For the U.S.-flag fleet, political action is essential. The maritime industry long has been among the most heavily regulated in the nation. Accordingly, the SIU is aggressive when it comes to promoting the U.S. Merchant Marine – not only on Capitol Hill, but also at the state and local levels.Grassroots activities have always been an important tool in the union’s arsenal. For the last 40 years, another key instrument has been the union’s voluntary political action fund: the Seafarers Political Activity Donation, better known as SPAD.
This month, the union kicks off a new SPAD promotion that is intended to boost the voluntary fund while also rewarding Seafarers for their participation. Please note that all members may participate, including those who were in the NMU at the time of the merger last year.
“Overall, the membership does a great job recognizing SPAD’s importance and participating in the program,” noted SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, who chairs the fund. “No question, we’re introducing this new promotion in the hopes of encouraging even stronger participation, because our fight to maintain and revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet doesn’t end. But, it’s just as much a goodwill gesture—an acknowledgement of the membership’s political awareness and support.”
As part of the message, the union recently conducted a mail-in contest to come up with a new catch-phrase that signifies the importance of SPAD to the membership. The new slogan, intended to be similar in sentiment to the venerable “Politics is Porkchops,” will be printed on T-shirts available through the SPAD check-off authorization program.
Response to the contest was quite strong. Thornton Elliott Jr. of Savannah, Ga. won the competition with his entry of “It takes a four-letter word to be heard.” Congratulations to Brother Elliott, and thanks to all who submitted entries.
Signing up for the new SPAD promotion is easy.
From August 1, 2002 through July 31, 2003, anyone who contributes to the fund through a check-off authorization found on the vacation application (and also available beginning this month at the union halls) will receive the following items:
| Authorized contribution amount | Item(s) |
|---|
| $0.50 per day | SPAD lapel pin |
| $1.00 per day | SPAD T-shirt (and lapel pin) |
| $1.50 or more per day | SPAD baseball cap (plus the T-shirt and pin) |
Please note that in addition to those items, a new, high-quality SPAD jacket is available to members who make a one-time donation in addition to their check-off authorization. More details about the jacket will be published in next month’s Seafarers LOG.
FAQ
Q: How long will this promotion last?
A: One year, beginning August 1, 2002.
Q: When will I receive my SPAD item(s)?
A: Items will be mailed weekly from headquarters, via parcel post. The “trigger” for a member to receive his or her SPAD item(s) is simply filing for a vacation check. Of course, the member must have authorized a SPAD contribution of at least 50 cents per day to be eligible for this promotion.
Q: Are the items available for purchase?
A: The pin, shirt and hat are only available through the check-off authorization promo. The jacket only is available through a one-time contribution that’s in addition to a check-off authorization.
Q: If I authorize $1.50 or more, will I receive all three items?
A: Yes.
Q: Let’s say I authorize a contribution amount of $1. If I file for two vacation checks during the next year, will I receive two pins and two T-shirts?
A: Yes. Please note that there’s only a single version of each item (pin, shirt, hat, jacket), so you would receive (in this example) two identical pins and two identical shirts.
Q: How will you know my T-shirt size?
A: Beginning this month, flyers will be available at the halls that include sample images of the SPAD products, a copy of the check-off form (the same one that’s already on the vacation application) and a space in which to indicate your T-shirt size as well as jacket size.
Q: How can I make sure the union has my current address on file?
A: The vacation application includes space for your current address. Also, the leaflets will include a form for updating your address.
Q: I already have a check-off authorization on file. Do I need to fill out another one in order to qualify for the merchandise?
A: No. When a member with an authorization on file applies for vacation benefits during this program, he or she is entitled to an item or items based on the amount of the already authorized contribution. However, Seafarers may change the amount authorized.
For more information, write to SPAD at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, or call the office of the secretary-treasurer at (301) 899-0675.
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