2005 in ReviewIn a year bracketed by bittersweet stories of disaster relief, the SIU enjoyed exceptionally good news throughout 2005 concerning its contracted fleet. Whether gaining new tonnage, maintaining jobs aboard ships previously under contract or learning of plans to build more vessels in American shipyards, Seafarers had plenty to applaud.
SIU members also continued supporting U.S. troops in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, sailing aboard dozens of ships in the Middle East and elsewhere.
As with any year, 2005 brought its share of challenges. It began with Seafarers mobilizing to support victims of the tsunami which struck in late 2004, and ended with SIU members still on duty in the U.S. Gulf Coast where they helped provide relief for hurricane victims. While the members were duly credited for their efforts in both missions, the extensive storm damage saddened all concerned.
Seafarers also couldn’t escape the burgeoning health care crisis —a nationwide emergency that threatens to cripple the U.S. economy.
Following is a look back at some of the key stories from 2005.
Job Growth Continues
The year started with the government announcing operating contracts for the extended, expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program and ended with Seafarers crewing up the MSP’s newest ships. Overall, the program grew from the old number of 47 U.S.-flag vessels to the current 60, beginning in October. SIU members sail on every one of those ships, so the union gained 13 vessels in the updated MSP.
Not to be overlooked in the program’s growth were the many supportive comments from high-ranking military officials who participated in “flag-in” ceremonies. Their enthusiastic recognition of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital role as part of America’s fourth arm of defense reflects the bond between mariners and the troops for whom they deliver.
In a blockbuster declaration in mid-April, SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group announced it will operate 10 U.S.-flag tankers scheduled for construction at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (formerly Kvaerner Philadelphia). The company said the five-year construction plan is “believed to be the largest of its kind in American commercial shipbuilding.”
Plenty of fanfare accompanied the launch of NCL America’s second ship, the Pride of America. Christened in New York in June, the state-of-the-art cruise ship represents not only new jobs for Seafarers, but also the continued revitalization of an important segment of the U.S. fleet.
Other areas saw growth, too. On the Great Lakes, American Steamship Company added the 1,000-foot self-unloader Burns Harbor, while the riverboat Detroit Princess also came under SIU contract.
Members of the union’s Government Services Division crewed up the USNS Lewis and Clark, the first of eight vessels in a new T-AKE class. There are options to order four more of the dry cargo/ammunition ships, for a potential total of 12 vessels.
Matson’s containership Manulani entered service, and the company ordered two more ships from Aker Philadelphia.
The second and third Alaska class tankers—the Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator—were delivered and sailed with SIU crews. One more such ship is being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. Like the others, it will be operated by Alaska Tanker Company.
Maritrans announced a contact to build three new ATBs.
Seafarers crewed up the new car carrier Jean Anne, owned by The Pasha Group and operated by Interocean Ugland Management.
The coastwise tanker Sea Venture came under SIU contract, operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, Inc.
Seafarers also saw significant job retention in 2005 with the awarding of various contracts. None was bigger than the U.S. Maritime Administration’s announcement of operating agreements for the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Overall, Seafarers-contracted companies won contracts to operate all 54 ships in the RRF fleet.
Similarly, Maersk Line Limited won an operating agreement for eight fast sealift ships, while Ocean Ships won a separate contract for four of the T-5 tankers. Seafarers already sailed aboard those ships, but as the operating agreements expired, there was no guarantee that the new ones would go to SIU-contracted employers.
In Peace and War
While the SIU’s support of our troops in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom predates 2005 and continues into the New Year, the disaster relief operations—particularly in the U.S.—once again showed that the merchant marine is reliable not just in times of conflict but whenever needed.
More than 100 SIU members crewed 14 ships that sailed in relief missions to Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Indonesia and other Indian Ocean nations hit by the tsunami right after Christmas 2004. Additionally, the SIU donated $10,000 to the International Red Cross for use in that region.
Seafarers remain very active in the Gulf Coast relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Altogether, SIU members sailed aboard no fewer than 18 ships involved in the situation— whether moving them from initial danger or subsequently bringing assistance not only to the storm victims but in some cases to the government relief workers themselves.
