The Official Publication of the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union, Affiliated with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, AFL-CIO.

Volume 22, Number 1 January-March 2019 The Also available online at www.seatu.org ENTERTAINER SERVICE • HOSPITALITY • GAMING MTD Winter Meeting Demonstrates Solidarity When he opened the winter meeting of the Maritime ment, and the results have been very positive…. I think Trades Department (MTD) executive board, Michael we’re headed in the right direction.” Sacco emphasized two ongoing struggles of paramount He then focused on a relatively new, well-funded importance to working families. campaign aimed at repealing the Jones Act – a law that’s Sacco is president of both SEATU and the MTD – vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. the latter a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO. The misguided attacks are “nothing new, even though The MTD is composed of 21 international unions and 21 they will be on a larger scale. We’re fighting this battle port maritime councils in the United States and Canada every day,” he said. representing nearly 5 million working men and women. Sacco wrapped up his opening remarks with a quick The board met Feb. 21-22 in Orlando, Florida. reflection on the recent government shutdown. “During “One of the most positive stories for the MTD and that time, our affiliates and port councils really stepped the entire labor movement, I believe, is how we’ve re- up to support the people who were out of work and those sponded to last summer’s Supreme Court ruling in Janus who were forced to work without a paycheck,” he re- vs. AFSCME,” Sacco said to the board members and called. “We collected gift cards and food donations coast guests. “This was supposed to be the beginning of the to coast and in Hawaii. We rallied in the streets and we end for unions. But as one national columnist recently marched at airports and elsewhere to stand up for the put it: ‘So much for the labor movement’s funeral.’” rank-and-file worker, no matter if they were union mem- He pointed out that large unions including the Ameri- bers or not. can Federation of Teachers and the American Federation “There is no doubt that our collective actions and of State, County and Municipal Employees have gained those of the affected workers themselves ended the shut- members since the ruling, which allows for free riders. down,” he continued. “We showed our strength, but we “The Janus ruling is still a farce, and nobody is pre- also showed solidarity and compassion for our fellow tending it’s good news for labor,” Sacco continued. “But man. That’s what the labor movement is all about. That’s you know what? I think it shook us out of the doldrums what the MTD is all about. And that’s why I know we’ll in a lot of ways. It made us re-educate people about why always have a bright future as long as we’re willing to SEATU President Michael Sacco unions are so important. It made us ramp up our engage- stand together and work for it.” AFL-CIO’s Shuler Speaks on the Future of Work One of the top officials from the AFL-CIO encour- “But you didn’t stop there,” she added. “Of course, aged the MTD executive board to examine key aspects U.S.-flag ships with Seafarer crews worked with our of evolving workplace technology while not losing sight friends at the AFT to provide more than 100,000 water of the power of solidarity. filters to the people of Puerto Rico. That was well after AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler opened her the storm, and of course you delivered more than 15,000 speech Feb. 21 by thanking MTD President Michael books to the schoolchildren in the Virgin Islands, all Sacco for his leadership. She then spoke about the im- while fending off attacks on the Jones Act. We all know, portant tasks that the MTD and its affiliates handle, ref- during disasters, that’s when they come attacking bed- erencing the session’s prior speakers. rock labor protections. We’ve seen it before, and I’m Shuler said, “The work that you do is truly leading sure we’ll see it again.” our labor movement, and as I watch the presentations Shuler pointed out that public opinion of unions is and the slide shows and all of the cataloguing of the at a 20-year high, with 62 percent of Americans saying work that goes on in this country. You make this coun- they back organized labor, according to a recent Gallup try run. I think it’s a little-known secret, and sometimes poll. we don’t get to recognize and appreciate the work that Additionally, she provided data on union training, you do enough.” and used the SEATU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for She then spoke on the future of work, and preparing Maritime Training and Education as an example, say- for the future of labor in America: “Work is changing ... ing, “The labor movement is the second-largest provider and we need to think about how our unions are going to of training in this country, behind the U.S. military.... change with it. How are we going to modernize? How We’re the ones training and upgrading people’s skills are we going to grow?” to get them into better jobs. And every time I go to the Shuler detailed several steps the federation is taking Paul Hall Center out in Piney Point, Maryland, I am re- to incorporate cutting-edge technology for the better- minded of this. And I marvel the technology you use ment of workers. She said the labor movement supports and the programs you have. More than 70 U.S. Coast efficiency and advancement, but also stands up for the Guard-approved courses, more than 17,000 apprentices roles of working families moving forward. trained, more than 135,000 skills upgrades and more The secretary-treasurer then described recent worker AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler than 2,000 high school diplomas. That deserves a round actions by teachers and hotel workers, respectively. The of applause!” successful strikes serve as reminders that collective ac- Rico and the Virgin Islands, your members were load- She concluded, “Our role in creating the highly tion is effective. ing and unloading U.S.-flagged and -crewed ships and skilled, best-trained workforce in this country is the key “Even though there’s this narrative in our country barges to help the islands prepare for the storms. That to the future of the labor movement. I say that because around rugged individualism and people pulling them- was before they hit. And then after the storms, you we have our apprenticeship programs, we have our job selves up by the bootstraps, yes, that is part of our cul- came through again, working with Jones Act, union- training programs. When those programs grow, and we ture as Americans,” she continued. “But we also know contracted companies to deliver and offload more than get more workers in, the labor movement grows with that we are stronger together. And no one knows this 40,000 containers full of equipment to help restore the it, and employers are supplied with the highest-caliber better than the labor movement. It’s what we stand for, islands’ power and water and infrastructure and public workers that labor can offer.” especially the maritime trades unions.” services, not to mention life-saving supplies. Thank you. She also credited the MTD and its affiliates and port councils for their hurricane relief efforts that began in 2017. “When Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and What’s Inside Maria hit, you sprang into action,” Shuler recalled. - President’s Column - Class Photos - SEATU Convention Call “And it can’t be said enough, the contribution that you made, because even before the storms hit Puerto Page 2 Pages 4-5 Page 6 AFL-CIO Executive Council Statement on Equal Pay President’s Column The following statement was When women endure pay new mothers and fathers, and issued by the AFL-CIO Execu- discrimination, entire families people with serious personal or tive Council on March 14. SEATU suffer. More children remain family health issues, through a The Power of Union Solidarity President Michael Sacco is the lon- stuck in poverty, especially social insurance fund that would Both during the recent government shutdown and gest-serving vice president of that children of single mothers. As provide up to 12 weeks of par- throughout the teachers’ strikes in numerous states across executive council. of 2016, mothers are breadwin- tial income replacement during the nation, union members showed the enduring power of ners in half of the families with their absence from work. The collective action and solidarity. Grassroots mobilization, Guarantee Equal Pay for children younger than 18. This bill would pay up to 66 percent standing up for the truth, and having each other’s backs led Women and Paid Family and includes half of white mothers, of the average monthly wage of to positive outcomes. Medical Leave for All 53 percent of Latina mothers, workers who need to take time Community outreach across the country also proved 81 percent of African Ameri- off for their own serious health very uplifting, and unions were very Americans are working can mothers and 44 percent of condition, childbirth or adoption harder and longer than ever, but Asian/Pacific Islander mothers. of a child, or the serious illness involved in those efforts as well. wages remain too low for mil- Both the successful strikes and the Closing the wage gap is ur- of a child, parent, spouse or do- lions of families to make ends gently needed. mestic partner. rank-and-file pressure that led to meet. The lack of basic labor The bipartisan Paycheck ending the shutdown underscored Six states and the District protections makes it nearly im- Fairness Act (S. 270/H.R. 7) of Columbia have passed paid that when we stick together, we possible for many workers to would update the Equal Pay family and medical leave insur- win together, as AFL-CIO Presi- balance the demands of job and Act of 1963 to close loopholes ance laws. It is time for the fed- dent Rich Trumka often puts it. family. and break harmful patterns of eral government to follow suit. That’s a good lesson to remember More than 50 years after pas- pay discrimination, requiring The AFL-CIO continues to as we move forward in protect- sage of the Equal Pay Act of employers to report pay data to support the FAMILY Act and ing workers’ rights and reminding 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Michael Sacco the EEOC and prohibiting them encourages the measure’s spon- folks about the power of collective Rights Act of 1964, economic from retaliating against women sors to strengthen its oversight action. discrimination based on gen- who discuss their pay with co- and enforcement provisions by Productive Dialogue der remains. Similarly, Con- workers. While belonging to a examining the pressure it would One of our union’s most important affiliations is with gress voted in 1993 to provide a union is still the surest way to place on the Social Security the AFL-CIO, where I am the longest-serving member first step toward helping work- guarantee equal pay on the job, Administration, and perhaps of the executive council, other than federation President ers balance work and family with unionized women making consider another administering Trumka. through the (unpaid) Family and approximately 27 percent more agency. Additionally, we advo- Medical Leave Act. However, than their nonunion counter- Late last year, the council adopted a statement titled, millions of working people can- cate expanding coverage to pro- “Solidarity Pledge for America.” The resolution reads in parts, the Paycheck Fairness Act vide family and medical leave not afford to utilize this benefit. would provide new and impor- part, “Political extremism has become the norm in Amer- The Equal Pay Act of 1963 benefits to public employees at ica. Constant conflict is cheered and polarizing ideas are re- tant tools to close the wage gap. the local, state and federal lev- was passed to