Looking back on the year 2005, our union has every reason to feel proud.Looking ahead to 2006, we have every reason to be optimistic.
Take a moment to consider some of the accomplishments we’ve made during the past 12 months. When it comes to new ships and new jobs, 2005 was nothing short of incredible.
The Maritime Security Program fleet added 13 SIU-crewed ships. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard started construction on the first two of 10 SIU-contracted tankers to be operated by OSG. NCL America launched its second Seafarers-crewed cruise ship, the Pride of America.
We gained ships in other areas, too, including three new tankers on the West Coast, a new car carrier, a new Great Lakes ship, new tugs and barges, and a new class of vessels crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. We also retained jobs on dozens of ships when new contracts were awarded by the government, including all 54 vessels in the U.S. Ready Reserve Force.
Brothers and sisters, if that’s not progress, then I don’t know what is.
I have no intention of ever letting our union rest on its laurels, but I’m proud of our accomplishments. And I think it’s important to step back every once in a while and appreciate our gains along with the people who make them possible.
As I’ve said many times, it all starts with you, the rank-and-file Seafarer. Our union is strong because of the outstanding work you do aboard ship. Our union is strong because you support this administration at every level. Our union is strong because you understand the importance of political action.
On that last note, I especially appreciate your support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. Our industry is so heavily regulated that we simply have no choice but to protect our interests on Capitol Hill and at the state and local levels all across the country. That type of effort takes manpower and it also takes money. That’s simply the reality of politics in the United States.
I’m certainly not saying that political contributions guarantee results. But they do help give us a chance to sit down and explain our issues and concerns. Normally, when we have that opportunity we are successful.
With 2006 being a Congressional election year, your continued support of SPAD is more vital than ever.
Moving forward, I see no reason to expect anything less than continued success for the SIU. We have the best-trained mariners in the world. We have a top-notch affiliated school, the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. By the way, that school constantly brings in new unlicensed apprentices to help ensure a solid future for our industry. No one else in America offers a similar program for unlicensed seamen.
We also have dedicated officials who along with the membership understand that the SIU is more than a union. I honestly feel that we’re more like a family. That may sound old-fashioned if you’re not very familiar with our organization, but it’s from the heart and it’s true.
Let me tell you why. When you fight alongside someone, you almost can’t help becoming close. You bond under those circumstances. And make no mistake, it is a constant battle to continue revitalizing the U.S. Merchant Marine. We’ve earned every single SIU-contracted ship and fought for every pro-U.S.-flag program in existence.
None of it happened by accident, and none of it is guaranteed to last. That’s why we’re going to keep promoting and protecting our union and our industry. Our country deserves and needs a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, along with the hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast are just the latest reminders of our value to national and economic security.
That’s something worth fighting for, and I know that our union— our family—will continue to win our share of battles in 2006 and beyond.
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