Progress in 2002
Throughout our country, the biggest story of 2001 obviously was September 11. In fact, I’m sure that every American who was old enough to comprehend the terrorist attacks will never forget the sickening feeling we all shared. It is an awful memory which will last a lifetime.
That shock gave way to determination to fight back. And that’s why, in 2002, it was the aftermath of the attacks that really took center stage. Certainly that was the case for the maritime industry, where everything from port security to runaway-flag shipping to the Maritime Security Program (MSP) to mariner identification were viewed in a whole new light.
As usual, the SIU didn’t sit on the sidelines. We testified before Congress about the dangers of runaway flags and the need to expand the MSP. We participated in high-level meetings both here and abroad concerning mariners’ rights, documentation and training requirements. During separate conferences held by the National Defense Transportation Association and International Maritime Organization, as well as in other discussions, we shared our perspective on issues related to port security.
By the way, it’s no stretch to say that port and shipboard security are some of the most difficult issues our industry has ever faced. That’s one reason why it took more than a year after September 11 to enact a port security bill. And, keep in mind, the bill’s provisions will take more time to actually put into place. It’s also a reason why the U.S. Coast Guard is moving to the new Department of Homeland Security.
I think it’s worth mentioning that as our U.S. maritime industry continues to wrestle with security issues, the dialogue and cooperation have been outstanding among labor, business and government. We certainly have our disagreements, but there’s also an appropriate sense of teamwork and national pride. Cooperation also has been evident in international forums, most notably the IMO conference that took place last month in London.
For the SIU, there were other important developments in 2002. As always, we remained aggressive in pursuit of new shipboard jobs—and we enjoyed plenty of success. Seafarers welcomed many new and reflagged vessels as well as other newly contracted bottoms, including prepositioning ships, oceanographic surveillance vessels, heavy lift ships, ATBs, dredges, passenger ferries, a LASH ship and an ice-class vessel for the Antarctic resupply mission. Our Government Services Division Seafarers also gained jobs when the USNS Arctic transferred from the military to MSC.
And, in a most welcome rebound from the economic consequences of September 11, three SIU-crewed riverboat cruise vessels in the Delta Queen fleet returned to service under new ownership.
In Piney Point, Md., the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continued to provide top-notch training in first-class surroundings. When the long-anticipated STCW deadline arrived in February, our members were prepared, thanks to the school. Courses and training equipment were added and improved. A new hotel was constructed, offering upgraders the chance to enjoy single-occupancy rooms as they continue their vocational training. New career tracks were finalized for deck and engine department mariners that should give them a clearer path toward advancement.
On that note, the school’s board of trustees deserves a sincere word of thanks and appreciation for constantly working to improve the Paul Hall Center and for keeping it a step ahead of the industry’s training needs. The trustees do a great job.
The SIU secured other gains in 2002, including a number of new contracts in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland divisions.
We continued the political activities that are so vital to our survival.
We built upon the historic merger of the NMU into the SIU, erasing any doubt whatsoever that it was the right move.
We lived up to our billing as part of the nation’s Fourth Arm of Defense by crewing ships in support of the war on terrorism.
We kept up the pressure in the campaign to organize oil-patch mariners.
We continued our long tradition of standing in solidarity with other unions in their pursuit of fair contracts and better working conditions.
And of course, we remained extremely active in support of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s campaign against runaway flags.
As always, our progress wouldn’t be possible without the solid professionalism of Seafarers and the strong support you give to this union. I thank you for that support, and I assure you that the SIU will continue to deliver for the membership, and our country.
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