The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated, has issued the following news item, dated Feb. 23. ITF Seafarers’ Trust Chair David Heindel, quoted in the article, also serves as president of the SIU. ITF Seafarers’ Trust pledges continued support for Ukrainian seafarers and their families…
Feb
23
Feb
22
Phillips Stresses U.S. Merchant Marine’s Sealift Role The leader of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently provided a detailed overview of the agency’s goals and its vision for the industry’s future. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. (Ret.) Ann Phillips addressed the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board and…
Feb
21
When longtime International Association of Machinists (IAM) executive Owen Herrnstadt received U.S. Senate confirmation last summer to serve at the U.S. Export-Import Bank, he realized it didn’t quite sound like the culmination of a childhood dream. Owen Herrnstadt But it’s truly a great fit, Herrnstadt told the Maritime Trades Department…
Feb
19
The head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) recently offered valuable insights about the maritime labor shortage, the importance of cabotage laws, and how decarbonization will affect transportation employees worldwide, among other key topics. SIU President David Heindel, ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton also…
Feb
16
Gen. Van Ovost Emphasizes Nation’s Reliance on U.S. Merchant Marine The commanding officer of the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) recently provided a powerful, detailed description of why the nation must maintain a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost gave her remarks via recorded video that was shown…
Feb
13
Executive Board Approves Several Appointments Following unanimous approval of the SIU Executive Board, David Heindel became the union’s fourth president, effective Feb. 14. SIU President David Heindel The board convened Feb. 13 near Orlando, Florida. SIU President Michael Sacco announced his retirement and then nominated Heindel (who has served as…
Feb
13
Extensive coverage of President Sacco’s career will appear in upcoming editions of the Seafarers LOG. If you’d like to share a sentiment for possible publication, please email [email protected] A related press release is available HERE. SIU President Sacco Retires Michael Sacco, the longest-serving president in Seafarers International Union history, has…
Feb
10
The AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated, issued the following statement on Feb. 10. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel represented the union at the gathering. AFL-CIO Officers’ Statement on Meeting with Lula of Brazil Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond on today’s meeting with President…
Feb
09
For a related flyer, click HERE The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is pleased to announce a comprehensive new “cost and quality” tool that is available to all SHBP participants, via mycigna.com. This tool should prove beneficial by allowing participants to find in-network providers in their respective areas, see…
Feb
08
From the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency: U.S. Maritime Alert 2023-001A Threat Type: Threats to Commercial Vessels Geographic Area: Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, and Red Sea Heightened tensions in the region following a reported drone strike in Isfahan, Iran,…