SIU members working for Penn Maritime recently ratified a new three-year contract featuring annual wage increases while maintaining benefits. The agreement, approved by an overwhelming majority, took effect May 1 and lasts through April 2022.
In addition to boosting wages, the contract maintains health benefits at the top level available to SIU members (Core-Plus); maintains Seafarers Pension Plan benefits; and increases company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. It covers approximately 200 Seafarers.
The SIU bargaining team consisted of Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, Engineer Jeff Rydza, Mate John Harvard and ABT Mike Lyons.
Soresi said, “The negotiations went well and we ended up with a good contract. I think the majority of the members are pleased with the outcome.”
“I think it went really well,” said Lyons. “I’m very excited for the new contract, and very happy with it. There were some things that we didn’t get, but overall, I think the majority of the membership is pretty happy with the results.”
Penn Maritime operates up to 15 tugboats and barges in the Gulf region, primarily moving asphalt along inland and coastal waterways. The company was acquired by Kirby Corporation in 2012.
###
Comments are closed.