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CIVMAR News
Habitability Agreement For USNS Arctic Similar to USNS Supply
July 2002

Prior to the CIVMAR crewing of the USS Arctic (now USNS Arctic), the union’s Government Services Division negotiated a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) addressing habitability standards aboard the ship. The MOU is similar in many aspects to the agreement reached last year for the USNS Supply. All terms and conditions of the current collective bargaining agreement will remain in effect and MSC agrees to make every effort to address full habitability improvements within a reasonable timeframe. Until full habitability modifications are made aboard the USNS Arctic (which comply with prevailing maritime practices), MSC will pay habitability allowance at the rate of $30 to those mariners housed in the open berthing sections of the ship. The MOU provides that MSC take additional interim measures to ensure adequate living conditions aboard this vessel at all times. In addition, successful completion of a four-month tour will give an eligible CIVMAR the opportunity to request a preferential next-ship assignment. The union will continue to closely monitor the habitability conditions aboard the AOE-class vessels. In accordance with the agreement, we will ask the agency to meet at the end of every six-month period from the date of the transfer of the ship to MSC operation for the purpose of discussing ongoing habitability concerns. MSC, NOAA Members to Get July 1 Increase Federal mariners working for the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will receive the FY2002 federal pay increase of 4.8 percent applicable to base pay, overtime and penalty rates. In some cases, for certain ratings or types of ships, the increase will be capped at 4 percent. This is due to limitations imposed by 5 USC 5348. That section of the law provides that “the pay of officers and crews of vessels shall be fixed and adjusted from time to time as nearly as is consistent with the public interest in accordance with prevailing rates and practices in the maritime industry.” The agencies have notified the union that it is expected that the increases will be reflected in the July 1 payroll period, thereby avoiding long retroactive situations which have occurred in the past.