Although a few races in the U.S. House of Representatives remained undecided in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Election Day definitely brought about big changes in our nation’s capital.In the next Congress, there will be at least 53 new members of the House and nine new senators. As always, new elected officials also were voted into office in some of the numerous state and local elections across the country.
As Seafarers know, politics affects our industry all the time. Federal laws like the Jones Act and the U.S. Maritime Security Program, and proven government initiatives like cargo preference are some of the cornerstones of the American-flag fleet. We’re also constantly working with government agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard to help ensure both fair treatment of mariners and safety aboard ship and in port.
With that in mind, we wasted no time forming strategies for how to best promote our union and our industry in the next Congress as well as at the state and local levels. Turnover is inevitable in the political world, so this won’t be the first time we’ve had to reach out to new representatives to help educate them about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s value to America. That’s a mission the SIU takes very seriously.
At the same time, while Congress changed majority parties, newly elected leaders in both the House and Senate reflect a strong pro-maritime background, thanks in part to your donations to SPAD and the SIU’s backing of members from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
As for the elections themselves, the labor movement did a great job getting out the vote. According to the AFL-CIO (to which the SIU is affiliated), union members made up one in four voters. The federation went all-out in its effort to help elect pro-worker candidates, including a program that reached out to 13.4 million voters in 32 battleground states.
Looking ahead, the SIU’s first issue of course is maritime. But there are other important matters that should be taken up as soon as possible by our elected representatives in the House and Senate. One is the Employee Free Choice Act. This legislation is a top priority of the AFL-CIO. It would help restore fairness in union representation elections, giving workers a reasonable chance to exercise their right to join a union. For too many years, companies have gotten away with walking all over workers when they try to organize. It’s time to remedy that situation, and the Employee Free Choice Act will get the job done.
Another subject for our representatives to address is U.S. trade policy. This is the right time to step back and take a close look at our current trade laws—and make an honest evaluation of what’s working and what needs to be corrected. America’s unions have insisted all along that the national and global economies must work for working families and not just increase the profits and power of multinational corporations. Our call for “fair trade” is still being sounded, because the so-called free trade agreements like NAFTA simply haven’t delivered.
Congratulations to the election winners and to all who exercised their right to vote. I also want to give a special thanks to all SIU members, retirees and family members who volunteered in support of pro-maritime candidates. Grassroots action is the lifeblood of our movement, and your efforts will go a long way toward building and maintaining a healthy, vibrant U.S.-flag fleet.
Season’s Greetings
It’s hard to believe the holidays are upon us, but it’s that time again. On behalf of the entire SIU executive board, I extend warmest wishes to all Seafarers, retirees and SIU family members for a safe, happy holiday season. Thank you for your outstanding work in 2006, and thank you for supporting your union.
Additionally, I offer heartfelt greetings and prayers for the men and women of our armed forces who are deployed overseas. May your missions be successful, and may you return home safe and sound.
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