As voting took place aboard SIU-crewed ships on the Great Lakes the last week of July, Seafarers left no doubt about their feelings concerning their new standard contract. More than 200 Lakes Seafarers unanimously approved the new multi-year agreement, which significantly boosts wages and benefits and also better defines working conditions.The agreement calls for medical benefits under the top-level Plan G, which includes dependent coverage. This is believed to be the first time Lakes mariners have had dependent coverage. The contract also increases the pension and vacation benefits.
Voting took place July 25-31 aboard 14 vessels throughout five states. Negotiations took place for the past year, but had been especially active since February.
Aboard the H. Lee White, Bosun Bill Mulcahy noted, “I have been working on the Great Lakes for almost 25 years, and the improvements in the new Great Lakes standard freight agreement are impressive. I commend the area vice president, Tommy Orzechowski, on providing a solid base on which we can forge ahead with.
“To see improvements in wages in this unstable economy is encouraging, but to see an increase in medical, vacation and pension benefits, plus improved working conditions is a testament to all the hard work that went into this agreement,” Mulcahy added. “In addition, I would like to thank (Port Agent) Don Thornton and (Patrolman) Todd Brdak. I remember a year ago when they came out to the boat to ask for input on the new agreement. They took the time to sit down with the crew and listen to our concerns and suggestions. I have to honestly say that all of our concerns were addressed, the spirit and faith in the union is at an all-time high. Thanks for a job well done!”
Orzechowski thanked SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, whom he credited for “steady guidance and invaluable help. Believe me, we couldn’t have done it without his input and leadership.”
On the Sam Laud, SA Dave Warner noted, “I got a chance to review the new Great Lakes standard freighter agreement while I was at the Algonac union hall. This agreement has come a long way. I sail relief and the new A, B, C seniority is what we have needed for a long time. The Algonac staff also took the time to explain the improvements. Tommy, Don and Todd did a good job.”
AB Frank Read, sailing as a relief AB on the Sam Laud, observed that despite the slump in the steel industry, “we have managed to secure gains in every aspect of our employment. I sail deep sea in the winter months when the Lakes ships lay up for the winter, so I know the deep sea agreement. On a deep sea ship we have always had our vacation tied into our base wage, so when we got an increase in our wages our vacation went up accordingly. Unfortunately, that has not been the case on the Great Lakes until the new Great Lakes freighter agreement.
“The Algonac hall, under the leadership of Tom Orzechowski has managed to create a hybrid between the deep sea and the Great Lakes contracts. The crew on the Sam Laud salutes Tom, Todd and Don on their innovations.”
Oiler Khris Behcktel nearly was left speechless by the new contract. Aboard the Southdown Challenger, he stated, “Wow, I don’t know what to say. I had been sailing entry level and I just finished upgrading at Piney Point. I now have my oiler endorsement and with that I have received a significant wage increase. In addition to that increase, with this new agreement I just got another one. Once I get a chance to go back to Piney Point and get my QMED-any rating I will get another wage increase. This agreement allows me to decide what I can earn. Nice work Tommy, Don and Todd.”
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