Organized 1885

Official Organ of the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific

Volume LXXXII No. 8 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Friday, August 23, 2019 IBU prevails in Alaska strike Crew detained in Gulf standoff he Inlandboatmen’s Kelly Tschibaka said that both he Iranian Revolution- held aboard the Stena Impero in the of British oil tanker Stena Impero Union of the Pacific sides spent “long hours and late ary Guard seized an Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. in the Strait of Hormuz and have (IBU) has reached a new nights at the negotiating table, offshore supply vessel The owners of the tanker, called for a diplomatic resolution three-yearT tentative agreement but it was worth it.” She noted onT July 31, adding to tensions in to the situation and de-escalation the Stena Impero, Stena Bulk with the state of Alaska covering that the “deal is good for both the the Gulf of Hormuz. Shipping, last week released a of tensions in the region. members who work for the Alas- employees and good for Alaska.” The OSV, which Iran has re- statement expressing concern for The crew of the Stena Impera is ka Marine Highway System. Solidarity from the Maritime ferred to as “a tanker,” was said to crew members’ welfare. of Indian, Russian, Latvian and Intense contract negotiations, Labor Alliance contributed to the be carrying about 4,400 barrels “With little progress being Filipino nationalities. facilitated by a federal mediator, successful outcome of the strike. of refined fuel. made since the vessel was seized “We are shocked but not sur- produced the agreement after a MM&P and MEBA members The incident comes in the on 19 July, we urge governments prised by the developments in the courageous and successful ten honored IBU picket lines and the midst of mounting tensions be- involved to find a swift resolu- Gulf. We have been raising our day strike. MLA unions urged Alaska Gov. tween the United States and its tion so our 23 valued seafarers security concerns with the UK IBU members had not received Michael Dunleavy to negotiate a allies on one side and Iran on the can return to their families and Chamber of Shipping repeatedly wage increases for over five years fair contract with the IBU. other, after President Trump’s de- move on from this ordeal,” Stena over recent weeks. We call on the and had been working under “As key personnel in maintain- cision last year to withdraw from Bulk’s President and Chief Exec- UK government to urgently en- interim contracts since 2017. ing the critical and first-class mari- the international deal to restrict utive Erik Hanel said. gage in diplomatic efforts for the “This new agreement address- time infrastructure of Alaska, IBU Iran’s nuclear program. “We reiterate that there is no release of the vessel and crew,” said es many of our members’ con- members have earned the right to a Caught in the middle are evidence of a collision involving Nautilus International general cerns,” IBU President and chief fair contract,” they wrote. 23 crewmembers of the Stena the Stena Impero, and at the time secretary Mark Dickinson. negotiator Marina Secchitano The Sailors’ Union of the Impero, the British tanker cap- of the seizure the vessel was well “Our thoughts are with the said shortly before members Pacific also backed the IBU tured by Iran on July 19. within the inbound traffic sepa- seafarers being held, and to voted in favor of ratification. in the dispute. SUP President “Meanwhile, the Panama- ration scheme.” their families. We offer our sup- “We are very pleased with Dave Connolly wrote in a letter nian-flagged tanker former- He said that at the time the port to the international effort our new agreement and we ap- to President Secchitano, “we ly known as Grace 1, now re- ship was seized, all required to have them released safely, and preciate the efforts of the state’s stand in solidarity with the IBU flagged Iranian and renamed navigational equipment was promise to redouble our efforts, bargaining team in helping to and remain ready to assist in Adrian Darya, has been released functioning in full compliance including collaboration with bridge our differences to reach a any way.” Help was already on fair resolution.” by Gibraltar over U.S. objections. with international regulations. our international colleagues, the way as SUP Seattle Branch to ensure that all seafarers One issue that was central to Shipowners and labor repre- The British maritime union Agent Brendan Bohannon and sentatives have both called on the Nautilus International and the are protected from aggression bargaining was the disparity of Seattle based SUP members international community to nego- International Transport Work- wherever the risk is evident,” pay rates between in-state and traveled to Bellingham to show tiate a diplomatic solution to free ers’ Federation (ITF) have raised added Dickinson. out-of-state workers. The IBU support on the picket lines. (See argued persuasively that such members of the crew, who are being serious concerns over the seizure photo on page 7) continued on page 5 rules incentivized the state to hire non-residents and Presi- dent Secchitano called out the Jones Act puts $12 billion into California economy Administration on it. “When he American Maritime military ship construction, found national economy and security: not just my state’s economy, there’s an advantage to not hire Partnership (AMP), a $3.67 billion annual economic “A strong domestic maritime but the economy of the nation,” Alaskans because they can pay and federal lawmakers impact in California with 34,810 industry is vital for our national said US Rep. Alan Lowenthal. less, there’s a problem,” she said. announcedT California as the associated jobs and more than “From the Northern Mariana security and economy,” said The State’s Department of fourth largest domestic mari- $2.38 billion in worker income. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi. “The Island in the Pacific Ocean to my Administration Commissioner time state in the United States. The Jones Act study find- PwC study demonstrates the district’s own Port of Long Beach According to the findings ings were also announced in importance of a robust maritime to the Port of Portland in Maine, of a new report conducted by San Diego at the christening of shipping industry to America’s Americans count on our domes- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Lurline, the newest combination economic prosperity. As a se- tic maritime shipping industry on behalf of Transportation In- container/roll-on, roll-off (“con- nior Democratic member of the and those Americans — in fact stitute (TI), the Jones Act fuels ro”) ship of Matson, Inc. and House Subcommittee on Coast the millions upon millions of a strong domestic maritime General Dynamics NASSCO Guard and Maritime Trans- Americans touched by the Jones industry in California. The in- shipyard. Lurline is the largest portation — and as a former Act and our domestic maritime dustry employs more than 51,450 “con-ro” ship ever built in the Ranking Member of the Sub- industry each day — can count individuals, produces $12.21 United States. committee — I am committed on my unwavering support. billion for the local economy and The Jones Act is not only a vital to re-energizing America’s mar- American workers supporting generates $3.6 billion in worker anchor for economic strength itime and shipbuilding industry, American industry supporting income in California alone. and job creation in California so we can put more Americans the American economy and In addition to being the home but also a pillar of the nation’s to work and bolster our nation’s American national security. of several internationally re- security and military capabil- sealift capacity.” That is what, the Jones Act, and nowned ports, including the ity. Specifically, this law states “The Jones Act assures that the domestic maritime shipping nation’s largest container ports, that the transportation of mer- the nation has a reliable and industry, are all about.” as well as a keystone component chandise between U.S. ports is Periodicals’ postage paid at San Francisco, CA (USPS 675-180) postage paid at San Francisco, CA Periodicals’ accessible domestic merchant A variety of maritime leaders or domestic maritime logistics, reserved for U.S. -built, -owned fleet of cargo vessels, the sailors recognized the economic impact California is also important and -documented vessels. to operate them, and the ship- of the Jones Act in California: shipyard state. A recent study of Members of Congress have yards to build and repair them. “The state of California is a shipbuilding by the U.S. Mari- routinely acknowledged the Our domestic maritime ship- leader in the domestic maritime time Administration (MARAD), importance of California’s Jones ping industry, as the PwC study covering both commercial and Act maritime industry to the details, is a key component of continued on page 7 MATSON AND PATRIOT WAGES ON PAGES 11 & 12 Page 2 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, August 23, 2019 SUP Honor Roll Voluntary contributions from the membership to the following funds: West Coast Political Fund Sailors Wilfredo Aquino...... 50.00 Steven Browning...... 10.00 Archie Bickford...... wishes Captain Milton Caballero...... 10.00 Jack a happy 92nd birthday...25.00 Jon Clark...... 40.00 Ronildo Dimatulac...... 25.00 Reynaldo Clores ...... 50.00 Val Guncharov...... 30.00 David Connolly...... 100.00 Kenneth Herzstein...... 25.00 Phil Coulter ...... 10.00 Norman Kurtz...... 25.00 Ronildo Dimatulac...... 25.00 Sam Lacabanne ...... 25.00 Erling Eastmark...... 40.00 Nick Manessiotis...... 50.00 David Garcia...... 100.00 Rasheed Shahbin...... 10.00 Ron Gill...... 10.00 Paul Splain...... 100.00 John Hartley...... 50.00 In memory of Izora Green . . 30.00 Matt Henning ...... 25.00 Dues-Paying Ernesto Lagramada. . . . .200.00 Robert Leeper ...... 200.00 Pensioners Bruce Lepule...... 100.00 Donald Cushing Book #4777 Bruce Lepule...... 30.00 Diane Ferrari Book #2251 David Mercer...... 150.00 Kaj E. Kristensen Book #3120 Dominic Metz ...... 10.00 Hannu Kurppa Book #3162 Ariel Odion...... 50.00 Dave Larsen Book 19078 Arsenio Purganan...... 50.00 Gunnar Lundeberg Book #4090 Paul Purugganan ...... 35.00 Duane Nash Book #2437 Paul Splain...... 100.00 John Perez Book #3810 Steve Swinson ...... 25.00 Preparing to break out Kauai from layup for her final activation, Standby Bosun Frank Alex Romo Book #3093 Raymond Tavai ...... 30.00 Portanier, a.k.a “the Maltese Falcon,” Port Engineer Art Thanash, AB Mike Smith and James Savage Book #7488 William Williamson IV. . .100.00 AB John Linderman at the old Alameda Naval Air Station. David Shands Book #7483 Peter Winter ...... 150.00 Arthur Thanash Book #3249 Fast Facts: What is a Plimsoll line? Organization/General Fund The Plimsoll line is a reference mark AB = Letters indicating the registration located on a ship’s hull that indicates the authority (American Bureau of Shipping Ronildo Dimatulac...... 25.00 Paul Harsany...... 100.00 maximum depth to which the vessel may in the image shown; the circle with the be safely immersed when loaded with line through it indicates whether or not cargo. This depth varies with a ship’s the cargo is loaded evenly) dimensions, type of cargo, time of year, Samuel Plimsoll (1824–1898) was a Membership and Ratings Committee and the water densities encountered in member of the British Parliament who port and at sea. Once these factors have The Committee met on August 1, and found the following members eligible was concerned with the loss of ships and been accounted for, a ship’s captain can for advancement in seniority and rating stamps in the various departments: crews due to vessel overloading. In 1876, determine the appropriate Plimsoll line he persuaded Parliament to pass the Un- Name and Membership Number Seatime Rating Seniority needed for the voyage (see above image): seaworthy Ships Bill, which mandated Reginald Clark 4827 6 yr. A.B. A TF = Tropical Fresh Water marking a ship’s sides with a line that would disappear below the waterline if the Steven Swinson 7529 6 yr. A.B. A T = Tropical F = Fresh Water ship was overloaded. The line, also known Donal O’Sullivan 19625 1 yr. A.B. B as the Plimsoll mark, is found midship on S = Summer D’Marco Horton 19626 1 yr. O.S. B both the port and starboard hulls of cargo W = Winter Ancieto B. Ocampo 19627 1 yr. A.B. B vessels and is still used worldwide by the WNA = Winter North Atlantic Arthur Griggs 19628 1 yr. O.S. B shipping industry. Forbes Gumapac 19629 1 yr. A.B. B Chris Thorsen 19630 1 yr. A.B. B Final Jacob Narkiewicz 2797 30 days A.B. C Departures Membership and Ratings Committee’s Report: M/S (Sumague-several) to con- Danny W. Colton, #18303. Born in Ha- Published monthly by the Sailors Union of cur in the Committee’s report. Carried unanimously. Membership and Ratings waii in 1973. Joined SUP in 1994. Died in the Pacific (an affiliate of the Seafarers Inter- Committee: Paul Fuentes #2239, Mark Relojo #3208 and Michael Smith #13502. Kailua, Hawaii, March 8, 2019. (Active) national Union of North America, AFL-CIO), Archie Aki, #3791. Born in Hawaii in Headquarters, 450 Harrison St., San Francis- co, CA 94105. Phone: 415-777-3400. FAX: 1927. Joined SUP in 1967. Died in Hilo, 415-777-5088. Dispatcher: 415-777-3616. Three ferry boats capsize off Panay Hawaii, July 9, 2019. (Pensioner) Website: www.sailors.org. Periodicals’ post- Three passenger motorboats capsized Commodore Allan dela Vega, the Douglas Olney, #2471. Born in Illinois age paid at San Francisco. (USPS 675-180). off the Philippine city of Iloilo, Panay commander of the local Philippine Coast in 1944. Joined SUP in 2000. Died in Printed by Dakota Press Co., a Union shop. in foul weather this month, sending 96 Guard district, said that the boats’ crews Newport News, Virginia, July 21, 2019. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to West Coast Sailors, 450 Harrison St., San passengers and crewmembers over the may not have expected a squall. “When (Pensioner) Francisco, CA 94105. side. According to Iloilo city officials, 31 the boats left port, there was good weath- Richard H. Watkins, #3588. Born in Dave Connolly, people died in the accidents. er,” he said. Washington in 1932. Joined SUP in 1956. President/Secretary-Treasurer The wooden outrigger motorboats Keziah The accident has the potential to affect Died in Olympia, Washington, August 4, Julia Preciado, Designer/Editor 2 and Chi-Chi capsized in a squall, and a tourism for the region. In response to the 2019. (Pensioner) BRANCH OFFICES third vessel, the Jenny Vince, followed suit casualty, the UK Foreign Office warned Seattle, WA 98199 a few hours afterwards. British nationals to stay away from Phil- 4005 20th Ave. W. Ste.115 (206) 467-7944 SUP Meetings FAX: (206) 467-8119 The search and recovery mission for ippine domestic water transportation These are the dates for the Wilmington, CA 90744 victims of the capsizings ended a few days altogether. “Avoid travel on ferries and regularly scheduled SUP 533 N. Marine Ave. (310) 835-6617 later, and all passengers were all accounted passenger boats if possible, particularly FAX: (310) 835-9367 meetings in 2019: for. The Philippines’ Maritime Industry in the rainy season (June-December),” the Honolulu, HI 96813 Authority has launched an investigation into ministry wrote. “They are often overloaded, Hdqtrs. Branch 707 Alakea St., Rm. 101 (808) 533-2777 may lack necessary lifesaving equipment FAX: (808) 533-2778 the casualty, and it temporarily shut down September 9 16 all passenger motorboat operations on the or be inadequately maintained and have WELFARE OFFICE October Tues 15 21 (415) 778-5490 short route between Iloilo and Guimaras incomplete passenger manifests. Storms November Tues 12 18 PENSION PLAN OFFICE Island as a precaution. Two larger ro/ros will can develop quickly and maritime rescue December 9 16 (415) 764-4987 take up the service on a short-term basis. services in the Philippines may be limited.” Friday, August 23, 2019 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 3 Matson posts $18.4 mil Q2 profit United States based carrier Matson, other recent vessel and infrastructure in- Inc. on Wednesday reported net income vestments should produce approximately of $18.4 million for the quarter ended $30 million in financial benefits in 2020. June 30, compared to a net income of In 2021 and thereafter, we expect the full $32.6 million for the same quarter a year year run-rate of these total investments ago. Consolidated revenue for the second to produce approximately $40 million of quarter 2019 was $557.9 million, com- annual financial benefit,” concluded Cox. pared with $557.1 million for the second Matson reported that its container quarter 2018. volume in the Hawaii service during the For the six months ended June 30, Mat- second quarter 2019 was 2.3% lower on son reported net income of $30.9 million, a year over year basis, primarily due to compared with $46.8 million during the negative container market growth. The first six months of 2018. Consolidated rev- GDP of the Hawaii economy contin- enue for the six month period was ues to grow, albeit at a slowing pace; $1,090.3 million, compared with $1,068.5 however, containerized freight market million in 2018. volume has not been keeping pace with “Our performance in the second GDP growth. The company expects quarter was mixed, with Ocean Trans- volume in 2019 to be lower than the portation operating income coming in level achieved in 2018, reflecting less below expectations and Logistics posting containerized freight volume in Hawaii stronger-than-expected operating in- and stable market share. come,” said Matt Cox, Matson Chairman In China, Matson reported that its Florida Voyager SUP delegate and AB Larry Moses finished connecting the potable and Chief Executive Officer. “Within container volume during the second water hose on the Long Wharf on August 13, in Richmond, California. The Florida is Ocean Transportation, we performed as quarter 2019 was 2.5% higher year-over- engaged in the inter-coastal petroleum trades. Photo: Matt Henning expected across most of our tradelanes, year, as the company continued to realize except we saw a weaker-than-expected a sizeable rate premium in the second Hawaii market, and we were negatively quarter 2019 and achieved average freight Oakland exports jump 4.2% in June impacted by a lower contribution from rates moderately higher than the second The Port of Oakland announced ear- The port said its import volume declined SSAT primarily driven by additional quarter 2018. For the second half of 2019, lier this week that containerized export 7.2% on a year over year basis in June, after expense related to the early adoption of Matson expects volume to be lower than volume there increased 4.2% during the rising the four previous months. the new lease accounting standard, which the prior year as volume normalizes to a month of June, compared to the same “We remain cautious about our trade we expect to reverse in the second half of traditional level of activity relative to the month a year ago. outlook as we head towards peak shipping this year, and higher terminal operating strong level achieved in the second half The port said it handled the equivalent season,” said Port of Oakland Maritime costs. Within our Logistics segment, we of 2018 resulting from the U.S.-China of 74,901 20-foot loaded export containers Director John Driscoll. “But we’re pleased continued to perform well with positive trade situation. For the full year 2019, the last month, compared to 71,894 in June to see the uptick in exports.” contributions to operating income across Company expects average freight rates to 2018. June was the fourth consecutive Oakland’s total cargo volume is up 3.6% all service lines.” approach the levels achieved in 2018. month that the Port of Oakland has post- through six months of 2019 compared to ed year over year gains for export volume. “The company continues to expect net In Guam, the company’s container the same period last year. income in 2019 to decline year-over-year; volume in the second quarter 2019 and we are lowering our outlook for EBIT- was flat on a year-over-year basis. For Unmanned ‘saildrone’ completes Antarctic DA in 2019 by approximately $18 million 2019, the company expects volume to as a result of continued weakness in the approximate the level achieved last circumnavigation in search of carbon dioxide Hawaii tradelane and the unexpected year and expects the highly competitive An unmanned “saildrone” has completed that the Southern Ocean steadily ab- higher operating costs at SSAT in the sec- environment to remain. a 13,670-nautical-mile journey around Ant- sorbed large volumes of CO2 from the ond quarter, the latter of which is largely In Alaska, Matson reported that its con- arctica after successfully collecting oceanic atmosphere — a big contributor to the behind us,” said Cox. tainer volume for the second quarter 2019 and atmospheric carbon dioxide measure- entire ocean’s uptake of up to 40% of the “Within Logistics, we continue to ex- was 8% higher year-over-year, primarily ments to benefit climate change science. greenhouse gases driving global warm- pect solid performance in the second half due to the timing of two additional north- The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmo- ing,” NOAA said in a post. “However, of the year and are raising the full year bound sailings. For 2019, the company spheric Administration (NOAA) reports scientists also knew shifts in winds and outlook for operating income. We view expects volume to be moderately higher that the drone, named Saildrone 1020, circulation around Antarctica could alter 2019 as a transition year and remain con- than the level achieved in 2018 with completed its mission on August 3 fol- CO2 uptake from the atmosphere, and recent measurements from instrumented fident about achieving the approximately higher northbound volume supported by lowing the 196-day voyage, marking the Argo floats showed that under certain $30 million in previously-mentioned improving economic conditions in Alaska world’s first autonomous circumnaviga- conditions the Southern Ocean could annual financial benefits from the new and higher southbound seafood-related tion of Antarctica. emit CO2 instead of absorbing it.” vessels. A portion of these benefits cou- volume due to stronger seafood harvest The drone was equipped with a in- pled with expected financial benefits on levels than in 2018. strument developed by NOAA’s Pacific Researchers were yet to sample vast Marine Environmental Laboratory and areas, however, especially during stormy designed to collect oceanic and atmo- autumn and winter seasons. Amidst Regional Tensions, BP’s spheric carbon dioxide measurements. According to NOAA, preliminary “The assumption was the Southern results suggest that parts of the ocean Tankers Avoid Strait of Hormuz Ocean would eat the saildrone … and that identified by the floats as potential would be that,” said NOAA oceanogra- CO2 sources were indeed emitting the BP chief financial officer Brian -Gil boarded the Impero from a helicopter and pher Adrienne Sutton. “But we were will- greenhouse gas during winter months. vary said that the British oil major has took control of the vessel. ing to try, given the large role the ocean Saildrone 1020 also got close enough to stopped using its own tankers for voy- The Impero is still detained near Ban- plays in the trajectory of climate change. one of the floats to allow scientists to ages through the Strait of Hormuz. It dar Abbas, Iran, and owner Stena Bulk Getting the Southern Ocean’s carbon compare their CO2 measurements, a continues trade in oil from the Persian has expressed concern about the welfare balance right is urgently important.” valuable cross-check of different robots Gulf, but it is only lifting cargoes with of her crew. “With little progress being The Saildrone 1020, along with two and observing techniques, NOAA said. chartered vessels. made since the vessel was seized on 19th counterparts, launched from Point Bluff, “On four previous voyages in the South- Gilvary told Reuters that the firm July, we urge governments involved to New Zealand on January 19, on a mission ern Ocean, the wings on our saildrones made the decision after Iranian patrol find a swift resolution so our 23 valued funded by the Li Ka Shing Foundation. broke after just a few days, so we went boats attempted to interfere with the seafarers can return to their families and The three drones collected and transmit- back and built something we thought was transit of the BP tanker British Heritage move on from this ordeal,” said Stena ted a range of data on weather, seal and indestructible,” said Saildrone founder and through the strait on July 10. At the time, Bulk president and CEO Erik Hanell in krill populations, and levels of carbon CEO Richard Jenkins. “It was a long shot, the Isle of Man-flagged British Heritage a statement. The majority of the vessel’s dioxide, CO2, in the air and water. but it worked out exactly as we hoped.” was escorted by the Royal Navy frigate crewmembers are Indian nationals, and The two other saildrones are currently “It was a high-risk, high reward kind HMS Montrose, which successfully in- none are British citizens. still making their way around Antarctica. of deployment,” Sutton said. “We weren’t tervened to prevent interference with the Satellite imagery suggests Iranian “Until recently, scientists assumed sure it was going to make it. tanker’s navigation. tanker spill BP’s decision may appear prescient in On Tuesday, Israeli outlet i24News light of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard published satellite imagery purporting to “On the economic side, the working class serves as a model. They Corps’ seizure of the UK-flagged tanker show a spill from an Iranian tanker near have succeeded, at least to some extent, in protecting their economic Stena Impero nine days later. On that the Baniyas refinery on the coast of Syria. interest. We can learn from them too, how this problem can be solved occasion, the Montrose was not close Bellingcat contributor Wim Zwijnenburg “ by the method of organization.” enough to intervene, and Islamic Revolu- released similar imagery showing what —Albert Einstein, 1944 tionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commandos appears to be a spill on July 25. Page 4 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, August 23, 2019 SUP Quarterly Finance Committee Report

Contributions...... 840.00 SUP QUARTERLY FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Miscellaneous...... (200.00) FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 Flowers...... 568.02 Total Expense:...... $352,254.52 The Quarterly Finance Committee, duly authorized to act by the regular meeting at Headquarters on August 12, 2019, hereby submits the following report: . BUILDING CORPORATION Income: SUMMARY OF CASH AND INVESTMENTS Rents...... $168,370.68 General Fund...... $2,810,749.65 Building Services & Utilities Reimbursements...... 0.00 Political Fund ...... $17,246.34 Total Income: ...... $168,370.68 Strike Fund ...... $1,293,730.99 Total Cash and Investments 2nd Qtr. 2019...... $4,121,726.93 Expense: Building Services & Utilities...... $40,645.85 GENERAL FUND General Tax Expense...... 20,108.17 Income: Repairs & Maintenance...... 9,498.72 Dues, Initiation, Assessments...... $127,600.00 Insurance...... 2,347.60 Interest...... 28,278.74 Salaries & Payroll Taxes...... 18,058.88 Donations - West Coast Sailors...... 1,015.00 Pension...... 1,435.00 Tanker & Joint Committee, Hiring Hall...... 156,173.94 Auto...... 132.90 Advertising & Promotion...... 80.00 Accounting...... 2,000.00 Miscellaneous Income, Reimbursements, Fines...... 5,098.11 Filing Fee...... 0.00 Reimbursed Administrative Expenses...... 26,152.26 Office...... 1,446.62 Contributions - General Fund...... 1,040.00 Total Expense: ...... $95,673.74 Total Income:...... $345,438.05 POLITICAL FUND Expense: Income: Auto & Travel...... $1,222.00 Contributions...... $4,415.00 Rent...... 20,252.27 Total Income ...... $4,415.00 Postage, Printing & Office...... 3,282.43 Expense: Telephone & Telegraph...... 5,105.80 Office...... $0.00 West Coast Sailors Publishing Expense...... 14,586.53 Contributions...... $1,250.00 Per Capita...... 17,709.00 Total Expense:...... $1,250.00 Salaries & Payroll Taxes...... 213,793.80 Office Workers Pension...... 12,427.32 Net Income 2nd Qtr...... $69,045.47 Insurance...... 43,557.50 Net Income YTD:...... $113,276.94 Field Expense...... 1,115.62 Meeting/Committee & Neg., Conference & Conv...... 1,311.62 /s/ Dave Purganan /s/ Frank Portanier Investment Expense...... 2,391.87 /s/ Dave Larsen /s/ Terrence A. Lane Officials Pension...... 8,870.00 /s/ Ron Reed Subscriptions...... 700.86 ACTION BY THE MEMBERSHIP August 12, 2019. M/S/C—To concur Accounting...... 3,000.00 in the report of the SUP Quarterly Finance Committee and, as per past Advertising & Promotion...... 1,080.00 practice, publish in the West Coast Sailors. Carried unanimously. Stena: Seized tanker was in full compliance with regulations Timeline of Gulf attacks and ship seizures In a statement last month, shipowner Stena Bulk is not a British company, Stena Bulk said that the tanker Stena and none of the Impero’s crew are Brit- 05.12 Impero was operating in full compliance ish nationals, but the vessel is flagged Four tankers attacked at anchor with maritime regulations when she and managed in the UK. The Impero’s in Fujairah. 06.13 was seized by the Islamic Revolutionary seizure and the harassment of another Two underway tankers attacked in Guard Corps last week, contrary to state- UK-operated tanker, the Mesdar, have 06.20 Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. blamed ments made by Iranian officials. created concerns in some corners of the Iran shot down a U.S. Navy drone, Iran, despite denials from Tehran. “Stena Bulk and Northern Marine insurance market about British-flagged which it claimed was in Iranian 07.04 airspace. Management wish to confirm there is no shipping in the Persian Gulf, according British special forces seize a tanker evidence of a collision involving the Ste- to a statement Friday from the Red En- carrying Iranian oil off the southern tip of na Impero, and at the time of the seizure sign Group. The group represents the flag Spain, which the U.K. says was breach- ing European Union sanctions against the vessel was well within the inbound registries of the UK and nearly a dozen Syria. Iran says it wasn’t headed to Syria, traffic separation scheme and out-with British overseas territories and depen- 07.11 A Royal Navy frigate intervened and considered it “an act of piracy.” Iranian territorial waters,” Stena said in dencies, and it is urging all operators of to stop three Iranian vessels British-flagged vessels who are concerned a statement. “All required navigational impeding a BP-operated tanker 07.14 equipment, including transponders, was about hull war risk premiums to speak from passing through the Strait Iran seized the Panamanian flagged fully functioning, in compliance with with their underwriters. of Hormuz. Riah, saying it was smuggling fuel in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. demanded maritime regulations.” “It’s possible that some lead under- release of the ship and its crew and All 23 crewmembers of the Stena writers are applying an additional 07.18 condemned the “continued harass- Impero remain in detention in Iran, and rate in response to their risk appetite. The USS Boxer destroyed an Ira- ment” of vessels. Crew released later. nian drone in “close approach”op- though the operator has been allowed to However, given that the latest advice erations near the Strait of Hormuz. 07.19 from the Department for Transport on speak with them by phone, Stena has not Iran denied it had lost a drone. Iran seizes the U.K.-flagged Stena been permitted to send a representative 24 July confirms that British-flagged Impero and stops another U.K.- to visit them aboard the ship. The sea- vessels are now being escorted [by the 08.08 linked tanker, the Mesdar. Stena farers have been given an opportunity Royal Navy] through the transit of the Iran seizes offshore supply vessel Impero crew detained. to call their families for a limited time, Strait of Hormuz, we would advise accused of smuggling oil. but Iranian authorities have not yet all our operators to contact their lead given an indication of when they might Underwriter or Broker as a matter of be released. urgency,” the Red Ensign Group wrote This timeline captures in part the increasing hostilities in and around the Strait of Hormuz in a statement. The Lloyd’s Market As- over the past three months. Not included is the British seizure and subsequent release of Commandos from Iran’s Islamic Revo- the Grace 1, renamed Adrian Darya, an Iranian tanker detained in Gibraltar. lutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized the sociation Joint War Committee has not UK-flagged Stena Impero as she transited yet added an extra war risk premium the Strait of Hormuz on July 19 in an for the region. apparent act of retribution for the seizure At the time the Royal Navy had only “Nowhere else than upon the sea do the days, weeks and months of an Iranian-controlled tanker. The UK one frigate in the area, the HMS Mon- fall away quicker into the past. They seem to be left astern as Royal Marines boarded and diverted the trose. A second warship, the destroyer easily as the light air-bubbles in the swirls of the ship’s wake, and Iranian-controlled VLCC Grace 1 on July HMS Duncan, is currently on station. The vanish into a great silence in which your ship moves on with a sort 4 after British authorities determined new government of UK Prime Minister “ of magical effect.” that the vessel was intending to violate Boris Johnson has indicated that the Roy- EU sanctions on Syrian oil imports. The al Navy will escort all British shipping —Joseph Conrad Grace 1 remains in detention in Gibraltar. through the Strait of Hormuz. Friday, August 23, 2019 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 5 Crew detained in Gulf standoff Cadillac Tax now a subject of repeal continued from page 1 The politics of health care are changing. national health spending beyond what is The Islamic Revolutionary Guard risk to their safety, it’s essential that the And one of the most controversial parts of necessary and desirable.” Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that the maritime industry and governments the Affordable Care Act — the so-called Ca- At the same time, however, the tax has Stena Impero was seized “at the request work collectively to guarantee safe pas- dillac tax — may be about to change with it. been bitterly opposed by organized labor, of the Ports and Maritime Organization’s sage and defuse conflict in such a vital The Cadillac tax is a 40% tax on the a key constituency for Democrats. “Many office of Hormuzgan province for disre- region,” said Heindel. most generous employer-provided health unions have been unable to bargain for garding international maritime rules and Britain said on Aug. 5, that it would insurance plans — those that cost more higher wages, but they have been taking regulations as it was passing through the join a U.S.-led maritime security mis- than $11,200 for an individual policy more generous health benefits instead for or $30,150 for family coverage. It was years,” said Robert Blendon, a professor at the Strait of Hormuz.” sion in the Gulf to protect merchant supposed to take effect in 2018, but Con- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health According to the semi-official Iranian vessels traveling through the Strait gress has delayed it twice. And the House who studies health and public opinion. news agency Fars, the vessel has report- of Hormuz. recently voted overwhelmingly — 419-6 edly been taken to Iran’s Bandar Abbas Now, unions say, those benefits are dis- “The UK is determined to ensure her — to repeal it entirely. A Senate compan- appearing, with premiums, deductibles Port, where all 23 crew members are be- shipping is protected from unlawful ion bill has 61 co-sponsors — more than and other cost sharing rising as employers ing held on board until subsequent legal threats and for that reason we have today enough to ensure passage. scramble to stay under the threshold for proceedings are concluded. joined the new maritime security mission The tax was always an unpopular and the impending tax. “Employers are using “The ITF is deeply concerned, the in the Gulf,” Defense Minister Ben Wal- controversial part of the 2010 health law the tax as justification to shift more costs seizure of the Stena Impero marks a lace told reporters. because the expectation was that employ- to employees, raising costs for work- dramatic intensification in the turmoil “We look forward to working alongside ers would cut benefits to avoid paying the ers and their families,” said a letter to in the region,” said ITF Seafarers’ Section the U.S. and others to find an internation- tax. But ACA backers said it was necessary members of Congress from the Service chair David Heindel. al solution to the problems in the Strait to help pay for the law’s nearly $1 trillion Employees International Union. “This is the latest in a series of alarm- of Hormuz.” cost and help stem the use of what was Deductibles have been rising for a num- ing episodes, and again we call for a Britain has already deployed the de- seen as potentially unnecessary care. In ber of reasons, the possibility of the tax de-escalation of the heightening tensions stroyer HMS Duncan and the frigate HMS the ensuing years, however, public opin- among them. According to a 2018 survey in the region. We call on all nations to Montrose to the Gulf to accompany U.K.- ion has shifted decisively, as premiums by the federal government’s National promote stability, ensure safe passage, flagged vessels through the strait. and out-of-pocket costs have soared. Now Center for Health Statistics, nearly half the biggest health issue is not how much and freedom of navigation in interna- Iran has threatened to block all exports of Americans under age 65 (47%) had the nation is spending on health care, but high-deductible health plans. Those are tional waters throughout the Arabian passing through the Strait, a waterway how much individuals are. plans that have deductibles of at least Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Man- which handles a fifth of global oil traffic, “Voters deeply care about health care $1,350 for individual coverage or $2,700 deb Strait and the Gulf of Oman. if other countries accede to U.S. pressures still,” said Heather Meade, a spokeswoman for family coverage. “Seafarers are concerned about the to stop buying Iranian oil. for the Alliance to Fight the 40, a coalition It’s not yet clear if the Senate will take of business, labor and patient advocacy up the House-passed bill, or one like it. Report: Improper linehandling groups urging repeal of the Cadillac tax. The senators leading the charge in that “But it is about their own personal cost and chamber — Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and their ability to afford health care.” Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) — have al- led to rescue boat fall Stan Dorn, a senior fellow at Families An investigation conducted by the cleat was made off, the line drew taut and ready written to Senate Majority Leader USA, recently wrote in the journal Health Mitch McConnell to urge him to bring Transportation Safety Board of Canada began to pull the boat to one side. This Affairs that the backers of the ACA (TSB) has determined that an improper side load caused the single hoisting cable the bill to the floor following the House’s thought the tax was necessary to sell the overwhelming vote. linehandling arrangement led to the fall to get pinched between the davit’s main law to people concerned about its price tag “At a time when health care expenses of a rescue boat from the passenger ferry sheave and a cable retainer. The cable and to cut back on overly generous benefits continue to go up, and Congress remains Queen of Cumberland in Swartz Bay, parted, and the boat and the two crew- that could drive up health costs. But transi- divided on many issues, the repeal of the British Columbia last year. members in it fell 35 feet into the water. tions in health care, such as the increasing Cadillac Tax is something that has true Both crewmembers were injured, one use of high-deductible plans, make that On April 18, 2018, the crew members on bipartisan support,” the letter said. the Queen of Cumberland were engaged of them seriously, and the rescue boat argument less compelling, he said. Still, there is opposition. A letter to the in a lifeboat drill as part of an annual class was damaged. The possibility of the tax has been “cast- Senate on July 29 from economists and inspection, and they were using the davit ing a statutory shadow over 180 million A mid-life upgrade to the Cumberland in other health experts argued that the tax to raise the vessel’s rescue boat. The en- Americans’ health plans, which we know, 2016 altered her rescue boat davit arrange- “will help curtail the growth of private from HR administrators and employee gine room attendant (ERA) was assigned ments, and investigators found that the health insurance premiums by encouraging reps in real life, has added pressure to shift to tend the painter, which had two length vessel’s operating procedures had not been employers to limit the costs of plans to the coverage into higher-deductible plans, markings on it in black tape. The vessel’s updated to match. This may have increased tax-free amount.” The letter also pointed out which falls on the backs of working Amer- senior master was aboard for the class in- the risk of an accident, the TSB determined. that repealing the tax “would add directly to icans,” said Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.). spection, and he and instructed the ERA BC Ferries has since undertaken a re- the federal budget deficit, an estimated $197 to make the painter fast on the shorter of view of its rescue boat operations. It has Support or opposition to the Cadillac billion over the next decade, according to tax has never broken down cleanly along the two markings, giving a length that changed its policies to prohibit crewmem- the Joint Committee on Taxation.” was suitable for aligning the rescue boat bers from riding in the rescue boat as it is party lines. For example, economists from across the ideological spectrum Still, if McConnell does bring the bill under the davit at water level. lowered away or hoisted aboard in a drill, supported its inclusion in the ACA, and up, there is little doubt it would pass, de- As the boat was hoisted out of the water though they may when it is launched in many continue to endorse it. spite support for the tax from economists and above the main deck level where the an emergency setting. and budget watchdogs. “If people have insurance that pays for too much, they don’t have enough skin in “When employers and employees agree the game. They may be too quick to seek in lockstep that they hate it, there are not Britain joins U.S. Maritime professional medical care. They may too enough economists out there to outvote easily accede when physicians recom- them,” said former Senate GOP aide Rodney efforts in Persian Gulf mend superfluous tests and treatments,” Whitlock, now a health care consultant. Britain announced that it has joined the Strait of Hormuz without delay, wrote N. Gregory Mankiw, an economics Harvard professor Blendon agrees. the United States in a maritime se- given the increased threat,” said British adviser in the George W. Bush adminis- “Voters are saying, ‘We want you to lower curity mission in the Persian Gulf Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. “The tration, and Lawrence Summers, an eco- our health costs,’” he said. The Cadillac to protect merchant vessels traveling deployment of Royal Navy assets is a sign nomic aide to President Barack Obama, in tax, at least for those affected by it, would through the Strait of Hormuz after of our commitment to our UK flagged a 2015 column. “Such behavior can drive do the opposite. Iran seized “several ships including” a vessels and we look forward to working British-flagged tanker. alongside the US and others to find an Paris and Tokyo MoUs ready for British officials stressed that there international solution to the problems was no official change to London’s in the Strait of Hormuz.” Concentrated Inspection Campaign policy regarding Iran, but joining the Tanker traffic through the Strait of • necessary measures are taken by re- United States is seen as the most signif- Hormuz, through which a fifth of the The Tokyo and the Paris MoUs on Port sponsible stakeholders, such as shipping icant non-Brexit foreign policy move to world’s oil passes, has become the focus State Control will launch a joint Con- companies and ship managers; date of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s for a standoff between Iran and the United centrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) • emergency systems installed on board 12-day-old government. States, which has beefed up its military on Emergency Systems and Procedures starting from September 1. can be properly operated and effectively Just two weeks ago, Britain was calling presence in the Gulf since May. managed in any emergency situations; and For many years, emergency systems for a European-led naval mission. Now, it Last month, Iran’s Revolutionary • master and crew of the ship under- have remained in the MoUs’ top five cat- has joined what it said was a U.S.-led “in- Guards seized a British tanker, the Stena stand their assigned roles and duties in egories of most numerous deficiencies. ternational maritime security mission”. Impero, near the Strait of Hormuz for case of emergency. The purpose of the CIC on Emergency No other nations are yet involved in the alleged marine violations. That incident The inspection campaign will end Novem- Systems and Procedures is to ensure that: U.S.-led security mission. came two weeks after Britain seized an ber 30, 2019. It is expected that the Tokyo and “It is vital to secure the freedom for Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, accus- • ships are capable of responding appropri- Paris MoUs will carry out approximately all international shipping to navigate ing it of violating sanctions on Syria. ately and promptly to emergency situations; 10,000 inspections during the time. Page 6 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, August 23, 2019 US Marine Commander calls for strategic change The new Marine Corps Commandant gency,” his new document states, while has issued a startlingly blunt new set of declaring the Corps must be able to orders to his commanders, calling for a quickly move and scatter forces ashore complete overhaul of the core amphibious to avoid the proliferation of precision mission of the Marines and how they op- strike capabilities. erate once they hit shore. In the span of And then comes the key line. one 26-page document posted online last “It would be illogical to continue to week, Gen. David H. Berger made clear concentrate our forces on a few large he’s setting a new course for the Corps, ships. The adversary will quickly rec- scrapping old capabilities without a trace ognize that striking while concentrated of sentimentality. (aboard ship) is the preferred option. We Gen. Berger, who took command ear- need to change this calculus with a new lier this month, wasted no time in issu- fleet design of smaller, more lethal, and ing his sweeping critique of the Marine more risk-worthy platforms.” amphibious strategy, calling the current The decades-old idea that Marines The 621-ft tanker PAX, owned by Schuyler Navigation Lines and operated by Patriot approach of moving Marines ashore could punch their way ashore from am- Contract Services in the western Pacific for the Military Sealift Command with the SUP aboard slow, small amphibious vehicles phibious ships parked dozens of miles on board. Patriot recently won the competitive bid for the continued operation of the and helicopters an “impractical and un- offshore has been hijacked by reality. In ship. See President’s Report on page 10. reasonable” plan that has been wedged many parts of the world — particularly within a force that “is not organized, the Pacific, where China has covered trained, or equipped to support the naval islands with anti-ship missiles and force” in high-end combat. airfields — the old way of thinking has ILWU forces training for automation jobs In other words, Berger is calling into long since died. Even groups like the International Longshore and Warehouse APM intends to deploy driverless, question the Navy’s years-old require- Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have Union (ILWU) Local 13 and APM Ter- battery-powered auto-strads at Pier 400. ment for 38 amphibious ships to carry some stand-off capabilities that could minals reached a tentative agreement in Dozens of existing jobs in which long- Marines to the fight. inflict some pain. late July on a training program that will shore workers drive diesel-powered yard “The ability to project and maneuver “We must change,” Berger wrote, “we prepare longshore mechanics to maintain tractors to shuttle containers between the from strategic distances will likely be must divest of legacy capabilities that do and repair the automated cargo-handling vessel and the container stacks will be detected and contested from the point not meet our future requirements, re- equipment the terminal operator will de- eliminated. However, under the agree- of embarkation during a major contin- gardless of their past operational efficacy.” ploy at its Los Angeles facility. ment, longshore workers who have been The six-month-long negotiations be- trained in the maintenance and repair tween the Southern California local and (M&R) of diesel equipment will be re- APL chief departs Europe in APM Terminals involving a new form of trained for M&R work on zero-emission automation in North America appears electrical equipment. This training will favor of trans-Pacific trade to have been resolved amicably, with the become even more valuable in the coming years under the Los Angeles-Long Beach The priorities of APL’s new CEO to group volume. It reversed a string of ILWU achieving its goal of establishing a Clean Air Action Plan, which calls for Stéphane Courquin will be to consoli- annual losses at the carrier. program to re-skill and up-skill longshore workers to maintain and repair automated the use of zero-emission cargo-handling date long-haul trans-Pacific routes and The replacement at the top of APL, and cargo-handling equipment. In the coming equipment by 2030. develop intra-Asia as the carrier with- the trans-Pacific and intra-Asia focus of month, APM will deploy the equipment on James McKenna, president of the draws from the Asia-Europe trade in the the new CEO, come as CMA CGM pre- a 100-acre parcel of its container terminal PMA, the employers’ organization fourth quarter. pares to pull its subsidiary from Asia-Eu- when it arrives in Los Angeles. that negotiates and administers the APL parent CMA CGM announced rope by Oct. 1, a trade that it serves as a coastwide contract with the ILWU, Friday that Courquin will take over member of the Ocean Alliance. “We’re excited about the opportunity to up-skill our longshore workers for said the training program has two leadership of the Singapore-based carrier APL will instead build on its expand- the equipment that will soon be arriving parts. One part calls for re-skilling from Lars Kastrup, who has only been ing intra-Asia business, working in here,” said Ray Familathe, President of regular longshore workers who want in the position since Jan. 1 of this year. cooperation with CMA CGM vendors. ILWU Local 13. to become mechanics. Another part A CMA CGM statement said Kastrup But profitability on the hypercompet- APM Terminals said dockworker train- of the program will up-skill existing was leaving “to pursue another career itive intra-Asia trade is difficult. The ing is crucial to the future of the port and ILWU mechanics to perform M&R opportunity.” logistics cost of loading a box on a ship the industry. “We believe that it is critical to work on the jobs being created by au- Courquin, currently head of CMA is sometimes not covered by the rate — the continued success of the Port of Los An- tomation, such as repairing and main- CGM’s