President’s Column

Bipartisan Backing in D.C. Newer members of the SIU may not know that our headquarters operations weren’t always based in Maryland. For a little longer than half of the organization’s existence, the SIU was headquartered in New York, starting with our founding in 1938. We relocated to the Washington, D.C. area in 1982, and it…

Union Membership Grows, Though Obstacles Impact Density

Newly released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found an overall increase in union membership across the country in 2023 along with a very slight drop in member density. Published on Jan. 23, the annual report also concluded that union members, on average, earn more money than workers who do not have…

House Hearing Examines Red Sea Threat

Testifying at a U.S. House of Representatives hearing on the volatility of Red Sea shipping, SIU President David Heindel underscored the U.S. Merchant Marine’s commitment to delivering the goods while also calling for continued safeguards that protect all mariners transiting the area. SIU President David Heindel Heindel spoke on behalf of several maritime labor organizations…
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Maritime Administrator Offers Key Insights

U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips recently presented a number of valuable updates on the agency’s work, via a video podcast overseen by the coalition American Maritime Partnership (AMP). Among other topics, she explained what MARAD does to promote America’s shipping and shipbuilding; touched on recent reforms aimed at facilitating recruitment and retention of mariners; detailed…

MTD Statement on Francis Scott Key Bridge Incident

From the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department. The SIU joins in extending heartfelt condolences and will do everything possible to assist in the aftermath of the accident. The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO extends its most solemn condolences to the victims of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse that occurred early Tuesday morning in Baltimore. At around…

Wilmington Benefits Conference Set for April 3

SIU members, pensioners and their families are encouraged to attend the upcoming benefits conference at the hiring hall in Wilmington, California. The gathering is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, at 10 a.m. Severe weather forced the postponements of previously scheduled conferences in Wilmington. The benefits conferences are led by Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, with…
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MORE EVENTS

Important Notice to Seafarers Regarding Vaccines at CVS

Effective immediately, CVS retail stores are no longer in-network with Cigna for vaccine administration (including Covid-19 vaccines and boosters). This means that if you have any type of a vaccine at a CVS retail store, you will have a higher copayment. As confusing as it may sound, CVS MinuteClinics and CVS HealthHubs are still in-network. CVS MinuteClinics…

Updated COVID Policy for Paul Hall Center, Hiring Halls

Effective immediately, the COVID vaccine will no longer be a requirement to enter a hiring hall or to attend classes at the Paul Hall Center. Apprentices are, however, still required to be vaccinated in order to be assigned to apprentice positions. If anyone else is not fully vaccinated (meaning the original vaccines and any available…

Vaccination Records at Your Fingertips

The SIU has partnered with WellCheck to bring members a new way to keep your proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the ready - on your mobile device. By using the WellCheck app, SIU members can upload their vaccine cards using their smartphone, where the information listed will be verified by state medical databases. Once verified,…
more COVID safety updates