President’s Column

Promoting Our Union and Our Industry The SIU had an outstanding turnout March 30 as our industry resumed a crucial event known as the Maritime Congressional Sail-In. Prior to the pandemic, the Sail-In took place annually for a decade before being forced into a three-year break. The Sail-In involves meetings with members of Congress and…

Garamendi Offers Bill to Boost American-Flag Fleet

A longtime champion of the United States maritime industry has introduced legislation aimed at bolstering the American-flag fleet. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on March 29, 2023, upon his introduction of the Rebuilding the U.S.-Flag International Fleet Act: I introduce the bipartisan “Rebuilding the…

Military, Government Leaders Emphasize U.S. Reliance on Strong Sealift Capacity

A recent hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives focused on national defense capabilities, prominently including the crucial need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Jointly hosted by two subcommittees of the House Armed Services Committee (Readiness, and Seapower and Projection Forces), the hearing took place March 28. It featured testimony from Gen. Jacqueline Van…
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Congressional and Military Leaders: Jones Act Vital to National Security

The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, has issued the following news item: The National Security Importance of the Jones Act Recognized on National Maritime Day WASHINGTON & JACKSONVILLE, FL (May 22, 2023) – The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the voice of the domestic maritime industry, today recognizes the critical importance…

U.S. Merchant Marine WWII Veterans to be Honored on Memorial Day

From the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV): WASHINGTON – On Monday, May 29, President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden will be joined by five U.S. Merchant Marine WWII veterans and their chaperones to have breakfast at the White House in commemoration of Memorial Day. The WWII veterans, including William Balabanow, John Laughton, Charles Mills,…

DOT National Maritime Day Ceremony Underscores Industry’s Importance

The United States has been well-served by its merchant marine for centuries, and must maintain a strong American-flag fleet with U.S. crews to preserve national and economic security. Those were among the key messages delivered May 22 at the annual National Maritime Day ceremony hosted at U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Headquarters in Washington, D.C.…
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MORE EVENTS

Important Notice to Seafarers Regarding Vaccines at CVS

Effective immediately, CVS retail stores are no longer in-network with Cigna for vaccine administration (including Covid-19 vaccines and boosters). This means that if you have any type of a vaccine at a CVS retail store, you will have a higher copayment. As confusing as it may sound, CVS MinuteClinics and CVS HealthHubs are still in-network. CVS MinuteClinics…

Updated COVID Policy for Paul Hall Center, Hiring Halls

Effective immediately, the COVID vaccine will no longer be a requirement to enter a hiring hall or to attend classes at the Paul Hall Center. Apprentices are, however, still required to be vaccinated in order to be assigned to apprentice positions. If anyone else is not fully vaccinated (meaning the original vaccines and any available…

Vaccination Records at Your Fingertips

The SIU has partnered with WellCheck to bring members a new way to keep your proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the ready - on your mobile device. By using the WellCheck app, SIU members can upload their vaccine cards using their smartphone, where the information listed will be verified by state medical databases. Once verified,…
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