Middle East office, will be the and many routes are seen as loss leaders. geles that the ILWU is trained for the jobs taining electric and battery-powered third CEO since CMA CGM acquired The Asia-North America focus of APL of the future. As we prepare to modernize cargo-handling equipment. APL in July 2016. Following the takeover, includes its guaranteed suite of premium Pier 400, we are glad to be working in part- The training program in Southern the French line replaced Ng Yat Chung services that the carrier has been offering nership with the ILWU and PMA [Pacific California is terminal-specific. While with Nicolas Sartini as CEO. Sartini was shippers on the trans-Pacific for the past Maritime Association] on implementing it might become a model upon which appointed deputy CEO of CEVA Logis- few years. a training program that complements the similar training programs could be tics following its takeover by CMA CGM Known as “Eagle GO Guaranteed,” changes at Pier 400, and in the broader established, McKenna observed, “As a last year and has subsequently moved up the service targets shippers willing industry,” APM said in a statement. practical matter, let’s get this one up and to CEO of CEVA. to pay premium rates for a faster and APM Terminals’ request for the con- running first.” With access to the network of the guaranteed service that provides a struction permit that is needed to install Gene Seroka, executive director of the world’s third-largest carrier, the finan- complete refund if the ocean carrier electrical recharging equipment for the Port of Los Angeles, said the tentative cial fortunes of APL began to quickly fails to meet the delivery date. During automated straddle carriers it will deploy agreement will benefit labor, APM and improve. In 2017, APL contributed the front-loading chaos of peak season at Pier 400 can now move forward to the the port. “If finalized, this would be a strongly in its first full financial year 2018 ahead of United States tariffs on final stage of the approval process before major step forward in securing the future as a subsidiary of the French container China, Jesper Stenbak, APL senior vice the Los Angeles City Council. The fact that of work at the port complex for years to shipping group, helping CMA CGM president for trans-Pacific trade, said the it took six months to approve what would come,” he said. report record revenue and almost $19 service brought supply chain certainty to normally have been considered a low-level ILWU Canada and the British Co- million TEU, a year-over-year increase shippers battling to find space or avoid construction permit illustrates the pas- lumbia Maritime Employers Associ- of 21%. APL contributed $5 million TEU rolled cargo. sionate give-and-take that is under way ation (BCMEA) recently agreed on a today between labor and management at new contract that took more than a North American ports over automation. year to negotiate. It was resolved when On one hand, automation eliminates doz- employers and the union agreed on a ens of traditional longshore jobs, but also structure for handling automation at Defend the Jones Act creates some highly skilled, high-paying the ports of Vancouver and Prince Ru- jobs for dockworkers. Longshore unions pert. On the US East and Gulf coasts, in the United States and Canada insist where three semi-automated terminals Support the SUP that they have jurisdiction over those operate, the International Longshore- jobs, and their members are trained to men’s Association strenuously opposes Political Fund perform the work. full automation. ATTEND YOUR MONTHLY SUP UNION MEETINGS! Friday, August 23, 2019 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 7 Ten day ferry strike ends with ratification vote On July 24 the Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific went on strike in Alaska and Washington, bring- ing the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries to a halt and the employer, the state of Alaska, back to the table. The strike ended ten days later on August 2, after the intervention of the federal mediators. After reaching the three year deal, IBU President and chief negotiator Marina Secchitano said “this new agreement ad- dresses many of our members’ concerns.” The IBU membership overwhelmingly ratified the agree- ment shortly thereafter and went back to work. Despite the many improvements benefiting both sides, the IBU withstood threats characterizing the action as an illegal activity. The strike was the first by the IBU at the AMHS since In Bellingham on July 27, members of the SUP and MFOW led by Branch Agent Brendan Bohannon traveled to show support of IBU 1977. (See page 1 for more detail.) members on strike against the Alaska Marine Highway System. From left to right is Forrest Jackson, MFOW member Frank Selvidge, Clint Sieber, Brendan Bohannon, Berit Eriksson, MFOW member Steve Petritz, and Wil Williamson. Jones Act puts $12 billion into CA economy Port of LA reports busiest year ever continued from page 1 The Port of Los Angeles moved 764,777 a universal truck reservation system, industry, supporting nearly 52,000 fami- ship is about much more than maintain- TEUs of containerized cargo in June, the moving chassis off terminals and fur- ly-wage jobs and contributing over $12.21 ing a high level of service to Hawaii. It busiest June in the port’s 112-year history. ther refining the Port Optimizer are billion to the local economy,” said James also helps drive substantial economic The month marked the end of fiscal year top priorities.” L. Henry, Chairman, and President of benefits and opportunities in communi- 2018-19, during which the port moved Port Optimizer is a digital portal to Transportation Institute. “The findings ties around the Pacific, where this vessel 9,688,252 TEUs, a 5.7% improvement over connect users of the port being developed in our most recent study demonstrate will operate,” said Chairman Matt Cox the previous fiscal year. with the assistance of Wabtec (formerly the strength and necessity of the Jones following the Saturday christening cer- Port of Los Angeles Executive Director GE Transportation). Act, which serves as the backbone of the emony of Matson’s newest ship, Lurline. Gene Seroka said the just-ended fiscal The port said June imported con- American maritime industry, the U.S. “These are all living wage jobs, support- year was the busiest 12-month period in tainers increased 3.5% to 396,307 TEUs industrial base, and job creation for the ing the families of American workers, the port’s history. compared to the previous year. Exports hardworking men and women that crew the taxes they pay and the local impact “With container exchange per vessel decreased 5.6% to 139,318 TEUs, while the vessels delivering both in times of war they make all flow from this one ship. at record levels, we will continue to empty containers increased 19% to enhance and optimize our port com- 229,153 TEUs. Combined, June overall and peace.” Multiply that by all the ships NASSCO plex in the coming months. Creating volumes were 764,777 TEUs. “Quite simply, the Jones Act is Amer- and other U.S. shipyards are building, ican security,” said Matt Woodruff, and you get a sense of the value of the President of the American Maritime maritime industry to our country and UK unions protest foreign flag ferry job loss There will be more protests this month cheaper replacements whilst the British Partnership. “In addition to the job its economy.” by the maritime and transport union officers were promised other positions in creation benefits detailed in this study, “It’s a very exciting time to be a ship- RMT against crewing with non-union the company fleet. RMT General Secre- our American mariners are relied on builder at NASSCO, with the combina- labor aboard ferry services from the UK. tary, Mick Cash said: by defense leaders to project American tion of Navy and commercial work sur- The protests will be organized under the “It is a scandal that after announcing the force overseas in a national emergency. rounding us, it’s an appropriate occasion banner of RMT’s SOS 2020 campaign sale by P&O of the European Endeavour our Alongside our waterfront workers, they to talk about the importance of the Jones which requires equal rights in employ- members were not offered redeployment on are the eyes and ears of homeland securi- Act,” said Kevin Graney the President of ment, equality and immigration law for one of the company’s other Irish Sea vessels ty on our nation’s coasts and waterways. General Dynamics NASSCO. “Without UK seafarers, statutory training targets when suitable positions exist. Instead, P&O Our American controlled fleet provides the Jones Act, large commercial ship- for UK ratings, protection for the Royal are filling ratings positions on the Irish Sea economic security, ensuring that our building in the United States would Fleet Auxiliary’s Merchant Seafarers from with agency crew, citing that their ‘business privatisation, and legislation in the style nation’s internal freight transportation simply cease to exist, and with it the model’ needs to be maintained. of the US ‘Jones Act’. system is not subject to foreign interfer- manufacturing technology, processes “It is shameful that shipping companies The protests will be organised under ence. American maritime jobs always and most importantly the skilled hands like P&O choose a business model that the banner of RMT’s SOS 2020 campaign, have and will continue to be vital in the that bring ships like Lurline to life, the replaces long-standing seafarers with which is committed to ending the scandal ‘low-cost’ workers. With this attitude never-ending task of keeping America Jones Act is more important today than safe, strong, and prosperous for gener- of seafarer exploitation and increasing from a major shipping company it is ever before as we face near-peer adver- ations to come.” jobs for Ratings on RMT terms and con- no surprise that of 101,000 Ratings and saries across the globe and a strategic ditions by securing the following reforms: “As the fourth largest domestic mari- Officers that make our shipping industry need to build and repair ships vital to 1. Equal rights in employment, equality tick, under 20% of these jobs are held by time state in the U.S., California’s 51,250 our national security.” and immigration law for UK seafarers British seafarers, most of whom will retire maritime, shipbuilding and repair jobs Thanks to the Jones Act, the do- 2. ‘Cabotage’ protections for UK crew and in the next decade.” continue to demonstrate the strength ships based on the USA’s Jones Act mestic maritime industry sustains The European Endeavour was sold by our industry brings to the economic 3. Statutory targets to train thousands of P&O in April to Finnish ferry group Eck- and national security of our nation,” approximately 650,000 American jobs UK Ratings erö Line and her place taken by the Mis- said Matthew Paxton, President of the across all 50 states, creates $41 billion 4. Improved safety standards in UK shipping tral, chartered from Finland. The move in labor income for American workers, 5. Protect the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Shipbuilders Council of America. “The followed the announcement in January men and women who work in shipyards and adds more than $154.8 billion in Merchant Seafarers from privatisation annual economic output each year. 2019 that the P&O Ferries UK fleet would in California build, maintain and repair Objectors across the Atlantic point out be reflagged from Dover, UK to Limassol, There are more than 40,000 American some of the most innovative commercial that the Act pushes domestic waterborne Cyprus ‘as a result of Brexit’. A month and military vessels in the world, and vessels — built in American shipyards, trade to unreasonably high price levels, later the company confirmed it had been represent a strong industrial base that crewed by American mariners, and however supporters say it retains an repurchased for circa £322 million by its reaches across the nation.” owned by American companies — that independent security layer and, despite former owner, DP World. “As a proud U.S. company and Jones operate in our waters 24-hours a day, years of debate and acrimony, it retains “Instead, P&O are filling ratings posi- Act carrier, our investment in this new seven days a week. government support. tions on the Irish Sea with agency crew, This round of industrial action was citing that their ‘business model’ needs kicked off when P&O Ferries disposed to be maintained. of the RoRo ferry European Endeavour “It is shameful that shipping companies which sailed the Irish Sea route and sub- like P&O choose a business model that stituted a foreign flagged vessel. The RMT replaces long-standing seafarers with says the existing crew were replaced with ‘low-cost’ workers. Page 8 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, August 23, 2019 Welfare Notes August 2019

REVISION Pensioners Annual Allowance & Special Pensioners Allowance

The SUP Welfare Plan provides a program referred to as: • Pensioners Annual Allowance The maximum benefit is $2,000.00 (some Pensioners have a pro-rate amount) • Special Pensioners Annual Allowance The maximum benefit is $6,500.00 (some Pensioners have a pro-rata amount) • FOR A TOTAL BENEFIT OF $8,500.00 (for those receiving the maximum) There are no benefit caps on the $2,000.00 (Pensioners Annual Allowance) This benefit can be used to pay claims for medical, prescription drugs, dental or vision services or be used to reimburse for supplemental medical coverage pur- chased by the covered individuals, including Medicare parts B & D. On the flight deck of the USNS Sisler is bosun Jonathan Clark, AB Tyrone Leonard, Val The $6,500.00 Special Pensioners Allowances will apply as follows: Goncharov, Rod Purgannan, OS Frank Walker, OS Steve Browning, AB and delegate • Medical & Dental Premiums -The plan will pay up to $4,000.00 per benefit year Anthony Wylie in Bayonne NJ on July 18, 2019. Photo: Matt Henning • Prescription drugs – The plan will pay up to $1,000.00 per benefit year • All other expenses (medical copays, hearing aids, dental and/or vision) – the plan will pay up to $1,500.00 per benefit year Game developers ready to organize The benefit year is from August 1st to July 31st. At an industry conference for video game layoffs, appear poised to become the first *Claims must be received within 90 days from the date of service in order to developers in late March, the thousands of corner of the tech industry to organize. be reimbursed. lanyarded attendees could try new games, An annual survey conducted by the *Claims for reimbursement MUST include patient’s name, date of service, swap business cards and hear from experts International Game Developers Assn., description of service, the amount charged for services and proof of payment. on rendering realistic blood spatter. an industry group formed in the ’90s, has Or they could talk about unionizing. found interest in unionization surging in If you have any questions, please contact the Plan office. Hundreds joined a series of stand- recent years. In 2009, the survey found only a third of game workers would support a ing-room-only roundtables on the topic Michelle Chang, Administrator [email protected] of organized labor, taking time away from union at their company. In 2019, that num- Patty Martin MPP & 401(k) Plans, Death Benefits [email protected] the Game Developers Conference to brain- ber had climbed to 47% answering “yes” storm ways to build worker power in an and 26% answering “maybe” when asked if Virginia Briggs Claims [email protected] industry that is almost entirely nonunion. they thought game workers should union- Michael Jacyna Eligibility [email protected] Organizers with Game Workers Unite, ize; only 16% responded with a hard “no.” Training Representative Berit Eriksson 206-551-1870 [email protected] a group that has sprung up in the last year Industry observers chalk much of this Phone Numbers: 415-778-5490 or 1-800-796-8003 Fax: 415-778-5495 to push for wall-to-wall unionization in the up to the maturation of the industry, in ev- SIU-PD Pension 415-764-4987 & SIU-PD Supplemental Benefits 415-764-4991 $43-billion game industry, kicked off each ery sense of the word. A more experienced Seafarers Medical Center 415-392-3611 session with an icebreaker: “Damn the man.” workforce means that developers who em- “Damn the man” for making designers braced crunch as a challenge in their 20s work 100-hour weeks for months on end have lost their appetite for long hours as to deliver a game on time — a practice they enter their 30s and 40s. Video games’ US vows to deny visa for mariners known as “crunch” that often comes increasing centrality to pop culture and without overtime or bonus pay. daily life for millions has given rise to a broader gaming press, which shines more in tankers carrying Iranian oil “Damn the man” for hiring workers to light on issues in the industry. ship a new game and then announcing In a message to the “maritime commu- our existing policies concerning those who mass layoffs — more than 2,000 jobs have That same mainstreaming of games, nity” Thursday, the U.S. State Department provide material support to the IRGC.” been cut in 2019, but cyclical layoffs have with steadily increasing revenues to said that it will use an anti-terrorism In a brief social media statement, Secre- been a feature of the industry for decades. match, has prompted some workers to law to deny visas to seafarers who work tary of State Mike Pompeo gave a succinct look to the steadier livelihoods of their “Damn the man” — specifically, the aboard vessels carrying Iranian oil. The description of the policy. “A message to all peers in Hollywood production and think: executives of video game companies — for announcement came as the Iranian-con- mariners – if you crew an IRGC or other Why can’t we have that? earning millions while developers are cut trolled tanker Grace 1 prepared to get FTO-affiliated ship, you jeopardize future out of residuals from blockbuster titles, The question was simmering around the under way from Gibraltar, where she had entry to the U.S.,” he wrote. conference, as Game Workers Unite mem- and workers in fields such as quality as- been detained since July 4. The State Department policy would bers distributed pamphlets on unionizing surance are paid close to minimum wage. “The United States assesses that the deny affected seafarers access to shore cheekily designed to look like gaming maga- Labor activism is not unusual for M/T Grace I was assisting the Islamic leave at U.S. ports. Thousands of seafarers zines and trading cards of industry executives blue-collar segments of the tech work- Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by call at America’s seaports on international listing their multimillion-dollar salaries or force. Lyft and Uber drivers have tried transporting oil from Iran to Syria. This multibillion-dollar net worths as stats. voyages every year, and unless they have for years to organize into an effective could result in serious consequences for a U.S. visa, they are not allowed to leave An open question is which union will bloc, despite their independent contractor any individuals associated with the Grace their ship. The State Department did not be first to represent U.S. game workers. status, and the bus drivers and cafeteria I,” said State Department spokesman immediately address whether the travel Options might include a Hollywood craft workers for Silicon Valley tech campuses Morgan Ortagus in a statement. “The ban would affect blacklisted seafarers’ have been union for years. guild — many game voice actors are already IRGC has been designated a Foreign Ter- represented by SAG-AFTRA — traditional ability to transit through U.S. airports But the last year has seen white-collar rorist Organization (FTO) by the United industrial unions, or a new union altogether. for crew changes. worker activism grow across the tech States. Crewmembers of vessels assisting With more than 220,000 workers in the The IRGC is an Iranian government industry as well. Google employees have the IRGC by transporting oil from Iran entity, and it is deeply intertwined with mounted petition campaigns to get their U.S. and relatively high pay and profits com- may be ineligible for visas or admission to pared with industries such as food service, the Iranian economy. By one estimate, its employer to stop developing a censored the United States under the terrorism-re- diversified civilian businesses account for search engine for China, reshape an AI hospitality or transportation, gaming could lated inadmissibility grounds . . . of the about one third of Iran’s total economic ethics board and treat temp workers become the largest private sector to unionize Immigration and Nationality Act.” activity. For non-oil commodities, deter- better after layoffs. In November, they in recent years, potentially helping reverse a Ortagus indicated that this would apply mining whether an Iranian cargo is an also mounted a companywide walkout long decline in union membership. to the crew of the Grace 1, “consistent with IRGC cargo is difficult even for experts. in response to the company’s handling of “We’re here to lend guidance, support sexual harassment and forced arbitration, and solidarity,” said Liz Shuler, the sec- prompting Google to change its practices. ond-highest-ranking official at the AFL- Amazon and Microsoft employees have CIO, who spoke on a panel at the Game “I am not a politician and have never talked politics, purely as such, started criticizing their companies’ ties to Developers Conference alongside organiz- in public. I speak from the standpoint of a seaman and a citizen. military and police technology. In March, ers from the Writers Guild of America, East There can be no suspicion of politics in the assertion that a nation the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter and SAG-AFTRA. “ cannot be secure in peace nor victorious in war if she is dependent upon strangers, mercenaries, to guard the nation’s rights. I speak for announced plans to unionize. “Coming out of GDC, it seemed like that party, any party, any governmental system, which will restore But video game companies, with their people want to go out and light the world to the nation a patriotic merchant marine.” close ties to the heavily unionized enter- on fire,” said Shuler, who published an open tainment industry and a workplace culture letter in February urging gamers to organize —Andrew Furuseth, 1894 notorious for grueling hours and rolling against the “broken, twisted status quo.” Friday, August 23, 2019 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 9 TTD calls for carriage of energy A horse with no name: exports by U.S.-flagged ships the etymology of the horse latitudes The AFL-CIO Transportation Trades “This loss in commercial sealift readi- The horse latitudes are regions located in the West Indies and Americas. Ships Department (TTD) is calling on mem- ness capability and American jobs affects at about 30 degrees north and south of the often became becalmed in mid-ocean bers of Congress to support the “Ener- the maritime industry’s ability to support equator. These latitudes are characterized in this latitude, thus severely prolonging gizing American Shipbuilding Act,” a critical military and humanitarian oper- by calm winds and little precipitation. the voyage; the resulting water shortages bill introduced by Rep. John Garamendi ations around the world.” How did the horse latitudes get their made it impossible for the crew to keep (D-California) and Sen. Roger Wicker “At the same time, the U.S. is ramping name? A likely and documented expla- the horses alive, and they would throw the (R-Mississippi) to make more cargo avail- up its production of natural gas, produc- nation is that the term is derived from dead or dying animals overboard. able for transport by U.S. ships and crews. ing more LNG than any other nation.” the “dead horse” ritual of seamen (see A third explanation, which simulta- The bipartisan legislation seeks to re- “As things stand today, 100% of the Beating a dead horse). In this practice, the neously explains both the northern and capitalize America’s strategic domestic LNG we export, as well as 100% of crude seaman paraded a straw-stuffed effigy of southern horse latitudes and does not shipbuilding and maritime industries by oil, will sail on foreign vessels that are a horse around the deck before throwing depend on the length of the voyage or the requiring that increasing percentages of built in heavily state subsidized foreign it overboard. Seamen were paid partly in port of departure, is based on maritime liquefied natural gas and crude oil exports shipyards that stifle international com- advance before a long voyage, and they terminology: a ship was said to be ‘horsed’ frequently spent their pay all at once, be transported on U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged petition.” when, although there was insufficient resulting in a period of time without wind for sail, the vessel could make good and U.S.-crewed vessels. “By requiring that a modest percent- income. If they got advances from the progress by latching on to a strong current. The bill would require that ships built age of domestically produced LNG and ship’s paymaster, they would incur debt. This was suggested by Edward Taube in his in the United States transport 15% of total crude oil be exported on U.S.-built, This period was called the “dead horse” article “The Sense of ‘Horse’ in the Horse seaborne LNG exports by 2041 and 10% of U.S.