abolish wage dis- However, equal pay by itself inforced, while conscience-driven compromise is dismissed parities based on gender, but els. as weakness. Defamatory mistruths and repugnant rhetoric will not help families weather The AFL-CIO Executive women still are paid less than the economic disruption that are hurled from every direction and echoed across social men in nearly every occupation, Council recognizes that pay eq- comes from serious personal or uity and paid family and medi- media. We simply don’t listen to each other…. This com- even when controlling for edu- family health issues. Today, just plete and utter breakdown of civil discourse in America is a cation and experience. Women cal leave would directly and 17 percent of the workforce has significantly improve the lives threat to our very democracy, and it must stop.” working full time are paid only paid family leave through their While that’s an unpleasant paragraph, it reflects the 80 cents for every dollar paid of all working families. That is employer, and less than half why we urge the 116th Congress disturbing reality of our times. But as we in the executive to men, and the gap is even are eligible for personal medi- council went on to say, the labor movement has a special more pronounced for women of to enact the Paycheck Fairness color. For every dollar paid to cal leave through an employer- Act and the FAMILY Act. We responsibility to challenge and reject the current state of provided short-term disability will mobilize our members to affairs. Our movement was created more than 130 years white non-Hispanic men, Afri- can American women are paid program. Working families lose act on this important legislation ago by a small group of workers looking to initiate change an estimated $20.6 billion in using the resources of the feder- at work and more broadly in society. Throughout our long only 61 cents, Native American women 58 cents and Latinas 53 wages each year because they ation, affiliate unions, state fed- history, we’ve used our position as America’s diverse co- cents. Asian/Pacific Islander lack access to family and medi- erations, central labor councils, alition of working families to beat back attempts to divide women earn 85 cents for every cal leave. and constituency groups and and destroy us. dollar paid to white, non-His- The Family and Medical In- work closely with the Coalition Our statement was about more than just being polite panic men, although some eth- surance Leave (FAMILY) Act of Labor Union Women to make even when we disagree, but that’s not a bad place to start, nic subgroups of Asian women (S. 463/H.R. 1185) would cre- these bills the law of the land. whether you’re at work or at the hall or, yes, on social fare much worse. ate a national program to help media. Take a deep breath, stick to facts, and stand up for what you believe in. Call for Convention As you’ll see inside this issue of The Entertainer, it’s SEATU Directory time to start preparing for our triennial convention. If you are a member in good standing, or you know a fellow HEADQUARTERS JACKSONVILLE NORFOLK member who would be an excellent representative of the 5201 Auth Way 5100 Belfort Rd. 115 Third St. union, we encourage you to submit a delegate nomination. Camp Springs, MD 20746 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Check the schedule for your area, and make sure to bring (301) 899-0675 (904) 281-2622 your proof of eligibility. As in past years, the union will OAKLAND cover all the expenses of your travel to the convention, ALGONAC JOLIET 10 East Clinton St. 1121 7th St. which is being held this year at our union-affiliated training 520 St. Clair River Dr. Oakland, CA 94607 school in Piney Point, Maryland. Algonac, MI 48001 Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 (510) 444-2360 Conducting a convention every three years is important (810) 794-4988 – and not just because it’s required in our union’s constitu- KANSAS CITY PHILADELPHIA tion. It’s a time for delegates, representatives and elected ANCHORAGE 5756 North Broadway 2604 S. 4th St. officials to come together in solidarity, and address the 721 Sesame St., #1C Kansas City, MO 64118 Anchorage, AK 99503 Philadelphia, PA 19148 victories of yesterday and the challenges of today and to- (816) 741-9502 (215) 336-3818 morrow. We’ll hear a variety of reports from each region, (907) 561-4988 as well as some insight into the future of SEATU and the LAWRENCEBURG PINEY POINT labor movement as a whole. BALTIMORE 285 East High St. P.O. Box 75 I look forward to seeing you all there, whether we’re 2315 Essex St. Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 Piney Point, MD 20674 meeting for the first time or catching up as old friends. Baltimore, MD 21224 (812) 539-2941 (410) 537-5987 (301) 994-0010 MOBILE PORT EVERGLADES Volume 22, Number 1, 2019 COLUMBUS 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 1221 S. Andrews Ave. 2800 South High St. (334) 478-0916 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Columbus, OH 43207 (954) 522-7984 Available at www.seatu.org (614) 497-2446 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. The official publication of the GUAYNABO ST. LOUIS/ALTON Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union Harvey, LA 70058 457 Hillside St., (504) 328-7545 4581 Gravois Ave. 5201 Auth Way, St. Louis, MO 63116 Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Guaynabo, PR 00907 (787) 400-8150 (314) 752-6500 Telephone (301) 899-0675 NEW JERSEY Direct inquiries to Nick Merrill, Editor 104 Broadway HONOLULU Jersey City, NJ 07306 TACOMA Officers: (701) 434-6000 606 Kalihi St. 3411 South Union Ave. Michael Sacco, President Honolulu, HI 96819 Tacoma, WA 98409 David Heindel, Executive Vice President/ (808) 845-2928 (253) 272-7774 Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President HOUSTON WILMINGTON Tom Orzechowski, Vice President 625 N. York Street 510 N. Broad Ave. Houston, TX 77003 Wilmington, CA 90744 (713) 659-5152 (310) 549-4000

