Organized 1885

Official Organ of the Sailors' Union of the Pacific

Volume LXIII No. 10 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Friday, October 20, 2000 Sailors’ and Firemen to Judge tosses AMO lawsuit open East Coast office he Sailors’ Union of the The Norfolk locale will en- to block LMSR award Pacific and the Marine hance the ability of both Unions TFiremen’s Union (MFOW) to provide service to the crews n October 10, Judge “The impact of this ruling is that to launch a formal complaint.” agreed this month to open an of- in these ships, and to recruit William B. Bryant of we are now out from under the The judge added that “one can fice in Norfolk, Virginia, effec- qualified mariners who want to O the United States Dis- shadow of doubt and uncertainty easily presume that in the event tive November 1, 2000. work in the LMSRs and join the trict Court for the District of Co- that has been hanging over us the Plaintiff’s [AMO] contrac- lumbia decisively rejected a tor [Bay Ship Management] won The decision to open an East SUP and MFOW. since AMO challenged in the challenge by the American Mari- award in 1999.” the bid it would not have filed Coast office was deemed to be The establishment of the Nor- time Officers (AMO) to overturn the complaint.” timely and necessary by both folk office marks the first tan- If the AMO had prevailed in a Military Sealift command AMO filed the lawsuit late last Unions given that SUP and gible return to the East Coast its lawsuit, Patriot would have award to Patriot Contract Ser- year to void Patriot’s award using MFOW-contracted Patriot Con- since the SUP Branch in New been stripped of the LMSR con- vices to manage and operate 10 the argument that the Military tract Services will have six Large York was closed in 1986. tract and its contracted unions Medium Speed Roll-On/Roll- Large Medium Speed Roll-On/ would have faced immediate and Sealift Command and the Depart- For more information, see the Off (LMSR) vessels homeported Roll-Off (LMSR) vessels. long-term job losses. The Patriot ment of Labor violated the Ser- President’s Report on Page 10. in the area by the end of this year. Judge Bryant’s ruling is a mile- contract with MSC runs until vice Contract Act in issuing the stone victory for Patriot and July 23, 2003, with the possi- award. AMO based its claim on SUP/MFOW Norfolk Office members of the SUP, MFOW, bility of another 20 years-plus the October 1, 1999, ruling by SIU-A&G Marine Cooks, ARA, Judge Bryant nullifying the Ready 1058 West 39th Street of work in the ships if the com- MM&P, and MEBA, who crew pany is a successful operator. Reserve Fleet awards. AMO also Norfolk, VA 23508 Patriot's LMSRs. initiated that lawsuit. Telephone: (757) 489-3865 Judge Bryant ruled that AMO When notified of Judge The SUP and MM&P firmly Facsimile: (757) 489-3785 lacked standing to challenge the Bryant's decision, SUP President award because it waited until believed that AMO’s contention Gunnar Lundeberg stated that, “after the contract was awarded was bogus and without merit and accordingly filed a Motion in District Court in February op- U.S. cruiseship bill introduced in the House posing the AMO Motion for pre- liminary injunction and re- On September 28, Congress- tives Bob Filner (D-CA), Nancy quirements of the Passenger Ves- president of the International Or- quested that Judge Bryant allow men Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) Pelosi (D-CA), and Christopher sel Services Act or jeopardizes ganization of Masters, Mates and the two Unions to intervene as and Peter DeFazio (D-OR) in- Smith (R-NJ). The bill was re- any cruise vessel construction Pilots, said: “We are convinced defendants in the case. The SUP projects in American shipyards. troduced H.R. 5337, the U.S. ferred to the House Committees that enactment of this legislation and MM&P retained Frank In fact, the only shipyard actu- Cruise Ship Tourism Develop- on Armed Services and Trans- will significantly expand the Costello of the Washington, ally building a cruise vessel in ment Act, which would allow op- portation & Infrastructure. United States-flag cruise vessel D.C. law firm of Zuckert, Scoutt this country declared that H.R. eration of large foreign-built In a letter last week to mem- fleet, create new jobs for Ameri- & Rasenberger, who, said Lun- 5337 will not adversely affect can seafaring and longshore cruise vessels under the U.S. flag bers of those committees, Ameri- deberg, “Did an outstanding job in the domestic cruise trade, and existing or future business . . . workers, and generate much- can Maritime Congress (AMC) in successfully representing the calls for construction of replace- Opponents also allege that en- needed commercial work for President Gloria Cataneo Tosi and interests of the membership.” ment vessels in the United Maritime Institute for Research actment of H.R. 5337 violates American ship repair and con- Mr. Costello coordinated the States. Current cosponsors of the and Industrial Development the Jones Act mandate for U.S. struction facilities and their Union’s legal efforts with Dennis legislation include Representa- (MIRAID) President C. James construction, ownership and workforces... Without S. 1510 Patti presented arguments favor- operation of vessels in the coast- as reported, we will continue to Herrera, attorney for Patriot, to ing enactment of the legislation, wise trades. This is simply not be largely shut out of the cruise bring home the victory for the and encouraging cosponsorship: true. The bill requires cruise industry, and the associated jobs affected Unions and the company. “By allowing the immediate en- ships to be owned by American and economic benefits will con- Costello and Herrera indicated try of large cruise vessels under citizens, documented under the tinue to largely flow overseas. that AMO has the right to ap- the U.S. flag for operation in do- laws and regulations of this coun- We believe it is time to rectify peal but as the West Coast Sail- Second class postage paid at San Francisco, CA (USPS 675-180) mestic markets, the bill signifi- try, crewed by U.S. citizens, this situation and to enact pro- ors went to press, there is no cantly expands the U.S.-flag maintained in American ship U.S. cruise vessel legislation.” indication whether they will pur- cruise industry, creates new jobs repair facilities, and replaced S. 1510 is sponsored by Sena- sue that course. for American merchant mariners, with ships built in domestic ship- tor John McCain (R-AZ), chair- and yields much-needed work for yards. Nothing could be closer man of the Commerce, Science U.S. shipyards. It’s an idea whose to the letter and spirit of the and Transportation Committee. time has come,” they said. Jones Act” said Tosi and Patti. Cosponsors currently include Inside While noting that H.R. 5337 H.R. 5337 is identical to S. Senators Boxer (D-CA), Burns has been endorsed by the over- 1510, its companion bill in the (R-MT), Cleland (D-GA), Page Senate, as amended by the Com- whelming majority of maritime, Feinstein (D-CA), Hollings (D- November Election port, and travel and tourism or- merce, Science and Transporta- SC), Hutchison (R-TX), Inouye Endorsements: ganizations, AMC’s Tosi and tion Committee in June, 2000. (D-HI), Mikulski (D-MD), Oregon/Washington ...... 4 MIRAID’s Patti acknowledged In a recent statement expressing Murkowski (R-AK), Sarbanes ( California...... 5 that maritime industry support support for S. 1510, Marine En- D-MD), and Thurmond (R-SC). Hawaii ...... 11 ESU News ...... 6 is not universal at present. “De- gineers’ Beneficial Association Source The American Maritime Con- President Lawrence H. O’Toole Pier Head Jump ...... 8 spite their claims, this bill in no gress Washington Letter SUP Training Guidelines . 9 way repeals the ‘build U.S.’ re- and Captain Timothy A. Brown, VOTE, Tuesday, November 7, 2000 Page 2 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, October 20, 2000 Growing economy demands bigger SUP Honor Roll U.S.-flag domestic fleet Voluntary contributions from the membership to the following funds: The U.S. coastline is expected to increase dramatically over the next five to ten Organization/ Wall of Honor years, giving new opportunities for growth in the U.S.-flag domestic fleet, accord- ing to a maritime industry report. General Fund (San Pedro Merchant Marine Memorial) “It is vital that the U.S. maritime industry act now to seize this opportunity,” the report said. “What the United States cannot do is stand idly by while the demand for increased coastwise services grows exponentially, only to watch those services John Banes...... 10.00 Gene Castano ...... 15.00 be provided by foreign vessels because no U.S.-flag vessels were available.” Neil Burkhardt ...... 5.00 Clinton Gregg ...... 20.00 The report, “Maritime Policy Initiatives 2000,” was produced by the Working Group Lee Dancer...... 30.00 on Maritime Policy, consisting of Vice Admiral Albert J. Herberger, USN (ret.), and Erik Hand ...... 10.00 Gunnar Lundeberg ...... 50.00 representatives of major U.S.-flag ocean carriers, maritime labor unions and maritime Gunnar Larsen ...... 25.00 Mario Ramella ...... 50.00 associations. This Group was formed by the Military Sealift Committee of the National James Minster ...... 20.00 Whitey Secrest ...... 50.00 Defense Transportation Association. These articles were originally published in the Joseph Moniz...... 10.00 American Maritime Congress’ Washington Report. Douglas Taylor ...... 50.00 Large amounts of cargo are already moving in the U.S. coastwise trades, the report William Walker ...... 40.00 said, but demand for the transportation of intermodal cargo along the nation's coasts is West Coast expected to rise dramatically in coming years, driven by a robust economy and in- Political Fund creased foreign trade. Sailors Also, a “capacity crunch” is likely to occur in the next five to ten years, because the major highways and railroads along the coastlines are at capacity or near capacity. Gene Castano ...... 10.00 Jerry AhSam ...... 10.00 With foreign trade increasing, international liner trade through U.S. ports is ex- Joe Chung ...... 20.00 Lee Dancer...... 10.00 pected to increase 95 percent by 2010. This means that in ten years an additional 16 Richard Cummings ...... 140.00 Clinton Gregg ...... 25.00 million cargo containers could be arriving in U.S. ports every year and this growth Lee Dancer...... 30.00 Walter Harris ...... 4.00 alone could overwhelm current rail and highway capacity, the report said. Mike ElMobdy, Jr...... 20.00 Juan Magana ...... 20.00 “Where intermodal cargo traffic along the coast is increasing, and where landside Steve Foster ...... 20.00 Tom Mariner ...... 25.00 highway and rail capacity is constrained, it is logical that waterborne intermodal trans- portation should become a more viable alternative,” the report continued. Louis Frazier ...... 100.00 Chuck Maringer...... 30.00 An important aspect of this growth is the ability of waterborne coastwise services to Allen Gonzales...... 20.00 Willy Milsap ...... 30.00 complement existing truck and rail services. This enables each mode to concentrate its Daniel Gonzales...... 100.00 Tio Rojas ...... 20.00 efforts on those segments of the logistics system where it is most cost effective. Erik Hand ...... 10.00 “For example, one could envision roll-on/roll-off ships loading tractors (or entire Tommy James ...... 20.00 tractor-trailer combinations) in the U.S. Northeast and delivering those trailers to Richard Jones ...... 40.00 the Southeast in one-two days, from which they could be driven to their ultimate Jereld Komoto ...... 20.00 Dues-Paying destinations,” the report said. Gunnar Larsen ...... 45.00 Pensioners In addition to alleviating highway and railroad congestion, fully developing U.S. Gunnar Lundeberg ...... 25.00 coastwise markets can also improve safety and reduce the environmental costs of domestic cargo transportation, the report noted. Christian Marshall ...... 50.00 Archie Aki Book #3791 Gary McDevitt ...... 20.00 According to the Department of transportation, ships and barges have the fewest John Battles Book #5512 accidental spills or collisions of all forms of transportation, the report said. Mike McLavey ...... 50.00 Roy R. Camerio Book #4577 Ultimately, expanding the U.S.-flag domestic fleet will also bolster national secu- Don O’Halloran ...... 20.00 Richard Cummings Book #4666 rity. “Without the critical mass represented by the domestic fleet, the United States Terry O'Neill ...... 25.00 Knud Jensen Book #3940 would be unable to sustain the maritime infrastructure essential to the Armed Forces'’ Adam Pawelski ...... 50.00 John Jewett Book #4291 strategy of overseas force projection,” the report stated. Jan Peter Johnsson ...... 20.00 Alfred Kerns Book #3167 “This is because neither the U.S.-flag commercial fleet that operates in the for- Ray Ramirez ...... 50.00 Kaj E. Kristensen Book #3120 eign trades nor the U.S.-government-controlled sealift fleet is capable of sustaining Rich Reed...... 25.00 Gunnar Larsen Book #3516 a maritime infrastructure of sufficient size and robustness to ensure U.S. national Ralph Senter ...... 100.00 Peter Paul Liptay Book #3725 security, economic or military, nor is the U.S. Navy, individually or collectively,” the report continued. Augusto Silva ...... 40.00 Frank Parks Book #3798 Moreover, the coastwise vessels most in demand will be roll on/roll-off vessels, Ted Soderberg ...... 20.00 John Perez Book #3810 which are highly valued by military logisticians. Richard Tracy ...... 20.00 Charles Rafael Book #3141 Currently, the U.S.-flag domestic fleet contributes militarily useful ships and Kai Sorensen Book #7479 Remoni Tufono ...... 10.00 experienced crews to meet national defense sealift needs, including 32 percent of Francis Walsh ...... 20.00 William Tice Book #3239 the ships under the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) Program. The John Winterling ...... 100.00 Jones Act fleet also accounts for 29 per- cent of the commercial containerships in the U.S.-flag fleet, and half the roll-on/ SUP WELFARE NOTES roll-off ships, as well as 81 percent of the tank vessels. Information for active members and retirees “It is also important to note the im- by Rich Reed, Welfare Representative forms to fill out and then return to the plan portance of maintaining U.S. ownership Published monthly by the Sailors Union of Active members office. REMEMBER no claims for depen- and control over the marine transporta- the Pacific (an affiliate of the Seafarers Interna- tional Union of North America, AFL-CIO), Dependent and Beneficiary Updates dents may be paid unless they are signed tion system, which ensures the availabil- up on the enrollment files. ity of the assets of the U.S.-flag fleet to Headquarters, 450 Harrison St., San Fran- If you have recently been married, had cisco, CA 94105. Phone: 415-777-3400. children, or in anyway had a change in Retirees a degree that foreign-flag ships cannot FAX: 415-777-5088. Dispatcher: 415-777- family status, please notify the Welfare Please continue sending your medical match,” the report said. 3616. Second class postage paid at San Fran- Office so we can update your records. No and dental claims to the Welfare Office With a landside “capacity crunch” cisco. (USPS 675-180). Printed by Howard Quinn Co., a Union shop. claims on dependents may be paid unless at 450 Harrison St., San Francisco CA looming and with potential national ben- efits to be realized from an expanded Gunnar Lundeberg, they are on the enrollment files. If you have 94105. Please continue to include your President/Secretary-Treasurer U.S.