-flag ships, the bill will provide time, and it usually lasted a month or two. Latitudes.” He argued the maritime use of total seaborne crude oil exports by 2033. the certainty that American companies The seaman’s ceremony was to celebrate ‘horsed’ described a ship that was being If enacted, the bill is expected to spur require to begin constructing new ships having worked off the “dead horse” debt. carried along by an ocean current or tide the construction of dozens of ships, sup- in domestic shipyards.” As west-bound shipping from Europe in the manner of a rider on horseback. The porting thousands of well-paying jobs in “Requiring domestic construction usually reached the subtropics at about term had been in use since the end of the American shipyards, as well as in domes- and crewing of these vessels will create the time the “dead horse” was worked seventeenth century. Furthermore, The In- tic vessel component manufacturing and well-paying jobs and help to revive an off, the latitude became associated with dia Directory in its entry for Fernando de industry that we cannot afford to lose.” maritime industries. the ceremony. Noronha, an island off the coast of Brazil, In a letter to every member of the “The mariners and employees in the An alternative theory, of sufficient mentions it had been visited frequently by House of Representatives, TTD President shipbuilding sector represented by popularity to serve as an example of folk ships “occasioned by the currents having Larry Willis said passage of the Gara- TTD-affiliated unions are ready for a new etymology, is that the term horse latitudes horsed them to the westward”. It is no co- mendi-Wicker legislation would provide dawn in the domestic maritime industry.” originates from when the Spanish trans- incidence that most of the world’s deserts the U.S.-flag fleet with a much-needed “By cosponsoring HR 3829, you can ported horses by ship to their colonies occur in roughly the same latitudes. increase in cargo. help provide the U.S. maritime industry “Since World War II, the size of the fleet and its workers with the opportunity to of U.S.-owned, built, and crewed ships has compete in a burgeoning market.” United States delays tariff declined precipitously, from over 1,200 The SUP is one of the 32 transportation ships to less than 80 today,” he wrote. sector unions that belong to TTD. increase on Chinese goods The United States will delay implemen- and hearing process, it was determined Jones Act waiver proposal defeated tation of 10% tariffs on certain electronics that the tariff should be delayed to De- and apparel imported from China until cember 15 for certain articles,” the agency The Senate Commerce Committee has Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Ed Markey soundly defeated a proposal that would (D-Massachusetts). Dec. 15, a move that represents a thaw, said in a statement. “Products in this however slight, in the ongoing trade war group include, for example, cell phones, have allowed waivers of the Jones Act Under existing law, administrative with Beijing. laptop computers, video game consoles, for reasons having nothing to do with waivers of the Jones Act can only be certain toys, computer monitors, and national security. granted if necessary in the interests of The office of the US Trade Represen- certain items of footwear and clothing.” The proposal, introduced by Sen. Mike national security. Lee’s proposal would tative(USTR) also said some items will Lee (R-Utah), was defeated in committee by have allowed administrative waivers for be removed from the tariff list entirely USTR said it will provide additional a vote of 22-4. economic reasons, a significant departure “based on health, safety, [and] national details related to the announcement “as Joining Lee in support of the proposal from the current test. The proposal does security,” although it didn’t provide soon as possible.” to expand the qualifying criteria for Jones however expose the deceptive waiver specifics. The partial delay by the US gives Act waivers were Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Tex- strategy of the enemies of the Jones Act Other items on the so-called “List 4” Washington and Beijing more time to as), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) and in the ongoing attempt to chip away this will still be subjected to a 10 percent tariff hammer out a deal amid heightened Cory Gardner (R-Colorado). foundational maritime law. from Sept. 1, as announced by President trade tensions between the two super- Opposition to the anti-Jones Act legis- The SUP and other maritime unions as Donald Trump earlier this month when powers. China devalued the yuan re- lation was led by Committee Chair Roger well as the American Maritime Partner- he targeted $300 billion of Chinese im- sponse to Trump’s Aug. 1 announcement Wicker (R-Mississippi), Ranking Member ship Jones Act Coalition joined together ports not already under tariff. of the 10 percent tariffs, a move that Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Sens. to oppose the proposal. “... [A]s part of USTR’s public comment rattled global stock markets. American maritime heroes Rep. Oberstar sup- ported U.S. maritime legislation favorable to merchant mariner for decades. Among many other things he supported the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program, as chairman of the House Transportation and In- frastructure Commit- tee from 2007 to 2011. The son of an iron miner, Congressman Oberstar never forgot his blue-collar roots and always fought to protect American workers from unfair competition, serving as a staunch supporter of the Jones Act. Former SUP President Gunnar Lundeberg also defended the Jones Act and many other mari- time laws for nearly four decades. He was routinely joined on the front lines by his old shipmate, SUP pensioner Art Thanash, pictured here on August 12, 2019 outside SUP Headquarters in San Francisco. Gunnar first went to sea 55 years ago; Art started 10 years before that. During their time the wages, benefits and conditions of sailors were advanced and the best method ever devised for ensuring the continued success of maritime workers – the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific – was strengthened. Photo: Frank Portanier Page 10 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, August 23, 2019 SUP President’s Report

SUP BUILDING CORPORATION DRUG TEST CLEARANCE ACTION TAKEN TRUSTEES MEETING PROCESS IMPROVEMENT M/S to approve the Shallow Draft Tanker agreement. Carried The Trustees of the SUP Building Corporation met The delay in drug screen clearances in Wilmington unanimously. M/S (Purgannan, several) to concur in the bal- after the general membership meeting at Headquarters was evident both before and during the visit, and so ance of the President’s Report. Carried unanimously. on July 8, 2019 Following an update on the status of I worked with Seafarers’ Medical Center (SMC) Ad- Dave Connolly the Building, maintenance issues, and tenant moves, ministrator Michelle Chang to secure a change to the a proposal from a telecommunications antenna tenant system. In addition to SUP members, the SMC also to change the terms and conditions of their lease came serves members of the Marine Firemen’s Union and the Vice President’s under the thorough review of the Trustees. They voted Seafarers’ International Union. The simple solution is to to counter-propose additional revisions after further produce the single page DOT drug screen negative test Report research and drafting of language. The Trustees are Paul results as its own clearance. It is signed by the Medical August 2019 Fuentes, Berit Eriksson, Roy Tufono, Matt Henning, Review Officer and cites the relevant DHHS guidelines Dave Connolly and were joined by SUP Controller Jihan and regulation in CFR’s. It also gives a timeline of sample I represented the SUP at the Alameda Labor Council Johnson and Temporary Building Manager Dave Frizzi. receipt, processing and approval, and is then validated by delegates meeting. Please keep your medical and docu- the staff of the SMC with a certifying stamp. By member ments up to date. I can’t count how many members have request to the SMC, the results statement can be mailed, RRF OPERATION BREAKOUT lost out on jobs because of this. emailed (with password protection), faxed or otherwise USNS Sisler: Delegate, Val Goncharov. Successful 2019 REPORT delivered to directly to the member. This will ensure helicopter exercises on the flight deck, now in Blunt compliance while reducing delays associated with the Island, Jacksonville, Florida. An extremely unfortunate The Maritime Administration in July issued its final generation and deliver of the drug can and replacing it passing of Captain Stuart Annas happened aboard while report on the Strategic Sealift Command Post Exercise entirely. Results will continue to be available for pickup heading down to Jacksonville. He was a great chief mate for the simulated activation also known as BREAKOUT at the clinics in Honolulu and Seattle. The changes will and Captain to work for. He truly understood, believed 2019. The purpose of the exercise back in March of this merely streamline the drug screen clearance process and in, and appreciated the role of the unlicensed deck gang. year was to verify the capability of ship management ultimately reduce workload for dispatchers. Jon Clark, Bosun. companies and maritime labor unions to simultane- USNS Watkins: Delegate, Noel Romero. After a suc- ously crew sixty-one surge sealift vessels with qualified SHALLOW DRAFT TANKER cessful off load, in RAV status in Bayonne NJ shipyard. mariners. Perciverando Quiteles, Bosun. The surge sealift fleet includes all forty-six of the Mari- USNS Dahl: Delegate, John Pennings. No major beefs. On July 14 the Military Sealift Command awarded time Administration’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships, Ed Zepeda, Bosun. and all fifteen ships in the Military Sealift Command’s Schuyler Line Navigation Company, LLC, the Shallow USNS Soderman: Delegate, Ben Linn. Inquiries re- surge sealift fleet. For the first time it required the vali- Draft Tanker contract, Contract N32205-19-C-3504, garding restricted to ship pay. Section 3. Exclusion of the dation of qualified crew for all sixty-one ships with the currently operated by SUP-contracted Patriot Contract MOU has very clear language on it. If you take an AB STCW Manila Amendment requirements. Services. The intended mission is to transport petroleum job expect to bust rust. James Ericson, Bosun. The report reached the conclusion that based on anal- products for the Defense Logistics Agency worldwide but APL Gulf Express: Delegate, Cerilo Sajonia. No major ysis of the mariner qualifications provided by the ship the expected area of operations is within the Far East beefs. Husein Ali, Bosun. managers and maritime unions, “there are sufficient Region and is currently served by the 621-foot product APLE Guam: Delegate, Christian DeMesa. Inquires numbers of U.S. Merchant Mariners to initially crew tanker MT SNLC Pax. about STCW work/rest as well as jurisdictional duties. all sealift ships during a contingency breakout. After As reported back in April, Patriot prepared a bid Preston Lau, Bosun. the first 180 day of operations, maintaining this level with wage and benefit information from the SUP and of crewing… could be a challenge.” MarAd noted both other maritime unions. Except for minor housekeeping APL President Wilson: Delegate, Cory Edgil. Three the capability and the “rapid, engaged responses” of the updates such as contract number, RFP references, dates, new crew members, in and out of Oakland with no maritime unions “validated the communications pro- etc., the collective bargaining agreement (MOU) is un- problems. Dmitri Seleznev, Bosun. cess” between the Unions and ship managers. Members changed. The contract has a one-year base period with Mississippi Voyager: Delegate, Chris Thorsen. Con- and dispatchers alike deserve credit for another excellent four one-year options which if exercised would bring the tinuing west coast run from El Segundo to Richmond readiness demonstration. contract to completion on October 29, 2024. In order to Long Warf. Ken Dooley, Bosun. More recently, in mid-July, Patriot called for crew to fashion a competitive bid the following FOS and ROS Florida Voyager: Delegate, Larry Moses. Preparing fly to Beaumont Texas in a real-world activation of the wages and fringes were both proposed and best and final for contract negotiations with Chevron in January. Mat Cape Vincent and Cape Victory, both bound for ship- and the existing wage increases were set at 2% in Years 2 Frazier, Bosun. yard periods. The Wilmington Branch again performed through 4 and 4% in Year 5: See wages on page 11. Cape Hudson: Delegate, Lee Bolden. Activated for 2-3 well in response and credit goes to both Branch Agent As the incumbent bidder having operated this ship month mission with little notice. Great job by all those Leon Gandy as well as the many members registered since 2014 with the Pacific District Unions on board, involved on seamless transition. Kim Dulay, Bosun. in that Hall who stood ready to drop everything for a Patriot relied on the consistent professionalism of SUP Matthew Henning short but necessary shipyard activation. In San Fran- members and the steady performance of our hiring halls. cisco last week, Matson called for crew, including some That service record was without question central to the SUPPORT THE JONES ACT with valid MSC qualifications, for the Cape Henry and award. Mr. Chairman, I recommend ratification of the Cape Hudson in a no-notice 85-day mission activation. Shallow Draft Tanker bid as proposed. Once again, the strength and depth of SUP hiring halls and the rotary shipping system rose to the occasion. As we near the end of the federal government’s fiscal year HOLIDAYS more activations are likely. Sailors take note: checking, re-checking and updating all your seaman’s papers is a Labor Day big part of being ready. All SUP Halls will be closed on Monday September 2 in observance of Labor Day, a holiday under all Agree- ments. The Labor Day celebration in Hawaii will take WILMINGTON BRANCH VISIT place on Sunday September 1st at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu beginning at 1530 to 2100. Members are re- On July 12, I traveled to the Wilmington Branch on minded to bring Union membership book for identifica- Union business to attend the busy Friday job call as well tion. In Wilmington there will be the 40th Anniversary as to meet with members on a range of topics and answer of the Annual Labor Day Parade and Jubilee. The march questions. SUP Plans Administrator Michelle Chang was starts at 1000 at Broad and E street and concludes at Ban- also in attendance and ably answered in real time many ning Park beginning at 1200 on Monday September 2. In complex questions on individual benefits and eligibility. Northern California will include a four county Bay Area Wilmington Branch Agent Leon Gandy pointed out the Labor Councils picnic at Snow Park in Oakland from progress of the Hall’s office transition with the MFOW 1130 to 1430 on Monday. An Alameda Labor Council under the new lease recently executed with the building’s march in support of a coalition of Unions bargaining owner the Masters’ Mates and Pilots. Agent Gandy and with Kaiser Permanente will begin at 0900 at Mosswood Wilmington member volunteers are working together to Park and will terminate at the picnic. Other events will complete the office overhaul and modified return to the be posted in this month’s West Coast Sailors. For more previous arrangement. The new setup should allow for other on the history of labor day see page 11. upgrades that will also better serve the membership. Friday, August 23, 2019 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 11

