The slogans "Politics is Pork Chops" and "SPAD-It Takes a Four-Letter Word to be Heard" remind Seafarers that political action is essential for the U.S. Merchant Marine.Seafarer James Buckowski gets the message.
"I look at SPAD (the union's voluntary political action fund) as protection of the merchant marine and support for our future," said Buckowski, who sails in the deck and engine departments. "SPAD is a means of looking out not only for yourself and your brothers and sisters, but also for future generations."
Buckowski, who entered the industry in 1991 as an NMU member, recently made a sizeable donation to SPAD, which stands for Seafarers Political Activity Donation. In return, he received a high-quality SPAD jacket that is part of a promotion introduced last year. He also signed a check-off authorization for regular contributions.
"This organization represents a great chance at succeeding in life for me, a man with no high school education," said Buckowski, 33. "In the big picture, I see that everybody in the SIU is working hard and it benefits the members. I want to give the opportunity I was given to future generations, and I know we need to have friends in high places to keep the industry strong."
The Jersey City, N.J. resident, who aspires to earn an engineer's license, pointed out that foreign-flag interests routinely lobby against the U.S. fleet, "so we have to be right in there, too. As the saying goes, money talks and b.s. walks. We have to make sure our voices are heard in Washington."
As previously reported, the union last summer began a SPAD promotion intended to boost the voluntary fund while also rewarding Seafarers (including those who were in the NMU at the time of the merger in 2001) for their participation. The promotion lasts until July 31. Before then, anyone who contributes to the fund through a check-off authorization found on the vacation application (and also available at the union halls) will receive a SPAD lapel pin (for contribution amounts of 50 cents per day); the pin plus a SPAD T-shirt (for contributions of $1 per day); or the pin, shirt and a SPAD baseball cap (for $1.50 or more per day). Additionally, a SPAD jacket is available to members who make a one-time donation in addition to their check-off authorization.
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