Current Edition

President’s Column

Maintaining the Fight Against FOCs The story may have been largely overlooked around the winter holidays, but the recent seizure of the Eagle S oil tanker in the Baltic Sea highlights a critical issue in the maritime industry: the flags-of- convenience (FOC) system. Allegedly involved in sabotaging undersea cables between Finland and Estonia, the Eagle…

NY Waterway Crews Approve Contract

SIU members employed by NY Waterway recently ratified a new, seven-year agreement featuring significant wage increases and other gains. The pact covers approximately 100 Seafarers who work for the popular commuter ferry service operating between points in Manhattan and New Jersey. “A large majority of the members voted in favor of the new contract,” said…

Tallying Committee Announces Election Results

The tallying committee at HQ A committee of rank-and-file members recently released its official report on the voting for national officers of the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. The report also covers voting on 23 constitutional amendments. Voting took place Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. The union’s tallying committee consisted…

Maritime Revitalization Bill Introduced

After more than a year of widespread collaboration and fine-tuning, a new bill has been introduced that arguably would offer the most comprehensive remake of the U.S. maritime industry in at least half a century. On Dec. 19, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) and Todd Young (R-Indiana), along with U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D-California) and…

SIU and Santa’s Castle Spread Holiday Cheer

For the 16th consecutive year, Seafarers in the Pacific Northwest continued their show of support for U.S. military families in need of some extra holiday joy. Participating members, officials, and staff – along with representatives from SIU-contracted companies – raised and contributed about $7,000 worth of new toys to the Santa’s Castle organization, including books,…