Heading into the final months of 2004, our union remains incredibly active and productive.September brought two major gains for Seafarers: the award of operating contracts for 11 LMSRs to SIU-contracted companies, and the signing of an agreement between a highly regarded national health care network and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan.
The LMSRs represent a substantial number of new jobs in the deck and engine departments. They also signify the continuation of our union’s consistent demonstrated ability to deliver for the membership. In 2004 alone, through outright new vessels and replacement tonnage, we have added new jobs aboard military support ships, tankers, containerships, car carriers, Great Lakes vessels and passenger ferries.
You’ve heard me say it before: It’s all about jobs, jobs, jobs! On that score, the SIU takes a back seat to no one.
The agreement with First Health Network also is a key development. At a time when health insurance costs are climbing beyond the reach of tens of millions of Americans, SIU members who are covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan not only are maintaining good benefits but also are gaining access to a national network of health care providers for which there are currently no out-of-pocket costs.
I’d call that a remarkable accomplishment, especially in light of the latest news concerning health care costs. You may have read media reports last month stating that health insurance premiums paid by U.S. employers have risen 11 percent this year alone. Most workers are bearing at least some of that cost, paying more to carry their coverage and, in many cases, also paying higher deductibles and co-payments.
This is a national crisis and one of the biggest challenges faced by working families. It’s not just that costs are increasing every year—they are rising at rates so far beyond average wage increases that they’re flat unaffordable for far too many people. Out-of-pocket costs for the average worker have gone up 60 percent in the last four years. Also, the most recent figures show an all-time high of 45 million Americans without any health insurance. Until we as a nation find real solutions, those numbers only will get worse.
In that context, Seafarers have it better than most, thanks largely to efforts by the Plan and the union. We will continue to aggressively protect our benefits, but this is a serious, difficult fight.
Elsewhere, Seafarers continue making progress aboard our newly contracted cruise ship, NCL America’s Pride of Aloha. There’s no question the Pride of Aloha is working through some growing pains, but that’s to be expected. Overall, the operation is headed in the right direction and bound for total success.
On that note, I thank the SIU crew members who have helped the Pride of Aloha through these early stages. The work hasn’t been easy, and the hours usually are long, but our members consistently have been praised for maintaining great attitudes and doing whatever it takes to help ensure the smoothest possible experience for all concerned. That type of dedication and sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Lastly, I again encourage all Seafarers to participate in the upcoming elections—both our union elections and the national, state and local contests. Make sure you are eligible to vote, and support the candidates who will support a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.
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