Looking back on the past year always feels a little bit like reading a report card or a test score. Our union’s body of work for the previous 12 months is in the books, and even though many of our projects are ongoing, there is an element of finality any time we say goodbye to another year.Fortunately, I’m happy to report – and I believe most members will agree – that 2008 truly was an outstanding year for the SIU. Many of the details of our accomplishments are reported elsewhere in this edition of the LOG.
But for me, no matter the month or year or decade, our most important gauge is always the same. Our measuring stick starts with jobs and the job security of this membership. Without good jobs, nothing else matters.
In 2008, the “jobs” category was a winner for the SIU. We gained new tankers, RO/ROs, containerships and ammunition ships. We welcomed new ATBs and stand-alone tugboats. We secured new work aboard the passenger ferry operating in Hawaii. We retained jobs on the eight LMSRs that had been up for bid.
For us, it didn’t matter whether we were pursuing replacement tonnage or outright new additions or trying to hold on to what we already had under contract. We went after it as if the future depended on it – because it does.
We were successful because of the dedication and capabilities of our officials and rank-and-file members alike. When we compete for new opportunities, our greatest selling point is the historic reliability of the SIU member. Your work aboard ship
– your professionalism – is what puts us over the top. It’s also what gives me great optimism for 2009 and the years that follow.
One key ingredient in this equation is the top-notch training received by SIU members at our affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Whether you’re new to the industry or an “old salt,” I’m sure you realize how incredibly important it is nowadays to have the proper training and qualifications for shipboard work. Without the courses available in Piney Point, and the outstanding instructors who work there, we’d be facing an uphill fight to say the least.
On another significant subject, I want to mention what a great job everyone did in “getting out the vote” to support Barack Obama, Joseph Biden and other pro-maritime, prolabor candidates on Election Day.
You’ve read all about it by now, but the historic nature of this particular election cannot be overstated. It was a great win for America’s working families and, I believe, for the whole country.
Not to be overlooked in any summary of 2008 is the steady work of SIU members who continue supporting our troops, particularly in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. You have my utmost respect and gratitude, as do the brave men and women of our armed forces.
I enjoy looking back, and it’s sometimes fun to page through old issues of the LOG to examine our union’s history.
But I’m much more interested in looking ahead, and that’s what your union is doing as we ring in the New Year. We’re on a course for ongoing success, and with your continued support, we will overcome whatever challenges come our way. I look forward to tackling those challenges throughout the year, and I wish all Seafarers, retirees and their families the very best in 2009 and beyond.
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