital at cision in line with the proper of an award if the submission that, they have jurisdiction over Fort Worth, Texas, for further functioning of the grievance pro­ agreement does not observe all over to him. all disputes that may lead to any treatment has been authorized. legal requirements. It may also cedure. Medical Matters stoppages of work, which would Regarding dispute submitted MARITIl^E WAR EMERGENCY A Statement of Policy concern­ annul an award if the arbitrator interfere with the War effort. So exceeds his jurisdiction under BOARD by Albert Michelson, attorney for ing review of arbitration awards in accordance with the establish­ the Sailors Union of the Pacific, I presume that the membership was released by the National War the terms of the submission. ed policies for settling disputes on clinical records. This matter is familiar with the contents of Labor Board. This statement was In dealing with arbitration during the War, Judge Padway, was taken up with the proper the Statement of Principles, and prepared with the cooperation of awards the Board has set forth general counsel of the AFL, has authorities of the U S Public as you all know, the members of the Director of the United States six well established principles of petitioned the Director of the Health Service and they state; this Board are Mr. Edward Ma- Concilation Service of the De­ Law and Equity, which the Board U. S, Concilation Service, Dr. "Clinical information on any cauley of the War Shipping Ad­ partment of Labor (Dr. Steelman) applies to issues involved wheth­ merchant seamen in a marine ministration; Dr. Frank P. Gra­ and clarifies the circumstances er the arbitrator has exceeded his John R. Steelman to certify our dispute case to the National War hospital is considered to be of a ham of the National War Labor under which the War Labor jurisdiction. Labor Board. confidential nature and is not di­ Board; Dr. John R. Steelman, Di­ Board will review arbitrators' It now remains to be seen vulged to any party without the rector of the Concilation Service awards on wage and nonwage is­ 1 The authority of the arbitrator must be determined from the whether the NWLB will foUow patient's personal and specific re­ of the Department of Labor. sues. In addition to wage rate terms of the submission and as their general established policy quest in writing, and appropri­ When President Roosevelt ap­ adjustments, arbitration awards ately certified. "They feel that it pointed these gentlemen on the involving such matters as pre­ in the case of other written in­ and take jurisdiction over this is necessary to take all possible Board he specifically stated that mium pay for hazardous or un­ struments each part of the sub­ case, and properly adjudicate oiur mission must have such effect dispute with the non-existent precautions in these instances to their duties were outlined in ap­ pleasant work are subject to as is ordinarily accorded to the Maritime War Emergency Board. make sure that the individual pendix "A" of the Statement of Board approval. terms used in them. seaman is not the victim of un­ Principles. A close study of this The Board has pursued a strong The irony of the decision made 2 The arbitrator's award cannot by the Maritime War Emergency scrupulous interests. statement and it is the legal op­ policy aimed at preserving and "The actual preparation of ab­ inion of Judge Padway, Counsel strengthening collective bargain­ extend beyond the limits of the Board that was effective as of authority conferred upon him April 1st, is that the British sea­ stracts is ordinarily done by a of the AFL, that they were ap­ ing procedure. It is a widespread under the terms of the submis­ men were granted an increase of trained and competent clerical pointed to act as arbitrators in practice for management and la­ sion. employee and the abstracts are the event that the employers and bor to pfovidg for referral of un­ Two Pounds per month addition­ signed by the medical officer in the Union could not agree on a resolved disputes to an arbitrator 3 The extent of the authority of al War Risk Compensation, since charge or his designated profes­ dispute. It also states that the and to be bound by his award. the arbitrator under the sub­ the MWEB made their latest cut. y-yi mission is for the court and not Evidently the British operators sional representative, and then Board could hot act on any prob­ 'This procedure cannot be shelved j for the arbitrator to determine. do not see eye to eye with the only after they are carefully lem unless it was submitted to during the war, it is not only a checked by the person who signs the Board in writing. necessary supplement to collec­ 4 If the award of the arbitrator MWEB on the supposed decrease This leads to a very intei-esting, tive bargaining procedures but departs from the ternvs of the in War risk'hazards. them." orv p^ASHII\GTOrV. • Bv MATT-MEW DUSMAME-Q ' ^3 �Liberty Defects Largely Unsolved, House Group Says In Report On Structures WASHINGTON, June 20—A House Merchant Mar­ ine subcommittee, which for more than a year has been studying the problem of plate fractures on welded ships, reported today that no definite solution of this problem has been found, according to the New York Journal of Commerce. charges of irregularities in the I |::^Si • The subcommittee, headed by Representative Jackson (Deni., Wash.) in its report filed witli the full committee, said that whUe steps are being taker, by all con­ cerned to attempt to remedy the existing difficulties, plate frac­ tures are stiU occmTing. The report said, however, that "while the failures resulting from plate fractures have been numer­ ous, and in many cases serious, their number constitutes but a small percentage of the -total out­ put of welded ships. Loss of life has been limited to eleven perisons who are unaccounted for since entering a lifeboat." "It should be emphasized," the report added, "that while there is some evidence of defective ma­ terial having been used in ship construction, all witnesses were of the opinion that these frac­ tures have not been the result of defective steel or other material." The report said that as of Feb­ ruary 29, 1944, there had been a total of 2,570 ships of the prin­ cipal welded type built for the commission in which there had been ninety-one "serious" frac­ tures including failures in the main huU girder, and 124 "po-^ntiallj?--serious" fractures. Five ships had been lost, all of the Liberty type. Renewing his demand for a Congressional inquiry. Represen­ tative Harness (Rep., Ind.) quoted Maritime Commission's statements today to support his 2 Million In Bonds To Replace Sunken SB Meyer London It- n |i : i^\ (Contimi^<^ from Page 1) contributed by the N e w Y o r k dressmakers in the course of the Third War Loan. Charles S. Zimmerman, man­ ager of the union, said: "Our heroic armies on the in­ vasion coast are not stopped or disheartened by the severe losses they suffer. With invincible de­ termination they quickly replace their losses and drive forward to victory. We too are determinedd to make up for the loss we feel so keenly. "We are determined to replace the lost ship just as quickly as possible and so do our bit to keep the stream of supplies and muni­ tions running to our boys on the battlefronts. The Executive Board has therefore decided to raise ta least $2,000,000 in the present Fifth War Loan and calls upon our membership to increase their purchase of additional bonds to make up this amount. We are requesting the government t o earmark these funds for another Liberty Ship to take the place of the SS Meyer London, and to he called by the same name." pi'ocurement of life rafts for Mer­ chant Marine ships. Mr. Harness sent Chairman Bland (Dem., Va.) of the House Merchant Marine Committee a new request for an investigation centering around what he called refusal of the commission to buy steel life rafts from the Globe Co. of Kokomo, Ind. Mr. Harness quoted the com­ mission as saying that a Califor­ nia company was paid half a mil­ lion dollars more for life rafts than the Globe company would have charged in a transaction in which Globe was the low bidder. Moreover, he said, orders for life rafts to date total only "7,500, but at least 14,000 are needed. Technology —Mit Pictures We're Stalin's vacuum cleaners, Th*9 finest in the land! Who separate you from your funds In Commie manner grand: A political speech with every quid You place within oiuf hand, Mit our pictures on the front page. Of course—you'll understand! ' ^ —- .. We have Causes' oy. what Causes! That suck in all your dough. For the members of "Our Party" Must all have chops, you knowSo we pull Causes from our hah Which in hot air will grow. They wax or wane in our NMU To increase our golden How. We're Stalin's vacuum cleaners The finest in the land! Hand over your filthy lucres. We'll read your empty handOn one track minds to nowhere. We play our one night stand. Just give your dough—and we'll give words Mit pictures—understand? Le Efjvo! ALL ABOARD: the Browder rattler, SPECIAL: to the Promised Land; Murray Stein is at the throttle Bound for nowheres—understand? —Top 'n Liff Seafarers Log NM U Loses Pittsburgh MONEY DUE Squirmy Guy Vote On Lakes John J. Tobin, No. 32218. Will Squeaks—Squelched you please report to the Sec'y(Continued from Page 1) Treasurer's office at room 213. miserable failure, officers of the No. 2 Stone Street? Great Lakes District declare. • • • The seamen sailing this area Pablo Cortez. a check for $4.50 have turned more and more to was mailed to the address that the SIU for leadership in their you gave in the Bronx and was fight for good wages, working returned to the company's office and living conditions, knowing for money due you from the SS that it was only the SIU that COLABEE. Collect at the New could deliver the goods where York office of the American-Ha­ contracts that mean gains are waiian SS Co. concerned. • • • The Pittsburgh fleet of vessels All members of the crew of Ihe were voted as they put in at Du- SS STURDY BEGGAR who have luth or Two Harbors, Minn., not collected transportations from starting June 6 and ended June New York to Savannah, Georgia, 16. The NMU has been carrying had better report to Strachan on a campaign to organize the Shipping Co., 15th floor. Savan­ Great Lakes fleets for more than nah Bank & Trust Bldg„ Savan­ a year, and has wasted countless nah, Ga., before June 25, 1944. thousands of dollars in a defeat. CHARLES WAID. Importance with which the .^gent. Savannah NMU regarded the election on the Pittsburgh Steamship C o. fleet was emphasized in an eightpage supplement to its official newspaper, the NMU Pilot. The SS Walker Taylor . $27.00 latter said: "The vote of approx­ SS J. Emery 19.00 imately 2,500 seamen on 75 Pitts­ SS J. Paydrias ;. 16.00 burgh boats wiU decide in this SS Mark Twain 14.00 NLRB election the future of la­ SS Arizpa 11.00 bor relations on the Great Lakes SS John Jay 10.00 for many years." 10.00 Robert Phillips The election, if successful, SS Irvin McDowell 9.00 would have brought "the vast SS J. A. Dix 8.00 link of a vast industrial empire C. Cheney 6.00 within the fold of CIO unioniza­ W. Shipe 8.00 tion — the United States Steel Robert C. Stone 5.0C Corporation, of which Pittsburgh SS Alexander Lllllngton .... 2.50 Steamship is an affiliate," the Homer Hessellvde 2.00 supplement pointed out. E. La Pierre 2.00 Ships' organizers worked to G. Klshman ;.. 2.00 send the slanders of the NMU's G. Johannson 2.00 so-called "leaders" down to de­ A. Mlnzghor 2.00 feat—for the NMU has yet to J. Tucker 2.00 propose anything which would Edward J. Ford 1.00 better the Lakes' seamen's wages, Thomas L. Lazenby 1.00 working and living conditions. L. Fields 1.00 The NMU's defeat shows what P. Stewart 1.00 the Lakes' seamen are made of, J. Seltz 1.00 it is declared. Further, it shows C. D. Mills 1.00 they are not being fooled by a Robert Harper 1.00 gang of flim-flam artists and racketeers. TOTAL ....; $162.00 Honor Roll 30,000 Cigarettes Sent SIU Members In Prison Camps For Trying Squeeze (Continued from Page 1) The pay-off was being done in the company office and it seems that one of this man's shipmates got him outside and took him over the bumps to the tune of black eyes and a general, Shang­ hai shellacking. Complaining to 'Mister' Squires about this "unfair mauling," the free-loader caught happy ears. Squires saw his chance to at­ tempt to discredit the union and cooked up a s t o r y about his stooge being mauled by union patrolmen. Not that it would have been a bad idea, but SIU patrolmen don't waste time beating up free loaders. Besides, New York agent Paul Hall is against rough stuff and his men know it. However, Squires convinced Calmar Port Captain Sheehan (generally a fair guy who knows the business) that the free-loader was assaulted by union patrol­ men. Result: Capt. Sheehan re­ fused to let more than one pa­ trolman to pay-off a ship. With Calmar ships salted down purposely with free-loaders and Good Time Charleys, shipped through the big wi d e Calmar back door at the "last minute," it is impossible for one patrolman to pay off these ships, so Agent Hall took up the issue of freezing out the union and demanded rep­ resentation for union men on Calmar crates. He pointed out to Captain Sheehan that his action was a break of the contract with the union. Sheehan was agreeable to mediate the matter and consult­ ed with Calmar's President, H. W. Warley who must have seen the light, for they agreed to let the SIU use as many patrolmen 1' (Continued from Page 1) of cigarettes. Brother Hawk re-, quests that any Union members, having data on the internment ofany Brother to please submit th® same with all details as to camp location, interment number, etc., to the New York office for action. SIU First Organization It is said that this is the fifsf time that any of the marine or­ ganizations has taken steps to keep their members supplied with this comfort during then? imprisonment. Some thirty thousand cigar­ ettes are included in the first or­ der for distribution. Full text of the letter confirm­ ing the transaction, follows; » • » Imperial Tobacco Sales Company Of Canada, Limited 3810 St. Antoine Street Montreal June 17th, 1944 ^ Seafsgrers' Int'l Union of North America, , > -> 2 Stone Street, New York, N. Y., U.S.A. Attention: Mr. John Hawk, j Secretary-Treasurer Dear Sirs: We acknowledge with thankfl your splendid remittance in th® amount of $52.50 ($57.25 in Ca­ nadian funds) and order calling for the despatch of 21,000 "Sweet, Caporal" Cigarettes to Wm. E. Weaver, Prisoner of War, in fou? shipments. In this connection we wish t® advise that as the price of cigar­ ettes for shipment to Prisoners o£ War is $1.90 per thousand, and amount on hand was $57.25, w® arranged for four shipments of 7,500 "Sweet Caporals" each to the value of $14.25 for each ship­ ment, to go forward to Mr. Wea­ ver on behalf of your organiza­ tion, the first of which was des­ patched on June 9th in the fol­ lowing manner— 7,500 "Sweet Caps" shipped in three parcels, each containing 2,500 cigarettes under numbers Jn-X-36803-36805 inclusive. Similar shipments will go for­ ward on June 23rd, July 7th and July 21st, respectively, and leav­ ing a balance of twenty-five cents still standing to your credit. We assure you of our apprecia­ tion of this fine business and of our desire to co-operate with you at all times. Yours faithfully, L. H. Mulligan, Overseas Department for paying off a Calmer ship as needed. Moral: With consideration and good honest dealing on both sides labor questions can be ironed out to the benefit of both parties, op­ erators and the union. The days of union baiting are out . . . the "Squires" of the- steamship busi­ ness don't do any one any good. Every Dollar Helps When It Is Invested In War Bonds, � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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Title A name given to the resource June 23, 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. 17 Description An account of the resource Headlines: NMU LOSES PITTSBURGH ELECTION ON LAKES BY VOTE OF 720 TO 889 ORNBURN WARNS AGAINST SUBSTITUTE FOR UNION LABEL 30,000 CIGARETTES SENT SIU MEMBERS IN PRISION 2 MILLION IN BONDS TO REPLACE SUNKEN SS MEYER LONDON BOOKBINDERS DONATE 5,000 DECKS OF CARDS FOR HOSPITAL SHIPS ANOTHER SIU EDUCATIONAL PAMPHLET IF YOU HAVE A BIG MOUTHFUL, DON'T SAY IT-SWALLOW IT; CAMPAIGN FOR SILENCE ON BETTER HIRING HALLS AFL SETS 750 MILLION WAR BOND QUOTA FOR 7 MILLION MEMBERS RALLIED IN DRIVE SQUIRMY GUY SQUEAKS-WHEN HE IS SQUELCHED FOR ANTI-UNION SQUEEZE LIBERTY DEFECTS LARGELY UNSOLVED, HOUSE GROUP SAYS IN REPORT ON STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGY-MIT PICTURES Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/23/1944 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1944 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b10c3f165d0e4908e534547bc63f24a7.PDF 8a5046169e954b8e4f7bfe0649cd3d8e PDF Text Text Vol. XXiX No. 13 SEAFARiatsmOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT . AFL-CIO SlUNA 13th Biennial Convention Opens in Washington ^ Story oh'^page three �Page Two SEAFARERS Build-Abroad Attacked at MTP Meetings GovX Labor Representatives Stress Urgemy a! Independent MARAD WASHINGTON—Administrative insistence on inclusion of the Maritime Administration with­ in the Transportation Department and a program of foreign construction of American-flag merchant ships—along with the increasing use of Government pressure on various segments of the maritime industry to accept these pro­ In the "Pilot" editorial it was the Administration." The pro­ posals—came under severe at­ implied that foreign building is posal to build 15 new ships a year tack at recent meetings of the supported by all major U.S. li­ is nothing more than a "mockery AFL-CIO Maritime Trades De­ censed officers' unions. The Mc­ and an insult" to the intelligence of the maritime industry and to Kay telegram to Curran stated; partment in Washington. "As you know, and as the Sec­ the Congress, he declared. The vital need for an independ­ "We need a workable, speedy, retary of Transportation (Alan S. ent Maritime Administration to efficient maritime program to aid Boyd) himself noted in his Mari­ see to it that American ships are the merchant marine and the fish­ time Day address in Baltimore, built only in American shipyards District 2 MEBA is firmly op­ ing fleet. Somehow we must con­ was pointed out by Representative posed to foreign building. We vince the Administration that Joseph E. Karth (D-Minn.), a strongly believe that foreign build­ more emphasis must be placed on member of the House Merchant ing would not only destroy the the maritime field," he insisted. Marine Committee. existing American-flag independ­ "I, for one? cannot accept the Referring to the Administra­ ent fleet, which comprises two- complacent attitudes of the cur­ tion proposals, Karth said he thirds of American-flag shipping, rent Administration in this hour thinks the Administration is but that it would not lead to its of crisis." Speakers at an MTD-sponsored wrong on both counts, and that replacement . . . We strongly urge seminar dealing with "Crisis on you not to misrepresent the views the stubborn insistence by the Ex­ of the MEBA on foreign building the High Seas" called for vastly ecutive .Branch of Government and to let your readers know that increased shipbuilding programs, threatens the future of any mari­ there are important segments of strict adherence to cargo prefer­ time program and puts the future the nation's licensed marine engi­ ence laws and the strictures of the of our country, both in terms of neers who are firmly opposed to Merchant Marine Act of 1936, commerce and defense, in great foreign construction." and the establishment of an inde­ peril. pendent maritime agency—in or­ Attacks Boyd Proposals der to halt and reverse the de­ The Minnesota Congressman Earlier, MTD deleeates had terioration of the United States emphasized the need for an Inde­ heard Representative Howard W. pendent MARAD to develop a Pollock (R-Alaska) vigorously at­ maritime capability. Congressman John H. Dent workable maritime policy and re­ tack the proposed maritime pro­ (D-Penn.) was highly critical of turn the United States to the gram of Transportation Secretary Administration proposals calling status of a maritime power again. Boyd. for foreign construction of Amer­ Before winning his race for "The basic issue," Pollock said, ican-flag ships. "Every time we Congress, Karth was for 10 years "is being swept under the rug by lose a job in our economy we deinternational representative of the people like &cretary Boyd and (Continued on page 4) AFL-CIO Oil, Chemical and i^omic Workers Union. At another MTD legislative meeting delegates heard MTD Executive Secretary Peter McGavin read the text of a telegram sent by Marine Engineers Bene­ ficial Association President Ray­ WASHINGTON—^The United States has dropped to 16th mond T. McKay to National place among the shipbuilding nations of the world according to Maritime Union President Joseph the latest study compiled by the Shipbuilding Council of America. Curran protesting alleged mis­ A statistical report shows that representations of MEBA views The Shipbuilders Council study on foreign building which ap­ in July of last year, Finland sur­ ranked the world shipbuilding na­ peared in a signed editorial in the passed the United States in ship­ tions according to the total gross NMU publication "Pilot." Mc­ building and took over 15th place, tonnage of merchant ships under Kay demanded that Curran print dropping the U.S. down still an­ construction — a more accurate a correction in the next issue. other notch to 16th. evaluation than one which merely deals with the total number of ships involved without regard to size. According to the recentlyreleased report, the U.S. had 48 ships totaling 596,300 gross tons under construction at the begin­ WASHINGTON—SlU-contracted companies will operate three ning of 1967. This represented a C-4 troopships recently re-allocated for break-bulk conversion mere 1.5 percent of world ship­ under the Ship Exchange Act. building activity. The companies which will mercial operation subject to mili­ By comparison, Japan, in the operate the vessels once con­ tary call. In addition they must lead, accounted for more than 44 version is complete are Merri- meet all requirements for the ex­ percent of new worldwide ship mac Transport, Victory Transport change, including approval by construction with 583 ships of over arid Hudson Waterways, which MSTS of the conversion plans and 18.1 million gross tons under con­ charter arrangements. will get one ship each. struction in Japanese shipyards at The three vessels had originally The re-allocated ships are the the beginning of the year. been allocated to other companies General H. F. Hodges and Gen­ Ships under construction world­ under stipulation that the appli­ eral M. B. Stewart, presently in wide at the same period .totaled cants make satisfactory arrange­ the Hudson River, N.Y., reserve 2,289 ships of over 40.9 million ments with the Military Sea Trans­ fleet and now assigned to Mer- gross tons. portation Service for charter of rimac Transport and Victory For the United States, the drop the vessels following conversion. Transport. The General J. H. to 16th place in world shipbuild­ The re-allocation was made, ac­ McRae, now in the Suisun Bay, ing is just another downward step cording to the Maritime Adminis­ California, reserve fleet, went to in the nation's continuing decline tration, because MSTS was not Hudson Waterways, Inc. as a maritime power, a decline able to reach satisfactory charter In addition to the three ships which has been going on for many arrangements with the originally- just allocated, the Navy has re­ years without letup. named companies. leased 10 more troopships for The figures on which the report Allocation of the vessels are trade-in and conversion. These are was based does not include naval made under stipulation that ships ships which it has been holding in work underway in any of the not immediately required by reserve. A Jormer C-4 hospital world's shipyards, only merchant MSTS may be placed in com­ ship has also been released. vessels. Fmland Now Ahead of U.S. In World Shipbuilding Totals Three C-4 Troopships Allocated To SlU-Coatraetod Companies June 23, 1967 LOG Report of International President by Paul Hall The oil-rich Middle East has boiled over once more. As was the case in the last Mideast Crisis in 1956, the Suez Canal is closed. And as was the case in 1956 the United States suddenly finds itself in des­ perate need of tankers—which it doesn't have. Actually however, the situation of the United States today is much worse than it was following the 1956 Mideast Crisis, because it is clear that the Government learned absolutely nothing from that unfortunate experience and instead continued dangerous policy of having no mari­ time policy to protect the nation from the present crisis—which nearly everyone recognized was almost inevitable. Now, as then, we may have to undertake a massive oil-lift to Europe. Now, as then, the governmental "planners" in Washington are looking toward the reserve fleet for the tankers we need. But the view across the boneyards grows bleak. Those poor vessels have aged another 10 years, are all obsolete by any standards applied, and have another decade of rust and neglect that must be scraped, steamed and pounded from their hulls and machinery before they will ever put to sea. In addition we are engaged in Vietnarn and must supply our troops there. Pulling in every available tanker for emergency oil service will not really improve the situation much because tankers pulled off the grain runs will have to be replaced by cargo vessels which are also un­ available in our gravely decimated merchant fleet. Foreign-flag tankers may or may not be available for U.S. Government charter. If they are the price will be stiff. If they are not we are in serious trouble. The Military Sea Transport Service has already put out a call for U.S. and foreign-flag tanker charters. As far as U.S. shipping needs are concerned, the 1967 Mideast Crisis is far from over and is in fact probably just beginning. But it is already time to start looking forward to the next crisis—either in the Mideast or elsewhere—and how we will fulfill our shipping needs then, five, 10, 15 or more years from now. This looking forward to plan future maritime needs is something our Government has shown a chronic inability to do. Should a similar con­ flict erupt in 15^years, will the U.S. Government once more turn to its reserve fleet of what will then be 37-year-old World War II ships? The idea sounds ridiculous, but unless the Government finally manages to develop a sound, workable maritime policy that is just what they will have to do—provided that such rustbuckets are still capable of even floating by then, which is doubtful. The bitter experiences of the past have proved to everyone outside of the U.S. Government that the reserve fleet, foreign-flag charters, , and crash building programs only in time of World Wars are not the answer to the nation's maritime needs. Outside the foggy atmosphere of the U.S. Governmental bureaucracy it has become clear that the only way to avoid serious future shipping difficulties is to adopt a maritime policy that will vastly increase the active U.S. fleet with modern tankers, cargo ships and bulk carriers, built in American shipyards, flying the Ameri­ can-flag and manned by American seamen. The present shipping crisis and the reasons why the United States is again unable to meet its shipping requirements should serve as a warning that this may be our last chance to take decisive action to assure that the nation has the ships it needs in the future. The danger to the national security is clear, as are the potential dangers of future crisis. In the interest of the entire nation, now is the time for the Ad­ ministration and for Congress to act. Hopefully it is not too late— but it soon may be. ILA's Gleason Visits SlU Ship International Longshoremen's Association President Thomas W. Glea­ son and others attending recent Vietnamese Labor Convention (CVT) in Saigon were welcomed aboard the SlU-manned Kenmar while on.a tour of Saigon waterfront. Left to right above are: Cris Arcomona of ILA, presently serving as labor advisor to U.S. Army in Saigon; Gleason: Peter Drewes, SlU representative in Yokohama; Kenmar's Captain West; and Philip Delany, representing the U.S. State Dept. �June 23, 1967 Page Three SEAFARERS LOG SlUNA Convention Opens In Washmgton Congress Leaders Pledge Bi-Partisan Support to Strengthen U.S. Shipping WASHINGTON, June 21—Delegates to the 13th Biennial Convention of the Seafarers Internationa! Union of North America here heard key Congressional leaders pledge biparti.san support to strengthen the American merchant marine. Addressing the almost 300 Senator. David B. Brewster which have sometimes in the past delegates and guests at the refused to carry our military car­ (D-Md.), a member of the Senate opening session of the con­ goes to Vietnam, the Administra­ Merchant Marine Subcommittee, vention, Representative Gerald tion persists in its "head-in-the- told the delegates that "freedom Ford (R-Mich.) said that in the sand" attitude toward the fact of the seas is a must" and a United States today "we lack that America has one of the oldest stronger American-built merchant marine an absolute necessity to both the ships and the man­ tanker fleets in the world. the United States' world-wide power to respond adequately to Emphasizes Need commitments. continuing international crisis." Ford concluded that the midHe deplored the relative posi­ "The condition of the American east crisis sharply emphasizes the tion of the U.S. in the maritime The SlUNA's 13th Biennial Convention got underway June 21 in maritime industry today is a need for a strong, efficient U.S. field, saying: "We have slipped Washington with several hundred delegates from the International's shocking disgrace," the minority merchant marine—built in Amer­ to 16th in shipbuilding—last July district and local unions and guests in attendance. Here is partial leader of the House of Repre­ ica and manned by Americans— Finland replaced us as 15th, meas­ capable of handling our world­ ured in gross tonnage. Our flag view of delegates at opening session. Convention concludes June 27. sentatives stated. "That this should come to pass in this great nation wide military logistic need. fleet ranks fifth in gross tonnage is incredible, especially in the light "If this need is not recognized —10.3 million—or 6.4% of the of repeated warnings." by the Administration, we face the world total. Only 7% of our Ford recalled a statement made distinct possibility of being driven foreign commerce goes in U.S. five years ago by Vice-Admiral off the seas by the middle 1970's." bottoms, and we have only 48 John Sylvester, then Deputy Chief Representative Ford has been ships of 596,300 gross tonnage of Naval Operations, in which he a vigorous critic of the Adminis­ under construction while Japan, Fifteen ships, including the SlU-contracted Observer, a tanker said the slow rate of progress in tration's failure to develop a mari­ the leader, has 583 of 18 million replacing aging U.S. ships "has operated by Marine Carriers, Inc., are still in the Suez Canal left us with a largely obsolescent time policy and is a leading ad­ gross tons." Brewster said that firm legisla­ where they are being held up by the United Arab Republic. The merchant marine" and that with vocate of an independent Federal Maritime Administration as a tive proposals must be formulated ships, including U.S. - flags, the global interests of the United means of strengthening the Amer­ now and that a coalition of him­ British, Bulgarian, Czechoslo­ percent during the same period. States "emergencies may well ican merchant marine and U.S. self and Senators Warren Magnuvak, French, German, Polish The Japanese government has arise wherein our interests would shipping. (Continued on Page 6) and Swedish were transiting the now announced that it will begin not be identical with those of our 103-mile waterway when the Mid­ to seek other sources and reduce European allies." its dependence on the unsettled east conflict broke out. "Events in Cuba, Vietnam and Engineer Graduates Total 154 Mideast. only recently in Nigeria and the Reports have been received Middle East testify to the validity" from the Observer that the crew Role of Supertanker of this five-year-old admonition, are being well provided for, are Another way in which the pres­ the Michigan Representative said. still aboard the vessel which is ent Mideast crisis may effect He pointed out that the de­ docked near Ismalia, and are in no danger. The vessel was bound Japan is in an expected rise in mands of the Vietnam war force for India with a grain cargo at demand for supertankers. Al­ us to maintain one of the longest though these huge vessels are also supply lines in history—mostly by the time the conflict broke out. affected by the blockage of the sea. When Eastern Nigeria re­ The company has announced Suez Canal and must travel cently broke with the rest of the that it has received no informa­ around the Cape, they are less Nigerian Federation, the U.S. em­ tion about when any of the affected economically than smaller bassy found airports temporarily trapped vessels will be able to ships because they can carry much closed and made alternate ar­ resume their voyages. more cargo per voyage, and the rangements to evacuate 700 The canal between the Mediter­ --ig ranean and Red Sea is apparently extra expense of the lengthened Americans by sea. Even though blocked by at least three vessels trip around the Cape is some­ airports were soon opened, the and a cement barge, which ob­ what softened by the fact that they incident pointed up the vital need Mesaros Maldonado Linch Cook servers say were sunk in the chan­ do not have to pay the Suez tolls, for adequate sealift capability, he Five additional Seafarers have passed U.S. Coast Guard exami­ nel by Egypt as Israeli troops which can amount to $70,000 per said. "Ships were the principal means nations qualifying them for an engineer's license after attending raced across the desert toward voyage for the largest vessels. used to evacuate American citi­ the Marine Engineer's School jointly sponsored by the SIU and the waterway. Reports also say Recent events have~caused great zens from Arab countries during District 2 of the Marine Eiigi- ^ that the Ismalia' highway bridge confusion in shippingj:ircles con­ that ran over the canal is also now cerning the future of the super­ the recent Middle East crisis," neers Beneficial Association. of Texas. A resident of Galves­ ton, he joined the union in Hous­ Ford stated. He added that with blocking the channel. tanker. The loss of the Torrey all of this drain on our inadequate The number of Seafarers who ton. An eight-year SlU veteran, Canyon pointed up their great vul­ merchant fleet, and with the clos­ have upgraded themselves to an he previously sailed as a FOWT. Shipping Complicated engineer's rating now totals 154. William Cook, a newly-licensed The blockage of the Suez Canal nerability in one economic sphere ing of the Suez Canal threatening Four of the men received a third assistant engineer, sailed as —and now the Mideast crisis spot­ to put our vital supply lines at complicates the worldwide ship­ third assistant engineer's license, ping picture immensely. For in­ lights their advantages in another. the mercy of unreliable alien crews while one was upgraded to the oiler. He is 23, a native of New York City, and joined the SlU in stance, a jound trip between New rank of second assistant. that port in 1965. Cook lives in York and Calcutta is lengthened A n e w 1 y-1 i New York. by 20 days because the vessel must censed third as­ Earl Mesaros sailed as FWT round the Cape of Good Hope, sistant engineer, and oiler before earning a second and means much higher fuel and Joseph Villapol is assistant's license. He is 35 years operating expenses. The trip be­ -a native of Maold and joined the SlU in Seattle tween London and Bombay is • nila and resides in 1957. Born in Montaira, he 7,000 miles by way of Suez. Going in Middle Village, makes his home in Tacoma, Wash. around the Cape of Good Hope N. Y. He joined Engine department Seafarers the voyage is 12,100 miles. the Union in the are eligible to apply for any of Japan is being faced with a port of New York the upgrading programs if they Villapol minor crisis because of the latest in 1964. Villapol are 19 years of age or older and Mideast conflict and the disrup­ is 44 years old and previously have 18 months of Q.M.E.D. tion of Mideast oil deliveries, since sailed as a FWT. watch standing time in the engine 92 percent of her oil, which is Eugene Linch received a third department, plus six months' ex­ Japan's major source of energy, assistant's license. He is 42. years perience as a wiper or equivalent. comes from the Mideast. old and a 15-year SlU veteran. Those who qualify and wish to Following the 1956 Mideast Linch joined the SlU in the port enroll in the school can obtain crisis. Western Europe began re­ of Mobile. A native of Alabama, additional information and apply ducing its dependence on Mideast he lives in Mobile. Linch had for the course at any SlU hall or oil until now 45 percent of West­ sailed in several engine depart­ write directly to SIU headquarters ern Europe's oil comes from other Superstructure of one of several sunken ships blocking the Suez ment ratings. at 675 Fourth Avenue in Brook­ areas. Japan however actually in­ Canal shows above canal water somewhere between Ismalia and Suez. Manuel Maldonado is a newly- lyn, New York, 11232. The tele­ creased her oil dependence on the Egypt has blamed Israel for sinking vessels during recent fighting, licensed third assistant engineer. phone number is HYacinth 9Mideast from 75 percent to 92 but eyewitness reports say Egypt sank ships to block canal. He is 39 years old and a native 6600. SlU Crew Aboard Observer Stalled by Suez Canal Blockage Five More Seafarers Licensed After Attending SlU School �Jane 23, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG Page Four US. ShipbuiUing Program Urged By Speakers at MTD Meetings (Continued from page 2) stroy the market for American economy and the American work­ er and this destroys the world market," he warned, calling for a program to rehabilitate the na­ tion's shipbuilding and ship repair capability in the interest of U.S. commerce and defense. Criticizes Build-Abroad Herbert Hansen, Vice-President of SlU-contracted Waterman Steamship, scored the govern­ ment's continued failure to imple­ ment a workable maritime pro­ gram, and was highly critical of government proposals to build American merchant ships abroad. "It will do us no good to have new ships if we do not have the men to repair and operate them or the facilities in which to service them," he emphasized. The lack of vitality and growth of the American merchant marine stems directly from the failure o our government to implement the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, he said. To help ease the situation he called for an inunediate con­ struction program of fifty dry cargo ships and tankers and study of future industry needs in all areas, including nuclear pro­ pulsion. Noting that "cargo is the life blood of shipping," American Ftuwer ILGWU Pres. Dubinsky Heads Union's Retirees Program WK'- ••5pS# , Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, guest speaker at Carnegie Hall concert sponsored by International Ladies Garment Workers Union in honor of Senior Citizens Month, is greeted by ILGWU President Louis Stiilberg. Looking on are Honorary ILGWU President Oavid Dubinsky and Leopold Stokowski, who conducted musical program. NEW YORK—^The retired President of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, David Dubinsky, is today per­ haps busier than he ever was in the past, devoting his energies to helping other ILGWU retirees as the active administrator of the ILGWU Retirees Service Department. The ILGWU department, which JDubinsky now heads, was established to give special assistance and make aid available to those retired union members who need it. In addition, it is charged with the responsibility of spiritually enriching the lives of the retirees through cultural undertakings, social and educa­ tional activities, visiting services and participation in neighbor­ hood clubs. As part of this service to its retired membership, the ILGWU Retirees' Service Department was the sponsor of a Carnegie Hall Concert on May 10, conducted by Leopold Stokowski and dedi­ cated in honor of Senior Citizens Month, which is observed dur­ ing the month of May. Honored guest and speaker during the intermission was the First Lady, Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson, who in addition to her own comments read a message from the President calling for increased attention to the needs of the nation's elderly. The First Lady was introduced by Honorary ILGWU Presi­ dent Dubinsky, who served as chairman of the event. In his re­ marks, Dubinsky recounted the history and advances of the un­ ion from its earliest days to the present. In his remarks, ILGWU President Louis Stulberg expressed the union's solid support for Administration proposals for the expansion and improvement of Social Security and other legis­ lation designed to improve the condition of the nation's elderly. Maestro Leopold Stokowski contributed his services for the occasion, conducting the American Symphony Orchestra in a program including the works of Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Enesco and Dvorak. The entire concert was broadcast over radio station WNYC. Among other honored guests were U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Arthur J. Goldberg and his wife. Maritime Association Legislative Director Alfred Maskin called for strict cargo preference measures to assure government-sponsored and commercial cargoes for American bottoms. "If we are to regain our posi tion as a world maritime power, ships and cargo are essential, with emphasis that we make the matter of cargo our first consideration," he declared, emphasizing that at present there are serious doubts regarding the ability of the U.S. merchant marine to adequately serve the commercial and security needs of the nation. Noting the decline of the U.S. to 14th place in world shipbuild­ ing and sixth place in commercia shipping and in the number of ships. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Secretary Joseph D. Keenan warned that the nation is facing a maritime crisis reflecting the neglect and steady deterioration of our fleet and maritime capabilities. He noted that the Soviet Union is outbuilding us by more than eight to one and their merchant fleet carries three-fourths of So­ viet foreign trade as compared to the eight percent of our exports and imports carried by our mer­ chant fleet. To attain the sea power neces­ sary for America as a leader of the free world, Keenan called for the immediate establishment of an independent maritime agency. A construction program of at least 50 ships a year for a ten year period was urged by Pacific Coast Metal Trades District Council Ex­ ecutive-Secretary Thomas A. Rotell, in addition to strengthened cargo preference laws on aid and military cargoes. The establishment of a program to replace the "old rustbuckets" and keep U.S. commerce moving in American-flag ships rather than foreign vessels was the theme of remarks by Martin J. Ward of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Asso­ ciation. SEARARER&j^LOG The Atlantic Coast by Eari (Bull) Shepard, Vice-President, Atlantic Coast Area| Many unrated Seafarers are taking advantage of upgrading facilities offered by the SIU's Harry Lundeberg School of Seaman­ ship. Some of those recently upgraded in New York are Stanley Warhula, Charles Thomas, Richard Gihhs, Kevin Cassidy, WUUam Murphy, Don Seider, Andrew Norfolk Oienic, and Edward Emerson, all Shipping is good here and the newly-rated FOWTs. William Mcfuture outlook is just as promising. Murry is a new. electrician. Edwin The Ocean UUa will be laid up Ellison achieved the rating of until the end of July. pumpman. Alvin Olander, a 20-year SIU The SIU encourages all nonveteran, is registered and ready to rated men to upgrade. Rated men ship out. Alvin has a hunting then become eligible to receive lodge in the mountains and makes Deck and Engineer's licenses good use of it when he's on the through the SIU's license training beach. programs. Another quarter-of-a-century man, Tom Brennan, is going to Philadelphia Ed Gallen is eagerly awaiting school for his mate's ticket and all the first oiler's or FWT job to hit hands wish him luck. "Stretch," the boards. He last made the Pro­ as he's known to his many union friends, last sailed on the R/V ducer. Anton Brunn. Nils Richardson is looking for George Swift is glad to be an AB's job, preferably on a Hol­ home for the summer with his land-bound coal ship. family. A 20-year man, George Charies "Red" HIrschfeld is last made the Summit as oiler. registered and looking for a Euro­ Puerto Rico pean run. Red sails in the deck The first aluminum trailership department. Henry Karpowlcaz, a real old- in the world, the SlU-contracted timer, is ready for an engine room Sacal Borincano, arrived in San slot. Henry jast shipped on the Juan recently. She will start a weekly run between San Juan and Missouri. Jacksonville. Boston Hugh Meacbam is FED now, and looking for a ship. An AB, William McKeon just got out of drydock and will grab the first job Hugh last made the Baltimore. put on the board. Bill's a 25-year Earl WUlls is registered and hunt­ ing up a FWT job. SIU veteran. George Murphy liked the Far East trip on the Maiden Victory and wants another AB's slot on a similar voyage. Baltimore Gallen HlngchfeTd Bernle Baa shipped out as chief cook on the Azalea City. He was third cook on the Beauregard be­ fore the ship ran aground. Jose Prats and Juan Rodriguez are on the beach and waiting to ship. R. Maldonado would like a crack at a bosun's job on his next ship. He last made the Chllore, on a trip to India and would like to make a Calmar-intercoastal run. Walt Stevens just piled off the Falrlane in New York. Walt likes the Sea-Land ships and is looking for an electrician's job or a slot as crane maintenance. H. Lanier, in from the coast, will head for Vietnam next time out. He ships in the steward de­ partment. SIU Sponsors Chicago Office Skills Class June 23, 1967 • Vol. XXIX, No. 13 Official Publication of the Seafarera International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO Exeeutiv Board PAUL HALL, Prtiident EARL SHRTARD CAL TANNBR Exte. Vfcs-Pres. Viet'Preiident Liifoan WILLIAMS AL KniR Vie»-Pre$ident See.-Treat. ROBERT MATTHBWS Vies-Prssident HRRRCRT BRAND Dirselor of Organitina and Pnblieationt Managing Editor MIKB POLLACK Assistant Editor NATHAN SXTIR Staff Writsrs PBTER V/EILL Pwem WHUS HARRY WITTSCHEN FRANK MAROIOTTA PillilM MsMllr at no tksds lilisd Ansts H.E., WMblRittR, 0. C. ZOOli fey tin SsafSrm IstMRitlHWl UBiss, AtlSRlls, eiir, LikN Rid iRiiRd WaiNt. Otatrlst AFL-CIt, C75 Fsirtb ASNM, BrMm. li.Y. U332. Ttl. NTtslRtb 9-MOO. ISSiRd SiRM Rsitsts pRid Rt iPRiblRilfa, 0. C. PHTBAtTKrt ATTHTIOI: Fsni >579 •RIdt liMSM Is SSBt ts iMflnn ialMRRlltRRl •ilRR. MteM*. tRlf, UlRR RRd iRlaad WRIHR •MrtRt AFL-CIO, C75 FsRrtb AWRRS, •rtslilR. I.r, lUOS. Chicago SIU representatives observe the opening class in typing and office skills at Englewood Urban Progress Center in Chicago. Office equipment for classes was donated by the SIU and its -ocal 777 following urgent appeal for assistance by Chicago Committee on Urban Opportunity. Observing first class above are (l-r): L. L. Anderson, Local 777 Steward and Treasurer of Jnion's Community Services Committee: James Doram Sr., Local 777 Steward and Committee member: Scottie Aubusson, SlUNA Representative: Charles Fisher, Employment Counsellor at the Urban Vogress Center: Jesse Escalante, Center Director: Local 777 President Everett Clark, and Business Agent Herbert King, Committee Chrmn. �Jane 23, 1967 i I SEAFARERS ICick-Off for Organizing Drive Page Five LOG Will Not Yield to Pressure JUrO Remains Firm in Opposition To Boyd Buiid-Abroad Proposals 1 ' BALTIMORE—^The SIU and the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department will never agree to Federal ship policy proposals calling for inclusion of the Maritime Administration within the Department of Transportation or the construction of American-flag vessels in foreign shipyards, SIU President Paul Hall em­ came forward with an alternate chairman of American Export Isphasized in a recent speech at set of proposals unacceptable to brandtsen Lines and who has been the North Atlantic Ports Asso­ maritime labor—most of which publicly urging acceptance of the ciation annual meeting. are still a part of Boyd's current Boyd proposals, including inclu­ Hall told the more than 100 maritime policy proposals. sion of MARAD within the De­ port officials that neither the Sea­ 'Shameful Spectacle' partment of Transportation and farers International Union nor the SI UNA President Paul Hall (second from left) toek part in meeting the build-abroad proposals. Hall We see in this industry an at­ AFL-CIO Maritime Trades De­ of SlUNA-affiliated International Union of Petroleum Workers at partment ' had any intention of tempt to divide us. Hall told the charged that Admiral Will is typi­ Long Beach, California, to kick off new lUPW.West Coast organizing abandoning the U.S. shipbuilding NAPA delegates. "We are now cal of those American merchant drive. Pictured above are (l-r): lUPW President Jay Winter: Hall; industry over the question of witnessing a shameful spectacle." marine industry leaders who "had building American vessels abroad. "I regret that some of our sub­ no full comprehension of the SlU West Coast Representative Frank Drozak; SlUNA International sidy friends and some of our labor whole picture" and represents Representative Thomas Meyer, and lUPW Secretary J. W. Delozier, Jr. Hall is also president of the friends have seen fit to break and "what is wrong with the industry." MTD. Hall declared that it was stupid Both proposals have been ad­ run. We don't intend to," he to advocate a revived merchant vocated in the federal maritime added. Hall also attacked the public marine without at the same time policy proposed by Department of Transportation Secretary Alan stance of retired Admiral John providing for a strong American M. Will, who is presently board shipbuilding industry. S. Boyd. 'Backroom' Threats Cited Hall also accused the Adminis­ by Frank Drozak, West Coast Representative tration of subjecting Americanflag steamship operators to "back­ The AFL-CIO Los Angeles-Orange Counties Organizing Com­ room" threats and pressures in an mittee has passed the 100,000 mark in its four-year membership attempt to force them to accept drive. the Boyd proposals. The gov­ by Lindsey Williams, Vice-President, Gulf Area ernment is actively seeking to Committee Director William Gilbert praised the "unity among shatter the unity of maritime in­ our affiliated unions for the purpose of organizing the unorganized." With the addition of three new unions the Maritime Labor dustry insistence on adoption of Gilbert cited the steady efforts to ^ the maritime policy proposals Council of Greater New Orleans and Vicinity, Maritime Trades channel increasingly restless pub­ • Seattle made by the President's Mari­ Department, AFL-CIO has become the largest port council in lic employees "into bona fide un­ Shipping is on the fast bell here time Advisory Committee more the United States with forty active members. The additional ions." with the outlook for the next pe­ than two years ago, he charged. member unions are the Glass Bottle Blowers Association Union, A major breakthrough was re­ riod just as good. We have the The MAC proposals would not Local #167 and the American ^ ported in the largely unorganized Sagamore Hills, Anchorage, Eliza- allow any foreign building, nor Federation of State, County and Houston electronics industry. The report bethport, Hastings, and Inger in would the maritime program Municipal Employees, Locals Bosun P. G. King stopped by revealed victories in areas long re­ transit. Paid-off were the Wayne adopted by the AFL-ClO's sixth #872 and #1712. The new garded as notorious anti-union Victory, Cosmos Mariner and the constitutional convention in late members were welcomed to the the hall to bid hello to some old shipmates. King is on the Henry strongholds. Among the reasons Seattle. 1965, Hall pointed out. The MAC Council at the May meeting. and has nothing but praise for for the union gains are the influx F. R. Napoli, chief steward on was originally appointed by the On June 5, 1967 Local 1497 ship and crew. He likes it enough of young people into the local the Sagamore Hills, is looking for, President to draft a new maritime of the International Longshore­ labor market, the climb of the cost, a ship going to Vietnam. Frank policy, which received general men's Association elected officers. to make another trip on her and of living index, dissatisfaction of went East recently to visit with his acceptance from American' mari­ Elected as president and vice-pres­ feels it will be as good as the last. Seafarer W. Gels is scanning the workers on public payrolls with folks. time labor. Boyd however, then ident respectively were Frank shipping board waiting for a long the lag in earnings behind earn­ Jack Ryan, an SIU old-timer, is Undersecretary of Commerce and Zeller and Jim McCleland. run to the Far East. His last ship ings in private industry and a new looking for a bosun's job after head of the government's Inter­ was the Tamara Guilden. New Orleans militancy among white collar, shipping on the Norberto Capay. agency Maritime Task Force, All seafarers are reminded that technical and professional em­ Just off the Bangor, Alvin Selico the taxi drivers are striking the ployees. is now around the hall looking Bell Cab Company in Houston. Ackert Calls for U.S, Action for another messman's job. A1 New members represent those They have asked all union broth­ thinks anything will suit his re­ who voted for union representa­ ers to avoid riding these cabs as quirements but is especially hope­ tion in NLRB representation elec­ long as the strike continues. ful of a Vietnam run. Another tions, gains made by public em­ ployee's unions and union recog­ Mobile nition based on card checks. Texan Harold (Mike) Townsend recently finished an eleven San Francisco month cruise. He was bosuri on BOSTON—If the Russians continue to raid traditional Ameri­ The SI UN A-affiliated Sugar the Seatrain Connecticut. Mike Workers Local One are on strike can fishing grounds, depriving American fishermen of millions of has a Texas vacation planned be­ against the California and Hawai­ pounds of fish per year, the American fishing industry will ask the fore shipping out again. Oiler ian Sugar Company. The plant State Department to declare all -Donald J. Hewson completed a was struck by the 1170-man mem­ waters over the Continental Ackert added that the Amer­ fast run to India. He was on the bership after contract talks broke Shelf an exclusive American ican fishing industry is also dis­ grain-carrying Penn Exporter. off. turbed by the huge amounts of fish fishing zone. Captain James Ac­ Hewson makes his home in PensaShipping has been excellent kert, president of the SIUNA being taken from traditional cola, Florida. Henry L. Laired here. We can use some AB's, oil­ affiliated Atlantic Fishermen's Un­ American fishing grounds by the has tried his hand at working on Fox Edwards Russians. During 1966, he said, ers and FWT's. In transit are the ion, said at a meeting of fisheries the beach as a welder for the past Columbia and Porfanar. During scientists from 14 nations recently Russian boats took 180 million messman, Paul Hebert piled off year and-a-half. Having tired of pounds of haddock from Ameri­ the Fenn Victory after a pleasant the period we signed-on the Hast­ held here. shore life he is now registered in can waters. ings, Seatrain Carolina, Lncile trip. Paul, a native Cajun, is group two, steward's department Ackert said American fisher­ Bioomfield and the Rachel V. "They've also cleaned out the presently enjoying the Louisiana and is ready and willing to ship. men on the East and West coasts red hake and whiting to the point summer, but hopes to get away We paid-off the Sagamore Hiil, and in Alaska are incensed at the AB Charles Fox piled off the where our own boats can hardly before the real heat comes in. Lncile Bloomiield, Rachel V, Sea- methods of fishing being employed Bradford Island after spending six train Carolina and five Victory by the Russians off our coasts. He find them anymore," said Ackert. Messman Fred Edwards re­ months on the coastwise tanker. Representatives of the Amer­ cently completed a couple of trips Fox makes his home in Birming­ ships, the Baylor, American, Me­ singled out the use of small mesh ridian, Joplin and Beaver. fishing nets, extensively used by ican fishing industry are also go­ on the Steel Voyager and plans ham, Ala. The Penn Exporter was the Russians, as a method of fish­ ing to request of the State De­ to keep some of the chairs at Alphonse J. Tremer's last ship. Wilmington ing which threatens some fish spe­ partment and the Bureau of Com­ the hall warm for awhile until he Currently, Alphonse is registered Shipping is active here, but the cies with extinction. mercial Fisheries that a new fish­ feels it's time to get off the lounge in group two, engine department, outlook for the next period is slow. ing treaty with the Russians be chair and get to sea again. Old- eyeing the big board for the right "If the Russians don't stop We have four ships in transit and clobbering us with their small negotiated. timer Vincent J. Fitzgerald is back ship to show. Steward department paid-off the Seatrain Florida. mesh nets and start on conserva­ American fishermen hope that with us in New Orleans. He re­ Seafarer George R. Bums last Jim Froti is searching the boards tion programs," said Ackert, the new treaty will set proper cently shipped on the Alcoa Mas­ shipped on the Margaret Brown. for a bosun's job. Pat Fox is back "we're going to demand that the guidelines for the conservation of ter as crew pantryman. Vince Burns makes his home in Tampa, on the beach after a trip on the State Department and Congress certain species of catch and also had an ice cold trip to Europe Fla., and has shipped from the Rachel V. This is the cleanest take steps to protect the American .see to it that traditional American and is anxious to catch a run Gulf ports of Mobile and New ship afloat, Pat reports. South to thaw out. fisherman." Orleans for the past twenty years. fishing rights arc protected. The Pacific Coast The Gulf Coast Atlantic Fishermen's Catch Depleted hy Russian Poaching �Paire Six June 23, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG Congressional Leaders Pledge Fight for Upgraded U.S. Fleet (Continued from Page 3) son, (D-Wash) and E. L. (Bob) Bartlett, (D-Alaska) and Repre­ sentative Edward A. Garmatz, (D-Md.) Chairman of The House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, guarantees that it can be done. Among the proposals in their legislative package, he said, will be an independent Maritime Adminstration, a stepped-up ves­ sel replacement program, maintainance of the Cargo Preference Act under which"50% of govern­ ment cargo must travel in U.S. bottoms and expansion of liner services under federal assistance in keeping with our foreign trade obligations. Representative Garmatz told the delegates that he had been "officially informed" at the begin­ ning of this year "that the Ad­ ministration was most anxious to develop a program to rebuild the merchant marine, with emphasis upon fleet renewal and expan­ sion," and had been heartened by the Administration's approach at the time. "However," Chairman Garmatz stated, "since Congress has still not heard from the Administra­ tion, the wheel of progress has apparently stopped turning, and it looks as though Congress will be forced to take the initiative. TThe time has come for a con­ certed effort by both Houses." Representative Thomas Felly (R-Wash.), a member of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, told the meeting that the House will "vote tomorrow on a space bill in which we will spend $5 million on space projects," and said the amount was shocking when compared with the amount we spend on our merchant marine. Pelly called for the annual building in the United States of 50 ships by American shipyards, citing the "Congressional responsi­ bility not only to raise arms but to build ships." Ford, Brewste^ Garmatz and Pelly were joined by some 20 other legislators who greeted the first-day session and vowed their support of maritime needs. Speakers scheduled for sessions of the week-long convention after the LOG went to press were AFLCIO President George Meany, Transportation Secretary Alan S. Boyd, Labor Secretary Willard Wirtz and other top-ranking Un­ ion and government officials. QUESTION: What is the most common shipboard heef? Matt Carroll: Fellows who make too much noise, slamming doors or talking loudly and dis­ turbing a Brother who's trying to sleep after stand­ ing his watch. I'd say that's the most common beef on ship. Also, a lot of guys complain about leaving coffee cups scattered about and expect other crewmembers to clean up after them. Jose Ruiz: Probably overtime. Sometimes it is hard to figure out the exact number of hours of over­ time a man puts in. I've been a delegate on some ships and there are always some complaints on this. Also food. S, Whenever you have a lot of guys, somebody will complain about the food. <I> Mel Swohoda: I would say that the most common beef I've heard is about the mail service, at least on the Viet Nam run. They have union representa­ tives working hard to keep the mail coming, but it's hard with so many ships going to the war zone along with the other ports they stop at. Danny Conte: I was engine del­ egate on my last ship and there were no beefs. Usually, it's little things that get on one guy's nerves. Believe it or not, I was on a ship where the fellows complained that the clocks were all wrong and no­ body knew what time it was. Most fellows think the ships are pretty well run. ^ Louis Eggleston: You'll always find a guy who just likes to beef, no matteY how well things go. Some fellows don't like particu­ lar responsibilities involved in a job, like cleaning the laundry or recreation rooms. There are also some guys who complain when they have to get up early in the morning. Bill Fischer: There is always a complaint about the steward de­ partment because no cook can please everyone's taste. Also, a guy takes it out on the messman when he's mad. With so many individ­ ual preferences on board, some­ one will always get a dish he doesn't like. A cook can be the best, but someone will complain. A Inlanii Wafers Disirfcf June 2 to June 15/ 1967 DECK DEPARTMENT TOTAL SHIPPED TOTAL REGISTERED Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle Totals All Groups Class A Class B 2 2 37 80 13 8 10 22 8 13 15 4 2 2 14 4 18 45 34 32 2 2 36 45 16 19 290 195 ji All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 1 1 13 25 41 17 3 8 8 4 22 6 7 9 4 3 1 4 0 1 10 21 2 11 28 26 3 5 26 7 4 11 30 20 18 13 11 22 210 127 no ENGINE DEPARTMENT TOTAL SHIPPED TOTAL REGISTERED Port Boston ....' New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco .... Seattle Totals ...'. All Groups Class A Class B 2 1 50 36 12 3 28 14 4 9 3 4 4 3 16 17 21 24 24 13 7 . 9 48 33 17 12 236. 178 All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 2 4 35 25 30 10 4 4 11 8 8 5 6 9 3 3 4 2 4 1 11 17 . 9 19 22 11 12 11 11 5 6 17 30 14 28 14 11 17 157 133 153 STEWARD DEPARTMENT TOTAL SHIPPED TOTAL REGISTERED Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco .... Seattle totals All Groups Class A Class B 1 1 48 23 7 4 22 21 6 2 7 6 0 2 8 7 40 24 26 17 12 2 29 19 16 8 221 137 All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 1 1 29 13 23 ' 11 2 5 14 12 6 6 3 12 3 1 1 1 0 1 7 13 12 27 23 10 10 4 3 4 9 10 37 15 26 6 12 9 95 136 152 REGISTERED on BEACH All Groups Qass A aassB 19 1 243 93 17 9 109 55 35 20 18 17 13 1 72 9 144 70 154 99 25 0 77 19 42 7 968 400 REGISTERED on BEACH All Groups Class A Class B 5 8 134 81 20 11 68 36 16 13 7 4 9 4 34 7 84 81 107 93 23 1 53 8 17 24 577 371 REGISTERED on BEACH All Groups Class A Class B 0 1 55 166 19 12 83 45 23 17 13 9 16 2 7 53 67 108 64 66 0 16 18 36 6 7 311 598 No Injuries in Mishap With SlU of Canada Ship SlU'Manned Ship Sylvania Sinks After Collision in St Clair River PORT HURON, Mich.—The SIU Gt. Lakes District-Contracted Sylvania (Tomlinson) was sunk in the St. Clair River June 1 after the SIU of Canada manned-freighter Renvoyle (Canada Steamship) rammed her stern while she was docked at the wharf of the Peerless Cement Company. There were no injuries. "Dad, let's take a look," he a watchman on the Sylvania, his Some 60 to 80 ships in the first ship, in 1955 and again in said, and the words were no lower St. Clair and Lake Huron 1957-1958. Hje is presently on sooner out of his mouth than he were held up for more than 16 leave of absence from the Tom­ heard the first assistant engineer hours when the Coast Guard linson Fleet Corporation. blurt "we've been hit" over the halted all traffic pending deter­ The two Duncans were on the intercom. The fire drill alarm was mination by its own men and fantail of the steamer looking over the next sound he heard, fol­ the Corps of Engineers as to some changes that had been made lowed by Captain Burris Wolters' whether the 552-vessel would when they felt the jolt. shout to "abandon ship." slip off the ledge on which she had settled following the sinking. When it was, decided that the Sylvania would not go off into the deeper water of the shipping channel, both upbound and downbound ships were only permitted to pass the wreck one at a time— at a speed limit of nine knots— lest the strong current of the river combined with the wakes of passing ships cause it to slip into deep water. SIU Gt. Lakes District member Richard C. Duncan and his father, John, were visiting some of Dick's former shipmates aboard the selfunloading steamer when the Ren­ voyle rammed her after leaving the terminal of the Canada Steam­ ship Lines in Point Edward, Ont. "1 feel pretty bad about it," the younger Duncan said ^fter the sinking. "After all, it was my home for many years." Dick was f r • - �SEAFARERS June 23, 1967 Page Seven LOG "Up Front!" AFL-CIO Challenges Proposed Changes In Bankruptcy Law WASHINGTON—Wage-earner^ who get over their heads in debt should continue to have the same legal rights as corporations which find themselves in a financial bind, the AFL-CIO maintained recently at a congressional hearing. Legislative Director Andrew J. Biemiller testified in opposition to a bill which would prevent an individual from going into bankruptcy unless he can prove that he had no possibility of ever paying his debts out of future earnings. At present both individuals and businesses have the same legal rights. They can go into bankruptcy, turning over virtually all their assets to creditors to wipe the slate clean, or they can enter into a voluntary procedure with the courts for consolidation and future, payment o*" 'he debts. r' Biem . told a House Judiciary subcommittee that labor's objection to tb gislation is threefold; • "The bill, contrary to the principles of our bankruptcy laws, precludes an honest debtor from a discharge of the burdens of his debt. • "The bill discriminates against a wage earner, denying him privi­ leges which are left available to all other debtors, including corpora­ tions. • "The bill does not cure the economic evil of supereasy credit, the dominant cause of wage earner bankruptcy, but encourages easier credit still by placing another collection weapon in the hands of the already too heavily armed creditor." Biemiller said the "gross discrimination" in the bill is evidenced by the more generous treatment given "to the fictitious corporation, the proprietor, the partner, the farmer, the professional man." It would be a step back to the era of the debtors prison, he warned. The procedure for court consolidation and financial supervision of debts to avoid bankruptcy should be kept voluntary, the AFL-CIO urged. What Congress should do to cut down on bankruptcy, the federation statement said, is to enact a truth-in-lending law and limit garnish­ ments of wages so that merchants would think twice before luring low-income families into expensive purchases carrying high credit charges. • Biemiller noted that a 1963 survey found that the typical bankrupt was a person earning between $4,000 and $6,000 a year. Such a person, he declared, should have the same opportunity as other groups in society for "a fresh start in life." He said the bill, "far from ameliorating the problem of over­ extension of credit, will contribute to further abuses." Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Local 247 has settled an eight-week strike against Westab, Inc., in Salem, Oregon, with a new three-year contract providing 40-cents an hour in wage in­ creases. During the strike local police, wielding night sticks, broke through picket lines to escort im­ ported strikebreakers. Several un­ ionists were injured. * * * A reporter for the' Boston Globe, Richard Connolly, has re­ ceived the 1966 Thomas L. Stokes Award for his article on the high cost of electricity in New Eng­ land. The award honors outstand­ ing journalistic achievements writ­ ten in the spirit of the late national columnist Tom Stokes. Judges in­ cluded Eliis T. Baker, director of information and research of the American Newspaper Guild. * * * Members of the American Fed­ eration of Teachers have voted to move the union's headquarters to Washington, D.C. The vote was conducted by referendum. The AFT had previously been head­ quartered in Chicago. •K K K Ben F. McLaurin, Eastern Zone Supervisor for the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Fla. Mc­ Laurin, a 1921 graduate of the college, was cited for bis work as a member of the N.Y. Board of Higher Education and for his efforts in the labor movement and civil rights movement to help mi­ nority youth win an education. * • • Four locals of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees have signed their first one-year contract with the Delaware Highway Depart­ ment covering more than 700 em­ ployees and providing for a 13 percent wage increase and other improvements. * * Although the latest Mideast crisis has temporarily dimmed the news spotlight fo­ cused on events in Vietnam, we must not forget that the fighting there is continuing at an undiminished pace. Aside from U. S. Government personnel and journalists, few American civilians travel to war-torn Vietnam today, with one big ex­ ception—American merchant seamen, who are traveling to Vietnam in greater and great­ er numbers carrying vital supplies. For most American civilians traveling to Vietnam is just too dangerous. For Ameri­ can seamen however, the danger is just part of their job. But then, many Americans tend to forget that the men who man America's merchant ships are civilians. American sea­ men have always considered themselves as the nation's vital fourth arm of defense and they do their duty despite any danger in­ volved. Wherever they are needed, they go, without regard to personal danger. The real danger for American seamen does not lie in Vietnam, but in the bureau- , cratic maze of Washington, D.C. It is there where the policies that will sink the Ameri­ can merchant fleet are being hatched. The maritime policies being expounded by Transportation Secretary Boyd and Defense Secretary McNamara will, if they are ever placed in operation, achieve the destruction of the American merchant fleet. These men, who are sworn to defend the security of the United States, are advocating policies with regard to maritime that will put the nation in the gravest imaginable danger. If the greatest peril to the U.S. merchant fleet today lies in Washington however, so does the greatest hope for the future of the fleet. The hope for the future of the fleet lies with Congress, which has recognized the danger in which the nation is being placed today and must now take direct action to assure that the nation's maritime capability —both in terins of active vessels and ship­ building potential—is not only preserved but vastly expanded to the point where it can again support our worldwide commitments in the economic and military spheres. • The Seventeenth Annual Com­ munion Mass and Breakfast of the Longshoremen, Checkers and Affiliated Crafts for the port of New York and vicinity was held' on June 1. The ILA paraded from the Shrine Church of the Sea to the 9 A.M. mass at St. Pat­ ricks Cathedral. The breakfast was held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel at 10 A.M. The featured speakers included the President of the International Longshoremen's Association, Thomas W. Gleason, the former Light-Heavyweight Champion, Tommy Loughran and the Reverend Harry Brown, Pro­ fessor at Cathedral College and St. Joseph's Seminary. A Full Agenda The Thirteenth Biennial Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America is presently under way in Wash­ ington, D.C. The delegates, representing the more than 85,000 members of the SIUNA and its affiliated unions, are considering matters of importance to the International, the U.S. labor movement and the maritime industry. The chief issue being considered is, of course, the continuing crisis faced by the American merchant marine. That problem has been made even more acute by the con­ tinuing Vietnam situation and the present situation in the Middle East. The issue of the threatened invocation of compulsory arbitration in the railroad dis­ pute and the threat of other anti-labor legis­ lation, both on a state and national level are matters of great concern to those assembled at the SIUNA convention. As they hear reports on the progress of the affiliate unions and are addressed by representatives of various government agen­ cies and prominent leaders in the labor movement, the SIUNA delegates are map­ ping the future policies and programs of the International, so that the interests of its members and the labor movement in general may be better served. �Page Eight SEAFARERS LOG June 23, 1967 The about Blue Monday I• fr is the third part of a SEAFARERS LOG JL feature series dealing with the many expres­ sions used in everyday American speech that had their origins in seafaring jargon. TTiey are words and phrases we all use but whose origin would surprise most of us simply because we have always taken them for granted and never wondered where they came from. This series will be continued in future issues of the LOG. To this very day a genteel lady might warn her children, before going visiting or when expect­ ing the arrival of guests, to "MIND YOUR P's AND Q's." What she^ means of course, is that they should mind their manners and display their best behavior. That same gentle lady might be shocked however, and possibly never use the phrase again, if she had any idea of its origins. There used to be certain saloons along the waterfront in which a sailor who found himself broke following a stay on the beach could buy a bottle or two on credit and sign for it. The usual practice was for the barkeep to write on a sheet of paper "1 P. rum," for example, meaning one pint of rum, to which the seaman affixed his signature and the name of his ship as assurance that he would pay following his next voyage. During the same period, there were some ships' mates of an enterprising turn of mind, who would tour the waterfront bars before beginning a voyage, to find out if' any crewmen from their ships had bought anything on credit. The mate and barkeep then sometimes got together in the back room with a sharp pencil or two and began "correcting papers" so that a "1 P. rum" note, for example, often wound up reading "4 Q. rum." The mate then paid the bill, splitting the added amount down the middle with the barkeep. Back aboard the ship, far out at sea, the mate would present the seaman with the altered bill and tell him he was Taking the amount out of his wages. The seaman was, of course, in a poor position to argue, and if he did was told "You were probably too drunk to know what you bought, but it's coming out of your wages never­ theless." And it did! It was therefore very im­ portant for a seaman to MIND HIS P's AND Q's, and make sure the barkeep was not writing a P that could easily be changed into a Q. Altering bills in this manner was indeed A SCURVY TRICK, but the original SCURVY TRICK, and the most serious, was played on British seamen in 1740. Scurvy, a dificiency disease caused by a lack of vitamin C in the diet, was rampant among seamen for a long time, until a British Admiralty surgeon, probably by accident, discovered that lime juice, taken regularly, would prevent this disabling disease. The trouble was that lacking refrigeration, lime juice would quickly spoil unless it was mixed with alcohol. For this purpose a cheap grade of rum was used, and the mixture becarrte regulation aboard Admiralty ships, each man receiving a daily ration. Then came the fateful year 1740, when Admiral Edward Vernon issued an order that henceforth, British sailors' rum should be diluted with water. Orders were orders, but some ship masters became overzealous and the rum got thinner and thinner until it contained so little alcohol it would no longer keep the lime juice from spoiling. Scurvy returned to plague British seamen until matters were again put right. This was the original SCURVY TRICK. Admiral Vernon's manipulation of the strength of rum aboard ship was responsible for the en­ trance of another word or two into common speech. He always wore a grogram cloak in rough weather, and the seamen, with whom he was not very popular after his SCURVY TR/CAT,-began referring to him privately as "Old Grog." Finally, the name GROG was also given to the now prac­ tically unpalatable water-rum-lime juice mixture he had brought into being. Provided you could get your hands on enough of the weak mixture, and you began to get dizzy and unsteady on your feet, you were GROGGY from drinking too much GROG, and thus another word entered the language. Most people know the derivation of the slang term LIMEY, used first to refer to British seamen because,of their intake of limes and lime juice. The term later became a reference to any Englishnian—seaman or landsman. Few however, are familiar with the background of the term YANKEE—^used first to refer to the Limey's sea­ going, english-speaking kinsmen from this side of the Atlantic, especially from the New England states, and later applied to all North Americans living between the Canadian and Mexican borders. The name YANKEE was first applied to the New England sea captains by Dutch merchants. Although the Dutch merchants were famous for shrewdness the world over, they were not the type to bargain. Once they decided on a price for which to either sell or buy merchandise, a charge of gunpowder would not budge them an inch up or down. The American sea captains were just the oppo­ site however, and might have done very well in a Persian rug market, for they could not resist bargaining and wrangling and trying every, trick in the book to chop down the price of goods they were buying and boost the price of goods they had for sale. The Dutch merchants began to call the American captains Jankers, Dutch for wran­ glers, pronounced Yankers in English. One Yanker was a YANKEE. The name stuck, and all over the world today Americans are called YANKEES. So, as the Dutch were directly responsible for the naming of the New York YANKEES, they were also responsible for the coining of the phrase "Dutch Courage." An example of present day usage of the term would involve a pugnacious drunk in a bar— all of five feet tall and tipping the scale at a mean 112 pounds—who picks a fight with the biggest guy in the place. "He's full of DUTCH COURAGE," a spectator might comment mourn­ fully, as the little fellow offered to take on the whole place. The term was coined by the British at a time when the Netherlands Navy was a formidable force and Dutch and British ships sometimes came into conflict. It was the practice at that time aboard Netherlands naval ships to give the gunners and gunner's mates a good stiff shot of schnapps (Dutch gin) before going into action. There is little evidence that the Dutch were ever really in need of any artificial courage before going into battle, but the term DUTCH COURAGE entered the language, apparently for good. This feature to be continued in a future issue of the SEAFARERS LOG. , �JniM 23, 1967 SEAFARFRS The Great Lakes by Fred Fernen,Secretary-Treasurer,Great Lakes Two of our steamers, the Sylvania and the Atpena are out of operation due to recent accidents. The crewmen are on the beach waiting for re-call. The Sylvania, a self unloader, sank at the Peerless Cement dock at Port Huron. Divers are applying a wooden patch to the three by fourteen gash in her side. The fAlpena ran aground off Kelly Is­ they will attempt to drop the Me­ land and is in Lorain shipyard. nominee, Mich., service. We think She should be ready to sail by the they want to get down to a twoboat operation in Frankfort. end of the month. The clinic is open here and ap­ We feel we have a good chance pointments can be arranged for to unionize one of the last non­ union outfits on the Great Lakes. Seafarers and their dependents by Interlake Steamship Company applying at the SIU hall, 417 Main crewmen have given tremendous St., Frankfort, Mich. response to union representation Alpena and we have filed for an NLRB Office workers of the Besser election, in Cleveland. The union Manufacturing Company are on has far more than the required 30 per cent pledge cards. A hearing strike here. The company hajs been was set to schedule an election the only union for 20 years and date. Interlake operates 15 vessels. they are resisting employee efforts The union is optimistic about or­ to join a real union. A long strike looms ahead. ganizing this company., Cargo was removed from the Duluth West German ship, Nordimeer. It looks like a good season here. She hit a Thunder Bay Shoal and The new vacation plan has met it looks like a lot of work is needed with great approval. to move her from there. The ship Kent Dahlquist, who was teach­ was drawing 26.5 feet of water ing school in Iowa, is again on the with only 22 feet of water at the Lakes. We shipped him as watch­ shoal. The vessel came to a com­ man on the Joe Morrow. plete stop in 13 seconds. Air escaping around the hatches Cleveland Shipping is up after a slow spell. from water rushing into the holds The Alpena was in dry dock in and displacing air sounded like the Lorain, so crewmembers had a shrill of giant whistles. ten-day vacation. A formal chris­ tening will be held shortly for the Medusa Challenger. We wish her smooth sailing. Some repair work on the Syl­ vania gave Joe Volko and some of the boys a brief holiday. George Mitchell is in town on his vacation. The SIU's Great Lakes District Chicago has filed a petition with the re­ Shipping has maintained a gional office of the National Labor steady pace and calls are starting Relations Board in Cleveland, to come in for unrated men. Un­ Ohio, for a representation election rated men are urged to upgrade among the unlicqnsed seamen of themselves as there are plenty of. the Interlake-Pickands Mather and high paying jobs waiting for them. Company steamship fleet on the Great Lakes. A hearing on the union petition will be held on June 20 in Cleve­ land. The company is the only com­ pletely non-union American steamship operation on the Great Lakes. It employs approximately 350 seamen on its fleet of 15 American vessels, which includes West Grivas 14 bulk freighters and one selfCarl (Smokey) West is regis­ unloader. Four additional vessels are op­ tered and would like a Gartland erated through a Canadian sub­ straight decker, but will take any sidiary, the Labrador Steamship fireman's job. "Pots and Pans" Veno is on the beach looking for Company,. Ltd., which is under contract to the Seafarers Interna­ a good ship. Bemie Grivas is waiting for a tional Union of Canada. "Like all Lakes seamen, they good fireman's job. Bernie is look­ now realizeNhat improved work­ ing for a "quiet engine room." ing conditions, vacations, pen­ Construction of the new SIU sions, welfare benefits and job se­ headquarters here has been de­ curity protection can only be layed due to the plasterer's strike. achieved through membership in Frankfort a real AFL-CIO seamen's union," Ann Arbor railroad carferries he declared. are back on three-boat operation. The union's petition covers all We met with company officials to unlicensed personnel employed discuss proposals previously sub­ aboard vessels owned or operated mitted. Word was received that management would like a new by the company, including the meeting and the membership will bosuns and employees who have licenses but who are employed in be advised as to a definite date. jobs which do not require licenses. The coinpany has petitioned the Excluded from the unit are all ICC to abandon operations in Manistique, Mich. If the Ann licensed personnel, professional Arbor Railroad is successful in an employees, stewards, guards and attempt to abandon service there. supervisors. SIU Asks Vote h P M Fleet Page Nine LOG Compulsory Arbitration for Railroads Rejected by House; Extend Strike Ban WASHINGTON—The House voted last week to bar a railroad shopcrafts strike for an additional 90 days of mediation effort, but turned down a Senate-passed provision that would have imposed compulsory arbitration if mediation failed. The legislation now goes to ^ sponsored by Representative opposing compulsory arbitration, a House-Senate conference com­ Claude Pepper (D-Fla.). but .several GOP conservatives mittee and union leaders gave In view of the big majority for said they were supporting the 90a voluntary pledge that they would the Pepper amendment. Adminis­ day postponement only in the hope not strike while the bill was in tration leaders did not insist on a that Congress would enact per­ conference. rollcall and the amended bill was manent legislation to deal with House action came after two then quickly passed by a voice collective bargaining failures in essential industries. days of debate centering on the vote. Earlier, the House had defeated compulsory arbitration feature of Despite heavy White House the Administration bill, which other attempts to make the legis­ pressure, the Administration bill AFL-CIO President George lation less one-sided, including a needed almost solid support of Meany had warned would strike at labor-backed amendment by Rep­ GOP members of the House Com­ the "heart of the trade union resentative Brock Adams (D- merce Committee to reach the movement" by destroying "the Wash.) providing for government floor. Committee Democrats voted seizure of the railroads and im­ right to free collective bargaining." pounding of profits until a settle­ 13-6 against it but Republican members backed if 12-1. Elimination of compulsory ar­ ment is negotiated. The amend­ Committee Chairman Harley O. bitration came on a non-record ment was beaten, 198-111. Staggers (D-W.Va.) denounced the 189-105 vote which tentatively A number of Republicans Administration bill as the debate wrote into the bill an amendment joined with liberal Democrats in got under way, declaring it was "completely one-sided" and ap­ plied pressure "only to the un­ ions." He warned the railroad industry that it can't expect to continue for long under private ownership "when free men are compelled to work for wages and under con­ ditions that are unacceptable to them." Before the House vote, the AFL-CIO reiterated in a letter to all congressmen that the labor movement is "absolutely opposed" to compulsory arbitration. Legislative Director Andrew J. Biemiller stressed that "to impose a settlement pattern on parties to a labor contract is to eliminate the free process of collective bargain­ ing." He said seizure legislation "would at least impose an equal burden on both parties which will Shadowy filmed image above is claimed by believers to be in turn re-establish an effective proof of existence of Loch Ness monster. Disbelievers charge bargaining relationship." photo shows nothing more than floating log or shadow on water. Research Team Starts Search For Fahlediach Ness Monster mm New expedition to famed Scottish loch- hopes to settle dispute. Convinced that the "monster of Loch Ness" exists in reality and ndt just in the minds of some Scotsmen, an American biochemist and his British colleagues will embark upon a twoyear photographic search for the creature of the lake starting this summer. Dr. Roy MackaJ, a professor of biochemistry at the Uni­ versity of Chicago, believes that the creature of Loch Ness may be one of a large family of marine animals and that others like it inhabit other lakes in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Siberia, and Norway. Dr. Mackal's search team will set up $20,000 worth of photo­ graphic and sound equipment along the shores of the loch, in a pattern that will enable them to keep 80% of the lake area under surveillance at one time. The lake is 24 miles long, a mile wide and 750 feet deep. Professor Mackal visited Loch Ness last Septeraiber, to meet with a team of British investigators and was told by the team that they had had three sightings of the creature in one afternoon. "I've talked with witnesses in Scotland and studied accounts of the sightings of the monster and I'm convinced there's some form of animate life in the lake," said Dr. Mackal. He suggests that the "animate life" ranges in size from six to 34 tons and from 20 to 60 feet in length. Within this size range are such marine animals as the giant squid which can weigh up to 50 tons, he said. Dr. Mackal believes that some kind of transitional creature, a link between two marine species, such as gastropods (snails) and cephalopods (squids and octopuses) is the type of creature that inhabits the loch. The professor's own theory is that the monster of Loch Ness is related to a family of salt water sea life that became land­ locked in fresh water when land masses rose through geologic changes that took place many thousands of years ago. "Most of these salt water creatures probably died out," says Dr. Mackal, "but a few were able to adapt to the fresh water environment of Loch Ness and have flourished down to this day." The professor adds that the monster of the loch may not be a monster at all but instead, an extremely shy, pl^ful, well adjusted creature, with no natural enemies. SIU Strikes C&H ReRnery SAN FRANCISCO—Members of the SIUNA-affiliated Sugar Worker's Local 1 have voted to strike the California & Hawaiian Sugar Refinery in Crockett, Calif. Negotiations broke off on June 11, when a company offer was re­ jected by the Sugar workers Local as being "outrageous and unfair". The major issues involved in the contract dispute are work schedules, increased grievance machinery and the establishment of an expanded pension and health qnd welfare program. The C«&H refinery was recent­ ly the target of a raiding attempt by Harry Bridge's International Longshoremen's and Warehouse­ men's Union. When negotiations with the company reached an impasse in May, Bridges stepped into the picture and demanded that the National Labor Relations Board hold a special representation elec­ tion at the refinery. The ILWU raiding attempt was soundly defeated when the Sugar Worker's voted 659-386 for con­ tinued representation by the SIU. '1 �* .• .i-Page Ten June 23, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG The Waterman Company's 449 foot long Andrew Jackson at anchor, San Francisco Bay. J k ANDREW JACKSON PAYS OFF The Andrew Jackson is one of many SlU-manned vessels en­ gaged in keeping the flow of supplies moving to Southeast Asia, She recently docked in San Francisco where a LOG photographer was on hand to record the payoff. 1 "I :•> V • I ?'• V-.; I " 'S t ^ t , ** , , I ^ ",X , ^ , Chief Cook, Starves Petrantes is shov/n preparing a fresh ham for the noon meal In the ship's galley aboard the Andrew Jackson. V Steward Utility Robert Brudett Is getting ready tqc serve a hot meal to the crew of the Andrew Jackson. The Andrew Jackson's deck department begins the jofct of unloading / stores at the end of the vessel's voy-^ • 1 |, age. The unloading went smoothly, f f I V ' ' j "* , " I ! ;• ' ' - - I i Patrolmen Walter Minett (far left) and Alfie Pool handle the crew's beefs prior to the ship's payoff. I, — ' . Seafarer Wayne Kidd drthe Engine f Department is busy opening the , I root valve with the Hagen board- t f showing in the background. I A crew from the Andrew Jackson's" . deck department handles the lines prior to moving the ship to another anchorage in San Francisco Bay, i I' I '1 I '/'I '•/if'- ; vaf/.a:'- • «i ' • �Jane 23, 1967 Lakes SlU Member Lauds Union Benefits To The Editor: As a member of the SIU Gre'kt Lakes District, I want to tell everyone how grateful we are for the increase in my SIU pension. Th^ SIU has the finest Pension and Welfare plan avail­ able. The SIU gives you protec­ tion even when your sailing days are over. I also want to thank the un­ ion very much for the payment of my wife's hospital and doc­ tor bills, which amounted to $1,000. My wife anc^* "e very grate­ ful and want ^ " iknk everyone in the SIU f^ naking a great union. Tha^ ; u all very much and r y < -d bless you. irville Wylle Old Timer Likes To Keep Posted To The Editor: I would like to have the LOG mailed to me. I read it when­ ever I can get a copy, but it is hard, since I am retired and don't get around much any more. It really helps me feel I am still in touch with things. Here's wishing all and every­ one the best of luck and fond­ est regards. Paul Brady enough ships to supply forces on two fronts. To maintain a sealift to Viet­ nam, the U.S. has had to divert a major portion of its fleet away from the carrying of com­ mercial cargoes and has also had to dig deeply into its re­ serve fleet. I thing it is worth noting here that America's runaway—flag fleet has contribtued nothing to her military effort in Vietnam. One of the rationalizations for permitting American-owned ships to be registered under the flag of Liberia, Panama and other runaway-havens is-that in time of need they can be re­ claimed as true-blue American vessels. This has not happened and I doubt whether it ever will. Adam Willards SIU Scholarships Benefit Society To The Editor: Congratulations to the five SIU kids who won the 1967 SIU college scholarship! May they continue to be successful in college and in the careers afterward. I think the SIU, in found­ ing and so conscientiously ad- ^ Takes 'Hat Off' To 'Mr. Reliable' To The EdItoR Hats off to Ray E. De Shong, oiler, presently on the Del San­ tos, but known wherever he goes by the affectionate term of "Mr. Reliaye." The undersigned, as first as­ sistant engineer, has been ac­ quainted with Brother De Shong for the past five years and would like to state publicly that Brother De Shong is a real credit to the SIU. I understand that Brother De Sfiong is taking his well-earned retirement next year, and that's why I'm taking this opportunity to say a last bon voyage to a fine shipmate and a gentlemen. James W. Clinton P.S.: While on the subject, I should point out that Del San­ tos has several other highly regarded old-timers who will be, before long, following in Brother De Shong's retirement footsteps. They are Brothers Bing Groue and J. L. Monnier, wipers, sometimes known as the "Junior Reliables." Runaways No Aid To Defense Effort To The Editor: I read with great interest your story about Congesssman Lloyd Meeds' before the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Depart­ ment, in which he said that this country's neglect of its mer­ chant marine was "suicidal." The Congressman noted that the U.S. is at present stretching its merchant marine resources almost to their limit to supply our forces in Vietnam. He ex­ pressed deep concern that, if another conflict of arms were to break cut anywhere else in the world, the U.S. might not have Page Eleven SEAFARERS LOG LETITERS To TilO Editor ministering the scholarship pro­ gram for 14 years, is reflecting its progressive outlook. Educa­ tion is the cornerstone of suc­ cess in today's world. The na­ ture of work is changing, and more and more we need people with upgraded skills. In addition to the SIU's col­ lege scholarship program, the deck officers and engine officer's upgrading programs reflect the SIU's awareness of the growing need for greater skills is our complex society. Gustav Kendinger Three Seafarers Save Shipmate As He Founders in Choppy Sea SIU member Bill Koflowitch, 42, better known to his fellow Seafarers as "Flattop," came close to drowning just a few feet from his ship a few weeks ago as she lay at anchor off Gibraltar. Three Seafarers aided in his rescue. On the afternoon of May 28, ^ Other guys who helped me, I The last day in Gibraltar was Flattop was on his way back to wouldn't be here," he said. spent by Bill touring the island it­ his ship, the Platte (Platte Flattop, who holds a number of self. He found the three-mile-long Transport), riding in a launch to­ ratings, was sailing aboard the island "a nice little port," with its gether with a group of his ship­ Platte as an Engine Utility man. intricate caves and the cable car mates. Here is what followed, in He had signed on the ship in San that takes one to the top of the Francisco, where he was on the rock, a landmark known through­ Brother Koflowitch's words: "The sea was very choppy and beach. The vessel had made an out the world. The mishap occur­ the boat was rolling a lot. I tried uneventful voyage to Candia, In­ red as he was taking a launch to grab the gangway when we got dia, discharging a cargo of grain, from the island to his ship. Lincoln's Birthday is a red letter to it, but the boat rolled, and over after stopping in Yokohama for day for him. It was on that day, in six hours, and again in Singapore the side I went. A couple of guys 1952, that he joined the SIU. "I tried to grab me, but they couldn't to bunker. Shortly before reaching Gi­ respect the SIU," he says, "and reach me." The young Spaniard who was running the boat fortun­ braltar, on the way back to New wouldn't change it for anything." ately, was a strong swimmer and Orleans the ship's generator went "I really love this union," he went on the fritz, and the vessel pulled on, "and try to do as much for it Seafarer Koflowitch is not. as I can." "The boatman jumped in and into port for repairs. grabbed me. He got me where Don could hold me by one hand," he related. "Don is Seafarer Donald G. Crane, 39, who sailed as second cook and baker. "Then Don, together with two other guys, pulled me aboard." The boatman, Flattop added, climbed back aboard by himself without any trouble. "If it wasn't for the boatman, and for Don and the Four More Seafarer Veterans Added to SIU Pension Ranks DIAMOND ALKALI (Boland ft Cor­ nelius), May 2—Chairman, Harry L. Stockman; Secretary, Jesse R. Bostic. Vote of thanks was extended to the gal­ ley crew for a job well done. All de­ partments are running smoothly with no beefs. Motion made that all crewmembers donate 25c to the ship's fund. BURBANK VICTORY (A. L. Burbank), May 7—Chairman, Richard Conlin: Secretary, James Christie. Ship's delegate reported that the ship is run­ ning smoothly. Food is very good. Few minor repairs to be taken care of. Air conditioning was installed in messhall. Ship is carrying two soldiers to Saigon. Crew took up a collection to send them ashore in U. S. before they go into the war zone. Some disputed OT in Engine Department. Brother Richard Conlin was elected to serve as new ship's dele­ gate. TRANSYORK (Commodity Cartering), April .70—Chairman, Joe Duffy: Secre­ tary, C. Huditean. Some disputed OT in Engine Department, otherwise no beefs. CORTEZ (Cortex), April 30—Chair­ man. D. L. Parker; Secretary, J. E. Hannon. Disputed OT in Deck and En­ gine Departments. Motion made to see about a new pension plan that will in- Hudgens Torres Booth Phimps Four additional Seafarers have joined the ranks of those men receiving SIU pensions. The latest additions to the pension ranks include Wiley Hudgens, Pablo Torres, Alfred Booth, and Samuel Philips. Wiley Hudgens sailed with ^ Afred Booth sailed as a FWT the SIU for 20 years, after join­ and joined the SIU in New ing in Norfolk. A native of Vir­ York City. He has been a mem­ ginia, Hudgens now lives in South ber of the SIU for 21 years and Charleston, West, Va., with his last shipped on the Keva Ideal. wife, Ella. He sailed in the engine Booth was born in Washington department as a FWT and oiler. and lives in Houston with his His last ship was the Duke Vic­ wife, Anna. tory. Samuel Phillips joined the SIU Pablo Torres sailed as a car­ in the port of New York. A native penter and bosun since joining the of Pennsylvania, he now lives in SIU in Mobile. A 15-year veteran, the Bronx with his wife, Anna. He Torres is a native of Puerto Rico sailed in the deck department and and lives in Ponce with his wife, was last shipped on railway marine Guarolupe. He last sailed on the tugs operated by the N.Y. Cen­ Summit. tral Railroad. Now Hear This Mate's Widow Thanks SIU Crew To The Editor: I want to express my deep and sincere gratitude to the en­ tire unlicensed crew of the SS Vantage Progress for the many, many kind and thoughtful things they said and did for me and our young son, Russell, when my husband, Rupert H. Matthews, Chief Officer, be­ came ill and died suddenly on March 23, 1967 in Cam Ranh, Vietnam. Also, they sent a large and very beautiful floral wreath for the funeral service held in West Islip, New York. The entire family appreciated that so very much. It gives me a great feeling of pride to know that my hus­ band was so well liked by those he served. The plaque that his shipmates presented in his memory is very beautiful and! will treasure it always. Nanetta R. Matthews elude time in the Union and sea time combined so that a man can retire with­ out being too old and to have a sufficient amount of money to live on. SACRAMENTO (Oriental Export), April 30—Chairman, D. Sacher; Secre­ tary, W. P. Link. Jr. Brother Oliver Myers was elected to serve as ship's delegate. No beefs were reported by de­ partment delegates. OAKLAND (Sea-Land), May 12 — Chairman, J. Murphy; Secretary, James Galloway. $46.00 in ship's fund. No beefs reported by department delegates. Brother B. Hayes was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Vote of thanks to the Steward Department. Request for pay phones being installed at the end of the dock for convenience of crews hoth in New Jersey and San Juan. SEATRAIN FLORIDA (Hudson Water­ ways), April ff—Chairman, G. W. Owen; Secretary, J. McPhaul. Mo beefs were reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks was extended to the Steward Department for a job well done. WARRIOR (Sea-Land), April 11— Chairman, Frank DiCarlo; Secretary, Frank Buhl. No beefs reported. Few hours disputed OT in engine department. Motion made that written proposal sent to ship be accepted. Proposal states that members with 20 years in the Union and 12 years accumulated sea time be able to retire on full pension of $300 per month, regardless of age. Vote of thanks was extended to the Steward Department, particularly the chief steward. Fredrico Di Joles, Jr., 7, seems to be pressing a button to acti­ vate his friend Johnny Varela, B'/j. Actually the two "youngsters were watching one of the two color television sets installed in the New York membership hall, and Freddie was showing little Johnny how to put on the earphone. Fredrico Di Joles, Sr., 28, sails as a Messman and lives in Brooklyn. Johnny's father, Salvadore Varela, 23, holds the rating of Wiper and makes his home in the Bronx. V - / �Page Twelve Jnne 23, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG Lifeboat Class No. 179 Seafarers on the Del Norte (Delta) don't worry too much about the possibility of getting sick dur­ ing a voyage to South America, thanks to the presence of Dr. Richard Young, Reuben Belletty reported. To show their appreciation, the Seafarers gave a vote of thanks to Dr. Young for "being a real good guy and tak­ ^ ing care of all of us". The mo­ Seafarers on the Del Alba (Del­ ed to serve as new Ship's Dele­ gate aboard the tion was made by Joe Vaccaro ta) might be away from New OrCosmos Mariner ^ leans but the of the steward department. Ship's cooking doesn't (Admanthos Shiptreasurer Bill Kaiser reported that ping Agency). show it, thanks the ship's fund totals $9.7.86. Brotiier Miller is to Chief Cook Maurice Kramer also serving as Leslie Burnett reported that the Meeting Chair­ and Chief Stew­ movie fund has man. During his ard Paul Franco. $285.85. Tony Meeting chairman first report, the Garza, engine de­ new Ship's Dele­ William Cousins partment dele­ Miller gate reported that Cousins gate, reported that wrote that Bur­ his department nett was in the he and the Chief Electrician have could use an ice New Orleans hall looking for a taken care of all repairs. During Vaccaro water coolej. No job, "but found his way to the the good and welfare portion of major beefs or West Coast and now we are get­ the meeting, writes Meeting Sec­ disputed overtime reported by ting some of that good shrimp retary G. P. Thlu, the Chief Stew­ delegates. gumbo and soutliern fried chick­ ard asked the crew to cooperate with his department to keep the en." — ship clean. Ship's delegate Henry Schwartz informed his fellow Seafarers . about the latest in the Vietnam situation, as the Robin Sherwood (Moore-McCormack) headed for the war zone. Meeting chairman David Velandra wrote that Switch Schwartz also told the crew about logging procedures for failure to report to the ship because of shore problems. Meet­ ing secretary Gary Fisher reports that it was agreed to leave the P. O. mess open if the men keep it clean. Department delegates, Joe Anderson, Paul Switch and Ncal Meher report no beefs or disputed overtime. A new water fountain was installed. Paul Hebert, steward utility on the Penn Victory (Waterman) was hospitalized in Rotterdam, Hol1 a n d, Hugh Houghton, meet­ ing secretary, in­ forms. Hebert was flown to the states for treat­ ment, Rouehton wrote. Seafarer Bentz C. P. Bailey also left the ship to return home due to illness in the family. Meeting Chairman Jack Bentz said that the Steward department turned in a fine job and received a vote of thanks. Brother C. E. Miller was elect- Well Addressed Letters Insure Prompt Delivery on MST5 Ships To insure the speedy and efficient delivery of mail to crewmembers aboard Military Sea Transport Service ships operating in the Pacific, Mediterranean or the Atlantic it is important that letters be addressed correctly. Seafarers aboard MSTS ships are entiled to use U.S. Navy fleet post offices, which are fast and accurate providing letters are addressed correctly—especially in the Southeast Asia area. The form printed below is designed to help the families and friends of Seafarers aboard MSTS vessels to get the address right anywhere in the world, in order to maintain fast and ef­ ficient communication with their loved ones. Seafarers sailing in ships under MSTS Time Charter (TC) Consecu­ tive Voyage Charter (CYC) or U. S. Maritime Administration General Agency Agreement (OAA) should inform their correspond­ ents to use these addresses for their personal mail: YOUR NAME YOUR SHIP'S NAME Meeting secretary R. D. Tapman reports that a check of the stores aboard the Norina (Marine Traders) found that everything is in good order. Ins p e c t i o n was made by deck delegate Rubin SIgward and ship's delegate Debelich Anthony Debelich. Debelich came in for a vote of thanks for the top-notch job he turned in. The Steward De­ partment has done a fine job keep­ ing the Seafarers well-fed and happy. No beefs or disputed over­ time reported. Other than two men who had to leave the ship due to illness, no problems on board. It was suggested on the Del Oro (Delta) that "a bulletin sailing board be put up •in the mess room on this type of ship," Meeting Chairman Ralph Taylor writes. Lee Smith, new ship's delegate, reports that all hands were re­ Taylor quested to keep doors closed in foreign ports as a precaution against strangers wan­ dering through the ship. Meeting secretary W. H. Simmons reports $68.78 in the treasury. After stops at Monrovia, Abidjan, Tema and Angola, the Del Oro returns to New Orleans for a payoff. MR. JOHN DOE S. S. "Plimsoll Mark" (MSTS) MSTS MUST SHOW AFTER SHIP'S NAME WHEN OPERATING IN THE PACIFIC > F.P.O. SAN FRANCISCO 96605 NAVY" ZIP NUMBER MUST SHOW ^ WHEN OPERATING IN THE ATLANTIC OR MEDITERRANEAN > F.P.O. NEW YORK 09505 ONCE AGAIN, NAVY ZIP NUMBER MUST SHOW "We had a good payoff in New Orleans with all beeifs settled," Bennie Lowderback, ship's dele­ gate on the Vo­ lusia (Suwannee), reports. Lowderback thanked de­ partment dele­ gates "for their cooperation this Lowderback past trip." Wil­ liam Fisher of the Steward Department, Leon Strile, Engine Department and Joe Rusheed of the Deck Department, all turned in fine jobs. Captain B. S. Marinos came in for praise for his "outstanding and efficient" work. Posing proudly for their graduation picture is the 179th group of Seafarers to go through the SlU Lifeboat School. With their life­ boat endorsements they will get priority in shipping out. Seated (l-r) are: W. Kennedy. W. Harvey, C. Wagner, A. Backstrom, and J. Jerscheid. Standing are: Bosun L. Bonser, L. Kempf, W. Kratsas, D. Cook, R. Estrada, and the school's instructor. Ami Bjornsson. CHATHAM (Waterman). May 14 — Chairman, Sidney A. Gamer; Secretary, Sidney A. Gamer. No beefs were re­ ported by department delegates. Brother Julian Sawyer was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Everything is running along smoothly. SEATRAIN CAROLINA (Hudson Waterways), May 9—Chairman, W. J. Meehan; Secretary H. E. Slater. Dis­ puted OT in Deck Department to be squared away. Brother F. Smith was elected to serve as ship's delegate. SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Hudson Waterways). May 14—Chairman, M. J. Cassidy; Secretary, A. L. Dunn. Dis­ puted OT in deck and engine depart­ ments to be taken up with patrolman. Vote of thanks extended to the Steward Department for a job well done. Hot water um to be installed in messhall. OVERSEAS JOYCE (Maritime Over­ seas). March 26—Chairman, Howard Bickford: Secretary, W. L. Kilgore. $6.00 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT in Engine Department to be taken up with patrolman. Brother F. Smith was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. Proposal made that members with 20 years in the Union and 12 years seatime should be able to retire with full pension. The pension should be raised to $300.00 monthly to keep in pace with the continuous high cost of living. Amend the present retirement plan, that upon the death of a retired member, his widow or dependent be paid one-half of his pension, paid monthly to his widow or dependent. Also give free hos­ pital and medical care as long as his widow does not reniarry. Some assur­ ance is needed that some protection and security will be theirs at the final de­ parture of the Seafarer. DEL MAR (Delta), May 21—Chairman, Ernest C. deBautte; Secretary, Joseph V. Whalen, Jr. Ship's delegate reported that everything is running smoothly. He resigned thanking the crew for making DIOEST of SIU MEETINGS his job easy. $26.00 in movie fund. No beefs reported by department delegates. Brother Joseph V. ..Whalen, Jr. was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. Vote of thanks extended to resigning ship's delegate. Brother deBautte. MONTPELIER VICTORY (Victory Carriers), April 28—Chairman, M. E. Beeching; Secretary, Robert Romano. Few hours disputed OT in Deck and En­ gine Departments. Motion made to re­ instate Steward Department men that have been removed until new contract concerning manning scales is made and ratified. Brother Jim Dryden was elected to serve as ship's delegate. JEFFERSON CITY VICTORY (Vic­ tory Carriers), May 18—Chairman, E. T. LaChappelle; Secretary, W. C. Sink. $2.00 in ship's fund. One man missed ship in Djibouti. Two hours delayed sailing, lodging and subsistance disputed in Steward Department. Motion made that the SIU negotiate a 20-year pension plan with the contracted companies. HASTINGS (Waterman), April 19— Chairman, T. J. Forsberg; Secretary, J. Wells. Letter sent to SIU hall in Yokohama regarding water ration. No launch service furnished and men told to put in for $2.00. Discussion about cleaning passageways and ladders. En­ gine and Deck Department quarters need painting. Matter to be taken up with patrolman. RACHEL V (Vantage), April 17— Chairman, Pat Fox; Secretary, M. Ciaglo. No beefs reported by department dele­ gates. Crewmembers were requested to wear shirts during meal hours. ROBERT D. CONRAD (Maritime Oper­ ations), April 23—Chairman, Steven Mooney; Srcretary, L. A. Lamphere. Ship's delegate reported that all is run­ ning smoothly with the exception of a few minor beefs. $6.00 in ship's fund. No beefs were reported by department delegates. CONNECTICUT (Oriental Exporters), April 30—Chairman, Richard Dsrville; Secretary, A. W. Morales. Two men missed ship in Japan. Few minor beefs. Ship's delegates will try to contact Un­ ion regarding payoff, because ship is on the way to Aruba after 11 months shut­ tling from the Persian Gulf and articles expire on June 15, 1967. The crew dis­ cussed acquiring another air conditioner for the mess room and another washing machine. STEEL KING (Isthmian), May 7— Chairman, W. Barth; Secretary, P. C. Elsteban. $22 in ship's fund. Brother James F. Santiago was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Motion made that the company pay $12.00 daily instead of $8.00, in case of sickness. ST. CHRISTOPHER (St. Lawrence Carriers), May 6—Chairman, B. M. El­ lis : Secretary, Ralph Collier. Some men paid off in Bahrain and one man was put ashore at Columbo. Ceylon, due to illness. $6.80 in ship's fund. Vote of thanks to the Captain and to the entire Steward Department. JOHN J. BOLAND (American Steam­ ship), May 1—Chairman, Henry E. Jones; Secretary, Henry E. Jones. Brother Vince Smith was elected to serve as ship's delegate. He stressed the importance of all possible safety meas­ ures to be used especially opening and closing hatches, etc. No beefs were re­ ported by department delegates. Vote of thanks to the Steward Department for the good service and good food. PENN CARRIER (Penn), May 11— Chairman, J. P. Lamb; Secretary E P. Covert. Brother Covert was elected to serve as ship's delegate. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Every­ thing going along fine. MONTPELIER VICTORY (Victory Carriers), May 18—Chairman, M. E. Beeching; Secretary, W. Todd. Steward Department beefs turned over to ship's delegate. Patrolman will meet ship in Panama.- Disputed OT in Engine De­ partment. OCEANIC TIDE (Oceanic Ore Car­ riers), April 22—Chairman, W. Dodd; Secretary, R. G. Martens. TV to be placed on board upon arrival in Yoko­ hama. One man missed ship in Honolulu and one man paid off in Honolulu. TTiirtyeight hundred pounds of meat and frozen vegetables were condemned in Honolulu by Department of Agriculture due to lack of refrigeration during breakdown and tow period. SEAFARER (Marine Carriers), May 7—Chairman, Skinny Wells; Secretary, N. Moose Lighten. Steward Department beefs were turned over to the ship's dele­ gate. Brother Skinny Wells was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. VOLUSIA (Suwannee), May IdChairman, Joseph A. Rusheed; Secre­ tary, Herbert D. Gilbert. $31.65 in ship's fund. Disputed OT in Deck and Engine Departments to be taken up with patrol­ man. Motion made that no water or stores be taken on at Pakistan, espe­ cially fresh vegetables and that stores, whenever possible, be taken on in New Orleans instead of waiting to store up in Texas. Motion made that squeegeeing of passageways be done after loading or unloading grain and not just at end of voyage. TRANSHUDSON (Hudson Waterways), May 7—Chairman, Cecil Futch; Secre­ tary, T. Rainey. Ship's delegate reported that everything is O.K. with no beefs. Motion made to air-condition messhall and foc'sle as trip to India hit 120 de­ grees. Motion made to ask for raise in pension to $250.00 per month for 15 years seatime or 20 years in the Union. HALAULA VICTORY (Bloomfleld), May 14—Chairman, L. Strange; Secre­ tary, A. Nash. Nc beefs reported by department delegates. Brother A. Nash was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Condemned milk from previous voyage was set aside to be disposed of at sea. PETROCHEIM (Valentine), January 28—Chairman, H. M. Connell; Secretary, Frederic Stieg. Disputed Cr in Deck Department to be taken up with patrol­ man. Brother Carl V. Christiansen was elected to serve as ship's delegate. �June 23, 1967 FINAL DEPARTURES John Lavery, 59: Death claimed Brother Lavery on April 1, in Houston. He sailed as an AB and joined the Union in the port of Philadelphia. Lavery was a 20yea r veteran of the SIU. A na­ tive of Pennsyl­ vania, he lived in Philadelphia. His last ship was the Commander. Seafarer Lavery was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Houston, Texas. Francis Clawson, 62: Brother Clawson collapsed while on duty in the engine room of the Ban­ gor, on August 29, 1966 and died shortly after­ wards. His body was committed to the deep with all f hands present. Brother Clawson was born iq, Maine and lived in Baltimore. He joined the Union in the port of Tampa. He had sailed as Oiler and FWT. Surviv­ ing is his niece, Virginia Marshall of Baltimore. Willie Lane, 40: A liver ailment claimed the life of Brother Lane in Jacksonville, Fla., April 28. He sailed in the stew­ ard department since joining the union in the port of Jacksonville. A resident of that city, he was born in Jesup,Ga. Lane last shipped on the Bradford, Isle. Burial was in Piney Grove Ceme­ tery, Odum, Wayne County, Ga. Lawrence Campbell, 62: A head injury sustained in an accident caused the death of Brother Gampbell, March 15, at the American Hospital, Paris, France. A native of Nova Scotia, he was natural­ ized in 1937. He was sailing on the Merrimac at the time of death. An AB, he joined the Union in the port of Boston. Campbell lived in Saugus, Mass. He is sur­ vived by a sister, Mrs. Theresa Myatt of Miami, Fla. The body was returned to Boston for burial. Page Thirteen SEAFARERS LOG Lionel Desplant, 57: Brother Desplant died on April 30, at the USPHS hospital in Staten Island, N. Y. He was on an SIU pension at the time of his death. Desplant joined the union in Baltimore and sailed as a cook. A native of the Virgin Islands, he lived in Brook­ lyn, N. Y. His last ship was the Santa Emilia. Surviving is his wife. Rosette. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Linden, N. J. Joseph JF'itzpatrick, 63: Pneu­ monia claimed the life of Seafarer Fitzpatrick on Jan. 13 in San Francisco. He sailed in the en­ gine cfepartment and was a 20-year veteran of the SIU. Brother Fitz­ patrick was born in New Orleans and resjocd in San Francisco. He joined the SIU in New Orleans. His last vessel was the Pecos. He is survived by his son, Joseph Fitz­ patrick, Jr. Burial was in New Orleans. Leoncio Fuerte, 58: Brother Fuerte died at sea aboard the Longview Vic­ tory, Sept. 3, 1966. He was sailing as a messman. A native of the Philippines, he was a resident of Seattle, Wash. Fuerte joined the SIU in that port. Surviving are a sister, Rosita, and a brother, Arcenio, both of the Philippines. Burial was in the Philippines. ^ George Dennis, 27: Seafarer Dennis died on March 12 at St. Mary's Hospital, Port Arthur, Tex­ as, after an auto­ mobile accident. Death was due to severe neck and chest injuries. A wiper, he was born in Texas and resided in Daisetta, Texas. Dennis served two years in the Army. His last ship was the Globe Traveler. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Orange, Texas. Sai/mff is Edusation You Can't Buy, Says Veteran SIU Globe Trotter During his more than 15 years of sea time, Brother Vincent Genco, 53, has been to many ports on most of the continents of the world. Like many other Seafarers, he will take almost any run, but he does have his favorite ports. His favorite run is around- while the men operate machinery make you feel welcome," he says, the-world, though he hasn't and do the checking and tallying. "and there is never any trouble." made the trip for a few years. Brother Genco visited Saigon Egyptians Unfriendly "You hit between 20 and 25 ports many times before the war in The one area of the world that and see many different types of Vietnam got really hot. "The peo­ people and cultures, and it's an ple there are no different than the Brother Genco finds it difficult to education that people here; they are mainly work­ get along ashore is the Middle you can't get out ing people." Family life. Brother East, with the exception of Israel. of a book," he Genco said, was very much like The Egyptians, especially, "are says. family life in the United States. extremely arrogant and con games Manilla and The major difference between life and unscrupulous vendors abound Bangkok are here and life in Saigon was the in Mid East ports." Seafarer Brother Genco's standard of living is so much low­ Genco said "If you get into trou­ ble, you've had it, because the po­ two favorite ports. er there. lice are always on their side." He never tires of Brother Genco has not visited He has had some unfortunate the tour of the many European ports he says, yet Genco King's palace in he is able to comment on quite a experiences of his own, including Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, few of them. The most enjoyable being forced to hire a "guide" in with its beautiful flower displays. European port he has been to is Egypt, and having a gang of five He has also gone upriver to visit Sette. A small town in Southern men attempt to mug him in a the ancient Buddhist temple near France, it is across the bay from wide street in broad daylight. "I the port city of almost a million Marseilles. Brother Genco spent don't go ashore in the Middle East people. four days in the city, often called any more," he emphasizes. The one exception is the Israeli India is Brother Genco's favor­ "the poor man's Riviera." There port of Elath. "It is a clean, mod­ were many Continental tourists in ite country, of all the many nations ern city," he says, adding that the town, and everyone was "un­ he has visited. Bombay is a "fair­ ly good port," he says, but you usually friendly." This was in the contrast between Elath and have to be there a while before sharp contrast in Northern France, the Jordanian port of Aqaba, a Brother Genco said, where a few miles away, is amazing. Aqaba you know how to get around. One Indian tradition that Broth­ strong anti-American bias prevails. "looks as if it hasn't changed in Another friendly, and much a couple of thousand years," he er Genco found unusual is that in New Candla, where most more well-known port, is Rotter­ says. The only part of the world American grain is unloaded. The dam, the busiest port in the world. women handle the sacks of grain. There, "the people go all out to where Brother Genco won't go is South Africa. "You talk about our segregation, but theirs . . . wow. You cross the color line by just trying to talk to a Negro, and I like to talk to people." Brother Genco made the South African run twice, visiting Cape­ town and Durban. The last time Casimiro Gonzalez, born May Amoras, San Francisco, Califor- was in 1956. After that voyage 4, 1967, to the Jorgan Gonzalezs, nia. he vowed he would never sail to Brooklyn, New York. the Union of South Africa again. Patrick Johnsen, born May 3, Brother Genco makes his home William Reynolds, born Janu­ 1967, to the Charles P. Johnsens, in Newton Falls, Ohio, with his ary 4, 1965, to the Henry B. New Orleans, La. wife. Born In Cleveland, he has Reynolds, Groves, Texas. —— always lived in Northeastern Ohio. James Freeman, born May 1, He joined the union in New York Leslie Marange, ,born March 1967, to the James E. Freemans, and usually ships out of that port. 17, 1967, to the Cyril Maranges, Daphne, Alabama. "It's no problem migrating back Orange, Texas. and forth," he says. He has a Julie Diane Doiron, born April married daughter with two chil­ Alexander H. Kominos, born 21, 1967, to the Rodney E. dren of her own, a boy, five, and a three-year-old girl. February 10, 1967, to the Nich­ Doirons, Houston, Texas. olas Kominos, Freeport, L.L, N.Y. \1> <1> Entry Rating Lifeboat Class No, 6 Debbie Beverley, born April 9, 1967, to the Eugene R. Beverleys, La Marque, Texas. .t. Tracey Anderson, born May 9, 1967, to the Frank Andersons, New Orleans, La. —— Tabitha King, born October 30, 1966, to the Lea Kings, Vacherie, Louisiana. — — Felix Anthony Amora, Jr., born April 22, 1967, to the Felix P. BOl Doran Please contact J. H. Cessford, 1412 Ryan St., Lake Charles, La., immediately, and include your mailing address. Samuel E. Powell Please contract your uncle, J. G. Zeigler, 106 Brookland Circle, Columbia, South Carolina 29204, as soon as possible. The sixth class of young men from the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship to obtain their lifeboat endorsements have their pic­ ture shot in front of one of the lifeboats used for instruction. Seated (l-r) are: L. Patterson, R. Allan, D. Ramirez. T. Chambers. D. Ness, W. Morgan, C. Jacobs, and R. Smith. Standing behind them are P. Hudgins, J. Butler, R. Sanderlin, B. Kimmons, D. Davis, L Mossman, B. Patrowic, and R. Zemel. In the last row are: C. Har­ rison, J. Linton, D. Hawley, L. Ferrell, W. Flurr, J. Palmer, H. Segal, R. Gromadski, and the school's instructor, Arni Bjornsson. i �•Page Fonrteen UNFAIR TO LABOR DO NOT BUY Seafarers and their families are urged to support a consumer boy­ cott by trade unionists against various companies whose products are produced under non-union conditions, or which are "unfair to labor." (This listing carries the name of the AFL-CIO unions in­ volved, and will be amended from time to time.) Stifzel-Weller Distilleries "Old Fitzgerald," "Old Elk" "Cabin Still," W. L. Weller Bourbon whiskeys (Distillery Workers) Kingsport Press "World Book," "Childcraft" (Printing Pressmen) (Typographers, Bookbinders) (Machinists, Stereotypers) SEAFARERS LOG PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU AtUntic, Gulf, Lakes and capacity in the SIU unless an official Union receipt is given for same. Under no Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safesuardins the membership's circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed CPA audit every such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made three months by a rank and file auditins committee elected by the membership. All without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is Union records are available at SIU headquarters in Brooklyn. given an official receipt, but feels that he should not have been required to make TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU AUantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland such payment, this shotdd immediately be reported to headquarters. Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The SIU publishes every six fund asrecmcnts. All these agreements specify that the trustees in chanre of these funds months in the SEAFARERS LOG a verbatim copy of its constitution. In addition, shall equally consist of union and mansKcment representatives and their alternates. copies are available in all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this All expenditures and disbursements of trust fun^ are made only upon approval constitution so as to familiarise themselves with its contents. Any time you feel any by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the member or officer is attempting to deprive you of any constitutional right or obli­ headquarters of the various trust funds. gation by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, then the member so afTectcd should immediately notify headquartera. SHIPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rishts and seniority are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the shipowners. Get to know your shipping RETIRED SEAFARERS. Old-time SIU members drawing disability-pension bene­ rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all Union halls. If you fits have always been encouraged to continue their union activities, including attend­ feel there has been any violation of your shipping or seniority rights as conUined in ance at membership meetings. And like all other SIU members at these Union meet­ the contracts between the Union and the shipowners, notify the Seafarers Appeals ings, they are encouraged to take an active role in all rank-and-file functions, in­ Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: cluding service on rank-and-file committees. Because these oldtimers cannot take shipboard employment, the membership has reaffirmed the long-standing Union pol­ Earl Shepard, Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board icy of allowing them to retain their good standing through the waiving of their dues. 17 Battery Place, Suite 1980, New York 4, N. Y. Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to you at all times, either by EQUAL RIGHTS. All Seafarers are guaranteed equal rights in employment and writing directly to the Union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the Union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These quently, no Seafarer may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, contracts specify the wages and conditions under which you work and live aboard national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied the equal rights ship. Know your contract rights, as well as your obligations, such as filing for OT to which he to entitled, he should notify headquarters. on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU patrolman or other Union official, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract rights prop­ SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIONS. One of the basic rights of erly, contact the nearest SIU port agent. Seafarers to the right to pursue legislative and political objectives which will serve the best interests of themselves, their families and their Union. To achieve these EDITORIAL POLICY—SEAFARERS LOG. The LOG has traditionally refrained objectives, the Seafarers Political Activity Donation was established. Donations to from publishing any article serving the iralitical purposes of any individual in the SPAD are entirely voluntary and constitute the funds through which legislative and Union, officer or member. It has also refrained from publishing articles deemed political activities are conducted tor the benefit of the membership and the Union. harmful to the Union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membenhip action at the September, 1960, meetings in all constitu­ If at any time a Seafarer feels that any of the above righto have been violated, tional ports. The responsibility for LOG policy U vested in an editorial board which consists of the Executive Board of the Union. The Executivo Board may delegate, . sr that ho has been denied his coastitntional right of access to Union rscorda or in­ formation, he shonid immediately notify SIU Prssideat Paal Hall at headqaartors by from among Ma ranks, one individual to carry out this rssponaihility. esgtMsd mail, rstnm receipt rsqasstsd. , .A. Of 4, Jamestown Sterling Corp. (United Furniture Workers) ^ White Furniture Co. (United Furniture Workers of America) Genesco Shoe Mfg. Co. Work Shoes . . . Sentry, Cedar Chest, Statler Men's Shoes . . . Jarman, Johnson & Murphy, Crestworth, (Boot and Shoe Workers' Union) <1^ Baltimore Luggage Co. Lady Baltimore, Amelia Earhart Starlite luggage .Starflite luggage (International Leather Goods, Plastics and Novelty Workers Union) "HIS" brand men's clothes Kaynee Boyswear, Judy Bond blouses, Hanes Knitwear, Randa Ties, Boss Gloves, Richman Brothers and Sewell Suits, Wing Shirts (Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America) R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Camels, Winston, Tempo, Brandon, Cavalier and Salem cigarettes (Tobacco Workers International Union) Peavy Paper Mill Products (United Papermakers and Paperworkers Union) —— I-" ~1 Comet Rice Mills Co. products (International Union of United Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drinks and Distillery Workers) 4/Antonio PerelU Minetti & Sons Ambassador, Eleven Cdlars Red Rooster, Greystone, Gnasti, Calwa, F. L, Tribuno Vennonth, Aristocrat, Victor Hugo, A. R. Morrow Wines and Brandies. (National Farna Workers Association) June 23, 1967 SIU-AGLIWD Meerings New Orieans July 11—2:30 p.m. Mobile July 12—2:30 p.m. Wilmington ..July 17—2:00p.m. San Francisco July 19—2:00 p.m. Seattle July 21—^2:00 p.m. New York ..July 3—2:30p.m. Philadelphia July 5—^2:30 p.m. Baltimore ...July 5—2:30p.m. Detroit .... .July 14—^2:30 p.m. Houston July 17—^2:30 p.m. Great Lakes SIU Meetings Detroit July 2:00 p.m. Alpena July 3—7:00 p.m. Buffalo July 3—7:00 p.m. Chicago . .. .July 3—7:00 p.m. Cleveland . . .July 3—7:00 p.m. Duluth July 3—7:00 p.m. Frankfort ... July 3—^7:00 p.m. Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Region Chicago July 11—7:30 p.m. tSault Ste. Marie July 13—^7:30 p.m. Buffalo July 12—7:30 p.m. I>uluth July 14—7:30 p.m. Cleveland ...July 14—^7:30 p.m. Detroit July 10—7:30 p.m. Milwaukee ..July 10—^7:30p.m. United Industrie Woricers New Orleans July 11—7:00 p.m. Mobile July 12—7:00 p.m. New York .. July 3—7:00 p.m. Philadelidiia July 5—^7:00 p.m. Baltimore .. .July 5—^7:00 p.m. ^Houston ...July 17—7:00p.m. •> UNION HAlliB SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Inland Boatmen's Union United Industrial Workers PRESIDENT Paul Hall EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Gal Tanner Earl Shepard VICE PRESIDENTS Undsey Williams Robert Matthews SECRETARY-TREASURER Al Kerr HEADQUARTERS 675 Ave., Bklyn. NY 9 6600 ALPENA, Mich 127 River St. EL 4-3616 BALTIMORE, MD 1216 E. Baltimore St. EA 7-4900 BOSTON, Mass. 177 State St. Rl 2-0140 BUFFALO, N.Y 735 Washington St. . TL 3-9259 CHICAGO, III 9383 Ewing Ave. SA 1-0733 CLEVELAND, Ohio 1420 W. 25th St. MA 1-5450 DETROIT, Mich. .. 10225 W. Jefferson Ave. Railway Marin^ Region Philadelphia July 11—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Baltimore July 12—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. •Norfolk July 13—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Jersey City July 10—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. t Meeting held at Labor Temple, Sanit Ste Mich. • Meeting held at Labor Temple. New­ port News, t Meeting held at Galveston wharves. DULUTH, Minn DEL MONTE (Delta), April 23— Chairman, L. W. Franklin; Secretary, Albert G. Espeneda. Few hours disputed OT in engine department to be taken up with boarding patrolman. $2.00 in ship's fund. Crew extended a vote of thanks to the ship's delegate and to Cap­ tain J. L. Cox. Ship's delegate to con­ tact the boarding patrolman regarding the matter of having the negotiating committee see if they can obtain OT for watchstanders standing gangway watch between the hours of 6 p. m. to 8 a. m. —to be split up with the watch. The Mates and Engineers have been getting this OT. Vote of thanks was extended to the ship's delegate. STEEL ADMIRAL (Isthmian), April 16—Chairman, W. W. Wallace, Secre­ tary, J. W. Sanders. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Mo­ tion made to reinstate the day man and the _ galley utility on Isthmian ships. Motion made to have voyage stores de­ livered to ship before day of departure. Vote of thanks to the steward depart­ ment for a job well done. Motion made for two hours minimum break-out be­ tween the hours of 5 p. m. and 8 a. m. for deck and engine departments. ALCOA VOYAGER (Alcoa), April 22 —Chairman, B. B. Butler; Secretary, C. V. Sobcxak. Some of the unsafe con­ ditions and equipment was discussed and will be look^ into by the ship's delegate. Few hours disputed OT in deck and engine departments. One man hos­ pitalized in Rotterdam. Vote of thanks to the Steward Department for a job well done. STEEL SCIENTIST (Isthmian), April 21—Chairman, Jack Nelson, Jr.; Secre­ tary, Florencio S. Omega. Brother Joseph Pertrusewicz was elected to serve as ship's delegate. $17.39 in ship's fund. No beefs and no disputed OT reported by depart­ ment delegates. 4th VI 3-4741 SIU Inland Boatmen's Union New Orleans July 11—5:00 p.m. Mobile July 12—5:00 p.m. Philadelphia July 5->-5:U0 p.m. Baltimore (licensed and unlicensed) July 5—5:00 p.m. Norfolk July 6—5:00 p.m. Houston July 17—5:00 p.m. MARGARET BROWN (Isthmian), April 20—Chairman, Roy Guild; Secre­ tary, Roscoe L. Alford. Brother Roy Guild was elected to serve as ship's dele­ gate. No beefs were reported by de­ partment delegates. 312 W. 2nd St. RA 2-4110 FRANKFORT, Mich. .... P.O. Box 287 415 Main St. EL 7-2441 HOUSTON, Tex. • 5804 Canal St. WA 8-3207 JACKSONVILLE, Fla 2608 Pearl St. EL 3-0987 JERSEY CITY, N.J 99 Montgomery St. HE 3-0104 MOBILE, Ala I South Lawrence St. HE 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS, La 630 Jackson Ave. Tel. 529-7546 NORFOLK, Va 115 3rd St. Tel. 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA, Pa 2604 S. 4th St. DE 6-3818 PORT ARTHUR, Tex 1348 Seventh SI. SAN FRANCISCd, Calif. 350 Freemont St. DO 2-4401 SANTURCE. P.R. ...1313 Fernandez Juncos Stop 20 Tel. 724-2848 SEAHLE, Wash 2505 First Avenue MA 3-4334 ST. LOUIS, Mo .....805 Del Mar CE-l-1434 TAMPA, Fla 312 Harrison St. Tel. 229-2788 WILMINGTON, Calif. ...505 N. Marine Ave. 834-2528 YOKOHAMA, Japan. .Iteye BIdg,, Room 801 1-2 Kaigan-Dori-Nakaku 204971 Exit. 281 VOLUSIA (Suwannee), April 10— Chairman, Bennie H. Lowderbsck; Secre­ tary, Herbert D. Gilbert. Disputed OT in Deck department to be taken up with boarding patrolman. Discussion about changing Article III, Section 22 "Clean­ ing Cargo Holds" to read; "If the watch on deck or Boeun or day men are re­ quired to clean holds, the watch on deck or day men should receive straight OT. For men off watch but working, OT and one-half, and after 6:00 P.M. Saturday, or Holiday." AFOUNDRIA (Sea-Land), April 24— Chairman, N.'S. Tucky; Secretary, L. Hargesheimer. Vote of thanks was ex- PIGHST of SIU STEEL VENDOR (Isthmian), April 16—Chairman, Fred Shaia; Secretary, Elliott Gorum. $30.60 in ship's fund. Motion made to discontinue the issuance of traveller's checks and issue green money instead, in all foreign ports. Motion made to return the dayman and galleyman to the ship's complement. Also to write a letter to the Union and ask them to present the above motions at the next negotiations. The Steward thanked the crew for their co-operation. DEL SUD (Delta), April 24—Chair­ man, Bill Folse; Secretary Michael Dunn. Few hours disputed OT in deck depart­ ment, otherwise no beefs were reported by department delegates. ALBION VICTORY (Bulk Transport). April 28—Chairman, Juan Patino; Secre­ tary, V. DiGiacomo. Ship's delegate re­ ported that the Master was well satisfied with the first fire and boat drill held on board. Everything seems to be running smoothly as of now. Motion was made to make up a retirement plan whereas a union member does not have to be dis­ abled, or 66 years old, to retire. Also, crew would like to have porthole fans and safety lights overhead installed throughout the vessel. SEATRAIN TEXAS (Hudson Water­ ways), April 16—Chairman, Martin Trieschmann, Jr.; Secretary, Joseph Roney. It was suggested that a tele­ gram be sent to headquarters requesting that a food representative meet the ship upon arrival in New York to inspect the storage of food (mainly the reefer boxes), quality and variety of the stores. There has been general dissatisfaction with the food and living conditions. The ship's delegate has asked for backing and as­ sistance in his efforts to rectify the present situation. STEEL DESIGNER (Isthmian), April 16—Chairman, Robert A. Clarke; Secre­ tary, Francis Connolly. Ship's delegate reported that everything is going along smoothly. $10.00 in ship's fund and $97.00 in movie fund. Fresh water tanks are to be checked for cleaning. Water is rusty and should be checked in the first continental port of the United States. WESTERN CLIPPER (Western Agen­ cy), April 19—Chairman, Darney ; Secre­ tary, J. Rutherford. No beefs and no disputed OT was reported by department delegates. ANTINOU8 (Waterman), April 8— Chairman, Anthony J. Kuberski; Secre­ tary, Philip Livingston. No beefs and no disputed OT reported by department dele­ gates. Most of the repairs have been completed. Ship's delegate resigned and was given a vote of thanks. Brother H. Menz elected to serve in his place. Vote of thanks was extended to the Steward Department for a job well done. ALCO EXPLORER (Waterman), April 24—Chairman, C. W. Hall; Secretary, W. A. Karlax. No beefs reported by department delegates. Chief Mate to see about repairing screen doors to keep natives out. . CANTIGNY (Cities Service), April 23— Chairman, C. A. Messer; Secretary, Frank E Nelson. Some disputed (h" reported in Engine Department. PENN VANGUARD (Penn Shipping), April 20—Chairman, H. Fruge; Secretary, B. Thornton. No beefs reported by de­ partment delegates. MEETIMGS tended to Brother N. S. Tucky for do­ ing a fine job as ship's delegate. Some disputed OT in Engine Deportment to be settled by boarding patrolman. Motion was made to have all quarters air-con­ ditioned. TRANSGLOBE (Hudson Waterways), April 27—Chairman, Donald Gilbo; Secretary, H. Rice Worthington IH. Ship's delegate requested that the mem­ bership accept his resignation due to poor health. New ship's delegate tO oe elected. Discussion about crew's responsi­ bility aboard ship. Also discussed possi­ ble ways to reduce the number of logs being recorded on ship. COMMANDER (Marine Carriers), April 23—Chairman, E. Kresz; Secretary, V. Hopkins. $6.00 in ship's fund. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. LUCILE BLOOMFIELD (State Ma­ rine), April 10—Chairman, R. Nicholson; Secretary, A. Arellano. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Crewmembers requested to be less noisy in messhalls and galley at night. AMERICAN VICTORY (Hudson Water­ ways), April 9—Chairman, Earl P. McCasky; Secretary, N. E. Gfeenwald. Brother Carl was elected ship's delegate. Everything is going very well so far. No beefs reported by department delegates. I AMES VICTORY (Victory Carriers), April 80—Chairman, Donald Mason; Sec­ retary, Gus Skendelas. Disputed OT in deck department to be taken up with boarding patrolman. Safety meeting to be held and all safety problems will be taken care of in shipyard. / �June 23, 1967 SEAFARERS LOG Page Fifteen t Superstitions of the Sea HE imaginations of the ancient mariners durSt, Elmo's Fire, an omen of good fortune, is a ^ ing long hours on watch in the crow's nest, display of luminous light which was often observed not only became keenly active, but very often took during electrical storms. A ship touched by the control of most of their thoughts, kloft in the beams of light from St. Elmo's fire was considered . crow's nest,-apart from his shmmates, with noth­ safe from harm at sea. Many seamen have seen ing but clouds and vast stretches of open and end­ St. Elmo's fire occur when the electricity from a less sea to contemplate, an old salt would conjure low hanging cloud combines with that of the Up phantoms and spirits aplenty. earth, the result lighting the sky. ' These phantoms and spirits often became the The legend of the "Horse Latitudes" is one of characters 'and actors in seafaring superstitions many that tell of the adventures of animals that and legends, some of which have come ashore were taken to sea by the ancient mariners in case and are today known to the non-sailor, while an unexplored area was found. others remained at sea as the exclusive property of The horse was taken to sea during those years ^he seaman. when the flag of Spain reigned over all the seas The ancient legend of the Flying Ehitchman is from the peninsula of Florida to the Pacific and * the most often repeated tale to have come down points south. It was the custom for every Spanish from the days of sail. adventurer that ventured to the new world to take his horse with him aboard ship. Legend has it that a certain Dutch skipper, by i|ie name of Captain Barnard Fokke, who was The slow moving Spanish galleons had to cross well known for his cantankerous nature, was trying a vast spread of ocean between Spain and the new. |tb round the-Cape of Good Hope with a cargo of world, and with men and horses aboard an ade-i; iarorhatic spices from India. Torrential rains and quate supply of fresh water was a problem. •''M adverse winds plagued Fokke's ship, The DutchWhen the water supply was nearly exhausted, y, i man and the vessel could make no progress. the horses often became crazed with thirst, broke These were the days of iron men and the old loose and plunged into the sea. Captain cursed and shook his fists^^at the heavens Horses that became ill on the long voyage were in a pledge that he would round the Cape of Good ordered thrown overboard to save the healthier Hope, if it took him till the Day of Judgement; ones. Legend has it that their owners, often dying Legend has it that the old captain's blasphemy^ of thirst and disease themselves, rode to Davy offended the heavens and that his ship still sails Jones' locker on the backs of their mounts. the seas seeking to round the Cape. 1 To this day, those latitudes near the West On many a night at sea, when the moon Indies, where the riders and their mounts allegedfilters its beams through the clouds in a certain went over the side, are known as the "Horse way, and mists upon the sea run high, many oldLatitudes," timers claimed that a ghostly wooden ship ap­ The superstition of "whistling up a wind" peared carrying all sail aloft. If one is keen dates back to the very first trips made to the new of eye they say the ghostly figures of her crew world by the Norsemen and was handed down to can be seen working the riggings. the Spanish and British. Many an old salt, his time aloft over, could look his mates straight in the eye and swear by the In the days of voyage in ships under sail a r; hones of Cap'n Kidd, "I've seen it mates, with my proper wind to fill their sails was quite naturally . i s pwn eyes mind you, the Flying Dutchman, clear as the only means of locomotion. |;|;Aday.". Ships often were becalmed and would drift ^ . If we allow that the Flying Dutchman rules the willy-nilly until a benevolent wind would continue waves in her journey to round the Cape, then what the ship on its way. , ; ^ - manner of spirit reigns over the domain beneath To speed the wind in coming, many a mariner ; !the sea?-; \, • , would take to "whistling up a wind". All hands • Another legend provides the answer. would start to whistle loudly in the hope that the Norse god Thor would join in the tune, and that ^ According to the mythology of the sea, Davy I his mighty breath would fill the sails. Many stem .,,5:.. . Johes is the fiend of the murky deep who presides I sailing captains, who would not allow the crew to over all that is eyil heneath the sea. His domain .fe, s the final resting place of every ship that has ^!" J talk, much less whistle while they worked, when ; the sails were full, made no objection to it when ever sunk beneath the wayes, and also the reposi^ the breeze was slight. " •itory of every soul that sailed them, Many superstitions are so old that their origins r Many guesses have been made,^regarding the. are lost and many seamen appear to treasure them |)figin of the name "Davy Jones". During the 17th just out of habit. Several examples are: century, the natives of the Caribbean often warned • seamen of a spirit known simply as "Davy" who When a hatch cover Was left bottom-side" up in would come, up from the sea at night to carry the Old days, is was considered a sure sign of bad away the soul of anyone foolish enough to walk .( luck. the beaches at night. '-•vSl':' If a sailor met a minister going in the same , 'Jones'' is believed tq be a corruption of the . direction, it was considered bad luck. name Jonah, the indigestible gentleman of Biblical ' fame, who after three days in the stomach of a An old Seafarer would never let a piece of rope whale was none the worse for wear. hang lose over a. beam or plank of wood; it reminded the men aboard of a hangman's noose, / Not all the characters in seafaring legends are unfriendly to the seamen. Anything furry aboard was considered unlucky, while anything wth feathera was considered The legend of St, Eimo is one of a benevolent jiucky.,. r spirit vrfio rode about the sky on a white horsep and would appear above a ship in distress to aid Now Ave know the reason why so many pirates the seamen aboard her. , ^amed parrots with them. .il : • ^ <• • /• �Vol. XXiX No. 13 SEAFARERSvXOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO Seafarers in increasing numbers are taking advantage of the opportunity for training to qualify for Deck and Engine department ratings offered by the SlU's Harry Lundeberg School of Sea­ manship. Photo left shows group of SlU men among class preparing for'Q.M.E.D. ratings. In photo right, instructor Ami Bjornsson explains use of marlin spike in thimble splicing to group preparing for AB rating. From left to right are Seafarers Nick Caputo, Joe Machula, Fred Frick and Cliff Leahy. There is no tuition charge and Seafarers are provided with free room and board. ..If :^i| ^ 1:1 B-1 ORDINARY SEAMEN AND WIPERS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO UPGRADE! RDINARY seamen and wipers should take advantage of the cost-free upgrading opportunities offered through the facilities of the SIU's Harry Lundeberg School of Sea­ manship. The school, operated in the Port>of New York, offers quali­ fied Seafarers the opportunity, without cost, to upgrade their ratings and increase their earnings capacity as well as their value to the Union and the nation. The course of training usually lasts one to two weeks, both for ordinary seamen wishing to upgrade to able-bodied seamens' ratings and for wipers wishing to upgrade to Qualified Member Engine Department and sail as firemen, oiler, watertender or electrician, junior engineer, pumpman, reefer engineer, deck engineer or machinist. To qualify for the AB upgrading course Seafarers need twelve months' sea time as ordinary seamen. Qualification for the QMED course for engine department upgrading is six months' sea time as a wiper. When applying, bring Coast Guard discharges to establish qualification for training. Seafarers will receive free room and board while attending the school. Any member having a problem with arranging the neces­ sary transportation to New York to attend the school should see,his local SlU-port agent for assistance. Providing Seafarers with the know-how and skills for the successful upgrading of their shipboard ratings is one of the prime objectives of the SIU's Harry Lundeberg School of Sea­ manship. The school's program and facilities offer qualified Seafarers upgrading training to higher unlicensed ratings, courses of instruction to prepare qualified Seafarers for engine and deck department licenses, and training for the entry rating in deck, engine and stew^ard departments, as well as lifeboat and. safety training. To apply for your upgrading training see the Union Agent * in any SIU port, or apply directly at the school in New York at 675 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232, or call 212-499-6565. O SIU Harry Lundeberg School of Seomonship V- / ' iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiHiiniiiiiiniiiimiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiinniiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiuni ,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/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1960-1969 Description An account of the resource Volumes XXII-XXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 23, 1967 Description An account of the resource Headlines: GOV’T, LABOR REPRESENTATIVES STRESS URGENCY OF INDEPENDENT MARAD CONGRESS LEADERS PLEDGE BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN U.S. SHIPPING U.S. SHIPBUILDING PROGRAM URGED BY SPEAKERS AT MTD MEETING MTD REMAINS FIRM IN OPPOSITION TO BOYD BUILD-ABROAD PROPOSALS SIU-MANNED SHIP SYLVANIA SINKS AFTER COLLISION IN ST. CLAIR RIVER COMPULSORY ARBITRATION FOR RAILROADS REJECTED BY HOUSE; EXTEND STRIKE BAN ANDREW JACKSON PAYS OFF THREE SEAFARERS SAVE SHIPMATE AS HE FLOUNDERS IN CHOPPY SEA SAILING IS EDUCATION YOU CAN’T BUY, SAYS VETERAN SIU GLOBE TROTTER SUPERSTITIONS OF THE SEA ORDINARY SEAMEN AND WIPERS – YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO UPGRADE! Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/23/1967 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XXIX, No. 13 1967 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/be6ab568968d0fb710d8b3bfab2dc53e.PDF 34d7519f6b3475bf3fd56e0374b0f335 PDF Text Text Vol. XVfi No. 13 •— SEAFARERS LOG \ OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION * ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT * AFL > • SlU SCHOLARSHIPS in this issue P Sf(/ PCPRlNTOTlVlce VK4PZ.y TO^ REACQUAlAir-4US64«CEt2S WiTMlWflRRiewrS WTHPS/U. Each Wins $6,000 For 4-Year Study Centerfold ITF Organizing Campaign TWAtS and AWAI. | Against Runaways Opens Pago 1 �• , V SEkPAItEAS LOG Pai^'Tw* ITF Kicks Off Runaway Drive; SlU in Support Seafarer Hospital-Beund r 1^ '' >rune 24; 1955 LOG Prints Constitution Fifth Time Reprinted in its entirety for the fifth time in two years to enable all Seafarers to be­ come thoroughly acquainted with their guaranteed rights and privi­ leges, the model SIU constitution appears again this issue as a spe­ cial eight-page supplement to the SEAFARERS LOG. The Union document, rewritten from start to finish three years ago in order to incorporate the demo­ cratic policies and gains won since the SIU was first formed in 1938, has been hailed on all sides as an outstanding effort to safeguard the rights of the Union membership. Jurists, legislators, trade union­ ists, educators and public and civic leaders in many areas from all over the country have heaped praise on the SIU constitution as ; a masterful job "emi­ nently fair and just "in the spirit of democratic trade unionism . . ." Democracy Emphasized Interest was centered particular­ ly on the document's "State of l^inciples and Declaration of Rights" and its ijronounced em­ phasis on democratic • standards governing trials and appeals. In this connection, a semi-an­ nual report on rank-and-file trials and appeals from January-June of this year appears elsewhere in this Issue. Concrete steps to enforce minimum safety, Wage and work­ ing standards in behalf of crews on runaway-flag ships have been launched by the International Transport Workers Federation, which announced the opening of a special ITF ship was paying average wages of Special Seafarers Section of­ less than $28 monthly, was short of minimum manning^ require­ fice in New York this week. Similar ofEices were opened ments in two departments and was simultaneously in port cities exploiting the men in a variety of throughout the world in a re­ matters, such as permitting them vitalized campaign to better con­ access to fresh water only once per ditions and wages of seamen man­ day.Once these details were estab­ ning runaway vessels. The drive on the East Coast lished and checked, ITF repre­ will be directed by Willy Dorchain, sentatives swung into action, local US representative for the ITF, who British unions boycotted the load­ revealed appreciable progress al­ ing of the ship and an ITF agree­ ready made in organizing crew- ment covering the vessel was a members of ships under the flags matter of record 24 hours later. The signing provided crewmemof Panama, Honduras and Liberia. The ITF effoi-t, which was re­ bers with an immediate Wage in­ ported while still in its formative crease of 200 percent plus a wel­ stages to the delegates at the SIU fare fund, brought manning in all of North America convention in ilepartments up to requirements Montreal, Canada, last month, has and won assurances that none of the full endorsement of the SIU the crewmembers would be victim­ and all other districts of the Inter­ ized for taking part in the work stoppage which preceded the start national. of negotiatiObs with the vessel's Convention Support While anxious shipmates peer over the rail Seafarer Edward owners. Last month's convention voted Ainsworth, oiler, is lowered from the deck of the Alcoa for the establishment of a close Ranger to a waiting Coast Guard cutter off Cape Henry. working relationship with ITF of­ Ainsworth became ill on board the Ranger and is now in the ficials for a joint offensive against Norfolk USPHS hospital. sub-standard shipping. In disclosing plans for a con­ certed organizing drive joined in by ITF affiliates here and all over the world, Dorchain called atten­ tion to complaints from large Surviving family members and former shipmates of tbe crew aboard tbe ill-fated South­ groups of foreign seamen victim­ ern Districts were still in tbe dark this week on tbe probable causes for tbe disappearance of ized by the phony United Inter­ national Seamen's Union, Local tbe converted LST and her crew of 23 over si x months ago. 1824, which was chartered by the Virtually no trace of the"* : WASHINGTON—Plans for AFL-expelled International Long­ ship or its crew has turned up revival of the coastwise trade It has since been increased to loss of 17 out of 23 crewmembers shoremen's Association (Ind.) last with new ship types received since the vessel wns last beard $3,500. When all claims for the of her sister ship, the Southern year. He noted that representatives of another boost as the SlU-con- from on December 6, 1954. Hear­ Districts' survivors are processed, Isles, In 1951. The CG approval for restricted the ILA local were soliciting tracted Pan Atlantic Steamship ings that dug into possible reasons the SIU Welfare Plan w.ill have foreii^n seamen for dues, assess­ Company applied for a US'inort- for the disaster wound up more paid out a total of $35,000 to the coastwise travel by the Bethcoastep was based on the conclusion that ments and other payments in re­ gage on construction ^ of seven than five months ago, in January. 14 families involved.) Of the 23 missing, 12 were Sea­ Order In Force the ship.was in condition for oper­ turn for promises of protection un­ truck-trailer carriers. Pan Atlantic has proposed to farers and two others were mem­ Meanwhile, a Coast Guard ban ation on a limited basis, partic­ der collective bargaining agree­ ments. None of the promises were the Maritime Administration that bers of the SlU-affiliated Sailors on unlimited ocean or coastwise ularly in the absence of an inland it take the company's seven C-2s Union of the Pacific.-* Survivors of travel by converted LSTs remains waterway on Her normal route redeemed, he charged. Launching of the special ITF as a trade-in package.. The trader 11 of them have already received in force, although two vessels, one from the Delaware Cape to Sandy drive also received new impetus in ins would give the company part SIU death benefits of $2,500 eaci) of them an SlU-coritracted ship, Hook, New York. a report from Cardiff, Wales, on of the funds needed to cotistruct and the claims of three others are the Bethcoaster (Calmar), have Rons On West Coast one of the ITF's latest successes in the new roll-on, roll-off types. The still pending. Nine others missing continued to sail. The ban was put Also exempt from the ban Is the trade-ins are permissible under were ship's officers. dealing with runaway ships. into effect following the disap­ (The death benefit payments pearance of the Southern Districts Coos Bay, owned by the Irwin In that instance, ITF representa­ the 1936 Merchant Marine Act. The proposed ships would have were based on the amount of the in almost the same circumstances Lines Lumber Company of North tives reported, the British ship Ottinge had switched to Liberian a capacity of 268 20-ton trailers benefit at the time of the disaster. that attended the sinking with a Bend, Ore., which operates on tbe West Coast on a similar route. registry and the name Sofia. Op­ plus an additional 20 trailers of Eight other converted LSTs, in­ erated by Spanish owners and 35 tons each. As "roll-on, roll-off' cluding two sister ships of the crewed entirely by Spaniards, the types they would be able to dis­ Southern Districts and Southern charge all cargo in to 6 hours Isles, have been idle since the ban compared to the 214 days or more was invoked. The SlU-manned required by conventional cargo In addition, use of the Southern States and Southern Cit­ Jane 24, 1955 V6I. XVII, No. 13 ships. trailers would eliminate further ies, like the two that were lost, PAUL HALL, Secretary-Treasurer dockside delay in loading off and are owned by the Southern Trad­ HEHBERr BRAND, Editor; RAY DENISON, ing Company. Managing Editor; BERNARD SEAMAN, Art on trucks as is presently done. WASHINGTON—Non-subsidized US shipping will vanish Editor; HERMAN ARTHUR, IRWIN SPIVACK, The ships would cost an estimated No lifting on the ban on the Staff Writers; BILL MOODY, Gulf Area $9 million each. from tbe seas unless "drastic steps" are taken now to assist LSTs seems in prospect,, at least Representative. Boston To Houston them, tbe House Merchant Marine Committee has reported. not until the hearing panel's offi­ Burly ..: Page 13 The schedule of operations would Consequently, the Depart--^ cial recommendations are made Editorial Cartoon Page 10 provide calls at a dozen or more ment of Commerce has been The Committee agreed that "the public. How soon they will be re­ Editorials Page 11 major East and Gulf Coast ports ordered to make a study of gravity of the picture for the sub­ leased is not known. Final Dispatch Page 14 from Boston in the north to Hous­ problems of non-subsidized lines sidized lines is far outshadowed by Inquiring Seafarer Page 11 ton on the Gulf. and will' consider Government aid the grim outlook of the non-sub­ Meet The Seafarer Page 11 The roll-on, roll-off operation for these lines, reduction of Pan­ sidized segment of the fleet." It Personals Page 14 was originally proposed by Malcolm ama Canal tolls for intercoastal added that "ten years from now Recent Arrivals Page 14 McLean, a major East Coast truck­ runs and other proposals. the American dry cargo fleet of Seafarers In Action Page 10 ing operator. Subsequently he 674 vessels may well be reduced Regular membership meet­ No Immediate Benefit Shipping Figures Page 4 purchased Pan-Atlantic from the to 276 or less unless drastic steps ings ha SIU headquarters and Your Dollar's Worth Page 6 Waterman Steamship Company Despite the Committee's gloomy are taken now." at all branches are held every Other steps to be considered Published biweeitly er the headquarters and obtained coastwise operating report, which was issued in the, second Wednesday night at et the Seafarers International Union, At­ rights. He followed up that pur­ course of recommendations on ves­ aside from those mentioned above 7 PM. The schedule for the lantic & Guif District, AFL, 675 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel. HYacinth chase by buying the remainder of sel replacement, little or nothing would include accelerated depre­ next few meetings is as follows: V-6600. Entered as second class matter June 29, July 13, July 27, at the Post Office In Brooklyn, NY, under Waterman's ships and other hold­ was said that would be of imme­ ciation allowances, which would the Act of Aug. 24, 1912. ings. In order to carry out his plans diate benefit to non-subsidized amount to a tax exemption; and All Seafarers registered on he has resigned from l^is trucking lines. The eight recommendations permission for the companies to the shipping list are required post and taken active direction of made by the committee will bene­ set up tax exempt reserve funds ISO to attend the meetings Waterman's operations. fit subsidized lines only. fin: building new ships. SIU Co. To Build Seven Distnets' Trailerships SEAFARERS LOG Loss Still A Mystery US To Study 'Vanishing' Non-Snbsidized Lines Meeting Night Every 2 Weeks liii" IK;V. \U Z:-- .Mz-mtm /<• �June 24, 195S SEAFARERS • Paire Tbre* LOG SIU Awards Five $6,000 Scholarships One of the nation's most highly-valued scholarship programs, the SIU Scholarship Plan has awarded five more $6,000 college scholarships to Seafarers and chil­ dren of Seafarers. Two active Seafarers and three chil­ dren of Seafarers, two girls and a boy, will each receive an award — the Andrew drop out are Earl J. Laws of Furuseth Memorial Schol­ should Hartford, Kansas, first alternate, arship—^in memory of the and Gene R. Sinclair of New York Accompanying her daddy, Seafarer Keith "Honolulu" Winsley, FWT, on a visit to the SlU hall in New Orleans, Linda Leilani Winsley, 5, sits on the patrolmen's counter to pose for the LOG ler while her father fills out a new Welfare Plan enrollment card. All Seafarers nave been asked to fill out the cards to determine their eligibility for benefits under the expanded new plan which provides hospital and medical coverage for SlU families, plus in­ creased benefits for SlU men. 'See Agent On Family Plan:'51U Seafarers or members of their families covered by the new dependent benefits under the SIU Welfare Plan should con­ tact the nearest SIU port agent be­ fore taking any steps under the Plan, The SIU port agent can fully in­ form Seafarers and their depen­ dents of the procedures involved. He can see to it that the Seafarer's interests are fully protected. The benefits provided under the Plan both in the surgical schedule and the hospital room and board benefits were scaled above the levels of most plans now operat­ ing in the US. All of these plans were studied before the SIU sched­ ule was drawn up. Cover Costs Under most circumstances the SIU benefits will be sufficient to cover costs, so that there should be no reason for anybody to go into debt for sizable bills above those provided in the schedule. At the same time Seafarers should consult the schedule to de­ termine what they are entitled to before making commitments. In any case family members should contact the port agent first before undertaking any commit­ ments. Make Checks To'SIlT-A&G' Seafarers mailing in checks or money orders to the Union to cover dues payments are urged to toe sure to make all of them payable to the SIU-A&G District. Some Seafarers have sent in checks and money orders in the names of individual headquar­ ters officials. This makes for a problem in bookkeeping which can - be avoided if checks are made out to the Union directly. Gov't Gives Official Nod to MCS The SIU Pacific District representing the Sailors Union, of the Pacific, the Marine Firemen's Union and the Marine Cooks and Stewards, AFL, has been officially certified by the National Labor Relations Board as bargaining agent for unlicensed seamen on West Coast ships. The NLRB move—announced on June 22— means that cooks and stewards will now be represented by an SIU affiliate in place of the old Communist-dominated National Union of Marine Cooks and Stewards. Notices will go out to all MCS-AFL agents soon announcing when the union negotiators will meet with shipowners to work out an agreement. Labor 'Whipping Boy' Pep, Tells Probers first great leader of American maritime unions. The awards, made through the SIU Wel­ fare Plan, are good for four years of college training. When the five 1955 scholarship winners enter the college of their choice in the fall it will mean that the SIU Wehare Plan will have awarded $72,000 in scholarships to 12 candidates in the past three years, five of them Seafarers and seven the children of Seafarers. This year's winners, as recom­ mended by a panel of five college administ r a t o r s and approved by the Welfare Plan are: Seafarer Pickett Lusk of Houston, Texas; Seafarer Joe Kite of Jacksonville, Fla.; Lembhard Howell, son of Lusk Seafarer Cleve­ land A. Howell of New York City; Constance Cole, daughter of Sea­ farer John Cole of Yonkers, New York, and Susan Folts, daughter of Seafarer Myroa Folts of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The board of administrators rec­ ommended and the trustees ap­ proved the choice of five candidates this year because the top group of five was so evenly matched as to make it unfair to drop out any one of them. A previous award that had been dropped enabled the trus­ tees to make the fifth award. Members of the board which passed on applicants' qualifications were lavish in . 'u,, their praise of the contestants. It was their opin­ ion that the qual­ ity of candidates has been improv­ ing year by year and that they fully justified the premium quality of the $6,000 award. Two alternate candidates who were recommended by the board in the event one of the winners WASHINGTON—Confirming the statements of the SIU and other maritime unions, a member of the House Mer­ chants Marine Committee charged that maritime labor is the "whipping hoy" of the current maritime investigation. The negotiate. He also proposed freez­ committee is .currently hold­ ing present wage levels for sea­ ing open hearings on proposals for men. Bonner has prepared legisla­ a wage freeze and a board of con­ tion for both proposals. trol over contracts in the mari­ The Bonner proposals had been time industry. .the subject of closed door hearings Representative George P. Miller which both SUP and SIU A&G (Dem. C^lif.) touched off the pro­ District representatives had de­ test. _ He declared that kicking clined to attend on the ground maiifime unions around was no that the unions are unalterably op­ way to solve merchant marine posed to any legislation which problems and would only succeed would infringe on the right of sea­ in driving skilled men out of the men to bargain on wages and con­ ditions. industry. Meanwhile ,a West Coast ship­ owner spokesman, Paul St. Sure, neatly picked up the cue from committee chairman Herbert Bon­ ner (Dem.