2 Entertainer January-March 2019 A Festive Holiday Aboard the Pride of America

The photos on this page were submitted by Representative Amber Akana, after a late December servicing visit to the SEATU-crewed Pride of America. At right, Jewelry Sales Associates Famela Dayrit, Cocoa Waugh and Haylei Peralta celebrate the holiday season. Below, the crew showed off their holiday cheer with a gin- gerbread house challenge, with every department creating their own masterpiece.

Dakota Harjo-Torress, Restaurant Steward

Bar Waiters Natasha Reaves and Levi Self

Efe Erol, Assistant Cook show- ing off his cooking skills in Aloha Jacqueline Goggins Cafe Assistant Cook

January-March 2019 Entertainer 3 Members Graduate From Classes At SEATU-Affiliated Paul Hall Center

Editor’s note: Many classes of SEATU members employed by Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) have recently completed the Basic Safety Training course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. The two-week training courses begin with a week of “Norwegian” training, as specified by the vessel operator, followed by a week of fire, survival and first aid training. These training sessions were all administered at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located on a satellite campus. With an average class size of 18 students, over 2,500 SEATU members have completed their training since March 2014! Following are class photos from some of the most recent courses.

In the photo at left (not all are pictured): Jonathan Alvarez, Rhonda Arre- dondo, Bruce Barrera, Ann Carbaugh, Dave Catalan, Ariel Dagasdas, Linda Dew, Jody Fisher, Caitlin Gray, Ulises Gutierrez Espindola, Britteney Jackson, Kel- ley Killeen, Emil Lagman, Edward Ludwick, Harleigh Ortman, Felianys Otero Car- rion, Elijah Parris, Michael Roy, Karina Silva, Kimberly Summers, Michael Tur- biville, Katherine Wheeler, Julie Zawisa and Graham Zurschmiede. Instructor Joe Zienda is at the far left.

At right, in alpha- betical order: Mar- tha Aguirre, Anna Bouras, Diomedes Candelaria, Gina Chun, Alva Cole- man, Hannah Healy Timlin, Jonah Ibrahim, Ferdinand Medalla Jr., Richard Minor, Lilian Ramirez, Tiffany Reyes, Teri Shepherd, Airik Strandberg, Sabrina Velasco, Ronnie Washing- ton, Valerie Wil- son and Brittany Wright.

In the photo at left, in alphabetical order: Felix Aguilar, Mark Joel Alcantara, Crystal Brin- kley, Canelius Brooks, Breana Brown, De- shawn Cradle, Shelby Donaldson, Iesha Dudley, Daniel Elenen, Sven Fjeldheim, Mer- cedes Garcia, Vanessa Hernandez Cedillos, Iyon Jones, Zachary Jones, Courtny Maclas, Kelebe Moloro, Len Rhem, Vincent Trefurt and Joseph Wexel. In- structor Mike Roberts is at the far right.

At right, in alpha- betical order (not all are pictured): Isaac Bailey, Mohamed Boulakroune, Mar- garita Astada Gab- riola, Darryl Garcia, Nicholas Kalten- bach, Kirbi Long, Saquan Parks, Tamika Peoples, Kenneth Smith, Lisa Marie Smith, Robert Strange, Mickey Thomas, Maybel- lene Torres and Ejani Wynn. Instruc- tor Mike Roberts is at the far right.

4 Entertainer January-March 2019 Members Graduate From Classes At SEATU-Affiliated Paul Hall Center

In the two photos above: Faith Barksdale, Christopher Brandao, Donny Brown, Johnny Jovany Castro, Richard Cedeno, Robert Colquhoun, Kody Conniff, Drew Dembek, Kathleen Doherty, Alea Duran, Tanya Escalona, Jacob Estep Ignacio, Sandy Flesher, Angel Fletes, Katharine Gillies, Colby Harris, Charity Haynes-Fluker, Malik James, Bradleigh Johnson, Andrew Kostich, Isaac Landivar, Brandi Loday Butler, Thomas Lotito, Isaac Mastie, Shiquane McClain, Chad Miyashiro, Pedro Moline Benoit, Kyara Nunez, Angel Pogue, Joyel Richardson, Drew Roberts, William Robles, Jordan Tabarez, Gladys Thompson, David Valdez, Delajah Wilcher, Christopher Williams and Ejani Wynn.

Above: Theodore Cash Jr., Steven Drapkin, Jessica Duffy, Aaron Gus- Above (not all are pictured): Mecca Alexander, Quintavis Artis, Nathan tafson, Kristina Helferstay, Maritza Hodgson, Daniel Jaramillo, Desirea Birmingham, Cassandra Blankenship, Diamond Burton, Emil Mata Carino, Johnson, Julio Lopez, Freddie Macanas, Kaleb Neville, Hendra Prasty- Kirsten Clark, Michaela Cricchio, Daniel Dance, Maria Isabel Francisco, awan, Katelyn Robertson, Joshua Rosen, Dika Saputro, Ross Tan and Maritza Hodgson, Emily Knab, Barbara Mahone, Reynaldo Abaya Morales, David Tompkins. Instructor Joe Zienda is at the far left. Victoria Polich, Matthew Rivera, Gustavo Romero Estrella, James Taylor, Anna Young and Tomasz Zarzycki.