-flag domestic fleet, the federal gov- any doubt regarding your records or if you social security number as well. We are Teresa Anibale, Editor know you need to change them, please almost caught up on the backlog of pro- ernment and the private sector should contact the plan office. We will then send cessed claims. Thank you for your pa- develop new policy initiatives to encour- BRANCH OFFICES you new “Dependent and Beneficiary” tience. Welfare Office. 415-778-5490. age growth in the coastwise trades, the Seattle, WA 98134 report recommended. 1253 Sixth Ave S, Ste A (206) 467-7944 FAX: (206) 467-8119 Final Departures Wilmington, CA 90744 533 N. Marine Ave. (310) 835-6617 Edward H. Blackburn, Book No. 4914. Born in California in 1924. Joined SUP FAX: (310) 835-9367 in 1945. Died in Wilmington, California, August 23, 1999. (Pensioner) SUP Meetings Honolulu, HI 96813 These are the dates for the regularly 707 Alakea St. (808) 533-2777 Freddie L. Cato, Book No. 4751. Born in Texas in 1939. Joined SUP in 1966. FAX: (808) 531-3058 Died in Fortworth, Texas, September 12, 2000. (Pensioner) scheduled SUP meetings in 2000: WELFARE OFFICE John Oliver, Book No. 2023. Born in Hawaii in 1911. Joined SUP in 1935. Died Hdqs. Branch (415) 778-5490 in Concord, California, September 23, 2000. (Pensioner) November 13 20 PENSION PLAN OFFICE (415) 437-6889 Walter Kopatz, Book No. 2873. Born in California in 1922. Joined SUP in 1940. December 11 18 Died in California, July 25, 2000. Friday, October 20, 2000 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 3 Power of appointment: it’s Bunkering by the Bay the issue that matters most —An election year perspective— They talk about Al Gore’s intellect and Board is a former union lawyer. lack of charm. They talk about George W. • The Clinton Labor Department re- Bush’s charm and lack of intellect. They versed the Reagan Labor Department at- talk about which candidate kissed Oprah. tack on Davis-Bacon by issuing new regu- The media will talk a lot about the lations that undid the damage. presidential candidates between now and • Clinton’s appointments have brought November 7. But the thing they usually better balance to the federal courts, in- overlook is the thing that matters most to cluding the appointment of two moder- working families—the president’s power ates to the Supreme Court. of appointment. • Besides using the power of appointment The importance of this presidential to benefit working people, Clinton used his power isn’t always easy to see. But it veto power to kill a flood of anti-labor leg- comes into focus when you look back at islation flowing out of a hostile Congress our recent history. during much of his term in office. The Reagan-Bush years —people Al Gore will continue these policies of appointed were for the most part giving working people a fair shake. He anti-union, anti-worker has openly discussed his desire to enact a law banning the use of permanent re- According to long-time labor attorneys, placement workers during strikes. He’s most of the people appointed during the pledged to veto bills that harm workers. Reagan-Bush years to federal agencies And he’s made it clear that labor agen- that administer labor laws had an anti- cies should be staffed with people who union, anti-worker bias. understand and sympathize with the is- Some examples: sues of working people. • The Department of Labor issued new George W. Bush is a different story. regulations that gutted major parts of the Davis-Bacon Act and the Service Contracts • At the NLRB Bush could name a new Act. In essence this meant that the federal General Counsel and appoint three new Photo by Bill Henneberry members to the five-member Board, giv- government was using its enormous pur- SUP tankerman, Stew Putzke, aboard Foss Maritime's barge 248 chasing power to put downward pressure ing it an immediate anti-labor majority. receiving bunkering orders this month at the Richmond home dock. on the wages of construction workers. • Bush would quickly transform the De- • The Department of Labor virtually partment of Labor and OSHA back into stopped enforcing the Occupational the management-oriented agencies we Safety and Health Act, leaving workers saw in the 1980s, when labor had no Chevron to acquire Texaco without protection. voice. The Federal Trade Commission will • Bush would further tilt the federal courts San Francisco-based Chevron Corporation • The National Labor Relations Board review the terms of merger and make its issued a string of anti-worker decisions. against working people. At the Supreme announced this week that it will acquire Court, where as many as three vacancies Texaco Inc. of White Plains, New York. recommendations before the deal can be Many of these decisions reversed earlier finalized. cases that had been in effect for years. could open up, Bush could be expected to The new company will be called Chev- appoint judges acceptable to his pro-busi- The SUP has a collective bargaining Theoretically you could take these ron Texaco and headquartered in San Fran- ness buddies, stacking the deck against agreement with Chevron covering unli- agencies to court for failing to fulfill their cisco. With a market capitalization of more working people for decades to come. than $100 billion, Chevron Texaco Cor- censed personnel employed in the mission, but the federal courts were company’s U.S.-flag tanker fleet. stacked by Reagan and Bush with judges This is the silent issue: the power of poration would be the world’s fourth-larg- who sympathized with bosses, not work- appointment. History has shown us how est publicly traded oil company by revenue. ers. Five of the nine Supreme Court Jus- critical this issue is, even if it is rarely tices were appointed by Reagan and Bush. discussed on the talk shows or featured in the candidates’ television commercials. America set to run between The Clinton-Gore years —1993 to Working people have rights, but these 2000— brought a different attitude Europe, East Coast and Far East rights lose much of their meaning with- toward workers: American Ship Management notified the SUP this month that the containership out proper enforcement of our nation’s M/V America (ex-President Hoover) will begin a new run for American President • The people appointed to the NLRB labor laws. Lines this month. and the Department of Labor have been That’s why all working families need Tentatively, the schedule calls for her to make an East Coast loop (New York, knowledgeable about labor, and have en- Al Gore. forced worker protection laws. At the Charleston, Norfolk, New York) then cross the Atlantic to Rotterdam and Felixstowe, Source: Utility Reporter—Jack McNally, Busi- make another East Coast loop and then head to Tokyo, Kobe, Hong Kong via the NLRB today, there is a favorable 3-2 ness Manager, IBEW Local 1245 majority, and the General Counsel of the Panama Canal. The East Coast/Far East leg of this run (New York to New York) will be an estimated 84 days. Sailors’ Union of the Pacific ASM also anticipates that the vessel will be renamed President Hoover this month.. STCW 95 Basic Training Supreme Court rules ExxonMobil must pay Schedule for 2000 fine for Valdez spill STCW Basic Training is comprised of several modules of training. All mod- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this thrown out because of what it said were ules are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard and meet the requirements of 46 month that ExxonMobil Corporation irregularities in jury deliberations. must pay $5 billion in damages due to CFR and STCW for endorsement. Modules can be scheduled individually. After being repaired, the Valdez was the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. 1. 8-Hour Elementary First Aid. Day one of all scheduled classes. renamed the SeaRiver Mediterranean and The Valdez struck a charted reef in 2. 16-Hour Basic Firefighting. Days two and three of all scheduled classes. is currently operating between European Prince William Sound, Alaska, and 3. 4-Hour Personal Safety and Social Responsibility. First half of day four. ports. The Mediterranean is crewed by spilled over 11 million gallons of crude members of the Exxon Seamen’s Union, 4. 12-Hour Personal Survival. Last half of day four and all of day five. oil. Company attorney’s argued that the an SUP affiliate. Students will be in the pool on Friday. punitive damage award should have been The courses are offered by the SUP's Andrew Furuseth School of Seamanship in conjunction with Training Resources Limited. All courses will be conducted at the SUP Training site in San Diego. For additional information on course offer- ings, visit the Training Resources Limited website, www.maritimetraining.cc, Graykowski to quit MarAd or contact the SUP Welfare Plan at (415) 778-5490 or the Andrew Furuseth According to the Journal of Commerce, Acting Maritime Administrator John School at (415) 546-1537, for information on enrollment, etc. Graykowski is planning to leave the agency at the end of October. Prior to joining the Maritime Administration, Graykowski was an attorney with Schedule of class offerings for 2000: two Washington, D.C. law firms. November 6-10 Graykowski has acted as MarAd Administrator twice during his tenure, first filling October 16-20 November 27-December 1 the top spot temporarily after Vice Admiral Albert Herberger retired and currently October 30-November 3 December 11-15 while Clyde Hart, Jr. is on special assignment with the Department of Transporta- tion. Hart is expected to resume his MarAd duties by the end of the month. Page 4 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, October 20, 2000 Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO Endorsements U.S. President Al Gore Washington State Legislature U.S. Senate 1st: Senate - Rosemary McAuliffe House 1 - Al O’Brien; House 2 - Jeanne Edwards Maria Cantwell 2nd: Senate - Marilyn Rasmussen U.S. House House 1 - Ron Bauer; House 2 - Tom Campbell 1st - Jay Inslee 3rd: Senate - Lisa Brown 2nd - Rick Larsen House 1 - Alex Wood, House 2 - Jeff Gombosky 3rd - Brian Baird 4th: Senate - Jim Peck 4th - Jim Davis House 1 - Carol Ford-Duncan, House 2 - John Kallas 5th - Tom Keefe 5th: House 1 - Di Irons; House 2 - Lori Bechtold 6th - Norm Dicks 6th: House 1 - Bernie Nelson; House 2 - Jack Geraghty 7th - Jim McDermott 7th: House 1 - Ron McCoy; House 2 - Gary McKinney 8th - Heidi Behrens-Benedict 8th: House 1 - Shirley Hankins; House 2 - Marianne Price 9th - Adam Smith 9th: House 1 - Mike Johnson 10th: Senate - Mary Margaret Haugen Washington House 1 - Dave Anderson; House 2 - Kolly Barlean Statewide 11th: Senate - Margarita Prentice House 1 - Eileen Cody; House 2 - Velma Veloria Attorney General: 12th: House 1 - OPPOSE Clyde Ballard; House 2 - Mike Armstrong Christine Gregoire 14th: House 1 - Dale Sunday; House 2 - Ed Lisowski Auditor: Brian Sonntag Maria Cantwell 16th: Senate - Valoria Loveland Governor: Gary Locke House 1 - Yolanda Cortinas Trout; House 2 - Bill Grant Insurance Com.: 17th: Senate - Lou Peterson Mike Kreidler Washington Initiatives/Referenda House 1 - Carl Dugger; House 2 - Jeanne Harris Lands Com.: Mike Lowry 18th: Senate - Kent Landerbolm NO I-722 — nullifying certain 1999 tax/fee increases Sec. State: Don Bonker House 1 - Michele Cotner; House 2 - Marlene Adams YES I-728 — re: better K-12 funding Sup. Court 2: 19th: Senate - Sid Snyder NO I-729 — re: charter schools Susan Owens House 1 - Brian Hatfield: House-2 - Mark Doumit NO ACTION I-732 — teacher raises Sup. Court 9: 20th Senate - Thomas Beattie NO I-745 — re: cutting transit, and earmarking 90% 21st: House 1- Mike Cooper; 2 - Ned Daniels Tom Chambers of transportation funds for roads Treasurer: Mike Murphy 22nd: Senate - Karen Fraser House 1 - Sandra Romero; House 2 - Sam Hunt 23rd: Senate - Betti Sheldon House 1 - Phil Rockefeller; House 2 - David Harrison Oregon State AFL-CIO 24th: Senate - Jim Hargrove; House 2 - Lynn Kessler 25th: Senate - James Kastama Endorsements House 1 - Rich Hildreth; House 2 - Adrienne Thompson U.S. President: Al Gore 26th: House 1 - Pat Lantz; House 2 - Brock Jackley 27th: Senate - Debbie Ragala U.S. House of Representatives House 1 - Ruth Fisher; House 2 - Jeannie Darneille Congressional District 4: Peter DeFazio 28th: Senate - Shirley Winsley; House 2 - Tami Green Congressional District 5: Darlene Hooley 29th: House 1 - Steve Conway; House 2 - Steve Kirby 30th: House 1 - Mark Miloscia Oregon State Office 31st: House 1 -Mike Stenson; House 2 - Christopher Hurst Secretary of State: Bill Bradbury 32nd: House 1 - Carolyn Edmonds; House 2 - Ruth Kagi Treasurer: Randall Edwards 33rd: House 1 - Shay Schual-Burke; House 2 - Karen Keiser Attorney General: Hardy Myers 34th: Senate-Dow Constantine; House 1 - Erik Poulsen 35th: House 1 - Kathryn Haigh; House 2 - Bill Eickmeyer Oregon State House Oregon 36th: House 2 - Mary Lou Dickerson 37th: House 1 - Sharon Tomiko-Santos; House 2 - Kip Tokuda 1. Elizabeth (Betsy) Johnson 40. Phil Barnhart State Senate 38th: House 1 - Aaron Reardon; House 2 - Pat Scott 2. Elaine M. Hopson 41. Vicki Walker 2. Terry Thompson 4. Sharon Branstiter 42. William Morrisette 4. Ryan Deckert 39th: Senate: Fredda Smith 5. James Draznin 44. Al King 5. Ginny Burdick House 1 - Hans Dunshee; House 2 - Liz Looms 6. Charlie Ringo 47. Joanne Verger 7. Kate Brown 40th: Senate - Harriet Spanel 7. Mitch Greenlick 48. Barbara Dodrill 8. Margaret Carter House 1 -Dave Quall; House 2 - Jeff Morris 8. Mark Hass 50. Lon Holston 10. Avel Gordly 42nd: House 1 - Robert Imbof; House 2 - Kelli Linville 9. Raman Velji 52. Alan C. Bates 11. Chris Gorsek 43rd: House 1 - Ed Murray; House 2 - Frank Chopp 10. Mike Smith 53. Wayne P. Snooz 15. Roger Pike 13. Dan Gardner 54. Ken Cooper 24. Roger W. McCorkle 44th: House 1 - Kerry Watkins, House 2 - John Lovick 14. Diane Rosenbaum 55. Douglas Dunlap 28. Vern Cook 45th: House 2 - Laura Ruderman 16. Jeff Merkley 56. Paul Zastrow 46th: House 1 - Jim McIntire; House 2 - Phyllis Kenney 17. Gary Hansen Multnomah County Commis- 47th: House 1 - Geoff Simpson; House 2 - Debbie Jacobson 18. Deborah Kafoury sion: Frank Shields 48th: House 2 - Karen Marchioro 19. JoAnn Bowman 21. Randy Leonard 49th: Senate - Ben Gassaway 22. Laurie Anderson Ballot Measures House 1 - Bill Fromhold; House-2 - Val Ogden 24. Roger W. McCorkle 26. Kathy Lowe Measure 1 Yes Measure 89 No 27. Kill Thorn Measure 2 No Measure 91 No Support the 28. Mike A. Clark Measure 3 Yes Measure 92 No 29. Frank G. Nelson Measure 6 Yes Measure 93 No SUP Political Fund 31. George Bell Measure 7 No Measure 95 No 35. Kelly Wirth Measure 8 No Measure 96 No 36. John Donovan Measure 9 No Measure 97 No Rec. Editor's note: 38. Irv Fletcher Measure 86 No Measure 98 No The West Coast Sailors is publishing labor's recommendations 39. Robert L. Ackerman Measure 88 No Measure 99 Yes for the Nov. 7 election from California, Hawaii, Oregon and Wash- ington states. Members who reside in the other 46 states should request the labor-endorsed slate of candidates from their local la- bor council or state federation of labor. Friday, October 20, 2000 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 5 California Labor Federation AFL- CIO Nov. 7, 2000 Endorsements

