Seafarers who have at least 260 days of sea time in the past 24 months are eligible to apply for full book membership in the union. This of course includes members who were in the NMU when that union merged into the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (in 2001).Members are encouraged to apply at any SIU hall. Please bring discharges or pay vouchers (or both) verifying the required sea time, along with two passport-size photos. In order to apply for full book membership, dues must be current, initiation must be paid in full and the member must be in good standing. There is a $10 fee for each application; processing typically takes two to three weeks.
Sea time for any member working on equipment that formerly was covered by an NMU agreement and now is covered by an SIU/NMU contract counts toward eligibility for application.
Members are reminded that, among other potential benefits, full book membership helps allow Seafarers the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. This is an election year for the SIU.
For more information, please contact your port agent.
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