By an overwhelming majority, SIU boatmen employed by G&H Towing in the Houston area recently approved a new three-year contract.The agreement calls for wage increases as well as “Plan G” medical benefits — the top benefit plan for Seafarers. Voting took place in October.
The new contract covers an estimated 240 SIU boatmen.
“I’ve been in the union 23 years, and this has got to be [among] the top two contacts that we’ve ever gotten,” said Capt. Rodney Nix, who served on the negotiating committee. “It’s a good contract and I’m satisfied with the whole thing. I like the percentages that we got, and I love the new Plan G — I think that’s a wonderful medical package.”
“The general feeling is, everyone is fairly pleased, especially considering the economy,” said Capt. Chuck Hodges, who also served on the committee. “Plan G gives us prescriptions for dependents, which is a new benefit.... Overall, the reaction is favorable. I haven’t heard any negative comments.”
Joining Nix and Hodges on the bargaining committee were Quartermaster Steve Huttman, Chief Engineer >B>Al Huntington, SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee.
“The SIU members on the committee really worked hard,” noted McGee. “They took the whole process very seriously and they deserve credit.”
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