February 2016 SIU President Michael Sacco examines some often-overlooked benefits of the Jones Act If you spend any time in the U.S.-flag maritime industry, it usually doesn’t take long before the subject of the Jones Act comes up. But for those who may be brand new to the U.S.…
Feb
01
Feb
01
February 2016Beginning in January 2017, in order to renew a merchant mariner credential (MMC) with an STCW Basic Training (BT) endorsement (VI/1), an applicant must show proof of having completed a Coast Guard-approved BT class within the last five years. This does not mean that all mariners must complete…
Jan
28
The U.S. Department of Labor issued the following news release on January 28. Statement by US Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2015 Union Membership report U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez issued the following statement on the department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics…
Jan
27
The American Maritime Partnership, of which the SIU is a member, issued the following news release on January 27. AMP Chairman Fires Back, Demands Retraction of Erroneous Jones Act Report The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the voice of the domestic maritime industry, today released a statement in response…
Jan
26
The International Transport Workers’ Federation, to which the SIU is affiliated, has issued the following news release, dated Jan. 26. ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair David Heindel, quoted in the release, also serves as secretary-treasurer of the SIU. ITF backs Seaman Guard Ohio appeal The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is…
Jan
26
The U.S. Coast has issued the following notice, dated Jan. 26: Hearing set for Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation into EL FARO sinking WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct a public Marine Board of Investigation hearing into the loss of the United States-flagged steam ship EL FARO,…
Jan
23
The U.S. Maritime Administration made the following announcement on Jan. 22. All of the companies mentioned in the news release are Seafarers-contracted organizations. Almost all of the ships listed in the announcement are part of the Ready Reserve Force, which is a subset of the NDRF. The others support Missile…
Jan
20
The AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated, issued the following news release on January 20. New Report: A Year of Raising Wages Agenda Worker wins rule since first ever Raising Wages Summit, but challenges remain Marking nearly one year since the first ever Raising Wages Summit, the AFL-CIO today…
Jan
19
The Lake Carriers' Association issued the following news release on January 19. U.S.-Flag Cargo Movement on Lakes Down 3.3 Percent in 2015 U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) moved 87.2 million tons of cargo in 2015, a decrease of 3.3 percent compared to 2014. The end-year tally is also the lowest…
Jan
15
The American Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is affiliated, has issued the following news release. Most of the people rescued in the Miracle on the Hudson (including Captain Sully) were picked up by SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries. AMP Commemorates Anniversary of ‘Miracle on the Hudson,' Reminds How Jones Act…