Above: Jacinta Alvarez, Ghavette Blanks, Lydia Bond, Cady Contreras, Above (not all are pictured): Zakaria Ali, Alyssa Marie Babineau, Laura Caleb Fulton, Anesha Harris, Brandon Haynes, Alyiah Hnasko, Nicole Chandler, Hillary Faircloth, Jacob Feagin, Evon Ferrell, Chelsea Grant, Jor- Horn, Samuel Horton, Taylor Lamison, Jayson Manalo, Jerod Marion, Moi- dan Hoyl, Jeffery Lake, Taylor Lamison, Nicholas Lopez, Elizabeth Lusk, ses Monteiro, Darrell Scott and Nicollette Sinclair. Hewitt Martin, Kaley Miranda, Devin Moskowitz, Tonya Retallack, Raquel Richardson, Scott Sherman and Karness Turner Jr. Instructor Joe Zienda is at the far left.

Above: Joshua Aldana, Warren Alexander, Alecsander Billings, Tyvon Above, in alphabetical order: Ahmed Baez Jr., Funda Berry, Teagan Cor- Brown, Jason Buckhalter, Ava Davis, Logan Deitrick, Chelsea Hao rigan, Gary Dinkel, Maryel Ibarra Espinoza, Curtis Jones, Diana Morales, Kaawaloa, Donnie Hombrebueno, Zachary Kaplan, Krystal Marrero, Jancy Christopher Rankin, Britany Rios Cruz, Luis Soto and Dian Watson. Moua, Allan Quimque, Pamela Rice and Sultan Tursunbekov.

