In a recent op-ed featured in Alaska Economic Trends, Alaska Department of Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas extolled the virtues of the U.S. domestic shipping trade as it relates to the Alaskan economy. “Since joining Governor Walker’s cabinet as labor commissioner, I have been working to achieve his goal of improving…
Aug
01
Aug
01
Back to Issue August is the birth month of a dedicated leader who served as the second president of the Seafarers International Union of North America, the late Paul Hall. While I realize that for our younger members, Paul’s name is primarily associated with our affiliated school in Piney Point…
Aug
01
The Board has been provided information by the Union supporting the need to adjust prescribed business hours for hiring halls via closure on Saturdays. The Board in its determination to make such amendment considered: a majority of contracted employers are closed on Saturdays, non-peak member utilization of the hiring hall…
Aug
01
SIU CIVMARS recently assisted in a dramatic rescue at sea. On June 12, SIU Government Services Division members leapt into action to aid 41 men and women while sailing aboard the USNS Trenton in the Mediterranean Sea. The crew of the Trenton, a Spearheadclass expeditionary fast transport vessel, rescued the…
Aug
01
SIU President Michael Sacco describes the way forward for the U.S. Merchant Marine and the American Labor Movement August is the birth month of a dedicated leader who served as the second president of the Seafarers International Union of North America, the late Paul Hall. While I realize that for…
Jul
31
According to a communication from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), starting September 1, when an individual applies for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), all money orders, company checks, and certified/cashier’s checks used during enrollment must be made payable to “IDEMIA.” (Personal checks and cash are not accepted.) Payment must…
Jul
27
It has come to the union’s attention that some members may be unaware they can file for vacation benefits for reduced operating status (ROS) time. Per the current contracts, the following vessels are eligible for ROS vacation pay through the Seafarers Vacation Plan. All time filed must still meet the…
Jul
26
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee issued the following news release on July 25. It can also be viewed here. House Approves Legislation to Address Maritime Safety Issues, Improve Coast Guard Technology, and Reduce Marine Debris The House of Representatives today approved legislation to address maritime transportation safety issues raised…
Jul
26
The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, issued the following news release on July 26. Members of Congress, Economists and Maritime Leaders Highlight Importance of the Jones Act to Puerto Rico and to the Nation’s Economic and National Security During Congressional Roundtable New Study Validates that…
Jul
25
Last updated Wednesday, July 25, 2018 – 1:05 p.m. Comprehensive Health Services (CHSi) recently and temporarily stopped processing bloodwork results from LabCorp, due to an electronic security incident involving LabCorp. CHSi has resumed processing labs as of this afternoon (July 25, 2018). There is no indication that anyone’s personal data…