-NC) and came out for a special Government board to rule all maritime labor contracts. St. Sure is president of the pow­ erful Pacific Maritime Association. The controls plan also received WASHINGTON—-An attempt to undermine maritime union the endorsement of Maritime Ad- provisions covering shipboard working rules and^ overtime niinisti'ator Clarence C. Morse. The Morse and St. Sure state­ payments may be in the offing. The Federal Maritime Board ments supported contentions by is currently meeting with rep-f of subsidized eliminating overtime. some Washingtoji observers that a resentatives While no proposals have yet Government-shipowner drive is shipping companies in what is shaping up to reduce shipping described as a "review" of all as­ emerged from-the FMB meetings, costs at the expense of American pects of seafaring overtime pay­ the "review" of overtime , payments may be linked with Rep. Herbert ments. seaman. Bonner's proposal- to subject sea Scope Of OT Previously Representative Bon­ The review is taking up the unions and their contracts to the ner had proposed that all maritime union contractual matters be put scope and cost of overtime work rule of a Government agency. The under control of a Government as well as the "necessity and justi­ agency would have power to pass body with absolute power to decide fication" for overtime and com­ on wage terms, contract rules and what unions could and could not pany proposals for reducing or clarifications. Gov't, Shipowners Plan Attack On Overtime Pay City, second altematie. Both are Seafarers. Took College Test All of the 18 candidates who ap­ plied for the scholarships were re­ quired to take the standard College Entrance Examination Board tests as well as to submit references and transcripts of their high school rec­ ords. In making its recommenda­ tions, the board of college adminStories on each of the five 1955 scholarship award win­ ners will appear in future is­ sues of the SEAFARERS LOG. istrators took into account the ap­ plicants' test performance, their scholastic record in high school and their record of extra-curricular activity. Of this year's winners. Seafarer Pickett Lusk has been a member of the SIU for almost 12 years. He joined the Union in the Port of New Orleans in July, 1943, two yeai's after his graduation from Aberdeen High School in Aber­ deen, Mississippi. He sails in tlie deck department. Alternate Last Year Lusk, who is 31 years old, had an excellent high school record with grades consistently in the high BO's and low 90's. He narrowly missed out on last year's awards, being named as an alternate. Since tne Scholarship Plan permits a candi­ date to re-apply Lusk tried again and was rewarded for his per­ sistence. Seafarer Joe Kite has also been a member of the SIU for a good many years joining the Union in New York in 1949. He sails regu­ larly as electrician on SlU-contracted ships. He is from Jackson­ ville, Florida, and also compiled a fine record in schools in that city. Lembhard Howell of New York walked off with most of the honors at New York's Charles Evans Hughes High School (formerly Tex­ tile High School). At graduation in June, 1954, Howell won the school's top prize, the gold medal Dooley award given to the student who maintains high scholastic rating as well as character and ability; the Horton Memorial Award for excel­ lence in science and three other citations. He was president of the school's general organization and was on the staff of both the school newspaper and the publication of the math and science departments. He is 19 years old. His father, Seafarer Cleveland A. Howell, has been an SIU member since October, 1947, and sails in the steward department. Susan Folts, one of the two girl winners this year, graduated from Tulsa Central High School this spring, and stood in the upper 10 percent of her graduating class, with a grade of "excellent" in (Continued on page 4) J �SWAPA R EUS Fa» Fcof . zac Juae 24, 1959 SHIPPING ROUND-UP AND FORECAST SHIPPING FROM JUNE IJHROUGH JUNE 14 Registered Port Boston .,....... New York Phila Balto Norfolk ........ Savannah Miami .......... Tampa ;. ' Mobile ........ N. Orleans--..................... I^ake Ohas.. Houston a Relaxing these days, thanks to a $150 monthly disability pension from the SlU, Seafarer Walter Stoll and his wife catch a cool breeze outside their comfortable little cottage in Savannah. Stoll began receiving the disability pay just a few nionths ago. It's 'Foniid $$' To SIU Pensioner San |K--•.. l2»i:a«iM« cause that brought together people like maritime union pioneer An­ drew Furuseth and "Fighting Bob" LaFollette of Wisconsin. Deck B Eng. A 4 33 21 11 4 4 3 5 6 10 16 4 14 8 7 85 24 33 3 3 1 5 21 36 5 24 6 13 10 3 22 11 32 5 2 3 1 10 15 9 13 1 9 9 Deck B Eng. A Eng. B 3 320 146 Eng. B . 276 Stew. A 5 70 18 26 11 3. 15 5 27 34 7 14 4 8 5 145 Stew. B 2 20 • 6 26 4 6 6 1 1 9 2 15 3 12 9 stew. A Stew. B 252 122 Total A 19 236 69 108 23 11 19 12 80 109 19 62 15 43 25 ToUl B 9 75 , 20 79 20 12 13 5 16 30 21 . 44 18 35 26 Total A 848 Total Reg. 28 311 89 185 43 23 32 17 96 .139 40 106 .23 78 51 Total B Total Reg. 413 1261 Shipped Port Boston New Y< Norfolk .. Savannah Miami ... Tampa .. Eng. A Deck A Deck B Deck C 3 81 18 48 6 1 3 1 10 32 11 19 4 33 21 3 24 6 40 7 1 4 1 2 19 5 8 3 11 13 0 2 13 59 0 21 1 41 5 6 0 0 1 1 2 0 11 0 3 . 34 1 5 0 • 18 1 3 0 25 2 18 Deck A Deck B 291 147 Fire In Hold Licked By Neva West Crew HOUSTON—Worried families and friends of Seafarers aboard the Neva West (Bloomfield) breathed easier this past Monday, following the report that the ship had arrived in Bremen, Germay, on June 20, • one day ahead of schedule, Fire had broken out in the No. 1 hold of the ship on June 10, but was brought under control by the quick work of the crew. The blaze apparently originated in a cargo of cotton within the hold, but the crew brought water hoses (Continued from page 3) to bear on the burning bales by more than half her courses. She burning a hole right through-the deck, company representatives in­ has been active on the school stu­ formed SIU agent C. M. Tannehill dent council and school orchestra as well as serving as an officer of here. The flames were gotten out af­ her church Sunday school. She is ter about 20 bales of cotton -vyere 17 years of age. Her father is Seafarer Myron E. damaged by the fire and a number of others were water-soaked. From Folts, an SIU member since June, all reports, no member of the crew 1947, and sails in the deck depart­ was injui-ed during the fighting of ment on SIU ships. the original blaze. Among Top Ten Constance J. Cole of Yonkers, New York, has attended Roosevelt High School in that City and stands in the top ten percent of Authorities in the port city a class of 280 students in the col­ of Saigon, Indo-China, are lege preparatory section. Her out­ activities include participa­ clamping down once again on side tion in the Spanish club, school the circulation of travelers dramatics, history club, school checks, and US and other for­ service league and choir. eign curi-ency, in av all-out ef­ Her father. Seafarer John Cole, fort to lick the flourishing black market. All such currency must received his SIU membership in be declared and secured with New York in August, 1949, and the master of the vessel before sails in the engine department. Panel Of Educators crevvmembers go ashore. Fail­ The panel of educators which ure to do so means seamen not made the recommendations cononly run the risk of having their money confiscated, but isisted of C. William Edwards, di­ also face possible fines or addi­ rector of admissions, Princeton tional penalties. The amount of University; Elwood C. Kastner, registrar. New York University; local currency that can be taken ashore at any time is 400 pias­ Miss Edna M. Newby, director of tres, equivalent to $11.20 in admissions. New Jei'sey College American hionej-. addition, for Women, Rutgers University; the cigarette^ issue to crewmem- F, D. Wilkinson, registrar, Howard bers during the entire stay in University, and Bernard Ireland, Saigon must be limited to one assistant director of' admissions, Columbia College, Columbia carton (200 cigarettes). University. • : Scholarship Awards To 5 Saigon Ciirb.s Smokes 7 81 27 47 9 5 3 2 32 39 7 24 5 22 10 Deck A SAVANNAH—It's a long way from Australia '83 to Savan­ nah '55, but Seafarer Walter Stoll, 72, has made it with hardly a scratch. A veteran of 52 years of sailing, including two world wars, the SIU oldtimer-*^ that followed, he was on the pickethas well earned the rest and line many of the beefs to Wilmington security guaranteed him as gainduring the three-watch system, a one of the latest men to make the SIU disability roster. Comfortably established today in a modest cottage of his own in the southeastern section of this port 'city, Stoll, his wife and "Katinka" the cat make up a cosy household group. Paid Off Paoli He paid off his last ship, the tanker Paoli (Cities Service) last November, and found he would have to call it quits. As a result he is now receiving an income of $230.50 a month, $150 of which comes from the SIU Welfare Plan in the form of the Union disability benefit. The remainder is the S80.50 he receives from the US Social Security Administx'ation. Stoll finds that the recently in­ creased SIU payments, up from $25 to $35 a week plus his Social Se­ curity is ample to handle all his needs and permit him to live free of money worries. Stoll is quick to point out also that his total benefits from the SIU Welfare Plan each month are considerably more than he receives from the Government. "Those checks from the Welfare Plan come in regular like clockwork and they're almost double my Social Security. "Most young fellows today don't realize what a terrific thing the Welfare Plan is for oldtimers liko myself. We've been through the mill all right," he noted, "but we did it then not knowing what we'd see from it 15 or 20 years later. This is like 'found money' to us, because we never dreamed of any­ thing like a disability benefit or a welfare plan altogether when the SIU first began." A native of New South Wales, Australia, Stoll first started going to sea at the age of 20 aboard the four-masted full-rigger Keivinbank. He grossed what amounted to nearly $22 monthly at the time. Job In The Park "The way things worked then, you had to deal through the ship­ ping master. I was lucky; I met one in a New York park one day who got me aboard the SS NewYork of the American Lines as a coalpasser. There's no point tell­ ing Vfbat conditions, were then. You just figure we were paid .$30 a month then and take it from there. It wasn't what you w'ould call 'high living'." Alwaj's a union man, Stoll joined the-old ISU in 1R12. In the years peck A Deck C 27 Eng. A 246 Eng. B 2 28 11 41 5 2 3 2 5 26 5 10 1 28 9 Eng. B 178 Eng. Stew. A 2 0 8 63 7 12 3 26 4 5 0 2 9 0 1 2 11 0 1 40 1 4 0 " 8 1 2 11 25 3 11 Eng. 40 stew. .A 222 Stew. B 0 19 6 22 6 0 7 2 2 20 0 13 1 16 13 Stew. B 127 Stew. C 0 8 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 1 1 0 Total A 7 "203 51 115 17 3 13 5 32 106 20 45 9 83 50 Total B 5 71 23 103 18 3 14 5 9 65 10 31 5 55 35 Stew. C Total A Total B 25 759 452 Total Total Ship. C 0 29 7 5 14 0 1 1 0 13 2 0 3 12 5 12 303 81 223 49 6 28 11 41 184 32 76 17 150 90 Total Total C Ship. 92 1303- Shipping throughout the A&G District continued on the uptrend in the past two weeks, as rhore new wprk opportuni­ ties became available to Seafarers and helped swell the num­ ber of men dispatched to jobs "to a new high for the year. Generally, shipping is the best it's been since last Septem­ ber. SIU halls shipped a total of 1303 Seafarers to jobs during this last two-week period, compared to a registration figure of 1261. Four ports (Baltimore, New Orleans, Seattle and San Francisco)" showed considerable increases over the last report, five dipped somewhat and the remainder stayed about the same. The boom in shipping was accompanied by a slight drop in the proportion of total jobs taken by class A registrants, a factor which reflected the lack of class A men oh the beach. This produced a moderate boost in the proportion of jobs which went to class B and C .seamen. Class A shipping accounted for 59 percent of the total, class B for 34 percent, and the remainder—7 percent—went to class Cs. All departments shared in the general shipping pros­ perity. The heavy activity in four ports, such as San Francisco, whose shipping more than doubled, took up the slight amount of slack in other ports, of which only Philadelphia, Savannah and Mobile shb.wed any appreciable drop. BOSTON: Quite slow; very little in sight . . . NEW YORK: Engine department ratings still hard to find; shipping holding firm arfU seen likely to remain that way . . . PHILADELPHIA: Despite dip, still good . . . BALTIMORE: Get­ ting better all the time . . . NOR­ FOLK: Nearly the same as last two weeks. Three ships due in to call for crews ... SAVANNAH: Still very quiet; should pick up soon; two ships due to pay off . . . MIAMI: Slight dip so far, should hold as is from no.v on . . . TAMPA: Slow; only usual in-transits due. . .MOBILE: Defi­ nitely on the slow bell; Golden City, Ames Victory due to crew up. . . . NEW ORLEANS: Past period good; prospects will remain for a while, seven payoffs due. . . LAKE CHARLES: Held up fairly well; about the same in prospect . . . HOUSTON: FairJy good; not too promising this pe­ riod . . . WILMINGTON: Slow; may squeeze out one payoff . . . SAN FRANCISCO: Terrific; ex­ pected to stay good .. . SEATTLE: Very good; likely to continue. Two payoffs due. t ^ SF Loaded With Jobs, More Duo SAN FRANCISCO — Shipping is breaking all bounds here as more ships come out -of lay-up on this coast and call for new crews. The latest dispatch figures show mor« than twice the number of men shipped in the last two'weeks than in the period before, and all signs point to continued prosper­ ity in the coming weeks. The num­ ber of men shipped was virtually double the port's registration, a total of 150 against 78 men regis­ tered. A hint at the welcome state of shipping affairs here is the fact that 11 class C seamen—men with­ out seniority of any kind—were able to ship out in the black gang, although there are quite a few Seafarers registered for jobs at the hall. r �June Z4, idSS SEAFAltERS V»gm P!y« IPG Hall Murder Plot Gunman MSTS On Senate Grill Sentenced To 5-7 Years For Unfair Competition WASHINGTON—^Under fire for, some time due to its com* petition with private ships, the Military Sea Transportation Service faces new questioning by the Senate Commerce/Com­ mittee. Hearings have been *' House Merchant Marine Com­ set for July 12 by Committee the mittee last year heard testimony time Cobb was arrested by detec­ The last two men, according to and file SIU members, after the chairman Senator Warren from' both Union and shipowner HACKENSACK, NJ—One chapter in the murder plot against SIU Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall was closed last week as James E. Cobb, confessed triggerman in the plot, was sentenced to a five-to-seven year prison term. Cobb, a Tampa native, had told police that he was hired by SIU Port Agent Ray White for the attempt White's brother; and two others. meeting in Savannah, as a result last Christmas Eve, At that Carmen Priore and Edward Taffe. of vigorous questioning by rank tives while seated in a car with a loaded shotgun outside Hall's home in Montvale, NJ, Bergen County Judge Arthur J. O'Dea imposed the sentence, which is a concurrent term representing 11 to 16 years given Cobb on four counts. The jurist remarked in sentencing Cobb, "There's probably a price on your life now. Your life isii't worth much;, that is part of the penalty for what you did." Evidently Judge O'Dea was re­ ferring to reports that Cobb had balked going through with the plot and went through with it under considerable pressure from his co-conspirators. Bergen County authorities indicated their belief that he would have been "erased" in any event aftfer he completed his assignment. Set Up By White Cobb talked freely to police about the murder plot after his arrest. He was quoted as saying he was originally approached by Ray White and was promised $15,000 for the job, $2,000 of which he received and $13,000 to be paid by Ben Sterling, a New York attorney, after the murder was completed. Benjamin B.,Sterling, the New York attorney referred to by Cobb, Is the same man who for some time has been reported as smearing the SIU and its officers in general and Paul Hall in particular in a vituperative personal campaign in many areas. Later a Bergen Coun­ ty Grand Jui'y taking testimony on the murder plot reportedly w.is told by Sterling that he handled between twenty-six and twentyseven tliousand of money put up by the ILA for the election cam­ paign of Ray White, ILA Associates As a result of the investigation following Cobb's arrest and con­ fession "indictments were returned by the Bergen County Grand Jury against Ray White, who was seek­ ing to unseat Hall in the SlU elec­ tion at the time; Steely White, Ray MATES AT TUB SWAP AMPWATOJ T»B'pHSHTSOf4TV. A/£W LOW PRICES AMP YOUfZOWM PLACE.' OKWEPANDOreaAlED BfTHffSfiABARERS imvNiON'AeG'AR reports, are associates of key ihurder attempt had failed. The Magnuson (Dem.-Wash.) on representatives that MSTS wa« figures in the ILA. Five John Doe close relationship between White charges that MSTS is seriously carrying both passengers and cargo and the ILA is further under­ damaging privately-operated ship­ indictments were also returned. that could be handled by private At the time of his arrest White scored by the fact that Keith Al- ping. lines. was quoted as saying the charges sop. White's closest associate and Gov't Report Critical In 1953 the Potter subcommittee were "just a big smear" that was strongest supporter, is now on the "rigged" against him. The attempt ILA payroll. After his defeat as of the Senate Interstate and For­ 'Just a few months ago the re­ took place about three weeks be­ Galveston SIU port agent — in the eign Commerce Committee was port on Government transporta­ fore the conclusion qf the SIU's same election in which White was highly critical of MSTS activities tion services restated these criti­ Similar-y, cisms even more strongly. The 60-day elections in which Hall won defeated — Alsop became "secre­ in the shipping field. report has focused new attention a convincing victory over White tary-treasurer" of the phony ILA on MSTS. by a margin of 5,864 to 266. At seamen's union in New York which Despite the adverse criticism the time of the attempted murder, is now attempting to prey on for­ nothing yet has been done by the approximately 85 percent of the eign seamen. Defense Department to divert Attorney Ben Sterling's name is total ^ vote had been cast and the MSTS passenger and cargo traffic arrest could have had no bearing still connected with the ILA since into private channels. on the. election results. it has been learned that an em­ Senator Magnuson has been de­ In the course of the investiga­ ployee of his law office has been manding for several years that tion it was brought out that the working out of the office of the MSTS operations be cut back International Longshoremen's As­ ILA-chartered Maintenance Local sharply. "We have reached the sociation had actively intervened 1826 which is .supposed to do ship point in our merchant marine op­ in the SIU election in support of maintenance vvork on foreign-flag erations," he declared, "where we White. The ILA was motivated by runaway ships. The maintenance have to build it up, not take its a desire to eliminate Hall as a local is at 12 South Street, New After a brief, two-day strike figure of importance on the water­ York, next door to the ILA's "Uni­ against freight and passenger business away by use of Govern­ front because of his role in the ted International Seamen's Union" ship operators, the National ment-operated shipping." The Senator has already intro­ drive to oust the ILA from control at 4 South Street which serves as Maritime Union, CIO, and its con­ duced a bill ordering the Defense of New York longshoremen. a crimp hall for runaway flag ship­ tracted companies concluded 19.55 Department to give priority to pri­ ILA And Ben Sterling; owners. contract talks by signing an agree­ vate shipping where such shipping Long before the SIU elections White Now Fugitive ment, to set up a fund for sup­ got underway — commencing in Bergen County officials said plementary unemployment bene­ is available to carry Armed Forces shipments. February, 1954, prior to the second that the trial of the rest of those fits. waterfront election — Hall had involved in the murder plot would The operators will contribute 25 been the target of a vicious outside be held as soon as J. "Steely" cents per man per day to the fund attack. The ILA, attorney Ben White is apprehended. White is as well as another 25 cents to the Sterling, and others at their insti­ now hiding out as a fugitive from NMU welfare fund. The new fund gation*attempted to discredit Hall. justice. will be utilized beginning in 1956 Seafarers having any ques­ Charges of theft and corruption Oldtimers in the SIU who have to supplement unemployment in­ tions concerning their eligibilr were made against Hall by these been in numerous campaigns surance payments to seamen on ity for the benefits of the Sea­ persons and groups which led to against the Communists and the the beach in a manner to be de­ farers Welfare Plan are urged intensive investigations by numer­ mobs view the murder plot and cided on between the NMU and to get in touch with any SIU ous Government agencies of Hall. systematic attempt at character the companies. port official for assistance. The investigations were dropped assassination against Hall as but The strike did not seriously af­ The Seafarers Welfare Plan when the agencies determined one part of the struggle for decent fect shipping operations as all ma­ eligibility requirement is: A that the charges against Hall were trade unionism to which the SIU jor passenger vessels were at sea minimum of 90 days aboard groundless. is pledged. The membership of the at the time. SlU-contracted ships during These same individuals and„ SIU is also aware that this type of Tanker operators balked at the the preceding calendar year groups also attempted to spread attack on the SIU is continuing and terms of the freight settlement but (1954) and one day during the their false charges to newspaper will continue. Nonetheless, the accepted the terms of the freight 90 days immediately preced­ labor columnists, local unions, in­ SIU membership has repeatedly agreement after a one week walk­ ing application for a benefit. ternational unions and the top of­ gone on record to support the AFL out by NMU tanker crews. SIU officials will also give ficers of both labor federations. in its campaign to establish a Major details yet to be decided prompt assistance to Seafarers It was hoped by this attempt to democratic longshoremen's union on include the question of eligi­ having questions on any part discredit Hall and thereby cut off and to continue its support until bility for the supplementary unem­ of the SIU'i broad welfare labor support to the AFL water­ the AFL program has been estab­ ployment benefits. The contract program. front drive. Hall was one of the lished on the New York waterfront. will run for three years. five-man trustee group for the new longshore union and was ac­ tive in the drive on the watei-front Throwing in For A Real Cool One level. This approach to eliminate or neutralize Hall as an anti-ILA fac­ tor proved non-productive. It was at this point that the ILA In des­ peration cast^round for someone inside the I^U to oppose Hall, After repeated failures throughout the SIU A&G District to get a front man, a deal was made on White's terms with Sterling and the ILA-whereby White would op­ pose Hall. The ILA then turned over considerable sums of money to White. White Took ILA Money Bergen County's chief assistant prosecutor, Fred Galda, who went to Tampa to investigate White's connection with the plot, was quoted as saying that the ILA had given White at least $40,000 and there was "big money floating all over the place down there." Investigation disclosed that the airline credit card Issued to ILA president William Bradley was used by White and Cobb for their trips between New York and Tampa, White supporters were so wellhealed that in Savannah one White associate, the then port agent Seafareri In New Orleans hall throw in for berths aboard the McAllister Victory as dis­ Jeff Morrison, spent $300 for mail­ patcher Joe Martello calls jobs. Ship is one of vessels that has been taken out of the reserve ings alone. This money had been fleet for use in "Operation Blue Jay," the summertime run to US bases in Greenland and advanced to him by White. Mor­ other Arctic points. SlU-contracted Robin Line is operating vessel. rison admitted this at an SIU port NMU Signs Freighter, Tanker Pact •;?!! MI '^•^1 •m m Amy Questions On SIU Welfare? ;-3l -ill -^1 �SEAFARERS LOG Fare Six Minus Cooks Union, Commies Turn VIor fare On Lundeberg still reeling from the blow which stripped them of - their last area of influence among seagoing unions in the United States, the mortified and shame­ faced Communist party apparatus Is now concentrating its prop­ aganda fire on those responsible for its smashing defeat. Thus Harry Lundeberg, under whose leadership the AFL Seafarers In­ ternational Union of North Amer­ ica and its West Coast affiliates defeated the Communist-dominated stewards and cooks organization, is subject number one for the party's smear mill. Aside from the fact that it is al­ ways expedient for the Commu­ nist-line followers to have some­ thing to attack, their interest in Lundeberg is the result of the ignominious po.sition into which he has thrust them in their relations with the international party ap­ paratus. As far as the Communist international is concerned, when the CP of the United States lost out to Lundeberg they sinned heavily. Lost Tight Control For years, in addition to control of the West Coast longshoremen, the party held tight control over the National Union of Marine Cooks and Stewards. The latter was the party's foot into the pas­ sageways of US ships. Lundeberg, with the assistance of Vince Ma- party-line publication — some of lone and the Marine Firemen's which are mailed to ships' crews— Union, changed all that by the re­ the Daily Worker, the Rank and cent collective bargaining victory File NMU Pilot, the Black Gang over the Stewards Section of Harry News, Portlight, Marine Bulletin, Bridges' ILWU. In the old days, Floodtide and Harry Bridges' Dis­ when the party had a little more fat patcher. Rewrite History on it, heads would have rolled after such a tactical defeat. Now the in­ The particular tack of all these ternational CP must be content sheets is to rewrite maritime his­ with gnashing its teeth and tongue tory to discredit Lundeberg and to lashing the local party boys. ignore all of his efforts as a con­ In their attempt to stay in good sistent fighter for seamen's wel­ grace the CP tacticians of the US fare. In concentrating their fire have ordered an all-out barrage on on Lundeberg, however,* these Lundeberg via every one of its or­ Communist publications have un­ gans. The theme of the party wittingly highliglited his consistent strategy is: "Smear Lundeberg!," and determined anti-Communist and the line is evident in every position down through the years. '' June 24, 1855 Sign EnrollnienI; Cards Seafarers are urged to make a careful double-cfieck when they fill out their enrollment cards for the new family hospital-surgi­ cal benefits provided by the SIU Welfare Plan, because many of the cards filed so far lack the signature of the Seafarer in­ volved to make everything official. The absence .of a proper sig­ nature at the time of a claim can complicate or delay approval at the worst possible moment when aid of some kind is actually needed. NY Jobs Boom Along; Sandboat Takes Crew NEW YORK—Shipping in this port nudged still higher during the last two weeks, reflecting the boom in job opportuni­ ties for Seafarers all along the line. The number of men dispatched exceeded the SOO--*^" mark again after a lapse of able to Seafarers came with the ad­ nine months. dition of another ship to the SIUOne of the newest vessels avail- contracted Construction Aggre­ gates Corporations' sandboat fleet. A Government-owned ship, oper­ ated by the US Department of En­ gineers, the SS Chester Harding has all the latest wrinkles both in crew comforts and in its extensive "sand-sucking" apparatus. CA has acquired the ship on time-charter fi-om the Engineers. Air-Cfonditioned Ship Diesel-equipped, the Harding is air-conditioned throughout and said to have a recreation room aft that is about five times as large as A well-known figure in the the messroom on a C-2 or C-3. The ship is expected to operate successful campaign of the Marine Cooks and Stewards— out of Maracaibo, Venezuela, until AFL, on West Coast ships. New December, when it will probably York patrolman Charles Mathis shift to Rio de Janeiro and a big died on June 16. Mathis was well dredging job that the company ex­ known to Seafarers, SUP members pects there. and others for his active partic­ Under the terms of the agree­ ipation in the 5-year fight to oust ment with CA covering the new the Communist-dominated National vessel, the manning scale includes Union of Marine Cooks and Stew­ 49 unlicensed men. which accounts ards from control of West Coast for a considerable number of addi­ steward department men. He was tional jobs for Seafai-ers. 35 years of age. In another vein, Claude Sim­ For the past year in the course mons, SIU assistant secretaryof the two elections that were held measurer and Union port agent in on West Coast ships, Mathis New York, cautioned all SIU crews worked out of the MCS-AFL New to get their repair lists in on time York office. Before that he had so that proper action by the Union sailed on West Coast ships for a and company can be taken to remedy the fault. period of 16 years. C. Matbis, WC Cooks' Patrolman from the earliest days of the re­ vival of US maritime unionism. In their eagerness to do an allaround job on Lundeberg, the Commies have ceased their attacks on everyone else. Even the NMU "Rank-and-File Pilot", which re­ presents the highly vocal Commu­ nist group in that organization, has shifted its fire away from Joe Curran and speaks sweetly of him but screams hysterically against Lundeberg. All of which, of course, implies that although he has hurt them many tihies before, Lundeberg has knocked a big hole in the Commies' heads—one that they'll never recover from. YOUR DOLLAR'S WORTH Wirittsn fop heading expert on biying Tricking Mattress Buyers A San Francisco reader has written us voicing the feel­ ings of confusion most people feel when they go to buy a mattress. She writes: "Would you please give us some Information so I can .sort my way through the maze of claims made for mattresses?" One reason mattresses are so confusing to buy is the practice of some manufacturers of paying the sales clerks in the stores money for pushing certain brands. The other confusing trick in the mattress business is the use of "step-ups." Some of the less scrupulous installment stores may price one mattre.ss at $39, another at $49, a third at $59, and so on, when the only difference among them may be the design of the ticking. Because of these practices and the confusion of claims, it is best to disregard brand names and examine sales­ men's recommendations with care. Instead, shop mat­ tresses by specifications. You have to compare the quality of three factors: the ticking (covering), filling and con­ struction. Mattresses are often labeled as to contents. For the specifications that are not on the label, you'll have to ask the store and evaluate by your own scrutiny. Brand Name No Guide Another reason why you can't depend on brand names as a guide 'to value, is that the same manufacturer may make different grades, and various stores will sell them at varying prices. In my own experience, the mattresses sold by retailers under their private-brand names are better values than those under nationally-advertised brand names. The ticking should be firmly and closely woven both to iresist wear and help hold the mattress in shape. The strongest tickipg. is made, of eloaely-woven twill-weav# cotton. Tickings also come in different "weights." The so-called six-ounce ticking is only moderate quality; the stronger eight-ounce ticking is preferable. The tickipgs with fancy designs and colors are^often used as an ex­ cuse to get an exorbitantly higher price for a mattress of the same construction. The filling of the fhost widely-sold and reasonable mat­ tresses is generally an innerspring upholstered with lay­ ers of padding. Generally there are two types of innerspring units; those with several hundred small coils in­ dividually pocketed in muslin, and those with larger but fewer coils. The latter is not as soft, but is less expensive and often sturdier. But even the large-coil type should have at least 180 coils. Horsehair More Durable A fair-quality innerspring mattress will have the innerspring unit covered with white cotto'n felt and sisal pads, ill a ratio perhaps of 65-70 per cent white cotton and the rest sisal. Costlier mattresses may have some hair in the filling which makes a firmer and often more durable mat­ tress. But note In the ads and label how much of the hair is horsehair and how much is the cheaper and less durable and resilient hog-hair. Whether the mattress is upholstered with hair, cotton or a combination, you can instruct the store that you want it made up especially firm. It's advisable to do so because more filling is used and you get a more durable mattress for the money. Construction Is another important point to check. Often les.s-expensive mattresses are made with a roll edge. The border of the mattress is sewn so it forms a roll all around. Berfter mattresses have a prebuilt border. This is a strip of quilted ticking sewn all around the edge of the mat­ tress to hold the top ticking to the bottom. This helps-) the mattress hold its .shape better. But a prebuilt-border mattress should not cost you more than $5 more than a roll-edge mattress of the same specifications. If you do buy a roll-edge, make sure it has at least several rows of stitching on the side walls to reinforce the filling. Air Holes And Handles Other desirable construction details include air holes in the sides and handles for turning the mattress. "Tuftless" mattresses merely have the tufting concealed beneath the ticking—not a decisive detail. When tufts are visible, note that button or lace tufts are more secure than those of raw cotton. * Sprfaigs: With an innerspring mattress you need a box spring or a coil spring with closed-top construction (either convolute coils or fiat bands forming a platform). With "solid" mattresses—all hair or all cotton—you should have a softer spring, such as the open coil type. Box springs should have at least 63 coils and, preferably, closer to 72. Foam Rubber Mattresses: These cost more than fairly" good innerspring mattresses (although many retailers and discount houses now cut prices on them). They also re­ quire a special high spring. Their advantages ai*e longer wear, no repair costs and no vermin or allergy problems. Disadvantages are that some people consider them too soft and some say they're warm in hot weather. The standard thickness is four and one-half inches; some re­ tailers sell thin pads as rubber mattresses. As previously warned here in relation to upholstered furniture, foam rubber noticeably varies in firmness. Some foam rubber has more air holes, which m^ns less rubber and less firmness. Check this point in foam rubber mattresses and upholstery by pressing the foam rubber between your hands. • �SEAFARERS Juno U, 1»5S • RADPORD ISLAND (CIHM Sarv lea). May 14—Chairman, D. LIvtnfatan> Saeratary, a, Fava. I. J. Torra elected new ahip'a delegate. Said ha would da his best at the Job, Balance of ship's fund is $42.53. Deck dele­ gate elected. All engine dept. foc'sles weia painted. Communications on benefits were discussed and carried unanimously. Members on this ship thought it was the greatest plan ever heard of. Dayman's screen door is not fixed yet, but expect it will be shortly. Juha 4-:-Chairman, O. Livlpgston; Saeratary, O. Fava. Boston agent told ship's delegate he would take care of the linen situation with the company and also about getting a better grade of coffee aboard. Balance of ship's fund is $64.33, an Increase of $22 since the last meeting. Recent com­ munication from ireadquarters read Digest of ships' Meetings and accepted unanimously. Motion was made and carried that deck dele­ gate see patrolman about steering at night. Contract states no unnecessary work between the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M. Ship's delegate requested that some money hd used from ship's fund to buy a hot plate and games. Ship's delegate wants to see patrolman for explanations on the shifting of watches when a new man comes aboard. SANTA VENETIA (Mar-Trade), May 1—Chairman, W. H. Narrcl; Secretary, F. Van Duse. D. Jones elected ship's delegate. It was suggested under good and welfare that crew be careful of socks and handkerchiefs in washing machines. It was requested that crew pick up cups and dishes and help i keep pantry and messhall clean. Lea\'e coffee for the watch alone. Also to clean sinks and washing machines eafh time they are used. May 22—Chairman, J. Meehan; Sec­ retary, Frank Van Dusen. Communi-cations from headquarters accepted and concurred. No beefs in all three departments except for a small amount of disputed overtime. Frank Van Dusen elected secretary-reporter. Motion was made and carried that new mattresses be put aboard, and a new washing machine for crew. It was clarified that permltmen had just as much voice as~"a bookmember at the ship's meetings. The crew would like to hear from these men. FORT HOSKINS (Cities Service), May 29—Chairman, A. Alexander; Secretary, R. Webb. Captain prom­ ised to paint messroom next trip. Ship's fund $10. Communications from headquarters read, accepted and concurred in. Carried unanimously. It was requested that cigarettes'and other trash be kept out of coffee cups. Checking on getting new mattresses. Crew should be made to give 24 hours notice before anyone quits, so that they may get a proper replacement. headquarters. Carried unanimously. Things running smooth. OCEAN OINNV (Maritime Ovarsaas), February 2$—Chairman, R. Costa; Secretary, A. Staavansan. Read repair list from last voyage. Motion made and carried to have repairs done in San Francisco. Eight hours di.spiited overtime to be taken up with patrol­ man upon arrival. Motion made and carried that crew see patrolman in Frisco about rust In fresh water tanks. No beefs. March 1—Chairman, R. Caata; Sae­ ratary, F. Otialaf. Repairs on refrig- erator In crew mess and ice making machine are to be done in Wilming­ ton. Painting of quarters will be done as we go along. Ash trays are to be used, not cups. All soiled linen is tobe returned to locker ..before clean ones are used. Ship's delegate is to see captain about a mailing address other than the one in New York. OREMAR (Ore), May 11—Chairman, S. Thayer; Secretary, E. Powell. A list of sea chest gear to be made nut and given to patrolman for future trips. Ship's fund $8.08. $S paid out for ship's radio aerial and latch for library. Remainder $3.08. Election of deck delegate to take place. Com­ munications from headquarters ac­ cepted and carried unanimously, Charges will be brought against any man who goes to the engineers with beefs. Repair list to be made up. RAPHAEL SEMMES (Waterman), May 2»—Chairman. C. Qulnnt; Secre­ tary, J. Fay. To elect ship's delegate. •$24.33 in ship's fund. Motion made and carried that ship's fund be used for Union brothers on the ship only. Steward asked for money to get new films in Mobile: pantryman requested that p.sntry be kept clean at all times. New repair list to be made up. May 31—Secretary, F. Kustura. Special meeting was called to discuss the new benefits in the SlU Welfare Plan. VALCHEM (Valentine), May SiChairman, R. Thompson; Secretary, L. Haqmann. Minutes of previous meet­ ing were' posted. Sixteen inch fans were ordered for bosun, deck mainte­ nance. and steward rooms. Repair list to be made by ship's delegste. A new refrigerator was ordered for crew's mess and engine dept. Rooms will be painted after ship comes out of shipyard. Thirt.v^two dollars col­ lected since last meeting. Ship's fund now $.'55.35. Headquarters communica­ tions accepted and concurred. Sug­ gested that .ship's delegate see chief engineer about keeping an extra wa.shing machine motor aboard, because the one they have now is burned out. Ship's delegate requested ail dele­ gates to turn in four copies of repair list. MARYMAR (Calmar), May 24— Chairman, J. Markham; Secrstar9, A. Raasko. New ship's delegate elected. J. Markham. Ship's secretary-reporter sent a letter to headquarters. Balance of ship's fund is $18.28. It was sug­ gested that all repairs to be turned into department heads so that action may be taken. Ship's delegate was re­ quested to notify mate to have foc'sles painted in the deck depart­ ment. OCEAN NIMET (Maritime Overseas), May 22—Chairman, J. MeCellum; Sec­ retary, J." Parish. A new library was put aboard this vessel at Raymond, JOHN S. KULUKUNDIS (Tankshlp), tVashington. Repairs were taken care May IS—Chairman, C. McAlpinc; Sec­ of, and a new slopchest was put retary, V. FItigereld. All quarters aboard. All headquarters communica­ have hcen painted and all repairs tions were accepted and concurred in. completed, last voyage. Delegate will Captain says he will try, to get see the captain and have fans put in customs agent to clear all souvenirs. rooms. Make repair Ust while ship L. J. Sheehan elected ship's secretaryis homeward hound. Sanitary men reporter. It was voted unanimously should take turnv in keeping their that the Union keep up the good laundry room clean. Vote of thanks work regarding the USPHS hospitals. to steward department for work wellMay 3$—Chairman, J. Pulliam; $ccdone. ratary, J. McCollum. It is a unanimous decision of the membership that LAWRENCE VICTORY (Mississippi), Harr.v Lundeberg wholeheartedly en­ May 22—Chairman, C, Kaust; Secre­ deavors to do a good job for all Sea­ tary, S. Rivera. Motion made and farers end we are ready to hack him carried for mate to see captain about up. All communications from head­ repairs. Previous ship's delegate -paid quarters carried unanimously. off in San Francisco because of ill­ ness. New one elected. Had to stop SANTORE (Ore), June It—Chair­ in Colon. Panama, to repair boilers. man, J. VanSant; Secretary, R. Mason. Stayed there four days and crew Washing machine is broken and it is really enjoyed themselves. Motion doubtful that it will he nepaired in made and carried to accept head­ Baltimore. Repair list has been turned quarters communications. Ship's sec­ in to department heads. Ship's dele­ retary reported elected. It was re­ gate will see port agent in Canada quested that any crewmember who about gelling crew fre.sh milk. An becomes injured report same to dele­ improvement is shown in menus. Re­ gate or dept. head. They are to get port on additional welfare benefits the report signed and filed with ail was read and accepted 100 percent. details on it. This is to insure an Carried unanimously. Ship's treasurer easier way of collecting Maintenance elected. It was suggested that a ship's and Cure. fund be started. An empty can will be put in the recreation room for ALCOA PURITAN (Alcoa), June 1 contributions. —Chairman, E. Johnson; Secretary, C. Parker. All questions on new BALTORE (Ore.), June 1—Chairman, welfare plan answered by patrolman Ceorqa Cass; Secretary, L. Geragty. from headquarters. Motion made and Repair lists to be made up to be turned carried to accept and concur In com­ over to patrolman. Ship's delegate got munication on new welfare set-up. lo-'s lifted against two crewmemhers. Tiiere is a few hours disputed over­ Balance of ship's fund $11.19. Soma time in the engine department: every­ disputed overtime. No beefs. Com­ thing else running smoothly. munications were accepted and car­ ried unanimously. More sanitary sup­ ARCHERS HOPE (Cities Service), plies needed for engine department. May 30—Chairman, Peter V. Hammel; Requested that cold supper be served Secretary, C. Gallant. A new agitator in hot weather. Members were asked was bought for washing machine. Cap­ to take better care of washing ma­ tain requested wipers help keep pas­ chine. sageways sougeed. A couple of beefs were settled satisfactorily and every­ ANN MARIE (Bull), Juna 1—Chair­ thing running smooth. Balance in man, R. Cowdny; Saeratary, L. Calship's treasury is $16.20 in cash and deron. Crew radio repaired. Ship's $3 in stamps. Engine delegate is get­ treasurer elected. Ship's fund con­ ting of this ship, must e?ect a now tains $3. Communications from head­ one. All communications from head­ quarters read and accepted. Port quarters were accepted and con­ agent to be contacted regarding curred in. Ship's treasurer elected. shortage - of stores. Ship's delegate Wipers were informed that they have asked crew's cooperation to keep two hours of sanitary work to be laundry clean. done. Requested that no one go into messhall in their shorts and to pick VALCHEM (Valentine), Juna 10— up and replace cups when they are Chairman, D. Williams; Secretary, M. finished - with their coffee. Rocknic. Recent communications from June 3—Chairman, T. Waams; Sae­ headquarters accepted and concurred. ratary, P. Kammal. Read and -dis- Everything running smoothly aboard cus.sed recent communication from - this ship. •r Pure Seven LOG SlU Backs Teamsters In Fight BOSTON—Seafearers and members of AFL and CIO unions in the Greater Boston area and throughout southeastern New England are backing AFL Teamsters in their resistance to a general lockitut called in retaliation for an I BT-authorized walkout at a handful of general cargo hauling firms. The original beef, involving first began on June 15, Seafarers area has affected everything ex­ only 300 teamsters at seven have, stood ready to lend whatever cept deliveries of food, medicine, conilpanies, was mushroomed by the employer action into an in­ dustry-wide shutdown in New England involving some 12,000 member^ of the AFL International Brotherhood of Teamsters and 328 trucking firms. Since the lockcfut aid was needed in the Teamsters' beef. The SlU and IBT-^have work­ ed together here and elsewhere in the US on similar beefs many times in the past. The employer-enforced halt in trucking movements over the wide Tramp Transfer Policy Zoomed Rates;MA Moans WASHINGTON—The folly of the easy ship transfer pro­ gram has finally penetrated to the Maritime Administration itself. Maritime Administrator Clarence Morse is complaining that as a result of the'*' by the SUP-manned Coast­ wholesale transfers, remain­ petition wise Line for permission to char­ ing US flag tramps are hold­ ter a Government-owned ship out ing up the Government for exces­ sive freight rates. Morse reported that the Mari­ time Administration had "its ears knocked down" by Congress for pei-mitting easy transfers and in­ ferred that perhaps the criticism was well deserved in light of what has happened since. The Maritime Administrator's remarks came in the course of a of the reserve fleet. ^ Tramp opera­ tors protested the charter saying they should get first crack at it. In - the course of the hearing Morse remarked that the tramps are making "too much hay while the sun shines" and should reduce the charter rates to the Govern­ ment because the US had bailed them out last year by permitting them to transfer half their ships. fuel and perishable items. Both the union and truckers have guaran­ teed free movement of these com­ modities. Employers Association Calling of the shutdown by representatives of the truckers' as­ sociation followed an earlier agree­ ment by the companies that they would stand as a single unit against any attempt by the AFL drivers to strike any small or large group of trucking firms. However, the strategy has only succeeded in throwing more haul­ ing business from the area to rail­ roads and airlines who have been quick to take advantage of the situation. On another front. House Ma­ jority Leader John W. 'McCormack has called on the Office of Defense. Mobilization in Washington to give Boston its fair share of the traffic that will flow from the new multi­ million-dollar barter program sponsored by the Federal Govern­ ment. He pointed to the need for addi­ tional Government storage facili­ ties in New England to help handle the millions of tons of cargo which are to be shipped in and out of the US under the program within the next few months. REVIiW of TSIAIS anil APPEALS CONDUCTED JANUARY-JUNE 1955 The fifth review of trials and appeals, appearing below, follows the pattern of the past with a very small number of charges being brought during the six-month period. This rdView, covering the period January 1 through June 15, 1955, contains just seven charges and one appeal. All evidence points to the fact that the-membership is adhering to shipboard and .shoreside standards as approved in the membership vote on the union's constitution. Only a bare handful of instances of violation mar the pattern. Of the seven trials in the last six months, there were five convictions and two acquittals. The one appeal resulted in an order for a retrial. The SIU has issued these trials and appeals reports regularly since the adoption of a new constitution in 1952. The first report was issued July 10, 1953, and reports have followed every six months. The Union constitution specifies that trials are to be conducted by elected rank and file committees. Officials are not permitted to serve. The trials follow courtroom procedure as closely as possible. The accused niust receive proper notification, has the right to cross-ex­ amine witnesses and present witnesses in his behalf, and the right of appeal to a rank and file appeals committee as well as the Union's international convention. All steps in the pro­ cedure go before Union membership meetings for approval or disapproval. March 10. 1955 AecuMd: 0-7. Accuser: H-193 Charges: While a crewmember aboard the Hilton, accused was drunk and un­ able to perform duties for six successive "days: accused also performed constantly in recreation room and brought Union into disrepute accordingl.v. Trial committee: R. Ramos R-195. T. Gorman G-105. F. Tomine T-311j R. Ruff R-23, W. Mellon M-91. Findings: Guilty as charged on both counts. Fined $30 on each count for a total of $100. .4. t March 11, 1953 Accused: F-216. Accuser: W-1 Charges: Accused, without authorization from membership, employed an outside commercial photographer and attempted to get him into the New Orleans hall to take photographs of special Union proceedings and information for the pur­ poses of unauthorized and unlawful dis­ closure of such private Union business and proceedings. Trial committee; R. .1. O'Connor O-40, F. Lambcrti L-I15, M. White M-47, G. W. Charaplin G-368. F. M. Mateo M-306. Findings. Guilty as charged. Expelled from membership. (See Appeals). i "April 21, 1955 Accused: M-174, Accuser: S-3. Cherges: Accused reported to SS Alex­ andra under influence of liquor; accused shipped from New York to a Boston job. got transportation and a $20 draw from captain and then left ship at 8 AM with­ out giving required 24 hours* notice or calling hall for replacements accused re­ fused to surrender Union book to agent work of the steward department: accused x^lille on charges: accused came to Boston assaulted chief steward. Trial committee; Same as above. hall drunk on two occasions.' Trial cammlttee: T. H. Tuoh.v T-235: Findings: Guilty as charged. $50 fine G. B. Dunn D-258. E. Baris B-59, R. Ben­ on each count for a total of $100. nett, B-101. E. W. Haskins H-306. D. K. 4' 4" 4" Hines H-18. June 2. 1955 Findings: Guilty as charged. Fined $25 Accused: P-142. Accuser: B-4 for each of four violations, $100 in all. Charges: Accused entered foc'sle of chief steward at midnight and threatened 4" Sj" him with knife. April 21, 1955 Trial committee: K. Foster F-4, B. Accused: W-166. Accusers: M-32.'W-1. Principe P-52. S. Shrimpton S-567. J. Charges: Accused interfered with door­ Felton F-Bl. M. Santiago S-49. man in the carrying out of his duties; Findings: Not Guilty, No evidence to accused entered New Orleans hall while support charge. Accused reprimanded into.xicated and refused to leave when for entering steward's foc'sle at that ordered to do so by doorman; accused hour, causing steward to believe that ac­ has been intoxicated In Union hall on cused would attack him. several occasions. 4" 41 4' Trial Committee: C. Lewellyn L-194, February 8, 10, 11. 1955 W. Purdy P-161, E. Catalano C-689. J. Appealer: F-216 Nuss N-187, C. Welborn W-297. Nature of conviction: Expelled from Findings: Guilty as charged. Two years' suspension. Committee felt member had membership for employing an outside been given several chances to straighten commercial photographer without authori­ up but repeated violations made sus­ zation from the membership and attempt­ ing to get the photographer into the New pension necessary. Orleans hall to take photographs ol i 4 t Union proceedings and information for May 8, 1955 unauthorized disclosure of private Union Accused: B-497, Accuser: G-269. business and proceedings. Charges: Accused charged with failure Appeals committee: A. L. Lake L-41. to perform duties properly in galley Frank Sariano S-518. A. Messana M-18, R. Trial committee: S. Phillips P-153, E. C. Ewing E-28. J. A. Knight K-369, J. Morgan House H-79. N. Gaylord G-514, N. M. M-964, J. Arras A-190. Nomicos N-25. S. Shrimpton S-567. Findings: Committee waited three day.-Findings: Not Guilty. Committee finds for appealer to present himself and then this was a personal beef and there was proceeded with case. Committee find: no basis for bringing charges. that evidence does not justify charges a: filed under Article XVI, Section 1 (d) o: 4" 4" 4" the constitution, but finds that chargewould be juitified under Article XVI May e, 1955 Section 2 (b). Trial committee's finding: Accused: G-269, Accuser: B-7 Charges; Accused deliberately and reversed and a new trial ordered for thwithout autltiorization lnterfered.yvith the accused. t �Pase Eight SEAFARERS LOG June 24. 1955 SBafarets He/p P/oneer \W i %- I Ir, • The Theiinos Botrie Tow 9 A unique form of transportation of hot liquid sulphur In huge "thermos bottle" tanks was introduced to the maritime in­ dustry recently by Coyle Lines, Inc., whose river and harbor craft are manned by SlU-affiliated Marine Allied Workers. A Coyle Lines towboat, the H= F. DeBardeleben III, pushed two thermos bottle barges 1,100 miles up river from New Orleans to St. Louis in days, permitting "the unloading of sulphur in liquid form for immediate processing. The performance of the initial "thermos bottle" run has aroused keen interest in the industry with some prospect of deepsea operators utilizing the method in the growing liquid chemi­ cals trade.. Sulphur comes from the wells in liquid form but up until now it has been shipped dry because maintaining it as a liquid required high temperatures. The result, as Seafarers well know, was an unpleasantly dusty cargo and reheating of the sulphur at the point of arrival. ^ , In the "thermos bottles," specially built at the Ingalls ship­ building yards, the sulphur was maintained in liquid form at a temperature of 290 degrees by building tanks insulated with foam glass with an additional boost from heating coils. The re­ sult was a liquid handled by pumps instead of the mess of dry sulphur. , To top it off, the Seafarers on the DeBardeleben made the 1,100-mile trip in record time for a tow of such size and weight. i; I Handling lines is an old story aboard a towboat. Here SlU-Marine Allied Workers members Abe Bellande (left) and Robert J. Stoufflet, deckhandsi take a hawser around a bitt on the DeBardeleben's deck. |;lr: .. I15^.•>;-••• • I: I I- mm: - 1 -/' .J-'f ^ r ' - ^i^lghfening bridle lines bef<yre departure from New Orleans are Teddy ' Myers Mvers Heft) and Gc S. "Red" Milazzo. In the rear deck mate L. J. Camara if coiling a line. ^ DeBardeleberr made upriver run in record B'A-days. Stern of one thermos bottle barge Is made fast to bow of the DeBardeleben preparatory to trip. Specially-designed barges had one square end each so they could be handled as an integrated two-barge pusher tow. �June 24, 1955 SEAFARERS LOG Pare Nln* Generators are checked by 2nd engineer Donald Deakins in engine room. Close-up of new barges built by Ingalls at Pascagoula, Miss, yard, clearly shows two huge "thermos jugs" in which the liouid sulphur Is carried. Barges were purposely made with one square end so that they can be fastened end to end. A tnird barge is now being built with two square ends so it can be placed between the other two making a three-barge tow. ••m Oiler Jim LeBlanc is shown at towboat's engine room work bench. /m Captain W. D..Reeves (right! mans tiller in pilot house of towboat while river pilot Charles Piatt checks radarscope. Both skipper and pilot are SIUMAW me.mbers along with rest of the crew. Chief\engineer Ernest Bergeron keeps a sharp eye on gages on the DeBardeleben's instrument board. Like most modern tugs and towboats, the DeBardeleben is diesel-powered. •V "va m •r"Good feeding is the ;ru.|e on SlU-MAW-cqntracted river and harbor craft. DeBardeleben's cook Anthony Ducooe proves it by carving up chunk of beef Into genero\'S-siied T-bone steaks for the noonday meal. Saying goodbye to New Orlea'ns, the DeBardeleben pushes her loaded barges upstream, headed for St. Louis, it was first time liquid sulphur had been transported more than 75 miles from the source. �SEAFARERS tOG Pate Tea r vATRAIN LOUISIANA (Scatraln), Jun» 1—Chairman, J. Tannar; Sacralary, A. Ballar. Communications from headquarters accepted and concurred. Discussion held on phony literature being mailed to ships. Everything running smoothly. cepted and concurred unanimously. Hugh West Is ship's delegate elected at this meeting. Steward delegate re­ ported that the reason for fruit shortages, etc, was because the ves­ sel was not stored properly by the company. ALCOA PEGASUS (Alcoa), June 1— Chairman, W, Yarbrough; Secretary, J, Murphy, Recent communications from headquarters accepted and con­ curred, Carried unanimously. These communications will be posted tor entire crew to read. ELIZABETH (Bull), May IS—Chair­ man, E, Cusfcgyusky; Secretary, R, Vellinga, The bosun took a three day leave to attend his father's burial. The crew made a collection of S3S to send flowers to the funeral home. Deck delegate will consult Miami agent regarding gangway watches. May 24 — Chairman; Cuszcgyusky; Secretary, R. Vellinga, Crew called for special meeting with patrolman in New York. Crew accepted headquar­ ters report on additional welfare benelits. ORION COMET (Orion), May t — Chairman, L. Ciamboli; Secretary, I. Weisbrot. A few men were logged. Dock department getting a hard time from captain. He is shaking down ciew for their logs. Men are logged for little things and when they get out at sea the captain calls the man and shakes him down for money, for contributions like paying for hull to get it painted and to contribute to library drive. Some overtime beefs aboard this vessel and trouble and disputes with mate and captain. Mo­ tion made and carried that steward see captain about getting American meats and stores In Japan. CITRUS PACKER (Waterman), May 24—Chairman, J, O'Rourke; Secretary, T. Weber, Repair list from last trip has not been taken care of complete­ ly. Captain seems like he will be easy to get along with. Balance of ship's fund $20. Impossible to take action against man who left shljp the day we sailed out of New Orleans. Twen­ ty hours disputed overtime so far. Deck department repairs have not been taken care of completely. Re­ pair list was looked over and a new list of incompleted repairs was made up. Beef on the one man who made anti-union statement, and it was de­ cided that there was a slight misun­ derstanding and all agreed to forget the entire matter. W:' ANGELINA (Bull), May 20—Chair­ man, E. Rountree; Secretary, A. R. Sylvestrl. Balance on hand in ship's fund $7. One brother missed ship from Cuanica to I'once. One man paid off in Guanlca. Motion carried to have crewmembers contribute SI to ships fund for TV set. Carried. Suggestion was made to request new fans for the quarters and to have broken lockers replaced. The crew donated $1 each for a floral wreath to be sent to the burial of the 2nd mate's father. EDITH (Bull), May 24-Chairman, C, Starling; Secretary, Don Keddy, One oiler failed to join vessel in Galves­ ton. Chief cook failed to join in Lhiden, NJ. Communications regard­ ing new hiring system aijd CAMU at- lis • ". 'On A True Course!' » \ FAIRLAND (Waterman), May I— Chairman, ,L, Curry; Secretary, W, Messenger, All linen has been turned in. All communications from head­ quarters accepted and concurred. Ship's treasurer elected. SecretaryReporter elected. Suggestion made that ship's fund be set up and net more than $1 from each crewmember be donated. It was requested that a repair list be started. May 24—Chairman, L. F. McNair; Secretary, A. Felts, Hecent headquar­ ters reports accepted and concurred. Carried unanimously. Everything run­ ning okay this trip, ELIZABETH (Boll), May 27—Chair­ man, Barrett; Secretary, Friend, Boarding patrolman from headquar­ ters advised crew that officers will not be allowed to do unlicensed work. Ail communications from headquar­ ters accepted and concurred. Carried unanlmousiy. EVELYN (Bull), May 22—Chairman, E. V, Smith; Secretary, E, Black, Dis­ cussion was held regarding launch service in Port Sulphur and everyone to put In for $2. A discussion was also held concerning awning over fantail. There was considerable beefing about milk and It was reported that the toaster was shot. Vote of thanks was extended to the SlU Negotiating Committee. Discussion regarding good cooperation of crew. IBERVILLE (Pan Atlantic), May 22 —Chairman, W. Banks; Secretary, J, Becker. Balance of ship's fund $35. All communications from headquar­ ters carried. Engine department to elect delegate. O. Ekland elected ship's delegate. Discussion on vege­ tables, lack of lights on deck, lack of watch foc'sle for firemen and oilers on most Waterman ships, was held. It was also noted that life ring on port side aft is secured to hand, rail with a wire. It was suggested that hospital be moved forward. Steward has not as yet painted crew's mess deck. GATEWAY CITY (Waterman), Feb­ ruary 27—Chairman, C. Lawson; Sec­ retary, D, Collins. All repairs have been taken care of. Norfolk payoif of the 19th was very smooth. Sug­ gestions were made to get hot water system regulated aft and to see the mate about hooks on shaft alley es­ cape hatch, so that it could be used for circulation of air. A decision was made that linen would be issued on Friday mornings. ROYAL OAK (Cities Service), May May t—Chairman, G. Lawson; Secre­ IS—Chairman, Robert Young; Secretary, D, Collins, Crewmember got off 'tary, D, Beard. Ship sailed from Lake in Hawaii because of illness and was Charles with two men short. Latest never replaced. Upon arrival in port communications accepted and con­ the hall will be informed of same. curred. Chief Cook, H. M. Connel Discussion was held as to getting a was elected ship's delegate. D, Beard statement of wages and overtime be­ elected treasurer, and E, Porta re­ fore payoff. It was suggested that porter and secretary. Request that drinking glasses not be put with crewmembers keep pantry and messother dishes in the sink in the crew hall clean at night. It is suggested pantry. A vote of thanks was given that cleaning of the recreation room to the steward department along with be alternated. Crews Iron and hot a special vote of thanks to the baker, plate was taken care of by steward Wilbur (Tony) Sink. in shipyard. Repair list will be made May 22—Chairman, W, Sink; Secre­ up. tary, R. Walton. Ship's delegate got May 22-Chairman, V, XX Ceash; off in Panama Canal. Deck delegate Secretary, F, Otte. All communica­ reported he took a crewmember off tions accepted" and concurred. Car­ ship in Panama because of illness. ried unanimously. Things running Fireman also got off In Panama be­ smooth. cause of a legal matter he had to take care of. New chief engineer SAND CAPTAIN (Construction Ag­ brought with him new rules. Crew gregates), May (—Chairman, Peter of the engine department talked over Cemashke: Secretary, R, Da VIrgilie, these rules. Motion made and carried Balance of ship's fund $72.05. Com­ that W. Sink be elected new ship's munications from headquarters ac­ delegate. Discussion on topside ice cepted and concurred. Carried. P. supply. After ventilator system should Cemashke elected ship's delegate. G. be used in hot weather. Spare linen Champlin elected ship's secretary-re­ and cots are to be turned in when porter. .Motion was made and carnot being used. Repair needed on I'ied that ship's fund be donated to rope locker escape hatch. the Venezuelan workman who lost his hand on the "Rio Catatumba," ex SOUTHLAND (South Atlantic), May Walter Brinkman. 22—Chairman, F, Boyna; Secretary, S. May 22—Chairman, H. A. Meeney; Wells. Motion not to sign on until Secretary, R. Do VIrgilie, Port cap­ the .steward and delegates sav that tain is to inform crew about dam­ the ship is properly stored with food aged clothing and/or destroyed cloth­ and slopchest supplies. Carried. All ing. Money was turned over to the repair lists to be turned in as quick proper authorities ashore for the as possible. A vote of thanks was woiker who lost his hand. Before given to the steward for going all-out bringing beefs to ship's delegate it is to get the stores that were needed to requested that crewmembers see their make this trip. department delegate first. Crewmem­ bers to see that SEAFARERS LOG is ALCOA PURITAN (Alcoa), May 27— circulated. Chamman, E, W, Mayo; Secretary, H, c. Kilmon, Ship's delegate reported CHILORE (Ore), May 24—Chairman, that there were no beefs and that S. Fulfard; Secretary, G. Marcette, he would pay off anyone who wanted Everything running smoothly. A few to get off in Savannah if a shipping minor complaints which were all set­ commissioner was available. Engine tled. Under good and welfare it was delegate got off this trip; must elect agreed that crew will donate for a another one to replace him. Head­ hand wringer for oily work clothes quarters report on SlU welfare bene­ and u.se machine for other things. fits carried unanimously. Icebo.ves Cooperation is keeping doors and and scuttlebutts are to be repaired in ports closed in cold weather was New York. asked. iK-'."' JuiieH. IMI DOROTHY (Bull), April 25—Chair­ man, A, Lake; Secretary, N, Fiewers, Thiid engineers fixed washing ma­ chines. Insecticide to be removed frpm cereal locker. Steward requested if he could vary cold drinks at meals. Chairman requested more cooperation in departments to avoid friction be­ tween crewmembei-s. Vote carried to' collect funds to buy an iron for crew. May 2—Chairman, J, Sheldon; Sec­ retary, H, Moore. All headquarters communications accepted and con.curred in. Carried. Condition of tablecloths not satisfactory. MARIE HAMILL (Bleomfield), May 29—Chairman, R, Groseciose; Secre­ tary, D, Jones, Ship's fund has 80 cents in it. All communication read, accepted, and carried unanimously. There's nothing like being fully informed about matters of impor­ tance, so Luke A. Ciamboli, ship's delegate on the Orion Comet, made a point of keeping his shipmates posted on maintenance and cure procedure. He read the member­ ship an article from the SEA­ FARERS LOG on the subject and emphasize^ how Important it Is to file an accident report in the event ot injury and to get a hospital slip. Then Ciamboli posted the article so that watchstanders on duty would get another look at it. All Seafarers would be well ad­ vised to acquaint themselves with the accident report procedure in case an emergency takes place. Ciamboli is an engine depart­ ment man who lives in New Jersey. He is 28 and joined the Union in New York on March 20, 1947. " Heads up ac­ tion on the Alamar (C a 1 m a r) took care of an unsafe condition on board that ship. The ship had tied up at Sparrows Point when, in tl^ temporary absence of the ship's delegate. Seafarer Rd Mattlson pointed out to the chief mate that the gangway was dangerous. The result was that the gangway was removed. Mattison began sailing SIU late in 1953. He's in the deck department. The crew also notetf that ship's delegate William Logan "has been excellent" during his term of office in the delegate's job. Logan is one of the Union's newest members, getting his book last February. He sails in the black gang. i t 4. A proposal for a change in the contract comes from Af. L. Reed, ship's delegate aboard the Alcoa Planter. Reed suggested that under the contract port time should not begin until a vessel has been com­ pletely cleared by all Government agencies; Quarantine, Immigration, Customs and any others that might be involved. Like all such sugges­ tions which come In from crew­ members, the proposal will" be studied by the headiR^rters nego­ tiating committee. Reed's been a member of the SIU for almost 13 years now, joining in Mobile. He sails in the deck department and lives ashore in New Orleans. Sj" 4" 4" Carpenter ygher Edgar K. Vaher aboard the Frances rates as a really considerate shipmate and has been thanked by a grateful crew accordingly. The Frances ran into some hot weather and many of the brothers had been sleeping on deck in cots. Carpenter Vaher went ahead and built an awning aft for the comfort and shelter of the brothers. Vaher got his SIU Union book back,in 1945 in Boston, He comes from Estonia originally, but now makes his home in Bergenfield, New Jersey, 4i 4*. 41 4Iow a misunderstanding can be blown up into a serious matter was shown at a recent headquarters trial committee session. The whole incident highlighted the value of the trial committee system in finding out just what the facts of a cast are. At the beginning, the charges looked serious since one Seafarer was accused of invading the* chief steward's room at midnight and threatening him with a knife, A committee consisting of M. San­ tiago, Joseph Felton, Roberto Prin­ cipe, Keith Foster and S. Shrimpton was elected to look into the case. Testimony of witnesses put a different light on the matter. Two shipmates testified for the accused. Both agreed he had gone to the steward's foc'sle for the purpose of asking him for some coffee but thiey denied he was carrying any weapon. They Insisted he was sober and pointed out that he had a good reputation as a conscientious worker and a good shipmate. The steward in turn admitted he could not be sure that the man was carrying a knife with intent to assault. He said he was so startled by the midnight invasion that he assumed the man had come to attack him and seized a bar to defend himself with. A previous disagreement between the two was another cause for the steward's alarm. All were agreed that no actual harm was done other that some words were exchanged. The committee, finding no clearcut case of assault with a weapon, concluded the burden of evidence pointed to a misunderstanding and dismissed the charges. The com­ mittee complimented those who had brought them as a means of clearing the air. The accused was reprimanded for entering the steward's foc'sle at that hour of the night, an action . which all agreed provoked th^ Shole inci­ dent;' • • •-•''0/. - �SEAFARERS Jane 24. 1955 SIV Rnle-Book Each six months it has been the practice of the Union to reprint in the SEAFARERS LOG the SIU constitution. The current issue of the LOG again carries the text of this document which is the basic inile-book by which the Union operates. When this constitution, a completely revised docu­ ment, was adopted three years ago it was applauded by authorities outside the Union as providing thor­ ough and complete protection of Seafarers' rights and clear-cut rulings on how to conduct Union business. The experience of the Union in working under this constitution has reinforced those original opinions. Union affairs have run smoothly and efficiently un­ der the document and the memWship's rights have been safeguarded. J. $1 4. Right To Education Another five scholarship winners will be heading for colleges of their choice this fall to join the seven others now attending school with the aid of the $6,000 SIU benefit awarded each. Of these 12 SlU-sponsored students, five are Seafarers who would have faced great difficulty in attending school on their own, if they could have at all. Two of the students now in school are completing professional courses in medicine and dentistry and soon will be playing a constructive role in their home communities. Scholarship awards are a long-range investment. Where they pay off particularly is in helping young people of talent who might otherwise have been un­ able to meet the heavy cost of higher education. It's reasonable to assume that a large number of Seafarers were unable to get as much education as they would have liked or-had aptitude for, because of family circumstances or other reasons. The SIU scholarships are designed to see to it that Seafarers who are young enough, or their children, should not be denied that opportunity. Since the plan provides an ample scholarship of $6,000 for a four year course, candidates are assured that they will have enough funds to carry-them through from start to finish. . Responsible Membership A consistent pattern of responsibility and self-dis­ cipline has emerged from the reports of SIU trials and appeals which appear in the LOG at six month intervals. Each of these reports has highlighted the small number of cases involved in a six-month period, indicating a very limited number of violations of Union rules and regulations. And in various in­ stances, rank and file elected trial committees have found that evidence does not justify any disciplinary action against the accused Seafarers. All this contrasts violently with the traditional shoresider's picture of the seaman as a slaphappy gashound. The well-paid, well-trained men who sail'SIU ships today have too much at stake to risk their call­ ing by irresponsible action. 4" 4» Paper Formulas The Washington merchant marine merry-go-round is still going sti'ong, judging from the latest reports from the capitol. New paper formulas to deal with maritime problems are a dime a dozen, the latest one being a "review" of overtime clauses by the Federal Maritime Board. The "review" shapes up as a thinly-disguised tactic whose purpose is to take a crack at seamen's earn­ ings. It should be noted that this is strictly a shipowner-FMB party with no seamen present. Then, of course, there is the proposal for a Govern­ ment board to control seamen's contracts. Naturally this bit of problem-solving is getting a big play from the shipowner. All in all, there's no lack of experts and analysts, but meanwhile the patient keeps getting sicker. A little applied nourishment seems to be in order. Fkge El«r«:n LOG Mobile Eyes McLean Oil-Freight Run MOBILE—Indications point to an early start on the new combined tanker-freighter opera­ tion slated by Waterman-Pan Atlantic, the b iggest operators in this port area. Flans already worked out call for service from the East Coast down through the lower Gulf with full tanker cargoes• plus freight in huge boxes |stirring up even more shipping out power the Governor to set up sub dock depots on various state carried as deck cargo. The of here before long. set-up would provide for fast loading and unloading of freight from ship to dock or to truck for fast delivery to areas where no seaport is available. Alcoa is also promising some ac­ tivity for the port in the near fu-' ture, although for the next 30 days only the C-ls running to Puerto Rico will be coming in here. After that the rest of the Alcoa fleet will start back into Mobile, assuring us about three payoffs per week from that source alone. Right now part of the fleet is being diverted into Baton Rouge, La., to build up the stockpile of bauxite ore there. A similar diver­ sion takes place every year for a period of about 30 days. 4 Cal Tanner, SIU port agent here, viewed developments of both com­ panies the forerunner of better shipping for the Mobile branch membership. Shipping here has hovered at a low mark for some time principally because of shifts during the past' six months in Waterman, Pan Atlantic and Alcoa operations. He noted too that a couple of bills now pending in the Alabama legislature were of special interest to seamen in this area because they hinted at the possibility of One of the measures would rivers to enable more cargo to authorize the Governor to take come down on small craft to the over and operate the Alabama State Docks. Passage of both bills looks alState Docks, a proposal which most people view as a probable stimu- jnost certain as the State House lus to shipping and business at of Representatives has already that facility. j passed them and they are in the The second proposal would em- ' Senate for considerat^n now. • VM Del Sue/ Seafarers Map Annual Picnic NEW ORLEANS—Crewniembers aboard the Del Sud (Mis.sissippi) are making plans for the fourth in the series of Del Sud picnics, given by crewmembers annually and recognized as a red letter date on tbe^~ social calendar of New Or­ it a big success when it was held leans Seafarers, their families in Audubon Park on August 21. and friends. Already, about $600 has been Tentative plans call for the 1955 pitched in to the picnic fund this picnic to be held during the week­ year. With two voyages to South end of September 24 when the Del America . intervening before the Sud will go into the shipyard here projected date for the picnic. Steward Emil Herek, Bosun Louis for annual repairs. Last summer's picnic, .third in O'Leary, Joseph Lae, James the series, was the most elaborate Noonan, "Bo" James and others,"' of the yearly affairs." About $1,200 who have helped in the past to was accumulated by crewmembers make the event a big success are in a special fund for the event and looking for ample support from no expense was spared to make members of the crew to put on another affair that will be long remembered by all hands. Crew Supports Fete "The Del Sud picnics have been worthwhile events which merit much credit to the committees on arrangements and to the crew­ members who wholeheartedly backed them up to make, each of them an outstanding success," said MALCOLM B. WOODS, AB SIU Port Agent Lindsey Williams. Back from his first trip as a ones who never ranj^ into any Herek, O Leary, Raymond Jones Seafarer after, a two-year bitch enemy action. and "Baldy" Bollinger were mem­ When the war ended. Woods in service, Seafarer Malcolm B. went back home and started sail­ bers of the committee on arrange­ Woods has renewed enthusiasm for ing the Delta Line sliips >ut of ments for the first picnic; Herek, the life of a merchant sailor. "It New Orleans. He was a Delta Line O'Leai-y and Jack Bates priiiie sure does beat the service," he regular for about five years, a movers in the second of the p'ojsaid, recalling the round-the- good deal of the time being speiit ects. Last year, Herek, O'Leaiy, world trip he made out of New as deck storekeeper on the pas­ Lae, Noonan and Bill Tatum con­ York just a couple of weeks after senger ship Del Sud. "I practical­ tributed a great deal of time and ly became an adopted citizen of effort to making the affair a suc­ his discharge. cess. The committee has not been Brazil and Argentina." Like most Seafai-ers in service, selected for this year's event, but Subsequently, Woods took a Woods was counting the days until probably will be named on the hand in the SIU organizing drive he could get back to sea. When current voyage of the Del Sud. aboard ships of the newly-founded he got his discharge, December 18, "Whoever is on the committee 1954 ("the happiest day of my Bloomfield Steamship Company in for arrangements will need the lull 1951. He sailed the Spartanburg life"), he was too impatient to wait support and cooperation of the for his book to come out of retire­ Victory to England and when the crew, however, if the picnic is to ship got back to the States the SIU ment and- be mailed back to his be the success it has been in the home port of New Orleans. In­ had recognition and a Union past," Herek said. "Crewmembers stead he headed straight for head­ contract. In December, 1952, his seafar­ always have turned to and helped quarters in New York, got his book ing life was rudely interrupted by in every way possible and I'm sure out, registered and grabbed the selective service. He was stationed this year will be no exception." very first job available. in San Antonio, Texas, for eight Any Old Ship months and then spent the next 16 "I didn't care what it was or months at the Barksdale Air Force where the ship was going," he said. Base in his home town, Shreveport. "Ali I wanted was a ship." All Work, No Money The first job that turned up for While the arrangement was him was deck maintenance on the ideal from the point of view of lo­ Steel Seafarer, a round-the-world cation, Woods is the first to admit run which paid off in New York that he found military service irk­ NowiM BOTH last month. Woods had never been some. Plenty of long hours, lots on the Far East run before and of work, no money and little time was agreeably surprised by the off, was the way he summed the outcome of his stab-in-the-dark whole thing up. venture. "We hit a lot of good When he did get back aboard ports," he said, "and they were in­ an SIU ship after his hitch he was expensive too." Now he figures struck forcefully by the idea that on trying the Far East run a a man could raise a beef and have couple of more times before go­ it taken care of. This might seem ing back to the Gulf, like a routine matter to the aver­ The 30-year-old Seafarer comes age Seafarer but it really im­ from Shreveport, Louisiana, and pressed Woods, fresh out of the has spent practically all of his sea­ service. going time out of New Orleans. , "When you are in service," he However, he first started sailing said, "there's nobody to fight your out of Savannah on the George D. beefs. The man who raises a beef Crawford, an American Range only gets into hot waler. One of Line Liberty running to England. the best things about a Union like B ROOKUM BAKUMon Afterwards he spent quite some the SIU is that you can raise a time on a C-2 running between the beef and somebody will take care eTS-AABk aiSKBALT US and the British Isles. All that of it either on the ship or when time he was oner of the fortunate you get back into port." MEET THE SEAFARER ^e 3 s 'jn PORT C CALL Si»!iBiSSfcas86s �• •: ? *• SEAFARERS Paee Twelv* Persian Gulfing? Try Real Caol Reefer Box You can have all your air-conditioners, heat exhaust fans and similar gadgets, the SIU crew on the Steel Seafarer (Isthmian) has come up with the newest wrinkle in cooling equipment for Persian Gulf^^ is that there's really only one cool runs. The theory of the Seafarer place when you're plying through Stepping-Stones' r- Seafarer Cerilo Ramoi, saloon messman (5'0")| and Felix Tate, baker (6'2"), make up a striking pair aboard the Wild Ranger in the Mediterrean. Ramos, who tips the scales at 112, is almost dwarfed by the 193-pound Tate. Lionel G. ' DeHaven sup­ plied the photo. the Persian Gulf—which is guar­ anteed to melt both men and ma­ chines in any season. Recently one crewmember of­ fered the idea of having the boys sack down in the ship's empty reefer boxes as a sure way to beat the heat. The solution, of course, is not the best, but it's a thought in the right direction. If you think about being cool long enough, and stand completely still 24 hours a day, it's bound to have some effect. Naturally, there are some prob­ lems that might arise, however. Somebody might forget to awaken the relief watchstanders in time for their watches now and then, and the gang might wake up as real manMannihg sized ice-cubes. There is also always the danger the someone might inadvertently hike up the thermostat, forgetting for the moment that there was brain instead of just plain beef cooling on the inside. The whole idea leaves a lot of people cold. Chairman at the cooling session aboard the ship on May 30 w^s Mike Manning, assisted by An­ thony Schiavone, secretary, who is also the ship's delegate. f)' USPHS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE. MO. G. J. Bassler Martin Kerngood Curt Borman Michael Laakso Charles Coburn Robert Lipscomb Antonio R. Coin Philip Livingston Victor B. Cooper Dennis Marcoly Robert Etlmond Fred Pittman Guy Gage A. Rinlus Gorman T. Glaze R. H. Solheim F. Hufana Francis Sullivan Norman T. Jackson Carlie Whit* VA HOSPITAL CORAL GABLES, FLA. Hugh Randell USPHS HOSPITAL BOSTON, MASS. Frank Alasavich John Keegan Henry J. Durney Peter King USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON. TEXAS Francisco Cuellar Erick H. Sundlol Henry P. Lopez John E. Tillman John E. Markopolo USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK. VA. Francis .1. Boner Floyd HiUier Hubert G. Golcy G. C. Lawson Frank Hall John H. Richardson USPHS HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS, LA. Louis Anderson Thomas H. Mcl,ces Edward Barry Clifton McLellan Anthony Benedict Kenneth McWatera J. L. Buckelew C. R. Nicholson Charles H. Cassard Alfonso Olaguibel Leon Dilberto Gorge D. Olive Calvin DiSilva R. A. Ratclili L. O. Estrada J. J. Russell Oscar E. Ferguson Benjamin C. Seal Leo Fontenot Charles E. Seymour William Grimes Lynn C. Smith Earl T. Hardeman Woodrow A. Snead Fred Harvard C. H. Summerell George F. Immel Clayton Thompson Cecil J. Kerrigan Lonnie R. Tickle E. G. Knapp Andrew Vidal Norman L. Krumm Dick Visser Leo H. Lang James E. Ward James F. Lee, Jr. Joseph Warfield Tinerman J. Lee Robert Wllkerson George W. Libby Herman Winborn Thomas Lind A. Witherington Nicholas C. Maire Jack B. Wood Clarence A. Mazoue David A. Wright SEASIDE HOSPITAL LONG BEACH, CALIF, William H. Kumke USPHS HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. L. Bosley V. K. Ming Sverre Johannessen Walter Sikorskl W. H. Mansfield Jack E. Williami USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH, GA. Paul B. Bland James T. Moor* Aubrey F. Cohen John H. Morris Rh'us L. Fields R. W. Thomas William G. Gregory Ernest H, Webb Jimmte Littleton USPHS HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. Marcelo B. Belen William P. Hunt G. De Jesus Frank Kubek Paul J. Franco Tong Ah Mui K. E. Hansen John F. Murphy USPHS HOSPITAL DETROIT, MICH. Tim Burke William J. Keenan USPHS HOSPITAL MEMPHIS, TEI^N, Charles Burton TRIPLER ARMY HOSPITAL HONOLULU, HAWAII Frank T, Campbell USPHS HOSPITAL LEXINGTON, KY. G. O. Chatidion SAILORS SNUG HARBOR STATEN ISLAND, NY Joseph Koslusky U.SPHS HOSPITAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS B. F. Deibler Jose Santiago Virgil L. Harding Rosendo Serrano Albert W. Kozlna Edward J. Toolan USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND, NY Dusan DeDuisln Marcel Laurcano David M. Dennehy John Maclnnes Robert Eschrich Warren Manuel Gerald FUzJames Arthur Mawpsley John F. French Clifford Morgan William Glesen George pitour Estell Godfrey Perry Roberts George H. Robinson Hemsley Guiltier Sidney Irby Jose Rodriguez D. Kaira Warren Smith Peter King Gustav Svensson Lucian Labrador , Jacob L, Zimmer KINGSBRIDGE VA HOSPITAL BRONX, NY James Kennedy USPHS HOSPITAL MANHATTAN BEACH BROOKLYN, NY Fortunato Bacomo James R. Lewis Frank W. Bemrlck Arthur Lomas Claude F. Blanks Francis F. Lynch Joseph D. McGraw Robert L. Booker Joseph G. Carr A. McGuigan Jar Cliong H. F. MacDonald Gabriel Colon! Michael Machusky Walter W. Denley Vic Milazzo John J. Driscoll Melvin O. Moore Bart E. Guranick Eugene T. Nelson Taita Hassen Joseph Neubauer Joseph Ifsits James O'Har* Thomas Isaksen Daniel F. Ruggiano John W. Keenan Wade H. Sexton John R. Klemowioz G. 1^ Shumaker Ludwig Kristiansen Henry E. Smith Frederick Landry Harry S. Tuttle James J. Lawlor VirgU E. Wllmotb Kaarel Leetmaa Che* K. Zai June LOG Delegate's Role Defined for All To the Editor: The purpose of this letter is to clarify, as I view it, disputes regarding the duties and the functions of shipboard dele­ gates. A delegate is an unpaid rep­ resentative of the crew who acts as a spokesman. There is a delegate from each department. When a dispute arises, each delegate discusses it with his beefs that occur on all ships. We are held up here at In­ chon, Korea, because of rain, but will discharge the remain­ der of our cargo here and pro­ ceed to the Stages. Until our next report, which should bring better news, regards from all the crew. Ralph O. Masters, Ship's reporter 4" 3> 4" He Knows Secret Of SIU Success To the Editor: While I was in the Public Health Service hospital for so many weeks I would lie in my bed and think what was it that made our Union go so far in just a few years. In the 45 years I have been going to sea I've been a mem­ ber of many maritime unions, but they all broke up. I came respective department head. to the conclusion that the trou­ Dei^artmental delegates handle ble was they had no leaders, all routine matters such as col­ and the secret of our Union's lection of overtime sheets, re­ Success is its capabie leader­ pair lists, disputed overtime, ship. Every organization has a. etc. The ship's delegate in turn represents the entire crew. At head, whether it is a corpora­ no time is a man to go to his tion, a Union department head regarding a or any other dispute without his delegate. At group, and its times it may seem like a thank­ progress de­ less job, as the delegates are pends to a under constant pressure by the great extent necessity to set an example for on the ability the rest of the crew. of the men on These jobs should be rotated top. The pres­ as much as possible, which is ent leaders of why the Union encourages our Union everyone to accept these jobs came in when Malone and gain practical experience we were in a dingy hole on in handling shipboard beefs. In Stone Street, Right then we this manner, a greater number started going places and have of SIU men can understand been going ever since. some of the problems which One result is that oldtimers confront our negotiating com­ like myself who have gotten mittee. sick and can't sail anymore Honor As Delegate don't have to worry where their For a member of the SIU to next meal is coming from. I can't say too much for our become a delegate is both a privilege and an obligation. His Union's welfare department job is important in the sense which is so wonderfully efficient that the men have placed their and doesn't miss a trick. And trust and confidence in him, also I might add that we are Upon occasion some violate this very fortunate in having a hos­ trust and abuse this p^vilege pital like the Public Health by letting their personal feel­ Service hospital in Staten Is­ ings influence their judgment. land where people go out of A delegate Is not a policeman, their way to help you and see and has no vested authority. He you get the best of treatment. merely can present the facts to I used to work year in and the boarding patrolman, who year out for $75 a month, to renders all decisions. say nothing of the rotten treat­ At times som'e men take it ment a man had to take to keep upon themselves to write let­ his job. Now a Seafarer can't ters to officials at the Union be fired if the captain doesn't hall about things which have like the way he parts his hair, taken place aboard ships. This and all the brothers know what practice should be discouraged.' wages and conditions are like It would be the beginning of a today. Ail that has come from police state where members having a good union with the would inform on one another. best leadership there is. The only purpose it would serve Joseph Malone would be to cause dissension 4> 4 4> and 'friction among the crew. We all belong to the same or­ ganization, and aboard ship we are part of a team. A union is To the Editor: Here we are on the Del Valle, as strong as its membership, and for that reason, a sincere which is the romance run for some of the boys to South effort should be made to forget our petty differences and give America. We are due in Recife shipboard delegates our utmost tomorrow. So far we are having a pretty cooperation. good trip, and have a good crew Pete Prevas doing it. There are some of the 3^ i" oldtimers on here, such as Charles Muree, "Slim" Higginbotham and "Chips" Brown. Eddie Metros is bosun, and T. A, To the Editor: Scanlon, "Red" Trully and Since the report of our last Manuel Church are the oilers shipboard meeting aboard the doing a good job. We had our Ocean Dinny (Ocean Transport), first meeting under the new set­ we have lost one crewmember. up and I was elected as secre­ Brother Alejandro H. Ramos, tary-reporter. I have to have a FWT, who became ill in Kobe, little more practice with a pen­ Japan, on May 25 and was hos­ cil instead of pliers and screw drivers, but I'll try to do my pitalized there. Otherwise, everything, is in best. O. H. Manifold good shape od this vessel, with Ship's reporter the exception of a few minor ' Letters to the Editor 'Romance Run' is Just Lovely Greetings From The Ocean Dinny 1955 'Where To Eat' Story Disputed To the Editor: I am a fervent reader of our Union newspaper, THE SEA­ FARERS LOG, and over the years that I have been read­ ing the LOG I have always noted that we have taken great pride in writing accurate re­ ports of things that are of in­ terest to seafaring men and their families. I would like to call your at­ tention to a story in the June 10 edition of the LOG authored by 'Honest Al' Whitmer. In the course of his story 'Honest Al' recpmmends fine restau­ rants to his fellow Seafarers who may happen to be in the different cities mentioned in his article. Whitmer says "Skip­ ping up the East Coast to Bal­ timore you can't go wrong with the Hi-Ho Inn." It seems to me that Brother Whitmer in skip­ ping up the coast to the HiHo Inn skipped right by one of the finest places to eat on the entire coast. I refer, of course, to our own cafeteria in the Bal­ timore Hall where a seaman and his family can enjoy fine quality food at reasonable prices. Then Brother Whitmer journies into Philadelphia where he recommends two different res­ taurants. "Honest Al" then states that he don't know about Si Green's on Market Street as he "never could afford to eat there." This is one part of the article that puzzles me as Si Green's Cafeteria is noted for reasonable prices. In this cafe­ teria you can still buy a sand­ wich for ten cents and I believe the highest you can pay for a meal is seventy-five cents. The Si Green cafeteria is the resturant that honors our meal books here in Phiily and I am sure that many Seafarers will testi­ fy that his prices are reason­ able. Is Brother Whitmer a roving "cookery columnist" for the LOG or is this title self-styled? X Joseph Decinque (Ed. Note: Unless stated spe­ cifically the only official repre­ sentatives of the LOG are those persons whose names are on page 2.) _ > 4> 4 4> Thanks For Aid In Son's Death To the Editor: I want to thank the SIU wel­ fare representatives for the kindness shown on the death of my son, Harvey H. Brown, who passed away in Oakland, Calif., on May 31. First, my sincere thanks to Marty Brcithoff for making all arrangements on the West Coast for having Harvey's body sent back to Tampa. Thanks also to SIU officials here in Tampa for the beauti­ ful floral offering sent to the funeral, and for their assistance in making things easier for us. At a time when death strikes In a family any help that people can give is most sorely needed and is most gratefully appre­ ciated. I know Harvey would be pleased to know that the Union about which he felt so strongly was on hand to help him and his family even at the last. I would also like to mention the Waterman Steamship Corp. for keeping us posted all during Harvey's illness in Korea and Japan. They showed him every possible courtesy. Mrs. Edith G. Brown �. -V-.. JOB* t*, 1955 SEAFARERS Union Air The Way - Robert 'Red' Fmk 'Thieves' Market' * Lives Up To Name LOG-A-RHYTHM: I /liWT UoTHlN^ atJT fit// QIU c»mMcr^_By Lament /yisLs Mrs. Bjorn Granberg I've heard about sailors. The glory of the sea, Now it is right That you listen to me. Nothing is saicY Of the wives left behind. Who have worried about them Since beginning of^ time. One day they're happy. So carefree and gay, The next, he is gone Despair then holds sway. They watch their men go With a smile on their face But the ache in their heart No one can erase. Each night, a long vigil For the one gone away. Hoping and praying He'll return from the bay Seafarer Robert "Red" Fink strikes Ms own blow (above) against MSTS. He was discharged from Army this month. Quitting Ship? Notify Union A reminder from SIU headquarters cautions all Seafarers leaving their ships to contact the hall in ample time to allow the Union to dispatch a replacement. Fail­ ure to give notice before paying off may cause a de­ layed sailing, force the ship to sail short of the manning requirements and needlessly make the work tougher for your shipmates. Pace Thirteen LOG Yes, men go to sea Loving wives stay behind It has always been so . Since beginning of time. Although the postwar years have introduced a whole new scheme of "merchandising" in the far corners of the world— providing Coca-Cola signs, "The New York Times" and "Kilroy was here" mementoes in-*the most unlikely places—the or four times what you would have Orient still has Western civili­ to pay at the 'Thieves' Market'." zation beat in a lot of particulars. Typical of these, according to Seafarer Pat Conley, aboard the SS John C. (Atlantic Carriers), is in the way it handles its "advertis­ ing." You just know wheri you hear about a "Thieves' Market" that it will be all the name implies. As Conley points out, "Whether the several hundred vendors who swarmed about the place (at Inchon, Korea) were thieves or not, I shall never know." But a later check did show that my lighter and pen and pencil set were miss­ ing . . ." Wanted Watch The way it all started, Conley happened to remark to a shipmate that he'd like to get an Omega wrist-watch. "Don't go to any of the regular merchants," the friend advised. "They'll charge you three Persian Gulf Run Features Pizza Pizza pie, that Italian-style Stateside pastry delicacy which is a favorite North, South, East or West, is making coffeetime an especially popular event aboard the tanker Orion Star (Oil Carriers) these days. Although Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, is a long haul from for the dish, but nobody cares much spokesman. New York, Philadelphia, New as long as he keeps the pizza com­ "His chow Is exceeded only by Orleans or San Francisco, where pizza is a particular favorite, the capable ministrations of Seafarer Pasquale Miani, chief cook on the Orion Star, have brought home and home cookery a bit closer to the gang of Seafarers aboard the ship out in the Persian Gulf. Miani isn't giving away his recipe ing. And, accoi'ding to the SIU delegates on the ship, "nothing is too much trouble for Pasquale if it will keep the brothera happy. To him goes much of the credit for the fine food put out aboard this vessel," declares the report from Samuel Vincius, ship's dele­ gate, and L. R. Frazier, black gang his good nature and personality," they add. Brother Miani is ably assisted, they also point out, by Herb Knowles, baker, who puts out some Directory OS SIU Branches SIU, A&G District B.'VLTIMOB E 1216 E. Baltimore St. Earl Shcppard, Agent EAstern 7-4900 BOSTON . 276 State St. James Sbeeban. Agent Richmond 2-0140 HOUSTON 4202 Canal St. C. TannehiU. Acting Agent Preston 6558 L.4KE CHARLES, La 1419 Ryan St. Leroy Clarke. Agent HEmlocfc 6-5744 MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Cal Tanner, Agent HEmlock 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS S23 Bienville St. Lindsey Williams. Agent MagnoUa 6112-6113 NEW VORK 67S 4tb Ave'.. Brooklyn HYaclnth 9-6600 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. Ben Rees. Agent MAdison 2-9834 PHa.ADELPHlA 337 Market St. S. CarduUo. Agent Market 7-1635 SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St. Douglas 2-5475 Marty Breitboff. West Coast Representative PUERTA de TIERRA, PR. Felayo 31—La P Ba) CoUs. Agent Phone 2-5996 S.4VANNAH 3 Abercorn St A. 5Ucbeiet. Agent Pbone 3-1728 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. Jeff GUiette. Agent EUiott 4334 TAMPA ISOMBll N. Franklin St. Tom Banning. Agent Phone 2-1323 WILMINGTON. Calil 805 Marine Ave. Ernest Ttliey, AgcUt Terminal 4-2874 HEADQUARTERS....675 4th Ave., Bklyn. SECRETARY-TREASURER . Paul HaU ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS J. Aigina. Deck C. Simmons. Joint J. Volpian. Eng. W. Hall. Joint E. Mooney. Std. R. Matthews. Joint SUP HONOLULU FORT WILL1AM....118>A Syndicate Ave. Ontario Phone: 3-3221 PORT COLBORNB 103 Durham St. Ontario Phone: 5591 TORONTO. Ontario 272 King St. E. EMpire 4-5719 VICrrORlA, BC 617t4 Cormorant St. Empire 4531 VANCOUVER. BC 298 Main St. Pacific 7824 SYDNEY. NS 304 Charlotte St. Phone 6346 BAGOTVILLE. Quebec 20 Elgin St. Phone; 545 THOROLD. Ontario 82 St. Davids St. CAnal 7-3202 QUEBEC 113 Cote De La Montague Quebec Pbone; 2-7078 SAINT JOHN 177 Prince William St. NB Phone: 2-8232 18 Merchant St. Phone 5-8777 PORTLAND 822 N. W. Everett St. Beacon 4336 RICHMOND. CALIF 257 5th St Phone 2599 SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St. Dooglae 2-8363 Great SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. Main 0290 ALPENA WILMINGTON 805 Marine Ave. Terminal 4-3131 BUFFALO. NY NEW YORK 675 4th Ave.. Brooklyn HYacinth 9-6600 CLEVELAND Canadian District MONTREAL HALIFAX. Burly 634 St. James St. West PLateau 8161 HoUls St. Pbone: 3-8911 Lakes District 133 W. Fletcher Phone: 1238W 180 Main St. Pbone: Main 1-0147 734 Lakeside Ave.. NE Pbone: Cleveland 7391 DETROIT 1038 3rd St. Headquarters Phone: Woodward 1-6857 DtHiUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Phone: Melrose 2-4110 SOUTH CHICAGO 3261 E. 92nd St. Phone: Essex 5-2416 Seafarer Pasquale Miani whips up a pizza pie on the Orion Star. very professional pastry, and Clarence Lund, 3rd cook, who helps keep things running in an efficient and quiet manner. "Everyone aboard here talks of diets, but no one can do anything about them. Even if this ship comes back empty we'll be riding low in the water," they conclude. Package From Home Not stopping to question the values implied in this sense of thought, Conley and friend took off for the place via pedi-eab. "It was in a narrow lane in the native section," he recalls. "At. least a dozen 'merchants' saw us coming. They swarmed out to meet us... We were all but carried into the gloomy interior... "T h e stench- Jwas almost over­ powering ... It Conley was also very Kot. The period was the time. the Koreans call 'the Tiger Heat' . . . "By the time we were well inside, our escort had doubled or tripled. The melange of goods we could see on the innumerable stalls seemed to range from clumsy brass objects like ash-trays and tawdry lamps to great miles of brilliant brocades . . . jewelry . . . GI cloth­ ing ... The proprietors of these did not join in the mob which surrounded us but stood at their little stalls as if on guard . . . "The din was mighty, but over it I managed to shout at one of these sellers that I sought an Omega watch," Conley continued. "This one must have had henchmen in our escort because, before we knew it, a sort of posse had disengaged us from the Cfowd and we were forcibly injected into a tiny cubicie in which the two of us plus the proprietor could barely find room to stand. "Despite the confusion, the seller, who knew a few words of English, was suave and cajoling with a special kind of deference ... He managed to make it clear that If he were paid In American green­ backs (which are forbidden in our possession), prices would be sharp­ ly reduced. Commies Anxious "This was quite natural because, at that moment the Communists were paying around 900 wan to the American dollar. But after much discussion and an exchange of traveler's checks, I bought my watch. "Still, getting out was almost as much of an adventure as getting in. One old man with a long thin mustache and chin - whiskers grabbed me into his stall to tell me that his colleague had cheated me. The watch he showed me m3y or may not have been better, but it certainly was cheaper . . . His attitude was more sorrowful than angry . . . Whether it was a tiTie 'thieves' marke/t' or not I'll never know. Meanwhile, the watch is still going." BM Bernard Seaman ASMUA^^.<SO&HMDAi M))6rA SSNTM/ •^fiCrjUBR M-m'S HFfik'SlMr CAKBMVMPM NJ c/ycsl lliiips \ , WHAT fH- '?! ^ „ fH£RS'S A ^AW FLAOg, IN WIS CAK£' t- V v.. .V ;• • * . . :-A^| •^I •- "-'•'•J �SEAPAJRE RS Pasre Fourteen Cabbie + Tew Drinks' —Seafarer Loses Payoff LOG Good Fishing A rare bird these days is the Seafarer whose payoff is sep­ arated from him at the first ginmill he hits after picking up his dough. However, such was the unfortunate case of one Seafarer recently. The brother involved fell"*" victim to one unscrupulous cabdriver. Since then, his experience has tended to sour him on the whole profession, although it's the one had-apple-in-a-thousand among cabbies who's really at• fault. Basically the cabbie had an easy mark if he was on the lookout for some easy cash and he took full advantage of it. He merely took the Seafarer and his bundle away from the dock, and dropped his non-negotiable passenger along the way. The recital runs this way: "After paying off the Robin —, I picked up a cab by pier three in Erie Basin and told him where to take me. On the way, I told the driver to stop. 'Let's have a little drink together,' I said. "After we had several drinks, I was ready to go again. But the first thing that happened when we came out of • the gin mill, the cabbie ran his hand down into my pocket, ran to his cab and was gone like the wind before I could catch up with him. He cleaned me out, change and all, and I wound up broke, with a long walk ahead of me. "It was a tough break being rolled for my payoff, after being beached for 18 months due * to illness. I also should mention .that I fouled up before and at the payoff and wound up paying the consequences." The Seafarer in question, whose ; V / The deaths of the following Sea­ farers have been reported to the Seafarers Welfare Plan and the $2,500 death benefits are being paid to their beneficiaries: Albert Hasselbrock, 48: Brother Hasselbrock died of natural causes at the USPHS hospital in Staten Island on May 16, 1955. Burial took place at Rosehill Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. Hasselbrock had been sailing in the deck department since 1953; he entered the Union in Lake Charles. His beneficiary is Norman B. Hadden of Lake Charles, La. it Iv'rr/ •9Yt 4" 4" Mikels Penton, 19: Injuries from an automobile ac­ cident on High­ way No. 7, Luraberton, Miss., caused Brother Penton's death on April 7, 1955. Burial took place in Hickory Creek Cemetery, St. Tamany Parish, La. Brother Penton had been a member of the SIU only a short time. He joined in New Orleans and sailed as a wiper in the engine department. He is survived by his father, Ellis Penton of Pearl River, La. name is being withheld, does point out, however, that it's a good idea to notice the cah driver's name when entering any cah, at the payoff or at any other time. In that way, if something happens, he adds, you can possibly get the guy later, Too Late The only trouble with this line of thinking is that by then it's too late. By that stage of the game the victim is generally too far gone to read the little numbers on the driver's registration — or anything else for that matter. The idea is not to get looped in the first place. "After paying off, then you can go ahead with your drinking if you care to," our man adds. It's another lesson learned the hard way. ALCOA CLIPPER (Alcoa), May 2»— Chairman, H. Patterson; Secretary, (S. Seafarer Dick Sullivan, wiper, displays the 4-foot, 25-p o u n d barracuda he caught from the Del Rio in Port Gentil, West Africa. NOTICES 4 4 4 4 4 George Phillip Hatcher, born May 14, 1955. Parents, Mr. and > June 24, 1955 adhere to same. Ship's fund is ifow $22.79. McKlnsey missed ship in Baitimore but met it in MobUe. This time engine delegate had a replacement for same. Communications from head­ quarters accepted. Water cooler in bad shape. Discussion was held about men who report late to ship on saUing day, and caused crew to lose over­ time. ^ ALCOA PARTNER (Alcoa), June 2 —Chairman, C. Crabtree; Secretary, F. Vortkamp. Except for medicine cab­ inets in crews quarters, all repairs completed. Enrollment cards distrib­ uted to aU brothers to complete and return to ship's chairman. A vote of thanks regarding the new SIU Wel­ fare Plan benefits. Crewmembers are cooperating with steward regarding linen. Headquarters report to be posted in messhall. All communica­ tions accepted and carried unani­ mously. Ship's chairman elected Brother T. D. York. Steward said he would take care of giving the crew more,of a variety for night lunch. IBERVILLE (Pan Atlantic), June 4— Chairman, F. Miller; Secretary, T. Taylor. Communications from head­ quarters read and a motion made to accept and concur. Everything run­ ning weil aboard this vessel. All of the following SIU families Mrs. George Hatcher, Chinquapin, will collect the $200 maternity NC. 4 4 4 benefit plus a $25 bond from'the John David Nordstrom, born May Union in the baby's name: 25, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marie Theresa Calvo, born May Johan Nordstrom, Mobile, Ala. . 16, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. 4 4 4 Shannon Ann Osborne, born May Miguel Calvo Llovet, New York, 23, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. NY. James Osborne, Norfolk, Va. 4> 4 41 4 4 4 Fiore Caputo, born May 24, 1955. Guillermo Lopez, born May 28, Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Caputo, Brooklyn, NY. Reinaldo Lopez Montes, Brooklyn, 4 4 4* Robert Clyde Larkin, born May NY. 4 4 4 12, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Valencia Ann Allen, born April Lester N. Larkin, Woburn, Mass. 18, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. 4 4 4 Joann Tsaousakis, born April 12, James C. Allen, New Orleans, La. 4 4 4 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nich­ Maria Irma Garcia, born April olas Tsaousakis, Baltimore, Md. 22, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. 4 4 4 Vicente Garcia, Hitchcock, Texas. Irene Velinda Perez, born April 4 4 4' 14, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ezabra Ann Tipton, born April Idelfonso N^ Perez, Baltimore, Md. 6, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. 4 4 4 Roberto Hannibal, Jr., born May George Tipton, Erwin, Tenn. 4 4 4 9, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Lee Williams, born March Roberto Hannibal, New York, NY. 2, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. 4 4 4 George M. Williams, Brooklyn, Md. Carmine Pinilla, born May 25, 4 4 4 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Giovanni Varg s uiz, born May Pinilla, Bronx, NY. 19, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. 4 4 4 Jean Ellen Eckerl, born May 3, Giovanni Vargas, New York, NY. 4 4 4 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ray­ David Lee Willis, born April 30, mond Eckerl, New York, NY. 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Perley 4 4 4 Rosemary Munster, born May D. Willis, Norfolk, Va. 4 4 4 13, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dorothy Julia Richardson, born Martin Munster, Wickliffe, Ky. May 5, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. 4 4 4 W. Richardson, Phila­ Jenney Angelica White, born "Thomas delphia, Pa. June 1, 1955. Parents, Mr, and Mrs. Darrell Wayne White, Port Arthur, Texas. 4 4 4 Walter Mark Edmunds, born April 25, 1955. Parents, Mr. and The following men's vaccination Mrs. Walter Edmunds, East Boston, cards left aboard the Lawrence Mass. Victory are being held in the SEA­ 4 4 4 FARERS LOG office at SIU head­ William Velazquez III, born May quarters: Giovani Altonare, R. 29, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andy, N. Brancato, F. Cornier, E. William Velazquez, Brooklyn, NY. Lane, Bert Tomlin. 4 4 4 4 4 4 Daryl David Granger, born May The following men are urged to 21, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. file a new enrollment card for SIU Caney L. Granger, Mamou, La. family welfare benefits as they are 4 4 4 Robert Blackwell Ward Jr., born not now on the enrollment list. December 28, 1954. Parents, Mr. They failed to sign their enroll­ and Mrs. Robert Ward, Jane Lew, ment cards: Edward James Bender, Benny W. BrinWest Va. son, Joseph Colon Garcia, Rudolph M. 4 OCBAN ULLA (Marltim* OvarMai), May 32—Chairman, H. Skalagaardi Saeratary, D. Piccaralll. Captain re­ fuses to stock up sea chest even though it is in very bad condition. Beef over deck gang turning to an the stores. Ship's delegate will see patrolman about this and get it squared away. Crew must give captain 24 hours notice if they want to pay­ off. Vote .of thanks given to steward department for good chow and serv­ ice. TRANSATLANTIC (Pacific Waterways), June 2—Chairman, A. H. Anderson/sSecretary, R. Morales. Motion carried io accept and concur In communicanons. Everything running good aboard this vessel. No beets. 0 Karl Louis Diering, born May 7, 1955. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Diering, Stratford, NJ. i f-. Guthrie, Francisco Infante, Gerald L. Kersey, James J. Labenz, William G. Linker, James Foster Mapp, Jan S. Kozerski, G. Meiford, George Meshover, Gregorio Mirabueno, John James Quinn, Nemesio Quinenes, Daniel William Rose, Ralph Sapia, Frank W. Schmiedel, Greer C. Stevens, Paul Andrew Switch, Fred Herman Thompson. William Vidal, S. Zygarowski. (. Annli. Motion made and carried to accept all headquarters communica­ tions. Balance of ship's fund $91.6S. Ship's treasurer elected. It was sug­ gested not to get any movies this trip and to allow 2nd steward to run the messhall his way. DB SOTO (Pan Atlantic), June 5— Chairman, A. Cherney; Secretary, C. Copper. Time off has been- working out and the way it looks all depart­ ments will have a day off in the home port. Crewmember missed ship in Baltimore and was referred, for Union action. Ship's secretary - reporter elected'. Wishes for a speedy recover.v to Hugh Randall who was taken off this ship in Miami. He entered VA hospital in Coral Gables, Fla. Elected new ship's treasurer. All headquarters communications accepted unani­ mously. Crew complimented Union for progress with additional Welfare ben­ efits. A donation was requested from all brothers for Hugh Randall's wife. FRANCES (Bull), May 22—Chairman, R. Wilt; Secretary, E. C'Rourke. Ship's deiegate extended a vote of thanks to the neguliating committee. Carpenter is building an awning back aft for comfort of brothers who care to sleep there in hot weather. Beef in engine department about overtime. Wipers to see engine delegate about disinfectant and brown soap. Head­ quarters communication on welfare accepted. Discussions held on wipers working on tank tops on week ends and appearance during meal hours. Vote of thanks to carpenter for work on behalf of crew. Vote of thanks to steward department for good work. A discussion was held on accident reports. Crew to see SIU welfare rep­ resentative before signing anything. June (—Chairman, R. Wilt; Secre­ tary, E. O'Rourke. Beef on delayed sailing will be referred to ptarolman. Balance of ship's fund $12.50. Com­ munications accepted and concurred. Carried unanimously. Steward de­ partment rooms need painting. To be put on repair list along with request for painting deck department's shower. MARYMAR (Calmar), June 1—Chairman, A. Reasko; Secretary,.L. Frailer. Sailors' foc'cle will be painted. Ship's treasury $25.28. Communications ac­ cepted and concurred. Discussion was held on engineer doing wiper's work. Matter will be taken up at payoff. June 7—Chairman, A. Reasko; Sec­ retary, J. Markham. Discussion on new benefits in welfare plan. Captain ordered two oilers before he needed them and therefore will pay two men two day's pay. Overtime will be checked at Baltimore payoff, along with explanation of shoring up cargo. Company claims safety of vessel. MASSMAR (Calmar), June 4—Chair­ man, A. Novak; Secretary, M. Wllley. Food is very poor on this ship. This condition to be reported to boarding patrolman in all ports. Headquarters communications accepted and con­ curred in. Carried unanimously. Mo­ tion made and carried that 10 days' supplementary supply of food be put aboard on arrival on east coast, in addition to regular stores. Fire alarm In crews quarters out of order, and many other things to be put on re­ pair list. STEEL DIRECTOR (Isthmian), June 7—Chairman, A. Beyer; Secretary, W. La Nasa. Motion made and carried to accept and concur all headquarters communications. Everything running smoothly. WINTER HILL (Cities Service), June S—Chairman, E. SwiontkowskI; Secre­ tary, J. McCain. One man missed ship in Lake Charles. Engine delegate re­ quests that men turn to on overtime when they are asked to. Elected ship's treasurer. This ship has an excellent crew and there are no beefs. Motion made to accept and concur in headquarters communica­ tions 100 perceiil. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good work. YAKA (Waterman), June 4—Chair­ man, W. McCulstlon; Secretary, J. Craft. Repair list to be given to board­ ing patrolman in Long Beach. Water cooler is to be replaced if not re­ paired. It was brought to the crews attention that men do not board vessel until one hour before sailing time and captain has noticed this. Over­ time m-ii' be lajt because of it and this does not agree with Union ruling. Therefore crew was asked to NEVA WEST (Bloomfleld), May 22 —Chairman, J. Cribble; Secretary, J. Rellly. A discussion with the patrol­ man in the next American port will be held regarding trouble with the captain about draws. Minor repairs completed. Resolutions have been posted and accepted 100 percent. One brother in the deck department missed ship in Germany. It was suggested that ship's delegate see the chief engi­ neer about regulating water in the showers. More care must be taken while using washing machine. ROBIN HOOD (Seas Shipping), June <—Chairman, W. Grant; Secretary, W. Custavson. The skipper was told by the previous crew aiid now by this crew that he is log happy, and we don't like sailing with him on a long voyage. Headquarters communications accepted and concurred. Motion was made that the crew not sign-on with this captain. Carried unanimously. STEEL ADVOCATE (Isthmian), May 25—Chairman, J. DeLeonardo; Secre­ tary, L. Larkin. Two men were in­ jured and taken care of. They re­ mained aboard ship but off articles. Cuenca Benito, the 2nd cook and baker is ..missing. Motion made and carried to keep washing machine clean. Captain said if men cannot straighten out he will try to make them straighten out according to law. Crew agrees to cooperate with messmen. Reoair pet will be nosted and each crewmember may offer sugges­ tion for same. STEEL AGE (Isthmian), May 29— Chairman, V. Suska; Secretary, -C. Tobias. Penalty cargo ruled by pa­ trolman as no good. Man who missed ship would like his gear to be sent to New York from Alexandria or Port Said. Balance of ship's fund is $21.17. Recent communications read, ac­ cepted. and concurred. Carried unani­ mously. Ship's committee is to meet and draft a letter to SIU concerning the shoregang workers. Warning to all crewmembers that laundry must be individual's responsibility and kept clean. Secretary-reporter elected. STEEL DIRECTOR (Isthmian), June <—Chairman, T. Waleckl; Secretary, C. Stach. All headquarters communic.itioiis accepted and concurred. Carried unanimously. Things running smoothly. YOUNG AMERICA (Waterman), May 28—Chairman, G. Hlldreth; Secretary, Edelmon. Outside of disputed over­ time in deck and engine departments everything is okay. Crew requests company to put' a water pump • in washing machine. Captain refuses to aliow steward department to sougie their rooms after telling Seattle Union agent it will be allowed. SANTORE (Ore), May 23—Chairman, R. Harp; Secretary, G. Prota. Results of meeting of May 16 relative to steward will be taken up with port agent upon arrival In Baltimore. Dis­ puted overtime will also be taken up in Baltimore with boarding patrolman. Brother mi.s.Sed ship in Baltimore, his gear was checked and packed. A marked improvement in menu since last meeting. Communications ac­ cepted end concurred in. Carried. Crewmembers were asked to stop tlirowing cigarettes and apple cores in passageways. Suggested thai de­ partment delegates take up a draw list. SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Seatrain), June 3—Chairman, C. Hyde; Secre•tary, S. Johnson. All headouarters communications accepted and con­ curred. Carried unanimously. Things running smooth. No beefs. STEEL FLYER (Isthmian), May 22— Chairman, C. Bush; Secretary, S. Niel­ sen. Ship's fund $75.16. Crew was requested to turn over ship's dele­ gates mail to him. Motion made and carried that all communications from headquarters be accepted. Ship's delegate, secretar.v and treasurer elected. Old TV set Is to be raffled offi to help defray expenses of new set. Engine delegate and bosun both reported on poor food aboard. Stew­ ard reported that grade of meat is poor this trip and the patrolman should check with the port steward about it. Crewmembers complain about roach situation and they will show report to patrolman. ROBIN TUXFORD (Seas Shipping), June 1"—Ch3lrm*>n. J. Olsen; f-erre-tary, J. Anger. Motion made and secoiiUed to accept and concur in head­ quarters report. Carried. Everything running smooth. �rr- > Pare.-: Fifteen SEAFARERS VOG inne 24, 195S Now Hospitals Need The Help To the Editor: In. the recovery room at the USPHS hospital on Staten .Island many a stiff fight is fought by the staff to save the life of an American seaman. Now another hard fight must be fought, but this time it will be to save the life of this great hospital and the jobs of that staff. Somehow we feel that the American seaman will go all-out Letters to the Editor benefit had been in force three months earlier I would have had* a real load removed fr9m my mind. " Wife HI Mrs. Hancock has been a semi-invalid for several years and our savings have not been great due to medicine and doc­ tor's bills. On March 26 she fell and broke her back. X-rays showed what the doctors said was a "concussion of the No. 1 and No. 2 lumbar vertebra." A brace was made at a cost of $85 and this, added to hospital, doc­ tor and all other necessary ex­ penses totalled over $250, so the Welfare Plan's protection to my wife would have helped a great deal at the time. This new family insurance gives a man a certain peace of mind because he knows his fam-' ily will receive the care it needs when it needs it most. " This means a great deal to those of us with families. It is better than a wage increase and more liberal than Blue Cross or Blue Shield. "" When I joined the SlU in 1941, I never expected );o see any maritime union gain the benefits which have come to pass in our Union since that time. I believe it is all due to the ability and foresight of our leaders plus the sincerity of our membership. Elmer A. Hancock i" 3^ 4". Lake Charles Hopes For Cement Trade Ocean Uila is A Good Feeder To the Editor: Things are straightening out little by little aboard the SS Ocean Ulla (Maritime Over­ seas), probably because we have been lucky to'get a gang of ex­ ceptionally good seamen on here. It's only too bad the offi­ cers don't appreciate them. As ship's delegate, I'd like to give a fote of thanks to our bosun, Hans Skalagaard, who painted a picture of the ship and left it to the crew to raffle off for a ship's fund when we reach New York. Incidentally, he is one of the best bosuns I ever sailed with. No Hungry Bellies A vote of thanks to our stew­ ard, Danny Piccereili, who is one of the best when it comes to feeding. There is definitely not a hungry belly on this ship. More stewards ought to be like him. He puts up a wonderful menu, with no set rules. In that way, when you go to the messhall there's something different all the time. Our chief cook, Leslie P. Shattuck is also a cracker jack, and shows the qualities that will make him a fine Union brother. He goes out of his way to do a superb Job in the gal­ ley, such as getting up earlier than is customary to'get out the good food we have been eating. Anytime you walk into the gal­ ley and ask" for a sandwich or something to eat he'll always do it willingly. So, from the crew of the Ocean Ulla, a vote of thanks for a good feeding ship. D. Giangiordano LAKE CHARLES—Hopeful that the announced plans of a new cement company here may eventually provide some ac­ tivity in the port for SlU-manned cement carriers, Seafarers will he watching a proposed riverfront plant building pro­ making slow headway. Some points gram here with considerable have already been cleared up, but the matter of new wages and im­ interest. The fledgling concern is already provements in certain working con­ starting to acquire ground for the ditions is still hanging fire. Proposals for new wage scales, construction of a building fronting of course, are still the major item right on the river. The work it­ self is actually expected to get un­ under dispute, but the council is determined to see the issue derway within a few weeks. through a finish. It has the Although shipping in the port backing oftolocal labor groups right has been holding up pretty well during the past few weeks, no one down the line. is raising an outcry against the possibility that ships in the cement trade might one day make Lake Charles a regular port of call. The additional activity is always welcome. Only In-Transits This is especially true since the port's registration list holds more than enough hien to easily handle all the jobs expected in the port during coming weeks. Nothing other than the usual rui* of intransits is due here in the coming period. On the labor front, the Lake Charles AFL Metal Trades Coun­ cil is still closeted in contract talks with the Firestone Rubber Co., as progress in the negotiations is to save these wonderful hosr pitals. Instead of thinking of closing the USPHS hospitals, the ..Gov­ ernment should really start a program to expand this agency. The USPHS fiospitals have the best trained and supervised per­ sonnel, who work hard and take pride in their jobs. In a civilian hospital, just the opposite ap­ plies. Typical of many letters we get from people who have passed through here is this one from a seaman living on Staten Island, who wrote to our direc­ tor, Dr. Kenneth R. Nelson, Last year: To tbe Editor: "I was^a patient at the hos­ The membership of our Un­ pital in 1953 and most of the ion has been growing more time I was on the critical list. cosmopolitan by the year. Our It is quite doubtful that I could best prospects for keeping and have pulled through had it not creating more jobs for all of us been for the wonderful doctors, depends largely on the contin­ nurses and attendants and their ued prosperity of the^ nation as unfailing interest in my wel- a whole. 3> t 3> ware. Without- a single excep­ There need never be a fear of tion, nothing was left undone depression in the United States to help me. as Jong as money is kept in "In a matter of "this kind, circulation. With color televi­ To the Editor: words are inadequate to ex­ sion coming along, billions of We have been out on the press my profound gratitude. 1 dollars wiir pass hands in the only wish that more people • television industry alone, in the Persian Gulf to Japan shuttle for a little over seven months could go and see this fine hos­ next ten years. pital in action, how clean and When a large group plans a and in that time I have had beautiful it is and the great convention. New York usually the pleasure of sailing with one contribution it is. making to the lands it. Why? Because the big of the best engine department wplfare of our nation." Broadway shows, the opera and crews that I have ever sailed^ ' with. The above is one of many let­ the best boxing are here. At all times they have been ters sent in gratitude for the Shipping unloads to its grejftgood care rendered at Staten est market here in New York. willing to do the work which Island. Last year each employee We're doing pretty well, with we have set up for them to do. was given a mimeographed copy all our beefs. We're far ahead When I came on the Jules­ of this one as a sort of morale of any nation I've heard of so burg (Mathiasen) as chief en­ booster and I thought it was so far when it comes to better liv­ gineer, I started an intensive wonderful I have kept my copy ing and money to enjoy it. clean-up campaign at the re­ ever since. Henry L. Franklin quest of our director of main­ I somehow seem to think that tenance and repair. The engine > ' 4" . 4" the AMA is behind the whole room really needed it, as I well deal to shut down the USPHS knew, as I had been first assist-' program. I hope the unions will ant on here for three years and stay with this fight to save these had always held back due to To the Editor: great institutions. "economy reasons." Sincere congratulations on An Employee Solid Crew your very competent job in USPHS Hospital We left Baltimore October 29, handling and printing the de­ Staten Island, NY tailed information arid ekplana- 1954, and to this date we have 4" 3^ tion of bur new welfare bene­ lost only one of the original gang, a wiper who got off on the fits. I sure hope you do just that West Coast for personal reasons. The men listed below are once or twice a year in order to To the Editor: provide a clear and general un­ those who made the trip with I dare say that almost daily- derstanding of such valuable in­ us: Herb Berner, pumpman; Mike Lubas, 2nd pumpman, en­ " you receive letters from the formation among all of us. It is a very good stimulant to gine man maintenance; Bill membership expressing their approval of the increased bene­ know and be reminded how Talley, Ken Lewis, A1 Karr, fits under our SIU Welfare well protected we are under oilers; Joe Decique, "Jiggs" Plan. Well, this Is no different. our strong organization, which Jeffers, Dick Whatley, FWTs; The-$21 weekly benefit will spares nothing to give us the wipers Angelo "Jack" Tambest value out of every dollar bascie, who left the ship at £1 mean more help to those of us who are hospitalized, nod the that goes into our SIU Welfare Segur do, Calif., and Frank Ayer who joined the vessel at that $15 increase in the disability Plan. Let me take this same oppor­ port. benefit will bring aijded secur­ ity and comfort to those who tunity to express my ardent Personally, I would sail with are (fisabled, but in my opinion 'wishes fot the best of health these men at any time they pre­ the benefits which have been and good luck to all our Union sent themselves aboard any established to cover our wives officials who are always prompt SlU-contracted vessel I am sail­ and families mean as much as to work in that direction on our ing on; Paul . A. Johnson behalL any of the others. Chief engineer Luis A. Ramirez 1 know that if the family Hails New York And Prosperity Joseph C. Clevenger Please get in touch with your father as soon as possible. 4- 4) Julesburg Black Gang Rated Tops 4i 4" 4' Wallace E. Mason Need your help immediately. Wire or cable General Delivery, Quincy, Mass. Dad. 4- 4" 3^ Vincent L. Meehan Get iri touch as soon as possible with H. Parness, 92 Liberty St., New York, NY. 4' 4» 3^ Raymond E. Davis Please contact your home. Your lost papers were sent here. Clar­ ence. Hails LOG Job On Welfare Plan 4' 4» 4 Ray Parker I would like to hear from you. Arthur A. Butler, 5963 Belneath St., Houston 21. Texas. BALTIMORE—Newest ten­ ant to take up quarters in the still-brand-nevy SIU building in this port, the SlU-affiliated M.irine Firemen, Oilers and Watertenders Union is now occupying offices at the haU along with build­ ing "oldtimers" such as the MM&P, BME and Baltimore Fed­ eration of Labor. Baltimore agent Sheppard and all the Seafarers in Baltimore extend a hearty wel­ come to their West Coast brothers. Opened In November First opened for business last November, the modern, four-story building provides office space for a number of other union tenants, in addition to all facilities for SIU branch operations. The building boasts a cafeteria, bar, Sea Chest store" and barber shop as well as regular port offices. Up until now, the MFOW has oc­ cupied its own quarters elsewhere on the waterfront. The action of the SIU West Coast affiliate, in moving its port operations into the Seafarers hall, is expected to effect a much smoother working relationship between the SIU and the Firemen. Registration and dispatching will be handled out of the spacious Seafarers hiring hall on the second floor of the building. Step Up Organizing In other action in the port, a corps of Seafarers and SIU port officials are laying the ground­ work for a stepped-up organizing campaign in several areas, with the aim of securing more jobs under SIU contract. The unpublicized drive is gaining results and a fa­ vorable response already in some shipping quarters. No details are yet forthcoming. CITY ...................ZONE .STATE Signed TO AVOID DUPLICATIONt If you aro an old (ubtcribar and hava a change of address, please give your former address below: ADDRESS a»e«*aateaeeeaeM ..ZONE ..STATE £ 'b,-. . • V f STREET ADDRESS -v- - A| NAME Bulks' — •*-. - - 1 would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG—please put my name on your mailing list. (Print Information) CITY - - '-/oil Edifor, SEAFARERS LOG, . 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn 32. NY Benefits insure Peace Of Mind — 4' E. B. Lowe Contact your wife c/o Restau­ rant, 700 Lynrood Blvd., Colum­ bus,- Ga. 3^ 4. 4i Robert W. Ariel Please write soon. Howard Ross, SS Yorkmar, c/o Calmar SS Corp., 25 Broadway, New York, NY. MFOW At BaHo SIU Hall Now -M-•1 . / 1• 1 -m �SEAFARERS • OFFICIAL ORGAN, OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • LOG ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL • Genevieve Kay, wife of Seafarer Leonard Kay; children, Elsie, 2; Keith, It "Sickness always calls for money .and seems to come when least expected. When someone has to go to a hospital it is a financial hardship on the family. The new plan certainly gives us a feeling of safety; though, of course, we hope we never have to use it." • Anne Purdy, wife of Seafarer Wilbur Purdy, and children Patricia, 5; Geraldine, 8; Rob­ ert, 5; "It was wonderful news to learn about the new benefit. I pray we will never need it, but at the same time it certainly gives me a feeling of comfort to know that help is there ready for us if we ever have to call for it. It is particularly important when my husband is away from home, out at sea. I know now that in any serious emergency we will have something to fall back on, regardless of the circumstances at the time, because we can count on the Union for aid." A new system of hospital and surgical benefits for Sea­ farers' dependents was won. for the SlU membership last month. In New Orleans, the LOG'S photographer went into ^ ; iif iiif •L-,. i!-X.;, • the homes of Seafarers to seek SEkFMER l> the reactions of those most af­ fected by the new benefits— the wives who are charged with the responsibility of caring for the health and welfare of their children while their menfolk Bella Bucano, wife of Seafarer Ernest Bucano; daughter, Alicia, 2: "The new Wel­ fare Plan looks wonderful to us. It is some­ thing We have needed for a long time and It's good to get it. We never know what will happen when our husbands are away at sea and the system set up under the Sea­ farers plan helps relieve our worries be­ cause we know.we wil| be taken care of no matter what takes place." are away at sea. "What do you think of the new SlU hos­ pital and surgical benefits for Seafarers' wives and children?" (Question Asked In New Orleans.) dk- _ .. m.: : te- '• hll?. • Uw •^ I - r; '.>> • •' I. . A. K'C" I&«;#•• ; J&• m i :iv'-n't ' tm-." I ifeV----'-' If I • -r:... . Maria La Nasa, wife of Seafarer Wallace La Nasa; children (seated, left-right) Edward, 9; Monita, 5; Wayne, 3; Myra, 6; (standing) Wallace Jr., 16; Jack, 14; CTouglas, I2;"i_ know froni personal experience what it means to a family when one of the children be­ comes seriously ill. Last year, Douglas had to go to the hospital on short notice for a ma­ jor operation and he has had to go back fo the doctor every now and then. Coverage such as we have now certainly would have f>een a big help to us. The, kind of health insurance that we could buy privately would be just too expensive for a family as large as purs. As far as i can tell, it wiMdn't give us nearly as much protection." • J!A- ' ,•> ' 'V . I - Naomi Bailey, wife of Seafarer Sam Bailey; children, Diane, 9; Michael, 111 "This is one of the finest benefits the Welfare Plan could have given us. It will represent ac­ tual cash saving for our family because we have been carrying, expensive hospitaliza­ tion, We Can discontinue it now because we are covered by the-Seafarert bospitai and surgical plan,' �... •!•.">."• :J-"ii-.:> y:--- .". • f- -.'r - •'; • •••" ^AFARERS LO©—2nJ $ection-Jun« 24. IW5 •-•'<C", •• ,:-y^ CONSTITUTION Seafarers International Union A&G District AFL EVERY SEAFARER IS GUARANTEED • Protection of the rights and privileges guaranteed him under the Constitution of the Union. ^ The right to vote. • The right to nominate himself for, and to hold, any office in the Union. • That ey)ery official of the Union shall be hound to uphold and protect the rights of every member and that in no case shall any member be deprived of his rights and privileges as a member without due process of the law of the Union. • The right to be confronted by his accuser and to be given a fair trial by an.impartial committee of his brother Union members if he should be charged with conduct detrimental to the welfare of Seafarers banded together in this Union. • The right to express himself freely on the floor of any Union meeting or in committee. • The assurance that his brother Seafarers will stand with him in defense of the democratic principles set forth in the Constitution of the Union. The new SIU constitution has evoked considerable com­ ment in and outside maritime and labor circles. Here are a few of the many reactions to the document from members of Congress, Senator Herbert H. I^ehman, •NY; "It is greatly encourag­ ing to know that responsible unions such as yours are not ceasing their attempts to fui'ther rights of their members, both within the unions and as part of the total national economy. I find particularly praiseworthy the Statement of Principles and the Declaration of Rights con­ tained in the beghinhig of your constitution." Senator Henry M. Jackson, Wash.: "... I have Jooked over the constitution and off­ hand it would appear to be eminently fair and just. I was particularly interested in the fact that it was adopted in such a democratic manner by the full, membership of your organization." ^ Senator James E. Murray, Montana: "I am particularly impressed by the provisions of the constitution providing for a trial committee to hear charges against members, and guaranteeing the traditional American rights to repi'esenlation, cross-examination, and confrontation by the accuser ... I am happy to note that your new constitution is drawn in the spirit of de­ mocratic trade unionism." Senator Hubert Humphrey, Minn.: "The constitution seems to me to be an ex­ tremely democratic one and I am impressed with the em­ phasis which is placed upon ratification by members. I '•-m ri also approve the provisions with respect to pi-oviding for a trial committee . . ." Representative Robert H. Mollohan, West Va.: "I am particularly impressed by the provisions dealing with ti'ial and appeal; they are certain­ ly in the best American tra­ dition. Placing the burden of proof on the accuser and guaranteeing the accused representation, cross-exami­ nation and an opportunity to be confronted by his accuser should guard against irre­ sponsible, unjust punish­ ment." * Senator Harley Kilgore, West Va.: "The requirements . . . that the membership shallparticipate in the making of every decision and policy seems to me to be a healthy and effective method of main­ taining democracy . . ." •1 �\• Svpplementary—Pare Two CONSTITUTION Sieafarers International Union A&G District ,-n'' 'S 'AFL I rfe' / PREAMBLE We, the Seamen and Fishermen of America, realizing the value and necessity of a thorough organization of sea­ faring men, have determined to form one union, the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA, to embrace all seamen and> fishermen of North America, Canada, Alaska, and the Territories, based upon the following principles: Whatever right belongs to one member belongs to all members alike, as long as they remain in good standing in the Union. First of these rights is the right of the American sea­ men to receive their employment through their own Union Halls, without interference of crimps, shipowners, fink halls or any shipping bureaus maintained by the Government. That it is the right of each member to receive fair and just remuneration for his labor, and to gain sufficient leisure for mental cultivation and physical recreation. Further, we consider it our right to receive healthful and sufficient food, and proper forecastles in which to rest. Next, IS the right to be treated in a decent and respect­ ful manner by those in command. We hold that the above rights belong to all seamen alike, irrespective of nationality or creed. Recognizing the foregoing as our inalienable rights, we are conscious of corresponding duties to those in com­ mand, our employers, our craft and our country. We will, therefore, try by all just means to promote harmonious relations with those in command by exercis­ ing due care and diligence in the performance of the duties of our profession, and by giving all possible assist­ ance to our employers in caring for their gear and property. Based upon these principles, it is among our objects: To use our influence individually and collectively for the purpose of maintaining and developing skill in seaman­ ship and effecting a change in the Maritime law of the United States, so as to render it more equitable and to make it an aid instead of a hindrance to the development of a Merchant Marine and a body of American seamen. To support a journal which shall voice the sentiments of the seafaring class, and through its columns seek to maintain the knovvledge of and interest in maritime affairs. To assist seamen of other countries in the work of organization and federation, to the end of establishing the Brotherhood of the Sea. To assist other bona fide labor organizations whenever pd8sible in the attainment of their just demands. To regulate our conduct as a Union and as individuals BC as to make seamanship what it rightly is—an honorable and useful calling. .And bearing in mind that we are migratory, that our work takes us away in different direc­ tion from any place, where the majority might otherwise ne^t't^^gct,' that, m^tings , can hp attended by only a fraction of the membership, that the absent members, Every member shall have the right to be confronted by who cannot be present, must have their interests guarded from what might be the results of excitement and pas­ his accuser whenever he is charged with violating the law sions aroused by persons or conditions, and that those of this Union. In all such cases, the. accused shall be who are present may act for and in the interest of all, guaranteed a fair and speedy trial by an impartial com­ mittee of his brother Union members. we have adopted this constitution. STATEl\llENT OF PRINCIPLES AND DECLARATION VI OF RIGHTS " JNo member shall be denied the right to express himself In order to form a more perfect u^ion, we members freely on the floor of any Union meeting or in committee. of the Brotherhood of the seamen, fishermen and allied VII workers ashore—realizing the value and necessity of unit­ A militant membership being necessary to the security ing in pursuit of our improved economic and social wel­ of a free union, the members shall at all times stand ready fare, have determined to bind ourselves together in the to defend this Union and the principles set forth in the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic Constitution of the Union. and Gulf District, and hereby dedicate ourselves to the VIII following principles: The powers not delegated to the offlkials and job In promoting our economic and social welfare, we shall holders by the Constitution of the Union shall be reserved ever be mindful, not only of our rights, but also of our to the members. duties and obligations as members of the community, CONSTITUTION our duties as citizens, and our duty to combat the menace ARTICI.E I of communism and any other enemies of freedom and NAME AND GENERAL POWERS the democratic principles to which we seafaring men This Union shall be known as the Seafarers Interna­ (ledicate ourselves in this Union. tional Union of North America, Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ We shall affiliate and work with other free labor or­ trict. Its powers shall be legislative, judicial, and execu­ ganizations; we shall support a journal to give additional tive, and shall include the formation of, and/or issuance voice to our views; we shall assist our brothers of the of charters to, subordinate bodies, corporate or otherwise, sea and other workers of all countries in these obligations the formation of funds and participation in funds, the to the fullest extent consistent with our duties and ob­ establishment of enterprises for the benefit of the Union, ligations. We shall seek to exert our individual and col­ and similar ventures. A majority vote of the membership lective influence in the fight for the enactment of labor shall be authorization for any Union action, unless otherand other legislation and policies which look to the at­ wise specified in this Constitution. This Union shall, at tainment of a free and happy society, without distinction all times, protect and maintain its jurisdiction over all based on race, creed or color. work which belongs to the seaman and all such work as To govern our conduct as a Union and bearing in mind seamen now perfprm. that most of our members are migratory, that their duties ARTICLE II carry them all over the world, that their rights must and AFFILIATION shall be protected, we hereby declare these rights aS This Union shall be affiliated with the Seafarers Inter­ members of the Union to be inalienable: national Union of North America and the American Fed- ' I No member shall be deprived of any of the rights or eration of Labor. All other affiliations by the Union or by the Ports shall be made or withdrawn as determined privileges guaranteed him under the Constitution of by a 'majority vote of the membership. the Union. ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP Every member of this Union shall have the right to vote.. Section 1. Candidates for membership shall be ad­ No one shall deprive him of that right. mitted to membership in accordance with such rules as III are adopted, from time to time, by a majority vote of Every member shall have the right to nominate himself the membership. for, and to hold, office in this Union. Section 2. Candidates for membership shall be IV No member shall be deprived of his membership with­ American citizens, or eiigible for such citizenship. No out due process of the law of this Union. No member candidate shall be granted membership who is a mem­ shall he compelled to be a witness against himself in the ber of any dual organization or any other organization trial of any proceeding in which he may be charged with hostile to the aims, principles, and policies of this Union. failure to observe the law of this Union. Every official No candidate shall be granted membership until he has and job holder shall be bound to uphold and protect the taken the following oath of obligation: OBLIGATION rights of every member in accordance with the principles set, forth in the Constitution of the.,**»iin*; - •* ""•v" pledge my ibpnpr gsi a. map; th^J )yift ^ — ) �SappYementarr—Pa^e Tliree l>1: - rV) Itlils Union, and that 1 will work for Ite interest and will Section 5. The period of retirement shall be computed (g) He shall be responsible, within the limits 6l hia. look upon every member as my brother; that I will not from the day as of which the retirement card is issued. powers, for the enforcement of this Constitution, the work for less than Union wages and that I will obey all ARTICLE Vn ' policies of the Umon, and all rules and rulings duly orders of the Union. I promise that I will never reveal SYSTEM OF ORGANIZATION adopted by a majoidty vote of ^he membership. Withia the proceedings of the Union to its Injury or to persons Section I. This Union, and all Ports, Officers, Port these iimlts, he shall strive to enhance the strength, posi­ not entitled to know it. And if I break this promise. 1 Agents, Patrolmen, and members shall be govemedi in tion, and prestige of the Union. ask every member to treat me as unworthy of friendship this order, by: (h) The foregoing duties shall be in addition to those (a) The Constitution and acquaintance. SO HELP ME GOD!" other duties elsewhere described in this Constitution, as (b) Majority vote of the membership Section 3. Members more than one quarter in ar­ well as those other duties lawfully imposed upon him. Section 2. The functions of this Union shall be ad­ rears in dues, or more than three months In arrears in as­ (i> The responsibility of the Secretary-Treasurer may sessments t>r- unpaid fines, shall be automatical^ sus­ ministered by Headquarters and Ports. not be delegated, but the Secretary-Treasurer may delegate • Section 3. Headquarters shall consist of the Secretarypended, and. shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights to a person or persons the execution of such af his duties and privileges in the Union. They shall be automatically Treasurer, and one or more Assistant Secretary-Treas- as he may in his discretion decide, subject to the limita­ dismissed if. they are more than two quarters in arrears ' urers, the exact number of which shall be determined by set forth in this Constitution. in dues or more than six months in arrears in assessments majority vote of the membership to be held during the tions (j) Immediately after assuming office, the Secretarymonth of August in any election year, as set forth more or unpaid fines. Treasurer shall designate one of the Assistant Secretaryparticularly in Article X, Section 1-D. This time shall not run: ~ Section 4. Each Port shall consist of a Port Agent and Treasurers to assume his duties in case of his temporary in­ (a) While a member is actually participating in a strike Patrolmen, as provided for herein, and the Port shall capacity. This designation may be changed from time to or lockout. (b) While a member is an in-patient in a 'USPHS bear the name of the city in which the Union's Port time. These designations shall be entered in the minutes of the Port where Headquarters is located. The provisions Offices are located. Hospital. • , Section 5. Every member of the Union shall be regis­ of Section 2-A of this Article shall apply in the case of a (c) While a member is under an incapacity due to ac­ tered in one of three departments; namely, deck, engine, vacancy in the office of Secretagp^Treasurer, as set forth tivity in behalf of the Union. (d) While a member'is in. the Armed Services, of the or stewards department. The definition of these depart­ in that section. (k) Any vacancy in any office or the job of Port Agent United Spates, provided the member was in good standing ments shall be in accordance nvith custom and usage. at the time of entry into the Armed Forces, and further This definition may be modified by a majority vote of or Patrolman shall be filled by the Secretary-Treasurer by provided he applies for 'reinstatement within 90 days the membership. No member may transfer from one de­ temporary appointment except in those cases where the partment to another except by express approval as evi­ filling of such vacancy is otherwise provided for by this after discharge from the Armed Forces. Constitution. Such appointment shall be submitted to a denced by a majority vote of the membership. <e) While -a member has no opportunity to pay dues regular meeting for approval, modification, substitution of ARTICLE Vni because of employment aboard an American flag mer­ a replacement, or postponement of a vote to a later date, ATLA'NTIC AND GULF DISTRICT OFFICERS, FORT chant ves.sel. by a majority vote of the membership. In the event of the AGENTS. AND PATROLMEN Section 4. A majority vote of the membership shall be Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected, postponement of the vote, the temporary appointment shall sufficient to designate additional circumstances during which the time specified in Section 3 -shall .not run. It except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These remain in effect until a vote is taken. (1) The Secretary-Treasurer is directed to take any and shall be the right of any member-to present, in writing, officers shall be the Secretary-Treasurer and pne oy more. all measures, and employ such means, which he deems to any Port at any regular meeting, any question with re­ Assistant Secretary-Treasurers. Section 2. Port Agents and Patrolmen shall be elected, necessary or advisable, to protect the interests, and further gard to the application of Section 3, in accordance with the welfare, of the Union and its members, in all matters procedures established by a majority vote of the member­ -except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. involving national, state or local legislation, issues, and ARTICLE IX ship. A majority vote of the membership shall be neces­ public affairs. OTHER ELECTIVE JOBS sary to decide such questions. Section 2. Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Section 1. The following jobs in the Union shall be Section 5. The membership shall be empowered to es­ (a) In the event the Secretary-Treasurer shall be unable tablish, from time to time, by. majority vote, rules undea voted upon in the manner prescribed by this Constitu­ to carry out his duties by reason of incapacity, the Assist­ tion: which dues and assessments may be remitted where a ant Secretary-Treasurer designated in accordance with (A) Meeting Chairman member has been unable to pay dues and assessments tor Section I-J of this Article shall assume the office of Sec­ (B) Delegatefl the reasons provided in Sections 3 and 4. retary-Treasurer during the period of such incapacity. (C) Committee Members of: Section 6.. To preserve unity, and to promote the com­ Upon the death, resignation, or removal from office of (a) Auditing Committee mon welfare of the membership, all members of the Union the Secretary-Treasurer, succession to the office shall be (b) Trial Committee shall uphold and defend this Constitution and shall be determined as follows: (c) Quarterly Financial Committee governed by the provisions of this Constitution and all That Port Agent of the Ports of New Orleans, Mobile, (d) Appeals Committee policies, rulings, orders and decisions duly made. or Baltimore who received the highest number of votes (e) Negotiating and Strike Committee. Section 7. Any member who advocates or gives aid to Section 2. Additional committees may be formed as in the last regular election shall be the first in line of the principles and policies of any hostile or dual organiza­ tion shall be denied further membership in this Union. provided by a majority vote of the membership. Commit­ succession. The next in the line of succession shall be that A majority vote of the membership shall decide which tees may also be appointed as permitted by this Consti­ Port Agent of the said Ports who received the next highest number of votes in that election. The next in the line oftution. organizations are dual or hostile. succession shall be that Port Agent of the said Ports who ARTICLE X Section 8. Evidence of membership or other affiliation DUTIES OF OFFICERS, PORT AGENTS,^ AND OTHER received the next highest number of votes. with the Union shall at all times remain the property of The Port Agents of the said Ports shall also be deemed ELECTED JOB HOLDERS Che Union. Members may be required to show their evi­ to be Assistant Secretary-Treasurers, whether or not so Section 1. The Secretary-Treasurer dence of membership in order to be admitted to Union (a) The Secretary-Treasurer shall be the Executive Of­ referred to on the ballots or elsewhere. meetings. (b) The Assistant Secretary-Treasurers shall assist the Section 9. Only membks in good standing shall be al­ ficer of the Union and shall represent, and act for and in behalf of, the Union in all matters except as otherwise Secretary-Treasurer in the execution of the latter's duties lowed to vote. as the latter may direct. specifically provided for in the Constitution. ' ARTICLE IV (c) The Assistant Secretary-Treasurers shall be mem­ -(b) He shall be a member ex-officio of all committees, REINSTATEMENT bers of the Agents' Conference and each may cast a vote port or otherwise. Members dismissed from the Union may be reinstated (c) He shall be responsible for the organization and in that body. In accordance with such rules as are adopted, from time maintenance of the correspondence, files, and records of Section 3. -Port Agents to time, by a majority vote of the membership. (a) The Port Agent shall be in direct charge of the the Union; setting up, and maintenance of, sound account­ ART'ICLE V ing and bookkeeping systems; the setting up, and main­ administratipn of Union affairs in the Port of his juris­ DIIES AND INITIATION FEE . tenance of, proper office and other administrative Union diction. (b) He shall, within the jurisdiction of his Poit, be Section 1. All members shall pay dues quarterly, on a procedures; the proper collection, safeguarding, and ex­ calendar year basis, on the first business day of each quar­ penditure of all Union funds. Port v.r otherwise. He shall responsible for the enforcement and execution of the Con­ ter, except as herein othenvise provided. The dues shall be in charge of, and responsible for, all Union property, stitution, the policies of the Union, and the rules adopted be those payable as of the date of adoption of this Con­ and shall be In charge of Headquarters and Port Offices. by a majority vote of the membership. Wherever there are stitution and may be .changed only by Constitutional He shall issue a weekly comprehensive report covering the time restrictions or other considerations affecting Port amendment. financial operations of the Union for the previous week. action, the Port Agent shall take appropriate action to r Section Z. No candidate for membership shall be ad­ Wherever there are time restrictions or^ther considera­ insure observance thereof. (c) He shall be prepared to account, financially or other­ mitted into membership' without having paid an initiation tions affecting Union action, the Secretary-Treasurer shall wise, for the activities of his Port, whenever demanded fee of one hundred ($100.00) dollars. take appropriate action to insure observance thereof. (d) Subject to approval by a majority vote of the mem­ by the Secretary-Treasurer. - Section 3. Payment of dues and initiation fees may be (d) In any fvent, he shall prepare and forward by reg­ waived for organizational purposes only, in accordance bership, the Secretary-Treasurer shall designate the num­ with such rules as are adopted by a majority vote of the' ber and location of Ports, the jurisdiction, status, and istered mail, addressed to the Secretary-Treasimer, a activities thereof, and may close or open such ports, and weekly financial report showing, in-detail, weekly income membership. may re-assign Port Agents and Patrolmen of closed ports and expenses, and complying with all other accounting ARTICLE VI to other duties, without change in wages. The Ports of directions issued by the Secretary-Treasurer. RETIREMENT FROM MEMBERSHIP (e) The Port Agent, or someone acting under his in­ Section 1. Members may retire from membership by New York, New Orleans, Mobile, and Baltimore may not structions, shall open each Port meeting^ and shall deter­ be closed except by Constitutional amendment. paying all unpaid dues, dues for the quarter in which they Where ports are opened between elections, the Sec­ mine whether a quorum exists. Nothing contained herein retire, assessments, fines, and other -monies due and ow­ ing the Union. A retirement card shall bp issued upon re­ retary-Treasurer shall designate the Port Agents thereof, shall permit the Port Agent to otherwise act as chairman quest, and dated as of the day. that such member accom­ subject to approval by a majority vote of the membership. of any meeting, unless so properly' designated by a The Secretary-Treasurer shall supervise the activities majority vote of the- members present at the said Port plishes these payments and request. Meeting. Section Z. All the rights, privileges, duties, and obli­ of all Ports. (f) Each elected Port Agent may cast one vote at any Subject to approval by a majority vote of the member­ gations of membership shall be suspended during the pe­ riod of retirement, except that a retired member shall ship, the Secretary-Treasurer shall designate, in the event Agents' Conference. (g) The Port Agent may assign each Port Patrolman to not be disloyal to the Union nor join or remain in any of the incapacity of a Port Agent or Patrolman, a replace­ such Union jobs as fall within the jurisdiction of the Port, dual or hostile organization, upon penalty of forfeiture of ment to act as such during the period of incapacity. At the first regular meeting In August of every election regardless of the departmental designation under whicb bis right to reinstatement. Section 3. Any person in retirement for a period of six year, the Secretary-Treasurer shall submit to the member­ the Patrolman was elected. ih) The Port Agent shall designate which members at months or more shall be restored to membership, ex­ ship a pre-balloting report. This report shall recommend cept as herein indicated, by paying dues for the current the number and locatiosi of Ports, the number of Assistant that Port may serve as representatives to other organiza­ quarter, as well as all assessments accruing,and newly Secretary-Treasimers and Agents, and the number of tions, affiliation with which has been properly permitted. (i) The foregoing is in addition to those other duties levied during the period of retirement. If the period of Port Patrolmen which are to be elected for each Port. prescribed elsewhere in this Constitution. This recommendation may also specify, whether any retirement is less than six (6) months, the required pay­ Section 4. Port Patrolmen ments shall consist of all dues accruing during the said Patrolmen and/or Assistant Secretary-Treasurers, shall be Port Patrolmen shall perform whatever duties are period of retirement, including those for the current designated as departmental or otherwise. The report shall quarter, and all assessments accrued and newly levied be subject to approval or modification by a majority vote assigned to them by the Port Agent. Section 8. Meettng Chairmen during that period. Upon such payment, the person in of the membership. (e> The Headquarters of the Union shall be located in (a) The chairman of each meeting at any Port, including retirement shall be restored to membership, and his mem­ bership book, appropriately stamped, shall be given to him. New York. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also be the Port the Port in which Headquarters is located, shall be the presiding officer of the meeting, shall keep order under ' Section 4. A member In retirement may be restored to Agent of that Port (f) The Seeretasy^reaaorer ahi^; .be ^airman of the.... rules o|, order provided for, from time to time, by A metebfershlp dtter^k tv^j-eaF^eHdd bf'Cetlremebt only ^•psa.teritv vote i*f the ma)oi^ vile bt ltee meitabetship * hbne,. Ijhfiii Agents* Cenference and may cast ene vote. .•;;J n 'S I .r\ -"•n m -•31 �Supplementary—^Page Four Yr.: . lip;; -W-i;-'"- ih' • IM?' ^fes?3 such rules as are adopted, from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership in each Port. , (b) The meeting chairman may cast a vote only in the event of a tie. (c) The meeting chairman shall not permit the discus­ sion of any religious subject. ^' i Section 6. Delegates > (a) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of the Union who are elected, under the provisions of this -Constitution, to attend the convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. 1 <b) Each delegate shall attend the Convention and fully participate therein. I (c) Each delegate shall, by his vote and otherwise, support those policies agreed upon by the majority of the delegates to the convention. I Section 7. Committees (a) Auditing Committee V The Auditing Committee in each Port shall audit the regular weekly financial report of the Port Agent and, in writing, certify or refuse to certify said report. The Auditing Committee for the Port Where Headquarters is located shall also audit the Secretary-Treasurer's financial report, to which the same rules as to certification and refusal to certify shall apply. The said report in its en­ tirety shall then be presented to the membership with action thereon to be taken as per a majority vote of the membership. (b) Trial Committee / The Trial Committee shall co::duct trials of persons charged, and shall submit findings and recommendations as prescribed in this Constitution. It shall be the special obligation of the Trial Committee to observe all the re­ quirements of this Constitution with regard to charges and trials, and their findings and recommendations must specifically state whether or not, in the opinion of the Trial Committee, the rights of any accused, under this Constitution, were properly safeguarded. ic> Quarterly Financial Committee ^ r' 1. The Quarterly Financial Committee siiall make a quarterly (thirteen week) audit of the finances of Head­ quarters and each Port, shall note discrepancies where they exist, shall report on their findings, and make rec' ommendations. Members of this Committee may make dissenting reports, separate recommendations, and sepa­ rate findings. > 2. The report and recommendations of this Committee shall be completed within a reasonable time after the election,of the members thereof, and shall be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer who shall cause the same to be read in all Ports, at the first or second regular meet­ ing subsequent to the submission of the said report and recommendations. , 1 3. All port Agents are responsible for complying with all demands made for records, bills, vouchers, receipts, etc.. by the said Quarterly Financial Committee. I 4 No report shall be considered as complete without an accompanying report and audit statement by a com­ petent accountant, and the Secretary-Treasurer is charged with the selection of such an accountant, who must be certified under state law. ' 5 Any action on the said report shall be as determined by a majority vote of the membership, i (d> Appeals Committee / 1. The Appeals Committee shall hear all appeals from trial judgments, in accordance with such procedures as are set forth in this Constitution and such rules as may be adop'^d by a majority vote of the membership, not inconsistent therewith. 2 The Appeals Committee shall, within not later than one week after the close of the said hearing, make and submit findings and recommendations in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and such rules as may be adopted by a majority vote of the membership, not inconsistent therewith. > (e) Negotiating and Strike Committee . 1 The Negotiating and Strike Committee shall repre-. sent the Union in all negotiations for contracts and changes in contracts, with persons, firms, corporations, or agencies, etc., wherein wages, hours, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment of the members of this Union are involved. ^ ' 2. Upon completion of negotiations, the Committee shall submit a report and recommendations to the mem­ bership of the Union at a regular or special meeting. The Committee may also make interim reports and rec­ ommendations and submit them to the membership at a regular or a special meeting. 3 ^A Port may establish a similar Committee for itselt provided permission by a majority vote of the membership has been obtained. In such event, the Port Negotiating and Strike Committee shall forward Its report and rec­ ommendations. together with comments by the Port Agent, to the Secretary-Treasurer, who shall then cause the said report and recommendations to be submitted to ' the membership of the Union at the earliest subsequent regular or special meeting, whichever he chooses, to­ gether- with any report and recommendations which the Secretary-Treasurer deems desirable to make. The Port Negotiating and Strike Committee shall submit the report and recommendations upon completion of the negotiations, and may submit interim reports and recommendations. In the same manner above .set forth. 4 In no event shall a Negotiations and Strike Commit­ tee obligate this Union or any Port thereof, in any man­ ner. without the approval of the membership of the Union as evidenced by a majority vote of the member­ ship 5 A Negotiating end Strike Committee may decide the time of entry ipto a strike, provided prior authority^. ;:as evidenced by,,a majority ,^ote of •'IheY'embership, is ' granted therefor. In all other cases, a majority vote of the go into session. It shall determine whether the person^ has submitted his application correctly and possesses the membership shall decide when a strike shall begin. 6. This Committee shall be charged with the prepara­ necessary qualifications. The Committee shall prepai^e « tion and execution of a strike plan which shall be bind­ report listing each applicant and his book number under ing on all members and other persons affiiated with the office or job he is seeking. Each applicant shall be this Union. However, a majority vote of the membership marked "qualified" or "disqualified" according jo the find­ may repeal, or otherwise treat or dispose of any part or ings of the Committee. Where an applicant has been ail of a strike plan. marked "disqualified," the reason therefor must be stated ARTICLE XI in the report. Where a tie vote has been resolved by a WAGES AND TERMS OF OFFICE OF OFFICERS AND special meeting of the membership, that fact shall also be OTHER ELECTIVE JOB HOLDERS, UNION noted, with sufficient detail. The report shall be signed EMPLOYEES. AND OTHERS by all 6f the Committee members, and be cdmjpleted and Section 1. The following elected offices ana jobs shall submitted to the Ports in time for the next regular meet­ be held for a term of two years: ing after their election. At this meeting, it shall be read Secretary-Treasurer and incorporated in the minutes, and then posted on the Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Bulletin Board in each port. Port Agent (c) When an applicant has been disqualified by the Patrolman Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram Section 2. The term of any elective jobs other than at his listed addresses. He shall also be sent a letter those indicated in Section 1 of this Article shall continue containing the reasons for such disqualifications by air for so long as is necessary to complete the functions there­ mail, special delivery, registered. A disqualified appli­ of, unless sooner terminated by a majority vote of the cant shall have the right to take an appeal to the mem­ membership or segment of the Union, whichever applies, bership from the decision of the Committee. He shall whose vote was originally necessary to elect the one or forward copies of such appeal to each Port, where the ones serving. appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular Section 3. The compensation to be paid the holder of meeting no later than the second meeting after the Com­ any office or other elective job shaP be determined from mittee's election. It is the responsibility of the applicant time to time by a majority vote of the membership. to insure timely delivery of his appeal. In any event, Section 4. Subject to approval by a majority vote of the without prejudice to his written appeal, the aAplicant may ^ membership, all other classifications of employees ox the appear in person before the Committee within two days Union shall be hired or discharged, as well as compensated, after the day on which the telegram is sent, to correct as recommended by the Secretary-Treasurer. his application or argue for his qualification. Section 5. Subject to approval by a majority vote of The Committee's report shall be prepared early enough the membership, the Secretary-Treasurer may contract to allow the applicant to appear before it and still reach for, or retain, the services of any person, firm, or corpora­ the Ports in time for the first regular meeting after its tion, not employees of the Union, when he deems it neces­ election. > sary in the best interests of the Union. (d) A majority vote of the membership shall, in the. Section 6. The foregoing provisions of this Article do case of such appeals, be sufficient to overrule any dis­ not apply to any corporation, business, or other venture qualification classification by the Credentials Committee,' in which this Union participates, or which it organizes or in which event, the one so previously classified shall then creates. In such situations, instructions conveyed by a be deemed qualified. j majority vote of the membership shall be followed. (e) The Credentials Cotqmittee, in passing upon the ARTICLE XII qualifications of candidates, shall have the right to con­ QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICERS, PORT AGENTS, clusively presume that anyone nominated and qualified m PATROLMEN, AND OTHER ELECTIVE JOBS previous elections for candidacy for any office, or the job Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a of Port Agent or Port Patrolman, has met all Jhe require­ candidate for, and hold any office or the job of Port Agent ments of Section 1-A of Article XII. or Patrolman, provided: Section 3. Baiioting Procedure. (a) He has at least three (3) years of sea time aboard an (a) The Secretary-Treasurer shall insure the proper American flag merchant vessel or vessels; if he is seeking the job of Patrolman or Assistant Secretary-Treasurer in and timely preparation of ballots, without partiality as a specified department, this sea time must be in that de­ to candidates or Ports. The ballots may contain general information and instructive comments not inconsistent partment, and (b) He has at least four (4) months of sea time aboard with the provisions of this Constitution. All qualified an American flag merchant vessel or vessels, or four (4) candidates shall .be listed thereon alphabetically within months of employment with, or in any office or job of, the each categqry. The listing of the Ports shall follow a Union, its subsidiaries, or affiliates, or at the Union's geographical pattern, cfimmencing with the most northly direction, or a combination of these, between January 1st Port on the Atlantic coast, following the Atlantic coast down to the most .southerly Port on that coast, then \Cestand the time of nomination, and (c) He has been in continuous good standing in the erly along the Gulf of Mexico and so on, until the list of Union for atJeast two (2) years immediately prior to his Ports is exhausted. There shall be allotted write-in space, on each ballot, sufficient to permit each member voting to nomination, and write in as many names as there are offices and jobs to be (d) He is a citizen of the United States of America,' Section 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other voted upon. Each ballot shall be so-prepared as to have the elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall number thereon placed at the top thereof and shall be so perforated as to enable that portion containing the said be members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for and holders of elective number to be easily removed. On this removable portion offices and jobs, whether elected oi appointed in accord­ shall also be placed a short statement indicating the nature 4 ance with this Constitution, shall maintain membership in of the ballot and the voting dates thereof. (b) The ballots so prepared at the direction of the Sec­ good standing. Failure to do so shall result in ineligibility to hr ld such office or job and shall constitute an incapacity retary-Treasurer shall, be the only official ballots. No others may be used. Each ballot shall be numbered at with regard to such office or jo'i. indicated in the preceding paragraph and shall be numARTICLE XIII bered consecutively, commencing with number 1. A suf- ] ELECTIONS FOR OFFICERS, PORT AGENTS ficient amount shall be printed and distributed to each AND PATROLMEN Port. A record of the ballots, both by serial numbers and Section 1. Nominations amount, sent thereto shall be maintained by the Secre-' Any member may submit his name for nomination for tary-Treasurer, who shall also send each Port Agent » any office, or the job of Port Agent or Port Patrolman, by verification list indicating the amount and serial numbers delivering or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials •of the ballots sent. Each Port Agent shall maintain sepa­ Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer, at the ad­ rate records of the ballots sent him and shall inspect and dress of Headquarters. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged count the ballots, when received, to insure that the amount with the safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them sent, as well as the numbers thereon, conform to the over to the Credentials Committee upon the letter's re­ amount and numbers listed by the Secretary-Treasurer quest, This letter shall be dated and shall contain the fol­ as having been sent to that Port. The Port Agent shall lowing: immediately execute and return, to the Secretary-Treas­ (a) The name of the candidate urer, a receipt acknowledging the correctness of the (b* His home address and mailing address amount and numbers of the ballots sent, or shall notify (c) His book number the Secretary-Treasurer of any discrepancy. Discrep­ (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a ancies shall be corrected as soon as possible prior to the candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the voting period. In any event, receipts shall be forwarded position sought is that of Agent or Patrolman for ballots actually received. The Secretary-Treasurer (e» Proof of citizenship shall prepare a file in which shall be kept memoranda and (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for correspondence dealing with the election. This file shall candidates. at all times be available to any member asking for in­ The letter must reach Headquarters no earlier than Au­ spection of the same at Headquarters. gust 12th and no later than September 12th of the election (c) Balloting shall take place in person, at Port Offices, year and shall be secret. No signatiire of any voter, or other Section 2. Credentials Committee. distinguishing mark, shall appear on the ballot, except (a) A Credentials Committee shall be elected at the first that any member may write in the name or nambs of any regular meeting after September ath of the election year, member or members, as appropriate, for any office, or the at the Port where Headquarters is located. It shall consist job of Port Agent or Patrolman. ' t of six members in attendance at the meeting, with two (d) No member may vote, without displaying his Union members from each of the Deck, Engine and Stewards De­ Book, in which there shall be placed an appropriate nota­ partments. In the event any Committee member is un­ tion of the date and of the fact of voting, both prior to able to serve, the Committee shall suspend until the Sec­ being handed a ballot. A ballot shall then be handed to retary-Treasurer calls a special meeting at the Port in the member who shall thereupon sign his name on" a order to elect a replacement. The Committee's results separate roster, together with his book number, and ballot shall be by majority vote, with any tie vote being resolved by number. The portion of the ballot on which the ballot a majority vote of the membership at a special meqting number is printed shall then be removed, placed near the called for that purpose at Headquarters Port. roster and the member shall proceed to the voting site, v I) After its election, the Committee shall immediately > (e) Each Port Agent shall be respoqslble <for -the ;e$Ub(».;^''v;<;>^ �Supplementary—Page Five lishment of a booth or other voting site where each mem­ ber may vote in privacy. (f) Upon completion of voting the member shall fold the ballot so that no part of the printed or written portion is visible. He shall then drop the ballot into a narrow-slotted ballot box, which shall be provided fur that purpose by the Port Agent, and kept locked and sealed except as hereinafter set forth. (g) Voting shall commence on November 15tb and shall continue until January 15th inclusive, Sundays and holiViays excluded. If November 15th or January 15th falls on a holiday or a Sunday, .balloting shall commence or/end, as the case may be, on the next succeeding business day. Section 4. Polls Committees (a) Each Port shall elect, prior to the beginning of the voting on each voting day, a Polls Committee, consisting of three members. For the purpose of holding a meeting for election of a Polls Committee only, five (5) members shall constitute a quorum for each Port. It shall be the responsibility of the Port Agent to call the meeting for the purpose of electing the said Polls Committee. In no case'Shall voting take place unless a duly elected Polls Committee is functioning. (b) The duly elected Polls Committee shall collect all unused ballots, the voting rosters, the numbered stubs of those ballots already used, the ballot box or boxes, and the ballot records and files kept by the Port Agent. It shall then proceed to conipare the-jserial numbers and amounts of stubs with the number of names and corre­ sponding serial numbers on the roster, and then compare the serial number and the amounts of ballots used with the verification list, as corrected, and ascertain whether the unused ballots, both by serial numbers and amount, represent the difference between what appears on the verification iist, as corrected, and the ballots used. A report shall then be drawn, indicating the results of the foregoing comparisons and noting any discrepancies. A copy of this report shall be given the Port Agent, to be presented to the next subsequent regular meeting. A copy shall also be simultaneously sent to the SecretaryTreasurer, who shall cause an investigation to be made forthwith, in the event of discrepancies. The results of such investigation shall be reported to the membership as soon as completed, with recommendations by the Secre­ tary-Treasurer. A majority vote of the membership shall determine what action, if any, shall be taken thereon, with the same effect as indicated in Article I. (CI The Polls Committee shall also insure inai the ballot • box is locked and sealed, which lock and seal shall not be opened except in the manner hereinafter set forth. The sgme procedure as is set forth in the preceding para­ graph with regard to discrepancies shall be utilized in the event the Polls Committee has reason to believe the lock and seal have been illegally tampered with. ^ (dl The Polls Committee shall permit qualified members only to vote. Prior thereto, if shall ascertain whether they are in good standing, stamp their book with the -word "voted," and the date, issue ballots to voters, insure that proper registration on the roster takes place, collect the stubs, and keep them in numerical order. It shall preserve good order and decorum at the voting site and vicinity thereof. All members and others affiliated with the Union are charged with the duty of assisting the Polls Committee, when called upon, in the preservation of order and decorum. (el In order to maintain the secrecy and accuracy of the ballot and to eliminate the possibility of errors or irregularities in any one day's balloting affecting all the balloting in any one Port, the following procedure shall be observed; At the end of each day's voting the Polls Committee, In the presence of any member desiring to attend, provided he observes proper decorum, shall open the ballot box or boxes, and place all of that day's ballots therein in an envelope together with a copy of the roster of that day's voting. The envelope shall then be sealed. Each member of the Polls Committee shall sign his name across the flap of the said envelope with his book number ,next to his signature. The Committee shall also place the date on said envelope, as well as a certificate that the said box or boxes were opened publicly, that all ballots for that day only were removed, and that all of those ballots are enclosed in the envelope dated for that day. This envelope shall then be replaced in the ballot box. The ballot box shall then again be locked and sealed and the key shall be placed in an envelope. This envelope shall then be sealed, and the members of the Committee shall sign their names across the flap of this envelope and place their book numbers thereon, together with the date. It shall be the responsibility of the Port Agent to see that this envelope with the key is properly safeguarded until turned over to the Polls Cornrnillee the following morning. 'In addition, the Polls Committee shall deliver to the Port Agent duplicate copies of the roster, the unused ballots and reports as set forth in this section, any files that may have been given, the ballot box or boxes, and all the stubs collected both for the day and those turned over to it. The Port Agent shall keep the rosters, unused ballots, ballot box-or boxes, and stubs, under lock and key until duly called for as herein set forth. The Port Agent shall insure that no person illegally tampers with the ballots, stubs, rosters, or ballot boxes while they are under his custody. A third copy of the rosters for that day sltall be mailed by the Polls Committee, or the Port Agent, to Headquarters. (f) Members of the Polls Committee shall serve wlthci^ut compensation, except that the Port Agent shall compensate each Polls Committee member with a reasonable sum for meals while serving. Sectioa 5. Ballot Collection, Tallying Procedure, Protests^ and Special Votes. . (a) A Port Tallying Committee shall be elected at the peals may be taken, by the said member, by addressing first regular meeting after the close of voting at each a letter or'telegram to each Port, c/o the Port Agent, in Port. It shall* consist of six (6) members, two from each, which shall be set forth the facts regarding the appeal of the three departments of the Union. In the presence from the dismissal of his protest, the member's name, and of any member desiring to attend, provided he observes his book number, with a copy to Headqua^rters. It shall decorum, it shall open the ballot box or boxes, count be the duty of the Port Agent to submit thrs appeal to the the number of ballots therein contained, and count the Election Report meeting at his Port. The protesting mem­ number of votes for each candidate. The Committee shall ber is charged with making this appeal prior to the holding place all ballots therein in a sealed envelope, together of this meeting. Special votes ordered in accordance with with a certification signed by all members of the Com­ this paragraph shall take place at the Port where the mittee that the said box or boxes were opene<} publicly, claimed discrepancy or denial of the right to vote oc­ curred. In such case, the Port Agent shall have the func­ that all the ballots therein were counted and tallied, and tions of the Tallying Committee as set forth in Section that all of those ballots are enclosed in the envelope, and shall forward this to Headquarters. The Committee shall 5-C of this Article, insofar as the said Section 5-C deals also forward to Headquarters, in the same package but with the terms of such special vote. Port Agents shall officially notify Headquarters, imme­ bound separately, all the rosters, together with a certif­ ication signed by all members "of the Committee that all diately. after the Election Report meeting, of the decision' the rostqrs utilized are enclosed therein. In the same pack­ of the membership at the Ports with regard to all of the age, but bound separately, the Committee shall forward foregoing. Headquarters is chargdd with adequately and to Headquarters all unused ballots, together with'a cer­ timely informing affected members of the decisions tification, signed by all members of the Committed that all reached. A majority of the membership, at the Election Report the unused ballots sent to the Port are enclosed therewith. The certification shall identify, by serial number and meeting, may order a recheck and a recount where a dis­ amount, the,^ unused ballots so forwarded. In the same senting report has been issued by one or more members package, but bound separately, the Committee shall for­ of the Headquarters Tallying Committee. (gi A special vote must be taken within ten (10) days ward to Headquarters all stubs collected during the period of voting, together with a certification, signed by all mem­ after the Election Report meeting. The Secretary-Treas­ bers of-the Committee, that all the stubs collected by the urer shall make a sufficient amount of the u^ual balloting Committee are enclosed. It shall be understood that the material available to Port Agents for the purpose of sucn above certifications are made according to the best knowl­ special votes. Immediately after the close of such special edge, information, and belief of the Committee members. voting, the Port Agent shall summarize the results and Wherever forwarding is not don<» in person, forwarding communicate those results to the Secretary-Treasurer. The shall be accomplished, expeditiously, by registered air ballots, stubs, rosters, and unused ballots pertaining to mail, special delivery. All forwarding shall be to the the-special vote shall be mailed to Headquarters, all in Headquarters Tallying Committee, at the address of Head­ the same package, but bound separately. -An account­ quarters. In the event a Port Tallying Committee cannot ing and certification by the Port Agent similar to those indicated in Section 5-A of this Article shall be enclosed. *be elected or cannot act, the Port Agent shall transfer all of the aforesaid material to the Headquarters Tallying The Secretary-Treasurer shall then prepare a report con­ Committee which will then carry out the aforesaid func­ taining a combined summary of the results, together with . a schedule indicating in detail how they affect the Head­ tions. (b) The Port Tallying Committee which is elected at quarters Tallying Committee's results. The form of the the Port where Headquarters is located shall also act as report of the Headquarters Tallying Committee shall be the Headquarters Tallying Committee. The Headquarters followed as closely as possible. Two copies shall be sent Committee is charged with the tally of all the ballots and to each Port, one copy of which shall be posted. The other the preparation of a report setting forth in complete de­ copy shall be presented at the next regular meeting after tail, the results of the election, including a complete ac­ the Election Report meeting. counting of all ballots and stubs, and reconciliation of the 'Section 6. Installation into Office and the Job of same with the rosters, verification lists, and receipts of Port Agent or Patrolman. (ai The person elected shall be that person having the the Port Agents, all with detailed reference to serial num­ bers and amounts, and with each total broken down into largest number of votes cast for the particular office or Port totals. The report shall clearly detail all discrep­ job involved. Where more than one person is to be elected ancies discovered, and shall contain recommendations for for a particular office or job, the proper number of can­ the treatment of these discrepancies. All members of didates receiving the successively highest number of votes the Committee shall sign the report, without prejudice, shall be declared elected. It shall be the duty of the Sec. however,'to the right of any member thereof to submit retary-Treasurer to notify each individual elected. (b) All reports by Committees and the Secretary-Treas­ a dissenting report as td the accuracy of the count and urer under this Article, except those of the Polls Com­ the validity'of the ballots, with pertinent details. (c) The Tallying Committee is also charged with the mittees, shall be entered in the minutes of the Port where receipt and evaluation of written protests by any member Headquarters is located. Polls Committee reports shall who claims an illegal denial of the right to vote. If it be entered in the minutes of the Port where it functions. (c) The duly elected Secretary-Treasurer, Assistant Sec­ finds the protest invalid, it shall dismiss the protest and so inform the protesting member, by wire, on the day of retary-Treasurers, Port Agents, and Port Patrolmen shall dismissal. If it finds the protest valid, the Committee take over their respective offices and jobs, and assume , shall order a special vote, on such terms as are practical, the duties thereof, at midnight, March 31st. At that time, effective, and just, but which terms, in any event, shall the terms of their predecessors shall expire. This shall include the provisions of Section 3-C of this Article and not apply where the successful candidate cannot assume the designation as to the voting site of the Port most his office because he is at sea. In such event, a majority convenient to the protesting member. Where a special vote of the membership may grant additional time for the vote is ordered in accordance with this Paragraph C, assumption of the office or job. In the event of the failure these terms shall apply, notwithstanding any provisions of the newly-elected' Secretary-Treasurer to assume of­ to the contrary contained in this Article. Protests may fice, the provisions of Article X, Section 2-A, as to suc­ be made only in writing and must be received by the cession shall apply until such office Is assumed. If he Headquarters Tallying Committee during the period of its does not assume office within 90 days, the line of succes­ proceedings. The reports of this Committee shall include sion shall apply until the expiration of the term. All other a brief summary of each protest received, the name and cases of failure to assume office shall be dealt with as book number of the protesting member, and a summary decided by a majority vote of the membership. (dl Before assuming office, every Officer, Port Agent, of the disposition of the^said protest. |ind Patrolman shall take the following oath: (d) The Headquarters Tallying Committee snail com­ "1 do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute mence proceedings on the first business day subsequent the duties of 7 of the Seafarers to its election and shall complete its proceedings within International Union of North America. Atlantic and two weeks thereafter. Each member of the Committee Gulf District, and 1 will, to the best of my ability, shall be paid at the prevailing standby rate of pay. The protect and preserve the Constitution of this Union proceedings of this Committee, except for the actual prep­ and the welfare of the membership." aration of the report and dissents therefrom, if any, shall ARTICLE XII' oe open to any member, provided he observes decorum. OTHER ELECTIONS (e) The report of the Committee shall be made up in sufficient copies to comply with the following require­ Section 1. Auditing Committee. Each port shall elect an Auditing Committee on Friday ments: two copies shall be sent by the Committee to each Port Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer prior to the first of each week, at 3:00 P.M., for the purpose of auditing the regular meeting scheduled to take place subsequent to the financial report for that week. These reports shall be close of the Committee's proceedings or, in the event such submitted to the next regular meeting of that port, for meeting is scheduled to take place four days or less from membership action. The Committee shall consist of three the close of this Committee's proceedings, then at least five . members. No Officer, Port Agent, Patrolman, or employee days prior to the next regular meeting. Whichever meet­ shall be eligible to serve on this Committee. The election ing applies shall be designated, by date, in the report, shall be by majority vote of the members In attendance and shall be referred to as the "Election Report" meeting. at the meeting, provided that any member eligible to As soon as these copies"'are received, ^ach Port Agent shall serve may nominate himself. post one copy of the report oh the bulletin board, in a The same provisions shall apply with regard to the Port conspicuous manner. This.copy shall be kept posted for where Headquarters is located except that the Auditing a period of two months. At the Election Report meeting, Committee there shall audit the financial reports of the the other copy of the report shall be read verbatim. Headquarters Port Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer (fi At the Election Report meeting, there shall be taken Section 2. Quarterly Financial Committee. ' The Quarterly Financial Committee shall be elected at up the discrepancies, if any, referred to in Section 5-B of this Article, and the recommendations of the Tallying the Port where Headquarters is located, at the first or secCommittee submitted therewith. A majority vote of the ond regular meeting held after the close of the calendar , membership shall decide what action shall be taken there­ quarter for which the Committee is to make the required , on, if any, wlych action, however, shall not be beyond audit. It shall be the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer to ordering a special vote to the extent reasonably indicated decide at which of these meetings the election shall take by the reported discrepancies. The same procedure shall place. The Committee shall consist of six members, with •. , apply to all members appealing from denials of their pro­ two members from each of the Deck, Engine and Stewards tests by the Headquarters Tallying Committee, .which ap- Departments. No. officer, Port Agent, Patrolman or em- . , I'l -;• • i--it I '• i I " I a '^ ; '- r || .^ >1- �fy J' yr • L'' 'N . •' ::?; "'-••.-jT' -'if' •.' Supplementary—^Page Six Section 4. No trial shall be conducted Unless all the given a fair trial, or (c) that for any other reason, the ae> . ployee shall be eligible to serve on this ComiAlttee. The members shall be elected by a majority vote of the mem« accusers are present. The Trial Committee'Shall conduct cused wa^ not given a fair trial. (d) If there is no substantial evidence to support a bers present at the meeting provided that any member the trial except that the accused shall have thd' right to cross-examine the accuser, or accusers, and the witnesses, finding of guilt, the Appeals Committee shall recommend . eligible to serve may nominate himself. as well as to conduct his own defense. The accused may that the charge on Which the finding wais based be dis­ t Section 3. Trial Committee. A Trial Committee shall be elected at a Special Meeting select any lAember to assist him in his defense at the missed. (e> The Appeals Committee may recommend lesser held at 10:00 A.M the next business day following the trial, provided, (a), the said member is available at the regular meeting ot the Port where the Trial is to take time of the trial and (b) the said member agrees to render punishment. place. It shall consist of five members, of which threj such assistance. If the accused challenges the qualifica­ . Section 14. The Appeals Committee shall ^deliver Us shall constitute a quorum. No Officer, Port Agent, Port tions of the members of the Trial Conlmittee, or states decision and dissent, if any, to the Secretary-Treasurer. Patrolman, or employee may be elected to serve on a Trial that the charges do not adequately inforni him of what The Secretary-Treasurer shaU cause sufficient copies to be Committee. No member who intends to be a witness in wrong he allegedly committed, or the time and place of published and shall have them sent to each Port in time the pending trial may serve, nor may any member who such commission, such matters shall be ruled upon and to reach there before the next regular scheduled meeting. cannot, for any reason, render an honest decision. It shall disposed of. prior to proceeding on the merits of the de­ He shall also send a copy to each accused and accuser at be the duty of every member to decline nomination if he fense. The guilt of an accused shall be found only If proven their last known address, or notify them in person. Section IS. At the meeting indicated in Section 14 of knows, or has reason to believe, any of the foregoing dis­ by the weight of the evidence, and the burden of such qualifications apply to him. The members of this Commit­ proof shall be upon the accuser. Every finding shall be this Article, the membership, by a majority vote, shall tee shall be elected under such generally applicable rules based on the quality of the evidence and not solely on the accept the decision of the Appeals Committee, or the dis­ number of witnesses produced. ^ sent therein, if any. If there is no dissent, the decision of as are adopted by a majority vot of the membership. Section 5. The Trial Committee shall make findings as the Appeals Committee shall stand. Section 4. Appeals Committee. If a new trial is ordered, that trial shall be held in the The Appeals Committee shall consist of seven members, to guilt or innocence, and recommendations "as to pun­ five of whom shall constitute a quorum, elected at the ishment and/or other Union action deemed desirable In Port where Headquarters is located, in the manner pro­ Port where Headquarters is located. The same disqual­ the light of the proceedings. These findings and recom­ vided for in Section 2 of this Article. Any decision so ifications and duties of members shall apply with regard mendations shall be those of a majority of the .Committee, providing for a new trial shall contain such directions as to this Committee as apply to the Trial Committee. In and shall be in writing, as shall be any dissent. The Com­ will insure a fair hearing to the accused. Section 16. The Secretary-Treasurer shall notify the. addition, no member may serve on an Appeals Committee mittee shall forward its findings and recommendations, in the hearing of an appeal from ^ Trial Committee deci­ along with any dissent, to the Port Agent of the'Port accused and each accuser, either in person or in writing sion, if the said member was a member of the Trial Com­ where the trial took place, while a copy thereof shall be addressed to their last knowfr address, of the results, of , forwarded to the accused and the accusers, either in per­ the appeal. A further appeal shaU be allowed as set forth mittee. son or by mail addressed to their last known addresses. in Section 17. Section 5. Negotiating and Strike Committee. Section 17. Each member is charged with knowledge of The members of a Negotiating and Strike Committee, The findings shall include a statement that the rights, of whether of a Port or otherwise, shall be composed of as the accused under this Constitution, were properly safe­ the provisions of the Constitution of the Seafarers Interna­ many members as shall be determined, by a majority vote guarded. The findings also must contain the charges tional Union of North America, and the rights of, and made, the date of the trial, the name and address of the procedure as to, further appeal as provided for therein. of the membership, upon recommendation of the Secre­ accused, accuser, and each witness; shall describe each Decisions reached thereunder shall be binding on aU mem­ tary-Treasurer. Any member may attend any meeting of documentthe used at the trial; shall contain a fair summary bers of the Union. this Committee provided he observes decorum. However, of the proceedings, shall state the findings as to • Section 18. It shall be the duty of all members of the a limit may be set by the chairman of the Committee on guilt or innocence. If and possible, all the documents used at Union to take all steps within their constitutional power the number of those who may attend. the trial shall be kept. All findings and recommendations to carry out the terms of any effective decisions. Section 6. Meeting Chairman. shall be made a part of the regular files. - Section 19. Any accused may waive any or all rights The meeting Chairman shall be a member elected from Section 6. The Port Agent of the Port of Trial shall, and privileges granted to him by this Article. If an accused the floor by majority vote of the members at any meeting. upon receipt of the findings and recommendations of the has been properly notified of his trial and fails to attend Section 7. Delegates. Trial Committee, cause the findings and recommendations without properly requesting a -postponement, the Trial As soon as the Secretary-Treasurer is advised as to the be presented, and entered Into the mintites, at the next Committee may bold its trial without his presence. date and duly authorized number of delegates to the con­ to vention of the Seafarers International Union of North regular meeting. ARTICLE XVI Section 7. The Port Agent shall send the record of America, he shall communicate such facts to the Port OFFENSES AND PENALTIES Agent of each Port, together with recommendations as to the entire proceedings to Headquarters, which shall cause Section 1." Upon proof of the commission of the follow­ generally applicable rules for the election of delegates. sufficient copies thereof to be made and sent to each ing offenses, the member shall be expelled from mem­ These facts and recommendations shall be announced and Port in time for the next regularly scheduled meeting. bership: Section 8. At the latter meeting, the proceedings shall read at the first regular meeting thereafter. . Unless (a) Proof of membership in any organization advocating changed by a majority vote of the membership during that be discussed. The meeting shall then vote. A majority the overthrow of the Government of the United States meeting, the election rules shall apply. These rules shall vote of the membership of the Union shall: by force; (a) Accept the hndings and recommendations, or not prohibit any member from nominating himself. The (b) Acting as an informer against the hiterest of the (b) Reject the findings and recommendations, or results of the election shall be communicated to each Port Union or the membership in any organizational campaign; (c) Accept the findings, but modify the recommenda­ Agent, posted on the bulletin board, and announced at the (c) Acting as an informer for, or agent, of the Company next regular meeting of the Port. Rules of election here­ tions, or against the interests of the membership or the Union; Id) Order a new trial after finding that substantial, jus­ under may include provisions for automatic eiection of all (d) The commission of any act as part of a conspiracy qualified nominees, in the event the number of such tice has not been done with regard to the charges. In this to destroy the Union. nominees does not exceed'the number of delegates to be event, a new trial shall take place at the Port where Head­ Section 2. Upon proof of the commission of any of the quarters is located and. upon application, the accused, the following offenses, the member shall be penalized up to • elected. accusers, and their witnesses shall be furnished transpor­ penalty of expulsion from the Union. In the event the ARTICIiE XV tation and subsistence. TRIALS AND APPEALS penalty of expulsion is not invoked or recommended, the Section 9. After the vote set forth in Section 8, any penalty shall not exceed suspension from the rights, and. Section 1. Any member may bring charges against any other member for the commission of an offense as set punishment so decided upon shall become effective. The privileges of membership for more than two (2) years, or forth in this Conkitution. These charges shall be in writ­ Secretary-Treasurer shall cause .lotice of the results a fine of $50.00, or both: ing and signed by the accuser, who shall also include his thereof to be sent to each accuse** and accuser. (a) Wilfully misappropriating or misusing Union prop­ book number. The accuser shall deliver these charges to Section 10. An accused who has been found "guilty, or erty of the value in excess of $50.00; the Port Agent of the Port nearest the place of the of­ who is under effective punishme.nt may appeal in the fol­ (b) Unauthorized use of Union property, records, stamps, fense, or the Port of pay off, if th.e offense took place lowing manner: seals, etc.. for the purpose of personal gain; aboard ship. He»shall also request the Port Agent to He may send or deliver a notice of appeal to the (c) Wilful misuse of any office or job, elective or not, present these charges at the next regular meeting. The Secretary-Treasurer within 30 days after receipt of the within the Union for the purpose of personal gain, finan­ accuser may withdraw his charges before the meeting notice of the decison of the membership. cial or otherwise, or the wilful refusal or failure to' takes place. Section 11. At the next regular meeting of the Port execute the duties or functions of the said office or job. Section 2. After presentatioit of the charges and the where Headquarters is located, after receipt of the notice or gross neglect or abuse in executing such duties or request to the Por{ Agent, the Port Agent shall cause of appeal, the Secretary-Treasurer shall present the notice, functions; ihose charges to be read at the said meeting. which shall then become part of the minutes. An Appeals (d) Unauthorized voting, or unauthorized handling of if the charges are rejected by a majority vote of the Committee shall then be elected. The Secretary-Treasurer ballots, stubs, rosters, verification lists, ballot boxes, or Port, no further action may be taken thereon, unless is charged with the duty of presenting the before-men­ election files, or election material of any sort; ruled otherwise by a majority vote of the membership of tioned proceedings and all available documents used as (e) Preferring charges with knowledge that such charges the Union within 90 days thereafter. If the charges are evidence at the trial to the Appeals Committee, as well as are false; accepted, and the accused is present, he shall be auto­ any written statement or argument submitted by the ac(f) Making or transmitting, with intent to deceive, false matically on notice that he will be tried the following cused. The accused may argue his appeal in person, if he reports or communications, with knowledge of the falsity morning. At his request, the trial shall be postppned so desires. The appeal shall be heard at Union- Headquar­ thereof, or unauthorizedly altering reports or communica­ until the morning following the next regular meeting, at ters on the night the Committee, is elected. It shall be tions which fall within the scope of Union business; which time the Trial Committee will then be elected. He the responsibility of the accused to insure that his written (g) Deliberate failure or refusal to join one's ship, or. shall also be handed a written copy of the charges made statement or argument arrives at Headquarters in time for misconduct or neglect of duty aboard ship, to the detri­ against him. such presentation. ment of the Union or its agreements; j If the accused is not present, the Port Agent shall Im­ Section 12. The Appeals Committee shall decide the ap­ (h) Deliberate and unauthorized interference, or delib-. mediately cause to be sent to him. by registered mail ad­ peal as soon as possible, consistent with fair consideration and malicious villification, with regard to the execu- dressed to his last known mailing address on file with of the evidence and arguments before it. It may grant ad- erate tion of the duties of any office or job; . < the Union, a copy of the charges, the names and book joimnmebts and may request the accused or accusers to (i) Paying for, or receiving money for, employment numbers of the accusers, and a notification that he must present arguments, whenever necessary for such fair con­ aboard a vessel; , , appear with his witnesses, ready for trial the morning • (j) Wilful refusal to submit evidence of affiliation for after the next regular meeting, at which meeting the Trial sideration. Section 13. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall the purpose of avoiding or delaying money payments to Committee will be elected In the event a majority of the membership of the Union be by majority vote, and shall be in the form of findings the Union, or unauthorizedly transferring or receiving shall vote to accept charges after their rejection by a and recommendations. Dissents will be allowed. Decisions evidence of Union affiliation, with intent to deceive; (k) Wilful failure or refusal to carry out the orders of Port, the Trial shall take place in the Port where Head­ and dissents shall be in writing and signed by those partic­ quarters is located. Due notice 'thereof shall be given to ipating in such decision or" dissent. In making its findings those duly authorized to make such orders during time! .. . , the accused, who shall be informed of the name of his and recommendations, the Committee shall be governed of strike. by the following: Section 3. Upon proof of the commission of any of the accusers, and who shall receive a written statement of (a) No finding of guilt shall be reversed if there is 'Sub- following offenses, members shall be penalized up to the charges. At the request of the accused, transportation stantiai evidence to support such a finding and, in such suspension from the rights and privileges of membership and subsistence shall be provided the accused and his case, the Appeals Committee shall not make its own find­ for two (2) years, or a fine of $50.00, or both: witne.sses. ' j>- (a) Wilfully misappropriating or misusing Union prop­ Section 3. The Trial Committee shall hear all pertinent ings as to the weight of evidence. (bi In no event shall increased punishment be recom­ erty of the value under $50.00; evidence and shall not be bound by the rules of evidence • xb) Assuming any office or job. whether elective or not, required by courts ot law but may receive all relevant mended. (c> A new trial shall be recommended If the Appeals with knowledge of the lack of possession of .the qualifica­ testimony. The Trial Committee may grant adjournments, at the request of the accused, to enable him to make a Committee finds—(a) that any member of the Trial Com­ tions required therefor; (c) Misconduct during any meeting or othey official ^ proper defense. In the event the Trial Committee falls mittee should have been disqualified, or (b) that the acUnion proceeding, or bringing tlie tl^e Union .into into disrepute . \^ ben^thiin4«(u?bim.(ittiabAU'rad4»iim.«mtil,in.^oniiB (tees . cused resulted id by coiiduct not provided foi*'elsisl^ijiiro lb thta exist. '• - • •>: t 'fi-' ^an^ , �yr^?i;y-V'' :• Sapplementary—Pare Seven jobs and governing conduct and procedure connected (d) Refusal or negligent failure to carry out order* of therewith may be issued and take effect only after ap­ those duly authorised to make such orders at any time. Section 4. Upon proof of-the commission of any of the proval by a majority vote of the membership. Shipping following offenses, members shall be penalized up to a rules duly issued shall be deemed to. be Union policy. Section 2. A majority vote of the membership may fine of $50.00: (a) Refusal or wilful failure to be present at sign-ons make special exceptions or rules for any company or vessel, for organizational ^purposes, whether covered by or pay-offs; ib> Wilful failure to submit book to Union representa­ a contract or not. ARTICLE XXin tives at pay-off; , s QUORUMS (c) Disorderly conduct at pay-off or sign on; Section 1. Unless elsewhere herein otherwise specif­ (d) Refusal to cooperate with Union representatives in ically provided, the quorum for a special meeting of a discharging their duties; Port shall be six members. (e> Disorderiy conduct in thp Union Hail; Section 2. The quorum for a regular meeting of a Port (f) Gambling in the Union Hall; shall be seven members. (g) Negligent failure to join ship. Section 3. The quorum for the Agents' Conference shall Section 5. Any member who has committed an offense penalized by no more than a fine of $50.00 may elect to be a majority of those eligible to attend. Section 4. Unless otherwise specifically set forth here­ waive his rights under this Constitution and to pay the maximum fine of $50.00 to the duly authorized representa­ in, the quorum for any committee shall be the majority of those duly elected or appointed thereto. tive of the Union. Section 5. Unless otherwise specifically set foriih here­ Section 6. If offense against the Union and its principles and policies takes place in the meeting, the meeting may in, the decisions, reports, recommendations, or other func­ go into a Committee of the Whole and try .the member tions of any segment of the Union requiring a quorum to at once, and in this case, the findings and recommendation act officially, shall be that of the majority of the quorum, of the Committee of the Whole shall be acted upon as and shall not be official or effective unless the quorum if the report were made by a duly elected Trial Committee. requirements are met. . Section 7. This Union, and its members, shali not be ARTICLE XXIV deemed to waive any claim, or personal or property rights • MEETINGS to which it or its members are entitled, by bringing the Section 1. All ports shall hold regular meetings, provided member ,to trial or enforcing a penalty ias provided in a quorum is present, on every other Wednesday, at 7:00 P.M. this Constitution. If such meeting night falls on a holiday, the meeting shall Section 8. Any member under suspension for an of­ take place, providing a quorum is present, at 7:00 P.M. the fense under this Article shall continue to pay all dues following pight In the event a quorum is not present at and assessments and must observe his duties to the Union, 7:00 P.M., the Port Agent of Uie pertinent port shall post­ members, officials and job holders. pone the opening of the meeting until a quorum is pres­ ent, but in no event later than 7:30 P.M. A majority vote ARTICLE XVII of the membership shall be sufficient to change the date PUBLICATIONS / This Union may publish such pamphlets, journals, news­ of any future regular meeting. Section 2. A special meeting at a Port may be called papers. magazines, periodicals, and general literature, in such manner as may be determined, from time to time, only at the direction of the Port Agent. No special meet­ ing may be held, except between the hours of 9:00 A.M. by a majority vote of the membership. and 5:00 P.M. Notice-of such meeting shall be posted at ARTICLE XVin least two hours in advance, on the Port bulletin board. BONDS ARl'ICLE XXV Officers and job holders, whether elected or appointed, AGENTS' CONFERENCE as well as all other employees of the Union, nay be re­ Section 1. The Secretary-Treasurer shall call an Agents' quired to be bonded under such terms and conditions as may be determined, from time to time, by a majority vote Conference once a year, and may <?all, with the approval of a majority vote of the membership, additional Agents' of the membership. Conferences during the year. The time and place of each ARTICLE XIX such meeting shall be fixed by the Secretary-Treasurer. EXPENDITURES Section 1. Policies or specific instructions with regard These conferences may be postponed or cancelled by a to expenditures to be made oj- expen.ses to be incurred majority vote of the membership in case of emergency. shall be determined by a majority vote of the membership. A majority vote of the membership shall determine when In the event no contrary policies or instructions are in such emergency exists. Section 2. The Agents' Conference 'may discuss and existence, the Secretary-Treasurer may authorize, make, and incur such expenditures and expenses as lie within prepare reports and recommendations on any part of the the authority conferred upon him by Article X and Ar­ Union's activities, policies and plans. The adoption of any, ticle XI of this Constitution. such recommendation by a majority vote of the member­ Section 2. The provisions of Section 1 shall similarly " ship shall make the provisions thereof binding Union apply to the routine accounting and administrative pro­ policy, until modified or otherwise altered by a majority cedures of the Union except those primarily concerned vote of the membership provided such recommendation with trials, appeals, negotiations, strikes, and elections. is not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitu­ Section 3. The provisions of this Article shall super­ tion. sede. to the extent applicable, the provisions of Articles ARTICLE XXVI X and XI. • DEFINITIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS ARTICLE XX RELATING THERETO INCOME Section 1. Incapacity. Unless otherwise set forth or Section 1. The income of this Union shall include re­ dealt with herein, the term "incapacity," shall mean any ceipts from dues, initiation fees, fines, assessments, con­ illness or condition preventing the affected person from tributions, loans, interest, dividends, as well as income carrying out his duties for more than 30 days; or absence derived from any other legitimate business operation or from the United States; or suspension from office or other legitimate source. membership as provided for in this Constitution; or the Section 2. No member shall be required to pay or de­ due replacement of one under an incapacity as indicated. liver any sum of money to any Union representative with­ However, nothing contained in this Article shall be deemed out obtaining an official Union receipt, signed and dated. to prohibit the execution of the functions of more than It shall be the duty of the member to demand such re­ one job and/or office, in which event no incapacity shall ceipt. be deemed to exist with regard to the regular job or of­ Section 3. No assessments shall be levied except after fice of the one taking over the duties and functions of the a ballot conducted under such general rules as may be one incapacitated. The period of incapacity shall be the decided upon by a majority vote of the membership, pro­ time during which the circumstances exist. vided that: Section 2. Unless otherwise set forth or dealt with (a) The ballot must be secret. herein, the term "vacancy," and the term "vacancy not (b) The assessment must be approved by a 2/3 ma­ caused by an incapacity," shall be deemed to be the same, jority of the valid ballots cast. and shall Include failure to perform the functions of any Section 4. All payments by members or other affiliates office or job by reason of death,'or resignation, or expul­ of this Union shall be applied successively to the mone­ sion from the Union with no further right to appeal in ac­ tary obligations owed the Union commencing with the cordance with the provisions of this Constitution. oldest in point of time, as meq^ured from the date of Section 3. When applicable to the Union as a whole, accrual of such obligation. The period of arrears shall the term, "majority vote of the me.nbership," shall mean be calculated accordingly. the majority of all the valid votes cast by members at an ARTICLE XXI official meeting of those Ports holding a meeting. This PERMITS AND OTDER TYPES OF UNION AFFILIATION definition shall prevail notwithstanding that one or more This Union, by majority vote of the membership, may Ports cannot hold meetings because of no quorum. For provide for affiliation with it by individuals in a lesser that purpose of this section, the term "regularly scheduled capacity than membership, or in a capacity other than meeting night at which the pertinent vote may take place" membership. By majority vote of the membership, the shall refer to a meeting or mretings during the time Union may provide for the rights and obligations Incident period within which a vote must - be taken in accordance to such capacities or affiliations. These rights and obli­ with: 4 gations may include, but are not limited to: (a) the applica­ (a) The Constitution bility or non-applicability of all or any part of this Con­ <bi Union policy, and stitution; (b) the terms of such affiliation; <c> the right of (c> Custom and usage of the Union the Union to peremptory termination of such affiliation in the indicated priority. "and, (d) the fees required for such affiliation. In no event Section 4. When applicable solely to Port action and may anyone not a member receive evidence of affiliation not concerned with, or related to. Union action as a whole, equivalent to that of members, receive priority or rights and not forming part of a Union-wide vote, the term, over members, or be termed a member. . / "majority vote of the membership," shall refer to the majority of the valid votes cast by the members at any ARTICLE XXII meeting of the Port, regular or special. FORMULATION OF SHIPPING RULES Section 1, The formulation of shipping rules shall not Section 5. The term, "naembership action" sh^ .ipean be deemed part of any fou^ine adtninistrative task. iShip; , the fatne as thq lertii ''ipajprity vote of tbe memVqrship.'* title of any cfffiMqip jbb. or the' Mpg ralesthe 'deLsUs of the asslgnmepts df " SMtion 6. SHidrd holder thereof, is set forth in tfils donstitutiofi, all refer­ ences thereto and the provisions concerned iherewith shall be deemed to be equally appliiilble to whomever is duly acting in such office or job. Section 7. The term "Election Year" shall be deemed to mean that calendar year prior to the calendar year in which elected officials and other elected job-holders are required to assume office. The first election year shall be deebied to be 1954. Section 8. The terms, "this Constitution," and "this amended Constitution," shall be deemed to bave 'the same meaning and shall refer to the Constitution which takes the place of the one adopted by the tJnion in 1939. as. amended up through August 1951. Section 9,. The term, "member in good standing," shall mean a member not in arrears or under suspension or sentence of expulsion. Unless otherwise expressly indi­ cated, the term, "member," shall mean a member in good standing. Section 10. The term, "membership book," shall mean any official certificate issued as evidence of Union mem­ bership. Section II.- Whenever the day on which a Union meeting or action is to. take place falls on a holiday, the meeting or action shall be put off until the next business day, at the same hour. ARTICLE XXVU AMENDMENTS This Constitution shall be amended in the following manner: Section 1. Any member may submit, at any regular meeting of any Port, proposed amendments to this Con­ stitution in resolution form. If a majority vote of the membership of the Port approves it, the proposed amend­ ment shall be forwarded to all Ports for further action. Section 2, When a proposed amendmient is accepted by a majority vote of the membership, it shall be referred to a Constitutional Committee in the Port where Head-i quarters is located. This Committee shall be composed of six members, two from each Department, and shall be elected in accordance with such rules as are established by a majority vote of that Port. The Committee will act on all proposed amendments referred to it The Commit­ tee may receive whatever advice and assistance, legal or otherwise, it deems necessary. It shall prepare a report on the amendment together with any proposed changes or substitutions or recommendations, and the reasons for such recommendations. The latter shall then be submitted to the membership by the Secretary-Treasurer. If a majority vote of the membership approves the amendment as recommended, it shall then be voted upon, in a yes or no vote by the membership of the Union by secret ballot in accordance with the procedure outlined in Article XIII, Section 3-B through Section 5. The amend­ ment shall either be printed on the ballot, or if too lengthy, shall be referred to on the ballot. Copies of the amendment shall be posted on the bulletin boards of alt Ports and made available at the voting site in all Ports. Section 3. If approved by a % majority of the valid ballots cast, the amendment shall become effective im­ mediately upon notification by the Headquarters Tallying Committee to the Secretary-Treasurer that the amendment has been so approved, unless otherwise specified in the amendment. The Secretary-Treasurer shall immediately notify all Ports of the results of the vote on the amend­ ment. ARTICLE XXVIII TRANSITION CLAUSE Section 1. It is the purpose and intent of this Article to provide for an orderly transition from Union operations and activities as governed by the Constitution in effect prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, to operations and activities conducted in accordance with this amended Constitution. Accordingly, the following sections are to be given the interpretation required to effectuate the foregoing purpose and intent. Section 2. A.t routine administrative, accounting, and other similar procedures and processes of this Union, in effect immediately prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, shall Jbe deemed to be permitted hereunder and shall continue in effect, unless or until changed, in accordance with the provisions hereof. Section 3. All methods and means of collecting and disbursing Union funds, all segregations of Union funds, the sequence of regular meeting nights, rules of order generally followed, bonding procedures, shipping rules, permit systems, reinstatement procedures, and any other practices or procedure, in effect immediately prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, shall be deemed to be permitted hereunu..- -nd shall continue in effect unless or until changed in accoi^ance with the provisions hereof. Section 4. All Union policies, customs, and usage, in­ cluding those with regard to admission into membership, in effect immediately prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, shall be deemed to be' permitted hereunder and shall continue in effect unless or until changed in accordance with the provisions hereof. Section 5. The Secretary-Treasurer, the Assistant Secre­ tary-Treasurer, all Port Agents and Patrolmen, and all , others elqcted as a result of the balloting held by this Union during November and December of 1952, shall be deemed to have been duly elected in conformity with the provisions of this Constitution. From the date of adoption of this Constitution, they shall execute the powers and functions, and assume the responsibilities, of the said offices and jobs, as set forth in this Constitution. They shall hold office, pursuant hereto, until the expiration date of the terms of office set forth herein. The terms of Article XIII, only insofar as they apply to election of Officials, Port Agents, and Patrolmen, shall-take effect the first election year. 1 �SuMlemeatMT—P«r« Eirlii CONSTITUTION SUMMARY of ARTICLE XlV-Otber Elections: ARTICLE I—Name and General Powers: naLrthe chairmen, delegates and members of the following,^ommittees: Auditing, Quarterly Financial, Trial, Appeals, Negotiating and Strike—Defines qualifications for these positions. name of the union and defines its general powers. A nTi/-i CM A rf'l* 1'^.. Provides for affiliation of the AtAKTICLt II AtriliariOn: lantic and Gulf District with the Seafarers International Union of North America, the American Federation of Labor and other bodies as may be determined by a majority vote of the membership. ARTICLE XV-Triais and Appeals: ?i|hV of ""etc?'-, ^ -V«"' member to a fair trial by an impartial committee of his Union brothers. Lists in detail the procedure for bringing charges and for pre­ senting charges to the membership—Provides for election of fivemember trial committee and defines Committee's procedure and duties—Requires that accused must be confronted by the accuserGives accused right to representation by a brother member before the trial committee—Requires presentation of the Committee's find­ ings to the membership for acceptance, rejection or modification by a majority vote of the members—Provides procedure for appeals. AHTiz-ic in ii ~ -L*-^ Sets forth that new members AKII^LL III /VtCmbarsnip: may be admitted under rules set by a majority vote of the membership—Defines certain eligibility requirements that must be met by candidates for new membership —Provides relief for members who may be unable to pay dues because of incapacity beyond their control—States the Union's oalh of obligation—Outlines rules for suspension and dismissal for non­ payment of dues and assessments—Rights of membership to expel those who might support dual and hostile groups. ARTICLE XVIr-Offenses and Penalties: uiiVetfl ARTICLE IV-Reinsfatement: fenses for which a member may be brought to trial—Places limita­ tions on penalties that may be imposed upon members found guilty of such offenses—Gives a member the right to waive trial and accept an automatic penalty for infractions not involving suspension or dismissal from the Union—Provides for trial by meeting acting, as committee as a whole for offenses committed during course of meeting. statement of dismissed members. Retains the existing dues schedule, initiation fee and method of payment—Provides dues may not be changed except by constitutional amendment—Permits the membership, by majority vote, to waive dues and initiation fees for organizational purposes only. ARTICLE V—Dues and Initiation Fee: ARTICLE XVII-Publications: lication of a newspaper and other literature. ARTICLE VI—Retirement from Membership: ADTl/"! C V\/lll Provides for bonding of officers AKI I^LC AYIII—-DOnaS: and employes ot.the Union under such conditions as may be determined by the membershipr Defines the procedure by which a Seafarer may retire his book and outlines the method of reinstatement. ARTICLE Vll-Syslem of Organization: SeTa" ARTICLE XIX—Expenditures: ship shall determine poli­ cies or specific instructions with regard to expenditures. ments of the Union and provides for administrative authority. ADTin i: vni Designates the following as elecAKIIVwLC VIII L/illCerS: tive officers: the secretary-Treas­ urer, Assistant Secretary-Treasurers and Port Agents and Patrol­ men. A DTl^l C VV Defines the Union's sources of inAKIILLC AA income: come—Sets forth the duty of mem­ bers to require Union representatives to give them a receipt for any payment of money to the Union—Provides that no assessment may be levied unless approved by a two-thirds majority of the valid ballots cast by the members in a secret election—Gives member­ ship power to set up general rules for assessment balloting—Pro* vides for the Union to derive income from dividends* interest and legitimate business operations. ARTICLE IX-Ofher Elective Jobs:.?7c£m™\'dlie: gates and members of certain committees must be elected by the membership. \ ARTICLE X—Duties of Elective Officers: Ir'- ADTI^I C YYI Retains the existing requirement Al\l IVMLC AAI rermiiS: that rules for issuance of permits must be determined by the members. the Secretary-Treasurer, Assistant Secretary-Treasurers, Port Agents, Patrolmen, Meeting Chairmen, Delegates and members of the Auditing, Trial, Quarterly Financial, Appeals and Negotiating and Strike Committees—Provides procedure for filling vacancies ^ office—Requires all Port Agents to file weekly financial reportsEstablishes membership control over actions and reports of officials and committees. ARTICLE XXII—Formulation of Shipping Rules: Guarantees, as did the previous Constitution, that shipping rules may not be revised unless approved by membership. ARTICLE XXIII-Quorums: a special meeting of any port shall be six members and the quorum foi- a regular Port meeting shall be seven members. ARTICLE XI—Wages and Terms of Office: Provides that the Secretary-Treasurer, Assistant Secretary-Treas­ urers, Port Agents and Patrolmen shall serve for two-year terms and that their wages shall be set by a majority vote of the mem­ bership—Provides for hiring and dismissal of other employes and personnel, subject to a majority vote of the membership. ARTICLE XXIV-Meetings: regular meetings at 7 PM on every other Wednesday—Exceptions, are noted for holidays and failure to obtain a quorum. ARTICLE XII—Qualifications for Elective Office: i^.-v X'- r it- ARTICLE XXV-Agent's Conference.- SJniia'USi': Sets forth that any member has the right to nominate himself for any office—Lists eligibility requirements for the various offices. ence of Port Agents to be called by the Secretary-Trearorer. ARTI^I F Vlll-—PlArfir^ne Describes procedure for nominaAKtlV*Li: All! elections: tion to office-Provides for elec­ tion of a six-member Credentials Committee to inspect the candi­ dates eligibility according to rules of Constitution—Establishes safeguards for the right of a member to nominate himself to office ^l^tains the Union^is existing balloting procedure—Describes balloting procedures in detail—Provides for election of five-member Polls Committees and six-member Tallying Committees to conduct elections and tabulate results—Sets forth the manner for installation of officers. ARTICLE XXVI-Definitions • frequently in ARTICLE XXVII-Amendments: stitution by the membership. ARTICLE XXVill-Transition dause:£.'^fte''o?u«S; .V •' •X-' • •r • the language of the Constitution. K practices and {nrocedures to Tegulatiea by propo^ Con^utien. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959 Description An account of the resource Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 24, 1955 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 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. XVII, No. 13 Description An account of the resource Headlines: ITF KICKS OFF RUNAWAY DRIVE; SIU IN SUPPORT LOG PRINTS CONSTITUTION FIFTH TIME SIU CO. TO BUILD SEVEN TRAILERSHIPS DISTRICTS' LOSS STILL A MYSTERY US TO STUDY 'VANISHING' NON-SUBSIDIZED LINES SIU AWARDS FIVE $6,000 SCHOLARSHIPS 'SEE AGENT ON FAMILY PLAN:' SIU LABOR 'WHIPPING BOY' REP. TELLS PROBERS GOV'T, SHIPOWNERS PLAN ATTACK ON OVERTIME PAY IT'S 'FOUND $$' TO SIU PENSIONER FIRE IN HOLD LICKED BY NEVA WEST CREW SF LOADED WITH JOBS, MORE DUE HALL MURDER PLOT GUNMAN SENTENCE TO 5-7 YEARS MSTS ON SENATE GRILL FOR UNFAIR COMPETITION NMU SIGNS FREIGHTER, TANKER PACT NY JOBS BOOM ALONG; SANDBOAT TAKES CREW C. MATHIS WC COOKS' PATROLMAN SIU BACKS TEAMSTERS IN FIGHT TRAMP TRANSFER POLICY ZOOMED RATES; MA MOANS THE THERMOS BOTTLE TOW SIU RULE-BOOK RIGHT TO EDUCATION RESPONSIBLE MEMBERSHIP PAPER FORMULAS MOBILE EYES MCLEAN OIL-FREIGHT RUN DEL SUD SEAFARERS MAP ANNUAL PICNIC PERSIAN GULFING? TRY REAL COOL REEFER BOX SEAFARERS IN THE HOSPITALS 'THIEVES' MARKET' LIVES UP TO NAME PERSIAN GULF RUN FEATURES PIZZA CABBIE + 'FEW DRINKS' - SEAFARER LOSES PAYOFF LAE CHARLES HOPES FOR CEMENT TRADE MFOW AT BALTO SIU HALL NOW Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/24/1955 1955 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b0000d656a8447d93b3229b2a3f6d143.PDF dbdaea90bef3685f80a2d8741215d446 PDF Text Text "An Independent Maritime Agency" SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT . . . PAGES 9 • 12 SEAFARERSALOC Vol. XXVIII No. 13 OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN Annual Report — -t. . , , y SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN y Annual Report » Filed With the New York State insurance Department Filed With the New York State Insurance Department Poge 17 Page 18 i �Page Two SEAFARERS AFL-CIO Coumil Votes Full Support Of no Conference Protest Vfulkout WASHINGTON—Full support and endorsement of AFL-CIO President George Meany's position and the protest walkout of U.S. Worker Delegate Rudolph Faupl from the International Labor Orga­ nization conference was voted by the AFL-CIO Executive Council at a meeting in Washington. The council adopted a reso­ with Secretary of State Dean Rusk. cies sometimes expressed by the lution pointing out that the Meany said Rusk urged that Faupl Administration, Meany said, that protest against the election of a stand for re-election to the ILO is nevertheless the AFL-CIO posi­ Communist nation's delegate as Governing Body. Faupl did and tion. chairman of the annual confer­ was re-elected. As for himself, Meany empha­ ence was not a "withdrawal from sized, "I stick to the AFL-CIO Meany emphasized that it was the ILO." "absolutely untrue" that the Presi­ policy" on these matters. The protest was "the most ef­ dent or Rusk exerted any pressure Meany said Reuther had at no fective means a"ailable," the to change the AFL-CIO position time contacted him about the council declared, "to indicate the and that if they had, despite his Geneva situation and that Reureaction of the free workers of own feelings, he would have called ther's letter appeared first in the America to the election as Presi­ Faupl and told him to respect the press before he had received it. dent of the conference of a rep­ request. He emphasized also that the resentative of a totalitarian regime real problem was the Communist Long-standing Policy whose record and practices are a plan to take over the ILO and standing denial of everything that Meany strongly reaffirmed for make it another governmental the ILO stands for and was cre­ reporters the AFL-CIO position agency, rather than a tripartite ated to achieve." of many years, recently adopted group representing workers, manaThe council's action by a vote again at the 1965 convention, that 'gement and governments. The of 18 to 6 came at a special one- the federation will not support in free nations have the votes in the day meeting called by Meany after any fashion exchanges of trade ILO to stop this, he stressed, and AFL-CIO Vice President Walter union delegations with Communist the AFL-CIO is not making any P. Reuther had protested the walk­ nations because they do not have determinations about pulling out out of the worker delegation at free trade unions but government, of the ILO, but at the moment is the Geneva conference, in reaction state-directed agencies posing as protesting—a tactical decision— to the election of Leon Chajn of unipns. If this differs from the the election of a Communist chair­ Poland. so-ttalled "bridge-building" poli­ man. Meany told a press conference after the meeting that he had re­ ceived a call from Faupl from Geneva in which Faupl had said he could not "in good conscience sit in a conference presided over by a representative of a totalita­ rian country" and that he was Thomas W. (Teddy) Gleason, president of the International withdrawing from the delegation. Longshoremen's Association, has recently returned from Viet Nam Meany said he told Faupl, "You on his third survey of cargo handling techniques in the Port of are the delegate, you are in a posi­ Saigon. The union-financed ILA team's tion to weigh the situation. If I The union president, along trips to Viet Nam has resulted in were in your position I would do the same thing, but don't do any­ with eight other ILA men, has raising the capaicty of the Port of thing that would commit the AFL- been investigating port problems Saigon by some 100,000 tons of CIO to withdrawing from the in Viet Nam for the State Depart­ cargo. organization—which is a decision ment's Agency for International Gleason's earlier visits in Oc­ that neither you or I can make, Development. tober and January were made at "When I was there last time the invitation of AID which finan­ but only the Executive Council." The AFL-CIO president told the problem was with the ships, ces the importation of goods at reporters he then called President barges, lighters and other craft. the rate of about $25 million a Johnson and gave him a full report Now the problem has been trans­ year for shipments from Saigon and that the President asked him ferred to the docks, warehouses to up-country ports. to discuss the situation further and other areas," Gleason said. Gleason blamed unscrupulous Chinese importers with the present cargo tie-up. He said they were delaying the basic distribution of consumer goods so that the mar­ ket would rise. "We are working against time to get the merchandise into the WASHINGTON—As of June 1, millions of "Cold War" hands of the people," he said, add­ veterans, including many members of the SIU and other union ing that "the progressive strangu­ members, came under the Veterans' Readjustment Benefit Act of lation that has taken place in the 1966 which provides widespread educational advantages similar last six months will cut Viet Nam's to those of the famous "GI Bill of Rights" after World War 11. economic lifeline, thereby accom­ The new act provides veterans having at least 180 days active plishing economically what the duty service after January 31, 1955 with monthly benefits rang­ Communist aggressors have been ing from $50 to $150 per month to help defray the costs of unable to do militarily." attending high school, college, vocational, business or other institution and correspondence courses—provided they are ac­ credited or approved by the Veterans Administration. Next SIU Meeting The institutions of learning must generally be in the United Jn N.Y. on July 5 States although special exceptions can be made for training in higher institutions of learning abroad. Seafarers are urged to keep itk Each eligible veteran may select a program of education at any mind that the next SIU regular approved institution which finds him qualified to follow such membership meeting in the Port courses. Each veteran may make one change of program and of New York will be held on will need special approval by the Veteran's Administration if he Tuesday, July 5 ait the usual meet­ seeks any further changes. ing time of 2:30 p.m. Eligible veterans will be entitled to aid for a period of one Under normal circumstances month, or the equivalent in part-time training, for each month of the meeting would have been held service on active duty after January 31, 1955, but not to exceed on Monday, July 4, but the Union 36 months. Eligibility for educational aid ceases at the end of constitution provides that when a eight years from the date of the veteran's last release from active meeting date falls on a legal holi­ duty after January 31, 1955. day the meeting is to be held Full time training at an educational institution entitles a veteran on the next business day—in this with no dependents to $100 a month; a veteran with one dependent case Tuesday, July 5. i to $125 and a veteran with two or more dependents to $150. SIU members should make ndte^; Part time training carries benefits correspondingly less while of the date. July meetings in the correspondence courses carry costs only. Benefits do not include other jSIU ports will be held on theK apprentice or other training on-the-job training courses. regular meeting days.i A completei Application forms are available at all Veterans Administration list of the dates appears in they offices. 'ileason Makes Third Trip to Viet To Speed Handling of Ship Cargoes Many Seafarers To Benefit From New Gl Bill Coverage June 24, 1966 LOG Report of International President by Paul Hall The AFL-CIO supported truth-in-packaging bill was passed by the Senate recently in spite of .strong opposition by certain Senators and numerous attempts to tack on weakening amendments which would have pulled the teeth out of the bill before it was even born. Fortunate­ ly, the majority of Senators remembered their sworn duty to represent the best interests of the people who elected them and overrode the latest attempts to either make the bill ineffective or shelve it entirely. The bill now goes to the House for action. Truth-in-packaging legislation, which is designed to give the Ameri­ can consumer some long overdue help in getting his money's worth when buying packaged goods, has the strong support of the AFL-CIO, which fought to get the bill through the Senate and will now continue the battle to bring about House passage. The legislation would bring to an end many deceptive and outright fraudulent practices which the American food and packaging industries have practiced for years. Under the bill's provisions. Federal regulatory agencies would set up definite standards on weights and measures, package sizes, labeling and other marketing devices, which would make it easier for the con­ sumer to compare the true values of competing packaged goods and have at least a fair chance of getting their money's worth. The fight for Senate passage of the legislation was a long and bitter one, and is significant when one notes which Senators displayed the strongest and most stubborn opposition to the bill. In general they are the same legislators who regularly oppose any piece of progressive legislation and automatically oppose any piece of legislation which the American labor movement supports. They are the same legislators who have fought tooth and nail against social legislation, legislative reform or economic reform of any kind. They are the same men who continue to cling to their outmoded 19th Century values and refuse to budge in spite of the wishes of the American people, or the realities of the 20th Century. Republican Senator Everett McKinley Dirkscn, who led the losing fight against the passage of truth-in-packaging legislation in the Senate, is the prime example. Dirksen is making a career of pitting his 19th Century thinking against the rest of the nation and opposing any and all progressive legislation. He has become the representative of reaction in the U.S. Senate. Dirksen led the fight against repeal of Taft-Hartley Section 14B. He led the fight against Medicare.' He led the fight against legislative re­ apportionment. He led the fight against truth-in-packaging. He is against unions. He has shown himself to be against progress of any kind. Dirksen, along with a small clique of similarly backward-looking legislators views the labor movement as an enemy. And within the boundaries of their nineteenth century viewpoint they are right to a degree, because the American labor movement has always represented progress and a better life for all of the American people and continues to do so today. The labor movement has therefore become an enemy. One of Dirksen's strongest supporters in the fight against passage of truth-in-packaging for example, was Republican Senator Thruston B. Morton of Kentucky. According to Morton, he was one of the legislators who helped to write the anti-labor Section 14B of the TaftHartley Act. Senate passage of truth-in-packaging is just another in a long string of defeats suffered by Dirksen in recent congressional sessions. He was defeated in his opposition to Medicare and legislative reapportionment. Social and economic reform is progressing in spite of him. With the aid of the outmoded filibuster concept he was able to stymie the rest of the Senate and succeeded in blocking 14B repeal by threaten­ ing to tie up the nation's entire legislative process until he got his way. But the fight for 14B repeal will continue. Progress cannot be stopped. The 19th Century is gone for good, as Senator Dirksen and others are learning the hard way. Turkish Unionists Visit SIU I H >4 Representatives of Turkish trade unions visited SIU hall in New York last week. Here Cliff Wilson (glasses) explains training program at SlU's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship to group. At right is M. Gezer, Longshore Union; second from right, A. Akyuz, Seamen's Union; center, A. Akap, of Textile Workers. �June 24, 1966 SEAFARERS TT ^Save Our Ships' Conference Set for June 28-29 In D. C. LOG Page Three SlU'BackeJ Bill IntroJuceJ in House For Independent Maritime Agenry WASHINGTON—The emergency conference to save the American Merchant Marine which is set for June 28-29 here^ has WASHINGTON—A bill backed by the Seafarers International Union which would create an in­ stirred considerable interest throughout the maritime industry, dependent maritime agency has been introduced in the House of Representatives. among members of Congress The proposed legislation follows closely along the lines recommended by SIU President Paul Hall administrative agencies in con­ and in the trade union move­ tributing to the industry's decline when he testified recently as known as the Federal Maritime Commerce under the Reorganiza­ ment. Representatives of each by their failure or refusal to carry spokesman for all AFL-CIO Administration. . . which shall be tion Plans of 1950 and 1961 to the of these groups will be among the out the intent of maritime law in marine unions at hearings be­ an independent agency not under new independent agency. 500 persons who will attend the the period since the '36 Act. fore the Senate and House Gov­ any other department, agency, or Under terms of the bill, the sessions, at which plans will be ernment Operations subcommit­ instrumentality of the executive Representatives of labor and Federal Maritime Administrator, made for a campaign to revitalize management and members of the tees and stressed the need for branch of the Government. . ." "shall not submit his decisions for U.S. shipping. Introduced by Representative the approval of, nor be bound by Congress will address the confer­ legislation to create an indepen­ The unprecedented conference ence. Policy for the campaign to dent agency for maritime. Frank Clark (D., Pa.) on June 8, the decisions or recommendations was called by the newly-formed save the American Merchant Ma­ The bill—H.R. 15567—would H. R. 15567 has been referred to of any committee, board or other American Committee To Save Our rine which will be launched at the amend Section 201 of Title II of the House Merchant Marine Com­ Shipping, which is sponsored by conference, will be drafted by the the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 mittee. It would transfer the pres­ organization created by Executive order." the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades conference delegates. by establishing "an agency to be ent functions of the Secretary of Representative Clark's proposed Department and the AFL-CIO legislation would also create a Maritime Committee, representing Maritime Subsidy Board which the great majority of the nation's "shall have complete and final shipboard and shoreside maritime authority to pass upon all matters workers. related to construction differential Seafarers International Union and operating differential sub­ President Paul Hall is a co-chair­ sidy." The Board would be com­ man of the committee, along with posed of the Federal Maritime Russell Berg, President of the In­ Administrator an two members ternational Brotherhood of Boiler appointed by the President with Workers and Shipbuilders; Thom­ As the LOG was going to press announce­ His inquisitiveness about the industry and the advice and consent of the as W. Gleason, President of the ment was made that Maritime Administrator his talents and energy in acquiring knowledge Senate for a term of five years . ." International Longshoremen's Nicholas Johnson has been appointed to the of it and getting involved in its every aspect In his testimony calling for the Association, and Joseph Curran, Federal Communications Commission. are qualities not often found in pubilc servants. creation of an independent mari­ President of the National Mari­ As head of the agency responsible for U. S. A vigorous opponent of status quo, Johnson time agency. Hall said such an time Union. shipping, Johnson was often a center of con­ performed no special favors. He called the agency "would focus greater at­ Significantly the conference will troversy, much of it stormy. Intelligent, ener­ shot as he believed it should be called. That tention on our decaying fleet." occur on the thirtieth anniversary he was nevertheless able to perform valuable of passage of the Merchant Ma­ getic, with a probing mind and definite views, Hall cited the fact that the Johnson said what he felt, frequently provoking public service, considering the pressures he rine Act of 1936. The Act was Maritime Administration now has "no independent power and must approved on June 29, 1936, and it violent criticism. In a Maritime Administrator was subjected to not only from various other compete with other programs ad­ was the Congress' intent to "foster this was unprecedented. government agencies but from within his own ministered by the Department of the development and encourage And more than any of his predecessors, John­ department as well, is all the more remarkable Commerce." He said that the pro­ the maintenance" of an adequate and a tribune to the man. son thus churned the stagnant waters in which motional activities of the merchant and well-balanced merchant ma­ SIU President Paul Hall said of Nick John­ the American shipping industry was settling. marine are "buried within the De­ rine to serve the peacetime and son's service as Maritime Administrator: "We He stirred the waters to a point where virtually partment of Commerce." defense needs of the nation. are probably the only organization to express all of the industry got off its seat and began The Act has never been imple­ Hall said that in the interests regret over Nick Johnson's departure. But we thinking and talking out loud about all of mented so that today's merchant of American seamen, the indus­ do so even though we differed with some of the industry problems. And now we have some­ marine is substantially weaker try and the nation, the SIU will his opinions. Nick Johnson performed the great­ thing approaching a total industry position for than the fleet the act was intended wage an all-out effort for passage est service to the maritime industry that it has the first time. In this respect—aside from his to assist. of H. R. 15567. He called on The conference will take note all SIU members to write their had in many years. He gave it a shot of ad­ particular views and attitudes—Johnson per­ of the '36 Act's anniversary with Senators and Representatives, urg­ renalin that it badly needed for a long time, formed a most valuable service to maritime. conference participants calling ing them to support the measure. with the result that it began to show movement At times during Johnson's directorship of personally on members of both (Seafarers are requested to re­ and interest. MARAD, the SIU was among the most voci­ houses of Congress on June 29 to move and read the special supple­ "You did not have to agree with Nick John­ ferous critics of many of his proposals and inform them of the plight of the ment in the center section of this son in order to respect his intelligence and policies. Although it disagreed many of the Merchant Marine and to impress issue of the LOG for details on ability, and these qualities, along with his vital­ Maritime Administrator's views, the SIU ac­ the proposed bill to create an upon them the urgency of prompt ity, will be missed. We hope the industry will knowledged that Johnson stimulated interest independent agency and instruc­ action to save American shipping. not now go back to the sleep it was in when and thinking in almost every comer of mari­ tions on how they can assist in The conference participants will Nick Johnson came along," Hall said. the fight for its passage.) time, to a degree that had never existed before. point up the role of government Nicholas Johnson Appointed to FCC; Awakened Maritime From Deep Sleep Fight Additionai Seafarers Reteive Engineers Licenses Engineers licenses have been issued to eight more engine department Seafarers who passed the U. S. Coast Guard Skuba Lanimore examinations after preparation at the training school jointly spon­ sored by the SIU and District 2 of the Marine Engineers Benefi­ cial Association. The union train­ ing program has produced 22 licensed engineers since it recently went into effect. The 22 recently-licensed en­ gineers are sailing, or are about to sail, in engineers' berths aboard American-flag ships. Of the eight Seafarers who passed license examinations in the past week, five were licensed as Third Engineers and three were licensed as Second Engineers. The newly-licensed Third Engi­ neers are: • John T. Skuba, aged 40, who has been sailing as oiler and has been an SIU member since 1958; • Ellie H. Larrimore, 45, an oiler and 23-year member of the SIU; • Michael Kindya, 26, a fireman-watertender and member of Kindya Rockwell the Union since 1959; • Eugene V. Rockwell, 26, an oiler and member of the SIU since 1964; • George Ebberwein, Jr., 32, who has sailed as fireman-watertender and oiler and has been a Union member since I960. The following SIU engine de­ partment men received their Sec­ ond Engineers licenses: • Rocus Vellinga, 57, who sailed as oiler and reefer engineer and has been an SIU member for 19 years; • John J. Kennedy, 40, a fireman-watertender and 15-year member of the SIU; • Vaughn J. Nelson, 38, a member of the SIU since 1963. Nelson shipped out as Second aboard the Steel Architect. The SIU-MEBA District 2 training program is the first of its kind in maritime history. It allows engine department Seafar­ ers to obtain instruction in prepa­ ration for their Third Engineer's License, their Temporary Third Engineer's License, or their origi­ nal Second Assistant Engineer's License in either steam or motor vessel classifications. The training school is operated under a reciprocal agreement be­ tween the SIU and District 2 of MEBA. SIU men who enroll in the program are provided with Ebberwein VelUnga meals, hotel lodging and subsis­ tence payment of $110 per week while in training. Engine department Seafarers are eligible to apply for any of the upgrading programs if they are 19 years of age or older and have 18 months of Q.M.E.D. watch standing time in the engine de­ partment, plus six months experi­ ence as a wiper, or equivalent. The joint Union training pro­ gram was instituted to enable Sea­ farers to obtain their licenses and to help meet the shortage of ma­ rine engineers arising out of the crisis in Viet Nam. The joint SIU-MEBA District 2 licensed engineers training pro­ gram is the first opportunity that unlicensed seamen have had to obtain a license and employment as engineers, at no cost to them­ selves. SIU engine department men interested in the program should apply immediately, or obtain ad­ ditional information, at any SIU Kennedy Nelson hall, or directly at SIU Headquar­ ters, 675 Fourth Avenue, Brook­ lyn, N. Y. 11232. The telephone number is HYacinth 9-6600. ; i| •I i' • i �Page Four SEAFARERS June 24, 1966 LOG House Merchant Marine Subcommittee Hearings Shipbuilders Blast Gov't Agencies, Urge Adoption of MAC Proposals by Earl (Bull) Shepard, Vice-President, Atlantic Coast Area] A charter as an AFL-CIO affiliate was recently presented to 24.000 New York taxi drivers and garage workers in ceremonies held at AFLCIO headquarters in Washington. AFL-CIO President George Meany presented the charter to the newly-formed taxi union and congratulated them on their success in winning a first-time contract. <S> New York who has been shipping out of Shipping in New York con­ New York for the past two years, tinues to be exceptionally good for is now registered here for a deck ratings. Major maintenance job. Rrid stopped in PhUadelphia to say hello and Shipping has been fair in this pick up his vaca­ port. Ed Gallen, who sails black tion check. He is gang and was last aboard the currently the sa­ Rohin Hood, is ready for the first lon pantryman job that hits the board. William aboard the Robin Gray. One of his Underwood, would like to ship to shipmates aboard the Far East as a cook or baker. Nuckob the Robin Gray is Francis Corcoran, now fit for duty Billy Nuckols. Joe Domino just after a stint in the hospital, will got off the Western Oipper and take any steward department job stopped in to say hello. He was available. Edward Morris, an SIU old-timer, is registered here wait­ out for ten months. ing for an AB's or dayman's job. Boston Mobile Shipping has picked up a bit and Shipping is on the slow bell is expected to be good for the next here. Fred Phelw is currently reg­ period. Salvatore Alpedo, a 23- istered group one in the deck de­ year union man, recently signed partment here. Fred's last trip was off the Norfolk. Sal is happy to on the super-tanker Connecticut be home with his family for the and he has been shipping out of Summer. Thomas Fleming who Gulf ports on and off for the past last shipped out on the Robin 25 years. Albert E. Bourgot, who Locksley, just got his fit-for-duty made a couple of trips to Viet clearance and will work on sum­ Nam aboard the Brigham Victory mer boats running to Nantucket. as a boatswain, is ready to ship Baltimore out again. Howard B. Davis, who Shipping has been good here last sailed on the Puerto Rican run and is expected to stay that way. aboard the Maiden Creek, is now At present the Chilore and Alamar thinking about going to SIU-Disare tied up waiting to be crewed. trict 2 MEBA Upgrading School The Chilore should be crewing up to get his engineering license. next week, but there is no report Puerto Rico as to when the Alamar will take The Office for Economic Op­ on men. John Mueller is waiting portunity has set aside $32 mil­ for any AB's job in the deck de­ lion for anti-poverty projects in partment. Puerto Rico. The money will set Norfolk up four Job Corps Conservation Shipping has been good here and Centers, adult basic education and the outlook for the immediate fu­ community action programs as ture also is good. well as a neighborhood youth William Kuhl, corps and rural loan system. The oiler, who served AFL-CIO is opposing an amend­ as ships delegate ment tacked onto the minimum aboard the Al- wage bill which would deny mini­ dina, dropped by mum wage benefits to unskilled the hall and workers such as farm hands who wanted to thank need it most. James Dixon is still the union for the the bosun on the Claiborne. He way beefs were remained with the ship while it Kuhl settled at the pay­ was in drydock after a recent col­ off in Jacksonville. Kenneth Wells, lision. WASHINGTON—A strong counter-attack against the Interagency Maritime Task Force Committee report (Boyd Report) was made recently in testimony before the House Merchant Marine Subcom­ mittee by Russell K. Berg, president of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers ^ President Johnson promised 18 men, has created such a climate of & Helpers. months ago. uncertainty that U.S. shipyards In his testimony before the To provide immediate aid to and the rest of the industry can­ House Subcommittee, which is maritime, Berg urged Congress to not modernize because they can­ holding hearings on the state of bring pressure to bear on the Ad­ not be sure what course U.S. ship­ the U.S. merchant fleet. Berg ministration to force full compli­ ping policy will take and whether blasted the Interagency Task ance with the provisions of the foreign building will be permitted. Force report and urged instead 1936 Merchant Marine Act, in He named shipyards which may adoption of the proposals ad­ order to bring the U.S.-flag mer­ be forced to close down entirely vanced in the President's Maritime chant fleet back to such a state in the near future "because of the Advisory Committee report. where it is again able to haul at uncertainty and mass confusion in The SIU and other maritime least 30 percent of U.S. foreign the industry." unions have also urged adoption commerce, instead of the le.ss than He also urged Congress to put of the MAC report and have flatly 9 percent it is able to carry at a lid on statements emanating rejected the Task Force report present. from the Maritime Administra­ which would, if adopted, result in Berg blamed much of what is tion constantly knocking and un­ the continuing decline of the U.S. wrong with U.S. maritime today dermining U.S. shipyards for be­ maritime industry. on the continuing attitude of in­ ing more expensive than foreign "Unrealistic Programs^ decision, drift, neglect and uncer­ yards, and proposing that Ameri­ In addition. Berg also attacked tainty on the part of those in gov­ can ships therefore be built for­ the Maritime Administration for ernment charged with fostering eign as called for in the Inter­ statements tending to "run down" and maintaining a strong and ac­ agency Task Force report. This the American shipyards for their tive American-flag merchant fleet. "is something that's going to have shipbuilding costs relative to for­ Berg blasted the Maritime Ad­ to be stopped," Berg told the con­ eign yards; accused the Defense ministration for "expedient ac­ gressmen. He also took the op­ Department and the Maritime Ad­ tions," "wholly destructive" pro­ portunity to urge that a "thorough ministration of pushing "unrealis­ posals, and a "mish mash of erro­ study" be made comparing U.S. tic ship programs which involve neous or misleading statistics, cu­ and Soviet shipbuilding, and over­ "throwing money away"; and rious arithmetic and outright all sea-power programs. rapped the Administration for not hocus-pocus." Other Testimony yet coming up with a "new policy" All of this indecision and policy for the merchant marine which juggling. Berg told the congressIn other testimony before the House Subcommittee Thomas A. Rotell, executive secretary-treas­ urer of the Pacific Coast District Metal Trades Council criticized the Maritime Administration and the Defense Department for downgrading the importance of American sea-power for defense by Undsey Williams, Vice-President, Gulf Area purposes and for suggesting that American ships be built in for­ The SlU-contracted Delta Steamship Lines has moved its head­ eign yards. quarters to the new International Trade Mart Towers, a 33-story high building in New Orleans and a very familiar sight to Seafarers. Delta Rotell also urged that Congress will occupy the entire 17th floor of the building, which is just across not allow the merchant marine to Canal Street from the Alcoa docks and very close to the Poydras "be swallowed up by any new Department of Transportation." Street Wharf where Delta ships Louis (Eddy) Bollinger is back He also urged Congress to make previously docked. on the beach after two trips to New Orleans, which is the West Africa as AB aboard the Maritime an independent agency world's leading grain port, became Del Oro and is presently taking and to take action to force the ex­ ecutive branch to act in the inter­ the home of the world's largest care of some personal business. ests of the nation's security. grain drier recently with the in­ Berg told the subcommittee that Houston stallation of a $250,000, 6,000"there is evidence that the Soviet J. L. Moncrlef is just off the bushel-per-hour piece of equip­ Union is moving to control the ment that more than doubles the Missouri and will spend a few oceans of the world and presently capacity of the Public Grain Ele­ weeks on the beach here until is engaged in what can be called vator. Previous drying capacity the next good tanker comes in. a lop-sided ocean-space race." He's hoping for a trip lasting a was approximately 4,000-bushelscouple of months. per-hour against the new installa­ Ben Ladd, who has been on tion's 10,000 bph. The huge drier the beach for a couple of months creates enough heat per hour to now says he's about ready to ship June 24,1966 warm 750 houses. Vol. XXVlii, No. 13 again and is looking for a good Official Publication of the SIUNA New Orleans feeder going to India. Just off Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO WASHINGTON—bill which would eliminate special privi­ Joseph Scaramutz is on the the National Defender is Bill JoyExecutive Board leges now enjoyed by the billion-dollar DuPont Estate in Florida PAUL HALL, President beach here looking for an engine ner, who says he will take a little vacation and do some Ashing be­ has been approved by the Senate Banking Committee. This rep­ CAL TANNER EARL SHEPARD room slot on a Exec. Vice-Pres. Vice-President resents a big step toward enact- " ship going to fore he looks for another ship. AL KERR LINDSEY WILLIAMS banking laws. Enactment of the Sec.-Treas. Vice-President ment of the legislation, which South America, Mobile measure would force the DuPont ROBERT MATTHEWS AL TANNER has already been approved by financial empire to sell either its preferably a Delta Vice-President Vice-President Oldtimer Fred Pehler, who last HERBERT BRAND Lines passenger shipped on the supertanker Con­ the House and has the strong extensive industrial holdings, in­ Director of Organizing and support of the AFL-CIO. ship. His last ship necticut as AB, is Publications cluding the Florida East Coast was the Anniston Managing Editor Art Editor Enactment of the bill would on the beach here Railway, or its banking empire. MIKE POLLACK BERNARD SEAMAN Victory on which close a loophole in the banking enjoying a rest. Assistant Editor Railroad union members have NATHAN SKYER Stag Writers aws through which the giant been on strike against the EEC A 25-year SIU Scaramutz he spent two and a half months on MELVIN PURVIS corporation, has been allowed to Railway since January, 1963. The member, Pehler Perrrat WEISS a trip to Vietnam. It was a good and his wife make control both banks and industries size and extent of the DuPont Em­ ship with a good crew, he reports. their home in Mo­ in Florida—including the long pire holdings has enabled Edward Looking for a berth and not bile. Anthony E. Pibllshed bIwMkly at 810 Rhodn Island Avsnae strike-bound Florida East Coast Ball, boss of the vast empire, to too particular about what ship he Bourgot is looking N.E., Washington, D. C. 20018 by the Seafarers Railway. Union, Atlantle, Galf, Lakes and flatly refect all settlement attempts for a bosun slot International sails on is FrankUn N. Cain, who Inland Waters DIstrlet, AFL-CIO, 675 Foarth A«ePehler The proposed legislation would by the railroad unions — which Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232. Tel. HVaelnth was last aboard the Cities Service on a trip that will noe, 9-6600. Second class postage paid at Washing­ end the DuPont Estate's exemp­ have only asked that their mem­ Mhuni as cook and baker. Cain, will have him back in the States ton, D. C. who makes his home in Bay St. in time for the duck hunting POSTHASTER'S ATTENTION: Form 3579 cards tion from the Bank Holding Com­ bers receive the same pay and ho sent to Seafarers International Union, pany Act, which has allowed the working conditions that have longLouis, Mississippi, sailed aboard season. Tony's last ship was the shoild Atlantle, Golf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO, , the Dd Mar for a good while prior Brigham Victory on which he 11232. 675 Foarth Asonao, Brooklyn, N.Y. giant financial empire to operate since been provided for other raiVsailed to Vietnam. ... in violation, iOl .the. intent of. the. road, >vorkqrs .across .the natlpn. to that. liSiTiifca..' ItfJiLgB iJuui I idjilvi edi •iliuimL .s i.aai oil; .i/J %aiwtT li bfiij sd) (-J i 379i{/nabiKai won ufl .aiof i >)gd t;i .Bmavivanual ni nroB .(Kisbsi i The Gulf Coast IS The Atlantic Coast SEAFARERSjfeLOC Sarate Financial Conunittee Mis ScalhHerders Financial Fmpire �Jnne 24, 1966 The Pacific Coast by Frank Orozak, West Coast Representative SEAFARERS Page Five LOG Senate OKs Truth-in-Paikaging Bill; Passage Awaits Approval of House WASHINGTON—^The Senate has passed a truth-in-packaging bill designed to end deceptive pack­ aging and labeling practices by the food, drug and other similar industries, and give the American consumer a chance to get true value for money spent in the supermarket. The measure, passed by a ment of contents in a conspicuous stant coffee and potato chips, for 72 to 9 vote in the Senate now place on the package. The net example, are sold in 50 different goes to the House, where hear­ quantity of the package's contents sizes at present. ings are expected shortly. Under this provision the FTC would have to be stated either in The bill, sponsored by Senator ounces or in even pounds, pints or the FDA would act after a Fhilip A. Hart (D-Mich.) and or quarts to end confusion of the formal deterr.?ination that a pro­ strongly supported by the AFL- consumer. For example, a label duct was being packaged in so CIO and the Johnson Administra­ stating contents at 18 ounces many different sizes that the con­ tion, covers almost all food, drugs would be allowed, but not a label sumer's ability to make price-perand other packaged household giving contents as one pint, two unit comparisons was likely to be impaired. goods normally sold in super­ ounces. Other provisions of the bill After such a determination, the markets—with the notable excep­ would let the FTC and FDA en­ industry would have 60 days to tion of meats. The legislation would require force standard definitions for the request appointment of a products that containers be labeled in such presently confusing "small," "med­ standards committee by the Secre­ a way that the consumer could ium" and "large" designations and tary of Commerce, composed of easily determine the weight or vol­ for measurements in terms of representatives of manufacturers, ume of the contents and make "servings." It would also regulate distributors and consumers. If the committee could not reach a con­ meaningful comparisons between use of "cents-off" labels. The administering agencies sensus on voluntary standards af­ competing products. The meas­ ure would also give the Federal would also have stand-by authority ter 18 months, the Commerce Trade Commission and the Food to control the number of different- Secretary would establish manda­ and Drug Administration stand-by sized packages in which some pro­ tory standards. He would also authority to standardize the size ducts are marketed if the industry make voluntary standards manda­ of packaged products marketed in failed to take voluntary action. tory for packagers who faUed to a confusingly large number of It has been pointed out that in­ conform voluntarily. different sizes. Overwhelming Vote Senate passage of the bill by the overwhelming 72 to 9 vote, followed rejection of a series of amendments aimed at weakening the measure. Opposition to the by bill was led by Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen (R-Ill.), who Al Tanner, Vice-President and Fred Farnen,Secretary-Treasurer,Great Lakes Your SIU representatives attended a special conference of the Michi­ earlier this year also led the op­ position to repeal of section 14B gan Federation of Labor called for the purpose of conducting a secret vote on political endorsements for all candidates for both governor of the Taft-Hartley Act. The truth-in-packaging bill had of Michigan and United States senator for the state of Michigan. The been stalled in committee for four conference was held at the Civic Auditorium in Lansing on Wednesday, years and prior to passage the June 1st. More than six hundred 'f Senate defeated a last-ditch at­ delegates turned out for this im­ gan Employment Act to eliminate tempt by Dirksen to again have portant meeting, coming from all the waiting week presently re­ the bill sent back to the Judiciary parts of Michigan and represent­ quired prior for collection of un­ Committee, which had jurisdiction ing well over seven hundred thou­ employment insurance. Fassage of of the bill in the last Congress, sand members of AFL-CIO unions the bill represents recognition of but took no action. This year in the state of Michigan. All can­ the fact that the unemployed the bill was handled by the Com­ didates for governor and U. S. worker and his family need un­ senator, both democrat and re­ employment insurance just as merce Committee. Under the Senate-passed ver­ publican, were allotted twenty much in the first week of un­ sion of the bill, the Federal Trade minutes to address the delegates in employment as in the twenty-sixth. Under the provisions of the bill, Commission and the Food and attendance. unemployed individuals will con­ Drug Administration would re­ Republican Senator Robert Grif­ tinue to receive a maximum of quire and regulate a clear state- fin, recently appointed by Repub­ 26 weeks of benefits. However, lican Governor George Romney the worker, upon becoming un­ to replace the late Senator Fat employed. will be eligible to col­ McNamara, told the delegate lect unemployment insurance im­ body that labor should not in­ mediately. volve themselves in politics, and The Michigan labor movement attempted to defend his refusal has been in the forefront of the to support repeal of the right-to- struggle to achieve economic and work section of the Taft-Hartley social equality for all working Act, without the adoption of his citizens in the country. The elim­ own conditions. One of these con­ ination of the presently-required ditions would have made it illegal waiting week, is a step in the right to hold this very meeting at which direction and is of even more Griffin, along with other Repub­ importance to seamen, consider­ licans spoke. It goes without say­ ing the pending federal legislation ing that Griffin's reception was in Washington with respect to un­ cool. employment insurance across the The highlight of the conference country. was the address of former Gov­ Powers Shellenberger Blaylock Slrickland Seamdirus Wright In this day and age, it is in­ ernor of the state of Michigan, G. conceivable that some states are Six more names have been added to the growing list of Seafarers who have retired on an SIU Mennen Williams, who is seeking attempting to further limit un­ pension and are now receiving pension benefits of $150 a month. The new Seafarer pensioners are: the Democratic nomination for employment insurance, as is the Billie Shellenberger, Jose Searadeus, T. G. Blaylock, J. J. Powers, Paul Strickland and John Wright. U. S. Senator. Williams called for case in Ohio where a seaman is the abolishment of the filibuster Blaylock joined the SIU in deprived of coverage during the Shellenberger and his wife Isa­ with his wife, Mary. rule in the Senate as the first the port of Norfolk and sailed winter months. In the state of bella, reside in San Fedro, Calif. Strickland joined the union in step towards the enactment of Michigan, a move is on to expand American-flag ships almost 50 Searadeus joined the union in the port of Philadelphia. He was progressive legislation. Governor coverage while the Ohio laws re­ years, starting as a deckhand in 1917. He sailed on the tugboats the port of Miami and he sailed in bom in North Carolina and now Williams detailed the voting re­ main discriminatory. For this rea­ of the Pennsylvania Railroad. the Steward department. His last resides in Baltimore. The retired cord of Griffin, which he felt to son all union members are urged Born in Blakes, Va., he resides vessel was the Del Mar. He had seafarer sailed as a member of the be against the war on poverty, to immediately write their Sena­ some 30 years aboard American- Steward department. He last the economic development act, tors and Representatives advising there with his wife, Ethel. and aid to education. them of the deplorable condition Shellenberger joined the SIU flag ships. Searadeus was a native sailed on the Losmar. of Spain. On Monday, June 6th, the that exists in Ohio and asking Wright joined the union in the in the port of New York in 1947. Powers joined the SIU in the port of Houston, where he makes Michigan House of Represent­ them to support Federal legisla­ He sailed all ratings in the Engine department. His last vessel was port of Baltimore. He sailed as an his home. Brother Wright was atives passed Senate Bill No. 91. tion that would make it illegal tlie Hercules Victory (Wall St. OS in the Deck department. Born born in Texas,, und was employed This legislation, previously passed for the state of Ohio to discrim­ by the Senate, amends the Michi­ inate against seamen. in Baltimore, he now resides there by the G and H Towing Co. The King County (Seattle) Labor Council last week has recommend­ ed that Republican Congressman Thomas Felly be relected. The SIU and other maritime unions are totally in accord with the endorsement, due to Mr. Felly's voting record on maritime issues. This endorsement will be recommended to the Washington State Labor Council, which holds its convenSeattle tion on August 22. Since our last report, shipping It will be a Brown-Reagan gubernatorial battle in November has picked up and looks like it for the Sacramento White House. will continue to be fairly good for Brown is in for a battle with all rated men. Faying off during the last ship­ Reagan, who beat his opponent in the Republican primaries with ping period were the Tbetis, Kyska, and Cboctaw. Signing on ease. were the Brigbam Victory, Choc­ San Francisco Shipping continues to be very taw and the Minot Victwy. In good. We just hnished crewing transit we have had the Seattle, up the Western Clipper for a fly- Anchorage, Marymar and the out to Japan. On June 11 we Vantage Progress. On the beach here is Bill O'Con­ crewed up another fly-out to nor after an eight Japan on the Mount Vernon Vic­ month trip as tory. bosun. Bill plans Paying off during the last ship­ to take it easy for ping period were the Topa Topa, a couple of weeks Antinous, Wild Ranger, Del Alba before he'll be and Anniston Victory. ready to ship Signing on we had the Topa again. Also on the Topa and Anniston Victory. In beach is Early transit were the Marymar, San Punch, just off O'Connor Juan, Loma Victory and Bethex. the Warm Spring Ships due in for payoff are the on which he sailed as Ordinary, Ocean Evelyn, Steel Traveler, Longview Victory and Enid Vic­ Early had to leave his last ship because of illness and is still unfit tory. Ships due in transit include for duty but hopes to be ready to the San Francisco, Longbeach and ship again soon. Western Clipper. Wilmington Bosun Roland C. Perody has been on the beach here recently. Shipping activity in this area He stuck around until he made remained good and the outlook the Western Clipper on the Far for future shipping looks very East run. Another SIU oldtimer, bright. We still have plenty of jobs F.F.Reese, pulled for AB's and FWT's. in recently and During the past couple of will take a little weeks had to pay off seven ships rest before ship­ in transit. ping out again in Ken Singh and Bill Oppenhorst, a deck depart­ who have been shipping out of ment slot. Wilmington for the past few years, Kasimir Fucb- have both received their 2nd As­ alsld, AB, is wait­ sistant Engineer's licenses. These ing to get a new members took advantage of the ship headed for SIU-MEBA District 2 upgrading Vietnam. He hails school in New York. Ken has al­ Pucbalski from New York, ready shipped out. Bill has taken a but has been shipping the West little vacation to get married and Coast route for the last 8 months. have a brief honeymoon before Brother Fuchalski has been sailing shipping. We wish Ken and Bill much success in their new ratings. with the SIU for 22 years now. Six Additional Seafarer Veterans Join Growing SIU Pension Roster The Great Lakes �Page Six SEAFARERS Boston Maritime Trades Council June 24, 1966 LOG DISPATCHERS , Afriantie/ District| June 4-June 17 DECK DEPARTMENT TOTAL REGISTERED Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco .... Seattle Totals Class A 4 69 10 29 6 1 7 19 48 55 3 26 16 292 TOTAL SHIPPED Class A 1 49 5 40 7 3 10 17 29 55 6 29 9 260 Class B 3 34 9 15 6 5 5 6 21 33 5 19 11 172 Class B Class C 0 1 40 21 1 6 4 12 4 11 4 2 6 2 3 9 1 10 28 36 6 4 16 22 10 9 150 118 NOW ON THE BEACH Class A 22 174 28 94 15 11 12 82 148 150 19 52 37 844 Class B 3 62 11 r• 15 7 6 21 71 67 2 2 7 296 ENIGINE DEPARTMENT Members of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Council of Boston met with Massachusetts Congressmen at recent luncheon in Boston. Left to right above are: Austin B. Skinner, SlU-affiliated New Bedford Fish­ ermen's Union: John Roman, Council President; Joseph Algina, SlU Safety Director; Congressmen Torbert MacDonald and Thomas P. O'Neill; and Patrick King of the Masters, Mates and Pilots union. THE INQUIRING SEAFARER QUESTION: When you are electing a ship's delegate, what qualities do you look for? S. Ferrer: I would like to know the delegate personally because I feel that the better you know the man the more you can judge what kind of a delegate he will be. He should be a seafarer who has been sailing for a number of years he will have a greater knowledge of the prob­ lems aboard ship. He should also know all of his fellow crew mem­ bers. — vi> — E. P. Rosenqvist: The poten­ tial delegate should be able to han­ dle tough situa­ tions and of course, he needs to be the kind of man who can get the coopera­ tion of the crew or his job is use­ less. He should also be able to deal with topside. If a member of the crew doesn't cooperate with the ships delegate they can make his job very tough for him. <1> Bradle Pinden I look for the qualities of manliness, by that, I mean the ability to meet all levels on an equal foot­ ing. He must be an intelligent man who can get along with topside and also maintain good relations with the rest of the crew. A delegate must be easy to get along with. Experience is a most important quality, of course. ^ Phil Kugien I think a potential delegate should be intelligent and have the ability to deal with dif­ ferent kinds of people. He has to be an effective gobetween for the crew and topside. He should be an experienced sea­ man who has won the respect of the crewmembers. The delegate has to be a man who could be acceptable to the whole crew. Jose Ross: 1 look for an ex­ perienced seafarer. A delegate should be famil­ iar with the op­ eration of a ship and be able to handle any prob­ lems that come up. He should be a man who is popular with the crew. The dele­ gate has to be a man who can present the crews problems effi­ ciently to the men upstairs. Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle Totals TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B 1 1 45 23 6 8 28 11 6 4 5 2 1 2 10 9 27 19 30 36 7 4 30 11 9 10 203 142 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 3 0 1 31 45 18 10 4 8 6 29 14 5 8 14 6 6 2 3 6 1 7 8 2 16 9 6 27 12 29 8 10 10 24 34 12 16 8 7 217 129 119 NOW ON THE BEACH All Groups Class A Class B 6 1 50 140 12 11 82 60 9 15 6 4 5 4 45 18 68 91 83 86 6 14 41 1 26 10 561 333 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco Rattle Totals TOTAL REGISTERED AH Groups Class A Class B 0 2 15 46 2 5 16 12 7 5 5 4 5 2 15 7 19 28 17 15 8 6 25 1 12 4 95 188 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 7 20 21 0 0 4 21 13 4 6 12 4 3 2 4 7 1 0 12 1 2 6 25 3 22 18 7 7 5 8 30 5 24 13 4 11 169 76 88 NOW ON THE BEACH All Groups Class A Class B 3 4 117 38 3 11 55 43 5 13 7 6 9 1 50 17 113 86 77 35 7 2 48 0 22 9 256 525 !IU Coast Fish, Cannery Unions Aid Fight SlUFish,Cannery Workers to Benefit Ship Collision As CaL Increases Anchovy Allotment Spurs Inquiry The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the collision of two tankers in New York Har­ bor which resulted in the death of over 20 merchant seamen. Rear Admiral 1. J. Stephens said that the investigation will seek to uncover the causes of the crash between the American-flag tanker Texaco Massachusetts and the British oil ship Alva Cape, in the Kill Van Kull in Newark Bay be­ tween Staten Island and New York. The British ship suffered a huge hole in her starboard side and part of the vessel's highly volatile cargo of naphtha spilled onto the water. The naphtha caught fire and ig­ nited both ships. Rear Admiral William B. Ellis, chief of staff of the Third Coast Guard District will head the Coast Guard's Board of Investigation into the matter. Marine boards of investigation are only convened by the Coast Guard for serious ship disasters. The board was last called up after the tragic sinking of the grain carrying freighter Smith Voyager in 1965. After long-time urging by fishery biologists, canners and fish and cannery unions, including the SIU, the state of California has permitted the landing of anchovies for reduction purposes. A pilot program has been set up by the State Department of Fish and Game to permit the landing of about 75,000 tons a year. mercial fishing groups, the Cali­ vestigation had recommended at This amount, it is reasoned, fornia legislature last year author­ least 200,000 tons, a figure en­ will enable biologists to gauge ized the landing of 100,000 tons dorsed by John Hawk, an SIU the effect of the fishery on an­ for reduction (by-product) pur­ international representative. chovy stocks without causing de­ poses. The Fish and Game Com­ Sportsfishing interests opposed pletion. mission decided on a 75,000 ton the use of anchovies for by-prod­ So far, landings have been quota. uct purposes on the grounds that slightly more than 6,500 tons, Fishery biologists of the Cali­ this would lead to overfishing and with one seiner accounting for fornia Cooperative Fisheries In- end up in depletion of the an­ most of the catch, but fishermen chovy, vital to party fishing boats believe that this total will jump for use as bait. considerably this summer as more ' New SIU Pensioner They pointed to the fact that boats equip themselves for the unrestricted exploitation of sar­ new fishery. A net costs about dines led to virtual oblivion for $10,000, a considerable invest­ this once-huge and profitable fish­ ment for small craft. Fish have ery. been selling at $20 a ton at San The catch of Pacific sardines Pedro and Port Hueneme. increased from 28,000 tons in Dr. Wilbert Chapman, world1916 to nearly 800,000 tons in known fisheries authority and di­ 1936 because of increasingly in­ rector of the Van Camp Founda­ tensive fishing. After 1945, land­ tion, believes that a considerable ings started down until they plum­ fishery, supporting many boats meted to 20,000 tons in 1964. As and men, can be built on the the sardine was overfished, say Pacific Coast anchovy stock with­ biologists, the anchovy took over out depleting it. as the dominant species. He estimates anchovy resources Chapman and other experts be­ off the coasts of California and SlU-lnland Boatmen's Union lieve that the sad story of man's Baja, California, at from four to member Skinner Waff (left) re­ rapaciousness with the Pacific six million tons. This basic re­ ceives his first $ 150 monthly pen­ Coast sardine will provide suffi­ source he claims, can sustain land­ cient restraint against similar dep­ sion check from Union rep. Steve ings of several hundred thousands redations in the anchovy fishery. of tons a year without endanger­ Papuchis in Norfolk. Before his They believe that intelligent har­ recent retirement, Waff sailed vesting of anchovies will provide ing the anchovy stocks. After many years of argument aboard tugs of the Sheridan employment for a sizeable fleet of between sports fishing and com­ Transportation Co. in Norfolk. boats and men. •I �Jane 24, 1966 SEAFARERS 7 California Gubernatorial Vote Shapes Up as Close Contest Page Seven LOG "Nurse"! Former actor Ronald Reagan has emerged as the conservative Republican candidate for Governor of California after a 2 to 1 defeat of moderate Republican George Christopher, ex-Mayor of San Fran­ cisco, in a Republican primary battle held on June 7. Reagan will face incumbent Democratic Governor Edmund G. Brown this November in what experts predict will be the bitterest election campaign ever held in that state. Brown, who is running for his third term as Governor, defeated Los Angeles Mayor Samuel W. Yorty in the Democratic primaries by an 11 to 8 margin on a slate that listed four other candidates. Lt. Gover­ nor Glenn Anderson, who easily won renomination over two primary opponents, will face Robert H. Finch, Reagan's running mate this Fall. Reagan has played down his right-wing conservatism during the current campaign. In the 1964 Presidential elections he was one of Barry Goldwater's most effective campaigners. Four years ago, a Goldwater-backed candidate was easily defeated in the GOP primary by former vice-president Richard M. Nixon, who was in turn defeated by Governor Brown. California's Democratic strength in Congress was bolstered when Jerome Waldie won a special election to fill out the term of the late Representative John F. Baldwin, a Republican from the 14th District. Waldie will run for re-election in November. All other California Congressional representatives who had primary opposition won. These ten Democrats and four Republicans defeated a number of so-called "peace" candidates. In other primaries around the country conservative factions also won renomination over progressive political forces. In Mississippi Senator James O. Eastland, (D.) and other con­ servative Democratic candidates easily breezed through their primary fights. In South Dakota, Republican Senator Karl Mundt won over his first primary opponent in 18 years by a 4 to 1 margin. i •; 1 The big Magnavox plant at Jef­ ferson City, Tennessee has gone union again after a five-year lapse. Workers voted 929-792 for the Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers in a National Labor Re­ lations Board election. The Jef­ ferson City Cabinet Co., a Mag­ navox subsidiary, employs more than 2,200 workers in the lUE bargaining unit. lUE called the election its biggest victory since 1964. The plant had been rep­ resented by lUE Local 748 until management replaced 800 work­ ers and temporarily floored the union during a 1961 strike. When the 800 won reinstatement in an arbitration order last October, they intensified the union drive that had been carried on in their ab­ sence. Next step, the union said, is a contract spelling out employee rights. A salute to Delano, California grape strikers for their "courage­ ous spirit" and "fine demonstra­ tion of union solidarity" was paid by AFL-CIO President George Meany in a letter transmitting a $5,000 check from Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, winners of the Murray-Green award of the AFL-CIO Executive Council. The Shrivers asked that the money accompanying the award go for needed social services for the strik­ ers' families. Meany, therefore, sent half to the AFL-CIO Agri­ cultural Workers Organizing Com­ mittee and half to the National Farm Workers Association. The AFL-CIO has voted full support of a national consumer boycott of food products grown and mar­ keted by the DiGiorgio Co., larg­ est grower in the Delano area and spearhead of opposition to union organization of workers. ^ First-year wage increases aver­ aged 3.7 percent in major agree­ ments negotiated in the first three n'.onths of this year compared to 3.8 percent for the entire year .nt;m 1965, the Labor Department re­ ports. The department's Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that bar­ gaining activity was relatively light during the first quarter with major settlements affecting about 325,000 workers. For the same three months a year ago, the first-year wage increase was 4 percent. Firstyear increases are the amount of wage hikes agreed to for the first year of a contract running two or three years. The BLS report noted that the first quarter 1966 agree­ ments averaged 3.7 percent over the full term of the contract, com­ pared to 3.3 percent for those negotiated in the same quarter of 1965. The Clothing Workers have cleared the way for a vigorous organizing campaign by doubling the organizing budget to $6 mil­ lion in the coming two years. President Jacob Potofsky an­ nounced at the close of the union's 25th biennial convention at At­ lantic City, N. J. ACWA's current organizing progress has been satis­ fying but "now is the time to really drive hard" in the unorganized apparel plants, mainly in the South and Southwest, Potofsky said. Convention delegates representing 385,000 workers in the U.S., Can­ ada and Puerto Rico pledged the union's resources to a continuing campaign of organization. ¥.>35, • Victim of Its Own Protectors When concern was expressed for his wellbeing, someone in a difficult spot replied: "It's not my enemies I'm worried about— it's my friends." The plight of the American merchant marine is a classic example of what he was talking about. U. S. shipping is a victim of its own protectors. And the evidence of this fact sticks out throughout its modern history. Thirty years ago, this country was rightly concerned about the status of the merchant marine. The President and the Congress especially felt that the number of Americanflag ships and their participation in our com­ merce was grossly inadequate. They were concerned over the fact that the U. S. lacked shipping strength to match its needs. They were alarmed that foreignflag ships carried some 75 per cent of our foreign commerce. And they were concerned that our shipping and shipbuilding were below the level at which they could properly meet the nation's defense requirements. They moved to correct the situation, and the Congress passed and the President signed the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, which clearly set forth what was intended to be the nation's merchant marine policy for a fleet adequate in every respect in peace and war. But since the end of World War II the intent of the Act has been scuttled. The "substantial" share of cargoes which the 1936 Congress wanted American shipping to carry is today less than nine per cent, foreign shipping having increased its share of American foreign commerce from 75 per cent to 92 per cent. Obviously, the Merchant Marine Act has not been implemented. Worse, it has been obstructed by the government agencies and people whose responsibility it is to carry out the intent of the Act. They have consistently sought to smother American shipping and the result has been a tremendous increase in the role of foreign ships in our foreign commerce. It is clear that the American maritime industry doesn't like U. S. shipping policy. It should be equally clear that foreign flag shipping interests could like it more. The Same Old Names And Faces When any professional group gets to­ gether it is natural for them to talk about what they have achieved in the past and dis­ cuss their goals for the future. So it was at a recent Senate Republican fund-raising dinner. The only past "achieve­ ments" they could point to however, were dubious ones. Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen was tl' re bragging about his important role in blocking repeal of Taft-Hartley Section 14b. Former Republican Vice-President Richard Nixon, not to be outdone, jumped on the bandwagon. Not only is he in favor of 14b, Nixon bragged, but he helped to write it. He did condescend however to give some credit for 14b passage to Senator Thurston Morton, chairman of the Republican Senate Cam­ paign Committee. 4^ Edward S. Haines has been named assistant director of the AFL-CIO's Organizing Depart­ ment, federation president George Meany announced recently Haines, 48, has served as assist­ ant director of the AFL-CIO Re­ gion 14—Illinois and Iowa—since 1955. He had been on the or­ ganizing staff of the former CIO after serving as an assistant direc­ tor of organization for the Pack­ inghouse Workers. He also served as a UPWA international repre­ sentative and president of UPWA Local 580 in New York City. •.r The fund-raising dinner was a whopping success, bringing in $500,000 for Republi­ can campaign spending in the upcoming offyear elections. There will be 34 contested Senate seats in 30 states, so the Republicans made enough from their labor-baiting dinner to finance the campaigns of the GOP candi­ dates to the tune of $16,000 per candidate. The message is clear for union members. Liberal pro-labor legislators running foi re­ election in November will be opposed by Republican candidates well supplied with reactionary anti-labor money. To keep li­ beral, progressive legislators in office, it is important for every union member to get out and vote and to encourage his family and friends to exercise their rights at the ballot boxes across the country. I r. c ; ! 1 ,lLt. or A fa.ill yi; fi-• �Page Eight SEAFARERS LOG Kindya, NowLkensed 3rd Engineer, Took SlU Training AH the }Nay Up Michael Kindya is a Seafarer who is determined to take advantage of every opportunity the Union offers. During his seven years with the SIU he participated in every SIU training program he could. The result is that today he is a Mike said the training he got "I'll be back at the school then Third Assistant Engineer. was "the best." for my Second Engineers License. Brother Kindya is one of the The staff at the Engineers After that 1 plan to go on for First 22 SIU men who thus far have School hasn't seen the last of Sea­ and all the way up. You can do it gotten their engineers licenses after farer Kindya. After one year at if you want to," he said with a preparing for their Coast Guard sea for enough time to qualify, he smile, "especially with the kind of exams at the SIU's Engineers intends to return to prepare for his cooperation and the program the training school. Second's license. SIU offers its members." The union upgrading schools, Kindya told the Log, helped him fulfill a promise he made to his stepfather, SIU old-timer Albert Jones, who sails in the engine department. When Mike was 13 his dad made him promise that one day he would "make the grade" and be an engineer. "Now everyone at home is proud of me, dad most of all," he said. Seafarer Kindya first shipped out as a 19-year saloon messman aboard the freighter Valley Forge. He found the work at sea "exci­ ting and different," and decided to make it a career. Later, he swit­ ched to the engine department. Mike's first training was gotten at the SIU's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He ship­ Seafarer Michael Kindya (center) tells LOS reporter (right) and ped out after graduation. After a few trips he enrolled in the life­ SIU representative George McCartney that it pays to take advan­ boat training course, and com­ tage of the SIU training programs as he displays Third Engineers license obtained after preparing at the Union school. pleted that successfully too. Increases Earnings "Every time I completed union training I was able to increase my earnings. Before I started the SIU Engineers School I was a firemanwater tender. The union training program gave me a chance to increase my earning power," he The chief of the Navy's Military Sea Transportation Service has said. stated that the best way to meet national emergencies such as Viet The 26-year old SIU man lives Nam would be to have a stronger American-flag tramp ship fleet. at Ridge, Long Island with his Speaking before the ninth seawife, Janet, and children, Stephan, power symposium of the Navy merchant fleet. Speaking at the same sympo­ four and Cheryl two. League in Washington, Admiral sium, Edwin M. Hood, president Glynn R. Donoho said that tramp of the Shipbuilders Council of vessels have no regular shipping America said that the economic commitments or sailing schedules life of a merchant vessel was 20 such as regular liners follow. Be­ years old. There are 658 mer­ cause of this factor, he explained, chant ships already over this age they are on the market and always in the 950-vessel privately-owned ready. American-flag fleet. The Admiral paid tribute to "If we are to undertake to build American-flag lines for making 94 new ships a year it would take ships available to the Military Sea until 1975 before our fleet got The Russians are preparing a Transportation Service when they down to an average age of 10 vast merchant fleet to use "as an are needed. The United States years—an age at which the fleet instrument of international pol­ merchant marine, he said, was un­ could be considered of average icy," a U.S. Senator has warned. dergoing one of its severest tests desirable quality," he said. Sen. John Tower said that the in the Viet Nam War. HoOd also blasted those whom Severe Strain Rusisans then would "be able to he called "spokesmen for the destroy the economic basis of But he added that if enough Washington bureaucracy" for say­ ocean service upon which we so American-flag tramp ships were ing that there was little relation­ vitally depend." available on the open market for ship between American seapower We have no defense against use in the Viet Nam military and the importance of its ship­ this sort of commercial brigand­ build-up, there would not be as se­ yards. age, he claimed, because "the sim­ vere a strain on subsidized liners He said these bureaucrats feel ple fact is that our merchant ma­ to support the sealift as well as to that they "could predict with a rine does not measure up to our carry the nation's foreign com­ high degree of certaintly the ex­ stature as the world's foremost merce. tent to which the shipyards would power . . . our active merchant For this reason, he said, MSTS be needed to serve up to five Viet marine consists of about 900 ves­ would "like to see a larger, mod­ Nam emergencies at any one sels—^most of them obsolete car­ ern fleet of tramp ships." There time." rying less than nine per cent of are only 27 vessels of the 125 Another spokesman at the meet­ our foreign trade, compared with now sailing for MSTS which are ing, William H. Jory, president of 24 per cent ten years ago." the American Shipbuilding Co., not tramp ships. said that as "long as there are Rear Admiral Edward J. Fahy, The need for more Americanchief of the Naval Ships System those in government who suggest flag merchant ships is highlighted that all or any part of our naval Command (formerly Bureau of by the Viet Nam conflict, he said. "We have already found it neces­ Ships) also spoke at the sympo­ and merchant shipping might be sary to break out 108 over-age sium and said that the average built in shipyards of other coun­ Victory ships from the World War american's fascination with the tries, the proper environment (to II fleet. We are scraping the bot­ strides of the aircraft industry and build up the merchant fleet) will created and our seatom of the barrel in an efifort that "glamour in space" has left the never involves no enemy action at sea." nation with a rusting, over-age power will suffer accordingly." Admiral Holds Stru^ Traa^t Fleet Needed for Natleaal Emergencies Senator Warns Of Russia's Fleet Expansien June 24, 1966 Del Mundo Crew Wins Safety Award Crew of the SlU-manned Del Mundo was the recipient recently of Delta Line 'Certificate of Merit' in recognition of high degree of safety achieved by crew. From left to right at presentation cere­ monies in New Orleans are: Chief Mate S. Wagner; Delta Safety Director P. Pollatt; Ship's Master M. L. Leger; Delta Port Captain E. R. Seamen; Seafarer D. D. Maio, AB, Ship's Delegate; and Seafarer A. Tolentino, Chief Steward. Prize money of $100 that went along with certificate of merit was placed in the ship's recreational fund. YOUR DOLLAR'S WORTH Seafarer'is Guide to Better Buying By Sidney Margolius The second mortgage rate increase by FHA and V.A. in three months is a further blow to working families hoping to buy homes. In two steps (one-fourth of 1 per cent at a time), the FHA and V.A. rates have been boosted to 5 and % per cent. With the additional "insurance" fee of one-half of 1 percent, to guarantee the lender against loss, the full FHA rate now is 6'^ per cent. The latest increase brings the rate back to the level it had reached under the Eisenhower Ad­ ministration in 1959-60, which was the highest in history. The FHA's explanation is that mortgage lenders have been refusing to put out money for FHA mortgages at the old rates. In other words, the lenders went on a strike for more interest. They won quickly and easily. The Government housing officials folded up like a toy balloon without trying any of the other possibilities for holding down rates. The immediate effect of the rate hikes is to price another segment of American families out of the housing market, and to force those still able to buy, to pay an additional $5 a month in interest on a typical $16,000 FHA mortgage, or a total of $1,800 in additional interest over the typical 30-year mortgage term. A 6V4 per cent charge for mortgage raises the total interest cost to a startling level. To pay back a $16,000 mortgage over 30 years, costs $100.07 a month, or a total of $36,000. You pay $20,000 just in interest. And if you try to make the monthly payments a little less burdensome by stretching out the repayment period to 35 years, you'll pay back $40,000—a total of $24,000 in interest fees on a $16,000 mortgage. The continuing rise in the prices of houses themselves further pyra­ mids the cost, and is causing a real housing crisis for many moderateincome families. The typical FHA house last year carried a price tag of over $18,000. With the jump in construction costs this year of ap­ proximately 5 percent, this house now costs close to $19,000. In comparison, the average industrial wage of about $111 a week provides an annual income of just $5,800. If you use the normal yard­ stick, that a family usually can afford a house costing about IVi times its annual income, this means the average working family can afford a house costing about $14,500. Another rule of thumb for calculating how much house a famliy can afford, is its mpnthly income in comparison to monthly housing ex­ pense. Total expense should not exceed one-fourth of after-tax income. But the average family can't get into the new home through that door either. Even if a family can make a $3,000 downpayment on the typi­ cal $19,000 home, it will need $100 a month for the mortgage pay­ ment. Then you have to estimate 4 to 5 per cent of the cost of the house annually, for taxes, insurance and maintenance. On a $19,000 house this is about $855 a year, or an additional $70 a month, not even in­ cluding heating. What can the average family do to protect itself? • If you do have to undertake a mortgage now, make sure you get a reasonable right to prepay with little or no penalty (an extra fee), if and when rates subsequently come down or you accumulate some extra cash. Some lenders permit prepayment after one year with no penalty charge. On G.l. mortgages there is no penalty. Other lenders may permit prepayment up to 10 per cent in one year withoiit penalty. FHA permits prepayment of up to 15 per cent at any time without penalty. • Cut down on other installment buying to save those big finance charges (usually two or three times the mortgage rate percentage), and to help free credit. The pathetic fact about the Federal Reserve Board's tight money policy, which has forced up interest rates all around, is that it has not restrained installment buying significantly. It simply has forced installment buyers to pay higher finance charges. Current in­ stallment buying and borrowing is running 7 per cent ahead of a year ago, according to the Index of Credit Repohing of 4he Associated Credit Bureaus. J �June 24, 1966 SEAFARER'S LOG — SPECIAL SVPPLEMENT Page Nine . '^7 ^ AN INDEPENDENT MARITIME AGENCY... T HE Seafarers International Union has been waging a vigorous and continuing campaign to halt the decline of the U.S. mari­ time industry. The Union's objective is to secure a federal program that will enable the industry not only to survive, but to grow and expand so that it can meet the nation's transportation needs in peace and defense commitments. The realization of this objective is of paramount importance to Seafarers and their families whose economic security is dependent on the industry's health. It is also'of importance to all Americans because a strong, flourishing merchant marine is essential to a strong America. To reach that point, the U.S. must have a vigorous and realistic program for promoting and strengthening the Ameri­ can merchant marine. It was toward this end that President John­ son's Maritime Advisory Committee, of which SlU President Hall is a member, formulated a set of proposals and recommendations and placed them before the President. Experience in the maritime industry, however, has shown that no program can be any good unless it can be effectively adminis­ tered and implemented. And this calls for on independent and autonomous maritime agency with clear-cut responsibilities. The establishment of an independent maritime agency was one of the major arguments made by SlU President Hall when he appeared recently as a spokesman in behalf of all American maritime labor before the Senate and House Government Operations subcom­ mittees and stressed the necessity for legislation to create such an - V , independent maritime agency. Since Hall testified before the Congressional committees, a bill along the lines he recommended to the Congressional subcom­ mittees hcr^ been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Frank Clark of Pennsylvania. The Bill is known as H.R. 15567 and would amend the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to create a "Federal Maritime Administration . . . which shall be an inde­ pendent agency . . The passage of this Bill would be an im­ portant step toward revitalizing the American merchant marine. The SlU, along with the other segments of shipboard and shoreside maritime labor, supported by the American labor movement, will fight hard to secure enactment of this badly needed legis­ lation. SlU members whose welfare and security is so directly involved, - 4i!- should actively support and assist the Union's effort. You can help by urging your representatives in the Congress to support the fight for passage of H.R. 15567, the Bill to create an independent maritime agency. Write to them, or if you can, visit or call them and let them know that this bill is important to our na­ tion's well-being, that without an independent maritime agency we cannot get effective administration of the maritime laws, pro­ grams and policies and, therefor, we cannot have the merchant marine which our nation must have in the interests of all. On the following pages is a list of the Senators and Representa­ tives from every state. Your Representative in the House is listed by district. Write or call both your Senators and the member of *u C* Representatives who represents your home district. Wrir.o^hem core of the Senate and House office buildings, Washington, D.C. Prompt action is importaflf to you as a Seafarer and an Amer­ ican. Act now! mi Mmmmi �Jane 24, 1966 SEAFARER'S LOG — SPECIAL SV PPLEMENT Page Ten Representatives 1. White, Compton I., Jr. (D) 2. Hansen, George V. (R) Write ILLINOIS Your Senator The Representative From Your District (Representatives are Listed by Congressional District) ALABAMA Senators Hill, Lister (D) Sparkman, John J. (D) Representatives 1. Edwards, Jack (R) 2. Dickinson, William L. (R) 3. Andrews, George (D) 4. Andrews, Glenn (R) 5. Selden, Armistead I., Jr. CD) 6. Buchanan, John H., Jr. (R) 7. Martin, James D. (R) 8. Jones, Robert E. (D) ALASKA Senators Bartlett, E. L. (D) Gruening, Ernest (D) Representative At large—Rivers, Ralph J. (D) ARIZONA Senators Hayden, Carl (D) Fannin, Paul J. (R) Representatives 1. Rhodes, John J. (R) 2. Udall, Morris K. (D) 3. Senner, George P., Jr. (D) ARKANSAS Senators McClellan, John L. (D) Fulbright, J. W. (D) Representatives 1. Gathings, E. C. (D) 2. Mills, Wilbur D. (D) 3. Trimble, James W. (D) 4. Harris, Oren (D) CALIFORNIA Senators Kuchel, Thomas H. (R) Murphy, George (R) Representatives 1, Clausen, Don H. (R) 2, Johnson, Harold T. (D) 3, Moss, John E. (D) 4, Leggett, Robert L. (D) 5, Burton, Phillip (D) 6, Mailliard, Wi Ham S. (R) 7, Cohelan, Jeffrey (D) 8, Miller, George P. (D) 9, Edwards, Don (D) 10. Gubser, Charles S. (R) 11. Younger, J. Arthur (R) 12. Talcott, Burt L. (R) 13. Teague, Charles M. (R) 14. Baldwin, John F. (R) 15. McFall, John J. (D) 16. Sisk, B. F. (D) 17. King, Cecil R. (D) 18. Hagen, Harlan (D) 19. Holifield, Chet (D) 20. Smith, H. Allen (R) 21. Hawkins, Augustus F. (D) 22. Corman, James C. (D) 23. Clawson, Del (R) 24. Lipscomb, Glenard P. (R) 25. Cameron, Ronald Brooks (D) 26. [Vacant] 27. Reinecke, Ed (R) 28. Bell, Alphonzo (R) 29. Brown, George E., Jr. (D) 30. Roybal, Edward R. (D) 31. Wilson, Charles H. (D) 32. Hosmer, Craig (R) 33. Dyal, Ken W. (D) 34. Hanna, Richard T. (D) 35. 36. 37. 38. Utt, James B. (R) Wilson, Bob (R) Van Deerlin, Lionel (D) Tunriey, John V. (D) COLORADO Senators Allott, Gordon (R) Dominick, Peter H. (R) Representatives 1. Rogers, Byron G. (D) 2. McVicker, Roy H. (D) 3. Evans, Frank E. (D) 4. Aspinall, Wayne N. (D) CONNECTICUT Senators Dodd, Thomas J. (D) Ribicoff, Abraham A. (D) Representatives 1. Daddario, Emilio Q. (D) 2. St. Onge, William L. (D) 3. Giaimo, Robert N. (D) 4. Irwin, Donald J. (D) 5. Monagan, John S. (D) 6. Grabowski, Bernard F. (D) Senators Douglas, Paul H. (D) Dirksen, Everett McKinley (R) Representatives 1. Dawson, William L. (D) 2. O'Hara, Barratt (D) 3. Murphy, William T. (D) 4. Edward J. Derwinski (R) 5. Kluczynski, John C. (D) 6. Ronan, Daniel J. (D) 7. Annunzio, Frank (D) 8. Rostenkowski, Dan (D) 9. Yates, Sidney R. (D) 10. Collier, Harold R. (R) 11. Pucinski, Roman C. (D) 12. McClory, Robert (R) 13. Rumsfeld, Donald (R) 14. Erlenbom, John N. (R) 15. Reid, Charlotte T. (R) 16. Anderson, John B. (R) 17. Arends, Leslie C. (R) 18. Michel, Robert H. (R) 19. Schisler, Gale (D) 20. Findley. Paul (R) 21. Gray, Kenneth J. (D) 22. Springer, William L. (R) 23. Shipley, George E. (D) 24. Price, Melvin (D) INDIANA Senators Hartke, Vance (D) Bayh, Birch (D) Representatives Madden, Ray J. (D) Halleck, Charles A. (R) Brademas, John (D) Adair, E. Ross (R) Roush, J. Edward (D) Roudebush, Richard L. (R) Bray, William G. (R) Denton, Winfield K. (D) Hamilton, Lee H. (D) Harvey, Ralph (R) Jacobs, Andrew, Jr. (D) DELAWARE Senators Williams, John J. (R) Boggs, J. Caleb (R) Representative At largeMcDowell, Harris B., Jr. (D) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. FLORIDA IOWA Senators Holland, Spessard L. (D) Smathers, George A. (D) Representatives 1. Sikes, Robert L. F. (D) 2. Bennett, Charles E. (D) 3. Pepper, Claude (D) 4. Fascell, Dante B. (D) 5. Herlong, A. Sydney, Jr. (D) 6. Rogers, Paul G. (D) 7. Haley, James A. (D) 8. Matthews, D. R. (Billy) (D) 9. Fuqua, Don (D) 10. Gibbons, Sam M. (D) 11. Gurney, Edward J. (R) 12. Cramer, William C. (R) GEORGIA Senators Russell, Richard B. (D) Talmadge, Herman E. (D) Representatives 1. Hagan, G. Elliott (D) 2. O'Neal, Maston (D) 3. Callaway, Howard H. (R) 4. Mackay, James A. (D) 5. Weltner, Charles L. (D) 6. Flynt, John J., Jr. (D) 7. Davis, John W. (D) 8. Tuten, J. Russell (D) 9. Landrum, Phil M. (D) 10. Stephens, Robert G., Jr. (D.) HAWAH Senators Fong, Hiram L. (R) Inouye, Daniel K. (D) RepresestSnves (at large) Matsunaga, Spark M. (D) Mink, Patsy T. (D) IDAHO Senators Church, Frank (D) Jordan, Len B. (R) Senators Hickenlooper, Bourke B. (R) Miller, Jack (R) Representatives 1. Schmidhauser, John R. (D) 2. Culver, John C. (D) 3. Gross, H. R. (R) 4. Bandstra, Bert (D) 5. Smith, Neal(D) 6. Greigg, Stanley L. (D) 7. Hansen, John R. (D) KANSAS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Senators Carlson, Frank (R) Pearson, James B. (R) Representatives Dole, Bob (R) Mize, Chester L. (R) Ellsworth, Robert F. (R) Shriver, Gamer E. (R) Skubitz, Joe (R) KENTUCKY Senators Cooper, John Sherman (R) Morton, Thruston B. (R) Representatives 1. Stubblefield, Frank A. (D) 2. Natcher, William H. (D) 3. Famsley, Charles P. (D) 4. Chelf, Frank (D) 5. Carter, Tim Lee (R) 6. Watts, John C, (D) Uti D. (D) LOUISIANA Senators Ellender, Allen J. (D) Long, Russell B. (D) Representatives 1. Hebert, F. Edward (D) 2. Boggs, Hale (D) 3. Willis, Edwin E. (D) 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Waggonner, Joe D., Jr. (D) Passman, CXto E. ^) Morrison, James H. (D) Edwards, Edwin W. (D) Long, Speedy O. (D) MAINE Senators Smith, Margaret Chase (R) Muskie, Edmund S. (D) Representatives 1. Tupper, Stanley R. (R) 2. Hathaway, William D. (D) MARYLAND Senators Brewster, Daniel B. (D) Tydings, Joseph D. (D) Representatives At large—Sickles, Carlton R. (D) 1. Morton, Rogers C. B. (R) 2. Long, Clarence D. (D) 3. Garmatz, Edward A. (D) 4. Fallon, George H. (D) 5. Machen, Hervey G. (D) 6. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. (R) 7. Friedel, Samuel N. (D) MASSACHUSETTS Senators Saltonstall, Leverett (R) Kennedy, Edward M. (D) Representatives 1. Conte, Silvio O. (R) 2. Boland, Edward P. (D) 3. Philbin, Philip J. (D) 4. Donohue, Harold D. (D) 5. Morse, F. Bradford (R) 6. Bates, William H. (R) 7. Macdonald, Torbert H. (D) 8. O'Neill, Thomas P., Jr. (D) 9. McCormack, John W. (D) 10. Martin, Joseph W., Jr. (R) 11. Burke, James A. (D) 12. Keith, Hastings (R) ) MICHIGAN Senators Hart, Philip A. (D) Griffin, Robert P. (R) Representatives 1. Conyers, John, Jr. (D) 2. Vivian, Weston E. (D1 3. Todd, Paul E., Jr. (D) 4. Hutchinson, Edward (R) 5. Ford, Gerald R. (R) 6. Chamberlain, Charles E. (R) 7. Mackie, John C. (D) 8. Harvey, James (R) 9. [Vacant] 10. Cederberg, Elford A. (R) 11. Clevenger, Raymond F. (D) 12. O'Hara, James G. (D) 13. Diggs, Carles C., Jr. (D) 14. Nedzi, Lucien N. (D) 15. Ford, William D. (D) 16. Dingell, John D. (D) 17. Griffiths, Martha W. (D) 18. Broomfield, William S. (R) 19. Famum, Billie S. (D) MINNESOTA Senators McCarthy, Eugene J. (D) Mondale, Walter F. (D) Representatives 1. Ouie, Albert H. (R) 2. Nelsen, Ancher (R) 3. MacGregor, Clark (R) 4. Karth, Joseph E. (D) 5. Eraser, Donald M. (TD) 6. Olson, Alec G. (D) 7. Langen. 0. Blatnik, John A. (D) MISSISSIPPI Senators Eastland, James O. (D) Stennis, John (D) Representatives 1. Abernethy, Thomas G. (D) 2. Whitten, Jamie L. (D) 3. Williams, John Bell (D) 4. Walker, Prentiss (R) 5. Colmer, William M. (D) » J V ^ % �Jane 24, 1966 MISSOURI 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Senators Symington, Stuart (D) Long, Edward V. (D) Representatives Karsten, Frank M. (D) Curtis, Thomas B. (R) Sullivan, Leonor Kretzer (Mrs. John B.) (D) Randall, Wm. J. (D) Boiling, Richard (D) Hull, W. R., Jr. (D) Hall, Durward G. (R) Ichord, Richard R. (D) Hungate, William L. (D) Jones, Paul C. (D) MONTANA Senators Mansfield, Mike (D) Metcalf, Lee (D) Representatives 1. Olsen, Arnold (D) 2. Battin, James F. (R) NEBRASKA Senators Hruska, Roman L. (R) Curtis, Carl T. (R) Representatives 1. Callan, Qair A. (D) 2. Cunningham, Glenn (R) 3. Martin, David T. (R) NEVADA Senators Bible, Alan (D. Cannon, Howard W. (D) Representative At large—Walter S. Baring (D) NEW HAMPSHIRE Senators Cotton, Norris (R) Mclntyre, Thomas J. (D) Representatives 1. Huot, J. Oliva (D) 2. Cleveland, James C. (R) NEW JERSEY Senators Case, Clifford P. (R) Williams, Harrison A., Jr. (D) Representatives 1. Cahill, William T. (R) 2. McGrath, Thomas C., Jr. (D) 3. Howard, James J. (D) 4. Thompson, Frank, Jr. (D) 5. Frelinghuysen, Peter H. B. (R) 6. Dwyer, Florence B. (R) 7. Widnall, William B. (R) 8. Joelson, Charles S. (D) 9. Helstoski, Henry (D) 10. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. (D) 11. Minish, Joseph G. (D) 12. Krebs, Paul J. (D) 13. Gallagher, Cornelius E. (D) 14. Daniels, Dominick V. (D) 15. Patten, Edward J. (D) NEW MEXICO Senators Anderson, Clinton P. (D) Montoya, Joseph M. (D) Representatives (at large) Morris, Thomas G. (D) Walker, E. S. Johnny (B) NEW YORK Senators Javits, Jacob K. (R) Kennedy, Robert F. (D) Representatives 1. Pike, Otis G. (D) 2. Grover, James R., Jr. (R) 3. Wolff, Lester L. (D) 4. Wydler, John W. (R) 5. Tenzer, Herbert (D) 6. Halperh, Seymour (R) 7. Addabbo, Joseph P. (D) 8. Rosenthal, Benjamin S. (D) 9. Delaney, James J. (D) 10. Celler, Emanuel (D) SEAFARER'S LOG — SPECIAL SVPPLEMENT 11. Keogh, Eugene J. (D) 12. Kelly, Edna F. (D) 13. Multer, Abraham J. (D) 14. Rooney, John J. (D) 15. Carey, Hugh L. (D) 16. Murphy, John M. (D) 17. [Vacant] 18. Powell, Adam C. (D) 19. Farbstein, Leonard (D) 20. Ryan, William F. (D) 21. Scheucr, James H. (D) 22. Gilbert, Jacob H. (D) 23. Bingham, Jonathan B. (D) 24. Fino, Paul A. (R) 25. Ottinger, Richard L. (D) 26. Reid, Ogden R. (R) 27. Dow, John G. (D) 28. Resnick, Joseph Y. (D) 29. O'Brien, Leo W. (D) 30. King, Carleton J. (R) 31. McEwen, Robert C. (R) 32. Pimie, Alexander (R) 33. Robison, Howard W. (R) 34. Hanley, James M. (D) 35. Stratton, Samuel S. (D) 36. Horton, Frank (R) 37. Conable, Barber B., Jr. (R) 38. Goodell, Charles E. (R) 39. McCarthy, Richard D. (D) 40. Smith, Henry P., 3d (R) 41. Dulski, Thaddeus J. (D) NORTH CAROLINA Senators Ervin, Sam J., Jr. (D) Jordan, B. Everett (D) Representatives 1. [Vacant] 2. Fountain, L. H. (D) 3. Henderson, David N. (D) 4. Cooley, Harold D. (D) 5. Scott, Ralph J. (D) 6. Kornegay, Horace R. (D) 7. Lennon, Alton (D) 8. Jonas, Charles R. (R) 9. Broyhill, James T. (R) 10. Whitener, Basil L. (D) 11. Taylor, Roy A. (D) NORTH DAKOTA Senators Young, Milton R. (R) Burdick, Quentin N. (D) Representatives 1. Andrews, Mark (R) 2. Redlin, Rolland (D) OHIO Senators Lausche, Frank J. (D) Young, Stephen M. (D) Representatives At large—Robert E. Sweeney 1. Gilligan, John J. (D) 2. Clancy, Donald D. (R) 3. Love, Rodney M. (D) 4. McCulloch, William M. (R) 5. Latta, Delbert L. (R) 6. Harsha, William H. (R) 7. Brown, Clarence J., Jr. (R) 8. Betts, Jackson E. (R) 9. Ashley, Thomas L. (D) 10. Moeller, Walter H. (D) 11. Stanton, J. William (R) 12. Devine, Samuel L. (R) 13. Mosher, Charles A. (R) 14. Ayres, William H. (R) 15. Secrest, Robert T. (D) 16. Bow, Frank T. (R) 17. Ashbrook, John M. (R) 18. Hays, Wayne L. (D) 19. Kirwan, Michael J. (D) 20. Feighan, Michael A. (D) 21. Vanik, Charles A. (D) 22. Bolton, Frances P. (R) 23. Minshall, William E. (R) OKLAHOMA Senators Monroney, A. S. Mike (D) Harris, Fred R. (D) Representatives 1. Belcher, Page (R) 2. Edmondson, Ed (D) 3. Albert, Carl (D) 4. Steed, Tom (D) 5. Jarman, John (D) 6. Johnson, Jed, Jr. (D) OREGON Senators Morse, Wayne (D) Neuberger, Maurine B. (D) Rqwresentatives 1. Wyatt, Wendell (R) 2. Ullman, A1(D) 3. Green, Edith (D) 4. Duncan, Robert B. (D) PENNSYLVANIA Senators Clark, Joseph S. (D) Scott, Hugh (R) Representatives 1. Barrett, William A. (D) 2. Nix, Robert N. C. (D) 3. Byrne, James A. (D) 4. Toll, Herman (D) 5. Green, William J. (D) 6. Rhodes, George M, (D) 7. Watkins, G. Robert (R) 8. Curtin, Willard S. (R) 9. Dague, Paul B. (R) 10. McDade, Joseph M. (R) 11. Flood, Daniel J. (D) 12. Whalley, J. Irving (R) 13. Schweiker, Richard S. (R) 14. Moorhead, William S. (D) 15. Rooney, Fred B. (D) 16. Kunkel, John C. (R) 17. Schneebeli, Herman T. (R) 18. Corbett, Robert J. (R) 19. Craley, N. Neiman, Jr. (D) 20. Holland, Elmer J. (D) 21. Dent, John H. (D) 22. Saylor, John P. (R) 23. Johnson, Albert W. (R) 24. Vigorito, Joseph P. (D) 25. Clark, Frank M. (D) 26. Morgan, Thomas E. (D) 27. Fulton, James G. (R) RHODE ISLAND Senators Pastore, John O. (D) Pell, Claiborne (D) Representatives 1. St. Germain, Femand J. (D) 2. Fogarty, John E. (D) SOUTH CAROLINA Senators Thurmond, Strom (R) Russell, Donald (D) Representatives 1. Rivers, L. Mendel (D) 2. Watson, Albert W. (R) 3. Dorn, W. J. Bryan (D) 4. Ashmore, Robert T. (D) 5. Gettys, Tom S. (D) 6. McMillan, John L. (D) SOUTH DAKOTA Senators Mundt, Karl E. (R) McGovem George (D) Representatives 1. Reifel, Ben (R) 2. Berry E. Y. (R) TENNESSEE Senators Gore, Albert (D) Bass, Ross (D) Representatives 1. Quillen, James H. (R) 2. Duncan, John J. (R) 3. Brock, William E., 3rd (R) 4. Evins, Joe L. (D) 5. Fulton, Richard H. (D) 6. Anderson, William R. (D) 7. Murray, Tom (D) 8. Everett, Robert A. (D) 9. Grider, George W. (D) TEXAS Senators Yarborough, Ralph W. (D) Tower, John G. (R) Representatives At Large—Pool, Joe (D) 1. Patman, Wright (D) 2. Brooks, Jack (D) 3. Beck worth, Lindley (D) 4. Roberts, Ray (D) Page Eleven 5. Cabell, Earle (D) 6. Teague, Clin E. (D) 7. Dowdy, John (D) 8. Thomas, Albert (D) 9. Thompson, Qark W. (D) 10. Pickle, J. J. (Jake) (D) 11. Poage, W. R. (D) 12. Wright, James C., Ja. (D) 13. Purcell, Graham (D) 14. Young, John (D) 15. de la Garza, Eligio (D) 16. White, Richard C. (D) 17. Burleson, Omar (D) 18. Rogers, Walter (D) 19. Mahon, George H. (D) 20. Gonzalez, Henry B. (D) 21. Fisher, O. C. (D) 22. Casey, Bob (D) UTAH Senators Bennett, Wallace F. (R) Moss, Frank E. (D) Representatives 1. Burton, Laurence J. (R) 2. King, David S. (D) VERMONT Senators Aiken, George D. (R) Prouty, Winston L. (R) Representative (at large) Stafford, Robert T. (R) VIRGINIA Senators Robertson, A. Willis (D) Byrd, Harry F., Jr. (D) Representatives 1. Downing, Thomas N. (D) 2. Hardy, Porter, Jr. (D) 3. Satterfield, David E., 3rd (D) 4. Abbitt, Watkins M. (D) 5. Tuck. William M. (D) 6. Poff, Richard H. (R) 7. Marsh, John O., Jr. (D) 8. Smith, Howard W. (D) 9. Jennings, W. Pat (D) 10. Broyhill, Joel T. (R) WASHINGTON Senators Magnuson, Warren G. (D) Jackson, Henry M. (D) Representatives 1. Pelly, Thomas M. (R) 2. Meeds, Lloyd (D) 3. Hansen, Julia Butler (D) 4. May, Catherine (R) 5. Foley, Thomas S. (D) 6. Hicks, Floyd V. (D) 7. Adams, Brock (D) WEST VIRGINIA Senators Randolph, Jennings (D) Byrd, Robert C. Representatives 1. Moore, Arch A., Jr. (R) 2. Staggers, Harley O. (D) 3. Slack, John M., Jr. (D) 4. Hechler, Ken (D) 5. Kee, James (D) WISCONSIN Senators Proxmire, William (D) Nelson, Gaylord (D) Representatives 1. Stalbaum, Lynn E. (D) 2. Kastenmeier, Robert W. (D) 3. Thomson, Vernon W. (R) 4. Zablocki, Clement J. (D) 5. Reuss, Henry S. (D) 6. Race, John A. (D) 7. Laird, Melvin R. (R) 8. Byrnes, John W. (R) 9. Davis, Glenn R. (R) 10. O'Konski, Alvin E. (R) WYOMING Senators McGee, Gale W. (D) Simpson, Milward L. (R) Representative At Large—Roncalio, Teno (D) �•1. Page Twelve June 24, 1966 SEAFARER'S LOG^SPECi AL SUPPLEMENT p.. .w -• "S.5T," ...^^.fcrrcd to the Board— H.R. 15567 differential and '^^IlTlllTin i -l lt-retaryofcon™ THf SferS^o SSgimSiiin Plan Numbered 7 of on'SamVSS In" Fisheries A BILL AclZ' be cued as -The Federal Maritmrc A^' „ „f the Merchant Ma- hereafter in this chaptsi Jl" noymijg rion, which shall be an . iclc • imv other department agcncs, m m •, ex cn.ive branch of the thority of the head of any suchWp.aiS^. instrumentality I ^ Acimiu istralion a Hdaeh ^ ^ be appomted ^ and consent o the Sena ^ ,ey The y'a^l *all be conaposcd^^i ,n«-_ eral Maritime A^"^!"'^'^[''4ith he advice and consent pointed by the ,vho shall receive of the Senate for ^ $28,000 per annum. Of compensation at the yat the members " on Ju^e 30, 1970. and one pointed for a term cxpi ^ Their successors for a term expiring years except that shall be appointed , ^hall be appointed any person chosem tojrll jyyacy;cy^;^^^ une.«rc»ei| ||H whom ire succcc«J ^iree (d) The Board. Board members to J' shall thereafter The onjj:; Lni ^ ttoear. bcsin- ,,,,, ..^vice shall receive com- bc'mV<^Sie for the exercise of ^ numstraior shall '.y J d of the agency powers and the dischaige section (?) of this liththc single be discharge of Act, in the "crc.sc of J J .,o, submit his fet'TOt^hiht'et- 1' J j,;. |,oimd by the his decisions lor the app < committee, board decisions or recotnmcttdaito. or other organizatiim created by ,, »(2, mc Adtttinis ator yrll,__^ United Slates, r'"t-b' „,.•. Fjjccharoe of the powers for bis fitness tor the f this ^EapJr'pre^TscmpioCmcnmor^ ™SSre"nr„LpM constitute a bar to appoint- "'™(cT mtT hereby transferred to the sXdminis"""d) all functions of .he Secretary of Commerce f oF " Sng ^siy in htaby section 202(al of Reorganization Plan Num"".'m "all fmimions of the Secretary of Commerce ning maritime industiy ^he term of office as BoardjjW'll''• • ''is "I '' * '' MEN ^."•;SWPP0' cTirnrmnv cng^^ ^ ...fu.ffviih thaWmust business or wilh tmy ""'""f iVo 'st.eh company • m he »vyh^eW " bu^ yercifcOthei ;lillSS-illll:ilion or employment siuiing the • fu > Rn-ird so lonE as there shall (f) A vacancy m the ^he power of be two members in office the Board to execute i. „<,dtute a quorum for the members of the Boau s < - • ^ pj ^d and coitcurring transaction of the Board shall be sufhvotes of any two dent foiMhe disposition ,,. before the Board. Any _ „ neelcct of duty moved by the Prestdeffi for inefficiency, . and malfeasance m office personnel, property, rec­ ords'anEmexpendedbalan^^^^ tions iransfti red to tion and Maritime ^"^sidy B dds Act as the Director of provisions of .• the Fed- SfrMmUinrAdmlnisftation and Maritime Substdy 5, See,ions 201, 203 and Reorganization - HE Sk Asr s "minSoJ^^ynitro ™e member of the Martttme b^^^^^^^^ Reorg'anization Plati Num- iyr7n?™bf-yomby^ and the amcndmentf. miK e W • SEC, «Af' .M, Acf taU be temed to affect (1) ments made by this • established by part I :!rR^:J^irnTlSSd 7 of ,061. or (2) the Mad- any of the "f Act shall take effect sixty days after cnactmen , Seafarei :'• r.;V imerka • AFL- �June 24, 1966 v*- SEAFARERS From the Ships at Sea Seafarer Will Pursue Art Career — "•i'.'anrr'iini i The necessity for emergency repairs aboard the Western Comet gave seafarer John Coates, who sails in the engine department, an unexpected five-day stay in Hong Kong recently. The extra liberty proved popular with the crew-'®' Crewmembers of the Portmar members, Coates reported. In (Calmar) had nothing but praise addition to inexpensive hotels ' for the job Rich­ and good food, the port provides ard Rigney was the opportunity to buy clothes doing as ship's from tailors who rank with the delegate. Jim best in the world. Seafarer Coates Archie, meet­ ,,-j was sporting a ing secretary, re­ new jacket, ports everything bought for half what it would is running along have cost in the smoothly with no United States. beefs reported. Brother Coates, Rigney There has been who has been sail­ a great spirit of cooperation be­ ing with the SIU tween the officers and the seafar­ for two years re­ Coates ers, Archie reports. A vote of ports that the thanks was extended to the Stew­ ship's steward department turned ard department. out plenty of good chow. <1> A. Joosepson was elected the ship's delegate on the Transerie (Hudson) and he reports the ship reached the half­ way point in it's voyage. The ship has received or­ ders to load oil for a trip to Ma­ jorca, Spain, then back to the Gulf Joosepson Coast. First, the Transerie will stop off in the Bah­ rain Islands for boiler repairs. A payoff is expected in Houston about July 2. Joosepson writes that there are iio beefs and the only unpleasant note on the trip was the illness of A. Brooks, Jr., who had to be sent to the hospital for observation and transferred back to the states. The crew of the Del Sol (Delta) has a little spending money, meet­ ing chairman J. A. Rusheed re­ ports, thanks to a balance of $39.10 in the ship's fund after investing $20 for a new TV an­ tenna. R. N. Boyett was elected ship's delegate. Rusheed The ship is head­ ing for Ghana, Congo, Angola, then home for a New Orleans payoff. Jf ^bf obvious rea^m tn# V ;annot print any letters or oth© iominunicattODS sent by Seafar© iiiiess' the: author;sijgsas;:,hit''n8 circumstances justify, the LC vil) withhold a signature on luest The pizza pies baked on the Steel Age (Isthmian) made a big hit with the crew and everyone re­ quested some more soon. The steward depart­ ment came in for a vote of thanks for the well pre­ pared menus, Al­ fred Salem, meet­ Salem ing secretary in­ forms us. The ship's treasury shows $20, according to Ron Carraway, meeting chairman. Things are running smoothly and there were no beefs. TBANSPACIPIC (Hudson Waterways), April 17~Ch»lrman, Orlando Freaza: Secretary, Ellsworth W. Reynold. No beefs reported by department delesratea. Motion made that TV seta be put on all i SIIJ ships at expense of company. Second ' electrician was eleetdd to serve as ship's delegate. STEEL KOVBK (Isthmlnn), April 17— Chairman. Stanley Jandorai Secretary, ii Howard K. Fnulklner. J46.01 in ship's 4 fuEid. No beefs reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks was given to , Brother Oreste Volo, who was reelected to serve as ship's delegate. DIGEST of sru MEETII'^GS MT. VBBNON VICTORY (Victory Car­ riers), May 28—Chairnan, M. Del Prado; Secretary, • $16.90 in ship's fund. One man missed ship in Yokosuka, Japan. (Motion made that at least two inflatable life rafts be installed on all P Bill ships.) Motion made that Cong«s8 adopt a law to have all passenger ships ' using U.S. ports comply xvith the high standard of safety which apply to TJ-S. ttaBaettiter BIIIIW^ Voie of tbaiikB to the. ;dteward department for a job well done. 81 STEEL SEAFARER (Isthmian), May' » • V*~.: A*>OliairiXU»9lf Mttn kawCAvvoi./, AI Jtml Hupt. Brother Robert Carbone was Elected to servd as "ship's delegate. No ^^;r^rted by department delegates. you •<.'•" • - Page Thirteen LOG With 1966 SIU Scholarship A ward Bernard Maret, one of six winners of the SIU's annual $6,000 scholarships, hopes to utilize his scholarship grant to further his talent as an artist and possibly go on to teach art after graduating from college. Maret, who sails in the stew- ^ ard department, plans to go to John Brown University in Ar­ kansas where he will major in art and minor in Bible education. Brother Maret makes his home in Trailer Haven, Melbourne, Fla., where he resides with his mother. The seafarer has accumulated 27 hours at Brevard Junior College. Although he has never held an art show Maret has nonetheless turned out a number of promising paintings and has shown a great willingness to work hard to fur­ ther his development as an artist. Seafarer Maret gives much of the credit for his winning the scholar­ ship to Dr. Mary Cathryn Park, a social studies teacher at Brevard, who encouraged him. As a token of his gratitude for the help Dr. Park extended, Maret presented her with one of his original oil paintings. The sea­ farer is a deeply religious man and active in the Central Baptist Church in Melbourne. He has been especially active in the church's youth program. Maret is presently an inactive Deacon. Brother Maret last sailed aboard the Walter Rice and has sailed on SlU-contracted ships of the Alcoa and Waterman Steamship Seafarer Bernard Maret, who recently won a SIU scholarship, is Lines and the Reynolds Metals shown with an original oil painting that he presented to Dr. Mary Co. Among the countries he has Cathryn Park, a social studies teacher at Brevard Junior College, visited are, Spain, Yugoslavia, Ja­ Melbourne, Fla. Maret gave Dr. Park the painting as a token pan, Libya, Korea, South America of his gratitude tor encouraging him in his artistic career. and the Caribbean Islands. CUBA VICTORY (Alcoa). April 28— Chairman, Walter H. Sibley; Secretory, fi. Krawcxyk. Restricted shore leave In Yokohama. Captain said there will be no shore leave except for medical pur­ poses. One man missed ship in Saigon. Disputed OT for standing watches in Saigon and Yokohama in engrine department. • BETHPLOR (BctMeheni Stdd), May 22 —Chairman, Henry Armstrong: Secre­ tary, Raymond Perry. Ship's delegate' reported that everything is running smootbty. No beefs reported by depart­ ment delegates. Motion made that the company furnish transportation from the ship to the gate and back, as it is at least 4 miles, and the road is snake infested. LOMA VICTORY (Delta), April 27— Chairman, E5. Eden; Secretary, Jfamto Naylor. No disputed OT and no beefs reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job we!! do—•' ROBERT D. CONRAD (Maritime Oper­ ation), May 14—Cbainnan, M. Smith; Secretary, L. Lamphere. Ship sailed short two men. Some disputed OT reported by deck department. Vote of thanks to steward department from crew on job w^ done. COEUR D'ALENE VICTORY (Victory Carriers), May 1—Chairman, Predericb A. pehler; Secretary, Robert M. Kennedy. Some disputed OT in engine and steward department. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done, BANGOR (Bermuda Shipping), May 16 —Chairman, Paul Dew ; Secretary, Ernest Hatt^. Two oilers missed ship in Ger­ many. No bee&, reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks extended to the ship's dri^te and to the steward .department. OCEANIC SEE AY (Trans-World Marine), April 25 — Chairman, Frank Natole; Secretary, H. Kennedy, Pour men missed ship In San Francisco. $12.00 in ship's fund. Few hours disputed OT in each department. HENRY LA LIBERTE (Buckeye), May 6—Chairman, Dennis Frarck: Secretary. John Anderson. Brother L. Connolly was elected to serve as ship's delegate.^ $9.00 in ship's fund. Complaint about all four mooring winches and hatch winches and motion made that they be repacked because steam in the air makes it im­ possible to see signals. ROBIN TREND (Moore-McCormack), April 10—Chairman, Chief Electrician; Secretary. Ralph Pettit. No beefs reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks extended to the steward department for a job well done. Still having trouble with mail deliveries to foreign porta. ALCOA MAHKBtER^(Alcoa). June 6— Chairman. Carl Franchlns j Secretary, George Cavallaro, No beefs reported, by department delegates. - : DEL MUNDO (Delta), May 2—Chair­ man, Albert J. Doty: Secrebtty, A1 M. Toientino. Brother Milton J. 'Hjlbod^ux was elected to serve as new ship s dele­ gate, No bee& reported. Everything is running smoothly. $97.38 In ship's fund, which includes $70.00 from Delta Lines to ship's; crew for safety award. PRODUCER (Marine Carriers), May 1 —Chairman, J. G. Lakwyk ; Secretaw, Floyd 0. Nolan. No beefs reported by department delegates. One man was hos­ pitalised and one man missed ship at Bijeka. Couple hours disputed OT in steward department. Water tanks need to be cleaned or cemented. This matt« to be taken up with patrolman. NORBERTO CAPAV (Liberty Naviga­ tion), March 26—Chairman. James V. Smith: Secretary, A. D. Hill. In general, everything is running smoothly. Repair# are numerous hut are being taken care of slowly. No beeto reported by depart­ ment delegates. Discussion about wcCpr ing outsiders out of messrooms and pan­ tries while in port overseas. PENN VANGUARD (Penn Shi, _ , Hay 1—Chairman, Stephen H. Fulford Secretary, J. Calhoun. No beefs and no disputed OT r^rted by department dele­ gates. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. Vote of thanks to the steward and ehief cook for exterminating roaches. COUNCIL GROVE (Cities Service)^! May 22—Chairman, Red Donahue; Sec­ retary, T. Densemore. No beefs reported by department del^ates. Motion made that ali SIU ships be air conditioned. HUDSON (Oriental Export), May 16—^ Chairman, David E. Edwards;.Secretary,' Donald P. Mason. Some disputed OT In deck and steward departments to be taken up with boarding patrolman. FAIRISLB (Pan Oceanic Tanker Corp.); April 28—Chairman, Ira Brown; Secre­ tary, T. J. Hubbard. No beefs and no disputed OT reported. No mail was re­ ceived during entire voyage. It was suggested that action he taken by the company to insist that longshoremen he provided with their own bathroom fa­ cilities. STEEL CHEMIST (Isthmian), May 30 —Chairman, Frank Throp; Secretory, Walter H(Aemeyer. Motion made to have dri^ate submit compiaint about roaches. Suggestion was made to move water cooler from crew mess to recreation hall. No beefs and no disputed OT rcjiorted bydepartment delegates. VOLUSIA (Suwannee), May 10—Chain.; man, Wilson Deal; Secretary, R. MeCutloch. No beefs and no disputed OT re­ ported by department delegates. Brother Wilmn Deal was elected to serve as ship's ;t(easurer.. MAIDEN CREEK (Sea-Land). May 24: -^Chairman, M. J. Dans*®; Secretary, Pate. No beefs and no disputed OT re­ ported by department delegates. Brother Hugh R. Hallman was rieptdd aa ship's delegate, ^ �mmm Page Fonrteen Teacher Commends LOO Labor Feature To 0!« EdBtim A friend of mine has been passing along your fine paper, "The Seafarers Log." I would like to know how I can get on the mailing list of your paper. Also, I would like to know if you have reprints of your series on the story of American Labor, "All This Happeaed." This in­ formation on the American labor movement is very int»esttng and valuable and I would ike to circulate it among my friends and possibly get it into the school library for reference material. If it is printed in book orm this would be best for add­ ing it to our library collection. £. F. Williams gLocalNo. 1273 Ventura County Federation df Teachers, AFL-CIO LETTERS To The Editor Raps U.5. Policy On Lakes Shipping SEAFARERS getting three squares a day with wages. Their families are warm and comfortable, so they say: 'To hell with the American sailor, even though he made me a millionaire. He can find an­ other job. American sailors are nothing but a bunch of vaga­ bonds, bums, and riff-raff any­ way. They come right from the bottom of the barrel; it was the only job they could get. We'll drop the Marine Hospital and make sure they can't draw un­ employment in the winter. Hell! Let the bums kick off; we'll hire new ones, come spring fit-out. They're a dime a dozCn any­ how." So thank you, Mr. Million­ aire and Mr. Washington, D. C, But, I'll bet when you Big Boys get yoursleves in trouble, you won't forget to call on us. Robert Lonb Ullom Mailed Log Story To His Congressman To tiie Editon T clipped the item in your June 10th issue of "Seafarers Log" concerning Congressman Byrnes' (R-Wis.) introduction of a bill in the House, to spur American ship construction, and I mailed it to my congressman, Joseph Vigorito (D) and asked his wholehearted support of the bill. You should visit any of our Great Lakes and see for yourself the sad shape Of our Great Lakes fleet and at the same time see all of the beautiful super ships (730 ft. long) that the Canadians have built and are still building. Your very informative paper should be on the desk of every congressman and senator and you should urge every one of your members to hammer down the doors of our legislators with requests to see that this bill be­ comes a reality. I'm not a seaman myself, but the lakes and seas and ships are my love. I come by it naturally; my grandfather and my uncles were shipmasters and naval offi­ cers. I'm a postal worker. Local 269, UFPOC, AFL-CIO. With best wishes for you id your continuing efforts to better the lot of the American seaman, I remain, LOG Jane 24, 1966 Seafarer Honored By Hometown In Tribute To U.S. Merchant Seamen Wayne DeGeer, one of many Seafarers who have been doing their part in moving vital military supplies to South Vietnam, was honored on Maritime Day by the Mayor of his home town, Torrance, California, and the Governor of the State. Seafarer DeGeer, whose last ^ DeGeer added that there were DeGeer told the Log. trip was to Viet Nam aboard Carl Backland, Torrance Post­ some uncomfortable moments for the Norberto Capay as an OS, master, enthusiastically went along the American seaman and he re­ was cited during the May 23 cel­ with the Mayor's plans and even called the time when the Viet Cong ebration as a home-town boy who a step further. Maritime Day post­ tried to sabotage an American was a credit to the United States ers, which usually are displayed tanker. and its merchant marine. on mail trucks during Maritime Other than the Viet Cong, the Albert Isen, N'ayor of Tor­ Week, May 23-27, were posted on heat was another thing that struck rance, first heard oi Wayne's good the trucks for the entire month of him as being uncomfortable. work through a May. "It got as high as 140 degrees," mutual friend, TTie Maritime Day celebration Seafarer DeGeer claimed. one of the town's was also something that Seafarer Brother DeGeer has been sail­ policemen. May­ DeGeer will never forget. ing with the SIU ever since he or Isen was so Governor Attends Ceremonies graduated from Narbonne High impressed with School in Torrance a year-and-a"Governor Brown attended the Wayne and the half ago. honors at City Hall and made a role seamen man­ "I really love sailing and have ning the nation's speech lauding the contribution of American seamen to the nation. seen interesting countries like merchant ships DeGeer After receiving a citation from Spain, Germany, Arabia, Okina­ were performing, that extraordinary plans were the city in recognition of his and wa, Thailand, the Philippines and other American seamen's efforts Viet Nam," he said. made for Maritime Day. But Seafarer DeGeer, the son of "The Mayor and the City Coun­ for the United States in Viet Nam, cil of Torrance wanted to do DeGeer pointed out that the a retired Army sergeant, will soon something for the seaman to show "Vietna-mese people appreciate have to give it all up—at least he was more than just a seaman what we're doing for them." It temporarily. He was drafted soon but an important contributor to was obvious, he said, that the ma­ after he returned from his last trip the welfare of the United States," jority of the Vietnamese like us. to Viet Nam. To the Editor: The seamen I have met are men of many talents. Some of the finest riggers in the world sail aboard these lake ships. When need be, they are mighty handy with a line. TTiey have jobs that no one wants, and they are gone nine months of the the Balitmore hall; Edward At­ Avery at Seattle Hall. This is ur­ Leon C. Brown year. kins; Harold Gaffney; I. Reed; gent. Please contact your wife in New Things used to be pretty good. Carl J. Kozioh; J. McCarthy; Orleans as soon as you can. — — There were a lot of lower lakers James Keavney, Francis X. Wherin all classes of tonnage. But, of Herbert O. Leake rity; John Jones; E. W. Bartoh. course, that was before diesel Jochim F. CircireUo Please contact your mother, Please pick the baggage up as power and the Seaway. Then the Please get in touch with your soon as possible or notify Rex E. Mrs. Haywood Leake at Rte. 1, Big Boys got down to brass tacks. attorney, Alfred Marroletti, Es­ Dickey, agent, as to where it Berryville, Va., as soon as possi­ They called a big meeting and quire, Suite 3223 Penn Center should be shipped. ble. said to one another: "Well do Plaza, Phila., Penna., immediately, away with our small craft and in connection with a matter he — — tonnage. Well make one big is handling for you. Frank Rotolo George Phillips ship in the place of two small Please write to your wife, Mar­ Please get in touch with your ones. Tliink of all the seamen garet, at 400 W. Baker, E-2, FulPaul Petak wife at her address or John H. we won't have to pay wages to! lerton, Cal., as soon as you can. Please call or write Frank WasRegner at 606 Scanlan Building, And well make each port quick­ mer, W-8, at 3415 Anderson, Kan­ Houston, Texas 77002, as soon as er with all this new speed." sas City, Missouri, telephone BE. possible in regard to a very impor­ And then came the St. Law-V William Gunther 1-8629. tant matter. fence Seaway. Foreign ships now Please contact Paul F. Quinn, sail our Great Lakes waters — ^ 1589 Union port Road, Bronx, Baggage Held without pilots of knowledge of William Maid N. Y. 10462, immediately. The following seafarers have onf lafceis or rivers. Our men Please contact E. L. "Smokey" baggage being held for them in study hard for their AB tickets and their licenses in order to Richard Welch Lifeboat Class No, 153 Sets Sail navigate our lakes and rivers. Please get in touch with Stan­ But the White Honse says the Pharmacist Program ley J. Jacobs of Ungar, Dulitz and foreigner doesn't need a licen^. Martzell, 328 Chartres St., New He can go wherever he pleas^; Called Step Forward Orleans, La., or phone 523-6504, What the boys in the White To The Editon regarding a personal injury case House are thinking - is this: that was settled in your behalf. I read the story in the last "There is too much money in­ Anyone knowing Mr. Welch's issue of the Log about the Staff volved, and we might be able Officers Association of Amer­ whereabouts is asked to call Mr. to break the unions. We don't Jacobs collect at the above num­ ica's plans to open a pharmacistwant to hurt the foreigner's feel­ ber. mate training school for its ings, either." members. But 111 tell you one thing: un­ I think this is a very good Michael E. Halpin employment doesn't make good time. idea, since it would provide Please get in touch with Mrs. ship's with a man qualified to ad­ E. Michalski, Rte. 4, Dowagiac, In fog, the foreign ship doesn't minister proper emergency aid Mich, 49047. blow his whistle, nor does he an­ to crewmembers at sea. In the swer for that matter. He takes his share of the sea lane right .. event a man got sick at sea, he W. Alderman would be able to get the tem­ down the middle and he says: Please get in touch with your porary treatment from a trained "To hell with the telephone." mother at 2186 N. W. Glison, person, which, woidd be a Ma:=^! Those foreign boys a Portland, Oregon 97210, as soon help. Many times, proper medi­ hazard to navigation!- So now, as possible. Also, please send your cal treatment is unavailable in , due; to diesel power, bigger boats forwarding address to her as the cases of emergency. and foreign shipping, our fleets union is holding your 1965 W2 are cut in half and Jobs are I know that the SIU supports SIU Lifeboat Class No. 153 assembled for graduation picture after forms on file until they hear from tr to find. the Staff Ofltcer's union objective they successfully completed their lifeboat training course at the you. to get pharmaciste'-mates aboard ^ surprised to Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. The newest additions to the American ships. I hope that some some fine morning and ranks of SIU lifeboat ticket holders are (l-r, bottom row): Mike John Caionna day this will be po.ssible because yourself out of a job. We owe Salles, George Hill, Jose E. Rodrigues and Irving Pearlman. Back Please contact Georgia Kratsas it involves the well-being of all our thanks to the Big Man, row, l-r are: Rolpert L. Lane, Alexander Janes, Ed LaRoda, Greg at this phone number, CL. 5-7069, diesel power, foreign shif Bass, Ulysses Bedbe and lifeboat school instructor Ami Bjornsson. as soon as you can. White House, ' i — 4/ — <t> 4 •PI ..•Fv i �fune 24, 1966 Page Fifteen SEAFARERS LOG Sea-tand Safety Award Members of the crew of the Los Angeles are shown with the tape recorder that was awarded to the crew for winning the Sea-Land Safety Award for 1965. From left to right are: Ali M. S. Mathala, fireman-water tender; Manuel Sanchez, deck maintenance: Raymond Torres, oiler; Efrain Garcia, fireman-water tender and Ramon Vila, BR, The crew will be out to win again this year. SlUSUP Windjammer Veterans Reialf Days Of Towering Topsails SAN FRANCISCO—^That exclusive and fast diminishing breed of blue water sailors:—^the wind­ jammer men—have started a Square Rigger Club here, a sort of "last man's" club to commemorate the days of wooden ships and iron men. More than 75 windjammer ^ cisco, now 82, is an old-timer north with Chinese and Mexican veterans, including some SlU­ who can tell of shanghaiing days cannery hands in the spring and SUP old-timers, have joined the when a night of fun on San Fran­ racing home With the season's organization since its first meet­ cisco's Barbary Coast was liable salmon pack in the fall. ing in February. Many an SUP-SIU old-timer to end up the next day with a Prominent among the charter headache and a hefty pull on served on these tall masted "Stars" members is Bob Anderson of San the ropes aboard some outward- along with Square Rigger Club Francisco, who holds the number bounder. Coffman started his sea­ members Paul Jahnkae and Fred one retirement card in the Sailors faring career by being shanghaied Klebengat, who sailed, respective­ Union of the Pacific. ly, on the Star of Holland and on the bark Belfast in 1902. His first trip to sea was on the Club members also include vet­ Star of Poland. Swedish brig Lotton in 1896, two erans of the big "Star" fleet of Any sailing ship veteran can years before Dewey blasted the windjammers operated by the affiliate with the Square Rigger Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. In Alaska Packers Association be­ Club by writing to Capt, Fred E. the years between then and his tween San Francisco and the Bris­ Conrad at 180 Cotter St., San last sailing voyage in 1918, Bob tol Bay salmon canneries, running Francisco, Calif. 94112. served in barks, barkentines, ships and schooners, under Swedish, Norwegian, British and American flags. Old SUP men will recall some of Brother Anderson's later ships: the schooner Cecelia Sudden, After 14 futile attempts, Seafarer George Zintz, Jr., one of the Sophie Christenson and barkenSIU's most dedicated bottle writers, has finally found a pen pal tine Newsboy, all well known schooling grounds for many a in the person of a British Army Sargeant, John White. West Coast sailor in years gone by. Zintz, who has sailed with the to find anyone who shared his W. M. Coffman of San Fran­ SIU for 14 years, was never able penchant for enclosing messages in bottles uqtil now. Sargeant White is stationed in the British protectorate of Sharjah Trucial Oman in the Per­ sian Gulf. Seafarer Zintz James Walsh, 46: Heart disease recently com­ Samuel Bailey, 47: Brother claimed the life of Brother Walsh, Bailey died of natural causes. May pleted a voyage on the Topa Topa May 16, in Cleve­ V while sailing as an AB. He's land, Ohio. He on the Manhat­ Zintz not the only sea­ had sailed with the tan, off the coast Great Lakes Tow­ of Madris, India. farer who cast mesages in bottles ing Co., as a fire­ He sailed as into the sea. James Balmy, a veteran of the man. T^e seafar­ pumpman. Sea­ er joined the un­ farer Bailey made engine department, estimates that ion in the port of his home in New some 20 per cent of the bottles Cleveland, where Orleans, where he's thrown overboard have re­ he was born and he joined the SIU. ceived replies. Balmy casts at least made his residence. Walsh served Brother Bailey was bora in Missis­ three bottles over the side of every in the Navy from 1943 to 1945. sippi. He is survived by his wife, ship he sails on. The seafarer Burial was in Holy Cross Ceme­ Naomi, six children and two doesn't care about the type of tery, Cleveland. grandchildren. Burial was at sea. bottle used, as long as it's glass, sealed and buoyant. 4f Brother Zintz got started on his Clarence Shively, 67: Heart Aouad Mohamed Massoudy, disease claimed the life of Brother bottle writing career while in the 52: A kidney ailment took the Shively, March Navy, in 1950. He sails out of life of seafarer 23, 1966, in the New Orleans. There are many Massoudy, April Veterans Admin­ cases on record of seamen being 1, at the U. S. istration Hospital, rescued after their bottled SOS Public Health Memphis, Tenn. messages were found. Zintz said Sargeant White Service Hospital, Born in Missouri, found his bottle on the beach be­ Baltimore, Md. he joined the SIU He joined the in the port of tween Shariah and Dubai. SIU in Houston, Mobile. The sea­ iTex. in 1963. farer was a mem­ Couldn't Compare Born in Arabia, ber of the Steward department. By Herbie Mueller he sailed in the engine room. Bur­ His last ship was the Alcoa Clip­ Tfie moon light shining ial was in Baltimore. He is sur­ per. A widower, he is survived by In a sky so blue vived by his brother, Mohamed a sister, Mrs. Maggie Vowels of My heart ever longing Ali Massoudy Hid Almael of Charleston, Miss. Burial was in For little baby you! Yemen, Arabia. Charleston. Message ^Mailed' In Bottle Gets Pen Pal For Seafarer Charlene DeSlatte, born April 17, 1966, to the Dalton DeSlattes, Sabine Pass, Texas. Timothy DeVogel, bom April 15, 1966, to the Joseph DeVogels, Superior, Wise. <1> Randy Mclntyre, born January 19, 1966, to the Malcolm Mclntyres, pad Axe, Michigan. Joy Sawyer, born October 4, 1965, to the Leroy G. Sawyers, Norfolk, Va. <|> Constance Frances, born Janu­ ary 4, 1966, to the Carlo Lopeparos, Chicago, 111. Daniel Henry Bigham, born April 21, 1966, to the Henry Bighams, Waxhaw, N. C. Richard Boone, bora March 11, 1966, to the William Boones, Pasa­ dena, Texas. Leslie Carol Underwood, born Febraury 10, 1966, to the Wil­ liam Underwoods, Phila., Pa. 1966, to the Juan Carcamos, Kenner. La. ^ Olga Castro, bora May 13, 1966, to the Arturo Castros, Hous­ ton, Texas. Patrick and David Lyons, born June 10, 1966, to the Merton Lyons, Alpena, Mich. — — William David Morris, born May 25, 1966, to the William Morris, Jacksonville, Fla. — if Rhonda Hebert, born March 3, 1966, to the Maxie Heberts, Abbe­ ville, La. <1> Terraine Mark Sanders, born March 4, 1966, to the Windell Sanders, Baltimore, Md. if — Vernon Meyers, born May 28, 1966, to the Russell Meyers, Mo­ bile, Ala. <1> Dawn E. Allman, born April 10, 1966, to the John W. Allmans, South Hill, Va. if Harold Gleaton, bora May 27, 1966, to the James Gleatons, Brooklyn, N. Y. — if — Terry Trippe, bora June 2, 1966, to the Robert Trippes, New Orleans, La. <1> Rosemary Anne Milanesis, bora May 12, 1966, to the Eugene Mi­ lanesis, Brooklyn, N. Y. Denise Caragiorgio, born De­ cember 3, 1965, to the Antoine Caragiorgios, New Orleans, La. David Troy GUless, born Febru­ ary 19, 1965, to the Joseph F. Gilless, Robert, La. Raymond Bron Ennis, bora Sep­ tember 30, 1965, to the Thomas Ennis', Philadelphia, Pa. — if — Patsy Anita Roma, born March 23, 1966, to the R. Romas, Hous­ ton, Texas. —: John Southard, bora May 16, 1966, to the John Southards, Edgewater Park, New Jersey. —— if — Gilherto Sanchez, born April 7, 1966, to the Heraclio Sanchezs, Detroit, Michigan. if — Mark Smith, born May 4, 1966, to the R. J. Smiths, Lakewood, Ohio. <|> Ivette Carcamo, born May 22, <1> <t> Tresa Malynn Jones, born April 21, 1966, to the Cyril Jones, New Orleans, La. ^ Mary Lee Holian, bora May 11, 1966, to the Thomas Holians, Cleveland, Ohio. <I> Melvin Talcott, bora May 10, 1966, to the Gordon Talcotts, St. Louis, Missouri. ^ Teodoro Diangson, Jr., bora. December 1, 1965, to the Teo­ doro Diangsons, Brooklyn, New York. Virginia Hicks, born May 10, 1966, to the Dannie L. Hicks, Baltimore, Md. <1> I Editor, I SEAFARERS .ere.-, LOG, fon 6^: Fourth Brooklyn I li I -•••• ' • I • • With stars softly shining High in the sky For your warm tender love So lonely / sigh! I'll give you the Moon The heaven and the stars When you promise darling Forever I'm yours! I would like to receive the SEAFARERS tOG-r-please pW^ oh your mailing list. fWnl fitformafhn) I lAE j NAME I STREET EET ADDRESS • , . ^ ^ 1 "J ! CiTr STATE........ ZIP. , | I TO AVOID DUPLICATION! If you are an old tuburlber and have a change | " of address, please give your former address belowr . . • I'll take the darkness Won't need any light Only a loving smile From you each night! The moon—the stars The heaven and sun Couldn't compare To the love I've won! .v ^ �Page Sixteen SEAFARERS UNFAIR TO LABOR DO NOT BUY I li Seafarers and their families are urged to support a consumer boy­ cott by trade unionists against various companies whose products are produced under non-union conditions, or which are "unfair to labor." (This listing carries the name of the AFL-CIO unions in­ volved, and will be amended from time to time.) "Lee" brand tires (United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum & Plastic Workers) <|> H. I. Siegel "HIS" brand men's clotbes (Amalgamated Clothing Workers) <I> Sears, Roebuck Company Retail stores & products (Retail Clerks) Stitzel-Welier Distilleries "Old Fitzgerald," "Old Elk" "Cabin Still," W. L. Weller Bourbon whiskeys (Distillery Workers) J. R. Simplot Potato Co. Frozen potato products (Grain Millers) Kingsport Press "World Book," "Childcraft" (Printing Pressmen) (Typographers, Bookbinders) (Machinists, Stereotypers) Jamestown Sterling Corp. Southern Furniture Mfg. Co. Furniture and Bedding (United Furniture Workers) Empire State Bedding Co. "Sealy Mattresses" (Textile Workers) ¥OUR BIGHTS FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safexuardintr the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed CPA audit every three months by a rank and file auditing committee elected by the membership. All Union records are available at SIU headquarters in Brooklyn. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the shipowners. Get to know your shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all Union halls. If you feel there has been any violation of your shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the Union and the shipowners, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Earl Shepard, Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board 17 Battery Place, Suite 1930, New York 4, N. Y. , . Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to you at all times, either by writing directly to the Union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which you work and live ship. Know your contract rights, as well as your obligations, such as filing for OT on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU iwtrolman or other Union official, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract rights prop­ erly, contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY—SEAFARERS LOG. The LOG has traditionally refrain^ from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the Union, officer or member. It has also refrained from publishing articles demed harmful to the Union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September, 1960, meetings jn all constitu­ tional ports. The responsibility for LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the Bbcecutive Board of the Union. The Executive Board may delegate, from among ita ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. Schedule of Membership Meetings SHJ-AGLIWD Meetings New York . .July 5—2:30 p.m. Philadelphia July 5—2:30 p.m. Baltimore ..July 6—2:30p.m. Detroit .. . .July 8—^2:30 p.m. Houston .. .July 11—2:30 p.m. New Orleans July 12—2:30 p.m. DlRBCTORYof UNION HALLS SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Inland Boatmen's Union United Industrial Workers PRESIDENT Paul Hall EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Gal Tanner Earl Shepard Al Tanner VICE PRESIDENTS Lindsay Williams Robert Matthews SECRETARY-TREASURER Al Kerr White Furniture Co. (United Furniture Workers of America) HEADQUARTERS ALPENA, Mich BALTIMORE, MD BOSTON, Mass 675 4th Ave., Bklyn. NY 9-6600 127 River St. EL 4-3616 1216 E. Baltimore St. EA 7-4900 177 State St. Ri 2-0140 Genesco Shoe Mfg. Co. Work Shoes . . . Sentry, Cedar Chest, Statler Men's Shoes . . . Jarman, Johnson & Murphy, Crestworth, (Boot and Shoe Workers' Union) 4,Tyson's Poultry, Inc. Rock Cornish Tyson's Pride Manor House-Safeway Cornish Game-Armour and A & P's SuperRight Cornish Game Hen (Food Handlers Local 425 of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters & Butcher Workmen of N. America) Di Giorgio Fruit Corp. S and W Fine Foods Treesweet (National Farm Workers Association) June 24, 1966 LOG BUFFALO, N.Y 735 Washington St. TL 3-9259 CHICAGO, III 9383 Ewing Ave. SA 1-0733 CLEVELAND, Ohio 1420 W. 25th St. MA 1-5450 DETROIT, Mich. .. 10225 W. Jefferson Ave. VI 3-4741 DULUTH, Minn 312 W. 2nd St. RA 2-4110 FRANKFORT, Mich P.O. Box 287 415 Main St. EL 7-2441 HOUSTON, Tex 5804 Canal St. WA 8-3207 JACKSONVILLE, Fla 2608 Pearl St. EL 3-0987 JERSEY CITY, N.J 99 Montgomery St. HE 3-0104 MOBILE, Ala I South Lawrence St. HE 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS, La 630 Jackson Ave. Tel. 529-7546 NORFOLK, Va 115 3rd St. Tel. 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA, Pa 2604 S. 4th St DE 6-3818 PORT ARTHUR, Tex 1348 Seventh St. SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. 350 Freemont St. DO 2-4401 SANTURCE, P.R. ...1313 Fernandez Juncos Stop 20 Tel. 723-8594 SEATTLE, Wash 2505 First Avenue MA 3-4334 ST. LOUIS, Mo 805 Del Mer CE-l-1434 TAMPA, Fla 312 Harrison St. Tel. 229-2788 WILMINGTON, Calif. ...505 N. Marine Ave. \ TE 4-2523 Mobile . . . - July 13—2:30 p.m. Wilmington .July 18—2 p.m. San Francisco July 20—2 p.m. Seattle July 24—2 p.m. Great Lakes SIU Meetings Detroit July 18—2 p.m. Alpena July 18—7 p.m. Buffalo July 18—7 p.m. Chicago July 18—7 p.m. Cleveland July 18—7 p.m. Duluth July 18—^7 p.m. Frankport July 20—7 p.m. Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Region Detroit . .. .July 11—7:30 p.m. Milwaukee .July 11—7:30 p.m. Chicago . . . .July 12—7:30 p.m. tSault Ste. Marie July 14—7:30 p.m. Buffalo . .. .July 14—7:30 p.m. Duluth . . . .July 15—7:30 p.m. Cleveland . .July 15—7:30 p.m. Toledo . . . .July 15—7:30 p.m. SIU Inland Boatmen's Union Philadelphia . . . July 5—5 p.m. Baltimore (licensed and unlicensed) . . July 6—5 p.m. Norfolk July 7—5 p.m. Houston July 11—5 p.m. New Orleans ..July 12—5p.m. Mobile July 13—5 p.m. Railway Marine Region Jersey City July 11—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Philadelphia July 12—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Baltimore July 13—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. "Norfolk July 14—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. United Industrial Workers New York ... .July 5-—7 p.m. Philadelphia .. .July 5—7 p.m. Baltimore July 6—7 p.m. ^Houston July 11—7 p.m. New Orleans ..July 12—^7p.m. Mobile July 13—7 p.m. * Meeting held at Labor Temple. New­ port News. t Meeting held at Labor Temple. Sanlt Ste. Marie. HIeh. t Meeting held at Galveston Wharves. PAYMENT OF MONIES.^Nb' monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU" unless an official Union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he Is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member la required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The SIU publishes every six months in the SEAFARERS LOG a verbatim copy of its constitution. In addition, copies are available In all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarise themselves with its contents. Any time you feel any member or officer is attempting to deprive you of any constitutional right or obli­ gation by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other detoils, then the member so affected should Immediately notify headquarters. RETIRED SEAFARERS. Old-time SIU members drawing disability-pension bene­ fits have always been encouraged to continue their union activities, including attend­ ance at membership meetings. And like all other SIU members at these Union meet­ ings, they are encouraged to take an active role in all rank-and-file functions, in­ cluding service on rank-and-file committees. Because these oldtimers cannot take shipboard employment, the membership has reaffirmed the long-standing Union pol­ icy of allowing them to retain their good standing through the waiving of their dues. EQUAL RIGHTS. All Seafarers are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracta which the Union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no Seafarer may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied the equal rights to which he is entitled, he should notify headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIONS. One of the basic righte of Seafarers is the right to pursue legislative and political objectives which will serve the best interests of themselves, their families and their Union. To achieve these objectives, the Seafarers Political Activity Donation was established. Donations to SPAD are entirely voluntary and constitute the funds through which legislative and political activities are conducted for the benefit of the membership and the Union. If at any time a Seafarer feels that any of the above rights hove been violated, or that he has been denied his constitutional right of access to Union records or in­ formation, he should immediately notify SIU President Paul Hall at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. SANTA EMILIA (Liberty Navigation). May g—Chairman, James Myers; Secre­ tary. W. Knchta. B6.00 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT in engine department to be taken up with boarding patrolman. JEFFERSON CITY VICTORY (Victory Carriers), May 16—Chairman, F. J. Smith; Secretary. H. h. Skyles. $6.00 in ship's fund. No beefs and no disputed OT reported by department delegates. JOHN P. REI8S (Reiss). May 18— Chairman, Sam S. Goins; Secretary, Roy Wilmers. $14.00 in ship's fund. No beefs reported by department delegates. ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa). May 18— Chairman. Joe McLaren ; Secretary. C. E. Turner. $1.26 in ship's fund. Few hours disputed OT in deck department. Every­ thing else is running fine. Motion made that ship's delegate ask patrolman for an SIU library. Discussion about getting an engine utility on all ships so that if a man misses a ship they will have someone to replace him. Question was brought up about a retirement plan. Vote of thanlu extended to the steward department. UHLMANN BROTHERS (Kinsmen Transit), May 16—Chairman, Charles B. Simpson; Secretary, Walter Drcher, Each crewmember contributed 25 cents to ship's fund. No beefs reported by department delegates. Engine room washing machine is not working properly. TV in messball is out of order and in bad shape. OCEANIC SPRAY (Trans-World Mar­ ine), May 16—Chairman, Paul Arthofer; Secretary, T. E Markham. Brother Jim Masters was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Ship sailed short two men. in engine department STEEL AGE (Isthmian). May 25— Chairman, Ronald Carraway; Secretary. Alfred Salem. $20.00 in ship's fund. No beefs reported by department dele­ gates. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. MARORE (Venorc Transportation), May 18—Chairman, Thomas Littlefield : Secretary, Leslie Boudreaux. No b^fs reported. Request that ship be fumigated for roaches. STEEL VENDOR (Isthmian), May 30 •—Chairman, Arlen Quinn j Secretary, Fred Shaia. Some disputed OT in the deck and engine departments to be taken up with boarding patrolman. $31.73 in ship's fund. Ship needs to be fumigated. ROBIN TRENT May 8—Secretary, beefs reported by It was suggested messball In better (Moore McCormack), Patrick White. No department delegates. that crew help keep condition. DIGEST of SIU MEETINGS JOHN B. WATERMAN (Waterman), May 22—Chairman, Gilbert J. Troscalalr: Secretary, Eugene W. Auer. No beefs reported by department delegates. Mo­ tion made to have a contraici ciarificsition In book form to be printed as in the past for each department. The crew Was asked not to hang any gear on the alarm bell in passageway. Brother Fmnquia was elected to serve as ship's delegate. TRANfiaA'TTERAS (Hudson WaterWays), Max 24—Chaimarti Ray Hodgers; Secretary, Mike Miller. No beefs rei ported by- department detegat«s. Shipls; delekatef i reported - everything rnnning smoothly..:'Vote of thaPk«;'to:'.toe.)iteWl^' department for Job well done. ner; Secretory. Herbert Peace. Ship's delegate reported everything OK. No beefs reported by department delegates. WARRIOR (Sea-Lond Service), May 24 —Chairman, Charles W. Jordan; Secre­ tary, Charl^ W. Jordan. Everything is running smoothly. Few hours disputed OT in engine department. Vote of thanks to the steward department. Vote of thanks to the shore gang who relieved the crew while in port. TRANSERIE (Hudson Waterways), April 13—Chairman, C. Murray; Secre­ tary, L. D. Pierson. No beefs reported by department delegates. Brother A. Joosepson was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Captain to get screens for galley before arriving in Bombay. OVERSEAS ROSE (Maritime Over­ seas), May 1—Chairman, Tom. A. Martineau; Secretary, O. G. Chafin. $8.00 in ship's fund. No beefs reported by depart- ; ment delegates. Everything is running smoothly. Steward department extended a vote of thanks to the "hOsun, Tom A. • Martineau, for his quick resiionse in mak­ ing repairs. STEEL FLYER (Isthmian), May 22— Chairman, Kevin Ryan; Secretary, Mike Ard. $6.36 in .ship's fund. No beefs and no disputed OT reported by department delegates. Brother Boy W. Corns was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. DEL MAR (Delta), May 12—Chairman, Robert Johnson; Secretary, Joseph V. Whalen. Ship's delegate reported that everything is running smoothly. He re­ signed with a vote of thanks. Brother George Annis was. elected to serve as new ship's delegate. No beefs reported by department delegates. GENEVA (U.S. Steel). June 3—Chair­ man, Richard Hefliey; Secretary, Sebas­ tian Fercira. $5.00 in ship's fund. Sev­ eral hours disputed OT in steward depart­ ment. Vote of thanks extended to the steward department. NICOLET (Gartiand), January 6 — Chairman, I. Wizesenski; Secretary, Ju­ lius H. Johnson. OT beef to be taken up with boarding patrolman. PORTMAB (Calmar Steamship Corp., June 6—Chairman, Corbet ^B. Myrick ; _ "l Secretary, James B. Archie. Brother Richard Rigney was elected to serve as ship's delegate and he has done a great job. Bverrthing running fine. Full, co­ operation of the Captain, officers and ' members of the crew. No beefs were reported by department delegates^ COE VICTORY (Victory Carriers), " May 21—Chairman, J. A. Shorten; Secre­ tary, Fred D. Lynum. $26.16 in ship's .* fund. Brother K. Crews was elected to serve as ship's delegate. No beefs reported by department delegates. MADAKET (Waterman), September 80 , —Chairman, Chadboume Gait: Secretary, Thomas Liles. Ship's delegate reported that everything is going smoothly with no complaints of any kind. ;DEL VALLE (DeltaU May 29—Ch«iri man, Ramon Ferrera; l^retary, Ray Hif Casanova. Brother Avery Lee Edwards was elected to serve as ship's delegate. No beefs reported by department deleil .gates. OT looks good for this trip. ;• DEL SOL (Delta). May 29—Chalrmanl A. Ruaheed; Secretary, R. EL Stoughi Jr. Nothing much to report. Everything^ is going along O.K. with no beefs. $89.ll in ship's fund. Brother R. N. Boyett wag elee^ to B^rve as new ship's delegate. Motion nnade that the ship's deiegate con toct headquarters to clarify whether o) not the black gang is entitled to lodgin: while ship ia at sea, on sea watches, wbil Chipping and scaling is being perform^ around after house between the hours OJ g a.to> and S p.i». an we^ dafs. • Ohahman, mitor H. Sibley rjertrtary. JKrawc$yk,::'';No.: dicpoted:. O'ls^ an^ nc beefs regortsd by dcpnrti^t ' ' �Jane 24, 1966 SEAFARERS Page Seventeen LOG DISBURSEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1965 SEAFARERS WELFARE FUND 275 20th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 11215 to the SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE of the STATE OF NEW YORK The data contained herein is for the purpose of providing general information as to the condition and affairs of the fund. The presentation is necessarily abbrevi­ ated. For a more comprehensive treatment, refer to the Annual Statement, copies of which may be inspected at the office of the fund, or at the New York State Insurance Department, 123 William Street, New York, N. Y. 10038. EXHIBIT B-1 7. Insurance and annuity premimums paid to insurance companies for participants benefits .. 8. Benefits provided other than through insurance carriers or other service organizations See attachment 9. Administrative expenses (a) Salaries (Schedule 1) (b) Fees and commissions (c) Interest (d) Taxes " (e) Rent (f) Other administrative expenses 10. Other disbursements (a) See attachment (b) 11. Total lines 7 to 10, inclusive •12. Excess (deficiency) of receipts over disbursements (line 6, less line 11) 13. 14. 15. SUMMARY STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES i As of November 30, 1965 (Name of plan) Seafarers Welfare Fund (Address of plan's principal office) 275 20th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y 11215 16. —o— 3,931,241.39 336,318.75 59,600.74 14,865.64 21,930.58 170,387,94 603,103.65 471,924.66 471,924.66 5,006,269.70 (310,734.20) RECONCILIATION OF FUND BALANCES Fund balance at beginning of year 2,826,880.09 Excess (deficiency) of receipts over disbursements (line 12) (310,734.20) Other increases or decreases in funds (a) See schedule attached 95,700.00 (b) Increase in reserve for welfare benefits to pensioners and their dependents (475,011.00) (379,311.00) Fund balance end of year 2,136,834.89 SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN ASSETS* Column (1) 1. Cash 2 Bonds and debentures (a) Government obligations ... (b) Nongovernment bonds (c) Total bonds and debentures. 3. Stocks (a) Preferred (b) Common 4. Common trusts 5. Real estate loans and mortgages 6. Operated real estate 7. Other investment assets U. S. Treasury bills 8. Accrued income receivable on invest­ ments 9. Prepaid expenses 10. Other assets (a) See Attachment (b) (c) 11. Total assets 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Column (2) 715,024.60 Column' (3) 796,752.58 2,115,200.00 2,911,952.58 NOT APPLICABLE 1,175,302.24 4,136,188.10 176,162.46 LIABILITIES AND FUNDS Insurance and annuity premiums payable Reserve for unpaid claims (not covered by insurance) Accounts payable. See Attachment .. 7,740.27 Accrued payrolls, taxes and other expenses Total liabilities Funds and reserves (a) See Below 2,882,800.00 (b) Fund balance 2,136,834.89 (c) (d) Total funds and reserves .. Total liabilities and funds November 30, 1965 Item No. 1. Seafarers Welfare Plan is identified with various Atlantic, Gulf Coast and Great Lakes steamship companies, tugboat and dredging operators who have collective bargaining agreements with the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, the Inland Boatmen's Union of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, and the Seafarers Inter­ national Union of North America, Great Lakes District. 5B. Classes of Benefits Provided Death Rehabilitation Medical Examination Program Special Therapeutic Equipment Dental Scholarships Hospital Optical Medical —o48,93328 ATTACHMENT TO ANNUAL REPORT-FORM D-2 Surgical Blood Bank Consultative Services Maternity Burial Plots Sickness and Accident Blood Transfusions Rehabilitation Therapy Disaster Victim Aid EXHIBIT B-1—Item 10—Other Assets Investment in stock of wholly owned corporations (at cost) Miscellaneous receivables Deposits Capital donated to wholly owned corps Less: Reserve for donated capital Fixed Assets Furniture and fixtures—Plan office ... Furniture and fixtures—Detroit Medical and Safety Program facilitiesBrooklyn, New York Puerto Rico New Orleans, Louisiana Baltimore, Maryland Furniture and fixtures—Blood Bank Program, New York, N. Y Equipment outports Cemetery plots 176,162.46 5,027,375.16 7,740.27 5,019,634.89 5,027,375.16 > Indicate accountinK basis by check: Cash • Accrual_n. Plans on a cash basis should attach a statement of significant unrecorded assets and lis liabilities. See attachment ' The assets listed in this statement must be valued in column (1) on the basis regularly used in valuing investments held in the fund and reported to the U.S. Tretisury Department, or shall be valued at their aggregate cost or present value, whichever is lower, if such a statement is not so required to be filed with the U.S. Treasury Department (Act, sec. 7 (e) and (f) (1) (B). State basis of determining be filed with the U.S. Treasury Department (Act. sec. 7 (e) and (f) (1) (B)). State basis of determining the amount at which securities are carried and shown in column (1) : Bonds, stocks and treasury bills at cost. 'If A (2) in item 13, PART III is checked "Yes," show in this column the cost or prraent value, whichever is lower, of investments summarized in lines 2c, 3a, and 3b, if such value differs from that reported in column (1). Item 17(a)—Reserve for welfare benefits for pensioners and their dependents$2,882,800.00 10,000.00 73,203.46 259.00 $3,646,359.17 3,553,659.17 92,700.00 249,248.48 9,516.20 96,730.58 65.502.91 45.769.92 46,345.97 558.78 1,181.43 887.50 515,741.77 515,741.77 Less: Reserve for fixed assets $176,162.46 Total other assets ... Item 14—Accounts Payable Payroll Taxes Withheld Accounts Payable $ 6,142.89 1,597.38 $ 7,740.27 EXHIBIT B-1—Statement of Significant Unrecorded Assets and Liabilities ASSETS EXHIBIT B-2 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS For Year Ending November 30, 1965 (Name of plan) Seafarers Welfare Fund (Address of plan's principal office) 275 20th Street, Brooklyn, N, Y 11215 RECEIPTS Contributions (a) Employer (b) Employees (c) Other (Specify) Interest, dividends and other investment net income Proceeds from disposal of assets, net Dividends and experience rating refunds from insurance companies Other receipts (a)Interest on delinquent contributions (b) Equipment and office improvement rentals (c) Miscellaneous Total lines 1 Contributions Receivable—Note Interest Receivable on Bonds $1,339,295.18 43,066.42 $1,382,361.60 LIABILITIES Incurred Benefits Payable Administrative Expenses Payable $ 251,802.32 32,339.69 $ 284,142.01 4,372,293.48 195,001.98 94,347.94 2,599.89 30,176.44 1,115.77 Note: Included herein are delinquent contributions in the amount of $395,848.41 due from various companies as principals for their own vessels or as agents for other companies. Attorneys for the Plan have instituted suits libeling various vessels under the control of the companies and the parties involved are presently engaged in bankruptcy or admiralty proceedings. EXHIBIT B-2—Line 8 and Page 2—Item 7 Benefits provided other than through insurance carrier or other service organization. Cost of Benefits Paid $3,925,550.87 Cost of fixed assets acquired for purpose of providing specific benefits 5,690.52 $3,931,241.39 33,892.10 (Continued on pa,ge 18) �Page Eighteen SEAFARERS 8. Accrued income receivable on invest­ ments 9. Prepaid expenses 10. Other assets (a) (b) (c) ANNUAL REPORT EXHIBIT B-2—Line 10—Other Disbursements Trustees Meetings Travel Expenses ! Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Maintenance of Real Estate Capital Donated to Wholly-Owned Corporation $ 8,073.69 9,510.88 64,283.77 20,056.32 370,000.00 $2,800,065.47 ($2,712,365.47) $95,700.00 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE i /SyAlS::?.. J *nd Hi- KMJS- Tnutta of the Fund and bein* duly •worn, each for himaelf depoaea and aaya that thia Annual Report ia true to the beat of hia Informatioa. knowledge and belief. Employer tnn^; Employee truatee;, -X. 12. Insurance and payable 13. Reserve for unpaid claims (not cov­ ered by insurance) 14. Accounts payable 15. Accrued payrolls, taxes and other expenses 16. Total liabilities 17. Funds and reserves (a) Reserve for future benefits 11,713,817.19 and expenses (b) (c) (d) Total funds and reserves .. 18. Total liabilities and funds —0— 11,713,817.19 11,713,817.19 > Indicate accountinit basis by check: Cash • Accrual •. Plans on a cash basis should attach a statement of significant unrecorded assets and liabilities. 2 The assets listed in this statement must be valued in column (1) on the basis regularly used in valuing investments held in the fund and reported to the U.S. Treasury Department, or shall be valued at their aggregate cost or present value, whichever is lower, if such a statement is not so required to be filed with the U.S. Treasury Department (Act. sec. 7 (e) and (f) (1) (B)). State basis of determining the amount at which securities are carried and shown in column (1) : All Securities at Cost. »If A (2) in item 13, PART III is checked "Yea," show in this column the cost or present value, whichever is lower, of investments summarized in lines 2c, 3a, and 3b, if such value differs from that reported in column (1). EXHIBIT B-2 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS For Year Ending Nov. 30, 1965 (Name of Plan) Seafarers Pension Plan (Address of plan's principal office) 275 20th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215 WELfARE STAT* or 11,713,817.19 LIABILITIES AND FUNDS annuity premiums Note 1—Represented by 20 shares of common stock—no par value in each corpora­ tion except Welfare New Orleans Building Corp. which has 3 shares. Note 2—It is the continuing policy of the Plan to provide a reserve against fixed assets donated to its wholly-owned corporation and thereby reflect its fund balance on a cash basis. Comm or 1,896.26 11. Total assets $ 471,924.66 EXHIBT B-2—Line 15(a)—Other Increases in Funds Return of investment in wholly-owned corporations due to termination of agree­ ment of July 1, 1962, with the Plan of the Maritime Advancement Programs: Capital Reserve for Stock Donated Donated Capital (Notel) Capital (Note 2) Total Welfare Baltimore Building Corp. .. $2,000.00 $1,221,063.40 ($1,178,963.40) $44,100.00 Welfare Mobile Building Corp. .. 2,000.00 201,239.81 (189,439.81) 13,800.00 Welfare Philadelphia Building Corp. .. 2,000.00 339,627.81 (323,627.81) 18,000.00 Welfare New Orleans Building Corp. .. 2,000.00 1,038,134.45 (1,020,334.45) 19,800.00 $8,000.00 June 24, 1966 LOG M± Subacribed and awsm-^ before me thia r ./^T^i^fay of.....^^^,. RECEIPTS 1. Contributions (a) Employer Schedule Attached (b) Employees (c) Other (Specify) 2. Interest, dividends, and other investment net income 3. Gain (or loss) from disposal of assets, net .. 4. Dividends and experience rating refunds from insurance companies 5. Other receipts (a ) (b ) (c) 6. Total lines 1 to 5, inclusive 4,691,421.00 388,860.04 6,449.25 5,086,730.29 DISBURSEMENTS Otben (Indicate titlca): 7. Insurance and annuity premiums paid to in­ surance companies for participants benefits 8. Benefits provided other than through insur­ ance carriers or other service organizations 9. Administrative expenses (a) Salaries (Schedule 1) (b) Fees and commissions (c) Interest (d) Taxes (e) Rent (f) Other administrative expenses 10. Other disbursements (a) Trustees Meetings Expense (b) Travel 11. Total lines 7 to 10, inclusive 12. Excess (deficiency) of receipts over disburse­ ments (line 6, less line 11) HARO^ J. MAHER Natw Pu^. Stal* of N«w Yerfc ^2^34.2474350 QutliM in KinO« Cummiiiinn £*pu#» W*ch 30, 1967 ANNUAL REPORT For the fiscal year ending November 30, 1965 SEAFARERS PENSION FUND 275 20th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 11215 to the 1,374,764.53 47,551.68 20,731.74 2,087.15 3,068.00 19,254.07 7,246.29 74.99 92,692.64 7,321.28 1,474,778.45 3,611,951.84 '1 RECONCILIATION OF THE FUND BALANCES SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE of the STATE OF NEW YORK The data contained herein is for the purpose of providing general information as to the condition and affairs of the fund. The presentation is necessarily abbrevi­ ated. For a more comprehensive treatment, refer to the Annual Statement, copies of which may be inspected at the office of the fund, or at the New York State Insurance Department, 123 William Street, New York, N. Y. 10038. W, 13. Fund balance at beginning of year 14. Excess (deficiency) of receipts over disburse­ ments (line 12) 15. Other increases or decreases in funds (a) Net increase or decrease by adjust­ ment in asset values of investments .. (b) Net Increase in Reserve for future Benefits and Expenses (c ) 16. Fund balance end of year 3,611,951.84 (3,611,951.84) 'V v; (3,611,951.84) ANNUAL REFORT OF THE EXHIBIT B-1 Seafar«rJ^ SUMMARY STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES i STAT* O* As of November 30, 1965 (Name of Plan) Seafarers Pension Plan (Address of plan's principal office) 275 20th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215 ASSETS' Column (1) 1. Cash 2. Bonds and debentures (a) Government obligations ... (b) Nongovernment bonds (c) Total bonds and debentures 3. Stocks (a) Preferred (b) Common 4. Common trusts 5. Real estate loans and mortgages ... 6. Operated real estate 7. Other investment assets U.S. Treas­ ury Bills Column (2) 265,865.88 251,785.00 5,181,167.51 5,432,952.51 891,165.29 4,536,544.65 250,000.00 275,994.10 59,398.50 11,446,055.05 Column' (3) Couim O* Fund 1 (C. ) ^ A^ Tnialtc* of the Fund and„, bdng duly aarorn, aacb for himaelf depoaaa and aaya that thia Annual Report la true to the beet of hIa informa. tioo, knbwiedge and belief. Employer 1 •v Employee truatae: Not *.• ; 11 •< SubMTlb^tnd yy-Cf /fe:.....jdayof. Applicable „ ) befof* ma thia <-••5 Othata (Indicate titlaa); ^ 1 J No. 24-2474350 QujffiM ift Kino» Coynfy CemniMkH) Upirti Mmth 30* mf �lune 24, 1966 SEAFARERS LOG Page Nineteen •;vf' > .^.•x:\: UlTHIS I APL-CJO Pres. Msany ialfe with Pres. Johnsbit as latter signs into law a iabor-backeci bill ?#; bringing new benefits to American workers. , >1 he merging ai; the American Federation o. Labor of Industrial Or ^ ganizations on Dec. 5, 1955 made the nev ' federation the largest labor body in the history of the United States and of the free \vorld. Th6 J .membership of the AFL-CIO affiliated union, • "today is approximately 13V2 million workers. The effectiveness of the organized Americar •labor movement was strenghtened considerabb ¥py the mergers if enabled the re^urces of th entire movement to be put into the task of resol^^ving the complex and complicated problemf 3facing American workers and the community as a whole in the' second half of the 20th century. THE STORY OF AMERICAN LABOR PART 10 of a Seafarers Log feature "the Seafarers International Union, which wages I .»continuing and aggressive campaigns oh a muU rnitude of issues, ranging from the fight to re-' l^.tain the Public Health Service Hospitals for the |.'/;are and treatment of merchant seamen to the tbattle to effect legislation and policies that Swould halt the decline of the U.S. merchant ma­ rine and instead encourage its growth and expansion. ^ Af SlU convention deiegates map plans to press for adequate merchant marine in in­ terests of maritime workers and the nation. ?6vemment "home nile" for the District of ,' /Columbia; situs picketing legislation to pro­ tect the economic freedom of workers at multi­ employer construction sites, &id adequate ap-, propriaiions for health, educatimi, welfare, antir- . 'verty, labor protection and manpower deI^elopment programs. The AFL-CIO will also continue its fight to repeal Section 14(b) of the Taft-Hartley law NIONS, individually—again as in the case i ivhich restricts the freedom of collective bargaining and through which states are enabled of the SIU—and collectively—-through the to adopt the so-called "right-to-work laws," en, - • AFL-CIO Committee On Political Educacouraging unionbusting by employers and detion (COPE)—also engage in political action on the broad economic and social issues which : priving workers of the benefits of imion se­ curity. IHE struggle of the organiTied labor move- " merit to provide American workers with The importance of. organized labor's activi- . decent wages and conditions and the secuties to the v/ell-being of Americans was noted The American labor movement is the strongby President Lyndon Johnson on July 14, 1965 ^ >yUy and dignity to which they are entitled, .. est, most active single force for social welfare wed its greatest successes in the years folwhen he said; **The AFI^-CIO bos done mmre improvements in the nation. Its effectiveness in good for more people than any other group h| Jiiowing World War II and in the decade since" behalf of the interests of, organized workem America in its lepslative efforts ... No groiijpe formation of the AFL-CIO. Going beyond and the community at large is evidenced by the in the cmintry wdrics harder In the inBteresrt success of its fight for a great range of bene­ everyone ... It helps yonhg and old ai^ ficial legislation in the first session of the 89th die-aged ... I believe die American lembers and their families. By negotiating Congress. The AFL-CIO unions saw many of ought to know the remarkable contribution lealth and welfare plans, the unions won a wide • their legislative goals become law, among them range of new benefits that gave vital protection Medicare, federal aid to education, federal pro- 1 which organized labor makes to the ,|>romotio# of souud {illation." :o the worker and his family. The union health lection of voting rights, a stepped-up war on ;hnd welfare plans made available to American poverty, a new Department of Housing and UT victories and improvement in any are ^workers, medical care, hospitalization and a Urban Development, legislative reapportion­ JL#—^whether it be across the bargaining table/ Variety of related benefits that previously had ment, a better housing program, immigration in increased wages, vacations, welfare cr^' been out of their reach. This meant better aiid reform, and a broad ,d attack on health problem.?. pension benefits, or in the form of legislatior |nore healthful lives for union members and to cite a few providing social welfare gains—do not raeai :lheir dependents. The unions also tackled the any lessening of organized labor's continuing problem of providing security in old age; they struggle for greater security and dignity for its/ - tablished pension plans that enabled workers ...members and .the rest of the nation's people. these new programs, not because they spe­ • approach, later life without the fear of helpIt is the union movement's role to fight con­ cifically helped labor unions and union mem­ ssness and dependency that bad haunted bers, but because they are good for the country tinually for an ever better life and maximuhr every working man and woman. And the and good for all the American people. We sup­ security for workiug luea aud women and die unions continue to press for improvement and assurance ffiat they will enjoy these benefits in-. ported these programs in our role as the peo- ' a society that respects and protects their indi- ~ pie's lobby." vidual liberty and freedom. This is the never-1 . job and in retirement. Not all of labor's social welfare goals have been achieved yet. Among those for which the < ; ending job of a trade union, It is the story of< : But organized labor was also aware of the struggle will continue are prdteciion for the-.;\ American labor, fact that in today s complex society, with its. g increasing and diallenging problems, it must go I beyond the area of collective bargaining with hhe employers in order to best protect and serve I its members and the community as a whole. It is for this reason that unions today are engaged in , political action on a broad scale. Individual un­ ions have legislative and public policy programs which are of immediate concern to their own ^ ' embers, and to the nation, as in the case of •• •: ••-•M} f Aiut-rican consumer in the marketplace, ai " embodied in the AFL-CIO supported bills j I (This is the concliuiing installment of "All for "truth-in-packaging" and "truth-in-Iending;'^ j this Happened — The Story of American) I Labor,"—which began in the issue of Feb. JS,i expansion of social security coverage for the 1966, Preparations are being made to printi nation's older citizens, extension of federa*' the entire series in booklet form. When pub-f minimum wage and hour protection to tht pcation is completed, amwuncement of the\ millions not covered by the Fair Labor Stand^availability of the booklet and how copies ,^rds Act; broadening the coverage and stxcn^h11.., ijg iff fifg SEAFARERS\ ing the enforcement of Civil Rights Act; sclf- �SEAFARERS*LOC Vol. XXVili No. 13 OmCIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION . ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO 4 / FAYOFF. Wh;ie fit' '! /--'rtsBH**! Heberf, fwt. gcrf-hlshafr cut aboari^ tbe'Mayaquer by Sea Land barbet while %-• -vessel was in Sea Land's Port -Elizabeth terminaL Looking on is A. E. Diaz, oiler and engine delegate, -.^aa—IMUk.. . , H . '' r ' K. • •, . , J i Ja 3 ^41-^-. .1 Pi \1 I rii f?# I t rJ ^ ' '• r • f • V, ti V, 1 i'i - '* • ' P CLINIC. Carol Janavarls, daughter of Seafarer Cusil Janavaris, who sails as bos'n, ""j is shown above having blood J tested by lab technician^ Richard Brigham during family day at the New York SlU J clinic. Blood test is part of | L complete diagnostic checkup y ' | i available, to all Seafarers and'Si i dependents at SlU clinics in f ports and'Puerto Rico, j ; :; ! V ! ,• i "t-i •A ^ ^ [•^ T ly f |'8sie in' fci mm iii »5>sS«5:®2ii ^ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1960-1969 Description An account of the resource Volumes XXII-XXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 24, 1966 Description An account of the resource Headlines: AFL-CIO COUNCIL VOTES FULL SUPPORT OF ILO CONFERENCE PROTEST WALKOUT SIU-BACKED BILL INTRODUCED IN HOUSE FOR INDEPENDENT MARITIME AGENCY NICHOLAS JOHNSON APPOINTED TO FCC; AWAKENED MARITIME FROM DEEP SLEEP SHIPBUILDERS BLAST GOV’T AGENCIES, URGE ADOPTION OF MAC PROPOSALS SENATE OK’S TRUTH-IN-PACKAGING BILL; PASSAGE AWAITS APPROVAL OF HOUSE KINDYA, NOW LICENSED 3RD ENGINEER, TOOK SIU TRAINING ALL THE WAY UP FOR AN INDEPENDENT MARITIME AGENCY… URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPPORT H.R. 15567! SEAFARER HONORED BY HOMETOWN IN TRIBUTE TO U.S. MERCHANT SEAMEN SIU-SUP WINDJAMMER VETERANS RECALL DAYS OF TOWERING TOPSAILS THE STORY OF AMERICAN LABOR – ALL THIS HAPPENED: PART 10 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/24/1966 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. XXVIII, No. 13 1966 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5e17cf67775cdd692499787890fb9b85.PDF 5ec6be82847e3b635a4a4b6cea576d89 PDF Text Text J5>  p^yREiRS JOQ  I®­ OFFIGIAL^taAN OFTHE AinJkNTIC AND  GULF DISTRICT,  SEAFARBBiS' INTERNATIONAL UNION OF  NORTH AMERICA  VOL  IV.  NEW  YORK,  N.Y., THURSDAY,  JUNE  21,  1942  Atlantic Coast  I  Convoy Announced  By Navy Command  No.  21  Coast Guard  Retreats From  Its Reserve Ruling  WASHINGTON,  June  22  —  The  United  States  Coast  Guard  Merchant  ships  plying  the  subma­ has  reversed  itself  by  a  ruling  is­ rine­haunted  waters  of  the  United  sued  this  week  to  the  effect  that  States  East  Coast  arc  now  moving  henceforth  men  who  take  training  in  convoys  protected  by small,  fast  for  unlicensed  ratings  or  licenses  warships,  the  Navy  disclosed  of­ at  U.  S.  Maritime  schools  will  not  ficially  today..  be  required  to  join  the  Naval  Re­ The  convoy  system  has  been  in  serve.  operation  "for  .approximately  the  This  reversal  is  not  as  surprising  past  30  days,"  an  announcement  as  it  might  at first  appear.  It  is  said,  and  although  official  amplifi­ motivated  by  the  simple  fact  that  cation  of  the  terse  announcement  Once  the  Government  required  all  was  lacking,  indications  were  that  trainees  to  join  the  Naval  Reserve,  the  system  would  be  expanded  as  the  recruits  fell  off  rapidly.  rapidly  as  new  anti ­ submarine  Captain  Edward  Macauley,  craft  become  available  for  service.  chairman  of  the  Maritime  War  • YEAH, BUT  THINK  OF  THOSE  UNFORTUNATE  Once  these  craft  are  on  hand  in  Emergency  Board  admitted  as  PEOPLE  AT  HOME  WHO'LL  HAVE  TO  WALK  sufficient  numbers,  convoys  may  much  when  he  said, "... we  do  TO  THE  MOVIES r  be  expected  to  operate  not  only  in  not  consider  this  policy  helpful  in  coastal  waters  from  Maine  to  Flor­ obtaining  the  results  intended."  ida,  but  also  inside  the  Gulf  o:  In  other  words,  the  Maritime  Mexico,  the  Caribbean  Sea  and  Commission  hoped  to suck  a lot  of  othci;  areas  where  the  U­boats  in  merchant  seamen  into  the  Reserve  TDr.  Seoss  recent  weeks  have  found  numerous  and  under  Navy  discipline.  Instead  targets  for  their  torpedoes.  of  accomplishing  this,  the  ruling  merely  stopped  the  men  from  ap­ Total  announced  shipping  losses  plying  for  training  in  the  Mari­ of  the  United  States  artd  allied  na­ time  schools.  tions  on  the  American  side  of  the  Had  the  original  order  remained  Atlantic  since  the  war  began  now  unchanged,  the  Coast  Guard  could  stands  at  290  tankers,  freighters  have  called  merchant  seamen  (who  and  other  merchant  ship  types  had  taken  government  training)  While  130  of  those  vessels  were  at­ into  active  service  at  any  moment  tacked  off  the  United  States  East  . . .  today,  or  next  month, or  next  Coast,  87  of  the  sinkings  occurred  year.  in  the  Caribbean  and  21  in  the  This  would  have  been  a fine  Gulf.  Of  the  remainder,  35  were  WASHINGTON,  D.  C.—Confronted  with the  united  opposition of  organized  la­ strike­breaking  weapon  in  the  sunk  off  Canada  and  17  off  South  bor  to "wage  freezing,"  this  scheme  of  certain  government  officials  and  employers  to  hands  of  the  brass  hats  in  Wash­ America.  ington.  prevent  wage  increases met  with a number of  setbacks.  Drive Is  Threatening Collective  Bargaining —  Says A.F.L.  War Grafting Is  .Again Revealed By  I - House Committee  WASHINGTON,  June  24.  —  The  House  Military  Affairs  Com­ mittee  charged  yesterday  that  war  contractors  were  piling  up  for­ tunes out  of  our  all­out  production  effort.  "Evidence  developed  by  the  Committee  reveals  a  sordid  picture  of  excessive  commissions  by  so­ called  defense  brokers,  huge  profits  by  vendors,  exorbitant  salaries,  bonuses  and  fees  for  management  and  related  services  in  many  War  Dept.  contracts,"  the  report  said.  Chairman  Andrew  J.  May  (D.,  Ky.)  said  the  Committee  voted  12  to 9  in favor  of  the  report,  but  his  Statement  was  challenged  immedi­ ately  by  Rep.  Ewing  Thonaason  of  Texas,  ,ranking  Democratic  mem­ ber.  Thomason  charged  that  "not  a  human  who  voted  for  the  report  has  read  it." Mt  indicated  that  the  {Continued  on  Page  4)  —   •"  '  %  The  National  War  Labor  Board  rebuffed  the  pay­freezers  when  it  granted  wage  increases ranging up to ten cents an hour  to fifteen  thousand employes of five  companies.  In Memory oi These  Brothers Lost At Sea  ROBERT TAYLOR  VINCENT  CASQUEQENTE  ..  •  •   •  Fireman  HAYWARD  COOK  JOHN  BRITT  ... Fireman  JESSIE  LOVriT  ...  HENRY ROBINSON  ......  J. MAYES  FRANK RILEY  Oiler  THOMAS PAINTER  Oiler  ISAIAH  LAWSON  —  Cook  ...  Messboy  GEORGE  LAWSON  DAVIH  HORTON  A.  B.  WARNER  HAYNIE  ........  •   • .  . .. A.  B.  JOHN BENNETT.  O.S.  CHRISTIAN  JORNSON  A. B.  S. RAPCHACK  .  ... Messman  1.  NORWOOD  A.B.  ROBERT BENNETT  .  A.B. ,  WILLIAM  HESTER  0. S.  FRANK FERGUSON  •   .  ........ A. B.  ­• A.:­ Macauley W.S.A.  Labor Chief  Of  New Department  ;  War  Production  Board  set  machinery  in  motion  for  stand­ ardizing  wages  in  the  aircraft  in­ dustry  in  cooperation  with  organ­ ized  labor,  which  will  mean  in­ creases,  for  workers  now  receiving  substandard  p.iy.  "Wage  stabiliza­ tion  cannot  be  accomplished  by  WASHINGTON,  June  18.  —  freezing  existing  wage  rates,"  de­ Appointment  of  Capt.  Edward  clared  the  board's  opinion  written  Macauley,  member  of  the  United  by  Wayne  L.  Morse.  States  Maritime  Commission,  as  Meanwhile,  the  American  Feder­ deputy  administrator  of  the  War  ation  of  Labor  declared  in  "Labor's  Shipping  Administrations  activities,  Monthly  Survey"  that  the  wage  nounced  today  by  Admiral  Emory  stabilization  proposal  mcn.accs  col­ S.  Land,  War  Shipping  Adminis­ lective  bargaining.  trator.  "The  drive  to  'stabilize'  wages  Admiral  Land  also  announced  threatens  to substitute decisions  by  the  creation  of  a  Division  of  Mari­ government  boards  for  free  collec­ time  Labor  Relation,  which  will  be  tive  bargaining  agreements,  and  to  under  the  supervision  of  Captain  dictate  a  policy  of  no  wage  in­ Macauley.  creases,"  the  Survey  said.  "To  The  labor  relations  division  will  stifle  collective  bargaining  is  to  formulate  the  general  labor  policy  destroy  the  free labor  movement  in  of  the  War  Shipping  Administra­ America.  Is  wage  policy  to  be  dic­ tion,  co­operating  closely  with  tated  by  a  governmcia  board  in­ other  activities  of  the  administra­ stead  of  being  formulated  by  tion  concerned  with  the  recruit­ unions  .and  managements?  ment  of  personnel  and  the manning  Pointing  out  that  "high  incomes  of  vessels  of  the  United  States  and  and  profits  are  not  yet  bearing  United  Nations, it  was said.  {Continued on  Page  4)  {Continued on  Page  4)  �"mm :>>•   i  Page  Two  THE  SEAFARERS'  LOG  PVblUJied  bv  th0  SEAFARERS'  INTERNATIONM.  UIRON  OF NORTH AB^CA  AUtEntic and Gulf District­ Affiliated  toUh the  American Federation of  Labor  HARRY  LUNDEBERG,  IntsraaUonol Pmldant  110  li^arket  Street,  Room  402,  Son  FrandBco,  Ccdii  ADDRFSa  ALL  aORRESPONDFNCE  OONOERNINd  THIS  PUBLIOAJTION  TO:  "THE  SEAFARERS'  LOG  P. O. 25, Station P, New  York, N.  Y.  Fhonee BOwling  Green 9­8346  HOW  NOT  TO  BOOST  SEAMAN  MORAL  society note  Thursday,  June  2S,  1942  RBPOm FROM  "The  Duke  and.  Duchess  of  Windsoc  returned  id  the  Wal­ dorf­Astoria  Hotel  last  night  af­ ter  a  week­end  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  Suydam"  Cutting­'  at  Hamilton  Farms,  Peapack­ Gladstone,  N.  J."  —N.Y.  Times,  June  22.  Must  be  that  the recent  strike  of  Bahama  labor  against  the  80r  per  day  scale,  is  well  broken...  because  we're  sure  that  business  comes  before  pleasure  with  the  Duke.  By  "DITKE"  DUSHANE  Duplicate  Papers  Are  Free  ^  I received  word  from Armstrong  in New  Orleans  that  the Shipping  Commissioner  had  Informed  him  that  shipwrecked  seameii  would  have  to pay  for  duplicate  papers.  TTiis  is  not  the  case.  I  talked  to  the  officials  here  and  they  point  out  that  the  law  specifically  takes  care of  this  situation.  M^n  that  Ibsb  their  papers  through  any  kind  of  marine  accident,  in  peace  or  wari  charge. The ship does  not  necessarily have  to be completely lost. As long  as  it  meets  with  an  accident  and  the  men  lose  their  papers.  1  Rep. Smith Failis  Shipping O.S.  As A.Bi  The  United  States  Coast  Guard  has  rulled  that  any  time  a  ship is  Word has  just reached us that  the government is about  To Oust Opponent  being  held  up  due  to  any  shortage  of  A.B.'s,  or 'any  other  rating,  tliie  to launch  a program  aimed  at  improving  the  moral of  the  /­i  Union  cin ship  O.S.'s  to fill  the  jobs.  They  can  also ship other  unrated  iiation's  maritime  workers.  men  in  the  engine  department  to fill  vacancies  there.  And  guess  who  is  going  to  head  this  plan  which  will  ALEXANDRIA, Va.,  June  20—  The  one  requirement  is  that  unrated  men  sent  to fill  rated  jobs  When  you  try  to exert  your  Am­ make  the  seamen  and  shipyard  workers  happy  and  cour­ erican  right  to  run  for  office  must  have  had  previous  sea  service.  ageous and  full of  self­sacrifice . . . our old  friend  Admiral  against  reactionary  Rep.  Howard  Emory S.  Land!  Smith  of  Virginia,  you've  really  To  assign  Land  the  job  of  improving  the  moral  of  got  your  hands  full.  Out of  tlio Foes^  the  seamen  is  certainly  xnaster­mind  planning  on  some­ It  took  Emmett  Davison,  secre­ body's  part  in  Washington.  There  could  hardly  be  a  less  tary­treasurer  of  the  AFL  Int'l.  by  likely  candidate  for  the  job  Assn.  of  Machinists,  exactly  42  days  to  prove  to  the  Smith­con­ • ;i;|  .  . .  unless'  it  is  "Banana'  ' r  trolled  Democratic  machine  that  Robson.  But  aside  from  the  per­ his  name should  be  on  the  primary  election  ballot  this  August.  Nom­ Many  of  the  members  have  read  about  the  recent  sinking  off  Bos­­ sonalities  involved,  what  of  ination  is  tantamount  to  election  ton.  Adalbert  Gawronski  was  on  one  of  the  ships  that  was  attacked.  the  program itself ?  The  pro­ in  Virginia.  gram  consists  of  a  series  of  The  Democratic  Committee  of  Here  is  his  story  of  what  liappened:  "I  was  in  the  fart­s.ick  dressed  in  my  birthday  suit  when  I  heard  "inspirational  talks"  under  the  Congressional  District,  which  something  hit  the side  of  the ship.  I called  to Chico,  my  roommate  and  the  direction  of  Colonel  C.  is  staffed  with  Smith  adherents,  M.  Paul,  a  phoney  Russian  finally  admitted  that  Davison's  pe­ told  him  I  was  sure  it  was  a  torpedo.  A  few  minutes  passed  and  again  something  banged  the  ship.  This  time  Chico  moved  and  I  followed.  who  fought  for  the  Czar  titions  were  in order.  Earlier  it  had  "While  on  the  boatdeck  awaiting  orders,  I  realized  I'was  without  throughout  the last  war.  appeared  that  technicalities  con­ trousers.  Back  to  the  focs'I  I  went  and  dressed.  On  the  boatdeck  a  sec­ The Seamen  are  going  to  cerning  the  signatures'of  210  citi­ ond  time,  and  I  had  forgotten  my  Life  belt  and  went  back  for  it. In  receive  chin  music!  That  zens  with  paid­up  polT taxes  might  the  meantime  a  third  torpedo  hit  the  ship.  I  went  back­aft  because  I  ought  to help  things  alright!  be  used  to give  Smith  an  unoppos­ wanted  to  get  the  sawbuck  I  left  under  my  pillow.  Back  on  the  boat  It's not that Land couldn't  ed  contest  for  return  to  Congress.  deck  and  a  fourth  torpedo had  missed  the ship.  Still  no orders from  the ­ improve  the  moral  of  the  maritime  workers  if  he  choose  '"IJhe  evidence  that  I  had  met  Captain.  to . . . because  he  could.  He  could  adopt  the  following  the  requirements  of  law  was  so  "Finally,  when  a  green  and  red  flare  hit  the sky,  the Captain  gave  overwhelming  and  the  people  were  orders  for  full  speed  ahead.  We  were  itiaking  17  knots  all  the  way  program:  so  stirred  up  over  the  attempt  to  No  more  Maritime  Commission  attacks  upon  the  deprive  them  of  the  right  to  vote  and  reached  Boston at  4 "A.M. The only ship  left  afloat  out of  a  convoy  of five  vessels.  Was  I  glad  to  get  ashore?  Ask  me  again!"  in  the  primaries,  that  it  was  im­ unions.  Brother  Garretson  and  Cawles  were  crew  members  of  the  same'  possible  for  the  Committee  to  de­ The  respect  and  enforcement  of  existing  bargaining  lay  its  certification  further,""  Da­ ship.' They'both  went  home  to get  over  the  scare of  the  torpedoes.  We  hope  the  boys  can  continue  to  be  lucky.  ipontracts  between  the  unions  and  the shipowners.  vison  said.  "t  i  No  chiseling  on  , . . overtime,  transportation,  ship­ Davison,  a  one­time  mayor  of  AAA  Alexandria,  has  widespread  support  wreck  compensation.  We  wonder  whether  Brother  Ivo  Starnadori,  Gene  Braden  and^  Rigid  enforcement  of  all  safety  regulations  aboard  from  labor  and  civic  groups  which  Bruce  Darcy  shipped  out  on  that  Idcky  Laker.  We're  hoping  they're  are  fed  up with  Smith's  anti­labor  safe.  Perhaps,  Boston  will  send  on that  information.  ships.  proposals.  A  A  A  Apd  . . .  A  LITTLE  NAVY  PROTECTION  FOR  FREIGHTERS  ON  THE  ATLANTIC  COAST.  Kenneth  Murphy,  after spending  6  months  in  the Marine  Hospital  I Shipowner  Moves  _  g..  X.  Should  Land  adopt  the  above  program  (instead  of  Jhto y.  Ah lOb(  his  "inspirational"  chatter)  he  might  see  some  improve­ ment  in  the  moral.  ..Charles  H.  0.  Pearsall,  vice­ It's safe  to  predict,  however,  that  Land  won't  adopt  president  of  the  Atlantic  Gulf  &  ^our suggested  program. The Czar's Colonel will show  up at  West  Indies  Steamship  Lines,  the shipyards and  docks and  speak  his piece, and  the work­ has  been  appointed  W8A  man­ ers  will  listen  politely . . . and  wearily.  ager  in  the  Caribbean  area,  Ad­ DO  NOT  SHIP  UNFAim  In  New  York  City  don't  buy  JOHN  GUDALEWICZ'  7475  any  Borden's  ice  cream  products  /AUBREY  L.  LONTG  7453  as  they  are  produced'under  scab  VICTOR  ALEX.  SMITH  6957  conditions.  The  Borden  Com­ FTtANCISCO  F.  BAYRON  ... 6951  pany  manufacturers  the  follow­ HERBERT  SEABROOK  ing  ice  creams:  HORTON,  REID'S,  BORDEN,  RICCIARDI,  FU8SELL  and  POLAR.,  ROBBRT  WILLIAMS,  Jr. .... 6742  ARNOLD  S.  GREEN  7363  N.  Wi  CH RISTENSENv;  74S1  ROBERT  H.  MORRISOH  7948  lyiARtON  SCHLEY  DAVrs  .. 6089  EDWARD  S.  PARKER  7434  A  A  A  Joe  Volpian  (dealer  in  slow  horses  and  fast  women)  was  telling;  about , the evil  reincarnation'of  some  of  the  Gulf  brothers,  particularlyi^  Jim  Hamers.  Ollie  Blake is  having  wife  trouble.  Charles  Patroiker  is  in  the  Army.  Wc'have  a: new member,  who  thinks  his  father  wanted  to.  miral  Land announced  this  week.  play  a  joke  when  he  named  him  Cupid.  There  are  other  brothers  who­ have  more  ridiculous  names.  Mr.' Pearsall  is  "on  leave  of  ab­ • tV  sence"  from^ his  company.  Permit No.  7238  getting  over  an  infection  of  his  stump,  was  lost  soon  after.  Many  pf  the  brothers  remember  him  from  the  ACADIA  and  what  a  swell  guy  he  was.  His  many  friends  regret  his  loss.  He  was  a  good  union  man.  The  Ice  Cream  Drivers  and  Employees. Union  Local  No.  757  (AFL)  is  attempting  to  organize­ Borden.  Give them  a  hand.  DOn't  eat­seab  ice  cream.  'i.­ •  Since­the  AGWI  boats  ply.  the  Caribbeani  Mr.  Pearsall's  ap­ pointment  as a  government  ship­ ping  official  for  that  area  makes  everything, nice  and  oozy.  AGWI,  in  a  report  made  to  stockholders­ last  May,  revealed  that  its  net  profit  for  1941  amounted ­  to  3  billion  ciollars.  This  was; an  increase  over  the  • 1940 profit  of  2^.billion*.  JAMES­  GOODRICH  ^ot  them  at  once  and  straighten  Mrs.  M­ary  M«rtinelii  is'tryingcto  things  out.  locate  yeu.'  Write­ her  at  802­  Ave.  FRANK  NERING  k,  Galveston,  Texas.  •  Communrcate  with  your  attorney­ '  LLOYD  MCDONNELL  jn  the  MUnsey­ BIdg.,  in ­Baltimore,..  You­  have­been  slow in;  straight­ Md,  Your  case  is  about'  to­  be  ening.up  your  statu*:with  the  draft  ^tled.  boarid.1 Contact'thern'at ^oho*.­ '  JOHN  WIMBERLY  BRYANT  JA­ME6  FENEL  '  Your  sister  is  worried  about  you.  Your  Ideal draft I)oard ha*  turned  Write'her  at  17  Magazine  St,  Ab­ your • n   ame< over  to  the • F   .Eil.'  C'dn­ beville,  SiCl  '  ­ft­  ­11  . .1  �­• V' •  Thursday,  June  25,  1942  THE  SEAFARERS'  LOG  WHATO DOING  Around  the  Ports  NEW  ORLEANS  Fr  ship.  We  should  have  a  law­."  PHIBADELPmA  Page  HUW  SEAFARERS'  INTERNATIONAL  UNION  OF  NORTH  AMERICA  ATUUmC ooid  GULF DI8TBICT  Seofvtciry­Treasurers Office  Room 213  — 2 ftoo* Sboot N4w York  Ciir  A O. Bw  25, Stortloo  P  Phonw BOvHing  Greon  Now  I  can't  prove  this,  biat  By^  DffiBGTORY  OF BRANCHES  kViowing  Bro.  Jones  and  not  know­ BaWCK  JIDDBEBS  PHONE  "ARMY"  ing  the  shark,  it  is  about  right.  JOSEPH  FLANAGAN  iwvrYOBr!....  assw»*an  .BOwUng  Graen  9­B34S  Understand  we  are  about  to  re­ unnTj LM­  ^potchoe'o Offico  BOwling  Green  9­3430'  This  has  been  one  of  those  open  a  beef  which  was  supposed  to  Sordid  reports  are  seeping  AllanHe  Aro;  Liberty  4057  wt­eks  when  things  have  been  very  have  been settled.  Heads  up on  this  through  channels,  that  a  Calmar  ^ South  Main  St  Manning 3572  14  North  GOT  SL  ..Calvert 4539  sloh'.  If  it  hadn't  have  been  for  one  and  more  later.  line  torture ship  is  due  to arrive  in  PHnAPBtfHIA •   6  North  6ih  6t  ...Lombard  7651  the  New  York'  wagon  which  we  Dean  et­al  have  headed  fbr  the  this  fair  metropilos.  '  The  mere  "  PL  Norfolk  4­1083  • .  ORBEANS •   JOS  Chortrea  St  MAgnoUa  3962  have  with  us  I'm  afraid  that  all  coast  with  a  smile  on  their  lips,  a  thought  of  this  makes  us  shiver  SAVANNAH  .218 East  Bay St  Savannah  3­1728  the  pie­cards  would  forget  their  beer  in  their  (yep  that's right)  and  with  shudders.  Checking  past  ex­ TAMPA  ^  PronLlln St  Tampa MM­1323  stuff.  NOffig  M So. Conception  St....Dexter  1449  the  desire  to  catch  up  to  where  periences  with  said  company  on  L®on  Puerto  de  Tierra  When  and  if  the  ships  start  they  were before  the commies start­ voyages  of  but  two  months  dura­ GALVESTON  2014  Market  Street  Galveston  2­8043  coming  in  here,  look  out  for  ed  hollering  on  their  lousy  frame.  tion,  we  can  anticipate  a  hundred  squalls,  the  calm  before  the storm.  Mentioned  a  week  or  two  ago  fold  the  sufferings  the  crew  was  >­  I'hear  tonight  that  one  of  the  about  the  NMU  pie  card  who  was  forced  to  undergo  on  such  a  pro­ boys,  an  A.B.  off  the  Garrabulle,  charging  $25.00  a  head  for  re­ longed  voyage  this  tub of >  horrors  has  been  called  to take  his  physical  placements  to ships.  Uie  only  rep­ made.  Torpedoes,  subs,  and  bombs  by  his  draft  board. When,  oh  when  ercussion  is  that  the gent  called our  are  mild' compared  to  the  terror  will  these  guys  give  us  the  office  Tampa  agent  about  the  lack  of  co­ that  faces  the  men  whb  are  brave  \)n  this sort  of  thing  before you  get  operation  he  displayed  in  having  enough  to cross  the river,  let  alone  your  uniform  then  start  hollering.  the S.I.U.  men  on  the  beach in  this  make  a  trip  on  some  of  Mr.  Wir­ Now  we  will  have  to  argue  with  town,  where  there  is  no  hall,  ship  ley's  palatial  liners.  To  make  life  half  the  office  help  in  the  selective  in  rotation  on  contracted  ships  more  unbearable  for  the  men,  the  without  the  said  gent  getting  his  company  is  obtaining  some  of  the  CHICAGO,  June  20  —  If  the  service  to get  him  squared  away.  WASHINGTON,  June  18.  —  They  are  starting  to  throw  the  cut?  It  would  never  do  to  name  more  modern  type  of  iron  ladies,  Pure  Oil  Co.  thought  it  pulled  a  Rep.  Howard  W.  Smith  of  'Vir­ new ships  at  us  down  herej expect­ the  port  but  do  you  know  where  commonly  known  as  the  Liberty  smart  trick  by  hiring  H.  V.  Kal­ ginia,  leading  Congressional  foe  of  ing  us­to  say  we  can't  furnish  the  the car  ferries  used  to run  from???  ships.  Give  me  death  and  not  Lib­ tenborn  as  its  radio  commentator,  labor,  has  precipitated  a  strike  men.  Last  week  around  this  hall  Tish.  erty  ships  seems  to  be  the  favorite  it  guessed  100%  wrong.  against  the  Highland  Farms  Dairy  Taking  time  from  chasing  the  proverb  of  all  those  heroes  who  seemed  like  old  times,  men  all  over  The  Chicago  Industrial  Union  by  members  of  the  Milk  Drivers'  the  place,  all  hands  wanting  to  yellow  pup  around,  and  checking  dared  to  brave  them.  Council  has  condemned  the  com­ and  Milk  Employes  Union.  know  where  and  when  the  jobs  are  locally  here,  still  believe  that  all  Our  local  U.S.O.  has  come  to  pany's  choice,  and  urged  affiliated  On  Smith's  advice,  . Y.  Steph­ going  tb show  up. Next  week  when  members  should  at  least  look  over  grief,  due  to  the  resignation  of  unions  to  place  Pure  Oil  gas  sta­ ens,  head  of  the  dairy,  has  refused  the  jobs  show  up,  the  dispatcher  the  requirements  for  passports.  Get  none  other  than  our  great  destroy­ tions  on  the  unfair  list  until  Kal­ to  renew  a  closed­shop  agreement  will  have  to mount  his  trusty  iron  your  name  on  record  as  trying,  er  of  sea  serpents.  Brother  David  tenborn  is  removed.  with  the  men  in  defiance  of  the  shod  wheelbarrow  and  dig  up  the  even  if  you  can't get  one. This  way  Casey  (shipwrecked)  Jones  whom  War  Labor  Board's  policy  of  pre­ boys  from  the Seamen's Social  Cen­ will  give  the  Washington  Rep.  Kaltenborn  was  one  of  the insti­ serving  closed­shop  c o n t  c t s  was  delegated  to function in  behalf  ters  (Bar­rooms  to  youse  guys).  something  to  sink  his  teeth  into.  of  our  Local  S.I.U.  area  on  this  gators  of  the  ami­labor  drive  where  they  already  exist.  y"  In  case  you  are  interested,  there  It  is  stated  in  the  Gulf  here  by  Eugene  Hubbard,  seer cTSfy^  body.  After  Davey  had  become  against  labor's  wage  standards  last  good  "authority  that  the  sharks  is  no  more  submarine  menace  in  quite  a  public  hero  via  the  big  fish  spring,  and  his  talks  incited  many  treasurer  of  the  union,  has  been  held  a  convention  off  the  Yucatan  the  Gulf.  Senator  Pepper  stated  route,  his  social  demand  became  into attacks on  workers  and  unions.  told  by  Stephens  that  Smith,  a  Channel.  In  the  centre of  the stage  this  himself  some  time  ago  here,  so  dairy  farnier  himself,  advised  emmenent.  However,  our  brave  was  one  sorry  looking  spectacle.  everything  is  under  control  as  he  against  a  renewal.  Asked  about  shark  hunter  couldn't  stand  the in­ . Asked  what  was  wrong  with  him,  said,  soon,  and  brother  this is  soon.  this.  Smith  told  Fred  S.  Walker,  active,  boring existence  of  pink  tea  why  he  should  be  sad  when  there  So,  till  the only Senator  in Wash­ manager  of  the  AFL's  publication,  meetings,  so  has  decided  tg  resume  .was  so  much  fresh  stock  in  the  ington  who seems interested  enough  his  advcnturious  life  again.  Bring  The  eleventh  annual  conference  the  Trade  Unionist,  that  he  had  water,  he  replied,  "I'm  the  shark  to look  for  any  action. Senator  El­ us  back  a fifteen  foot  back­bone  of  the  National  Association  of  "advised  everybody  from  the  At­ that  tried  to  eat,part  of  Casey  lender  from  this  State,  gets  some,  on  your  next  trip  Brother  Casey,  Seamen's  Welfare  Agencies  opens  lantic  to  the  Pacific  not  to  sign  a  Jones.  He  has  become  famous,  all  I'll  ring  off  claiming  the  slogan  and  see  if  you  can  induce  our  in  Portland,  Me.  next  Saturday  closed­shop  agreement  with  any  I  got  was  sick.  He  consorts  with  should  be  instead  of  "Keep  'em  Adonis  Ed  March  to  accompany  and  will  continue  through  the fol­ union.  the  best  of  the  City  of  Brotherly  sailing"  it  should  be  KEEP  'EM  you  again.  lowing Tuesday.  The  general  theme  Love,  I  am  too  weak  to  follow  a  FLOATING.  of  the  conference,  according  to  R.  To  J.  L.  according  to  your  rev­ ered  column  I  am  to  expect  some  L.  McAll,  executive  secretary  of  A  REMINDER  strange  faces  in  these  ycre  parts.  the  Seamen's  Church  Institute  of  Any  member  of  the  SlU  who  accepts  transportation  money  Well,  so  far  we  have  only  the  old,  New  York,  will  be  wartime  ser­ The  State  Labor  Relations  Board  from  an  operator  to  get  to  the  point  of  debarkation  of  his  ship,  old  familiar  weather  beaten  mugs,  vice  to  merchant  seamen.  has  ordered  an  election  to  deter­ and  then  refuses  to  sign  on,  shall  refund  the  transportation  The  Portland  Seamen's  Friend  mine  the  collective  bargaining  and  I  sure  would  appreciate if  you  t.toney  to­ the  operator  and  shall  be  fined  $25  by  the  union.  would  go  to the  wilds  of  South  St.  Society  will  be  host  to  the  dele­ agency  for  employes  in  two  stores  A  member  delaying  a  ship  or  quitting  without  notice  in  ac­ and  round  them  up for  me.  A  few  gates  who  will  represent  the  prin­ pf  the  F.  W.  Woolworth  &  Co.  cordance  with  the  ship's  articles  and  the  union  contract,  shall  new  faces  would  please  me  very  cipal  seaports  in  the  United  States  chain.  be  placed  on  trial.  If  the  member  is  found  guilty  of  the  charge,  and  Canada.  The first  day's sessions  much  (get  it).  Atr  the  same  time  it  denied  the  he  shall  be  suspended  for  30  days,  plus  a  $20  fine  for  the  first'  will  be held  in the  conference head­ company's  contention  that  any  If  the  party  that  sent  me  a  offense;  six  months  suspension  and  a  $50  fine­for  the  second;  quarters,  Falmouth  Hotel,  under  election  should  take  in  all  the  em­ offense;  and  for  the  third  offense  hb  shall  be  expelled  from  the  special  delivery  letter  would  re­ the  chairmanship  of  Dr.  James  C.  ployes  in  the  chain's  126  New  Union.  sign  from  membwship; in the  union  Healey,  C h a plain  of  Seamen's  York  City  stores.  Adopted  at  Agents  Conference  in  Savannah—Ratified  we  are sure  that  would  please every  House;  Y,  M.  C.  A. of  New  York.  It  upheld  the  stand  of  the  Var­ by  the  membership.  one concerned.  It  pays  to be  a  map;.  iety  Store  Employes  Union,  Local  More  Workers­ USA,  AFL,  that  each  Woolworth  store  is  a  separate  unit,  since  the  '  IF  YOUR  SHIP  IS  SUNK  AND  YOU  LOSE  YOUR  GEAR,  More  Ships  store  manager  has  the right  to hire­ YOU  AR& ENTITLED  UP  TO  AND  INCLUDrNG  $25(5  COM­ About  4000  more  shipyard  and fire,  can fix  wages  and  is  !  PENSATION^ONLY  IF  YOU  HAVE  MADE  OUT  A  LIST  AND  i  VALUATION  OF  YOUR  BELONGINGS  AND  FILED  IT  WITH  workers  will  be  added  to  the  65,­ checked  only  infrequently  by  the  ,  THE  SKIPPER  BEFORE  SAILING.  FAILING  THIS,  YOU  ARE  WASHINGTON,  —  "Workers  000  men  at  work  in  New  York  central  office.  ­  ENTITLED  UP  TO  AND  INCLUDINlG  $150.  IF  YOU  FAIL  TO  The  employes  of  the  two  stores,  in  a  large­metal  plant  near  Berlin  City's  25  shipbuilding  and  repair  !  LIST  AND  FILE  YOUR  GEAR,  THERE  IS  NOTHING  THE  at  1951  and  2222  Broadway,  will  yards  by  September,  according  to  struck  against  a  14­hour  workday.  UNION  CAN  DO  TO  AID  YOU  TO  COLLECT  MORE  THAN  vote  within  the  next  20  days.  the: Maritime  Commission's  statis­ THE  $150.  They  demanded  shorter  hours  and  tical  division.  Among  the  men  increased  food.  The  Gestapo ­  ar­ needed  are  700  shipfitters,  500  NOT IC E  ALWAYS  NAME  A  BENEFICIARY  FOR  YOUR  $5,00()  rested  many,  surrounded  the  plant  shipfitters'  helpers,  650  welders,  Crew  of  Alcoa  Pionoor  GOVERNMENT  INSURANCE  IN  CASE  OF  DEATH  AT  SEAi  and  for  10  days  no  one  was  per­ 400  machinists,  200  wood  boat  MANY  CASES  HAVE  BEEN  HUNG  UP'FOR  MONTHS  BE­ Two  hours  overtime  is  due  ail  mitted^  out;  Several  workers­were  builders,  165  electn tans,  150  car­ CAUSE  or THE  FAILURE  OF  A'  MAN  TO NAME  A' BENE­ penteM  and  joiners,  100  sheet  unlicensed  members  of  the­  crew  FICIARY;  PROTECT'  YOURMFAMILY  BY­  NAMING  A'  BCNB­ shot,­"'  according"  to^  a '  Russian  metal  workers  and  100  chippers  who  paid  off  June  22,  1942.  Col­ FfGlARY!  broadcast  heard  h«e<^  and' caulkers.  lect  at  any  Alcoa  office.  !  I  • •  • 'SI  Labor Union  Front  THEY  DON'T  tIKE  HIM  Howard  Smith  Incites Strike  War Afd  to Seamen Is  Theme  of  Conference  SLRB OKs Woolworth  Unit­Unionization  Ride» on Personal  Effects:  Berlin  Metal  Workers­ Strike,  Moscow Said  Rules  on  Death  Benefits:  /  .  ' :.;a 1  �• • ¥­'^­!S®SJ»WVi.®'^  y­ .f  Page  Four  War Grafting Is  Again Revealed  ••  THE  SEAFARERS'  LOG  Wage Freeze Threat To  Collective  Contracts Hit  Thursday,  June  2J,  1942  LAKES SlU WINS  NLRB ELECTION  {Continued  from  Page  1)  The  National  Labor  Relationr  lilne  minority  members  would file  Board  election,  held  aboard  the  the field  of  negotiations  between  It  involves  the  use  of  income,  not  {Continued  from  Page  1)  a. dissent.  McCarthy  Great  Lakee  Fleet  aa  their  fair  share  of  taxation,"  the  employer  and  employes,  what  will  its  acquisition.  May,  however,  justified  the  re­ these  ships  hit  the  port  of  Buf­ Survey said  the scheme  to put  a  lid  be  left  to  collective  bargaining  In  the meantime  the House Ways  port  by  noting  that  the  vote  on  it  falo,  left  no  doubt  in  anyone's  on  wages  "is  unfair  discriminarion  when  its  most  vital  element  is  and  Means  Committee  rejected  the  represented  a  compilation  of  the  mind  as  to  who  represented  the  against  labor,"  adding:  "Is  this  a  gone?  To  destroy  collective  bar­ recommendation  of  President  seamen.  96%  of  the  ballots  cast  votes  by  the individual  members  in  plan  to  force  labor  into  a  subor­ gaining  is  to strike  at  the  heart  of  Roosevelt  and  Secretary  of  the  were  for  the  8.I.U.  the  subcommittees  which  prepared  dinate positlbn  in the American  na­ democracy in  this  country. It  must  Treasury  Morgenthau  that  no  citi­ Prior  to  the  election,  the  com­ the final  statement.  tion?  "^at  is  the  basis  for  think­ be  kept  intact  for the  future.  zen  be  permitted  to  retain, for  his  pany  made  every  effort  to  sa­ The majority  report  recommend­ "The  danger  of  inflation  which  personal  use  an  income  in excess  of  botage  the  union  drive  and  bar­ ing  the  millionaire  will  spend  his  ed  that  the  Secretary  of  "War:  income  for  anti­inflationary  pur­ threatens  every  worker, every  fam­ $2J,000  a  year  and  no  man  and  red  all  SlU  agents  froin  the  Tighten  supervision  ovel  all  ac­ poses  and  that  wage earners  cannot  ily,  is  a  very  real  danger.  But  the  wife  more  than  $10,000  after  all  ships.  The  organizing  work  had  counting  and  auditing.  be  trusted?  Are only  the  rich  to  be  answer  is  not  to  impose  a  wage  state  and  local  taxes  are  deducted  to  be  carried  on  entirely  from  Enforce  prohibition  of  excessive  allowed  to  manage  their  lives  and  ceiling  and  hamstring  collective  along  with  15  per  cent  for  debts,  the  docks.  commissions  on  cost­plus­fixed­fee  Negotiations  for  a  signed  con­ bargaining.  The  answer  must  be  insurance  premiums  or  investment  incomes?  contracts.  tract  are  scheduled  to  start  next  full  rounded,  including  all  groups.  in  Federal  securities.  Review  and  adjust  management  "War  industries  arc  operating  week.  fees  paid  to  big  corporations.  v/ith  large  margins  and  big  profits  Require  all  people  retained  or  and  unless  collective  bargaining  "pjade Unioil  emploj­^ed  to  obtain  war  contracts  gives  a  fair  share  to  all  contribut­ to file  monthly  expense  accounts  ing  to  production,  an  ingrowing  with  the  War  Dept.  sense  of  injustice  begins  gnawing  on  the  will  to  cooperate.  Inflation  is  not  prevented  by  limiting  the  I  got  a  beef  which  I  wish  you  done  about  it?  In  most  c^ses  amount  of  money  going  to  wage  would  spread  before  the  esteemed  nothing!  incomes.  If  wages  are  taken  out  of  Maybe  it's  the  old  sea  act,  "Oh,"  LONDON  —  The  Ministry  o  Brothers.  The  pie­cards  are  sup­ posed  to  take  the  heat  but  some­ let  the patrolman  take care of  it."  Labor  of  the  Union  of  South  times  things  get  to  be  too  much.  In  this  case,  however,  the  pa­ Africa  will  now  recognize  the  A  word  to  the  wise  is  often  trolmen  Can't  take  care of  it. These  trade  unions  of  colored  workers  {Continued  from  Page  1)  according  to  an  oflicial  report  re  time  sufficient,  that  is  for  every­ duties  have  to  be  performed  by  In  his  new  capacity  Captain  ceivecT  here  from  Johannesburg.  body  but  a  seaman.  He  doesn't  yourselves  ... or  not  at  all.  No  Macauley  will  be  responsible,  on  The  importance'  of  the  decision  take  anybody's  advice  .  .  .  and  one  can  make  out  your  list  of  per­ behalf  of  the  War  Shipping  Ad­ which  Mr.  Madelcy,  the  Minister  that's  OK  too,  except  some  times  sonal  effects.  No  one  can  register  ministration,  for  maritime  labor  for  you  at  the draft  board.  No one  ,  BERNE,  Switzerland  —  ITF  of  Labor  has  handed  to  the  South  he  gets  in  a  jam  because  of  it.  relations  and  for  the  training  and  We  have  been  telling  you  guys  can  get  your  passport  for  you.  You  Swiss  seagoing  shipping,  establishec  African  Trades  and  Labor  Counci  recruitment  of  personnel  for  the  last  year  as  a  war  measure, has  been  may  be  judged  from  the  fact  that  for  some  time  to  take  care  of  all  have  to do  these  things  yourselves.  manning  of  vessels  operating  with­ excluded  from  compulsory  nation­ between  80  and  90  per  cent  o:  details  on  your  draft  boards,  pass­ So  get  the  lead  out  of  your  dun­ '  in  the  jurisdiction  of  the  War  al  insurance  by  order  of  the  Gov­ South  Africa's  unskilled  labor  is  ports,  bonuses  and  clothing  allow­ gerces.  Shipping  Administrations,  activities  ernment.  •   HARASSED  PIE­CARD  among  the colored  population. Pre  ances  . . . and  just  what  have  you  which  will  "  aid  in  co­ordinating  .wartime  shipping  operations  of  The  Government,  however,  has  viously  the  right  to collective  bar­ vessels  of  the  United  Nations.  laid  down  rules  under  w^ich  the  gaining  had  been  restricted  to  During  the  last  war.  Captain  ship  owners  are  bound  to  provide  white  workers,  but  under  the  new  HAPPENINGS  AT  HEADQUARTERS  Macauley  was  engaged  in  duties  for  special  accident  and  sickness  plan  it  will  be  available  to all.  Recognized By South  African Government  Macauley Is New  WSA Labor Chief  Editor's Mail Bag  Insurance For  Swiss Seamen  J tv.  .  |i- r- with  the  Office  of  Naval  Intelli­ insurance  for  their  ships*  crews.  By  HARBY  COLLINS  gence.  Accident  insurance  provisions  cov­ N.  Y. COAST  GUARDS  I  boarded one  of  the  new  Liberty  four  bunks  in  a  room, •  running  Hubert  Wychoff  has  been  ap­ er  treatment  of  the  patient  until  GIVE 700,000  ships  in  Brooklyn  the  other  day  throughships  with  about  2  feet  of  pointed  director,  and  Erich  Niel­ he  is  well,  maintenance  during  the  and  it  sure  looked  like  the  last  floor  space  between  the  bunks.  son,  assistant  director,  of  the  new  period  of  incapacitation,  and  spec­ The  Coast  Guard's  identification  A  feature of  the ship  is  that  the  division.  Mr.  Neilsen  has  been  as­ ial  grants  in  case  of  permanent  in­ card  system,  which  was  placed  in  word.  That  is,  it  did  at first.  But  galley  is  right  'smack ­  amidships,  signed  to  attend  as  observer  the  validity  or  death.  Sickness  insur­ effect  more  than  a  year  ago  by  after  taking  a  more careful  gander,  with  one  entrance  in  it.  One  side  Joint  Maritime  Commission  of  the  ance  provides  for  full  treatment  Captain  John  S.  Baylis,  United  one  could  see  a  few flaws  here  and  of  the galley  is  made of  heavy wire  International  Labor  Office  to  be  and  maintenance  for  the  period  of  States  Coast  Guard,  Captain  o fthe  there.  mesh  that  can  b<?  opened  up  so  as  sickness.  held  in  London.  Port,  already  has  grown beyond  the  The  ship  features  the  most  to  pass  the  swill.  "WTien  the  cooks"^­ peak  volume  of  the  identification  beautiful  cargo  holds  that  you  want  to work  they  are standing  all  system  in  effect  in  the  last  war,  it  could  want.  But  on  the other  hand,  over  each  other  because  there  is  was  announced  last  week.  I could  not find  any  place  where  a  hardly  room  for  them  "  to  turnk  Since  the first  one  was  issued,  around  in.  man  could  scrub  his  clothes.  An­ about  200,000  persons  have  applied  I  went  below  and  looked  the  ic^" '•   for  the  cards,  which  bear  the hold­ other  feature,  and  I'm  not  exag­ gerating,  is  that  the  combination  box  over.  They  were  the  usual  f  er's  photograph,  his fingerprints  medium  sized  affairs,  not  too  big  and  other  identifying  data.  In  the  washroom  and  lavatory  is  certain­ surely  for  the  long  run  that  the  ast  war  about  500,000  were  y  not  made  for  comfort.  The  door  Liberty  Ships  will  take.  But  I sup­ is located  in  the middle of  the room  S.  S.  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  issued.  they  Steward's  Department  $  7.50  which is  about  8  feet  long  and  2 Vz  posed  the  designers figured  would  be  OK  for  the  coastwise  Deck  Department  10.00  'eet  wide.  When  you  decide  to  sit  Sea Otter Again Enters  on  the  throne  you  have  to  pull  runs  after  the  war.  •   Seafarers' Log­ HONOR ROLL  I  8.8.  ALCOA  PIONEER  4.50  8.8.  ROBIN  TUXFORD  14.00  Transport Picture  Another  colossal  feature  of  this  fr^our  knees up  as  close  to your  body  stupendous  engineering  feat  is  that  • '  as  possible.  Even  then  you  can't  WASHINGTON, June  22—The  the  officers'  dining  saloon  ha&  no  "Sea  Otter,"  revolutionary  type  (^n  the  door  to  let  anybody  else  $362)0  pantry  attached  so  that  the  mess­ in  the  room  without  getting  off  cargo  vessels  once  heraled  as  the  answer  to  the  submarine  menace  the  throne.  Then  if  you  want  to  man  has  to  bring  the  dirty  dishes  and  then  declared  impractical,  wash  your  hands  you  actually have  way  back  to  the  galley.  We  took  a  gander  aft  where  the  came  back  into  the  war  shipping  to step  outside  to let  the other  fel­ low  get  behind  the  door.  This  is  a  Gun  Crew  was  berthed.  They  had  picture  today.  hell  of  a  situation  for  any  of. the  the  best  quarters  of  all.  They  also  CHICAGO,  June  18  —  R.  A.  embodying  the  two  changes  had  Senator  Brewster  (Rep.,  Me.),  Walton,  vice  president  of  the  In­ failed.  Firms  with  which  the  new  member  of  a  Senate  committee  boys  that  might  get  caught  short.  had  the  customary  4  bunks  in  a  ternational  Longshoremen's  Asso­ working  agreement  is  sought  are  which  interested  itself  in  the  ex­ It  certainly  won't  make  for  har­ room,  but  they  had  a  little  more  •   cialion,  said  today  that  his  union's  the  Federal  Barge  Lines  and  the  perimental  ship,  said  a  new  design  mony  among  the  crew  on  a  long  space in  them.  demands  for  a  pay  increase  of  10c  Mississippi  Valley  Barge  Line  Co.  had  proved  satisfactory  in  tests  trip.  But  getting  back  midships  again,  Another  thing about  these  rooms  an  hour  and  a  weekly  work  guar­ During  the  negotiations,  a  strike  and  that  a  number  ol  the  vessels  getting  the  smell  of  the  cooking  antee  of  32  hours  for  dock  work­ vote  of  the  union's  membership  would  be  built  by  lend­lease  auth­ are  that  there  is  little  or  no  ven­ and  the small  poorly  ventilated  la­ tilation.  They  are  amidships  closed  vatories  and  the  closed  in  passages  ers  on  the  Mississippi  River  system  was  taken,  but  the  results  were  orities.  has  been  submitted  to  the  War  La­ However,  plans  have  been  aban­ in  running  fore  and  aft  and  there  with  the  doors  closed  on  account  not  announced.  Walton  said  he  bor  Board.  doned  for  trans­Atlantic  use of  the  is  no  chance  of  a  breeze  getting  to  of  black­out  regulations  . . . well.  would  try  "every  means"  of  settle­ ships  and  their  sailings  will  be con­ them.  all  we  can  say  of  the  Liberty  ship  Walton  said  the dispute  had  been  ment  before  a  walkout  would  be  fined  to  coastwise  and  South  Am­ The  sailors  and firemen finally  is  that  she  sure  had  Bc­c­autifid' ^  turned  over  to  W.  L,  B.  after  ne­ cargo  holds.  erican  trade,  he  said.  got  the  quarters  amidships,  mostly  gotiafldns  for  a  new  work  contract  considered.  Longshoremen  Demand  Wage  Increase  4  � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. 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Title A name given to the resource June 25, 1942 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 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: ATLANTIC COAST CONVOY ANNOUNCED BY NAVY COMMAND WAGE FREEZING DRIVE IS THREATENING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COAST GUARD RETREATS FROM ITS RESERVE RULING WAR GRAFTING IS AGAIN REVEALED BY HOUSE COMMITTEE MACAULEY W.S.A. LABOR CHIEF OF NEW DEPARTMENT HOW NOT TO BOOST SEAMAN MORAL SOCIETY NOTE REP. SMITH FAILS TO OUST OPPONENT SHIPOWNER MOVES INTO U.S.A JOB THEY DON'T LIKE HIM WAR AID TO SEAMEN IS THEME OF CONFERENCE MORE WORKERS MORE SHIPS HOWARD SMITH INCITE STRIKE SLRB OKS WOOLWORTH UNIT-UNIONIZATION BERLIN METAL WORKERS STRIKE, MOSCOW SAID LAKES SIU WINS NLRB ELECTION INSURANCE FOR SWISS SEAMEN COLORED TRADE UNIONS RECOGNIZED BY SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT NY COAST GUARDS GIVE 700,000 PASSES SEA OTTER AGAIN ENTERS TRANSPORT PICTURE Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IV, No. 21 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/25/1942 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1942 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/35df6b16c3f672099e0fa47a7b466ad3.PDF 9f7de837582963d86e9c6663ce07475a PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. X NEW YORK, N. Y« FRIDAY. JUNE 25. 1948 COMMITTEE WHICH DISCUSSED UNIFORM REGISTRATION RULEh No. 26 SlU May Have To Vote Remaining OS Vesseis For Fuii Recognition The National Labor Relations Board has denied the SIU's request that the board reconsider its rul­ ing restricting recognition of the Union as bargain­ ing agent for Cities Service seamen to seven ships, Lindsey Williams, Director of Organization an­ nounced. The net effect of the NLRB's curious stand, Part of the committee elected by membership in Port of New York to draw up recommendations for changes in registration rules, shown shortly after they convened last Friday. Similar committees representing Deck, Engine and Steward Departments are studying pro­ posals in other ports which may lead to a Union-wide plan of job registration. h Brainh Committer Study Pnposak For Uniform M Registration Ruios which reverses its previous rul-(f —. ing in the Isthmian case, may and it also covered ships which be that the SIU will have to Isthmian obtained later. vote the remaining nine ships In its brief asking the NLRB in the Cities Service fleet, Wil­ to reconsider, the Union pointed liams said. The Union has pe­ out that, if the board's decision titioned the NLRB for recogni­ were permitted to stand, not tion on those nine ships, but only would precedent be shatter­ the company is almost certain ed but that aU organized labor to force an election. would be severely set back. Meanwhile, the SIU has noti­ The board took no note of fied Cities Service that it wishes these arguments, sending back to commence negotiations cover­ a routine rejection. ing the seven ships certified. As yet no answer has been received Despite the unexplained stand taken by the NLRB, the Cities from the company. Service wall has been breached, When the unlicensed personnel Lindsey Williams said. of the CS fleet commenced vot­ ing their Union preference, CS had eight ships. The men on seven of these ships voted five to one to be represented by the Neglotiations with the SIU. The eighth ship was mot voted because it did not touch steamship operators are con­ an American port during the tinuing and the SIU Nego­ voting period. tiations Committee is stand­ ing fast on its original de­ SEVERE SET-BACK This ship, the SS Lone Jack, mands that the issue of the is excluded from the NLRB's Hiring Hall be settled before certification order, along with other matters can be dis­ eight ships which CS has ac­ cussed. Membership in all quired since. A year earlier ports is urged to be present when the NLRB certified the at the next Branch meetings,. SIU as bargaining agent for the June 30, for a full report on unlicensed men on the Isthmian the progress of the Negotia­ ships, the order covered ships tions to date. not voted as well as those voted. On Negotiations Rank and file Seafarers com­ wish on the part of the member­ the^ "Here's What I Think" fea­ mittees were at work this week ship for uniformity in all ports ture in the current issue of the in Atlantic and. Gulf ports shap­ and to eliminate any inequities LOG (see page 4), several Sea­ that may exist under the present farers felt that the adoption of ing up recommendations which method. a uniform ^ set of registration later will serve as a basis for The committee elected by the regulations' would eliminate con­ membership action on a uniform membership in the Port of New fusion they encounter as they go set of shipping registration rules. York completed its;job last Fri­ from one port to another, where Upon completion of their tasks, day, Following a period of gen­ the rules differ. th.e various port committees will eral discussion, this committee Were similar rules to prevail forward their recommendations adjourned to allow the three in every port, they woidd have io Headquarters. These proposals groups to devise separate rulings no problem, they explained. for Union-wide registration rules, affecting their own departments They pointed out that they Will then be sifted by an elected, Their recommendations were ac­ would simply have to know and committee, representing all de- cepted by the "committee as a abide by one set ojf; registration rules in all ports. ; . partments, and presented in final whole," when it reconvened. form to the membership for fur- Serving on the committee for I thel" disposition. the Deck Department were Jack Greenhaw, Idelfonso Galindez, F. ' The membership committees C. Murray, Joseph Felton, George now laying the groundwork for vhat eventually may become (Bill) Champlin, and Roland Congress finally passed the The lack of industrial 'cargoes grams. The nations covered by I mastwise registration rules were Strom. six-biilion doUar Marshall Plan is expected to keep the Port of the Plan will tell what they I' alected at recent - branch meet- Representing the Engine De- appropriations as one of its last- New York from having more need in the three month period. jings. They are composed equally partmet on the committee were: than a moderate amount of ac­ Once the shipping has been ar­ ;of men sailing in all three de- G. Nunez, W. Manning, Leon minute moves, before adjourn­ tivity. for the rest of the sum­ ranged, they will proceed with •partments — Deck, Engine and White, Anthony Arenella and ment, and shipping spokesmen mer, at least, but New York orders and manufactiming con­ look for the relief cargoes to wiU be the big beneficiary later tracts. 'stewards. Matt Fields. on when the industrial shipments A statement by a top Marshall start gaining momentum. Stewards Department men in N. Y. PROPOSALS IN the group were: William Dun­ However, they believe the ac- commence, the shipping men say. Plan official that it might be I The committee designated by ham, i^ohn C. Drummond, R. C. cleration will be slow at first. difficult to carry 50 percent of SHIPPING BOSS NAMED the. Port of New York has al- Rickett, Leroy W. Gilmore, Ed­ It may be several months before the cargoes in American bot­ jready drawn up its proposals and ward Adampo and Mato H. large shipments other than bulk Last week, Arthur G. Syran, toms because of a shortagg^of (submitted them to Headquarters, Lorenzo. , ships was flncargoes of grain and coal begin a former Army colonel, was American flag (where they will be held pending Sentiment among the member­ to move. named Director of Transportation phatically denied by a Maritime similar action by the other port ship, who have been airing their Bulk cargoes are moving a for the Marshall Plan. Syran Commission spokesman. |committeeSp views in favor of a uniform plan little now and have been for was a shipping expediter for the The government has had to I Should the membership accept for job registration, appears to several weeks, mostly from Gulf Army during the war, and more tie-up ships, so how could there the recommendations of the final have, among other, objectives, the ports. Industrial products bought recently has been in Japan help­ possibly be a shortage, the MC' bverall committee, the proposals further streamlining of the Union under the Plan are,, expected to ing plan the rehabilitation of man said. There are plenty of will be put to a vote by fhe apparatus. Extending it to job take up the shipping slack even­ the Japanese merchant marine. ships, he added, and a great membership. in all ports. registration would be another tually, but it may be late fall Cargo aUocations under .the many of those tied up can be step in that direction. before they" arrive at the piers Mar-^hall Plan will be scheduled released ready to go on 48 hours 1 Action on the problem of in a series of thrw-month pro­ notice. /registration stemmed from a In expressing their opinions in in any. great ammmt. •1- Congress Votes 6 Billion Doiiars For ERP \2.- �Page Two THE S EAF ARERS LOG Friday, June 25, 1S48 R^y/.- SEAFARERS LOG A: »» Published Weekly by the ;''i • PROUD PARENT...* SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District AUiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver-Street, New York 4, N. Y. feii' -• -• HAnover 2-2784 if V •; ,;• Nl'- ••..• Entered as second class matter Jime 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 The Way It Works This week, following a letter sent to all Branches by Headquarters Offices, in compliance with a recom­ mendation of the 1948 Agents Conference concurred in by membership referendum, all ports elected special committees to submit recommendations for uniform rules for job registration to replace the present individual port regulations. The report of each port committee . will then be forwarded to Headquarters, where an elected committee will consolidate all proposals and submit a resolution which will then become effective in all ports—if. it is approved by the membership. ir i;' We emphasize if approved by the membership. This normal SIU procedure underscores the basic democracy of our Union. Decisions are not made by any governing board. As a matter of fact, the SIU h^ no such set-up. The nearest approach to an executive board is the Agents Conference, which meets once a year to draft proposals and submit recommendations for future action. But these proposals must be passed by a coastwise referendum of the membership. The Agents Conference has no executive powers, it is purely advisory. All power lies in the hands of the membership, where it rightly belongs. Whenever the mem­ bership of the A8cG District of the SIU wishes to change any of the rules, or adopt a new policy, it is always done in the traditional SIU manner. Hospital Patients When enl«rittg lb* hospital notify the delegates by post- , card, giving your name and the number of your wprd. Mimeogm;^d poelcwrdi can be obtained free at the Social Service desk. It is by firm adherence to the democratic principles that true democracy can be guaranteed in the Union, and each individual member should at all times act as an official watchdog of the membership's rights. T. ... 1 to 4- know /• .. ..r. r Shipci_* Union not only the Constitution anda the Staten Island Hospital I Afeff Hov! h The Ma-me Hospi^k " These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, ping Rules—^he must also see to it that they are followed at all times, and be prepared to suggest changes when­ as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging ever times and circumstances have outmoded some pro­ heavily on their hands. t>o what you can to cheer them up by writing to them. visions. It is not enough for every member to know his rights and responsibilities. He must see to it that he receives his rights, ^nd must see to it that he assumes his ,.responsibilities. Doing these things will assure the con' tinued survival of democracy in the SIU. And because g these things are the rule, that is why democracy is a vital part of our organization, and why the A&G District has n made such great strides in the past^ten years. Send Them In The LOG is the paper for ALL members of the Union; But the LOG editors have no way of knowing what is happening on every one of the many ships con­ tracted to the Union and manned by SIU crews. That's where you come in. On page 16 of this issue, appear pictures and a story about the crew of the SS Xafayette. The pictures and the notes for the story were sent in by a crewmember, with a request that, after being used, the snapshots be returned to his home. That has been done, and the editors of the LOG will handle all pictures in exactly the same careful manner. So—Let's have more pictures and stories from the men sailing the seven seas on SlU^contracted vessels. You like to hear what other Brothers are doing,^ and they like to hear about your activitieis! ) NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL R. BUNCH E. LIPARI 0. MABDN J. DENNIS R. F. BLACK A. LOOPER C. GREEN V. P. BALLINGS G. R. GRIMES C. ANDERSON R. GOODWIN T. J. TASSIN; M. BAKER A. MAKRENS W. J. HOULIHAN J. W. CURRAN . E. MORGAN G. WILLIAMS L. B. MILLER is, % STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL C. O. LYNSKY F. PREZALAR J. M. GARDNER F. NERING E. OLSEN S. HEIDUCKI G. FINKLEA J. McNEELY D. DeDUISEN , . J. L. ROBERTS ' - ^f T. ZEMBRUZUSKI E. T. BROWN M. F. MORRISON , H. WHITE A. J. SACCO E. PETRICELLI H. CHRISTENSEN G. VECCHIO P. DAUGHERTY B. F. DeLIMA C. NANGLE W. J. HUNT R. PEPIN A. BJORNSSON A. DUDDE B. KOSOW W. PERRY S. RIVERA BALTIMORE MARINE HOSP. GEORGE PEDDICORD M, J. LUCAS a T. CANTRELL T. BRYANT WILLIAM H. KUMKE THOS. S. JOHNSON G. F. COBBLER / EDW. L. PIERCE EDDIE J. CAROVOUS PAUL R. SEEFOR B. J. FREDERICKS WILLIAM T. ROSS C. H. JONES CHARLES N. PAKNE ARTHUR COBB EDWARD KOML f lYION E. FOLTS fi^rARA/v: "i You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday*— 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 61h floors.) Thursday —= 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4rii floors.) Saturday —- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. ^ (on I«t and 2nd floors.) GALVESTON MARINE HO^. MICKEY FOLAN D. B. MILLER D. B. MILLER ^ . A. J. LAPPEROUSE : ^ R. C. PAPPAN ;I TUTTLE ) 3 3 4. SAVANNAH HOSPITAL r J. NEELY ^ t W. REYNEN J. CHAFFIN TROY THOMAS J. J. FERGUSON i G. R. ANDERSON ? JAN. V. ROOMS 4. t 3 MOBILE HOSPITAL J. B. McGUFFIN " A. C. McALPIN D. w. MCDOWELL T. HENDRICKS J. W. MACKIE R. A. YEAGER M. DULflESTRB 3 3 3 - BRIGHTON MARSNg HOSP, E. J. DELAMANO JOHN J, GEAGON JOHN SCULLY ROBERT LORD �Friday. Juiw 25. 1948 ROU Scores West Coast Charter NEW YORK — The AFL Mari.time Trades Council was asked this week to officially protest to •AFL President William Green, and to Daniel Tracy, President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, against the .granting of an IBEW chihrter to 010. Radio Officers on the West Coast. In a letter to the MTD, signed "by Fred M. Howe, General Secre­ tary-Treasurer of the ROU, it is pointed out that the AFL Radio "Officers' Union has had jurisdic­ tion over Marine Radio Officei-s since 1937, and characterizes the West Coast move as an "inva­ sion." ' Brother Howe also states that ,the "ROU has maintained three offices on the West Coast for some time and we have spent many thousands of dollars in our endeavor to organize CIO Radio Officers. Just as we are about to succeed, the IBEW, through Local 6 in San Francisco, came to the rescue of the hard-pressed CIO Radio Officers and took them in. This, if successful, will negate all the hard and costly work which we have done." • THE SEAFARERS MAKING THEIR POINTS LOG Pressure Werks Again: Aramce OpensBuilding For Men At Ras Tanura The days when seamen sailed place to relax and enjoy them­ into the Port of Ras Tanura and selves. there, within sight of land, spent It took quite a lot" of pressure one week to a month without on the part of seamen to bring shore leave, are at an end. Word about this change. For some has been received from the Ara­ time now the LOG has been bian American Oil Company running letters and articles about (Aramco), that . an air-cooled the horrible conditions in Ras . portable building is being erected Tanura—^such as the one on this on the North side of the East page by Brother Bill ChamplinPier approach for the recrea­ and it is high time that Aramco Bosun Roland Slrom,. right, an tional use of the ships' personnel made the necesseuy improve­ SlU oldtimer. took the deck : in that port. as a member of the New York ments. Committee on Uniform Regis­ The building will be sur­ The new building is supposed . tration Rules and explained to rounded by a fence which will to be in use already, and it is the group his views on what have easy access from the East expected that an SIU crew will rules should govern registra­ Pier, and will be equipped with soon send in pictures and a tion for the Deck Department. toilet and shower facilities, a story for the LOG. Brother Sftrom will be remem­ bar for serving soft drinks and bered for the excellent job he beer, as well as a gas plate for did in organizing during the preparing hot dogs and ham­ r Isthmian campaign. He was on burgers. ; quite a few Isthmian scows, In addition there will be a as a volunteer, and made many swimming pool, card and game friends during that time. room, and clothes lockers and a Another Brother who want­ change room so that the seamen American exports have dropped ed to be heard on the Rules can change into swimming to less than half the rate pre­ was William Dunham, above. vailing in 1947—which is, of , trunks. Steward. He is shown driving course, the answer to the ques­ FAR CRY home a point as the Commit­ tion, "What's the matter with That's a far cry from the old shipping?" tee heard discussions on the days. Now at least, although the Rules changes affecting the men still won't be allowed to The statistical picture can be Stewards Department. go into town, they will have a seen in the figures gathered by the railroads. On a typical day, recently, 2020 freight cars came into all U. S. ports loaded with goods for shipment overseas. A year ago the number would have been about 5,000. By G. W. (Bill) CHAMPLIN Point of Sand. However, it does American seamen are given shore shinny was the second ship to Though it may not be apparent contain excellent recreational leave freely in Jeddah which just tie up at the new dock in Man­ to seamen on the beach. New The question of shore leave in facilities which the oil men do about knocks the Ras Tanura ama. York actually is . holding up a bit . the ports of'-the Arabian penin­ not wish to share with American police chief's idea into a cocked Reverting to Ras Tanura, let better than other ports. sula is an ever reeurring one. seamen. To accomplish their end hat. In view of the obvious dis­ me admit that the oilmen are Moreover, it is an issue of they have induced the local crimination against American sea­ undeniably well within their To revert to the railroad fig­ some complexity, involving as it chief-of-police to deny seamen men in Ras Tanura, I say that rights in excluding whoever they ures, New York is getting about does Saudi Arabia (as tampered shore leave. Naturally the chief- the police chief is an outright choose from their private club. 1)00 carloads of goods each day for export compared to 900 a with by the Arabian-American of-police knows which side of his phony. That's not the point. year ago. Oil Company), and the allegedly bread is buttered." I have talked with many sea­ Thus New York is running at < ISTHMIAN PORTS independent smaU countries of The technique used by the Recently I submitted a pro­ men who would be willing to about two-thirds of last year's Yemen, Oman, Qattar, Bahrein chief to justify his rule is to posal to the effect that the chip in what it takes to erect rate, while other ports are down and Kuwait, all of which are blame the Mohammedan religion MM&P be contacted, and that a a seamen's club at Ras Tanura. to a little more than one-third. more or less dominated by Great It is alleged that the Americans joint SIU-MM&P committee be There are many men like myself Britain. The picture is further NO BUCKS drink in front of the Sons of selected to rfequest the Isthmian who would like to sail the Per­ complicated by the rules of MoAllah, thereby corrupting them. Steamship Company to cooperate sian Gulf in the winter months Just why this has happened is 'hammedan religion. Now it is true that the Koran, with us in getting short leave for but who refuse to face long fairly clear. Despite a world­ The sorest spot of all is, of the sacred book of Mohammedan­ Isthmian crews hitting Ras months aboard ship with no wide demand for American course, the Arabian-American Oil ism, forbids the use of spiritous shore leave at all, and land in goods, practicaUy nobody in Eu­ Tanura. Company (Aramco) port of Rasliquoi-s by the Faithful, and in Isthmian has a virtual mon- sight. We want the shore leave, rope, Asia, Africa or South at-Tannura, more commonly Saudi Arabia, King Ibn Saud oply of American dry cargo busi­ but nobody insists on access to America can write a check that called Ras Tanura, in Saudi rigidly enforces the Koranic law. ness in the Red Sea, the Gulf of the oil men's clubhouse. will be honored by a New York Arabian. Of course, opposition to any bank. In other words, there is Oman, the Persian Gulf and the such plan could be expected from TOUGH RAP In this port, freighters lie for an average of a month at a time, I forget whether the penalty Shatt-el-Arab area. It certainly the type of Master who makes a a severe shortage of dollar sometimes at the dock which for drunkeness is death by is to the company's interest to practice of buying beer ashore credits. they must leave whenever a strangulation or by decapitation have contented crews, and and selling it through the slop- The slowness with which the Marshall Plan is getting imder high-test tanker comes in. Away or whether it is something freighter crews are the ones most chest at a handsome profit. way has made overseas buyers from the dock they anchor and ^slightly less severe. Neverthe­ affected by the protracted lack "No shore leave" is his meat. reluctant to put out what few discharge to lighters. During less, you should see those same of shore leave/"" As a Bosun I dollars they'have. They want to this stay of 30 days or more, the sons" soak it up when they believe that any Master or any hold the credit until they know licensed personnel are ..allowed come aboard a ship and get hold Department head, licensed pr un­ what they can get under the ashore. The unlicensed crew- of a little something out of sight licensed, will agree with me in Plan. Aif, members spend the whole time of their countrymen. The "cor­ this. ET< ry member making a Another thing that may have aboard ship. Personally, I know nothing ruption" angle doesn't amount donation to the Union for held up shipments has been the about Yemen. There are no oU too much. POINT C SAND any purpose should receive export licensing procedure put ports there,. so I would presume an official receipt bearing into effect by the Department of I have talked with Seafarers Before the advent of the oil who have seen enlisted men from j men, the principal income around that shore leave would be al­ ^the amount of the contribu­ Commerce. The Department now lowed. As to Oman, Qattar and tion and the purpose for requires special licenses for al-_ U. S. Navy vessels on the streets those parts was derived from Kuwait, my information has been which it was mado. most everything that goes, and it of the town. And as reported services lo pilgrims to Mecca, gleaned from others. If a Union official to whom takes a lot of time to cut by this writer a couple of years the Mohammedans' sacred place. ago, the crew qf the SS Shick- And all formal rituals of religion However, the frequency with contribution is given does through the red tape. "When the Marshall Plan cred­ shinny once tried to do some­ must be maintained since reli­ which American crews are re­ not make out a receipt for portedly denied shore leave while gion itself is still big business in the money, the matter should its appear in abundance, maybe, thing about getting merchant their British counterparts are per­ Saudi Arabia. But.it is Aramco immediately be referred to they will make the difference, seamen ashore. The Shickshinny crew did suc­ in the end, not religion, that mitted ashore makes the matter Paul Hall. Secretary-Trea­ but nobody is as certain as he ceed in turning up a considerable keeps^ the seamen from having ook like an old British trick surer. SIU. 51 Beaver Street. was a couple of months ago. which is something to be taken New York 4. N. Y. About 200 miUion dollars . amount of most interesting infor­ shore leave in Ras Tanura. up with the State Department in In advising the Secretary- worth of Marshall Plan goods al­ In the Red Sea port of Jeddah mation which I have taken every Treasurer of such' transac­ ready have been allocated, most opportunity to augment during (sometimes spelled Yeddah) you Washington. would expect the religious issue From personal experience, I tions, members should state of which will be shipped from the. two-year interval. • the name of the official and the U. S., the rest of it from Briefly, Ras-Tahura is a com­ to be raised even more strongly, know the above to be true in Manama, cajatal and principal the port where the money Canada and South America. But for Jeddah is the port of entry pany town and nothing else. was tendered. for the two sacred cities of Mec-jport of -the island country of allocation is one thing and ship­ Without Aramco, it would be ca, and Medina. Nevertheless, j Bahrein. In fact, the old Shickment is another. what its Arabic naw«L-Means: US Expmis FaH To Half Of 1947 Brother Writes Of Did Days in Ras Tanura Get A Reeeipt ri �i' H E S E AFAR ERS .L O G Friday* June 25# 1948 CoRffFessK^ Shv sak h Rush Te Rhtk WASHINGTON—Measures de­ stined to bolster the ranks of the crippled American merchant maQUESTION: Do you think there should be u system ^ job vi^Strataon for all Tine through the construction of ports, instead of the present method of separate rules in jeatih port? new passenger and tanker ves­ sels made every hurdle in Con­ VEFlQIE ^ANSOfN, Steward: VIC MlLAZZO. Steward; gress but the last one. The bills 1 bislleve the registration rules The Shipping rules certainly went down the drain when the ^ould he the aame in all i>orts. ought to be uniform tor atll Senate Interstate and Foreign V/hile I have shipped only nut ports. If they were, then you Commerce Committee pigeon­ of P^hiladeU^a and New York, would always know where you holed them in the rush to ad­ where the ^rules are the same, I stood and what you had to do journ last week. believe all ports should fall in if you came into a strange Hall. Supported by the Maritime line under one standard pro­ Now if you are used to shipping Commission and the entire mari­ cedure for registration. Here's an from one Hall and, for one rea­ time industry, the bills called for -example which doesn't pertain son or another, you find your­ the construction of 18 to 20 new to registration, but I believe it self in a Hall down the coast, passenger vessels and the equiva­ is typical of the different set­ you can get so balled up you lent of 40 T-2 tankers. ups in the ports. In Mobile I don't know what's going on. Shipbuilding would have been found that 1 could reclaim my Mostly I ship out of New Vortc. encouraged by the granting of sshipping card' within ten days. so I go by one set Of rules. ®ut flat 50 percent construction subsi­ 4n New York, however, the limit I've heard a lot of discussion of dies for all new ships approved is fifteen days. A uniform set­ this question aboard ship in in the next three years. up in -all ports in this case meetings and bull sessions, and In the House the bills were would have preatly lessened I'd say that uniform rules are passed without objections, and oonfusion. what the boys want. were scheduled for quick adop­ JAMES MOORE, AB: tion by the Senaite, but the rush N. J. MOORE, Pumpman: One over-all system would cer- Cf bills at the last minute killed Sometimes it's pretty confus­ tainly put an end to 'fhe con-: any chance of their getting Tall ing when you come into a sir?,nge ^ fusion which somdlimfes comes approval, Hall to register. You don't know iii abotif as a result of one port CHANCES SLIM the local rules and you get com- ; having slightly different rules pletely balled up. I have shipped The only hope for adoption of fhaii another. It would also do out of Boston a lot, but now I'm the measures depends on a de­ away with the phssibility of a in New York where the rules cision by Congress to reconvene man finding himself unable 'to are different. 'Recently I shipped between or after the Republican ship in one pnrt after qualifying but of Baltimore under a third and Democratic conventions. in another. I'm also in favor of set of rules. It certainly is my the motion carried a couple of "Important for seamen and the x^inion that rhings would go a •me^ngs ago whereby a 9han maritime -industry in general lot smoother up and down the ean Register iin nnly nne tiaMns. were the proposals to subsi­ coast for those of us who ship Becaafse of -the 'lougfh riiipping, dize the coriSftU(Jtiari of Amer­ from more than one port if we a general tightening up of the ican-flag passenger liners, the found fhe sane rules every­ registreiidn Tifles would make one shipping category in which i^hipping nasier fdr 'fhe majority the U.S. merchant fleet is notorwhere. A lot of people agree df men, especially those not hold­ iouriy and shamefully deficient.^ ' with me accordmg to some of A number of steamship com­ ing fhe higher rdfings. the views I've heard. panies, including the Mississippi Shipping Company and a couple RdBERT FERRYMAN. AB: JOHN CHAKER, Deck Eng.; Of other contracted companies, 1 don't believe that a uiiiform Yes. All ratings above Oiler have indicated an eagerness to method of registration that ap­ Should register together, and all build new passenger tonnage, plies to all ports is necessary. ratings below Oiler should regthe stumbling block being the !'S:kr' :• The present way of handling the 1 ister together. That way it would high price df building. Tegistration problem by each in­ ' give everybody a chance to The companies want the gov­ I 'ship out. Seamen do not always ernment to pay 50 percent df dividual port seems to me to he J 'ship out of the same port, hut the construction cost for ships thn proper way. Each port has I they ail belong to the same to be used on both coastal and its own problems in -shipping, j Union. So. when they get iilto foreign runs. and -I think that the rnles -should a new port they should know If the legislation proposed •fit the pvoUems nf the various that the conditions of registra­ to '-Congress had %een en­ ports. Ais is to he nxpeHrtafl toMih acted, ^e 50 percent subsidy tion will he the same as the would become a -reality, as would : ports will have a greater nulnport they last registered in. various mew indirect .subsidies. her df men on fhe heaCh in I That way a man does not have The subsidies would have guar­ proportion to fhe jobs available, to worry about doing something anteed jobs for thousands Of and others will have less. "Fhe wrong in a new port that would American seamen, aind would rulas tor regietsetion shonld he have kept "4he American flag oil cause him trouble because of a the high seas in a Class of ships shafted acconSngly. difference in local rules.. widely -regarded -as essential to the national defense. -One remote -possibility of gain­ ing the funds necessary to build ^ needed passenger ships was the - Negligence and indifference aboard an SIU ship. He was he had fallen. Rolfe's face was Though no law or agreement method - attempted -this week by now .^requires the Carrying of American-President Lines. I ;J; -has cost the life of another sea­ well liked, :and his Violent death bruised, bis left leg broken, and pulmotor equipment at the pres- in a direct -appeal to .the Presi- ; he was bleeding from the nose was a shock to his shipmates. He man. eiit time, this mattei- has been dent they called for die -granting and mouth. .is survived by his parents, Clyde Rolfe Nelson died June 10th and Rose Nelson, Pt3, Box 15, Despite the tireless effect of turned over to flie negotiating of construction money from em- aboard the tanker SS Lake Petaluma, Calif. officers and crew, who worked, committee for reference in draw­ ergency funds in the intei-est of, for six hours to revive him. Nel­ ing up future contracts. national defense. as a result of injuries NOT TESTED son died while the ship speeded sustained in a fall while cileanThe tank had not been open toward Lisbon for help, wher-e ing tanks. very long and had not been Captain Cooper had hoadod after His life might have been properly tested, when Nelson failing to get aid from Gibraltar. saved, according to Sidney Lip- was sent below to clean It. He The Purser did all he could MOBILE — The Waterman Gulf Shipbuilding Corporation, a Irfi-v: -• sChitz, who notified the LOG of came up several times for air Corporation an­ Waterman subsidiary, for the re­ with what he had on hand, and Steamship Jv?:':' the accident, had proper tank- before calling to the AB in at­ the 2nd Assistant Engineer wore nounced that it had purchased a conversion of ships that have . testing equipment, and a pul- tendance on deck to send down himself out with continuous, floating drydock from the Fed­ been or will be purchased by the' 1 motor been aboard at the time— a hose. work of respiration. The crew eral : Shipbuilding and Drydock parent company. MS-,:or had the British authorities at Shortly after he failed to re­ feels that had a .pulmotor been Company of Kearney, N, J. Waterman, also announced that pif:©ibralter deemed a seaman^ life spond to a call. The AB on deck available at -this stage his life, The drydoclc has a lifting ca­ it expected to acquire another i TVorth sending but a plane and went into 'the tank and made a might have been saved. The SS pacity of 8,500 tons, is 437 feet such floating drydock in the neair doctor to the ship in response to quick search. Failing to find long, and 85 feet wide. It is now future. The one now being de-\ Lake George, operated by U. S. Captain Cooper's liadio pica for him, he "notified the Chief Mate, being towed from Kearney to livered will be finally located at , Petroleum Carriers, 52 Broadway,: Mobile and will arrive about Chickasaw, Ala,, six miles above • •aid. who went into the tank with a Npw York City, is outboimdim Mobil«5 pn the Chickasabpgue • July. 10. Nelson, a 20 year old exHnavy respirator mask and c^r-if^^Nelipe dock wUl be .used by the r. ;• :J than, was making his Hirst trip son from thO tank bott^it^where. ,a longitrip- 11^'' P'- WateimBi Arys RmtkR Ihdc �-r -- ••' - -.If • • .-'••s.t^-^-'^ -Jl Friday, June 25, 1948^ THE. SEAFARERS LOG Page Fire ^^•m' Not Pisyoffs, DM MOkNo Gets Itself TW» Fevietf Dp^ij)s By CftL TANNER MOBILE—Last week shipping, here awhile before going out in this port reached a new low,' again, and we will take the opWith this branch shipping exactly portunity to get her completely 81 men. straightened out. There were four payoffs, two -Ehe- Houston: was fouled U0 sign ons and two ships in tran-' just, as badly. There was a 1,50Q sit and that was all. hour beef, in, the Deck. Departs The four ships paying off. were ment involving gangway watches. gress they tried to move _ all I The committee met and drew 1^ JOS: ALGINA, the Cape Edmont, Alcoa,, alcmg The crew stuck together in a with the Governor Bparks, Gov­ fine display, of. SIU solidarity. goods in foreign, bottoms, but up a report which -will be subNSW WBK — Seamen have Congress stipulated that, half mitted to the membership for apernor Houston, and the Morning The boys just refused to pay off heard-; a, lofe of double-talk, lateli^ would go in American ships;, now proval at the next meeting, Light, all Waterman vessels. The until the beef was settled. on the use off American; ships, in, they think they've found another This same procedure is being sign ons were the John Isaacson thecarrying, of Miarshall; Flan means for getting around the followed in- all outports. Rank BUILDING: TSADBa QUfB and the Runner, both Alcoa. The goods, but the latest news out ships in transit were Maiden It looked at the end. of last, law. and file committees are meeting of Washington, tops it all. A Maybe somebody will tell this and will make reports to the local Creek, Waterman, and Isthmian's week as if we were going to spokesman for. the agency set. Steel Recorder. have- a strike of the aluminum up to handle the fiow; of relief, "spokesman" that the coastal membership for approval. Follovv^ing this, the reports will The payoffs, on the Morning workers at the ore plant, here. goods to Bwope says that due to be forwarded to SIU Headquair J,ight and. the Cape Ediinontr the growing shortage of Amer­ ters where a rank and file com­ were very smooth, but we found ican; ships it will be difficult to mittee will meet to consider the the two Governors, Houston and . -rn05e,F&\-lHe84malse sure that 5Q. pement. of the recommendations fi'om all poi^ Sparks, as fouled up as Chinese goods are carried in American and submit a standard procedure ii^TtCKterodft boat driU. ships. T-Zoue/: for registration in all ports. On the Sparks, the Skipper If. the guy wasn't serious it This, too, will be submitted to tried to run the Stewards De­ would be good, for a laugh but, the membership in all ports for partment; As a. result, the ship unfortunately, this talk of a approval. came in with 1,1.(10 disputed"shortage" looks like another Action on registration in all meals. We settled them for half; scheme for transferring all goods ports has come about as a result because the crew had- failed to. in foreign bottoms. of the Agents Conference, and is keep meal tickets for the re­ In pushing the bill in Con­ expected to clear up a lot of mainder. rivers are full of slilpa rusting misunderstanding and confusion, away for lack of cargoes and This ship was also reported' along the coasts. they can be fitted out for duty out of chow and out of smokes. WAIVER EXPIRES within 48 hours. .Where smokes went to was the Of course, that, would have bean a matter of concern for the sea­ While on the subject of jobs, sixty-four dollar question. DECK MEN Don'l forget to- be there!men on Alcoa's bauxite shipsit might be wise to point out When the ship left Mobile, As was reported last week The next regular member­ How.ever, at the last moment, the now to the alien brothers that on here, shipping in this port re­ she was amply stored, with- ci^ ship^ meetinge wHI be held strike was postponed. July 15 the shipping waiver on: arettes for a voyage of the length mains at- a standstill. The only Wednesday evening; June 30 aliens expires. scheduled, A check on the slop- . A work stoppage affecting a at* 7 P. M. in all ports. With men to enjoy any sort of good chest revealed, that, no member lot of AFL. members, in Mobile the exception of New York, shipping are the bookpiembers After that date aliens will bq allowed to constitute but 15 per­ of the crew had'received more is the strike of the Building aR brancdies. hold; Iheir* meet­ shipping on deck. than, a carton and a half a Trades Council of the Mobile ings in their own. halls. We've managed to send out a cent of a crew instead of 25 Central Trades. Council to which week. New York meetings axe good number of deck department percent as is the present rule. the SIJJ belongs. The men have held' in, Roosevelt: Aui^or.- men, but- men in other depart­ The Union fought a long battle WHODUNITr been: out a, couple of weeks since ium; ItWl East 17tlt Sfceal. ments have had a long spell of for citizenship for aliens who sailed during the war. Nothing, The Skipper was the only man'their contraccs ran out. Right corner of Fourth Avenue, coaling Hieir heels. who possessed a key to the slop-;now they are negotiating with A few of the good ships in this unfortunately, was done in their These sessions: are a good chest. Haverthelesa, an awful lot the companies. We'll help them chance for you: to hit the week were the Andrew Jackson behalf by. Congress. The only of cigaratt, s did disappear, and" t^hey ask us to deck and speak your piece. and Wacosta, Waterman; and the thing that can be done now is aliens eligible to immeditoward the end of the trip the xhere are plenty of. oldtimers From the meeting place Steel Navigator, Isthmian. AH three paidoff in good shape and ^tely take step toward procuring boysr -wara sniping butts from around^ Charlie Kimball) who comes the ideas,, rules, and their citizenship papers. will be ready to go out again in the deck. regulaticHie responsible for used to be Agent here, Elmo Shipping, for aliens has beea The Sparks was also hungry. Bailey, Joe Crawford, Butter- the effective functioning o£ a short while. touih Wd with the reductiott The P>atrolmen also handled a The crew claimed that the Skip­ bean Davis, J. Albrilton, J. Mc- our Union, soop; tq go in effect they'll find Take an active- part in the few Bull Line vesels in from per refused to buy food when iNellage, L. F. Davis, D. Stokes, themselves slowly squeezed oft he had the chance to, and that- A. Milne, Geechy Burdick, Red SI,U. Make sure you-'re. at the Island run. These ships runthe ships. It!s a hell of a situar the Steward did not do his job Whidden, W. Graddick, J. W. the meeting,. Bemenaber,, the like clock work and rarely give tion-, but, one the Union cari do the Patrolmen any trouble. All Brothers right. In fact, charges have beem' Johnson, J. Reilly. They aren't time is, 7litjtle about) The Evangeline is back in the brought against the Steward. the only ones. "We have aboufrj, must shoyt up.; promptly. service, too. She's cruising the Jji^- a couple of words on up-r The Sparks is going -to be 700; men on the beach. southern waters once again. Her usual situations before signing crewing up helped take a few of off; . BUM, BEEF the men off* tke beach here. In the past we have always Over aU, the shipping scene here is not- too bright, and there urged, Seafarers, not to beef whem. By WILLIAM (G-url») RENT^ thought, he was. getting away Even when we have a fair is little hope of- it-improving in'^ ^he overtime pay. •With something. When. thO' ship- week we can't make much of- a the near future. It- looks like BALTIMORE—We have, to pg he found out different. hole in the shipping list- with so we will be reporting slow ship-! We didn t thinlc it would be many mem piling into- town all- ping for several weeks to come, necessary to say this, but make sure the Mate is aboard ship 1 J 1ft J .^^iiand that IS when the fun start®!. the- time.. when putting in for work done. ^ w ^ that "I- 'Ehe- boys in the; Baltimore • At- the l^f regular membership Deck men from an SIU ship ei^rOn . that jhfli ttangs. evfixy last; hQun And: Hospital are getting; along fine, meeting in New York a rank and. •nen on, the .h«ell recently put in for overtime and looking forwawi', to ship­ filn commitrnc was. elected- tpi we pretty tqugh. work, done by the Mate on deck. a ijttle hesitant, ^ut tcying. to ping again. They get good care draw up new rules for registra­ It backfired, though, when it wqs / As usual, when things are on- I'make flunkies out of Seafajcers nt the-hospital here. tion in the Port of New York, proved that the Mate was ashore. Mm US Has Ship Shortage i Bcaitcit neetmgs Crowdeit Besnh ts Ko^l|t TG NaRlmGre ly fair or worse) iti* is the Olre^froni now on.. Line that is saving us from dis ^ One bit of trouble we hed: aster. There were three Ores wasr on the SS Marine Runner, paying off and signing- oni which a Rpbin ship. The Stewards. Del­ made all the difference in the egate was gassed up for the past seven days. The LOG has received several letters recently, asking, for 'payoff:-and, if it hadn't been'a clarification on Stewards Department men, painting. The Of course there have been for the. Steward -himself) the deanswer is: N01 THEY DON'T! partment overtime would have some ships in transit, Alcoas for The Stewards Deearlmenl has. plenty ta do to take case tlie most part, which touched: been in. a bad snarl. here to load. This is an import­ . Luekily, the Stew.ard. was able; of their, own work without taking, on. a, iph. entirely alien, to ant loading port fOr Aleoa;to lay his banA on all the rec­ their normal duties. This mattec was. devly discussed on page ^ There were plenty of beefg. ords and, had, thq.^ bqaks ready, four of the LOG for Masch 2fi. by, New York. Patrolman*. on tlie slhps we've had, but roctat.'although, the Delggatfr was. out Freddie Stewart; but. just fox the zecmul, the LQG has again of them have. been. on. the Cal- eold) When/ the Delegate eame checked with the Headtjuarters office and bare is the '^pp'v The Union has fought to free the. Stewards Department, mar scows. On one ship,, the ;to he found a^ goqd. stiff fine from the responsibility of painting, in addition to their regular Mate wanted the OS on watch against him.to. bring him a cup. of coffee Things are in good shape here, duties. At the same time the Union has obtained many im­ when, he woke, him up in the except for the big; number of provements in the working conditions within the Stewards men on the beach. We don't Department which allows for a fair proportion of, overtime. morning. That, coffee was, to be there, know where they come from. SOi. to protect your working conditions and your contract do the Mate insisted,, as soon as. he Anybody who told them shipping: your own work, and let the other departments do Iheirsr-which ^qpened his eyes. Well, he got w.as good in Baltimore ggve them includes all of' the painting| ijscoffee, and we guess he "a bum steer." Stewmids BPfiartnent Ant PdM - I - There were some very red; faces otthat payoff. In another case on the Andi'ew Jackson, a small firq broke out while the ship was in the Far East. In battling the flames some of the cargo was heaved ovec the Mdo. . The Skipper, seeing the stuff floating in the water, collaoed. one of. the deck men and told him to jump overboard and., rescue the cargo. He wanted it for evidence, he said. The man jumped overboard and reclaimed the cargo aU ri^rt. The question then arose as tohow he was to claim overtirae for his. feat. Should he put ihfor jumping overboard or for ; bringing: stores aboard ship*^ He settled for the latter and CQL lected. .: �TUE SEA FA RE RS Page Six Port Galveston Keeps Hoping ERF wni Boom Gulf Shipping LOG Wants Uniform Rules FMday, June 25. 1948 Philly Convention Festivities Leave Local Seafarers Cold By LLOYD GARDNER By KEITH J. ALSOP PHILADELPHIA — There mayj There they would find plenty GALVESTON — Shipping here good shape and looked every bit be a lot of happy hooting and of cargo going aboard ships, but • iias been very poor and doesn't like an SIU ship. hollering in this convention town'the ships wouldn't be American, _/ look very promising for the fu­ TANKERS ONE-SIXTH this week, but none of it is com-^ For that they could pat themture. That is, imless the long ing from the Hall of the Sea- selves on the back, delayed Marshall Plan goods That organizing thet anker com­ farei's International Union. Bum' start moving now that Congress panies is a very wise move is PROTECTED NO ONE shipping doesn't make for cheers. These, our elected representa­ has finally put up the money. shown by the tanker activity in Shipping in this port has drop- tives, are supposed to protect If the ERF goods start fiowing this port. After a little volunped to almost zero, with not a the interests of the American to Europe, we stand to benefit a single ship in for a payoff this people, but the deliberate scuttlgreat deal by it through grain week. The Dispatcher's board ing of the promised large postshipments. has never been so bare. war American merchant rnarine In the meantime, though, we As long as we cannot report damn poor protection. They are not enjoying the slack ship­ anything on shipping — other did a better job of protecting the ping. Payoffs for the week here than we hope for a pick-up next transfers of American ships tb were the Zebulon Pike and John week—a word about the boys in Panamanian and Honduran regCandelario Ramos, FWT, LaFarge, both Waterman, and Congress, a good number of istry. says he would like to see one the Cahaba, Navy tanker oper­ set of registration rules ap­ whom are here this week, seems Nope, nobody around this Hall ated by American Pacific. is particularly concerned about plied in all ports. With vary­ appropriate. The only trouble encoimtered They are out of school now what is now taking place in this ing procedures in several of 'on these ships was a belligerant, the ports. Ramos says, it* is and are running to their con­ fair city. It doesn't matter which wrench-swinging First, who had easy to get fouled up. Com­ ventions to make pretty their faker they put up for the na­ 'been chasing crewmen around tion's , biggest . „ job, Joe American the deck brandishing his trusty teer scouting around by the Gal- mittees are now preparing pro­ dirty work over the past months. We wish a couple of them would,®"? especially Joe Seaman will stillson. jveston membership, it has been posed changes which may lead the^neck. He may be still lugging the found that one-sixth of all Amer- to uniformity in registration, take a breather from the" smoke-, filled rooms and walk along the' to depending on final action by wrench with him, but" if he is his ican shipping in this port is by Philly waterfront. 1®®^ ®'"® ^^st enjoying the membership. only targets are ginmill mirrors; unorganized tankers. It just ^ some very fine weather, also he's no longer on the LaFarge. | takes time, but we'll soon train some very fine ball games. We AJong with the sign-ons the ='Shte on these outfits too. • don't care to say si .ything about Zebulon Pike and Cahaba, we' The Texas State Federation ot !our amazing Athletics until we also sent nine men out to the Labor is hojding its annual eon^have seen how they make out By STEVE CARDULLO jin the Cleveland Series this Mostank, tanker of a newly-or- vention in Fort Worth this week . J and representing the Seafarers oeaiarers is new week-end. (Ed. Note: Hang out canized company. She came in m ana ^ ° iiie . . SAN FRANCISCO — Isthmian broke ground for their ® j Val James, who was nominated is tying up some ships out here, building the other day. •\ffQ the crepe, Blackie; Cleveland and elected by the membership This week the SS Rider Victory hope they have better luck with 3-0.) here to serve as our delegate. was brought down from Seattle, the new location than they had By next week Brother James and will pay off with transporta­ with the other one. will return with his report of tion to the East Coast. The SS the convention's proceedings. This San Angelo Victory will dtf the Roy Pierce called from Van­ couver about a beef aboard the Cheek the slop chest be­ should be interesting, inasmuch same. SS Kenyon Victory. We'll check fore your boat sails. Make as the Taft-Hartley Act is now On another ship, the SS Henry thoroughly when the ship • sure that the slop chest con­ causing a lot of trouble in labor K. Lindsley, there was an odd reaches this port where she tains an adequate supply of circles in this State. By SALVADOR COLLS situation that didn't look too originally crewed -up. all the things you are liable Unions down here are not any good. As soon as the ship hit We'll see what all the facts are to need. If it doesn't, call the SAN JUAN — A week of no more receptive to the law now the dock, the men disappeared and tell you about them another Union Hall immediately. payoffs for this port will confe than they were a year ago, when into the woods and returned at time, to an end tonight when the SS it •was passed. In fact, now their own leisure. Ponce arrives in San Juan. That that the full effects of the law There were plenty of beefs on news alone should make it evi- are being felt, they're plenty the SS Kelso Victory, most of dent that shipping is very slow gore. them against the crewmen who fw in this area. No matter how sore they get. had fouled things up and been Vf We did have some ships in. they're no sorer than we of the logged. The payoff was a little The Kathryn, Morning Light and SIU are. Every meeting here better than the one on the Carolyn hit port, but the re- sees a good number of members Lindsley, however. We had one One of the more vicious pro-; fact that the Court said there placements called for were few. 'hitting the deck to comment visions of the Taft-Hartley Act was nothing unconstitutional A&G man present! On the Carolyn the Chief Cook (that's the polite word) on the took a beating from the Supreme about the provision barring un­ There is a bright side to things Court of the United States the became ill but* didn't want to law. ions whose officials do not file get off. We convinced him that Every Seafarer in this port is out here. We crewed up the SS other day. However, because the non-communist affidavits from he would be well taken care of ready for an all-out fight for the Strathmore, formerly the A. J. majority of the Court refused to using the National Labor Rela­ here on the Island, so he went Hiring Hall, and they're ready to Berres. This is the first tanker face the issue squarely, labor will tions Board. Many officials who ashore. go down the line for nothing less of the Strathmore Shipping Com­ have to recognize that it cannot have had no personal misgivings pany. count on the Supreme Court in to filing signing these statements In the shoregang department than what we now have, down here, we have been en-! Just in case you're curious as General Steamship is handling fighting the obnoxious law. have felt that the oaths violated countering some difficulty with to who some of the men are the ship for them on this coast. Specifically the Court dis­ their legal rights. the men sent out to do the work down here at the moment, here The boys expect to make Cura­ missed an indictment against the on the ships. For some reason are a few: William Baker, J. J. cao, Buenos Aires and plenty of CIO in a test case brought by the performers on the beach Word, F. Cooper, Willie Speaker other good ports, the lucky stiffs. the Government. think shoregang work is just a and G. Ellebracht. We understand that the SUP Department of Justice lawyers lark and an excuse to do a little' contended that the CIO vio­ hell-raising. lated Section 304 of the T-H Act Last week several men work­ by publishing in its paper an en­ SAN FRANCISCO — The long ing on the Kathryn were canned dorsement of a candidate for projected "free port" area was for not doing their work. They opened here on June 10. It is Congress. deserved to get the sack. Maybe the third "free port" in the This section says that labor or­ this will serve to teach the other United States. About 200 of the people aboard ganizations — and corporationsgashounds around here that The free area is at Pier 45, and shoregang work is the same as coasts of Europe so far as sea- were reported to have been cannot spend money in connec­ it was opened with a civic cere­ that aboard ships, and that the'*"®^ concerned, and it will asleep when the mine exploded. tion with Federal elections. mony during which the Collector SIU does not tolerate foul baUs'.'^e until the last drifting mine Some of them, traveling steerage, A lower court declared this of Customs cut a white tape is swept from the water. were sleeping in deck chairs. The provision to be unconstitutional. stretched across a warehouse en­ in either job. Four members of the Supreme trance. Time and again since the end ship was proceeding from Copen­ ILA TO STRIKE Court, Rutledge, Black, Douglas A "free port" is one through of hostilities, new"spapers have hagen to Aalborg. On - the local labor scene we carried stories of ships blown up The accident recalls many an­ and Murphy, said that it was un­ which goods can be transshipped are awaiting the ILA strike call, by mine.s. Last week disaster other of a similar nature occur- constitutional. without going through" customs. The operators have coldly re-' struck again. A Danish passen- ring in the nearly three years But the remaining five Jus­ Thus, a cargo of chemical prod­ fused iall of the Longshoremen's' gc vessel, the SS Kjoebenhavn, j since the war's end, some .of tices, a majority of the Court, ucts from Belgium consigned to demands, so it seems only a struck a mine in the Kattegat them to SIU ships, simply said that the Government Shanghai could now come into matter of time before they'll be early one morning and as many That a ship should strike a had no case in this particular San Francisco on one ship, be out on the bricks. Needless to as 150 of the 400 passengers and mine at this late date in the busy instance. They even implied that unloaded in the free area and say, we'll be supporting them crew may have lost their lives. waters of the Kattegat should under other circumstances the be loaded on another ship bound A small ship of only 1,668 tons, make seamen wonder what the law might be perfectly okay. In for China without incurring any all down the line. To cap the week's report here the Kjoebenhavn sank in 10 International Mine Clearance Au­ short, they were pussy footing. customs charges. . are the names of a few men tak­ minutes: There was time to thority is doing. Two years ago, What seems to be the truth is San Francisco obtained a ing life easy down here at the launch only two life-boats, and the Authosity, whose headquar­ that the majority of the Supreme' charter for such- an area in an moment: T. Chambers, C. H. people leaped into the water in ters is in London, assigned areas Court is prepared whitewash the'effort to build up shipping. Other' Hawley, Johnny Dean, Juan an effort to save themselves. for the world's .navies to clear, Taft-Hartley Act right down the free ports in the United States Rios, A. J. Thomas, Juan Sanches Most of those who died were but apparently the job is not Tine. More evidence that this are, in New York and New Or- ; and J. Negron. 'drowned. finished. may be the case appears in^ the leans. ' ' Isthmian Ties Up Two On Coast SS Ponce Ends Shipping Dearth For San Juan Check It—But Good High Court Throws Out T-H Gag Test Case, But Dodges Full Issue Frisco 'Free Port' May Help Shipping TSO Passengers Drown As Danish Ship Strikes Floating Mine .<• A] �TBB SEABABKRS t0Q Friday. Ju&» 25< 1946 PHILADELPHIA — Chairman. Lloyd Gardner. 9S97; Reading Clerk. W. Gardner. 42941; Secre­ tary. Don HalL 4S372. Moved and carried to accept all minutes except Boston and Gal­ veston. One Brother, G. W. Jacobson» recorded as opposed to ac ceptance of Savannah minutes. Agent spoke on progress of ne gotiations with operators and the maritime situation in general. Report accepted. Motion carried to concur unanimously in resolu­ tion 'calling for .the opening of SIU Hall on the West Coast. Motion Jt)y R. Gates to open Halls in all ports 6n West Coast. Amended to read: open Hall in Frisco now, and in other ports when business warrants it. Mo­ tion as amended carried. Motion carried to send all ships' minutes to SEAFARERS LOG. Trial committee ' reported findings in two cases. One man fined $50 for refusing to do ship board duties and the other put on pro­ bation for one year for being re­ peatedly gassed up. Membership accepted and concurred in com­ mittee's findings. One minute of silence for departed Brothers. Motion carried to adjourn with 152 members present. 4. 4. 4. BALTIMORE — Chairman. Rents. 26445: Reading clerk. A1 St^nsbury. 4683: Secretary. Ben Lawson. 894, B. R. Mears took Oath of Obli­ gation. Charges read against L. Gates and trial committee elected to hear case. Motions carried to accept all other Branch minutes except Savannah. Motion car­ ried to non-concur with that part of the minutes concerning pull­ ing book men off the ships, due to fact that the Agent in Baltimore'and the Steward who had been pulled off investigated the matter and found that it was a company error. Motion, carried to unanimously concur in resolu­ tion calling for SIU Hall on West Coast. Amendment: that Balti­ more go on record as favoring establishment of Hall in Wilm­ ington. Unanimously adopted. Agent Rentz reported on Calmar suit against the Seafarers con­ cerning a ship in Boston. Suit is for $12,500. Secretary-Treas­ urer is now working on it.. Un­ der Good and Welfare various members spoke on the good job the hospital committee is doing in the port of Baltimore. One minute of silence for Brothers lost at sea. $> 4" 4 NORFOLK—Chairman. While. 56. Reading Clerk. Ben Rees. 95: Secrelary. Bullock. 4747. Paga Seveit ^ A&G Ship/mg fnm Am 1 To June IS PORT REG. DECK Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Savannah Tampa Mobile I, New Orleans. Galveston San Juan Grand Total 42 307 83 212 57 53 26 218 222 67 15 1,302 NOTE: REG. ENG. 27 251 66 143 37 39 18 ' 245 175 52 4 1,057 REG. STWDS. 17 269 49 96 27 28 16 229' 220 40 14 1,005 TOTAL REG. SHIPPED DECK' 86 827 198 451 121 120 60 " 692 617 159 33 3,364 12 128 60 181 54 33 22 110 162 77 16 855 SHIPPED SHIPPED ENG. STWDS. 6 121 46 158 29 32 23 85 128 96 4 728 7 157 32 70 21 25 19 70 153 39 14 607 TOTAL SHIPPED 25 406 138 409 104 90 64 265 443 212 34 2,190 A8tG men shipping on the West Coast are not included in this report. of men awaiting jobs. Isaac Van Per Hoeven, C. P. Wingfleld and J S. Copeland took Oath of Obligation. One minute of sil­ ence for Brothers lost at sea. Meeting adjourned with 123 members present. 4 4 4SAVANNAH — Chairman. C. Slarling> 6920: Secretary. S. HeiniHng. 5369; Reading Clerk. W. L. Smith. 6970. Motions carried to accept Branch minutes of aU ports. Mo­ tion carried to accept and file Secretary-Treasurer's weekly financial report. Resolution call­ ing for the opening of an SIU Hall in- San Francisco carried un­ animously. Motion by W. J. Morris that no SIU man should sail with Captain Shaw of the Felix Grundy — carried unanimoiisly. Good and Welfare: Dis­ cussion on new West Coast Hall. On Savannah Hall, Agent ex­ plained that when lea^ is ' re­ turned from Headquarters the Savannah Branch will transfer to its new quarters. Motion by Harris to have Savannah Agent contact the MoTiile ^Agent in re­ gards to the supposed contraet on run jobs. Motion by J. W. Parker, carried, that a fine be placed against any man who hangs around a company office with port steward and port cap­ tain with the motive of "finding out about replacements on vari­ ous ships. Motion carried to ad­ journ. several Brothers and turned over to trial committee for action. Mo­ tion by Ferdensky, carried, that aU lay-up jobs be considei-ed the same as stand-by and only one be allowed each member imtil all have been given a chance. Under Good and Welfare it was pointed out that SIU men should refrain from riding Yellow Cabs while in New Orleams as they are finks. Agent instructed to take under consideration that the Hall be air-conditioned. Meeting adjourned with 360 members present. 4 4 4 TAMPA—Chairman. Bob HsU. 26060: Recording Secretary. E. R. Smith. 20057: Reading Clerk. R. L. Duke, 143. Motion carried to read only new business of Branches holding regular meetings. Motions car­ ried to accept minutes of other Branches. Agent reported ship­ ping had picked up considerably. Reported that contractor had been called in for estimate on remodeling building. Motion car­ ried to concur in resolution call­ ing committee was elected to check the books, bills and re­ ceipts. Robert Rivera, Guy Whitehui-st and Antonio Cruz c<mstituted the committee. The committee found everything in order and was dismissed with a vote of thanks. Agent reported to men present that reason for quorum lack was due to better shipping during the week. 4 4 4 GALVESTON — Chairman. W. W. Bryant, G-177; Recording Secretary. R. Wilbum, 37737: Reading Clerk. K. Alsop. 7311. Galveston minutes, financial report, .Secretary-Treasurer's re­ port, and Headquarters report read and accepted by member­ ship. Motions carried to accept and file minutes from other ports. One minute of silence for Brothers lost at, sea. Motion carried unanimously to accept resolution calling for opening of SIU HaU in San Francisco. Mo­ tion carried that Galveston Branch buy a new Hall. Motion by McCann that former Boston Agent Mogan, who was defeated in the last general election for office, discontinue his disrupting of Union meetings for the sole purpose of campaigning, and, fur­ ther, that he be brought up on charges of conduct unbecoming a Union member. Motion car­ ried. Good and Welfare: Discus­ sion by the membership relating to the purchase of a new Hall. Meeting adjourned with 225 members present. ing for opening of new Hall on West Coast. Voted unanimously. One minute of silence for Broth­ ers lost at sea. Good and Wel­ fare: Numerous guys hit the deck and had something con­ 4 4 4 structive to say on port activities 4 4 4 NEW ORLEANS — Chairmaxu BOSTON — Chairman. Ray and remodeling. of building. LeRoy Clarke, 23062: Readiag Meeting adjourned with 67 mem­ Quean. 34594: Racording 'Secre­ Clerk. Buck Sleph^is. 76: Re­ ber present. tary. R. E. Gonaales. G-174; cording Secrelary. Herman Trox4 4 4 I Readiag -Clerk. H. Cashman. MOBILE — Chairman. Jeff clair, 6743. 40363. Morrison, 34213: Recording Sec­ Motion carried to accept new Motion carried to accept the business portions of all other retary. C. L. Siringfellow, 125: minutes of all ports.except San Branch meetings. Under Boston Reading Clerks H. J. Fischer, 59. Francisco and to non-concur with New Business: Motion carried Motions carried tb accept min­ that part of the Frisco minutes that port accept Boston New utes of all ports having meetings. concerning charges. Agent re­ Business' but the SecretaryMotion carried to read the West ported on the beef on the SS Treasurer be instructed to have Coast and Great Lakes minutes Marymar, Calmar, which had charges filed against former from the wall. Branch agent's been held up because of a food report given and accepted. Mo­ tion carried unanimously to concim with resolution calling for openiltg of new Hall on West Coast. New Business: Motion by Patterson to instruct the Agent beef. Company agreed to fur­ Motion carried to accept min­ Agent Mogan if the cirewmto buy a new water cooler, sound nish necessary stores. He also utes of all other A&G Branch stances warrant such action. Un­ system and radio—carried ua- reported on the negotiations for meetings. Unanimously adopted der discussion it was brought out animously. Motion carried to ac­ resolution calling for opening of that the membership is damn cept trial committee's report, ex­ new contracts by Headquarters Negotiating Committee. Resolu­ SIU Hall in San Fi'ancisco. Voted tired of this man's dissentioncept in case of A. Richards. Due tion introduced by Thomas Flemspreading actions since being de­ to reinstate Herbert Lassiter up­ to new evidence Brother Rich­ on presentation of proof that feated for office. Agent reported ards wiU be re-tried. Motion car­ ming calling for the issuance of serious illness of both parents affairs of the port as being in ried to adjourn. 239 members books to men transferring from an­ other maritime union, who have necessitated his being at home good order. Agent stressed im­ present. clearance from the 1946 and and taking care of the home'and portance of disregarding ginmill 1947 strikes. Motion by R. E. 4 4 4 family. Agent reported on ac­ rumors concerning a strike and SAN JOAN—Not enough mem­ Gonzales, carried, that this reso­ tivity of Port of" Norfolk during urged all men to get their in­ bers to constitute a quorum so lution be referred to the 1948 past two weeks. Good shipping formation straight from the Unno meeting yras held. An audit- Agents Conference. Resolution has somewhat, relieved backlog]ion Hall. Charges read against ."r. calling- for the opening of an SIU Halbin San Francisco con- ' curred in unanimcmsly. H. Yoimg took the Oath of Obligation. Proposed agreement between SIU and Boston-Provincetowh Company, which owns the Si Steel Pier, a seasonal ship, rati­ fied by membership. Meeting adjourned with 182 memben present. 4 4 4 NEW YORK — Chairman. Charles G. Haymond. 98: Record< ing Secretary, Eddie Parr. 96: Reading Clerk. Robert A. Mat­ thews. 