Excellent Work by Seafarers
The professionalism, reliability and compassion of SIU members never wanes, but a few recent developments underscore those characteristics.
As reported elsewhere in this edition, SIU members aboard the Liberty Power helped handle a tense situation reportedly involving Iran’s military. Thankfully, nothing came of it, but the “suspicious approach” incident offered a reminder that the U.S. Merchant Marine does indeed serve as America’s fourth arm of defense.
Around that same time, Seafarers aboard the El Coqui helped rescue four boaters from a life raft in Atlantic Ocean’s Silver Bank waters north of the Dominican Republic. As rescues go, this one was relatively low-key and routine, thanks in part to very favorable weather. Nevertheless, the preparedness and efficiency of Seafarers is what helped make it all seem normal.
Last but not least, members in Hawaii stepped up to brighten the holidays for those less fortunate – specifically, in this case, area youth. SIU members donated time and much-needed items, all in a spirit of genuine philanthropy.
These are merely some of the most recent examples of what makes SIU members special, and I salute all of you for jobs well done.
Crunching the Numbers
This year’s government report on union density showed little change from the previous one. Something that always catches my eye, though, is the fact that union members usually earn significantly more money and enjoy better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts. That held true again in the most recent documentation from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, a longtime friend of the SIU, pointed out in response to the BLS report that significantly more people would choose union representation if given the chance. That view is based on very credible polling, and what’s equally known is that union-busting is a multimillion- dollar industry. Companies get away with violating labor law in organizing drives for more than one reason, but the simplest explanation is that they do so because they can.
If you’re not a union member but happened to pick up a copy of the LOG or are reading this column online, I’d ask you to consider why any company would spend big money to keep a union out. Is it because they’re so worried about protecting their employees, or is it because they want to maintain an outsized upper hand? Without a union contract, the employer calls all the shots.
Similarly, among the anti-worker politicians at every level of government, why do they seem so afraid of worker empowerment through union membership? (Obviously, there are numerous pro-worker, pro-union politicians, too.)
I’ve long been grateful for the solid working relationships enjoyed by the SIU with our contracted operators. We definitely clash from time to time, but I also know we’ve had enough sense to realize we’re better off adhering to the old maritime metaphor that a rising tide lifts all boats.
If I somehow had a chance to give the so-called elevator pitch to the people who don’t understand the labor movement, I’d tell them that no one ever claimed unions are perfect, but they give workers a voice, they promote accountability – and they benefit the employer through greater productivity, less turnover, and a healthier power dynamic.
We’ve got our work cut out for us in the labor movement, but we’ve also got a lot to offer, and I know we’re up to the task.
Promoting SIU Job Security
I would be remiss by not saying anything about the early stages of the new administration in the nation’s capital, relative to the maritime industry. At the same time, I’d also be less than candid if I didn’t note that day-to-day business is being conducted in unprecedented ways.
We are, as always, sparing no effort in promoting YOU and the American maritime industry. This includes helping build support for the SHIPS for America Act, educating new legislators and new personnel in the administration about programs and laws like cargo preference and the Jones Act, and reinforcing support from old friends.
Stay tuned, and be assured that your union is on the job every day.
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