January-March 2019 Entertainer 5 SEATU Convention Call and Notice of Nominations Dear Sisters and Brothers: ously on check-off for the required time will constitute As per Article XII, Section 1 of the Constitution of proof of such eligibility. Fraternally, the Seafarers Entertainment & Allied Trades Union Anyone denied the right to be nominated as a del- and in compliance therewith, the 2019 Triennial egate may appeal such denial in writing and send by Convention of the Seafarers Entertainment & Allied certified mail to Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Trades Union will be held in Piney Point, Maryland on Seafarers Entertainment & Allied Trades Union, 5201 September 10-11, 2019. Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, enclose David Heindel At the Convention there will be an election for Na- supporting and/or explanatory evidence or material. Executive Vice President/ tional Officers. The Convention will also take action Such appeal must reach the Secretary-Treasurer within Secretary-Treasurer on numerous resolutions and motions. five (5) days after the nomination denial. Action and The Executive Board has resolved that for purposes reply upon the appeal will be timely made. of determining the number of delegates as provided The SEATU will bear all the neces- in our Constitution Article XII, Sections 2 and 3, the sary expenses of the elected delegates Area Date Time Place amount of members in good standing upon which the attending the Convention. number of delegates are to be determined and thereaf- Nominations and Elections for del- Algonac April 5, 2019 1:00 pm SEATU Hall ter selected, shall be as of the month ending January egates for area members in good stand- 520 St. Clair River Dr. 31, 2019. ing to the above SEATU Convention Algonac, MI 48001 The following Executive Board members were will be held at the following times and Baltimore April 18, 2019 1:00 pm SEATU Hall elected at the 2016 Convention and are, therefore, ac- places. 2315 Essex St. credited delegates to this Convention: Immediately following each election, Baltimore, MD 21224 ballots will be counted and the winners Michael Sacco, President shall be declared. In the event there are Baton Rouge April 11, 2019 1:00 pm Belle of Baton Rouge David Heindel, Executive Vice President/ no more than the appropriate number 103 France St. Secretary-Treasurer of qualified nominees for a particular Baton Rouge, LA 70058 Augustin Tellez, Vice President area for Convention delegate positions, Boston April 16, 2019 1:00 pm Plainridge Park Casino Tom Orzechowski, Vice President there shall be no voting and such nomi- 301 Washington St. nees shall be deemed to be elected as Plainville, MA 02762 Based upon current membership numbers as well as Convention delegates. any anticipated additions or deletions through January If any member wishes to challenge Columbus April 25, 2019 1:00 pm SEATU Hall 31, 2019, the following is the delegate count for each an election for convention delegates, 2800 South High Street. area. The Algonac area is entitled to one (1) delegate; he/she should send a letter to the office Columbus, OH 43207 the Baltimore area is entitled to five (5) delegates; the of the Secretary Treasurer of the Union Honolulu April 12, 2019 10:30 am SEATU Hall Baton Rouge area is entitled to one (1) delegate; the at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 606 Kalihi St. Boston area is entitled to one (1) delegate; the Colum- 20746, setting forth the basis for the Honolulu, HI 96819 bus area is entitled to one (1) delegate; the Honolulu challenge. The letter must be sent by area is entitled to three (3) delegates; the Joliet area certified or registered mail and must be Joliet April 9, 2019 1:00 pm SEATU Hall is entitled to one (1) delegate; the Kansas City area is sent within five (5) business days of the 10 East Clinton St. entitled to three (3) delegates; the Lawrenceburg area delegate election in your geographic Joliet, IL 60432 is entitled to three (3) delegates and the St. Louis area area. Following receipt of such a chal- Kansas City April 9, 2019 1:00 pm SEATU Hall is entitled to one (1) delegate. These delegates are to lenge, a subcommittee of the Union’s 5756 N. Broadway St. be nominated and elected by the SEATU members in executive board will be designated to Kansas City, MO 64118 good standing in each area. investigate and rule on the challenge. Lawrenceburg April 26, 2019 1:00 pm SEATU Hall Each SEATU member in good standing in the This subcommittee will have the au- 285 East High St. Union may nominate himself/herself or any other thority to either deny the challenge in Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 SEATU member in good standing. its entirety or, if merit is found, to fash- At nomination and election, each member in good ion an appropriate remedy up to and St. Louis April 8, 2019 1:00 pm SEATU Hall standing should bring with them their appropriate evi- including ordering a new election for 4581 Gravois Ave. dence of good standing. Evidence of being continu- delegates in the affected area. St. Louis, MO 63116 Bureau of Labor Statistics Report: Union Membership Steady The yearly report on union membership from the quently won numerous gains and voted to return fact, some public sector unions saw member- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed very little to work). ship growth in 2018. Shortly after Janus was de- change in 2018. • Google workers worldwide walking out for an cided, the people of Missouri overturned “right According to the agency’s report, issued Jan. 18, end to workplace sexual harassment and a voice to work” by 2-1, the first-ever state to repeal this membership declined slightly from 2017 to 2018, to on the job. anti-worker law by popular vote. a total number of 14.744 million. That’s a decrease of • UNITE HERE hotel workers taking on Marriott, • In the face of unprecedented attacks, the labor 73,000; union density in 2018 was 10.5 percent. the most profitable hotel chain in the world, and movement continues to show tremendous resil- The report again reinforced that union members usu- winning higher wages, a safe work environment ience. Public approval of unions is soaring. And ally earn more money than their unrepresented counter- and a say on how technology is deployed. new organizing campaigns in non-union work- parts. Data from the BLS report shows that in 2018, the • And, working people electing pro-worker candi- places are gaining steam. Give working people median union worker earned $1,051 per week, compared dates from coast to coast, including more than a level playing field to join and form unions and to $860 for the median non-unionist. (The median is the 950 union members. there will be a dramatic spike in membership by point where half of workers are above and half below.) • Private-sector union membership is up, despite the time the 2019 BLS numbers are released.” Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO issued a press statement the fact that Taft-Hartley, a labor law rigged to in advance of the report that read in part: “Here’s what embolden anti-worker employers, has been on Additionally, Mark Gruenberg of Press Associates the numbers alone won’t tell you: 2018 was one of the the books for more than 70 years. Workers from pointed out, “The agency reported that a slight majority most substantial years for collective action in American Boeing to JetBlue to Harvard University won of union members were in the private sector, 7.577 mil- history. The following are some significant ways work- union recognition in 2018. And 60 million work- lion, compared to 7.167 million in the public sector. The ers are standing together to improve our workplaces and ers – the population of New York and California public sector was more heavily unionized, with one of communities, not included in today’s report: combined – would vote to join a union today if every three workers – state and local government work- given the chance. ers, teachers, fire fighters, and federal workers – union- • Tens of thousands of teachers going on strike for • Public sector union membership essentially held ized, compared to one of every 16 (6.4 percent) in the better pay and stronger schools in red and blue steady, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in private sector. Teachers and protective services, each states, including more than 30,000 currently Janus v. AFSCME, the case pundits predicted with even higher percentages, led the way.” striking in Los Angeles (the teachers subse- would be the labor movement’s death knell. In As usual, union members were concentrated in the Northeast, the Great Lakes and the Pacific Coast states. The most union-dense states last year were Hawaii (23.1 percent), New York (22.3 percent), Washington (19.8 percent), Alaska (18.5 percent) and Rhode Island (17.5 percent). The biggest union numbers BLS calculated were in California (2.405 million, down 87,000 and with 14.7 percent density), New York (1.872 million, down 145,000, 22.3 percent), Illinois (786,000, down 86,000, 13.8 percent), Pennsylvania (701,000, up 36,000, 12.6 percent), Michigan (625,000, down 33,000, 14.5 per- cent), Ohio (639,000, up 4,000, 12.6 percent) and Wash- ington (649,000, up 61,000, 19.8 percent). According to Gruenberg, “Washington was the big- gest numerical gainer, but BLS calculated many of the other gains were in the least-unionized area, the South. Florida (plus 38,000), Georgia and Alabama (plus 28,000 each), Louisiana (plus 11,000) and South Carolina (plus MTD board members discuss the latest data on union membership. 3,000) all added union members.”

