SIU boatman employed aboard inland vessels operated by Norfolk, Va.-based Allied Transportation Co. on Aug. 31 ratified a new three-year agreement which went into effect the following day.Among other gains, the new contract provides for annual wage increases and the continuation of Core-Plus benefits levels throughout the life of the accord. Some 120 union members who work aboard eight Allied-operated vessels (Heron, Sea Robin, Sea Raven, Sea Hawk, Falcon, Sea Eagle, Petral and Socrates) are affected by the new agreement. Seafarers from a ninth vessel (Osprey) also will fall under the fresh pact when it rejoins the Allied fleet later this year.
“This new labor agreement is fair to all parties concerned,” said SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny, who served as principal negotiator for the union. “The actual negotiations went very smooth and the company’s representatives were very open and willing to address our major concerns. They recognized the importance of labor and management working together to get things done.”
Kenny had high praise for the rank-and-file members who assisted him on the union negotiation committee: 1st Mate Mike Woolard, Engineer Dan Haag and AB/Cook George Erwin. “Each of the negotiation committee members did a wonderful job lobbying in the interests of their fellow shipmates,” Kenny said. “Their brothers and sisters should be proud.”
SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker credited the union’s bargaining committee for outstanding work and also noted that Allied was extremely forthcoming in hammering out the new agreement. Company bargaining officials realized that it benefits all concerned to have safe, reliable, enthusiastic crew members who feel like they’re partners in the operations rather than just numbers, he said.
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