Seafarers Log
Union is Strength The government’s annual report on union membership in the United States didn’t necessarily include any big surprises. Published each year by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most recent document showed a decline in overall union membership (undoubtedly caused at least in part by the pandemic)…
Seafarers Log
While the subject matter is complicated, the upshot from a recent House hearing is crystal clear: America relies on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, and with that in mind, the industry deserves prioritization during the pandemic. Many other pro-maritime comments were voiced Feb. 9 during a hearing titled, “State of…
Seafarers Log
Only in office for six days, President Joe Biden confirmed his career-long support for the Jones Act by specifically including the nation’s freight cabotage law in his “Buy American” executive order. Issued Jan. 25, the order states: “Reiterates the President’s strong support for the Jones Act. The President will continue…
Seafarers Log
AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney, who led an era of transformative change in America’s labor movement, passed away Feb. 1 at age 86. “I had the honor and privilege of working closely with John Sweeney during his leadership of the AFL-CIO,” said President Joe Biden. “Time and again over the…
Seafarers Log
Editor’s note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted the following information. There will be no financial cost to eligible Seafarers or their dependents (anyone covered through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan) for the administration of the vaccine. The vaccine itself is covered by the U.S.…
Seafarers Log
Two Seafarers-contracted companies recently announced a joint venture into a potentially burgeoning segment of the maritime industry. “Crowley and Watco are partnering to create a single-source terminal and supply chain management solution to support the emerging offshore wind industry,” the companies said in a joint news release early last month.…
Seafarers Log
The White House last month took steps to release more than $6 billion dollars in aid to Puerto Rico as part of its hurricane rebuilding and climate resilience efforts. According to multiple sources, the Biden Administration on Feb.1 announced it was moving forward with plans to disburse $1.3 billion in…
Seafarers Log
Two new merchant mariner credential (MMC) endorsements are available for Seafarers who have received training in the use of low flashpoint fuels. “Basic IGF” is for mariners with designated safety duties associated with the care, use or emergency response to the fuel on vessels subject to the IGF Code (in…
Seafarers Log
Editor’s note: This is the final installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant…