Seafarers Log
The union’s newest class of recertified bosuns has plenty of positive experiences to share, as described in their respective graduation speeches Aug. 6 in Piney Point, Maryland. Completing the top deck department curriculum available at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) were Adel Ahmed, John…
Seafarers Log
SIU members are sailing aboard a new addition to the Seafarers-contracted fleet. Crowley Maritime in late July took delivery of the El Coqui, one of the world’s first combination container/roll-on roll-off (ConRo) ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Less than two weeks later, an SIU crew helped complete the…
Seafarers Log
As previously reported, during the July membership meetings the union announced that – effective September 1, 2018 – the hiring halls no longer will be open on Saturdays. The corresponding Seafarers Appeals Board action is printed below. The only amendment is the removal of a sentence indicating Saturday hours for…
Seafarers Log
Economists from Boston-based Reeve & Associates and San Juanbased Estudios Técnicos, Inc. on July 18 released a joint report, “The Impact of the Jones Act on Puerto Rico,” that concluded the Jones Act has no impact on either retail prices or the cost of living in Puerto Rico. In addition,…
Seafarers Log
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons is the new commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) at Scott AFB, Illinois. Lyons, who was confirmed for the post August 1 by the U.S. Senate, replaced U.S. Air Force Gen. Darren McDew. McDew, who had been at the command’s helm since…
Seafarers Log
In a recent blog post, U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark “Buzz” Buzby confirmed what many SIU members already knew from experience: 2017 was a busy year for mariners sailing on vessels in the Ready Reserve Force. “Merchant mariner numbers may be at a low in the U.S., but the men and…
Seafarers Log
The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation conducted a roundtable discussion July 26 titled “The Impact of the Jones Act on Consumer Prices in Puerto Rico.” The bipartisan group of congressional members, economists and maritime leaders – including SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez…
Seafarers Log
Missouri voters on Aug. 7 provided the state’s working families – and the labor movement nationwide – with a tremendous victory by rejecting the state’s so-called right-to-work law. Senate Bill 19, which appeared on the ballot as Proposition A during the state primary, afforded voters the opportunity to strike down…
Seafarers Log
It has come to the attention of union officials that some members may be unaware they can file for vacation benefits for reduced operating status (ROS) time. All time filed must still meet the usual requirements for Seafarers Vacation Plan benefits. Per the current contracts, the following vessels are eligible…
Seafarers Log
Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) made two big announcements in July, and the results will mean more jobs for SIU members. On July 16, OSG reported that it has signed contracts with a Korean shipyard to build two product chemical tankers that will sail under the Stars and Stripes. Two…