U.S. House of Representatives U.S. President/Senator 35. Maxine Waters 1. Mike Thompson 18. Gary A. Condit 36. Jane Harman U.S. President: Al Gore 2. Stan Morgan 19. Dan Rosenberg 37. Juanita Millender-McDonald U.S. Senate: Dianne Feinstein 3. Bob Kent 20. No Endorsement 38. Gerrie Schipske 4.Mark A. Norberg 21. Pedro (Pete) Martinez, Jr. 39. Gil G. Kanel 5. Robert T. Matsui 22. Lois Capps 40. No Endorsement 6. Lynn Woolsey 23. Michael Case 41. Rudolfo G. Favila 7. George Miller 24. Brad Sherman 42. Joe Baca 8. Nancy Pelosi 25. No Endorsement 43. No Endorsement 9. Barbara Lee 26. Howard L. Berman 44. Ron Oden 10. Ellen 0. Tauscher 27. Adam Schiff 45. Ted Crisell 11. Tom Y. Santos 28. Janice M. Nelson 46. Loretta Sanchez 12. Tom Lantos 29. Henry A. Waxman 47. No Endorsement 13. Fortney Pete Stark 30. Xavier Becerra 48. No Endorsement 14. Anna G. Eshoo 31. Hilda L. Solis 49. Susan A. Davis 15. Mike Honda 32. Julian C. Dixon 50. Bob Filner 16. Zoe Lofgren 33. Lucille Roybal-Allard 51. No Endorsement 17. Sam Farr 34. Grace Flores Napolitano 52. Craig Barkacs

State Assembly 26. Dennis A. Cardoza 54. Allen Lowenthal 27. Fred Keeley 55. Jenny Oropeza 1. Virginia Strom-Martin 28. Simon Salinas 56. Sally M. Havice 2.Virgil Parks 29. Lita Reid 57. Edward (Ed) Chavez 3. Benjamin Wirtschafter 30. Dean Florez 58. Thomas M. Calderon 4. Stephen A. Macola 31. Sarah Reyes 59. Meine Dolores Hall Vice President Al Gore 5. No endorsement 32. Virginia R. Gurrola 60. Jeff A. Duhamel 6. Joe Nation 33. Laurence Houlgate 61. Gloria Negrete McLeod 7. Patricia (Pat) Wiggins 34. Robert (Bob) Conaway 62. John Longville 8. Helen M. Thomson California Ballot 35. Hannah-Beth Jackson 63. Scott T. Stotz 9. Darrell Steinberg 36. No Endorsement 64. Jose Medina Propositions 10. Debra Gravert 37. Roz McGrath 65. Ray R. Quinto 11. Joe Canciamilla Prop 32. Veteran's Bond Act ...... Yes 38. Jon M. Lauritzen 66. No Endorsement 12. Kevin Shelley Prop 33. Legislative Retirement...... Yes 39. Tony Cardenas 67. Tom Harman (R) 13. Carole Migden Prop 34. Campaign Finance Reform ...... Yes 40. Bob Hertzberg 68. Tina Louise Laine 14. Dion Louise Aroner Prop 35. Contracting out public services ...... No 41. Fran Pavley 69. Lou Correa 15. Greg Rolen 42. Paul Koretz 70. Merritt Lori McKeon Prop 36. Substance Abuse & 16. Audi Bock (I), Wilma Chan 43. Dario J. Frommer 71. Bea Foster Crime Prevention...... Yes 17. Barbara Matthews 44. Carol Liu 72. Gangadharappa Prop 37. Polluter Protection Act, 18. Ellen M. Corbett 45. Jackie Goldberg Nanjundappa shifts costs to taxpayers ...... No 19. Lou Papan 46. Gil Cedillo 73. Robert D. Wilberg 20. John A. Dutra Prop 38. Expensive voucher experiment 47. Herb Wesson 74. John Herrera 21. Joe Simitian will hurt our public school 48. Roderick (Rod) Wright 75. No Endorsement 22. Elaine Alquist students ...... No 49. Gloria Romero 76. Christine Kehoe 23. Manny Diaz Prop 39. School Facilities ...... Yes 50. Marco Firebaugh 77. Todd Keegan 24. Rebecca Cohn 51. Jerome E. Horton 78. Howard Wayne 25. Stephen F. Rico 52. Carl Washington 79. Juan Vargas 53. George Nakano 80. Joey Acuna, Jr. Vote November 7 State Senate 1. Thomas (Tom) Romero 3. John L. Burton 5. Michael J. Machado 7. Tom Torlakson 9. Don Perata 11. Byron Sher 13. John Vasconcellos 15. No Endorsement 17. No Endorsement 19. Daniel R. Gonzales 21. Jack Scott 23. Sheila James Kuehl 25. Edward Vincent 27 Betty Karnette 29. Richard Melendez 31. Mike Rayburn 33. Jack Roberts 35. Steve Ray 37. Sedalia L. Sanders 39. Dede Alpert Sen. Dianne Feinstein Page 6 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, October 20, 2000

ESU Office Assignments ESU NEWS For the months of November, Kevin OCTOBER 2000 Conroy will be in the Baytown office and Tom Thompson will be in the Benicia office. Official Publication of the Exxon Seamen's Union SeaRiver expands fleet Marcos Clotter arlier this year, SeaRiver announced ships. Our membership rolls have in- Ethat it would supplement its existing creased from 215 at the beginning of the tanker fleet with additional tonnage based year to its current level of 262. We ex- arbitration on the agreement reached between Exxon pect this upward trend to continue since Mobil Corporation, BP AMOCO, ARCO SeaRiver plans to hire more unlicensed n October 4, 2000 the ESU and to the Union, that management just wants and Phillips Petroleum regarding align- personnel during November. Although O SeaRiver Maritime met in Newark, to stretch things along, burden us with ment of Alaska interests. this is positive news for the short term, it NJ to arbitrate Grievance #98-02 - De- additional arbitration expenses and de- As a result, SeaRiver plans to purchase is yet to be decided about SeaRiver’s long motion of Marcos Clotter. The Ameri- lay resolution to legitimate grievances. We and operate the 90kDWT tanker, Over- term commitment to the ANS trade. can Arbitration Association (AAA) arbi- now have another date to complete this seas Ohio. The vessel will be renamed These vessels are on the last leg of their trator that presided over this hearing was case in February 2001. OPA 90 life span. These vessels are S/R Hinchenbrook. It is anticipated that Richard Adelman. Representing the In January of this year, the Union sent SeaRiver will take delivery of the vessel scheduled to go out of service during the Union was President, Jerry Patterson, Human Resources Manger, Ed Cahill a in late October, pending Maritime Ad- middle of this decade. Furthermore, the grievant Marcos Clotter and attorney and letter requesting we relocate our arbitra- ministration (MARAD) approval. The S/R North Slope and S/R Benicia will be David Grossman, Esquire. Company tions to the Houston area. Our attorney S/R Hinchenbrook is scheduled to begin phased out during 2002 due to OPA drop Representatives were Miguel Quinones, Sharon Groth in Baytown has a good track operating in Alaska North Slope (ANS) dead dates. We see other major players attorney and Ray Loney, Labor Relations. trade sometime in December following (Phillips and BP Amoco - ATC) in the record of fighting ExxonMobil through scheduled shipyard work. Additionally, industry making a commitment to long In last month’s edition of the ESU NEWS the Federal Mediation & Conciliation SeaRiver completed negotiations to take term ANS service by building new the Union reported about the Warning Service (FMCS) in Texas. Our primary control of the 50kDWT tanker, Potomac doubled hulled vessels. Phillips’ first Notice arbitration that the Union won on reasons for relocating arbitrations to the Trader, under a bareboat charter agree- Millennium class tanker is scheduled to behalf of Mr. Clotter. Removal of that Houston area are cost savings and timely ment. The vessel will be renamed S/R enter service later this year with two more warning notice from his file was extremely resolutions to disputes. The Union re- Puget Sound. It is anticipated that new ships to follow. BP Amoco recently important before arguing his demotion searched the use of FMCS to conduct SeaRiver will take delivery of the S/R announced plans to construct 3, case. The Company was building a case to arbitrations and found the fees to be very Puget Sound by the end of October and 186kDWT tanker for ANS service with support a demotion of Marcos ever since minimal. Conversely, one arbitration case begin operating in ANS service after the option to build 3 more at NASSCO the Union won a promotion arbitration for through the AAA can easily result in completing scheduled shipyard work. shipyard. The first delivery is scheduled him in 1996. The warning slip was part of $2000 in arbitrator fees. This is for a one- Certainly, this is good news for the for 2003. We hear SeaRiver has con- their ammunition they intended to use at day arbitration. Certainly, this could be Union and the ESU membership. Addi- ducted new build studies and are con- the demotion hearing. a win/win for the Union and the Com- tional ships mean more jobs for unli- tinuing to evaluate other alternatives but Prior to starting the demotion arbitra- pany but they have said, “we don’t want censed employees. Further, we expect to their crystal ball appears to contain a tion, the arbitrator suggested working to change things” to this idea. see numerous promotions to all ratings dense fog that delays a long term direc- through lunch with the expectation of Under our current Contract (Side Let- once the Company takes control of the tion for the Company. completing the hearing in one day. Both ters) we are required to arbitrate in New the Union and the Company were agree- Jersey unless the parties mutually agree able to his suggestion. The Company to another location or we dissolve that Remembering our past — 1990 called two witnesses to testify and this letter at the expiration of the Agreement Certainly our past is worth remember- for the unlicensed employees and the took the hearing into the afternoon. They next year. In the meantime, the Union ing, especially with the inclusion of so tanker industry. Around this same time then asked for an extension of the hear- will push ahead with arbitrations in New many new members into the ESU bar- period, the Exxon Valdez returned to ser- ing to a later date because they wanted to Jersey. We have at least 4 scheduled over gaining unit in recent years. In fact, al- vice after completion of an extensive ship- call two additional witnesses that could the next few months. most 60% of the current bargaining unit yard period in San Diego. A special pro- not be there on October 4th. It appears started their employment with SeaRiver vision of OPA 90 prevented the Valdez Maritime after 1990. You have probably from returning to ANS service. The ship heard horror stories about this time pe- was renamed the Exxon Mediterranean riod, the difficulties the ESU had to en- and entered Foreign Service. dure and the Company’s attempt to break Since 1990 the ESU has struggled to Ship reports the Union’s will to survive. 1990 was the keep up with the cost of living, much less 5th consecutive year that the member- restore the losses during the dark Iarossi ship had experienced no increase in years. The ESU views the Company mea- wages. Additionally, in 1988 the Com- ger offer at the recent Wage Reopener as S/R American Progress S/R Galveston pany implemented a massive reduction an obvious sign that history could once Boarded on 10-14-00 by ESU Rep. Boarded at Benicia on 10-4-00. San in pay, paid leave and overtime rates that again repeat itself. Many of the same play- Looks like two more trips to Alaska Francisco lightering service. Mike amounted to 8.8%. 1990 was the third ers within management are still with the before returning to Gulf coast. Peter Mauler temporary Ship Rep. No beefs. year the Union was operating without the Company. The ESU and other labor DeWilde filling in as Ship Rep. on a S/R Long Beach automatic union dues deduction that the unions need to draw a line in the sand temporary basis. Company still ran- Completed Shipyard in Portland. Company stopped in 1988 as part of their against the meager crumbs that manage- domly testing under Washington State Ship Rep. Jack Patterson reports mail “Union Busting” tactics. ment calls a pay increase. Solidarity! Regulations for D&A. Grievance filed delivery was poor while in the yard. It goes without saying that employee and will be followed up shoreside. Recent mail was sent to a port the ship morale was at an all time low. Seatours S/R Baytown were extremely long but the Company New ESU Members never calls on. On the Valdez to Anacortes run. would not address this issue by hiring new S/R Mediterranean The ESU is proud to welcome 19 new Complaints about delayed delivery of employees due an impending reduction In Singapore shipyard for Biennial members within our ranks. The mem- mail. Lee Airriess Regular Ship Rep. of the fleet from 20 vessels to 13. Man- bership now stands at 262. Thanks for USCG inspection and repairs. Have S/R Benicia agement anticipated a surplus of employ- your show of support by becoming a been communicating with Temporary ees and offered SPOSA (Golden Finger) Union member. Boarded on 10-5-00 at Richmond. Ship Rep. Frank Kamasz via email program to reduce what was thought to Now in the shipyard in Portland for Raymond S. Balles III; Jesse Ballou, S/R North Slope be too many employees. However, by the repairs. Mario Guarcello temporary Jr.; Timothy L. Carter; Darrel Boarded on 10-15-00 at Benicia. time the company completed this volun- Rep. It appears the payroll problems DeLaCruz; Jarvis Gainer; Michael D. Sean Hughes Ship Representative re- tary separation program and phase out of the former Mobil employees have Harmanson; Reynaldo G. Palisoc; Aaron ports all in order at this time. of vessels they had to immediately hire finally been corrected. Rathbun; David L. Thomas, Jr.; Donovan new employees because attrition was ex- S/R Charleston S/R Wilmington Vines; Randy Witowich; Dexter Thomas; Boarded at Meal Anchorage, Baton tremely high during this time period. In Boarded at Shell Deer Park on 10- Reginald B. Harrison; Joe Davis; Edward Rouge on 10-13-00. No major beefs. August The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 15-00. Ship Rep. Chester Bell aboard. Benjamin, Jr.; Bruce T. Rathbun; Jacques Ship Representative Johnny Navarro (OPA 90) was signed by then President Everything running smoothly. Bush. This brought about many changes M. DeVries; Janet (DJ) L. Wilson; and John Moran. Friday, October 20, 2000 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 7 ESU NEWS Z-Card and STCW renewal problems The ESU offices have been receiving ter than that sent to him or her by SeaRiver. AB George Young Retires an increasing number of telephone calls When the member submits the wrong let- recently concerning problems with the ter to the Coast Guard it can be very time renewal of MMDs (z-cards) and STCW consuming to get straightened out, in some question certificates. In some cases captains have cases extending past the time when the A that is fre- refused to sign-on members who have member’s paid leave has expired. To quently asked come to the ship with expired, incom- make matters even more difficult and aboard the ships, plete or incorrect documents. In at least despite an ESU grievance, SeaRiver is especially among one instance a member has gone off pay now unilaterally requiring that all Main- the newer em- until the documents were put in order. tenance Seamen, ABs, and Pumpmen ployees is: Who It seems that the newer and more com- hold the endorsement whereas Coast Guard has the longest plex regulations surrounding the regulations only require 3 crewmembers /SeaRiver/Exxon “Tankerman Assistant” endorsement and on any ship to have it. service? The an- the way in which the various Coast Guard The Union is now dealing with the swer to that ques- Marine Safety Offices around the country company in an attempt to reduce the num- tion depends on are interpreting these regulations are the ber of problems associated with the new whether you source of most of the difficulty. The documentation and will take the appro- mean continu- SeaRiver office has different service let- priate administrative steps where neces- ous or broken ters it sends out to individual members sary. In the meantime however, the Union service. depending on several different factors such very strongly recommends that each The person as if the member’s STCW is an original or member keep a close eye on the expira- with the longest renewal or if the member has attended a tion and renewal dates of his or her own continuous ser- basic safety course and other factors. Of- documents and begin talking with the vice is Mr. ten the Coast Guard office with which the Coast Guard about renewal well in ad- George Young, member is dealing requires a different let- vance of those dates. Able Seamen and Ship Representa- tive on the S/R 2001 Pre-tax spending plan enrollment Mediterranean, The enrollment period for Pre-Tax of-pocket medical and dental expenses. with over 39 A much younger George Young (foreground) in 1962, with fellow Spending Plan and open enrollment for years of Com- • The Dependent Care Flexible Spend- lifeboat team mates that rowed from the ESSO Baltimore. the BCBS medical plan is expected to take ing Account allows you to set aside pre- pany service. place from mid-October until the middle tax money to reimburse yourself for cer- Mr. Young has notified the Union that up with each powerful stroke. One length of November. Enrollment forms will be tain dependent care expenses. he has decided to retire effective October behind Cox’n Mike Sharik was urging, mailed to everyone from the Company. You may elect to participate in one, two 31, 2000. George will be sorely missed. pleading, encouraging, tongue-lashing The Pre-Tax Spending plan in essence or all three parts of the plan: them on as he threw his weight forward allows you to pay your medical and den- Early in Mr. Young’s career, he had • Once you elect to pay your contribu- with each beat. tal premiums, deductibles, childcare and the honor of serving on the Company life- tions for medical and dental plan coverage other covered expenses with un-taxed boat rowing team from the ESSO Balti- At a half-length behind, it was now or on a pre-tax basis, you are automatically dollars. If you have foreseeable expenses more that competed in international com- never. Bend those oars. Pull, pull. And re-enrolled each year unless you cancel for the year 2001 that are covered under petition, and what a team it was! how they pulled! They swept that 1,680 your election during a subsequent enroll- the plan you may consider designating On May 24, 1962, the 23rd Interna- pound boat across the finish line just 3.8 ment period or due to a qualifying event. additional contributions to take advantage tional Seamen’s Classic was rowed over seconds ahead of the Norsemen. Up went of the tax savings. For a list of covered • To participate in the Health Care Flex- a one nautical mile course in the Nar- the oars. Overboard went the Cox’n. expenses please refer to the ExxonMobil ible Spending Account and/or the Depen- rows of New York harbor. There were Cheers rang, whistles blew and a limp dent Care Flexible Spending Account, Pre-Tax Spending Plan booklet that was nine entries competing in the first quali- Mr. Sarik was “fished” out of the water you must enroll each year during the an- published in January 2000. The fying race and they finished in following by a Coast Guard patrol boat. The U.S. nual enrollment period. ExxonMobil/SeaRiver Pre-Tax Spending order: ESSO Baltimore, U.S., Havjo, victory, the first since the ESSO Plan allows you to take advantage of sig- Getting Reimbursed: You may be reim- Norway; Black Hawk, Norway; Brooklyn’s triumph in 1956, again nificant tax savings in three ways: bursed automatically from the Health Care Statendam, Netherlands and Flandre, brought possession of the Joseph W. Flexible Spending Account for claims pro- • You can pay your contributions for France. The second heat finished in the Powell Cup to our shores and for the first medical and dental plan coverage (what cessed as a participant in the Blue Cross following order: Hansul, Norway; Gen- time, the Millard G. Gamble trophy, do- Blue Shield Medical Plan and/or the Blue you may think of as your premiums) on a eral Gordon, U.S.; Baie Comeau, Nor- nated by the former president of ESSO Cross Blue Shield Dental Plan. Otherwise, pre-tax basis. way and France, France. The first, sec- Shipping Company.” you must file a claim form and attach docu- • The Health Care Flexible Spending ond and third place boats in the two heats That was quite an accomplishment for mentation of your expenses to be reim- Account allows you to set aside pre-tax rowed in the main event. George so early in his career but he was bursed from either account. money to reimburse yourself for your out- The following is an excerpt from the just getting started. He later volunteered May 31, 1962 publication of the ESSO for and made the maiden voyage through FLEET NEWS: the ice chocked Northwest Passage aboard “It was a never to be forgotten sight the ESSO Manhattan. George is one of the to see them come down the stretch, the select few left in the fleet that saw Viet- last 1/4 mile. The Norwegian flag nam service aboard company vessels. Hansul, ahead all the way, was leading Mr. George Young has had a long pro- the Baltimore men by 1½-boat lengths. ductive, colorful and exciting career. We They were bucking a strong ebb tide and will miss him and we wish him Godspeed. choppy water. There was a gale of wind, In the November issue of the issue of driving rain, thunder and lightning. the ESU NEWS you will find out who Slowly the ESSO Baltimore crew began had the longest broken company service, to close the gap. Inch by inch they crept stay tuned.

EXXON SEAMEN'S UNION Founded March 28, 1941 Affiliated with the Sailors' Union of the Pacific

701 W. Sterling Ave. P.O. Box 792 Baytown, TX 77520 Benicia, CA 94510 1(800) 213-7236 1(800) 729-3101 Fax (281) 422-0710 Fax (707) 746-7859 E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]

President Jerry Patterson Vice President John Straley Deck Trustee Ulrich Baur Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Conroy Engine Trustee Charlie Pollard Recording Secretary Thomas Thompson III Steward Trustee Gerard Nelson Page 8 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, October 20, 2000 PIER-HEAD JUMP by Archie Green

“Pier-head jump,” a term known to all seafarers for head jump, as the sailors call it.” These words illus- attempted to restrict the “swindling practices of the more than a century, remains mysterious to landlub- trate the intimate tie between life’s commands and the boardinghouse crimps” (page 14). However, when he bers. Upon asking acquaintances to hazard meanings, birth of new language. appears before London’s Port Shipping Master, the some have guessed that it is an athletic competition held The independent-minded mariner had gone outside Ferndale’s unhappy skipper is also present, shorthanded on a pier; others, that it resembles bungee jumping; the rules to beat the crimping system in which board- and ready to sail on the morning tide. still others speculate ominously that it implies suicide. ing-house masters, saloon or brothel keepers, and cloth- The Port Officer bends the rules by addressing the Fortunately, the Oxford English Dictionary offers an ing-store owners controlled employment. Workers la- skipper, “I don’t think you’ll find easily [a second mate] accurate definition geared to employment practices: join- beled this custom “blood money,” for it was based on a for such a pier-head jump.”(Page 17). Of course, Conrad ing a ship as it leaves the dock. This lexicon cites a pay advance when shipping out. Sometimes, an unfor- uses these words metaphorically, for Powell does not British labour glossary (1892) to add a qualification: tunate tar toiled an entire voyage — working off the actually jump or climb onto the Ferndale. He signs on owing to some of the (signed) crew not fulfilling their dead horse — to repay his debt to the crimp. in the Shipping Office, and boards the dynamite-laden engagements. The technical explanation leaves little to Word sleuths take great pleasure in finding antedates: vessel by gangplank that very night. the imagination; nor does it convey the body of tradi- appearances before those cited in the Oxford English In many years of collective bargaining with employ- tion hidden in this combination of three simple words: Dictionary. We recall that the OED had dated “pier- ers, the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific has included in its pier, head, jump. head jump” to 1892; Furuseth’s testimony, in print in shipping rules a provision: “A pierhead jump is per- We visualize a jump off a pier, literal or symbolic, by 1887, placed his use of the term back to 1885 (coinci- missible only outside the regular shipping hours of the invoking our sense of place and action. Piers, docks, Union Hall, and then only when all efforts to obtain the wharfs — used interchangeably in everyday speech — are required man through the Union Hall have failed.” Thus, located in zones of tension where tides and currents con- an irregular practice is partially normalized. stantly interfere with human endeavor. A pier juts out (or Words do not live frozen in time; they shift about like intrudes) into the bay or stream; it is the last land exten- gulls in a storm. “Pier-head jump,” now regular in sea sion one feels underfoot before boarding a vessel. employment vocabularies, still retains its early mean- Today’s mariners seek employment through union or ing: ambiguity in hiring out, under-the-table action, dis- joint labor-management hiring halls or government-con- obeying accepted norms. Thus, I was surprised to learn trolled shipping offices. Why did a sailor ever have to of a current poetic usage. row, paddle, climb, or jump from a pier to join a ship? In 1995, Marshall Uran, a retired member of the Pa- What had gone awry in the hiring process? Does an cific Coast Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wip- implication of clandestine behavior lurk in the shadows ers Association, compiled and published Sea-Say: Salty of this expression? Stories and Seamen’s Slang. He glossed technical, ver- The testimony of Andrew Furuseth, secretary of the nacular, and bawdy expressions, supplementing his word Coast Seamen’s Union (predecessor of the Sailors’ list with ample drawings by Frank Barbaria, a retired Union of the Pacific) casts light on the development of marine electrician and SUP member. this unusual hiring practice and its name. In 1887, the Uran dedicated his book to four departed seafarers, and California Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted hear- wrote of one: “Bill Bailey took a pier-head jump for his ings and issued a published report on Condition of Men final trip.” To my knowledge, this is an unusual turn for Working on the Waterfront and on Board of Pacific Coast our term, no longer associated with securing a job. In Vessels. Among other participants, Furuseth, a sailor former days, a poet might view death as a trip into the of Norwegian birth then based in San Francisco, de- briny deep or across the river Styx. scribed his experiences. dentally, the birth of the Coast Seamen’s Union.) Could Furuseth have anticipated in 1885 that “pier- Most sailors of the era, while ashore, lived in board- head jump” would remain for over a century as both an Although I am pleased at this lexical discovery, the sig- ing houses near the waterfront. Masters or keepers of occupational and symbolic figure of speech? He saw nificance of Furuseth’s statement lies in his aside, “as the such houses, often with political or underworld ties, his own unorthodox “jump” as an act of defiance against sailors call it.” He knew that “pier-head jump” belonged served shipowners and their captains as labor suppli- crimps, boarding-house masters, and other bloodsuck- to the colloquial speech of the sea; accordingly, the unfa- ers. Furuseth, a recent immigrant, accepted these ship- ing leeches who perpetuated servitude at sea. He knew miliar locution would have to be explained to the public. ping procedures but after some years in boarding houses in his bones that freedom for sailors required occasional We still lack a formal account of the origin of “pier-head he moved to a private room. acts of resistance. jump.” Pacific Coast and British seamen used it before Furuseth related how he had tramped the length of the close of the nineteenth century. Who else knew it; Am I too imaginative in envisioning Andrew Furuseth the Embarcadero looking for a likely ship. When cap- how did it spread? The term must have circulated orally looking down from Valhalla or up from Davy Jones’ tains asked where he boarded, his job prospects van- among sailors for a decade or two before a clerk in San locker, encouraging all of us in our respective “pier- ished. Plainly put, he had not spent his money in ap- Francisco transcribed Furuseth’s testimony. head jumps”? proved quarters. He came to realize that he “would have to wait until doomsday” to secure a berth in any vessel. I’ll not list all the usages of this expression except to About the Author At this point, he turned to an alternate scheme. note that it has appeared in many works of fiction. Jo- seph Conrad in Chance (1913), a romantic novel, tells Furuseth’s explanation follows: “When the boarding Archie Green is a San Francisco folklorist of the unexpected adventures of young Charles Powell, master who had undertaken to furnish the men did not and noted historian who contributes to the West a newly certified second mate. Charles knows that it is have them just at the time when the vessel was going Coast Sailors from time to time. illegal to directly procure a berth after Parliament had out, so I got a job by being right there to take a pier- A look astern —100 years ago Vote Tuesday, The watch on deck From the Coast Seamen's Journal, April 18, 1900 November 7, 2000

Roused by a thundered call to work So breaks another weary day Out from the fo'castle rolls the watch Upon old ocean's fickle breast, Scandinavian, German, Yank, Another day for Sailor Jack, Record of SUP Shipping And one whose broad speech To whom one day is like the rest; marks him Scotch. Is, like the rest, a treadmill round September 2000 Tanned by the touch of sun and wind, Of duty without change or end, Defying hunger, cold and wreck, Until, paid off, in port he finds Hdqs ...... Seattle ...... Wilm ...... Hono ...... Total These are the children of the sea, In drink an enemy—and friend. Bosun ...... 5 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 1 ...... 10 The grumbling, faithful “watch on deck.” Maint. Man ...... 2 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 2 Cursed at his labors on the sea, A.B. Dayworker .. 0 ...... 6 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 6 The dawn comes stealing from the East; Plucked by the plotting crimp ashore, A.B ...... 20 ...... 2 ...... 12 ...... 8 ...... 42 The grim gray waters rolls and heaves; He drifts around this too careless world, O.S...... 3 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 1 ...... 4 The tall sails shiver in the wind; The conquered and the conqueror. Ship Util...... 1 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 1 The halyards creak upon the sheaves; For though he wins from wind and wave, Standby ...... 29 ...... 17 ...... 80 ...... 19 ...... 125 The galley smoke curls fitfully Still he shall loose to drink, his foe, Pump...... 2 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 0 ...... 2 To leeward from the stovepipe brown; Until the present “watch on deck” TOTALS ...... 60 ...... 22 ...... 100 ...... 29 ...... 212 And all is cheerless where the watch, Becomes the last long “watch below.” Hungry and cold is “washing down.” Friday, October 20, 2000 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 9 Sailors’ Union of the Pacific Welfare Plan Training Benefit Guidelines

The Sailors’ Union of the Pacific Welfare Plan has this is training intended to enable an individual to up- sponsibility of the Plan participant. created a Training Benefit that is available to all quali- grade his or her United States Merchant Marine Docu- 3. A Plan participant may make his or her own lodg- fied participants of the Plan. The Training Benefit is ment (USMMD). Presently, this category of training ing arrangements but the Training Fund will only re- funded through man-day contributions defined in the includes but is not limited to the follow courses: imburse him or her for costs that are in line with the collective bargaining agreements negotiated by the Sail- 1. Lifeboat man amount which would have been spent if the Andrew ors’ Union of the Pacific. The purpose of the Training 2. Able Seaman Furuseth School of Seamanship had arranged his ac- Benefit is to enable all qualified Plan participants the 3. Tanker man Assistant commodations. In addition, reimbursement requires the opportunity to access any and all training courses re- same receipts and certificates as travel. 4. Tanker man P.I.C. (Person in Charge) quired under Domestic and International regulations to Allowance for Meals remain an active participant of the United States Mer- 5. 100 Ton License The Training Fund will reimburse those Plan partici- chant Marine. 6. Radar Observer pants attending training away from their homes up to 7. QMED (Any Rating) The Andrew Furuseth School of the amount specified in the Offshore ASM and Matson a. Fireman/Watertender; b. Oiler; c. Refrigeration En- Agreements: $40.00 per day. This amount will only be Seamanship gineer; d. Electrician; e. Junior Engineer; f. Pumpman; paid for actual meals. This does not include: The Sailors’ Union of the Pacific Welfare Plan has tasked g. Deck Engine Mechanic; h. Engineman the Andrew Furuseth School of Seamanship with the re- 1. Alcohol sponsibility of administering the Training Fund Benefit. Funding Provided for Training 2. Gratuities The mission of the School is to assist all eligible Plan Course Completion Requirement 3. Entertainment participants in identifying and accessing the appropriate In order for a Plan participant to receive funding from 4. Room Service training to fulfill all existing regulatory requirements and the Andrew Furuseth School of Seamanship, he or she 5. Transportation (i.e. taxi or bus fare) remain active in our industry. The School has been given must successfully complete their training course. Fail- final decision making authority over all training and train- ure to successfully complete a training course will re- Reimbursement Requirements ing related issues. The School is responsible for the selec- sult in the withdrawal of funding for the course in ques- A participant will be reimbursed for any out of pocket tion and identification of the training needs of Plan par- tion as well as any future training courses. The partici- expenses associated with an approved training course. ticipants, the selection of training providers and the rules pant will be required to assume responsibility for all Depending upon individual circumstances these ex- governing all aspects of the training process. the costs associated with the uncompleted course. This penses may include: Eligibility Requirements includes the costs of transportation, lodging and food 1. Travel Costs along with the tuition for the course. In addition, all 2. Lodging Costs 1 SUP Plan participant with A, B or C Seniority future training courses for a participant who has failed 3. Subsistence Costs 2 Current with dues a course will be handled on a reimbursement basis. 4. Tuition Costs 3 Must be eligible for the SUP Welfare Plan medical The only proof of successful completion that the coverage through covered employment Andrew Furuseth School of Seamanship will accept is In order to receive reimbursement the participant must 4 Must be fit for duty and able to pass a sign on physi- a valid certificate from the training provider attesting to complete a copy of the SUP Welfare Plan Trainee Ex- cal within one month of your scheduled training course. the participant’s successful completion of the course. pense Voucher and present it, along with a copy of his 5 In order to attend the LMSR (MSC) training a partici- No other form of proof will be accepted. or her certificate of course completion and all receipts related to out of pocket expenses to the SUP Welfare pant must be able to pass an MSC physical examination Mandatory Training within one month of the scheduled commencement date. Plan Office in a timely manner. Do not send reimburse- 1. Tuition ment forms and associated information to the Andrew Training Approval 2. Transportation: Subject to the provisions outlined Furuseth School of Seamanship. All receipts must con- The Andrew Furuseth School of Seamanship must ap- in the transportation section. tain the following information to be considered for re- prove all individual training plans in advance. Failure to 3. Lodging: Subject to the provisions outlined in the imbursement: receive prior approval of the School may result in the lodging section. 1. Name of the establishment at which the expense withdrawal of funding for the training. As the party re- 4. Per Diem/Meals: Subject to the provisions out- took place. sponsible for all training and training related issues for lined in the section concerning meals and receipts. 2. The date of the expense. The Plan will only reim- the SUP Welfare Plan, the School reserves the right of burse participants for the dates of the training. Travel final approval of all training arrangements. This is done Discretionary Training days are not reimbursable. to allow the Plan to control the costs associated with train- 1. Tuition reimbursement only for training courses ap- ing and protect the individual participant from making proved by the Andrew Furuseth School of Seamanship. 3. A clear delineation between the various items on inappropriate training decisions. The School will advise 2. For all Discretionary Training courses, the Plan par- the receipt so that the Plan can make an accurate deter- and assist all participants with every aspect of the training ticipant is responsible for tuition and all additional costs. mination of which are suitable for reimbursement. process to insure the best options available are selected. If the course is successfully completed the Plan partici- 4. In the case of an airline ticket a copy of the ticket, a In addition, the School will handle all the arrangements pant is eligible for reimbursement of the tuition costs. credit card receipt or a cancelled check will suffice as proof. for any approved training if a participant wishes it to do 3. The Andrew Furuseth School of Seamanship will Appeal Process so. However, in order for the School to properly fulfill its offer all the assistance it can to any eligible Plan par- The Andrew Furuseth School of Seamanship recog- mission individual participants must inform the school in ticipant who wishes to upgrade his documents. This nizes that disagreements between it and the Plan par- advance of their training plans and be willing to work includes assistance in locating training providers, sched- ticipants over decisions on training related issues are with the School to reach a mutually acceptable solution in uling and enrollment. However, it remains the respon- unavoidable. In addition, the School understands that the event of a problem. sibility of the Plan participant to arrange all payments. legitimate reasons may exist that will require a modifi- Training Categories Covered Funding Provided for Transportation cation of the rules governing training in order meet the 1. In order to qualify for transportation payments a needs of individual participants. Therefore, any partici- by the Training Benefit participant must live at least 100 miles from the near- pant who feels that a decision made by the School is Mandatory Training: est training facility. inappropriate for their circumstances should contact the School and explain their situation. The School’s mis- Training that is required for all mariners under either 2. The Training Fund will provide round trip airfare sion is to facilitate the training process, not to impede Domestic or International regulations. In addition, man- from the major airport nearest to the participant’s mail- it. The School will do everything in its power to reach datory training includes all training that is specified in ing address to the training facility. This will be based a mutually acceptable compromise with all participants. any of the existing Sailors’ Union of the Pacific collective on a 21-day advance purchase, coach fare. bargaining agreements. Presently, the list of mandatory 3. The Training Fund will provide van or shuttle trans- However, participants need to keep in mind that the training recognized by the Andrew Furuseth School of portation at the destination to take the Plan participant School may not be able to meet unreasonable requests Seamanship includes but is not limited to the following: to and from his or her hotel on arrival and departure. for exceptions to the present training guidelines. 1. STCW 95 Basic Training 4. The Training Fund will not cover any additional Points of Contact a. Basic or Advanced Fire Fighting; b. Basic First costs resulting from the action or inaction of the par- 1. Training Approval, Information and Advice: Jack Aid; c. Personal Survival; d. Personal Safety and So- ticipant. All additional costs are to be borne by the Mannering, Director, Andrew Furuseth School of Sea- cial Responsibility participant. manship, 450 Harrison St., San Francisco, CA 94105. 2. LMSR Vessel Training (Military Sealift Com- 5. A participant may make his or her own travel ar- Tel: (415) 640-3525 Fax: (925) 674-1011; E-mail: mand (MSC) Training) rangements. However, the Training Fund will only re- [email protected] a. CBRD; b. Basic Damage Control; c. T-AKR Ves- imburse the participant up to the amount the Andrew 2. Scheduling, Logistical Details and Reimburse- sel Familiarization; d. Anti-Terrorist Briefing; e. Basic Furuseth School of Seamanship would have spent mak- ments: SUP Welfare Plan, 450 Harrison St., San Fran- Forklift Operations; f. Basic Explosive Materials Han- ing the arrangements. cisco, CA 94105 Attention: Rich Reed Tel: (415) 778- dling; g. Fast Rescue Boat Training; h. Underway Re- Funding Provided for Lodging 5490 Fax: (415) 778-5494 plenishment Familiarization 1. Lodging will only be provided if a Plan participant These guidelines have been approved by the Sailors’ Discretionary Training: lives at least 100 miles from the nearest training facility. Union of the Pacific Welfare Plan Board of Trustees. This includes any training that is not required by ei- 2. The Training Fund will only cover the cost of the ther Domestic or International regulations. In general, room. All additional charges of any kind are the re- Page 10 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, October 20, 2000 SUP President's Report

October 10, 2000 interests in this case, the AMO by its Motion is at- Wage Increases: At the second (2002), third (2003) tempting to prod Judge Bryant to make a decision. and fourth (2004) anniversary date of the awarding of On October 2, the SUP and MM&P submitted “points the RRF contract to Patriot, there shall be a three per- SUP/MFOW and authorities” to the Court in opposition to the AMO cent (3%) increase in total labor cost of ROS and FOS EAST COAST OFFICE Motion. The Unions told the Court that both organiza- to be apportioned as determined by the Company and tions have expended considerable sums, in training re- the Union(s). lated activities required by the LMSR contract and that The membership should note that the RRF agree- Since the award of 11 LMSR vessels to American AMO’s representation that its members will lose jobs Ship Management’s Patriot Contract Services last year, ment was formulated jointly by the SUP, MFOW, SIU- is disingenuous as those jobs were lost when the con- A&G and NMU to remove wage competition between there have been ongoing discussions between the SUP tract was awarded to Patriot last year. and MFOW as to the advisability of establishing an the Unions as a factor in the bidding process. Although Will keep the membership fully informed on this office on the East Coast to service those vessels. Up to total unlicensed costs (and licensed) are the same for important case. this point, Patriot has only been operating two LMSRs, all 74 vessels in the RRF, each Union has allocated USNS Fisher and USNS Seay. Both are currently Legal costs associated with protecting our rights in those costs differently. By mutual agreement the SUP homeported in Baltimore. the LMSRs are currently over $35,000 and are being and MFOW cost structure is the same. split evenly between the SUP and MM&P. However, beginning in early November, Patriot will The new RRF agreement is a significant improve- commence operating four more LMSRs which will be (See article on page 1 for an update.) ment over the last agreement which dates back to 1992. berthed in Norfolk, Virginia. The downside is that Patriot will only be managing six vessels (Cape Breton, Cape Bover, Cape Blanco, Cape MFOW President Whitey Disley and your secretary READY RESERVE FLEET Borda, Cape Gibson and Cape Girardeau) instead of have come to the conclusion that establishing an office the 12 previously managed. The Cape Intrepid, Cape in Norfolk is both timely and necessary to not only On October 2, the Union was notified by American Island, Cape Isabel and Cape Inscription are due to be provide service to the crews but to provide a recruit- Ship Management/Patriot Contract Services that the turned-over to other operators by the end of October. ment office for East Coast mariners that want to work Maritime Administration implemented the awards to After the Unions were notified that the awards were in these vessels and join the SUP and MFOW. Norfolk companies to operate vessels in the Ready Reserve Fleet. appears to be the right place to open an office given the being implemented, MFOW President Whitey Disley This action comes in the wake of the General Account- wrote to Patriot on October 5, on behalf of the MFOW proximity of the ships and the pool of former military ing Office’s recent decision to reject the protests filed personnel who have the training necessary to work in and SUP to inquire as to whether the new wage and by various companies after the awards were issued by fringe benefits would be retroactive to May 3. Although, government vessels. In addition, the Masters, Mates & MarAd on May 3. Pilots have offered the Union office space in their Nor- as of this date, we haven’t received a response from the As the membership will recall, a Memorandum of Un- folk hall at a reasonable cost ($300 per month). company, it is assumed that retroactivity will be contin- derstanding between the SUP, MFOW and SIU-A&G gent upon whether Patriot receives retroactive funds Therefore, in accordance with Article X and Article Marine Cooks (which comprise the SIU Pacific District) from MarAd. XIV, Section 2(j) of the SUP Constitution, recommend and Patriot was signed on January 14, 2000, and subse- that the SUP, in conjunction with the MFOW, establish quently ratified at the February coastwise meetings and an office in Norfolk effective November 1, 2000, on a printed in the February issue of the West Coast Sailors. FOSS MARITIME COMPANY trial basis. For those who missed that issue, the wage and fringe Further recommend that Brother Jack Stasko #7430 benefit rates effective October 1, 2000, are as follows: As reported last month in accordance with Article be appointed as Union representative to maintain the Term of Agreement: Five (5) years: May 3, 2000 XVII, Section 5, of the SUP Constitution, a rank-and- Norfolk office to handle contract vessels on the East through May 3, 2005 file Negotiating Committee will be elected at today’s and Gulf Coasts. Brother Stasko has been a member of meeting to bargain a new collective bargaining agree- Reduced Operating Status (ROS) the SUP since 1963, has sailed in all types of vessels in ment with Foss Maritime Company. Wages every unlicensed deck department rating. Brother Stasko The current agreement expires on November 30. All lives in the Norfolk area and has the skills and enthusi- Rating Daily Wage members employed by Foss are urged to submit bar- asm necessary for this type of work. If the members Deck Maintenance, A.B. $115.34 gaining proposals to Headquarters. concur with these recommendations, Brother Stasko will Maintenance O.S., General receive SUP Business Agent’s wages and benefits (va- Vessel Utility $85.04 cation, medical, pension credits, etc.). 70½ “MANDATORY PENSIONERS” These wages are paid seven (7) days per week, although MFOW President Disley has tentatively agreed to the actual work week is five (5) days a week, Monday share costs on a 60%-SUP/40%-MFOW basis and re- At the SIU-Pacific Pension Plan meeting on Septem- through Friday. ceived MFOW membership approval this month to work ber 18, there was considerable discussion on the so- out the details on this service arrangement. Fringe Benefits called “final retirement date” definition for “manda- If approved, the SUP/MFOW office will be located • SIU-PD Pension tory pensioners.” This discussion has been ongoing at 1058 West 39th Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23508 and • Vacation pay: One-and-a-half (1½) days for each through several Trustee meetings. will have the capability to register and ship SUP and 30 days on the payroll Before 1990, Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue

MFOW members and sign up new registrants. • Sick Leave: One (1) day for each 30 days on the Code mandated that a participant who was over age 70½ It must be noted that the Norfolk office will not be a payroll start drawing his pension by April 1 following the year in which he “retired.” The law did not spell out when a branch as defined in Section X of the SUP Constitution. • SUP Money Purchase Pension Plan $13 per day (all Recommend membership approval. ratings) participant was considered “retired.” Starting in 1990, the law was changed to add a new requirement: namely • SUP Welfare Plan: $34.51 per day that a participant start drawing his pension by April 1 LAWSUIT: AMO v. MSC • Training: $5.00 per day following the year in which he turned age 70½ even if he • JEC (hiring hall): $2.00 per day had not “retired” but was still working (his “required As the membership will recall (see the April issue of • A daily meal allowance in accordance with the beginning date”). Participants drawing pension because the West Coast Sailors), on April 6, Judge William B. government’s Joint Travel Regulation rate for the of this in-service distribution rule were called mandatory Bryant of the United States District Court for the Dis- city in which the vessel is berthed any day in which pensioners. The Small Business Jobs Protection Act of trict of Columbia, heard oral arguments on the Ameri- the Company has not provided meals. 1996 eliminated the age 70½ mandatory in-service distri- can Maritime Officers’ (AMO) motions to void the award The fringe benefits are paid seven (7) days a week. bution rule effective January 1, 1997. However, the law made to Patriot Contract Services to operate 11 Large Full Operating Status (FOS) maintained the pre-1990 requirement that a participant who has “retired” must start drawing his pension by April 1 Medium Speed Roll-On/Roll-Off (LMSR) vessels for Wages the Military Sealift Command (MSC). of the following year. Overtime As of this date, Judge Bryant has not ruled on this matter. In August 1999, the 20th Amendment to the SIU-PD Rating Monthly Daily Rate However, on September 19, the AMO filed a Motion Pension Plan Agreement was adopted and approved by Bosun $3,605.40 $120.18 $25.36 with the Court stating that MSC has accelerated the the IRS. It defines a participant receiving a mandatory schedule for turning the LMSRs over to Patriot and that Deck Maint., pension as “retired” if he works less than 62 mandays the Court should be aware that AMO members will A.B. $2,698.50 $89.95 $21.64 in any 12-month period. The SIU Pacific District Unions face a job loss. O.S. $1,987.80 $66.26 $15.94 (SUP, MFOW, SIU-A&G Marine Cooks) have a small group of participants collecting a mandatory pension The LMSRs in question: USNS Shugart, USNS Gor- Fringe Benefits who continue to work in covered employment. The Plan don, USNS Yano, USNS Gilliland are scheduled to be • Supplemental Benefits (Vacation): Fifteen (15) days Office has received complaints from some of them who delivered to Patriot in Norfolk beginning in early No- per month do not wish to be considered “retired.” vember. These vessels are currently operated by Bay • SUP Money Purchase Pension Plan: $13 per day Ship Management with AMO and SIU-A&G crews. The legal counsel for the Plan are recommending that (all ratings) this definition should be retained in order not to jeopar- According to Frank Costello of the Washington, D.C. • Contributions for Welfare, Training, Hiring Hall, dize the tax qualified status of the Plan. However, they law firm of Zuckert, Scoutt & Rasenberger retained by are the same as ROS. are also recommending converting the qualification pe- the SUP and Masters, Mates & Pilots to defend our riod from a rolling 12-month period to a calendar year Friday, October 20, 2000 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 11

SUP President's Report cont'd.

We are hopeful that with the establishment of an SUP/ ton Branch Agent, filed unfair labor practice charges and propose the Plan be amended so that a participant MFOW office in Norfolk, we will be able to attract with the National Labor Relations Board in Los Ange- who is over 70½ will be deemed to have “retired” at the mariners who live in the area where these vessels are les against the Sailors’ Union. end of the first calendar year is which he works fewer homeported and that have some or all of the MSC-re- than 62 mandays in covered employment. His “final re- Burgess alleges that the Union has processed charges quired training. tirement date” would be January 1, of the following year. against him in an arbitrary and capricious manner be- cause of Burgess’ alleged Union dissident activity and Once a participant is considered “retired,” he quali- his internal union political activity. fies for a recalculation of his pension to reflect all of his STCW ’95 TRAINING years of qualifying time and the current level of ben- Apparently, Burgess is responding to the charges filed against him and the Trial committee’s report. efits in effect on his “final retirement date.” There is no In accordance with international conventions, all offset for the value of the benefits he has already re- mariners worldwide must have an STCW (Standards of The Union emphatically denies these charges and has ceived under the mandatory pensioner rules of the Plan. Training, Certification & Watchkeeping) ’95 certificate referred the matter to legal counsel. Participants over 70½ who want to maintain their by February 1, 2002 in order to sail. “active” status for pension purposes would be well ad- A schedule of STCW ’95 training for 2000 was pub- QUARTERLY FINANCE vised to work at least 62 days per calendar year. The lished in last month’s West Coast Sailors and will be COMMITTEE question of how to address individuals who may have published in the October issue. fallen below that threshold during the transition period Applications to attend STCW ’95 classes at the SUP/ In accordance with Article XVII, Section 2 of the after the 1996 legislation (1997-2000), is still under Training Resources Ltd. site in San Diego are available SUP Constitution, a Quarterly Finance Committee shall Trustee discussion. at every SUP hall, the Andrew Furuseth School of Sea- be elected at today’s Headquarters meeting to review The Union Trustees of the Plan deferred action on manship and the SUP Welfare Plan. the finances of the Union for the third quarter of 2000, this proposed amendment until it could be discussed The cost of the tuition, transportation, lodging and with the MFOW legal counsel. and report back to the membership at the November subsistence for this five-day program are borne by the coastwise meetings. In the event the Committee cannot SUP Welfare Plan’s Training Fund. be filled today, recommend that when the quarterly audit LMSR TRAINING of the Unions funds is completed, which will be in SUP CONSTITUTION BOOKS about three weeks, necessary committee members be Due to the holidays in November and December, the shipped off the hiring hall deck as per past practice. next training class for those interested in working in the A new edition of the SUP Constitution and By-Laws The Quarterly Finance Committee will meet at Head- LMSRs is scheduled for January 9, 2001, at the SUP/ has been printed and is available to all members at SUP quarters at 9:00 A.M. on November 10. Training Resources Ltd. site in San Diego. halls. The Constitution booklet incorporates amend- No one can be shipped to the LMSRs without taking ments approved by the membership by secret mail-bal- ACTION TAKEN the Military Sealift Command training which is pro- lot referenda in 1994, 1996, 1998 and 2000. vided by the SUP’s Andrew Furuseth School of Sea- manship in conjunction with Training Resources Ltd. M/S to accept the recommendation to establish an ASM AGREEMENT BOOKS East Coast office and to appoint Brother Jack Stasko as Applications to attend training classes are available SUP/MFOW representative. at every SUP hall, the Andrew Furuseth School of Sea- manship, and the SUP Welfare Plan. The final proofs of the collective bargaining agree- Foss Maritime Negotiating Committee: Mel Jackson, Mike Scotto, Tom Tynan, Mike Worth, Paul Wuestewald, The membership is again reminded that only those mem- ments with American Ship Management are expected Tom Faraola (Alternate) and Eric Partika (Alternate). ber who are interested in and committed to working in from the printer this week. Anticipate that the agree- these vessels now or in the future should sign-up for the ment books will be ready for distribution some time Quarterly Finance Committee: Paul Fuentes, Terry training as it is expensive. Members are also advised that next month. O’Neill, Art Thanash, Charlie Mohun, Tom Tynan and the MSC-required physical examination is more rigorous Mike Bailey (Alternate). than the usual annual physical for the commercial fleet. If WAYNE BURGESS FILES M/S to accept the balance of the President’s report. Carried unanimously. a member has doubts about passing such a physical, he or NLRB CHARGE she should not take the training. Gunnar Lundeberg However, those interested in working these ships, gain- ing seatime and seniority, should sign-up for the training. On October 5, Wayne Burgess, suspended Wilming-

Hawaii State AFL-CIO Endorsements U.S. President: Al Gore U.S. Senate: Daniel K. Akaka Congressional District 1: Neil Abercrombie Congressional District 2: Patsy Mink

13th: House - Ezra Kanoho 39th: House - Charlotte L. Nekota 14th: House - Bertha Kawakami 40th: House - Marcus R. Oshiro 15th: Senate - Donna Mercado Kim 41st: House - Willie C. Espero House - Greg Knudsen 42nd: House - Maeda C. Timson 18th: House - Calvin K.Y. Say 43rd: House - Michael P. Kahikina 19th: House - Open 20th: Senate - Brian M. Kanno House - Scott K. Saiki 21st: House - Open 22nd: House - Terry Nui Yoshinaga 24th: Senate - Soloman D.K. Nalua’i House - Brian Schatz 25th: Senate - Leona Mapuana Kalima Sen. Daniel K. Akaka House - Kenneth T. Hiraki 26th: House - Sylvia J. Luke Rep. Patsy Mink 2nd: Senate - David Matsuura 27th: House - Lei Ahu Isa 3rd: Senate - Andrew Levin 28th: House - Dennis A. Arakaki 4th: House - Open 29th: House - Jun Abinsay 44th: House - Merwyn Seichi Jones 5th: House - Open 30th: House - Ben Cabreros 45th: House - Michael Magaoay 8th: Senate - Marsha Joyner 32nd: House - Eddie V. Aguinaldo 46th: House - George Okuda 9th: Senate - Matt Matsunaga 34th: House - Kyle M. Takai 47th: House - Iris K.I. Catalani 48th: House - Ken Ito 11th: Senate - Brian T. Taniguchi 35th: House - Open Rep. Neil Abercrombie 12th: Senate - Carol Fukunaga 36th: House - Roy M. Takumi 50th: House - Ikaika Hussey House - Hermina Morita 38th: House - Marilyn B. Lee 51st: House - Kenny Goodenow Page 12 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, October 20, 2000 SUP Branch Reports Seattle Wilmington Honolulu September 18, 2000 September 18, 2000 September 18, 2000

Shipped the following during the period: 4 Bosuns, 4 Shipped for the period 2 bosuns, 2 ABs, 2 AB maint. Shipped during the month of August: 1 bosun, 1 bo- AB jobs, 1 AB relief, and 19 standbys for a total of 28 and 88 standbys, for a total of 112 jobs shipped. sun relief, 5 ABs, 4 AB maint., 1 B relief, 3 AB re- jobs. The regular jobs were taken by 7 A cards and 2 C Registration stands at: 45 A cards, 25 B cards, 2 C turns, 1 OS. These jobs were filled by 7 A members, 6 cards. The standby jobs were filled by 9 B cards and 10 cards, and 7 D cards. B members, 1 C member and 2 D registrants. Also C cards. Ships Checked shipped 22 standby jobs filled by 1 A member, 7 B members, 12 C members and 2 D registrants. A total of Registration for the period: 17 A cards for a total of Matsonia and Lihue. 38 jobs were dispatched in August. 43; 6 B cards for a total of 24; and 13 C cards for a I relieved Wayne Burgess on September 12, 2000. I total of 33. Registered the following in August: 9 A members, 6 found the records for the Branch in disarray. No ship- B members, 4 C members, and 1 D registrant. To date Ships checked ping records were kept, no records of previous branch we have 13 A members, 6 B members, 6 C members, APL Singapore, APL Korea, APL Philippines, all meetings and no record of shipping information was and 9 D registrants, for a total of 34 registered. okay. APL Thailand collected two hours overtime for kept for the Welfare Plan. Ships Checked indoctrination tour held at 0300. Kauai and R.J. Pfeiffer President Gunnar Lundeberg attended the Wilming- Maui, Lurline, Chief Gadao, Chevron Washington, running smoothly. Ewa, crew reports budget constraints ton Branch meeting today. The meeting was held at 11:30 R.J. Pfeiffer, Matsonia, Lihue, Kauai, all with few or from company office. Whoever is calling the shots in A.M. President Lundeberg was well received by the no problems. this matter should recognize that during fair weather membership of the Wilmington Branch office. Presi- On August 10, attended the Hawaii Cabotage Task Force months you get all the work done that you can as North- dent Lundeberg read his monthly report and answered meeting where Senator Daniel Inouye spoke on the im- west winters on the coast shuttle allow for little else. questions from the membership. portance of the Jones Act. On August 23, attended the Along with Norm Christianson and Mike Dirksen at- Trial Committees report regarding Wayne Burgess. Honolulu Port council meeting. Have also attended vari- tended the Washington State Labor Council Constitu- 33 Yes (to concur with the report); 2 No (to non-concur ous political functions and want to remind our members tional Convention. I was also in attendance at the Puget with the report) and 2 abstentions. to register and vote in this important election year. Sound Maritime Trade meetings and the King County William Berger Mike Duvall Labor council meetings. Mike Dirksen was elected at Branch Agent this months Branch meting as a delegate to the King Branch Agent County Labor Council and Kevin Conroy was appointed as alternate. Tony Jones and Robin Colonas hold the other two delegate slots. Coastwise vote on Trial Committee's report completed Concur with the Committee/Non-concur/Abstain We have had good rank and file participation on the Wayne Burgess removed from office various labor friendly political campaigns. If you're on Wilmington 32 2 2 the beach and want to help, call your union hall or local Headquarters 51 2 2 labor council and they will tell you where to go. In accordance with Article XVIII, Section 6 of the Seattle 16 0 0 SUP Constitution, the Trial Committee's report and Vince O'Halloran Honolulu 29 0 0 recommendations on charges brought against Wilming- Total 128 4 4 Branch Agent ton Branch Agent Wayne Burgess, were voted on a coast- wise basis at the September Wilmington Branch Meet- Based on the vote to concur with the Trial Committee's report and recommendations, Wayne Burgess was removed ing, and the October Headquarters, Seattle Branch and from “any and all elected offices (Wilmington Branch Honolulu Branch meetings. Agent and SUP Building Corp-Trustee) of the Sailors’ The results of that vote is as follows: Union of the Pacific,” effective October 17, 2000. San Francisco Business Agent

Hawaii for another load of sugar. Specula- Yantian was good and payable. Some clari- America - Robin Colonas, delegate: Big October 10, 2000 tion is that she will take a load of rice to fications on re-starting the 401(k) when you turnover on this shuttle ship. Latest is she Vietnam for her next cargo. have been off for a while and you wish to will change her run to call one extra port in Chief Gadao - Ian McLeod, delegate; R.J. Pfeiffer - Tommy James, delegate; continue your contribution only the basic Northern Europe, and return to New York Frank Portanier, bosun: In good shape. Ted Cahill is the new relief bosun. information is necessary: a copy of the for the next pay-off. 401(k) form with the top half filled out and Ewa - Ralph Shioshita, delegate, Gerald Chevron Arizona - Jura, delegate: In con- USNS Fisher - Mike Binsky, delegate. turned in to the Master should do the job. Marshall, bosun: Made her in Oakland as tact via E-mail. Happy campers on board. Minor clarifications. she came off the coastwise run. Word from President Grant - Tio Rojas, delegate: Chevron Colorado - Thomas Hobbs, Bill Henneberry Honolulu agent Mike Duvall is that she is delegate. Routine visit at RLW. Plenty of clarifications, but still trying to in good shape with the gang enjoying the get the bottled drinking water situation Chevron Mississippi - In at Richmond change of pace. sorted out on these J-10 type vessels. The Long Wharf after a trip to Hawaii. Dave company is trying to pass a general increase Dispatcher's Kauai - John Kerlin, delegate: In good McKeithon, delegate. shape. Mike Dirksen was filling in for Sid in food costs on to the crew; we will con- Chevron Washington - Gabe Sipin, del- Report ldris for the day. The vessel is extremely tinue to insist upon adequate supplies of egate, with Dennis Sabagquit set to relieve Hdqtrs. Sept. 2000 well maintained, reflecting both the bottled drinking water for all hands, at least him shortly. company’s commitment to maintenance, until we get the results of the tests done by and the hard work and sweat of the sailors. Foss Maritime - Tom Tynan, delegate: Ne- the water chemists. Deck gotiations begin in November, so we will elect Lihue - Keith Kamana, delegate: Bill President Jackson - Keith Miller, del- Bosun...... 5 a committee of Foss workers this month who Berry back as serang. This is a top ship, egate; Billy Mitchell, bosun. Dave Connolly Carpenter ...... 0 have the commitment to stick with the very except for not enough time in Oakland. made this one while I was on vacation. MM ...... 2 demanding job of hammering out a new agree- Clarifications on watch rotation, continu- AB ...... 20 Mahimahi - Chris Bright, delegate: Dave ment. All hands are on notice that sugges- OS ...... 3 Connolly made this ship while I was on ous overtime, and retained man payment. tions for contract changes must be in writing Crackerjack sailors here. Standby ...... 29 vacation. Many good suggestions for bar- and may be submitted either to Tom Tynan, Total Deck Jobs Shipped ...... 59 President Kennedy - John Gabourel fin- gaining and benefit improvement. Lots of or Headquarters directly. Total Deck B, C, D Shipped ...... 14 interest in the 401(k) plan. This is some- ished up his time and turned over the sheets San Francisco Bar Pilots - Roy Tufono, Engine/Steward thing all hands need to be doing: putting a to Ray Morgan. Problem with the gang get- delegate; Leo Moore, bosun: No problems. QMED ...... 0 little something away for the rainy day. ting any time ashore, particularly in the Ready Reserve Fleet - Danny Foster del- Pumpman...... 2 Manoa - Takeshi Masukawa, delegate: U.S. ports. egate: All in good order. The excitement in Oiler ...... 0 All new gang on this very good ship. President Polk - Frank Rosales, delegate: Wiper...... 0 these ships is that after the long court battles, Up from Los Angeles with no problems. Matsonia - Joe Amey took his trip off things have come to a conclusion. The terms Steward...... 0 President Truman - Lou Frazier, del- and the new delegate is Jon Justice. Tony and conditions of the contract negotiated Cook ...... 0 egate: Routine. Huertas managed to embarrass all of us by some time ago (including substantial im- Messman ...... 0 Total E&S Jobs Shipped...... 2 leaving his room filthy. Latest on this ves- provements in both wages and benefits) will President Wilson - Roger Berioso turned Total E&S B, C, D Shipped...... 1 sel is she will require extensive boiler work finally become operative this month. over the sheets to Bill Whoriskey. Matt and be out of service for six weeks. Russo will finish up his time in Wilming- Total Jobs Shipped - All Depts...... 61 ASM, Shore Gang - Norman Kwak, del- ton on this trip. Spoke with the master con- Total B, C, D Shipped-All Depts. ... 15 Mokihana - Ivar Thorbjornsen, delegate: egate: Routine. Routine call. cerning the water situation, and he agreed Total Registered “A” ...... 86 President Adams - John Makaiwi, fin- to order additional supplies for delivery in Total Registered “B” ...... 90 Moku Pahu - Greg Schauf, delegate: In ished up his time and turned the sheets over Total Registered “C” ...... 9 at Crockett to discharge, then return to Guam as it was Sunday and there was no to John Fernandez. Delayed sailing in chance to square the situation. Total Registered “D” ...... 9