Seafarers Log
Let’s Look Out for Each Other I recently read a joke about two crows who figured out they were looking at a scarecrow rather than a real person, based on one single condition: The dummy didn’t have a cell phone in his hand. Connectivity, of course, is an important part…
Seafarers Log
SIU members and officials on April 10 helped promote the U.S. Merchant Marine during a day-long series of meetings on Capitol Hill. Those gatherings were part of the yearly Maritime Congressional Sail-In, a grassroots bipartisan effort that has become an industry staple (during non-pandemic times). Representing the SIU were Chief…
Seafarers Log
Pursuant to Article X, section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my Pre- Balloting Report. The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2025-2028 will commence on November 1, 2024 and continue through December 31, 2024.…
Seafarers Log
Editor’s note: The AFL-CIO Executive Council (SIU President David Heindel is a member) recently adopted the following statement during its first meeting since SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco passed away late last year. On the Passing of Michael Sacco Michael Sacco The entire AFL-CIO family mourns the passing of Michael…
Seafarers Log
SIU members helped extinguish a shipboard fire March 28 near Mobile, Alabama, on the USNS Sgt. William R. Button (Crowley). No injuries were reported and, while the formal investigation hasn’t been finalized, indications are that the mishap involved equipment failure rather than human error. SIU members from the USNS Button…
Seafarers Log
Sen. Stabenow The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF, to which the SIU is affiliated) recently saluted the work of a pro-maritime legislator. The group on April 10 recognized “the significant contributions U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) has made throughout her Congressional career protecting the Great Navigation System and supporting…
Seafarers Log
Two previously scheduled benefits conferences in Wilmington, California, had been postponed due to inclement weather, but the gathering finally took place April 3 at the hiring hall. The well-attended conference, conducted by Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen with assistance from SIU officials including Secretary- Treasurer Tom Orzechowski and Vice President…
Seafarers Log
The government on April 17 announced that after review of a petition filed with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) by five national labor organizations – including the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department – the USTR is initiating an investigation of acts, policies, and practices of the People’s Republic…
Seafarers Log
The SIU in late March helped welcome the new Waterman ship M/V Green Ocean into the Seafarers-crewed fleet. Pictured in Baltimore following a late-March ceremony commemorating the ship are SIU members and officials including President David Heindel (far right), Exec. VP Augie Tellez (far left) and Port Agent John Hoskins…
Seafarers Log
Time is Now for Revitalization I’m sure we could come up with some exceptions, but for the most part, any given industry is more likely to end up in the news during times of crisis rather than when going through routine operations. Not to pick on our brothers and sisters…