From the MTD, to which the SIU is affiliated: Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements announced earlier this month that he would be vacating his position at the close of business on January 31, 2025 to pursue another opportunity. By a unanimous vote, the MTD Executive Board confirmed the…
Jan
30
Jan
28
From the International Transport Workers’ Federation, to which the SIU is affiliated: New data from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reveals abandonment of seafarers by ship-owners increased by 87% in 2024 from the previous year. The abandonment of seafarers is spiralling out of control, increasing nearly two-fold with 3,133…
Jan
28
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has posted its yearly report concerning union membership rates in the United States. The full release is available HERE and also appears below. Among many other findings, the BLS noted that union workers “had median usual weekly earnings of $1,337 in 2024, while nonunion…
Jan
25
Authorities are investigating a “suspicious approach” incident reportedly involving an Iranian “small military craft” and the SIU-crewed Liberty Power, as well as several other seemingly related “radio challenges” to other ships in the Northern Arabian Gulf. The incident reports come from the organization United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which coordinates…
Jan
24
The U.S. Coast Guard issued the following news item involving the SIU-crewed Crowley vessel El Coqui: Coast Guard, responding vessels rescue 4 U.S. boaters from life raft on the Atlantic Ocean SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Coast Guard aircrew, the crew of the Crowley containership El Coquí, and fishermen from the fishing…
Jan
23
The following information was issued by Union Plus. Union Plus Disaster Relief Flyer Given the scale of fire damage in the Los Angeles area, we are sharing disaster relief resources available now to union members. Please note that our Disaster Relief flyer for participants in Union Plus programs is attached and…
Jan
23
The International Transport Workers' Federation, to which the SIU is affiliated, has issued the following news item. SIU President David Heindel, who serves as Chair of the ITF Seafarers' Section, is quoted in the release. Galaxy Leader crew released after 14 months in captivity The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)…
Jan
21
The following news release was issued by the Lake Carriers' Association on January 21. U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) moved 76.3 million tons of cargo in 2024, a decrease of 6.3 percent compared to 2023. The 2024 float was 4.6 percent below the fleet’s 5-year average. Compared to 2023, salt…
Jan
16
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, has issued the following news item: AMP Endorses Sean Duffy as Secretary of Transportation, Applauds His Jones Act Support The American Maritime Partnership issued the following letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) in support of former Congressman…
Jan
14
In past years, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) sent all participants a copy of their Form 1095-B at the end February. This is the form the SHBP is required to submit to the IRS every year to report all individuals who are eligible for “minimum essential” healthcare coverage…