News

Ocean Transportation a Tiny Fraction of Programs’ Cost An official from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) punctuated his presentation to the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board with a simple but powerful message: “When somebody tells you that cargo preference is too expensive, you ask them whether or not they…

Chris Lee and Michael Hebert see the Jones Act from different perspectives, but they both view the nation’s freight cabotage law as critical to America’s national and economic security. That message came through in their respective speeches to the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board early last month in San…

The commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard’s biggest district told the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board he is focused on safety, and he depends on industry stakeholders to continue acting as partners. Rear Adm. David Callahan addressed the board March 9 in San Antonio, Texas. He is the…

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) issued the following news release on March 13. Justice at last for crew abandoned in Algeria The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) is pleased to announce that the 17 crew members of the Sea Honest, who were abandoned unpaid and unprovisioned in Algeria in July…

The U.S. Navy issued the following news release and accompanying photo on March 7. It can also be viewed here. The USNS Fall River is crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. It's the ship on the left in the photo below. For a high-resolution version, click here. Pacific…

SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan D. Powell has been appointed to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, for a four-year term (2017-2020). The Wayne County (Michigan) Commission unanimously voted in favor of the appointment on March 2. Powell launched his career…

Open Letter from Seafarers International Union to House and Senate Maritime Industry Congressional Sail-In Participants On behalf of our entire organization, particularly our rank-and-file members, we extend our sincere thanks to you for spending time with our Sail-In groups on March 1. Whether you’re just getting acquainted with the American…

The AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department (MTD) has issued the following news release, dated March 3. To access it on the MTD website, click HERE SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as president of the MTD. San Antonio to Host MTD Executive Board Meeting March 9 & 10 Speakers from the…

The Office of Congressman John Garamendi (D-California) issued the following news release on March 3. Congressman Garamendi Introduces the Energizing American Maritime Act, with Strong Support from America’s Maritime IndustryLegislation would improve American national security by requiring a percentage of exports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and crude oil to…

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) issued the following news release on February 28. Global protests target Madagascan Government in campaign to reinstate sacked dock workers Attention: Transport, Shipping, Labor, Foreign and Africa news desks The Government of Madagascar is the target of a global campaign launched today (February 28)…