As reflected in our “year in review” coverage this month, one of the biggest stories of 2023 was the SIU’s tireless effort to recruit new people into our industry.
This is a multi-faceted challenge, but we have made tangible progress, including a recent legislative gain – and a related upcoming tweak of the apprentice program in Piney Point – that will facilitate sailing in entry-level jobs as well as upgrading to ratings. We’ll share more details in the months ahead, but this is a big win.
While I am confident in saying the SIU has worked exhaustively and transparently to boost and retain manpower, I am concerned that some of our allies are trying to move in different directions to solve the problem. It’s important that we work together as an industry – labor and management alike – in order to identify and implement the most effective, most sustainable answers for America and its current and future mariners.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t brainstorm for creative solutions, but there’s nothing to be gained through catching people off-guard with public calls for steps that very well might weaken, rather than strengthen, the U.S. Merchant Marine. Our industry normally enjoys a well-earned reputation for being on the same page. We need to return to that standard.
Again, in the SIU we are taking steps in the right direction, and on that note, I thank our rank-and-file members for always stepping up to provide the best-trained, most reliable shipboard manpower. It’s been a challenge lately from a sheer numbers standpoint, because of numerous activations, post-pandemic retirements and new entries into the Tanker Security Program, but you have answered the call.
As you all know, it’s vitally important to take a job if you’re in position to do so – not just for the immediate income and experience, but also to help ensure that your jobs are still there in the future. Our survival hinges on our dependability (along with grassroots political action, but that’s a topic for another day). That’s something to keep in mind the next time you’re weighing whether or not to ship out.
Finally, I appreciate you continuing to do your part by promoting the industry and helping recruit future Seafarers, whether that’s by word-of-mouth or (as numerous members have done) volunteering to assist at a career fair. Your efforts are making a difference. Please continue to help your union out where and when you can.
Safety First
As of this writing in mid-December, at least three foreign-flag merchant ships and one U.S. warship had been attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to the Pentagon. And, you may have read or heard about in-port protests on the West Coast that involved an SIU-crewed vessel which may or may not have been carrying military cargo.
The bottom line is that this is the right moment to adhere to the World War II mantra, “Loose lips sink ships.” These are emotionally and politically charged times. Please take every precaution in your communications to help ensure discretion and safety.
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