The motto on the U.S. Merchant Marine flag reads, “In Peace and War.”
The message is straightforward. Namely, that the U.S. merchant fleet is an important, reliable part of the nation, at all times. And we get the job done, both in times of peace and in times of conflict.
The same things can be said for the SIU. Today, even amid Ready Reserve Force activations as America fights the war on terrorism, we are moving forward.
Our progress is unmistakable. This month alone, we are reporting on two newly contracted ships that will result in dozens of new jobs for Seafarers. Those jobs help guarantee that reliable, well-trained U.S. mariners will be available in times of war.
Also in the news for the SIU are pension-benefit increases and new training opportunities at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point. These are tangible gains that don’t happen by accident.
Additionally, the SIU will be extremely active in the U.S. Coast Guard’s port security meetings that began late last month and extend into February. We will do our part along with the rest of maritime labor to help improve U.S. shipboard and port security—but we also will strongly stand up for mariners’ rights on issues including shore leave and documentation.
Similarly, we participated in the recent International Maritime Organization meetings which spawned a number of maritime security regulations that largely parallel the ones being developed and implemented in the U.S. We were there because we wanted to be certain that our voices were heard on these critical issues.
We’re tackling other important projects as well. As Seafarers know, we are working hard to secure extension and expansion of the Maritime Security Program—a cost-effective plan which became law in 1996. Although I am confident in the prospects for making the program bigger and better, neither the SIU nor any of our allies in this pursuit are taking anything for granted. We’ll stay on top of it for as long as it takes to reauthorize the program.
On a wider scale, we’re continuing our efforts along with the International Transport Workers’ Federation to combat runaway-flag shipping. Although this campaign is more than 50 years old, it never has been more relevant to national security. Why? For starters, try the recent reports about al Qaeda controlling anywhere from a dozen to 50 runaway-flag ships.
We testified before Congress last year on the threat of runaway flags, and the message seems to have gotten through. Those risks must continue to be weighed when discussing port and shipboard security measures, the need for an expanded MSP, and the benefits of maintaining a trained manpower pool of loyal U.S. citizen seafarers.
Much like the U.S. Merchant Marine itself, the SIU delivers. New jobs. Better benefits. Timely training opportunities. A real voice, nationally and internationally, in the discussions that shape our future.
That has been our record since 1938, and it will always remain that way.
RRF Activations
Anticipation finally gave way to action last month. More than 20 SIU-crewed RRF ships were activated, with more sure to follow.
It has been said before, but I appreciate the fact that Seafarers are very serious about our crucial role as part of the nation’s “fourth arm of defense.” In keeping with tradition, we’re always ready to go, at a moment’s notice. Yet, in talking with members around the country, I know that we especially have been ready to roll since September 11, 2001. Now that the activations have started, I’m 100 percent confident that the SIU will answer our call to duty.
The SIU supports Operation Enduring Freedom, and will commit every available resource to winning the war against terrorism.
Printer Friendly Page