6 Entertainer January-March 2019 CREDIT Free College CARDS

The Union Plus Free College Benefit offers working WIRELESS families an accessible, debt-free and convenient higher DISCOUNTS education opportunity. You, your spouse, children, financial dependents and grandchildren, can all benefit from this MORTGAGE exciting program. PROGRAM

Find out more about this and other great Union Plus

programs by visiting unionplus.org. CAR RENTAL

Learn more at unionplus.org 3/19

January-March 2018 Entertainer 7 The Official Publication of the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union, Affiliated with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, AFL-CIO.

Volume 22, Number 1 January-March 2019 The Also available online at www.seatu.org Class Photos ENTERTAINER Pages 4-5 SERVICE • HOSPITALITY • GAMING

Delegates Needed Delegates are needed at workplaces in Federation Urges Stronger Labor Laws all SEATU jurisdictions. Contact your local union hall for more information. The following statement was issued we try to form a union, and there is no 6238) would ensure that all public-sec- by the AFL-CIO Executive Council on binding process for reaching a first con- tor workers at the state and local levels Know Your Weingarten Rights March 14. SEATU President Michael tract when a majority of workers make have collective bargaining rights, and All SEATU members should be aware of Sacco is the longest-serving vice presi- the decision to bargain collectively. The the Public Safety Employer–Employee their Weingarten Rights. dent of that executive council. right of workers to make our voices Cooperation Act (H.R. 4846) would ex- Established by the Supreme Court in heard through strikes, pickets and other tend basic collective bargaining rights to 1975, the rights guarantee employees the Something is happening in America. activities continues to be fundamentally all first responders. right to union representation during inves- In workplaces and on picket lines, at undermined by employers, politicians The same energy that working peo- tigatory interviews with management. An the bargaining table and the ballot box, and the courts. Simply put, the system is ple took to the streets to win economic investigatory interview is one in which a working people are taking collective ac- broken and the time for comprehensive and social justice in 2018 brought a supervisor questions an employee to ob- tion to improve our jobs, our schools, labor law reform is right now. wave of pro-worker legislators to Con- tain information which could be used as a our communities and our democracy. In 2017, delegates to the AFL-CIO gress, and now we have a chance to basis for discipline or asks an employee to Fed up with decades of rigged eco- Convention unanimously passed a reso- make real progress on these landmark defend his/her conduct. nomic rules that have held down wages lution calling on candidates for public bills. We must begin by educating new If an employee has a reasonable be- and skyrocketed inequality, workers are office to support and fight for changes members of Congress and staff about the lief that discipline or discharge may re- turning to each other. The latest annual to the National Labor Relations Act and importance of unions and collective ac- sult from what they say during such survey from Gallup puts public approval other state and local laws to guarantee tion to our communities, our economy an interview, they have the right to re- of unions at 62 percent, a 15-year high. the freedom to bargain collectively to and our democracy. To accomplish this, quest union representation. It’s impor- tant to remember that management is not And research from the Massachusetts every single worker, free from fear and the AFL-CIO is partnering with the required to inform employees of their Institute of Technology shows half of intimidation. That same year, compre- Economic Policy Institute to conduct Weingarten rights; employees have the nonunion members would vote to orga- hensive labor law reform bills were “Labor 101” briefings on Capitol Hill responsibility of knowing that these rights nize today if given the chance. That’s introduced as part of congressional over the next several months. exist and to request that they be invoked when more than 60 million people. Democrats’ “Better Deal.” To finally make labor law reform a appropriate. Yet this wave of worker activism is The Workers’ Freedom to Negoti- reality, we will need the help and com- Copies of the Weingarten Rights are coming up against the cruel reality that ate Act of 2018 (H.R. 6080) would ex- mitment of every affiliated union, state posted on all union bulletin boards. They our outdated labor laws no longer serve pand coverage of the National Labor federation and central labor council. also can be accessed on SEATU’s web as an effective mechanism to accurately Relations Act; bolster penalties against Candidates running for office in 2019 or site at www.seatu.org, linked under the capture the aspirations of working peo- employers who break the law; provide 2020 should not expect labor’s endorse- Members Rights section. Individuals with ple. Labor law changes were last made in a process for workers and employers ment unless they are willing to support questions regarding these rights should 1947—and those were designed to make to reach a first agreement; and protect comprehensive