154. All reports and other branch minutes accepted. Motion by Colucci that communication from Seafarer who had been tried in Mobile be sent back to that port for clarification. Once clarifica- ' tion -is received, matter will be reintroduced to membership for action. Motion carried. Resolu­ tion from San Francisco concern­ ing the opening of a new HaU' concuried in unanimously. Res- . olution from Fort Bridger cre'w put, to membership for discus­ sion. Resolution called for the Seafarers to "give all moral, • physical and financial assistance ; possible to any boni-fi.de labor . union embattled with the TaftHartley Law, and the forces be­ hind it, to maintain a Union Hiring Hall and a closed shop." Th€>se who discussed resolution felt it was of g,ood nature, but because it is not specific it puts the. Union in the position of writing a blank check for all unions. Also, due to the fact that the Seafarers has already pledged its support to other labor unions engaged in beefs of an economic nature, it is not necessai-y to reiterate the Union's position. Motion by Sanford that resolution be filed. Motion car­ ried unanimously. Under Good and Welfare several matters dis­ cussed: possible affiliation of MFOWW to SIU, and the neces- • sity of cooperation between dis­ tricts of the International. Meet­ ing adjourned with 1,268 mem-' bers present. Movie Schedule "Second Chorus," a fastsl^^ing hit loaded with music, dance and comedy, and starring Fred Astaire, Paulette Goddard, Burgess Meredith and Artie Shaw and his band. Also "Music In America." a March of Time documentary revealing the births of the tunes pe­ culiar to America. This program will be pre­ sented for the membership on the 3rd deck of the New York Hall tomorrow: SATURDAY. JUNE 26 •at 12 noon. All hands are invited to attend the movie tomorrow and every other Saturday. Enjoy the best available in sound film enteriainmenl —. at no cost — in the comforts of your own Union hall. Watch this space each Fri­ day for the announcement of the following day's prognm. •'lii �Page Eight 10 I - THE SEAFARERS t OG Friday/June 25, 1948 SHIPS' MlNlinS AMD MEWS Afoundria Men Blast Use Of 'Slave Labor' On U.S. Ships In Hamburg THE WHOLE GANG ON ISTHMIAN*S STEEL RECORDER I'i- The Waterman Steamship company, and perhaps other American companies, are using what amounts to German slave labor in Hamburg, in the British zone of Germany, three crewmen from ^ "Shipping is not what it used Waterman's SS Afoundria charge to be, and here is the very ui communications received by ir\ chance to create new jobs. At the LOG. Twenty or more German work­ one time there was a lot of talk ers are brought aboard each ves­ about a four-watch system. If sel and paid about 16 cents a ever we are to have such a sys­ day apiece to paint, chip, scale tem, we will have to stop this i; and sougee. ' The result is that work on American ships by for­ American seamen are out eign labor in foreign ports. money and the Germans, far "The membership of this Union from being "liberated," are should be made aware of the pushed into virtual economic danger there is in 'slave labor.' This may be only a beginning servitude, it was stated. The three Afoundria crewmen, and now is the time to stop it." Stressing the same point fi»om E. Anderson, Johannes Norgaard A good picture .of the Steel Recorder crew sen,^ H. Tillman, R. Herald, D. Reynolds, M. and Jerry Palmer, pointed out another approach. Brother An­ taken at sea while enroute to the Far East. Mayoski. E. Corral, B. F. DeLima, J. Simmons, that the work done by the Ger­ derson said: Shot was submitted to the LOG by Joseph J. Perez and S. Cruz. Third row, standing: mans at coolie' wages could be "The great danger is that let­ Simmons. Kneeling in front, left to right: D. R. Hackes, M. Hinson, H. Cap, G. Woods, J. done by the American seamen ting them (underpaid Germans) Coppolei. E. DeBourbon. V. Mlynek, M. Rod­ Camera, A. Fernandez and H. Applegate. Last themselves at American pay. If do one type of work at those riguez, V. G. Orencio, R. Figueiras, G. M.olnar, row, seated: P. Gerrigan, M. Greenwold and any work was left over, there is wages — namely painting, chip­ C. Peterson. A. Torres and F. Ayson. Second J. Celeste. Send pictures of all your voyages no reason in the world why it ping and scaling—^will lead to row. standing: F. Wegescheide. E. H. Ander­ to the LOG. couldn't be performed by shore- letting them do other types of side union labor in American work. If this .slave labor is allowed to continue, manning ports, they said. At the request of the three scales will be cut down." Brothers from the Afoundria, the Brother Palmer declared that material they submitted has been { Waterman followed this practice turned over to the Negotiajang' of bringing German workers aboard only in the British-con­ Committee. A new species of man-eating shark has been found in Caribbean waters, claims The Afoundria men, analyzing trolled zone. In the Americanthe possible consequences of this' controlled zone, the company is Seafarer Luis Ramirez in a letter to the LOG. Though known to Panamanian fishermen vicious practice, say that it is of. barred from doing it by law, he for some time, Ramirez believes his report of the new shark family is the first to reach a lot more than local concern to said. Palmer stated that the pos- the outside world and the attention of American fish experts. [ifcrews touching at Hamburg. sibUity of a imiversal four-watch The discovery of the alleged new type marine creature was made when crewBrother Norgaard put it this system is dimmed by this ex­ members of. the Arizpa, Japan-;; ploitation of cheap labor. way: bound Waterman ship, hauled port of another new type shark by the LOG to the museum for Iff one aboard from waters near Co­ found off the Bahamas was veri­ study. Maybe, if it is a new lon, Canal Zone, after a furious fied. The snapshots taken by the species, they'U name it the tussle and consulted Panamanian Arizpa crew will be submitted "sharkus marinus arizpus." fishermen for its identification. According to Ramirez, the shark has been seen at frequent "Cut and Run" Hank won't be running this intervals in Caribbean waters 'Brother Edmund since the end of the war in item in column for awhile; 1945. Edgington, the Electrician, just Startling to the Panamanians, blew into town with his mous­ relates Ramirez, > is the fact that tache after a long trip," 'cause some of those taken in tow were Brother Edgington is all' set to about to spawn, yet their teeth keep his feet on dry land for at shoived therh to be only two least twelve months, riding herd years old. A shark adds a new over a power plant for a con­ row of teeth yearly. struction company in Venezuela. Taking an "extended vacation," PANAMIANIAN VERSION as he put it, he'll fly down to The true origin of the sharks Venezuela immediately to super­ is not known. The Panamanians, vise the power plant of an LST however, maintain that the new being used to supply current for species developed from a less port construction* apparatus. belligerent species aroused by eating well-seasoned Spanish After piling off the Knox Vic­ seamen and passengers lost on tory in May after ten months ships hundreds of years ago in aboard, Ed decided to see what the Caribbean. there was to the world besides Chances are that the experts salt water. He found that a on marine life won't accept the construction company needed a EDMUND EDGINGTON Panamanian theory, but it makes Chief Electrician in South Amer­ an interesting tale. ica. The deal sounded like a A veteran in the SlU, Brother good one so he put in for it and COULD BE Edgington joined the SlU at When informed of the Arizpa was hired. After signing a one-year con­ Philadelphia in 1938. During the crew's findings, the Museum of tract with the company he put war he was torpedoed while Natural History in New York his SlU book in retirement, but aboard the SS Carrebi^le, off the stated that it was entirely pos­ that doesn't mean, he's through coast of Puerto Rico. A holder sible that they had found a new sailing. "This deal might be of clearance for all strikes, he species. From the Caribbean re­ Surrounded by fellow crewmen and Panamanian fishermen. good, it might be bad," he said, served on the Norfolk strike gion the museum has received "but 1 intend ^ to keep going committee during the 1946 Gen­ many, reports of new species of Seafarer Bob High kneels by the crew's prize shark and dis­ plays some of the heavy line used in its capture. -Men to sea until they bury me in the eral Strike. When in the States all types of marine life, some of which have been found to be standing are, left to right: A Panamanian fisherman, Anthony briny deep. My book's in re­ Tanski, another fisherman. Bud Benson and "Whitey," Shot tirement but it won't gather he makes his home in Yonkers, true. New York, Only a few months ago a re* taken by Luis Ramirez. much dust there." Arizpa Men Claim To Be First Americans To Spot New Species Of Shark Off Canal Edgington Takes Shore Job, 3ut Union Won't Lose Hint • �Friday. June 25. 1948 THE SEAFARERS LOG Pige Iflne Digested Minutes Of SiU Ship Meetings I JOHN BARTRAM, April 13— ALEXANDER WOOLCOTT. Chairman Bill Hall; Secretary C. • |day 2—Chairman Perez; SecreKowalski. Delegates reported on iary H. Worm. All departments number 6f books and permits. shipshape. ~ Voted to notify New Business: Motion carried Patrolman of Second Mate's that all delegates make up repair neglect of medical care. Minute lists to be turned in at proper of silence for Brothers lost at time. Motion carried that ship's sea. delegate speak to Mobile Port 4. 4. Steward for better toasters and TULANE VICTORY. May 1— mattresses. William McKay Chairman Cox: Recording Secre­ elected ship's delegate. tary Fabricant. Deck reported 60 hours' disputed, 24 of them 4. i 4. EVELYN. May 19 — Chairman blanket overtime. Engine re­ Harry Langen; Secretary George ported 60 hours disputed. Stew­ IME SEAf=A«ERS' HALLS ARE BElMG Swift. Delegates' reports ac­ ards department okay. Motion ARiZPA. May 14 — Chairman cepted. Engine Delegate Willis OUTFITTED WITH ALL KINDS oF OEAR by Brag, seconded and carried that trial committee be elected Bob High; Secretary and Red resigned; William Gorman f=DR YOUR COMFOF5TAA/D ENTEI?TAIli//viEMT to handle allegedly offending Benton. Delegates' reports ac­ elected in his place by acclama WM\L^ You ARE. ON THE BEACH- OAMES^ Brother. Motion by Grebe, sec­ cepted. New Business: Motions tion. Lengthy discussion on re­ carried: to prepare repair list; pairs as ship is due to go to onded and carried that perform­ LIBRARIES, COFFEE POTS, RADIOS, AA/P ers be fined $25, that men miss­ to have ship fumigated; to have shipyard at end of trip. Steward (f IN SO/VIE HALLS^ TEteVlSlOAJ SETS AMD ing payoff be fined $50, all fines ship's delegate and steward explained food spoilage has been check quarters' for cleanliness. caused by ice box operating at going to hospital fund. Vote of thanks to Stewards department. Motion carried to elect a com­ high temperature. One minute ARE YOUR HALLS Minute of silence for departed mittee of four brookmen to of silence for brothers lost at draw up a resolution to be sub­ sea. AND YOUR GEAR — USE TMEM AND Brothers. mitted to Headquarters concern­ TAKE CARE OF THEM ^ ing the replacement of book men when they have accepted trans­ portation money. Benton, John­ ston. Benson and Bunco elected to committee. A vote of thanks to entire stewards department for 4 4 4 ' FRANCES — Chairman George MOSTANK!^ May^S—Chairman a job well done. One minute of E. L. Molina; Recording Secre­ silence for brothers lost at sea. Clark; Recording Secretary Wil­ By HANK liam Janesch. Ship's Delegate 4i 4' 4< tary Jacob Merepelshie. All de­ ALLEGHENY VICTORY. May Clark. Deck Delegate John Lin­ partments shipshape. Stewards This is good news. A drive, sponsored by the joint steamship and Deck showers to be fixed. 16—Chairman John Kari; Secre­ coln. Engine Delegate J. Colon and railroad committee of the New York Maritime Association Hot water to be maintained at tary Lahaderne. Deck and Stew­ and Stewards Delegate Juan will begin this week (it's about time these maritime experts and all times. Foc'sles to be kept ards Departments reported okay. Rivera reported no beefs in de­ millionaires woke up) to secure more cargo for N. Y. because clean. Departments to rotate re­ Engine Delegate reported 200 partments. Voted to make repair of the general shipping slump hitting all ports. A special part sponsibility for recreation room, hours of disputed overtime to be list. Dan Butts gave talk on of this campaign will be to get ECA shipments which are ex­ week by week. Minute of silence held for Patrolman. New Busi­ strike technique. Discussion of pected to begin flowing soon to Europe due to financial appro­ ness: Brother Smith, referring to Arroyo beef. ^ater to be for Brothers lost at sea. priations allowed by the Washington politicians... If this Marshall charges in previous meeting ac­ checked and tanks cleaned in SEATRAIN NEW YORK—May Plan didn't exist it seems we would have permanently large un­ cusing him of carrying tales top­ New York. All crewmen to. be 19—Chairman R.. Sweeney; Sec­ employment for the seamen and hardly any merchant marine at side, insisted that he be brought preserit at next regular meeting retary C. Goldstein. New Busi­ all... Over in England thousands of longshoremen struck and up. on charges or minutes be cor­ in San Juan or pay five dollar ness: Motion carried that Seaover 200 ships are tied up. train Lines and the SIU be in­ rected. Ship's Delegate stated fines to hospitals. Minute of formed that the new bunks be­ that issue is personal and not silence for brothers lost at sea. 4 4 4 ing installed are very unsatisfac­ ship's business. Vote taken and Recently we read there are 100.000 active American seamen tory., Motion carried that the by unanimous agreement the MARINA. Mar. 30 — Chairman as of April 1948. The news item, which further revealed how company have keys made for minutes were changed. Ship's William Elliot; Recording Secre­ this nation and the world vitally depends on our disgracefully each foc'sle. Brother Woods Delegate told crew that voyage tary Andrew Newsad. Depart­ small merchant marine, didn't mention however the big un­ elected Deck Delegate. Good has been good, but company has ment delegates said there were employment hitting the seamen or the way they are being de­ and Welfare: Brother Thompson taken advantage of the one hour no beefs at aU. List of repairs suggested imder Good and Wel­ nied weekly unemployment payments because of ridiculous voiced thanks to the membership sailing rule. fare. Elected Edward Shields to interference by the shipowners. Since the shipowners are for helping to keep the laundry serve as Ship's Delegate. Messacting in this cheap , and cowardly manner and since all clean. Good and Welfare: Sev­ hall to be kept clean with de­ sailors can't be on the ships at one time, the only solution eral brothers expressed their partments rotating responsibility is to double the manning scales for all ships—which is a opinions of twa brothers who for recreation room. Vote of necessary factor in safely and efficiently operating the ships, walked off the ship without se­ thanks to Cooks for excellent anyway. curing ^placements. One min­ food. Suggested that more books ute of silence for brothers lost be obtained. Keep everybody at sea. but crews out of passageways. it 4i Brother Joe Barringer has been in town two weeks now and. Minute of silence for Brothers ROBIN DONCASTER. May 19 hopes all those ships repair their leaks and sail into port sO' lost at sea. —Chairman D. Stone; Secretary there'll be jobs...Vic Milazzo, the Steward, just stopped intO' M. Miles. New Business; Motion 4 4 4 town to say hullo to the boys before sailing into the Boston 4 4 S by Wargo that crew not to pay MARINJ»;. AprU 24—Chairman STEEL RECORDER. May 16— hospital. Vic recently finished a four month trip on a tanker off until a patrolman comes W. Elliot; Secretary Andrew Chairman George Molnar; Sec­ hitting Far East and Persian Gulf ports. Anyway, congratulations, aboard. Motion by Miles that Newsad. Delegates reported no retary Joseph Simmons. Depart­ Vic, and a smooth, voyage of matrimony. Don't raise too many" any charges against a crewmem- beefs. Robert Goodwin elected ments' shipshape. Molnar gave chickens on that Georgia peach farm of yours... Big "Dutch" ber not be discussed at the meet­ ship's delegate. Suggestions made talk on cooperation aboard ship Bolz says he just seen his shipmate, Pete McCoskey, the "Irish ing but be referred through the that men bejnore quiet when re­ SIU style, working rules and the Pollock" also on the beach... Leon "Chink" White just sailed delegates to the boarding patrol­ turning from ashore. Sugges­ Taft-Hartley Act. Too many into town from a long Far East trip... From Brother Jack man. List of repairs made up tion that mess and recreation dishes being lost.. Asked new Dietrich, fireman watertender, aboard the Robin ship. Marine «md approved. One minute of room be kept cleaner. percolator for P.O. mess. Min­ Arrow, we received a scenic postcard of Basutoland, somewhere ute of silence for Brothers lost at in Africa. How's things ashore for a sailor, Jack? Did you pick silence for brothers lost at sea. 4 4' 41 sea. up any LOGS? How about a story? SEA TRADER. May 7—Chair­ man Ralph Hampson: Recording Secretary Roy Tompkins. Elected William W. Moore to be Ship's Plenty of oldtimers in town: E. Robinson. J. Aguiar, Stew­ Delegate. Voted various repairs ard A. Gomes. J. Garcia. J. Masonsong, S. Yodris. Frank Burns. 4. 4. 4> CAPE SAN DIEGO. May 9— and cleaning operations to put G. Rourke. Steward J. P. Doran. C. Patraiker. E. Blaha. S. 4 4 4 Chairman H .Clemmens; Secre­ ship in real SIU shape. Cruz. G. Aronson. Bosun J. Gates, F. Martins. J. Downie. STEEL INVENTOR. April 18— tary A- Tremar. Deck and Stew­ 4 4 4 E. C. House. Bosun T. Cepreano. F. Palume. M. Arroyo. A. Chairman H. Arlinghaus: Record­ SEA TRADER. May 16— ards Delegates reported disputed Caligiura. J. Sotomayor. V. Strong. J. C. Mclntyre. R. E. overtime. Engine Delegate re­ Chairman Syphet; ' Recording ing Secretary E .F. Potts. Stew­ Lanoue. E. Ekiund. Steward J. Lomas. A. Partmen. H. M. ported all smooth. New Busi­ Secretary Tompkins. Voted for ards Delegate, Engine Delegate |Kbinson. W. McClure- and A. P. Hannan. ness: Motion by C. Terry that fresh milk and other stores in reported no beefs in depart­ crew refrain from wearing only first U. S. or Canadian port. Deck ments. Elected Steve Shack t underclothing in the messhall; Delegate Rydon said not more be Ship's Delegate. Two Can Also T. Shavaham, S. Bosmente, G. W. Johnson, N. Joseph, tropical shorts are okey. Discus­ than one set of gear to be raised adian seamen taken aboard in" H. V. Nielsen, R. De Fretes, V. Remolar, C. Murray, jE- Cantin, emergency believed to be okay sion on officers' interpretations of or lowered without calling watch H. Dirt, C. Berg, N. L. Mark, H. Wilson, E. R. Crowell, A. Schiadespite fact they're now non­ below. Engine Delegate Tomp­ the agreement, especially part vone, M. Soto, A. Swenson, J. Barron, J. Stickney, G. Ledson, A. union. Messman placed pro­ kins and Stewards Delegate concerning "work done by per­ Montemarano, N. Clifton, Carmelo Melendez and M. J. Feeheney sons other than the unlicensed Hampson reported all was well. bation for singing to .Captain. ,.. There are many more, too, of the oldtimers on our New York personnel." Crew agreed to Will ask for Ass't Electrician. Messhall to be kept clean. Min­ beach. It sure looks like a convention of some kind. A convention send cable to Secretary-Treasurer Repair list'• made. Minutq of ute of silence for Brothers lost waiting for ships that pass up New York in the night, it seems. silence for brothers lost at sea. at"sea. for action on officers. ATBASe, CUT and RUN , , • n �Cat, Bird, Fire, Typhoon Put Hex On Jackson, But Crew Is Chipper To the Editor: could gure the cat with his super-duper formula. The trusting passenger en­ trusted "Muffy" to his care and treatment. He got a gallon of Pinetex disinfectant and poured it in a bucket. The Sgcond Mate grabbed "Muffy" and dunked him a few times in the strong solution. Yes, fellows, it killed the mange and "Muffy" too. Once more the ship's- delegate was called and after a parley "Muffy" was buried at sea with full honors for a dead cat. Things w<ire peaceful for a few more days. Then, just as we arrived in Manila, someone Who said you can't have a good- time on" SIU ships? That guy should take a trip on the Andrew Jackson, Waterman, and see for himself. All we need to make this trip more historical than the Atomic Bomb is the bomb itself, and it wouldn't even be noticed on board this ship. - The trip started March 4th in New York. Right off Ambrose Light' we cut through a tow of bargeSi That put the Indian Sign on us. Later, coming down the Mississippi, our plant went dead. Oh boy! General Alarm. Drop that hook. One hour under way again, then a fog. Drop the anchor again. This tinie we sat there for three days. The Chief Mate loaded with 3.2-.so the Captain had to secure the hook. "Okay," he said, "Mate, you're fired in I%nama." He's still aboard, how­ ever, making it tough for Union men. One Bosun quit in New Orleans because of him. We spent two days in Cristobal for repairs, then through the Canal. Oh brothers, did he get cocky when we left Balboa. shouted "fire." A real blaze it Nearing Honolulu,. Les Pag- was. In the tonnage hatch aft n.ette, SUP, started up to the bow a couple himdred tons of red to go on lookout. Five minutes phosphorus and sulphur, both later he reported to the bridge, used for making matches, were "Mate, I can't get up on the blazing like mad. bow. There's a big bird up What a time we had. Every thfere with a big beak and he one walking around the decks looks vicious." got sulphur on his feet and every step taken was like striking a SCRATCH ONE BIRD match. -We put the fire out after Pagnette came aft and called a hectic battle, but the Manila Ship's Delegate Joe Wise. Up to fire fighters took all the credit the bow they went and with onfe in the newspapers. They got mighty swing with a deck scrub­ there just in time to save the ber over the side went the bird. cellar. After that Pagnette stood his BOOM BOOMED watch with the scrubber, looking The Bosun went to the hospi­ for lights ahead and anything tal in Hong Kong as a result -of with feathers and a big beak. Everything went along fine his fire biurns. Same time the u^tU. three days out of Manila. jumbo boom got tired of stand­ That .fine day a passenger's cat, ing up straight and came tumbl­ by name, came down ing down on the deck cargo. No­ w4th the mange. Our big shot body hurt, however. On we go to Yokohama. Half Chief IJJate told the passenger he ON THE 'BAUXITE TRAIL' Here are some of the Seafarers who helped keep MV Loop Knot ship-shape on recent run (left to right): R. Rendjergasb Oiler: J. James< Elec.; J. Petkac, DMi S. Felicko. OS: AlUard. Oilen E. Kelly, MM: P. Nash, Wiper, and D. Letoikmeau, NCR (catching forty in the corner). SOUP MUST BE GOOD ON THE SHOUP speed ahead and down goes the anchor. Full speed aateim. "Nice shackles in the water, sir." Wind­ lass pulled up from the deck, steam line brtfiten, so we rigged four booms and lowered a man to take a bite. No luck. Thirtysix hours later we cut loose and a tug took over our place at anchor. So on to Yokohoma went the great Andrew Jackson with one hook. Five days in the shipyard and we were ready to go again. That's all for now except for the uninteresting fact that we are now being chased by a 65mile an hour typhoon. Outside of that everything is very peace­ ful on the Jackson. Cheer up, mates. We still have 9,060 miles to go and so to New York. One good trip and clean payoff—minor beefs, of course. Can't wait for that payoff, but we will probably hear ourselves saying, "When do we leave for the Far East aagin?" The Crew Andrew Jackson Send Those Minutes • Send in the minutes of your ship's meeting to the New York HalL Only in that way can the memhership act on your recommendations, and then Nie minutes can be printed in the LOG for the benefit of all other SIU crews. Just to give LOG readers a graphic view of a wellstocked chow stowage unit, C. H. Dobbins (left) proudly dis­ plays his ample waistline, while Bosun Barrett good-naturedly admits his middle is just a poor second. Donald C. Renfro, a shipmate of Dobbins and Barrett aboard the SS Paul Shoup, took this photo when vessel wut on West Coast recently. He reports that Shoup men are "the best crew I ever sailed with—all Union and a good bunch of guys." 'J-o^ - 'The Norfolk Queen' By JAMES P. CONROY Of all the demented men I've seen. The worst of the lot was he— The man who ran the "Norfolk Queen," From Yofk to ApolL From the helmsman's hand he grasped the wheel/ • ^ Still crying, quite insane: "I'll'Steer to land, to rest my keel, Yoir blasted hurricane." "Captain WijUard" was the name. With thirty years off sfiore: Tame whene'er the sea vres tame. When 'twas angry, he was more. When the rocks are but a mile away. When the surf is heard so strong, 'Tis not a sailor's right to say. His skipper has done a wrong. Look out was upon the bridge. The night we met the gale: I stood upon the open ridge. Midst the rising wind's loud wail. As the laughing seas roar o'er the bow. As the cold winds lash your face# You can but stand and wonder how. Your ship cati stand the pace. The Skipper from the wheelhouse gased. Crying curses at the storm, I could as well have curses phrased. If I had been as warm. Like flowers torn from their stems. Ships are cast on land: * No wonder when, as childish whims. By vrazy men they're manned. a "Damn you wind," the Captain swore. "Damn your weakling sea, "You'll have to stir 'em up some more. "To slop the likes of me." I didn't see it happen, For the wind had" bent my chest, I could hear the timbers snappin' 'As though in vaip protest. The seas were roaring o'er the hatch. Sweeping boards off steady. And feats that seas could never match. The wind had done already. I could hear the Captain's laughter, X could hear the Captain's-scream. Yet whate'er did: come after, I know .but as a dream. The skipper didn't slacken speed, . He had it up full blast. Yea, every time the trough we freed, I thought it was our last. On a barren beach they found me, . They say they saw no more. The rest are surely in the sea. For they searched all breadth of shore. Into the sea h,e drove.'er Shrieking loud up to the wind: "in not give in to you, "I'll fight you to the No mere shall sail the "Norfolk 'Queen," Upon warm Apoli's swell: "Captain Willard" has a warmer scene, 'Midst behorned mates in Helh : ' / -Si-':'-- " '' ' . --5 " 'ii, • r i , \ • I'.' ; �Friday, June 2S. 1948 THE What Happened To Our Red Shouldn't Happen To A Dog SEAFARERS LOG Commie Bid For Waterfront Unity Seen As Plot ^To Save Their Skins' To the Editor: To the Editor: Page Eleven I note the despairing howls being rmsed by the Masters of Hocus Pocus in control of the NMU. Stalin's Comintern agents are now calling for "unity with the AFL maritime unions" to de­ feat reaction, which they have brought on themselves (and re­ action it undoubtedly is). has poisoned the air surrounding the maritime industry for a dec­ ade. These are the voices, which now call for "unity with the AFL maritime unions" to save their rotten necks from the re­ sults of their own blunders made in the service of political ex­ pediency serving a foreign mas­ ter. At no time did they serve the cause of the American sea­ men and genuine American un­ ionism— and they don't now. they so guess it, holes of America directed glibly boasted? You brothers—down the ratComintern activities in over CP-inspired and hot-air programs, j Sometime last April the SS Fairport left New York for the Med. In nine days we passed the "Rock." That's the first Water­ man ship I've been on that passed anything. We had a rare set Do you recall the political ac­ of passengers aboard—'opera singers. One of the girls could hit tion committee that was to re- ; a note so high that it could only be heard by a tall dog. form the world in the image We also had a basso-profundo, and believe me, nobody was and likeness of holy Russia? toiore profunda than this basso. And did this guy get seasick! How much did that cost? How He threw so much over the side the sea-gulls made him an many party shuli-duggerers honorary colonel. On the way over he ate so much rice he used were kept on /the payrolls for. to wake up in the middle' of the night singing "Chinatown." It years, dishing out the "line?", But think awhile and look was interesting to note that this Italian in the "36" Olympics And how many were seamen or back on the record of the years. icame in third in grape-treading. I also noticed this trip Water­ This is the scabrous crew of related to the industry? man is going all out for advertising—;the alphabet soup contains Who collaborated with the ship­ parasites riding on the seamen's Yes, Unity—the unity of all: owners and drove all who did backs, who call for unity of nothing but "Ws." American seamen behind the' not approve into the 99-year honest workers to save their EYE-OPENER American concept unions and ^ i Our first port was Genoa. Here the gang dug in at the club? Who boasted through the skins. As treacherous a bunch of leaderships to hold and better" years of the mighty power that political rogues as ever disgraced our conditions and fight fascism "Chokabanana." The joint feaAmerican labor! >!tures oysters on the half-shell of the red type as well as the • is the NMU and of their econ­ (actually they're eye-balls left black or brown. Let the saviours' omic power—not to speak of UNITY UNDER AFL CH0«C6-Aover from the battles of the of Teheran and the Yalta con- ; their political drag - in Washing­ e/w/AMA6pTS/ Unity there will be, unity night before). They also spe­ ference fry their own fish. They ton during the open door class Its oipx&s! cialize in two kinds of meat— collaboration policies under the there must be but unity behind have sounded off long enough, the AFL unions and leadership. too long. dead or alive. If you take a "Stalin is our brother" theory? Bandwich out, it's cut so bad Who insulted the AFL unions NEW BOY they don't wrap it—they band­ continuously and heaped con­ age it. However, in all cases the Now it's Wallace that is their" tumely on the members and customers are given preference darling. He will solve all the officials of these unions? Their l^'tover the roaches. problems of the world. Funny viper words ring in my ears yet. Next Trieste. Tony's Place is how those apes forget the prob­ Who secretly exulted when some a modern five floor sewer. But lems of the industry and must, cracked un-American brain what a dance floor—genuine wood. It's kinda small though. One always follow a godhead under painted hammers and sickles on crowded night a girl fainted and had to finish a tango and waltz orders. Have they no mind of American ships and even raised before she could fall. On the last night I danced cheek to cheek their own? How they love de­ red flags? all night—with the girl behind me. The latest I heard was they're mocracy when they crave t© Do you remember the marches enlarging the floor to accommodate one complete couple. destroy it. And how they shoot On to Piraeus! After four trips here I finally saw the Ac­ through the streets of New York the democrats in the name of ropolis. Was I surprised—it isn't a restaurant after all. Since the and those alien-minded Stalin dictatorship afterwards. It's the last time 1 was here "John Bull" made his place wider—he took stooges yelling themselves hoarse same bunch, boys, the same who down the wallpaper. Here you can always find a crowd of about with shouts of "The Yanks Ain't The members of the NMU have are now shrieking for unity with Coming" and "Let God Save either left that political circus the AFL Unions after 10 years 60 odd people—some are odder than others. The King?" I do, and my stom­ or have paid the price for the of much raking and boasting. LEARNS FAST ach turns. glorified gum-beating, which Now they are caught in a trap Two days later—Turkey. In a short time I picked up a few they called leadership. They of their own making. CHANGED TUNES words of the language, and I quote, "gobble-gobble." One day have paid the price in expul­ I went to Derence. The town is one mile above sea-level—two Yes, we will have unity—^but Do you recall the day Hitler's sions -if they spoke as free men miles too high. The surrounding waters abound in jelly-fish, with whom? Think hard and act, hordes marched across the Rus­ in a free nation, or by cut-rate including apple, plum, peach, and cherry. The local light company wisely. This is no time to. go sian border and these wolves sell-out contracts if silent. consists of five ^-watt bulbs and one dry-cell fprobably left over off half-cocked. were calight with their political Where is the vaunted strength? from the new jail). pants down. "The Yanks Can't Where are the millions of dollars Wandering Seafarer Time staggers on to GuLfport, Miss.—so much better than Get There Fa^t Enough" and Derence. They've got nine 3-watt bulbs here. Rocketing out of "Open the Second Front" result­ here I went to New Orleans for a north bound train. Some train— ed. • if you think the Virginia Creeper is a flower you're mistaken— Yes, the same Ferdy the Fink it's a railroad. This one is so slow the cows wear train-catchers. While passing through Alabama I reached out the window and was leading the parades and picked a bale of cotton. The conductor should've been a cowboy— through his party ghostwriter was doing the bidding of his he had a ten gallon head. .want very much to keep in touch''' Finally New York—I see my picture was in a recent "LOG." masters, while the NMU suffered To the Editor: with you and your work... ^ The 6th floor reports an 80% decrease in donations. I warned 1 by cut-rate contracts. That mis... We've been following ypur Did you ever get a review • them. Any other insults can be sent to me c/o the South St. ] erable Comintern hack grafted reviews of our books with concopy modern translation by the party on the NMU as ., ^ , u v, -^^.7 of — our -v.- ...— Towers where I'm resting after ONE ROUND TRIP. Pilot Editor Lowell Chamberlain ''«™,ol 'The Odyssey? It has been ^ "Red" Campbell most impressed with the job you ve been doing. your membership might particuTHHY PAID OFF IN SOUND, SIU STYLE I think you succeed unusually larly like it. (Ed. note: "Th© ^ well in conveying in a few ^ Odyssey" was reviewed in the words the character and the LQC of June 11. 1948.) I'll .send - " quality of the books steering a you a copy, along with some, true course between the self- of the other recent Signets and consciously literary and the sort, Mentors — including "About the of "writing down" that some re- Kinsey Report: Observations by viewers indulge in. In other n Experts on 'Sexual Behavior words, I think you do an honest in the Human Male'." job for honest men ... WANT SUGGESTIONS That's the kind of job we try to do in selecting the books for We're always open to sugges­ publication under Our imprint, tions for new titles to be added and our belief in the good taste to our list. If you, or if crew*of our fellows has been borne members of any of the ships, out by the popularity of books|I would VVV....V. like to submit lists of formerly considered "^ighbrow. books they'd like to see issued at 25 cents and 35 cents, we'd BOOKS IMPORTANT find them helpful, I know. . The digested notes of the Arabel J. Porter minutes of the SS John Miller Associate Editor particularly pleased me, for tl/ey Penguin Signet certainly give good indication Books and Pelican ... that books are an important Mentor Books part of the lives of the men at sea. (Ed. note: The crew of the (Ed. Note: What do you Miller' suggested that individual want to read? Here's a chance members of crews bring aboard to get it between covers in several pocketsize books apiece handy pocket size for the askCarson sailed again for Italy June 7. No iden­ - Black Gang aboard the SS William Carson, a for the benefit of all.) ing. The LOG will forward tification accompanied photo, which was taken South Atlantic scow, that paid off in Charles­ We shall certainljr-^ntinue to any suggeitions received frons during first part of voyage. Tell us who you ton on June 4. Payoff -was reported as "a real send you review "copies, and do| Seafarers.. are when you send pictures. SIU job." thanks to a capable SIU crew. The Publisher Praises Reviews, Seeks Members' Title Tips <1 �• ifl Page Twelve T H'B^ S BJ'F^R B its ta C Friday. June 25. 1848 At Roots Port Baltimore 'AFL Jowmeyiiiaii' Mates. Grey Hair, Says Sounds Beef, Gets Clarification Of Bosuns' The Duke To the Eklltor: I've been sailing Bosun five years, but I couldn't get this Here are a few lines from the Mate to give me the right over­ SS Thomas Cresap which is hell-ship of the Isthmian line. time. In a whole monib L ha\ce;' We are in Port. Said, now, and gotten only 23 hours, If that we have had three shipboard became the general practice why. rneetings coming across. The first would a man ever sail Bosun?^ two were necessarily shorti but. He might as well be an- OS on at the last; one on May.- 2A we the 4-8 watch. really covered a, lot. of, gpound We'll be back in October. Duke Himler including a lot of discussion of gpod Unionism. The Black Gang,. Delegate, call him "Lefty," is., right on his toes- The Stewards Delegate is doing fine and so. is the Deck Delegate. I happen, to be the Ship's Delegate, and make out the .best I can. ALMIGHTY It- seems that the Master thinks he is God Almighty with Tp, the Editor;, the power- and, authority to Mtembers of the SUP ah Pbrt'- -' scratch- oute overtime at will. As land-, Ore-., were on hand' durmgia result: there's a. Ijit; ofc over­ the- Rose Festival to-- - prcsent-' time in dispute. The Patrolmen Queen Barbara I, of Rosarij^ ; will' have to take it- from there. with- an engraved shipfs bellj ' The Mate waa a little hard' to given- her by the Catholic Mari- • get along with in the beginning time- Club at the occasion of its, but he is coming along fine now­ formal opening- June 12; adays.. In this connection, let me A representative group of sear say that I have read those ar­ men- greeted the diminutive ticles-. in the LOG called "Why queen" and her court of lovely= > Bosuns Get Grey Hair," and that princesses and, Royal Rosarians I know why: it's the Mates a and escorted them through the rooms of the new club, which« Bosun has to cope with. s open to merchant seamen- ok' all creeds and nations The clubi located at 512 West Burnisde—just a few blocks west of the Union Hall^—offers rec­ reational facilities, sucht as pingpong and pool. There are read-. ing and -writing rooms, wellstocked with magazines and" writing materials. There's a juke box that doesn't eat nickels, a piano, radio and room to dance. A snack bar offers coffee, sand- . wiches, soft drinks and soups^ One of the outstanding features. of the club is its shower room and laundry. ' John P. Curry, director of the" new club, was among the spon-. sors present to welcome seamen and encourage them to make use. of the facilities available and to enjoy the homelike atmosphere. of the Catholic Maritime Club of Portland. L Ht Pepper Book No. 3161 . To Ihe Editor: sult that many men will, speed' restricted to that port. Last I am a Baltimore AFL mem­ to that port at great expense, waokt Nowv Yrorki shipping- was headlined as. at a. "standstilL" ber, who has lived and worked and then discover that they Mobile was reported slow. must hang around the beach in the Locust Point section of the Savannah, likewise. Surely, for a long while before being, ^Baltimore waterfront for 35 ''AFL Journeyman" should notable to ship out. Although years. I see the LOG every ooneiden repocti of' slow ship^ Baltimore ships a great number week. It's not right but I can see of men, she also has consider­ Rtngc a rea«»:tiQih on^ his; city. J •At any rate„ the SIU. is. pxpud," Why you birds in New York able manpower on the beach. of the role played by the. Port That shipping should be re­ boost that port but, I'm d d of Baltimore and shares with ported as "slow" in Baltimore if I can see why your Baltimoce the brother his respect for that is no reflection on thai city Agent runs down the city that great pori cijiy» and such a descripticm is n>t gives him a living. It certainly looks as if the SIU and the LOG~ are doing their d dest to be­ IN SOUP AND SUN ON TOE RECQSimC little the city and Port of Balti­ more. But your own scorebox. makes a liar out of you. and; Itentz. '-yf. Every week Baltimore is a close second to New York, with your favorite port of Philly at the bottom. This week New York shipped 189 and Baltimore 207 in the Deck Department, The wonder port of Philly shipped. 59i The totals are: New York—640, Baltimore—469, and Philadelphia —192. I'm AFL but if the SIU doesn't think anymore of my hometown and the port that feeds my family, I'll d d well see to.it that my local goes slow in back­ ing you the next time you have a beef. S, i, i, "AFL Journeyman" Digging its way through the (Ed. Note: The LOG gen­ erally does not publish letters Mississippi fog, . Isthmian'sSteel Rscordex- passea. close te not bearing the name of the sender. In this case, however, two other SlU-manned vessels, we are waiving the rule so that; the SS- Del Albat at the right, we may clear up our AFL, and; an unidmitified SealraiUi brother's misunderstanding.. Si 4" t First, let us state emphatir cally that the SIU regards At- right;—Joe Simmons, SeaBaltimore as one of the na­ faxCT- responsible for the foggy, tion's major ports—certainly foggy picture is flanked- by- fel^ one of the most active on the low- Steel Recordmv crewmen. East Coast. Baltimore's tradi­ At left is Benny D^ina, Wiper tion as a port city ranks it and: on; the righb Chips. Weges? with the great ports of the cheide> Carpenten In. a note ac­ world, and for her admirable companying the pictures. Bro­ record of solidarity among ther Simmons suggested a ' AFL unions she stands second word of thanks to- the- organ­ to none. The LOG has on izers for getting ships like this ri; many occasions emphasized Isthmian C-T; under contract. this fact. % % ^ As for Baltimore's shipping I ;!? • record, it is generally recogr nized as top-ranking. Although; it stands high — even in this period of slow shipping— Mbtbfei; Baltimore is shipping- fewer To the Editor: ta think it- over before we were| The^ hadi» few performers Great Admirer of Union men than- she does lutder quite-out-of-port-and-we-let-th««-j but- they- seen- got- theii«- walkinf- To the Ediior: Here's a few lines from the off with little delay. normal conditions. It. is fox papers. Wa are alf anxious to that- reason that Agent Curly men on; the Monroe making the Some of the boys are nuts get into, port again and see the I would appreciate it very Rentz—who, for the record, is Sugar Run between the continent; about; the- islmi^ aiwfe aonwe fhft hi^htgi muidjv if youj would mail' the of Baltimore's, biggest and Puerto Rico. Some of the natuws; are- nut» tp^ my. moth©; whose adonfe oft ih Wb'lii sign: now witJh a JkQGr t£h boosters—uses care in, repprt- boy sure seem to enjoy this I: hewe hHied ouf on- the iord'. thwjJss to. the- diflfenroh ifhrm: entdpflftd on job activityc in his run. and seem to enjoy every •joimem im the: pontfr who; ^ I port.' He does not want- to product of the sugar cane also. is an very great jwaya mana^ to, ^ the- ifttesh kdflwsenmothanThi& ship is a nice seagoing encourage over-optimism . by of? the and; the> work |L0€fe- to us as- aeoife as wo hih if ifti^inB; Qhtalmng: saying; jobs axe- very pleatiful vessel. She sits like a duck in the presfiORh when they're not, wlthi the re­ the water and just floats ^along. enfe-day condfUems fbr- seamen-. |S-r Another of A. H. Bull's old gals. Bm: Jordan Qxow of: Utft) We have a nice bunch aboard iWARN^ SEAFARERS and all' try to pull together like GYP ARTIST' good; Union brothor-s. We are QJS. WEST COAST all paying our- new assessments with pleasure for we know that To the Editor: it is an insurance for our future ^•^East December in Longbeach> and- our Union's future as well. SISAiAlKjPS HCICb imr tie wiQklif,, a, salesman came aboard Here is. a- word of prai-se for iiopft Jli% IW jpst the vesaeb I was on and. offered; our Stewards Department which 'a three-year subscription to Life is doing a fine job in keeping magazine for $11. As a gift, sub­ the boys contended and the belts scribers- were promised a foun­ strdining at the seams. Our .: tain pen and a Webster diction­ Chief- Steward' Jim Grant, is a ary; real Union man and is all out to miMhi iim mmc QM bound This was a fraud: I never got please everyone. His tables are s«r mm tm aix ^ t ^ the, pen nor the dictionary and aiwiys' laden "witr" go^^^^ vm van oH 9m my family never received; the ^im and the cooperamagazixie. gives out- with a blB smilV tion cff-" his department-. So. remember., whern in Long AH Seafarers who wisbt to sat up? a. ^isnaoent; file® ^ whaa hisr poih they're. CHANGi© THEJR. MIIJP, Beaoh, San Pedro, or Wilmingr iishingf, AH, nwdB In-. 'wieb sfc minimiirn* ofi efibuh sfieukl act proa^oty:. TM ^ ton,, Calif., don't lefc that guy On. our Jaat two departuxes Igge vdth the WBl»r„ lus» BaRRY take you over. , from. Ponce:; we had. some stow­ says he's a sure hAt> tp. a. Abound volmnes may be purchasedVat tbe Headquarters Henry de Ruyier aways aboard but they seemed Seafarer In a few years. baggage room, 4th floor, J1 Beaver Street, New York City, y Doc Pepp^ TeHs Of Kcw: Coast Club i- Sugar Runners A Gang Cki Mimroe laPlf MHH U|g|S mm WBBKm �Page Thixieen .Friday, June 2b, 1S4» FROM A FLORIDA CREWMAN*S mETCmBOOK rfT': • Crew Of Edm<»it 'Credit To SIU:' Mate AB; M. Ekman, AB; L. Atkins, OS; A. Lutaves, OS, and W. It gives me a lot of pleasure Vogel, OS. to write this letter to tell you what a fine crdw I have had this trip. Led by A. A. Smith, as good, or better than any Bosun I've seen either before, during ' or To the Editor: since the war, the whole Deck I want to thank you for the Gang has done an exceedingly nice spread you gave my ar­ ticle, "The Old Days and the good job. New," in the LOG of June 4, The ship doesn't quite look and for the excellent work and like a yacht yet, as this trip editing of another article of mine has been too short. Another trip you published last January. or two like this one, however, I have been a seaman and tmand she will. ion man for 25 years and catai The men I now have are a truthfully say that the LOG is great credit to the SIU. The the finest trade journal I have more crews like this one the ever read. It is free and clean SIU sends aboard ships, the of politics and biases and is more prestige both the Union strictly for the membership and and the whole U.S. merchant their welfare. It could well put marine will gain. some of the large daily sheets Let's have more like them on to shame ... „ all our ships! It also brings the SIU mem­ bers together. The LOG keeps Richard Emerson. the membership posted on all Chief Mate current events and if they read SS Cape Edmont, it diligently there is no reason Alcoa SS Co. why they shouldn't be posted at, P.S.: The crewmembers are: all times on Union activities. A. A. Smith, Bosun; E. KounAugustus Cottrell darakis, DM; L. Kirkland, AB; (Ed. Note: CottrelTs articles R. Tyssey, AB; J. Ha wee, AB; will appear in the LOG from J. P. Mastin, AB; F. Harshorn, time to time.) To the Editor: Calls Log 'Finest Trade Journar Some aspects of -life aboard the Florida, as seen by Seaf&rer Emigdio Reyes. Shipboard life Is Rugged As SS Florida Resumes Havana Run, Crewman Declares fFo the Editor: The SS Florida is back from drydock and is making its over­ night milk run to Havana iregularly. The portside screw •was replaced, and the 100-passenger deck was air conditioned —BUT the crewmembers still jroast in their quarters. • The -room waftSTs, after a twoWeek rest, are raring to go on the grind again. Calling it a "fgrind" is no exaggeration. • It's baggage Une from 4:30 p.m. until sailing time. Tables must lae set before the dining room is thrown open to a rushing crowd of tourists who actually fight their way to the best tables. 'After that there's no rest for the 'waiters until nine and sometimes To o'clock. WORST TO COME . - In the morning, out of the hot sack you go at 6:00 a.m. to have the dining room ready at 6:30, You serve breakfast until 8:00 or later. Usually there are still passengers in the dining room long after the ship has docked. You're only beginning the day's work. The worst is yet to come. Rushing out of the dining room you take the baggage of 20 : or 30 passengers ta the dock. ; When all your passenger's bag­ gage has been examined by an unorganized bunch of Havana customs inspectors, you trudge back to your quarters in a bad mood. To make things worse, the chances are the tips have not been what you expected. After cleaning, sweeping, mop­ ping, polishing brass and making 30 berths in 10 staterooms, you can call yourself a free ^oul until 4:30 p.m.. When the same routine starts all-over again. The need of a Hall in Miami is becoming more apparent each trip. On this first trip after drydock, six room waiters were laid off in the most unofthodox man­ ner. They had signed off when the ship left for drydock. When they went to sign on with the rest of the crew, the Purser just didn't allow them to—by order of P & O's Port Steward. The Ship's Delegate was un­ able to do anything, his hands were tied. Now the Tampa Hall has plenty of troubles of its own, so it is bound to be a whole week before the Patrolman will get here. Meanwhile, we are sailing short. In other words, the company took a sock at the crew and nothing can be done about it but sit around and wait because there is no Hall in Miami. OTHER INSTANCE There is another instance that shows the need of a Hall in Miami. This was when a crew Messman was transferred to the rating of Bellman. A few weeks ago, 2,822 voted to stop such promotions, with only 278 favoring them. The winning referendum was plainly printed in the LOG: "No man may be promoted or allowed to transfer from one job to another on board ship except in case of extreme emergency." In this case there was no emer ;/ency. The Messman had bis shipping ticket given to him by the Ship's Delegate two weeks before transferring—at the same time that the relief Bellman signed off. There were bookmen on the beach here and more in the Hall in Tampa. Besides, that same day those six men had been laid off as waiters, any one of whom could have used the job as Bell­ man. Upon a mild protest, the Ship's Delegate .stated that the Tampa Agent had .authorized -him to make the change because it "was not considered a promotion." SO STATED Perhaps it is not a promotion— oh the base pay. But it is a change of job, and some of us believe it is a violation Of the new shipping rules. Some of us voted against the whole idea of promotion and transfer of jobs aboard ship. That was'the way it was printed on the ballot we used for voting. It was so stated in the LOG when the amendments to the shipping rules were published. Neither a'delegate nor any SIU Hail is authorized to modify the result of a referendum until so authorized by a new vote. It was to abolish just such changes that-the new amendment was adopted. So far as we on the Florida are concerned, a lot of misunder­ standing and consequent delay could be avoided. If we had a Hall in Miami instead of being under the jurisdiction of a dis­ tant Hall having problem of its own. Emigdio Royis:;^:- Hospital Locations Requests occasionally come from members for a complete li^ of Marine Hospitals throughout the U. S. The LOG will publish these listings from time to time and suggests that the Brothers clip and keep them for future reference. The complete list of Class A U.S. Marine Hospital is printed below. In addition to these the United States Public Health Service also provides second and third class relief stations in smaller American cities and foreign ports. Baltimore, Maryland—Wyman Park Drive and 31st Street. Out-patient office—Custom House. Boston (Brighton). Massachusetts—77 Warren Street. Bos- ton. Out-patient office—Custom House, Boston. Buffalo, New York—2183 Main Street. Out-patient office —328 Federal Building. Carville. Louisiana—(P.H.S. Leprosarium.) Freight and •vxpress addre^: St. Gabriel. Louisiana. Chicago, Illinois—4141 Clarendon Avenue. Out-^patient of­ fice—^New Port Office Building. Cleveland. Ohio—Fairhill Road and East 124th Street. Out-patient office—^New Post Office Building. Detroit, Michigan—^Windmill Pointe. Out-patient officePost Office Building. Ellis Island, New York. Fort Stanton, New Mexico—(Tuberculosis.. Sanatorium.) Freight and express address: Capitan, New Mexico. Galveston. Texas—45th Street and Avenue N. Out-patient ; office—302 Custom House. 'Kirkwood, Missouri—525 Couch Avenue. Memphis, Tennessee—Delaware and California Streets. Mobile. Alabama—St. Anthony and Bayou Streets. New Orleans, Louisiana—210 State Street. Out-pedient office—Custom House. New York, New York—(Dispensary) 87 Hudson Street. Out-patient office—Barge Office. Norfolk, Virginia—^Hampton Boulevard, Larchmont. Out­ patient office—Custom House. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—40th Street and Penn Avenue. Out-patient office—^Federal Building. . Portland. Maine—331 Veranda Street. Out-patient office— Custom House. San Juan, Puerto RicOw. San Francisco, California—14th venue and Park Blvd. Out-patient office—Appraiser's Building. Savannah, Georgia—York and Abercom Streets. Seattle, Washington—Judkins Street and 14th Avenue South. Out-patient office—^Federal Building. Slapleton, Staten Island, New York—Bay Street. Yineyard Haven, Massachusetts. k i'i m �Iltiffc. Page Fourteen i-- THE SE AF AREHS LOG Friday. June 25. 1848 The Sea Makes All Men Equal 'iJi The S.S. Allinga was not a big rying a nice group of passengers, "This the Allinga, I guess?" he his guns about, prgised his spe­ drag him below, out of sight. cial saddle, jingled his silver I returned and, when about to boat; but, badly built and top mostly girls, called at Gladstone asked with a twang. his golden connect the hose, 1 saw in a heavy, she was a good boat for in Shark's Bay on our usual A bevy of pretty girls met the spurs, and flashed Cowboy with their smiles. smile. There was excitement, joy corner of the saloon deck the small fish and big sharks. She run. ' rolled in bad weather and on There walked up our gang­ •'Are you from Texas?" asked and laughter. y cross seas with sickening jars— way two new passengers, who a sweet girl in pink. I turned and looked to the enough to make a lubber green immediately attracted attention. The Cowboy stretched himself Westward, at the rising clouds ^ around his gills. She gave no The first one was an independ­ the full length of his six feet on the horizon. I shook my head rest to her crew at sea, or in ent Businessman with a serious and two inches in his boots, and frowned. mien, dressed in white flannel gave her a golden smile, took At sunset, the wind began to i port. ' We were running coastwise in suit, neatly pressed, immaculate off his big hat with a flourish blow and the cross sea ran, at the Allinga and carrying passen- —as though he had come from and answered: "Yep, mah young the mouth of Shark's Bay. The ' gers, up and down, from Free- a bandbox and was going to his lady; I'm Joe Clayton, the best S.S. Allinga started to roll again. rider and toughest man west of One by one the passengers left - mantle to Derby, during the hot bank. ^^ell. She was a busy, noisy The second one was a tall Fort Worth!" He patted-his guh. the saloon deck and went below. J steamer, with a strong smell, cowboy in full regalia — boots The eyes of pretty girls shined Darkness descended. The wind and sea increased. The Allinga ' but she was making lots of with silver spurs, and a pair of upon the tall Texan. ran and rolled as usual. A few dough for the company. TWO HEROES rain squaUs came, swept aslant, Cowboy, face down, as though Some 500 sweaty buUs, bound With the two worthies aboard, and lashjed across the ship. But he had "bitten the dust." for the slaughter house, bellowed there was no time to lose. We it was not a bad night. in the forward holds and sent I shook him hard. He was aKve hoisted the gangway and let go HEROES NO MORE up a lot of hot air. Some 5,000 and came to his senses with a the lines with a .splash. The isheared sheep blah-blahed like ship turned round short and At dawn, came my turn to groan. He struggled to his feet niutton heads in the stuffy pens steamed straight to sea, down clean up and wash down the 'and steadied himself with diffi-* on the'^after deck. saloon deck before, the early culty. He was led, tottering, the Shark's Bay. It was Sunday afternoon. I birds would start their promen­ below and helped into his bunk. Between toese two, some 50 had done my turn at the wheel ade. I had just rolled out the Five minutes later, ^ when first class passengers, ladies and and, going aft to^ look at the water hose when I received an washing down the. saloon deck, gentlemen, dressed in white, there came to my mind a poem log, saw the pair of passengers unpleasant .surprise. lounged in the deck-chairs amidThere lay, slumped in a deck by Byron: again. ship, sipping whiskey and soda The Businessman kept pacing chair, the Businessman. He was "Roll on, thou deep and dark ' - and enjoying themselves. In the fall of 1915, when the pistols stuck in the holsters of the saloon deck, aloof, and helpless, and wet as a wick. He blue ocean. season's trade was done, the Al­ his belt—carrying on his back a swinging ' his cane made of looked as if he had been out Roll! shark's backbone. He seemed to all night, slumming, and had linga left light, from Freemantle special saddle. Teh thousand ships sWeep to Bunbtury, to make the short The Businessman stepped be a man of wealth, conscious gotten sick-drunk on cheap stuff, , over thee in vain. run without the ballast — and aboard as if he owned the boat, of power, an aristocrat whom a and had finished the night lying Man marks the earth with taking the chance of turning and could fire the Captain and poor seaman could not reach in a gutter . ruin. the crew. with a boat-hook. He was a sad saclt. I had to His control turtle. Stops on the watery plain!" No sooner had we gotten out­ The Cowboy boarded the ship, The Cowboy, a hero to the make him look decent and R. J. Peterson side, then the ground swell cocky and flashing his gold teeth. pretty girls around him, tossed I tighten his belt before I could caught us and the night fell. It began to blow. Seas rose sharp and ran fast—right abeam! The Allinga started to roll, restless, as if she had pain in her belly. She lost a lot of her In his recent appearance be­ to certain types of unfair labor employer was required to main- • ion security disclosed the in­ tain strict impartiality during terruption to peaceful collective steam. Loud cracks were heard fore the Congressional "Watch­ practices against unions. dog" Committee, charged with As a result, unions are finding union campaigns. However, the bargaining that the prohibition below. Bulkheads groaned. There was no sleep for any overseeing the operation of the it more and more difficult to,very loosely worded and inter- of the closed shop has brought. man aboard that night. Men Taft-Hartley law, AFL Ph-esident obtain action on unfair labor preted free speech proviso of This has proved particularly ser­ hung on where they stood, their Green presented a report which practices that they have field tiie Taft-Hartley law makes it ious in such industries as the possible for the employer to building trades where the closed heads swimming. Those who lost summarized the results obtained against employers. from a questioimaire directed to state clearly and unequivocally shop has been an institution /for ELECTION PROCEDURE 171 AFL field representatives to his position with regard to un- several decades. determine the effect of the T-H There have been several new ion organization, The requirement for the un­ law on union organization. changes in NLRB procedure) K is true he cannot coerce or ion shop election has proved Brother Green ended his re­ which have handicapped union intimidate his employees into extremely burdensome. Union marks with the statement that organizational efforts. Several voting against union represen- leaders have naturally been gra­ tified at the results of these el­ the law is so thoroughly malig­ representatives specifically men­ ections, but this does not ob­ nant that it is beyond remedy or tion the prohibition which the scure the fact that this require­ cure, and that the only solution new law places upon the holding of pre-hearing elections. ment of an undemocratic elec­ would be complete repeal. tion has interfered with the or­ 'The following brief excerpts The use of this device had derly process of collective bar­ enabled the board under the are from the report: gaining. All but a very few represen­ old law to expedite many peti­ One of the most vicious as­ their grip were flung helplessly tatives indicated that they were tions for certification. However, under the new law this proced­ pects of. the union security issue from side to side until they experiencing delays under the under the Taft-Hartley law is brought up against a stanchion new law. Most of this delay has ure is no longer open to the that the federal law is made to and managed to hold on ex- been the direct result of the re­ board. . Representatives also report enforce the state statutes pro­ haustedly. quirement that employee elec­ that employers are using their hibiting all types of union se­ tions be held before any type of BAD NIGHT curity. new freedom in filing petitions to union security clause can be ne­ j,e can do, how- The effect of this law has been Now and then, the Allinga fell gotiated between unions and forestall and delay union organization. ever, is to state very clearly. to weaken union organization in on her side, and remained lying management. The flood of union employees to listen those areas and among those oyer, with a shiver of suspense. security elections has held up One provision of the new actj^^^ opposition to union or- groups which are most in need Between the running seas, the all other types of board, activity. whose effect is still open to board interpretation is section' • i, of it. It has given encourage­ dark hollows yawned menacing The effect of these board de­ 9 (c) (5) which knocks out the ment to anti-union employers. at the lee; and the white crests lays on union organization is ATTITUDE OF EMPLOYEpS board's "extent of organization" In.connection with the second­ showed, flashing a sinister smile. very clear. If a union has been Hours passed; endless, they organized among the employees doctrine. Prior to. the new law. The overwhelm-ing majority of ary boycott issue, organizers re­ seemed. Shadows of the night of a new plant, those employees the board frequently permitted AFL representatives declared the port that while the instances in rose and fell before the men's are anxious to have the formal departmental or section bargain-' attitude of some employers has which unions have been accused ing units, 'stiffened considerably since en- of violating the law in this re­ eyes. process of certification completed However, this practice is no'actment of the Taft-Hartley law. gard have not been numerous, At eight a.m. the darkness as quickly as possible. longer permitted under the new In effect, the act has provided they have reflected a type of turned a ghastly grey, The sun If .this procedure—which could act, and as a result unionized anti-union employers with new union-busting which has gone had risen, and the weather be­ through the-process of consent employees in such establishments, weapons which they have not far beyond the intent of Con­ gan to moderate—and we could election take as sHort a period as large banks and insurance been reluctant to utilize. The gress. see! of time as one or two months companies are almost certain to act furnishes employers with The night hawk (the Steward) GENERAL COMMENTS drags out to 9 or 10 months be deprived of any union's rep- convenient excuses to delay col­ stood on the boat deck, wiping The information concerning lective bargaining negotiations through employer stalling and resentation. hts sweaty • brow with a soiled damage suits was very similar and to object to proposals to the slow process of board. pro­ napkin. FREE SPEECH which they would otherwise to the data dealing with second­ "God's truth! I thought she cedure, th^ employees are bound ary boycotts. Although relatively to lose interest in the upion. agree. free It is evident that the would turn over..." He gasped few damage suits have b^en By turning the balance of barTaftspeech provision in the out, looking around wild eyed. .Insofar as unfair labor prac­ filed e gainst unions, those that Hartley law has been turned ingaining strength in favor of emtices are concerned, unions are 'T thought, the Allinga was go­ have been filed have proved ing to turn over like h^ sister facing an additional obstacle in to one of the most vicious and ployers, t^e act has stiffened very effective devices for tying ship did, and spill us into the attempting to expedite board diabolical instruments ever plac- employer resistance to the gi-ant- up union fifiance^ and combat­ sea—tor the hungry sharks.,. procedure because the Taft- ed at the disposal of antiunion ing of third-round wage in- ing union activities. creases. Hartley Act; requires that the employers. So help me God!" he cried. Inquiry into the issue of unUnder the Wagner Act the (Continued on Ba^e board give prior consideration On one trip the Allinga, car- ^ ; T-H Act Malignant, Beyond Remedy, Says Green If �Page Fifteen THE SEAT AR E R S . LOG Friday. June 25. 1948 Pres. Green Reports On Taft-Hartley MesSf The total effect of -the Taft{Continued From Page 14) A number of individuals com­ Hartley law on union-manage­ mented on the problem of the ment relations, which becomes jurisdiction of the NLRB. In apparent from an analysis^!; of several cases the new board has these questionnaires, can be asserted its authority over par­ summarized as one of iruslraticular industries and trades tion." The law has given a new which previously had not been weapon to the enemies of labor, a Weapon with which they are"' subject to its jurisdiction. able to frustrate the desire of This has caused a good deal employees for representation of confusion in many predomin­ through union organizations. antly local establishments which While many fair-minded em­ are not certain whether they do ployers have continued to deal or do not come under the board's frankly and honestly with the jurisdiction. unions of their employees, the A number of organizers com­ law has discriminated against mented that the Taft-Hartley law them by helping their antiunion has meant that more than ever competitors. before lawyers are being re­ The feeling of frustration is ; tained by employers to repre­ evident, too, at the bargaining sent them in collective bargain­ table. Full and open discussipn • ing negotiations. of the facts in dispute has tend­ The result of this injection of ed to give way to sharp bargain- • legal talent has' been to intro­ ing on technical points,' with duce even greater delays and each side suspecting the iqotives more technical phraseology in­ and intentions of the other. to collective bargaining at a As one organizer puts it, "We ; time when open and frank dis­ find much more restraint ahd • cussion between unions and fencing for position at the bar- ] management is so desperately gaining table, and less fuU and • needed. open collective bargaining^" SS CHAMBERLON N. Vrdoljak. $4.00; C. F. Hoong $4.00; W. W. McLean, $3.00; C. SS ROBIN DONCABTER W. E. Kittrell. $2.00; M. M. Mifes. Ripley. $5.00; D. Ward. $5.00; J. Bates. $1.00; D. J. Aokson. $1.00; $2.00; A. Wargo. $1.00; J. Mielson. $1.00; H. T. Wilkerson, $2.00; H. L. Fisher. $2.00; D .C. Rant. $2.00; Criffen, $1.00; P. Prokopuk. $1.00; M. Hatfield. $2.00; E. E. Niles. $2.00; N. Evans. $1.00; J. Novak. $2.00; M. Klein. $2.00; J. E. Dunn. $2.00; Gulp. $1.00; R. R. Brown. $1.00; D. Sokolic. $2.00; H. DeRuvter, $10.00; O'Rourke. $1.00; J. W. Higgens. $2.00; Klockmau, $2.00; A. Gullcn. $5.00; H. Gjerd. $2.00; P. B. McDanicl. $1.00; A. Smith. $2.00; E. Santaromana, $5.00 C. Wayne. $2.00; F, B. Neely. $2.00; J. L. McClillon. $2.00; S. E. Broadshaw. G. A. O'Neil, $2.00; H. Lamolugh. $2.00; $2.00; C. Music. $2.00; M. Kelly. $5.00 COUNTER L. Zampetti, $1.00; J. A. Mitchell. J. B. LaNunez. $1.00; J. B. Mc R. H. Harvey. $2.00." $2.00; R. Ayers. $2.00; P. Paglia, Giunia. $t.OO; E. C. Biedrzycki. $1.00; . SS EDITH $1.00; D. Stone. $1.00; C. C. Jordon, R. L. Stanton. $2.00; J. J. Franejr. .P. R. Vorke. $1.00; S. Rizzp. $1.00; T $2.00; O. M. Raynor, $2.00, .$1.00; E. Greco. $1.00; B. Tones. $2.00; Kioussis. $1.00; R. S. Kanouse. $1.00 H. Robertson. $1.00; Asa W. Hursey. F. H. Sturcis. $2.00; W. Floyd. $5.00 SS ROBIN GOODFELLOW B. R. Santiago. $1.00; R. W. Burkitt. $5.00; M. V. Ricko. $5.00; G. S. E. L. Pierce. $1.00; J.' J. Danton. $1.00 $l.bO; F: Rakar. $2.00; J. Dodge. $1.00; Lynch.. $5.00; Peter J. Thompson. E. V. Havden. $1.00. C. Buleca^$2.O0; C. G. Inman. $2.00; $5.00; J. Daponte, $1.00; N. A. MaSS STEEL FLYER J. D. Walker. $2.00; W. G. MacDonald douros. $5.00; Reider-Gade. $1.00; E. E. J. Yanisses. $5.00; F. R. Maldonado $2,00; R. Montez. $1.00; G. V. Gladhill. Milanesi. $5.00; J. A. De Jessa. $5.00; $3.00; 1. R. Cordova. $3.00; T. Con $2.00; M. • Longfellow, $2.00; C. W. E. Tresnick. $?.00; C. J. Clark. ,$5.00; cepcion. $5.00; T. Lacaon. $5.00; C. 1 G. Kasprzyk. $3.00; A. T. Diamond. Navarra. $5.00; P. A. Serano. $4.00; V Dubois. $2.00; C. Mancino. $2.00.^ $5.00; 0. W. O'Neill. $2.00; Du'hcan Vecchio. $4.00; M. L. Copeland. $2.00; SS G, KILBY G. E. Zimmeaman, $2.00; S. Bojko. Shaw Jr.. $4.00; W. C. Biskos. $5.00; D. R. J. Raphoon. $5.00; T. J. Viken. $2.00; E. P. Larsen, $2 00; R. Marrant E. Bragg. $5.00; J. Figuerera. $5,00; $5.00; T. N. Sauve. $4.00; T. Ed E. E. Kusgen. $2.00; D. E. Smith. Morris. $5.00; J. McCarthy. $5.00; J. Marrama. $3.00; S. L. Zub zycki. $4.00; M. A. Downev, $2.00;' R. C. Baner. $5.00; A. J. Lomas. $1.00; P. F. Erck. DeSalvo. $4.00; N. DeSantis. $3.00; C. $2.00; R. J. Jopski. $2.00; A. B. $5.00; A. Kozina. $5.00; A. R. Uesconti. Gooding. $2.00; L. Sycarlos. $2.00; G. , Abates. $5.00; J. A. Seward, $4.00; $1.00; P. L. Goodman. $5.00; W. L. Hannan. $10.00. Holland. $1.00; J. N. Crews. $5.00; R. SS CAVALIER C. H. Seeberger, $2.00. A.,Hobson. $6.00; F. G. Asher. $5.00; L Durham, $3.00. F. Douglas. $2.00;^E. C. Hood. $5.00; SS STEEL DESIGNER J. F. Holdcn, $5.00; C. E. Hawks, C, O. Polca $.2.00; A. L. Bagley. $5.00; E. ~H. Jensen. $1.00; 0. L. RONALD CHEVY RICHARD RAIA Hayes. Jr., $1.00; G. W. Champlui. $2.00; E. F. Gerald. $2.00; F. ChrizesContact your father. A letter from your sister is $9.00; R. E. Cornett. $5.00; R. J. cian. $2.00; E. Raisseo. $4.00; S. waiting for you at the Baggage Marsh, $1.00; H. L. Alexander, $5.00; Gotoweski. $3.00; J. Nagels. $1.00; P. R. Davis. -$4.00; C. D. Friedemann. t i 3^ Room, 51 Beaver Street. BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. O. O. Ames. $5.00; R. J. Grand. $2.00; $1.00; N. E. Cruz. $2.00; J. J. Keyyey. T. McCann. $3.00; G. R. Espensaden. William Rentz, Agent Calvert 4S30 HARRY DOURTH $5.00; H. R. Gaubert. $5.00; V. B. Bur­ $2.00; R. Massarseg. $4.00; C. M. BOSTON ", 276 State St. Write Sophie Zelauka, 2559 ger. $5.00; L. E. Florian. $2.00; A. R. Rodriguez. $2.00; R. Pecheco. $10.00; Walter Siekmann, Agent Bowdoin 445S Prime. $500; V. L. R. Beverley. $2.00; C, Reyes. .$2,00; J, M, Rosado. $2.00; Casper Street, Detroit, Michigan. E. Cipeano. $2.00; M. N. Tigmo. $5.00; GALVESTON 308 Vi—23rd St. J. Purcell. $1.09. J. R. Agaria. $10.00; P. Warhola. $2.00; Keith AIsop, Agent Phone 2-8448 Crew of SS Alexandra, SS KYSKA $. 3^ S. MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. J. ,F. Ruszel. $4.00; C. H.. Lewis. M. M. Ithrrino. $2.00; L. Opana $2.00.; Voyage No. 6 LEWIS McEWAN Cal Tanner, Agent Phone 2-17S4 $2.00; W. C. Traser. $1.00; R. C. Asche- Kong Chin. $2.00; R. J. Zumkley. Unclaimed wages for the fol­ $'2.00; A. Andrianan, $2.00; V. SzynianNEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St. man. $1.00; S. E. Walsh. $1.00; M. L. L. H. Blizzard has your gear; ski, $2.00; D. Boumblinis, $4.00; E. E. lowing named men of the ^exE. Sheppard, Agent Magnolia 6112-6113 Taylor, $200; P. C. Duval, $2.00. Goslow, $5.00: H. C.-Hill, $3.00; T. M. Route 2, Dover, North Carolina. SS SEA TRADER NEW YORK »1 Beaver St. andria are being held at the M. N. Katsimbris. $5.00; F. Sar- Thon, $2.00; H. C. Sanabria. $2.00: C. • Joe Algina, Agent HAnover 2-2784 A. Armstrong. $1.00; A. G. Acedo. 4 3^ Si offices of Carras Ltd., 24 State mento. $3.00. NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. $2.00; C. Underwood. $10.00. SS SEATRAIN HAVANA GEORGE FARNKOFF Street, New York 4, N. Y. Money Ben Rees, Agent '•Phone 4-1083 SS R. H. DAVIS H. F. Ulrich, $1.00. Your wife, Louise Famkoff, 44 is for retroactive wages' ana PHILADELPHIA...614-16 No. 13th St. M. Mello. $3.00. SS SIMMONS VICTORY ' Lloyd Gardner, Agent Poplar 6-1217 Lewis Street, Everett 49, Mass., overtime plus vacation pay. C. MacQueen. $1.00; R. J. Lavernian. SS HOOD RIVER SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. $1.00. L. Refalo. $1.00; F .T. Flynn. $1.00; would like to get in touch with J. L. Hodges, $131.05; G. D. SS SHAWNE TRAIL Steve Cardullo, Agent Douglas 2-5475 K. Trelmann. $1.00; E. M. Metts. $3.00. you. J. J. Burke. $3.00. | Hay, $21.79; J. P. Hall, $17.76; SAN JUAN, P.R 252 Ponce de Leon SS SEATRAIN TEXAS , Sal Colls, Agent San Juan 2-6996 V. W. Masi, $21.11; J. W. Broad, i 3^ i H. W. Girard, $1.00; H. Winborn. . SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. $20.77; W. T. Lux, $17.71; E. J. CHARLES LEE Charles Starling, Agent Phone 3-1728 $2.00. . . Soileau, $107.03; L. Schroederj SS MALDEN VICTORY The following men have re­ A letter from your mother is $20.91; "E. Ervin, $74.55; M. J. YJttaPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. R. W. Gaylot. $2.00; . C. Kennedy, Claude Simmons, Agent Phone M-1323 troactive pay due them, and can waiting for you at the Baggage Moran, $17.88; F. W. CiruUd, $2.00; E.* M. Christian, $2.00-; A. KarIKADQUARTERS.. 51 Beaver St., N.Y.C. luims. $1.00; T. M. Purcell, $1.00: W. collect at the American-Hawaiian Room, 51 Beaver Street. $17.47; E. Berwald, $75.34; G. HAnover 2-2784 Richardson. $1.00; R. S. Walker. $2.00; Steamship Go's office at 90 Broad s •• ' S. Magnuson, $21.63; J. McV^, : SECRETARY-TREASURER t 3> 3> F. Panette. $1.00; G. Kropick. $1.00; F. St., sedond floor. $23.48; R. Sirois, $19.89; D. -R.' Paul Hall Dangel. $2.00; H. K. Shellenbrgr. $1.00; GENE SINCLAIR Herman J. Meitz, Robert J. Smith, $20.78; C. Randazzd, ' DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION G. Meshover. $1.00; E. E. Ott. $2.00; Get in touch with your sister, $23.69; R. Prideaux, $32.12; J. Lindsey Williams J. Veit. Jr.. $1.00; C. Czapla. $1.00; Prideaux, Clarence A. Varrin, Wm. Bilger, '$2.00; E. H. Huizenga. Barney Husjord, Stanley J. Shirley, about the wedding. ASSIST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS De Jacimo, $114.44. $2.00; Robert T. Beadls, $2.00; W. Nathan, Kenneth H. Krestensen, Robert Matthews J. P. Shuler Walsh. $1.00. Joseph Volpiah NEW YORK SS ALLEGHENY VICTORY K. P. Rodrigutz,-$2.00; N. J. Wuchlna. $1.00; M. H. Lorenzo. $5.00; J. J Devine. $2.00; J. O. Bick. $1.00; C. Dichiara, $2.00; E. Lessor, $2.00; F. F. Smith. $1.00; J. Gural. $3.00; B. Scheesnol. $1.00; G. M. Velazquez. $2.00; G. Liakos." $2.00; H. A. Jacks, $2.0Q; H. C. Henry. $5.00; G. Reyes. $1.00; T. P. Reilly. $3.00; A. H. Seep hen.' $2.00; G. E. Sinkes. $2.00; 3. M. Smith. $2.00; J. E. Harris. $2.00. PERSONALS SlU HfllLS SIU, A&G District MONEY DUE Retroactive Pay Charles C. Burns, Henning Bjork, Nelson J. Hawks, Franklin T. SUP Andrews, Virgil L. Stevens, The SEAFARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea­ HONOLULU ..16 Merchant St. Francesco J. Nafale, Earl Walfarers International Union is available to all members who wish Phone 5-8777 den, Edward E. Kuncheck, Wil­ PORTLAND Ill W. Bumside St. to have it sent to their home free of charge for the enjoyment of Crew of SS Brazil Victory liam F. Douglas, Robert W. Beacon 4336 their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to have Voyage No. USMC 15—MSS 6 Spence, Harry B. Cook, Jr., RICHMOND, Calif 257 Bth St. the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at every^ • Phone 2599 Money for traveling wages Charles F. Carroll, Joe C. Arnold. SIU branch for this purpose. BAN FRANCISCO 59 Clay St. and subsistence from Seattle to Juan L. Rodriquez, Julius J. Douglas 25475 However, for those who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. New York is ready to be paid. Swykert, Murray M. Beck, John hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG, Main 0290 Crew can coUect by contacting J. Carrig Jr., Amilcar Ortiz, which you can fill out, detach and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51 WILMINGTON.. 440 Avalon Blvd. Mississippi's New York . Agent, Golden D. Allen, Albert J. LaBeaver Street, New York 4 ,N. Y. Terminal 4-3131 Mr, C. P. Vaighan, Assistantvoie,' Louis F. Paredes, Thomas Treasurer, Lykes Brothers SS J. Clark, Robert L. Morgan, John PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION Gt. Lakes District Company, 17 Battery Place, R. Ramiszewski, Kqnstant M. To the Editor: KHTALO..., 10 Exchange St. New York 4, N. Y. Kain, James Dand, Benjamin W. Cleveland 7391 i. S> S" Kosow, Adolph A. Zimpfer,-Rich­ lagCAGO, ni. , ,, ,. -3261 East 92nd St. I would like the SEAFARERS L(3G mailed to tW ROBERT E. HANSON Phone: Essex 2410 ard Di Same, Olau Hagbo, Peter address below: CLEVELAND 2602 Carroll St. Get in touch with your mother. L. Williams, Armando Vidal. Main 0147 Walter W. McClure, Arthur C. Name — DETROIT .1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 Members of crew of SS Abreu, Joseph J. Martus Jr., Al­ DULUTH.... 531 W. Michigan St. bert J. Bagley, Frank Bloom, Street Address Noonday having any knowl­ Melrose 4110 Mario Franciese, William S. edge of circumstances under TOLEDO. ..615 Summit St. GarSeld 2112 which Samuel Shupler was Rackley, James P. Lilly, Nathan — State killed ashore in Germany, Pearce, Herbert P. Walters,. Do­ City ' Canadian Distaict please write to his wife. mingo Ortiz, Harry J. Pancer, Sl^ed Mrs. Rebecca Shupler, 430 William J, Doherty, Louis Caloca, MioNtREAL.......1227 Philips Square 'VICTORIA, B.C... ...602 Boughton St. Cleveland Street, Brooklyn, Edward W. Easterling, Mario Empire 4531 Book No. Maroccia, Alfredo Rosado, August N.Y. I VANCOUVER........S6S Hamilton St. Horvath, Paul Magro. , Pacific 782^ NOTICE Notice To Ail SIU Members %.• �;iv; t 'tc Page Sixieen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, June 25, 1948 Lafayette Crewmen Had Fine Trip The pictures were sent in by J. Smythe, Ships Delegate, and he wants the boys down in New Orleans to Jcnow that the members of the crew really missed their gumbo while on the high seas. The Lafayette made, it into San Pedro on May 22, and paid off in traditional SIU style. ii--- Some members of Ihe healthy Deck Gang of the SS Laf­ ayette take time oft from work to watch the hirdie for the cameraman. Except for the fact that there was no gumbo, the men claim that the food was excellent and well prepued. Maybe that's why they refer to themselves as the "healthy Deck Gang?" Seated, in front of ihe life ring is J. Smythe. Deck Maintenance. Kneeling, left to right, A. L. McLean, AB: and J. Rylick, OS. Standing, in the usual order, are P. Vasilion. AB; L, W. Miller, OS; Brother Cassanueva, AB: and E. C. Simms, AB. On this page we print Bro­ ther Smythe's pictures, and the information which accom­ panied each shot. The editors of the LOG hope that other SIU members will follow Bro­ ther Smythe's lead and send in pictures and stories. Remember. all snapshots will be returned after use.^ SrS/i' Above, J. Smythe helps to secure the steel plates that were brought back from Japan. Brothers Rylick and Cassanueva look on and offer good advice. The plates stayed put all the way across the wide Pacific. When the main deck cracked and had to be repaired in Kobe, wires on the port and star­ board sides were placed so the bow wouldn't be lost. The; method worked oui; okay, and the Lafayette made it home without further mishap. Of course, as we all know, it takes a good crew to overcome such difficulties, and that's what the Lafayette had aboard. m: I:©" You're now looking at the picture of a cook who eats his own food—and Hkes it. Yes, the undershirt^ Brother in the foreground is none other than ^hief Cook D. D. Dambrino, the prize chef of the SS Lafayette^ Surrounding him, in tribute to his cooking, and eating abilities, are L. W. Miller, OS; A. L. McLean, AB; J. Rylick, OS; S. C. M. Martinez; and J. Smythe, DM. Brother; Dambrino really put out the good chow, and was always striving to please everyone on the ship. That he succeeded is a tribute to his skill and training. The Brothers werei enticed up on the No. 3 hatch for the above picture but the cameraman w^ ^fort of afraid to snap the picture for fear , of wh might happen to his-camera. Well, nothing happened. In the background a Galleyman and J. liylick, OS. Standing, 1. to r., Ray, Second Electricii A. L. McLeui; D. Damlkrino; S. M. Oppsol, Second Cook and Baker; Sander Chief Electrician; and W. Miller, OS. Kneeling, left to right. Grew, P man; Flood, Oiler, the Second Cook and then the Chief Mate, and Smythe, E, C. Simms, (End Brother Cassanueva. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 25, 1948 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. X, No. 26 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU MAYHAVE TO VOTE REMAINING CS VESSELSFOR FULL RECOGNITION BRANCH COMMITTEES STUDY PROPOSALS FOR UNIFORM JOB REGISTRATION RULES CONGRESS VOTES 6 BILLION DOLLARS FOR ERP ROU SCORES WEST COAST CHARTER PRESSURE WORKS AGAIN:ARAMCO OPENS BUILDINGS FOR MEN AT RAS TANURA BROTHER WRITES OF OLD DAYS IN RAS TANURA CONGRESS KILLS SHIP TO QUIT NEGLIGENCE AND INDIFFERNCE TAKE ANOTHER SEAMEN'S LIFE WATERMAN BUYS FLOATING DOCK BUREAUCRATS CLAIM US HAS SHIP SHORTAGE NOT MANY PAYOFFS, BUT MOBILE GETS ITSSELF TWO FOULED UP SHIPS CROWED BEACH IS NO HELP TO BALITIMORE PORT GALVESTON KEEPS HOPONG ERP WILL BOOM GULF SHIPPING PHILLY CONVENTION FESTIVIES LEAVE LOCAL SEAFARERS COLD ISTHMIAN TIES UP TWO ON COAST SS PONCE ENDS SHIPPING DEARTH FOR SAN JUAN 150 PASSENGERS DROWN AS DANISH SHIP STRIKE FLOATING MINE HIGH COURT THROWS OUT T-H GAG TEST CASE,BUT DODGES FULL ISSUE AFOUNDRIA MEN BLAST USE OF 'SLAVE LABOR' ON U.S. SHIPS IN HAMBURG ARIZPA MEN CLAIM TO BE TO BE FIRST AMERICANS TO SPOT NEW SPECIES OF SHARK OFF CANAL EDGINGTON TAKES SHORE JOB,BUT UNION WON'T LOSE HIM THE SEA MAKES ALL MEN EQUAL T-H ACT MALIGNANT,BEYOND REMEDY,SAYS GREEN PRES.GREEN REPORTS ON TAFT-HARLEY MESS LAFAYETTE CREWMEN HAD FIND TRIP AND SEND THESE PICTURE AS PROOF Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/25/1948 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1948 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0f36f74c65f5dbfe45342eb8e6fd73ff.PDF ad769898ef689fc67b5ae26fbf8d3ff4 PDF Text Text LOG >; • •' • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THB SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL • 3 SEAFARERS WIN SlU SCflOURSMPS • Member's Son Also 6C Winner -Story on Page 3 •i •• Winner of ah award for drawing in the l/rClHrS W fleers* Third Annual SIU Art Contest, Sea­ farer James Byrne (left) is congrati^lated by former shipmate Adolph'Kubacki at headquarters meeting June 16 where winners were announced. (Story on Page 2.) I TWCM O' three Seafarers awarded $6,000 four-year college • • • fff* scholarships under the SIU Welfare Plan, Seafarer Ed Larkin retrieves his gear out of the headljuarters baggage room for one last trip before returning to^school in the fall. He made job of chief electrician on Wacosta (Waterman) on June 22, the same day this year's awards were announc­ ed by the Welfare Plan trustees. (Story on Page S.) i. At left, flanked by former shipmates. Seafarer Guillermo Ortiz rayvWW* (center) displays check for some of the back pay owed him by Bull Lines under the new SIU dry cargo agreement, which made wage boosts retroactive to last October 1. The check, for about $18, covered time on just one ship operated by that company. Onlookers are Egbert Goulding (left), and Ramon Aguinar. (Story on Page 2.) >iKKa';M. .4^ �M- • Pace Two SEAFARERS LOG •. • •'. :'r;;;t' - Jm«lr•^S;^ igM'"-""^y1 Sejafafer Art Winners Named; 12 Get Awards rV. ••• V .f..'."- __ ' ^ Winners in the Third Annual SIU Art Contest were announced last week, bringing the 1954 art competition among Seafarers to a close. An even dozen awards were made, sev­ eral of which were presented in person to th? winning Seafarers at the headquarters branch membership meeting+ June 16 to the cheers of sev­ Lewis and Antonio Diaz. SIU lapel crest emblems and en­ Qrawings—Keith Sawvel, first graved with each man's name and eral hundred Seafarers pres­ prize. Special award to James award. ent. The winners in each" contest Byrne. The winner of a first prize in Watercolors—^Leif Hope, first category are as follows: two contest categories, Hope came Oils—John Tarkov and Leif prize. (There were no special away with two of the 12 prizes Hope, tied for first prize. Special awards in this class due to the lim­ awarded. He was a second-prize awards to Norman Maffei, Mariano ited number of entries in the di­ winner in oil paintings in both the Gonzalez, Hans Skalagaard and vision.) 1952 and 1953 contests. Gonzalez Px-izes awarded to the contest copped third prize in oils in 1952, G. L. Pitour. Handicrafts—Alfred Pfeifer, first winners are sterling silver ciga­ while Maffei and Skalagaard tied prize. Special awards to James rette lighters emblazoned with for third last year. Judging of the entries, which were on display for a full week in a roped off section of the shipping Headquarters membership signifies approval of dry cargo contract hall at SIU headquarters, took as negotiated by standing vote at last membership meeting. place on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 15, and was conducted by a three-member panel, of experts. The panel included Mrs. Hertha Wegener, assistant curator of As sponsors for the third year of the annual SILT art contest, paintings at'the Brooklyn Museum; the editors of the LOG take this opportunity to thank the Jerome Snyder, art director of SIU men who entered the contest on behalf of the Union "Sports Illustrated," published by Time-Life Inc., and Bernard Sea­ membership, and give them a-*man, SEAFARERS LOG art editor. The SIU~ formally called on the tanker operators to open hearty "well done." The fol­ a native of England, bom in 1895. Seafarers curious about the out­ negotiations on a new tankship agreement last week, as th« lowing 4s a full list of the 24 Sailing in the come, including several of the en­ Union membership en all coasts cast a unanimous ratification men who entered the 1954 contest: steward departtrants, watched closely as the —r John Antonson (drawings and m e n t he has judges carefully studied the en­ vote or the new freight con-^' tract completed earlier in the freight ships after the June 16 date handicrafts): A member of the been a member tries arrayed on tables and mount­ Sailors Union of of the SIU since ed on two walls of the hiring hall. month. The old tanker agree­ will be paid off under the new the Pacific since 1944. His prize After they had determined the top ment expired last September 30. scale. In addition. Seafarers who 1945, shipping in was for his de~ awards in each contest category, Meanwhile, several SlU-con- have shipped with freight compa­ the deck depart­ tailed pen and and pinned the first prize blue rib­ tracted freight companies Have al­ nies since October 1, 1953 are due ment, he is a ink drawings of bons on each, they next turned to ready returned signed copies of for a bundle of retroactive pay, native of Fin­ railroad locomo­ the decision on special awards. the new freightship pact to the amounting in several ratings to land, born in tives. He was a Beale It had been decided earlier that Union, which formally went into well over $200. The companies are 1904. His draw­ railroad fireman due to the overwhelming number effect the date of the membership currently readying lists for the ing was a pencil in England at one time. of oil paintings submitted for the ratification, June 16. Some ships payment of back pay, full informa­ Antonio Diaz (handicrafts): Pre­ contest, the bulk of the awards have already signed on under the tion on which will be carried in sketch of a sail­ ing ship; the sented with a special award in would be concentrated in that new base pay and overtime rates, the SEAFARERS LOG. Antonson handicraft entry handicrafts for a picture of a bowl category. Accordingly, half the which are retroactive to October Money provisions of the freight was a model of the SS Marine of flowers fashioned out of terry- awards went'to oil paintings, in- 1, 1953. agreement call for a six percent Arrow. cloth material. Brother Diaz had (Continued on page 21) i All crews which signed on boost for all ratings earning been hospitalized at the USPHS Sails Black Gang $340.73 or more and a new over­ hospital at Manhattan Beach, Robert Beale (oils): Sailing in time rate of $1.98. Ratings earning the engine department, he has Brooklyn, NY, until May 21. Sailing $298.49 and up to $340.73 will be been a member of the SIU since in the steward department, he has getting a four percent increase and New 1947. Born in Rangoon, Burma, in been a member of the SIU since DECK DEPARTMENT an ov rtime rate of $L94 per hour. Old New Over1924, he now makes his home In 1944 and lives in NY. A special feature of the agree­ Mariano Gon­ Rating Scale Scale Increase time New York City. His paintings ment,^ gives firemen parity with zalez (oils): Win­ Bosun (Mariner) ....$378.00 $447.00 $69.00 $1.98 oilers and FWTs in the wage scale were studies of Oriental figures. ner of a special Bosun 378.00 400.68- 22.68 1.98 so that they will now be earning James F. Byrne (drawings): Win­ award in oils for Carpenter (Mariner) 353.85 *386.00 32.15 1.98 $314.41 per month and $1.94 per ner of a special award in drawings, a landscape Carpenter : 353.85 *375.08 21.23 1.98 hour for overtime. Entry ratings, this Staten Island, NY, Seafarer is painting, he has AB Maintenance 330.75 343.98 12.23 1.94 those earning less than $298.49, been a member Quartermaster 302.32 314.41 12.09 1.94 get a two percent increase,- with of the SIU since Able Seaman 302.32 314.41 12.09 1.94 overtime boosted to $1.51. 1942 and sails on Ordinary Seaman . .i 239.40 244.19 4.79 1.51 June 25. 1»54 Vol. XVi, No. 13 An additional feature of the new deck. He was ENGINE DEPARMENT pact, which provides for improved bora in Puerto As I See It Page 4 Diaz Chief Electrician (Mariner)..... 470.99 518.09 47.10 1.98 working rules In all departments,Rico in 1914, and Brother Chairman Page 4 Chief Electrician 470.99 499.25 28.26 1.98 plus revisions in some of the gen­ Burly Page 9 currently lives in NY. Gonzalez 2d Electrician .....438.76 465.09 26.33 1.98 eral rules, including new provi­ Crossword Puzzle Pagp 10 won third prize in oils in the 1952 Unlicensed Jr. Eng. (Day). . 380.97 403.83 22.86 1.98 sions for crew comforts, calls for SIU contest. Did You Know Page 17 Unlicensed Jr. Eng. (Watch) 340.74 361.18 20.44 1.98 special rates for the key ratings of John K. Holakai (handicrafts): Editorials Page 11 Plumber-Machinist 390.96 414.42 23.46 1.98 bosun, carpenter and chief elec­ Foc'sle Fotographer Page 16 Sailing in the deck department Deck Engineer .... 359.32 380.88 21.56 1.98 trician on Mariner-type ships, Galley Gleanings Page 17 with the SUP, he was bom in Hon­ Engine Utility 345.96 366.72 20.76 1.98 which are also retroactive to Octo­ Inquiring Seafarer Page 10 olulu, Hawaii, and joined the SUP Evaporator Maintenance 321.46 334.32 12.86 1.94 ber 1. The new scale gives the key In The Wake Page 10 in 1945. He is currently hospital- Oiler 302.32 314.41 12.09 1.94 ratings on these vessels extra pay Labor Round-Up ....Page 11 ized at the Oiler-Diesel 327.13 340.22 13.09 1.94 ranging from about $47 for bosuns, Letter of The Week Page 11 USPHS hospital, Watertender 302.32 314.41 12.09 1.94 to $11 for carpenters. The key job Letters ....Pages 18, 19 Manh a t t a n Fireman-Watertender 302.32 314.41 ^"12.09 1:94 of chief electrician will draw an Beach, Brooklyn, Maritime Page 9 Fireman ..... 286.99 314.4f • 27.42 1.94 (Continued on page 21) Meet The Seafarer Page 10 NY. His contest Wiper 288.53 294.30 5.77 1.51 Notices, Personals Page 20 entry was a set Reefer Engineer On The Job page 9 of hand - made (When 1 carried) ..... 438.76 465.09 26.33 1.98 Port Reports Pages 14, 15 place mats. Reefer Engineer Leif Hope Quiz Page 16 (When 3 carried) Seafarers In Action Page 9 (oils, watercolChief 404.69 428.97 24.28 1.98 Ships' Minutes Pages 20, 21 prsj: Tied for First Assistant 359.94 381.54 21.60 1.98 Gonzalez SIU History Cartoon Page 7 first prize in oils Second Assistant 333.37 346.70 13.33 1.94 The memory of Andy Furuseth, Sports Line .Page 17 and winner of first prize in waterfather of US maritime unions, will STEWARD DEPARTMENT - (Continued oh page 8) Ten Years Ago page 10 be honored in August when a Chief Steward (Mariner) ....... 368.16 390.25 22.09 1.98 Top-of The News Page 5 Chief Steward . 368.16 390.25 22.09 1.98 wreath, shipborae from New York, Wash. News Letter Page 6 Chief Cook 340.74 361,18 20.44 1.98 is dropped into the North Sea near Welfare Benefits ....Pages 22, 23. Night Cook & Bahey. i... 340.74 361.18 20.44 1.98 his birthplace of Romedal, Norway. Welfare Report Page 8 Readers of the SEAFARERS Second Cook .........r........ 312.76 325.27 12.51 1.94 The wreath was picked up last Your Constitution Page 5 LOG will note that this issue **Third Cook 298.49 310.43 11.94 1.94 week by the skipper of the Empire Your Dollar's Worth Page 7 has been trimmed down to 24 Messman 237.57 242.32 4.75 1.51 State .Training Ship — Captain pages instead of the usual 28, Utilityman 237.57 242.32 4.75 1.51 Alfred F. Olivet, who was a peiv Published biweekly at the headquarters but with no loss in'the news, •f tha Seafarer} International Union. At­ sonal friend of Furuseth—and will picture or feature material lantic « Cu.'f District AFL, 67S Fourth » Receives $20 additional a month if required to provide own tools. be dropped approximately Au­ that combines to make the Avenue, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel. HYacInth ** When passengers are carried will be rated as Second Cook and gust 2. • 9-MM. Entered aa second class matter LOG one of the finest labor be paid wage of $325.27 per month. Furuseth was born March 12, at the Post Office In Brooklyn, NY., newspapers in the country. sunder ihe A f of August 24, 1912. 1854 apd died^ January 22, 1938, These 2^4 Seafarers Made Art Contest Freight Pact Ratifieik . Tanker Talks Begin New Dry Cargo Wage Scale SEAFARERS LOG Sea Ceremonies Honor Furuseth LOG 24 Pages �25, 1954 SEAFARERS LOG T»ge Thre* 3 Seafarets^ Son Of SlU Man, Win 6C Scholarships - Three rank and file Seafarers, and the son of a Seafarer who has compiled a brilliant scholastic record have been selected by a committee of educators to receive the four $6,000 four-year college scholarships awarded annually by the SIU. Sea­ farers Seymour Wallace, Ed' Larkin an<l Wallace M. Simp son, and Jack Game, son of Seafarer Eddie E. Game, were chosen from 16 candidates af­ ter careful scrutiny of their The panel of educators who sifted the scholarship applications and came up with recommendations for the four winners are shown studying: the quailfyingr material submitted on behalf of ail the applicants seyerai hours before the awards were anhounced on June 22. Pictured (i-r) are: C. William Edwards, director of ad­ missions, Princeton University; Elwood C. Kastner, regristrar. New York University; Miss Edna M. Newby, director of admissions. New Jersey Colleg:e for Women, Rutgrers University; F. D. Wilkinson, 'registrar, Howard University, and Bernard Ireland, assistant direc­ tor or admissions, Columbia Colleee, Columbia Univeirsity. records. In the event one of the success­ ful candidates drops out, the com­ mittee has selected two alternates as replacements. Committee members representing five different colleges and universi­ ties were enthusiastic about the quality of all entrants. Competition was keen all the way, with the win- Permanent '50-50' Bill Gets Senate Okay, Goes To House WASHINGTON.—^The proposal for a permanent "50-50" law moved a big step closer to actuality as the Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the legislation. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives where action has to be taken before adjournment if the bill is to become law this year.t — In the form passed by the would apply both to Government- jVlaryland Republican, who ex­ Senate, the bill is stronger in financed cargoes originating in pressed his satisfaction with the many respects than the "50-50" provisions that have been tacked on a variety of foreign aid bills year after year. And the fact that It provides for a permanent Amer­ ican policy that at least 50 percent of Government-financed cargoes should be transported on US ves­ sels is of itself a great step for­ ward for the "50-50" piphciple. As it stands at present, the bill Win 2 -6% Pattern On Seatrains u Following the pattern estab­ lished in the new contract with dry cargo companies, the Union has completed a separate agreement with Seatrain Lines which now awaits the members' ratification. Like the new contract with the dry cargo companies, the Setatrain agreement calls for increases rang­ ing from two to six percent in wages and overtime for all. un­ licensed personnel, with all money gains retroactive to October 1, 1953. There are also similar im­ provements in. working and gen­ eral rules, including new pro­ visions for money draws in' for­ eign ports. Wage increases, ranging up to six percent, bring the basic month­ ly wages of unlicensed personnel to the following: Boatswain, $408.18; carpenter, $382.58; AB maintenance, $351.48; quartermaster, $321.91; AB cardeckman, $321.91; OS, $251.69. Electrician, $511.75; deck en­ gineer, $420.00; engine utility, $374.22; oiler, $321.91; watertender, $321.91; fireman, $321.91; wiper, $301.80. Steward, $402.75; chief cook, (Continued on Page 21) \ ning candidates coming up with ex­ He was captain of the school's bascellent scores on College Entrance I ketball team which won a local conBoard examinations and presenting ference championship, and was a fine records of past scholastic member of the all-conference tour­ achievement. nament team. In addition he wai Must Register a baseball and'football letter man, It is now up to each of the can­ president of the senior class, presi­ didates to be accepted by an ac­ dent of the student body, co-editor credited college or university in or­ of the school yearbook, and presi­ der to qualify for the first years' dent of every class he was in from scholarship payments. Their rec­ the first year through the fourth. ords will then be reviewed, year by His father sails in the steward year, to determine if they are elig­ department and has been on SIU ible for the full four year subsidy. ships since 1946. In the past year The trustees' meeting of next he has been sailing regularly on month will take up the question of Ore Line ships out of Baltimore. whether to continue aid for the Lived In China four winning candidates of last Seafarer Wallace M. Sitnpson of year, as at that time they will have Riverbank, California, who sails as a full report on their first year AB and deck of study. maintenance out AIl-Around Excellence of the West Scholarship winner Jack Game, Coast, also pre­ son of Seafarer Eddie S. Game, sented a fine rec­ presented a bril­ ord. The 23-yearliant all-around old Seafarer lived record in his suc­ in Peking, China, cessful bid for an for years award. Recently with his mission­ graduated from ary parents. Then Simpson Swain County on returning to High School in the States he attended Sparrows North Carolina, Point High School in Sparrows Game was easily Point, Marj'land where he gradu­ the school's out­ ated in the upper ten percent of Game, Sr. standing student. his class. He was editor of tho He stood first in his graduating school newspaper, editor in chief class of 73 and came close to a of the school annual and manager straight "A" average in all courses. (Continued on page 21) the United States and to offshore text of the amended measure. He purchases made by the Armed declared that the basic policy of Forces and other Government, the bill as it stands "would in­ agencies overseas. Up until now corporate into permanent legisla­ such offshore purchases, which are tion what has been proclaimed by considerable in amount, were gen­ Congress in the Merchant Marine erally handled on foreign-flag Acts of 1920, 1928 and 1936." ships. May End Problem further, the bill would apply to cargoes purchased by foreign na­ Up until now, Congress has had tions where the US has committed to act on the "50-50" principle itself to pay the dollar equivalent seven different times and on each, of the cost of the cargoes. occasion it has passed by over­ However, before reporting the whelming majorities. Each time, bill to the floor, the Senate Com­ the State Department'-and foreign The campaign of the SIU and other US maritime unions mittee on Interstate and Foreign shipowners have lined up against for a strong US merchant marine received a definite boost Commerce eliminated one contro­ the principle and the SIU and versial provision that would have other US maritime unions have this week when the Senate subcommittee on Water Trans­ allowed up to 100 percent of such fought strongly to have the bill portation put the damper on a cargoes to move on US ships under approved. If the current proposal plan to allow further trans­ subject, the subcommittee told the certain circumstances. passes, it will mean there will be fers of US ships to foreign Maritime Administration — which has been seeking an okay of the The bill was originally intro­ no future problems along these flags. duced by Senator John J3utler, lines. In a long-awaited report on the transfers — that it would be "premature" to allow any large segment of the American merchant fleet to be transferred to foreign flags until it had had a chance to consider > granting subsidies to tramp operators. Recommends Aid The Department of Commerce recently recommended direct aid to qualified tramp lines. Pending legislation to this effect, the sub­ committee urged the MA to "act cautiously, yet justly"" in ruling on applications for foreign tx'ansfers. The subcommittee did not advise a flat "no transfer" policy in cases of alleged extreme hardship, but said the national interest must al­ ways be considered. In this it agreed with the views of the mari­ time unions that foreign transfers, even though coupled with operat­ ing restrictions, do increase com­ petition with US-flag vessels. The subcommittee has been in­ vestigating the question of trans­ fers since late last March, follow­ ing the MA'S relaxation of transfer rules the month before. A former member of tfie Sailors Union of the Pacific, Carl "Bobo" Olson, world's middleweight box­ With both the shipowners and ing champion, is pictured on a reeent visit to SUP headquarters in San Francisco to talk over old the MA clamoring for the transfer times with some of the men he sailed with back in 1M6. The 'group (1-r) includes (front, at desk): approvals, the SIU and other sea Olson, Patrolman Bill Mendez, ^Assistant SUP Secretary Harry Johnson; (rear), Arthur Benjamin, unions went on record as unalter­ SUP building manager; Jack Dwyer, chief clerk; and Patrolmen A. J. Pawlick and A1 Maniscalco. ably opposing them. Senate Croup Calls Halt To Transfers Champ Visits Oid SUP Shipmates • t-' �• "^ J?»f.JPwr - • SEAFARERS LOa ' . "T"'• • - W ft. jl|S* 'vv'-^i^-'' No, It isn't A Sea Serpent, Exactly I 'i?-*.! V Mr-"--. ic^': ?':''S • As 1 Seer It FROM TIME TO TIME YOUR UNION HAS EMPHASIZED THE need to remain vigilant at all times even though past successes might have the tendency to make the Union lower the guard. But it has been shown time and again when the occasion arises, that the -shipowner will do his best to try to whittle away the gains that have been won for seamen in the past by their Unions and by those who were concerned with the welfare of the seaman. One instance of this kind of thinking on the part of the shipowner is a bill now in Congress to repeal an 82-year-old law dealing with seamen's wages. The law now provides that a seaman taking an offshore berth is entitled to a month's wages plus earnings in the event he is fired without cause before a .month is up. This bill was written back in the days when it was the common thing for skippers and ship­ owners to take any kind of action to keep a seaman from collecting money that was due him. Becolhe Anxious Now it appears that the shipowners have suddenly become anxious .No, the snake-like creature shown above isn't a sea serpent, although the amateur fisherman who about this law for some reason, although they lived with it without hooked the 12-foot baby oil Sydney, Australia, thought it was. durator of fishes at Australian Museum a complaint for 82 years, and an effort is being made to amend it ac­ later identified it as oar fish, sometimes growing 40 feet long. Men holding fish are not identified. cordingly. It appears there are very few instances in which the present law would apply in the light of today's conditions, but the shipowner ap­ parently is out to chip away this little bit of protection just the same. Naturally, your Union, along with other maritime unions, is oppos­ MOBILE.—The Port of Mobile, Alabama, will benefit from $2,809,000 proposed by the ing this move, and is confident that Congress will see no need to amend Government for three separate projects in.the area. The House of Representatives recently the law at the present time. passed and sent to the Senate a bilL authorizing a $26,951,000 Army ammunition depot in i" , 4" t the Point Aux Pins vicinity. EVER SINCE THE McCARRAN IMMIGRATION ACT WAS PASSED, a turning basin opposite the Ala­ boat harbor near the entrance to about 25 miles west of Mo­ your Union has found that some companies have been reluctant to the Mobile Ship Channel. bama State Docks. bile. This terminal will have Rep. Frank W. Boykin of Mobile Widening the present channel ship the alien membership of this Union. Indeed, the law does con­ a 20-mile ship channel, connecting said he is certain the Senate will from 700 feet to 800 feet under tain provisions which can make it difficult for all with the Gulf of Mexico. Subcommittees of the House pass the ammunition depot bill. the highway bridge and establish­ concerned in the event the alien is detained on recently approved a $5,788,000 har­ Then the next step will be to ing a turning basin 40 feet deep board by the Immigration authorities. But this is bor improvement program for appropriate the money for the and 1,400 feet long just south of something that the industry has to live with and this bridge. your Union is prepared to live with accordingly. Mobile along with a $70,000 small project.. The improvements were proposed Four Changes It's been maintained by this Union that the alien As for the Mobile Ship Channel, since larger ore freighters and oil brother who has been sailing regularly as a pro­ four major improvements' have tankers are planning to use the fessional seaman on SIU ships Is entitled to the been recommended by the Army port within the next two years. same shipping privileges as all other Seafarers re­ Corps of Engineers. These were all Rep. Boykin said. ceive, within the limits imposed by the Govern­ approved by the House Public The membership has voted U. S. Steel's Tennessee Coal and mental regulations. We have proceeded on that basis Works Subcommittee. They are: Iron Di/ision recently opened a accordingly and shipped aliens in the usual manner as before. to admit 15 permit card hold­ Enlarging the Mobile Harbor bar new ore terminal at Mobile and ers each month to membership Tried Dump Job channel to a depth of 42 feet and the company plans to import In the SIU. Permits who wish Recently out in the port of Seattle the skipper of-one ship made quite a width of 600 feet. It is now 36 South American ore with new car­ to apply for membership can a to-do about five Seafarer-aliens aboard and tried in the worst way feet by 450 feet. riers, now being constructed. get their application forms in to. dump them. When he found that the Union wpuld not go for that Enlarging the main channel in any SIU hall. The fifteen men kind of thing, he posted a notice on the bulletin board denouncing the Mobile Bay to ^40 feet deep and •will consist of five from, each alien seamen in general and/attempting to arouse the American-cit­ ship's department and will be '400 feet wide. It is now 32 feet by izen Seafarers on that ship against the alien seamen in their midst. 300 feet. •screened by a meiqbership It's pretty obvious to any Union man tha/ this kind of a tactic is the Deepening the Mobile, River committee in headquarters. bld*"divide and conquer" game that has been used in the past as a channel to 40^ feet and establishing means of weakening unions. As far as the SIU is concerned, your Union will continue to maintain that the alien brother who ha? participated in this Union's beefs, sailed this country's ships during time of war and other emergency, lived up to the contract and to the. otht obligations of membership is entitled to the same job protection aui considera­ The Waterman Steamship Com­ tion as that given to any other Seafarer in this Union. pany has announced that it plans a full, two-way intercoastal service if it gets permanent authority from ONE OF OUR BROTHERS WHO ATTRACTED A GOOD DEAL OF Three rank and file Seafarers meeting saw Terrence M- Jones Of the Interstate Commerce Commis­ attention last year by crossing the Atlantic singlehanded is back at it took charge of the last. Savannah, Charleston, South Carolina, in the sion to operate eastbound service again according to reports received at headquarters from his shipmates. Georgia, port meeting and ran chair, and Damon Newsome of from California to New York and Brother Olavi Kivikoski last year showed his skills things off in efficient fashion. Tak­ Franklin, Texas, as recording sec­ Boston. at seamanship by taking a small fishing schooner ing charge of the chair was Sea­ retary. Jones came into the SIU At present. Waterman has under sail from New York all the way to his native farer Ernest Bryant, a native of via Savannah on April 20, 1944, permanent rights to bring cargo Finland. Now, the crew of the Warrior reports that Georgia and a resident of the port which makes him a ten-year man from Washington and Oregon to Kivikoski has gotten off the ship and left for his city. Bryant, who sails in the in the Union. < He's a deck depart­ North Atlantic ports, but not from native Finland la- order to make the eastbound deck department, was born on ment man. Newsome, who is 31 California, and is operating on a crossing under the same conditions. March 17, 1919, and has been sail­ years old, was bom in Texas and temporary certificate from that As any Seafarer knows, the North Atlantic is a ing as a Seafarer since 1943. joined the Union at about the same area. In practice, the compan]»has tough ocean to handle even in a good sized merchant Recording Secretary Rupert time as Jones, on March 24, 1944. been bringing ships back from the ship, and it requires a good deal of skill to handle Pierce of Sneads Ferry, North He's married and sails in the deck Far East and then- running them , matters under sail. We certainly wish Brother Kivi­ Carolina, has ap­ department. intercoastal back to the East Coast. koski the best of luck and good sailing. weather on his return trip peared in this » 4^ ^ It has also been ~ operating a attepipt. corner before. Seafarer Floyd Fritz was chair­ limited intercoastal service be­ ^ X He's 26 years old man, and William M. Jenkins was tween Philadelphia and points and joined the NEXT ISSUE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN ESTABLISHED UNION recording secre­ south and the West Coast-with a SIU in the Port tary at the last return to^Puerto Rico and the East practice, the SEAFARERS LOG will carry a reprint,.of the SIU con­ of Baltimore on stitution so that the membership will have an opportunity to re-acquaint Baltimore port Coast up Jo the Quaker City. November -2 9, meeting. Fritz Granting ''of a pernianenb-Certifi­ themselves with , the document under which the 1947. He sails in joined the SIU in cate on the California to North Union is governed. It .has been Union policy to re­ the engine d^ Baltimore eight Atlantic run would enable the com­ print the constitution every six months, afid to fol­ partihent. years back on pany to operate an express serv" low up with a full report to the membership of all Fricks Veteran Sea­ March 2, 1946. ice to California from New York trials and appeals that have been conducted by farer Arthur Fricks was the meet­ He cpmes from and back, and piclr up the slack membership committees during the six-month ing's reading clerk. Fricks joined Ohio originally from dwindling ^Far East cargo period. • the SIU a couple of months after but. now has. set­ The present SIU constitution has been in effect operations.-' < Jenkins it was founded, signing up on Janu­ tled down in Bal­ The Waterman attorney arguing for over a year and, a half, since the membership ary Hi 1939, in Savannah. He fob timore. He is 28 years old and the - case pointed out -that one by referendum vote approved comprehensive changer comes from -Georgia and lives • in married. Jenkins was born in major bperator, American-Hawai­ in the document,drafted originally in 1939.. It has . ?v v the city. Hp's 51 years ;Old, mar- North Carolina December 21, 19p9, ian, has - discontinued eastbound durihg that period-proved its wf^h |o.,the .memjbership. and , assured rie(i,,and sails in. the deck depart­ but now has his family • in New service, recently. -Waterman's ap- smooth and e|ficient Union operation at the same time. The test 6t ment on SIU ships. , York City. He joined the Union m plication--, is - -being opposed by time has shown ^t the SIU co'hstitiitioh has lived'upHo all expecta­ 'ii -ji • New York way back on February American- President Lines ' and tions and provedj.a Very satisfactory baste'law By which* the'Union liid -Lake ' Charles, Ldiiisiaha, 2, 1939. ^ ' " erates.' -t'. , . ' ,Luekenbach." Mobile Port improvements Set Permits Apply For Membership l^>:r Full Coastal Runs Planned By Waterman I' • i^'-i K'f ' �^1UI0 28, MSI SEAFARERS LOG Vare-FiVa Top of the News Line Seeks Two Manners For Orean Passenger Use TRVMAN AND PETBILLO 'SEND' l.KM MUSICIANS—Former President Harry S. Truman, on the piano, and James 0. Petrillo, play­ ing trumpet, staggered through their first rendition of "Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here" in"entertaining members at the national convention Ex-President Harry S. Truman and James C. Petrillo of the Musi­ cians Union w^oop it up at union convention. of the American Federation of Musicians, AFL, held recently at Mil­ waukee, Wis. Their first performance was more or less on the sour side. The pair laughed at their miscues and suggested another try. This time Mr. Truman's solid left hand and the union chief's trills on the trumpet won an ovation from the 1,100 delegates. • t t /• WILL REVEALS EX-GOVERNOR'S 8300,000 EMBEZZLEMENT— The will of former New Jersey Governor Harold G. Hoffmtin, who died June 4, contained a sworn affidavit confessing the embezzlement of 8300,000 from the bank of which he was president, it was disclosed by his daughter. The defalcation took place between 1936 and 1938. I'he furiiicr governor also stated that naif that sum had been paid in blackmaii to a state official, now dead, whose name he did not reveal. The confession has touched off an investigation iirto other possible manipi^latiohs of state funds by the ex-governor. 3. t CHURCHILL AND EDEN MEET WITH IKE JUNE 25—Prime Min­ ister Winston Churchill and Foreign Minister Anthony Eden are sched­ uled to arrive here for a meeting June 25 at the White House with President' Eisenhower and Secretary of State John Foster Dulles to review tensions in the US-British alliance. The ^ announcement came at a time when the British feel ail possibilities at Geneva have been exhausted. The conference will explore ways and means of dealing with the critical Communist advance in Indochina. WASHINGTON.—A bid to take two Mariner-type ships off the Government's hands and convert them for trans-Atlantic passenger operation Is likely to get some thoughtful consideration from the Martime Administration. Reviving a two-year effortlaunched during the preKorean War period, Arnold Bernstein Lines, a foreign-flag operator at present, has come for­ ward with the first concrete plan for new US-flag passenger opera­ tions between Europe and the US. The plan would at the same time put to use >at least two of the new high-speed Mariner vessels, most of which will be lying idle alto­ gether within a short time. The Bernstein proposal, the new­ est attenfpt by the company to enter US-flag passenger operations since its earlier effort was doomed by the start of the Korean War in 1950, calls for the company to undertake conversion of two Mariners to one-class passenger liners on a charter-basis. The ships would operate on the North Atlantic run, the same as was planned for the first plan put forth between 1948 and 1950. Sought Army Transport At that time, Bernstein sought to obtain Gov'ernment authority and subsidies for a conversion job on two idle Army transports to run between New Yopk, Antwerp and Rotterdam. The outbreak of the Korean fighting in June, 1950, with bids practically awarded for the conversions, doomed that effort right there.. The ships, both P-2 type trans­ ports, were 17,000 gross ton ves­ sels with speeds of about 20 knots. The Mariners are smaller, but can manage even better speeds, making them even more desirable for pas­ senger service. Planned for a potential of 850 one-class passengers per trfp, plus / . Ship operator Arnold Bernstein, who is seeking approval for charter of two Mariners in passenger service, is shown here with his wife entering, court where he is testifying on his suit against the Hol­ land-America Line. passenger cars and other cargo, voiding a 1939 sale of two ships to the converted Mariners would give Holland-American Lines formerly considerable boost to lagging US- operated by his own Red Star Line. flag passenger operations, with no new Vessels building or planned at this time. The lack of passenger ships available for possible fast troop transport in wartime has up to now found no sympathetic ears among existing US-flag operators. Bernstein, meanwhile, is currently involved in court action aimed at Seafarer Set For New Solo Atlantic Trip • Seafarer Olavi Kivikoski. who made a singlehanded eastbound crossing of the North Atlantic last summer in « 30-foot sailboat, has X^ left for Finland to take a crack at REVOLT IN GUATEMALA—Troops under the command of Col. a westbound crossing, according to Castillo Armas have risen to take over the government of Guatemala. his shipmates on the Warrier The action followed in the wake of the Guatemalan army's deman^ on (Waterman). President Jacobo Arbenz Guzman to make a firm decision on govern­ mental policy toward communism. Minor skirmishes between the rebels MOBILE—Heartened by primary run-off results in Mobile Crewmembers said that Kivikoski and government forces have taken place throughout the country. The paid off the ship well-equipped army's attitude toward the fight may well decide .the County, trade unionists here were hopeful the next session of in Mobile, Ala­ the State Legislature will repeal Alabama's anti-union shop eventual outcome of the rebellion. bama, with the law. intention of flying over to Finland which the SlU here took an active The second primary result­ YOUR: RIGHTS.ANb fRJWKSES AS and trying to and leading part. ed in a clean sweep for laborSIV MgN ARE aUAPANTEED ST duplicate last endorsed legislative candidates YOUR COMSnrUUOJ-f. THIS TEAyear'j feat when rURE (S DESIONEO TO ACOUAINT from Mobile when John Tyson and YGU WITH THESE fifOMTS AMD he made a trip of Otto Simon were nominated to the PRIVUEOES 4,500 miles from lower house. Democratic nomina­ Kivikoski New York to tion is tantamount to election in' Kemi, Finland, a Alabama. voyage that took him approximate­ Garet Van Antwerp previously ly 4Vi irionths. The biggest leg of From Article XIII, Section 6 had won nomination to the Ala­ the journey from New York to Deh bama Senate with trade union sup­ "Before assuming office, every Helder, Holland, took him &7 days. port. He defeated former State officer, port agent, and patrol­ On his return to the States, Senator Tom Jackson who success­ man shall take the following oathi Kivikoski was undecided whether fully introduced the anti-union or not to attempt a duplication of 'I do solemnly swear that I will shop measure—the so-called "righthis 1953 trip. faithfully execute the duties of to:-work" law—in the legislature. Also on the agenda for his Fin­ • •. T~. of the SlU, and I Michael T. Murphy, another land trip was a meeting with a candidate favorable to labor's will, to the best of my ability, Helsinki publishing firm through cause, also won nomination to the protect and preserve the Consti­ which he had arrang'ed for publica­ Alabama House in the first pri­ tion of a book on his voyage of last tution of this Union and the wel­ mary. The anti-union shop law was summer. fare of the membership'." an issue in all legislative races in Mobile County. James E. Folsom, who won the gubernatorial nomination, also has put himself on record against the 4aw. Folsom is credited with hav­ ing the support of the majority of Under the SIU contract, US Every elected official upon ossum the legislature, giving rise to Public Health Service, doctors ing office must take this oath, optimism that Alabama will bo the have the final say on whether, first state in the Deep South to whidt he is required ta olwy com­ or not a man is fit for duty. If i repeal the anti-union shop law and pletely. Any violdtion of m both othet* anti-labor legislation that there is any question about | woiild lead'to immediate' disci­ hat been enacted in recent yearsJ' your fitness to sail, check with It plinary oction dn^'tlw terniS off Uifcqit Judge Robert, Rr^ anil VISIT OUf^ A»ILr^I>tbe.nearest USPHS'hospital or. ITlpNCO BAKBEK S»k>P lh» Itaion CetwtHuHein.? 'V < ? > ' Tat Asse^r Bert E; "llioiaeB out-patient elinle for a ruling. • TOOAVi-Ar SIO iethto' cah^dat^' vVhO wqa'' noiiit^ •'K AVONtNl f •OOm.VN : tetfoB with AFL tinlM buppttrL In YOUandtheWm CONSYITUTION Alabama Vote Spurs 'Right To Work' Repeal USPHS Has TLoRt Say On Outy SUp ! ' ;• ,1 't �..Mw-KrllM '"HS-;.- SEAFARERS tOG «z Lunch Party Undarnaath Hudson RIvw ft: SIU NEWSLETTER from WASHINGTON The US merchant marine, during the first thr^e-month period of this year, remained about the same, numbering some 3,349 vessels as of March 31, 1954, comprising ships in the category of over 1,000 gross tons. • However, the number of active vessels continued to contract in this period, following a downward trend motion since the ending of the Korean war. Between December 31, 1953 and March 31, 1954, a net* total of 21^Govemment ships and 56 privately-owned vessels were withdrawn from active use and .either returned to the reserve fleet or temporary lay-up pending a revival of activity. , m I I r h-" rIf.!- W-' Ift. ii:-" 1^. "-h-'iv .-"v ' t ^ It now looks like Congress will give its blessing to legislation author­ izing the sale of C-1 type ships to the Government of Brazil or to Brazilian citizens. This bill was unanimously supported by the Ameri­ can shipping industry, and the ships are to be confined to the Brazilian coastwise trade, so as not to be competitive with American-flag shipping. The reason b^ind the industry support of this measure is that Ameri­ can lines feel that the legislation will be of importance in strengthen­ ing the hand of our State Department to eliminate certain statutes of the Brazilian Government which discriminate against American-flag vessels. Members of the copcrete Industry in New Xork are shown enjoying lunch served to them in one of The Brazilian discriminations take two principal forms—first, regula­ tions creating berthing, wharfage, and warehouse priorities in favor of the. concrete boxes supporting the hew Pier 57. The floor of the box Is 24 feet below river level. Brazilian shipping, and, second, a consular fee practice whereby ship­ pers using Brazilian-flag ve'ssels receive a discount of 50 percent on the consular fees otherwise payable. There have been misgivings among maritime unions over the C-1 ship sales on the grounds that once having granted the Brazilian re­ quest, it will be hard for this Government to deny similar requests, An off-beat kind of a job came up on the board at headquarters recently when Seafar­ some-long-pending, and any others that may arise in the future. Those ers were asked to crew a deep sea tug from Mobile which is under contract to the Marine Al­ who oppose the bill feel that it might lead to general reopening of the Ship Sales Act with the result that American-flag ships would be faced lied Workers, an affiliate of the SIU of North America. As a result, seven Seafarers with additional foreign-flag competion in the future. manned the unlicensed de- ^ t * • partment of the tug and three voyage this way: "She rolled all the manned, especially belov decks Congress is expected to approve the recent Presidential request for since it was a diesel job. way down and she rolled all the of them, unprepared for the an immediate appropriation of* $82,600,000 for construction of four rolling and pitching of a little 75- way back." • Since the tugs carry "It was an interesting trip," he passenger-cargo ships, experimental modernization of Liberty-type ves­ said, "but money-wise, of course, footer, had to confess to seasick­ a one-man galley gang. Miller was sels, reconstruction of Mariner-type ships which may be purchased ness -during parts of the voyage. all the galley jobs rolled into one, it doesn't rank with the kind of by private lines, and, finally, purchase of T-2 tankers that would be wages Seafarers get sailing deep Ordinarily, the tug would Jiave including the messman. traded in to the Government in consideration^ of the building of new In addition to Milleic. the tug^ sea ships." At that, the daily base tankers. been crewed by the MAW out of wage of $13.55 for the unlicensed the Gulf, but since the tug hap­ casried three ABs, three oilers, a"^ Specifically, this program would allow—the. Government to use is one of the top scales paid pened to be up North" and picked captain, mate, chief engineer and meir $44,500,000 to pay its part, in the way of construction subsidy and ; up a job in the assistant engineer, so she was well- in the tugboat business. ivational defense allowances, for the construction, of two large com­ New York area, bination passenger-cargo ships for the Grace Line, and two similar Seafarers were vessels for the Moore-McCormack Lines. called on to man Of the remaining sum, about $1L000,000 is to be used in the ex­ her under the perimental modernization of four Liberty ships in an effort to develop recipi-ocal job ar­ plans for the modernization of other Libertys in the r^erve fleet, rangement which looking toward increasing"their efficiency and speed. exists between About $26,000,000 would be used by the Government to buy T-2 all SIU affiliates. WASHINGTON.—state Department plans to sell 12 Cl- tankers, in the cases of those owners willing to use the money to con­ This calls for members of MAV-1 vessels to Brazil cleared a new hurdle last week, struct new tankers of larger size. If this program goes through, about Miller other SIU affUi- when the House Merchant Marine Committee approved a 20 older tankers would be traded in by industry and put in the reserve fleet fpr national defense purposes, and some 10 new tankers would »tes to get a call on jobs in the bill authorizing the sale. The-*event the particular SIU branch to Senate had previously passed shall be transferred to the govern­ be constructed and used in their stead. which the-ship is contracted hasn't the measure. t ment of Brazil or to a Brazilian Legislation that would have encouraged the private flnancing of men "available to man her. company for use in that country's Amendments tacked on to the new ship construction by authorizing the Government to insure 100 The tug jobs were a one-trip af­ coastwise trade. fair that arose when somebody bill by the House committee mean percent of loans advanced by private lenders, is dead for this session The measure contains a strict of Congress. needed a tug in a hurry to tow a that if the legislation passes^the barge with a 50-ton heavy lift from fuH House of Representatives, both prohibition against permitting the This is so because of opposition to the bill coibing from the Bureau Bermuda to Perth Amboy, New the House and Senate versions will ships to operate in international of the Budget, which also opposes the interest provision and other trade. This removed one of the features of the measure. Ship operators are unable to overcome this Jersey. The tug happened to be in lay-up for some time at the have to be resolved by a confer­ major dbjections by opponents to formidable opposition, so that if any legislation at all is passed along the measure, who charged that the this line, it will be completely watered down and of little use to the Perth Amboy drydock and conse­ ence committee. The House committee bill pro­ Government-owned ships, if sold •industry. quently was available for the job. • Seafarer Mike Miller, who sailed vides that within 24 months after to BrazU, would compete directly "t 4 on her as chief cook, described the the bill becomes law the 12 ships with US offshore shipping. American maritime unions have effectively blocked efforts of ship­ owners to throw out the windov/ an 82-year law relating to wages of seamen improperly discharged. The shipowners recently asked Con­ gress to approve a bill, which would bave prevented seamen from get­ ting an extra month's pay when shipowners improperly discharge sea­ men before the latter actually had received a month's wage. The existing law on the subject is,an old one—it was enacted back in 1872 for the purpose of protecting seamen from unscrupulous ship­ owners. . In addition to the stand of- maritime labor^ the proposed legislation, sponsored by maritime employers, has been opposed by the Depart­ ments of Commerce, Labor and the Bureau of the Budget. This means that the measure will not pass Congress. Tnjl Trip Real Roller Coaster • B I I p|| R Ship Sale To Brazil Moves ^ One Step Closer In Congress « A 24-hour-a-day quarantine inspection service by the US Public Health Service is being .urged by American Shipping operators^ and the bill that would provide this probably will be enacted soon because it is not controversial: The PHS, at the present time, provides this service from 6 AM to 6 PM. The industry-says that the present Public Health quarantine sched­ ule makes for inconvenience and substantial financial loss. Many ships arrive in port between 6 PM and 6 AM when no quarantine inspection la available. . It's worth while to'the operators to pay the additional money in the form of overtime that will go to Quarantine inspectors, rather than to hold an entire ship for as much as 22 hours because ho Inspectors are available after 6 PM. taster, SEAFARIRS LOO | IreeUyn 32, New Yerfc - 475 Fetiflh Avenue g Heeie tend me the feHewtnf t ^ le)• .heuna velumei ef the 1413 LOO 9 ^ **eli. p lhl......cemplete teti ef heiMd velumet ef the LOO p fer 1447 thteufk 1453 9 t25 eechu | teetefled ie e fetel- ef $• NAhfi •••eTfeeoeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere'eeeee eeeeee«eeeee*eeoe«»eeeaa«eeeeeeeeeaee*eeae ^ AMMES3•••••••••••eeeeemeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee | i • ••ee eeee •• •• be •• • e.ye e*er e e.e«e f e • a • e • oa^e e* e Oee *• e * ^ �imi jr«M tS. 1954 SEAFARERS YOUR DOIXAR*S WORTH • . s====aaaa=a8sa8a=g=fc=5g=8 •BAPARER8 GUIDE TO EIETTER BUYING Scare Selling Plafiues Families Families are being subjected to much high-pressure selling designed to frighten them into_buying expensive goods on the installment plan. One of the most widespread of these campaigns is the attempt to scare people, into believing the use of ordinary cooking utensils will injure their health. Salesmen claim that cooking in ordinary utensils destroys most of the vitamins and minerals in food, or that the use of aluminum pans is dangerous because the aluminum collects in your body. Expensive Stainless Steel The salesmen spreading these stories generally sell very expensive sets of stainless steel utensils. Their prices are incredibly high. For example, one company sells a set of three covered saucepans for $70! Larger sets are sold for as much as $250. » If a family does want stainless steel utensils, it does not have to pay these steep prices. You can buy high-quality stainless steel with copperclad bottoms fon $16 or less for the set of three covered pans, for which the scare sellers charge up to $70. But you do not need any expensive stainless steel sets, nor need you>j>e afraid to use your present aluminum pots. The Federal Trade Commission several times has cracked down on some of these com­ panies who have circulated alarming stories that minute scrapings of aluminum collect in your body. The American Medical Association, US Public Health Service, the British Ministry of Health and other authorities have all stated that aluminum ware is quite safe for ordinary cooking. Hospitals them­ selves use aluminum cooking utensils and certainly would not if there were the slightest suspicion of danger. Aluminum is present in drink­ ing water, in most foods, in baking powder, and in the human body Itself—put there by nature. ^ As for the claims for health benefits from waterless cooking—there L some truth in this. Cooking foods in as little water as possible does conserve- food values since water-soluble vitamins are ^dissolved by cooking water. Of course if you consume the water you still get most of these vitamins. But you need no special brand of expensive utensils for waterless cooking. Such cookware should have thick bottoms and sides and tight-fitting covers that reflect the heat and steam from the food and thereby baste food while it cooks. Any pot meeting these specifications will do the job. BGst Buys in Luggage Seafarers will find useful the results of tests on luggage made by the National Burdau of Standards some time ago. The bureau tested luggage both in its laboratories and by sending sample suitcases on a 12,000-mile railroad trip around the country. The tests found that the most expensive type of luggage, leather, and the cheapest, plain fiberboard, were most susceptible to damage. Plastic-covered luggage and those made of vulcanized fiberboard stood up best. It was dlso found that smaller bags break less frequently than large ones. Vulcanized Fiberboard The vulcanized fiberboard bags which survived use well in the tests, nre comparatively Inexpensive, and are thus the best choice for hard use by a man who does a lot of traveling. ^The plastic-covered luggage also stood up well, but this type is expensive. The test also found that packing suitcases too heavily makes them susceptible to damage. Another frequent cause of damage is failure to lock luggage. In buying luggage, try all the locks and catches to make sure they work easily and hold securely. Also make sure the handle is securely attached. . In shopping for luggage, always compare prices at several stores. Some of the so-called discounts offered by some stores are only dis­ counts from jacked-up prices, although real discount stores do sell luggage at reductions. The SIU Sea Chest offers luggage at special reductions for Seafarers. •..> • _ Pare Seyea Outports Okay Mariner Rule Meetings in all ports have ap­ proved the headquarters resolu­ tion covering procedures for chief electricians on Mariner-type ships. The new regulations provide for chief electricians throwing in for these jobs to pass the scrutiny of a committee consisting of rank and file electricians plus the engine patrolman in the port. The com­ mittee will check on (heir qualifi­ cations to handle the Mariner job. The resolution was passed 'fol­ lowing a headquarters member­ ship meeting discussion as to the procedure used by the Union in filling chief's jobs on these ships. In the course of the discussion it was brought out that the complex­ ity of the Mariner electrical instal­ lations and the importance of the chief electrician's job made it necessary to ship only men who had previous Mariner or AC ship experience for such jobs. Assistant electricians for these ships will continue to ship off the board in the standard rotary ship­ ping fashion. Dramatic on the spot photo shows one of 12 survivors off the sunken Anna M, a tuna boat, climbing aboard the Maiden Creek (Water­ man) which picked up survivors last week in transfer operation off SOT Pedro, Calif. The entire crdw of the tuna boat, members of the SlU-affiliated Cannery Workers Union, were originally rescued by a research vessel. Photo by Seafarer Ronald Swayne. Co's Attack 1872 Pay Law WASHINGTON-.—A maritime union spokesman, representing the SIU and 12 other nonCommunist sea unions in the US, has challenged a bill before the House Merchant Marine Committee as one designed to "start the destruction of the concept of shipping articles be­ ing contracts of employment."! — Appearing at hearings on Union opposition to the measure a breach of contract by the master the measure, a representative is based on the view that the law or the shipowner. Under the pres­ of the Conference of American as originally enacted in 1872 was Maritime Unions charged that the intended to "protect the seamen purpose of the bill was being mis­ against unscrupulous and callous represented by those supporting it, shipowners who could and did take principally shipowners' groups and advantage of the seamen who Congressmen friendly to their sailed their ships." The CAMU point of view. spokesman-noted* that the most The legislation, originally intro­ important protection the seaman duced last year, would amend ex­ receives from the statute is in the isting statutes to eliminate a pro­ proposition that the ship's officer vision that any seaman discharged is prohibited from discharging him without cause before one month's because of petty dislikes or whims. wages are earned shall'be entitled The cost which would fall to the to receive from the employer, in shipowner serves to curb such sit­ addition to wages earned, a sum uations, he pointed out. To Protect Company equal to an .additional month's wages. The provision that a sea­ "The argument mosjt often used man is entitled to one month's by proponents of this 'bill," he de­ wages if discharged without fault clared, '-4B that the shipowner must on his part prior to the commence­ be protected from paying the extra ment of the voyage would be left month's wages-for voyages which as is. are less than one month in dura­ Both the Departments of Labor tion. This argument is invalid be­ and Commerce, in addition to the cause court decisions, based on the sea unions, have registered opposi­ original statute, provide that the tion to the proposed change in the .seaman is entitled to the extra 82-year-old statute. month's wages only w^en there Is Cartoon History Of The SIU In the summer of 1948, the SIU faced a second test on the issue of American seamen and US ships car­ rying US aid cargoes overseas. Although the Union had. earlier* won approval of the "50-50" prUiciple for moving Marshall Plan cargoes, a new fight arose when a ipajor arms aid bill came up before Congress, LOG Challenge to '50-50' Eager to grab up all the shipping for themselves at the expense of US seamen and US-flag ship opera­ tors, the low-standard foreign sWpping interests provided the major opposition. As before, the SIU demanded a guarantee that US ships would carry at least half of the Government-^nanced ca|:go. ent law, the shipowner may engage in voyages of less than one month's duration without violating the em­ ployment contract and thereby being subjected to paying the extra month's wages." he continued. "However." the union spokesman added, "the shipowner could not sign articles with his crew for a voyage to a far distant port such as Australia and then divert his ship to a nearby port for which the voyage would be of less than a month's duration without breach­ ing the contract. This is clearly a justifiable case for awarding the seaman an extra month's wages . . . It is only fair that the seaman be assured of the approximate dura­ tion of employment before he signs articles." Under the bill, he concluded, seamen would be deprived of a convenient rule for assessing the amount of damages thqt could lie recovered for an unwarranted dis­ charge in such circumstances. A o. oe With the aid of many Coi^ressmen, plus labor and civic groups, the protest led by the SIU again won the day for US shipping. A "50-50" proviso was in­ cluded in the multi-billion-dollar arms aid measure, and put a halt to further cutbacks in the alreadydwindling US-flag merchant fleet for a time. t. >v.^ -V.tk J �SEAFARERS LOG rare EicU , t^- 24 Seafarers Made '54 Art Ceiitest M Joae 25. 1954 CASH BENEFITS SIU since 1952 out of New York, (Continued from page 2) colors, he is now in the Army at where he has his home. Bom in Fort Dix, NJ. He ships in the Poland in 1894, he sails as a ma­ dec'k department, sailing on SIU chinist. Utilizing his on the job rhips since 1951. Hope was bom skills, he machine-tooled two gyro­ In New York City in 1928 and lives scopes out^ of bronze which won in Brooklyn. His him the top prize in handicrafts. winning oil paint­ Another of his entries was a col­ ing was of a lapsible chair. • '-f ' small-town street Georges L. Pllour (oils): Pre­ scene; the water- sented with a special awanl in oils color, his first for his painting of a landscape ~ effort in that in his native FrancCi Pitour has field, ^as a por­ been sailing on SIU ships in the REPORT ON BENEFITS PAID trait of a young engine department since 1951. girl. He won sec­ Bom in 1910, he now lives in Long From To ^ ond prize in oils Island City, NY. Kienost in both the 1952 Keith Sawvel and 1953 SIU contests. (drawings): Win­ No. Seafarers Receiving Benefits this Period Richard Howell (handicrafts): ner of first prize Sailing in the deck department on in drawings for Averaite Benefits Paid Each Seafarer SIU ships since June, 1953, he was a pencil sketch Total Benefits Paid this Period bom in North Carolina in 1924, "The Bosun," 71. and now lives in NY. His entries sketched of the were a handcarved chain contain­ bosun on the SS WELFARE, VACATION BENEFITS PAID THIS PERIOD ing several links, all made from Fairport, he has v'SwiSiSiSsa single piece of been sailihg SIU Sawvel wood, plus a in the steward 1 carved "ball in a Hosoital Benefits 11 9/^6 oo department since 1951. Born in block" gadget 1925, he lives at Moravia, Iowa. 1 also cut out of Death Benefits Hans Skalagaard (oils): Winner one piece of 1 of a special award in oils for his e>o Disability Benefits 1 / wood. painting of a sailing ship^ he has R. C. Kienost ! Maternity Benefits 1 been a member of the SIU since (oils): Bom in 1943. He sails in the deck depart­ Switzerl and in Vacation Benefits | wmmmmrnm ment and was bom in Denmark in 1893, he has been King /' 1924. He tied for a third prize in Total ii ' / 7/^ ^76 a member of the oils in the 1953 SIU since 1938. A resident of Mt. Pleasant Beach, Maryland, he sails contest. Bert Suall WELFARE, VACATION BENEFITS PAID PREVIOUSLY in the steward department. His (drawings): Sail­ painting was of a floral display. Morris R. King (oils): A member ing in the deck of the SIU since 1945, he sails in departm e n t on Hosoital Benefits Paid Since July 1. 1950 • || the engine department. Bom in SIU sljips sinc^ 195^ he is a Death Benefits Paid Since Tulv 1. 1950* II 97F 0/da 4<3|| Louisiana in 1926, he now lives in New Orleans. His paintings were native of Brook­ Disability Benefits Paid Since May 1. 1952 * "A Portrait of Wessels," a fellow lyn and was bom there in 1930. crewmemher at" one time, and "At Maternify Benefits Paid Since Aoril 1. 1952 * Thome Monte," showing His entry this year was an abstract crayon de­ a vessel in MonVacation Benefits Paid Since Feb. 11. 1952 * sign. He won second prize in wativideo. Total • r ' ' James Lewis tercolors in 1953. John Tarkov (oils): Tied for flrst (handic rafts): * bate Benefits Becan H ' Winner of a spe- prize in oils with his entry titled "Life of A Lfttle Boy," a landscape c i a 1 award in handicrafts for a showing a little boy romping WELFARE, VACATION PLAN ASSETS hand-made knot­ through the country, he has been ted ladies' hand­ a member of the SIU since 1943. bag, he is pres­ Born in Russia in 1908, he sails in Vacation' Mallei ently hospitalized the deck department and makes Cash on Hand ' at the USPHS hospital, Manhattan his home in Jackson Heights, NY. JtC j Sal Terracina (handicrafts): Sail­ Beach, Brooklyn, NY. Born in Mas­ . o . .. Vacation sachusetts in 1897, he has sailed in ing in the steward department on, Estimated Accounts Receiyable the deck department on SIU ships SIU ships since 1951, he was born since 1951. in New Jersey in 1911 and now US Goyernment Bonds (Welfare) JPO?| Norman Maffei (oils): Presented makes his home in NY. His en­ with a special award in oils for his tries were four hand-made masks Real Estate (Welfare) painting titled "Trouble At The of Oriental figures copied from Other Assets - Training Ship (Welfare) Shape-up," illustrating a water­ photographs he has taken in Asiar //9oLa front brawl, he is a member of the He has had a sideline of making 1 TOTAL ASSETS || SIU since 1947. Bom in NY in similar masks for several years. Allan Thome (oils): Sailing in 1923, he now lives in Franklinsville, NY, and sails in the deck de­ the deck department, he has been partment. He tied for third prize a member of the SIU since 1942, in oils in 1953. and was born in NY in 1923. He Jacob Malenke (oils): Sailing now makes his home in Walpole, with the SIU since 1952 in the NH. His entries steward department, he was born included a still in Parkerford, Pa., in 1930 and life composition still has his home there. His en­ and a city street ^ tries included a nude, a ship paint­ scene. Pej;er Van Wying and one study of a Javanese mother and child. gerden (watercolJohn McLemore (oils): Born In ors): A member Mississippi in 1911, he has been a of the steward member of the SIU since 1939, and dep a r t ni e n t is a member of the deck depart­ aboard SIU ships Weisbrot ment. The first man to enter the since 1951, he contest this year, he missed the was bom in Rotterdam, Holland, 1953 competition by just a few in 1926, and now lives in NY. His days. His paint­ entries were four watercolor Stud­ ings pictured ies of Oriental figures. shipboard life I. C. Weisbrot (handicraft): Bom' SukmitUd A1 Kerr, AssistmtlTXdiiiiHistrator and a study of a in New York in 1920, he has been tanker in heavy sailing in the steward department seas. on SIU ships since 1951 and now Alfred Pfeifer makes his home in New Orleans, (handic raft s): La. His entry was a hand-made Winner of the plate for printing greeting cards first prize in and samples of the finished greet­ All these are yours without contributing a single nickel on your part — Colliectlng SIU bene­ bandicrafts, 'he ing card. He won first prize in fits is easy, whether it's for hospital, birth, disability or death— You $et first-rate personal ,5 (3 SEAFARERS WELFARE, VACATION. PLANS co\ ' ®*®ll oA aA 1 1 COMMBNTSi During the month of I;/Iay the Flan paid out lA Death Bene­ fits, making a total for the year, so far, of 92. The Plan also paid out 817 Hospital Benefits during the month of May making a jrear to date total of ^^533. The amount of Mater­ nity Benefits paid for the month was 31# which gives the Flan a year to date total of 223. The Scholarship Awards Committee, composed of 5 college professorsi will meet tomorrow to assist the Trustees in selecting U winners of the Seafarers' scholarships for the year 195A, out of the 11 eligible applicants. /K . Mf?- • and, remember this service iiriro^ately though yp^Uni^^ > I? �June 25, 1954 SEAFAREri^S Pare Nfn* LOG 1 SEAFARERS The Ward Line will soon orAer five (oreifn-buiit specially-designed freighters for Its New Tork-Mexico service, it was learned recently. The 6,300-ton doubte-rigged ships will replace the foreign-flag ships the line has recently chartered for the trade. The ships are expected to be in service by early 1956. Bids from German and Dutch shipyards are being studied now for the new ships, to be of 350,000-baIe capacity with 50,000 #ubic feet of reefer space and a speed of 16 knots. •i*. I One of the seaman's more considerable concerns, after chow and working condition;, is weather. That's one thing that the Seafarer can look forward to plenty of. For what may be just an ordinary breeze on land may become a problem offshore where the openness of the ocean and the effects of wind on water multiply the weather problem Television sets are becoming many times over. • 4> ~ Weather problems are compounded by the rotation of the earth as quite the thing it seems, both on The Italian Line has begun to book passengers on its newest liner, well, so that there are certain well defined patterns in the southern coastwise and offshore ships, with the Cristoforo Colombo, which is scheduled to make her maiden voy­ and northern hemispheres, as well as local weather patterns which age to New York late In July. Word from Genoa reports that the a good number of crews chipping are the result of warm and cold currents, nearby land masses and 29,100-ton vessel had exceeded by four-tenths of a knot the speed trial in to provide for electronic enter­ other factors. mark of her sister ship, the Andrea Doria.. The Senate Appropria­ tainment as long as the ship is Atmospheric Pressure tions Committee has instructed officials handling military ship­ running coastwise or getting into While weather prediction is still a long way from being an exact building contract awards to make allowance for cost differentials bescience, there are certain basic rules which help us understand what's twee"n"tTirE7srand"west "co"asTs7 The "a'ctTo'n'wiirincrlase within range of a TV receiver, going on. To begin with, winds, which are nothing more than air cur­ Rigged Antenna ties for West Coast operators to participate in the shipbuilding program. rents, tend to circle regions where the atmospheric pressure is above The gang on the Steel Rover or below-the average of 14.7 pounds per square inch at sea-level. 4" 4 • 4 (Isthmian) chipped in to get a set,, Where the pressure is high, the wind will blow clockwise around the The problem of visas forToreign seamen, who will need them next and chief electrician William B. An­ high-pressure regions." This is true only for the northern hemisphere. year ^ they sail on ships coming to this country, will be discussed by drews took on the job of insialling South of the equator, the directions are reversed. the Seafarers' Section of the International Transportworkers Federa­ the antenna and rigging it to the Consequently, in the northern hemisphere, when standing with back tion in London next month. The requirement that all foreign seamen king post in such a way as not to to the wind, the low-pressure area will be at the left and the highcoming to the United States must have passports and visas is part of interfere with any other shipboard pressure at the right. The reverse holds true again, south of th» the McCarran-Walter Immigration Act. It will become effective next operation. equator. June. Previously, seamen needed no more than their regular shipping The standard weather mdp is marked up with isobars, which are According to the crew he did a papers to gain permission for shore leave here. neat and permanent job which was simply lines connecting all points of equal pressure on the surface 4 4 4 to the satisfaction of all parties covered by the map. Winds will blow parallel to these isobars. Where Round-the-clock inspection of ships at Quarantine, long sought by concerned, including the men who the isobars are close together, indicating varying pressures within a the shipping industry, moved a step closer to realization as the Inter­ look for good TV reception any­ narrow range, the winds will be strong and produce rough seas. , Wind Belts state and Foreign Commerce Committee of the House repor^d favor­ where in range of a station. Because of the fixed position of the continents, the tilt of the axis Andrews, who has been an SlU ably on a bill that would provide the service. United States Public Health officers, charged with the ship examinations, now work only member for almost 10 years, and the standard orbit of the earth's rotation, the seas can be divided between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Vessels arriving later are forced to wait joined the ^Union in the Port of into wind belts, which are irregular in width and shift with the sea­ for clearance until the next day; a requirement that shipowners say costs New York. He's 61 years of age sons. Well-known to every seaman, they are the doldrums, the area the industry hundredi^'of thousands of dollars annually. The new bill and comes originally from the of the trade winds and the horse latitudes. The doldrums cover a belt of 10 to 20 degrees in width centered on Emerald Isle. calls for 24-hour inspections. the equator. Throughout this area, sea-level atmospheric pressure is . -4 4 4 4 4 4 below normal and the entire area is characterized by heavy, humidity, American shipbuilders believe that President Eisenhower's budget Crewmembers of the Monarch afternoon showers, cloudiness and light winds. The horse latitudes request of $81,600,000 in supplemental funds for merchant ship con­ of the Seas (Waterman) feel they are centered at around 30 degrees north and are regions of above struction holds little promise for immediate aid to the industry's got a good thing away from the normal pressure. Here there are light, variable winds and partly present depressed condition. The request calls for the eonstruc- rival Mobile outfit, Alcoa Steam­ cloudy skies. A similar belt exists in the southern hemisphere. Be­ tion of four passenger liners and 10 tankers-,. .John J. McMullen has ship Company, when Seafarer tween the doldrums and the horse latitudes blow the northeast and been appointed chief of the Maritime Administration's office of ship John. Roberts shipped out .with southeast trade winds. Between winter and summer-the area of th» construction ana repair It was announced recently. He succeeds Capt. them as steward. Roberts, the trades will shift approximately 10 degrees, moving northward with R. L. Hicks, who resigned the post April 30. crew said, used to sail steward on the sun. Alcoa passenger ships but now is At 60 degrees north or south below-normal pressure over the oceans 4 4 4 - ' eminently satisfying Seafarers' ap­ is pretty well standard. Storms, high winds and cloudy skies are uni­ Deep sea trawling for lobsters might mean the salvation of the fast- petites on the Waterman Line versal. In tne northern hemisphere, the area of the prevailing wester­ diminishing New England lobster trade, the director of the Massa­ freighter. lies lies between the northern limit of the horse latitudes and the chusetts State Division of Marine Fisheries has reported. Fish buyers storm belt of low pressure. Their equivalents in the southern hemi­ ' ^Joined In Miami were favorably impressed by the operation of the dragger Sea Hawk Roberts is an oldtimer with the_ sphere, the_ roaring forties, are much stronger because there are noT" now engaged in deep ^ea lobstering off distant fishing grounds. The SlU, joining the Union in Miami" great land masses to block the wind. Sea Hawk averages a weekly catch of 3,500 pounds of lobsters for her way back in January, 1939, just a Monsoon Pattern five-day trips, keeping the lobsters alive in. a huge tank on her deck. couple of months after it was or­ There are also local wind and storm patterns of persistent char­ 4 4 4 ganized. acter. In the Indian Ocean near the coast, a reversible wind is found, Three Filipino cadet-midshipmen received their degrees in a special He's a native of Florida, 41 the monsoon. In the summer, it. is a strong southwest wind accom­ "pier-head" jump graduation ceremony yesterday at the United States years old, and lives in St. Peters­ panied by rain. In the winter, it is a northerly dry wind from the in­ Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, LI. The cadets were grad­ burg between trips. terior. Temperate zone storms, between the horse latitudes and lati­ uated in the presence of their entire class, which will 'not be graduated tude 60 degrees north or south, are tropical in origin. These extra4 4 4 until August 6. The three Filipino students were expedited through at tropical cyclones, as they are known, are accompanied by verj' low the request of their Government, which wants them bi^k as soon as Another steward who came in pressure and strong wind and rain. They will move 400 to 600 miles a possible for service in the Navy. for words of praise was James day traveling from west to east with a small northerly drift. In the 4 4 4 St Eichenberg of the northern hemisphere, these cyclones' blow counter-clockwise, and the Sea Cloud (Sea- reverse south of the equator. Arthur R. Kennedy, assistant to the vice president of the Bull Liner The.approach of a cyclone is shown by a rapidly falling barometer traders). C r e wreturning from a month's tour of Europe, declared that Spain offered with a pick-up in wind velocity from a southeasterly direction in the members. on the .. good opportunities for trade development, particularly in agricultural ship's last run northern hemisphere and a northeasterly direction in the southern hemi­ and road machinery, ..Traffic through the Port of New York in May , to Yugoslavia on sphere. A shift of the wind to westward heralds the end of the storm. brought less yield as compared with the previous month and a year more than one The entire tropical cyclone also tends to follow a big reverse curve. ago. The report listed 1,420 ship movements—694 ships arriving from occasion ex­ In the northern hemisphere they start out traveling toward the north­ abroad and 726 sailing to foreign .ports in May. American-flag ships pressed appreci­ west but then swing in direction to the northeast. In the southern accounted Sor only 473 of the total, ation of the fine hemisphere they head southwest and then southeast. This curve, of 4 4 4 menus and good course, is followed over many thousands of miles of ocean. Eichenberg food offered on The diameter of a storm of this kind varies from 200 miles up to A crew of thirteen men and natives was rescued from the 407-ton 1,000 mjjes. In the very center of the storm the air will be still but motor ship Nukalau five minutes before it sank 200 miles off the coast the ship. of New South Wales. Their distress signals were answered by the Eichenberg's a New Jersey the ocean stirred up by circling winds will be very confused. The most Australian steamer Fiona, which sprayed oil on the heavy seas to native, who will be 40 years old dangerous area of a cyclone, known as the dangerous semi-circle, is enable the rescue to be made... The Bethlehein Steel Corp.'s San Fran­ next week. He joined the SlU in the half of the storm to the right of its path in the north and to the cisco shipyard has been awarded the contract to convert the Evergreen Philadelphia on October 7, 1944, left in the south, because here the velocity of the winds within the Mariner to an attack transport for $6,497,150 in 334 calendar days, it and makes his home in Camden, storm and the movement of the entire storm itself are added to each was announced recently. other. NJ. Burly lit i'-: 'Fair And Possibly Stormy' ACTION Voice Of The Deep Dy Bernard Seaman i ^1 •jl I vtjl �SEAFARERS Vkge Tea m THE WAKE LOG June 25t 1954 ' MEET THE SEAFARER 'Juan Sebastian del Cano, who w»iS EEfWARD YANCEY, electrician^ captain of the only ship to last the Sailing since 1942, Edward Line runs. It's relatively clean, voyage and return to Spain, really Yancey, elecftrician, feels that the modern and offers food^nd enter­ deserves the honors, although del Question: What do you think of SIU can be credited with a lot tainment as close as you'll come to Cano did perform the feat in a having television sets aboard ship'f more than just improving the that of Stateside. single voyage. • working conditions and wages of Good Eating I. G. Cumming, cook: I think it's the Seafarer. t /t 4 The gals are pretty nice too he a fine thing for the boys, but it's • The Union has been able to admits, but he didn't dwell on the The rummage sales as we know dispel the long-time notion of the subject, switching instead to food. them today, in which odds and not practical. The general public that Seafarers were His favprite dish, which he never ends contributed to charitable and coastwise ships "just a bunch of roughnecks" that misses having when he is in civm groups are sold for the pur­ I've been on that television called no one place home and were Durban, is a heaping plate full of pose of raising funds, were first h a (i had a terrible near the bottom of the labO]:.heap. crayfish and asparagus tips for the held on piers to get rid of unclaim­ Now_.thb publie finally realizes grand sum (>f $1.25. It's really ed cargo. Rummage comes from time getting the that the average Seafarer is a "Mr. good eating iii any mAn's language the old French word argumer, sound, especially Solid Citizen," that he is a family and at an attractive price, Yancey which means tp arrange the cargo when the engine man, owns his own home in many in the hold of a ship, while run room's aft. B e says. cases, and has a little something or rum meant hold or room. The sides the picture Single now, Yancey lives in Con­ was almost never tucked away in the bank for that rummage idea carried ashore came necticut and runs up home on clear. On offshore ships it's not rainy day. from the helter-skelter arrange­ weekends when he's not sailing in Was In Navy ment and confusion relative to much use either. a big green Buick that is his pride & X^ stowing cargo aboard ship years Brother Yancey first joined the Jose Reyes, AB: It would be a Navy to see the world In 1942. and joy." You can see him often gone by.'The run today is the after part of a ship's bottom, which rises fine thing to have on coastwise After four months of boot training, times giving it a lick and a polish ships. The men the call went out for men to man outside the htill while h^'s waiting and narrows as it approaches the i 4 could see the the merchant fleet and he chose to between calls. stempost. The pinnace, a small, light vesUp To Date | baseball games go to sea as a Seafarer. ael, generally two-masted, and J. t and other shows, A fishing and hunting enthusiast His first berth was that of an •chooner-rigged, derived its name and they would oiler on a'trip to the Gulf ports. during his seaside leisure moments, Although Captain John Smith is from the lumber of which it was known best as a leader of the Eng­ be happier in One trip was enough to convince Yancey and a Seafarer-buddy own originally built, from the Latin lish colony established at James­ their off hours. him that if he had been a union a fishing lodge In Canada that they pinus, for pine tree. The pinnace town, Va., in 1607, it was he who I've seen it in op­ man on shore, there wasn't much try to get up to as often as they was often used as a tender for a also gave the group of states eration aboard sense in sailing on a non-union can. * larger sailing vessel, and was known as New England their name. ship, and the re­ ship. Not really in the wilds, it is a sometimes propelled entirely by His book, entitled "A Description ception has-been Born in Chicago, he first started fine place to get away from it all, oars .. . Scandalize, an old nautical of New En^and," which was pub­ very good. We ought to try to get working when he was 15 as an and the fishing is really good when term, haS nothing to do with scan­ lished in 1616 after he had demon­ television on all coastwise ships. apprentice tuck pointer and build­ they get around to dropping 8 line dal, in terms of gossip, but stems strated the potential of the fishing 4 t i ing cleaner. (A "tiick pointer" is in the water. Generally they go up from scantle, the short form of industry in the area, used the Henry M. Robinson, chief elec­ a man who replaces loose cement and loaf around, taking it easy and scant, short or brief. When a sailor name for the first time. New Eng­ getting most of their exercise bend­ "scandalized the mainsail," he re­ land eventually did become one of trician: It would be a beautiful on brick buildings.) ing an elbow over a good two-inch Tankers Tough duced its ^rea by lowering the the leading fishing regions in the thing, as long as the crew left the steak. Just hearing Yancey de­ peak and hauling up the tack. Yancey says he found boot train­ world, as a result of Smith's view repairs and scribe how he specially fixes his ing rather tame compared with on the prospects for settlement maintenance to I' shipping on. a tanker in some of the steak is enough to make your in New England. the radio opera­ ' convoys to the North Atlantic and mouth water. While it is true that Ferdinand tor. I think we One of the most loyal readers of 4, i t to North Africa. Magellan did not actually circum­ ought to have it He claims he was ;ust plain the SEAFARERS LOG, Yancey The triangular tract of land that on all ships. They navigate the earth because he was lucky since he never lost a ship says, he is also a helpful critic. He often forms at the mouth of a killed in the Philippines before his have television although they had a couple of runs says he .never misses an issue and famous voyage Was completed, river is called a delta because in channels in Eu­ ,for their money. On one trip to finds the pi^er brings him up to some historians argue that he did outline it resembles delta, the rope .and the go almost completely around the fourth letter of the Greek alpha­ West Indies, and we could enjoy it Africa his ship was forced to run date with what's going on of in­ and-hide in the Persian Gulf., An­ terest to the Seafarer. world—although in two separate bet, which is shaped like a small for a week or so coastwise. other time a Japanese sub was hot However, Yancey says, with .so trips nearly ten years apart. When triangle and corresponds to the let­ i t . on the ship's tail on a trip to Chitmany of the men interested in the Portuguese navigator was ter "D" in English. Delta in this Frederick Lewis, steward: In my killed in 1521, he had sailed west sense was originally applied by the opinion it's a good idea on coast­ tagong, India, and they sought basebair--and sports and not near to a point 124* -longtitude East of Greeks to the three-cornered tract wise ships, but shelter in the Indian Ocean. But a radio or newspopers for long Greenwich. In 1512, however, it of land formed by the diverging if the ship's like he says, no hits, two runs and periods at a time, he would like to, see pccasiortally printed the Is said Magellan sailed as far east mouths of the Nile and seacoast. going foreign he was really luckS^. He must like Durban, South standings of the various teams as as Banda Island, East Indonesia, The Mississippi, Danube, Rhine there probably In the Moluccas, which is about and Indus are other great rivers of wouldn't be any Africa, the wais he talks about the well as the latest happenings in the 130° longtitude East. The argu­ the world that have clearly-defined reception. Never­ town which is pretty much a uni­ leagues. ThinkA It would help a lot ' ment therefore is that he, not deltas. theless, we ought form feeling among men on Robin and really be appreciated. to try it out and see what kind' of results we get. It's- fine enter­ tainment, and it gives the menHhe 20. Speckled 30. Long knife ACROSS 4. Kind of The United States severed diplo­ platform was adopted and the feeling they're still at home. groupers cigarette 1. Kind of cargo 33. Undirected matic relations with Finland charg­ gathering was addressed by ex4. Cleaning agent 5. Musical drama 21. Region t t Endured 36. 22. What. roUIng 8. Erie or Huron 8. Breeze William A. Roesch, wiper: I'd ing the Helsinki Government had President Herbert Hoover and stone doesn't 7. Transit from 38. Every 12. Former relief gather one place to 40. Bow agency like to see television sets aboard entered into a military partnership Mrs. Clare Boothe Luce, Repre­ another 24. Covers with 42. Complain 13. Port on Upolu with Germany to fight the Allies sentative from Connecticut. Gov. all our ships, gold paint 43. Russian hemp 8. Dodger pitcher 14. Seed cover of the United States on the side of Thomas E. Dewey, of New York, Kind of cargo Russian inland 44. Very small New cargo 9. 15. whether they're ship sea amount. ships the enemy . . . Allied planes was nominated for the Presidency, coastwise or deep Outside the 46. Freezes 17. False move by 19. Murder bombed oil refineries near Buda­ receiving the Votes of all but one bulwarks Members of 49. Age pitcher 11. sea. No doubt BPOE Russian moun­ 50. No 18. Tie up pest, rail yards and ^Plants in delegate. the reception tain range 51. Definite articl* 19. Helpers of con 16. Charged Hungary and Yugoslavia. In the particles men would be better (Puzzle Answer On Page 20) 21. Egyptian deity Pas-de-Calais area they bombed coastwise, but 23. Another time 1 2 the robot bomb launching plat­ In Normandy the Allies pushed about 25. even deep sea 27. Lake fire forms which were sending buzz- across the Odon River to the west ships travel along 12 81. Eastern bombs to London. of Caen . . . "The area of Lpndon," Standard Time; the coast for a Abbr. a Berlin communique said, "is in­ 15 while, and there Governed X cessantly subjected to heavy fire 34. Vase are telecasts from countries in EUP 35. Lake Superior The battle for Cher­ The National Labor Relations by V-l's'^ . rope and the West Indies. port bourg was noted by the Allies as Board announced that the NMU 87. Bristles 4 t it 89. Accumulate practically oVer when" in the rain had failed in its attempt, to Frank Young, bosun: On coast­ seaman 41. 43. Former Italian wise ships it's a fine idea, but I'd carry the > Pittsburgh Steamship and chill wind, , Allied troops Prime Minister prefer to see us Company's.steel-ore carrying fleet. mopped up the port niaking it pos­ 45. Island in cen­ tral Azores concentrate o n The vote was 720 for the NMU and sible to. open up true .port facili­ 47. Mob fight getting , good 889 against ... A tornado swept ties for the first time. 48. Kind of ship standard short western Pennsylvania, north-cen­ 82. Poker bet • S3. Cleveland'* wave equipmeiit tral West 'Virginia and Maryland, lake A lease was signed by the SIU's oh deep sea killing 153 or more persons and 84. Cheer 85. Part of a A&G District for QeW headquar­ injuring more than1,000; it cost ships, where necklace regular 'Centact $5 million in property damage,. • ters of the district in Ne.w '^rk. 84. Datives: Abbr. •7. -Stain The new building was locate^ at with the rest of * t * 51 Beaver Street, some few blocks DOWN . the worfd is more Democrat: from the old address at 2' Stone Th* Republican National Gbnimportant. Men Abbr.. on coastwlsh ships can get a paper TcnUon met ha Chicago. Gov. Earl Street, and offered five floors of Big naihe' ln rgdto. ' ..--ri f /, f ei'CFy couple of days. Deep sea you C. " Warren, of - California;v was facilities for use by the member.{ «. Flshllljf -.is chosen temporary. ..chairman. *A ^Ipii.-,; England According to a popular story, •tateroom as applied to the pas­ senger compartment on a ship originated about 1844 when Cap­ tain Henry M. Shreve, after whom Shreveport, La., was named, had cabins 'built oOi his steamboat and named them after the states bor­ dering on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The cabins were called "the states" at first, and finally were known as "State rooms." But stateroom was applied to a ship compartment as early as 1660 in England, so it is likely that Shreve's scheme of naming his cabins was actually suggested by the word stateroom itself. The original stateroom was a ^oom in a palace or hotel that was specially decorated and used only on state or ceremonial occasions, or on early vessels for wealthy and dis­ tinguished travelers. TEN TEARS AGO ^1 ^ 1 �June 2&. 