The following news release was issued by SIU-contracted Matson on July 6. It can also be viewed here. Matson Christens 'Matsonia' Matson, Inc., a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, and General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard, christened the second of two Kanaloa Class vessels, the largest combination container / roll-on, roll-off…
Jul
06
Jul
02
The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, has posted the following news item: Acknowledging the work done collectively by maritime unions, companies, ports, shipyards, military and government, U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby saluted the work of the U.S.-flag maritime industry to keep commerce moving during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Buzby addressed the…
Jul
02
The hiring hall in Wilmington, California, is closed until further notice as of July 2, 2020, for precautionary reasons. Members can still reach the hall by phone. ###
Jul
01
The hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, is scheduled to reopen on Monday, July 6, 2020. The hall has been closed for precautionary reasons since June 22. It has undergone a thorough sanitization, also for precautionary reasons. Members can reach the hall by phone prior to the reopening. #…
Jun
30
The Shipbuilders Council of America released the following news item on June 30: Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby Receives Shipbuilders Highest Honor - Maritime Leadership Award WASHINGTON – The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, today honored Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator Mark H.…
Jun
29
Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters issued a statement for the centennial of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. The text of the statement appears below; a PDF copy is available HERE. I offer remarks to honor the men and women of the American maritime workforce, and to…
Jun
26
Ten mariners, including five SIU members, recently tested positive for COVID-19 aboard the Maersk Idaho. One crew member was hospitalized but is doing well and is being discharged today. The others are quarantined aboard the ship, which is anchored off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Thankfully, those mariners have…
Jun
26
For precautionary reasons, the hiring hall in Houston is closing today – Friday, June 26, 2020 – until further notice. An employee who is based at the hall is being tested for COVID-19. It may take a few days to get the test results. If those results are negative, the…
Jun
26
Members of Congress spoke out in favor of America’s freight cabotage law during a hearing earlier this week. U.S. Reps. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) and Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) commented during a June 23 hearing of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces. The occasion was…
Jun
24
As you probably know, 2020 is an election year for the SIU. Due to the pandemic, the union has relaxed a requirement to run for office. Specifically, and, as you may have seen in prior communications, the union’s executive board has approved lenience for prospective candidates who are unable to pay…