Seafarers Log
In an official White House statement, President Biden declared that construction projects for the federal government valued at or above $35 million will require Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). This ruling is supported by the Biden-Harris administration after a period of demonstrated success using PLAs to complete federal construction projects with…
Seafarers Log
The U.S. Mint is gearing up to release a silver dollar coin with a merchant mariner prominently featured on the coin’s face as a tribute to their significant contributions to our country’s triumph in World War II. The new coin design is set to debut early this year as part…
Seafarers Log
The SIU helped spearhead inclusion of two potentially crucial pro-maritime components of the newly enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One of those statutes will reduce – by 50 percent – the sea-time requirements for qualifying for an AB endorsement. This change took effect immediately upon President Biden signing the…
Seafarers Log
For Seafarers Faith Gonse and her son, Christopher, sailing with the SIU has proven to be a resoundingly positive experience – one that holds even greater promise for the future. They shared a milestone late last year when they received their respective B-seniority books at the hiring hall in Norfolk,…
Seafarers Log
Editor’s note: Longtime readers may recall that the LOG publishes annual coverage of the union’s participation in Santa’s Castle, a philanthropic project based in the Pacific Northwest. We’re taking a slightly different approach this time, in the form of a first-person account from SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo, who…
Seafarers Log
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…
Seafarers Log
SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) tells U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) about the extensive renovations that were completed at the Norfolk hall last year. The new-look hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, served as a distinguished but still down-to-earth setting for a recent gathering of Seafarers, representatives from various unions…
Seafarers Log
Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips During recent remarks delivered at an annual meeting of the American Bureau of Shipping, U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips emphasized the critical role of U.S. Merchant Mariners. In a wide-ranging address that spelled out the administration’s muti-faceted pro-maritime strategy, Phillips spent significant time discussing American crews…
Seafarers Log
SIU members were among the honorees at the most recent Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) awards ceremony, which took place Dec. 1 in New York City. Seafarers from the NY Waterway ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the roll-on/roll-off ship Midnight Sun (TOTE), and the replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis (whose…
Seafarers Log
An enthusiastic Seafarer recently received recognition for her professional and inspirational dedication. The Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) on Nov. 16 honored Chief Cook Brittany Steward and others with the Apprenticeship Champion Award, which the agency describes as “an honor bestowed to exceptional champions of apprenticeship who have a strong…