1»S4 SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven SEAFARERS# LOG JHII* 25, 1*54 *Mfe// Done, Brofhersl Vol. XVi, No. 13 Published biweekly by the Seafarers -International Union, Atlantic & Gulf District, AFL, 675 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel. HYacinth 9-6600, Cable Address: SEAFARERS NEW YORK. PAUL HALL. Secretary-Treasurer Editor, HEHBEPT BRAND; Managing Editor, RAY DENISON; Art Editor, BERNARD SEAMAN; Photo Editor, DANIEL NILVA; Staff' Writers, HERMAN ARTHUR, IRWIN SPIVACK, At MASKIN, NORMAN SMITH, Gulf Area Reporter, BILL MOODY. M •^1 SIU Scholars Announcement of the winners of four $6,000 SIU college scholarships this week marks another major milestone for the SIU, one of many the Union has achieved in its short history. First inaugurated last year, the program has already sent four children of Seafarers to the college of their choice for four years of study and, this fall, three active Seafarers will be €ntei;ing school with the aid of the Union grants, along with the fourth 1954 winner, the son of an SIU member. Events like this are invariably the occasion for a^ revival of comparisons between the present and "the old days," as oldtimers vie in remembering the different benefits thought "unattainable" then, many of which have, in large part, been realized in recent years. It is certainly a mark of forward progress when the sons and daughters of seamen, and seamen themselves for that matter, can have the opportunity for a college education un­ der Union auspices. Imese are the pipedreams of years ago actually come to life. Moreover, the fact that three Seafarers are among the for­ tunate scholarship award winners this year demonstrates again that SIU men have skills that go far beyond those sim­ ply required oil the job. Competing with young men and women fresh out of high school, these professional seamen have made their mark the hard way. We wish them all a smooth trip on the seas of learning. - New Passenger Run? A proposal that has come to light in Washington concern­ ing possible conversion of Mariner ships for.pasenger use is certain to attract a good deal of interest in maritime cir­ cles. It is no secret that the Government is anxious to unload some of the Mariners for commercial purposes and that few shipowners have indicated any great interest along those lines. However, now the Maritime Administration has before it a request by Arnold Bernstein, a veteran shipping operator, for a charter on two of the Mariners to be used in one-class North Atlantic passenger seryice. The Bernstein proppsal has merit from two points of view. For one thing, the; Government, particularly the Defense De= partment, has been concerned about the shortage of passenger ship facilities. Secondly, it would provide a type of passenger service that up until now has been pretty well monopolized by foreign flags. As a matter of fact, once before Bernstein had a similar ap­ plication approved by the Maritime Administration, but the outbreak of the Korean War put a stop to that. In its-previous attempts to sell the Mariners, the Maritime Administration had been negotiating With Moore-McCormack Lines to take two Mariners for their South American pas­ senger service. The plans fell through when the company decided that the Mariners would not be suitable for its pur­ poses. No doubt then, the Maritime Administration is going to give careful consideration to Bernstein's proposal to see if it measures up to the country's long-range program for more passenger ships—a program that has solid support from all sections of maritime. Opening The Door The green Jight given the House Merchant Marine Committee to a bill-already passed by the Senate to permit the sale of 12 C-l-type vessels to Brazil, is, we hope, still going to undergo a lot of scrutiny in the lower chamber before it winds lip in the hands of the President. The measure would be the first successful effort to reopen the long-expired Ship Sales Act governing the sale of Gov­ ernment owned vessels at a time when it would appear to be in the best interest of the United States to keep as many ships for its Own potential use as possible. , ;Alfhough Briizil is admittedly a jpower friendly to the US, tjie obvious fact is that in permitting'this salft th^ Congress would be. setting a precedent for equally s^enuous pleas.op, behalf of sother iaations, with the end-result .that jth^ US mer-. chant marine would be sweliorwed up wholes>»••> •: Sings Praises Of Seamen^s Ciuh To the Editor: I was very anxious to visit the new USSC in Yokohama, Japan, for that is what I call home when I happen to be here. It has been at its new location for just about one year. A huge living room is located in the main floor facing the entrance, where they boast, besides taste­ fully arranged furniture, a nice big TV set. That may not seem news to most of us back home, but since TV is just a babe in this part of the world if is quite a luxury. The main living room, counter service, souvenir shop, mail laun­ dry, and checking service, and three small offices are also located on the main floor. Ending a 35-day strike, 2,700 bus was the learning period to 160 Photo Lab and trolley operators on Pitts­ hours, at not less than 63 cents Stepping down to the basement we found the ping pong and bil­ burgh's mala transportation sys­ an hour, for all machine operations liard tables, the barber, tailor, tem gained a nine-cent increase to other than sewing machine operat­ shoe shine shop and the photo lab, put the basic wage at $2.01 an ing and all pressing operations ex­ which is in charge of Konni Okawa hour. That equals the Boston scale, cept final pressing. For the two ex­ and two of his daughters, Kitty highest in the country. The new ceptions the learning period will and Kenny. They develop and contract, ratified by the Street, continue to be 480 hours. Indus­ print all of our films as well as Electric Railway & Motor Coach try divisions included are single the ones they shoot on the club's Employees local by a vote of 1,282 pants, shirts and allied garments, to 172, freezes into the wage struc­ sportswear and other odd outer­ premises, in about one hour. ture a six-cent cost-of-living bonus wear, rainwear, robes, and leather Kenny and Kitty Okawa are to on top of the old basic rate of $1.92 and sheep-lined garments, be thanked for the good work they and adds three cents more. The did on developing the pictures re­ one-year contract is retroactive to 4" cently taken of the club and which May 1. Top minimum wage scqles were appeared in the last issue of the boosted to $115 from $113 for edi­ LOG. t 4» i torial and business department On the top floor is the enormous Wage boosts ranging from 5-27f2 employees of the Cincinnati-Post, bar and grill. There is room for cents an hour were gained by Ma­ Cincinnati, O., in a contract nego­ dancing and floor shows here, with chinists in Springfield, Mo., in re­ tiated by the Newspaper Guild. In­ the latter being performed twice cent negotiations with six plants creases ranging from $1.50 to $3 nightly by just about the best per­ for contract renewals. Firms in­ a week were retroactive to March 1. formers around town. 1 was lucky cluded Reynolds Manufacturing 4 4 4 to see some very unusual numbers Co., Acme Foundry & Machine Co. in classical dancing and in oriental and Monarch Machine Co. After a campaign extending over juggling that I would like to rec­ many months, firemen of Bingommend to TV scouts. hamton, NY, represented by Fire Two new agreements were sign­ Two Orchestras ed by the Communications Work­ Fighters Local 729, gained a 56Jimmy and the Jamboliers and ers of American with units of the hour woi'k week instead of putting the Hawaiian Band and the Melody Bell System, providing pay boosts in 72 hours on the job. The two-pla­ Sisters still pirovide the music for 7,45.0 members. A package in­ toon system in use gave way to nightly. They play a good number crease of 6.6 cents an hour, of three. Each platoon works 24 hours of requests nightly, with Besame which .7 cents was in fringe items, on and 24 hours off for three days Mucho and Japanese Rhumba still was won for 6,200 workers at 29 and then has four consecutive 24the No. 1 requests. 1 do love the distributing centers of the West­ hour days off. After a cycle of first played by Jimmy and his or­ ern Electric sales system through­ nine weeks, that averages 56 hours chestra, but when it comes to the out the country. Three distributing a week, Japanese Rhumba, 1 prefer the houses, in Philadelphia, St. Louis 4 4 4 Hawaiian Band with the Melody and Milwaukee, were upgraded. At Believed to be the first contract Sisters and their guitars. Bell Laboratories, 1,250 workers I was shown around the build­ got increases averaging 6.4 cents on the Pacific Coast containing the provision. International Brother­ ing by Mr. Williams who is the an hour dating back to May 30. hood of Electrical Workers Local head man here in Yokohama and 4" 4" 125 of Portland, Ore., won an who is the same USS officer who A pay increase of 25 cents an agreement for a day off on the opened the club in Naha, Okinawa, in . 1951. Miss Galgas, who is new hour was won by 7,500 members of birthday of any employee of the to me, was also very cooperative in nine Bricklayer locals in a new Pacific Power & Light Company. helping me get acquainted with the wage, agreement with 90 construc­ If the birthday occurs on a week­ represented by the end, the employee can take off the new surroundings and arrange­ tion firms Building Contractors and Mason following Monday or the preced­ ments'. Builders Association of New York, ing Friday; if it's on a paid holiday Roof Romance he adds the day before or after Even the roof here looks nice putting the new rate at $3.80 an to his time off and his vacation is hour. The pact, which covers jobs and they are going to make, use of lengthened by a day if the birth­ it too, for they intend to have a in Nassau County and parts of Suf­ day falls in that period. folk as well as New York City, also roof terrace so that dancing can be done a little more romantically provides for an increase of em­ t 4 4 under the moonlight during the ployer welfare fund contributions Higher wage rates and improved to 4 percent of payroll from 3V^ spmmer. . working conditions went into effect. As usual, they also handle many percent.' June 1. for about 35,006 Western • ir t seamen's problems, regardless of Union Telegraph employees repre;. their qatipnality and uhiqn affiliaLearners in most divisions of the sented by the AFL CommtrciaL tlpn. That alone makes for one pi apparel industry will come under Telegraphers Union. The pay hikes the hest .reasons why many, of uii higher wage yalies — 63 and 70; ranged from five cents to 21 cents believe.,that .this, organization, is cents an hour,in place of 60 ant^ per hour for hourly rated einployhere |pr A io.nf tjipe tp cpijnie^ , , • " " "le Pepajlment ^nd $8 pfr n^onth minimum for f Lnls RamlreoK t; �':^m Vac* Twelve If, V-- SEAFARER'S tdG JmaltrtB, 1951 Jane U, ifU. M' ' p?-'\ #' ^'-4 pi""" ii m : \\ : • ya p5'>wp'# ..... e r m ... ,, Once again the SlU has put on display the products of Sea­ farers whose talents go beyond j[heir acknowledged on-the-job skills. A representative collection of paintings, drawings and handicrafts entered in the 3rd Annual SlU Art Contest under­ went the scrutiny of a panel of judges on June 15 with the result that the winning Seafarers have been awarded fhe certificates and handsome prizes pictured on the left. y yfe O-r. :.:v- • V "; y Shown on this page are some of the Seafarers and several of -the entries which mode up the 1954 contest. II •: -^r~. ..iv^ ^ Ti . «.V,. V-'-; y • • lli^piipsii i'. Group at Manhattan Beach hospital gitthers around entries by patients, two of which were winners. Shown are James Lewis' (handbag), woven floral design by Antonio Diaz, John Holokai (place mats). Diaz (not shown) was winner, as was Lewis. '^"yiyyy -.V .*••. •• •• LOG editor Herb Brand (right, light shirt) presents awards at headquarters membership i^eting to three of the winners (left to right): John Tarkov, oils; Alfred Pfeifer, handicrafts; and James Byrne, drawings. Prizes were engraved cigarette lighters. '•••" ~ :" -V vfi iii •**- . SSSi:;® •- Ji «fi!»«iiiiiii msmsp wmm .sisiMis?® lif llflM ^ ^-1 t j jj 1 i iisif • - "'Si;'!:— L ' r' I /•' - '/ \ plllilli '"i 5 'if- ^ a '"" Seafarers at headquarters look over ome of the oil paintings on display. Oils pre* dominated in the contest with the r suit that the judges made most of the awards in that category. I > - x" I Richard Howell shows his ingenious woodenchain link carved out of one piece of wood with no joints. 'wm0 G. L. Pitour put a scene in Aix en Provence on canvas during a recent vacation visit to his native France. •1 I iiiiiiiiii iiililv liliiiir: piiilp lifiili • i.; J I-; Ij?,;/ Seafarer Leif Hope displays his two prize­ winners in oils and watercolors r e s p e c tiyely, Hope was first ' ^traht eVer tb; take '' ly^viJV-y'iyvtwo awards.^ ••••:-, '/: • -•-"-'S." -v' "• '- • • . *1 . ?;Museufn; Bernard Seaman, LOG art editor; Jerome Snyder, art t Jacob Malehke painted this familiar seafaring % i^ne showing a square-rigger vnda a full - press'of MIL """' ^v- 'c: No exhibit is complete without a sb^i model such as the one of a merchant.vessel displayed here'by John Antbhikih. �.-r-,;.' • • SEAFARERS LOC Pare Fonrten poftr juspojtiv Jane 25, 1954 Intransit hera wera tha Alcoa Mobik; bill and really tore his opponents New Orleans: Corsair, Alcoa Pennant, Alcoa to bits. Cavalier and Alcoa Pilgrim (A1 Senator Sockrider is from Lake coa); Steel Traveler (Isthmian) Charles and is a contractor, but Seatrains Georgia and Louisiana his record in dealing with labor is (Seatrain); LaSalle, Hastings, Clai 100 per cent okay. He is one of the Seafarers who expect to be in borne, Arizpa, Warhawk and Mon­ Shipping has picked up consider­ few that realize that labor put him Shipping in the port for the last ably in Galveston during the past in and can take him out. However, New Orleans during the July 4th arch of the Seas (Waterman), couple of weeks remained pretty two weeks, and it looks as if |it he is also a working man himself, weekend are all set to enjoy the iClargaret Brown (Bloomfield) and steady, with 132 men shipped to having come up the hard way from annual picnic in this city given by Salem Maritime (Cities Service). regular jobs and 106 shipped to will continue that way. Rumors Surround Seatrain a laborer's job. relief jobs in and around the har­ the crew of the Del Sud (Missis­ Paying off during this period The Seatrain New Orleans, which bor. There were 12 payoffs," seven Seafarer Of The Week sippi). were the Marie Hamil (Bloomfield) We nominate for Seafarer of the The picnic originally was has been tied in the willows at sign-ons and five ships in transit and the Julesburg (Terminal Tank­ for the two week period. All the ers). The Margaret Brown (Bloom- Week Brother C. M. Silcox who planned for May, but was post­ Belle Chasse for at the present time is enjoying the poned when the Del Sud unexpect­ several years, payoffs were in good shape with field) signed on. was the subject only minor beefs that were settled In transit during this period sunshine around these here parts edly sailed coastwise to Texas in­ of a whole fleet prior to payoff. were the Albion and Catherine while waiting for a coastwise ship. stead of spending the customary of rumors when Paying off were .the Warrior, (Drytrans); Hastings and Arizpa He ships as an AB maintenance week in New Orleans at the* end she was towed and says that under the fine con­ Claiborne, Arizpa, Hastings, Mon­ of her South American run. (Waterman); Del arch of the Sea and Andrew Jack­ The Del Sud is due to return to into drydock for Aires and Del ditions we enjoy, he can work six her annual bot­ son, (Waterman), and the Alcoa Monte "(Missis­ or seven months a year and still her home port July 1. The picnic tom scraping. have plenty of time to fish. Cavalier, Pointer, Pilgrim, Roamer, is planned for July 3 at Audubon sippi); Steel Ex­ 'We now have back with us, after Park and will be a big day for all, The rumors had Clipper, and Patriot, all of Alcoa. ecutive (Is t ha trip to the Far East, the one and with a baseball game, various con­ her crewing up Sign-ons included the Arizpa, Foster mian); Alexandra Pointer, Pilgrim, Hastings, War(Carras); South- only A. G. "Tex" Alexander, bet­ tests, vaudeville and acrobatic acts, for nearly every port in the world, with Indo China em Districts ter known locally as the Mayor of and music for dancing by Papa and Guatemala getting priority on hawk, Roamer and Patriot. IJighway 90 West. Celestine's famed Dixieland band. (Southern Steam­ In Transit Vessels the scuttlebutt. Speculation sub­ We have but one man in the hos­ Anti-Union Bill Passed ship); Republic In transit were the De Soto and Despite the vigorous opposition sided, however, when the ship was Iberville, (Waterman); the Robin (Trafalgar); Mae pital at the time of this writing, Markopolo (Bull); Seatrains Thad Foster. Foster was injured of trade unionists throughout towed back to her berth in the Gray (Seas Shipping); the Steel Texas, New Jersey, Savannah and when thrown from a horse. We are Louisiana, a so-called "right-to- willows, where she remains as a Executive (Istlimlan) and the work" bill was passed by the State floating advertisement of the Sea­ Gateway City (Waterman). New York (Seatrain), and Royal hoping for his speedy recovery. Leroy Clarke Senate, 22-14. The bill is actually train Terminal at Belle Chasse. Oak iind Logans Fort (Cities Serv­ For our Seafarer of the week we Lindsey J. WiUiams Lake Charles Fort Agent an anti-union shop measure de­ ice). nominate Brother Harry K. Long New Orleans Fort Agent signed to strip labor-management 4 4 4. Men in the marine hospital are who joined the SIU in 1945 and contracts of all union security pro­ 4 4 4 H. Strickland, T. Gutierrez, C. Las- Seattle: usually ships out of the port as a visions. siter, J. Markopolo, C. Decker, A. second cook. Brother Long is Philadelphia: • Seafarers who live in Louisiana Hancock, C. Barbosa, W. Bargone, married and has two children and and ship out of New Orleans con­ J. Brandon, C. Goodwyn, W. Bergis expecting a third shortly. At ducted a letter writing campaign guist, J. Slocum and H. Manuel. present, he is working in the Alcoa to inform legislators from their Keith Alsop shore gang while awaiting the Seattle again reports that ship­ parishes of their opposition to the Galveston Foil; Agent arrival of the blessed event. ping is in top form with the men bill and the damage it will inflict His favorite sport is watching the At this time, the bottom has 4) it 4able to pick their jobs, either on on Louisiana's economy. greyhounds run over at the Pen-" dropped completely out of every­ Lake Charles: For the information of Seafar­ intercoastal or Far East runs. The thing, yet we maintain a better sacola dog track and so far he has future looks as though it will con­ ers, Orleans Parish senators who hope for the future as we have the been pretty lucky. Long's brother voted for the bill and against labor Longview Victory (Victory Car­ is also an SIU bbokman who ships tinue to be bright for this port. Ships paying off in the past two were Senators Ainsworth, Eustace riers) and the Yorkmar (Calmar) as an AB or bosun. week period were the Ocean Nimet and Richards. Those who voted expected in shortly for payoffs and Maternity Benefit (Ocean Trans) and Kyska (Water­ against the bill were Deichmann, to the bgst pf our knowledge they Long thinks one of the greatest Reporting in from way down man). Signing on was the Liberty Howard, MacHauer, Mahoney and are Imth going to take the better benefits of the Welfare Plan is the amongst the magnolias, crawfish Bell (Tramp Cargo). Seeber. maternity benefit for it gives help part of full crews. and swamps of nature's wonderful Foster Out of Hospital Those ships in transit were the when it is needed. Southwest Louisiana, we report Alcoa Pioneer (Alcoa); the SeaShips paid off were the Logans Former shipmates of „ Brother The big news around the port that things have been awful quiet comet II (Ocean Carriers) and the Ben Foster, one of the real old- Fort and Winter Hill (Cities Serv­ of course is the recent pay increase so far as shipping is concerned. Alamar (Calmar). timers in the Union, will be happy ice), and the Seagarden (Pennin. reported in the LOG. All of the We have had quite a few ships in Navigation). to leam that he finally has been Only Minor Beefs port but the boys are still sticking Signing on were the Winter Hill brothers on the beach can be seen The majority of ships in transit discharged from the USPHS Hos­ pretty close. and,, Logans Fort (Cities Service). with pencil and paper rapidly figur­ and paying off have had only the pital here with a "fit for duty" Calling into this area during the usual minor problems which were slip. Ships in transit at the port were ing up what they have coming in retroactive wages and overthne past two weeks were the Winter squared away before they sailed. Brother Foster, who sailed as a the Gateway City, Chickasaw, An­ that has accrued since October of Hill, Chiwawa, Paoli, Lone Jack, drew Jackson and Antinous. (Wa­ carpenter, will be 69 on his next Oldtimers on the beach are C. E. Government Camp, Cantigny, Brad­ Harper, S. F. Cullison, J. A. Men- \;;irthday, Augi}^t 25. Now that he terman); the Marina, Rosario, Dor­ 1953. When all this time has been computed by the companies and ford Island, Bents Fort and Win­ ville and E. Warren. is hale and hearty once more, he othy, Suzanne and Evelyn (Bull); the Union, we hope that the list ter Hill (Cities Service). and the Robin Doncaster (Seas). Men in the marine hospitals in­ is registered to ship out again. We also had the Bull Run of clude S. Johannessen, W. F. All ships paid off in good shape of the money due will be posted in Shipping here has been fair dur­ Mathiasen Tankers and one Vaughan, Floyd Jarvis, S. Kurtish, ing the last two weeks with 172 and there were no major beefs to the LOG. In the meantime, every­ one is sitting pat and giving the that is a complete stranger to these A. Pinchook, W. A. Gaddy and men registered and 177 shipped. be settled. ' operators a chance to get this parts, the MV Excello. This ship is Kung Yue Fah. On the labor front we wish to Ships paid off here during the matter straightened out and the a converted LST and is under or­ A final word from our financial last report period included the report that the International Un­ money on the way. ganizational set-iip. adviser. The local race track opens Steel Executive (Isthmian); the Del ion of Electrical Workers have Also coming in for quite a bit We found a fine bunch of fel­ shortly and the ponies are eager Monte, Del Mar and Del, Mundo ibeen successful in their strike and lows on her, holding the line well to run. He suggests, you play the (Mississippi); the De Soto, Iber­ have now returned to work with of discussion are the applications until this tub is signed to the bek daily double—the last two num­ ville and Chickasaw (Waterman), increases amounting to a nine-cent for permit men to apply for a hook. These applications are being fixed conditions in the maritime indus­ bers on your registration card, package. and the Tainaron (Actium). up and should be available in the try, an SIU contract. All the above A. S. Cardullo The Del Mar and Del Rio (Mis-, Jeff Gellette very near future. All permit men ships took a few Fhiladelpbia Fort Agent sissippi) signed on. . ' Seattle Fort Agent are urged to get one and fill it out men so shipping so that his application can go to was not too bad. the committee in- New York for The Excello checking. called for a cou­ Fish Biting ple of men and Well, the weather keeps getting' we put some of better find the fish have started to our best men on WILMINGTON, Cam 509 Marine Ave. FORT WILUAM....11BH Syndicate Ave. bite around the bays in Mobile, so' her. Ontario > Phone: 3-3221 SIU, A&G District Ernest TlUey, Agent Terminal 4-2874 On the labor BALTmORE COLBORNE 103 Durham St. the men on the beach, while wail­ 14 North Gay St. HEADQUARTERS . 679 4th Ave., Bklyn. PORT Ontario Phone: 5501 SECRBTARV-TREASURER , Earl Sheppard, Agent Mulberry 4940 front, we find Alexander TORONTO, Ontario 272 King St. E. ing for their cards to age a little,, -Paul Hail • BOSTON 276 SUte St. EMplre 4-5710 are taking a whirl at the good fresh the building and James ASST SECRETARY-TREASURERS • Sheehan. Agent Richmond 2-0140 Robert VICTORIA, BC 617t4 Cormorant St. Matthews Joe Algina construction trades council still GALVESTON in and' Empire 4531 and salt water fishing 21st A Mechanic Claude Rlmmons Joe Voipian VANCOUVER, BC. 869 Hamilton St. around the port. They are eitheT talking over things with the con­ Keith Alsop, Agent WlUiam HaU . Phone 2-8448 Pacific 7624 tractors and some progress is being LAKE CHARLES, La 1419 Ryan St. SYDNEY. S3'. 304 Charlotte St. catching a helluva lot of fish or are SUP Phone 0346 made. The metal trades council Leroy Clarke, Agent , ' Phone 6-9744 in the countjL BAGOTVILLE Queheo 30 Elgin St. the darnedest 1 South -Lawrence St. HONOLULU 10 Merchant St. also reports progress in their talks. MOBU,E •' Phone: 549 In addition, the soft shell crabfi Cal Tanner, Agent Phone 2-1754 Phone 5-8777 THOROLD, Ontario 62 St. David! St. 'Right To Work' Bill NEW ORLEANS 523 BienvUle-St. PORTLAND ..,522 N. W. Everett St. CAnai 7-3202 and flounders are starting to hit Beacon 4336 QUEBEC .113 Cota De La Hontarae the beaches and quite a few of Over in Baton Rouge, the com­ Lindsey WUIiams, Agent MagnoUa 0112-6113 RICHMOND, CAI^....i Quebec PhOnei 3-7078 257 5th St. mittee reported out the so-csdled NEW YORK 675 4th Ave., Brooklyn 177 Prince WiUiam St. them are being caught and gigged . . Phone 2989 SAINT JOHN HYacinth S-6600 NB Phone: 2^5233 at night. "right to work" bill b^ a five to SAN FRANasCO. ,.450 Harrison St. 127-120 Bank St. Deuglae 2-8363four vote in favor, and then the NORFOLK Hope all you brothers, when Ren Rees, Agent Phone 4-4083 SEATTLE.....'., Great Lakes District ;..2905 let Ave. Market SL State Senate voted it In by a 22 to PIULADELPHIA,..337 they ane in the neighborhood, wilt Main 0200 ALPENA... S. CarduUo, Agent Market 7-1639 133 W. Fletcher ;.808 Marine Ave. 1'4 vote. It is at present bkwe the SAN FRANOSCO 450 Harrison'St. WILMINGTON drop in and see our hall >that- is T. Banning, Agent. Douglas 2-5479 Terminal 4-3131 BUFFALO. NY .7i*0 Main St. Hbu§e Labor Committee and from Marty BreithoS; West Coast.Representattve NEW'^ YORK..:.. 675 ^th ^^^,^JBroo^ Phone: CIev«R^ 7M1 being painted and renovated. The CLEVELAND 734 Lakeiide Ave.. NE hall is looking better already end all indications will have a rough PU^TA de TIERRA, PR PelayoSl—LaS Sal Coils. Agent ' ^lone 2-5686 PRonee Matt 1-0147 tinie there. In the Senate'wheh the SAVANNAH ; I Abercem St. DETROIT.., ,,..'......1038 3rd St; we know that she will look tops Canadian District Jeff Morrison,' Agent ^ Phone 3-1728 Headaucrtera Phone: Woodward 14857 bill hit tfie floor, Sej^atqr'Guy W. SEATTLE *700 1st Ave. MONTREAL. ,634 St. Jamoa St. W< DULurra. .....931 wrnidhigBD st. when the job Is completed. Sockrider, i Jeff 6!Uette, Agent EUiott 4334 " " i .'of 'the- comPLiteaii * • ••••.<i?C5sl-TaBr«r •• . TfUnS-lSU m >enaMla.J$k SOUra CBICAGD 331 ink the TAMPA Ray WhitOi Agen Phone S-tm Galveston: Seafarers Make Ready Fer Bel Bed's Piinic Upiurn In Shipping is Seen Conliniiing Seafarers Have Choice Of Bans In Basy Pert ft: Fori Bozziig AboHl Relroaelivo Pay Nike Look For Uplorn From Slow Shipping Status Fight Goes On Over 'Right To Worit' Bill r. SIU HALL DIRECTORY >& W-t. -W.:: W'^ •• V'-'i'. I'-- - • txci:: p: -" -: iLiys^s. �- i-V •f^', -itrc•< SEAFARERS Jimc 28^1954 ••> Page Fifteea LOG ......... POKT ttEPORXS Boston: Shipbuilding Program Watched With inlerasi hjt If Shipping interests in the port of Boston are watching with interest an attempt by the New England Senators in Washington to speed passage of an $86 million ship­ building program which will greatly benefit New England ship­ ping. The program calls for subsidiz­ ing new passenger liners with nat i o n a 1 defense features, building tankers and mod­ ernizing Liberty ships. It is said to have the back­ ing of the White House and, if adopted, would benefit the ship­ yards at Quincy, VourMumls Portland, East Boston and Bath, Me. •* Shipping Is Good Shipping in the port has been generally good during the past two weeks, with the Cantigny and the French Creek (Cities Service) each paying off twice, and the Bents Fort and Salem Maritime (Cities Service) also paying off. These four ships also signed on. Tn-transit were the Steel Maker (Isthmian), Robin Kettering (Seas Shipping) and Antinous, Fairland and De Soto. (Waterman). On June 14 and 15 the Union crewed the Evangeline (Evange­ line). It also collected wages and subsistence for the crew of the Orion Comet (Oil Carriers) after they reported back to Boston, which was the port of engagement. In the'^ marine hospital are F. Alasavich, R. Rogers, J. Penswick, G. Vourloumis, W. Tkach and J. McFerren. All are in good shape. '' James Sheehan Boston Port Agent 4- ir Son Francisco; it... Maiicious Rumors, Are Cause For Oompiainl Shipping has been fair in the port for the past two weeks but the future looks none too bright. No ships paid off during the past two week period and only one ship signed on, the Amerocean of Amerocean. Ships in-transit included the Azalea City,' Fairport and Bienville (Waterman); the Seamar (CalmarT and the Steel King (Isthmian). Lately, one of the most vicious things a person can do to a brother has been rearing its ugl^ head around the San Francisco branch —malicious talk about a Union brother. There has been some talk about one of the brothers, who is a steward, putting three entrees and other additional things on the menu which are not called for. He has also been accused 4>f askini^ for other extra items for the bak­ ers to bake, heaping work on them. Thus, some of the cooks and liakers do not want to ship with this stew­ ard. Such talk can eventually lead to serious trouble. Good Advice We ask that in the future, it is well to remember, that {f you can't say something good about a man, it is better to say nothing at all. As far as the steward putting three meats, etc., on the mequ,'lf he has that kind of stores, it is up-to the cooks to put it .out. It hSs^foeen noticed lately that some of our brothers, while check" ing throitgb.branch agents in ports tliiyjt.«bMi«r^b«ia«^iitli.' arc writing headquarters regardihg mainte­ nance, cure and welfare problems which could be taken care of Just as well in the "port where they are, after the port agent or patrolman has been notified. If they cannot be taken care in that port, the port agent himself will be glad to contact the New. York Welfare Department for any brother. The important thing is for you to contact your officials in any of these matters and give them th6 full circumstances so that they may be able to see your side of the case. Please contact your ofHcials in the port that you are in and they will help you in any way they possibly can. On the Beach Oldtimers on the beach at this time include L. Knickerbocker, W. Pennington, R. Charroin, A. Ber­ nard, J. Curlew, L. Saar, W. I"isher, H. Arlinghaus, R. Malone, J. Lavery, R. Graf, T. Moriarty, M. Hagerty, F. Votto, L. Dean and E. Bulik. Men in the marine hospitals at present are Hoyt L. Hackney, P. S. Yuzon, O. Gustavsen, J. Childs, C. Neumaior, H. Y. dhoe, W. Single­ ton, George H. Leary, E. L. Woods, T. A. Scanton, J. Perreira and T. T. Greer. Tom Banning San Francisco Port Agent mian) and the Alcoa Puritan and Baltimore: Alcoa Runner (Alcoa). Claude Simmons Asst. Sec.-Treas. New York: Shipping On Upgrade For AH Departmenis 4 Savannah: 4. Three Ship Laynps Pel Shipping On.Slow Beii 4. Baltimore, as far as shipping is concerned, is really 'on the slow bell and there doesn't seem to be any immediate relief in sight. In the past two weeks, we had the Edith (Bull); Stony Creek (AmerShipping remained just fair for the past two week period. The Tramp) and the Trojan Seaman Southstar of South Atlantic was (Troy) going into idle status. So the only ship paying off and the you can readily see this added greatly to the number of men we only ship signing on. had already on the beach. Those ships in-transit were the Best advice, at this time, is not Rosario and Marina (Bull); the to register at this port, unless you Yaka (Waterman); the Seatrains are prepared to stay around for at Georgia and Louisiana; the Robin Sherwood (Seas Shipping) and the least a month. In the meantime, w^are keeping our fingers crossed Steel Executive (Isthmian). hoping that a few of these vessels Recently, at the payoff of the which Southstar in Charleston, the State crew up.we have lying idle will of Georgia stepped in to attach At the present time we have approximately $50 each of the pay of two men for state income taxes. only one unsettled beef. It regards oilers doing wip­ The tax commissioner reports that ers' work on the this is all well and proper and the Seatiger (Coloni­ company is holding the money un­ al). It has been til a court decision is handed submitted to down. Feel Action Illegal headquarter^ and We have made a complete record we hope to have of the proceedings so far and will something in the turn it over to headquarters with near future on the request that the Union at­ this item. torneys take legal action if neces­ Ship Payoff Addison sary. We feel the action is both 4*4. . In the past illegal and improper, since both two weeks, we paid off the Wilmington: men are out of state residents. Venore, Marore, Santore, Feltore, One lives in Florida and the other Chilore (Ore); the Trinity man makes his home in South (Carras); the Seatiger (Colonial); Carolina. the Oremar (Calmar); the Paoli Our choice for Seafarer of the and Lone Jack (Cities Service); week is Thomas Arnold Benson the Edith, Evelyn, Suzanne and In Wilmington, the crew of the who started sailing with the SIU Mae (Bull) and the Trojan Seaman Maiden Creek (Waterman) were in 1948 after a somewhat colorful- (Troy). commended for their action in life ashore. Signing on were the Venore, spotting and picking up 12 men In the First World War, Benson Marore, Feltore, Santore, Chilore from a tuna clipper that had sunk received a foot injury while serv­ (Ore); the Raphael Semmes (Water­ off the California coast. • ing in the Army. . The injury man); the Lone Jack (Cities Serv­ The port has been holding its caused brother Benson to seek ice); Seatiger (Colonial) and the own as a^transit port, with 13 ships some diversified employment. He Bethcoaster and Oremar (Calmar). in-transit during first studied costume designing In-transit ships were the Ines the past two and studied hat designing under and Rosario (Bull); the Cabins weeks. The AlMadam Dufing. This proved to be (Mathiason); the Alcoa Puritan cok Planter (Al­ a rather lengthy project, so he and Runner (Alcoa); the Marymar coa) paid off and accepted bit parts in movies. Back (Calmar); the Chickasaw, Iberville, signed on for a in the days of the silent films, he Raphael Semmes and Andrew run to the Far usually played the role of a butler. Jackson (Waterman); the Steel East. Worked In Silent Films Maker (Isthmian) and the Robin During the Leaving the movies, he then Kettering and Robin Doncaster of past two weeks worked for seven years for Ger­ Seas Shipping. the port regis­ Hutcherson trude Webster. Working in defense Hall Report tered 32 men in plants throughout World War II, We would like to report that we Hhe three departments and shipped he felt the urge to go to sea in have been in constant contact with 30. 1948 and of course chose the best the general contractor and various A recent visitor was brother H. Union to- sail in—the SIU. From sub-contractors that are working C. Hutcherson, who came out to that moment on he has never re­ on the new hall and we have their California from New Orleans for gretted his decision. assurance that they are doing all a vacation. After a week. Brother Oldtimers on the beach are W. possible to enable us to take over Hutcherson shipped as deck engi­ Stoll, A. Fricks, M. Brightwell, F. on or about the first of August. neer aboard the Maiden Creek. Boyne, A. Edenfield and H. Glisson. On the political scene, I am sure Jeff Morrison E. B. Tilley the membership is aware by now Savannah Port Agent Wilmington Port Agent that the Democratic primaries are coming up and that they should be sure to all go to the polls and vote on Monday, June 28. Vote for the men you know are favorable to us and labor in general. Man Of The Week ^ Our man of the week is Brother William B. Addison, who has been Shipping Figures June 2 to June 16 an SIU member since 1946 and TOTAL SHIP. SHIP. SHIP. REG. TOTAL REG. REG. sails at various ratings in the en­ ENG. STEW. SHIPPED DECK DECK ENGINE STEW. * REG. PORT gine depai-tment. He has always 14126 83 49 32 17 14 18 Boston been a very conscientious union 258 91 ^ 72 95 - 118 93 333 122 man and at various times has 21 . 7 10 72 4 ^ sailed as engine department dele­ 21 24 27 gate Md ship's delegate, 140 39 48 53 285 93 85 107 ceives from the SID. 84 30 22 77 32 25 22 30 Norfolk At the hospital are Warren Whit14 7 4' 3 9 30 10 11 Savannah mer, Otis J. Harden, Tony Mastan23 .tuno, Robert W. Standford, Ben 7 8 8 18 16 50 16 Tampa ..................... 132 Lawson, Lorenzo Brigida, Robert 43 " 44 45 132 43 45 44 Mobile .................... Scales, John T. Watt. Thomas An205 60 68 77 • 204 TO 78 56 New Orleans :. kerson, William Kenny, James 100 39 22 39 115 48 43 24 Galveston) ...». .j..."...... Dodson, Gorman Glaze, Jessie A. 112 42 SO 40 ^ 39 124 49 ' 36 Seattle . Clarke, Walton Hudson, Heinrich 80 29 22 92 29 Wlese, Patsy A. Pasquale, Robert 42 . 21 San Francisco ............ •. . 29 ' G. Cooper and Comelious Palmer 30 10 « 32 12 11 12 , WiliningtoB Earl Sheppard ,. ,. . .. .•.••^]|altl^aTa>aF* , 430 482-' Grew Of Maiden Creek Saves Tuna Fisherman As we predicted in our last re­ port, shipping in the Port of New York has contmued on the upgrade for the past two weeks with good shipping for all departments. We had two' ships come out of layup that took full crews. They were the Raphael Semmes (Waterman) and the Lawrence Victory (Mississippi). We have two more in layup that are expected out in a few days so shipping should hold up good for the coming period. We are happy to report that according to the pa­ trolmen the ships are continuing to come in with less beefs and therefore smooth payoffs. With the new agreement and clarifications coming out shortly, we believe that there will be even less reason for beefs as every one will be able to more clearly interpret the agree­ ment and eliminate some of the misunderstandings that we have had in the past. After we complete negotiations on all of the agreements |ye intend to continue to hold clarification meetings with the freight and tanker operators and eventually we should wind 'up with the smoothest working agreement in the business, ness. Port Traffic We paid off fifteen ships in the past two weeks, signed seven on foreign articles and serviced 20 ships in transit. Paying off were the Alexandra (Carras); the. Steel Surveyor and Steel Maker (Isthmian); the Ma­ rina, Kathryn, Frances and Show Me Mariner (Bull); the Val Chem (Valentine); the Ocean Betty (Mari-, time Overseas); the Bradford Island, Chiwawa and Government Camp (Cities Service); Jefferson City Victory (Victory Carriers); the Robin Kettering (Robin) and the Fairland (Watef-man). Ships signing o*n were !he Steel Surveyor and Steel Traveler (Isth­ mian); the Robin Sherwood and Robin Doncaster (Robin); Jeffer­ son City Victory; the Show Me Mariner and the Lawrence Victory (Mississippi). Ships In-Transit In-transit vessels were the Seagarden (Orion); the Government Camp (Cities Service); the Chicka­ saw,, Fairland, La Salle, Antinous and Wild Ranger ~tWaterman); the Seatrains Savannah, Louisiana, New York, Georgia, New Jersey and Texas; the Elizabeth and Bea­ trice (Bull); the Mankato Victory (Victory Carriers); the Steel De­ signer and. Steel Surveyor (Isth­ Georgia Tax Men Bid In Af Ship's Payeff v.w; 'J A&G satppma RECORD \ ,l v-«Ti. r. •' - • • I - �-• •" • \'v:,' '; - '• • , • • ' Pace Sixtem SEkPARER^ tdt^ Fire Drill The Captain Is For Burning \&•: 1- By SEAFARERS LOQ Photo Editor Things aren't done in half-measure aboard the Greece Victory, according to Seafarer Ray­ To many photographers, shutter speed is merely a mechanical- and mond Sparks, who communicates with the LOG by means of a letter in order to let the mathematical hurdle to jump in the process of making a photograph. But it can be much more than that; shutter speed is also a definite rest of the world know how firefighting is done aboard the South Atlantic vessel. artistic tool like other photographic characteristics such as depth of Unlicensed . crewmembers^ ~ and topside alike take- credit there wOre two back there and little hackwork and a lot of salt field and the cheihistry of film development. In analyzing the mechanics of your shutfer in terms of visual effect, water. They were buite happy also two fire stations, but when for the unusual technique de­ veloped aboard the Honolulu they arrived upon the scene they about their schbme, but the captain we have classified speeds into four different areas:. 1/5 of a second and slower, 1/100 of a second, 1/250 of a second and 1/500 of a second bound ship. Sparks is not quite took care of the situation wlfh a is still burning. and higher. Each of these iime areas, has a different result on film, sure whether anything like it has and quite different moods and effects may be established by each. ever been attempted aboard any Recuperating Long Way From Home The utility speed for general outdoor shooting is 1/100 of a second, other ship at sea, or elsewhere, but fast enough to stop normal action, minimize camera shake and pernilt he believes it is- quite odd and adequate depth of field. A -speed of 1/250 of a second enables you to something he is not likely to en­ getaS crisp image of more active subject matter. counter again in many future years Speeds of 1/500 of a second and faster are necessary to stop violent at sea. action such as encountered in .sports photography. The various slow Realistic Fire Drill The episode was rather short­ shutter speeds—1/5 of a second and less—are useful in obtaining de­ lived, but it made Monday, May 17, liberate motion blur and off-beat effects, but require the use of a tripod. 1954, a memorable occasion in at Motion Patterns least one Seafarer's mind. The cap­ Of all shutter speeds, the slowest, 1/5 of a second and Jess, are the tain, according to a pre-arranged easiest to use for creating imaginative pictures of action. Although a plan, had the third mate set fire slightly slow speed like 1/25 of a second may just make the picture to a waste basket on the fantail of look unpleasantly "soft," an extremely slow shutter speed can be used the vessel just five minutes before to create patterns of motion. The action of light falling on the film is a regularly-scheduled fire drill and similar to the action of an air brush on a piece of paper; the light rays boat drill. The captain, it seems, continue to fall on the negative in layers and actually superimpose went in for realism, but he was not many images on each other. At speeds of 1/5 of a second and less, use quite prepared for the succeeding a tripod to mininiize blur due to camera action. events in firefighting technique de­ veloped by his intrepid crew. A speed of 1/lOtt of a sdbond is'perhaps the most useful choice for The word spread like wildfire on general camera work. iVs available on all but the simplest cameras, is the ship. The watch on deck, ever fast enough to stop most normal human activities and yet permits a alert, proceeded aft post haste small enough aperture for convenient depth of field. when they saw something blazing Although you can leam to hand-hold your camera steady at 1/50 of back on the fantail. Muscles quick­ a second and slower, you'll reduce disappointments if you use 1/100 of ly answering the summonses of Seafarer Neal Cairns, recuperating at Tokyo Army hospital a while a second whehever lighting conditions permit. Set at this all-around their brains, the men tossed the back, poses with cherry blossoms and Yoshiko Wakabayashi. The utility speed, your camera is readrto take most types of pictures with­ offending basket and blaze over the out changing the shutter. seaman hails from East Orange, NJ| and is back home now. side, quenching the fire in the most effective method yet devised by man. There was more than enough LOG-A.RHYTHM: water to do the job. Fire Breakdown Once again the LOG's itinerant correspondent, Spider Just then, with the basket'bobbing in the ship's'wake, the gen­ Korolia, writes of the. doings in and around New Orleans, By M. Dwyer eral alarm went off for fire and adding just a bit of Korolian flavor to his Crescent City tales. boat drill. After the completion of In and out of New Orleans-* what turned out to be a routine JSPHS hospital for the past was so lazy he explained the intri­ Cecil the Seasick Serpent Once squared away in the hole, Swam the seven seas. drill, the captain notwithstanding, 1 months^ waiting for a "flt cate I He figured he'd sit tight. maneuvers, by hand, that they the skipper called all hands to the for duty" slip. Spider is well up on would have to do, without rising Well liked by those who knew him. He hadn't any gear. For he knew how to please. For he always traveled light. saloon mess for a critique. the news and idiosyncrasies of the from his position on the grass. He' started firing questions thick various wards in the institution.. Thankful, the inquirers wanted to One day he went a roaming, Then suddenly he heard the ship and fast and the first thing he Here follows - When .fed up with the sea. Getting underway. his somewhat dubi­ reward him for fiis trouble. He de­ wanted to know was why the third ous account of some of the happen­ clined the proffered ihoney, how­ Adventure within him burning,' And felt, as-many seamen do. mate hadn't run out a fire hose or He left his home and lee. The excitement of sailing day. ever, claiming he would have to grabbed an extinguisher when the ings in and around the hospital: We had a lulu of a patient on turn over to put it in his pocket. He spied a ship moored to a pier, Poor Cecil never.sailed before. basket blazed up. The mate begged Then a gleam came to his eye. So how was he to know. Own Torture off, excusing himself with the my deck, Spider says. He was a The ship (would roll and toss In the surgical ward a hospital­ If he could only stow aviay. statement that it would have been pretty lazy guy and would sleep Well, it w^ worth the try. When heavy waters flow. of no use since a couple of the ABs all the time in the day time. How­ ized man asked the doctor to re­ ever, he had the nurses trained to move all the corns from his .toes He knew he must be quiet and an OS tossed the basket over Now you see how he got his noma And not make a sound , By all the friends he knew, the side. He didn't see the sense wake him up whenever he got and put them on the soles of his y Bvery time he spies a ship. of directing a stream of water intb hungry. They were working in re­ feet. He wanted to be the only one Or surely he would frighten Anyone who might be around. His seaman's heart is^blue. the ocean, he said while the cap­ lays, because he didn't want to miss to be able to step on-his corns. out on anything-free. Someone else made a more practi­ tain muttered. cal suggestion, but it was vetoed Lazy Patient^ When the captain got through Shipmate Snaps Dei Mar Crewmen Another somewhat lazy soul was by hospital authorities. The man with the mate, he directed his fire at the other three culprits in ques­ the patient who was lolling on the wanted juke boxes placed in the tion. He wanted to know why they grass on the hospital grounds to wards for the entertainment of the didn't grab extinguishers on their pass the time away. Some passing men, but it was voted down on the way back to the fire. They said strangers asked him directions. He grounds that the music would drown out the patients' stories of their operations to the guy In the next bed. One hot summer day. Spider con­ cludes, three frozen doctors were brought into his ward. Fortunately, (1) Tom can paint a large room in 10 hours. Harry can paint.the they were alLDr. Peppers. same room in 15 hours. How long would it take them to do it together? (2) Whose story links together the tales of The Arabian Nights: (a) Aladdin, (b) Scheherezade, (c) The Queen of Sheba, (d) Sinbad? (3) Which male actor recently won the Academy Award for 1953 for the best male leading role of the year: (a) Gary Cooper,, (b) William Holden, (c) Anthony Quinn, (d) Frank" Sinatra? The LOG is interested in col­ lecting and printing photo­ (4) Hoover Dam, one of the largest in the world and located in the graphs showing what seagoing Colorado River on the border between Arizona and Nevada, used to be was like in the old days. All known by another name. What was it? you oldtimers who have any (5) Which state in the Union has the smallest abbreviation? old mementos, photographs of (6) How many feet of fencing would be required to enclose a rec­ shipboard life, pictures of tangular field 20 yards long and 14 yards wide? ships or anything that would (7) Nearly three-fourths of the cheese made in the US is made in show how seamen lived, ate one state. Which state is it: (a) New York, (b) California, (c) JVisconsin, and worked in the days gone (dl New Jersey? by, send them in to the LOG. (8) Who was the first Vice-President to become President of the Whether they be steam or sail, US: (a) Thomas Jefferson, (b) John Adams, (c) James Madison, (d) around the turn of the cen­ Andrew Johnson? tury, during the first world (») The sum of two numbers is 35. Four times one number is equal war and as late as 1938, the to ten times the other. What are the numbers? LOG is interested, in them aU. (10) What old song begins, "How dear to my heart are the scopes We'll take care of them and Tluej ctttwmembers off the Del Mar Ilna up op dqckside to have of my. childhood'?? . i; ;, .. return your souvenirs to yQi|.. their pifitura taken by,ahipma|;e Dick Martinez: Leff to right, (Qois Answer* on Page 20) aro Tosiy Civ«flJo, tony Rtis^ and Harold Trjbih. Hospital Has Many Tales Quiz Corner Olde Photos Wanted by MJOG ir^' fe^'--' fe-. pp' /".- h • Cecil The Seasick Serpent �JOM 28. 1884 SEAFARERS LOG Fate Seventeem Cavalier Crew Celebrates Shipmate's Marriage BIr. and Mr>. Randy C. Bass, (seated rlfht) get rousinr toast from fellow crewmembers and friends at the occasion of their recent marriige. Weddinc reception attracted bier crowd of well-wishers for the Alcoa passenger ship crewmember. Taste tfood? Don^t Keep it A Secret Cooks, bakers or stewards who have special recipes that . they are proud of are invited to send them in to the SEA­ FARERS LOG Galley Glean­ ings column. That way they can be used on other ships. And any Seafarer who feels his galley gang has something that really rates should ask them to do the same. It serves to stimulate good feeding on all SIU vessels. By Spike Martin A pretty uninteresting ftght be­ the one-round kayo of Willie. Pep tween two' moderately-successful by Lulu Perez caused quite a few middleweights took on added in­ eyebrows to elevate, with reports terest when it was colored by re­ that the District Attorney's office ports of an attempted fix. Middle­ was "investigating" that one. weight Bobby Jones reported that Jones On Short End he had been approached by various As far as the Giardello fight was and sundry people over the phone concerned, odd part about the and in person offering him <ub- fTx story wasthe that was a "fourstantial sums of money to "dump" to-one underdog. Jones Usually if any­ the fight. body is going to pull a fix they will As a result, heavyweight con­ want it to work the other way tender Clarence Henry found him­ so they can take advantage self in the jug under charges and around what the District Attorney's office of the long pull in the odds. In any case, Jones went out and calls an "investigation" was un­ made a good fight of it against derway. Giardello who is supposed to be -LaMotta's Performance Dump stories are nothing new in the top contender for the middle­ the fight game although this was weight crown. While Giardello won the first time in quite a long while the fight, Jones proved again what that a fighter actually rejjorted a seemed ^obvious before, that Giar­ bribe attempt. Just to name a few dello would have no business in there was the famous one-round the ring with the likes of Bobo "knockout" of Jake LaMotta by Olson. It would seem that Olson's man­ Blackjack Billy Fox. They are still looking for the punch that laid La­ agement made a mistake by sign­ Motta low in that fight, and the ing with Castellani for a title fight consensus of opinion was and still instead of Giardello. Castellani has is that the punch was thrown with the equipment to cause Olson trou­ a rubber band wrapped around it ble. Giardello who knows practical­ long before the fighters entered ly nothing about fighting inside, would be the softest touch that Ol­ the ring. Then of course, more recently. son has had in quite , some time. i Says See City, Not Judge SiSf-i Shipboard Passenger Is Observer At Meeting A rather unusual but satisfactory incident took place aboard the Alcoa Patriot, an Alcoa vessel, earlier in the month, as reported to the LOG by the medium of the ship's minutes of a union meeting aboard the-^ vessel. The meeting was Childs and his request was to be chaired by Milton Robinson, allowed to observe the goings-on who imparts this bit of informa­ at the Union meeting of the un­ tion to the paper. licensed crewmembers aboard the It seems, according to our in­ scow. Flattered by his interest, formant, that a passenger aboard the men allowed him to view the the ship made an unusual request. proceedings so that he might be­ Seafarer M. A. Stabile, right, poses with wife on other side of sign The passenger's name was Bernard come better acquainted with the on road linking Houston and Brehan, Tex., which warns motor­ way meetings are run. ists to drive slowly or see the magistrate. Daughter Kathy, eight, The visitor, it was reported, took the picure while dad was vacationing from the Trinity. needless to say, was very impressed by the thorough­ ness and the con­ duct of the meet­ ing, expressing That in 1907 the Australiana President Woodrow Wilson on its avid interest in The LOG opens this column as an exchange for stewards, cooks, built a fence 1,000 miles long from face, is for use only in transactions the affairs of the bakers and others who'd like to shate favored recipes, little-known the north coast to the south to between member banks of the Fed­ men and the cooking and baking hints, dishes with a national flavor and the like, keep rabbits from invading West­ eral Reserve System and the Treas­ Union and in the suitable for shipboard and/or home use. Here's George Gordon's ern Australia? Brought into the ury Department. tone of the meet­ recipe for southern gumbo. country-in 1788, by the middle of t 4" 4 ing. He was, ac­ the 19th century the rabbits had From deep down south comes one of the most popular That San Francisco has the only cording to Robin­ done too well and were a distinct municipally-owned opera house in Robinson dishes of Seafarers—gumbo. Almost exotic in taste, it is a son, very im­ menace to sheep raising. the US? The opera house is one of pressed to find out the men were delicious combination of Creole cookery and the succulent t l" the buildings in the Civic Center, That American naval hero David which occupies more than three so strongly organized and had such shrimp that abound in the^ The mixture should be allowed Porter (1780-1843) was & rear ad­ square blocks. In 1945, the Civic faith in their Union leaders and Gulf area. Creole to cook for about a half hour. miral in the Mexican navy? Porter Center was the scene of the inter­ organization. Child, a native CallFor Southern Fifteen minutes before the gumbo served in the war with Tripoli and national'conference that drew up fornian, was delighted to be pres­ gumbo, take six is ready to be taken from the fire, in the War qf 1812 against the the charter for the UN and also ent at the meeting and gave his onions, eight a pound of boiled rice and about British, but later, while cruising in was the site of the signing of the thanks to the membership for the green peppers 12 cups of okra are added. The privilege afforded him. and one bunch of the West IndiesI caused an incident Japanese peace treaty. rice and okra are added last and in Puerto Rico which wound up celery diced not . ^ ^ not allowed to cook too long, since with him being court-martialed too small and they have already been cooked and and suspended for six months. Be­ That St. Augustine, Fla. is the combine with a more cooking would make them cause of this, he resigned and en­ oldest city in the US? The half pound of but­ glutinous or paste-like. This recipife tered t)?e Mexican Navy as a rear Spanish settled on the site in 1565 ter in a saucepan and it has been continuously occu­ serves 40. admiral, but left three years later, and braise for pied ever since. Sante Fe, NM, is George Gordon, born in Savan­ about 15 minutes in 1829, to become a US consular Gordon the second oldest city. nah, Ga., has a home grown know­ Crewmembers of the Santore on the t<^ of the official. ledge of Southern cookery as well (Ore Line) report that they took stove. tit That children-of deceased Sea-^ Thai the SIU hall in Seattle Is up a tarpaulin muster for the Next, 15 pounds of raw peeled as 30 years* experience cooking farers who had three years' sea- now located at First Avenue and widow of Roy Justice, crewmem­ shrimp should be added and the and baking on shipboard. He Miw lives in New York and time on SlU-contracted ships are Wall Street, a block from the old ber who passed away recently. A shrimp and vegetables allowed to has been sailing SIU since 1942 also eligible to apply for SIU quarters? The new location follows money order of $62 was forwarded simmer for about 15 minutes. with time out for a stretch with scholarship benefits? Four $6,000 the opening of a new SUP building to the Baltimore hall to be passed Fish Or Chicken Stock Uncle Sam. He was a cook and scholarships are awarded each in the port last month. SIU-A&G on to Mrs. Justice along with the Now you are ready for the liquid baker for three years in the Quar­ year, which the successful appli­ offices are located on the main $2,500 death benefit from the SIU ^ Welfare Plan. . ingredients. Combine with one termaster Corps and later in the cants may use for a four-year floor of the new structure. Crewmembers expressed the pint of fish or chicken stock and Army Air Force. course of study at any college or t t a? This is Gordon's favorite recipi university they choose. That the southernmost point in wish that the contribution, together a pint of tomato juice or stewed Europe is further south than many with the Union benefit, will help tomatoes, one tablespoon of gumbo for Creole or Southern gumbo, bu That although 1^100,008 bills are places on the coast of northern make up for her loss, and give file and a tablespoon of curry pow­ he says there are numerous varia Issued by the U1& Treasury, no one Africa? The British coiony of Gi­ an idea of the respect and esteem der and add this to the shrimp and tions of this delicious dish. is allowed to use them? The $100,-" braltar is also further south than of the late brother's shipmates for vegetables seasoning with salt and Chicken, crab and numerous varie­ ties of fish may be used. e pepper to taste. him. 000 bill,^whleh has' a portrait of ahy point iq" Italy t)r GreecU. Santore Crew Aids Widow « i ..f., .Mri . • si . '^1 �SEAFARERS P«C* ElsMem Korean Vet.Set , To Ship Out Again LOG Jui* t5, UM L E T T E R S Sees Great Need Fovlnjurg Report To the Editor: T* the Editor: After being in Korea for 13 sages to be handled as speedily as In recent weeks, there have been fore, we do not expect a profit re­ months, I will be rotated shortly. possible. In emergency cases, the ra­ turn so great as a strictly commer­ quite a few letters sent to the I would appreciate it if you would dio should be used for this ihircial house." Brother Sipivey went LOG outlining and discussing the send me some information about pose. If this was put down on pa­ To the Editor: on to add, "All of our products are possibilities of the'Union placing getting my book out of retirement. per in black and white between the accident forms on all SIU contract­ During the past fifteen years, I of tbo-highest quality,^and carry ed ships. Just before I came into the ar­ Union and the companies, I think have the manufacturers unconditional been in and out of various my, I retired my book In good it would certainly be of benefit to USPHS I have followed each issue very hospitals perhaps a dozen guarantee. Naturally, they are standing in Sep­ closely and I am happy to see that the membership. It would be bet­ times with a chronic skin disorder. union made." tember of 1952. ter for the companies too, because I als? learned that any type of all the opinions expressed in the In the previous USPHS hospi­ My last ship was that way a man would get medical tals the staff has shown complete constructive criticism or sugges­ letters to the LOG have been 100 the Western per cent for the attention as soon as possible, sav­ Indifference as to tions are ^ppreciat^. I was told Farmer which adoption of such ing everybody a lot of grief and fi­ whether or not I that this is the_Sea Chest's only broke in half in a plan, but I am way of knowing what the member­ nancial trouble all around. was given any re­ the English somewhat s u rship want. Walter Reidy lief. Channel follow- prised at the lack -The Sea Chest, in my.opinion, is Since' entering 4. 4^ ^ ing a collision on of interest shown another prime example of clean, the Galve.ston August 21, 1952. by a large major­ USPHS hospital. progressive, democratic trade unIt sure will be ity of the mem­ ionism-at work. It shows what can May 3, 1954, great to sail bership who have be done for the betterment of all have had such again. I haven't even seen salt wa­ To the Editor: faUed to express concerned when the membership wonderful care I wrote you last November giv­ ter for 13 months. I met a couple themselves on Wilson and treatment and officials work in close coopera­ Brandon of SIU brothers here in Korea, ing my new address. Up to this this very importion. I believe the Sea Chest will end for the first and we have a bull session when­ point I get the LOG only occasion­ tant issue. ally, an^ still with my old address. time in my life, I received some be used as a pattern by other JPerhaps some are unaware of its ever we chance to meet. unions in the maritime industry. Some of my other buddies are I am the mother of a merchant relief. importance; the lienefits and per­ M. Darley Doctor Irion, who has shown seaman and miss the LOG very listening in as I write this letter. sonal protection such a plan would tremendous interest In my ca.se, 4^ 4^ 4^ Some of them find it hard to be­ much. offer. No doubt a great number of I had a severe heart attack a has given me a series of treatments lieve about the good conditions on our membership nev^ had the year ago and just underwent a which have proven very benefiic^al. SIU ships. misfortune of spending, time in Since I've been in the Army, even major operation a few weeks ago. Another doctor. Doctor Cooper, hospitals', either abroad or in this while in Korea, I have never failed My son's wife gave birth to a boy has also taken great interest in my To the Editor: couiitry. I have spent time in both, to receive the LOG. I want to send on May 18, but I guess you know case and at present I am enjoying As I didn't have the opportunity and at the present I am in the my thanks to the Union for keep­ about it by now. The baby's name better health than ever before. at the time to thank them proper­ Hospital. Incidentally, I would like to com­ ly, I'd like to take this means to Staten Island ing me up to date on what is hap­ is Donald Anthony Fisher. Cruel Experience . My old address was 2883 Harri­ pliment the. dietician for the won­ express my sincerest gratitude to pening. Since • being drydocked in this derful food served here. son. My new address Is 1954 Mon­ Cpl. Donald A. Rondblad the three Seafarers who voluntar­ hospital for the past few weeks, I tana Avenue, Apt. 2, Cincinnati 11, I am writing this letter to you in ily donated blood for me recently have had ample opportunity to talk APO 7 c/o Postmaster Ohio. I have been getting the LOG order that you In the home office at Presbyterian Hospital, New to and visit with several of my San Francisco, Caiif. about ten years and I would like may know the excellent care we York. brother members.. Some of their 4- t it received and how much we appreci­ to keep on getting it. The act of kindness by these experiences have been so cruel, in­ ate it. Thelma Fisher three men, Leonard C. Cherwln, human and indecent that they ara James H. Brandon (Ed. note: Your change of ad­ Jerome Pine and Eugene J. Pin- very hard to believe.dress has been noted; you will 41 4" 41 nell, who personally are strangers But they must be believedv^ for To the Editor: continue to receive the LOG to me, was deeply appreciated. you are looking at the facts, in On our last trip out we were on every two weeks, as published.) Now I know what he means when person, in the form of another the shuttle between Japan and my son-in-law, who is a member of brother member whose chances of 4. i 4i Korea when two of the brothers on the SIU, talks about the "Brother­ complete recovery have been great­ To the Editor: board needed medical attention. Thanks for sending the LOG hood of the Sea." Bless all of you. ly reduced by the negligence of One man had a bad heart condi­ Mrp. Mary M. Logan these past six months over here; some ship's officer or company of­ tion and the other one was hurt. To the Editor: it is always good to^ceive it. ficial who look upon a human life 4^ 4^ 4^ It would have been better if both About three months ago I sent I have a new address which I am as some fixture or a piece of ma­ of them had been put off right in for the LOG and as yet haven't chinery to be replaced after it has away and sent back to the States received or heard anything about enclosing. I would appreciate it if you would print my address in the served its usefulness or become ob­ as sodn as possible. it. I presume it has been lost in LOG as I'd like to hear from some To the Editor: solete. It seemed as though that the the mail. of my old shipmates such as Paul When you meet a brother mem­ skipper was in no hurry to take I,am a merchant seaman and I have been physically disabled Turner, P. E. Jemigan and Freddie care of the matter and instead of since last November and unable have followed the sea for 30 years. ber coming down the corridor in a sending a wireless message or a to get such news as the LOO car­ Tampol. At present I am homeward bound wheelchair which is hi$ only way As of now, I have ten months after a voyage of four months to of getting around, or visit a broth­ cable, a letter was sent back to the ries in its wide variety of columns been lying on his back company's offices awaiting instruc­ concerning the doings of ships and left over here before going home. 'India. I am married to the same er who PFC David Miller girl for 28 years, have a home of for eight or ten months and has tions, and the men had to stay on shipmates. US 54136339 the ship until return mail was my own, as do many merchant sea­ nothing to look forward to but an­ Would you be so kind as to send Hq. Btry. 63d FABn men, and, along with the rest, am other eight or ten months in bei received. the LOG starting with the June APO 24 c/o PM • a credit to the commtmity. As you continue your visit and It seems to me there should be meissue. San Francisco, Cal. meet other brothers who, but for some kind of form on board for Much has been said of the hard, Stanley Watlack notifying the Union that a man has careless, shiftless, drinldng life of neglect, should have been out of (Ed. note: Sorry about delay. here months ago sailing the sea become ill and arrangements made Will see to it that you seamen, putting get LOGs they love, but instead some are now with the company for these mes- from now on.) seamen, in gen­ being fitted for a different and eral, in a pretty much more permanent kind of To the EditoR low classification voyage. The hiring hall did away with and one who When you see these and many the fink, the crimp, and the shang- should always be more things hapepning because of haier; a strong militant member­ kept at a safe tlie lack of respect of one'*human ship and an enforced contract has distance. We are being for another then I think it given us economic security plus de­ human beings, is time for the complete membeiv cent working conditions, not to we seamen, and VOU ARESiCk OR INJURED ship to band together and make mention all the benefits derived like other hu­ JeUetto AND ENTER A PRIVATE HOSPITAL the adoption of this accident form from the Welfare Plan; and now man beings, we plan a must. may drink a little, but so does the the Sea Chest has made the un­ NOTIFY THE UNION ANp THE^ May I again urge the member­ scrupulous waterfront peddler and landlubber. Ask the average pub­ U.S.p. M.S. —PROMPTLY/ the shoddy slop chest dealer ' a lican what trade he depends upon ship to consider the importance of thing of the past. These vultures to stay in business. Many saloon this issue and send their sugges­ of the docks must now find other keeper's in the USA have never tions to the LOG. To each mem­ birds to prey upon. had a seaman Inside their door ber it meahs only a-few minutes of While in New York, I decided to yet, with the exception of the bars time plus a postage stamp. Cliff Wilson go down and see the much talked along the waterfront. ^ 4> 4- 4Today a seaman's calling is con­ about Sea Chest, but first I bought New York Times." I spent the sidered one of the finest and at­ greater part of one morning com­ tracts :?ouths and men of the high­ paring Sea Chest prices with those est character, many with college advertised in the "Times." In the and high school diplomas. They To the Editor: I'd like to thank my shipmates afternoon I visited some of the are to be found in every rating. Seamen get to see many lands, oh the Anniston City and also the large New York department stores for a further comparison. I was and, during their travels, go,ashore other Union brothers who wrote amazed to learn that Sea Chest to see the sights, buy presents and me while I was laid up in the prices compared favorably with meet the natives socially. They are Halifax infirmary. I.got hurt on any that I saw any place, and in ambassadors-at-large for their the ship pretty badly and it cer­ many instances were a great deal countries. With his world-wide tainly helped cheer me up to know travel behind him, there is very that the friends I sailed with were lower, especially on appliances. little left to a seaman's imagina­ thinking of me. No Secret Sister Catherine De Cecci and I returned the following day to, tion, and when he comes to choose leam the secret. Brother Price a wife, he„ invariably chooses one the rest of the staff at the Halifax Spivey, the. Sea Chest manager, from the USA, if he's an Ameri­ infirmary deserve a hand for the said to me, "There'are no secrets. can seaman. Lucky indeed the way they tdok care of me. They We buy directly from the manufac­ lady of his choice will be, for a seemed anxious to please and saw turer, thus eliminating, the 'mld- well-traveled seaman makes a to it that all my wants were at­ tended to. They are certainly topg. dleTman's' profit. Besides, this is splendid husband. Terry MoNeea - John Jelletto aAej^w to Uie metob«c^hip:-^ye-< iMuds Galveston USPHS Etospital r '• . ' i-'v V^. ' ft-'' Seafarer^s Mom EOG Reader Thanks Seaiarers For Blood Aid Hits Attitude Towards Sick Misses News Ot Ships^ Friends Wants To Hear From Shipmates Seafarers Make Good Husbands Sags Sea Chest Tops ^Em All J"'- r- Thanks Friends For Writing Him ..fy' .-• ?" •m �Jtee tS. 1*84 Expresses Thanhs To Membership To the Editor: I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and hum­ ble thanks to the officials and membership of the Savannah hall for their sympathies and assistance in providing palibearers for the funeral of my father who passed away while I was at sea. Chester Yow tit Gives Thanks To Aii Who Helped SEAFARERS LOC Face Nlaeteai L E TIE E S ' mendous work that Union seamen have accomplished through the years in improving the conditions of seafarers. After eight torturous weeks of basic training at Fort Ord, Calif., and eight more of specialized (?) training in harbor craft (I sail FWT and oiler) at Fort Eustis, Va., where, incidentally, I met several SIU men, I am now In supply with the engineers. That's the army for you. At least here in the Presidio one can see the ships come and go and look forward to returning to the sea. I would like to thank Gordon Dolan for his letter from Galves­ ton and the USPHS hospital. New Orleans, which I finally received after three months and I sincerely hope he is all right by now. Also, I would appreciate it very much if you will bring my address up to date so that I can continue to get all the. news that's in the LOG. Pvt. Gordon J. Slover 521 (Ava Topo) 30th Engr. Gp. Presidio, San Francisco, Calif To the Editor: I certainly must give my thanks most sincerely to our secretarytreasurer, Paul Hall and our Wel­ fare representa­ tive, Walter Siekmann and our Union counsel, Seymour Miller and to Harry Dietch for the great battle they have fought for Whlttaker me in getting my citizenship papers, after they had been pending for years. It makes me feel proud and hap­ py to belong to such a well-organ­ ized Union as the SIU. All my thanks again, to the officers and my Union brothers and lots of luck to them all. Brothers, take care of your Union; that is what counts. To the Editor. Keep up the good work and we will My wife has asked me to request be tops. that the LOCi be sent to her at Donald Wblttaker our home. I have read it in the past and fountd it to be the best paper that I have ever read. I also like to see some of my f liends' pictures in it. I am on the Winter HiU of Cities To the Editor: Travel, good pay and adventure Service. I have found the men to with the Army is certainly a far cry be good members and most of all from the worthwhile, good living good ^friends. I hope to keep sail­ kind of travel a man does with the ing with the SIU. C. Fontenot SIU. (Ed. note: Your wife will re­ After having to put up with army life for six months, so far, ceive the LOG every two weeks, I can really appreciate all the tre- as published.) Wants Wife To Heeeive MAfG What4 With This Armp Sott Soap? Highly successful as-a bulk freight carrier during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, and even fOir many years afterwards, the carrack was a vessel designed to carry large burdens, but was also often employed for purposes of war. As a dual purpose ves­ sel, it undoubtedly was an integral part of the shipping of all European maritime nations, and some of them were probably as laiYe as 1,000 tons. The carrack usually had four large wales. Wants A Group insurance Pian To the Editor: I, and many others, have often asked, "What does the single man get from the Welfare Fund except hospital benefits ..when he is in the hospital?" Group insurance is a plan that I have often thought would benefit the single man, mar­ ried man, his wife and children. To the membership I would like to propose such a plan now. Under group insurance, the plan would cover all members whether book or permit as long as they are in good standing. The plan would be broad enough to cover everything, which would include fillings, cleaning, extractions, bridge wJJrk and plates, dental sur­ gery, maternity and its expenses, medically anything from a scratch, cut, or infection of any kind; com­ municable, chron­ ic and incurable diseases; all in­ juries, accidents; and all special­ ists, hospital fees for room, doctors, nurses, anasthesia. X-ray, Whitlow hon^, office, and ambulance calls as well as out­ patient treatment. Loss of wages for all non-occu­ pational illnesses and injuries would be included, whether you are an in or out-patient, figured proportionately to your monthly earnings or the present mainte­ nance and cure benefits. Since the plan would be nation­ wide', seamen would choose their own doctors whether they are home or away from home. In that re­ spect, the treatment they receive would be much better than what the marine hospitals offer, and my belief is the life of the marine hospitals are short-lived as soon as the present extension expires. Aboai'd ship where the company doesn't give full coverage, the plan could cover as well as ashore. The Union Welfare Plan would still continue paying the war bond to new arrivals, death, scholarship, disability, and hospital benefits. I am sure that Welfare and head­ quarters can Investigate other plans now already in operation and enable us to have the best group insurance now In operation. Paul Whitlow (Ed note: Under the SIU Welfare Plan, all men sailing SIU con­ tracted ships, both books and per­ mits, are entitled to sederal bene­ fits whether they are single or mar­ ried. Aside from the hospital bene­ fit, there is a $25 weekly disability benefit payable at any age, and as in the case of the three Seafarers who won the 1954 awards this week, scholarship benefits as well. There is also a $2,500 death bene­ fit payable to the beneficiary of any Seafarer.) i his job on deck. His job calls for only one class of work, but the chief cook has to be an all-round cook, butcher and have a knowl­ edge of baking and pastry work. Now getting to the chief stew­ ard, this man is the head of a de­ partment with the responsibility of all foods, linens, maintenance and the serving of meals. He has the responsibility of. making a good ship and taking care of the diets of all the men aboard the ship he's serving on. Looking at the difference in the pay rates it seems way out of proportion for the work he does. Since the bosun is a workingboss under the chief mate's orders, and the chief steward is the head of a department, 'the- same as a chief mate, I believe that a chief steward's wages should be about what a second electrician's wages are. I would also like to point out that there is a lot of overtime that a chief steward does not get any more which his gang now does, such as supervising. This is not so with a bosun. I honestly believe that our nego­ tiating committee, \when looking into the difference in pay rates of respective departments, will see that the chief cooks, night cooks and bakers and chief stewards are way underpaid. Bill Hay its. Seafarer Offers Home For Sale To the Editor: This is to let any of the brothers who might be interested in buying a home know that I would like to sell my place in Brooklyn because I intend moving elsewhere. The house is a one-family, two-story frame house located about 20 min­ utes from the SIU hall. It has eight rooms, automatic oil heat, a full cellar, big yard in the rear and is on a plot about 30 feet by 100. It has no fancy frills but can be redecorated as the pur­ chaser sees fit. The price is $5,000, but I am sure I could .reach suitable terms with the person who would take it over. The house is located at 38 Garnet Street, and the telephone is ULster 8-2559. Information can be ob: tained at any time by calling that number or by seeing the place in person. There is always somebody there, either my wife or myself. Manuel Sanches Urges Action On Accident Forms To the Editor: I guess by now that our Brother members who have been reading our Union newspaper, the LOG, for the last few months must have come across quite a few articles that have been written concerning the urgency of putting our own ac­ cident forms on all our ships. I am writing to tell you Brother members that the urge is none too great. This is an­ other progressive step towards the welfare of the membership, be­ ing done so well for the members of the best mari­ time union in the world, the SIU. I have been in Hansen the hospital for some leugth of time now and when I stop and think, I realize that the idea^of protecting the welfare of the seaman, the first of its kind that I know of, is strictly'the idea of the SIU. These accident forms sure will serve a purpose for one and all of us. There will be no more laying in a hospital in some Godforsaken port in misery and wondering if the mate or some company stiff has sent in the proper company report. No more worrying about the seri­ ousness of the accident and how long it will take before you get anywhere near home and loved ones. Thank (3od the' SIU has thought of one of the best ways in the world of protecting its men in the use of these accident forms. An­ other first for the SIU. So, fellows, I urge you one and -all for your own protection, when you get aboard your next ship and have finished choosing the dele­ gates that are to represent you for the trip, make sure you impress upon your fellow shipmates the ne­ cessity of these accident forms and don't stop until you have a 100 per­ cent vote for them on all our ships. In closing I might add, that this great Union of ours has one of the greatest welfare departments there is on land or sea, barring none. You will never know until you are in the position I was in how right I am in making this statement. The attention I have had here at the hospital has been wonderful and seeing that good old smiling face of Toby Flynn is a tonic in itself. So once again, fellows, lets all vote 100 percent for those accident forms on all our ships. Einar Hansen Happy Family Group Not Camera Shy ^ Voices Stewards Department Beef witli skids strengthening the sides. The northern carrack illus­ trated here differed somewhat from those of the southern'Waters. In the latter it was customary to permit the ends of the deck beams to project beyond the planking of the vessels sides. The ships usually had three masts, with the mainmast much larger than the other Jwo. Some ot them did cany lour masts^ includ- ing-a tiny nudn-topmast, but this spar wjg. often little-more than a.ilfg-staff..: To the Editon Sir, I am writing to express my views in the LOG on the wages of chief stewards, chief cooks and night cooks and bakers, and .would like the opinion of the brothers sailing in this category. When our negotiating committee is working out the terms of our next contract, I would like to ask them to look into the matter of bringing stewards department wages up to the level of the deck and engine departments. First, let chief cooks be paid 'at the rate of pay that, bosun is paid, nite cooks and bakers likewise. The reason I say l^at, Is that, in my opinion, a chief cook has to be an all-round tradesman, as does the baker, whereas » bosun has to know only I ^I m •I Contented family of Seafarer Stephen Mehringcr gazes happily into camera. The litUr family group resides in Camden, NJ. •• I �•-v,'sy^_ :•;:TJgr SEAFARERS Par* Twenty •*«•; ;;i- ^ • -•,t- ^ LOG JTone tS, 1954 ... DIGEST of SHIPS* MEETINGS ... MOBILIAN (Waterman), May 31—Chair­ man, J. Prascott; Sacrafary, J.- Stringfallow. Ship's delegate reported that he was told by the New Orleans hall that there was no bonus on this run. up to date. Suggestion was made to see the chief mate about getting some items that are short in the slopchest. Each man will make up a list of what he wants. Ship's laundry is to be kept clean; sani­ tary man will clean the laundry for a . week in each department; an assignment list will be posted. - FRENCH CitEEK (Cities Service), May 24—Chairman, Floyd Pence; Secretary, Dan Beard. There is a .S40 balance in the ship's fund. Deck department foc'sles and passageways need painting. Men need not give notice, if geting off, until they know where the ship is going next trip. Patrolman should check the Slopchest if a the ship goes foreign. Bread on the tables will stay fresh if left in waxed wrappers. "Snowboy" soap powder is back again after a big beef two months ago. New library is needed from ^e Sea Chest. Clean linen, i^ued to tife crew is sometimes ragged and torn. Company should have linen sorted out.. Men must stay out of the messhall if they ai-e wear­ ing only shorts. Cups are to be returned to the sink at night. Repair list should be made up for the shipyard. Steward and his department got a vote of thanks for. a job well done. YAKA (Waterman), May 9—Chairman, Chester Yow; Secretary, Backrak. John­ son was elected ship's delegate. Bosun pointed out that all repairs must be made in Baltimore. Mattresses and springs aft are bad. Repair list will be made out and turned in. Washing machine should be turned off when not in use. CUBORE (Ore), May 23—Chairman Troy Thomas; Secretary, James Archie. Ship's delegate wiU' see the chief engineer about instaiiing a new part in the wash­ ing machine. Ship's delegate wUl see the chief mate about having some of the crew's quarters painted. A vote of thanks went to the steward department for their good work. STEEL EXECUTIva (MtTinilan), May 30 —Chairman, Robert A. Barrett; Secretary, E. Wiley Carter. One man missed ship in Kahuiui Maui, Hawaii. Recommenda­ tion was made to have ship's quarters fumigated so we can start the next vo.vage afresh. Some meat in the ground meat seems to be a bit sour. Steward will be notified so this can be checked. DM replacement will be ordered at the first port of arrival. Spring wire forward will be replaced, as it is a menace and a hazard to the safety of the crew han­ dling it. Recommendation was made to have the forward mess table moved over, to give a clear pass go between each table, and to have all drains and clapper valves cleaned. FAIRISLE (Waterman), May 22—Chair­ man, C. L. Stringfellow; Secretary, W. Smith. There is no hot water aft for tak­ ing showers. Joe Barone was elected ship's delegate by acclamation. There was a discussion on Union accident re­ ports. Sanitary man asked for coopera­ tion' in 'stripping .bunks of linen on linen day. Waste paper baskets are needed for foc'sles. The catwalk will be repaired. Patrolman will contact the captain about neglecting the two men aboard ship who need hospital care. Messroom chairs will be repaired and each department delegate will make out a repair list. ANN MARIE (Bull), May 16—Chairman, E. Dakin; Secretary, V. Morton. Ice box was repaired. Motion was passed that no crewmember sign the non-witness report. Discussion was held on the report. ALCOA PENNANT (Alcoa), May 27— Chairman, J. F. Kelley; - Secretary, James Purseil.. H. Ridgeway was elected ship's delegate. Suggestion was made to have the messroom sdugeed on leaving Mobile. Discussion was held on the time for hav­ ing the fire and boat drUi in port. Sug­ gestion was made to have this hgld in the morning, as the steward department is off in the afternoon. ORION COMET (Oil Carriers), June I— Chairman, A. M. Branconi; Secretary, W. L. O'Donnell. Steward and his depart­ ment were congratulated on a job well done, with special mention for coffee time extras. Pressure on sanitary system WiU be referred to the first assistant by the ship's deiegate. Library should be locked up in port. Crew shouid cooper­ ate in keeping the laundry clean;- De­ fective parts in bed springs should be inspected. Steward requested that beefs be mentioned at the meeting and ironed out, to keep the crew in harmony. Doors WiU be kept closed when loading and discharging cargo. Discussion was heid on permissibie smoking area on ship. Ship's delegate wiU confer with the mate on this and aU hands wiU . take pre­ cautions to keep sparks away from gas fumes. fe" DEL MAR (Mississippi), May 23—Chair­ man, George McFall; Secretary, Henry liv. Editor, SEAFARERS LOG, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn 32, NY Dover Ms Still in Delaware Thanks to one Seafarer who wrote in immediately when he was crossed up on the cross­ word puzzle in the last issue of the LOG, the editors can an­ nounce at this time that Dover is still the capital of Delaware, despite allusions to the con­ trary in the SEAFARERS LOG. The capital of Maryland is also still located at Annapo­ lis. Apologies to all readers . who may have been confused by the garbled geography in last issue. slopchest. Suggestion was made to write to headquarters to find out why. Steward and his department were commended on the good food and fine menus. Sugges­ tion was made that crewmembers take only one book at a time, instead of put­ ting five or six in their lockers for the whole trip. Only some of the last trip's repairs were dope. Effort wiil be made to have the rest of the work done at sea by the crew where possible. Ship's dele­ BRADFORD ISLAND, (Cities Service), gate will see the captain about a $20 draw June 5—Chairman, Jesse W. Maloney; for each man in the port of Ccuta. Secretary, Vincent Ratcllff. Drinking DEL MAR (Mississippi), April 25— fountain has been fixed. Steward ordered new mattresses. Discussion was held on Chairman, Eddy Stough; Secretary, Henry Gerdes. After $5.92 was spent for games, getting the recreation room fixed up. Ship's delegate will see the captain about the ship's fund stood at $210.54. Station­ this. Suggestion was made that money ery was ordered, according to the last from the ship's fund be used for fixing meeting, and will be ready next time we the radio. ^ Cups should be put back in come In. The cost will be about $80. piace after use. Feet shouid be kept off Joe Wise was .elected ship's delegate. the chairs in the messhaU. Repair lists wili be made out. The ship's fuhd stands at $10.07. ^€ SHOW ME MARINER (Bull), June 7— Chairman, J. Reed; Secretary, M. Sterne. Steward department got a vote of thanks. Deck department should help OS keep quarters clean. Linen should be obtained Discussion was held on keeping the messcial grade, not first quality. *^Crew is not on time. rooms and pantries clean. satisfied with the menus that have been ROBIN KETTERING (Seat Shipping), put out. Steward agreed to try to remedy BENTS FORT (Cities Service), June 6rthis. More variety of night lunch is May 30—Chairman, D. Whittaker; Secre­ needed. Coffee wiU be locked up in tary, N. Rocco. L. Nagie was elected ship's Chairman, C. RItter; Secretary, James Kelly. Mattresses were replaced in Linden delegate. Some men failed to report for Africa. AU hands agreed that the steward should decide if the chief cook has the watch and failed to return on caU back and opinions were asked on them. Pa­ authority to give cooks time off. Shore- to secure ship. .This will be referred to trolman will be asked about the tile in side personnel should be kept out of the patrolman. No launch service was the black gang head. One man missed inside passageways, and forbidden to use provided in Mossel Bay. Crew went on ship in Lake Charles. One night's lodging the washing machine. Magazines in good record to turn in one member for walk­ is disputed.for a member. Dale E. Wil­ condition wili be turned over to a hos­ ing off watch, drunk on watch, missing liams was elected ship's delegate by several watches, entering officers' quar­ acclamation. The messhall has just been pital or a seaman's club in Capetown. ters and electricians' rooms without au­ sougeed; It was suggested, that members ALEXANDRA (Carras), May 30—Chair­ thorization, disturbing passengers by en­ cooperate in keeping it clean. All hands man, Hall; Secretary, William M. Hand. tering their , lounge but not their rooms. agreed to an arrival pool, with a third Morgan Harris was elected ship's dele­ Charges against mai^ were dropped by of the winnings going into the ship's the master, providing Union deals with fund. If menus continue under par they him in the proper manner. Certain men WiU be shown to Brother Clark in Lake were given advice and promised to mend Charles. Old man will be asked to get a their wayward ways. Steward suggested library when calling for replacements. that rooms be left clean and dirty linen We will try again for a better trade of turned in. Washing machine is in poor milk in Lake Charles, a change of coffee working condition and should be replaced and better soap powder. Cook said water­ next trip. Toasters should be replaced; a melons have been ordered. There was a discussion on new quarters for the day­ fan should be placed in the laundry. man who is now with the 8-12 watch. gate. Ship's delegate will see the mate about an awning for the poop deck,. but FRANCES (Bull), June •—Chairman, J. Suggestion was made to move the bosun the general feeUng seems to be that since L. O'JUurke; Secretary, Jimmy Jones. to the midship spare room now used by an awning was no: required it would not Ship s delegate will contact the company the port engineer. We wUl take this up be forthcoming. Request was made for about the washing machine, which needs with the Boston patrolman. As for the sinks for vegetables in the galley. Stew­ repairs. Ernie De Bautte was elected opinions on the seven foam rubber mat­ ard wlU be contacted about ice cream ship's delegate by acclamation. Discus­ tresses: One says they are too narrow: coming aboard in a soft condition. Pa­ sion was held on the food. All radios two say they are too short; one doesn't trolman WiU be' asked about a washing should be tuned do^n low at night, so like the smell; three find them the best machine—a second, new one. Steward and men can sleep. New repair list should be they've ever had. We just can't keep everyone happy; we could use four more. chief cook should check stores coming aboard to see thai a good grade is re­ I ceived and poor grades should -be re­ JULESBURG (Terminal Tankers), June fused. Several complaints were made 6—Chairman, B. KImberley; Secretary, M, against the steward's handUng of his job M. Cross. All repairs will be taken care and his excuses were not generaliy ac­ of, including the new washing machine. cepted. Steward agreed that, as he was One man missed ship twice, in Japan sick, he should get off the Ship and re­ and in New Zealand and will be turned cover fuliy before shipping again. Small over to the patrolman. One man missed beef between two : deck gang members made out. Linen locker should be put in ship and was left in Auckland, New Zea­ was settled amicably. Delegates wUl a different place. land; a man with a tugboat book was check the old repair list and try,to get picked up in Auckland. Motion was SEACLOUD (Seatraders), April 25— passed to make out a complete repair items left over taken care of. Chairman, James Eichanberg; Secretary, list. There was discussion on the men Albert Precious. A. B. Fowler was who missed ship. BEATRICE (Bull), June 2—Chairman, elected ship's delegate by acclama­ • • . N Pedro Reys; Secretary, Roger I. Hall. tion. Discussion was held on inadequate Crew messhaU was sougeed; OT beefs MARIE HAMILL (Bloomfleld), May S— from the last trip were settled. Raymond Chairman, Robert McNeil; Secretary,, W. Moran was elected new ship's delegate. E. Harper. One man got off the ship 8-12 oiler has beef about the engineer on before sailing because of sickness in his his watch; he claims the pnglneer is family. Deck delegate reported this to treating him worse than an animal. He the Union hall. H. Jones was elected is also treating the wipers the same and ship's delegate by acclamation. Ship's trying to run the engine room dayworkdelegat&.will see the chief engineer about ers. When the oiler started up his bilge James H. "Red" Smith the washing machine. Men were asked pumps the engineer speeded them up Please contact your sister in to wear trousers when in the messhaU. the moment he turned his back. Issue < Continued on page 21) will be referred to the patrolman. Stew­ Houston, Texas, ard was asked to order plenty of fresh milk. Ship's delegate and the patrolman WiU see the port steward about getting Puxzte Auawer Samuel Hutchinson more variety of fresh fruits and vege­ tables. Asks that his friends please Cerdes. Men getting off may purchase up to eight cartons of cigarettes. Captain agreed to > lift a log on a man because of a nervous disorder. We also have on board a repatriated brother, who was injured on the Del Santos, and whom we welcome. Brother Joe Spina got a vote of thanks for buUding up the ship's fund. Motion to buy a movie projector was vetoed for lack of support. Motion was passed to use a fund of voluntary dona­ tions for a picnic for members and their families. Discussion was held on the crew pantry, condition of cups and dishes, temperature of washing and rinsing MARINA (Bull), May 22—Chairman, water. Steward will check the beef. Wash­ Frank Fletcher; Secretary, E. Mbllneaux. ing machine wUl be put on the repair Crew was asked to stop beefing among Ust. themselves and bring beefs out at good and welfare. Complaints were made about ROBIN TRENT (Seas Shipping), May 30 the captain's system of giving out draws —Chairman, M. Smith; Secretary, F. S. and cigarettes. After discussion it was Simiene. A few repairs were not made decided that the ship's delegate would before leaving New York; they wiU be see him and try and work things out. put on the repair Ust again at the end Captain will be contacted about getting a of this voyage. Chief engineer will get Seafarers Sea Chest for the ship. There ice boxes in the messhaUs fixed in Africa. should be less noise in the passageway Carpenter wiU instaU toUet paper hold­ in the morning. ers in heads that need them. Motion was passed to see if better grades of JEFFERSON CITY VICTORY (Victory meat can be put on board in the future; Carriers), May 2—Chairman, Vernon Hall; patrolman will check this at the payoff. Secretary, H. L. Haley. Robert Prideaux Chief cook stated meats are of commer- was elected ship's delegate. Patrolman will be contacted about getting a 'new heavy-duty washing machine. The dis­ puted OT on butchering will be turned over to the patrolman. Engine delegate will be elected. I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG—please put my nome on your mailing list. (Print Information) Secretary H. L. Herdy. Washing machine was fixed; everything is running smoothly. Delegates wiU make up repair lists for each department. A vote of thanks went to the steward department. Conditions would be much improved if the chief cook, second cook, night cook and baker did not share the same foc'sles. Night cook and baker cannot sleep in day workers' room. May 31—Chairman, Roy C, Lwndqulstt llRSONALS 4 4 4 write to him at 91 South Edgeley Road, Toronto 13, Canada, 4 4 4 Dow M. Nye Important that you contact Tony Carrano at lid Royal Street, New Orleans, La, 4 4 4 John D. McLemore important that you contact L, E, Wing c/o SIU Hall, Mobile, Ala, 4 4 4 Clyde Burns Please contact Sheldon Tabak, 38 Park Row, New York City, con­ cerning your shipmate Joseph V. Richards, 4 NOTICES 4 4 Richard D. Lewis Please contact yiiiir attorney and W. J. DonBld sign releases as your case ^ been Ydur Union book and gear arc settled. being held at the Wilmington hall. NAME » 4 4 4 4 t Hugh S. Bean Robert H. Albright STREET ADDRESS ....... —..................;.. Contact the Organizing Uepart- Anyone knowing the whereabouts ment at SJU headquarters as soon of the above Seafarer please con­ tact Mirs. Hugh S, Bean at 405 as possible. Urgent. OITY .............. .....ZONE ......STATE ,...... South Westehore Drive, Port Tam­ ,, ^ » 4-,. . pa City, Tla, Frank Li Blehardsoii Rajuaond Moreg . ; :: " » t X : u ' Andre Brokrishy Manuel Gana TO AVOID OUKICATIONi H you aro on old subserlbor onrf hivB • obtnflo Please contact the . Orgiinlaing Please contact Howard SI Gil­ of oddross, piooto fivo your fprmor oddroM bolowf Department : at SXl)r headquarters lespie,' Box 432, Lewisbbrgi W. VB;; at' once i regabding. yoiir < rtl'nstate-'regMdiog the'name'add idiieii xit ment .aud. back pajr ritfiAg; In con^ an unrtb :wh» shtpimd 'aeidtb Mm iiectloi|(Withith»: bd the Sanford B, Doyle.' ,' ' /iiJu ,k</' ;'-;ir.'? •; • .).v A [sisisis smiiBois ssa BIQIS QSISBQISIE ssass Bsnssn anas [^Dao Qsias [^QS] Quiz Answers (1) Six hours. (2) (b) Scheherezade, (3) (b) William Holden, for hia role in Stalag 17, a movie about AmericaiT-POWs in Germany. (4) Boulder Dam, Originally called Hoover Dam, It was later, changed to Boiilder Dam, and then the original name was restored in 1947. \ (5) Ohio, abbreviated as O, Tha Post Office Department would be much happirt if this abbreviation wasn't used, however, and tiie full name was spelled out. : («) 294 feet. . (7) Wisconsin. (jl>(b)Jo)ln Adams, thf first yicfc.. Prttsidcni, became ffie lecond Pre**• - • ' litii^ti lih inar • . ar and;. Wn'n:;-.- mm �SEAFARERS ^ui* t5, 1954 IPG Paee Twenty-mit ... DIGEST of SHIPS' MEETINGS ... ihent in which some strong words were (Continued from page 20) passed. After a vote, the chief cook Men ara ta clean up after eating at was told to mend his ways, or he would nlgbt. be put off. Ship needs fumigation as rats were seen on board. New refrigerator Is DiL VIBNTO (MItslislppI), May needed for the crew messroom, as the Chairman, Wilien "Tiny" Themat; Sec­ old one has been broken, the whole trip. retary, John R. Tllley. There la a total Better grade of -syrup should be ordered. of 877 in the ship's fund. Steward asked the membership to turn in any torn linen which wUl be replaced, and turned llli'LL RUN (Petrol Tankers), June i— over to the company. As In the pact. Chairman, J. McLaughlin; Secretary, L. It was decided to hold an arrival pool, P. Hagmann. One man left the ship In both north and south-bound. 60 chances Lake Charles and the hall was notlfled at S2 each, the winning minute to receive by radio the following day. One man was 860 and the two adjoining minutes 820 left In the hosplUl at Pbrt Everglades, each. The remaining 820 will go Into Fla. Anyone desiring to take off In pbrt the ship's fund. This money Will be used should make arrangements In advance for to hold a shrimp and beer parly in South someone to stand his watch, and not America each trip. Cither ships could leave the man on watch holding the bag. beneBt by this practice and raise a ship's Crew was advised that the captain would fund without any trouble to anyone and not pay transportation from Tampa, Fla. still provide a sporting proposition to to Port Everglades, the nearest port with the membership. replacements. This matter will be taken up with the patrolman at the nCxt payoff. SEATICER (Colonial), June <—Chair­ Fresh dally stores were not obtained In man, E. L. Thompson; Secretary, Story. several ports. Ship's delegate was asked Repair list was turned in. . Vote of by the steward to see the captain on thanks went to the steward department. this and the captain said the steward One man to be turned in to patrolman placed no requisition. Milk for two meals for being a rat. Men should leave the was short In Port Everglades and there ship clean and return all cups to the was no Ice aboard. Pantryman said he steward. was not ordered to make Ice as It was expected every day. Steward was asked PELTORB (Ore), Juns 4—Chairman, why niore night lunch could not be put Merle Doucatt; Secretary, Frank Pagano. out and said he would take care of the Quartermaster paid off In Canal.' Harold matter. Galley will be left open while at Thomas was elected ship's delegate by sea. Galley scuppers were stopped up: pumpman promised to fix them right after the meeting. acclamation. Water fountain will not be used as a spittoon. There is 840 In the ship's fund. MAB (Bull), May 9—Chairman, Clark Inman; Bacratary, R. M. Hammond. There Is a balance'of 824.79 In the ship's fund. F. Hipp was elected new ship's delegate. Brother Carlson tvas given a vote of thanks for a Job well done while serving as delegate. Repairman In Baltimore fouled up TV set. Suggestion was made to try and have It fixed again at Pasa­ dena. New roda for the aerial will be purchased there if possible. ROBIN 8HERWOOO' (Beat Shipping), May 9—Chalrpian, R. Anderson; Secre­ tary, Mitchell Critzf. No cigarettes were Issued In Bclra. We had to contact mas­ ter for these. Master was contacted be­ cause the purser refused to show movies. Ship's fund stands at 83.28. Repair list was turned over to the ship's delegate. Chief electrician complained that har­ mony aboard this vessel has bcen_ dis­ rupted by the chief cook. This man has been very loud In passageways, keeping men on watch awake. Also, he has been In arguments with some members of the crew. He went to the chief cook at one o'clock to get keys for the galley and the chief cook refused. There was an at^- See Mimmigration Before Landing All ships in Puerto Rican ports must be cleared by the Immigration ins^etors before erewmembers-can go ashore, . the same as in Continental United States ports. Crewmembers should make sure that Immigration has finished its business before taking off. Otherwise - the shipping com­ pany is subject to fines and the crewmeihber can be penal­ ized accordingly. ^ COB VICTORY (Victory Csrrlsrs),--May 30—Chairman, MIks Magsl; Bscrstsry Ceorgs B. Dunn. J. R. Johnson was re­ elected ship's delegate by acclamation. Bosun reported that the painting of the crew's quarters should be finished this week. Chief electrician was asked to put a timer on the washing machine so It would shut off automatically. Ship's dele­ gate asked the other delegates to get a draw list ready for Japan. CHILORB (Ore), May 9—Chairman, P. Priti; Secretary, J. C. Crsgery. There was a beef against the third cook for not performing his work. Steward asked the membership about the charges against the third cook and the membership voted to turn it over to the patrolman. A re­ quest has been made and approved that while In drydock a check be made, and aU missing wind chutes In crew's-quarters be replaced and extra fans be installed In crew's lounge. STEEL MAKER (Isthmian), May 3S— Chairman, Wayne 8. Collard; Secretary, Miguel A. Eala. This Is a good crew and everybody's behavior Is very satis­ factory. Two beefs with the captain, on Issuing soap powder and pulling Ice were settled to our satisfaction. Captain said he would not lift the logs against four men. Patrolman will be asked why the water spigot installed outside the house for shoreslde personnel cannot be left on in all foreign ports for use by them, so they don't have to use our drinknlg fountain. Company's US and foreign mailing addresses will be typed up and posted under glass in the crew messhall. All repairs* will be turned over to the ship's delegate. There was a beef on getting the electrician's foc'sle painted and heads and showers sougeed and painted out. Chief said there was no time, but we have had sufficient time to have this done before arriving In New York. Vote of thanks went to the whole steward department for a Job well done during the whole trip. Lava soap should be used instead of pumice. 16 fans jvlll be installed in all foc'sles as the 12-Inch fans are not adequate for this run. Electrician's foc'sle will be painted. New chairs will be ordered for the crew's messhall and this will be put on the re­ pair list. There was discussion on start­ ing a Union group medical Insurance plan and about Jnstalling a laundry aboard ship, "as the work done on shore has been poor. JEAN LAPITTB (Waterman), May IS— Chairman, P. B. Otyoi; Secretary, M. B. -•-.Ss'AiwKii 4Ait Crtt, .T.-j';'';,'!.'.. . Pappadakls. Minor repairs will be taken care of—some at sea and the rest in Yokohama. Motion was passed to start a ship's fund with a 82 donation per, man; this fund will be used for emer­ gencies only. After discussion on the cleaning of the crew's pantry It was agreed that the last man standing by dn each watch leave the place clean. The card players should also clean up their mess. GOLDEN CITY (Waterman), May 30^ Chairman, Jlmmle Colder; Secretary, Harry Crimes. Repair list of the last trip has not yet been completed: ship's dele­ gate will see the captain. Suggestion was made to keep the library neat and orderly at all times. Engine department should leave coffee in the pantry and not carry It below. Steward should be contacted when coffee is needed below. All linen should, be kept In rooms in Germany, and not thrown into the pas­ sageway. There Is a question of englneers freeing dogs on portholes topside and taking OT away from the deck de­ partment. Washing machine should be given better treatment; motor should not be left on overnight. No one In the black gang is to ask for time off in lieu of OT, as seemingly expected by topside engi­ neers, or charges will be preferred. PELICAN MARINER (Bloomneld), May 21—Chairman, Ncis Larson; Secretary, M. Ashlelgh. One man was hospitalized in Nagoya, Japan: after his discharge he will be repatriated back to the States. Nels Larson was elected ship's dele.-jate unanimously. Deck delegate reported that he would be hospitalized in Pusan, Korea, and said that the bosun com­ plained of difficulties with the mate, and that this matter had been satisfactorily cleared. Due to'the shortage of steward department men, the steward, ship's dele­ gate and department delegates conferred with the captain and it was decided that day workers of the engine department would be placed in the engine depart­ ment, as long as sick men are absent. One man went over the heads of every­ one, allegedly, to obtain a. hospital slip. He is reported to have gpne to the agent and obtained a slip denoting him unfit for duty. When the same was presented to the captain, the captain said his pay would stop till he was fit for duty again. The man became incensed and swore, demanding his slip back. The captain then advised that he be taken below and quieted or he would take action. Man who made the statement that the bosifn was unfit for his job apologized deeply. Sanitary work is unsatisfactory, and will be reported to the patrolman If it doesn't improve. Department dele.''ates should confer with the purser to compile a list to replenish stock In the slopchest and to obtain the stock In the first major port. Three Seafarers, Son Of SIU Man Win Scholarship Awards (Continued from page 3) of the soccer and lacrosse teams. In 1947 Simpson was accepted by Stanford University but was un­ able to enter school for lack of money. He started shipping out then first with the Ore Line for about three years and later spent a good deal of time on Waterman and Alcoa ships. More recently he has been taking Libertys out of the West Coast. Seafarer Seymour Wallace, who is 24 years old, is already attend­ ing Long Island University taking a pre-med course with* the hope of becoming a .podi­ atrist. The 24year-old Seafarer has been a mem­ ber of the SIU for six years sailing mostly on Wallace Mississippi and Bull Line ships. He has an A-minus average at LIU and previously at­ tended St. Vincent's Grammar Judges Pick Art Winners (Continued from page 2) eluding four red-ribboned special awards. The limited number of entries in watercolors and draw­ ings precluded the awarding of three prizes in each class, at any event. Tie For First Prize The tie for first prize in oils be­ tween Tarkov and Hope was cred­ ited by the judges to the excellence of both entries. Tarkov's entry, titled "Life of a Little Boy," was a landscape showing a little boy romping along a country road. Hope took the honors with a de­ tailed street scene of a small town. His winning watercolor was a por­ trait impression of a young woman. A pencil drawing titled "The Bosun" won the top award in that division for Sawvel, who sai(i the drawing was of the bosun on the Fairjport (Waterman), the ship he'd been on recently. In handicrafts, a fine-tooled gyroscope, copped the top prize for Pfeiffer, who put his skill as a machinist to work on his winning entry. (See separate story on page 2 for descriptions of all the winning entries and personal sketches of each Seafarer who toolf part in the contest.) Prior to the week-long exhibit at headquiirters, many of the en­ tries also-had a showcasing along with the works of • members of other Netir York trade unions- et a speciar display sponsored by a di­ vision of the New York Public Ll«braiy;" -I T School at St. Vincent, British West Indies, where he compiled a fine scholastic record. He's married and lives in New York City. Now On Wacosta The fourth college scholarship winner. Seafarer Ed Larkin, is cur­ rently serving as chief electrician on the Wacosta, after completing one year at the New York State School of Industrial and Labor Re­ lations, Cornell University. Lar­ kin, who is 27 years old, has been sailing for over 10 years. For a while he served on the Great Lakes as an organizer and last year won a labor scholarship to Harlech Col­ lege, Harlech, Wales, under an In­ ternational Exchange program. The committee of educators. which selected the winnei's, based their ehoices on test scores on the College - Entrance Board examina­ tion, high school achievement record, ejitra-curricular participa­ tion in school and evidences of character, ability and leadership qualities. Committee members were: C. William Edwards, director of adjnissions, Princeton University; Elwood C. Kastner, registrar. New York University: Miss Edna M. Newby, director of admissions. New Jersey College for Women, Rutgers University; F. D. Wilki.-.son, regis­ trar, Howard University, and Ber­ nard Ireland, assistant director of admissions, Columbia College, Co­ lumbia University. Seatrain Signs Contract (Continued from page 3) have contained animal or vegetable $3fi8.68; second cook, $332.77; matter or petroleum oil or creo­ third cook, $317.93; me.ssman, sotes. $249.82; utilityman, $249.82, and night cook and baker, $368.68. The new OT rates—also retro­ active to .last October 1—range from $1.51 to $1.98 an hour de­ pending on the basic monthly wage. For standby work in port, when iContinued from page 2) board and lodging are not provid­ ed on the ship, the men are to be additional $19 over the date paid paid from $1.91 to $1.98 an hour, on other dry cargo ships. Overtime depending on their monthly wage, rates, on the Mariners, however, for work done during the regular are not affected by the provision working hours. Outside those covering key ratings. Approval of the new freight con­ hours the rates range from $2.87 tract by the membership at meet­ to $2.98 an hour. For longshore work done by the ings in all ports last week followed crew, the rates are $1.91 to $1.98 on the approval of the agreement an hour for the watch above and by a representative shipowners' $2.87 to $2.98 an hour for the committee which had negotiated \^tch below. For such work done with the Union. The individual outside the regular working hours freight operators now have to sign the rates range from $3.81 to $3.96 -the agreement for their own com­ panies, a detail which is expected an hour. Similar rates have been put into to be completed shortly. In making the demand for talks effect when erewmembers are re­ quired to handle diffuser units or on a new tankship pact, following clean or repair tanks or bijges that a preliminary meeting with several of the tanker operators, the Union left it up to the shipowners wheth­ er they wish to negotiate indi­ vidually or as a group, although in previous- years negotiations have An" error in the dry cargo been held jointly. wage scale list published in It is expected, however, that the the last issue of the SEAFAR­ pattern set in the freight agree­ ERS LOG had the AB mainte­ ment will be followed in the tank­ nance and the 2nd assistant er field as well as on money items reefer engineer receiving $1.98 and general and working rules an hour in overtime pay. The where they apply. Some improve­ correct figure for these two ments in working rules keyed to ratings is $1.94. tanker operation are also likely in The dividing line, based on the upcoming talks. The traditional the old wage scale, for figuring differential on pay in favor of overtime rates is $340.73. Un­ tankermen will also be maintained. der the old scale both ^AB The freight agreement, which maintenance and 2nd assistant will run until September 30, 1955, . reefer were receiving less than Ihciiides a specified clause en­ that figure, hence they fall., abling the Union to reopen it any into the four percent increase time on welfare, vacation claiiseB categoiY. and other items. Open Tanker Contract Talks AB Maintenance at Bate $1.94 y I �• ^ .'ifaie'^enty-ti^ ' SEAFARERS ^ l»S4 IPG Seafarer'^ Son; Sleeps Through It All The following list contains the names of hospitalized Seafarers who are being taken care of by cash benefits from the SIU Welfare Plan. While the Plan aids them financially, all of these men would welcome mail and visits from friends and shipmates to pass away the long days and weeks in a hospital bed. USPHS hospitals allow plenty of time for visitors. If you're ashore and you see a friend's name on the list, (drop in for a visit. It will be most welcome. USPHS HOSPITAL USPHS HOSPITAL P''; Blissfully unaware of the goings-on, John Gretz, son of Seafarer Michael Gretz, slumbers peacefully, as parents look over communication from Union with $200 maternity benefit check and $25 bond. |-,vt' v ^rW.•. .-• Wk'- '-.W# All of the follomnsf SIU families will collect the $200 maternity benefit plus a $25 bond from the Union in the baby's name. James Charlie Dial, Jr., born May 4, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. James C. Dial, Sr., RFD No. 1, Livingston, Ala. $• Ruth Ellen Carpenter,, bom January 24, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin C. Carpenter, 118 Broad Street, Valley Falls, RI. 4- it t Daniel Perez, Jrr, born March 23, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Perez, 1808'Market Street, Galves­ ton, Tex. t it t Johanna Ruiz, born March 23, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Juan Ruiz, 447 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. ii t Miguel Eugenio Cubano, born April 30, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jose Cubano, Palansterio Q-4, San Juan, Puerto Rico. t i i John Gretz, born May 17, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gretz, 90 St. Marks Place, Staten Island, NY. i a; 4^ • Amy Lee DePoo, born May 28, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. John J. DePoo, 307 West 11th Street, New York 14, NY. t 4* 4" Walter Lee Broderick, born May 25, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Broderick, 507 West Cres­ cent Drive, Savannah, Ga. it 4" 3^ Vickl Yvonne Franklin, born Man. Beach PHS Patients Put Out Own Magazine April 6, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. WiUiam "T. Franklin, Route 2, Graham, NC. 4" 4^ it Renay Elaine Gaines, bom Febmary 7, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis B. Gaines, 1754 Limerick Street, Mobile, Ala. X ir ir • ••• Carolyn Ruth Sposato, born May 11, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard R. Sposato, c/o General Delivery, Sprakers, NY. 4" 3^ 4" Anita Alyce Reld, born May 29, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Msg. Glenn A. Reld, 111 West Channel Road, Santa Monica, Cal. 3^ 4" 3> Sandra. Arlene ^Greaux, .born June 2, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Greaux, 286 North Broadway, Churchtown Pennsgrove, NJ. "3> t 3> James Lawrence Palmer,' III, born May 25, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. James L. Palmer, Jr., 400 Shaw Street, New Bedford, Mass. 3^ 4" 4" Thomas Clyde Deale, Jr., born May 27, 1954. Parents, Mr; and Mrs. Thomas C. Deale, 732 Prince­ ton Avenue, Birmingham, Ala. 4« 4i 4» Thomas Harold Rood, born May 28. 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ponald L. Rood, 5022 Comly Street, Philadelphia, Pa. .. Seafarer John Driscqll and Manhattan Beach nurse look over first . issue of- "The Porthole," new magazine being published by the patients at Manhattan Beach. Patients at the Manhattan Beach US Public Health Service Hospital are now putting out ah attractive 31-page publica­ tion each month. Called "The Porthole," the newspaper is the product of combined tal-' ents of both SIU and NMU Seafarer Henry E. Smith design­ patients. ed an attractive cover for. the The June issue of the newspaper publication while other patients contains an article by Seafarer chipped In with news notes and John Dri^coll commemorating the other Items of Interest. hospital's fourth anniversary as a Hospital patients are hopeful USPHS unit and describing the that they will be able to maintain complex but wdll-carried-out mov­ a regular publication "to be dis­ ing operation Involved in shifting tributed among the patient.^ and patients from the old Neponsit possibly exchanged with other hospital at Rockaway Beach to the marine hospitals around the coun­ Manhattan Beach Installation. try. STATEN ISLAND. NY SAN FRANCISCO. CAL. Henry J. Childs C. J. Neumaier James Bentley William E. Neef Ho.Yee Choe Joe Perreira John E. Brady Joseph Neubai'er Theodore Creer Luciano 1. Ramos John J. Brennan Sigurd Odegaad Thomas D. Dailey Anthony M. Rosaies Charles CantweU Charles Ogiesby Oiav Gustavsen Thomas A, Scanlon Jose Cortes Newton Paine Hoyt Hackney W. S. gingieton Henry Currier T. Papoutsogiov George H. Leary Edward L. Woods Raymond Davis Fioro Regalado Antonio Mangao P. S. • Yiizon Marinus Dejonga George Robinson Domingo Diaz Juan Rodriguez USPHS HOSPITAL Eddie Driggers Manuel Rodr:;.'uez NEW ORLEANS, LA. W. E. Eietherion Oscar Rosenfcit Stanley A, Bailey Leo Lang Andrew Franklin Edwin T. Rushton Paul Boudreaux Pierre Leblanc Joseph Gauthier David Saigado Charles E. Brady Jean LaTapie EsteU Godfrey Stanley A. Sargeant WUiiam R. Burch Cyril Lowrey Einar A. Hansen Jerome Serrao Charles Burton James M. Lucky Vincent Jones Hendrick Swartjes Owen Butler Adam McDiarmid Thomas Liles Thomas Thompson McKenley Campbell Frank Martin Tim McCarthy James Thomson Sibastian Carregal George R. Mitchell Lloyd McGee Benjamin Trottia aip P. B. Cogley John Maclnnes Jose Valenzueia Mu S. Cope Jean Murna Perfecto Mangual Clifford Womack Arthur 1. Nelson Adion Cox Julius Martin Clifton Wilson Clarence Crevier C. Osinski Robert Mulhnllahd Arthur Wroton Ernest DesHotels Frank S. Payior Francis R. Napoli A. Quinones Gordon R. Doian W. E. Reynolds E. R. Ekiund USPHS HOSPITAL Ragnor A. Ericson James J. Ruth MANHATTAN BEACH, NY Edward Samrock Thomas Fields Percy AUred Kaarel Leetmaa Nathan Gardner John E. Sanders Fortune Bacomo 'James R. Lewis Bobby M. Slade Frank Gibas Claude Blanks Francis Lynch Golden B. GUlespie Jack F. Thornburg Joseph D. McGraw Robert L. Booker Jack H. Gleason Lonnie R. Tickle Thomas Bryant Archibald McGuigan John L. Hinton J. E. Ward Joseph G. Carr David McUreath Lyle Hipp Louis W. Wetzell Har Chong Frank Mackey E. G. Kriapp Robect T. Young John Driscoli Vic Milazzo D. KorolU Boje Bieisen M. W. Gardiner USPHS-^OSPITAL Bart Guranick George Shumaker MOBILE, ALA. John Haas Robert Sizemore Dawson Perry Thomas Isaksen Ernest Smallwood John Keenan Henry E. Smith USPHS HOSPITAL Ludwig Kristiansen Henry Tuttle GALVESTON, TEX. Frederick Landry Renato Viliata C. Barboza J&cinto Guebara William Bargone Willie B. GuiUory James J. Lawior Virgil Wilmoth W. C. Be/gguist Thomas Gutierrez YONKERS GENERAL HOSPITAL James H. Brandon Alfred A. Hancock . NEW YORK Curtis G. Decker Abraham H. Mander Aaron Sasser Joseph H. Dudley Hewitt Manuel G. B. Eilzey John E. Markopolo USPHS HOSPITAL C. W. Goodwyn Jack E. Siocum DETROIT, MICH. Tim Burke USPHS HOSPITAL BOSTON, MASS. VA HOSPITAL Frank Alasavich Robert A. Rogers BALTIMORE, MD. John G. Flynn Earl F. Spear Leonard J. Frank James A. McFerren Walter Tkach James H. Penswick George Vourloumis NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH USPHS HOSPITAL HOSPITAL BALTIMORE, MD. BETHESDA, MD. Thomas Ankerson William Kenny James H. Harker Lorenzo Brigida Ben I^wson SAILORS SNUG HARBOR Carl Chandler Tony Mastantinp STATEN ISLAND. NY Jessie Clarke Cornelius Palmer Joseph Kosiusky Tony Cooper Patsy Pasquaie James Dodson Robert W. Scales USPHS HOSPITAL WUliam Etty Robert Stanford FORT WORTH, TEX. Gorman T. Glaze John T. Watt Edward J. Toolan George E. Godwin Warren Whitmer Henrich Wie-se VA HOSPITAL Otis Harden Walton Hudson CORAL GABLES, FLA. Albert L. Willis Ruby O. Vance USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH, GA. - USPHS HOSPITAL William C. Bedgood Clifford Middleton SEATTLE, WASH. Paul Bland William E. Olson J. B. Brown Stanley Kurtish James Bush Ivey Peaccck Floyd L. Jarvis V. K. Ming Lucius A. DeWitt James B. Sellers Sverre Johannessen Vincent Tocco C. C. Slater Carl R. Johnson WiUiam F. Vaughn Herman KemP' Jimmie Littletpn Charles E. Johnson Alien Seamen Must Get Visas For Future Landings In US Alien seamen sailing US-flag ships or for that matter, the ships of any nation, have one year left in which to get their 3> 3^ 3^ Linda Louise Taylor, born April visitors' visas for landings in the United States. The State 7 19, 1954. Parents,_Mr. and Mrs. Department has-set a July 1, 4 Cecil E. Taylor, PO Box 43, Clen- 1955, cutoff date after which up to handle the volume of work denin. West Virginia. that would be involved in issuing no alien seaman will be per­ the visas. 4" 3^.. 3^ Actually, the requirements for Mary Ruth Mouton, bom April mitted to land in the US without 5, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. either a visa for residence or a the visitor's visa apfe practically as "stiff as for an immigrant's yisa Philip D. Mouton, 3027 Music visitor's visa. Street, New Orleans, La. Since getting a first visitor's visa for permanent residence, requiring is a time-consuming and compli­ the usual clearances and a consid­ if 3^ 4" erable amount of personal infor­ Jeffrey Carl King, born May 17, cated affair, all alien seamen are mation and documents. Aliens are advised to make immediate appli­ 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gor-. advised-to find out as soon as pos­ don C. King, c/o Delmar King, cation for a visa* at any consul's sible what these documents are, office outside the United States. Steuben, Me. It's expected that it will take a as it may take some time to col­ t 3^ 3^ minimum of two or three months lect th(em. Thomas Wilton Green, born May between the time of application Wait Six Months 22, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. for the visa and the date the visa ^ In some instances known to the John C. Green, 1821 East Fayette is issued. This, of course, does not U'nion, alien seamen who have ap­ Street, Baltimore, Md. include the time consumed by the plied for a residence visa have had alien in traveling to a foreign port to wait as much as six months for 3> 3> 3> -Richard W. De FazI, born May to make application. Once the visa the visa to come through. It's a 15, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. is issued, it is good for, two years good idea then,, for . every alien in Richard E. De Fazi, 264 Havre and then can be renewed. the SIU to go about getting his Street, East Boston, Mass. Delayed Effect . visa immediately so that he is not 3J t 3> The visa requirement was .estab­ ^faced with a serious problem one Juan' Elugenip Gonzalez, born, lished when the McCarran Act was 'year from now. If he doesn't have May 26, 1954i Parents, Mr. and passed -but has not been put into the visa by then, he will not be Mrs. Gllberto Gonzalez, 133 Baltic. effect up until now, because the permitted to land in the United overseas consulates were not set States under any circumstances. Street, Brooklyn, NY. ... �'*' ' •T I SEAFARERS '-^jiiiia; IBS,-'-li54 TOE SEAFARERS With WALTER SIEKMANN I News about men in the hospitals and Seafarers receiving SIU Wel­ fare Benefits will be carried in this column. It is loritten by Seafarer Walter Siekmann based on items of interest turned up while he makes his rounds in his post as Director of Welfare Services.) We've run into several instances recently of doctors giving men slips which say that they are "fit for light duty" and can. go back to work accordingly. Any man getting a slip of this kind shotild check Immediately with the nearest SIU hall because there is no such pro­ vision as "fit for light duty." Working a ship is a man-sized job and a man is either in full health and capable of the work or he isn't. What usually happens in such cases is that a man with the "fit for light duty" slip winds up having to hold down his regular job and take a lot of abuse besides. He's also running the risk of permanently damaging his health and losing out on maintenance and other money that would be due him ordinarily. So our advice to Seafarers is to be cautious when a doctor hands you a "fit for light duty" slip and check with your ITnion before going on board. t t Heading the list of hospitalized men is Manuel Rodriguez, oiler, off the Steel Designer which was his last ship before he was taken down with a recurrence of a heart ailment. Manuel lives in New York City, so he is around home while re­ cuperating from his cardiac trouble. He left the ship in Baltimore and is now in the Staten Island USPHS hospital. Another New Yorker, this time from the expanse of Brooklyn, is Perfecto Mangual. Mangual was en­ gine utility on the Beatrice when he injured his back aboard ship. He was hospitalized in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for ten days before being repatriated back to the States. Rodriguez Jerome Serrao of the Bronx is in the hospital for observation. His last job was aboard the Dorothy of Bull when he chipped out as a messman. Another Bronx boy is William Eietheriou, third cook off the William Carruth. He left the ship because of hernia trouble which was giving him much pain. He's been operated on and is doing much better now, hoping to be out in the near future. Awaiting Sawbones James McDeviti, of New York City, last shipped out as AB on the Show Me Mariner before he ran into a little trouble. He's got a hernia condition and an injury to his left elbow. He's await­ ing operations for both at the present time. Ben Trottie, who had a rare heart operation not so long ago, is back in the hospital for a checkup and observation. The doctors want to see how he's been getting along since they saw him last on the oper­ ating table. A representative from New England is Newton Paine of Woonsocket, RI. Paine, in for treatment of diabetes, was AB on the Coe Victory before be­ coming ill. „ McDevitt Jose Cortes is back in the hospital. He recently recovered from a double hernia operation, but now has come dowp with a little throat trouble and wants to see what the doctors can do with this ailment. WUliam Neef, OS aboard the Ocean Dlla last time he shipped out, is in for a look-see on his skin disease. ?af« Twenty-tjhre* LOG Company Dottor Nof Very Fussy Another case of a Seafarer being hard-timed by a company doctor came to the attention of the Uniob recently. Seafarer Lester McH ugh, who was chief pumpman on the Chivvrawa, a Cities Service tanker, is now recuperating from broken ribs and severe bruises at the Staten Island US Public Health Service hospital after being told he was "fit for light duty." Lester was on the ship working in the pumproom when he stepped into a hole cut in the floor plating and injured himself. The opening had been cut to make a valve ac­ cessible and the moveable cover plate had been left off. When the ship arrived in Lake Charles, La., he was sent to the doctor there who handles all the company's cases. The same doc­ tor is the boarding physician for the Quarantine Service of USPHS and to the best of information, handles other USPHS cases on a fee basis. This apparently is the established practice in ports where PHS does not have its own hospital or clinic facilities. Waiting For Ship The doctor x-rayed him and then left the office. After he was sitting there for quite some time, McHugh said, the nurse came in and re­ marked, "Are you still here?" He replied that he was waiting for a medical report slip. The nurse went out again and then came back and typed up a slip that he was "fit for light duty." McHugh went back on board and talked to the chief engineer, tell­ ing him that his side was very pain­ ful and he was afraid he wouldn't be able to complete the trip, but the chief assured him he would get light duty all the way up to New York. When he got back to New York NY Ambulance Chasing Under Jury Scrutiny A Grand Jury investigation of "ambulance chasing" is un­ der way in New York City fol­ lowing the seizure of records of several lawyers and issuance of record search warrants for several others. Six people have been ar­ rested as runners for lawyers and are being held in bail. The six people and nineteen law­ yers under investigation are all thought to be part of an alleged "ambulance chasing" ring, which specialized in lawsuits dealing with motor vehicle accidents. However, the Grand Jury can extend its in­ vestigation in any direction includ­ ing lawyers' activities at the Pub­ lic Health Sei-vice Hospitals. Of the 19 lawyers Involved in the investigation, names of 12 were made public by the District At­ torney's office. They were: Manuel Katz of 61 Broadway; I. Jesse Winter of 277 Broadway, George L. Bickler, Morton S. Schorr and Irvin Levine of 150 Broadway; Philip Brown, 16 Court Street, Brooklyn; Philip Weintraub, 50 Broad Street; Louis I. Rothenberg, 16 Court Street, Brooklyn; Jerome Golenbock, 225 Broadway; Albert Trepel, 141 Broadway; Irving Gordon, 61 Broadway and Joshua S. Levy, 140 Nassau Street. Seafarer Lester McHugh basks in comfort of hospital bed with aid of fresh cigar while he recuperates from broken ribs suffered in accident on tanker Chiwawa. he immediately checked into the Staten Island hospital where they found his ribs were broken and had not yet healed. Consequently, he is currently an in-patient at the hospital. Actually, there is no such classi­ fication under the SIU contract as "fit for light duty." The agreement provides that a man is either fit for duty or is not, so that the "fit for light duty" phrase has no va­ lidity, particularly since it is im­ possible to define "light duty." The deaths of the following York. Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Seafarers have been reported to Marie Draper, 6046 Lawton Ave­ the Seafarers Welfare Plan and nue, Oakland, Cal. $2,500 death benefits are being 4* 4" 4James Robert Lane, 30: Brother paid to beneficiaries. Lane died on June 1, 1954 of an Armando Julian Blanco, 51: An intracranial injury which he got SIU member since 1953, when he when he was struck on the head joined the Union in Miami, Fla., by a crane. An AB in the deck Brother Blanco died of a heart department, he had been sailing ailment at the Municipal Hospital, out of Norfolk since 1951. Bui'ial Tampa, Fla., on March 12, 1954. took place at Riverside Memorial Burial .took place at Woodlawn Pai'k, Norfolk, Va. Cemetery, in Tampa. . Brother 4" 4 Blanco sailed in the steward de­ Joseph P. Coyne, 54: Brother partment. CojTie suffered a fatal attack of pneumonia on April 26, 1954 at St. 4> it t Joseph Thomas' McNulty, 56; On Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh. Pa., April 12, 1954 Brother McNulty and was buried at Calvary Ceme­ died of heart failure in San Fran­ tery in that city. A messman in cisco, Cal. He had been a member the steward department, his permit of the Union's stewai-d department was issued in New York in Decem­ since 1952, when he joined in New ber of 1952. Ruiz Family Portrait i Keep Those Letters Coming With Congress now in ses­ sion, Seafarers are urged to keep on writing their Senators and Representatives in favor of retaining the US Public Health Service hospitals. The flow of mail has been heavy up to now, but from now on in ' is the time that it really counts. • :r Young Johanna Ruiz poses with mother and big brother after re­ ceiving $200 plus $25 defense bond from Union. Dad Juan Ruiz was away on ship when the picture was taken. �lii d I h' • J I* ' "L ^ < I •' • 1I • '^ lili, F " 1 ilBim 1^ 1 K ' -.i- n . ' , i;ip:4|tifS8KS^ ' Seven times in the past few years, ever since t1ie first Mar­ shall Plan bill was proposed, the SlU-hos been in the thick of the fight for the 50-50 principle. Each, year, a new bottle has been fought on this issue in Goneness and. each time the 50-50 principle has been preserved in the face of the fiercest kind of opposition. The result has been that US ships hove carried, each year, 50 percent of all Government-financed cargoes. I I I I I I I < ' .< J .-v - -i- jigjW ; •, '' ' i I -v;-:'-. III I Ilia* iiii 'J: if at any time during these years a 50-50 amendment hod been defeated it would most probably hove been the death of the principle. But now for the first time there is a good chance that the United States will adopt the 50-50. idea as a permanent part of this nation's maritime policy. A bill to that effect has already been passed by the US Senate. It remains for the House of Representatives to act favorably on the meas­ ure and to send it to the President for signature into low. t •& U;"1 • i; I L-f • •V'Vy." • , ... ' '' ^-'v. •i' •> • ' •' .r ' I •; -f. • " •• '• T - • to. lt«Mould be hard to overestimate the importance of 50-50 to US shipping and to the livelihood of iSeoforers. The constant vigilance of the Union on this score, through the years, has . paid off in the post and will do so in the future; ..<U [HE Athntk md Gulf Pwtrici ' � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959 Description An account of the resource Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 25, 1954 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 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. XVI, No. 13 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SEAFARER ART WINNERS NAMED; 12 GET AWARDS THESE 24 SEAFARERS MADE ART CONTEST FREIGHT PACT RATIFIED; TANKER TALKS BEGIN SEA CEREMONIES HONOR FURUSETH 3 SEAFARERS, SON OF SIU MAN, WIN 6G SCHOLARSHIPS PERMANENT '50-50' BILL GETS SENATE OKAY, GOES TO HOUSE SENATE GROUP CALLS HALT TO TRANSFERS WIN 2-6% PATTERN ON SEATRAINS MOBILE PORT IMPROVEMENTS SET FULL COASTAL RUNS PLANNED BY WATERMAN LINE SEEKS TWO MARINERS FOR OCEAN PASSENGER SEAFARER SET FOR NEW SOLO ATLANTIC TRIP TUG TRIP REAL ROLLER COASTER SHIP SALE TO BRAZIL MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER IN CONGRESS OUTPORTS OKAY MARINER RULE CO'S ATTACK 1872 PAY LAW SIU SCHOLARS NEW PASSENGER RUN? OPENING THE DOOR THE THIRD ANNUAL SIU ART CONTEST FIRE DRILL ABOARD SHIP MISFIRES; THE CAPTIAN IS FOR BURNING HOSPITAL HAS MANY TALES SHIPBOARD PASSENGER IS OBSERVER AT MEETING SANTORE CREW AIDS WIDOW MAN. BEACH PHS PATIENTS PUT OUT OWN MAGAZINE ALIEN SEAMEN MUST GET VISAS FOR FUTURE LANDINGS IN US COMPANY DOCTOR NOT VERY FUSSY NY AMBULANCE CHASING UNDER JURY SCRUTINY Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 6/25/1954 1954 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ba8962df1f44d5bff710f62e27c83021.PDF 588f426ad7f8d193c1c0468b96e3a790 PDF Text Text /• ; • Complete Text Of Cons safdrers Internatioi titution S^al Union Iters District Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Wo LFARERI S INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, G (Sea Supplement) SE^-^LOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARER ULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO •f . {, 1965I 3t)H6 19. ilCoi"® \11 necessflTy' •*01 ,rt Th® IS..-::; .icatvs lire® » corft"\icetI°" !' •ov 5 « OF NOE 675 FOURTH AVENUE e BROOK: ;a\ sh |ve«\no <>-'Yeder^» TH AMERICA • AFL-CIO he ted UvatN. Y. 11232 • HYACINTH 9-6600 a ^e8^^L\chaJ cot®!!" dvd.^!i''to'' June 22, I965 P Dr. James Z. Appel, Presld American Medical Associatii 535 N, Dearborn Street Chicago, 111. 60610 iJ'-VdVWO^vnetvt oSrn«» Y>ec®; Dear Sir: J ' f, i 'S \/ The recent attack of an Ame committee against federal n again demonstrates that in involving the question of ir the AMA chooses the most re ing to frustrate or deny th services and care. Wctvt ^•iii irican Medical Association ledical care for seamen once virtually every instance ledical care in our society, itrogressive position, tendle availability of medical Perhaps the medical profess tremendous scientific achie role of leadership in our n assuming its social respons ion, so notable for its vements could fulfill its ation by recognizing and ibilities as well, Despite the fact that our n world, there are still vast lack even the most elementa: that the organized medical ] Ing its efforts, rather thail ation is the richest in the areas of blight where people ry care. It is in this area profession should be directa tovdiminish services, ^ Both the people in this nat;j sion might be better served guided by the hopes and aspjl America's future than the wc Lon and the medical profesif your organization were Lrations for the best of )rst of its past. u Very truly yours, QOXJX^<^ PH:AP June 25 1965 Paul Hall President �SEAFARERS rare Twe June 25, MM lOG Bill Repealing Section 14b Makes Progress in House gV . Hi The House Labor and Education Committee-approved bill to repeal Sec. 14(b) of the Taft-Hartley Act will be reported out and a rule sought for floor debate, Chairman Adam Clayton Powell (D-N.Y.) announced recently. P o w e 1 r s announcement section of the Civil Rights Act of duce measures to strengthen Title VII of the civil righto came following a meeting of 1964. law. The committee chairman committee Democrats on the told reporters his decision to status of the 14 (b) repeal meas­ ure, after the chairman had earlier indicated he would hold up further action pending movement of a measure on the fair employment seek full House action on the repeal bill was buttressed by indications at the party caucus that a majority of Democrats on the committee would intro- Strike On Atlantic, Gulf Curtails Shipping Activity NEW YORK—A strike by the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, the National Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots and the American Radio Association against several shipping companies on the • Atlantic and Gulf Coasts was volved in the strike has success­ entering its second week as fully completed negotiations on the LOG went to press. The unions new contracts with a third industry began their walkouts when their group, the American Maritime As­ contracts expired with the com­ sociation. The new pact covers 225 panies which are members of two dry cargo vessels owned by com­ maritime industry associations— panies which are AMA members. the American Merchant Marine In­ The AHA has also negotiated a new stitute and the Tanker Services pact covering AMA tanker com­ panies. Committee. The MEBA is striking against Reach Accord nine meml>er companies of the The Marine Engineers have AMMI which operate passenger reached agreement on new con­ and cargo vessels on the Atlantic tract terms with member compa­ and Gulf coasts. Eight of the AMMI nies of the Tanker Services Com­ companies are recipients of federal mittee, while desk officers repre­ operating subsidies. The MMP's sented by the MMP have com­ w.alkout is directed at 16 member pleted bargaining on a four-year companies of the Tanker Services memorandum of understanding Committee. with operators belonging to the Four SlUNA unions have ex­ Pacific Maritime Association. tended contract deadlines by sixty The chief issue over which both days from the June 15 expiration date in accord with a special re­ the MEBA and MMP negotiators port approved by the Union's dele­ are conducting their hardest bar­ gates at the recent Twelfth Bien­ gaining is the problem of manning nial Convention in Washington. scales, with special emphasis on The report was signed by the In­ newly automated ships. Other is­ ternational's four deep sea affili­ sues in the negotiations between ates—the Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ the Marine Engineers and the trict, the Sailors Union of the AMMI include improvements in Pacific, Marine Firemen and the pension system and the ques­ Watertenders and Marine Cooks tion of who will be named to arbi­ and Stewards. The Staff Officers trate grievances under the new Association, another SIUNA affili­ contract. The unions involved in the walk­ ate, and the Radio Officers Union, also agreed to the extension of the out have agreed to permit vessels carrying military cargoes to sail, deadline. Each of the three unions in­ desipite the strike. The U.S. labor movement has never been able to count the American Medical Association as one of its friends in its unending struggle to better the lives of the nation's working men and women. In fact, whenever the AFL-CIO supports the passage of a new law to improve the country's health, education or welfare, we can almost always expect the AMA to oppose it with arguments which went out of date The House committee approved when the steam engine was introduced. the 14(b) repeal bill June 10 a For this reason, we in maritime labor should not be too surprised 21-10 vote. At Powell's request, subcommittee held a special eve­ over the recent attack by the AMA on the medical and hospital care ning hearing June 15 on a hastily- provided for American seamen by the U.S. Public Health Service drafted bill amending the Civil Rights Act. Every congressman hospitals. present and the two witnesses — Clarence Mitchell, speaking for the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and AFL-CIO Legislative Director Andrew J. Biemiller— rejected the effort to link the two issues. Mitchell, who heads the Washington office of the Na^ tional Association for the Advancement of Colored Peo­ ple, said the move would be playing into the hands of those who "would be delighted if they could bury both bills." He and Biemiller voiced strong support for strengthening the Civil Rights Act, but stressed that both the details of the changes to be sought and the timing of the legis­ lative drive required more con­ sideration. The equal employment opp6rtunity provisions of the Civil Rights Act have not yet gone into offect, becoming applicable on July 2. The subcommittee, at a meeting the next morning, formally concurred in this rea­ soning. It adopted a resolution supporting the principle of im­ proving the ban on job discrimination. But it declared that efforts to do this are more likely to be successful if the views of the new Equal Employment Opportunity Com­ mission and other interested government agencies are re­ ceived. It agreed to hold further hear­ ings on the issue after finishing its work on amendments to the Fadr Labor Standards Act, also before the same subcommittee. No Link Favored Subcommittee Chairman James Roosevelt (D-Calif.) told newsmen (Continued on page 23) Icelandic Trade Unionists Visit SiU Headquarters 1^ ! A delegation of Icelandic trade-unionists recently visited the SIU half in New York and were shown around the LOG office by SIU rep Ami Bjornsson- From leffto right, they are Richard Srgurbaldursson, Office and Store Clerks Union; Ingimundur Eriendsson, Reykjavik Factory Workers Union; Ami Bjornsson; Haraldur B. Sumarlidason, Reykjavik Carpenters Union; and Hilmar Hallvardsson, Sheet Metal Workers Union. At this particular time, no one in the trade union movement should be surprised at AMA maneuvers designed to strike at long-established measures enacted to help the American people lead healthy, pro­ ductive lives. After having fought tooth and nail against the passage of federally aided hospital and medical care for the elderly for the past eight years, the AMA leadership has now been rebuffed. With Congressional approval of the King-Anderson medieare bill due momentarily, AMA members court disaster and tragedy as they publicly call for a "strike," once the legislation is signed Into law. J \ For the record, we would like to remind the AMA that the Federal hospital program for seamen was established to meet the special requirements and character of maritime employment. The AMA may not be able to understand the hard facts of maritime life, primarily that seamen must work without the availability of medical care for long periods of time while they are at sea. Since the typical seaman's time on shore is controlled by the arrival and departure schedule of his ship, his medical and hospital care needs have to be at facilities that are easily accessible after months of sailing. These facts are as true today as when the Govern­ ment first started its Marine Hospital Service. Just for the sake of argument, what kind of medical treatment could today's seaman count on if the Government followed the AMA's advice and closed down the P.H.S. hospitals. It is hard to imagine who would insure that adequate medical facilities would be available for the transient seaman, who often comes and goes with the tides. The Public Health Service hospitals, on the other hand, are specifically set up to deal with the problem of the transient seaman. Their strategic locations along the coast lines of the United States are a guarantee that today's seaman can receive the medical treat­ ment he needs without the inevitable complications of lengthy admitting procedures, complex billing practices and other examples of red tape that plague today's typical hospital patient. John Strong^ 62, D/es; Headed IBT Local 807 NEW YORK—John E. Strong, president of Teamsters Local 807, and a widely respected trade unionist, died in the Long Island Jewish Hospital here June 15, at the age of 62. He had been ill for several months. a trustee. He also started the lo­ Brother Strong was elected cal's union newspaper and edited to the presidency of the 10,- the publication until his death. OOO-member Local 807 in 1943 after working as a truck driver for twenty years. Elected with Brother Strong, as secretary-treas­ urer, was the late Thomas L. Hickey. One of the largest Team­ ster general trucking locals, 807 is known as the "waterfront team­ sters local." Under Brother Strong's leader­ ship, Local 807 and the SIU main­ tained a very close working trade-union relationship. Local 807 officials had appeared before SIU membership meetings on sev­ eral occasions over the years. Fol­ lowing the 1954 Local 807 elec­ tions, SIU President Paul Hall administered the oath of office to elected officials at the local's membership meeting. Local 807 is affiliated with the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York Harbor and Brother Strong was a member of the Council's Strike and Organi­ zation committee. He had also been a former secretary of the Teamsters Joint Council No. 16. As president of Local 807, Brother Strong instituted many innovations. He was instrumental in starting the local's pension and welfare fund, of which he became A Requiem Mass was celebrated John Strong in the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Rrother Strong is survived by his wife, the former Lillian Brady; three sons, John E., Jr., Brian and Dennis; a daughter, Mrs. Jean Fenlon; a half brother Joseph Morgan; three half sisters, Mrs. Anna Conklin, Mrs. Catherine McCarthy and Mrs. Rose Mackritis, and ten grandchildren. The SIU expressed its sympa­ thies to the family and to the of-, fleers and members of Local 807. il>.\ •* VI 'A? �/ Jao* X5, 196S SEAFARERS Fagd thret LOG MAC Subcommitteo Recommends Gov't Aid AMA Would Bar U.S. Seamen From USPHS Hospitals Rebuffed by the public, by Congress, and by much of its own membership on its attempts to defeat proposed Medicare legislation, the American Medical Association, through its committee on Federal Medical Service, is now attacking the blight where people lack even role of Public Health Service the most elementary care.'' 1 mi. ~ Hospdtals in providing medical care for American merchant sea­ men. The AMA committee, in a recent meeting in Chicago, has decided that providing mediical care to mer­ chant seamen is no longer an ap­ propriate function of the Federal Government. The committee rec­ ommends that the care be halted, and the 12 USPHS hospitals closed. The AMA, which admits to hav­ ing spent almost $4 million since 1949 in lobbying against passage of medical care for the aged through social security, proposes that to ^replace the USPHS hospital care, doctors could "volunteer" for a two-year tour of duty to take care of merchant seaman, while at the same time fulfilling their military service requirements. Also sug­ gested by the group are various possible health insurance or pre­ payment mechanisms to assure that seamen can get medical care when they need it. SIU Protest SHI President Paul Hall in a letter addressed to AMA president Dr. James Z. Appel, protested this latest display by the association of its- callous disregard for the health and welfare of the Amer­ ican public by its attempt to "frustrate or deny the availabdlity of medical services and care" to American seamen. The SIU sug­ gested that "Perhaps the medical profession, so notable for its tre­ mendous scientific achievements could fulfill its role of leadership in our nation by recognizing and assuming its social responsibilities as well." The SIU points out that de­ spite the fact that our nation Is the richest In the world, "there are still vast areas of "Both the people in this na­ tion and the medical profes­ sion might be better served if your organization were guided by the hopes and aspirations for the best of America's fu­ ture than the worst of its past," the SIU letter concludes. SIU Supports Proposals Aimed At Strengthening U.S. Bulk Carrier Fleet WASHINGTON—A special subcommittee report recommending: subsidieii and tax advantag:es for operators in the declining: U.S. bulk carrier trade was pre­ sented at a meeting of the President's Maritime Advisory Commitee held here this week. The SIU voiced its'* tinned A m e r i o a n shipbuilding by this country shall be carried support of the recommen­ capabilities. on American-flag vessels. This would be entirely consistent with, • Until As new shipa-are dations embodied in the the purposes of the program, report. The subcommittee report suggested that such vessels be guaranteed at least one-third of America's foreign waterMeanwhile, ait the AMA's annual borne trade, that construction convention which is meeting this week in New York, AMA president Dr. James Z. Appel, conceded the fact that the Medicare Bill will pass and become law despite the AMA's colossal expenditure of money and its huge campaign of propagandizing and lobbying against it. The measure has al­ ready been approved by the House, where its provisions and coverage were increased by the Legislators considerably above even what President Johnson had originally asked for, and is now being con­ sidered by the Senate Finance Committee. Elderly Picket AMA While 500 members of the New York Congress of Senior Citizens, an association of elderly persons who are the hardest-hit by the as­ tronomically high costs of neces­ sary medical care, picketed out­ side the AMA's annual meeting to protest the association's stub­ born anti-Medicare stand, doctordelegates inside were split wide open on whether they would ad­ here to and comply with the lawof-the-land when the Medicare bill is passed. A delegate representing Ohio doctors declared that Ohio physi­ cians were determined "not to go along with Medicare." The Ohio group is sponsoring a resolution to boycott Medicare when It is passed, or In other words, is calling for a doctors' strike. AMA Shelled Out Nearly $4 Million Fighting Medicare WASHINGTON—The vast sums of money which the American Medical Association admits to having already spent in its antiMedicare lobbying and propaganda Is a frightening Index of the power and financial resource? which this doctors' group has wielded/ in the past to thwart improvements in health and medical care for vast segments of the American peopleespecially those least able to pay. In the first three months of 1963 alone, the association reported spending $951,570 for anti-Medicare lobbying. The figures were released at the AMA's New York Convention this week. Only twice in the past has lobbying spending by any organization exceeded $900,000 according to the authoritative reporting service Congressional Quarterly. Both times the big-spender was also the AMA and both times the money was spent fighting proposals for medical care similar to Medicare. The AMA plunked down $1,552,683 in 1949 and $1,326,078 in 1950 to defeat medical care proposals made by President Harry S. Truman. With this vast expenditure of money the AMA managed to delay passage of this much-needed legislation for 15 years. With passage of Medicare now predicted as certain even by the AMA itself, the association has turned its vast resources to the task of denying American merchant seamen the excellent medical care which has been theirs in U.S. Public Health Service Hospitals since 1798 (see story above). and operation of thesa bulk-carrieis receive Government aid, and that operators of bulk-carrier ton­ nage be given special tax ad­ vantages. The special subcommittee was composed of Lane Kirkland, execu­ tive assistant to AFL-CIO Presi­ dent George Meany; Theodore W. Kheel, lawyer and maritime arbi­ trator; and J. Paul St. Sure, presi­ dent of the Pacific Maritime As­ sociation. The full Maritime Ad­ visory Committee is made up of 17 representatives from maritime labor, management, and Govern­ ment. Noting that American-flag ships at present carry less than 10 per­ cent of U.S. trade and that 85 per­ cent of that trade consists of bulk cargoes, the subcommittee recom­ mended: • That American vessels be entitled to transport about one-third of all foreign-trade cargoes. • That the operation of dry bulk carriers be aided by Federal building and operat­ ing subsidies. • 'iliat an import quota, reserving a fixed share of 30 percent of all imports of crude and refined petroleum prod­ ucts, he established for Ameri­ can tanker vessels. At the meeting. Commerce Secretary John T. Connor, cochairman of the MAC with Labor Secretary W. Willard Wirtz, an­ nounced the creation of a "task force" to "maintain close liaison and relationship" with the Ad­ visory Committee and the sub­ committees "as a means of achieving discussion and con­ sideration." The Secretary said that it was hoped that in about a month there will bo a series of meetings be­ tween members of the government task force and the appropriate subcommittees. In addition to the three major recommendations printed above, the special subcommittee also recommended that: • Savings achieved through In­ creased ship productivity brought about by new construction of more modern vessels be allocated specifically to the development and construction of additional vessels. • Such savings should also pro­ vide interim relief to any seamen temporarily displaced by increased ship productivity. • Ships to be built under the program should be constructed in American shipyards to assure com~ built, present cargo prefer­ ence lawn should be contin­ ued, and once the new ships are available it should be no excuse for eonflning cargo prefetrences for American ships to any percentage of the available cargoes. It should he possible to grant preferences up to 100 percent certainly for government car­ goes, as long as the ships are available. o The present Oil Import Pro­ gram should be extended and a requirement added that a reason­ able proportion of the petroleum and petroleum products imported would impose no undue burden on the producers of foreign oil, and would afford a logical and ap­ propriate mechanism to aid in the achievement of an affirmative maritime policy. • U.S. fimu engaged in the production of foreign oil, who have succeeded in avoiding U.S. taxes by registering their vessels under foreign (runaway) flags, should make some contribution to the national interest in a viable maritime industry. The argument that such a requirement would constitute flag discrimination, in­ viting retaliation by other mari­ time nations. Is not persuasive. Rap Navy's Proposal To Buy British Ships WASHINGTON—Representatives Emanuel Cellar and Hugh L. Carey of New York have called for an Investigation of a plan by tho U.S. Navy to purchase $50 million worth of new ships from England. In issuing their sharp criticism of lack of awareness of the plight of the Navy purchase plan, both both private and naval shipyards Congressmen drew attention to in this country. the government's plan to close He reminded the Navy that its down the Brooklyn Navy yard, own Chief of Naval Operations, supposedly because the country Admiral David McDonald had said has an excess of shipbuilding ca­ in a 1964 speech that the U.S. pacity. must be vitally concerned with Representative ^ Celler empha­ "preserving and maintaining our sized the contradiction in govern­ repository of trained manpower ment policy which would permit resources found in our shipyard the purchase of ships from a for-, facilities." eign power while the closing no­ Hood declared that the British tice was being posted for the shipbuilding industry could not Brooklyn yard, which has always build better ships than those con­ been used to build support ships structed in American yards. "They and vessels. have no experience with precise No "Effective Control" standards of quality control and Speaking of the 9,600 men em­ assurance reliability which U.S. ployed at the Brooklyn facility. shipyards are required to main­ Congressman Carey said that the tain," he asserted. proposed measure "is certainly not fair to the shipyard workers." He also criticized the purchase plan on the groimds that the U.S. June 25,'65 Vol. XXVII, No. 1a would have no effective control Official Publication of the SIUNA over inspection, procurement and Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes i Inland Water* District, AFL-CIO bidding if the vessels were built Executive Board outside the U.S. PAUL HALL, President Representative Carey demanded CAL TANNER EARL SHEPARB Vice-President to know why this country seemed Exeo. Vice-Prei. AL KERR LINDSEY WILLIAMS intent on giving this bonanza of Vice-President jobs and contracts to British labor ROB.Sec.-Treas. A. MATTHEWS AL TANNER and business firms when the U.S. Vice-President Vice-President shipbuilding industry desperately HERBERT BRAND Director of Organizing and needed this type of work. Publications The Navy's projected deal with Managing Editor: Mm POLLACK; AsslU the British shipbuilders also drew Editor: NATHAN SKvra; Staff Writers: ARONSON, PETS CARMEN; ROBERI the fire of Representative Celler ROBERT MILGROM; Art Editor: BERNARD SEAMAN. because it would make the U.S. balance of payments problem more difficult, in direct contra­ vention of President Johnson's re­ quest for action to curtail the outflow of dollars from the U.S. Publlihad blwEEkly at lh« headquarter* of the SaafararB Inlarnatlenal Union. At U.S. Yards Ignored lantic, Oulf, Lakai and Inland Water* District, AFL-CIO, 67S Fourth Avenue, The Navy's plan also was con­ Brooklyn, NY, 11211. Tol. HYaelnth 9-i(00. clasi pottage paid at tha Fast demned by Edwin M. Hood, pres­ Second Office In Brooklyn, NY, under tho Act ident of the Shipbuilder's Council of Aug. 14, 1*11. of America, who charged the ac­ tion demonstrated a "complete SEAFARERS LOG �• V' '- SEAFARERS %M» Five SiU Oidtimers Retired On Pensions SIU Pensioner By Earl (Bull) Shcpord, Vice-President. AHanfic strikebreaking Stiil Legal in N.Y. Feurtada sailed in the deck de­ partment, after joining the SIU in the port of Miami. A native of Nicaragua, he now makes his home in New Orleans. His last voyage was aboard the SS Del Sud, Bocco signed on with the SIU Feurtado Bocco in the port of Detroit, Michigan, sailing as a member of the galley department. Bom in Oswego, New York, he now m^es his home there with his wife Mary, He last sailed aboard the American. U. UM LOG The Seafarer's Welfare Plan has approved the pensions of five additional SIU veterans. The five new pensioners join the growing list of Seafarers whose retirment years are made secure by lifetime SIU pen--*^ New York, he now lives in Balti­ sions. more, Maryland, He last sailed The five additional pension­ aboard the Seamar, ers who will receive monthly $150 pension checks are James Crist Mitchell, 44, Percy J. Libby, 70, Charles M. Kellog, 65, James Dudley Feiu-1 a d o, 70, and Ralph Wil­ liam Bocco, 64. Mitchell joined the SIU In the port of Norfolk, Mitchell Virginia, sailing as a bos'ji in the deck department. Born in Pennsylvania, he now makes his home in Seattle, Wash­ ington. He last sailed aboard the Alcoa Explorer, Libby signed on with the SIU in the port of New Orleans, Loui­ siana, sailing as a bosun in the deck department. A native' of •I •••-•,. JI Seafarer Morion Shorpe, last off the Steel Ap­ prentice (Isthmian) where he sailed in the deck de­ partment, picked up his first regular monthly $150 pension check recently at New York headquarters. Sharpe will spend his re­ tirement at home in Toms River, N,J, with his wife and daughter. He has been an SIU member for over 25 years. R-T-W Group Calls Laws Benefiting Workers "Immoral" WASHINGTON—Minimum wage laws, safety rules and Maine, he now makes his home in New Orleans with his wife Iris. the union shop are all "immoral" in the opinion of the Na­ He last shipped out aboard the tional Right to Work Committee's leadoff witness at House Del Norte, hearings on repeal of Sec, as the price of avoiding "costly Kellog, an SIU veteran of 27 14(b) of the Taft-Hartley Act, strikes which would look bad on years, sailed as an AB in the deck department after Joining the SIU The Rev, Frederick C, Fow­ the financial report at the end of in the Port of New York. Born in ler of Duluth, Minn., board chair­ the year," M ttiat were the case, he was man of the "right-to-work" organ­ ization, also testified that Ideally asked, why aren't most big com­ panies supporting "right-to-work" workers should have the "right" laws which would ban the union to work longer hours for lower shop without any risk of strikes wages than their shopmates and over the issue? the government shouldn't inter­ "I think the industrial relations fere with employment of Mexican people have gotten lazy," Larson replied, and "accommodated them­ braceros on U.S. farms selves to the fact that the union Fowler, a fundamentalist minis­ is running their Industrial rela­ SEATTLE—The Seafarers Wel­ ter who has spoken at right-wing tions policy." fare Plan has announced that SIU functions acknowledged that there Also appearing for the work members shipping from this port is "definitely disagreement" with committee was its president, S. D. may now take advantage of full his viewpoint by other theologians medical examination and treat­ "but I can't see the reason for it," Cadwallader, who claimed that "millions" of union members are ment facilities at the SlU-Pacific Leading clergymen of three District Medical Examination faiths—representing the National opposed to the union shop but "do Center located at 700 Broadway. Council of Churches, the Central not dare to speak out publicly." The new clinic is being operated Conference of American Rabbis Subcommittee Chairman Frank eccording to a joint arrangement and the National Catholic Wel­ Thompson, Jr, (D.-N.J.), sponsor between the SIU Pacific District fare Council—have joined in urg­ of the 14(b) repeal bill, told the and the Pacific Maritime Associa­ ing repeal of Sec, 14(b) and up­ three witnesses that t)ie common tion. holding the right in every state "thread" in their testimony Seafarers will now be required of workers and employers to agree seemed to be "opposition to col­ lective • bargaining," to have a clinic card if they reg­ to a union shop. ister in Seattle, Fowler said in reply to ques­ Fowler contended that workers The new SIU Medical Examina- cannot be "free" under a union tioning that he personally favored • tion Center will be under the di­ shop and "ultimately they will a national "right-to-work" law rection of Dr. Leo J. Rosellini. feel insecure, inferior, not true prohibiting the union shop in Examinations^ of Union members and able men," He described Sec. every state, although the organi­ will be conducted according to the 14(b) as "the clause that refresh­ zation did not take that position. Larson, added, however, that if same procedures used at the SIU- es," 14(b) were repealed, the "work" Pacific District-PMA clinic in San The National Right-to-Work committee would then support a Francisco, Committee, claiming to speak for nationwide ban pn the union shop In addition to the Pacific coast "the grass roots of America," chas­ than press for re-enact­ medical facilities, Seafarers now tised the nation's biggest em­ rather ment of the state option clause. have the benefit of full medical ployers for not opposing repeal of clinic services available in the Sec, 14(b), The "work" commit­ ports of Boston, New York, Phila­ tee's executive vice president. delphia, Baltimore, Norfolk, Jack- Reed E. Larson, accused "the Bonville, Tampa, San Juan, Mobile, giant corporations of America" of New Orleans and Houston, "callousness" on the issue. In order to assure accurate Asked why companies which digests of ^ipboard meetings initially fought union organization in the LOG, it is desirable that bitterly seem to have accepted the the reports of shipboard meet­ union shop, Larson replied that ings be typed if at all possible. they had agreed to the union shop SIU Adds Clinic In Seattle Type Minutes When Possible Unfortunately, an attempt to outlaw the aotivltiea of professional strikebreakers in New York State failed recently when the State Senate failed to pass a bill banning the employment of persons who regularly offer to replace workers in a struck place of business. Earlier in this year's session, the senators had rejected a similar bill because they were dissatisfied with the definition of "professional strike­ breaker." Aithough the amended biil actually had a majority of the senate's votes, it was five short of the thirty "ayes" needed for passage. Observers consider the bill dead for the remainder of this session, although the Assembly passed it earlier this year. New York Shipping dropped off slightly in New York although the current pace of activity is still brisk. The outlook for the coming period looks good, Guy (Frenchie) De LaBaere and Pete Vicare, two steward depart­ ment aces, recently piled off the Transglobe which completed the "oo-la-la" run to France. Frenchie was so impressed by the time he had that he's sitting tight until he can catch a return trip, SIU men in the New York hall have been giving the glad- hand to Mariano Gonzales who they are always happy to see, Mariano recently finished a trip as AB on-fthe Elizabetfaport, Antonio Al­ big success and everyone says that fonso, who has been shipping as they can't wait for next year's chief steward on the Geneva for outing, the past few months, has turned Vernon Sawyer is back in cir­ up in New York. He is looking forward to lending "a hand in culation after being in drydock orewing up the geophysical ships. for the past two weeks. Now that he is back on his feet, he tells us Boston that he is waiting for a far east Things have been on the slow run, Vernon last sailed as^ elec­ side on the Boston waterfront dur­ trician on the Colorado. Barley ing the past two weeks. However, Joyner just got off the Hastings activity is expected to pick up and says that he'll stick it out in during the coming period. Three the hall until he finds a European oceanographic ships are scheduled run on a Waterman ship, George to crew up in the next few weeks, Register is waiting for a bosun's and" the pace of jobs calls should job on a long run to India or the speed up correspondingly, far east. After sailing under the Joe DiSanto has been telling SIU banner for the past 20 years, his friends that he will stay put George says his best voyages have until a coast hugger puts in been on tankers. here, Joe, who has been in Norfolk the Union for 20 years now, is The shipping situation in Nor­ going to school for his fireman's license. His last ship was the folk has been moving at a good Transorleans where he shipped as clip and is expected to remain chief pumpman, John Rubery is brisk for the coming period. The an oldtime SIU member who just Penn Challenger is due in for a got out of dry dock after sailing pay off, which should re-fill the on the Sea Pioneer as bosun. He hall with some familiar faces. Four says he will grab the first job to sign-ons and four in-transit visits just about cleaned all the old faces hit the board, out of Norfolk in the last two Philadelphia weeks. The shipping situation Is due for Now that he has his FFD, change for the better after Charlie Pfaeips is hoping to ship having been on a good level for out soon. His last ship was the the last few weeks. Barney Gabor Steel King where he held a wiper says he will take the first FWT or rating. Alfred Everett piled off oiler job on a coast-wise ship that the Eagle Traveler when he heard hits the board. Barney spent two she was about to head for India, glorious months taking it easy Since Alfred is something of a after getting off the Cities Service homebody, he tells us he will hold Baltimore, Charlie Moss is hold­ out-for another coastwise tanker, ing out for a cook or baker's job on Stephen Arales is a cook who also one of those newly converted Cal- got down off the Eagle Traveler mar C-4s to come into port. His recently, He has been tilling the last ship was the Losmar, boys at the hall that he hopes to After putting in ten weeks move out soon. R, P. Nelson has studying horse flesh possibilities been getting congratulations on at local tracks, Bruno Wotorski his becoming a full book SIU man. admits that he'll take the first His last job was second electrician bosun's job that comes along. A on the Steel Chemist. 