Seafarers International Union President Emeritus Michael Sacco died Dec. 28 in St. Louis, surrounded by family members. He was 86 years old and passed away from natural causes. Mike was the longest-serving president in SIU history, having led the organization from 1988 until his retirement in February 2023 (a period…
Dec
29
Dec
25
The SIU helped spearhead inclusion of two potentially crucial pro-maritime components of the newly enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One of those statutes will reduce – by 50 percent – the sea-time requirements for qualifying for an AB endorsement. This change took effect immediately upon President Biden signing the…
Dec
22
The U.S. Maritime Administration has posted the following advisory. For a list of the agency's active advisories (including this one), visit the MARAD website HERE. U.S. MARITIME ADVISORY 2023-015 Subject: Overview of the U.S. Maritime Advisory System Geographic Area: Global This advisory cancels U.S. Maritime Advisory 2023-007 Issue: This Advisory…
Dec
20
From the AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated: Surge in Workplace Fatalities is Alarming, Unacceptable New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show the tragedy many families face due to a surge in both the number and rate of workplace deaths: In 2022, 5,486 people in the…
Dec
19
Note to SIU members: The union remains actively involved in discussions with U.S. military, government and business leaders as we collectively focus on maintaining safety at sea (including meetings that helped lead to the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian). Seafarers are strongly advised to follow the protocols issued to your…
Dec
19
The following news item has been issued by the office of U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California). As noted in the release, the SIU supports the legislation. Wicker, Casey, Garamendi, Wittman Introduce Legislation that Prioritizes U.S. Ship Production and Energy Exports Press Release WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member…
Dec
18
The White House has posted the following news items: Statement from President Joe Biden on Project Labor Agreements Final Rule We must do everything we can to build a better America. Today, my Administration is marking another major step that will benefit American workers, communities, the economy, and our government. For the…
Dec
13
The Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan are pleased to announce that they have decided to increase the vision benefits that the Plan provides to mariners and their families at the Core-Plus, Core and Pensioner benefit levels. The new vision benefits will be double the amount that was…
Dec
13
The United Seamen's Service has issued the following news item. SIU members were parts of the respective crews on the Midnight Sun (TOTE) and NY Waterway ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt, while CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division were part of the USNS John Lewis crew. All of the events…
Dec
11
From the AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated: AFL-CIO and Microsoft Announce New Tech-Labor Partnership on AI and the Future of the Workforce New AI alliance will educate workers, incorporate labor’s voice in tech development and help shape policy that supports workers WASHINGTON, D.C., December 11, 2023 — The…