For precautionary reasons, the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, is closing for the next two weeks, with a tentative reopening date of Monday, July 6. We will post an update before then, and may reopen sooner.
The decision to close the hall was made in an abundance of caution, consistent with all other decisions the union has made since the start of the pandemic. Our goal is to keep members and staff healthy and safe.
Two union employees who are based at the hall unknowingly were in contact with individuals aboard a ship who later were diagnosed with COVID-19. The employees, prior to those diagnoses and with none of the “positive” mariners exhibiting any symptoms, returned to the hall subsequent to the vessel servicing.
At this time (Monday afternoon, June 22, 2020), we are aware of 10 positive diagnoses from that vessel, and none from the hall. The vessel operator reports that most of the individuals who tested positive were surprised, because they are largely asymptomatic. Nine of the 10 are self-isolating aboard the vessel, which is at outer anchorage. The other mariner is hospitalized but in stable condition.
As was the case before the halls started reopening on June 15, members can reach Jersey City hiring hall personnel by phone.
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