20-year SIU man, Bruno's last Puerto Rico ship was the Overseas Eva, John Following the lull that de­ Hummell just paid off the Alcoa veloped in the Dominican Republic Runner and claims that this is the situation, Puerto Rico Lighterage company for him. Right, now he is boats began delivering Sea-Land looking for a passenger BR slot trailers to Santo Domingo again. on anything flying the Alcoa flag. This essential service was tempo­ Baltimore rarily suspended after the revolu­ Shipping has been on the slow tion began there. The Alcoa bell lately, but prospects look Ranger was also scheduled to call decidedly brighter for the im­ at Santo Domingo this past week. mediate future. Four ships, the After spending several months Columbus, Losmar, Wilmar and as an AB on a Bryn Mawr tug, Chilore are expected to start crew- Henry Bentz is back in the hall ing up soon. waiting for a deep sea wagon. Cold weather was unable to Several familiar faces around the dismay the high spirits of the hall, Phil Rubish, Calixto Gonzalez, members of the Baltimore Port Humberto Ortiz, Esteban Marrero Council as they assembled for and Perfecto Benitez have been their annual moonlight boat cruise working as standbys in the past recently. The event was rated a few weeks. 1 i �liu« 95, If 61 SEAFARERS LOG Tw llvi liiilliPl . ' '5 I ' ' ';;; ,• SEATRAIN LOUISIANA PAYS OFF 8 ; Seafarer George O'Berry. (left), who sails as baker flashes that famous "payday smile" as company representative counts out the long green stuff. 3 I I ! Still thinking about payoff, baker O'Berry was still smiling as he took care of some chores in the galley, where there's always some work to be done. There wai itill work to be done up on deck just prior to payoff. Taking good care of the lines here are SlU deck department crewmembers ll-r) A. Sandlne, bosun "Tex" Jacks, and Elmer Witzke. Possibly expecting to be paid all in nice, shiny silver, deckman Corlis Vernon (left) appeared for payoff wearing sunglasses. Deck department member Elmer Witzke and M. Bass of the galley gang (stan^ng, l-r) and ship's delegate Bob Blanchord (seated) give SlU reps Charles Stansbury and Pete Loleas a rundown of the voyage. Seafarer George Tsirkos (left), was all dressed up to go ashore after payoff when he stopped to chat with fellow cfeck department member Ernie Kolenovskl, who was adjusting a turnbuckle. �Pace 81s SEAFARERS LOG JUM S5. INS {Figures On This Page Cover Deep Sea Shipping Only in the SIU Atlantic Gulf Lakes and Inland Waters District) I June 5 to June 18, 1965 Pay Sl«a la Ofh OBS TroBt. TOTAL The shipping situation took a dip during the last reporting The departmental job breakdown remained fairly consistent period as only 1,088 Seafarers answered job calls as compared with recent trends. Deck department Job calls maintained their lestoB with 1,255 in the last period. The fall-oflf was most severe in position of strength, holding their own against last period's the Gulf although Houston showed impressive gains while shipping statistics. Engine and steward department jobs showed a little NBW York .... 14 Philodelplila .. 5 0 4 4 in Mobile and New Orleans dropped sharply. On the East Coast less strong, accounting for most of the board's losses. iaMBioro .... Norfolk 4 3 4 4 JoektoBvillo .. foBipa 0 0 0 0 8 10 20 33 progress was mixed, the board moving full steam ahead in The seniority picture showed no serious changes over the past Jacksonville, Norfolk and Baltimore but on the slow bell in two weeks. Seafarers holding Class A books accounted for 53% Boston, New York and Philadelphia. of the total job calls as compared with 55% during the prior West Coast shipping showed a mixed pattern with job calls well up In Seattle but down in Wilmington and San Francisco. With a slowdown in the pace of shipping, registration rose sharply to a figure Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle 1 TOTALS 7 from 34% to 33% in the past two weeks. Class C shipping was Houitoa ...... 7 8 18 up from 11% to 14%. WllmiagtoB .» 1 SOB FroRciico. Soottio ...... 4 4 0 4 4 3 7 TOTALS ... 59 38 Shipping activity showed a mixed pattern when compared with Shipped CLASS A Shipped CLASS C Shipped CLASS B TOTAL Shipped GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP CLASS 1 2 3 ALL 1 3 ALL 1 2 2 3 ALL A B 2 3 ALL 1 2 3 ALL 1 2 3 0 5 0 1 1 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 b 0 0 0 2 1_. 0 1 10 58 . 2 39 9 10 14 26 10 3 12 47 33 0 9 33 47 4 15 14 4 S3 1 5 71 0 1 1 1 2 2 5 0 0 1 1| 8 1 4 8 0 5 1 5 12 38 ; 2 22 10 16 28 3 4 0 . 3 5 18 4 7 12 2 12 3 18 1 12 6 6 13: 0 6 1 5 11 4 3 4 7 0 0 1 1 9 5 0 7 9 0 3 2 0 5 0 0 2 2 1 3' 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 2 2 3 1 0 4 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 .0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0: 0 7 3 11 3 21 1 5 9 5 6 0 1 5 1 1 2 15 8 6 2 15 0 14 30 5 14 21 36 9 49 1 8 0 8 0 0 0 0 34 21 34 0 4 8 20 23 10 53 9 16 20 45 24 16 16 33 1 8 57 4 3 30 57 1 33 3 4 7 1 8 16 0 5 2 1 6 0 3 3 0 0 0 5 2 5 0 6 1 10 18 12 25 8 43 2 32 15 14 2 8 12 7 4 22 33 15 3 33 3 14 13 6 7 5 21 7 1 13 2 17 8 27, 0 2 0 2 15 7 27 1 15 2 95 107 1 221 84 138 23 1 245' 14 101 181 43 1 325 19 76 65 1 155 5 18 30 1 53 245 155 GROUP C ALL 1 2 3 ALL 0 3 9 17 2 28 12 92 78 112 27 217 1 14 9 8 6 23 5 35 31 55 12 98 I 1 17 10 14 2 26 1 0 5 7 8 0 15 0 0 2 4 0 61 2 23 27 31 6 64 0 42 74 78 13 165 8 98 45 64 16 125 0 11 16 17 2 35 22 69 19 30 5 54 2 44 34 19 3 56 53 1 453 361 457 94 [ 912 Shipped CLASS C Shipped CLASS B Boston ~ New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle TOTALS 56 8 31 I 234 20 SF Sea 1-s 0 4 1 6 1 0 0 0 7 5 1 4 3 TOTALS 32 73 30 95 | 230 10 Wil DECK ENGINE STEWARD GRAND TOTALS 103 84 | 207 33 Registered CLASS B GROUP 1 2 3 ALL 3 1 1 1 17 39 5 13 9 T 0 7 6 10 31 9 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 2 12 2 9 1 5 29 10 51 5 11 15 36 2 8 3 2 2 20 7 7 14 1 8 2 Port Bos NY Phil.... Bal Nor.... Jae Tam Mob.... NO Hou.... M 193 GROUP 1 2 3 ALL 0 4 2 6 4 30 51 85 0 7 8 15 4 14 26 44 3 10 2 15 1 1 5 7 1 0 4 5 2 8 14 24 5 37 60 102 6 24 29 59 1 9 6 16 1 8 3 12 4 18 8 30 30 164 226 I 420 ENGINE DEPARTMENT GROUP GROUP CLASS 1 2 3 ALL 123 ALL ABC ALL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 11 32 6 25 0 5 19 0 25 11 68 45 4 0 1 1 0 3 2 6 4 2 12 2 6 13 6 5 3 12; 0 1 12 6 31 11 4 0 1 0 0 3 1 5 4 10 5 1 2: 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 2 1 4 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 12 4 5 9 0 0 0 0 9 21 12 22 0 0 32 12 9 1 0 0 22 54 27 4 S; 32 21 21 1 5 2 14 8 6l| 16 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 J' 1 1 0 6 2 10 2 3 7; 17 1 10 7 34 11 0 6 5 9 0 10, 17 11 10 38 Registered CLASS A 8 ___ 4 IB 15 Registered On The Beach CLASS A CLASS 8 CLASS B Shipped Registered CLASS A GROUP GROUP "• GROUP 123 ALL 123 ALL 1 3 ALL 2 1 3 2 1 1 2 0 0" 11 26 42 14 17 39 5 21 7 0 8 5 0 1 4 5 31 5 24 15 16 32 2 10 13 111 3 7 5 1 7 0 4 5 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 1 3 1 5 2 0 0 2 0 0 6 12 22 6 5 12 2 7 12 27 8 39 14 10 271 5 26 32 13 12 26 14 27. 44' 12 18 32 2 2 1 0 1 0 1 1| 4 11 9 4 2!! 15 3 11 17| 13 18 3 10 9 19 4 17', 11 147 5 10 3 DECK DEPARTMENT Registered CLASS B Registered CLASS A Port IB 14 11 Mow OrlooBi.. the previous period. Payoffs rose from 56 to 59 while sign-ons r Tampa 4 4 4 10 3 1 B dipped from 40 to 38 and in-transit visits dropped from 98 to 96. 1 3 38 4 dropped from 3,526 to 3,364 during the past two week period. P®" Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville 3 18 Mobile At the same time, the number of men registered on the beach Is 1 ^ W W K 1 0 Class B shipping remained almost constant, dipping period. of 1,344 as compared with last period's 1,187. Registered CLASS A ) Ship Acf/Wfy GROUP 123 ALL 1-s 0 0 0 0 0 13 2 0 2 11 1 7 0 8 0 1 3 18 22 3 2 7 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 5 0 0 31 5 0 0 31 4 4 11 19 3 1 0 2 3 0 0 3 4 2 1 14 1 1 2 11 14 103 | 127 16 20 | 168 62 52 | 122 3 25 18 | STEWARD DEPARTMENT Shipped CLASS A 52 22 72 | 162 Registered CLASS B GROUP 123 ALL GROUP 123 ALL SHIPPED CLASS A GROUP 123 ALL 0 0 0 6 1 1 1 0 0 9 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 13 0 12 1 6 18 30 6 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 0 2 11 14 1 83 10 9 64 23 1245 20 | 168 72 | 162 115 j 575 SHIPPED CLASS C SHIPPED CLASS B GROUP 123 ALL 14 76 8 62 10_ 9 32 147 46168 122 TOTAL C 0 16 0 4 1 0 0 2 0 14 0 14 3 54 Registered On The Beach CLASS A CLASS B GROUP GROUP 12 3 ALL 1 2, 3 ALL 10 2 87 11 22 4 52 8 6 1 2 0 4 1 21 74 11 72 2 8 4 27 4 27 8 46 | 336 144 412 61 | 16 0 1 1 143 6 38 42 28 0 7 10 71 2 28 26 12 1 6 9 4 1 3 1 7 0 0 3 38 1 10 10 112 1 36 39 90 6 34 37 21 3 4 3 36 1 5 6 39 0 9 5 ei7i"2Fl8l'i92 Registe CLASS A Shipped GROUP CLASS 2 1 3 ALL A B 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 15 16 33 6 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 4 4 14 9 0 0 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 8 3 0 0 0 0 42 13 0 1 13 14 24 30 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 14 14 27 4 0 0 3 3 8 14 1 1 52 1 54 162 83 SUMMARY GROUP 1 23 ALL 19 95 107 | 221 84 138 20 103 84 | 207 33_115 10 14 103 | 127 68 22 49 212 294 J 555 185 275 Shipped CLASS C Shipped CLASS B GROUP 1 2 3 ALL 0 0 0 33 15 9 3 2 1 14 3 6 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 2 5 25 42 10 24 5 11 II 0 1 27 10 11 8 2 4 Registered CLASS A 101 18i 43 .1 325 56 147 31 I 234 105 30 95 I 230 262 358 169 | 789 115 TOTAL Shipped GROUP ALL 1-a 1 2 3 0 1 3 2 5 55 25 44 29 61 4 4 5 12 8 27 9 28 17 21 6 2 6 4 6 0 3 2 1 2 0 1 2 2 3 13 6 18 10 23 55 28 22 17 58 68, 9 39 15 21 1 6 3 6 7 45 5 10 7 10 25 7 14 3 11 I 299 106 199 118 240 240 TOTAL SHIPPED CLASS B 11 159 29 75 18 8 8 57 125 84 22, 32 35 GROUP 123 ALL 0 0 0 10 35 52 1 13 ^ 14 0 41 44 4 14 20 0 4 5 0 0 0 2 15 17 5 97 109 11 1 31 43 1 0 4 5 10 0 5 15 5 4 24 33 I 663 47 27 283 | 357 Registered On The Beach CLASS A. GROUP CLASS GROUP 123 ALL ABC ALL 1 2 3 ALL 5 18 30 S3 245 155 53 | 543 361 457 94 | 912 25 18 4g|168 122 46 | 336 144 412 61 | 617 65 1155 52 | 122 64 | 83 1 181 | 36o' » 2 86 17 56 16 5 3 21 76 77 10 12 14 395 CLASS B GROUP 1^ 2 3 ALL 30 164 226 | 420 22 ~181 192X395 83..54 | 299 305 118 240 | 663 47_~27 283 | 357 1 52 _54^162 44 100 153575 350 153 11088 810 987 395 12192, 99 372 701 |1172 II �JOB* tS, IfW SEAFARERS M rage LOG Welcome Aboard, Class No. 134 By Cd Tanner, Executivn Vice-President U.S. Shipbuilding Declines The publication of the latest world-wide shipbuilding statistics Indi­ cates that nothing has occurred in the U^. during the last few months to halt the alarming decline of the American ship construction Industry. In a report which surveyed total shipbuilding for the past year, the Shipbuilders Council of America found that the industry has suffered its worst year since 1956. What makes these reports even harder to read Is the fact that the shipbuilding industry in the rest of the world was hitting a new record during the first three months of 1965. While this boom in ship construction was gaining momentum, the U.S. was sinking to an abysmal tenth place among the world's shipbuilding nations. These statistics do more than graphically tell the tale of the slump­ ing U.S. shipbuilding industry. They are symptomatic of the shocking state into which the whole U.S. maritime industry has fallen. The U.S.-flag merchant fleet has dwindled away over the years until America has become a fifth-rate maritime power. A rapidly aging and deteriorating fleet combined with governmental inaction are almost a sure guarantee that the U.S. merchant marine is going to continue its decline. One very elementary way to halt this steady decline would be an expansion of governmental construction aid to the bulk carrier seg­ ment of the nation's fleet. This important step, combined with broader operating subsidies and effective enforcement of the cargo preference statutes would do a major part of the all-important job of getting our fieet back on its feet. The enactment and implementation of these policies would also get the sadly lagging shipbuilding industry back on its feet. Once the Graduates of Lifeboat Class 134 smile happily after completing all requirements for their government commits itself to restoring the American-flag fleet to its Coast Guard lifeboat tickets. Members of Class 134 are (l-r front) Andres Ygoma, John rightful place on the world's oceans, it is obvious that U.S. ship­ building will have the task of actually building the vessels that will Notoii, Howard Knox, Pedro Pinottt Il-r rear) Roy Alamo, John Yodice, Joe N. Brown and make up this new, modern fieet. The Shipbuilders Council also instructor Ami Bjornsson. reported that during 1964 only 16 merchant vessels, totaling 223,800 gross tons were built by American yards. In the twelve previous months, 34 merchant ships with a total of 421,800 tons were produced. The U.S. shipbuilding industry can not long continue to suffer this type of rapid decline year after year. If this trend continues, the valuable pool of skilled manpower that depends on the industry for its living will have to turn elsewhere for employment. The construction facilities, specialized machinery and other tools of this important craft cannot be maintained for any length of time as inactivity settles over the ship yards. WASHINGTON—The minimum wage law amendments now before Congress are "antiIt is obvious that the shipbuilding industry cannot be permitted to poverty" legislation designed to Improve the 1ot of the "working poor" and "must be viewed go the way of the village, blacksmith. Not only is the fate of the U.S. merchant fleet intimately intertwined with its continued existence, but in that light," AFL-CIO President George Meany declared recently. the country's national security also has an important stake in its In a statement delivered on survival. a 35-hour workweek Is both es­ spreading prevalence of schedules Meany's behalf to a House La- sential and inevitable," the state­ already requiring less than 40 The need for action in Washington is clear. For the sake of our nation, its merchant fleet and its irreplaceable ship construction work­ bor subcommittee, AFL-CIO ment declared in welcoming Pres­ hours a week. The 129 unions affiliated with ers, we hope that far-reaching policies to build up the American-flag Legislative Director Andrew J. ident Johnson's call for a report on the subject from his Conunis- the AFL-CIO "are unanimous" in and the shipbuilding industry will be speedily enacted. Biemiller and Research Director sion on Automation. supporting basic amendments to Nathaniel Goldfinger spelled out The AFL-CIO presented its dis­ the Fair Labor Standards Act, the AFL-CIO proposals that went be­ cussion of wage-hour issues on statement said, but observed that yond President Johnson's Admin­ the basis of a detailed appendix in a broader sense the Federation istration recommendations in analyzing current economic reali­ appeared in this instance "not ties — the low wages paid many primarily for its own membership many areas. workers in uncovered industries, [but] as spokesman for the vic­ In his recommendations, John­ the capacity of Industry to adjust tims of poverty: for the 20 per­ Four more members of the SIU Railway Marine Region son had said that the question of to a $2 an hour minimum wage cent of the American people who presently denied a share in recently joined the growing ranks of SIU-RMR men already a higher basic minimum wage was rate, the desirability of double- are not whether it should be intro­ time pay for overtime, the case this affuent society." on the SIU pension roster as their applications were approved duced, but "when and by how for a shorter workweek in the The amendments taken togethby the SIU Welfare Plan. much" above the present $1.50 an face of automation and the (Continued on page 14) Jersey with his wife Antionette. hour it should be raised. The The four new RMR pension­ He last sailed for the New York AFL-CIO statement said labor ers are John Lotz, 58, Charles Central Railroad. had "very direct answers to these Henry DIehl, 62, William G. questions . . . The time is now Schnitzel joined the RMR in the Schnitzel, 65, and Edward J. Of­ and the amount should be $2 an port of New York, shipping as a ten, 65. hour." Lotz joined the RMR in the The AFL-CIO observed that the port of New York, sailing as a Administration would expand pro­ deck hand. Born in New York, he tection to 4.6 million more work­ now makes his home in Staten ers by covering employes of ho­ Island with his wife Catherine. tels, motels, restaurants, laundries Lotz last sailed for the Baltimore and hospitals and by covering en­ and Ohio Railroad. terprises with gross receipts of Diehl sailed in the deck depart­ $250,000 Instead of the $1 niiiiion ment, joining the RMR in the that is now the cutoff point. A port of New York. Born in Union modification proposed by labor, Schnitzel Otten the statement said, would expand protection to 800,000 more work­ floatman. Born In New York, he ers, making a total of 5.4 million. continues to make his home there The Administration's proposal with his wife Antoinette. He last sailed for the Erie-Lackawanna for an overtime penalty rate of doubletime pay rather than tinw Railroad. Otten. signed on with the RMR and a half has been urged by la­ in the port of New Jersey, sailing bor for years. It was pointed out, as a member of the deck depart­ but the AFL-CIO believes the SIUNA Convention guests Steve Leslie (left), President of ment. Born in Hoboken, New Jer­ doubletime rate should take effect international Union of Operating Engineers' Marine Division, after a 40-hour week rather than sey, ha now makes his home in Lotz Diehl Local 25 and lUOE General President Hunter Wharton, were Jersey City with bis wife Helen. after 45 hours, as provided in the Administration bill. among the speakers at the recent 12th Biennial SIUNA Con­ He last shipped for the ErieCity, New Jersey, he now makes vention in Washington. "It Is our deep conviction that his home in North Bergen, New Lackawanna Railroad. AFL-CIO Urges Wage-Hour Amendments As Aid To Poverty I I Four Rail Tugmen Join Pension Ranks SiUNA Convention Guests H �Vast Ten SEAFARERS LOG juM M. ues Cuba Blacklist Holds Firm At 237 During April-May By Robert A. Matthews, WASHINGTON—The United States blacklist of foreignQUESTION: Would you rathor Vice-President, Contracts, & Bill Hall, Headquarters Rep. flag ships doing business with Communist Cuba held constant work the day watch or the night at 237 vessels during April and May, according to the latest In response to a number of Inquiries concerning beefs recently watch, and why? settled by the Joint Ciarifioations Committee, we are again reprinting report issued by the Maritime Administration. some of the important decisions made by this group. Since the last MA report,"*" Lebanese-flag. Most of the major One such question that was put before the committee regarded one ship was added to the British David C. Smith: I prefer to and Lebanese companies compensation for cleaning tanks. work the day watch. It gives me blacklist and one wis removed have already agreed to the boy­ Problem: Deck Department members were required to chip and remove pitchomastic from the bulk-heads of a cofferdam which had never carried water, oil, or any other product. The contract did not contain a provision covering this specific matter and the Company paid straight overtime to the Deck Department members who per­ formed the work while on watch. free time to watch the sun­ rises and sun­ sets at sea. I've seen many spec­ tacular horizons while sailing. Answer: The Committee agreed that for any work performed in a Also, of course, cofferdam or void tank which had not contained water, oil, creasotes, like most people etc., the men required to perform the work will be compensated at I find that it is straight overtime for the watch on deck and at overtime and one-half a great deal eas­ for the watch below. 4ier to sleep at night than during One question submitted to the of repair work, shall be overtime the day. S. i, committee for consideration re­ for an Engine Utilityman when Vagn Anderson: I'd rather work garded wages in reference to performing the same type of work. coastwise voyages, nearby foreign The Engine Utilityman may be re­ at night. I like to be done by 9 Then voyages, domestic articles and quired to replace any unlicensed A.M. member of the Engine Depart­ when I finish I harbor payrolls. ment when such member is sick, can go ashore QUESTIONS: Are crewmembers injured or missing. A Utilityman and put some to be paid day for day regardless shall be required to have qualifi­ time in on the of length of voyage or payroll cations as Oilers, Watertenders beach. I like to period when on coastwise voyages, and Firemen. take the sun and nearby foreign voyages, on do­ air on my time Money Due mestic articles, or on harbor pay­ The Contracts Department is off and so, nat­ rolls. holding checks from the settle­ urally, I prefer ANSWER: Despite past prac­ ment of various beefs for the Sea­ to be off during tices and a clarification regarding farers listed below. These men are the daylight hours, And I still coastwise articles of six-month's urged to pick up their checks have time to sleep. t> it it duration having been enacted at from Headquarters or notify the Antonio Rmnero: I'd much the May 29, 1962 meeting of the department where the checks may rather work during the day. In Joint Clarifications Committee, be mailed. NEW YORK—Tomorrow's student of oceanography may get the first place the above question had arisen. In A check for disputed overtime his education on a campus whose buildings will be covered I'm used to it. consideration of the foregoing, by barnacles, rather than ivy, according to a startling proposal In the second the Joint Clarifications Commit­ aboard the Robert Conrad is being recently made by a world-famous ocean scientist. The plan place, I sleep tee unanimously agreed that sea held for Readus R. Wheeiington. envisions students attending classes, doing research work and better at night L. Harvey has a check held for men will be paid day for day on all living in dormitories all located beneath the surface of the because I'm used ships on coastwise voyages, near­ him for disputed overtime for tank sea. In the event that our "Salty Joe College" of the future to that too. In by foreign voyage, domestic arti­ cleaning aboard the Manhattan. tires of the educational grind, he can pop up to the surface addition, I cles, or on harbor payrolls regard­ Disputed overtime checks for and relax at the ocean-side resort, planned to be part of a would rather less of the length of articles or Edward Jensen, Robert Smith and have my time larger World Center of payroll period and whether or not George Stanley from a beef on off during the Oceanography. the afore-mentioned periods occur the Hercules Victory are available evening when most ports are live­ between termination of one set of at headquarters. Plans for a proposed $10 lier and more interesting. foreign articles and the signing of million oceanographic and Checks covering transportation i t. the next foreign articles. sea resort complex were un­ George H. Rowland: I'll take are waiting for Thomas Hanson, veiled by Dr. Athelstan SpilThe Clarifications Committee Edward Epinger and Donald Ker­ the day watch. I'm preparing to haus, dean of the University also made this ruling on compa­ shaw who sailed on the Valiant take the Bar of Minnesota's school of nies that are bidding for Penalty Hope. Exam next year Technology and famed ocean Cargoes. and I find that Nicholas Sakeilarides has a researcher. The organization In order to maintain a competi­ check coming to him for subsist­ I study better at actually sponsoring the plan night. I also tive position for the companies, it ence aboard the St. Lawrence. for the center is the Oceano­ find that it is is unanimously agreed that in graphic Society, a non profit A check resulting from the sometimes some­ each case where a company is group which is dedicated to bidding for Penalty Cargoes, the settlement of a transportation beef what difficult to the Ames Victory is being make the using sea research for the company shall notify the Ameri­ aboard held for Ralph Jones. switch - over to benefit of mankind. can Maritime Association and re­ sleeping during The settlement of two beefs Dr. Spilhaus' World Center quest a waiver of Section 30 (c) daylight hours. I guess the body of Oceanography would include not only a university, but also of the Freightship Agreement, the aboard the Niagara has resulted gets used to a routine. Association shall then so notify in checks for disputed overtime an associated research laboratory, and a sea resort located on 4" 4" the Seafarers' International Union for Richard Neceman and Francis I harbor. If the Oceanographic Society is successful in raising E. Pantoja: I'll stick with the funds for the project, the center will be established in a 1 which will give earnest considera­ M. Greenweil; for disputed lodging day shift. You get a better rest tion to the company's request. for John Bennett, Joseph Cayou, coastal state. working days Upon agreeing to such waiver, the William Knapp and Warren Weiss. Booklet Tells Story and sleeping union shall advise the crew mem­ The department is holding nights. You have While Dr. Spilhaus and the society may sound somewhat bers of the specific vessel that the checks for the payment of one more energy visionary in their plans for the center, they have published an provisions of Section 30 (c) are day's wages on the Natalie for and work more 80-page booklet which includes cost estimates, rough sketches waived for that lading and sub­ James Boone, Spiros Cassinis, easily the next of the buildings and other details of the project. According to stituted in its place is the follow­ Howard Gibbs, Alfred Kirkconnel, day. Also, I pre­ the brochure, the Oceanographic Center will have a harbor ing: Jose Ortiguerra, Frank Valerie fer to take my to service research vessels. This installation would stay in touch and Aldolph Vante. time off during "When sulphur in the with an underwater exploration facility which would be fully the evening. I amount of 25% or more of the Seymour Sikes has a check com­ equiped with classrooms, living quarters, pressure chambers, do my share of dead-weight carrying capacity ing to him for disputed overtime fish corrals and submarine pens. bouncing around and like to take is carried on a vessel, each aboard the Transorleans. a good sampling of the port night­ Overlooking the harbor would be the world's first full-fledged member of the unlicensed per­ Checks for disputed overtime on life. oceanographic university where students would prepare for sonnel shall be paid extra the Penn Carrier are available for bachelor, masters or doctoral degrees in the marine sciences. 4^ 4< 4^ compension of $10.00 per Earl Beamer and Walter Smith. voyage." P. Sernyk: I prefer to work According to the Oceanographic Society, the proposed center A beef on the Seatrain New York days, probably most of all because would play a key role in conducting research into ocean farming, over dispiited lodging allowance The following question was sub­ I really enjoy undersea transportation and navigation, underwater survival, mitted to headquarters from Leo has made checks available for just taking it undersea exploration, weather control and obtaining power from Pedro Actuca, .Francisco Bayron, Feher aboard the Western Hunter easy and relax­ ocean sources. and deals with the engine utility- Luis Cantino, Luis Cepeda, Wil­ ing all evening. liam Dooling, James Gleason, Also, working man. The World Oceanographic Center is definitely more than just Eugene Langstrand, Ruben Neg- days allows a a pipedream to Dr. Spilhaus and his associates. In a recent Question: "What are the • duties ron. Odd Gisen, Fred Paterson, appearance before a group of New York industrialists to raise man to keep his of the Engine Utility?" Earl Resmondo, Francisco Rod­ regular funds for the project, the Minnesota University professor urged eating Answer: The Engine Utilityman riguez, Juan Rodriguez, Samuel and sleeping that private industry should develop the vast resources of the shall be required to assist Engi­ Setliff and Alfonso Vallejo. patterns. Work­ ocean, instead of leaving the field completely to the government. neers in all Engine Department Settlement of a check for a re­ ing nights can "The ocean's bottom is at least as important as the moon's work. All work that is overtime strictive dispute on the Transhart- throw a guy off his normal sched­ backside," he declared. for Wipers, 4urjng .the regular ford has' yielded a 'cheick' • for ule' 'arid thik' 'dan ' prove, ' bhtpm'••it'' • 1 ' /i v r i 11 vl'brklrig hours, w'itH tTie exception: Thoma» Gannoa i(or Gahn»a)'.<^ - ' < foi-tabre.' ' '• ^ ^»•' '• • mnhJCj Mi. ratji •O.C . iii tf-' i 3 I iJii ICBf j-j isri after leaving the Cuban trade. The new addition was the 10,426ton French-flag freighter Arsoine. The deletion was the 5,923-ton Pakistani-flag vessel Jhelum. The Jhelum's owner, the Na­ tional Shipping Corporation of Karachi, agreed not to allow the Jhelum or any other ships under their. control to engage in com­ merce with Cuba. The action by the Pakistani company raises to 83 the number of ships removed from the blacklist since its incep­ tion in 1963. In all, 823 western-flag vessels have agreed to avoid the Cuban trade during the last two years. The 237 ships, totaling more than 1.6 million tons, that remain on the list are mainly British-and cott. Those that have not are the small tramp operators who find doing business with Castro more lucrative than equivalent U.S trade. The blacklist denies U.S government-generated cargoes to ships trading with Cuba. A measure introduced in Congress that would ban all ships in the Cuban trade from entering U.S. ports is meeting opposition from the State Department. The Congressional measure, introduced by Congressman Paul Rogers (R.-Fla.) has the support of maritime labor. The SIU has endorsed the International Long­ shoremen's Association's decision to refuse to load any ships that have visited Cuban ports. Scientist Proposes Undersea Colleges m ^1 iif �'••H ' ^ V \ JWM U. INI ' •' SEAFARERS r .s : Pac» iUnm LOG "Well Then-I ll Fight You!" MONTANA AFL-CIO OFFERS DISTRICTING PLAN—The Montane AFL-CIO is taking direct action to insure that the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark "one-man-one-vote" ruiihg is put into effect in the state. The labor federation has asked a three-judge federal court for permission to file its own proposed plan to reapportion the now unrepresentative state legislature. The judges have scheduled a hear­ ing July 7 on two citizen suits—one asking that existing legislative districts be declared illegal under the U.S. Supreme Court's appor­ tionment decision, and the second requesting that two existing con­ gressional districts be outlawed. At a pre-trial hearing, the judges strongiy indicated that they might issue, their own reapportionment plan since the 1965 session of the legislature adjourned without acting on the issue, while the court was holding up action on the two lawsuits. The state federation's brief declares-that union members are pre­ dominantly urban residents and that existing malapportionment hurts urban voting strength the most. The court declared existing legislative districts iliegal last January. 4i MORE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION NEEDED—The need for more U.S. housing was brought into sharp focus by Bert Seidman, AFL-CIO European Economic Representative, who spoke in Geneva before the Committee on Housing, Buiiding and Planning of the Economic Com­ mission for Europe. Seidman deciared that the U.S. needs 2.5 million units of new housing per year if the real needs of the American people are to be met. He told the committee that last year U.S. housing starts totaled less than 1.6 million units. "Thus, we believe that housing output should be stepped up rapidly to a much higher level," he declared. Seidman explained that more housing construction would give employment to tens of thousands of workers now unemployed. "It would also move us more rapidly toward the realization of our national commitment to a decent home for every family," he said. The AFL-CIO representative said that although the Johnson Adminis­ tration's housing proposals would move the country toward the achieve­ ment of our housing goals, they still are far short of the construction program supported by the labor movement. 3^ •:( t. LABOR BACKS HIGHER TIRE STANDARDS — Legislation that would protect the American motorist from unsafe and inferior auto­ mobile tires is being urged by the AFL-CIO. Calling for an end to the confusing "mish-mash" in the grading and labeling of tires, AFL-CIO Legislative Director Andrew J. Biemiller has urged Con­ gressional action in setting up a system of basic safety and perform­ ance standards. In a letter to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Warren G. Manuson (D.-Wash.) giving labor's endorsement of a uniform, federally enforced system of tire grading and labeling, Biemiller wrote, "We believe it is absolutely vital to the safety of the American people that all automobile tires conform to federal minimum safety anij performance standards. The AFL-CIO legislative director charged that many new cars are equipped with unsafe tires which are not even adequate for normal use. He also said the "confusing mish-mash" In tir^ labeling and grading makes it impossible for the consumer to make an intelligent choice among competing brands. Buyers are not alone in attempting to figure out how safe a tire is or how long it will last, according to Biemiller. He declared that tire dealers were often completely unaware of the safety and performance features of the products they sold. Battered and reeling from the beating it took from Congress, the public and some of its own members because of its blind opposi­ tion to Medicare, the American Medical Association has gone another few steps back­ ward in recent weeks. The AMA's antiprogress guns, their barrels worn thin from overuse, have now been turned against the American seaman. The AMA is calling for an end to hospital and medical care for seamen in USPHS hospitals. In a way, this move might have been expected because the AMA seems to automatically oppose anything that benefits the health and welfare of any segment of the American people. The continuing and stubborn opposition of A three-year contract providing ance for employees and depend­ a wage-benefit package of more ents and aicknese and accident the A.M.A. to Medicare and its cynical than 29 cents per hour has been benefits. Local unione will now proposal of a worthless "Eldercare" plan has won by the Textile Workers Union ratify tihe new pact. already led to an alienation of the public. of America for the 7,500 synthetic 4^ 4^ » fiber workers of the American Unable to compromise their own con­ Viscose Division of the FMC The Potters Unltm has com­ sciences With the hypocritical stand of the Corporation. The new contract pleted oontract negotiations with covers workers in Lewistown, seven chinaware manufacturing AMA on so many issues, many doctors who Marcus Hook and Meadvllle, Pa.; firms, winning wage raises of 14 belong to the association are publicly Parkersburg and Nitro, W. Va.; cents pec hour over a 32-month and Front Royal, Va. Under the period for 1,900 employees who divorcing themselves from the against-everyterms of the new pact, American work In four states. The, new pact thing thinking of the AMA. Viscose workers will get a two- provides a 0 cent per hour in­ The USPHS hospitals have always pro­ step, 19 cent wage increase and a crease as of June 1, an additional $5 raise In monthly pension pay­ 6 cents on Aug. 1, 1960, and 3 vided quality medical care for the~seaman. ments. more cents on Aug. 1, 1907. The They are conveniently located in major U.S. seven companies, which opm-ate in cities and are immediately accessible to those 4- 4A new two-year contract .with a New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania 15 cent wage increase and other and West Virginia, also will in­ who require medical care. The many thou­ benefits has been won by the crease payments to the union sands of seamen who have utilized these Cement, Lime and Gypsum Work­ health insurance plan, hospitals since their inception, and are alive ers with the Ideal Cement Com­ X 3^ ^ and healthy useful citizens today because of pany of Cleveland, Ohio. The newly signed contract also has a The Foundation for Cooperative the prompt and excellent medical care they new three-year supplementary un­ Housing recently elected Secretary received, is a testament to the value of these employment benefit plan and a Joseph D. Keetian of the Inter­ one-year extension of the pension national Brotherhood of Electrical facilities. agreement with new benefits. Workers and Secretary Boris As it did with its infamous "Eldercare" ,Qtjier. iny^oy^ipenla, incl,udQ ;the Sh^sbkin of tho AFL-CIO Housing. Wnjt, a series of trial liberalization of holiday poU^ .^nd Conipatttec; trustees > ah.«ime^. plpjr,^ the ^lyfA, gains in vacations, group insur­ ing held In Washington, D.C. balloons to hide the cynicism of its attack on the health and welfare of seamen. The AMA talks vaguely of doctors "volunteering" to care for merchant seamen while at the sametime fulfilling their military service re­ quirements. The AMA talks vaguely about insurance or prepayment programs which could provide hospital and medical care for seamen on a national or international scale. The AMA does everything, in fact, but talk sense. The USPHS hospitals could be closed if merchant seamen were removed from their caseloads, the AMA reports. This is untrue because the USPHS hospitals provide care for a great many Americans besides seamen. But following the AMA's so-called thinking, it is clear that all the hospitals in America could be closed if all the sick and injured were turned out into the streets. At a time when the pace of social change is quickening to provide improved health care for more of the American people, the AMA is attempting to deny medical care to seamen and other U.S. citizens. It is ironic that at a time when the need for adequate medical care is so urgent, the AMA, a doctors association, advocates put­ ting an end to hospital and medical care for seamen in USPHS hospitals and eventually the closing down of all USPHS facilities. The SIU, along with the rest of maritime labor has consistently opposed any changes which would weaken the Public Health Service program which was instituted for seamen and other U.S. citizens in 1798. Any attempt by the government or the AMA to abridge or eliminate the high quality medical care obtainable at USPHS facilities will be fought by the SIU and the AFL-CIO M|iritime Trades Department. '" �SEAFARERS Pare Ten LOG Jane M. 1165 Cuba Blacklist Holds Firm At 237 During April-May WASHINGTON—The United States blacklist of foreignQUESTION: Would you rathor Vice-President, Contracts, & Bill Hall, Headquarters Rep. flag ships doing business with Communist Cuba held constant work the day watch or the night at 237 vessels during April and May, according to the latest In response to a number of inquiries concerning beefs recently watch, and why? settled by the Joint Clarifications Committee, we are again reprinting report issued by the Maritime Administration. some of the important decisions made by this group. Since the last MA report,'*'Lebanese-flag. Most of the major One such question that was put before the committee regarded David C. Smith: I prefer to one ship was added to the British and Lebanese companies compensation for cleaning tanks. work the day watch. It gives me blacklist and one wis removed have already agreed to the boy­ free time to i! after leaving the Cuban trade. The new addition was the 10,426ton French-flag freighter Arsoine. The deletion was the 5,923-ton Pakistani-flag vessel Jhelum. The Jhelum's owner, the Na­ tional Shipping Corporation of Karachi, agreed not to allow the Jhelum or any other ships under their _ control to engage in com­ merce with Cuba. The action by the Pakistani company raises to 83 the number of ships removed from the blacklist since its incep­ tion in 1963. In all, 823 western-flag vessels have agreed to avoid the Cuban trade during the last two years. The 237 ships, totaling more than 1.6 million tons, that remain on the list are mainly British-and cott. Those that have not are the small tramp operators who find doing business with Castro more lucrative than equivalent U.S. trade. The blacklist denies U.S. government-generated cargoes to ships trading with Cuba. A measure introduced in Congre.ss that would ban all ships in the Cuban trade from entering U.S. ports is meeting opposition from the State Department. The Congressional measure, introduced by Congressman Paul Rogers (R.-Fla.) has the support of maritime labor. The SIU has endorsed the International Long­ shoremen's Association's decision to refuse to load any ships that have visited Cuban ports. :^ientist Proposes Undersea Colleges NEW YORK—Tomorrow's student of oceanography may get his education on a campus whose buildings will be covered by barnacles, rather than ivy, according to a startling proposal recently made by a world-famous ocean scientist. The plan envisions students attending classes, doing research work and living in dormitories all located beneath the surface of the sea. In the event that our "Salty Joe College" of the future tires of the educational grind, he can pop up to the surface and relax at the ocean-side resort, planned to be part of a larger World Center of Oceanography. Plans for a proposed $10 million oceanographic and sea resort complex were un­ veiled by Dr. Athelstan Spilhaus, dean of the University of Minnesota's school of Technology and famed ocean researcher. The organization actually sponsoring the plan for the center is the Oceano­ graphic Society, a non profit group which is dedicated to using sea research for the benefit of mankind. Dr. Spilhaus' World Center of Oceanography would include not only a university, but also an associated research laboratory, and a sea resort located on a harbor. If the Oceanographic Society is successful in raising funds for the project, the center will be established in a coastal slate. Booklet Tells Story While Dr. Spilhaus and the society may sound somewhat visionary in their plans for the center, they have published an 80-page booklet which includes cost estimates, rough sketches of the buildings and other details of the project. According to the brochure, the Oceanographic Center will have a harbor to service research vessels. This installation would stay in touch with an underwater exploration facility which would be fully equiped with classrooms, living quarters, pressure chambers, fish corrals and submarine pens. Overlooking the harbor would be the world's first full-fledged oceanographic university where students would prepare for bachelor, masters or doctoral degrees in the marine sciences. According to the Oceanographic Society, the proposed center would play a key role in conducting research into ocean farming, undersea transportation and navigation, underwater survival, undersea exploration, weather control and obtaining power from ocean sources. The World Oceanographic Center is definitely more than just a pipedream to Dr. Spilhaus and his associates. In a recent appearance before a group of New York industrialists to raise funds for the project, the Minnesota University professor urged that private industry should develop the vast resources of the ocean, instead of leaving the field completely to the government. "The ocean's bottom is at least as important as the moon's backside." he declared. ^ .J.IA. "i' 'V:13ny-.uif^. Problem: Deck Department members were required to chip and remove pitchomastic from the bulk-heads of a cofferdam which had never carried water, oil, or any other product. The contract did not contain a provision covering this specific matter and the Company paid straight overtime to the Deck Department members who per­ formed the work while on watch. watch the sun­ rises and sun­ sets at sea. I've seen many spec­ tacular horizons while sailing. Also, of course, like most people I find that it is a great deal eas­ ier to sleep at night than during the day. ^ Vagn Anderson: I'd rather work at night. I like to be done by 9 A.M. Then when I finish I can go ashore and put some time in on the beach. I like to take the sun and air on my time off and so, nat­ urally, I prefer to be off during the daylight hours, And I still have time to sleep. t> if Antonio Rcmiero: I'd much rather work during the day. In the first place I'm used to it. In the second place, I sleep better at night because I'm used to that too. In addition, I would rather have my time off during the evening when most ports are live­ lier and more interesting. Answer: The Committee agreed that for any work performed in a cofferdam or void tank which had not < contained water, oil, creasotes, etc., the men required to perform the work will be compensated at straight overtime for the watch on deck and at overtime and one-half for the watch below. 4 One question submitted to the of repair work, shall be overtime committee for consideration re­ for an Engine Utilityman when garded wages in reference to performing the same type of work. coastwise voyages, nearby foreign The Engine Utilityman may be re­ voyages, domestic articles and quired to replace any unlicensed member of the Engine Depart­ harbor payrolls. ment when such member is sick, QUESTIONS: Are crewnfiembers injured or missing. A Utilityman to be paid day for day regardless shall be required to have qualifi­ of length of voyage or payroll cations as Oilers, Watertenders period when on coastwise voyages, and Firemen. nearby foreign voyages, on do­ Money Due mestic articles, or on harbor pay­ The Contracts Department is rolls. holding checks from the settle­ ANSWER: Despite past prac­ ment of various beefs for the Sea­ tices and a clarification regarding farers listed below. These men are coastwise articles of six-month's urged to pick up their checks duration having been enacted at from Headquarters or notify the the May 29, 1962 meeting of the department where the checks may Joint Clarifications Committee, be mailed. the above question had arisen. In A check for disputed overtime consideration of the foregoing, aboard the Robert Conrad is being the Joint Clarifications Commit­ held for Readus R. Wheelington. tee unanimously agreed that sea L. Harvey has a check held for men will be paid day for day on all ships on coastwise voyages, near­ him for disputed overtime for tank by foreign voyage, domestic arti­ cleaning aboard the Manhattan. cles, or on harbor payrolls regard­ Disputed overtime checks for less of the length of articles or Edward Jensen, Robert Smith and payroll period and whether or not George Stanley from a beef on the afore-mentioned periods occur the Hercules Victory are available between termination of one set of at headquarters. foreign articles and the signing of 4" 4" 4» Checks covering transportation the next foreign articles. George H. Rowland: I'll take are waiting for Thomas Hanson, The Clarifications Committee Edward Epinger and Donald Ker­ the day watch. I'm preparing to the Bar also made this ruling on comipa- shaw who sailed on the Valiant take Exam next year nies that are bidding for Penalty Hope. and I find that Cargoes. Nicholas Sakellarides has a I study better at In order to maintain a competi­ check coming to him for subsist­ night. I also tive position for the con>panies, it ence aboard the St. Lawrence. find that it is is unanimously agreed that in A check resulting from the sometimes some­ each case where a company is settlement of a transportation beef what difficult to bidding for Penalty Cargoes, the aboard the Ames Victory is being make the company shall notify the Ameri­ beld for Ralph Jones. switch - over to can Maritime Association and re­ sleeping during The settlement of two beefs daylight hours. I guess the body quest a waiver of Section 30 (c) of the Freightship Agreement, the aboard the Niagara has resulted gets used to a routine. Association shall then so notify in checks for disputed overtime t 4i 4 the Seafarers' International Union for Richard Neceman and Francis E. Pantoja: I'll stick with the which will give earnest considera­ M. Greenwell; for disputed lodging day shift. You get a better rest tion to the company's request. for John Bennett, Joseph Cayou, working days Upon agreeing to such waiver, the William Knapp and Warren Weiss. and sleeping union shall advise the crew mem­ The department is holding nights. You have bers of the specific vessel that the checks for the payment of one more energy provisions of Section 30 (c) are day's wages on the Natalie for and work more waived for that lading and sub­ James Boone, Spiros Cassinis, easily the next stituted in its place is the follow­ Howard Gibbs, Alfred Kirkconnel, day. Also, I pre­ ing: Jose Ortiguerra, Frank Valerie fer to take my and Aldolph Vante. time off during "When sulphur in the the evening. I amount of 25% or more of the Seymour Sikes has a check com­ do my share of dead-weight carrying capacity ing to him for disputed overtime bouncing around and like to take aboard the Transorleans. is carried on a vessel, each a good sampling of the port night­ member of the unlicensed per­ Checks for disputed overtime on life. sonnel shall be paid extra the Penn Carrier are available for 4> 4' 4i compension of $10.00 per Earl Beamer and Walter Smith. P. Sernyk: I prefer to work voyage." A beef on the Seatrain New York days, probably most of all because The following question was sub­ over disputed lodging allowance I really enjoy mitted to headquarters from Leo has made checks available for just taking it Feher aboard the Western Hunter Pedro Actuca, .Francisco Bayron, easy and relax­ and deals with the engine utility- Luis Cantino, Luis Cepeda, Wil­ ing all evening. liam Dooling, James Gleason, Also, working man. Eugene Langstrand, Ruben NegQuestion: "What are the duties ron. Odd Olsen, Fred Paterson, days allows a man to keep his of the Engine Utility?" Earl Resmondo, Francisco Rod­ regular eating Answer: The Engine Utilityman riguez, Juan Rodriguez, Samuel and sleeping shall be required to assist Engi­ Setliff and Alfonso Vallejo. patterns. Work­ neers in all Engine Department Settlement of a check for a re­ ing nights can work. All work that is pvertime strictive dispute on the Transhart- throw a guy off his normal sched­ for Wipers (|uring .the re^ulw ford has' yielded A 'cheick' • for ule' 'arid thik' 'dan ' i|)fbve ' bhtpmfot-IaTSre.' ' uc. i s jt i .M.-T vt'orkirig hours, with tke exceptipn f)homa» Gannon I (or Gaiiiaoal'.o . I"'!. 111 tf-'l 3 I • iJ'l.i. (i; .;-J i6:1 DM ('i Hi. t"i» s[ •:<' i lOcI M! i �1. i I -V V U, INI '' ''y" ' SEAFARERS t .V A :• LOG PN* "Well Then-ni Fighf You!" MONTANA AFL-CIO OFFERS DISTRICTING PLAN—The Montane AFL-CIO Is taking direct action to insure that the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark "one-man-one-vote" ruling is put Into effect in the state. The labor federation has asked a three-judge federal court for permission to file its own proposed plan to reapportion the now unrepresentative state legislature. The judges have scheduled a hear­ ing July 7 on two citizen suits—one asking that existing legislative districts be declared Illegal under the U.S. Supreme Court's appor­ tionment decision, and the second requesting that two existing con­ gressional districts be outlawed. At a pre-trial hearing, the judges strongly indicated that they might issue, their own reapportionment plan since the 1965 session of the legislature adjourned without acting on the issue, while the court was holding up action on the two lawsuits. The state federation's brief declares-that union members are pre­ dominantly urban residents and that existing malapportionment hurts urban voting strength the most. The court declared existing legislative districts Illegal last January. i 3^ 3^ MORE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION NEEDED—The need for more U.S. housing was brought into sharp focus by Bert Seidman, AFL-CIO European Economic Representative, who spoke in Geneva before the Committee on Housing, Building and Planning of the Economic Com­ mission for Europe. Seidman declared that the U.S. needs 2.5 million units of new housing per year if the real needs of the American people are to be met. He told the committee that last year U.S. housing starts totaled less than 1.6 million units. "Thus, we believe that housing output should be stepped up rapidly to a much higher level," he declared. Seidman explained that more housing construction would give employment to tens of thousands of workers now unemployed. "It would also move us more rapidly toward the realization of our national commitment to a decent home for every family," he said. The AFL-CIO representative said that although the Johnson Adminis­ tration's housing proposals would move the country toward the achieve­ ment of our housing goals, they still are far short of the construction program supported by the labor movement. 4 3> 3i LABOR BACKS HIGHER TIRE STANDARDS — Legislation that would protect the American motorist from unsafe and inferior auto­ mobile tires is being urged by the AFL-CIO. Calling for an end to the confusing "mish-mash" in the grading and labeling of tires, AFL-CIO Legislative Director Andrew J. Blemlller has urged Con­ gressional action in setting up a system of basic safety and perform­ ance standards. In a letter to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Warren G. Manuson (D.-Wash.) giving labor's endorsement of a uniform, federally enforced system of tire grading and labeling, Biemiller wrote, "We believe It is absolutely vital to the safety of the American people that all automobile tires conform to federal minimum safety anij performance standards. The AFL-CIO legislative director charged that many new cars are equipped with unsafe tires which are not even adequate for normal use. He also said the "confusing mish-mash" in tir^ labeling and grading makes it impossible for the consumer to make an intelligent choice among competing brands. Buyers are not alone in attempting to figure out how safe a tire is or how long it will last, according to Blemlller. He declared that tire dealers were often completely unaware of the safety and performance features of the products they sold. Battered and reeling from the beating it on the health and welfare of seamen. The took from Congress, the public and some of AMA talks vaguely of doctors "volunteering" its own members because of its blind opposi­ to care for merchant seamen while at the tion to Medicare, the American Medical sametime fulfilling their military service re­ Association has gone another few steps back­ quirements. ward in recent weeks. The AMA's antiThe AMA talks vaguely about insurance or progress guns, their barrels worn thin from prepayment programs which could provide overuse, have now been turned against the hospital and medical care for seamen on a national or international scale. The AMA American seaman. The AMA is calling for an end to hospital does everything, in fact, but talk sense. and medical care for seamen in USPHS The USPHS hospitals could be closed if hospitals. In a way, this move might have merchant seamen were removed from their been expected because the AMA seems to caseloads, the AMA reports. This is untrue automatically oppose anything that benefits because the USPHS hospitals provide care the health and welfare of any segment of for a great many Americans besides seamen. the American people. But following the AMA's so-called thinking, The continuing and stubborn opposition of it is clear that all the hospitals in America A three-year contract providing ance for employees and depend­ the A.M.A. to Medicare and its cynical could be closed if all the sick and injured a wage-benefit package of more ents and sickness and accident than 29 cents per hour has been benefits. Local unions will now proposal of a worthless "Eldercare" plan has were turned out into the streets. won by the Textile Workers Union ratify tihe new pact. already led to an alienation of the public. At a time when the pace of social change of America for the 7,500 synthetic 3^ 3^ « fiber workers of the American Unable to compromise their own con­ is quickening to provide improved health Viscose Division of the FMC The Potters UnitHi has com­ Corporation. The new contract pleted oontraot negotiations with sciences With the hypocritical stand of the care for more of the American people, the covers workers In Lewistown, seven chinaware manufacturing AMA on so many issues, many doctors who AMA is attempting to deny medical care Marcus Hook and Meadville, Pa.; firms, winning wage raises of 14 belong to the association are publicly to seamen and other U.S. citizens. Parkersburg and Nitro, W. Va.; cents pec hour over a 32-month and Front Royal, Va. Under the period for 1,800 employees who divorcing themselves from the against-everyIt is ironic that at a time when the need terms of the new pact, American work In four states. The, new pact hing thinking of the AMA. for adequate medical care is so urgent, the Viscose workers will get a two- provides a 8 cent per hour in­ The USPHS hospitals have always pro­ AMA, a doctors association, advocates put­ step, 19 cent wage increase and a crease as of June 1, an additional $5 raise In monthly pension pay­ 6 cents on Aug. 1. 1960, and S vided quality medical care for the~seaman. ting an end to hospital and medical care for ments. more cents on Aug. 1, 1907. The They are conveniently located in major U.S. seamen in USPHS hospitals and eventually 3> 3i> 3i> seven companies, which operate in cities and are immediately accessible to those the closing down of all USPHS facilities. A new two-year contract .with a New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania who require medical care. The many thou­ The SIU, along with the rest of maritime 15 cent wage Increase and other and West Virginia, also will in­ benefits has been won by the crease payments to the union sands of seamen who have utilized these labor has consistently opposed any changes Cement, Lime and Gypsum Work­ health Insurance plan. hospitals since their inception, and are alive which would weaken the Public Health ers with the Ideal Cement Com­ 3^ 3^ 3r and healthy useful citizens today because of ^ Service program which was instituted for pany of Cleveland, Ohio. The newly signed contract also has a The Foundation for Cooperative the prompt and excellent medical care they seamen and other U.S. citizens in 1798. Any new three-year supplementary un­ Housing recently eleoted Secretary received, is a testament to the value of these attempt by the government or the AMA to employment benefit plan and a Joseph D. Keehan of the Inter­ abridge or eliminate the high quality medical one-year extension of the pension national Brotherhood of Electrical facilities. agreement with new benefits. Workers and Secretary Boris As it did with its infamous "Eldercare" care obtainable at USPHS facilities will be , Qther, iny^ov^menls j incl,udQ ; the Sh^hkin of tho AFL-CIO Housing. plpiy,,t^e * series of trial fought by the SIU and the AFL-CIO Mari­ liberalization of holiday poU^.^nd Connpsitte^ tvuateei • at A irtiefctr gains, in vacations, group insur­ Ing held in Washington, D.C. balloons to hide the cynicism of its attack time Trades Department. ' �Face Twelve SEAFARERS Jane tB, 1965 LOG Jobless Pay Overhaul Vital To Nation's Welfare WASHINGTON—The nation's unemployment system is "largely obsolete" and the cure is a modernized system combined with the country's newly-developed manpower training program. These are the conclusions of an analysis on the future of jobless compensation by Raymond Munts, assistant di-4rector of the AFL-ClO's De­ Munts wrote, and the new "con­ job In a closed louthem weaving partment of Social Security, structive manpower prorgams" of­ shed decided to enter a New Jer­ By Lindtcy Williamt, Vice-President, Gnlf Area SlU Represented At ILA Convention SIU representatives were on hand last week as guests of the Inter­ national Association of Longshoremen at their Fifty-Fifth Annual Convention of the South Atlantic and Gulf District. ILA delegates of locals from Savannah, Ga. to Brownsville, Tex. convened in fer the chance of reform that sey school to learn a new skill, Galveston, Texas from Jime 14 through June IB. Speakers at the The report, entitled "A new for example—and was denied job­ convention included Teddy Gleason, ILA president; James Reynolds, role for jobless insurance" ap­ "promises to dovetail." assistant secretary of Labor; and H. S. (Hank) Brown, president of The "obsolescence" of the pres­ less benefits because of his school the Texas AFL-CIO. peared in the June issue of the attendance. American Federationist, a month­ ent jobless Insurance program is The SIU, the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO and the Texas and A Cleveland machinist went to indicated in several ways, the ly publication of the AFL-CIO. West Virginia to discuss a new Louisiana AFL-CIO are supporting a "don't buy" campaign organized analysis says; Such a modernization — recom­ • All but two states, in 1939, job and discovered his weekly by Local 1175, United Packinghouse, Food and Allied Workers against mended by Pres. Johnson and em­ benefit was cut In half, because Neuhoff Brothers Meat Packing company of Dallas, Texas. The cam­ bodied in the pending McCarthy- provided maximum insurance pay­ Ohio law requires this for anyone paign was organized after the Neuhoff Company refused to bargain ments of 50 percent or more of Mills amendments to the Social who leaves the stale even to job- in good faith with the Packinghouse Workers and was found guilty Security Act — would restore a jobless worker's previous week­ hunt. of a series of unfair labor practices by the National Labor Relations ly wage, but in 1965 only nine protections to jobless workers that Board. Neuhoff markets its products in Texas and Louisiana under the The Johnson Administration's have been eroded and "pump pur­ states provide insurance at that following brand names: "Neuhoff's," "Tennessee Farm," "Lone Star," proposal, expressed in the bill level. Twenty-five states offer a chasing power into the economy "Country Club," and "Super Right." All Seafarers and their families to minimize recessions and aid maximum benefit of 40 to 50 per­ sponsored by Chairman Wilbur D. are urged, to support the Packinghouse Workers by cooperating in this Mills (D.Ark.) of the House Ways cent of weekly wages, 18 states economic recovery." "don't buy" campaign against 4— & Means Committee and Senator "The twin recessions of 1958 have a maximum below 40 per­ Eugene J. McCarthy (D.-Minn.), Neuhoff's. Bussie, has been appoint­ and 1961" exposed the existing cent. The Louisiana legislature re­ ed a member of a special • "Disqualifications" have spread would give unemployment insur­ federal-state jobless insurance committee to study this matter, program as "too fragile" to with­ under state laws to deny or limit ance "a new and more creative cently approved a "Two-Term" feill and a report containing recom­ stand a "major crisis" after 30 benefits to workers because of role" and correct the weaknesses for state governors, permitting the mendations on proposed changes years of gradual deterioration, "misconduct" discharges, volun­ "built into the system at birth," state's chief executive to serve two will be submitted to the next tary quits, pregnancy or other the Munts analysis says. It would: consecutive four-year terms in regular session of the legislature. • Require the states, in step- office. This new law will go into causes. Captain Richard E. McNeely, ups, to raise maximum benefits to effect only if the state's governors • An "experience rating" de­ approve a constitutional amend­ president of the Crescent River two-thirds of the average state vice attached to the tax system ment permitting the change. The Port Pilots Association and a under which employers contribute wage, with a benefit floor of one- amendment will appear on the member of the New Orleans MTD, to uemployment insurance funds half each worker's wage. ballot in the November, 1966 elec­ recently was elected skipper of • Require a six-month benefit tion. has helped cut reserves, and states the Propeller Club. hesitate to impose special taxes period under state law and extend At the present time the state Mobile not paid by competing employers federal benefits thereafter for an­ other six months to the long-term constitution limits a governor to elsewhere. Shipping has been on the slow one four-year term. However, unemployed, with benefits also bell in Mobile during recent TOKYO—The Black Current, a • Rapid technological change there is no restriction on the num­ weeks, but the outlook is expected payable while a worker partici­ warm and benevolent stream that has created a class of "long-termed pates in dn approved training bers of terms that a governor to improve in the near future. ihight serve, as long as there is a Among the SIU oldtimers in the Un­ circles the Pacific Ocean will this unemployed" who may have lost program. "a lifetime skill, a career," with one-term lapse between re-election summer become the object of the loss of jobs, and these become • Expand coverage to about 5 If the amendment passes, the ion hall is deck department veteran greatest oceanographic survey yet "exhaustees"—those whose bene­ million workers not now protect­ present incumbent. Governor Mc- William Wade who last sailed on the Monarch of the Sea on the ed. fit periods have run out. undertaken. Keithen, wili be entitled to run Puerto Rican run. William Sellers • Set limits on disqualification again in 1968. • Summed up, only four of 10 The hundred-mile-wide swath of is waiting impatiently for his FED provisions under state law, both unemployed today are entitled to Although the Louisiana AFL- which he expects to get in the dark water that travels in a count­ er-clockwise direction along the benefits under the varying state under the statutes and in appli­ CIO originally supported a tenure- near future. He has been spend­ laws, and of each "five dollars lost cation. of-office law that would allow a ing his time with his wife and edges of the Pacific from the through unemployment, only one governor to run for office as many children at their home in Chun• Strengthen the financing by South China Sea to the coast of dollar is returned to the income times as the people of the state chula, Ala., since he paid off his California will be explored and stream in the form of benefits." raising the taxable wage rate from chose to vote for him, the federa­ last ship, the Alcoa Reamer. $3,000 to $5,600 a year, repealing probed by 27 research ships from found the "Two-Term Even worse, the Federation the "experience rating" feature tion Bowman McNulty is currently seven nations. analysis points out, is the incon­ that allows employers to cut tax amendment acceptable, calling the chomping at the bit to get a chief The information collected by sistency of the jobless insurance liability, authorizing federal new measure "sound and work­ electrician's slot. He last sailed the study, which may last as long program with the new manpower grants in aid to states with ab­ able." on the Oceanic Cloud. After tak­ as four years, will most likely programs — training and retrain­ normally high benefit costs. The Much of the controversy over ing several trips to India aboard prove the most valuable to com­ ing, area redevelopment, anti- federal grants and extended bene­ the "Two-Term" bill was centered the Transindia, Oscar Cooper mercial fisheries. Weather studies, poverty — in which people "are fits would be partly financed from on the need for limiting the swears that he will grab the first especially those relating to ty­ encouraged to upgrade them­ general Treasury revenues, rather powers of the governor. The pumpman's job to hit -the board, phoon patterns, will also benefit selves, to train and prepare" for than special taxes, thus recogniz­ Louisiana AFL-CIO finds much no matter where it takes him. substitute jobs or better jobs. greatly from the research. ing the national impact of high- of this concern is well-founded. Harvey Ridgeway, who shipped on A middle-aged man who lost his The federation's president, Victor the Jean LaFitte as chief steward level long-term joblessness. Scientists from Japan, the Unit­ for the past few years, has been ed States, the Soviet Union, Hong telling the boys that he wants to Kong (Britain), Nationalist China, do a little cooking for a change. South Korea, the Philippines and Houston South Vietnam will try to learn about the current's exact origin, Shipping activity in Houston the reasons for its color and fell off a bit from the previous water temperature, fiuctuations in period, but is expected to pick up its course and its favorable infiuagain in the next few weeks. W. ence on fish R. Collins has put in a month tak­ ing it easy on the beach and is The study is being conducted by now looking for a run to the far the United Nations Educational, east. His last ship was the Del Scientific and Cultural Organiza­ Santos which took him to South tion through the Intergovern­ America and West Africa. E. R. mental Oceanographic Conomis(Buzz) Bryant recently piled off sion. About 2,000 checkpoints for the coastal trailership Beaure­ the collection of data will be esgard, and is now waiting for a tablisihed. The study will be di­ long trip anywhere, "as long as vided between seven ocean areas, she doesn't come back for a with four of them to be located in while." Japan. R. C. Grimes tells the boys in The U.S. and the Russians will the hall that he'll take anything each supply three large, up-tothat comes along. His last trip date oceanographic vessels. Japan was on the Santa Emilia where he will supply 15 smaller research held a bosun's rating. R, A. Car­ ships. Data collection will incude ter is all smiles since he got his temperature measurements at the FFD after being in drydock since surface and at varying depths, March when he suffered a back salinity measurements, and studies injury on the Aldina in Bizerte, relating to oxygen content of the Tunisia. A. Perez has been telling water, nutrient salts, measure­ his friends in the hall about the St. Louis taxi workers and Seafarers celebrate recent victory by SlUNA-affiliated Transporta­ ments of current flow, depth good trip he finished recently tion Services and Allied Workers Union Local I over Teamster raid bid. Joining the celebrasoundings, weather observations, aboard the "Tamara Gullden to bration (front row, l-r) are: Chicago port agent Frank (Scottie) Aubusspn; SIU vice president plankton samplings and the col­ Haifa, Israel. Perez has been Al Tanner; TSAW Local I president Lloyd Young; TSAW district secretary-treasurer Joe shipping as chief cook for the last lection of biological material Abata; TSAW district president Dominic Abata; and SIU vice president Robert A. Matthews. 25 years. from bottom samplings. Joint Effort To Study 'Black Current' St. Louis SIU Taxi Workers' Victory Ceiebration I| �JOM 15, 1965 SEAFARERS Pare Tbiiieea LOG Lakes Benefit By Al Tanner, Vice President SIU Fights Proposed Waterway 'User* Tax WASHINGTON—^The SIUNA has voiced its strong opposi­ tion to the Administration's proposal for a two-cent-a-gallon tax on fuel used by the nation's inland water carriers. The SlUNA's 12th Biennial'^" tax, recently called for Convention, which ended June byThe President Johnson in • 1 in Washington, declared that message to Congress, would and Fred Farnen, Secretary-Treasurer, Great Lakes Detroit Shipping Climbs Shipping continues to improve each week of the season in Detroit. The S. T, Crape, Huron Portland Cement Company, almost collided with a Canadian Laker the other day. Both vessels passed within. inches of each other. One of our Patrolmen was aboard the Crapo at the time. He said the General Alarm was sounded and all hands hit the deck. No doubt the recent sinking of the Cedarville was still fresh in everyone's mind. the waterway user tax "would place a destructively heavy burden upon the inland water carriers" by reducing the already slim competitive advantage they enjoy over truck and rail transportation. The waterway user tax is a re­ current theme brought up regularly by both Democratic and Repub­ lican Administrations. In the past these proposals have been on each occasion defeated by Congress. cost waterway operators an estimated $8 million annually. The n a t i 0 n's railroads are plugging hard for passage of a Buffalo waterway user tax as part of their Death benefit check for continuing campaign to downgrade Shipping in this Port has remained pretty good and we are managing SIU Great Lakes member and undermine the inland water to hil jobs as they come in; however, we still have a shortage of carriers. Alex Schneider was re­ rated men. Inherent Savings ceived recently by his In a special meeting called by the Maritime Trades Department brother Joe Schneider, Inland water carriers have been Buffalo Port Council, we met with the Directors of the Port Authority shown here with hi* wife. able to withstand the competition regarding the closing of two elevators in this Port, which would from the railroads because of the effect some six hundred jobs on the waterfront. fact that bulk cargoes, both dry A sub-committee was formed to compile exactly what effect this Affects States Bordering Lakes and liquid, can be moved more would have on individual unions. From this data they will submit cheaply by barge than by any other mode of transportation. a brief to the Secretary of Agriculture in Washington in an effort to have the job situation in this Port improved. The user tax would cut this com­ -f — petitive advantage however, and Chicago allow the railroads to wind up In Chicago, the most important Shipping for the past period their well-oiied rate-cutting ma­ again has been exceptionally good, function at this moment is the chinery to force the inland water contract negotiation with Yellow with most of the jobs going to the carriers out of business. With the rated men. As predicted last sea­ and Checker Cab Company in be­ CHICAGO—The continuing shipping crisis caused by low field to themselves, the railroads son, we are short across the half of the 6,600 cab drivers em­ Board where rated men are ployed by these two companies. water levels in the Great Lakes may put a damper on future would then be free to boost their rates to whatever the traffic would At a mass rally recently, Chicago concerned. Cab dxivers unanimously voted to industrial expansion in the states bordering on the Lakes, an bear, which would be almost any­ Those Seafarers who did not give the union the right to strike iron ore executive warned at-t^ thing they decided to charge since take advantage of the Winter luil in the event of negotiation break­ recent hearings of the Inter­ tinually evaluated on potential they would have virtually no are now seeking higher paid jobs downs. The strike apparatus is national Joint Commission. new mines along the Great Lakes, competition. going off the Board. If they had ready to move at a moment's The low water levels has raised low water constitutes a deterrent taken their upgrading exams as notice, although at this time. It to future investment in this area," constantiy suggested, they would appears that a good contract is In the cost of delivering iron ore Taber said. from the Lake Superior mines to now be in the position of making sight. Negotiations will resume to The International Joint Com­ the steel mills because ore ships that extra dough. At this time, it that end. mission also heard from repre­ must travel with lightened loads, oniy takes two days or so to com­ Leon Strller has recently been Robert W. Taber, the iron com­ sentatives of states bordering on plete the Coast Guard exams, and the Great Lakes, the city of Mil­ discharged from the Veterans pany executive said. ; it is urged again that those on the waukee, the Cook County Clean Hospital here in Chicago, and is Taber warned that low levels beach make this important move. Streams Commission and several the first SIU man to be entered were catching up with most ships and discharged from one of these and putting a dent in their earn­ private individuals. WASHINGTON — The Urban All witnesses urged that the facilities and the new system. We ings, as weil as providing a handi­ Affairs bill, designed to give the all join in passing our respects cap in the competitive battle means be found to regulate water millions who live in the nation's levels on all the Great Lakes. Cur­ and regrets at the passing away of against foreign ore imports. sprawling cities a voice at the Mr. David Lasky, Sr., the father "As the companies add up all rently, only Lakes Superior and highest level of government, Ontario are regulated. Several of Dave Lasky, Jr., Chicago the competitive factors to be conwitnesses attributed the problem passed the House on June 16 by a resident and shipper. to natural causes like low rainfall vote of 217 to 184, the closest ma­ Frankfort jority yet given the Administra­ and evaporation in the area. tion on a key measure. The shortage of rated men in The Chicago hearings were the the Port of Frankfort remains a The bill will create a De­ last in a series held by the Inter­ NEW YORK—Organized labor is problem. As soon as an AB ap­ partment of Urban Affairs in national Joint Commission to gain giving its full support to the In­ pears for registration, he is President Johnson's Cabinet information and suggestions of the ternational Longshoreman's As­ shipped out. The Ann Arbor carto oversee and provide aid to low water level situation. The sociation in urging that Governor ferries are preparing for their the cities on such vital Items Commission made up of repre­ Rockefeller sign into law a bill summer schedules and will be as transportation, housing and sentatives from Canada and the that would close the Waterfront putting extra Porters and Maids redevelopment. The depart­ U.S. states bordering on the Lakes, Commission's longshore register. on all operating vessels within the ment would become the 11th WASHINGTON — A survey of previously held hearings in Sault Cabinet-level agency. The measure, introduced by next few days. the usefullness of Alaska ports, Ste. Marie, Michigan, and State Senator Thomas Mackell Arnold Transit Company con­ many of them severely damaged Windsor, Ontario. Republicans generally voted (Dem.-Queens), was approved in tract negotiations are continuing in last year's earthquake, by the against the bill, with the exception both the State Assembly and the and a meeting was held on June Maritime Administoration has of eleven Congressn.en who came Senate, and is currently awaiting 16, 196.5 in St. Ignace, Michigan. pointed to the use of large sub­ mainly from big city constitu­ final action by the Governor. The Gt. Lakes District members marine tankers, hydrofoils and encies. A similar bill was defeated ILA, fully supported by organized were saddened by the unexpected surface effect craft in the future. in the House three years ago dur­ labor, has urged such legislation death of Harry G. Willey, Book ing President Kennedy's admini­ The Marad report, called the to improve job security and em­ No. 8837, June 11th, 1965. Harry "Survey of the Ports of Alaska," stration. ployment stability on the water­ was the 8-12 Fireman on the SS Rather than create an said that the dock facilities of front. PORTLAND, Ore. — A I City of Green Bay. entirely new department, the tlie nation's largest and most re­ $1.2 million modernization bill would raise the present The Mackell Bill would close the mote state have an importance far Alpena program of the SIU Pacific Housing and Home Finance longshore register now and end greater than their size would in­ Shipping in the Port of Alpena District-contracted Matson ' Agency to the Cabinet level. the Waterfront Commission's . con­ dicate. With only rudimentary rail That agency already oversees trol over longshore employment has kept a steady pace with very and road communications, Alaska ' Navigation Company's conmost of the Federal Govern­ three years from now by allowing few members registered on the is heavily dependent on sea traf­ > tainerized freight facility || . here is scheduled to begin ments' housing and mass the union to negotiate with man­ Board. Ronald Byers and Larry fic for the bulk of its trade. , this fall for completion by transportation programs. agement to set up hiring halls Johnson are back in the Hall Big submarine tankers, able to which would be administered waiting for that certain ship, after operate beneath the ice packs, j late summer next year . The most likely candidate for spending quite some time on the jointly by the two parties. Designed to serve the Matthe Urban and Housing Affairs U. S. Gypsum and Steamer H. N. would play a role if the state's |i Cabinet post is Robert Weaver, Presently, longshoremen are Snyder. petroleum resources were suffi- ( son service between the the present head of the Housing hired through halls run by the c i e n 11 y developed. Channels |l Northwest and Hawaii, the There are a lot of new faces in could be excavated through the 11 modernization program will and Home Finance Agency. If Waterfront Commission. If the bill be completed in three major |i President Johnson selects Weaver is signed into law by Governor this Port, but they don't stay long use of nuclear energy, the report stages. This will include in­ for the job, he will become the Rockefeller, the ILA would be able before they too are shipped out. said. Shallow ports could greatly stallation of several special , first Negro to have a Cabinet to negotiate the improved hiring Cleveland increase their tonnage handling cranes designed to handle seat. hall system during the 1968 con­ Although shipping has slowed capabilities through the use'of hy­ the type of containers Mattract talks. The House-approved bill will drofoils and surface effect ships. down in this area for entry rat­ son uses at its San Francisco, now go to the Senate, where it is SIUNA President Paul Hall ings, AB's, Firemen, and Oilers The long range recommenda­ Los Angeles and Honolulu assured of a comfortable majority. wired the Governor, urging him to are having no difficulty in getting tions of the survey include pre­ terminals, reinforcement and sign the measure. planning and site reservation for jobs. Since the first of March, this docks, and paving and fenc­ "It is widely acknowledged that Port has issued a total of 357 up-to-date port areas and porting a large area for parking the closing of the longshore clearances for both permanent related idustries and the planning and storage of Matson con­ register necessary to protect the and temporary Jobs, and we have of port facilities someday able to tainers. security of longshore workers," not reached the mid-season mark handle an increase in the export Hall's wire said. aa yet. of natural resources from Alaska. Low Lakes Water Levels Hinder Industrial Growth Urban Bill Would Aid Big Cities Labor Supports Longshore Job Security Bill \K Special Ships Seen Useful In Alaskan Trade Matson To Get i Modern Facility In Portland, Ore.| llr ,7 V" (Ms^TUBiJDe �• '• ' v. »: Pace FoorleeB lit! t \ FARERS t Zi •t.l'.;.; Wage-Hour Law Amendments Called Key To Poverty War (Continued from page 7) er, it pointed out, would consti­ tute a "massive attack on poverty from two directions" — one by raising minimum wages and cov­ ering more workers, the other by spreading employn>ent through a shorter workweek and penalty doubletime pay for overtime. cernible effect on tha nationwide level of employment in the indus­ tries affected" and "no rise in lay­ offs in low-wage Industry groups." There has never been a time when the Labor Department has had any economic "damage" to report as a result of an increased mini­ mum wage, the AFL-CIO added. *••«' .1.1 • Ham M§» tM§ LOG "horrifying Impact of a 14.S per­ cent wage increase, which would be the result of cutting the work­ week to 35 hours while maintain­ ing earnings." "No one is proposing such dras­ tic action," the AFL-CIO said. "Manpower productivity is now increasing at about 3.5 a year . . . and simply by reducing hours In that proportion, we could have a 35-hour week in less than five years." "Education is important, and wiping out discrimination is im­ portant," the Meany statement emphasized to the subcommittee, but "poverty will not be ended until there are jobs at good wages for all." By Prank Dronk, West Cooif Representative Key Bills Before Calif. Legislators With the 1965 session of the California iegisiature fast drawing to a close, members of both houses still havo to take action mi a number of key measures of vital importance to the labor movement. One of labor's top priority measures, the Citizens Job Protection Bill has been pigeon-holed in the Assembly without much hope for positive action by the close of the session. Another important bill, providing for increased revenues for the On coverage, the Meany state­ "It is bad enough to have 3.5 troubled state disability insurance fund is stalled in an Assemblymillion unemployed and millions ment pointed out that Adminis­ Senate conference committee. Observers aren't too optimistic about tration prc^osals would for the more who can find only part-time a vote being taken to break this deadlock. Members of the California work," the federation presents first time bring some 4.8 million AFL-CIO are also extremely dissatisfied with the plainly inadequate of 13 million left-outside workers tion continued. "It is even worse Unemployment Insurance bill that has emerged from the Assembly under minimum-wage protection, that 30 percent of the 7.2 million Finance an! Insurance Committee. If the committee votes to approve families rated as "poor" in 1963 but that this would still allow the committee's bill, which is now on the floor, the state's unemployed big enterprises to escape coverage "had a full-time worker who as will be shortchanged for years to come. trying to pay the bills" yet these of certain small units of their op­ erations. "We think this is in­ The Sacramento legislators have acted on the Limited Workmen's 2 million workers "were unable Compensation bill after a blue ribbon study commission had spent to support themselves and their equitable," the AFL-CIO said, in urging a language change to blank­ a great deal of time in drawing up recommendations on this important families from their earnings." et in 800,000 additional workers. problem. Unfortunately, the lawmakers missed the boat again, making "We do not believe any em­ only two important changes in the current workmen's compensation On overtime pay rates, the fed­ ployed worker should be forced set-up, and ignoring several other 4. eration statement said bluntly, on the welfare rolls to survive significant suggestions made by or that "taxpayers' money should we want to discourage overtime" labor and the study commission. off and the Montpelier Victory, by raising the penalty pay to douYorkmar, Loa Angeles and Portbe used as a subsidy for low-wage San Francisco bletinve rather than time and a mar stopped in-transit. employers," it declared. half. The shipping picture In San Carter Chambers, an SIU pen­ The statement observed that Francisco continues to remain sioner who lives in the Los An­ the reasons for a $2-an-hour mini­ No one can predict how many good as the Ames Victory, Ocean geles area, dropped in the hall re­ mum could be drawn from the jobs would be directly created by Evelyn and National Seafarer cently to talk over old times with - economic facts. The present $1.25 a doubletinve provision, Meany's VENICE, Italy — The unwritten crewed up during the past two some of his former shipmates. an hour amounts to $50 a week, statement said, but the overtime $2,600 a year, for a worker em­ now worked is estimated as the law of the modern age that says weeks. Prospects for the future Chambers said he was very happy ployed full time," whereas the equivalent of 1.5 million fulltime that everything must get bigger continue to look good with at to have the opportunity to come official Social Security Adminis­ jobs, "and it is our conviction that and faster if it is to survive is least eigh ships due to arrive fom over and visit regularly with his tration's "poverty budget" now doubletime will discourage em­ beginning to find application on the east aind far east in the com­ old sailing buddies. Fred Lynum requires a borderline annual in­ ployers from scheduling over­ the watery boulevards of this city, ing period. There is a need for Is back in town visiting with his and the gondoliers don't like it rated men in the deck and engine family. He just finished a sixcome of $3,130 for a family of time." departments as well as for entry month trip as cook on the West­ one bit. four. ratings in all three departments. ern Hunter. The federation was emphatic in The men who man the sweep The "modest but adequate urging the subcommittee to con­ Among the SIU oldtimers visit­ Seattle budget for a family of four, it sider a statutory 35-hour work­ oars on the small, graceful and ing the hall lately has been J. romantic craft that have made Shipping activity has been on continued, "amounts to $6,418 a week not because 40 hours is "to Carroll who has been making the year at today's prices, or better long" but because soon, "even un­ Venice famous are slowly being runs to Japan as AB or DM. He the upswing in Seattle and the than $3 an hour for a 40-hour der the most favorable circum­ forced out of business by motor­ told us that he'd like a change of future continues to look pretty ized water taxis and big tour boats bright. Ships paying off recently week." stances, there simply won't be that carry 50 or more passengers. scenery and will hold out for a were the Penn Sailor, Robin A $2 wage would be at least "a enough 40-hour jobs to go To, fight back, they have threat­ trip to the east coast after being Hood, Henry Hudson and the Cot­ realistic step forward," and any­ around." Existing unemployment ened to motorize their own craft. California-bound for so long. E. tonwood Creek. In addition, five R. Ray, vetei-an cook, arrived in thing less is "legislated poverty," would probably be reduced to a Venetians haven't ridden In port after coming up from Hous­ ships stopped in-transit. reasonable minimum" if Congress it stated. John Carey, who last shipped gondolas for ages. The main bulk The "myth" that a higher mini­ should pass- all the job-promoting of gondola business comes from ton to catch the Natalie. on the Western Clipper as an AB, measures now pending, the state­ Wilmington mum wage may "cut down job told us that the thing he appre­ tourists. The visitors, it seems, opportunities or drive enterprises ment said, but it would offer would rather ride in the bigger, Shipping activity slowed down ciates most about the SIU Wel­ only a breathing-spell" because out of busiess" deserves to be ex­ speedier boats that offer a bus­ in Wilmington during the past fare Plan, is the help it gives his ploded, the statement said. The de­ of the "undiminished growth of like tour of the historic points of period, with little change likely parents. Carey is currently sit­ tailed analysis filed with the sub­ the labor force and the inexorable Venice. in the near future. During the ting tight for a good run to the committee pointed out that a 1964 advance of automation." past two weeks the Fairport paid far east. Part of the problem has to do The attitude of official business Department of Labor report on effects of 1961 minimum wage law spokesmen is one of "doom and with price. The gondoliers charge improvements showed "no dis­ gloom," it observed, about the in the neigliborhood of $5 an hour about the same charged for a hansome cab ride in New York's Central Park. The cost is too high for almost all Venetians and for many of the new crop of budgetminded tourists now traveling in Europe. NEW YORK—Seafarers are covered by an agreement with In the 16th century, the city NEW YORK—^The New York State Senate has voted to had more than 10,000 gondolas; SIU companies that provides SIU members with war risk turn over the New York State Barge Canal system to the today there are less than 500. To insurance and area bonuses should they sail in the officially Federal Government. The future of the system is still in ease their plight, the gondoliers designated Vietnamese comare asking for some sort of. sub­ )at area. The shipping oper­ will be $20,000 for loss of life, dis­ doubt however, because the + sidy the city fathers so that ability, dismemberment or loss of bill authorizing the turnover segments of the community with they from can continue their service ators have signed an agree­ functions. The policy will pay $500 cheaper freight rates and improved must still clear the Assembly without resorting to becoming ment in accordance with Article for loss or damage to personal and the Federal Government must accessibility to state and national motorized water taxis. markets. II, section 66 of the Collective Bar­ benefits. agree to accept the facility. They are counting on the fact gaining Agreement which calls for The canal now carries about If a vessel is attacked, fired The bill authorizing the trans­ three million tons of cargo yearly, that the city realizes that a Venice the negotiation of bonuses and/or upon or struck by a mine of either fer cleared the Senate by a vote the bulk of it petroleum products. without gondolas would be like a insurance upon official announce­ belligerent, the agreement pro­ of 33 to 23. Governor Rockefeller It extends from Lake Erie at Buf­ Rome without fountains or a Paris ment of a specific area as a combat vides a vessel attack bonus of $300 zone. President Johnson signed will be paid to each crewmember. has not yet taken a public stand falo to the Hudson River at Troy. without the Eiffel Tower. an executive order on April 25, Physical damage to the ship or in­ on the issue either, and his ap­ A northern branch runs to Lake 1965 designating Vietnam and ad- jury to a crewmember must result proval is necessary under the Erie at Oswego. Another branch, acent waters as a combat zone. 1959 amendment to the state con­ the Champiain Waterway, extends from the attack if this bonus is stitution which makes the turn­ to the St. Lawrence River at Mon­ After describing the official com­ paid. Only one attack bonus will over possibie. treal. bat zone with exact coordinates, be paid per voyage. A reminder from SIU head­ the agreements provides that a The 500-mile inland waterway Expansion of the cana) under The agreement also holds that system has been described as so federal jurisdiction would allow quarters cautions all Seafarers seaman who is employed on a ves­ unlicensed crewmembers will be greatly in need of repairs and im­ barges to travel across its length leaving their ships to contact sel in the designated area shall paid $200 as a harbor attack bonus provements that the state would in tandem. Currently, barges can the hall in ample time to allow receive an area bonus of one hun­ if a harbor within the combat zone have to spend anywhere from $100 transit the locks and curves of the the Union to dispatch a replace- dred percent of his base monthly is attacked while a vessel is visit­ to $200 million to put it in condi­ canal only in single file. By mentr Failure to give notice be­ rate of pay, which will be paid In ing it. The payment of a vessel tion once more. "Turned over to widening the canal and making fore paying off may cause a de­ addition to his regular wages. attack bonus as a result of a ship the Federal Government however, other improvements, experts be­ layed sailing, force the ship to According to the agreement, the being struck while in a harbor federal funds would be available lieve that traffic can be raised an sail short of the manning re­ shipowner must also pay for the precludes the payment of the har­ to rework and modernize the sys­ average of three percent yearly. quirements and needlessly make cost of insurance to cover a sea­ bor attack bonus. > tem, which would bring .al^ut. fn, "Th^ .livings invplved ip, transpor­ the work tougher for your shlp- man ^or, the, .lepgth of t|me spent, »^provisions off t|he .agreement • »• •• •' upswing in inland waterway busj-^ tation;, woultl amount to $27 mil- matis. n the combat zone. The schedule are retroactive to 12:01 A.M., April iidil a ye^r. It Is felt. ness in the state and benefit mahy III iiiiiiiiii fiiVii of {iaymCntk 'k/r' tliis'^h'sur^nce' 24;^1965. Motorboat Competition Hits Gondoliers Seafarers Covered By War Risk Insurance N.Y. Senate OKs Barge Canal Takeover By U.S. Quitting Ship? Notify Union �SEAFARERS |«M tl, INI Pace Fiffeea lOG SBAFABBRS PORTS OP THE WORLD ' :-'j — •is-,-. ' .i--', /• - ••^- ' • 7 • •• SIERRA LEONE Iw The atmosphere of Freetown it a relaxed one by Western standards. The nation's economy is built on a growing trade in iron and diamonds. Freetown, the capital city and chief port of the small West African state of Sierra Leone, is a busy trade center with its economy built on the twin foundations of diamonds and iron, the nation's two main resources. Discovered by the Portuguese explorer Pedro de Cintra in the 15th century, Freetown was settled in 1787 by the English. De Cintra is responsible for the name Sierra Leone —Portugese for Lion Mountains. Sierra Leone's most precious resource are the diamonds mined out of her hills. Iron ore plays the next most im­ portant role in the economy, followed by palm kernels, coffee and cocoa. Among the SlU-contracted companies with vessels in the Freetown trade is Delta Line. Freetown's small shopping and entertainment area is located about three miles from the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, and may be reached by taxi. Seafarers whose vessels anchor in the harbor will find the Government Wharf within easy walking distance of the downtown area. The principal thoroughfare, two blocks in from the harbor, is Westmoreland Street. Other principal commercial streets in the city are Howe, Rawdon, Gloucester, Charlotte and Wilberforce. The Paramount Hotel on Government Avenue is the best and most modern hostelry in town. About a mile and a half from the city's center, on Mereweather Road, is the Government Resthouse which has a good restaurant and bar. The Odeon Cinema, a movie theatre that shows Eng­ lish-language films, is located on Westmoreland Street. The city's other movie house, the Cotton Tree, is located on Walpole Street. Both theatres are air-conditioned. Among the relatively few tourist attractions in Freetown are the Old Wharf Steps built in 1818 and known as the Portuguese Steps and the Cathedral of St. George on Water Street. A small museum with artifacts and displays show­ ing the history of the nation can be found in Pademba Road. West of Freetown can be found many fine ocean beaches, where swimming, fishing and skin-diving are all reported to be excellent. At the far end of Lumley Beach, eight miles or so west of Freetown^ the Palm Beach Club and the Cape Club serve meals. Diamonds are Freetown's speciality, and other locally produced and finely made handicraft goods may be found in the bazaar quarter of the city. V\ 5^; j'V n 1 •''' - ''Old fi'arhef stri/ctu'res'llne a stiF^ef IH one 'of-Ffeet6w'n"« 'older busmeVi districts." Mo'dern/z«- ' M SlU-manfie'ef ^Del' Ri® * rniakes ' Ve^ulir' '' ; '' ' V iCL �Pa(« Sixteen S^EAFARERS Jnne U, lf» LOG SlUNA Alaska Fishermen Profesf Illegal Pishing Japanese Salmon Raids Continue In North Pacific How To Get Around The Devil's Elbow By Joseph B. Logue, MD, Medical Director JUNEAU, Alaska—Japanese high sea fishing boats are continuing to raid red salmon schools in the Bristol Bay area despite a warning by the SIUNA-affiliated Alaska Fisher­ men's Union of a total boycott of Japanese goods if the practice persists. The warning was given in the form of a resolu-;f tion, which was endorsed biennial convention of the SIUNA efforts to take American unanimously by convention recently concluded in Washington, salmon In the defined area When a stranger in western Pennsylvania wanted to go from Saltsburg to New Alexandria, ho was directed to go out past Mother Murray's cabin, up the Muttontown Hiil, around the Devil's Elbow, and then to turn left just past Snodgrass's bam. To a native, these directions seemed crystal dear. "You can't miss it," he told the stranger. One could easily transpose these directions into some of the instruc­ delegates at the SIUNA conven­ passed a resolution urging the and defined period, the Seations given patients at the end of visits to their physicians, as reported tion which ended in Washington "government of Japan to intercede fearers International Union in MD COLUMN of Group Health Association of America, Inc. If early this month. of North America" should "go to prevent the Japanese fishing patient and doctor were both "native" to the areas of health under on record to endorse and discussion, the directions would be meaningful and the route to cure The Bureau of Commercial fleet from entering the defined support a boycott of Japaneso just "couldn't be missed." On the other hand, the patient and physician Fisheries announced iast week area during the defined period," imports. all too often do not fully communicate with each other, even when a that a Bureau inspector aboard a and urging the U.S. Government patrolling Coast Guard aircraft to pass appropriate legislation The SIUNA^ resolution was set of directions seemed clear at the time they were given. When it had discovered five Japanese "without delay to prevent a re­ sponsored by president George comes to doing what is called for, confusion arises. gillnetters operating east of the currence of this and similar Johansen of the Alaska Fisher­ Under the tense situation of the office visit, with all of its stresses "abstention line" created by the fishery problems." men's Union and President James and anxieties, the patient frequently-fNorth Pacific Fish'eries Treaty. D. Ackert of the Atlantic Fisher­ cannot voice his real complaints abroad. To be accepted for inter­ The resolution warned that The USCG cutter Wachusett was men's Union. "should Japan persist In her and may only listen to part of-the national travel, vaccination certif­ ordered to intercept the Japanese directions. Mothers with small icates must be validated with the boats. children are likely to be dis­ stamp of the local or state health SlU Supports House Measure Salmon Scarce tracted while trying to listen. The officer of the area in which the physician, too, finds his interest immunizing physician practices. Alaska's Bristol Bay red salmon divided among the patient, the The only other immunization re­ fishermen have had their liveli­ condition under treatment, and the quirements for entry or reentry hoods threatened by the continu­ complexities ot the remedy ing Japanese encroachments east into the U.S., is vaccination against of the line, which was created to There is no intent on the yellow fever and cholera for allow a sufficient number of patient's part to deceive the phy­ persons arriving from countries Bristol Bay salmon to reach sician by only telling part of his where there are cases. maturity so that commercial fish­ The Public Health Service, how­ troubles, nor on the physician's ing operations in Alaska could WASHINGTON—The SIU has taken a strong position in part to confuse the patient by a ever, also recommends that imcontinue. favor of legislation before the House which would gurantee series of less-than-intelligible di­ munizatibn against tetanus, diph­ Repeated violations of the American fishermen a fair price for their catch by allowing rections. The situation of the office theria, and polio be brought up Treaty by Japanese fishermen visit is in itself booby-trapped by to date, and suggests immunization them to bargain collectively*; have depleted the stocks of false assumptions of against typhoid for most inter­ enable American fishermen to with fish wholesalers at the earn a just return for their labors anxieties, immature salmon and have mutual understanding, the tyranny national travel. dock. threatened the very existance by permitting them to negotiate a of words, and the complexity of Even though the smallpox vac­ of the Alaskan fishing and modern-day medicine. fair price for their catch." Testifying recently before cination for all areas, and yellow canning industry. The Japa­ subcommittee of the House Com­ The best results of the visit will fever and cholera immunizations "All other sectors of the fishing nese, using gilnets and other mittee on Merchant Marine and industry ashore have a right to come only if each party to the for some areas, are the only ones gear which American fisher­ Fisheries, SIU Washington repre­ bargain for their wages," Meyer conversation establishes that the required, the above recommended men are forbidden from em­ sentative Thomas Meyer spoke on pointed out, "but not the men who patient and doctor not only talk precautions can assure a more ploying, have taken enormous behalf of seven SIUNA affiliated go to sea. We consider this mani­ the same language but know the healthful and safe trip. quantities of salmon within fishermen's unions in favor of a festly unfair to the fishermen upon landmark — can recognize SnodSEAFARERS AND THEIR recent years. biil, (H.R. 3955) introduced by whose productivity and efforts the grass' bam as well as dUtingulsh FAMILIES CAN OBTAIN THESE Representative Thomas Felly The Coast Guard reported the entire industry is dependent." right from left. VACCINATIONS AT NO CHARGE incident to Washington, where the (D.-Wash.) AT THE SIU CLINICS LOCATED Meyer spoke on behalf of the ^ 'X> it At the present time, fishermen Alaska Fishermen's Union, AtianState Department said it would IN MOST PORTS. VACATION TRAVEL TIPS await a formal report before tak­ have no voice in negotiations be­ tic Fishermen's Union, Bering Sea The Public Health Service re­ tween the boat owners and whole­ ing the matter up with the Japa­ salers in establishing a fair price Fishermen's Union, Cannery cently issued its annual reminder nese Government. According to for their catch. Under present law, Workers and Fishermen's Union that for entry or reentry Into the of San Diego, New Bedford Fish­ the provisions of the treaty, viola­ the Justice Department has ruled ermen's Union, Seine and Line United States, a valid certificate tors are supposed to be turned that participation by fishermen's Fishermen's Union of Monterey of vaccination against smallpox is Seafarers are again re­ over to their own nations for organizations in these negotiations County and the Seine and Line required. Dr. Louis Jacobs, Chief, minded to bring their dis­ Division of Foreign Quarantine, constitutes a violation of the Antipunishment. A spokesman at the Fishermen's Union of San Pedro. charges when they check into said, "We urge all international Japanese embassy in Washington Trust laws. A representative of the Alaska stateside hospitals, so that eli­ said that if the violations are Urging support of the bill on Fishermen's Union was also pres­ travelers to arrange for vaccina­ gibility for SIU hospital bene­ found to be legitimate, appropri­ behalf of the SIUNA and its af­ ent at the hearings and he gave tions as soon as their plans are fits can be readily established ate action will be taken. made, because vaccinations do not filiated fishermen's unions, Meyer full support t« the proposed and payments can be made provide immunity until several The delegates to the 12th pointed out that H.R. 3955 would legislation. promptly. A number of in­ days after they are received." stances have been reported re­ All travelers who enter the U.S., cently, especially in the outincluding Americans returning to ports, where Seararers in the this country, are required to have hospital have neglected to a valid certificate of vaccination bring sufficient proof of seaagainst smallpox. The vaccination time with them, causing de­ certificate becomes valid eight lays in benefit payments. days after successful vaccination, Whenever possible. Seafarers and is valid for three years. should have discharges avail­ Vaccinations should be recorded able showing at least one on an International Certificates of day's seatime In the last six Vaccination document which can months plus 90 days in the be presented to public health last calendar year. quarantine officials here and Bill Would Give Fishermen Voice In Sale Of Catch Hospital-Bound? Bring Discharges Discussing East Coast Fishing At Convention SIU Clinic fxoms—A/I Ports 'x.i'" J Delegates from SlUNA-affiliafed fishermen's union's got together with Congressman Hastings Keith (R-Mass.) during the 12th Biennial SIUNA Convention in Washington to discuss a bill Keith has introduced into the House to create a $50 million a year program to explore and develop the fisheries, minerals and other natural resources of the Continental Shelf along the East Coast. Shown above (l-r) are Keith; Jacob Ostensen of the New Bedford Fishermen's Union; Austin SIcinner, New Bedford Fishermen's Unipn and Jim Ackert, Atlantic Fishermen's Union. . EXAMS THIS PERIOD: April 1-April 30, 1965 Port Seamen Wives Children TOTAL Boston 7 0 1 8 Baltimore 111 26 27 164 Jacksonville 20 0 0 20 Houston 157 1 0 158 New York 355 45 40 440 Norfolk 36 0 0 36 Philadelphia 63 24 7 94 Tampa............. a 3 0 11 San Francisco 97 3 0 100 New Orleans 223 18 18 259 Mobile 86 3 1 90 *San Juan 10 16 13 39 T^1T.AL............. 1,173 139 107 1,419 ' ' *3/21/65 to 4/20/65 �i. tS, IMI SBAfARERS LOG •• ^ '£r * --T Face SerenfecB Supreme Court Ruling Limits Unions' Anti-Trust immunity WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court has sharply limited the area of union immunity to charges of antitrust law violations in bargaining on wages, hours and working conditions. In parallel decisions viewed by labor lawyers as opening both unions and employers to multople lawsuits and damage claims, the court held that Act, the Wagner Act, Taft- "the most important labor case antitrust immunity does not Hartley Act, Bacon-Davis and to reach the court" since the Jones ! Pearl dealer above uses a simple mechanical device to grade natural pearls according to size. In spite of the recent growth of a big cultured pearl industry, most notably in Japan, a necklace of carefully matched natural pearls Is still a much sought-after prize for those with tfie money to spend. Persian Gulf Wealth Includes Oil, Pearls 11 ;: I'' Beneath the warm waters of the Persian GuU oil port of Bahrain lies another treasure that Is, In its own way, more valu­ able than the vast petroleum deposits which have brought many SlU-contracted tankers to that part of the Middle East. The other treasure is pearls. Though the pearl industry has been in decline in recent years because of the devel(H>ment of a cultured pearl Industry in Japan, the "fish eyes," as the Bahrainis call them still manage to bring about $500,000 yearly. Before 1930, pearls contributed $8 million yearly to the Bahrain economy. Despite the sweeping modernization of Bahrain caused by the discovery of oil, pearl diving techniques have changed little over the last three thousand years. Two thousands years before Christ, the Assyrians searched the area for pearls. The pearls are gathered by expert divers who work from dhows — the traditional Arab small craft. Boats collect from the many small fishing communities at ttie start of each pearling season and head out to the oyster beds. The divers, wearing nose clips made of bone or tortoise shell, attach ropes about Uieir waist and to their feet. The foot rope is attached to a heavy stone, used as a weight. Divers Go To 80 Feet The diver has a basket hanging around his neck to put the gathered oysters in. He is lowered by his waist rope to a depth of 60 to 80 feet. The diver is completely dependent on his "puller," the crew member who holds the other end of the rope about the diver's waist. When the diver reaches the bottom, the weight around his leg is removed and pulled to the surface. From that time on, he is contpletely dependent on his waist rope. The average Bahrain diver is able to stay below for up to three minutes. In that time, he can gather and place in his basket about ten oysters. The shells gathered in the basket are taken back aboard the dbow by the diver. On deck, before all crew members, the shells are opened, and any pearls found are given to the captain. On reaching port, the pearling boats wait for itinerant buyers to come aboard. Prices for the pearls are then set confidentially between the buyer and the captain to discourage haggling. The proceeds are then divided among the crew according to an established formula. The pearl divers take special pride in their work. They cooperate with each other and are known for their courage in the face of bad weather, man-eating fish and other dangers. Cultured Versus Natural The difference between cultured pearls and the natural pearls found in the Persian Gulf and other places depends on how the pearl itself is created by the oyster. "The making of a pearl is a fascinating process. It begins when a grain of sand or other foreign substance enters the open shell of the oyster. The sand particle irritates the shellfish, wh.'ch emits a substance to neutralize the Irritant. Gradually, the substance released by the oyster builds a hard coating around the original irritant. With time, depending on the size of the oyster, the little globe grows larger and larger. Thus a pearl is formed, in cultured pearls, the oyster is opened when it reaches a certain age and the outside irritant is introduced by man. Cultured pearls have come to overshadow', in volume if not in quality, the natural pearls obtained in the South Seas. Natural pearls bring a greater return, however, since they are more highly prized. A necklace made of matched natural pearls, for instance, will bring a much higher price than a similar necklace made from cultured pearls. exist if a Jury finds from "clear St Laughlin case in 1937, when the Walsh-Healey laws, the Fair evidence" that the union "has justices upheld the Wagner Act as Labor Standards Act—^to argue agreed <with one set of employers constitutional. that Congress has expressly to Impose a certain wage scale" on declared that the "labor of Congress "intended to foreclose employers "in other bargaining a human being is not a com­ judges and juries from making es­ units." modity or article of com­ sentially economic judgments in merce," and that antitrust laws antitrust actions by determining The AFL-CIO, though not do not prohibit the "elimina­ whether unions or employers had directly involved, viewed the tion of price competition based good or bad motives," he con­ cases of major importance and on differences in labor stand­ tinued. "It is precisely in this area Intervened as friend of the ards." of wages, hours and other work­ court in a brief urging the court to uphold the Immunity The thrust of national law In ing conditions that Congress has doctrine previously considered labor policy, he said, is to en­ recognized that unions have a sub­ to be spelled out in the labor courage collective bargaining as a stantial, direct and basic interest law expressly approved by means of securing industrial peace of their own to advance." Congress. Yet a jury would be allowed un­ and Congress has made bargain­ The key decision, involving the ing on wages, hours and working der the majority decision in the Mine Workers case, he said, to find Mine Workers and a small coal conditions "mandatory." company, sent back for trial in "It makes no sense to turn anti­ that a wage scale was too "high" U. S. District Court in Kentucky trust liability of employers and and thus "became arbiters of the an antitrust law suit for triple unions concerning subjects of economic desirability of the wage damages against the union. The mandatory bargaining on whether scale in the nation's coal industry.." company charged that in a multi­ the union acted 'unilaterally' or If unions are held liable'under employer contract with the Bitu­ in 'agreement' with employers," the antitrust laws for collective minous Coal Association, involving Justice Goldberg continued. bargaining activities regarding automation, wages and welfare"The history . . . shows that la­ "mandatory bargaining would also fund payments, an agreed pur­ bor contracts establishing more or be subject to antitrust penalties, pose was to drive out smaller com­ less standardized wages, hours and criminal and civil." petitors by imposing the same wage other terms and conditions of em­ "My view," Goldberg wrote, and welfare-fund requirements. is that Congress intended in ployment . . . are often secured The 6-3 majority opinion was either through bargaining with basic national labor law that written by Associate Justice Byron multi-employer associations or "collective bargaining activity R. White. on mandatory subjects" should through bargaining with market not be subject to antitrust law In the second case, involving the leaders that sets a 'pattern' for attack. Meat Cutters and the Jewel Tea agreements with other employers." Co. in Chicago, the court agreed The majority decision, he said, Goldberg in an unusually intense in another 6-3 split that Jewel oral statement from the bench la­ "will severely restrict free collec­ could not maintain an anti-trust beled the Mine Workers decision tive bargaining." action against the union, for threatening the company with a strike to obtain the same openingand-closing hours previously ac­ cepted by a multi-employer Food Retailers Association. The reasoning of Justice White in this case was that a trial court By Fred Stewart & Ed Moeney had previously ruled that the union Headquarters Representatives was dealing with Jewel at "armslength ... in pursuit of its pol­ icies, and not at the behest of or "Shipshape" is an ancient word as far as Seafarers are concerned. in combination with" other Food It has been with us a long time and refers—or it used to—to the proper Association employers. and neat stowage gear and maintenance of machinery aboard ship. Dissent Shipboard equipment, be it on deck, in engine department spaces, In a strongly-worded dissent to cargo spaces, crew's quarters or the galley, is subject to breakdown both the White opinions. Asso­ and disorder from vibrations, movement, the abuses of the sea or other ciate Justice Arthur J. Goldberg environmental factors. Naturally, conditions of this kind call lor charged that the majority had re­ attention, maintenance, repair or replacement. Correcting those peated errors stretching across a mechanical conditions is the job of the Seafarer in the department half century in refusing to give concerned. ' full effect to "congressional ac­ "Shipshape," however, can also refer to the condition of the man tions designed to prohibit judicial who sails on the ship as well as the condition of the various gear intervention via the anti-trust aboard the ship. "Shipshape" in this new meaning can refer to mental route in legitimate collective bar­ and physical matters for the individual Seafarer. The state of one's gaining." mental equipment, thinking processes and common sense are all items Labor lawyers observed that to keep "shipshape." So is the fitness of one's body and its state of White's majority opinion in the health. While each man must use his own individual method and coal case carried a footnote ex­ means of keeping "shipshape," there are certain suggestions to this plicitly stating that "unilaterally, end that have been tested by time. and without agreement with any Seafarers aboard ship should endeavor to get as much rest and employer group to do so, a union food as they need, without overdoing either. They should endeavor may adopt a uniform wage policy to remain clean even though the temptation to slackness in th s . . even though it may suspect regard is very great. They should Insist on safe working conditions. that some employers cannot effec­ tively compete if they are required Lastly, they should make creative use of their recreation time through to pay the wage scale," and that "? reading or some other hobby that will provide the proper mental union need not gear its wage de­ stimulation. A quote from Andrew Furuseth, the patron saint of American mands to those which the weakest units in the industry can afford to Seafarers, on the occasion of the enactment of the first Seamen's Act in 1915, sums up the real meaning of being shipshape. It says: pay." The immunity to trial on anti­ "Remember (seaman) that under the American Flag you are a free trust law charges is "forfeited" u- man. Remember, that with freedom comes responsibility. Remember der certain allegations, they note, always, that at sea you-are an individual part of the crew of the but the court majority left open vessel. Remember, that at sea, you are under the law rising from the the questions of the weight of evi­ common danger—'the common hazard.' This commands self-sacrifice dence needed to prove an illegal and the duty to obey all lawful orders, to do it promptly and efficiently. cnnsDiracy and whether unions Upon this depends the safety of the vessel, the safety of the passengers, might not establish the reasonable­ the cargo and the crew—your shipmates' and your own." ness of uniform wage demands. "In a safe harbor you are under the law of freedom. Your body Goldberg, in his dissent cited belongs to yourself. The estimate in which we are held by our fellowstatute after statute—^the Clay­ men depends mostly upon the use we make of that which is admittedly ton Act, the Norris-LaGuardia our own." The Importance of Being ''Shipshape'' �SEAFARERS Page Eighteen Jon* tS. ItW tOG Labor Hails Bill To End Immigration Inequities Warns Of High Electrh Rates AFL-CIO Opposes Weakening Of Federal Power Commission WASHINGTON—President Johnson's decision to "phase out" the national origins quota WASHINGTON—Every American family would face the system in his Administration's proposed revision of the immigration laws was hailed by AFL -CIO Legislative Director Andrew J. Biemiller in testimony before a Senate Judiciary sub- threat of higher electric bills if Congress weakens the regula­ ^ tory authority of the Federal Power Commission, the AFLcommittee. In the secretary of labor, "who CIO warned recently. ^ at high levels, unlimited Immigra­ "The labor movement, alone has the data ana expertise tion would be a disservice to Mrs. Esther Peterson, whose heritage is intricately everyone — Including the Immi­ to make such determinations." Legislative Director An­ adviser, and Federal Power Commission interwoven with that of immigrant drew J. Biemiller expressed Chairman Joseph grants. The criteria according to C. Swldler also forebears and immigrant brethren, can most heartily endorse his pro­ posal to terminate this manifestly unjust and discriminatory system," Biemiller declared. Two Views which Immigration Is limited must of course be neither arbitrary nor discriminatory. We should apply only such limitations as our legiti­ mate Interests demand, but limits are necessary." Biemiller noted that the Ad­ ministration amendments In­ clude a prosposed preference classification for persons "ca­ pable of filling particular la­ bor shortages." He expressed the AFL-CIO's agreement that "such a preference is proper," but maintained the legislation should spell out a requirement that such job shortages be permanent and not temporary or seasonal. In all Instances where a deter­ mination has to be made of a shortage of skill needs or labor, he said, the "ultimate responsibili­ ty and authority" should be vested Biemiller emphasized this posi­ tion In discussing amendments dealing wtlh the temporary admis­ sion of Immigrant aliens to per­ form "temporary services or labor," with special reference to aotors. No Braceros He restated the AFL-CIO posi­ tion that the temporary importa­ tion of foreign farm workers be "absolutely" prohibited and de­ clared AFL-CIO members are will­ ing to pay higher prices for farm commodities if they are necessary to assure fair wages for field and processing workers. "The provisions (of this bill) are not hasty, unstudied or Ill-consid­ ered," he concluded. "On the con­ trary, they have long been advo­ cated by men of good will? The need for them has long been recognized. They are long over­ due." Americans regard themselves as "warm-hearted" and "hospitable," he observed, but added that "often we are not thought of in this light overseas." "This is largely because the national origins quota system conveys abroad an impression of ethnic meanness and racial bigotry," he explained. "As a people we place a high value on principle and integrity of purpose, but there can be no integrity in the advocacy of high principle and the advo­ cacy of low prejudice." The bill would raise the total number of immigrants to be ad­ mitted under a new pooled quota system 158,000 to 165,000 a year. Biemiller maintained the nation can accept "many more," and urged that a study be undertaken to determine how many can be ad­ mitted without "adversely affect­ ing employment or the general By SIDNEY economy." Responsibility "The AFL-CIO is, of course, What this column iigs been warning about for some mindful of Its responsibilities not time—that rising supermarket profit margins are only to our members but to all pushing up food prices—now has been demonstrated those who work for a living," he by the Federal Trade Commission in testimony be­ said. "While employment remains fore the National Commission on Food Marketing. Knowledge of these revelations can help you defend your family against excessive payments for food, especially in the current period of rising prices. These facts contradict the U.S. Department of Agriculture's persistent campaign claiming "food is a bargain," because, among other reasons asserted by Agriculture Secretary Freeman, "food marketing, from the farm to the city supermarket, has grown in Like rub-a-dub-dub, U.S. sub­ efficiency." mariners may someday be escap­ The comprehensive testimony by Willard Mueller, ing from disabled submarines two Director, FTC Bureau of Economics, shows that in men In a tub—the tub being two truth, supermarkets now are taking an increasing aluminum hemispheres 36 inches percentage of the consumer's food dollar, while the In diameter which fit together consumer is having to pay more, and farmers are tightly to form a spherical capsule getting a smaller percentage. of great strength. Here ai e the facts affecting your pocketbook: Back Right now, should a deep-diving in 1947-52, supermarkets had reached their best effi­ submarine become disabled, the ciency and were taking, in case of three large food survival chances of the men aboard chains, only 15 cents of the dollar you pay for food. are almost zero. But two New York Thereafter, the "margin" taken by these chains mechanical engineers think they began a steady rise, reaching 20.6 cents in 1963. This is an increase of 37 per cent in their share of your have come up with the answer. food dollar, and a leading factor in today's higher The halves of the spheres fit to­ gether and can be stacked aboard prices. Another survey, based on figures from both large a sub In sufficient numbers to af­ ford a means of escape for the and small chains, shows an increase from 18.1 per entire crew. Should an emergency cent in 1955 to 22.2 per cent in '63. arise requiring an "abandon ship" The curious aspect, directly affecting you, is that order, here's what would happen supermarkets really have been riding along on their according to the inventors: public image as low-cost operators. It is true that The crew would file into the the early .supermarkets back in the Depression were sub's escape chamber, and two at cheap. They operated on margins of 10-4 per cent. a time would enter the escape Price competition was vigorous then, Mueller points capsules. The capsules would be out. But now their margins have risen to where sent through a hatch to float they are not only higher than in 1947-52, but even up the surface like ping pong higher than in the small chain stores of the 1920's. Advertising Increase balls in a bathtub. The capsule would be strong enough to pro­ Out of the main reason for the increase in super­ tect the men inside from the market margins, Mueller reports, is an increase in tremendous pressure of the water the stores' cost of advertising, trading stamps and around them. On the surface the giveaways, from about eight-tenths of 1 per cent of submariners would pop the top off sales in 1955, to 2,12 per cent in 1960. In contrast, the capsule and, wearing life pre­ wage costs, often blamed for rising prices, went up servers, await rescue, bobbing less than 1 percentage point. Thus supermarkets' around in the waves In their alumi­ expenditures for advertising and trading stamps in­ creased 157 per cent, while payroll expenditures in­ num tubs. The inventors admit that the creased 9 per cent, with some of this increase attribu­ capsules are yet to be tested with table to extra services. Another important factor in the rise of food prices, men Inside. 'Tests with laboratory Mueller's report shows, is the increase in supermaranimals are scheduled soon. spoke out strongly against the bill. "Too much Is at stake here for silent," Mrs. Peterson wrote Chair­ man Warren G. Magnuson IDWash.) of the Senate Commerce Committee. End of Responsibility Test Case Swldler warned that passage of Biemiller told the Senate Com­ merce Committee that the bill "Is the Holland-Smathers bill "would a test of whether the rights of mean the end of responsible re­ America's electric power con­ gulation of this nation's electric sumers will be respected, and utility systems." The Industry -supported bill whether the welfare of these con­ sumers will be protected." would exempt from federal regulation electric utilities Labor has a direct Interest operating within a single state. In the issue, he said, because Its effect would be to over­ members of AFL-CIO unions turn a 1964 Supreme Court and their families — number­ decision uphoiding the author­ ing some 50 miiiion Americans ity of the Federal Power Com­ — are the nation's "iargest mission to reguiate wholesaie single group of consumers." power saies. President Johnson's consumer Biemiller expressed labor's "serious misgivings" at the alli­ ance of private utilities and state regulatory commissions In support of the bill to curb federal juris­ diction. "Far too often," he warnqd, the slogan of "states' rights" serves MARGOLIUS as a "smokescreen concealing the abdication of states responsibilities to regulate effectively In the in­ ket "occupancy" costs, mainly the rents the big mod­ terests of the consumer public." ern supers have to pay the developers of shopping Bad For Consumer centers, the more-elaborate modern markets, and The private electric power com­ the "over-building" of supermarkets, with resulting panies, Biemiller said, are the excess capacity. But the point Mueller emphasizes Is the role trad­ nation's largest Industry. The Hol­ ing stamps have played In pushing up prices. "Trad­ land-Smathers bill, he charged, ing stamps may prove an effective promotion tech­ would be bad for America's con­ nique for an Individual store because they expand Its sumers of electric power and bad demand," he testified. "But they lose most of their for the general welfare of the effectiveness once a majority of food retailers In an nation." area adopts them. They tend to Increase costs by an He told the Senate commit­ amount nearly equal to the cost of stamps (to the tee that the immediate effect retailer)." of the bin would be to exempt Incidentally, you've been paying out of your own 55 of the nation's 189 biggest electric power producers from pocketbook for all the double stamp offers and game prizes ("Let's Play C-A-S-H") supermarkets FPC regulation—even • though have been "giving away" recently. Mueller finds "each of these 55 companies that such practices especially have raised super­ constitutes an intregral part of an interstate power ex­ market promotion expenses in the past two or three years. change network." The other big electricity wholesalers, he Not only retailers hut grocery manufacturers have "escape federal regulations played a role in pushing up food prices unnecessarily. simply by creating new com­ In their drive to get more shelf space, grocery panies at the state line." manufacturers have created "a proliferation of prod­ ucts, promotion deals, coupons, etc., many of which Loss of regulatory power over ultimately spell higher operating costs for retailers," wholesalers rates, he stressed, Mueller points out. would almost inevitably result in So when the Agriculture Department boasts that high power costs to the consumers American consumers enjoy a great abundance, such as the unregulated giant utility as 262 different brands, varieties and can sizes of systems raise the prices they vegetables found in one supermarket, keep In mind charge to the power-distributing that you pay for this variety whether you need it or companies, the companies which not. retail electric power to con­ One of Mueller's revelations that moderate-Income sumers." families need to know about, is that sometimes a food Biemiller charged that the bill chain may charge more in an area it dominates than would Impose upon state regu­ where it is not a strong competitor. Once a chain has latory commissions a burden which achieved a dominant position, it may charge higher few. If any, are capable of per­ prices in that community, or higher prices in specific forming adequately." stores in the community, or offer fewer "specials." What these facts mean to you when buying food Is that; • Supermarkets emphasizing giveaways such as double stamps and cash prizes for games and other giveaways, tend to have higher operating costs which have to be reflected in their prices. • Supermarkets with expensive fixtures and fancy buildings, and/or giving special services such as "kid­ die korrals," also tend to have higher operating costs. It pays to compare prices in some of the less wellknown supermarkets in the area as well as the domi­ nant one. The chain trying to get a foothold In your area may be competing more energetically on price. The only way to know Is to shop and compare. Trading Stamps Are No Bargain Safer Subs Is Aim Of 'Sub Tubs' l03uiailGE*«ti labor's "strong opposition" to a bill introduced by Florida Sena­ tors Spessard L. Holland and George A. Smathers which would bar the FPC from regulating wholesale power rates In a large segment of the Industry. �Juf U, 19«S SEAPAR^nS Notify Union On LOG Maii Af Seafarers know, copies of each issue of the SEAFARERS LOG are mailed every two weeks to all SIU ships as well as to numerous clubs, bars and other overseas spots where Seafarers congregate ashore. The procedure for mailing the LOG involves calling all SIU steamship companies for the itineraries of their ships. On the basis of the information supplied by the ship oper­ ator, four copies of the LOG, and minutes forms are then air­ mailed to the agent in the next port. Similarly, the seamen's clubs get various quantities of LOGs at every mailing. The LOG is sent to any club when a Seafarer requests it by notifying the LOG office that Seafarers con­ gregate there. As always the Union would like to hear promptly from SIU ships whenever the LOG and ship's mail is not delivered so that the Union can maintain a day-to-day check on the accuracy of its mailing lists. VOLUSIA (Suwannea), April 11 — Chairman, A. Bandheim; Sacratary, A. W. Moralas. Brother E. P. Covert resigned as ship's delegate and was extended a vote of thanks. Brother A. Bendhelm was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. Items of safety were discussed. Repair list submitted including major and minor repairs. CITY OF ALMA (Waterman), May IS — Chairman, Joseph Moody; Sacra­ tary, LeRoy Johnson. All Is running smoothly. All repairs were taken care of. No beefs reported by department delegates. COUNCIL GROVE (Cities Service), April 10—Chairman, J. McKroth; Sec­ retary, W. Smith. Ship's delegate re­ ported that the bosun and his deck to bosun for building deck chairs and awning for crew's recreation room. $36.00 In ship's fund. Discussion about obtaining Ice machine and to have company order same for next voyage. Captain wants to put off painting galley, hospital etc. due to ship going into drydock. ROBIN GRAY (Robin), May 2 — Chairman, Bill Nuckols; Secretary, Owen McCabe. $18.14 In ship's fund. No beefs' reported by department delegates. Discussion on hazardous conditions aft at #3 and #4 hatches. No catwalk for #4 hatch. DUVAL (Suwannee), March 28 — Chairman, Robert H. High; Secretary, Pete L. triantafillos. Brother Robert H. High was elected to serve as ship's delegate. He reported that everything is going along smoothly. No beefs reported by department delegates. SEATRAIN GEORGIA (Seatrain), May 25—Chairman, Milton Poole; Sec­ retary, Herbert C. Justice. Brother An­ tonio Molls was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Discussion on food. Some disputed OT In engine depart­ ment. department are doing a fine job paint­ ing crew's quarters, passageways, messhall, and repairing door locks. The engine department Is also doing a fine job making many Items needed. The steward department Is- doing a bang-up job serving good food. No beefs reported by department dele­ gates. COUNCIL GROVE (Cities Service Oil Co.), May IB—Chairman, Scatty; Sec­ retary, Owens. One man left ship in Sicily. No beefs reported by depart­ ment delegates. Vote of thanks to the ahlp's delegate. ROBIN GOODFELLOW (Robin Lines), May 17 — Chairman, Averili Bearden; Secretary, Eugene Conrad. Chief engineer requested crewmembers to conserve fresh water as much •s possible. $26.50 In ship's fund. Some disputed OT In each depart­ ment. Special vote of thanks to the steward department, especially to the baker. Brother Harry Souther, whose efforts have l>een outstanding and appreciated by all hands. Patrolman to be contacted at payoff regarding the cleaning of certain passageways that are now being cleaned by the saloon pantryman and messman. ALCOA MASTER (Alcoa), March 21— Chairman, H. R. Hallman; Secretary, R. Anderson. No beefs reported. Brother H. R. Hallman was re-elected to serve as ship's delegate. Discus­ sion on food. Discussion on keeping natives out of house in foreign ports. Discussion on cleaning laundry and library rooms. ALCOA MASTER (Alcoa), May 23— Chairman, John Camtrelt; Secretary, S. F. Manard. No beefs reported by department delegates. Motion made to keep unauthorized personnel out of galley. Slop chest to be restored at Singapore. WILD RANGER (Waterman), May 18 —Chairman, H. Connolly; Secretary, B. Eriingcr. Vote of thanks extendM SACRAMENTO (Oriental Exporters), May 16—Chairman, G. Bozec; Secre­ tary, B. McNally. Ship's delegate re­ ported that everything is running smoothly. Brother Robert Kennedy was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. Crew would like to hear about the new contract. Vote of thanks to the steward department and and to the 4-8 watch for helping to clean up the messroom. PUERTO RICO (Motorships), May 28 —Chairman, A. Romero; Secretary A. Aragones. Beef between carpenter and chief mate to be brought to at­ tention of patrolman. One man missed ship at Port Newark. SEATRAIN NEW JERSEY (Seatrain), May 27—Chairman, E. Jimenez; Sec­ retary, R. Iglesias. Brother L. W. Rob­ erts was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Few hours disputed OT In deck department. Vote of thanks to the steward department. ERNA ELIZABETH (Albatross), May 15—Chairman, Michael Fritch; Secre­ tary, Gustav Lueth. Discussion on re­ tirement plan. No beefs reported by department delegates. OCEAN ULLA (Maritime Overseas), May 30—Chairman, D. L. Parker; Sec­ retary, J. H. Nelson. Ship's delegate reported that all is well. Little dis­ puted OT in deck department to be settled by patrolman. Vote of thanks to the steward department. CONSTITUTION (Pringle), April 6— Chairman, Adolph Lange; Secretary, Michael Danko. Crew agreed to start a ship's fund by donating $25 per man per month. Nothing else reported. OVERSEAS JOYCE (Maritime Overeas), May (" seas). 16 — Chairman, John H. ey; Sec McElrey; Secretary, W. McGraw. DIsputed OT to be settled by patrolman. Claim for compensation for no heat or hot water at Hoboken shipyard and at Rotterdam also to be settled by patrolman. Engine room head and showers need painting. A rousing vote of thanks to the steward department and galley force in particular for ex­ cellent food. r E Another long hot summer lies ahead for Seafarers. The sun is just a little bit hotter and brighter than it was a couple of weeks ago, while the mercury continues to climb to new heights. Iced drinks at coffee break time and light hot-weather menus are making their an­ nual appearance. Sleeping is a common sight on deck in Long Lines' galley have done a this minute," says delegate D. L. the evening, and foc'sle fans wonderful job of preparing and Parker. "And with a crew of redare getting a good workout. Aboard the Steel Flyer (Isthmian) Ship's Delegate Arthur Lindsey (L-575) reports that the crew has put in a re­ quest for addi­ tional quantities of ice to be served at meal­ times. "Ice is the ... surest way I Lindsey know to beat the heat," Lindsey says. "Whether you put it in drinks, suck on it or Just look at it, ice is bound to have a cooling effect." J. W. Craft, sailing as ship's delegate aboard the Beloit Victory (Maritime Carriers), couldn't agree more. "In fact," says Brother Craft, "the crew has asked that their ice box be moved into the mess hall for the hot season." Aboard the Santa Emilia (Lib­ erty and Navy Trading Company), the sun is more of a problem than the heat. So, naturally, the crew has requested that an awning be installed aft. Says ship's delegate Michael F. Curry, "an awning will provide the necessary shade for the men who have to work topside under the blazing sun. Sort of like a giant beach umbrella." 3^ 4» 4" The crew sailing aboard the Manhattan (Hudson Waterways) extends a vote of thanks to SIU r e p r esentatives for their prompt and efficient im­ plementation of the repair list submitted at last pay-off. "The efflciency, dedica­ tion and concern Coots of our Union representatives is a matter of pride to all SIU Brothers," says ship's delegate Ira K. Coats. "There's nothing like knowing that the Union stands behind you. With the SIU, Seafarers sail with confidence and security." 4 4. t Roy L. (Lucky) Fritctaett, dele­ gate aboard the Halcyon Panther (Halcyon SS Company) sends on the crew's vote of thanks to the ele(^tricians for operating the movie projector. "Sa^'.:rday night at the fliclra is a pleasure now that we have real pros running the projectors," declares Brother Pritchett. l" 4" 4" The crew aboard the Long Lines (Isthmain) want it known that the steward department who mans the HeHS ARB 6lO\ISS 0/iB ftPfi tbd-AMD )Alg BOP- Pt! H' rage Nincteea too serving the excellent shipboard menus. According to ship's dele­ gate William Jones absolute clean­ liness was noted and commended in the galley at all times during the voyage. Not only was the steward department awarded an all hands vote of thanks, but they received a full round of applause from all members of the crew dur­ ing the ship's meeting. i 4 t According to ship's delegate J. Me­ Kreth the A-1 crew sailing the Coun­ cil Grove (Cities Service) is enjoy­ ing a line voyage. "The boatswain and his deck de­ partment are ter­ rific," announces Brother Me­ Kreth. "They are doing a fine SIU job painting MeKreth crew's quarters, passageways and the messhall. Ditto on the job they've done repairing doorlocks. The Engine department is also contributing its share of fine repair work as well as con­ structing many needed items for the crew. As for the steward de­ partment, they came in for a vote of thanks for the bang up manner in which they have been serving food in the SIU tradition. One sad note," concludes Brother McKreth, "a collection has been taken up for the fireman who had to leave the ship due to his wife's illness." 41 4" 4' Herbert Knowles, delegate aboard the Del Santos (Delta Lines) reports that a letter of thanks was sent to the SS Hope for the hospitality extended to the Del Santos crew during a stayover in Conkary. "As West Africa runs go, this was a good one," says Brother Knowles. "The weather was fine. The only real hot weather we ran into was in Abidjan. Brother Llbby, our deck maintenance, was on his second straight trip over. He was kept real busy in Monrovia visiting old friends. But twice is enough for Brother Llbby and after this trip he'll be looking for another run." 4) 3> 3> Wives, fiancees and sweethearts of Seafarers sailing aboard the SS Ocean Ulla (Maritime Over­ seas) are all smiles since receiving the news that the crew has voted to consider taking up a small vol­ untary collection the proceeds of _ , which will go toPorker ward paying for future phone calls. "Girls all over the world are probably waiting anxiously by their phones right blooded Seafarers like this one, you can't blame them." 4) 4i 4" 4 4' 4. 4 4 4 4 4 Delegate Averili Bearden, sail­ ing aboard the Robin Goodfellow (Robin Lines), passes along the crew's special vote of thanks to the entire steward department. "Even among this outstanding gal­ ley crew," reports Brother Bear­ den, "the efforts of the baker shone like a beacon light. His pastries were so light and fluffy that to keep them from floating off the plates they had to be ballasted with raisins, fruits and nuts." Thanks to the efforts of the captain and chief mate aboard the Coe Victory (Vic­ tory _ Carriers), the familiar sounds of nightly tv are circulating throughout the ship, as Seafarers settle back to enjoy their favor­ ite video pro­ grams. "S h i pBrown board entertain­ ment is a must," says delegate Daniel Browning (B-262). "The entire crew wishes to extend a heartfelt vote of thanks to the captain and chief mate for in­ stalling a tv set aboard the ship in the port of Chicago." Summer is steaming up the atmosphere in the waters sailed by the SS McKee Sons (Amersand Steamship). According to delegate Bob Mahon, the boys are asking for additional porthole fans and screens. "It's not much different from shoreside"' preparations for the hot weather," he says. Delegate Leon Striler reports that the boys are glad to see that helmsman Alibi Mike from Marine City is back on the job aboard the Henry Steinbrenner (Kinsman Transit.) "With old Alibi at the wheel," says Brother Striler, "the Henry S. stays right on course. Mike has a built in compass that hones in on the destination while he's working and points straight to the messhall when he's off. In fact Alibi hasn't missed a single meal or coffee break yet. His record remains, as always, unmarred," says Brother Striler. [ HOVJZAecUL BS; 4) Seafarers aboard the Pilot Rock (Columbia) extended a hearty vote of thanks to the captain and li­ censed officers for the prompt and efficient attention given to the fireman who was hospitalized in Port Suez. "Also," reports dele­ gate George Brady, "everybody is getting fat and cheerful thanks to the service of steward Henry L. Durham and the excellent meals prepared by chief cook Nolon, third cook H. C. Burnseed, and baker G. Luke. A BALl-t '~^ou iiasTsoirA AmB ir-auen BOP us... �Pagra Twenty SEAFARERS Barber's Paradise Seafarer Proves His Vote Counts Retired Seafarer Bud Knuckey urges that all fellow SIU members take a more active roll in the political struggles that concern them, both as union men and individual citizens "Direct participation," says the many legislative proposals be Brother Knuckey in a recent fore congress thai vitally effect letter to the LOG, "gets re­ the welfare of Seafarers every­ Action In the marketplace offers a method for trade unionists to as­ sist each other in their campaign for decent wages and better con­ ditions. Seafarers and tfieir families are urged to support a consumer boy­ cott by trade unionists against various companies whose products are produ"~'l under non-union conditions, or which are "unfair to labor." (This listing carries the name of the AFL-CIO unions in­ volved, and will be amended from time to time.) "Lee" brand tires (United Rubber, Cork, Linoleum & Plastic Workers) t) ii) t> Eastern Alt Lines (Flight Engineers) sults. Political office-holders are where. There are many others elected officials, and as such are such as the move to repeal the always sensitive to the expressed infamous 'open shop' clause of the Taft-Hartley Bill—section 14b. feelings of their constituents." "Let your congressman know "Recentiy," he continues, "I read of proposed legislation to where you stand on these issues. discontinue the USPHS hospitals. Let hith know that they are a I immediately got off a hot line matter of vital concern to you. to my Congressman, Bill Crarher, Tell him that not only your wellv/ho although a republican, seems being— but your vote — depends to take a reasonable approach to upon them. You'll be surprised how much weight your voice car­ such matters. ries. "Representative Cramer re­ "Seafarers must take advantage sponded right awa.v. He informed J" 4- 4» of the baliot to press for political me that there is legislation in the U. I. Siegel answers to their needs," Knucky hopper—the H.R. 7268 Bill—de­ "HIS" brand men's clothes signed to amend the Merchant Ma­ said. "They must also avail them­ (Amalgamated Clothing Workers) selves of every line of communi­ rine Act of 1936 in order to pro­ t i i tect and promote the health of cations open to those who repre­ seamen on U.S. vessels. He prom­ sent them in the Congress. Our Sears, Roebuck Company ised to give the matter his careful problems, especially those in the Retail stores & products maritime Industry, are not insolu­ consideration. (Retail Clerks) ble. Remember, the government "Congressman Cramer assured is elected by the people to serve me that when the bill is presented the people. To raise our standards Stltzel-Weller Distilleries in the House, my views 'will be of living, we have to raise issues "Old Fitzgerald." "Old Elk" carefully borne in mind.' "Cabin Still," "W. L. Weller" by raising our voices," he con­ Bourbon whiskeys "Bill H.R. 7268 is only one of cluded. (Distillery Workers) 4" LOG-A-RHYTHM: The Messenger By The Sea By Roy Lee Hinson While leaning against a battle ship, A messenger VMS sent to give a tip. He said, don't be so down and) out young man Your prayer was given into the masters hand. He loves you much and your prayer he heard. When you prayed according to his word, A man in England bearing thy same name. Whom people tried to calm and tame. " His spirits broke down, his body did too. His enemies said, the old boy is through. He was treated just like Thee, Misrepresented until the people could) not see. 4" 4" J. R. Simplot Potato Co. Frozen potato products (Grain Millers) 4" 4' 4" Kingsport Press "World Book," "Childcraft" (Printing Pressmen) (Typographers, Bookbinders) (Machinists, Stereotypers) 4i 4- 4» Jamestown Sterling Corp. Southern Furniture Mfg. Co. Furniture and Bedding (United Furniture Workers) What's Cooking? Seafarers J. (Blackie) Connors, C. H. Mohulehuo and L. Bortielt (l-r) smile through their foliage as Seafarer Alfredo Del Valle zeroes in with the camera. The deck department trio has gotten so used to the beards that they grew on the Transindia's last voyage that they say they'll feel naked once the barber gets a shot at them. DEL MUNDO (Delta), May 18 — Chairman, Thomas 0. Deale; Secre­ tary, Edmond P. Sahuque. Captain thanked all crewmembers for main­ taining an accident-free record. Ves­ sel is now in- its second year of accident-free safety record. Vote of thanks was given to all delegates for a job well done, and to all Union brothers for their cooperation in mak­ ing the voyage a pleasant one. Vote of thanks to the steward department for an exceptionally good job. Motion made that bosun and ship's delegate contact company boarding officers about getting step ladders for the deck department. SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatrain), May 18-^Chairman, R. Blanchard; Secretary, V. Corlis. $29.70 in ship's fund. Patrolman to be contacted re­ garding repairs and some disputed OT. Request that he obtain Seatrain agreement. Otherwise everything is running smoothly. The tales kept rolling around and about. Until the King sent out his faithful scout. He said find out all about the matter. Bring the tales and his story together. HENNEPIN (Redland), May 28 — Chairman, Ben Sprague; Secretary, J. Siedlecki. $7.00 in ship's fund. No beefs reported. Discussion on various procedures. It was suggested that a patrolman visit the ship at reasonable intervals. He sent for the tired and worn out scolder. He said file the reports in a brand new folder. He sent for the man tired and battle scarred. Whom people long ago from fellowship had barred. FLORIDIAN (South Atlantic-Carib­ bean), May 30—Chairman, W. Banks; Secretary, A. Kastenhuber. Discussion held regarding SIU Pension Plan. All agreed that the age requirement should be lowered. Brother Waldo Banks was re-elected ship's delegate. His strength was renewed in old age to such. While enemies who lived were all in dutch. His enemies were punished for taking a chance. To harm one that was given a golden olive branch. So cheer up old boy, don't be so sad. What the King did for him, the Lord will do for any lad. Worship the Lord God and serve no other. What he did for him, he will do for another. June 25, 196S LOG Chief cook Ted Aldridge was caught stirring things up on the Bienville (SeaLand) by engine room shutterbug John J. Reidl. What the camera couldn't cap­ ture, however, was the heavenly aroma and out-ofthis-world flavor of the chow. Shorthanded? If a crewmember quits while a ship is in port, delegates are asked to contact the hall immediately for a replace­ ment. Fast action on their part will keep all jobs aboard ship filled at all times and elimi­ nate the chance of the ship sailing shorthanded. DETROIT (Sea-Land), May 30 — Chairman, R. Hunt; Secretary, Tom Scardelis. No beefs reported by de­ partment delegates. Some disputed OT in steward department. Brother H. Sojak was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Few suggestions made regarding food. PONCE (Sea-Land) ,May 22—Chair­ man, John Roberts; Secretary, Ste­ phen Fulford. Brother Stephen was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Department delegates reported that everything is running smoothly. Ship's delegate held general discus­ sion. DEL AIRES (Delta), May 30—Chair­ man, Bobby Williams; Secretary, C. W. Johnson. No beets reported by department delegates. Everything is running smoothly. Some disputed OT in deck and engine departments. OCEANIC TIDE (Trans World Ma­ rine), May 31—Chairman, John R. Tilley; Secretary, W. Levitt. Every­ thing is running smoothly. No beefs reported by department delegates. CITIES SERVICE NORFOLK (Cities Service), May 30—Chairman, William Morris, Jr.; Secretary, A. Bryant. Brother E. Dougett resigned as ship's delegate and crew extended a vote of thanks for a job well done. Broth­ er Kirk Anderson was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. No beefs were reported by department delegates. MARORE (Venore Transportation), June 8—Chairman, John Thompson; Secretary, Walter Walsh. Some dis­ puted OT to be turned over to board­ ing patrolman. Repair list was turned over to chief mate and chief engineer. Most of the repairs have been completed. FAIRLAND (Sea-Land Service), May 27—Chairman, Philip F. Erok; Secre­ tary, Philip F. Erok. Discussion held on various subjects. Several resolu­ tions were submitted. $2 in ship's fund. "• DEL SUD (Delta), June 12—Chair­ man, J. Tucker; Secretary, H. Crane. No beefs were reported by depart­ ment delegates. $74.26 in ship's fund. $88.04 in movie fund. SEAMAR (Calmar), June 11—Chairman, Robert K. Holt; Secretary, George Litchfield. No beefs reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks extended to the steward de­ partment. PENN VANGUARD (Penn Shipping), June 8—Chairman, F. D. Zellner; Sec­ retary, James Krebser. Some dis­ puted OT to be taken up with board­ ing patrolman. -Motion made that ship be fumigated, and jury toilets installed before next sign on. Vote of thanks to the steward department for good performance. Crew's lock­ ers to be replaced. No launch serv­ ice in India. SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatrain), June 6—Chairman, Tex Jacks; Secre­ tary, V. Corlis. Brother B. Blanchard resigned as ship's delegate but was re-elected. $32 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT in deck department. OCEAN ULLA (Maritime Overseas), May 30—Chairman, 0. L. Parker; Sec­ retary, James M. Nelson. Ship's dele­ gate reported that all is well. Every­ thing is running smoothly. Little dis­ puted OT to be taken up with board­ ing patrolman. Vote of thanks ex­ tended to the steward department. �7 f ! BA ' 'f, V JVM Uk ItM SEAFARERS Grateful For Sill Scholarship I would like to take this o.pportunity to express my thanks to the Seafarers Union which has made possi}>le the wonder­ ful $6,000 scholarship which my daughter Linda has recent­ ly been awarded. The honor and sense of pride that accom­ pany such an award are tremendous. The scholarship, lifting such a great part of the financial burden of sending a ber, one so steadfast In endur­ ing extreme pain, long and excruciating medical treat­ ment, a man who faced every day with the fine toughness with which my brother did during the three years of his illness. His , amazing courage was deeply touching to me. Once again, thank you all. Yours sincerely, Sarah Gallaspy Henton 4> 4> Appreciate Aid In Time Of Need To the Editor: I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to the Union representatives for their assistance in transferring my husband from St. Margaret's All > letters to the Editor for Hospital in Hammond, Indiana publication in the SEAFARERS to the USPHS Hospital in Chi­ LOG must be signed by the cago. The Public Health Serv­ writer. Names will be withheld ice transferred my husband so upon request. that he could receive extended treatment at the Baltimore Public Health Service Hospital. daughter through college, is a benefit for which I shall be I want to thank the union for eternally grateful to the Sea­ the kindness shown to me. I also appreciate the Christ­ farers Union. mas bonus that my husband re­ With a family of five chil­ dren—all of school age—I ceived, and the S&A benefits don't have to convince anyone that I received each week and of the enormous help the which permitted me to accom­ scholarship will provide to our pany my husband to Baltimore family. In fact, even as I and remain with him there. A write, the realization of how special thank-you to all the. un­ many times a family with five- ion representatives who helped children utilizes benefits of the me with my personal problems. Sincerely yours, welfare plan and clinic is Mrs. Elmer Koch brought home to me. Once again, I wish to express 4» 4" J" my sincere thanks to everyone connected with the fine SIU scholarship program. Sincerely, yours, The day I received a letter Arthur Schwarmann from our Port Agent stating 4- • i 1. that my pension had been ap­ proved by the Welfare Board and that my first check was waiting for me at the Union I want all to know how Hall was the happiest day of grateful I am to the Seafarer's my life. Welfare Fund for the check Another example of what the sent to me as the beneficiary Union has meant to me is the of my brother, Eugene Carleaid the SIU extended to my ton Gallaspy. The Union's expression of wife when she was so ill that sympathy was deeply appre­ she required a serious opera­ ciated. Losing my good brother tion. The Union stepped in to was a hard blow for me. So help pay the medical bills and, few of my family are left now. 1 can assure you, it was quite I doubt that the Seafarers have a hefty sum. Fraternally yours, ever had a more manly mem­ Charles Goldstein Pensioner Lauds Welfare Plan Thanks Union For Help ROBIN GOODFELLOW (Robin Line), March 27—Chairman, Artimo Vasquez; Secretary, Eugene Conrad. Request made that each crewmember make a donation of 50 cents to build up the ship's fund. Amount on hand from previous voyage is $6.50. No beefs reported by department dele­ gates. Brother Artimo Vasquez was re-elected to serve as ship's dele­ gate. STEEL EXECUTIVE (Isthmian), June 6—Chairman, B. Gary; Secretary, R. Hutchins. $22.50 in ship's fund. No beefs reported by department dele­ gates. 't :i- 'i M'. MANHATTAN (Hudson Waterways), June 3—Chairman, Sam McDonald; Secroetary, I. K. CoaU. Letter was sent to headquarters regarding meal and port time clarifications. Ship's delegate to speak to captain about shore repair gang working in and around crew's quarters. Vote of thanks to the steward department. THE CABINS (Texas City Refining), May 9—Chairman, T. James; Secre­ tary, H. C. Mccurdy. Brother T. James was elected to serve as ship's delegate. One man missed ship. Entire crew pulling together. No beefs were reported. y-. Pace Tircnty-4l>iM LOG f-.'i Seafarer Woody Dickson has found an oriental paradise—complete with full jugs of wine, cheap loaves of bread, and a lovely lady or two. Where is this port of pleasure? Ac­ cording to Brother Dickson, you don't have to go any further than a little bit of heaven in South Korea called Pusan. "All the boys off the Sacra­ "Every Seafarer ought to try a der these new and happier cir­ sulpher bath at least once," ex­ cumstances. No kidding, it's real­ mento agree that Pusan is claims Brother Dickson. Like the ly terrific." well on its way to becoming the biggest and best port in the en­ tire Far East," declares Brother Dickson, who sails SIU in the steward department. "And believe me, we know what we're talking about. After being here for three weeks, I can honestly say that we've experienced only satisfac­ tion and hospitality. The Korean people are among the friendliest and most hospitable in the world. And, boy oh boy," be adds, "they sure know how to live." Bathing Beauties Among the heavenly pleasures available on this once war-torn peninsula, the Saturday - night bath ranks high. Bathing in South Korea is an experience all its own, quite different from an ordinary bout with soap and suds in the States. In the first place, it's automated—that is to say, the bather doesn't have to do any of the woirk. But this is automation with a difference! While the tired Seafarer leans back in the tub and relaxes, a lovely young Ko­ rean maiden soaps him up, scrubs him down and rinses him off—and all at no extra charge.~ Wow!" says Brother Dickson. 1 mean, wow." If you get bored with this kind of service, or if you just plain want to be alone, Pusan offers a large variety of sulpher baths. The water is specially pumped into each tub from a unique sys­ tem of sulphur pits and springs. well-known tv ad says: for the A Little Bit Of Eire first time in your life, you feel The Sacramento has brought a really clean. little bit of Eire to the South Ko­ "Of course," he pauses thought­ rean shores, and it is rumored fully, "most of the men seem to that on certain sultry evenings prefer the regular baths. I guess oriental perfumes and old eastern it's the service," he adds with a melodies are heard to mingle softly with the faint tenor strains grin. In either case, a session at the of "Danny Boy" and "Brennan bath house costs 260 Wan and in­ on the Moor." "Yes, with the Sacramento in cludes a fine, private hotel room. port, the Irish are well represent­ Liquoir A Bargain ed here," Brother Dickson says. Prices are amazingly cheap Prominent among us is the ship throughout the port. For exam­ senator, RFK — Robert F. (Slackple, Korean whiskey is 70c-a-quart Away) Kennedy. Also wearing the green in proud Irish fashion are and Vodka runs $l-a-jug.. Joe Haggerty, Barney McNully, "The liquor in Pusan is A-O.K.," Ed Garretty, Alex Mcllheney, M. announces Brother Dickson. "Ko­ (Mr.) Roberts, Bob Coughlin and rean drinks are surprisingly good quite a few other sons of St. Pat­ and you can easily pick up non- rick's Land. With a crew like this, native brands if you prefer them." we could have won the Irish War Night Life of Independence single-handedly." The Irish-American Seafarers The Seafarer out for a good time has no problem in Pusan. Nightlife and entertainment abound — and, once again, the price is right. The USA. NCO Service Club, open to Seafarers, provides a warm American wel­ come to the. boys off ship. The club features a 10-piece band and a menu on which no item costs more than 25c. From 7 p.m. till 11 p.m. on Monday nights, every­ thing goes for the astoundingly low price of one thin dime. "The NCO club is great," says Brother Dickson. "Everyone there is as friendly and helpful as can be. The place really swings and they don't try to knock the bottom and South Korean citizens are get­ out of your billfold. It's an abso­ ting along famously. lute must in Pusan." "Some of these Korean lads Ravages Of War must have kissed the Blarney Pusan, like so much of South Stone," ventures Brother Dickson. Korea, has expended heroic stores According to Brother Dickson, of energy and effort rebuilding whether you're Irish or not, if after the ravages of the war that you're a Seafarer you'll love Pu­ swept the country in the early san. Fifties. "So com'on down," he con­ "A lot of the boys who served cludes with a laugh and a wave during the Korean Conflict will of the arm. remember Pusan," says BroRier A long-time member of the Dickson. I can only suggest that SIU, Dickson sails as a cook in they return for another visit un­ the steward department. Mourning For Shipmate iiiiP ®lili PANOCEANIC FAITH (Pan Oceanic Tankers), May' 25—Chairman, Kenfieth Collins; Secretary, Kenneth Col­ lins. Brother Lowderback was elect­ ed to serve as new ship's delegate. All repairs and paint jobs will be done as soon as possible. Every­ thing is running smoothly. PETER REISS (Reiss), May 23 — Chairman, William Gorshoff; Secre­ tary, Michael Aemagost. It was sug­ gested that each crewmember do­ nate 25 cents to ship's fund. New contract should specify routine duties more clearly. The crew expressed their thanks to a great galley crew. COE VICTORY (Victory Carriers), June 6—Chairman, - Alonzo Bettis; Secretary, Bertrand Wright. No beefs reported' by department delegates. Vote of thanks to the captain and LOSMAR (Calmar), May 28—Chair­ the chief mate for getting TV sets man, Benjamin Mignano; Secretary, aboard in Chicago. Vote of thanks to 'Benjamin Mignano. No beefs report­ the steward department. ed by department delegates. Vote of thanks to the steward department for McKEE SONS (Amersand), May 14 a job we!! done. —Chairman, Bob Mahon; Secretary, COMMANDER (Marine Carriers), R. Preston. Crew desire information on raise in wages and new contract. May 30—Chairman, L. Karaluns; Sec­ retary, T. Drzewicki. $6.05 in ship's Crewmembers agreed to donate 25 fund. No beefs reported by depart­ cents each month to ship's fund. ment delegates. Motion made to see why crew can't have a reliefISHPEMIN6 (Buckeye), May 24— crew when these coal boats hit tha Chairman, Joe Vogelheimt Secretary, dock. Most men don't get a chance Cliff Hentges. No beefs reported. to send their money home. Seafarers aboard the Robin Trent mourn the loss of their shipmate Jock Ross, who was buried at sea in accordance with his last wishes. "I have spent most of my life at sea," he said, "and I wish to remain a part of it." The funeral service was read by the Master, F. J> Lanso, who recited the 23rd Psalm. �3MAF'AHEH8 PMge Twenty-Twm JOB* S5, 1061 LOO sxcr AllltXVAZ.S and UNION KALLS All of the following SIU families have received maternity benefits from the Seafarers Welfare Plan, plus a $25 bond from the Union in the baby's namei Tracy Smith, born April 30, 1963, March 4, 1965, to the Ososr Reyto the Hanable Smiths, Mobile, nors, Lafollette, Tenn. Alabama. 4 4 4 t, John Bryant, bom May 9, 1906, Anita Ulrich, bom April IB, to the Marshall D. Bryanft, Duluth, 1965, to the Carl S. Ulrichs, Port Minn. Huron, Texas. 4 4 4 4" 4" 4^ David Landreville, born May 14, Troy Michael Lange, born April 1965, to the Luclan A. Landre5, 1965, to the Milton Langes, vilies, Hessel, Mich. Gretna, La. 4 4 4 4 4 4^ Stanley KazmierskI, born Feb­ Laura Karn, born February 24, 1965, to the William Karns, Honor, ruary 10, 1965, to the Stanley Kazmlerskls, Phlla., Pa. Mich. 1965, to tfae Earnest M. Phillips, Morgan Oity, La. 4 4 4 Annie Zepeda, born November 16, 1964, to the Maurlio Zepedas, Houston, Texas. 4 4 4 4 4 4 Brandon Wright, born April 12, 1965, to the Alfred Wrights, Beau­ mont, Texas. Juan Gonzalei, born January 15, 1965, to the Juan I. Gonzalezs, New Orleans, La. I 4 4 4 4 4 4 Emery Roy Collina, bora March 4 4 4 Bonnie Rachelle Adroin, born 3, 1965, to the Henry Collins, Bemadette Pasuchanlcs, bora March 29, 1965, to the Michael April 2, 1965, to the Sylvan J. Orange, Texas. 4 4 4 Pasuchanlcs, River Rouge, Mich. Ardolns, Pasadena, Texas. Marilyn Kay Talevich* born 4 4 4 4 4 4 Tze Ah Wong, born May 6, 1965, April 23, 1965, to the Leonard Tracy Johnson, born May 2, 1965, to the Lofton Johnsons, New to the Jack Wongs, New York, New Talevichs, Texas City, Texas. 4 4 4 York. Orleans, La. David Michael Lewis, born May 4 4 4 4 4 4 Rolando Garcia, born March 18, 10, 1965, to the Jesse Lewis, NorPatrick and Susan Zyla, born April 7, 1965, to the Richard J. 1965, to the Vlncente Garclas, walk, Calif. 4 4 4 Hitchcock, Texas. Zylas, Glen Burnle, Md. Ronald Sylvester, born March 4 4 4 4 4 4 Teresa Stockman, born March 27, 1965, to the Eddie Sylvester, Theresa Helen Collins, bbrn May 7, 1965, to the Charles F. Collins, 26, 1965, to the Harry L. Stock- Mobile, Ala. mans, Frankfort, Mich. Philadelphia, Pa. 4 4 4 4 4 4 Gary Michael Culien, born June 4 4 4 Earnest Phillips, born May 3, 9, 1964, to the James Cullens, Johnny Thomas Raynor, born Arlington, New Jersey. The deaths of the following Seafarers have been reported to the Seafarers Welfare Plan (any apparent delay in payment of claims is normally due to late filing, lack of beneficiary card or necessary litigation for the disposition of estates): SIU Atlantic, Gulf, LOICM & Inland Waters PRUIDENT Paul HaU •xncurrvB VICE-PRESIDENT Cal Tanner VICB PRESIDENTS Earl Shapard Llndscy WllUania A1 Tanner Robert Mattliawi SSCRErARY-TREASURER A1 Kerr HEADQUARTERS REPRESENTATIVES BlU HaU Ed Mooney Fred Stewart BALTIMORE 1316 E. Baltimore St. Rex Dicker, Afent EAatern 7-4900 BOSTON 177 State St. Ed Riley. Agent Richmond 2-0140 DETROn 10335 W. Jefferaon Ave. VInewood 3-4741 HEADQUARTERS ....678 4th Ave.. Bklyn HYacinth 9-6600 HOUSTON S8U4 Canal St. Paul Drozak, Afent WAlnut 8-3307 JACKSONVILLE. 3608 Pearl St.. SE.. Jax WUUam Morrii. Agent ELgln 3-0987 MIAMI 744 W. Flagler St. Ben Gonzalet. Agent FRanklin 7-3564 MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Louie Neira. Agent HEmlock 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. Buck Stephen!. Agent Tel. 529-7546 NEW YORK 675 4th Ave.. BrookTyn HYacinth 9-6600 NORFOLK 115 3rd St. Gordon Spencer. Acting Agent ..632-1893 PHILADELPHIA 2604 8. 