Seafarers Log
Union Membership Grows This year’s government report on union membership showed an increase of 273,000 members across the nation in 2022 a relatively modest gain that nevertheless carries significance. It’s also worth noting that some of last year’s landmark organizing efforts aren’t showing up in the Bureau of Labor Statistics…
Seafarers Log
SIU members are sailing aboard three vessels formerly operated by OSG and now operated by Keystone under bareboat charters. Those vessels, which are owned by American Shipping Company, are the Overseas Los Angeles, the Overseas Texas City, and the Overseas New York. They’re covered by the SIU standard tanker agreement…
Seafarers Log
Thoroughly trained SIU members working aboard NY Waterway- operated ferries yet again answered the call, and helped rescue hundreds of passengers aboard a Staten Island Ferry (SIF) vessel which had caught fire during a recent holiday rush hour. Passengers board the NY Waterway ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt. (Photo courtesy Baris…
Seafarers Log
With millions more job openings than job seekers nationwide, many employers are taking extra steps to recruit and retain workers. SIU-contracted G&H Towing is one such outfit. Near the end of last year, the union and the company finalized mid-contract pay increases that are unprecedented in size. Pictured from left…
Seafarers Log
The renovations taking place at the SIU hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, are moving along, with the months-long project recently entering a new phase. Photo of Norfolk hall construction “The renovations have been extensive, and the members can expect a much-improved facility when we reopen,” said SIU Assistant Vice President…
Seafarers Log
Jack Gallagher A mainstay of both the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, John “Jack” Gallagher Jr. passed away on Dec. 16, 2022 after a short battle with cancer. A proud Philadelphian, Gallagher was 67 years old. Gallagher joined the SIU in 1973, following in…
Seafarers Log
Fifteen Cuban Nationals today are safe, thanks to the efforts of SIU crew members and officers aboard the Sealift Inc.-operated and union-contracted Sagamore. Watch standers aboard the vessel caught glimpses of the 15 individuals during the afternoon hours of Jan. 3, while transiting the western reaches of the Straits of…
Seafarers Log
SIU CIVMARS from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis helped give an early holiday gift to a boater stranded at sea, when the ship answered a distress call off the coast of Southern California, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) reported. The Lewis received a distress call from a…
Seafarers Log
With the death of Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center (SARC) Director John Gallagher, the SIU-affiliated facility has been left without an immediate replacement for him. In an effort to ensure uninterrupted assistance, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Trustees took immediate action to provide for inpatient coverage. Therefore, effective Dec.…
Seafarers Log
Holiday traditions vary, but for the past 16 years, one particular philanthropic outreach invariably has been on the SIU’s calendar in Tacoma, Washington. That mission is known as Santa’s Castle, which produces donations of toys and other presents for U.S. military families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord…