A flurry of activity involving agreements with SIU-contracted companies has taken place during the last month. Following is a summary of this activity as provided by the office of SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez.
Sealift Tankers
Sealift has been awarded a five-year contract by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) for the operation of the Capt. Stephen Bennett and the American Merlin. The agreement calls for a 5 percent across-the-board increase in the first year, enrollment in the top-level Plan G medical benefits and an increase in the vacation benefit (to 15 for 30 days, effective at the contract’s second anniversary).
Maersk Lines
In accordance with various memorandums of understanding that are in effect between the union and Maersk Lines, Ltd., some Seafarers employed by the company received a 3 percent boost in wages, overtime, vacation benefits and the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan benefit as of July 1. The gains apply to members aboard Maersk vessels enrolled with the military prepositioning ship program and the U.S. Maritime Security Program, as well as the Alaska and Arizona.
Waterman Steamship Corp.
Members sailing aboard the Green Dale are in line for new benefits in their Seafarers Money Purchase Plan. Under negotiations recently completed, contributions equal to 5 percent of employees’ wages will be paid.
In addition, employees will be enrolled in the premier Plan G medical benefits plan. The vacation benefit—retroactive to Jan. 1—has gone from 10 for 30 to 14 for 30. Finally, members aboard the Green Dale will receive annual wage and wage-related item increases ranging between 1½ to 4 percent.
Matson
Increases in wages, overtime and vacation benefits are among the highlights of a new three-year agreement that tentatively has been reached for members employed by Matson Navigation.
Freightship increases for all wage-related items in the first year of the agreement will be 3 percent. A 3.25 percent raise will be realized during the second year and a 3.25 percent hike is in place for year three.
Members working on the Moku Pahu will receive increases for all wage-related items at an annual rate of 4 percent. Members on all Matson vessels will receive increases each year to their Seafarers Money Purchase Plan Benefit and one extra vacation day effective Jan. 1, 2002; July 1, 2003; and July 1, 2004.
Also included in the pact, for the first time, is the observance of Kamehameha Day. This brings the total number of holidays to 11. Finally, starting July 1, 2003, members will receive health and benefits at premier Level G.
Another gain for the SIU is a provision in the agreement that gives members of the unlicensed crew the means necessary to send and receive correspondence. Each will be given personal e-mail accounts at no charge.
Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning
A tentative three-year agreement has been reached with Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning involving Seafarers aboard the Blue Ridge and Coast Range. The pact calls for first year wage and wage-related item increases as follows: Group I– increase by 5 percent; Group II–increase by 4 percent; and Group III–increase by 3 percent.
Wage and wage-related items would be increased by 3 percent across the board during years two and three. Additionally, the tentative agreement calls for increases in vacation benefits to 16 days for each 30 days worked in the first year and an increased Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan level to Level G in the second year.
Marine Transport Lines
A new three-year agreement has been negotiated with Marine Transport Lines. The pact—which involves Seafarers who work aboard Lykes Pacific Class Ships—is retroactive to Jan. 1 and runs through December 2005. Included in the new contract are 2.25 percent wage increases each Jan.1 and the addition of a vacation day that brings the total to 15 for 30. The increase in the vacation benefit became effective June 16, 2002.
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