4th St. John Fay. Acting Agent . DEwey 6-3818 SAN FRANCISCO 850 Freemont St. Paul Gonaorchik, Agent ..nOuglae 2-4401 Frank Drozak. West Coast Rep. SANTURCE PR ..1313 Fernandez Juncos Stop 20 Keith Terpe, Hq. Rep Phone 723-8594 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. Ted BahkowsU, Agent MAin 3-4334 Know Your Rights F. C. Taylor, 57: Brother Taylor Joseph F. Czech, 38: Brother Czech succumbed to a liver disease was killed In an accident aboard the Robin Hood on April 30, 1965 on January 19, at his home In 1965. A member Brooklyn, New of the SIU since York. Sailing In 1963, he sailed In the deck depart­ the deck di,'/rtment, he joined ment. He Is sur­ the Union in 1957. vived by his sis­ He was buried in ter Mrs. Rose the St. Mary's Mary Swilling. C a 1 v e r y Ceme­ Place of burial tery, Middletown, Conn. Surviving is his sister Mrs. was Seoul Foreigners' Cemetery, Seoul, Korea. Julia Rasch. 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4. Hertford Bryan Rice, 52: A Hugh Earl Boyle, 63: Brother Boyle succumbed to sleeping sick­ brain hemorrhage proved fatal to Brother Rice in ness April 9, 1965 the Norfolk in Rural ChareUSPHS Hospital, V 0 i X, Michigan. on April 17, A member of the 1965. A member steward depart­ of the union since ment, ho joined 1957, he sailed the Union in 1960. In the deck de­ He was burled In partment. He is in Detroit, Michi­ survived by his gan . Surviving Is wife B e r n i c e his nephew Dan­ Marie. Place of burial was War­ iel J. Greene. den Grove Cemetery, Lowland, 4 4 4 North Carolina. Michael E. Pappadakis, 68: Brain 4 4 4 Franklin Hazel St. Mary, 57: Injury proved fatal to Brother Pap­ Brother St. Mary succumbed to a padakis on May heart attack Feb. 4, 1965 at his 12, 1965 at the home In New Or­ Bandar Shahleans. A member pour Quarantine of the steward deHospital, Iran, partment, ha He sailed as an joined the Union FWT in the en­ Is 1941. He was gine department, buried in St. joining the union Louis #3 Ceme­ In 1947. He was tery, New Or­ leans, La. Surviving is his sister burled in Pensacola, Florida. Surviving is Irene Casslerl, sister Mrs. Rosa Gearhold. 4 4 Frederick Wrafter, 60: Brother John E. Ross, 53: Brother Ross Wrafter died of natural causes May died of pneumonia April 13, 1965 13, 1965 at the in the Chicago Staten Island USPHS Hospi­ USPHS Hospital. tal. A member A member of the of tbtt union Union since 1955, since 1943, he he sailed in the sailed as a steward >d e p a r t bosun. He Is sur­ ment. He is sur­ vived by his vived by his sis­ nephew Ronald ter Margaret M. Agulnick. Wrafter. Place of Place of burial burial was St. Charles Cemetery, was Forest Hills Cemetery, Bos­ ton, Mass. Pinelawn, N.Y. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution ot the SIU Atlantic. Gulf, Lakee and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed CPA audit every three months by a rank and file auditing committee elected by the membership. All Union records are avaUabla -at SIU headquarters in Brooklyn. TRUST FUNDS, AU trust funds of the SIU Atlantic. Gull, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees In charge of these funds shall consist equally of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. AU trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPINO RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the shipowners. Get to know your shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and avail­ able in aU Union haUs. If you feel there haa been any violation of your shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the Union and the shipowners, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified maU, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Earl Shepard, Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board 17 Battery Place. Suito 1930, New York 4. N.Y. Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to you at all tlmei, either by writing directly to the Union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of aU SIU contracts are available In aU SIU haUs. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which you work and live aboard ship. Know your contract rights, as weU as your obligations, such as filing for OT on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU patrolman or other Union oSlelal, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract rights properly, contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY—SEAFARERS LOG. The LOG haa traditionally refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the Union, officer or member. It has also refrained from pub­ lishing articles deemed harmful to the Union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September, 1060, meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the Executive Board of the Union. The Executive Board may delegate, from among its ranks, one Individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OP MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone In any official capacity In the SIU unless an official Union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstance should any member pay any money for. any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and It given an official receipt, but feels that he should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The SIU publishes every six months in the SEAFARERS LOG a verbatim copy of its constitu­ tion. In addition, copies are available in all Union halls. All members should obtain copies ef this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time you feel any member or officer is attempting to deprive you of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials, etc.. as well as all other details, then the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. RETIRED SEAFARERS. Old-time SIU members drawing disability-pension benefits have always been encouraged to continue their union activities. Including attendance at membership meetings. And like all other SIU mem­ bers at these Union meetings, they are encouraged to take an active role in all rank-and-Sle functions, including service on rank-and-file committees. Because ihese oldtimers cannot take shipboard employment, the membership has reaffirmed the long-standing Union policy ot allowing them to retain their good standing through the waiving of their dues. EQUAL RIGHTS. AU Seafarers are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in tho contracts which the Union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no Seafarer may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied the equal rights to which he is entitled, he should notify beadquarttrs. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIONS. One of the basic rights of Seafarers is the right to pursue legislative and political objectives which wiU serve the best Interests ot themselves, their families and their Union. To achieve these objectives, the Seafarers Political Activity Donation was established. Donations to SPAD are entirely voluntary and ccnst'.'ivf" the, funds through which legislative and political activities are conducted for the benefit of the membership and the Union. If at any time a Seafarer feels that any ot the above rights have been violated, or that he has been denied his constitutional right ot accest to Union records or Information, he should Immediately notify SIU President Paul Hall at headquartara by certified mall, return receipt requested. TAMPA StI Harrison St Jeff GiUette, Agent 339-2788 WILMINGTON, CaUf 806 N. Marine Ave. Frank Boyne. Agent ... .TXrminal 4-2536 Great Lakes SECRETARY-TREASURER Fred J. Farnen ASSISTANT SECRVTARY-TRBASURER Roy Boudreau ALPENA 137 River St. EL. 4-3616 BUFFALO, NY 738 Washington TL 3-9259 CHICAGO 6383 Ewlng Ave. So. Chicago, ni. SAginaw 1-0733 CLEVELAND 1430 West 35tb St. MAin 1-5450 DULITTH 313 W. 3nd St. BAndoIph 2-4110 FRANKFORT. Mich 415 Main St. MaU Addresa: P.O. Box 887 ELgln 7-3441 HEADQUARTERS 10235 W. Jefferson Av. River Rouge 18 Mich. Ylnewood 3-4741 Inland Boatmen's Union NATIONAL DIRECTOR Robert Mattbewe GREAT LAKES AREA DIRECTOR AX Tanner BALTIMORE ....1218 £. Baltimora St. .EAstern 7-4000 BOSTON 376 State St. .Richmond 2-0140 HEADQUARTERS 675 4th Ave., Brooklyn HYacinth 9-66na HOUSTON 5804 Canal St. WAlnut 8-3207 JACKSONVILLE 3608 Pearl St., SE. Jax .ELgin 3-0987 MIAMI 744 W. Flagler St. FRanklin 7-3564 MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. HEmlock 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. Tf»1 (k9Q.7'tdlt PHILADELPHIA 2604 S 4th St. Tel. 622-1892-3 NORFOLK lis Third St. DEwey 6-38.33 TAMPA 312 Harrison SL Tel. 329-2788 GREAT LAKES TUO S DREDGE REGION REGIONAL DIRECTOR Robert Jones Dredge Workers Section ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Ricbard L. TlUman BUFFALO 94 Henrietta Ave. Arthur Miller, Agent TR 5-1538 CHICAGO 3300 N. KimbaU Trygve Varden, Agent ALbany 2-1154 CLEVELAND 1420 W. 25th St. Tom Gerrity, Agent 621-5450 DETROIT 2308 Hubbard St. Harold Yon. Agent TA 5-5723 DULUTH 305 W. 5th St. Paul Greco. Agent RA 2-3732 SAULT STE. MARIE Addresa maU to Brlmley, Mich. W.nyne Weston, Agent. .BRimley 14-R 5 TOLEDO 423 Central St. Leslie Willard. Agent 243-6839 Tug Fireman, Lineman, Oilers A Watchmen's Section ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Tom Burns ASHTABtn,A, 0 1644 W. Third St. John Mere. Agent WOodman 4-8532 BUFFALO 18 Portland St. Tom Burns, Agent TA 3-7095 CHICAGO 9383 Ewlng, S. Chicago Robert Affleck, Agent ESsex 5-9570 CLEVELAND 1420 W. 25th St. W. Hearns. Pro-Tem Agent MA 1-5450 DETROIT-TOLEDO 12948 Edison St. Byron Kelly, Agent 14595 Regina, AUentown Park, Mich. 386-6264 DULUTH Box No. 68 South Range, Wis. Ray Thomson, Agent EXport 4-4383 LORAIN, 0 118 E. Parish St. Sandusky, Ohio Harold Ruthsatz, Agent MAin 6-4573 MILWAUKEE ....2723 A. So. Shore Dr. Joseph Miller, Agent ..SHerman 4-6645 SAULT STE. MARIE 219 Brady St. John Bernard, Agent MElrose 2-8963 Toledo 2706 106th St. Owen Cone, Agent RA 6-4823 Rivers Section ST. LOUIS, MO 805 Del Mar L. J. Colvis, Agent CE 1-1434 PORT ARTHUR, Tex 1348 7th St. Arthur Bendheim, Agent RAILWAY MARINE REGION HEADQUARTERS 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City 2, NJ HEnderson 3-0104 REGIONAL DIRECTOR G. P. McGinty ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTORS E. B. Pulver R. H. Avery BALTIMORE.... 1216 E. Baltimore St. EAstem 7-4P"0 NORFOLK 115 Third St. 622-1892-3 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4tli St. DEwey 6-3818 United Industrial Workers BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. EAstern 7-4SOO BOSTON 276 State St. Richmond 2-0140 HEADQUARTERS 675 4th Ave. Brooklyn HYacinth 9-6600 HOUSTON 5804 Canal St. WAlnut 8-3207 JACKSONVILLE. 2608 Pearl St. SB ELgin 3-0987 MIAMI 744 W. Flagler St. FRanklin 7-3564 MOBILE 1 S. Lawrence St. KEclc--!: 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. Phone 529-7548 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Phone 622-1892-3 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4th St. DEwey 6-3818 TAMPA 312 Harrison St. Phone 329-2788 �I'— JUM Utt SEAPABERS Paf* TweBt7-Tkre« LOG Ml ScUectiile of Membership Meetings All hospitalized Seafarers would appreciate mail and visits whenever possible. Th« following is the latest available list of SIU men in the hospital: SlU-AGLIWD Meetings Regular membership meetings for members Of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and -Inland Waters District are held regularly once a month on days indicated by the SIU Constitution, at 2:30 PM in the listed SIU ports below. All Seafarers are expected to attend. Those who wish to be excused should-request permission by tele­ gram (be sure to Include registration number). The next. SIU meetings will be: . r New York .. Philadelphia Baltimore .. Jniy 6 Juiy 6 Juiy 7 Moblie Detroit Houston New Orieans . Juiy 14 Juiy 9 ...:.Juiy 12 ....July 13 West Coast SlU-AGLIWD Meetings SIU headquarters has issued the following schedule for the monthly informational meetings to be held in West Coast ports for the benefit of Seafarers shipping from Wilmington, San Francisco and Seattle, or who are due to return from the Far East. All Seafarers are expected to attend these meetings, in accord with an Executive Board resolution adopted in December, 1961. Meet­ ings in Wilniington are on Monday, San Francisco on Wednesday and Seattle on Friday, starting at 2 PM local time. Wilmington Juiy 19 i; 4 t San Francisco Juiy 21 •f GREAT Great lakes SIU Meetings Reguiar membership meetings on the Great I.akes are held on the first and third Mondays of each month in all ports at 7 PM local time, except at Detroit, where meetings are held at 2 PM. The next meetings will be; Detroit July 6—2 P.M. Alpena, Bulfalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Duiuth, Frankfort, July 6—7 P.M. Seattle Juiy 23 LAKES TUO AND REGION DREDGE Regular membership meet­ ings for Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Region IBU memters are scheduled each month in the vari­ ous ports at 7:30 PM. The next meetings will ue: Detroit Milwaukee Chicago Buffalo tSauit Ste. Marie Duiuth Juiy Juiy Juiy Juiy Juiy Juiy 12 12 13 14 15 16 (For meeting place, contact Har­ J, ^ old Ruthsatz, 118 Ease Parish. SIU Inland Boatmen's Union Sandusky, Ohio). Regular membership meetings for IBU members are scheduled each month in various ports. The next meetings will be: Phiia. Juiy 6—5 P.M. Baltimore (licensed and un(Licensed .. July 7—5 P.M. Houston .... Juiy 12—5 P.M. Norfolk Juiy 8—5 P.M. N'Orieans ....July 9—5 P.M. Mobile Juiy 10—5 P.M. RAILWAY MARINt RECIQ.N Regular membership meetings for Railway Marine Region-IBU members are scheduled each month in the various ports at 10 AM and 8 PM. The next meetings will be: Jersey City Philadelphia Baltimore •Norfolk ...July Juiy Juiy Juiy 12 13 14 15 Cleveland Juiy 16 Toledo Juiy 16 Ashtabula Juiy 16 (For meeting place, contact John Mero, 1644 West 3rd Street, Ash­ tabula, Ohio). t i United Industrial Workers Regular membership meetings for UIW members are scheduled each month at 7 PM in various ports. The next meetings will be: New York July 6 Baltimore Juiy 7 niiiadeiphia Juiy 8 4;Houston July 12 Mobile Juiy 14 New Orieans July 13 * Meetlngi htid at Latior Tampla, Ntwpert News. t Meeting held at Labor Temple, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. t Melting held at Galveston wharves. EVERY MONTHS If any SIU ship has no library or needs a new supply of books, contact any SIU hall. YOUR SIU SHIP'S LIBRARY USPHS HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS, LA. Paul O. Arceneaux William A. Kerby Gervals J. Babin Henry L. Lowort Stanley J. Barras Lawyer McGrew Riley F. Beech Bernard M. Moyg Ardeel Burkett Robert Medlcus Joseph Childress Cleon Mixon C. A. Christ Clarence Osborne James Cdrter, Sr. G. A. Perdreavllte W. J. Covlgnac Chas. E. Perdue Clifford Cummlngs Sam Robinson A. E. Cummlngham Irvin J. Savole Richard H. Dads Patrick I. Scanlon F. P. Dougherty Guay Shirak Harvls C. Dyas W. C. Sorenson Allen A. Ellis Sam Stanley W. R. Gammons A. P. Strong J. G. Gautreaux James J. Swank George C. Glerczlc Harold W. Sweet Clinton Gill Joe Lamborella Carle C, Harris William Van Dyke Hughey Hodges Raymond Vaughan F. H. Hauck M. B. Williams E. M. C. W. E. 0. USPHS HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. A. AInsworth G. D, Marbury Acosta W. E. McCay Jensen A. B. Penou G. Kelly L. O. Spears E. Komchick B. Spear W. Lane USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK, VA. John Armstead Dyer Jones E. Canon igado LeRoy Jones Ellis W. Cottrell William Mason James C. Everett Norway Morris Herbert Fentress Andy Noah Wm. E. Grimes . Egbert C: Palmer Albert Jones Charlie Phelps Sec. 14b (Continued from page 2) that "every member" was opposed to linking 14(b) repeal to the civil rights issue. The Roosevelt subcommittee hearing on amendment of Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act was held on a bill sponsored by Roosevelt and Representative Ogden R. Reid (R-N.Y.) which would: • Extend the ban on job dis­ crimination to cover all establish­ ments in industries affecting com­ merce with eight or more em­ ployes. The present law initially covers places with 100 o.r more employes, dropping in three annual steps to coverage of 25 or more workers. • Add on top of the concilia­ tion and eventual court procedure of the present law a provision en­ abling the Equal Employment Op­ portunity Commission to issue a cease and desist order, reviewable and enforceable In court, where it finds a pattern of unlawful em­ ployment practices requiring urgent remedy. Mitchell and Biemiller ex­ pressed some reservations as to whether superimposing admini­ strative enforcement over the present structure would be the most effective way of combatting job discrimination. Mitchell asked for time for the cooperating civil rights groups to seek a consensus on the issue. But it would be "a tragedy," he said, if a hasty patch­ work job of amending the law proved inadequate. Biemiller, accompanied by AFL-CIO Associate Counsel Thomas E. Harris, stressed la­ bor's repeated efforts to have enacted stronger enforcement powers on fair employment. He associated the AFL-CIO "completely" with Mitchell's statement and the position of the Leadership Conference, with which the AFL-CIO is affilieted. Several subcommitte members said they thought the chairman ot the Equal Employment Opportuni­ ty Commission, Franklin D. Roose­ velt, Jr., should testify before a bill was acted on. The subcommit­ tee chairman, brother of the agency head, said FDR, Jr., pre­ ferred to wait until his commission had some cxporience under the present law before testifying in an official position on needed changes. Jame* 0. PoHer Norman Sawyer Floyd Slmmopg Melvln WIMIs George WInfield USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON, TEXAS Wayland Ashcraft Cecil C. Morris Jack D. Brock W. H. McDonald H. B. Butts Joseph Praliech Walter M. Cutter L. C. PIckhart Charles Copeman Louis J. Prince Douglas Claussen Lawrence Springer Hugh Groves Chas. B. Young, Jr. Raymond Henry Joseph T. Vaughn George B. Little Edward C. Yeaman Paul M. Landry USPHS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE, MO. Sidney Buger James LaBenz Raymond Collins Dennis Marcoly Allen Cooper Etiwood Perlle Michael Duco Daniel PIccerell Charles W. Hall Paul Stichland Harry Hastings Joseph Wllaszak Philip Jeffers C. E. Williamson Eric Johnson John J. Yendral USPHS HOSPITAL JACKSONVILLE, FLA. A E. Harris W. L. NIhem C. M. Dials H. M. Galphin USPHS HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. Lawrence Bartlett Pablo R. Oiera Apron Castillo Thomas Parrett William Doran Juan L. Pagan F. De Los Reyes Arthur G. SIgler Sicto Escobar H. Shellenberger Robert H. Hall Carlos L. Sy James A. McCavley USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND. NEW YORK V. Anderson Charles Jackson Paul Bates Hans Jacobsen Conway Beard Derek Lamb James Bergeria James Lennon M. Burgesser Michael Loretto Robert Burton Thor Lovaas Michael Cekot John Lynch Angelo Clano M. Makatangay Dan Couaney Michael Marcello George Crabtree C. P. MarcottI Chester Coumas Robert McDavItt Dan Doheny Gordon Miller E. 0. Duffy Harvey Morris Dominick Fols Frank Moran Thomas Gordon Kurt Olsen Al HIrsch Owen Quinn Martin Horner Julio Quinonez David Horton E. Reyes Robert G. Scblager, S-293 Please contact your wife as soon as possible! S3^ 4> Dick Bondi You are asked to contact your sister Ernestine Herman at 100 East 1st Street, New York, New York. • 4. 4 H. Landis You are requested to contact your brother John H. Landis. 4. Jim West Please contact your wife Bar­ bara at 47-37 45th Street, Queens, New York. 4 3^ Joseph Francis Spieler Tom Bartley is holding your gear for you at his home in Bal­ timore, Maryland. 4' 4 4" Mel Heller Please contact your brother Bob. 4 4 4 Nat D'Scostino You are requested to contact your wife Marge at the new house. 4 4 4 Peter Scott Please contact your father in Houston, Texas. 4 4 4 Harry Thompiion Please contact your wife. A check is awaiting you at home. 4 4 4 B. Moore You are asked to contact your sister Belle in New Orleans. 4 4 4 Robert Priestly Your shipmate Hal is holding your gear for you in Baltimore. 4 4 4 Gene Johnson You are requested to contact your wife Miriam. She ia holding Mario Reyes John L. Roberts Joe Saxton A. Scaturro Alivio Seraga Frank Sherry John Skinner Joe Towsend Adolf Vante Modesto Valez James Whack Joseph Wirtas USPHS HOSPITAL DETROIT, MICHIGAN Ernest Leckrone Ahmed M. All Luciano Lorenzi Thaer A Ahmed All A. Mosid Anna Bond J. RIcksgors Gerald Fast Henry Stayczek Francis Gooley Luther Henderson F. Stansfield G. Stevenson Art HImebaugh George Swindell Anselm Kenny N. Telegadas Chas. Kodauko Clarence Troy James Keller A. Jrbanowicz Joseph Lambert Yohy Al ZlhdanI Stephen Lenchak USPHS HOSPITAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS B. Delbler Abraham Mander At>e Gordon Max Olson Thomas Lehay SAILORS' SNUG HARBOR STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK Daniel Gorman William Kenny A. Gutierrez Thomas Lowe Edwin Harriman H. MacDonald ST. VINCENT'S HOSPITAL GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN Percy Johnson U.S. SOLDIERS HOME HOSPITAL WASHINGTON, D.C. William Thomson USPHS HOSPITAL MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE James McGee V.A. HOSPITAL HOUSTON, TEXAS Thomas Manlon V.A. HOSPITAL WEST HAVEN. CONN. Paul Kolesnick V.A. HOSPITAL HINES, ILLINOIS Oscar Kvaas V.A. HOSPITAL LONG BEACH. CALIFORNIA R. Asenault Robert V.A. HOSPITAL ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN Asbahr mail for you from your cousin Mary Ann and your cousin Jane. 4 4 4 R. Mills Kease get in touch with your mother at 375 Riverside Drive, New York, N.Y. Benefits (Continued from page 8) all such benefits received after the first day of employment during such period of alleged disability. (e) Hospital Expense Benefit— An eligible who is not entitled to treatment at a USPHS facility and who is hospitalized during any pe­ riod for Avhich he is entitled to re­ ceive the S&A benefit, shall also be entitled to receive hospital benefits according to the Schedule for Dependents' Benefits. (f) In-Hospital Benefit—If an eligible is entitled to receive the In-hospital benefit, the Plan shall pay only an amount which together with such payments shall equal $8 per day. If an eligible is still con­ fined after having received the S&A benefit payment for a maxi­ mum of 39 weeks, he is still en­ titled to receive the in-hospital benefit. (g) Failure of an eligible em­ ployee to place himself under treat­ ment promptly or to comply with medical care or instructions will be deemed cause for disqualification from benefits. CHAN&ftSAVOf&SOfU ^106 MAmsLmf V i • �Vol. XXVII No. 13 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNI.QN • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO 1964-Record Year For SlU Welfare Benefits new record high was reached in 1964 for total benefits paid hy the Seafarers Welfare and Pension Flans. The plans paid out a total of $4,797,978.93 in welfare and pension bene­ fits to SIU members and their dependents, covering a wide range of benefits including hospital, maternity, dependent, optical, death, out patient and pensions. The increase in welfare and pension bene­ fits represented an increase of over $1,100,009 more than was paid out to Seafarers and their dependents the previous year. During 1964, Seafarers on pension collected $1,071,450 as contrasted to $793,050 in pension checks in the previous year. Dependents benefits registered the sharpest increase during 1964 as $1,309,163 was paid to mem­ bers of SIU families, while in 1963, $834,914 was paid to dependents. Over $858,500 was paid in hospital benefits last year in comparison to $753,756 in 1963. Survivors of departed Seafarers collected $820,695 in death benefits last year in con­ trast to the $712,313 paid in 1963. In paying these record benefits during 1964, the SIU Welfare and Pension Plans have de­ monstrated conclusively that Seafarers can he confident that their Union stands ready to give maximum assistance should they or their families be stricken with sickness, acci­ dent, old age or death. �. •r:.t\. '•• '/••'Srii'. 'f 'A ;..""'i-'U; -t Zi:'.\ tii ' ' '•'J hii i f. s:'"JJ." '^.',^•'1 " :•" """ c; ^ .. ^^ -• ^ >^--^,'5 ?• M i VC . ',; .^V .' .A . 'hM A ', . T:'f-1',,. .-»' ---; '*'' t • —; 'i'l' '• € .'.v-i/, ^•":ly'V,/ ' • *: •. • • !' , V' '3 Sill N limSTITIITIOII For SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes And Inland Waters District ifsi ty:t^< . Jiv -iitf :oi Ao'i t ;.. F-i .•• i-j-vi-i ifa <it;c'->.! i.c<u'!i t. -P "3 L,-- t-iP • t ji t, ..' r -f ^•''* „ 1" U-' V 3 V4 <t- ,'• \ i f A I •'. 3P * • *;pl 'i-'- tfj-tiiinit'! . retii >•<? fiJiiipfii:* VP'''> j*i , .A, h-iwiiii riA' Ul^' • if It P3 li*' V. ly ^ ^ t , t»- J ' .': I >i . ,1 t f t* kvcjl'J 'lr>si>it}^( li l3v;>o.' lA .'.iiisnoO H.iaLiuici tiir.ji-,^ VA^V.;5UdA | S.;1 fi;iM:il.l Ipi.-l' •Fj.j.r.t.l.-S.l !»i >.>tOl |.<i }„ Ji'jJ ».liy..tt �Bnpplemait—Pat* Two SEAFARERS Juno SB, MM LOG funtnt btteto. BO pmoa dull baeom* mcmbtt unlm ud.until bo has stcained ifao bialNit •eniotity ratiog SIK out in ifao said coUecttvo bargaining agttement; Only full book members shall be entitled to vote and to hoU any flWBtt ofiiU VI A militant membership being necessary to the security of a free union, the members shall at all times stand ready to defend this Union and the principles set forth in the Constitution of the Union. office or elective job, except as odietwise specified herein. All mem­ bers shall have a voice in Union proceedings and shall be entitled to vote on Union contracts. Section 3. No candidate shall be granted membership who Is n member of any dual organization hostile to the aims, principles, and policies, of this Union. Section 3. Members more than one quarter in arrears in dues shall be automatically sus^nded,. and shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights and privileges in the Union. Ihey shall be automatically dismissed if they are more than two quarters in arrears in dues. An arrearage in dues shall be computed from the first day of the applicable quarter, but this time shall not tun: (a) While a member is actually participating in a strike or lockout. (b) While a member is an in-patient in a USPHS or whet accredited hospital. (c) While a member is under an incapacity due to aaivlty in behalf of the Union. (d) While a member is in the armed services of the United States, provided the member was in good standing at the time of entery into the armed forces, and further provided he applies for reinstatement within ninety (90) days after discharge from the armed forces. (e) While a member has no opportunity to pay dues, because of employment aboard an American flag merchant vessel. Sactien 4. A majority vote of the membership shall be sufficient to designate additional circumstances during which the time speci­ fied in Section 3 shall not run. It shall be the right of any member to present, in writing, to any Port at any regular meeting, any question with regard to the application of Seaion 3, in accordance with procedures established by a majority vote of the membership. A majority vote of the membership shall be necessary to decide such questions. Saciion 5. The membership shall be empowered to establish, from time to time, by majority vote, rules under which dues and assess­ ments may be excused where a member has been unable to i dues and assessments for the reasons provided in Sections 3 and Section 6. To preserve unity, and to promote the common welfare of the membership, all members of the Union shall uphold and defend this Constimtion and shall be governed by the provisions of this Constitution and all policies, rulings, orders and decisions duly made. VII The powers not delegated to the officers, job holders, and Execu­ tive Board by the Constitution of the Union shall be reserved to the members. Saciion 7. Any member who gives aid to the principles and policies of any hostile or dual wganization shall be denied further membership in this Union to the full extent permitted by law. A majority vote of the membership shall decide which organizations are dual or hostile. CONSTITUTION Saction >. Evidence of membership or other affiliation with the Union shall at all times remain the property of the Union. Mem­ bers may be required to show their evidence of membership in order to be admitted to Union meetings, or into, or on Union-property. CONSTITUTION THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT AfflliaUd with Amtrlcaii Fadwallon af labor — CongrMt of Indinlrlal Organliatlona (Ai Amandad May 13,1960) FRIAMILI Ai maritime and allied workers and realizing the value and necessity of a thorough organization, we are dedicated to the form* ing of one Union for our jwple, the Seafarers International Union of North America—^Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis­ trict, based upon the following principles: All members shall be entitle to all the rights,.privileges and guarantees as set forth in this Constitution, and such rights, privi­ leges and guarantMS shall be preserved in accordance with its terms. We declare that American seamen are entitled to receive their employment without interference of crimps, shipowners, fink halls or any shipping bureaus maintained by the Government. We affirm that every worker has the right to receive fair and just remuneration for his labor, and to gain sufficient leisure for mental cultivation and physical recreation. We proclaim the ri^t of all seamen to receive healthful and sufficient food, and proper forecastles in which to rest. We defend the right of all seamen to be treated in a decent and respectful manner by those in command, and. We hold that the above rights belong to all workers alike, irrespective of nationality or creed. Recognizing the foregoing as our inalienable rights, we are con­ scious of corresponding duties to those in command, our employers, our craft and our country. We will, therefore, try by all just means to promote harmonious relations with those in command by exercising due care and dili­ gence in me performance of the duties of our profession, and by giving sdl possible assistance to.our employers in caring for their gear and property. Based upon these principles, it is among our objects: To use our influence individually and collectively for the purpose of maintain­ ing and developing skill in seamanship and effecting a change in the maritime law of the United States, so as to render it more equitable and to make it an aid instead of a hindrance to the development of a merchant marine and a body of American seamen. To support a journal which shall voice the sentiments of mari­ time workers and through its columns seek to maintain their knowledge of. and interest in, maritime affairs. To assist the seamen of other countries in the work of organi­ sation and federation, to the end of establishing the Brotherhood of the Sea. To form and to assist by legal means other bona fide labor organi­ sations whenever possible in the attainment of their just demands. To regulate our conduct as a Union and as individuals so as to make seamanship what it rightly is—an honorable and useful calling. And bearing in mind that we are migratory, that our work takes us away in different directions from any place where the majority might otherwise meet to act, that meetings can be attended by only a fraction of the membership, that the absent members, who cannot be present, must have their interests guarded from what might be the results of excitement and passions aroused by persons or conditions, and that those who are present may act for and in the interest of all, we have adopted this Constitution. _ Statement of Principles and Declaration of Rights In order to form a more perfect Union, we workers in the maritime and allied industries, realizing the value and necessity •of uniting in pursuit of our improved economic and social welfare, have determined to bind ourselves together in the Seafarers Inter­ national Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, and hereby dedicate ourselves to the fol­ lowing principles: In promoting our economic and social welfare, we shall ever be inindful, not only of our rights, but also of our duties and obliga­ tions as members of the community, our duties as citizens, and our duty to combat the menace of communism and any other enemies of freedom and the deinocratic principles to which we seafaring men dedicate ourselves in this Union. We shall affiliate'and work with other free labor organizaitons; we shall support a journal to give additional voice to our views; we shall assist our brothers of the sea and other workers of all countries in these obligations to the fullest extent consistent with our duties, obligations, and law. We shall seek to exert our individ­ ual and collective influence in the fight for the enactment of labor and other legislation and policies which look to the attainment of a free and happy society, without distinction based on race, creed or color. To govern our conduct as a Union and bearing in mind that most of our members are migratory, that their duties carry them all over the world, that their rights must and shall be protected, we hereby declare these rights as members of the Union to be inalienable. I No member shall be deprived of any of the rights or privileges guaranteed him under the Constitution of the Union. II Every qualified member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and, if elected or appointed, to hold office in this Union. III No member shall be deprived of his membership without diie r.-.V*.-!-,'C.: K-if..'> !ri :ir.' •.,>> process of the law of this Union.' No member shall be compelM to be a witness against himself in the trail of any proceeding in which he may be charged widi failure to observe the law of this Union. Every official and job holder shall be bound to uphold and protect the ri^tt of every member in accordance with the princi­ ples set forth in the Constitution of the Union. IV Every member shall have the right to be confronted by his accuser whenever he is charged with violating the law of this Union. In all such cases, the accused shall be guaranteed a fair and speedy uial by an impartial committee of his brother Union members. V No member shall be denied the right to express himself freely on the floor of any Union meeting or in committee. Article I Name and General Powers This Union shall be known as the Seafarers International Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Distria. Its powers shall be legislative, judicial, and executive, and shall include the formation of, and/or issuance of charters to, sub­ ordinate bodies and divisions, corporate or otherwise, the forma­ tion of funds and participation in funds, the establishment of enter­ prises for the benefit of the Union, and similar ventures. This Union shall exercise all of its powers in aid of subordinate bodies and divisions created or chartered by it. For convenience of admin­ istration and in furtherance of its policies of aid and assistance, the Union may make its property, facilities and personnel available for the use and behalf of such subordinate bodies and divisions. A majority vote of the membership shall be authorization for any Union action, unless otherwise specified in' the Constitution or by law. This Union shall at all times protect and maintain its jurisdiction. Article II Affiliation Saciien 1. This Union shall be affiliated with the Seafarers Inter­ national Union of North America and the American Federation of Labor^—Congress of Industrial Organizations. All other affilia­ tions by the Union or its subordinate bodies or divisions shall be made or withdrawn as determined by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Section 2. In addition to such other provisions as are contained herein, all subordinate bodies and divisions seeking a charter from and/or affiliation with this Union, shall be required to adopt, within a time period set by the Executive Board, a constitution containing provisions as set forth in Exhibit A, annexed to this Constitution and made a part hereof. All other provisions adopted by such subordinate bodies and divisions as part of their constitutions shall not be inconsistent therewith. No such constitution or amendments thereto shall be deemed to be effective without the approval of the Executive Board of this Union, which shall be executed in writing, on its behalf, by the President or, in his absence, by any other officer designated by it. Such approval shall be deemed to be recog­ nition of compliance herewith by such subordinate body or division. Where a subordinate body or division violates any of the fore­ going, and, in particular, seeks to effectuate any constitutional provision not so authorized and approved, or commits acts in violation of its approved constitution, or fails to act in accordance therewith, this Union, through its Executive Board, may withdraw its charter and/or sever its affiliation forthwith, or on siich terms as it may impose not inconsistent with law, in addition to exercis­ ing any and all rights it may have pursuant to any applicable agree­ ments or understandings. . Section 3. This Union shall also have the power, acting through its Executive Board, and after a fair hearing, to impose a trustee­ ship upon any subordinate body , or divisions chartered by and affiliated with it, for the reasons and to the extent provided by law. Article III Membership Article IV Reinstatement Members dismissed from the Union may be reinstated in accord­ ance with such rules and under such conditions as are adopted, from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership. Article V Dues and Initiation Fee .Saciion 1. All members shall pay dues quarterly, on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each quarter, except as herein otherwise provided. The dues shall be those payable as of the date of adoption of this Constitution and may be changed only by Constitutional amendment. Saciion 2. No candidate for membership shall be admitted into membership without having paid an initiation fee of three hundred • ($300.00) dollars, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. Saciion 3. Payment of dues and initiation fees may be waived for . organizational purposes in accordance with such rules as are adopted by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Article VI Retirement from Membership Saciion 1. Members may retire from membership by surrendering their Union books or other evidence of affiliation and paying all unpaid dues for the quarter in which they retire, assessments, fines and other monies due and owing the Union. When the member surrenders his book or other evidence of affiliation in connection with his application for retirement he shall be given a receipt therefor. An official retirement card shall be issued by Headquarters, upon requesr, dated as of the day that such member accomplishes these payments, and shall be given to the member upon his pre­ senting the aforesaid receipt. Section 2. AH the rights, privileges, duties and obligations of membership shall be suspended during the period of retirement, except that a retired member shall not be disloyal to the Union nor join or remain in any dual or hostile organization, upon penalty of forfeiture of his right to reinstatement. Saciion 3. Any person in retirement for a period of two quarters or more shall be restored to membership, except as herein indicated, by paying dues for the current quarter, as well as all assessments accruing and newly levied during the period of retirement. If the period of retireinent is less than two quarters, the required pay­ ments shall consist of all dues accruing during ffie said period of retiremenr, including those for the current quarter, and all assess­ ments accrued and newly levied during that period. Upon such paymMt, the person in retirement shall be restored to membership, and his membership book, appropriately stamped, shall be returned to him. Section 4. A member in retirement may be restored to membership Section 1. Gindidates for membership shall be admitted to mem­ bership in accordance with such rules as are adopted from time to after a two-year period of retirement consisting of eight full quarters time, by a majority vote of the membership. Membership classificS- only by majority vote of the membership. tions shall correspond to and depend upon seniority classifications Saciion 5. The period' of retirement shall be computed from the established in accordance with the standard collective bargaining first day of the quarter following the one in which the retirement agreement of this Union. In addition to meeting the other require-. card was. issqed. .. . . . I.H Ifi ^ T .'f./ 1'. '• i t ; / . eV �J«M 25, 1985 SEAFARERS ArticfoVn System of OiganizaKon _ Sactien 1. This Union, and all officers, headquartet's representa­ tives, port agents, patrolmen, and members sluU be govemed in this order by: (a) The Constitution. • (b) The Executive Board. (c) Majority vote of the membership. Saction 2. The headquarters of the Union shall be located !n New York and the headquarters officers shall consist of a President, and Executive Vice-President, one Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, and one Vice-President in Charge of the Lakes and Inland Waters. Saction 3. The staff of each'port shall consist of such personnel as is provided for herein, and the port shall bear the name of the city in which the Union's port offices are located. Saction 4. Every member of the Union shall be registered in one of three departments; namely, deck, engine and stewards depart­ ment. The definition of these departments shall be in accordance with custom and usage. This definition may be modified by a majority vote of the membership. No member may transfer from one department to another except by approval as evidenced by a majority vote of the membership. LOG ' 0 The President shall be diairman of the Executive. Board and may cast one vote in that body. (g) He shall be responsible, within die limits of his powers, for the enforcement of this Constitution, the policies of the Union, and all rules and rulings duly adopted by the Executive Board, and those duly adopted by a majority vote of the membership. Within •these limits, he shall strive to enhaiKe the strength, position, and prestige of die Union. (h) The foregoing duties shall be in addition to those other ' duties lawfully imposed upon him. (i) The responsibility of the President may not be delegated, but the President may delegate to a person or persons the execution of such of his duties as he may in his discretion decide, subject to the limitations set forth in this Constimtion. (j) Any vacancy in any office or die job of Headquarters Repre­ sentative, Port Agent, or Patrolman shall be filled by the President by temporary appointment of a member qualified for the office or job under Article XII of this Constitution, except in those cases where the filling of such vacancy is otherwise provided for by this Constitution. (k) The President is directed to take any and all measures and employ such means which he deems necessary or advisable, to protect the interests, and further the welfare of the Union and its members, in all matters involving national, state or local legislation issues, and public affairs. (1) The President shall have authority to require any officer or Union r^resentative to attend any regular or special meeting if, in his opinion, ft is deemed necessary. Ssclion 2. Exacutiva Vica-Prasidant. Article VIII Officers, Headquarters Repriasentatlves, Port Agents and Patrolmen Sartisn 1. The officers of the Unioa shall be elected u otherwise provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, an Executive Vice-President, one Vice-President in Charge of Con­ tracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one VicePresident in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, and one Vice-President in Charge of the Lakes and Inland Waters. Saction 2. Port Agents, Headquarters Representatives, and Patrol­ men shall be elected, except as otherwise provided in this Cotistitution. Article IX Other Elective Jobs Saclien 1. In addition to the elective jobs provided for in Article Vlll, the following jobs in the Union shall be. voted upon in the manner prescribed by this Constitution; A. Delegates to the convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. B. Committee members of: (1) Trial Committees (2) Quarterly Financial Committees (3) Appeals Committees (4) Strike Committees Credentials Committees (6) Polls Committees (7) Union Tallying Committees (8) Constitutional Committees Section 2. Additional committees may be formed as provided by a majority vote of the membership. Committees may also be ap­ pointed as permitted by this Constitution. Article X Duties of Officers, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Job Holders and Miscellaneous Personnel Saction 1. The President. (a) The President shall be the executive officer of the Union and shall represent-, and act for and in behalf of, the Union in all matters except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Con­ stitution. (b) He shall be a member ex-officio of all committees, except as otherwise herein expressly provided. (c) The President shall be in charge of, and responsible for, all Union property, and shall be in charge of headquarters and port offices. Wherever there are time restrictions or other considerations -affecting Union action, the President shall take appropriate action to insure observance thereof. (d) In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ any help he deems necessary, be it legal, accounting or otherwise. (e) Subject to approval by a majority vote of the membership, the_ President shall designate the number and location of potts, the jurisdiction, status, and activities thereof, and may' close or open' such ports, and may re-assign Vice-Presidents and the SecretaryTreasurer, without reduction in wages. He may also re-assign Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, and Patrolmen, to other duties, without reduction in wages. The Ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New -Orleans, Houston and Detroit may not be closed except by Constitutional amendment. Where potts are opened between elections, the President shall designate the Union personnel thereof. The President shall designate, in the event of the incapacity of a^ Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or Patrolman, or any officer other than the President, a replacement to act as such during the period of incapacity, provided such replacement is qualified under Article XII of the Constitution to fill such job. At the regular meeting in July of every election year, the Presi­ dent shall submit to the membership a pre-balloting report. In his report he shall recommend the number and location of ports, the number of Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents and Patrol­ men which are to be elected. He shall also recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, a regular officer thereof, or any other similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed or delivered at the close of each day's voting, except that the President may, in his discretion, TOstpone the recommendation as to^e depository until no later man the first regular meeting in October. This recommendation may also specify, whether any Patrolman atid/or Headquarters Representative, shall be desigiut^ as depart­ mental or otherwise, The import shall be Subjisct to approvilt or modification .by a majority vote of the membership. . - The Executive Vice-President shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the President. In the event the President shall be unable to carry out any of hit duties by reason of incapacity or unavailability, the Executive Vice-President shall take over such duties during the period of such incapacity or unavailability. Upon the death, resignation, or reihoval from office for any reason of the President, the Executive Vice-President shall immediately assume die office, duties mid responsibilities of the President until the next general election. The Executive Vice-Pre_sident shall be a member of the Executive Board and may cas: one vote in that body. Section 3. Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement. The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contraa Enforce­ ment shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the President. In addition, he shall be responsible for all contract negotiations, the formulation of bargaining demands, and the submission of proposed collective bargaining agreements to the membership for ratification. He shall also be responsible, except as otherwise provided in Article X, Section 14 (d) (1), for strike authorization, signing of new contracts, and contract enforce­ ment. He shall also act for headquarters in executing the adminis­ trative functions assigned to headquarters by tliis Constitution with respect to trials and appeals except if he is a witness or party thereto, in which event the Secretary-Treasurer shall act in his place. In order that he may properly execute these responsibilities he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ such help as he deems necessary, be it legal, or otherwise, subject to approval of the Executive Board. The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforce­ ment shall be a-member of the Executive Board and may cast one vote in that body. SappfemMl—¥ag9 Thre* ths ports, and the p^nnel dieretrf .pa tfa« laLes and lolaad Waters, including dieir organizing acdvides. In order diat he may properly execute his respoosibilidea k ia empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professing assistance he deems necessary, subject to approval of the Execudve Board. Saction 8. Director of Organizing and Publications. The Dirertor of Organizing and Publications shall be Ippoiiited and may be removed at will by the Executive Board of the Union. He shall be responsible for and supervise all publications and public relations of the Union and shall serve as co-ordinator of all organizational activities of the Union. In addition, he shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the Executive Board. -foction 9. Hsadquarters Roprosontativos. The Headquarters Representatives shall perform any and all duties assigned them or delegated to them by the President, Execu­ tive Vice-President or the Executive Board. Sscllon 10. Port Agonts. (a) The Port Agent shall be in direct charge of the administra­ tion of Union affairs in the port of his jurisdiction subject to the direction of the area Vice-President. (b) He shall, within the jurisdiaion of his port, be responsible for the enforcement and execution of the Constitution, the policies . of the Union, and the rules adopted by the Executive Board, and by a majority vote of the membership. Wherever there are time restrictions or other considerations affecting port aaion, the Port Agent shall take appropriate action to insure observance thereofJ . (c) He shall be prepared to account, financially or otherwise, for the activities of his port, whenever demanded by the President,, the Vice-President of the area in which his port is located, or by the Secretary-Treasurer. (d) In any event, he shall prepare and forward to the SecretaryTreasurer, a weekly financial report showing, in detail, weekly income and expenses, and complying with all other accounting directions issued by the Secretary-Treasurer.. (e) The Port Agent may assign each port Patrolman to such duties as fall within the jurisdiction of the port, regardless of the departmental designation, if any, under which ffie Patrolman was elected. (f) The Port Agent shall designate which members at that pott may serve as representatives to other organizations, affiliation with which has been properly authorized. Saction 11. Patrolman. Patrolmen shall perform any duties assigned them by Ac Agent of Ae Port to which Aey are assigned. Saction 12. Exacutiva Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive Vice-President, the Vice-President in Charge of Contracts* and' Contract Enforcement, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Lakes and Inland Waters, and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the Union whenever such subordinate body or division has attained a membership of 3,200 members and has maintained Aat member­ ship for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordi­ nate body. Saction 4. Sacralary-Traaturar. The Executive Board shall meet in headquarters no less than The Secretary-Treasurer shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the President. He shall be responsible once each quarter and at such other times as Ae President or, for the organization and maintenance of Ae correspondence, files, in his absence, the Executive Vice-President may direct. The Presi­ and records of the Union; setting up, and maintenance of, sound dent shall be the chairman of all Executive Board meetings unless accounting and bookkeeping systems; the setting up, and mainte­ absent, in which case the Executive Vice-President shall assume nance of, proper office and other administrative Union procedures', the chairman's duties. Each member of the Executive Board shall the proper collection, safeguarding, and expenditure of all Union be entitled to cast one vote in that body. Its decision shall be funds, port or otherwise. He shall submit to the membership, for determined by majority vote of those voting, providing a quorum each quarterly period, a detailed report of the entire Union's finan­ of three is present. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to cial operations and shall submit simultaneously therewith, the develop policies, strategies and rules which will advance and Quarterly Financial Committee report for Ae same period. The protect the interests and welfare of the Union and the Members. Secretary-Treasurer's report shall be prepared by an independent It shall be the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer, or in his absence, Certified Public Accountant. He shall also work with all duly elected an appointee of the Executive Board, to keep accurate minutes of finance committees. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible all Executive Board meetings. The Executive Board shall appoint for the timely filing of any and all reports on the operations of one person who shall be designated Director of Organizing and the Union, financial or otherwise, that may be required by any Publications. The Executive Board shall determine per capiu tax Federal or state laws. In order that he may properly execute his to be levied and other terms and conditions of affiliation for any responsibilities, he is hereby instructed and auAorized to employ - group of workers desiring affiliation. The Executive Board may any help he deems necessary, be it legal, accounting, or oAetwise, direct the administration of all Union affairs, properties, policies and personnel in any and all areas not otherwise specifically pro­ subject to approval of the Executive Board. "The Secretary-Treasurer shall be a member of the Executive vided for in this Constitution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive Board may act without holding a formal meeting pro­ Board and may cast one vote in that body. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be a member ex-officio of the vided all members of the Board are sent notice,of the proposed Credentials and Ballot Tallying Committees. In addition he shall action or actions and the decision thereon is reduced to writing and make himself and the records of his office available to the Quarterly signed by a majority of the Executive Board. In Ae event that death, resignation or removal from office for Financial Committee. any reason should occur simultaneously to the President and Execu­ tive Vice-President, the Executive Board by majority vote shall, Section 5. Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast. The Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast shall be a name successors from its own membership who shall fill Aosc member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one vacancies until the next general election. If the Executive Vice-President duly assumes the office of Ae vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all President and dies, resigns, is removed from office, or "is incapaci­ the ports, and the personnel thereof on the Atlantic Coast, includ­ tated for more than 30 days during the remainder of the term, Ae ing their organizing activities. The Atlantic Coast area is deemed Executive Board shall elect a successor for the balance of Ae term to mean that area from and including Georgia through Maine and from its own membership. shall also include the Islands in the Caribbean. In order that he Section 13. Delegalst. may properly execute his responsibilities he is empowered and (a) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of "the authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he Union and its subordinate bodies or divisions who are eleaed in deems necessary, subject to approval of the Executive Board. accordance with Ae provisions of this Constitution, to attend Ae convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. Saction 6. Vic«-Praiident in Charga of tha Gulf Coast. (b) Each delegate shall attend the convention for which elected The Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one and. fully participate therein. (c) Each delegate shall, by his vote and oAerwise, support Aose vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the policies agreed upon by the majority of the delegates to Ae Ports, and the personnel thereof on the Gulf Coast including their Convention. organizing activities. The Gulf Coast area is deemed to mean the (d) The President shall assign to each subordinate body or State of Florida, all through the Gulf, including Texas. division that number of delegates to which this Union would1 have hav In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities he been entitled, if its membership had been increased by the number is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional of members of Ae subordinate body or division, in accordance assistance he deems necessary, subject to approval of the Executive wiA the formula set forth in the Constitution of the Seafarers Board. International Union of North America, except that this provision shall not be applied so as to reduce the number of delegates to SaetiM 7. Vica-PrMidanI in Charga of tha Ukai and Inland Watarfc which Ais Union would otherwise have been entitled. The Vice-President in Charge of the Lakes and Inland Waters 5acliuii 14. ComihittUM. shall b«! a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled (a) Trial CummlHM. to cast one Vote in di'at body. ' He shalF sujpetvise and be respbnslbld fdt 'die oMivities of All The Trial Gomniittee shall conduct Ae triids of a persrn charged. J �npplement—Pace Tare SEAFARERS Jane M, UW LOG menu dulv praoulfttcd fuouuit buetq, ao ptnoa die!! bceonw « full book member unlm gnd-until be bu ettaiaed tbe highest seniority rating art out in die aald collective bargaining agreement; Only full book members shall be entitled to vote and to bold any office or elective job, except u otherwise specified herein. All mem­ bers shall have a voice in Union proceedings and shall be cntlded to vote on Union contracts. Sactian S. No candidate shall be granted membership who is n member of any dual organization hostile to the aims, principles, and policies, of this Union. CONSTITUTION THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT Afflliatad with Amarican Fadaratian of Labor — CengrMS of Induatrlal Organlxaliona (Af AmandadMayU, I960) PRIAMILI As maritime and allied workers and realizing die value and necessity of a thorough organization, we are dedicated to the form* ing of one Union for our i^ple, the Seafarers International Union of North America—^Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis­ trict, based upon the following principles: ' All members shall be entitled to all the rights,.privileges and guarantees as set forth in this Constitution, and such rights, privi­ leges and guarantees shall be preserved in accordance with its terms. We declare that American seamen are entitled to receive their employment without interference of crimps, shipowners, fink halls or any shipping bureaus maintained by the Government. We afiirm that everv worker has the right to receive fair and just remuneration for his labor, and to gain sufficient leisure for mental cultivation and physical recreation. We proclaim the right of all seamen to receive healthful and sufficient food, and proper forecasdes in which to rest. We defend the right of all seamen to be treated in a decent and respectful manner by those in command, and. We hold that the above rights belong to all workers alike. Irrespective of nationality or creed. Recognizing the foregoing as our inalienable rights, we are con­ scious of corresponding duties to those in command, our employers, our craft and our country. We will, therefore, try by all just means to promote harmonious relations with those in command by exercising due care and dili­ gence in me performance of the duties of our profession, and by giving all possible assistance to-our employers in caring for their gear and property. Based upon these principles, it Is among our objects: To use our influence individually and collectively for the purpose of maintain­ ing and developing skill in seamanship and effecting a change in the maritime law of the United States, so as to render it more equitable and to, make it an aid instead of a hindrance to the development of a merchant marine and a body of American seamen. To support a journal which shall voice the sentiments of mari­ time workers and through its columns seek to maintain their knowledge of, and interest in, maritime affairs. To assist the seamen of other countries in the work of organi­ zation and federation, to the end of establishing the Brotherhood of the Sea. To form and to assist by legal means other bona fide labor organi­ zations whenever possible in the attainment of their just demands. To regulate our conduct as a Union and as individuals so as to make seamanship what it rightly is—an honorable and useful calling. And bearing in mind that we are migratory, that our work takes us away in diffpent directions from any place where the majority might otherwise meet to act, that meetings can be attended by only a fraction of the membership, that the absent members, who cannot be present, must have their interests guarded from what might be the results of excitement and passions aroused by persons or conditions, and that those who are present may act for and in the interest of all, we have adopted this Constitution. _ Statement of Principles and Declaration of Rights In order to form a more perfect Union, we workers in the maritime and allied industries, realizing the value and necessity .of uniting in pursuit of our improved economic and social welfare, have determined to bind ourselves together in the Seafarers Inter­ national Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, and hereby dedicate ourselves to the fol­ lowing principles: In promoting our economic and social welfare, we shall ever be mindful, not only of our rights, but also of our duties and obliga­ tions as members of the community, our duties as citizens, and our duty to combat the menace of communism and any other enemies of freedom and the democratic principles to which we seafaring men dedicate ourselves in this Union. We shall affiliate and work with other free labor organizaitons; we shall support a journal to give additional voice to our views; we shall assist our brothers of the sea and other workers of all countries in these obligations to the fullest extent consistent with our duties, obligations, and law. We shall seek to exert our individ­ ual and collective influence in the fight for the enactment of labor and other legislation and policies which look to the attainment of a free and happy society, without distinction based on race, creed or color. To govern our conduct as a Union and bearing in mind that most of our members are migratory, that their duties carry them all over the world, that their rights must and shall be protected, we hereby declare these rights as members of the Union to be inalienable. I No member shall be deprived of any of the rights or privileges guaranteed him under the Constitution of the Union. II Every qualified member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and, if elected or appointed, to hold office in this Union. III No member shall be deprived of his membership without diie -J t < .isi,'. !C • .-rti':- I ):•>.<; • •lit process of the law of this Unloa.' No member shall be compelW to be a witness against himself in the trail of any proceeding in which he may be charged with failure to observe the law of this Union. Every official and job holder shall be bound to uphold and protect the ri^a of everjr member in accordance with the princi­ ples set forth in the G>astitutioa of the Union. iV Every member shall have the right to be confronted by .his accuser whenever he is charged with violating the law of this Union. In all such cases, the accused shall be guaranteed a fair and speedy uial by an impartial committee of his brother Union members. V No member shall be denied the tight to express himself freely on the fioor of any Union meeting or in committee. VI A militant membership being necessary to the security of a free union, the members shall at all times stand ready to defend this Union and the principles set forth in the Constitution of the Union. VII The powers not delegated to the officers, job holders, and Execu­ tive Board by the Constitution of the Union shall be reserved to the members. Article I Name and General Powers This Union shall be known as the Seafarers International Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Distria. Its powers shall be legislative, judicial, and executive, and shall include the formation of, and/or issuance of chatters to, sub­ ordinate bodies and divisions, corporate or otherwise, the forma­ tion of funds and participation in funds, the establishment of enter­ prises for the benefit of the Union, and similar venmres. This Union shall exercise all of its powers in aid of subordinate bodies and divisions created or chartered by it. For convenience of admin­ istration and in furtherance of its policies of aid and assistance, the Union may make its property, facilities and personnel available for the use and behalf of such subordinate belies and divisions. A majority vote of the membership shall be authorization for any Union action, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution or by law. This Union shall at all times protect and maintain its jurisdiction. Article II Affiliation Saetien 1. This Union shall be affiliated with the Seafarers Inter­ national Union of North America and the American Federation of Labor—Congress of Industrial Organizations. All other affilia­ tions by the Union or its subordinate bodies or divisions shall be made or withdrawn as determined by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Section 2. In addition to such other provisions as are contained herein, all subordinate bodies and divisions seeking a charter from and/or affiliation with this Union, shall be required to adopt, within a time period set by the Executive Board, a constitution containing provisions as set forth in Exhibit A, annexed to this Constitution and made a part hereof. All other provisions adopted hy such subordinate bodies and divisions as part of their constitutions shall not be inconsistent therewith. No such constitution or amendments thereto, shall be deemed to be effective without the approval of the Executive Board of this Union, which shall be executed in writing, on its behalf, by the President or, in his absence, by any other officer designated by it. Such approval shall be deemed to be recog­ nition of compliance herewith by such subordinate body or division. Where a subordinate body or division violates any of the fore­ going, and, in particular, seeks to effectuate any constitutional provision not so authorized and approved, or commits acts in violation of its approved constitution, or fails to act in accordance therewith, this Union, through its Executive Board, may withdraw its charter and/or sever its affiliation forthwith, or on such terms as it may impose not inconsistent with law, in addition to exercis­ ing any and all rights it may have pursuant to any applicable agree­ ments or understandings. . Section 3. This Union shall also have the power, acting through its Executive Board, and after a fair hearing, to impose a trustee­ ship upon any subordinate body, or divisions chartered by and affiliated with it, for the reasons and to the extent provided by law. Article III Membership Section 1. Candidates for membership shall be admitted to mem­ bership in accordance with such rules as are adopted from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership. Membership classifica­ tions shall correspond to and depend upon seniority classifications csublished in accordance with the standard collective bargaining agreement of this Union. In addition to meeting the other require-. :f.t t Saciion 7. Any .member who gives aid to the principles and policies of any hostile or dual organization shall be denied further membership in this Union to the full extent permitted by law. A majority vote of the membership shall decide which organizations are dual or hostile.Saciion 8. Evidence of membership or other affiliation with the Union shall at all times remain the property of the Union. Mem­ bers may be required to show their evidence of membership in order to be admitted to Union meetings, or into, or on Union-property. CONSTITUTION if \ Saciion 3. Members more than one quarter in arrears in dues shall be automatically suspended,, and shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights and privileges in the Union. They shall be automatically dismissed if they are more than two quarters in arrears in dues. An arrearage in dues shall be computed from the first day of the applicable quarter, but this time shall not tun: (a) While a member is actually participating in a strike or lockout. (b) While a member is an in-patient in a USPHS or othet accredited hospiul. (c) While a member is under an incapacity due to activity in behalf of the Union. (d) While a member is in the armed services of the United States, provided the member was in good standing at the time of entery into the armed forces, and further provided he applies for reinstatement within ninety (90) days after discharge from the* armed forces. (e) While a member has no opportunity to pay dues, because of employment aboard an American fiag merchant vessel. Saction 4. A majority vote of the membership shall be sufficient to designate additional circumstances during which the time speci­ fied in Section 3 shall not run. It shall be the right of any member to present, in writing, to any Fort at any regular meeting, any question with regard to the application of Seaion 3, in accordance with procedures established by a majority vote of the membership. A majority vote of the membership shall be necessary to decide such questions. Saciion 5. The membership shall be empowered to establish, from time to time, by majority vote, rules under which dues and assess­ ments may be excused where a member has been unable to i dues and assessments for the reasons provided in Sections 3 and Saciion 6. To preserve unity, and to promote the common welfare of the membership, all members of the Union shall uphold and defend this Constitution and shall be governed by the provisions of this Constitution and all policies, rulings, orders and decisions duly made. '. •/•i: III-. •/. Article IV Reinstitement Members dismissed from the Union may be reinstated in accord­ ance with such rules and under such conditions as are adopted, from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership. Article V Dues and Initiation Fee Saciion 1. All members shall pay dues quarterly, on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each quarter, except as herein otherwise provided. The dues shall be those payable as of the date of adoption of this Constitution and may be changed only by Constitutional amendment. Saciion 2. No candidate for membership shall be admitted into membership without having paid an initiation fee of three hundred • ($300.00) dollars, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. Saciion 3. Payment of dues and initiation fees may be waived for . organizational purposes in accordance with such rules as are adopted by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Article VI Retirement from Membership Saciion T. Members may retire from membership by sutrendering their Uriion books or othet evidence of affiliation and paying all unpaid dues for the quarter in which they retire, assessments, fines and other monies due and owing the Union. When the member surrenders his book or other evidence of affiliation in connection •With his application for retirement he shall be given a receipt therefor. An official retirement card shall be issued by Headquarters,upon request, dated as of the day that such member accomplishes these payments, and shall be given to the member upon his pre­ senting the aforesaid receipt. Saciion 2. All the rights, privileges, duties and obligations of membership shall be suspended during the period of retirement, except that a retired member shall not be disloyal to the Union nor join or remain in any dual or hostile organization, upon penalty of forfeiture of his right to reinstatement. Saciion 3. Any person in retirement for a period of two quarters or more shall be restored to membership, except as herein indicated, by paying dues for the current quarter, as well as ail assessments accruing and newly levied during the period of retirement. If the period of retiretnent is less .than two quarters, the required pay­ ments shall consist of all dues accruing during the said period of retirement, including those for the current quarter, and all assess­ ments accrued and newly levied during that period. Upon such paym^Mt, the person in retirement shall be restored to membership, and his membership book, appropriately stamped, shall be returned to him. Section 4. A member in retirement may be restored to membership after a two-year period of retirement consisting of eight full quarters only by majority vote of the membership. Saciion 5. The period of retirement shall be computed from the first day of the quarter following the one in which the retirement card was. issged. ..... -V • • « I! C / < '.'.t » �JHM 25, im SEAFARERS ArHclaVN System of Organizafien L&G Sawlcmeat—Pa5« Threa (f) The President shall be diairman of the Executive Board the pora. and die personnel theretrf pa die Lakes and loltod Waten, including their organizing activities. and may cast one vote in that body. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities he k (g) He shall be responsible, within the limits of bis powers, empowered and authorized to reain any technical or professio^ for the enforcement of this Constitution, the policies of the Union, _ Section 1. This Union, and all officers, headquarter's tepresenta* assistance he deems necessary, subjea to approval of the ExecntiTe tives, port agents, patrolmen, and members shall be goyctned ia and all rules and rulings duly adopted by the Executive Board, and Board. those duly adopted by a majority vote of the membership. Widiin this order bjr: .these limits, he shall strive to enhance the strength, position, and Saction 8. Diraclor of Organizing and Publication*. (a) Hie Constitution. prestige of the Union. The Dirertor of Organizing and Publications shall be tppoiiited (b) The Executive Board. (h) The foregoing duties shall be in addition to those other and may be removed at will by the Executive Board of the Union. (c) Majority vote of the membership. duties lawfully imposed upon him. He shall be responsible for and supervise all publications and (i) The responsibility of the President may not be delegated, public relations of the Union and shall serve a* co-ordinator of Soefion 2. The headquarters of the Union shall be located in New York and the headquarters officers shall consist of a President, but the President may delegate to a person or persons the execution all organizational activities of the Union. In addition, he shall and Executive Vice-President, one Vice-President in Charge of of such of his duties as he may in his discretion decide, subject perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the Executive Board. Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer,' one to the limitations set forth in this Constitution. (j) Any vacancy in any office or the job of Headquarters Repre­ Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one Vice-President Soction 9. Hoadquartor* Raprasontativa*. in Charge of the Gulf Coast, and one Vice-President in Charge sentative, Port Agent, or Patrolman shall be filled by the President The Headquarters Represenatives shall perform any and all by temporary appointment of a member qualified for the office of the Lakes and Inland Waters. or job under Article XII of this Constitution, except in those duties assigned them or delegated to them by the President, Execu­ Saction 3. The staff of each port shall consist of such personnel cases where the filling of such vacancy is otherwise provided for tive Vice-President or the Executive Board. as is provided for herein, and the jmrt shall bear the name of the by this Constitution. Saction 10. Port Agant*. city in which the Union's port offices are located. (k) The President is directed to take any and all measures and (a) The Port Agent shall be in direct charge of the administra­ Saction 4. Every member of the Union shall be registered in one employ such means which he deems necessary or advisable, to tion of Union affairs in the port of his jurisdiction subject to the of three departments; namely, deck, engine and stewards depart­ protect the interests, and further the welfare of the Union and ia direction of the area Vice-President. (b) He shall, within the jurisdiaion of his port, be responsible ment. The definition of these departments shall be in accordance members, in all matters involving national, state or local legislation for the enforcement and execution of the Constitution, th.-^ j:olicies with custom and usage. This definition may be modified by a issues, and public affairs. (1) The President shall have authority to require any officer or . of the Union, and the rules adopted by the Executive Board, and majority vote of the membership. No member may transfer from one department to another except by approval as evidenced by a Union representative to attend any regular or special meeting if, in by a majority vote of the membership. 'Wherever there are time his opinion, it is deemed necessary. restrictions or other considerations affecting port aaion, the Port majority vote of the membership. Agent shall take appropriate action to insure observance thereof J' Saelisn 2. Exacutiv* Viea-Prasidant. (c) He shall'be prepared to account, financially or otherwise, The Executive Vice-President shall perform any and all duties for the activities of his port, whenever demanded by the President,, Article Vlil assigned him or delegated to him by the President. In the event the Vice-President of the area in which his port is located, or by Officers, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents the President shall be unable to carry out any of his duties by and Patrolmen reason of incapacity or unavailability, the Executive Vice-President the Secretary-Treasurer. (d) In any event, he shall prepare and forward to the Secretaryshall take over such duties during the period of such incapacity or So^on 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected as otherwise unavailability. Upon the death, resignation, or renioval from office Treasurer, a weekly financial report showing, in deail, weekly provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, for any reason of the President, the Executive Vice-President shall income and expenses, and complying with all other accounting an Executive Vice-President, one Vice-President in Charge of Con­ immediately assume die office, duties and responsibilities of the direaions issued by the Secretary-Treasuter.. (e) The Port Agent may assign each port Patrolman to such tracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one Vice- President until the next general election. President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one Vice-President in The Executive Vice-Pre_sident shall be a member of the Executive duties as fall within the jurisdiction of the port, regardless of the departmental designation, if any, under which ffie Patrolman Charge of the Gulf Coast, and one Vice-President in Charge of the Board and may cast one voce in that body. Lakes and Inland Waters. was elected. Section 3. Vice-President in Charge of Contract* and (f) The Port Agent shall designate which members at that port Saction 2. Port Agents, Headquarters Representatives, and Patrol­ Contract Enforcement. may serve as represenatives to other organizatioiu, affiliation with men shall be elected, except as otherwise provided in this The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforce­ which has been properly authorized. Constitution. ment shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated Saction II. Patrolman. to him by the President. In addition, he shall be responsible for Patrolmen shall j^rform any duties assigned them by the Agent all contract negotiations, the formulation of bargaining demands, Article IX and the submission of proposed collective bargaining agreemena of the Poa to which they are assigned. Other Elective Jobs to the membership for ratificauon. He shall also be responsible, Saction 12. Exacutrva Board. except as otherwise provided in Article X, Section 14 (d) (1), for The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive Section 1. In addition to the elective jobs provided for in Article strike authorization, signing of new contracu, and contract enforce­ VIII, the following jobs in the Union shall be voted upon in the ment. He shall also act for headquarters, in executing the adminis­ Vice-President, the Vice-President in Charge of Contraca' and' manner prescribed by this Constitution: trative functions assigned to headquarters by tliis Constitution with Contract Enforcement, the Secrerary-Treasurer, the Vice-President respect to trials and appeals except if he is a witness or party in Charge of the Atlantic Area, the Vice-President in Charge of A. Delegates to the convention of the Seafarers Intetiutional thereto, in which event the Secretary-Treasurer shall act in his the Gulf Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Lakes and Inland Union of North America. place. In order that he may properly execute these responsibilities •Waters, and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of B. Committee members of: he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ such help as he each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the (1) Trial Committees deems necessary, be it legal, or otherwise, subject to approval of Union whenever such subordinate body or division has atained (2) Quarterly Financial Committees a membership of 3,200 members and has mainained that member­ the Executive Board. ( 3 ) Appeals Committees The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforce­ ship for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (4) Strike Committees (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective ment shall be a-member of the Executive Board and may cast ( 5 ) Credentials Committees subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office one vote in that body. (<5) Polls Committees under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordi­ ( 7 ) Union Tallying Committees nate body. Section 4. Secretary-Treasurer. (8) Constitutional Committees The Executive Board shall meet in headquarters no less than The Secretary-Treasurer shall perform any and all duties assigned Section 2. Additional committees may be formed as provided by him or delegated to him by the President. He shall be responsible once each quarter and at such other times as the President or, a majority vote of the membership. Committees may also be ap­ for the organization and maintenance of the correspondence, files, in his absence, the Executive Vice-President may direct. The Presi­ and records of the Union; setting up, and maintenance of, sound dent shall be the chairman of all Executive Board meetings unless pointed as permitted by this Constitution. accounting and bookkeeping systems; the setting up, and mainte­ absent, in which case the Executive Vice-President shall assume nance of, proper office and other administrative Union procedures; the chairman's duties. Each member of the Executive Board shall Article X the proper collection, safeguarding, and expenditure of all Union be entitled to cast one vote in that body. Ia decision shall be determined by majority vote of those voting, providing a quorum Duties of Officers, Headquarters Representatives, Port funds, port or otherwise. He shall submit to the membership, for of three is present. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to each quarterly period, a detailed report of the entire Union's finan­ Agents, Other Elected Job Holders and cial operations and shall submit simultaneously therewith, the develop policies, strategies and rules which will advance and Miscellaneous Personnel Quarterly Financial Committee report for the same period. The protect the interests and welfare of the Union and the Members. ^retary-Treasurer's report shall be prepared by an independent It shall be the duty of the Secreary-Treasurer, or in his absence, Soction 1. Tho Prosidonl. Certified Public Accountant. He shall also work with all duly elected an appointee of the Executive Board, to keep accurate minutes of (a) The President shall be the executive officer of the Union finance committees. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible all Executive Board meetings. The Executive Board shall appoint one person who shall be designated Director of Organizing and and shall represent-, and act for and in behalf of, the Union in all for the timely filing of any and all repora on the operations of matters except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Con­ the Union, financial or otherwise, that may be required by any Publications. The Executive Board shall determine per capia tax stitution. Federal or state laws. In order that he may properly execute his to be levied and other terms and conditions of affiliation for any group of workers desiring affiliation. The Executive Board may (b) He shall be a member ex-officio of all committees, except responsibilities, he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ- direct the administration of all Union affairs, properties, policies any help he deems necessary, be it legal, accounting, or otherwise, as otherwise herein expressly provided. and personnel in any and all areas not otherwise specifically pro­ (c) The President shall be in charge of, and responsible for, all subject to approval of the Executive Board. vided for in this Constitution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the The Secretary-Treasurer shall be a member of the Executive Union property, and shall be in charge of headquarters and port Executive Board may act without holding a formal meeting pro­ Board and may cast one vote in that body. offices. Wherever there are time restrictions or other considerations The Secretary-Treasurer shall be a member ex-officio of the vided all members of the Board are sent notice of the proposed affecting Union action, the President shall take appropriate action Credentials and Ballot Tallying Committees. In addition he shall action or anions and the decision thereon is reduced to writing and to insure observance thereof. make himself and the records of his office available to the Quarterly signed by a majority of the Executive Board. In the event that death, resignation or removal from office for (d) In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, Financial Committee. * any reason should occur simulaneously to the President and Execu­ he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ any help he deems necessary, be it legal, accounting or otherwise. tive Vice-President, the Executive Board by majority vote shall, Saction 5. Vice-Presidant In Charga of tha Atlantic Coast. (e) Subject to approval by a majority vote of the membership, The Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast shall be a name successors from ia own membership who shall fill those the President shall designate the number and location of ports, the member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one vacancies until the next general election. If the Executive Vice-President duly assumes the office of the jurisdiction, status, and activities thereof, and may close or open- vote in that body. such ports, and may re-assign Vice-Presidents and the SecretaryHe shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all President and dies, resigns, is removed from office, or "is iocapaciTreasurer, without reduction in wages. He may also re-assign the ports, and the personnel thereof on the Atlantic Coast, includ­ ated for more than 30 days during the remainder of the term, the Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, and Patrolmen, to ing their organizing activities. The Atlantic Coast area is deemed Executive Board shall elect a successor for the balance of the term other duties, without reduction in wages. The Ports of New York, to mean that area from and including Georgia through Maine and from its own membership. Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New -Orleans, Houston and shall also include the Islands in the Caribbean. In order that he Section 13. Dafegila*. Detroit may not be closed except by Constitutional amendment. may properly execute his responsibilities he is empowered and (a) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of "the Where ports are opened between elections, the President shall authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he Union and ia subordinate bodies or divisions who are eleaed in designate the Union personnel thereof. deems necessary, subject to approval of the Executive Board. accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, to attend the The President shall designate, in. the event of the incapacity of convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. Section 6. Vice-Preddent in Charga of the Gulf Coast. a^ Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or Patrolman, or any (b) Each delegate shall attend the convention for which elected officer other than the President, a replacement to act as such during The Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast shall be a the period of incapacity, provided such replacement is qualified member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one and. fully participate therein. under Article XII of the Constitution to fill such job. (c) Each delegate shall, by his vote and otherwise, support those vote in that body. At the regular meeting in July of every election year, the Presi­ He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the policies agreed upon by the majority of the delegates to the dent shall submit to the membership a pre-balloting report. In his Ports, and the personnel thereof on the Gulf Coast including their Convention. report he shall recommend the number and location of ports, the organizing activities. The Gulf Coast area is deemed to mean the (d) The Pre^^y^^ggpi sign to each subordinate body or number of Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents and Patrol­ State of Florida, all through the Gulfj including Texas. , division that numbS^ delegates to which this Union would have men which are to be elected. He shall also recommend a bank, a In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities he been entitled, if its membership had been increased by the number bonded warehouse, a regular officer thereof, or any other similar is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional of members of the subordinate body or division, in accordance depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed or delivered at assistance he deems necessary, subject to approval of the Executive with the formula set forth in the Constitution of the Seafarers the close of each day's voting, except that the President may, in Boatd. International Union of North America, except that this provisioa his discretion, postpone the recommendation as to the depository shall not be applied so as to reduce the number of delegates to Saetiui 7. Vica-PrMidaiit in Chargn of rim UICM and Inland Walar*. until no later man the first regular meeting in October. which this Union would otherwise have been entitled. This rccbmmendatioh may also specify, wheffier any Patrolman The Vice-President in Charge of 'the Lakes and Inland Watets .Section 14. Committoo*. and/or Headquarters Rep'risentative, shall be designat^ as depart­ shall bd a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled mental or otherwise, The report shall be Subjea to approval of to cut OM Vote in that body. (a) Trial CommlttM. mixlifi'cation .by a majority vote of the membership; . ' ' He shall su^rvise and be responsible'foic'die aO^vities of All iW-Trial Committee shall condiia the trmis of'a perscA diarged. �SEAFARERS Supplement—P«C« Four and shall submit findings and recommendations as prescribed la this Constimtion. It shall be the special obligation of the Trial Committee to observe all the requirements of this Constimtion with regard to charges and trials, and their finding and recom­ mendations must sp^ifically state whether or not, in the opinion of the Trial Committee, the rights of any accused, under this Constimtion, were properly safeguarded, (b) Appaalt CemmiHaa. 1. The Appeals Committee shall hear all appeals from trial judgments, in accordance with such procedures as are set forth in this Constimtion and such rules as may be adopted by a majority vott of the membership not inconsistent therewith. 2. The Appeals Committee shall, within not later than one week after the close of the said hearing, make and submit findings and recommendations in accordance with the provisions of_ this Con­ stitution and such rules as may be adopted by a majority vote of the membership not inconsistent therewith. (c) Quarlarly Financial Committaa. 1. The Quarterly Financial Committee shall make an examina­ tion for each quarterly period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, separate recom­ mendations and separate findings. 2. Th6 findings and recommendations of this committee shall be completed within a reasonable time after the election of the members thereof, and shall be submitted to the Secretaty-Treasurer who shall cause the same to be read in all ports, as set forth herein. 3. All officers. Union personnel and members are responsible for complying with all demands made for records, bills, vouchers, receipts, etc., by the said Quarterly Financial Committee. The committee shall also have available to it, the services of the inde­ pendent certified public accountants retained by the Union. 4. Any action on the said report shall be as determined by a majority vote of the membership. 5. The Quarterly Financial Committee shall consist of seven (7) members in good standing to be elected as follows: One member from each of the following ports: New York, Philadelphia, Balti­ more, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston and Detroit. No officer. Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or Patrolman, shall be eligible for election to this Committee. Committee members shall be elected at the regular meeting designated by the SecretaryTreasurer. In the event a regular meeting cannot be held in any port for lack of a quorum, the Agent shall call a special meeting as early as possible for the purpose of electing a member to serve on the Quarterly Financial Committee. Such committee members shall be furnished transportation to New York and back to their respective ports and they shall be furnished room and board during the period they are performing their duties in New York. Com­ mencing on the day following their election and continuing until they have been returned to their respective ports each committee member shall be paid for hours worked at the standby rate of pay but in no event shall they be paid for less than eight (8) hours per day. • (d) Strike Commltte*. vessels, covered by contract with diis'.lJnion, or four (4) moBths of employment with, or in any office or job of, the Union, its sub­ sidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union's direction, or a combination of these, between January 1st and the time of nomination in the election year; and (d) He isji citizen of the United States of America; and (e) He is not disqualified by law. Saction 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall be full book members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for and holders of elective offices and jobs, whether elected or appointed in accordance with this Cotistitution, shall maintain full book membership in good standing. Article XIII Elections for Officers, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents and Patrolmen Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Secrion 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or Patrolman, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at headquarters, or sending, a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the SecretaryTreasurer, at the address of headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candi­ date, including the name of the Port in the event the posi­ tion sought is that of Agent or Patrolman. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for can­ didates. (g) In the event the member is on a ship he shall notify the Credentials Committee what ship he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his cre­ dentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: "I hereby certify that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of title II or III of the Landrum-Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes." Dated: 1. In no event shall a general strike take place unless approved by a majority vote of the membership. 2. In the event a general strike has been approved by the mem­ bership the Port Agents in all affected ports shall call a timely special meeting for the purpose of electing a strike committee. This committee shall be composed of three full book members and their duties shall consist of assisting the Port Agent to effectu­ ate all strike policies and strategies. Arficfe XI Wages and Terms of Office of Officers and Other Elective Job Holders, Union Employees, and Others Saciion 1. The following elected offices and jobs shall be held for a term of four years: President Vice-Presidents Secretary-Treasu ter Headquarters Representatives Port Agents Pattolmen The term of four years set fotth herein is expressly subject to the provisions for assumption of office as contained in Article XIII, Section 6(b) of this Constitution. Section 2. The term of any elective jobs other than those indicated in Section 1 of this Article shall continue for so long as is necessary to complete the functions thereof, unless sooner terminated by a majotity vote of the membership or segment of the Union, which­ ever applies, whose vote was originally necessary to elect the one or ones serving. Section 3. The compensation to be paid the holder of any office or other elective job shall be determined from time to time by the Executive Board subject to approval of the membership. Section 4. The foregoing provisions of this Article do not apply to any corporation, business, or other vennire in which this Union participates, or which it organizes or creates. In such situations, instructions conveyed by the Executive Board shall be followed. Article XII Qualifications for Officers, Headquarters Representa­ tives, Port Agents, Patrolmen and Other Elective Jobs Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a candidate for, and hold, any office or the job of Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or Patrolman provided: , (a) He has at least three (3) years of seatime in an unlicensed 'capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels. In computing time, time spent in the employ of the Union, its sub­ sidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union's direction, shall count the same as sea time. Union records. Welfare Plan records and/or company records can be used to determine eligibility; and . (b) He has been a full book member in continuous good stand­ ing in the Union for at least three (3) years immediately prior to his nomination; and (c) He has at least four (4) months of sea time, in an unliceruml capacity,, aboard sa American-flag, merchant vessel or Book No Signature of member .'. Ian* tf. IMS LOG ! Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nomi­ nees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, ljut is, in fact, legally eligible for an oflice or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Ail documents required herein must reach headquarters no earlier than July I5th and no later than August 15th of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with the safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter's request. Stclion 2. Cradantiils Commitlae. (a) A Credentials Committee shall be elected at the regular meeting in August of the election year, at the port where head­ quarters is located. It shall consist of six full book members in attendance at the meeting, with two members to be elected from each of the Deck, Engine and Stewards Departments. No Officer, Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or Patrolman, or candi­ date for office or the job of Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or Patrolman, shall be eligible for election to this Committee, except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In the event any committee member is unable to serve, the committee shall suspend until the President or Executive Vice President, or the SecretaryTreasurer, in that order, calls a special meeting at the port where Headquarters is located in order to elect a replacement. The Com­ mittee's results shall be by majority vote, with any tie vote being resolved by a majority vote of the membership at a special meeting called for that purpose at that Port. (b) After its election, the Committee shall immediately go into session. It shall determine whether the person has submitted his application correctly and possesses the necessary qualifications. The Committee shall prepare a report listing each applicant and his book number under the office or job he is seeking. Each appli­ cant shall be marked "qualified" or "disqualified" according to the findings of the Committee. Where an applicant has been marked "disqualified", the reason therefor must be stated in the report. Where a tie vote has been resolved by a special meeting of the ipembership, that fact shall also be noted, with sufficient detail. •The report shall be signed by all of the Committee members, and be completed and submitted to the Ports in time for the next regular meeting after their election. At this meeting, it shall be read and incorporated in the minutes, and then posted on the bulletin board in each port. On the last day of nominations, one member of the Committee shall stand by in Headquarters to accept delivery of credentials. All credentials must be in headquarters by midnight of closing day. (c) When an applicant has been disqualified by the commit­ tee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram at the addresses listed by him pursuant to Section 1 of this Article. He shall also be sent a letter containing the reasons for such disqualification by air mail, special delivery, registered, to the mailing address desig­ nated pursuant to Section 1 (b) of this Article. A disqualified appli­ cant shall have the right to take an appeal to the membership from the decision of the committee. He shall forward copied of such appeal to each port, where the appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular meeting no later than the second meeting after the committee's election. It is the responsibility of the appli­ cant to insure timely delivery, of his. appeal In any event, without. prejudice to hit written appeal, the applicant inajr appear in.penoq Wore die committee within two days afMr die day on which the telegram if sent, to.correct his application or argue for his quali­ fication. The committee's report shall be prepared early enough to allow the applicant to appear before it within the time aet forth in this Constitution and still reach the ports in time for the first regular meeting after its election. (d) A majority vote of the membership shall, in the case of such appeals, be sufficient to over-rule any disqualification classification by the Credentials Committee, in which event the one so pre­ viously classified shall then be deemed qualified. (e) The Credentials Committee, in passing upon the qualifi­ cations of candidates, shall have the right to conclusively presume that anyone nominated and qualified in previous elections for candi­ dacy for any office, or the job of Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or IPatrolman, has met all the requirements of Section 1 (a) of Article XII. Saction 3. Balloting Procaduras. (a) The Secretary-Treasurer shall insure the proper and timely preparation of ballots, without partiality as to candidates or ports. The ballots may contain general information and instructive com­ ments not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution. All qualified candidates shall be listed thereon aplhabetically within each category. The listing of the ports shall follow a geographical pattern, commencing with the most northerly port on the Atlantic coast, following the Atlantic coast down to the most southerly port on that coast, then westerly along the Gulf of Mexico and so on, until the list of ports is exhausted. Any port outside the Continental United States shall then be added. There shall be allotted write-in space, on each ballot, sufficient to permit each member voting to write in as many names as there are offices and jobs to be voted upon. Each ballot shall be so prepared as to have the number thereon placed at the top thereof and shall be so per­ forated as to enable that portion containing the said number to be easily removed to insure secrecy of the ballot. On this removable portion shall also be placed a short statement indicating the nature of the ballot and the voting date thereof. (b) The ballots so prepared at the direction of the SecretaryTreasurer shall be the only official ballots. No others may be used. Each ballot shall be numbered as indicated in the preceding para­ graph and shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with number 1. A sufficient amount shall be printed and distributed to each Port. A record of the ballots, both by serial numbers and amount, sent thereto shall be maintained by the Secretary-Treasurer, who shall also send each Port Agent a verification list indicating the amount and serial numbers of the ballots sent. Each Port Agent shall maintain separate records of the ballots sent him and shall inspect and count the ballots, when received, to insure that the amount sent, as well as the numbers thereon, conform to the 'amount and numbers listed by the Secretary-Treasurer as having been sent to that port. The Port Agent shall immediately execute and return to the Secretary-Treasurer a receipt acknowledging the correctness of the amount and numbers of the ballots sent, or shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer of any discrepancy. Discrepancies shall be corrected as soon as possible prior to the voting period. In any. event, receipts shall be forwarded for ballots actually received. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare a file in which shall be kept memoranda and correspondence dealing with the election. This file shall at all times be available to any member asking for inspec­ tion of the same at the office of the Secretary-Treasurer. (c) Balloting shall take place in person, at port offices, and shall be secret. No signatures of any voter, or other distin.guishing mark, shall appear on the ballot, except that any member may write in the name or names of any member or members, as appro­ priate, for any office, or the job of Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or Patrolman. (d) Only full book members may vote. However, immediately prior thereto they must present their books to the Polls Committee of the port in which they are voting. The voter's book number shall be placed upon the roster sheet (which shall be kept in duplicate) in the space opposite the proper ballot number, and the member shall sign his name. The portion of the ballot on which the ballot number is printed shall then be removed, placed near the roster sheet, and the member shall proceed to the voting site with the ballot. An appropriate notation of the date and of the fact of voting shall be placed in the member's Union book. (e) Each Port Agent shall be responsible for the establishment of a booth or other voting site where each member may vote in privacy. (f) Upon completion of voting the member shall fold the ballot so that no part of the printed or written portion is visible. He shall then drop the ballot into a narrow-slotted ballot box, which shall be provided for that purpose by the Port Agent and kept locked and sealed except as hereinafter set forth. (g) Voting shall commence on November 1st of the election year and shall continue through December 31st, exclusive of Sun­ days and (for each individual Port) holidays legally recognized in the city in which the port affected is located. If November 1st or December 31st falls on a holiday legally recognized in a port in the city in which that port is located, the balloting period in such port shall commence or terminate, as the case may be, on the next succeeding business day. Subject to the foregoing, voting in all ports shall commence at 9:00 A.M., and continue until 5:00 P.M., except that, on Saturdays, voting shall commence at 9:00 A.M. and continue until 12 noon. Saction 4. Polls Commiltaas. (a) Each port shall elect, prior to the beginning of the voting on each voting day, a Polls Committee, consisting of three full book members none of whom shall be a candidate, officer or an elected or appointed job holder. For the purpose of holding a meeting for the election of a Polls Committee only, and notwith­ standing the provisions of Article XXIII, Section 2, or any other provision of this Constitution, five (5) members shall constitute o POfft with the said meeting to be held between 8:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. with no notice thereof required. It shall be the obligation of each member wishing to serve on a Polls Committee, or to^ observe the election thereof, to be present during this time period. It shall be the responsibility of the Port Agent to see that the meeting for the purpose of electing the said Polls Committee is called, and that the minutes of the said meeting are sent daily to the Secretaty-Treasurer. In no case shall voting take place unless a duly elected Polls Co.mmittee is functioning. (b) The duly elected Polls Committee shall collect all unused balloB, the voting rosters, the numbered stubs of those ballots already used, the ballot box or boxes and the ballot records and files kept by the Port Agent. It shall then proceed to compar^> the serial numbers and amounts of stubs with the number of na.nes and corresponding serial numbers on the roster, and then compare, the serial numheg imd,mounts ,of b»Uotj,'wed->with the verifica- �S5, 1M» don list, M corrected, end uoertam whether the unused ballots, bodl serial numbers and amount, represent the difference between what appears on the verifiication list, as corrected, and the ballots used. If any discrepancies are found, a detailed report thereon shall be drawn by the Polls Committee finding such discrepancies, which report shall be in duplicate, and signed by all the members of such Polls Committee. Each member of the Committee may make what Kparate comments thereon he desires, provided they are signed and dated by him. A copy of this report shall be given the Port Agent, to be presented at the next regular meeting. A copy shall also be simultaneously sent to the Secretary-Treasurer, who shall cause an investigation to be made forthwith. The results of such investigation shall be reported to the membership as soon as com­ pleted, with recommendations by the Secretary-Treasurer. A ma­ jority vote of the membership shall determine what action, if any, shall be taken thereon. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Constitution, the Executive Board shall not make any determination in these matters. (c) The Polls Committee shall also insure that the ballot box is locked and sealed, which lock and seal shall not be opened except in the manner hereinafter set forth. The same procedure as is set forth in the preceding paragraph with regard ro discrepancies shall be utilized in the event the Polls Committee has reason to believe the lock and seal have been illegally tampered with. (d) The Polls Committee shall permit full book members only to vote. Prior thereto, it shall stamp their book with the word "voted" and the date, issue ballots to voters, insure that proper registration on the roster takes place, collect stubs, and keep them in numerical order. It shall preserve good order and decorum at the voting site and vicinity thereof. All members and others affiliated with the Union are charged with the duty of assisting the Polls Committee, when called upon, in the preservation of order and decorum. (e) In order to maintain the secrecy and accuracy of the ballot, and to eliminate the possibility of errors or irregularities in any one day's balloting affecting all the balloting in any port, the following procedure shall be observed: At the end of each day's voting, the Polls Committee, in the presence of any member desiring to attend, provided he observes proper decorum, shall open the ballot box or boxes, and place all of that day's ballots therein in an envelope, as required, which shall then be sealed. The members of the Polls Committee shall there­ upon sign their names across the flap of the said envelope or enve­ lopes, with their book numbers nexr to their signatures. The committee shall also place the date and name of the Port on the said envelopes, and shall certify, on the envelope or envelopes, that the ballot box or boxes were opened publicly, that all ballots for that day only were removed, and that all of those ballots are enclosed in the envelope or envelopes dated for rhat day and voted in that Port. The Po Is Committee shall check the rosters, and any other records they deem appropriate, to insure the foregoing. At the discretion of the Executive Board, official envelopes may be pre­ pared for rhe purpose of enclosing the ballots and the making of the aforesaid certification, with wording embodying the fore­ going inscribed thereon, in which evenr these envelopes shall be used by the Polls Committee for the aforesaid purpose. Nothing contained herein shall prevent any member of a Polls Committee ifrom adding such comments to the certificate as are appropriate, provided the comments are signed and dated by the member making them. The envelope or envelopes shall then be placed in a wrapper or envelope, which, at the discretion of the Executive Board, may be furnished for thar purpose. The wrapper or envelope shall then be securely sealed and either delivered, or senr by certified or tegisrered mail, by rhe said Polls Committee, to the depository named in the pre-election report adopted by the membership. The Polls Committee shall not be discharged from its duties until this mailing is accomplished and evidence of mailing or delivery is furnished the Port Agent, which evidence shall be noted and kept in the Port Agent's election records or files. The Polls Committee shall also insure that the ballot box or boxes are locked and sealed before handing rhem back ro the Port Agent, and shall place the key or keys to the boxes in an envelope, across the flap of which the members of the committee shall sign their names, book numbers, and the date, after sealing the envelope securely. In addition to delivering the key and ballot box or boxes as aforesaid, the Polls Committee shall deliver to the Port Agent one copy of each of the roster sheets for the day, the unused ballots, any reports called for by this Section 4, any files that they may have received, and all the stubs collected both for the day and those turned over to it. The Port Agent shall be responsible for the proper safeguarding of all the aforesaid material, shall not release any of it until duly called for, and shall insure that no one illegally tampers with the material placed in his custody. The remaining copy of each roster sheet used for the day shall be mailed by the Polls Committee to the Secretary-Treasurer, by certified or regis­ tered mail or delivered in person. (f) Members of the Polls Committee shall serve without com­ pensation, except that the Port Agent shall compensate each Polls Committee member with a reasonable sum for meals while serving or provide meals in lieu of cash. Section 5. Ballot Collection, Tallying Procedure, Protests, and Special Votes. (a) On the day the balloting in each port is to termjpate, the Polls Committee elected for that day shall, in addition to their other duties hereinbefore set forth, deliver to headquarters, or mail to headquarters (by certified or registered mail), all the unused ballots, together with a certification, signed and dated by all members of the Committee that all ballots sent to the port and not used are enclosed therewith, subject to the right of each member of the Committee to make separate comments under his signature and date. The certification shall specifically identify, by serial number and amounr, the unused ballots so forwarded. In the same package, but bound separately, the committee shall forward to headquarters all stubs collected during the period of voting, together with a certification, signed by all members of the committee, that all the stubs collected by the committee are enclosed therewith subject to the tight of each member of the committee to make separate com­ ments under his signature and date. The said Polls Committee members shall not be discharged from their duties until the for, warding called for hereunder is accomplished and evidence of mailing or delivery is furnished the Port Agent, which evidence shall be noted and kept in the Port Agent's election records or files. (b) All forwarding to headquarters called for under this Section 5, shall be to the Union Tallying Committee, at the address of headquarters. In rhe event a Polls Committee cannot be elected or cannot act on the day the balloting in each Port is to terminate, . the Port Agent shall have the duty to forward the material specifi­ cally set forth in Section 3(a) (unused ballots and stubs) to the Union Tallying Committee, which will then carry out the functions in regard thereto of the said Polls Committee. In such event, the Port Agent shall also forward all other material deemed necessary by the Union Tallying Commits .to. execute thpw functions; . , ; i SEAFARERS Supplement—Pase Fir* LOG All oertiflcatioof called for under diia Article XIII shall bt deemed made according to the bM knowledge, and belief of diose required to make such certification. (c) The Union Tallying Committee shall consist of 14 full book members. Two shall be elected from each of the seven ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, and Detroit. The election shall be held at the re^lar meeting in December of the election year, or if the Executive Board other­ wise dwermines prior thereto, at a special meeting held in the aforesaid ports on the first business day of the last week of said month. No Officer, Headquarters Representative, Port Agent, Pa­ trolman, or candidate for office, or the job of Headquarters Rep­ resentative, Port Agent or Patrolman, shall be eligible for election to this Committee, except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In addition to its duties hereinbefore set forth, the Union Tallying Committee shall be charged with the tallying of all the ballots and the preparation of a closing report setting forth, in complete detail, the results of the election, including a complete accounting of all ballots and stubs, and reconciliation of the same with the rosters, verification lists, and receipts of the Port Agents, all with detailed reference to serial numbers and amounts and with each total broken down into port totals. The Tallying Committee shall be permitted access to the election records and files of all ports, which they may require to be forwarded for inspection at its discretion. The report shall clearly detail all discrepancies discovered, and shall contain recommendations for the treatment of these dis­ crepancies. All members of . the Committee shall sign the report, without prejudice, however, to the right of any member thereof to submit a dissenting report as to the accuracy of the count and the validity of the ballots, with j^rtinent details. The Tallying Committee is also charged with the receipt and evaluation of written protests by any member who claims an illegal denial of the right to vote. If it finds the protests invalid, it shall dismiss the protest and so inform the protesting member, by wire, on the day of dismissal. If it finds the protest valid, the committee shall order a special vote, to be had no later than within the period of its proceedings, on such terms as are practical, effective, and just, but which terms, in any event, shall include the provisions of Section 3(c) of this Article and the designation of the voting site of the port most convenient to the protesting member. Where a special vote is ordered in accordance with this Section 5(c), these terms shall apply, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Article. Protests may be made only in writing and must be received by the Union Tallying Committee during the period of its proceedings. The reports of this committee shall include a brief summary of each protest received, the name and book number of the protesting member, and a summary of the disposition of the said protest. The committee shall take all reason­ able measures to adjust the course of its proceedings so as to enable the special vote set forth in this Section 5(c) to be com­ pleted within the. time herein specified. No closing report shall be made by it unless and until the special votes referred to in this Section 5(c) shall have been duly completed and tallied. (d) The members of the Union Tallying Committee shall pro­ ceed to the port in which headquarters is located, as soon as possi­ ble after their election but, in any event," shall arrive at that port prior to the first business day after December 31 of the election year. Each member of the committee not elected from the port inwhich headquarters is located shall be reimbursed for transportation, meals, and lodging expense occasioned by their traveling ro and returning from that Port. All members of the committee shall also be paid at the prevailing standby rate of pay from rhe day subse­ quent to their election to the day they return, in normal course, to the Port from which they were elected. The Union Tallying Committee shall elect a chairman from among themselves and, subject to the express terms of this Con­ stitution, adopt its own procedures. Decision as to special votes, protests, and the contents of the final report shall be valid if made by a majority vote, provided there be a quorum in attendance, which quorum is hereby fixed at nine (9)- The Union Tallying Committee, but not less than a quorum thereof, shall have the sole right and duty to obtain the ballots from the depository imme­ diately after the termination of balloting and to insure their safe custody during the course of the committee's proceedings. The proceedings of this committee, except for the actual preparation of the closing report and dissents therefrom, if any, shall be open to any member, provided he observes decorum. In no event, shall the issuance of the hereinbefore referred to closing report of the Tallying Committee be delayed beyond the January 15th immedi­ ately subsequent to the close of voting. The Union Tallying Com­ mittee shall be discharged upon the completion of the issuance and dispatch of its reports as required in this Article. In the event a recheck and recount is ordered pursuant to Section 5(g) of this Article, the committee shall be reconstituted except that if any member thereof is not available, a substitute therefore shall be elected from the appropriate port, at a special meeting held for that purpose as soon as possible. (e) The report of the Committee shall be made up in sufficient copies to comply with the following requirements: two copies shall be sent by the committee to each Port Agent and the SecretaryTreasurer prior to the first regular meeting scheduled to takeplace subsequent to the close of the committee's proceedings or, in the event such meeting is scheduled to take place four days or less from the close of this committee's proceedings, then at least five days prior to the next regular meeting. Whichever meeting applies shall be designated, by date, in the report and shall be referred to as the" "Election Report Meeting." As soon as these copies are received, each Port Agent shall post one copy of the report on the bulletin board, in a conspicuous manner. This copy shall be kept posted for a period of two months. At the Election Report Meeting, the other copy of the report shall be read verbatim. (f) At the Election Report meeting, there shall be taken up the discrepancies, if any, referred to in Section 5(c) of this Article and the recommendations of the Tallying Committee submitted therewith. A majority vote of the membership shall decide what action, if any, in accordance with the Constimtion, shall be taken thereon, which action, however, shall not include the ordering of a special vote unless the reported discrepancies affect the results of the vote for any office or job, in^ which event, the special vote shall be resiricted thereto. A majority of the membership, at the Election Rpeort Meeting, may order a recheck and a recount when a dissent to the closing report has been issued by three or more members, of the Union Tallying Committee. Except for the con­ tingencies provided for in this Section 5(f) the closing report shall be accepted as final. (g) A special vote ordered pursuant to Seciton 5(fJ must take place and be completed within seven (7) days after the Election Report Meeting, at each pott where the discrepancies so acted upon took place. Subject to the foregoing, and to the limits of the vote set by the membership, as aforesaid, the Port Agenu in each such port shall, have the functions of the Tallying Committee as .set forth-in S^on-5(c),, insofar< as-that Section deals with the. atnns of such sp^ial vote. The StKfetary-Treasurer shall make « sufficient amount of the usual balloting material immediately available to Port Agents, for the purpose of such special vote. Imme­ diately after die close thereof, the Port Agent shall summarize -the results and communicate them to the Secretary-Treasurer. The ballots, stubs, roster sheets, and unused ballots pertaining to the special vote shall be forwarded to the Secretary-Traesurer, all in the same package, but bound separately, by the most rapid means practicable, but, in any case, so as to reach the Secreury-Treasurer in time to enable him to prepare his report as required by this Section 5(g). An accounting and certification, made by the Port Agent, similar to those required of Polls Committees, shall be enclosed therewith. The Secretary-Treasurer shall then prepare a tetmrt containing a combined summary of the results, together with a Khedule indicating in detail how they affect the Union Tallying Committee's results, as set forth in its closing report. The form of the latter's report shaH be followed as closely as possible. Two (2) copies shall be sent to each port, one copy of which shall be posted. "The other copy shall be presented at the next regular meeting after the Election Report Meeting. If a majority vote of the membership decides to accept the Secretary-Treasurer's report, the numerical results set forth in the pertinent segments of the Tally­ ing Committee's closing report shall be deemed accepted and final without modification. If ordered, a recheck and recount, and the report thereon by the Union Tallying Committee, shall be similarly disposed of and deemed accepted and final, by majority vote of the membership at the regular meeting following the Election Report Meeting. If such recheck and recount is ordered, the Union 'Tallying Com­ mittee shall be required to continue its proceedings correspondingly. Saction 6. Installation into office and the Job of Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or Patrolman. (a) The person elected shall be that person having the largest number of votes cast for the particular office or job involved. Where more than one person is to be elected for a particular office or job, the proper number of candidates receiving the successively highest number of votes shall be declared elected. These determina­ tions shall be made only from the results deemed final and accepted as provided in this Article. It shall be the duty of the President to notify each individual elected. (b) The duly elected officers and other job holders shall take over their respective offices and jobs, and assume the duties thereof, at midnight of the night of the Election Report Meeting, or the next regular meeting, depending upon which meeting the result? as to each of the foregoing are deemed final and accepted, as pro­ vided in this Article. The term of their predecessors shall continue up to, and expire at, that time, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article XI, Section 1. This shall not apply where the successful candidate cannot assume his office because he is at sea. In such event, a majority vote of the membership may grant additional time for the assumption of the office or job. In the event of the failure of the newly-elected President to assume office the provisions of Article X, Section 2, as to succession shall apply until the expiration of the term. All other cases of failure to assume office shall be dealt with as decided by a majority vote of the membership. Section 7. The Secretary-Treasurer is specifically charged with the preservation and retention of all election records, including the ballots, as required by law, and is directed and authorized to issue such other and further directives as to the election procedures as are required by law, which directives shall be part of the election procedures of this Union. Article XIV Other Elections Section T. Trial Committee. A Trial Committee shall be elected at a special meeting held at 10:00 A.M., the next business day following the regular meeting of the Port where the Trial is to take place. It shall consist of five full book members, of which three shall constimte a quorum. No officer, Headquarters Representative, Port Agent, Port Patrolman, or other Union personnel may be electd to serve on a Trial Com­ mittee. No member who intends to be a witness in the pending trial may serve, nor may any member who cannot, for any reason, render an honest decision. It shall be the duty of every member to decline nomination if he knows, or has reason to believe, any^of the foregoing disqualifications apply to him. The members of tnis committee shall be elected under such generally applicable rules as are adopted by a majority vote of the meml^rship. Saction 2. Appeals Commitlea. The Appeals Committee shall consist of seven full book members, five of whom shall constitute a quorum, elected at the port where headquarters is located. The same disqualifications and duties of members shall apply with regard to this committee as apply to the Trial Committee. In addition, no mem'ber may serve on an Appeals Committee in the hearing of an appeal from a Trial Committee decision, if the said member was a member of the Trial Committee. Saction 3. Delegalat. As soon as the President is advised as to the date and duly authorized number of delegates to the convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America, he shall communicate such facts to the Port Agent of each Port, together with recommendations as to generally applicable rules for the election of delegates. These facts and recommendations shall be announced and read at the first regular meeting thereafter. Unless changed by a majority vote of the membership during that meeting, the election rules shall apply. These rules shall not prohibit any full book member from nominating himself. The results of the election shall be communi­ cated to each Port Agent, posted on the bulletin board, and an­ nounced at the next regular meeting of the Port. Rules of election hereunder may include provisions for automatic election of all qualified nominees, in the event the number of such nominees does not exceed the number of delegates to be elected. Article XV Trials and Appeals Saction 1. Any member may bring charges against any other member for the commission of an offense as set forth in this Con­ stimtion. These charges shall be in writing and signed by the accuser, who shall also include his book number. The accuser shall deliver these charges to the Port Agent of the port nearest the place of the offense, or the port of pay-off, if the offense took place aboard' ship. He shall also request the Port Agent to present these charges at the next regular meeting. The accuser may withdraw his charges before &e meeting takes place. • . • �Sapplement—^Pat* Ste V # I SEAFARER'S LOG SMrieN 2. After presentation of the duuge* and the request to evideoot to support sudi a finding and, Ift such cast, dit Appeab (c)' MlKooduct durinA any meeting or other official Union the Port Agent, the Port Agent shall cause those charges to be read Committee shall not make itt own findings as to ^ weight, of ptocetdiaA or bringing m Union into disrepute by conduct not provided for elsewhere in this Article; evidence. at the said meeting. If the charges are rejected by a majority vote of the port, no ^ (b) In no event shall increased punishment be recommended. (d) Refusal or negligent failore to carry out orders of those further action may be uken thereon, unless ruled otherwise by a (c) A new trial shall be recommended if the Appeals Committee duly authorized to paake such orders at any time. majority vote of the membership of the Union within 90 days finds—(a) that any member of the Trial Committee should have Sscilen 4. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following thereafter. If the charges are accepted, and the accused is present, been disqualified, or (b) that the accused was not adequately he shall be automatically on notice that he will be tried the foU informed of the details of the charged offense, which resulted iti offenses, members shall be penalized up to and including a fine of lowing morning. At his request, the trial shall be pos^ned until his not having been given a fair trial, or (c) that for any other 150.00; the morning following the next regular meeting, at which time the reason, the accused was not given a fair trial. (a) Refusal or wilful failure to be present at sign-ons or pay-offs; Trial Committee will then be elected. He shall also be handed a (b) Wilful failure to submit Union book to Union representa­ (d) If there is not substantial evidence to support a finding of written copy of the charges made against him. tives at pay-off; If the accused is not present, the Port Agent shall immediately guilt, the Appals Committee shall recommend that the charge on (c) Dirarderly conduct at pay-off or sign-on; which the finding was based be dismissed. cause to be sent to him, by registered mail addressed to his last (d) Refusal to cooperate with Union representatives in dis­ (e) The Appeals Committee may recommend lesser punishment. known mailing address on file with the Union a copy of the charging their duties; charges, the names and book numbers of the accusers, and a noti­ Section 14. The Appeals Committee shall deliver its decision and fication, that he must appear with his witnesses, rwdy for trial the (e) Disorderly conduct in the Union hall; if any, to headquarters, which shall cause sufficient copies 'morning after the next regular meeting, at which meeting the dissent, (f) Gambling in the Union hall; to be published and shall have them sent to each port in time to Trial Committee will be elected. (g) Negligent failure to join ship. In the event a majority of the membership of the Union shall reach there before the next regular scheduled meeting. Headquarters shall also send a copy to each accused and accuser at their last vote to accept charges after their rejection by a port, the trial shall Saction 5. Any member who has committed an offense penalized take place in the Port where Headquarters is located. Due notice known address, or notify them in person. by no more, than a fine of $50.00 may elect' to waive his rights thereof shall be given to the accused, who shall be informed of the Section 15. At the meeting indicated in Section 14 of this Article, under this Constitution subject to the provisions of Article XV, name of his accusers, and who shall receive a written statement the membership, by a majority vote, shall accept the decision of the Section 19 and to pay the maximum fine of $50.00 to the duly . of the charges. At the r^uest of the accused, transportation and Appeals Committee, or the dissent therein. If . there is no dissent, authorized representative of the Union. subsistence shall be provided the accused and his witnesses. the decision of the Appeals Committee shall stand. Saction 6. This Union, and its members, shall not be deemed to If a new trial is ordered, that trial shall be held in the port Section 3. The Trial Committee shall hear all pertinent evidence waive any claim, of personal or property rights to which it or its where headquarters is located, in the manner provided for in and shall not be bound by the rules of evidence required by courts members are entitled, by bringing the memt^r to trial or enforcing of law but may receive all relevant testimony. The Trial Committee Section 2 of this Article. Any decision so providing for a new trial a penalty as provided in this Constitution. shall contain such directions as will insure a fair hearing to the may grant adjournments, at the request of the accused, to enable Saction 7. Any member under suspension for an offense under him to make a proper defense. In the event the Trial Committte accused. falls beneath a quorum, it shall adjourn until a quorum does exist. SacHon 16. Headquarters shall notify the accused and each accuser, this Article shall continue to pay all dues and assessments and must observe his duties to the Union, members, officials, and job holders. Soclion 4. No trial shall be conducted unless all the accusers are either in person or in writing addressed to their last known address, of the results of the appeal. A further appeal shall be present. The Trial Committee shall conduct the trial except that the accused shall have the right to cross-examine the accuser, or accusers, allowed as set forth in Section 17 of this Article. Arhcia XVII and the witnesses, as well as to conduct his own defense. The accused Saction 17. Each member is charged with knowledge of the |MaPublications may select any member to assist him in his defense at the trial, visions of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union provided, (a), the said member is available at the time of the of North America, and the rights of, and procedure as to, further This Union may publish such pamphlets, journals, newspapers, trial and (b) the said member agrees to tender such assistance. appeal as provided for therein. Decisions reached thereunder shall I magazines, periodicals and general literature, in such manner as If the accused challenges the qualifications of the members of the be binding on all members of the Union. may be determined, from time to time, by the Executive Board. Trial Committee, or states that the charges do not adequately inform Saction 18. It shall be the duty of all members of the Union to him of what wrong he allegedly committed, or the time and place of such commission, such matters shall be ruled upon and dis­ take all steps within their constitutional power to carry out the Articlo XVIII posed of, prior to proceeding on the merits of the defense, ^e terms of any effective decisions. Bonds guilt of an accused shall be found only if proven by the weight Saction 19. Every accused shall receive a written copy of the of the evidence, and the burden of such proof shall be upon the charges preferred against him and shall be given a reasonable time Pfficers and job holders, whether elected or appointed at well accuser. Every finding shall be based on the quality of the evidence to prepare his defense, but he may thereafter plead guilty and . and not solely on the number of witnesses produced. waive any or all of the other rights and privileges granted to him as all other employees handling monies of the Union shall be bonded as required by law. Section 5. The Trial Committee shall make finding as to guilt by this Article. If an accused has been properly notified of his trial and fails to attend without properly requesting a postpone­ or innocence, and recommendations as to punishment and/or other Article XIX Union action deemed desirable in the light of the proceedings. These ment, the Trial Committee may hold its trial without his presence. findings and recommendations shall be those of a majority of the Expenditures committee, and shall be in writing, as shall be any dissent. The Article XVI committee shall forward its findings and recommendations, along Section 1. In the event no contrary policies or instructions are in Offenses and Penalties with any dissent to the Port Agent of the port where the trial took existence, the President may authorize, make, or incur such ex­ place, while a copy thereof shall be forwarded to the accused and Section 1. Upon proof the commission of the following offenses, penditures and expenses as are normally encompassed within the the accusers, either in person or by mail addressed to their last authority conferred upon him by Article X of this Constitution. the member shall be expelled from membership: known addresses. The findings shall include a statement that the Soction 2. The provisions of Section 1 shall similarly apply to (a) Proof of membership in any organization advocating the rights of the accused under this Constitution, were properly safe­ the routine accounting and administrative procedures of the Union guarded. The findings also must contain the charges made, the date overthrow of the Government of the United States by force; of the trial, the name and address of the accused, the accuser, and (b) Acting as an informer against the interest of the Union except -those primarily concerned with trials, appeals, negotiations, strikes, and elections. each witness; shall describe each document used at the trial; shall or the membership in any organizational campaign; contain a fair summary of the proceedings, and shall state the Section 3. The provisions of this Article shall supersede to the (c) Acting as an informer for, or agent of, the company against findings as to guilt or innocence. If possible, all documents used at the interests of the membership or the Union; extent applicable, the provisions of Article X of this Constitution. the trial shall be kept. All findings and recommendations shall be (d) The commission of any act as part of a conspiracy to mgdcia'|>art'0f the regular files. destroy the Union. Article XX Sartion 6. The Port Agent of the Port of Trial shall, upon receipt Section 2. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following Income of the findings and recommendations of the Trial Committee, cause the findings and recommendations to be presented, and entered offenses, the member shall be penalized up to and including a penalty of expulsion from the Union. In the event the penalty of Section 1. The income of this Union shall include dues, initiation into the minutes, at the next regular meeting. expulsion is not invoked or recommended, the penalty shall not fees, fines, assessments, contributions, loans, interest, dividends, as Section 7.- The Port Agent shall send • the record of the entire exceed suspension from the rights and privileges of membership well as income derived from any other legitimate business operation proceedings to headquarters, which shall cause sufficient copies for more than two (2) years, or a fine of $50.00 or both: or other legitimate source. thereof to be made and sent to, each Port in time for the next (a) Wilfully misappropriating or misusing Union property of Section 2. An official Union receipt, properly filled out, shall be regularly scheduled meeting. the value in excess of $50.00. given to anyone paying money to the Union or to any person auth­ Section 8. At the latter meeting, the proceedings shall be dis­ (b) Unauthorized use of Union property, records, stamps, seals, orized by the Union to receive money. It shall be the duty of every cussed. The meeting shall then vote. A majority vote of the mem­ etc., for the purpose of personal gain; person affiliated with the Union who -makes such payments to bership of the Union shall: (c) Wilful misuse of any office or job, elective or hot, within the demand such receipt. fa) Accept the findings and recommendations, or Union for the purpose of personal gain, financial or otherwise, or Soction 3. No assessments shall be levied except after a ballot (b) Reject the findings and recommendations, or the wilful refusal or failure to execute the duties or functions conducted under such general rules as may be decided upon by a (c) Accept the findings, but modify the recommendations, or of the said office or job, or gross neglect or abuse in executing majority vote of the membership, provided that: (d) Order a new trial after finding that substantial justice has such duties or functions or other serious misconduct or breach of (a) The ballot must be secret. not been done with regard to the charges. In this event, a new trust. The President may, during the pendency of disciplinary (b) The assessment must be approved by a majority of the proceedings under this subsection, suspend the officer or jobholder trial shall take place at the port where headquarters is located from exercising the functions of the office or job, with or without valid ballots cast. and upon application, the accused, the accusers, and their witnesses pay, and designate his temporary replacement. shall be furnished transportation and subsistence. Saction 4. Except as otherwise provided by law, all payments (d) Unauthorized voting, or unauthorized handling of ballots, Section 9. After the vote set forth in Section 8, any punishment stubs, rosters, verification lists, ballot boxes, or election files, or by members or other affiliates of this Union shall be applied suc­ cessively to the monetary obligations owed the Union commencing so decided upon shall become effective. Headquarters shall cause election material of any sort; with the oldest in point of time, as measured from the date of notice of the results thereof to be sent to each accused and accuser. (e) Preferring charges with knowledge that such charges are accrual of such obligation. The period of arrears shall be calculated Section 10. An accused who has been found guilty, or who is •false; accordingly. under effective punishment.may appeal in the following manner:' (f) Making or transmitting, with intent to deceive, false reports He may send or deliver a notice of appeal to Headquarters or communications which fall within the scope of Union business; Article XXI within 30 days after receipt of the notice of the decision of the (g) Deliberate failure or refusal to join one's ship, or mis­ membership. Other Types of Union Affiliation conduct or neglect of duty aboard ship, to the detriment of the Section II. At the next regular meeting of the port where Head­ Union or its agreements; To the extent permitted by law, this Union, by majority vote quarters is located, after receipt of the notice of appeal, the notice (h) Deliberate and unauthorized interference, ot deliberate and shall be presented.and shall then become part of the minutes. An malicious villification, with regard to the execution of the duties of the membership, may provide for affiliation with it by individ­ uals in a lesser capacity than membership, or in a cajpacity other Appeals Committee shall then be elected. The Vice-President in of any office or job; than membership. By majority vote of the membership, the Union charge of contracts is charged with the duty of presenting the (i) Paying for, or receiving money for, employment aboard a may provide for the rights and obligations incident to such capaci­ before-mentioned proceedings and all available documents used as ties or affiliations. These rights and obligations may include, but evidence at the trial to the Appeals Committee, as well as any vessel, exclusive of proper earnings and Union payments; (j) Wilful refusal to submit evidence of affiliation for the are not limited to (a) the applicability or non-applicability of all written statement or argument submitted by the accused. The accused may argue his appeal in person, if he so desires. The purpose of avoiding or delaying money payments to the Union, or any part of this Constitution; (b) the terms of such affiliation; (c) the right of the Union to peremptory termination of such appeal shall be heard at Union Headquarters on the night the or unauthorizedly transferring or receiving evidence of Union affiliation and, (d) the fees required for such affiliation. In no committee is elected. It shall be the responsibility of the accused affiliation, with intent to deceive; to insure that his written statement or argument arrives at head­ (k) Wilful failure or refusal to carry out the order of those duly event may anyone not a member receive evidence of affiliation equivalent to that of members, receive priority or tights over quarters in time for such presentation. authorized to make such orders during time of**; ike. members, or be termed a member. (1) Failure or refusal to pay a fine or assessment within the time Saction 12. The Appeals Committee shall decide the appeal as limit set therefor either by the Constitution or by action taken in soon as possible, consistent with fair consideration of the evidence Article XXII and arguments before it. It may grant adjournments and may accordance with the Constitution. request the accused or accusers to present arguments, whenever Quorums Saction 3. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following necessary for such fair consideration. offenses, members shall be penalized up to and including a sus­ Saction 1. Unless elsewhere herein otherwise specifically provided, Section 13. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be by pension from the rights and privileges ormembership for two (2) the quorum im for a special meetiiig of a port shall be six full book majority vote, and shall be in die form of finding and recommen­ years, or a fine of $50.00 or both: members. dations. Dissents will be allowed. Decisions and dissents shall be in (a) Wilfully misajpprqpfiating or misusing Union property writing and signed by. diose'participafiiig in such decision or dissent. of the Value under $50.00; The quotum for a regular meeting of s Pott shall be In. sowing its findings aod^recommdhdadons, the committee shall . (b) Auuming any office or job^ whether elective or not with fifty (50) members. be. governed by .the followmg:' ' ' ' ;' v ' knowledge of .the. la^ of pOMession pf the ^^Ifiafiou Sa^ A ^Unlesf. oUtthwi^e' jipecijcanr set* i^^liitelB,'the' :(a} No finding of guilt shall be reversed iif there is subsuntial therefor; decisions, reports, recommendations, ot other functions of any �ts, IMI SEAFARERS LOG feywiit of die Ualoa nqulfliis * quotum to ict offldtUr, b* Arrid* XXV • mejotltr of dMN totiog; end tBall not be offidal ot effecdr* vnlen dw quorum fcqnitemenn ere met. AmrnidniMits SMMM 4. Uoleu ctfaetwiie indicated herein, where the require* .Tills Gtnstimtion. shall b« amended In die following manners menu for e quorum are not specifically set forth, a quorum sbali ta^en I. Any full book member may submit at any tegulat be deemed to be a majority of those composing the applicable meeting of any port proposed amendments to Ais Constitution segment of the Union. in resolution form. If a majority vote of the membership of A# Pott approves it, Ae proposed amendment shall be forwarded to all Ports for further action. Article XXIII Meetings Section 1. Regular membership meetings shall be held monthly only in the following major ports at the following times: During the week following the first Sunday of every month a meeting shall be held on Monday—at New York; on Tuesday—at Philadelphia; on Wednesday—at Baltimore; and on Friday—at Detroit. During the next week, meetings shall be held on Monday at Houston; on Tuesday—at New Orleans and on Wednesday—at Mobile. All regujar membership meetings shall commence at 2:30 P.M. 1^1 time. Where a meeting day falls on a Holiday officially designated as such by the authorities of the state or municipidity in which a port is located, the port meeting shall take place on the following business day. Saturday and Sunday shall' not be deemed business days. The Area Vice Presidents shall be the chairmen of all regular nfeetings in ports in thier respective areas. In the event the Area Vice Presidents are unable to attend a regular meeting of a. port, they shall instruct the Port Agents, or other elected job holders, to act as chairman of the meetings. In the event a quorum is not present at 2:30 P.M. the chairman of the meeting at the pertinent port shall postpone the opening of the; meeting but in no event later than 3:00 P.M. Section 3. A special meeting at a port may be called only at the direaion of the Port Agent or Area Vice President. No special meeting may be held, except between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Notice of such meeting shall be posted at least two hours in advance, on the port bulletin board. The Aiea Vice Presidents shall be the chairmen of all special meetings in ports in their respective areas. In the event the Area Vice Presidents are unable to attend a specjal meeting of a port, they shall instruct the Port Agents, or other eieaed job holders, to act as chairmen of the meetings. The contents of this Section 2 are subject to the provisions of Article XIII, Section 4(a). Section 3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, all regular meetings shall be governed by the following: 1. The Union Ginstitution. 2. Majori^ vote of the members assembled. Article XXiV Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions Relating Thereto ^ Saction 2. When a proposed amendment isjiccepted by a ma­ jority vote of Ae membership, it shall bo referred to a ^nstimtional Gjmmittee in Ae Port where Headquarters is located. This Committee shall be composed of six full book members, two from each department and shall be elected in accordance wiA such rules as are established by a majority vote of Aat Port. The Com­ mittee will act on all proposed amendments referred to it. The Committee may receive whatever advice and assistance, legal or otherwise, it deems necessary. It Aall prepare a report on Ae amendment together wiA any proposed changes or substimtions or recommendations and Ae reasons for such recommendations. The latter shall Aen be submitted to Ae membership by the President. If a majority vote of Ae membership approves Ae amendment as recommended, it shall Aen be voted upon, in a yes or no vote by the membership of the Union by secret ballot in accordance wiA the procedure outlined in Article XIII, Seaion 3(b) -through Section 5, except that, unless otherwise required by a majority vote of the membership at the time it gives the approval necessary to put the referendum to a vote, the Union Tallying Committee shall consist of six (6) full book members, two from each of the three (3) departments of the Union, elected from Headquarters Port. The amendment shall either be printed on the ballot, or if too lengthy, shall be referred to on the ballot. Copies of the amendment shall be posted on Ae billletin boards of all ports and made avail­ able at the voting site in all ports. Saction 3. If approved by a majority of the valid ballots cast, the. amendment shall become effective immediately upon notifica­ tion by the Headquarters Tallying Committee to the President that the amendment has been so approved, unless otherwise specified in the amendment. The President shall immediately notify all ports of the results of the vote on Ae amendment. Article XXVI Transition Clause Saction I. It is the purpose and intent of this Article to provide for an orderly transition from Union operations and activities as governed by the Constitution in effect prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, to operations and activities conducted in accordance with Ais amended Constimtion. Accordingly, the following sections are to be given the interpretation required to effectuate the foregoing purpose and intent. Saction 2. All routine administrative, accounting, and other similar procedures and processes of this Union, _ in _ effect immediately prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution shalhjje deemed to be permitted heruender and shall continue in effect unless or until changed, in accordance with the provisions hereof. Saction 3. All methods and means of collecting and disbursing Union funds, all segregations of Union funds, rules of order generally followed, bonding procedures, reinstatement procedures, and any other practices or procedure, in effect immediately prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, shall be deemed to ^ permitted hereunder, and shall continue in effect unless or until changetl in accordance with Ae provisions hereof.Saction 4. All Union policies, customs, and usage, including those with regard to admission into membership, in effect immediately prior to the adoption of this amended Constimtion, shall be deemed to be permitted hereunder and shall continue in effect unless or until changed in accordance with the-provisions hereof. Saction S. All officers and other jobholders elected as a result of the balloting held by this Union during November and December of 1958, who are serving at the time of the adoption of this amended Constimtion, shall continue to serve, without rediiction in salary, in the office most closely related to the one held prior to that adoption, and for a term not to exceed that for which he . was elected in the balloting held in 1958. For this purpose the following taWe sets out the new office and job, the present nearest equivalent in terms of functions presently performed, and the identity of-the person occupying it. The adoption of this amended Constimtion shall constitute ratification of this table. Soclien 1. Incapacity. Unless otherwise set forth or dealt with herein, the term "incapacity," shall mean any illness or situation preventing the affected person from carrying out his duties for more than 30 days, provided that this does not result in a vacancy. However, nothing contained in this Article shall be deemed to prohibit the execution of the functions ot more than one job and/or office in which event no incapacity shall be deemed to exist with regard to the regular job or office of the one taking over the duties and functions of the one incapacitated. The period of incapacity shall be the time during which the circumstances exist. Saction 2. Unless otherwise set forth or dealt with herein, the term "vacancy" shall include failure to perform the functions' of any office or job by reason of death, or resignation, or suspension from membership or expulsion from the Union with no further right to appeal in accordance with the provisions of Article XV. of this Constitution. Section 3. When applicable to the Union as a whole the term, "majority vote of the membership", shall mean the majority of all the valid votes cast by full book members at an official meeting of those ports holding a. meeting. This definition shall prevail not­ withstanding that one or more ports cannot hold meetings because of no quorum. For the purpose of this Section, the term "meeting" shall refer to those meetings to be held during the time peri^ within which a vote must be taken in accordance with the Con­ stitution and the custom and usage of the Union in the indicated priority. Old Title . Individual - Saction 4. When applicable solely to port action and not con­ New Telle Secretary-Treasurer PAUL HALL President cerned with, or related to, the Union as a whole, and not forming part of a Union-wide vote, the term, "majority vote of the mem­ Executive Assistant Secretarybership", shall refer to the majority of the valid votes cast by the Vice-President Treasurer CAL TANNER full book members at any meeting of the Port, regular or special. Vice-President in . Saclion 5. The term, "membership action", or reference thereto, charge of Contracts shall mean the same as the term "majority vote of the membership". and Contract Assistant SecretaryTreasurer CLAUDB SIMMONS Section 6. Where the title of any office or job, or the holder Enforcement thereof, is set forth in this Constitution, all references thereto and Vice-President in the provisions concerned therewith shall be deemed to be equally charge of the Assistant Secretaryapplicable to whomever is duly acting in such office or job. EARL SHEPPARD Treasurer Atlantic Coast Section 7. The term "Election Year" shall be deemed, to mean • Vice-President in that calendar year prior to the calendar year in which elected offi­ charge of the Assistant Secretarycials and- other elected job-holders are required to assume office. Gulf Coast llNDSEY WILLIAMS Treasurer The first election year hereunder shall be deemed to be 1960. Boston Port Agent Vice-President in Section 8. The terms, "this Constitution", and "this amended charge of the Lakes and Administrative Constitution", shall be deemed to have the same meaning and shall and Inland Waters Director of Great AL TANNER refer to the Constitution which takes the place of the one adopted Lakes District by the Union in 1939, as amended up through August, 1956. (To be filled by the Saction 9. The term, "member in good standing", shall mean a President in accord­ member whose monetary obligations to the Union arc not in arrears ' ance with Constim­ for thirty days or more, or who is not under suspension or expul­ Secretary-Treasurer VACANCY tion) sion effective in accordance with this Constitution. Unless other­ Assistant SecretaryHeadquarters wise expressly indicated, the term, "member", shall mean a member Treasurer BILL HALL Representaiive in good standing. Assistant SecretaryHeadquarters Saction 10. Unless plainly otherwise required by Ae context of ED MOONEY Treasurer their use, the terms "Union book", "membership book", and "book", Representative shall mean official evidence of Union membership. Assistant SecretaryHeadquarters JOB VOLPIAN Treasurer Saction 11. The term "full book" or "full Union book" shall mean Representative only an official certificate issued as evidence of Union membership Since no elected officer or jobholder currently performs the which, can be attained only by those members who have first functions of the new office of Secretary-Treasurer, that office shall acquired the highest seniority rating set forth in the standard be filled by the President pursuant to Article X, Section l(j) of collective bargaining agreement. this Constimtion. From Ae date of Ae adoption of this Constim­ 'Saction 12. The term, "full book member", shall mean a member tion, the officers, as above described, shall execute the powers and to whom a full book has been duly issued and who is entitled to functions, and assume Ae responsibilities of Ae said offices as setfq«^in,tJijs,^?tiwtioij^ , ..r. , xe^,Jf.jn^iacf9/;(^ace vt^ith ^^rovisip^qf ^SrConstiti^tjjq^. -t »; ).-? ttw JvlVj"' ;C /rc'>.'«o.i'.ri rov> i^i.v.i-i fiUHiIeiiiciit—Page Sevea DCHIBIT A Minimal raqulramanft le b* cenlalntd In Constftutien of luberdinafn bodies and divisions chartered by or •fflliated with the Seafarers international Union of North America-Atlanfic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. I All members shall have equal rights and privileges, subject to reasonable rules and regulations, contained in this Constimtion, Including secret election, freedom of speech, Ae right to hold office and Ae right of secret votes on assesstnent and dues increases, all in accordance wIA Ae law. II No member may be automaticallv suspended from membership except for non-payment of dues, and all members shall be afforded a fair hearing upon written charges, wiA a reasonable time to pre-, pare defense, when accused of an offense under the Constimtion. III This Union is chartered by (and/or affiliated with), the Sea­ farers International Union of NorA America—^Atlantic, Gulf. Lakes and Inland Waters District, and this Constimtion and any amend­ ments thereto, shall not take effect unless and until approved as set forth in Ae Constimtion of Aat Union. IV An object of this Union is, within its reasonable capacity, to promote the. welfare of, and assist, the Seafarers International Union of NorA America—^Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. The charter (and/or affiliation) relationship between this Union and the Seafarers International Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District shall not be dissolved so long as at least ten members of this Union, and the Seafarers International Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District acting through its Executive Board wish to continue such relationship. VI No amendment to Ais Constimtion shall be effective unless and until approved by at least a two-thirds vote of the membership in a secret referendum- conducted for that purpose. In, any event, the adoption of Ais Constitution and any amendments thereto, will not be effective unless and until compliance with Article II of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America —Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District is first made. VII The Seafarers International Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District shall have the right to check, inspect and make copies of all the books and records of this Union upon demand. VIII This Union shall not take any action which will have the effect of reducing its net assets, calculated through recognized accounting procedures, below the amount of its indebtedness to the Seafarers International Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, unless approved by that Union through its Executive Board. IX So long as there exists any indebtedness by this Union to the Seafarers International Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, that Union shall have the right to appoint a representative or representatives ,to this Union who shall have' Ae power to attend all meetings of this Union, or its sub-divisions, or governing boards, if any; and who shall have access to all books and records of this Union on demand. This representative, or these representatives, shall be charged with the duty of assisting this Union and its membership, and acting as a liaison between the Seafarers International Union of North America —Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District and this Union. So long as any unpaid per capita tax, or any other indebtedness of any sort, is owed by this Union to the Seafarers International Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, such indebtedness shall constitute a first lien on the assets of this Union, which lien shall not be impaired without the written approval of the Seafarers International Union of North America— Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District acting through its Executive Board. XI The per capita tax payable by Ais Union to the Seafarers Inter­ national Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District shall be that which is fixed in accordance •with the terms of the Constitution of that Union. XII This Constimtion and actions by this Union pursuant Aereto are subject to those provisions of Ae Constimtion of the Seafarers Internatior-'l Union of North America—^Adantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District pertaining to affiliation, disaffiliation, trustee­ ships, and the granting and removal of charters. XIII This Union shall be affiliated with Ae Seafarers International Union of North America through the Seafarers International Union of North America—Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis­ trict. It shall share in, and participate as part of, Ae delegation of that District to the Convention of Ae Seafarers International Union of North America in accordance wiA Ae provisions of Ae Con­ stitution of Ae Seafarers International Union of NprA America— Atlantic) Gulf, Lakes and Inland Wattu Pisuict. . . ,V. I .1 ^l«i} •'i ii.rt �• r ** . .«». **' ••/•v'tr •."M' •'V i :; ,-Jis ' -i.M"'J ' •' •" .-•'d " • ^y; - ••-: :-di'. •-S • •=:" E^E/ey SEAFARER IS GUARANTEED • Protection of the rights and privileges guaranteed him under the Constitution of the Union. ^ The right to vote. • The right to nominate himself for, and to hold, any office in the Union. • That every official of the Union shall be hound to uphold and protect the rights of every member and that in no case shall any member be deprived of his rights and privileges as a member without due process of the law of the Union. * The right to be confronted by his accuser and to be given a fair trial by an impartial committee of his brother Union members if he should be charged with conduct detrimental to the welfare of Seafarers banded together in this Union. * The right to express himself freely on the floor of any Union meeting or in committee. * The assurance that his brother Seafarers will stand with him in defense of the democratic prin­ ciples set forth in the Constitution of the Union, 'ti i -- :, , .) IJ.Ij', j.li ?U;1 li) I •)r it { !.">«,OCI 4-11; ? ? 0(iX3 •ill H t. l:9Tl nits.t'/i vou •s-.'ii'iooij- )•» e.l die, Inj-ivKci •ill |l '•r li i\ i(, i •. i, i yj r.t') 'jii yjilt.'.vi J>'i • i'-'V. M •>itl Ti /.n y »•_ •> >jl ' ... hili ,; ii.V J (K.H . � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1960-1969 Description An account of the resource Volumes XXII-XXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 25, 1965 Description An account of the resource Headlines: A.M.A. ATTACKS FEDERAL CARE FOR SEAMEN AS UNNECESSARY BILL REPEALING SECTION 14B MAKES PROGRESS IN HOUSE STRIKE ON ATLANTIC, GULF CURTAILS SHIPPING ACTIVITY JOHN STRONG, 62, DIES; HEADED IBT LOCAL 807 SIU SUPPORTS PROPOSALS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING U.S. BULK CARRIER FLEET RAP NAVY’S PROPOSAL TO BUY BRITISH SHIPS AFL-CIO URGES WAGE-HOUR AMENDMENTS AS AID TO POVERTY CUBA BLACKLIST HOLDS FIRM AT 237 DURING APRIL-MAY SIU FIGHTS PROPOSED WATERWAY ‘USER’ TAX LOW LAKES WATER LEVELS HINDER INDUSTRIAL GROWTH SEAFARERS COVERED BY WAR RISK INSURANCE SEAFARERS PORTS OF THE WORLD – SIERRA LEONE JAPANESE SALMON RAIDS CONTINUE IN NORTH PACIFIC SUPREME COURT RULING LIMITS UNIONS’ ANTI-TRUST IMMUNITY LABOR HAILS BILL TO END IMMIGRATION INEQUALITIES 1964 – RECORD YEAR FOR SIU WELFARE BENEFITS TEXT OF SIU CONSTITUTION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/25/1965 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. XXVII, No. 13 1965 Periodicals Seafarers Log