During this exceptionally active time for the SIU, my first message this month is a heartfelt congratulations to the union’s negotiating teams in the Gulf who recently completed work on four separate contracts covering boatmen at E.N. Bisso, Crescent, Moran and Seabulk.
It’s a tribute to our members and officials— and our contracted companies—that all four agreements feature top-of-the-line medical coverage for Seafarers and their families. The contracts also call for wage increases and other gains.
But in particular, the health benefits that are included in the contracts are a remarkable achievement, considering what’s happening with health insurance across the nation. Make no mistake: America is suffering through a major health care crisis that is seriously hurting the nation’s working families.
Throughout the country, businesses are shifting an unfair share of high health care costs onto their workers. And whether those workers pay a bigger percentage of their premiums or they pay more in deductibles and co-payments, the effect is disturbing.
Perhaps the only thing that’s worse in this crisis is the fact that there are the 44 million Americans who lack medical coverage altogether.
In union contract negotiations today, health coverage is almost always the top issue. And it almost always leads to some bitter fights at the bargaining table.
While the SIU’s recent negotiations in the Gulf were tough, they also were respectful and productive. Dean Corgey, vice president of our Gulf Coast Region who headed up all four bargaining committees, said the most significant factor in our success was the unprecedented solidarity among the boatmen—not only within each company, but from location to location. “It’s an honor and privilege to represent folks like that,” Corgey told me. “The guys looked out for each other, and not just at their own companies. They understood we’re all in this together and they really gave each other a great level of support. It’s invigorating.”
The result is four agreements that include full medical coverage for SIU boatmen and their families. That’s something our entire SIU family should feel proud about.
Aloha!
Progress and “Pride” for our union also were evident last month as the new U.S.-flag cruise ship Pride of Aloha was christened in Honolulu. The Pride of Aloha is a first-rate ship. The Seafarers aboard her are a first-rate crew. The vessel’s reflagging in June to the Stars and Stripes, followed by the christening on Independence Day, marked the start of what I believe will turn out as one of the greatest success stories in SIU history.
As mentioned last month, any project of this size is bound to bring at least a few challenges. But this is a fantastic victory for the SIU, and we’re up to the task.
The U.S.-flag deep sea cruise ship industry is reborn. The SIU will do our part to help ensure that it succeeds.
Register and Vote!
Since our union’s founding in 1938, SIU members always have understood that political action is a must for our survival. We work in a very heavily regulated industry. We have to stay involved politically, at every level, in order to protect our interests.
With that in mind, I encourage all Seafarers, pensioners and their families to be active during this election season. Make sure you are registered, and if you’re not, please register. Stay familiar with the issues and support the candidates who’ll support the U.S. Merchant Marine. If your port agent asks you to assist in getting out the vote, please donate your time and effort.
I thank you for your continued participation. Voting, writing letters, calling, talking with your elected representatives, donating to SPAD…. All of those activities help us advance the SIU’s message.
Let’s make sure our message continues to be heard.
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