legislation to strengthen contact their SEATU representative, it harder to organize. Current law does the right to strike and eliminate “right and expand the right of every worker to delegate or shop steward. far too little to prevent employers from to work” nationally. The Public Service join a union and negotiate for a better Become Familiar With Your bullying and harassing workers when Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2018 (H.R. life. Labor Contract All SEATU members, especially those in bargaining unit classifications, are re- minded to obtain, read and become familiar with the provisions of their labor contracts. SEATU Notebook It is equally important to be aware of the Algonac/Detroit Metro Lawrenceburg Ohio company’s policies and procedures where Current Delegates: Current Delegates: Miami Valley Gaming labor issues are concerned. Knowledge of M/V Detroit Princess Slot Attendant: Carl Marting Cage: Kyle Bauer both better enables members to invoke their Bar Staff: CaSandra Houston Slot Technician: Nick Hall rights as necessary and protect them when Count Room: Daniel Estle Wait Staff: Seeking volunteers EVS Steward: Warren Walls Gaming Attendants: Gwen threatened. Kitchen Staff: Anthony Young Cage & Credit: Linda Richter, Those desiring copies of their labor con- Food & Beverage: Cassandra Nevin, Gina Fumi-Fiamawle tracts should contact their on-site delegate Boston Cole Gaming Technician: Shawn or visit their union hall. Current Delegates: Guest Services: Seeking Brown Support Your Newsletter Plainridge Park volunteers Facilities: Andrew Johnson Food & Beverage: Rob Wardrobe/Gift Shop: Seeking Food & Beverage: Carlos All members are encouraged to share Bergeron, Jenee Jenee, Russ volunteers Mendez, Kerri Gates their ideas for stories and photos with the Selvitella, Stephen Stern Hotel: Linda Hensler Player Services: Tom Cox editorial staff of The Entertainer. Be- Player Services: Jim Didio Maintenance: Kyle Callahan come the eyes and ears in your work Anyone interested in becoming a Warehouse: Tabitha Stephens EVS: Keith Hayward Hollywood Gaming Dayton areas by staying abreast of newsworthy Seeking Delegates: Mutuals, delegate or steward is encouraged events such as promotions, awards, re- Deep Cleaners, Cooks, Barbacks, to contact the union hall at 812-539- Raceway tirements, participation in community Stewards 2941. VLT: Nieawna Russel activities, etc. F&B: Jackson Wolph The Entertainer staff would also Chicagoland/Joliet Maryland Facilities: Scott McCane like to know about anyone who has or Members are encouraged to Anyone with questions or con- Cage: Amy King participates in unusual hobbies for possible contact their SEATU representatives cerns is encouraged to call 410-537- Mutuals: Linda Yeatman feature stories. 5987. with any questions or concerns at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Contact your union representatives with 815-723-8002. Current Delegates: any tips you may have so that we can give Hollywood Casino Perryville Valley Hollywood Casino Joliet: Current Delegates: recognition to those who richly deserve it. Marsha Gavin, Manuel Peralta Food & Beverage: Beth Knight Majestic Star: Matoya Coleman Table Games: Seeking Food & Beverage: Nilsa Ameristar: Jim Jasman volunteers Lipscomb, Dasia Flenoury Poker Dealer: Bill Monahan VLT: Justin Teaque Honolulu Maryland Live! Casino Facilities: Mike Morris, Second Quarter 2019 Food & Beverage: Glory The union is always seeking Warrick Retail: Joyce Pishkur SEATU Meeting Dates volunteers in all departments aboard EVS: Seeking volunteers the Pride of America. Housekeeping: Seeking Riverside Membership meetings for the fourth quarter are Current Delegates: volunteers Current Delegates: listed below. All union members are urged to make Restaurant: Henry Martin Baltimore/Washington Interna- Cage: Pam Knapp Hotel-Housekeeping: Lucia concerted efforts to attend. tional Airport Food & Beverage: Jaime Edge, Those who cannot attend, but have issues or ques- Colon Lead Delegate: Shauntae Pam Lewis tions, should contact their respective union halls. Galley/F&B: Seeking Dawson volunteers Hotel: Cathy Estrada Location Date Time Bar/Gift Shop: Seeking New Orleans Maintenance: T.J. Curtis, Jim Algonac/Detroit, Mich. April 12 1 p.m. volunteers Anyone wishing to become a del- Adams Columbus April 17 1 p.m. egate or steward is encouraged to call EVS: Jackie Hibbs Kansas City Joliet, Ill. April 18 1 p.m. 504-328-7545. Anyone interested in volunteering Current Delegates: St. Louis/Alton Metro Honolulu, Hawaii April 19 10:30 a.m. for a steward or delegate position, call Lawrenceburg/ MVG April 24 1 p.m. MOPS: Seeking volunteers Current Delegates: the union hall at 816-453-5700. Food & Beverage Hotel: Maryland* April 11 1 p.m. Food & Beverage: Lewie Hunt, Food & Beverage: Maggie Seeking volunteers Roy, Dennis Baker, Lisa Longo New Orleans April 16 1 p.m. Abbey Heller Bell/Luggage Attendants: Riverside May 8 1 p.m. Slots: Alfonso Hernandez, Seeking volunteers Housekeeping: Georgetta St. Louis/Alton, Mo. April 19 1 p.m. Kariena Persons Maintenance: Tony Blanks Sanders Slots Steward: Celeste Hawkins (chief delegate) Cage & Credit: Hope Jones *The Perryville and Maryland LIVE meetings are held at Maintenance: Donna Miller Boat: Trina Hester Marine Crew: Merle Caselton the Baltimore Union Hall. Player Services: Crystal Malone Count Team: Chloe Lake