The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law in late March, seeks to assist workers impacted by COVID-19 by increasing access to retirement plan account savings (among many other goals). The Seafarers 401(K) Plan has implemented the available options contained in the CARES Act…
Apr
14
Apr
08
Per executive board action, the SIU’s membership meetings originally scheduled for May have been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. No decisions have been made concerning the June meetings. ###
Apr
06
The following news release was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. To access it on the agency's website, click HERE. COVID 19 – Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) Operations The uninterrupted flow of commerce on our Marine Transportation System (MTS) is critical to both National Security and National economic well-being.…
Apr
02
For a PDF copy of this announcement, click HERE UPDATE FROM SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has implemented some new benefits in response to this pandemic, in order to help protect the health of mariners and their families. The following…
Mar
30
The U.S. Coast Guard posted the following update on March 30. It's available on the agency's website HERE. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – Update #2 This notice outlines operational changes at the National Maritime Center (NMC) due to COVID-19. All 17 Regional Examination Centers (REC) and 3 Monitoring Units (MU) remain…
Mar
30
The following news release was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. For a PDF version, click HERE. Maintaining Maritime Commerce and Identification of Essential Maritime Critical Infrastructure Workers The uninterrupted flow of commerce on our Marine Transportation System (MTS) is critical to both National Security and economic vitality. During the…
Mar
30
The following news release was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. For a PDF version, click HERE. COVID-19 – Guidance for Maritime Operators on Compliance with Federal Drug Testing Requirements To help protect our essential maritime workforce, while also ensuring drug testing continues to serve as a deterrent, the Coast…
Mar
27
The following communication was sent March 27 by Seafarers-contracted American Steamship Company: ALL AMERICAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY VESSEL EMPLOYEES ARE RESTRICTED TO SHIP EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY THROUGH APRIL 22, 2020. ONLY INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE VESSEL’S OPERATION MAY BOARD COMPANY VESSELS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Once crew members arrive to their…
Mar
23
Dear SIU Brothers and Sisters: Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and patience as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Through your sacrifices and service, you are writing a significant chapter in SIU history. While the worst part of the pandemic is, obviously, loss of life, I think the…
Mar
20
Friday, March 20, 2020 In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the SIU and Seafarers Plans have taken or will take the following steps. Please keep in mind that – without exception – all of these measures are being done with your safety and well-being at the forefront. Like practically every…