A letter sent to some SIU pensioners in August spells out opportunities to temporarily resume sailing.
The communication notes that Seafarers Pension Plan Trustees, in an effort to recruit qualified mariners, “decided to allow pensioners who have retired within the last five years to return to work with an SIU-contracted employer without having their pension benefits suspended. To be able to return to work, you would need to have valid merchant mariner credentials, be able to work in an unlicensed position above entry level and be able to pass the required physical examination. All contractual shipping rules apply to all covered jobs; however, the SAB will make a temporary rule change which will allow pensioners to maintain the seniority level they enjoyed at the time of their retirement.”
The letter further states, “This trustee action allows eligible pensioners to continue collecting their full monthly pension benefits, earn the wage rates specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and, if you are receiving a wage related pension benefit, you could also earn additional $15 increments for every 120 days of covered employment for which you work. In addition, if you resume employment and work for 90 days, you will become eligible for active seafarer benefits from the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan and your claims would be processed in accordance with those rules.”
These provisions will remain in effect until the end of 2021. The trustees then will review manning requirements and decide if they’ll be extended. (If a pensioner returns to work in the interim and happens to still be on a vessel beyond Dec. 31, 2021, he or she will continue receiving their pension benefits and wages until their respective articles are completed or they’re replaced by a relief.)
Due to industry needs, inland pensioners will also be allowed to return to work in the inland sector and keep receiving their pensions; however, they will only be allowed to do so for up to 90 days in a calendar year.
Interested pensioners are asked to contact their local port agent for more information.
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