Consistent with Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) Action 480 (full text below, click HERE for a PDF copy), effective immediately, if you have returned from any of the countries identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “hotspots” for the coronavirus (COVID-19) within the last 14 days, DO NOT ENTER ANY HIRING HALL.
Currently (as of March 9, 2020), the WHO lists the following nations as hotspots: China, Italy, Iran, Korea.
Anyone who has returned to the United States from one of the affected countries should self-quarantine for 14 days to ensure they are virus-free. This 14-period begins from the moment you come ashore in the U.S. The 14-day period will be extended if you have been ill, until such time that you’re symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
This SAB Action applies to anyone who is symptomatic for coronavirus regardless of whether they have visited the identified hotspots. Symptoms may include fever, cough or shortness of breath. Those individuals can register or re-register by phone (or conduct any other union business) during this period. Call your port agent.
Thank you for your cooperation. This action is being done with your safety and wellbeing in mind.
Precautions also are being taken at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland.
SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD
5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, Maryland 20746
Action Number 480
“CORONAVIRUS PROTOCOLS”
The Seafarers Appeals Board, acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby takes the following action:
WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S. flagged fleets; and
WHEREAS, the Union and contracted employers are committed to doing whatever they can to best protect members and employees. Inasmuch, the Union and contracted employers have adopted precautionary protocols and shipping rule amendments while this outbreak continues. This situation is evolving quickly and as the World Health Organization expands its list of affected countries, the Union and the hiring halls will amend their protocols accordingly.
NOW THEREFORE, the Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and various Contracted Employers has reviewed the shipping rules and agreed to introduce temporary precautionary protocols as captured in Memorandums of Understandings between the Union and contracted employers, as attached.
Additionally, the Union and contracted employers hereby amend the shipping rules on a case-by-case basis as follows.
If you have returned to the United States from any of the Countries identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “hot spots” for the Coronavirus (COVID-I 9), these are the protocols that the Union and the hiring halls have adopted. Currently the WHO lists China, Italy, Iran and Korea as the nations which have been the most impacted by this virus.
Amend SIU Shipping Rule 2. Shipping Procedure and Rule 4. Business Hours and Job Calls as follows on a case-by-case basis.
Anyone who has returned to the United State from one of the affected Countries should self-quarantine for 14 days to ensure that they are virus-free. You will not be allowed to enter and utilize any of the Union’s affiliated hiring halls during this 14-day period. The 14-day period will be extended if you have been ill (fever, cough, shortness of breath) until such time that you’re symptom free for at least 24 hours.
During this period of time, you may register/re-register for shipping by phone by contacting your area port agent.
Additionally, this action will apply to anyone who is symptomatic for Coronavirus whether they have visited the identified hot spots or not.
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