Seafarers Log
Our members individually and our union as a whole regularly step up to assist others, and such behavior once again proved evident during the holidays and into the early part of the new year. Most recently, Seafarers teamed up with one of our contracted operators (Crowley Maritime) and the Greater…
Seafarers Log
Though not meant as a holiday gift, the selflessness of the SIU-crewed Maersk Kinloss was gratefully received by three adrift individuals one week before Christmas. On Dec. 18, the Kinloss rescued three fishermen who had been adrift in what appeared to be a large plastic septic tank. They had been…
Seafarers Log
Before members of Congress left Washington late last year to head home for the holidays, the House and Senate both passed major spending bills, which were signed by President Trump, that contain significant wins for the U.S.-flag maritime industry. Within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2020…
Seafarers Log
The period between Christmas and New Year’s Day typically is slow in many workplaces, but not for Seafarers who are sailing aboard Matson’s newest ship. The combination container roll-on/roll-off (ConRo) vessel Lurline was delivered Dec. 26, and SIU members climbed the gangway a day later. The union represents steward department…
Seafarers Log
SIU boatmen employed by E.N. Bisso & Son have approved a new three-year contract highlighted by annual wage increases. Negotiations took place Nov. 19-20 in Kenner, Louisiana, followed by ratification on the boats Nov. 20-29. The pact was approved by an overwhelming majority, according to SIU New Orleans Port Agent…
Seafarers Log
When Donald Bensman retired from sailing in late 1992, the former SIU port agent and organizer offered two messages to new members of the union. First, he said, don’t take for granted all the benefits of union representation. And second, remember the importance of the union-affiliated school in Piney Point,…
Seafarers Log
The U.S. Senate – by unanimous consent – passed the Merchant Mariners Congressional Gold Medal Act with a minor language amendment on Dec. 19. Having been passed unanimously by the House of Representatives on Sept. 19, the bill now returns to the House for one more vote (expected to be…
Seafarers Log
The SIU-crewed Maersk Columbus recently played a vital role in a successful search-and-rescue mission off the coast of Spain. SIU members teamed up with mariners from the MEBA and MM&P to assist 11 Algerian individuals (including a small child and an infant) who were in a small rubber boat, trying…
Seafarers Log
Chief Steward Ingra Maddox described the essence of the union’s yearly participation in Santa’s Castle as well as anyone. “It feels good to give back to the people that are protecting us,” said the Seafarer, who comes from a military family. “We’ve always got a ton of stuff for the…