Matson and SUP CV-700 M/V Kamokuiki Effective July 1, 2019

Monthly Daily Supp OT High Cargo Low Cargo Pension MPB Rating Base Base Base Rate Rate Rate

Boatswain Dayworker 5,475.20 182.51 67.34* 35.31 46.85 28.42 20.00 25.00 AB Watch 3,675.06 122.50 52.51* 35.31 46.85 28.42 20.00 25.00

*Supplemental benefits calculated at the rate of 10 for 30

The history of Labor Day Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday American Federation of Labor, which passed a resolution calling for adoption of in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that the eight-hour day effective May 1, 1886. While negotiation was envisioned for workers have made to the development, growth, endurance, strength, security, pros- achievement of the shortened work day, use of the strike to enforce this demand perity, productivity, laws, sustainability, persistence, structure, and well-being of was recognized, with May 1 advocated as a date for coordinated strike action. In the country. It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend. this way Labor Day is directly related to a primary goal of the movement -the eight It is recognized as a federal holiday. hour day. The proximity of the date to the bloody Haymarket affair of May 4, 1886, Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements further accentuated May First's radical reputation. grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. There was disagreement among labor unions at this time about when a holiday "Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of celebrating workers should be, with some advocating for continued emphasis of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon the September march-and-picnic date while others sought the designation of the was the first state to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became more politically-charged date of May 1. Conservative Democratic President Gro- an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the United States officially ver Cleveland was one of those concerned that a labor holiday on May 1 would celebrated Labor Day. tend to become a commemoration of the Haymarket Affair and would strengthen More than 80 countries celebrate May 1 as International Workers Day. The date socialist and anarchist movements that backed the May 1 commemoration around of May 1 (an ancient European folk holiday known as May Day) emerged in 1886 the globe. In 1887, he publicly supported the September Labor Day holiday as a as an alternative holiday for the celebration of labor, later becoming known as less inflammatory alternative and the date was formally adopted as a United States International Workers' Day. The date had its origins at the 1885 convention of the federal holiday in 1894. Page 12 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, August 23, 2019 SUP Branch Reports Matson Navigation Company Wage Rates Effective July 1, 2019 Wilmington Seattle 071, Roll-On/Roll-Off, C-8, C-9, CV-2500, CV-2600 July 15, 2019 July 15, 2019 Aloha-Class, Kanaloa-Class Shipping: Bosun: 5, AB/W: 17, AB/D: 5, Patriot called for 1 Boatswain and 2 Money OS/STOS: 2, GVA/GUDE: 0, and standby: OS, filled by a 2 B cards and a C member. Supp. Purchase 54 for a total of 83 jobs shipped. 1 relief AB/D shipped to Matson, filled by Wages Benefit Base Supp. Benefit Pension Plan Monthly Daily Monthly Daily Monthly Daily Registered: A: 23 B: 33 C: 3 D: 4 a C card. 7 Standby AB’s, filled by 2 A, 3 Rating B, 1 C, and 1 MFOW member. Ships checked: Daniel K. Inouye, Mau- Bosun $6,818.20 $227.27 $7,026.27 $132.73 $3,981.90 $25.00 Registered: 4 A card for a total of 7; A.B. $4,808.82 $160.29 $5,250.46 $99.18 $2,975.40 $25.00 nalei, Manukai, Mokihana, Manulani, 8 B cards for a total of 14; 2 C cards for a O.S. $3,691.38 $123.05 $4,125.76 $77.93 $2,337.90 $18.51 Manoa, Maunalei, President Eisenhower, total of 2; 0 D cards for a total of 2. President Wilson, President Cleveland, OVERTIME AND OTHER RATES President Kennedy. This month Seattle SUP and MFOW The hourly overly overtime rate for all ratings members stood in solidarity alongside Shipping has been good here in Wilm- except the Ordinary Seaman shall be...... $39.14 our IBU Brothers and Sister on their ington, a large number of crewing jobs Ordinary Seamen (overtime rate)...... $29.34 picket line at the Bellingham Alaska CARGO RATES are rotating as usual, members need State Ferry Terminal. to step up take jobs when available. The hourly cargo rate for all ratings shall be: A disturbing report from a Watson The number of standby jobs have in- Straight Time...... $29.34 Class Delegate as follows; creased since last month. Overtime...... $48.36 One particular AB onboard, who has When you take a standby job you are SHORTHANDED (SECTION 7. SUP Work Rules) previously sailed as an ROS Bosun, feels Bosun...... $66.82 expected to show up on time and do a he is above doing deck work like the rest of A.B...... $48.87 day’s work for a day’s pay. Standby jobs the AB’s. He had the gall to tell the Bosun STANDBY RATES (Section 43 SUP Work Rules) are vital to the union and membership. he would never touch a needle gun for the Bosun Check your documents before you plan rest of his career. He has been told other- Straight Time...... $45.80...... $25.00 to ship, all documents and dues must be wise. It seems to be a problem for certain Overtime...... $74.29 current to be dispatched. sailors that, having been in a leadership A.B. Eli Wegger is holding seamanship class- position before, they feel entitled to the Straight Time...... $37.73...... $25.00 es here at the union hall on Friday after imaginary rank of “Junior Bosun.” This Overtime...... $62.18 job call, if you want to learn seamanship is not the case. If you ship as an AB, you SHIFT SHIP GANGS (Section 44 SUP Work Rules) skills or just want to brush up, Eli is avail- bust rust as an AB. Bosun able and he has provided several dvd’s on This Delegate is correct, and I will Straight Time...... $33.15...... $25.00 the history of unions and labor. add that the sun has set on the days of the Overtime ...... $55.09 Participate in your Union meetings fat supervising Boatswains. I have spent A.B. more time upside down in a winch bed keep informed, we need a quorum in Straight Time...... $31.11...... $25.00 chewing rust as Boatswain than I have as order to vote the union is only as strong Overtime...... $52.62 an AB. As an AB I will offer an opinion as its members. DECK PORT WATCHES (SECTION 55. SUP Work Rules) when asked, and no matter the task, I Leighton Gandy, Branch Agent Bosun complete it as ordered. Don’t take a job Straight Time ...... $44.53 unless you can do it, there are plenty of Overtime...... $66.80 willing hands available in the Hall that A.B. Honolulu will do their duty when dispatched. Straight Time...... $33.57 July 15, 2019 Please stay current on your docu- Overtime...... $50.33 ments! Patriot sailors; remember to check FUEL OIL SPILL CLEANUPS Shipped the following jobs in the month All Ratings: Straight Time...... $22.79 the date of your BST cert to be sure it will of July: 2 Bosn steady, 1 Bosn return, 5 SHOREGANG: MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AB Day steady, 1 AB Day return, 7 AB be valid for your next jobs duration. If Working Bosun Watch steady, 1 AB Watch relief, 1 AB you need BST renewal don’t go it alone, Straight Time...... $45.34...... $25.00 Watch return, and 2 AB Maintenance. The schedule through the SUP Training Di- Overtime...... $74.29 shipping jobs were filled by 8A cards, and rector Berit Eriksson. General Maintenance Brendan Bohannon, Branch Agent Straight Time...... $37.28...... $25.00 12 B cards. Shipped 18 standby jobs. The Overtime...... $62.18 standby jobs were filled by 0 A cards, 4 B Spraying, Sandblasting enclosed spaces: additional per hour $2.27 cards, 9 C cards, and 5 D cards. SHOREGANG: EXTRA MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT Registered in Honolulu: 10 A cards; 21 Business Standby Bosun B cards; 8 C cards; 6 D cards. Straight Time...... $48.50...... $25.00 Ships checked: I visited the RJ Pfeiffer, Agent’s Report Overtime...... $74.29 Manukai, Manulani, Maunalei, Ma- Standby AB noa, Mokihana, Mahimahi, Matsonia, Straight Time...... $37.73...... $25.00 Kamokuiki, DK Inouye, Kaimana Hila, August 12, 2019 Overtime...... $62.18 and the Paint and Rigging gang. All are running with few or minor beefs. Matsonia: Delegate, Jesus Hermosillo. Isnin Idris, Bosun. In at Oakland#62. APL Guam-no major beefs, APL Saipan- Cape Horn: Cody Clark, Bosun. Sched- The company cut off on maintenance OT uled for a shipyard repairs sometime in Dispatcher’s Report no major beefs, USNS Charlton-no major Headquarters—August 2019 beefs, USNS Watson-no major beefs. and on calling stand-bys for stores since late August, early September. Matson plans on replacing her with the I represented the SUP at the Hawaii Cape Hudson: Kim Dulay, Bosun. Sta- Deck Lurline in October. One trip at a time, Ports Maritime Council meeting, and the tus, ready to go. Activated in replacement Bosun...... 5 always subject to change. Hawaii AFL-CIO executive board meeting. of Cape Henry. Carpenter...... 0 MM 7 I want to wish everyone a happy Labor Mahimahi: Delegate, Phil Romei, Mike Cape Henry: Delegate, Lee Bolden. Paul AB ...... 17 Worth, Bosun. In and out Oakland#62. Fuentes, Bosun. Cape Henry activated Day. The Hawaii Labor Day picnic will be OS ...... 7 held at the Waikiki Shell on September 1st Sailed for Honolulu with no beefs on the last week ramping up for a 65 day mis- Northern triangle. Mick McHenry on Standby...... 12 from 1600 until 2100 hours. All you have sion to Alaska to pick cargo for Gulfport Total Deck Jobs Shipped...... 48 to do is bring your SUP membership book trips off in good hands. Mississippi. Total Deck B, C, D Shipped...... 39 and the Building trades will give you the Daniel K. Inouye: On the southern President Truman, President Wilson, Engine/Steward meal and drink tickets. triangle with Delegate, Justin Foster Haz President Eisenhower: Checked in with QMED...... 0 Remember to check your documents and Idris, Bosun. Sailed for Long Beach with these ships, little or no beefs. Pumpman...... 0 anything with less than six months to expi- no beefs. There was an issue with the Chief Oiler...... 0 San Francisco Bar Pilots: Running Wiper...... 0 ration you should start the renewal process. Mate wanting the Bosun to carry a radio smooth with Leo Moore, Dock Bosun. at sea, but that was resolved. Steward...... 0 Also, remember to clean your room Big Mike Koller, Delegate. Cook...... 0 when you get off a ship. If you don’t clean Kauai: Delegate, Rolando Gumanas. In Roy Tufano Messman...... 0 your room it is a finable offense and you and out Oakland. Sailed for Honolulu, all Total E&S Jobs Shipped...... 0 will not be able to ship until you have running smooth. The word has her laying Total E&S B, C, D Shipped...... 0 paid the fine. up when she returns next trip. It’s always Total Jobs Shipped - All Depts...... 48 Michael Dirksen, Branch Agent subject to change. Total B, C, D Shipped-All Depts...... 39 Total Registered “A”...... 23 Total Registered “B”...... 42 Support the SUP Political Fund Total Registered “C”...... 7 Total Registered “D”...... 13