Moreover, the union quickly established the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund so that those wishing to directly assist their fellow SIU members could do so. Hundreds of people contributed.
Perhaps overlooked, but also noteworthy, were the mobilizations of the USNS Mercy and USNS Niagara Falls in late March. Seafarers aboard those ships helped bring assistance to earthquake victims in northern Sumatra.
Political Action and More
The union remained extremely active in politics because such practice is vital to the survival of not only the SIU but the entire U.S. Merchant Marine. In addition to supporting pro-maritime candidates in the off-year elections, the SIU backed (among other bills and proposals) the Employee Free Choice Act; the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act; and opening the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for safe exploration.
SIU officials and members continued their full involvement in everything from local and regional port security committees to shipboard security teams.
Seafarers reelected Michael Sacco as union president in an election that ended Dec. 31, 2004. The tallying committee approved election results for officials who will serve four-year terms (from 2005-2008).
The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) awarded scholarships worth a combined $132,000 to three SIU members and five dependents.
Facing defections from a handful of unions, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney vowed to persevere and took steps to ensure the federation’s prosperity. The addition of two other unions following the abandonment by others, along with the approval of Solidarity Charters late in the year, both reflected as well as reinforced his determination.
ITF
The union remained active in the International Transport Workers’ Federation, an organization dedicated to protecting workers’ rights around the world.
SIU ITF inspectors secured $347,000 in back pay plus repatriation for 43 crew members on the runaway-flag passenger and gaming vessel St. Tropez. They also brought seven Panamanian-flag vessels under ITF contract and secured back pay for crew members on the Sumida.
The ITF and international shipowners’ Joint Negotiating Group reached a new agreement covering 55,000 mariners on more than 3,200 ships. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, participated in the negotiations.
Rescues, Safety Awards
At least four Seafarers-crewed ships executed rescues at sea, while numerous SIU-contracted companies were recognized for various safety achievements.
The ships involved in the rescues were the Lykes Motivator, USNS Seay, Oscar Sette and USNS San Jose.
Companies reaching safety milestones and/or receiving awards included Alaska Tanker Company; AMSEA; Maersk Line, Limited; Crowley Marine Services, and many others.
Paul Hall Center
The union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. continued offering comprehensive training for mariners, from entry-level curriculums to license preparation. More than 5,300 students successfully completed classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.
The American Council on Education approved 24 Paul Hall Center courses for college credits (meaning students who complete certain classes at the school may receive credits toward a college degree).
The Paul Hall Center’s vessel security officer (VSO) course became the first such curriculum approved by the U.S. Maritime Administration.
The school added a new two-week Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher course.
Health Care Crisis
Adjustments to benefits administered through the SHBP reflected a nationwide crisis. There are at least 45 million uninsured Americans, and premium costs rise by double digits every year. On average, 6,000 people lose their coverage every day—an unacceptably high figure that includes too many retirees.
Thousands of Seafarers, pensioners and their families attended benefits conferences at 10 SIU halls around the country. Among other facets of this crisis, they touched on the fact that since the turn of the century, the overall expense of job-based health insurance has increased by 60 percent, while the percentage of covered workers has dropped from 65 percent to around 60 percent. Among those who still have coverage, only 24 percent don’t have to pay to carry single coverage. And only eight percent work for employers who pay the full cost of family coverage (meaning there’s no out-of-pocket cost to the worker simply to maintain the insurance benefit).
Health insurance remained the dominant component in all contract negotiations.
Final Departures
Mourning their loss but celebrating their lives, the union said goodbye to a number of individuals whose efforts lifted not only the union but the industry as a whole. Those people included SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, who died Nov. 8 at age 73; SIUNA Vice President Jim Martin (age 70); Joseph Cecire, longtime chair of the SIU’s Board of Trustees (81); Retired ARC Clinical Director Bill Eckles (62); Romeo Lupinacci, former executive chef at the Paul Hall Center (82); Pat Marinelli, retired SIU port agent (age 82); Jack Parcel, retired Paul Hall Center instructor (77); Tom Gilliland, commandant of trainees at the school (57); and Sal Aquia, age 25, son of retired SIU employee Sal Aquia.
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