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Volume 71, Number 10 October 2009

Federation Conducts Historic Convention

The AFL-CIO convention, which took place Sept. 13-17 in Pittsburgh, yielded several major stories, including an address by President Barack Obama (pictured above, shaking hands with SIU President Michael Sacco, who also serves as a VP of the federation). Richard Trumka was elected AFL-CIO president, and UNITE-HERE rejoined the federation after a four-year absence. Page 5. (Photo by Bill Burke/Page One)

Liberty Pride Enters Another New Ship! SIU-Contracted Fleet

The car carrier Liberty Pride (above and at left) is the latest addition to the Seafarers-contracted fleet. The Liberty Maritime Corporation vessel was built earlier this year. Page 3. Merchant Marine’s Crucial Role Highlighted at A few days prior to the AFL-CIO conven- tion, the federation’s Maritime Trades MTD Convention Department conducted its own quadrennial event, also in Pittsburgh. An array of high-ranking guest speakers addressed the dele- gates, reaffirming strong support for the American maritime industry. MTD President Michael Sacco was re-elected to a four-year term. Pictured at far right, AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka describes the merchant marine’s role in national security. At immediate right, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) stands with U.S. Transportation Command Deputy Commander Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek. Below, audience members react to a speech. Pages 2, 3, 9-14.

Eighth T-AKE Ship Delivered Nations Sign Anti-Piracy Declaration ITF Assists Crews Page 2 Page 4 Page 8 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:37 PM Page 2

President’s Report NASSCO Delivers USNS Wally Schirra Shipyard Lays Keel for USNS Washington Chambers Rebuilding Our Economy The U.S. Navy’s new-build program featuring Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment dry cargo/ammunition ships known as T-AKEs ships. These vessels deliver ammunition, provi- Time after time, first at the Maritime Trades Department con- continued its steady progress with the recent deliv- sions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petro- vention and then at the AFL-CIO convention, speaker after speaker ery of the USNS Wally Schirra and the keel-laying leum products to the Navy’s underway carrier and used my favorite four-letter word. for what will be the USNS Washington Chambers. expeditionary strike groups, allowing them to stay The president of the United States said it. The USNS Schirra was delivered Sept. 1 to the at sea for extended periods. Cabinet secretaries and military leaders said U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) while the “Not only have the T-AKEs greatly improved it. Union officials and management represen- keel was laid for the USNS Chambers in late MSC’s ability to deliver vital supplies to our tatives said it. August. Navy’s deployed strike groups worldwide, but the Okay, you’ve probably figured out where The T-AKE vessels are being built at General flexibility in operations of this new class of ships I’m going with this. The word is “jobs,” and Dynamics NASSCO Shipyard, a union-contracted has also enabled us to support a range of other mis- in the big picture it is a very serious subject. facility located in San Diego. They are crewed in sions,” said Capt. Jerome Hamel, commanding In a way, jobs were the dominant if unof- the unlicensed ranks by members of the SIU officer of MSC’s office in San Diego, Sealift ficial theme at the MTD meetings and at the Government Services Division. Logistics Command Pacific. “For example, the federation’s convention. Those conventions The Schirra is named in honor of astronaut USNS Richard Byrd is currently deployed on a took place in mid-September in Pittsburgh. Michael Sacco Walter “Wally” Schirra. It is the eighth ship in the humanitarian and civic assistance mission in the We report on them extensively in this issue of the LOG, and I encourage Seafarers to Western Pacific for the U.S. Pacific Command.” take the time and read about both events. You’ll find a lot of topical The 689-foot Schirra is expected to start con- information that affects our livelihoods. ducting missions for MSC in May 2010. In addi- Everyone knows the economy is struggling and unemployment tion to its crew of civil service mariners and Navy is too high. Righting the ship isn’t just a union concern or a work- sailors, it also can carry a helicopter detachment. ing families concern – it’s an American concern. Good jobs are the Both the Navy and NASSCO have reported that backbone of our economy and, as the MTD and AFL-CIO speakers the U.S. military expects to build 14 T-AKEs, stated, they are a critical part of the foundation of our quality of which are replacing some of MSC’s older vessels. life. Meanwhile, continuing the tradition of honor- No one is pretending that there are easy answers or that there’s a ing legendary pioneers and explorers, the USNS quick fix. But there are some basic principles and strategies that are Chambers recognizes Capt. Washington Irving essential to reducing unemployment, rebuilding the middle class Chambers, a pioneer in naval aviation history. and lifting our economy. Among his many accomplishments, Chambers For starters, we’ve got to protect workers’ rights. We must invest arranged for the world’s first take-off and landing in U.S. industry and infrastructure, and we must expand opportuni- of an airplane on a warship – confirming the poten- ties for training and education. This goes hand-in-hand with tial of carrier-based naval aviation operations. It will be the 11th ship in the class. addressing the imbalance between the U.S. and the global economy. USNS Wally Schirra The Seafarers-crewed con- NASSCO recently reported that it is delivering It may sound boring or complicated or both, but we’ve got to level ducts sea trials off the coast of San Diego in the playing field by reforming some of our policies on trade, cur- August. ships approximately one to two months ahead of rency and taxes. In simple terms, we also can’t continue borrowing schedule. billions and billions of dollars each year from the rest of the world to fund consumption of goods that are no longer made in America. The Employee Free Choice Act is an important piece of this Union-Contracted Alliance St. Louis puzzle. We have to remember that America’s workers are America’s consumers. Protecting workers’ rights – allowing them the opportu- nity to organize, rewarding their productivity, simply respecting Makes Noteworthy Stop in Virginia them – is a win-win situation for everyone. At a glance, the sight of the SIU-crewed tary deployments and retrograde,” said Boyle. Health insurance reform is another critical piece. The spiraling Alliance St. Louis loading rolling stock cargo at “The terminal has an excellent setup for trans- costs of health care threaten to crush families, business and govern- APM Terminals Virginia probably appeared rou- porting vehicles, helping to improve transit times, ment at all levels if those costs aren’t contained. Legislators on both tine. reduce costs and minimize handling,” said Ed sides of the aisle at least agree on that much, even if they don’t all But, it was notable because the ship – operated McCarthy, senior director of terminal operations agree on how to solve the problem. The time for reform is now. by Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) – on Aug. 27 at APM Terminals Virginia. Approximately 225 Those are some of the fundamental issues that organized labor is became the first roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel to trucks and vehicles loaded on the SIU-crewed working on, along with our allies. Our goals are what’s right for call on the Portsmouth terminal since the highly ship, of which about 75 percent arrived via rail. America, and that starts with good jobs. As U.S. Labor Secretary regarded container facility opened in July 2007. “We hope today’s loading highlights the flexi- Hilda Solis put it last month, our country needs “jobs that support a Company and port representatives welcomed bility of the terminal, and that we increase our role family by increasing incomes and narrowing the wage gap. Jobs approximately 40 U.S. military officials and with the U.S. military for the movement of rolling that are safe and secure and give people a voice in the workplace guests to watch the Alliance St. Louis’ arrival and stock,” McCarthy added. through the right to organize and bargain collectively. Jobs that are loading. In February 2008, MLL brought both the sustainable – like green jobs – that export products, not paychecks. “The docking of the St. Louis at APM Alliance St. Louis and sister ship Alliance Norfolk And jobs that rebuild a strong middle class.” Terminals Virginia demonstrates Maersk’s collec- into the company’s American-flag fleet to meet That’s a tall order in this economy, but I’m convinced that if we tive ability to integrate intermodal capabilities and growing demand for the transportation of vehi- all work together there’s no doubt that we can pull it off. That’s deliver the highest level of service to the U.S. mil- cles, oversized and non-containerized cargoes. what President Obama is all about and that’s what our union is all itary,” noted Rick Boyle, vice president of U.S. The two vessels carry U.S. government, prefer- about. As the president himself recently said during a well publi- cized rally: Fire it Up! Flag Transportation Services at MLL. ence and commercial cargo. Both ships have the Rolling stock cargo arrived via railroad and capacity of 6,500 car-equivalent units and over transferred at the terminal’s on-dock rail. “This 580,000 square feet of total stowage space, and direct rail-to-RO/RO transfer provides the effi- participate in the U.S. Maritime Security Program cient rolling stock transportation needed for mili- and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement.

Volume 71, Number 10 October 2009 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL- CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMAS- TER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2009 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. All Rights Reserved. Docked in Portsmouth, Va., the SIU-crewed Alliance St. Louis prepares to load rolling stock cargo. 2 Seafarers LOG October 2009 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:37 PM Page 3

The entry of the Liberty Pride (left) into the American-flag fleet signals good news for Seafarers and for the nation. The photo above shows part of the new ship’s wheelhouse. Liberty Pride Hoists Stars and Stripes RO/RO Becomes Latest Addition South Korea. She boasts 12 cargo decks, has a cargo area of rier vessels. Its American-flag fleet operates in both the pref- 580,000 square feet and is rated to carry 6,388 small cars. erence trades of the United States and the international com- To Seafarers-Contracted Fleet Her keel was laid March 16 and she was launched May 31. mercial trades. LMC accepted delivery of the vessel Aug. The MSP has been a valuable component of America’s The union recently welcomed new shipboard jobs with “The addition of this vessel to the U.S.-flag fleet is great economic and defense security since its enactment in 1996. the delivery of the Liberty Maritime Corporation (LMC)- news for the union as well as the country,” said SIU The U.S. Maritime Administration describes the MSP as “a operated MV Liberty Pride into the U.S. fleet. Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “This new tonnage fundamental element of the U. S. maritime transportation A Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC), the Liberty Pride translates into more jobs for SIU members and greater secu- system, providing an active, privately owned, U.S.-flag and becomes the eighth vessel in LMC’s SIU-crewed fleet. She rity for our country in these tough economic times. U.S.-crewed liner fleet in international trade which is avail- joins the Liberty Eagle, Liberty Glory, Liberty Grace, “Liberty Maritime deserves a great deal of credit and able to support Department of Defense sustainment in a con- Liberty Spirit, Liberty Star and Liberty Sun, each of which recognition for its ongoing solid commitment to the tingency…. These vessels are modern, efficient and militari- transports food shipments overseas as part of the U.S. gov- American-flag fleet and to the U.S. Merchant Marine,” ly useful commercial dry cargo vessels which can support ernment’s “Food for Peace” program. In addition the Liberty Tellez concluded. national security requirements and maintain a competitive Pride will team up with LMC’s Alliance New York, another Liberty Maritime Corporation is based in Lake Success, U.S.-flag presence in international commerce. The MSP PCTC, in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). N.Y. Formed in 1988 as the operating entity for various deep helps retain a labor base of skilled American seafarers who Seafarers are manning the vessel’s unlicensed positions in all sea oceangoing dry bulk carrier vessels owned by Liberty are available to crew the U.S. government-owned strategic three shipboard departments. Shipping Group, the corporation is one of the largest pri- sealift as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and The Liberty Pride was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding in vately held independent operators of U.S.-flag dry bulk car- war.” Military, Gov’t, Industry Speakers Reaffirm Support for U.S. Maritime Delegates Re-Elect Michael Sacco as MTD President

The AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department (MTD) spoke at the convention: AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer conducted its quadrennial convention Sept. 10-11 in Richard Trumka; Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Bill Pittsburgh, and the event was packed with supportive George; U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad remarks by guest speakers representing the Obama Allen; U.S. Transportation Command Deputy administration, the U.S. military, government, manage- Commander Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek; AFL-CIO ment and organized labor. President John Sweeney; U.S. Secretary of All of the speakers reaffirmed their strong backing of Transportation Ray LaHood; Aker Philadelphia Shipyard the U.S. Merchant Marine. A few provided updates on President and CEO Jim Miller; Lakes Carriers’ the fights to pass health insurance reform and the Association President James Weakley; U.S. Deputy Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Maritime Administrator David Matsuda; U.S. Rep. Ed Convention delegates re-elected MTD President Pastor (D-Arizona) and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell Michael Sacco to a four-year term. They also re-elected (D). (The following week, at the AFL-CIO convention, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex and elect- Trumka was elected president of the federation as ed Vice President Scott Winter. Sweeney began his planned retirement.) The convention’s theme was “Motivated, Trained, MTD conventions normally include resolutions that Dedicated” – something Sacco touched on during his are considered and adopted by the delegates, and this one opening remarks. was no exception. The resolutions help the department “Our rank-and-file members display their motivation plan its agenda for the next four years. The topics of the every day, as they go to work aboard ships, on the docks resolutions approved last month included the following: and in the yards, and in the mills and mines and every- America’s maritime highway, appreciation for John where else our members go to earn a living,” he stated. Sweeney, cargo preference, the fight for a new contract “They prove the value of their training as they turn out for the Communications Workers and International new, high-tech ships in Philadelphia and San Diego; as Brotherhood of Electrical Workers at AT&T, dredging, they build the new state-of-the-art arena just a few health care, the Maritime Labor Convention, and the blocks from here; and when they ‘turn to’ during emer- U.S. Maritime Security Program. gencies like the Miracle on the Hudson. Delegates also approved resolutions concerning “And they show a level of dedication that goes far EFCA, offshore renewable energy, combating piracy, beyond merely getting the job done, as was so vividly, remembering September 11, retirement security, cabo- tragically and heroically demonstrated eight years ago tage laws, supporting our troops, the Title XI when our fire fighters and police officers and ferry cap- Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program, U.S. Navy ship- tains and many others saved everyone they could save on building, a united labor movement, the Seafarers’ 9/11,” he continued. (The convention’s second day coin- Identity Document, and benefits for World War II cided with the eighth anniversary of the September 11, mariners. 2001 attacks.) The MTD consists of 23 affiliated national and inter- national unions (including the SIU) representing more For additional coverage of the MTD MTD President Michael Sacco (right) thanks U.S. Secretary of than five million members and a network of 21 port mar- convention, see Pages 9-14 Transportation Ray LaHood for his remarks supporting civilian itime councils in the United States and Canada. mariners. In order of appearance, the following individuals October 2009 Seafarers LOG 3 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:37 PM Page 4

MarAd Issues Anti-Piracy Advisory

routes where attacks have taken place, but also rec- In this spirit of cooperation, on Sept. 10, the U.S., Other Nations Sign ommends that mariners “demonstrate a willingness U.S., Japan, Cyprus, Singapore, the United to defend yourself.” The communication further Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Liberia, Panama, the ‘New York Declaration’ encourages mariners to travel at “maximum sustain- Bahamas and the Marshall Islands signed a pact The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and able speed” through “high threat areas” and to con- called the “New York Declaration” to recognize the the U.S. State Department last month raised the vis- tinually conduct risk assessments during their voy- increasing problem of piracy and armed robbery ibility and level of international cooperation regard- age. The advisory gives mariners information on against vessels and seafarers on innocent passage. ing piracy and defense measures. how best to check with authorities and how to Each country united in decreeing that all acts of MarAd issued an advisory warning of a possible request escort service in a convoy. piracy and armed robbery against vessels and sea- increase in piracy in the Horn of Africa and Indian As piracy has affected just about every nation farers are condemned and they will commit to join Ocean regions since the monsoon season in the area that has ships on the high seas in 2009, the level of together to stop it. ended. The agency also urged mariners to use cooperation in anti-piracy actions and exercises has The nations agreed that each of them has a lessons learned from previous successful privacy grown. This year it hasn’t been unusual to see news responsibility to take self-protection measures and evasions and to “take defensive measures and not reports of navies of nations formerly known as less each is committed to share and use best practices in surrender at the first sign of a threat.” than friendly toward each other coming to each warding off, avoiding, deterring and delaying acts The advisory not only warns vessels to avoid other’s aid in attempts to thwart piracy. of piracy. Lidinsky to Chair FMC Celebrating Labor Day in Wilmington

The Federal Maritime for designating me chairman of the Commission on Sept. 14 announced Federal Maritime Commission,” that President Barack Obama has des- Lidinsky said. “As I said in my recent ignated Richard A. Lidinsky Jr. as confirmation hearings, this agency FMC chairman. Lidinsky joined the has a key role in assisting the eco- agency on July 31, having been nom- nomic recovery of our entire ocean inated by President Obama in June waterborne commerce transportation and confirmed by the Senate there- industry. The commission is, and after. His term with the commission must remain at all times, alert to for- expires in 2012. eign activities that are harmful to our Lidinsky has 37 years of extensive carriers and trade routes with a focus experience in the on protecting our maritime trade indus- country’s shipping try and government community, and operations. After above all the serving as a American consumer. Seafarers and SIU officials from the Wilmington, Calif., area made a strong showing at the Congressional aide As we face the chal- annual Labor Day parade. Some of the SIU participants are pictured in these two photos, start- on the old U.S. lenges of returning ing with the top image, from left: Safety Director Abdul Al-Omari, retired Dispatcher Jesse House of jobs to our water- Solis, Port Agent Jeff Turkus, GUDE Revelino Olivares, Dispatcher Nick Rios and AB Ronie Representatives fronts, working with Llave. Among those shown in the other photo are Seafarers Rey Chang, Roger Mosley, Teofilo Merchant Marine and all sectors of our mar- Sison and Llave, Retiree Mary Lou Lopez, Rios, Al-Omari, Solis and his son Jesse Solis Jr. Fisheries Committee, itime family to help he began his profes- green our ports, and sional legal career in adapt the latest tech- the FMC’s Office of nologies to aide in our General Counsel as mission, the experi- legislative counsel enced and dedicated from 1973-75. In Richard Lidinsky employees of the 1975 the Maryland FMC Chairman FMC will be there to Port Administration lend our support and appointed him to be expertise.” counsel and director of tariffs and Commissioner Joseph Brennan national port affairs. stated, “Richard Lidinsky is as well- In announcing his appointment, prepared as any commissioner has the agency noted that Lidinsky has been upon taking office. I think he held positions on both the business will do an excellent job as chair of the and the government side of the mar- FMC.” itime industry, including most recent- Commissioner Rebecca Dye said, ly working as an attorney and interna- “I look forward to working with tional trade consultant in private prac- [Lidinsky] to carry out the commis- tice, before returning to the FMC as a sion’s responsibilities in a manner commissioner. that promotes our economy and “I want to thank President Obama increases American jobs.” Horizon Expands Container Service, Adds Tampa Stop Seafarers-Contracted Company Recognized for Reliability SIU-contracted company Horizon Lines, Inc. “This is a real credit to our entire team, but espe- recently announced an expansion of its container cially our operations group,” said John Keenan, service. Horizon said beginning Oct. 4 it will add president and chief operating officer at Horizon. regularly scheduled vessel container service This honor comes after Horizon Lines was between Tampa and Puerto Rico. A vessel call at the awarded the Platinum Carrier Award earlier this Port of Tampa will be added to the carrier’s Gulf year from home improvement retailer Lowe’s Express Service (GAX), currently operating a Companies Inc. for providing 100 percent on-time fixed-day, bi-weekly schedule between Houston and service in 2008. San Juan. Horizon Lines is the only ocean carrier serving According to the company, the addition of a port each of the domestic U.S. trades of Alaska, Hawaii, call in Tampa provides new options for customers Guam and Puerto Rico. Horizon Lines has been located in west and central Florida, while continu- continually recognized in recent years for schedule ing to provide fast and reliable fixed-day vessel ser- integrity, vessel maintenance and safety programs, vice between Houston and San Juan. while making efficiency gains to help mitigate the In other Horizon news, the company announced environmental impact from its ships. on Aug. 7 it had topped the list of ocean carriers Drewry’s schedule monitoring survey tracked worldwide for schedule reliability in the second nearly 1,700 vessels in the three months between quarter of 2009, with 100 percent on-time perfor- April 1 and June 30, 2009, and compared the sched- The Horizon Discovery will be part of the San Juan to Tampa mance, according to London-based Drewry uled day of arrival at the destination port with the service. Shipping Consultants. actual day of arrival. 4 Seafarers LOG October 2009 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:38 PM Page 5

AFL-CIO Convention Includes Milestones Trumka Elected President; Obama Pledges Support for EFCA The recently concluded AFL-CIO 26th put opportunity within reach in the United Constitutional Convention had it’s share States of America,” the president said. of historic milestones. Throughout Obama’s speech, President Barrack Obama reaffirmed the enthusiastic crowd gave him multiple his support of the labor movement, standing ovations–when one woman becoming the first sitting president in shouted “I love you,” he responded: “I more than a decade to address the confer- love you, too, sister.” In turn, the president ence. Convention delegates without oppo- showed he understands the needs of work- sition elected a diverse set of top officers: ing people and the unions that represent Richard Trumka, a white man for presi- them. “When labor succeeds—that’s when dent; Arlene Holt Baker, a black woman our middle class succeeds,” he said. “And for executive vice president; and for the when our middle class succeeds—that’s first time ever, a woman, Liz Shuler for when the United States of America suc- secretary-treasurer. SIU President Michael ceeds.” Sacco, who is a vice president of the AFL- President Obama pledged his continued CIO, conducted the election. John support of the Employee Free Choice Act, Sweeney, AFL-CIO president since 1995, noting, “When workers want a union, they began his planned retirement but vowed to should get a union.” remain an activist. The economic crisis was brought on by In yet another development, UNITE greed and irresponsibility, Obama said, HERE rejoined the 11.5-million member and we can’t wait to rebuild a stronger, AFL-CIO. The 265,000-member strong better and fairer economy. coalition in 2005 was one of several “The problems in our economy preced- unions that disaffiliated from the federa- ed this economic crisis,” Obama said. tion. “Just last week, a Census report came out Nearly 1,000 delegates and 2,000 showing that in 2008, before this down- guests participated in the convention, turn, family income fell to its lowest point which took place Sept. 13-17 at the David in over a decade, and more families slid L. Lawrence Convention Center in down- into poverty. town Pittsburgh. The SIU had a strong “That is unacceptable,” he continued. showing at the quadrennial event, as sev- “And I refuse to let America go back to the eral high-ranking officials in addition to culture of irresponsibility that made it pos- Sacco participated. sible.” In addition to President Obama, many The president spent much of his speech other notable individuals appeared as talking about health care and thanked keynote speakers. These included: U.S. union members for their hard work on President Barack Obama on Sept. 15 addresses delegates and guests during the AFL- Sen. Bob Casey, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, for- making health insurance reform possible. CIO’s 26th Constitutional Convention in Pittsburgh. During his speech, the president mer Pittsburgh Steelers player Franco “Few have fought for this cause hard- reaffirmed his support of the labor movement including his backing of the Employee Free Harris, NAACP President Ben Jealous, er, and few have championed it longer Choice Act. (Photo by Bill Burke/Page One) Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Secretary of than you…. You know why this is so Labor Hilda Solis, International Trade important,” he told the audience. “You won’t just be a slogan, but a reality. union. Nothing—nothing wrong with that. Union Confederation (ITUC) General know this isn’t just about the millions of The president has already signed into Because when labor is strong, America is Secretary Guy Ryder, U.S. Sen. Arlen Americans who don’t have health insur- law pro-worker legislation like the Lilly strong. When we all stand together, we all Specter and National Education ance, it’s about the hundreds of millions Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and an expansion rise together.” Association President Dennis Van Roekel. more who do: Americans who worry that of health care to millions of children in Solis, the daughter of union members President Obama delivered a strong, they’ll lose their insurance if they lose need. He asked the convention attendees and whose father recently suffered a inspiring message to the convention: their job, who fear their coverage will be to come together and fight with him for an stroke, said health care reform is a must “We’re going to make this country work denied because of a pre-existing condi- America with lasting prosperity. for our country. The status quo in health again.” tion, who know that one accident or ill- Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, in the first care is “unsustainable,” she said. Workers In an address punctuated by sporadic ness could mean financial ruin. address by a U.S. Labor Secretary to an like her father who spent their lives work- chants and standing ovations, Obama said “When are we going to stop this? AFL-CIO convention in more than eight ing hard had a right to expect secure and he’s committed to the same goals as the When are we going to say enough is years, said unions are more important than stable benefits in their retirement. “They union movement: restoring the economy, enough? How many more workers have ever in today’s economic crisis. are counting on us to do the right thing.” getting health care for everyone and pass- to lose their coverage? How many more “Workers are under assault and they Real health care reform will not only ing the Employee Free Choice Act. families have to go into the red for a sick need the voice on the job that unions pro- ensure that workers with insurance keep “These are the reforms I’m proposing. loved one? We have talked this issue to vide. I believe and I know union jobs are their benefits, she said, it will provide These are the reforms labor has been death year after year, decade after good jobs,” she said. affordable options for those without health championing,” he said. “These are the decade…. Now is the time for action. Echoing President Obama’s Labor Day care coverage and rein in the cost of health reforms the American people need. And Now is the time to deliver on health speech, Solis continued, “That’s why I care for everyone. these are the reforms I intend to sign into insurance reform.” support [the Employee free Choice Act]: The labor secretary also listed a series law. Quality, affordable health insurance. President Obama also said that the to level the playing field so it’s easier for A world-class education. Good jobs that American Recovery and Reinvestment employees who want a union to form a See Trumka, Page 14 pay well and can’t be outsourced. A strong Act helped pull the economy up and pre- labor movement. That’s how we’ll lift up vent even worse crisis. He pledged to hard-working families. That’s how we’ll keep working to create good jobs and grow our middle class. That’s how we’ll make sure that “Made in America”

Caroline Kennedy tells del- U.S. Secretary of Labor egates that her uncle, Sen. Hilda Solis states, “It is SIU VP Kermett Mangram, Edward M. Kennedy, who important that we have an who is based in Norfolk, died weeks earlier, had active Department of Labor Convention delegates elected (from left) Exec. VP Arlene Holt Baker, President Rich reports on Virginia political asked her to speak at the advocating for the needs of Trumka and Sec.-Treasurer Liz Shuler to four-year terms. (Photo by Bill Burke/Page activities. convention. working people.” One) October 2009 Seafarers LOG 5 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:41 PM Page 6

Seafarers, Tacoma Families Volunteer to Help Neighbors Seafarers recently continued their help those who need assistance. is no different. One of our recertified tradition of giving something back to This year, 37 SIU members, bosuns said it best when he said that their community as SIU members and employees, family members and there are takers and givers. ‘I have families in Tacoma, Wash., again vol- friends in the Tacoma area washed, taken all my life. It is time to give unteered to help the Paint Tacoma scraped, sanded, caulked and painted back.’ He was referring to his 30-plus Beautiful program. Paint Tacoma the home of Al Reeves and his wife, years of gainful employment with the Beautiful is an annual program Cecile. During the last three years, SIU. I’d like to personally thank our through which community members SIU members based in the Tacoma rank-and-file members for their par- and local organizations pool their area have volunteered more than 1,000 ticipation. Without their support, none resources and volunteer manpower to hours of manpower to the program. of this would be possible.” Mr. Reeves was an Army engineer The following is a list of SIU mem- during the Korean War and says, dur- bers and family who participated with ing these economic times, Paint Paint Tacoma Beautiful 2009: Port Tacoma and the SIU crew were a god- Agent Joe Vincenzo, Safety Director send. “I don’t get around well any- Ryan Palmer, Quinton Palmer, more, so these young folks were a Patrolman Kris Hopkins, Karen blessing from heaven. It’s so heart- Hopkins, Kevin Hopkins, Kylie warming to see your neighbors give up Hopkins, Administrative Assistant what little free time they have to help Brenda Flesner, Joie Flesner, OMU others. We all bonded and my wife, Chris Mercado, OMU Dan Coffey, Electrician David Goodpastor removes old Cecile, had a great time chatting with GUDE Cheryl Gutkowski, caulk the folks, especially the kids who Electrician David Goodpastor, came to help. We can’t thank these BREC Lance Zollner, BREC Ben fine folks enough,” he stated. Born, SREC Michael Meany, SREC Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo Lovie Perez, AB Ray Nowak, AB said of the SIU volunteers, “This is Chris Tizon, OMU Mikel our third year participating in the Tittsworth, GUDE Samed Kassem, Paint Tacoma project. Each year OMU Glenn Quittorio, AB Cory brings with it new opportunities to Gardner, STOS Allan Makiling, reach out to our friends and neighbors GUDE Hernando Basilan, AB Pete in Pierce County and to give back Hokenson, AB Paul Sharo, GUDE what we ourselves have received over Rupert Henry, ACU Lamberto the years. It hardly seems like giving Palamos, AB Cesar Runatay, DEU since we are all a little bit better off Orlando Makiling, DEU Jose for having participated in the first Santos, OMU Melgar Daguio, Wiper place. Each year we see more ‘A’ Joe Hilario, SREC Manuel Basas, seniority and recertified members Steward/Baker Emily Soriano and OMU Chris Mercado pressure washes the stepping up to the plate and this year OMU Efran Bacomo. house.

GUDE Cheryl Gutkowski reaches new heights.

Members of the Paint Tacoma group for 2009 included (back row, left to right) Port Agent Joe Vincenzo, Electrician David Goodpastor, BREC Lance Zollner, SREC Michael Meany, BREC Ben Born, OS Cheryl Gutkowski, homeowners Cecile and Al Reeves, Safety Director Ryan Palmer goes aloft to AB Dan Coffey takes a quick break for a (front row, left to right) SIU Patrolman Kris Hopkins, AB Dan Coffey and Administrative tackle caulking. photo. Assistant Brenda Flesner

proper functioning of our marine trans- SAFE Port Act in 2006 as a result of Matson, Horizon Lines Participate portation system in Hawaii is essential lessons learned from the Hurricane to our survival.” Katrina response in New Orleans. In Honolulu-Based Response Drill In addition to Matson and Horizon, Government and industry representa- exercise participants included the Coast tives jointly developed a plan for port In late August, SIU-contracted the shipping channel and cutting off the Guard, U.S. Navy, Federal Bureau of reconstitution after a disaster. The strat- Horizon Lines and Matson Navigation transfer of goods and services. The Investigation, U.S. Army Corps of egy focuses on marine salvage and ser- took part in an exercise designed to test Coast Guard reported that federal, state Engineers, Department of Homeland vices needed to reopen navigable and refine reactions to terrorist attacks. and local officials along with marine Security, Federal Emergency waterways to maritime commerce. It Overseen by the U.S. Coast Guard, the industry representatives “acted together Management Agency and the U.S. covers each of the commercial ports on drill took place in Honolulu. to discuss salvage response, maritime Department of Transportation’s the neighboring islands and American According to the agency, the exer- transportation system recovery, alterna- Maritime Administration. Also Samoa. cise “simulated a joint coordination tive delivery methods, and economic, involved were the State of Hawaii Civil “It’s extremely valuable for each of response to a terrorist attack in social, and national security impacts. Defense Department, State of Hawaii these agencies and industry to get Honolulu Harbor. The exercise was The goal of this exercise was to test and Department of Transportation Harbors together before an incident and discuss staged at the Clean Islands Council’s validate a new Coast Guard-created Division, Honolulu Department of our various roles and responsibilities in response center on Sand Island and did Salvage Response Plan for Honolulu.” Emergency Management, Retail regards to the reconstitution of the Port not involve any tactical assets or the “We never know what could be Merchants of Hawaii, Marine Cargo of Honolulu,” said Anne Stevens, a harbor itself.” knocked out during a natural disaster or Surveys of Hawaii, Clean Islands domestic preparedness planner with the The joint response was in reaction to a terrorist attack,” said Capt. Barry Council (industry or non-government State Civil Defense Department. a simulated case in which a terrorist Compagnoni, the U.S. Coast Guard agencies) and others. “Because of today’s exercise we are organization hijacks a ship and then captain of the port for Honolulu. “Most The Salvage Response Plan was better prepared to respond to a real dis- sinks it in Honolulu Harbor, blocking of our goods are shipped here, so the developed after Congress passed the ruption in Honolulu Harbor.”

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Notice/Reminder Engine Department Career Path

October 2009 Seafarers LOG 7 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/25/2009 9:43 PM Page 8

ITF Officials Assist Eastwind Crews Inspectors Secure More than $1 Million in Back Pay The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) last month reported several successful cases in which the organiza- tion’s inspectors secured back pay (totaling more than $1 mil- lion) and repatriation for crews sailing with the recently bank- rupt runaway-flag operating company Eastwind. One of those instances involved SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung, who on Aug. 31 secured $130,000 in back pay as well as repatriation for mariners from the Liberian-flagged Yucatan in Galveston, Texas. In early September, the ITF noted that it “continues to work Mariners from the Azov Wind (above) were among those recently assisted by ITF inspectors. with the bankrupt company’s trustees and those buying other of its vessels. At the time Eastwind declared bankruptcy it was three), transferred to the crew’s banks back home.” allotments some of them had sent home, they were only to be believed to own 63 vessels. Some of these have been sold, some He concluded, “After that it was necessary to organize an given the balance of their wages at termination of their con- arrested. The ITF was called in by the crews of a number of inspection and certification to allow the vessel to proceed to tracts. So they had had no cash at all for many months. The these, and as of today (Sept. 4) – with payments made to the Panama, where local ITF Inspector Luis Fruto was waiting to allotments going home to the families stopped in April, leaving crew of the Annapurna and due in the next few days to that of confirm the payment of the remaining owed salaries, as well as the families destitute.” the Azov Wind – has been instrumental in resolving all of them.” the repatriation of most of the crew, as the managers have He added, “After negotiation the arresting bank agreed to ITF Maritime Coordinator Steve Cotton said, “Picking up informed us that the vessel will be laid up with a safe manning pay the wages arrears for the full nine months ($338,521) and the pieces of the Eastwind collapse is a difficult but not impos- crew. The total owed salaries were $340,000, in addition to the the repatriation expenses of the crew before the ship has even sible situation. The ITF is one of the organizations – including repatriation, certification and provisioning in Chile.” been sold, and they were paid [Sept. 4], with flights booked for agents, banks, port authorities, lawyers and unions – looking for Grahame MacLaren, ITF inspector in Wellington, reported next Tuesday. The bank does however want a skeleton crew to a solution, and the contact between us and them has paid off in on the Annapurna. remain on board pending the new owner’s crew taking over. A the successes that each week are making a very bad state of “On Aug. 4 the Eastwind Group’s reefer vessel Annapurna number of the crew were willing to stay on if an appropriate affairs a little bit better. Once again it underlines why we want arrived at the port of Auckland, where it was immediately new agreement could be reached. We insisted that any new anyone having difficulties to talk to us at the earliest possible arrested by the Japanese-owned Aozora Bank Ltd. It had sailed agreement be at ITF TCC rates and this has now been agreed by stage. If Eastwind had done that, instead of leaving it to pan- empty to New Zealand on the bank’s orders – it appears so that the bank.” icked crews to alert us, then the relief effort might be even fur- it could be arrested in a country where it was felt all parties The other Eastwind cases the ITF has helped with are: ther along now.” would be treated fairly under law. ■ The Liberian-flagged Yamaska was in the port of In Balboa, Panama, ITF Inspector Luis Fruto was expected “That evening Auckland-based Garry Parsloe of the Mosjoen, Norway. ITF Coordinator Nils Pedersen negotiated to witness the payment of the crew of the Liberian-flagged Azov Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) went on board to through the local representative of London-based law firm Ince Wind, which had arrived from Valparaiso. The ITF inspector assess the Burmese crew’s situation and found out that they had & Co. for the crew to receive their owed wages. The vessel from that area, Juan Villalon, explained the history of the case. not been paid for some time. Garry advised them that they cargo receiver refused to have the vessel berth and discharge “I received a phone call from the Georgian crew asking for should under no circumstances leave the vessel or be repatriat- until the local ITF-affiliated union approved. The vessel was help on Aug. 12,” Villalon recalled. “I met with the crew that ed without first being paid all wages owed.” allowed to berth on the July 31 and the crew received their day, and they identified the following problem areas: medical; MacLaren continued, “The crew were unable to even afford wages of $115,509 on Aug. 4. water and food; bunkering and oil; inspection and certification the cost of a phone call home, so Garry negotiated with the ■ The Liberian-flagged EW Snowdon was in the port of of the vessel. The agent told me that a superintendent had agents to have a cell phone provided so they could contact their Hull, UK, having been arrested by the Aozora Bank. ITF arrived from Cyprus, and following meetings it emerged that families. He was informed by the bailiffs that a lawyer would be Inspector Bill Anderson obtained power of attorney from the Tokyo Star Bank had taken over and had appointed Fleet needed to present the crew’s claim in court and was given the crew to help them recover wages owed since Anderson negoti- Management Cyprus as managers.” name of Pauline Barratt. The ITF have since retained her and ated with the bank, with the result that on Aug. 19 the crew He continued, “I explained the situation to Fleet she has been doing a great job representing the crew. received the $266,082 owed to them. Eighteen were repatriated Management and that if it were not remedied we would assist “I travelled to Auckland and, accompanied by the lawyer and four agreed to stay on board the vessel to ensure its safety the crew in taking legal action against the vessel. He assured me and MUNZ members, we met with the crew. Also in attendance while the arrest was in place. that they were doing everything they could to find a solution. In were the vessel’s agents and an interpreter provided by them. ■ The Liberian-flagged MSC Peru was docked in Balboa, the meantime, I contacted supply agents in Valparaiso to begin We discussed the situation with the crew and answered any Panama. ITF inspector Luis Fruto, assisted by ITF U.S. negotiations with the port agency. The five crew members who questions they had to the best of our abilities. I put to the agents Coordinator Jeff Engels, reported that the case was resolved wanted to see a doctor were helped to do so and all the person- a request for money for the men’s essential needs and after a lot Aug. 1 with the payment of $204,329 in wages and the return of nel were instructed on the importance of staying with the ves- of negotiation we managed to get the arresting bank to give each the crew to their homes on Aug. 4. sel. man a payment of $200 – not a huge amount but they were very ■ Finally, crew members from the Liberian-flagged MSC “The following week, I heard from Fleet Management, grateful to have it. Parana received $200,000 in back pay and were repatriated to telling me that most of the issues were approved and that the “The ship has no ITF-approved agreement in place, and the Burma. money and supply problems would be solved shortly. Food and Burmese crew were on pay rates below ITF minimums,” he The ITF consist of 654 unions (including the SIU) repre- water were supplied and $72,000, a month’s wages (out of continued. “The way they were being paid was that apart from senting 4.5 million transport workers in 148 countries.

Crew members on the Annapurna receive some of their back pay.

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★★★ Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO ■ 2009 Quadrennial Convention ★★★ Government Officials Praise Work of U.S. Mariners American Crews Cited as Vital to National, Economic Security

The four speakers from the U.S. military and sure that seafarer access is ensured. And whether Obama administration who addressed the Maritime that’s U.S. sailors or foreign sailors changing out Trades Department convention discussed numerous crews, or whatever, the right to be able to get across topics, but one point made by each of them is that a the dock needs to be maintained.” strong U.S. Merchant Marine remains indispensable He thanked industry stakeholders for their anti- to America’s national and economic security. piracy efforts and described some of the related work U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad done by the Coast Guard in cooperation with Allen, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) TRANSCOM, the Maritime Administration (MarAd) Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Mark Harnitchek, and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Harnitchek noted the “fantastic support” from U.S. Maritime Administration Deputy Administrator MTD unions to TRANSCOM and other U.S. agencies David Matsuda described the vital partnership that that rely on American crews, ships and infrastructure. exists between government and the maritime industry. “It’s more than the vessels,” he said. “It’s the ports, They thanked MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco it’s the folks who build the ships, the folks that main- for his effective leadership and cited the ongoing reli- tain them, certainly the folks who sail in them, and ability of civilian mariners and their unions. everybody that’s involved in the big network that Allen and Harnitchek spoke to the convention on moves our stuff overseas.” MTD President Michael Sacco (left), U.S. Coast Guard Sept. 10, while LaHood and Matsuda delivered their He said that in Operations Enduring Freedom and Commandant Adm. Thad Allen respective remarks the next day. Iraqi Freedom, the military is moving forces to for- Among other subjects, Allen talked about mariner eign regions “on a scale that we haven’t seen since national and economic security of our country.... We credentialing, seafarer access in ports, efforts to com- probably the Second World War. Frankly, we could are so grateful for all that you do, whether it’s during bat piracy, and how climate change may affect ship- not conduct those operations without the support of time of crisis or on a day-to-day basis.” ping. No matter the challenge, however, he said mar- the maritime industry. Thank you all for what you do He added, “We have several programs that help the itime labor has been responsive and helpful. and the folks you represent every day who enable us nation to train and retrain mariners who keep com- “So, please, when you talk to your membership, to do what we do every day. You guys move America’s merce flowing around the world. Chief among these please thank them on my behalf,” Allen stated. military might.” are the Maritime Security Program, the Volunteer “Continue to do what you’re doing, because the coun- Harnitchek explained TRANSCOM’s joint com- Intermodal Sealift Agreement, and our own Ready try needs you.” mand structure, which includes Army, Navy, Air Force Reserve Force (RRF). We depend on your cooperation The commandant described centralizing the and Marine Corps components. He described recent and your support to ensure these programs continue to agency’s credentialing operations as “a long and ardu- examples of how the agency oversaw movement of succeed.” ous process. I believe we’re over the hump now…. I military units and materiel from America to The secretary talked about recent and future invest- appreciate your patience. In the long run, I think Afghanistan (with heavy reliance on “commercial ments in America’s marine infrastructure. He said that you’re going to find that we’re going to be more conveyance”). despite the ailing economy, freight flowing through responsive to your needs.” “Fundamentally, we get the shooters to the fight,” U.S. ports is expected to increase “by more than 50 He also touched on the Transportation Worker he said. “We send them all the stuff they need to sus- percent in the coming years, and the volume of inter- Identification Credential (TWIC) program, noting that tain themselves. We move folks around the theater…. national container traffic will more than double. This the Coast Guard is responsible for the next phase, Then we bring them home…. It is a big team effort will stress a freight delivery system already stretched which involves card readers. within each of our service components and, then, of to capacity, especially on the land side. “Our goal is to make some very, very informed course, our relationship that we have through con- “So our path is clear. We must modernize and choices on where we put card readers and where we tracts with you. It’s a thing of beauty to watch it work. expand our marine infrastructure system in order to need them and where we don’t need them based on So, again, well done. The merchant mariner base is compete effectively and efficiently in the world mar- valid security needs,” he stated. vital to what we do in the Department of Defense. kets. It’s in our national interest to keep marine trans- Allen also emphasized his commitment to helping Without you, it would not happen.” portation systems in good repair and up to date, and ensure fair treatment of mariners when it comes to He said relying on the commercial sector makes we must ensure we have the capacity to meet future port access. “I spent a lot of time in the last two years sense because it is economical, efficient and time-test- needs.” talking to maritime groups, shippers, port authorities, ed. LaHood said the administration also “is committed terminal operators and so forth. I’ve made it very LaHood said that the administration “recognizes to doing more with America’s marine highway, a sys- clear to my captains of the ports that we need to make that U.S. Merchant Mariners play a vital role in the tem of over 25,000 miles of coastal, inland and inter- coastal waterways that move freight. The marine high- way is a very, very high priority at DOT.” He concluded, “Let me assure you that President Obama has clearly indicated he believes our nation needs a robust, multimodal transportation infrastruc-

See U.S. Mariners, Page 10

Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek David Matsuda Ray LaHood Deputy Commander U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator U.S. Transportation Secretary U.S. Transportation Command Motivated...Trained...Dedicated October 2009 Seafarers LOG 9 56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:05 PM Page 10

★★★ Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO ■ 2009 Quadrennial Convention ★★★ Gov. Rendell, Rep. Pastor Emphasize Infrastructure Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (D) and U.S. Rep. living and sustain a good family life – those jobs are in Ed Pastor (D-Arizona) told Maritime Trades Department manufacturing. We can’t exist as a solely service industry convention delegates that investing in the nation’s infra- and financial industry, because there aren’t going to be structure is a vital and effective way to create jobs while middle class people available to buy stuff. We’ve got to improving safety. protect American manufacturing. They also stressed the importance of fair trade, “We’ve also got to protect our infrastructure,” he con- American shipbuilding, U.S. manufacturing in general, tinued. “When you say infrastructure, people immediately and inland waterway operations, among other key topics. think of roads and bridges and highways, and that’s all Rendell pointed to Aker Philadelphia Shipyard – site of true. That’s an important part of infrastructure. We need to the current Overseas Shipholding Group double-hulled rebuild it because as we rebuilt it, not only do we do some- tanker build program – as a multi-faceted example of how thing good substantively, but it’s the single best job creator and why America must maintain its industrial base. Earlier in the world. Not only job creator, but it creates orders for in his career, as mayor of Philadelphia, he helped bring the American factories for steel, timber, asphalt, concrete, you yard out of mothballs. name it. But we also have to rebuild our ports and our He said that despite some skepticism from others about dams and our locks. It’s absolutely crucial.” American commercial shipbuilding and the shipyard’s He said China currently is spending almost $7 billion rebirth, “we went to work and we didn’t take no for an repairing their ports while the U.S. is spending less than answer. What they found is that we can compete – not just one-tenth of that amount. Shanghai now has almost as for Jones Act ships, but we can compete. The American much container capacity as all U.S. ports combined, worker and American trade unions are smart. They’re Rendell noted. resourceful. They will make the changes necessary to be Rendell said that he recently co-founded an organiza- competitive, and we can win. And that’s a story that should tion “dedicated to the proposition that we have to invest in be told over and over again throughout the United States of our infrastructure at a level never before. We need it for America, because people are always writing off American quality of life. We need it for public safety. But we need it manufacturing.” most of all for economic competitiveness. Unless you can Rendell said he supports free trade but that it must also move goods quickly, your economy is going to be a sec- be fair trade, adding that America’s debt only will worsen ond-rate economy. The Chinese understand that. The Ed Rendell (D) if we keep losing manufacturing jobs. He also cited docu- Europeans understand that. They’re investing money. We Pennsylvania Governor mented cases in which other countries clearly were dump- have to get on the stick.” ing industrial product into the U.S. in order to eliminate Finally, he expressed confidence in newly elected American jobs. AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka but also said labor, have the opportunity, we’re going to increase the fund- “It’s just common sense. No country can exist without management and government all must be “on the same ing.” making things,” Rendell said. “We have to continue to page” in letting the administration and Congress know Pastor also touched on inland operations and port secu- make things. That’s where the good jobs are. The good that the stimulus money “was terrific for infrastructure but rity. jobs that the average American can hold and make a good also was only a drop in the bucket. If we really want to get “One of the things I have found out personally is how this American economy humming again – if we really important our inland waterways are,” he said. “One of want to put people to work – don’t invest in anything other the things with the stimulus money as well as with the than something that we build. If we invest in things that money that we provide through the Corps of Engineers – we build, we create jobs, we create orders for American we will be improving, rebuilding and in some cases factories, and we create long-term manufacturing establishing a better lock system because if you don’t strength. That’s the most important message that I can have a lock system in place, then it’ll be very difficult to give.” move these vessels back and forth. It’s very critical, and He closed by noting that elected officials in most people in this country do not realize the importance Washington must hear not only from union leaders and of our inland waterways…. We’re also responsible for industry representatives, but constituents. “The only the dredging, so, again, our opportunities are to provide thing Washington responds to is pressure back home.” those moneys to the Corps so the harbors that are being Pastor noted that for many years, he has been used throughout our country have the depth and effi- involved with Congressional committees and subcom- ciency so that the ships are able to come in and able to mittees that affect the maritime industry. Currently, they load and unload their cargo.” include the House Appropriations Committee, the Concerning port security, Pastor noted that he has Subcommittee of Energy and Water Development, and travelled internationally for the past two years trying to the Subcommittee on Transportation. ascertain whether it’s feasible to aim for 100 percent “Part of our job is to make sure that the infrastructure inspection of containers entering this nation. is there so that people can work in a safe environment “I think it’s becoming a realization, more and more, and work at an efficient rate,” Pastor stated. “We provide with many members (of Congress) that it may be very not only for the operation and maintenance of the unrealistic in terms of being able to 100 percent inspect [Maritime Administration] office and the Federal the containers that are coming into the United States,” he Maritime Commission, we also fund the infrastructure said, adding that representatives will work on alternative (for ports).” programs to maintain security. Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.) He said Congress “will continue to fund the Maritime Pastor also said he supports the Employee Free U.S. Representative Security Program. It’s very important. In cases that we Choice Act. U.S. Mariners Receive Praise For Role in National, Economic Security Continued from Page 9 And as you can see from President Obama’s first budget proposal, the adminis- tration will continue to support it.” ture that can meet the needs and the demands of the 21st Century. We are work- He said the mariners who sail on RRF ships “have proven time and again their ing to provide ports, shipyards and the marine highway with the resources and capabilities in major U.S. military operations such as Desert Storm and Desert support they need. This is essential both to ensure we have well-trained profes- Shield, as well as support missions for our troops in the Middle East during the sional mariners to meet the needs of the future, and to help the United States suc- current conflicts. This readiness and resourcefulness has also been valuable in ceed in a fiercely competitive global economy. With the support and the involve- serving to meet domestic emergencies…. Thanks to lessons learned, we now ment of the maritime transportation labor community, I’m confident we’ll have plans to increase our preparedness by prepositioning emergency vehicles on achieve our goals.” board our home-ported ships so they can weather the storm and be ready to work Matsuda stated, “Promoting an industry where mariners can look up and see a as soon as it’s over.” U.S. flag is critical for our nation’s security, our economy and our pride. Along He discussed various potential programs that could create more jobs for U.S. those lines, the Maritime Security Program has proven very successful. It’s truly mariners, including efforts within the LNG and offshore oil industries. brought private industry, government and labor together. This essential program Matsuda concluded, “The Obama administration is keenly aware of the impor- helps maintain the pool of mariners that we need to crew our Ready Reserve tance of the unions represented by the Maritime Trades Department. You have a Force ships and other government-owned ships needed for national security. government that’s willing to listen, and our door is always open.” Motivated...Trained...Dedicated 10 Seafarers LOG October 2009 56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:06 PM Page 11

★★★ Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO ■ 2009 Quadrennial Convention ★★★

AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka Pennsylvania State AFL-CIO President Bill George AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney Nation Will Benefit From Labor Leaders: Health Care Reform, EFCA

A few days before the AFL-CIO convention, three ply an effort to ensure that every American has quality, work a lot further than you can the corporate executive in high-ranking labor officials reiterated the critical need to affordable health care, whatever their income or whatev- the front offices who counts the money. I’ve seen again reform the nation’s labor laws and its health insurance er their state of health. We’re for a health care system that and again that when working people stick together and system. overlooks no one, that forgets no one, and that omits no stand up together, we can win together and change the AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, AFL-CIO one.” world.” Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka (elected the follow- Trumka added, “There has to be a decent public option Sweeney said he is confident the labor movement is ing week to the federation’s top post) and Pennsylvania which is easily accessible…. Without that option, you “poised to reach three of our biggest goals: providing AFL-CIO President Bill George updated delegates on the can’t have health insurance reform…. There must be no high-quality, affordable health care for every family in battles to enact the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) taxing of employee health care benefits. Those benefits America; reforming our economy and making it work for and health care reform. They also voiced strong, ongoing have been paid for over a working career. We sacrificed everyone; and restoring the freedom of workers to join support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. wages, we sacrificed other benefits to have that health unions without having to risk their jobs to do it.” Trumka covered a wide range of topics. He said both care, and I’ll be damned if they are going to tax those George described various grassroots political efforts the U.S. and Canada are suffering from a loss of manu- benefits and take it away... And [there] has to be an in Pennsylvania, including the ones that proved so criti- facturing jobs. “Even our members have become so employer mandate forcing all employers to provide cal in the election of President Obama. dependent on cheap products and services from abroad health care to their employees. I’m tired of subsidizing “Barack Obama won this state with a bigger margin that they really don’t begin to see the serious implications companies like Wal-Mart who don’t give their employees than any other candidate in the history this nation,” to our two countries of not having the [manufacturing] health care.” George stated. “It couldn’t have been done without a lot capabilities or about losing all those skills,” he stated. He said that failure to pass health care reform likely of unity and solidarity.” The former United Mine Workers of America presi- would damage if not ruin the chance to enact the EFCA. Unfortunately, he said, the commonwealth also serves dent said a strong maritime industry “is of critical impor- Trumka described the latter bill as one that would “liber- as an example of the shortcomings of America’s health tance for the economic, political and security interests of ate every American, which will let every American bar- insurance system. George said that more than 519,000 both the U.S. and Canada. It’s as important today as it’s gain their way into the middle class instead of borrow workers in Pennsylvania have no health care coverage. been throughout the history of both of our nations.” their way into the middle class…. We’re going rebuild “We went from 73 percent of (workers being covered Along those lines, he told the convention delegates, the middle class and create a ladder for those at the bot- by) employer-based health care in Pennsylvania, primar- “America’s ability to produce the critical things that we tom end to climb back into the middle class…. Our issues ily because of collective bargaining, down to 58 per- need in time of crisis, and the ability to service and to and the things that we fight for serve the vast majority of cent,” he declared. “This battle against us isn’t really transport those things where they’re needed to protect our our population. The things that we stand for benefit all about how we handle health care. Eliminating health nation both promptly and immediately is an absolutely workers and nearly all Americans.” care at the workplace is the objective of Wall Street. It’s vital component of our national security. The ability to Sweeney, who retired the next week, recalled growing the objective of corporate people; it’s the objective of transport the necessary personnel and equipment to get up in a union family and described how he progressed those stocks and dividends to control our health care sys- the job done must be executed without a moment’s worry through the ranks. tem.” or concern about whether some foreign nation or some “It’s been my privilege to serve working families in George concluded by stating that health insurance – foreign crew with other loyalties or some carrier flying a the labor movement in just about every capacity imagin- including the tens of millions of uninsured Americans – foreign flag will do the job – or not. That’s a basic ingre- able,” he said. “I can tell you there is no greater honor stands as “an economic issue in addition to a moral dient of security, both here and for Canada.” than representing working men and women…. I’ve issue.” He also said enactment of the EFCA is imperative He described the fight for health care reform as “sim- learned you can trust the men and women who do the to labor’s survival.

“I’ve been a part of a lot of cutting-edge organizations and I’m here to emphat- Weakley, Miller Say Cooperation ically say, after 30-some years’ experience, the safest operations are the ones that are most cost-effective, and they’re the ones with the best schedules. It is absolutely proven,” Miller stated. “It pays, and even if you don’t believe that, it’s Remains Key to Industry’s Health the right thing and the moral thing to do for us to protect our brothers and sisters.” He encouraged union officials to “make it personal” with the rank-and-file During their remarks at the Maritime Trades Department convention, the pres- membership when it comes to job safety. For instance, he described a way to drive ident of a major American shipyard and the head of a key association represent- home the point that when workers don’t strictly adhere to safe practices, they risk ing U.S.-flag ship operators on the Great Lakes offered candid looks at the state missing out on those things most important to them. Specifically, he suggested of the maritime industry. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President and CEO Jim having individuals make a list of the “big five things that you treasure…. Those Miller and Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley also emphasized five things are like a bank where you put currency. When you cut corners, you’re the importance of cooperation from all sectors of the industry. making a withdrawal. When you do things safely, you’re making a deposit.” Miller mentioned that he grew up in a union household and has been “a union Lastly, Miller explained the ongoing need for cooperation throughout the mar- advocate and supporter my whole career.” itime industry. He pointed out that shipboard jobs of course depend in part on He said there is constant emphasis on safety at his shipyard – an emphasis that shipbuilding companies. ultimately leads to top-quality products (in this case, tankers and containerships “This might be very obvious, but we’re all fighting to preserve our market, try- built for SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group and Matson Navigation, respectively). See Maritime Executives, Page 14

Motivated...Trained...Dedicated October 2009 Seafarers LOG 11 56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:11 PM Page 12 Maritime Trades Deppartment Convention

elegates to the 2009 Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Convention Durged Congress and the administration to back a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. They also called for support of workers’ rights, including enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act. The convention’s theme – reflected in the image at left – was “Motivated, Trained, Dedicated.” MTD President Michael Sacco chaired the Roman Gralewicz James Williams Richar conference, which took place Sept. 10-11 in President General President Pre Pittsburgh. SIU of Canada Painters The MTD consists of 23 affiliated nation- al and international unions representing more than five million members and a net- work of 21 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada. The main pur- pose of the MTD is to stand up for the work- ing people in affiliated unions representing workers in the maritime and allied fields. In this issue of the LOG, convention coverage is included on pages 1, 2, 3 and 9-14. Many delegates and guests are pic- Tom Bethel Don Keefe Tim tured here on pages 12-13. President President Pre AMO MEBA M

George Tricker John Spadaro Dean Corgey Kermett Mangram Nick Marrone David Heindel, Sec.-Treasurer, Seafarers and Hanafi VP Contracts National Director VP Gulf Coast VP Gov’t Services VP West Coast Rustandi, President, Indonesian Seafarers Union Seafarers UIW Seafarers Seafarers Seafarers Taking their Oaths of Office

Michel Desjardins Dan Kane David Durkee Executive VP Sec.-Treasurer Sec.-Treasurer V SIU of Canada Mine Workers BCTGM

Taking the oath of office following the MTD elections on Sept. 10 are (from left) MTD Vice President Bonnie Heraty John Brenton Ron Krochmalny Scott Winter, President Michael Sacco and Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex. Sec.-Treasurer Sec.-Treasurer President Chicago Port Council ITPE Michigan Port Council 12 Seafarers LOG October 2009 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:22 PM Page 13 Maritime Trades Department Convention

Richard Hughes John Ryan Robert Scardelletti Joseph Hunt Mark Spano President President President President President ILA GMP TCU Iron Workers Novelty Workers

MTD President Michael Sacco presents a ship’s wheel to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, joined by his wife, Maureen. MTD Honors John Sweeney

The MTD honored retiring AFL-CIO President John Sweeney at the department’s 2009 convention. As planned, Sweeney stepped down from office the following Tim Brown Gunnar Lundeberg Anthony Poplawski John Bowers Augie Tellez week, during the AFL-CIO convention. He served as head of the President President President President Emeritus Exec. VP federation since 1995. MM&P SUP MFOW ILA Seafarers “All of us in labor know you have held a steady hand on the wheel during your tenure as president,” SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco told Sweeney. On behalf of the MTD, he then presented Sweeney with a ship’s wheel. The inscription on the wheel reads: “Congratulations on a job exceptionally well done. Buoyed by your skilled guid- ance, the labor movement remains on course.” Moments earlier, Sweeney told the convention delegates and guests, “I’m often asked about my impending retirement, and I know you understand my answer when I say you don’t retire from your life. Yes, I’m stepping down as president of the AFL-CIO and looking forward to the new leadership of the AFL-CIO. But I’m stepping up into a new role I call ‘labor warrior at large,’ and e Tom Orzechowski Joseph Soresi Father Sinclair Oubre Bill Lucy I’m not going to let up for a minute…. I will do everything I can st VP Great Lakes VP Atlantic Coast President Sec.-Treasurer to support the movement.” Seafarers Seafarers Apostleship of Sea/U.S. AFSCME

Dewey Garland Ralph Maly Warren Mart Peter Gorman Director, Railroad Walter Wise Vice President Sec.-Treasurer Chief of Staff Desiree Gralewicz, Sec.-Treasurer, SIU of Canada and And Shipyard Dept. General Treasurer CWA IAM IAFF Catina Sicoli, Comptroller, SIU of Canada SMWIA Iron Workers

Archie Ware Chico McGill Chester Wheeler Ambrose Cucinotta Nick Celona Jim McGee Bryan Powell Asst. VP Business Manager Asst. VP Asst. VP Asst. VP Asst. VP Asst. VP Seafarers IBEW Seafarers Seafarers Seafarers Seafarers Seafarers October 2009 Seafarers LOG 13 56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:12 PM Page 14

★★★ Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO ■ 2009 Quadrennial Convention ★★★ Maritime Executives Reflect on State of Industry

Continued from Page 11 and cargo, and last but certainly not least, the inability to keep our harbors ing to preserve the Jones Act,” Miller open and as efficient as they should be.” said, referring to the law that requires Illustrating some of what he called that goods moving between domestic “catastrophic costs,” Weakley pointed ports be carried aboard vessels that are out that for “every single inch on the crewed, flagged, built and owned Great Lakes that we lose in water American. (because of a lack of dredging), our fleet “There are three legs to that stool,” gives up 8,000 tons of cargo on the he continued. “There are the owners, dock. That’s enough cargo to make labor and the suppliers in the yards. All 6,000 automobiles, to power the Detroit of us have different challenges and dif- area with clean coal for electricity for ferent issues…. If you look at any three hours, or to build 24 homes. Over breakdown on a project, on an industry the course of a season – a nine-month or an effort, you’ll find that if one of season for us on the Great Lakes – a sin- these legs of this three-legged stool isn’t gle ship, a thousand-footer leaves over clicking, it’s hurting or dragging with 400,000 tons of cargo at the dock. [That the other ones. So, we are uniquely equals] wasted effort, inefficiencies that linked to each other as shipbuilders, we can’t afford as a nation.” unions, shipowners, clients, end users. Weakley said one of the main con- We have to work together.” cerns about ballast water and combating Weakley opened with a variation of a invasive species is that “one solution quote often used by MTD and SIU does not fit all ships. The current situa- President Michael Sacco when he said, tion is the federal government recently “Quality of life comes down to three proposed standards. Many of the states things: jobs, jobs, jobs.” have their own standards and states He gave a detailed description of demand more, and environmental what he called “the perfect storm that groups seem to continually demand James Weakley Jim Miller the maritime industry faces today.” The more and more and never seem to be President President components include a proposal from the satisfied. But they seem to be effective Lake Carriers’ Association Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Environmental Protection Agency at getting their way.” involving air emissions; ballast water On this point, consequences could tence. The text clarifies that “the EPA action and “hope. We need a little hope, and invasive species; the ongoing include many millions of dollars in requirements generally apply to internal and we need the ability to make sure dredging crisis; and the recession. expenses for ships to install treatment waters, such as the Mississippi River that we can survive the perfect storm. Dredging, especially on the Lakes, is systems. and the Great Lakes, that can be “Let me be perfectly clear on this an ongoing issue. Weakley said the “end Turning his attention to an EPA regu- accessed by oceangoing vessels.’ With point,” he concluded. “Without you, result of a lack of maintaining our latory announcement, Weakley said, this single sentence, they are applying a without these delegates, there is no waterways is the impact on vessel-car- “Let me show you how easy it is to standard that was designed for oceango- steamship left on the Great Lakes. There rying capacity, a system that’s just not exterminate hundreds and perhaps thou- ing ships in international waters to ships may not be a laker fleet left on the Great as efficient as it should be – ironically, a sands of jobs. It’s what I call adminis- that sail exclusively on the Great Lakes. We need labor and management system that’s paid for the by Harbor trative extermination. It’s buried literal- Lakes.” working together to educate the deci- Maintenance Trust Fund.” Other conse- ly on page 88 of a 160-page document The antidotes, Weakley said, include sion-makers in Washington, D.C., and quences include “attacks on shippers that the EPA recently released. One sen- education, communications, political elsewhere.” Motivated...Trained...Dedicated

Newly elected AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka (seventh from left) is congratulated by SIU President Michael Sacco (ninth from left) and other officials. Pictured from left to right are AMO Sec.-Treasurer Jose Leonard, SIU VPs Joseph Soresi and Tom Orzechowski, SUP President Gunnar Lundeberg, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Trumka, SIU VP Dean Corgey, Sacco, SIU VP Kermett Mangram, MTD Exec. Sec.-Treasurer Frank Pecquex and MFOW President Anthony SIU President Michael Sacco, who also is a vice president of the AFL-CIO, Poplawski. conducts the federation’s election in Pittsburgh. Trumka Pledges Federation’s Recommittment to Diversity Continued from Page 5 good jobs for everyone. “Jobs that support a family by “I’m here to tell you that we must change,” Trumka increasing incomes and narrowing the wage gap; jobs said. “That is why we’re seeking out and encouraging of actions demonstrating how her leadership is creating that are safe and secure, and give people a voice in the young people, people of color, people of all back- what AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney called workplace through the right to organize and bargain grounds and beliefs and sexual orientation. These are a “pro-Labor Department”: collectively; jobs that are sustainable—like green the labor leaders of tomorrow.” ■ Hiring more Wage and Hour Division and safety jobs–that export products, not paychecks. And jobs that Trumka pledged the AFL-CIO will recommit to inspectors to boost levels. rebuild a strong economy.” embracing diversity at every level. He credited ■ Providing nearly $800 million to help offer train- AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Trumka during his Sweeney for his commitment and leadership to create ing for good jobs as part of the economic stimulus address to the convention said that the union move- more diversity in the union movement. funds. ment is becoming more diverse and the new leadership “John always has been inclusive,” Trumka said. ■ Showing strong support for project labor agree- of the AFL-CIO is committed to working harder to “Under his watch our movement has grown more ments that ensure workers on federal construction reach out to young workers, people of color, women diverse. We salute him for his caring spirit and projects are paid decent wages. and other groups. The federation’s commitment to dogged determination to defend workers at every sta- Her goal as labor secretary, Solis said, is to create diversity is on its way to becoming a reality, he said. tion.” 14 Seafarers LOG October 2009 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:53 PM Page 15

Log-a-Rhythm Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Tankerman August 16, 2009 - Sptember 15, 2009 I’m a tankerman, down to the core Total Registered Total Shipped Trip Registered On Beach Pumped all the tankships, Valdez to Bangor Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Reliefs Class A Class B Class C The product? No matter, I’ve seen them before Aviation, jet fuel, diesel and more. Port Deck Department Algonac 15 8 2 15 6 3 1 19 20 2 We’d go ’round the clock, hungry tanks sucking in Anchorage 0 4 0 0 3 0 1280 All of our product, going out going in Baltimore 5 2 1 7 3 1 3 11 8 0 Fort Lauderdale 13 19 5 11 10 0 6 27 22 12 The oil ports scattered, in bayous and bays Guam 0 4 1 2 2 0 0261 Pipelines, refineries, filled up our days. Honolulu 7 7 0 7 5 0 0 19 12 0 Houston 62 29 3 49 18 1 18 95 54 6 That’s all in the past now and memories abide Jacksonville 23 25 5 17 6 0 10 61 45 10 Of Houston and Bayway, trips on the side Joliet 2 13 0 1 9 2 0 5 10 3 Mobile 11 10 1 10 4 1 0 27 12 1 Being retired, pumping gas in my truck New Orleans 11 4 2 7 2 0 1 28 16 4 Gallons not barrels, what incredible luck! New York 44 17 6 32 10 2 14 87 40 16 Norfolk 18 21 4 14 18 3 4 45 50 15 Oakland 25 9 4 20 8 0 10 47 25 6 By Harry T. Scholer Philadelphia 3 5 0 5 5 0 3 7 10 1 SIU AB/Tankerman Piney Point 0 1 2 0 1 6 0043 Puerto Rico 9 11 1 9 4 1 5 11 20 2 AMO Barge Captain (Ret.) Seattle 24 19 0 22 20 2 9 61 30 4 St. Louis 3 2 0 0 3 0 1 4 12 1 Wilmington 28 25 4 11 11 0 5 62 58 6 Personal TOTALS 303 235 41 239 148 22 91 620 462 93 To Jon Kelly: Engine Department Algonac 4 2 3 5 1 3 0341 Please contact Jason Forbes via email at Anchorage 0 1 0 0 0 0 0040 [email protected] Baltimore 5 5 0 3 3 0 1550 Fort Lauderdale 8 5 1 3 2 0 0 19 14 2 Guam 1 3 1 0 4 1 0130 Honolulu 9 3 0 8 2 0 1 12 6 2 November & December 2009 Houston 9 14 1 12 12 0 6 27 30 3 Jacksonville 21 11 0 12 10 1 7 33 27 5 Joliet 1 2 2 2 1 1 0022 Membership Meetings Mobile 6 4 0 5 3 0 0 18 8 0 New Orleans 5 2 0 2 0 0 0 13 5 0 Piney Point...... Monday: November 2, December 7 New York 12 13 2 8 5 1 3 32 29 4 Norfolk 7 17 1 8 10 0 5 18 43 2 Algonac...... Friday: November 6, December 11 Oakland 11 5 1 11 6 1 6 18 12 6 Philadelphia 2 0 0 1 3 0 1620 Baltimore...... Thursday: November 5, December 10 Piney Point 1 3 0 0 2 0 0140 Puerto Rico 1 3 0 3 1 0 0 10 6 0 Guam...... Thursday: November 19, December 24 Seattle 15 16 1 12 9 0 10 28 30 2 Honolulu...... Friday: November 13, December 18 St. Louis 1 4 1 0 1 1 0341 Wilmington 10 7 0 3 5 1 5 32 24 2 Houston...... Monday: November 9, December 14 TOTALS 129 120 14 98 80 10 45 279 262 32 Jacksonville...... Thursday: November 5, December 10 Steward Department Algonac 4 5 1 0 4 1 0640 Joliet...... Thursday: November 12, December 17 Anchorage 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000 Baltimore 3 3 0 5 2 0 1230 Mobile.....Thursday, November 12*, Wednesday, December 16 Fort Lauderdale 3 5 0 6 5 0 6 10 10 0 New Orleans...... Tuesday: November 10, December 15 Guam 1 2 0 0 1 0 0352 Honolulu 7 3 0 4 0 0 1 23 6 1 New York...... Tuesday: November 3, December 8 Houston 22 5 0 25 2 1 7 44 17 0 Jacksonville 11 4 0 12 4 0 4 24 8 0 Norfolk...... Thursday: November 5, December 10 Joliet 0 1 1 0 1 0 0302 Mobile 3 2 0 5 1 0 1650 Oakland...... Thursday: November 12, December 17 New Orleans 9 1 0 3 1 0 1 12 2 1 New York 22 5 1 20 1 0 10 39 14 1 Philadelphia...... Wednesday: November 4, December 9 Norfolk 13 9 0 9 9 0 4 22 20 2 Port Everglades ...... Thursday: November 12, December 17 Oakland 17 2 0 11 4 0 5 32 16 0 Philadelphia 1 2 1 1 1 0 0511 San Juan ...... Thursday: November 5, December 10 Piney Point 4 0 1 2 1 0 0701 Puerto Rico 1 0 0 1 0 0 0220 St. Louis ...... Friday: November 13 , December 18 Seattle 18 3 2 11 8 0 3 30 8 2 St. Louis 2 1 1 1 1 1 0220 Tacoma...... Friday: November 20, Monday December 28* Wilmington 27 0 2 12 1 2 8 58 6 11 TOTALS 168 53 10 128 47 5 51 330 129 24 Wilmington...... Monday: November 16, December 21 * Mobile change created by Veterans’ Day holiday Entry Department * Tacoma change created by Christmas Day holiday Algonac 2 13 3 1 10 1 0 2 18 8 Anchorage 0 4 0 0 1 0 0051 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Baltimore 1 1 2 0 3 1 0266 Fort Lauderdale 0 2 7 0 2 1 1 0 11 16 Guam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0022 Honolulu 2 6 1 2 3 1 0 3 16 9 Houston 4 6 1 3 11 2 1 11 42 15 Jacksonville 3 19 6 2 8 2 1 6 43 26 Joliet 0 5 1 0 4 0 1151 Mobile 0 6 2 0 5 1 0 2 10 8 New Orleans 1 0 4 3 4 0 1138 New York 10 22 8 3 15 2 0 16 63 21 Norfolk 0 17 11 0 7 5 0 0 40 26 Oakland 4 15 9 3 8 4 1 4 32 22 Philadelphia 0 2 1 0 0 0 0032 Piney Point 0 6 19 0 6 24 4 0 3 12 Puerto Rico 1 1 0 0 0 0 0230 Seattle 9 10 2 4 12 0 6 12 24 4 St. Louis 0 1 0 0 0 0 0031 Wilmington 5 11 5 0 2 1 1 8 37 30 TOTALS 42 147 82 21 101 46 17 70 369 218

TOTALS ALL DEPARTMENTS 642 555 147 486 376 83 204 1,299 1,222 367

October 2009 Seafarers LOG 15 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:57 PM Page 16

Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer

Michael Sacco, President Editor’s note: This month’s my kids to I ever did. Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Inquiring Seafarer question was college. There’s no David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts posed to members in Wilmington, The SIU place else Tom Orzechowski, Calif., and Piney Point, Md. has pro- you can go Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters vided me to and Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: What do you see as with great receive Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast some of the advantages of SIU insurance this type Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services membership? and the of training ability to for Roger L. Mosley, Chief Steward have a advance- HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (Wilmington) decent ment in a (301) 899-0675 I have life. career. I was in the military and ALGONAC been ship- had other jobs, and not one will 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 ping for Charles A. Herrera, AB take their members or employees (810) 794-4988 27 years. (Wilmington) and train them like this. The ANCHORAGE The SIU An opportunity for advancement is 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 has advantage there if you want it. I don’t con- BALTIMORE allowed to being a sider this a job, I consider it a 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 me to have member in career. (410) 327-4900 the bene- the SIU is GUAM fits to being able Maude Solomon, SA P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B raise my to attend (Piney Point) 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 children the Paul The (671) 477-1350 and family, pay for my house and Hall great bene- HONOLULU provide education for my chil- Center, fits and 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 dren. I started as a messman in learn travel HOUSTON 1987 out of the job corps. All the applicable around the 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 teachers were SIU seamen. skills, upgrade and increase one’s world, and (713) 659-5152 earning power. also the JACKSONVILLE Teddy Alanano, Recertified benefit for 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 Bosun (Wilmington) Mark Wertz, QMED children JOLIET I have been with the SIU for 30 (Piney Point) through 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 years. I have been able to provide Joining the SIU through the education and scholarships. Good (815) 723-8002 my family with housing and send veterans’ program is the best thing pension. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS Pics-From-The-Past 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON These photos were submitted by Pensioner Charles 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 Crafford who retired as an able seaman. In the photo (314) 752-6500 above, Crafford is pictured in the early 1940s as a student while attending school in Sheepshead Bay, TACOMA N.Y. He is dressed in what then was called a “mon- 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 key suit.” The photo at top right, according to (253) 272-7774 Crafford’s best recollection, was taken in 1947 aboard a Liberty Ship in India. In this photo, he (rear WILMINGTON right) poses with some of his shipmates while under- 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 way at sea. Crafford (left in photo at bottom right) (310) 549-4000 joins another group of shipmates during another Liberty Ship voyage in 1945.

If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to [email protected]

16 Seafarers LOG October 2009 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:32 PM Page 17

Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have Welcome devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep Ashore seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead.

DEEP SEA was on the APL Thailand. He member was born in Pennsylvania. Brother Caires attended classes in worked in the calls Chicago home. Brother Welsh’s final trip was on 2004 at the Piney Point school. He deck depart- STYLIANOS FABRITSIS the Horizon Hawaii. He is a resi- was born in Massachusetts. Brother ment. His first MIKE MANEKAS Brother Stylianos Fabritsis, 65, dent of Bensalem, Pa. Caires most recently shipped in the ship was the joined the union in 1972. He ini- Brother Mike Manekas, 70, signed deck department of a Crowley American FRANZ WINIKER tially sailed on the Bradford on with the Seafarers in 1965. He Towing & Transportation vessel. He Miller; his last Island. Brother upgraded on two occasions at the Brother Franz Winiker, 65, signed makes his home in Cape Canaveral, the Export Fabritsis was Paul Hall Center. Brother Manekas on with the SIU in 1989. His first Fla. Freedom. born in Greece was born in Greece. His last ship trip to sea was Brother GREAT LAKES and shipped in was the Elizabeth. Brother Manekas aboard the McFarlin lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. the deck resides in Old Bridge, N.J. Independence; YEHIA KAID ROBERT SOUZA department. He his last was Brother Yehia Kaid, 63, became a frequently vis- OCTOVIANUS PARIAMA aboard the Lt. Brother Robert Souza, 65, donned Seafarer in 1966 in the port of ited the Pall Col.. John U. D. the NMU colors in 1967, initially Brother Octovianus Pariama, 71, Detroit. He ini- Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., Page. Brother sailing from the began sailing with the SIU in 1973 tially shipped to upgrade his skills. Brother Winiker was port of Boston. while in New York. He was initially on the G.A. Fabritsis’ final ship was the born in His earliest employed aboard a Rye Marine Tomlinson as a Philadelphia Express. He resides Switzerland and worked in the stew- voyage was Corporation vessel. Brother Pariama member of the in Galena Park, Texas. ard department. He enhanced his with Perini was a frequent upgrader at the Piney steward depart- skills frequently at the Paul Hall Corporation as Point school. His final trip was on ment. Brother ANGELITO FRANCISCO Center. Brother Winiker now calls a member of the Green Lake. Brother Pariama Kaid was born Angeles City, Philippines, home. the deck depart- Brother Angelito Francisco, 65, sailed in the engine department and in Yemen. He ment. Brother became an SIU member in 1978. lives in New York. visited the SIU-affiliated school on INLAND Souza was born in Fall River, Mass. His first ship was the Overseas three occasions to upgrade his abili- His final trip was aboard a Woods Juneau; his last the Overseas EDDY RAMIREZ BERNARD CAIRES ties. Brother Kaid’s final trip was Washington. Brother Francisco Hole Steamship Authority vessel. Brother Eddy Ramirez, 65, was Brother Bernard Caires, 65, started aboard the American Republic. He attended classes on numerous Brother Souza is a resident of born in Puerto Rico. He became a sailing with the now resides in Dearborn, Mich. occasions at the Seafarers-affiliat- Buzzards Bay, Mass. union member union in 1981 ed school in Piney Point, Md. The NATIONAL MARITIME UNION in 1973 while in from the port of engine department member was New York. Jacksonville, RODERICK MCFARLIN born in the Philippines and now Brother Fla. He was lives in California. Brother Roderick McFarlin, 66, was Ramirez’s earli- originally born in Boston. He began shipping est trip to sea employed with LUIS FUENTES with the NMU in 1971 from the was aboard the Gloucester port of New York. Brother McFarlin Brother Luis Fuentes, 65, started New Orleans. Fisherman. sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 He worked in the steward depart- while in the port of New York. ment. Brother Ramirez’s most Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers the guarantee imperative. Unless it was enacted, His first voyage was aboard the recent voyage was on the Horizon LOG he warned, the U.S. merchant fleet would con- Kent. Brother Fuentes, who sailed Pacific. He continues to make his tinue to dwindle. in the steward department, was home in Puerto Rico. 1939 born in Puerto Rico. He upgraded On Wednesday, October 2, 1939, at 1964 on three occasions at the maritime WILLIE TOOMER Savannah, Ga., delegates from the Atlantic, The Seafarers International Union has called training center in Piney Point, Gulf and Great Lakes Districts met for the pur- upon the Maritime Advisory Committee to Brother Willie Toomer, 71, donned pose of drafting a constitution for the Seafarers denounce the use by American companies of Md. Brother Fuentes was last the SIU colors in 1997 in the port of International Union. In addition to the basic ships registered in Panama, Liberia, and employed on the Sealift Arabian San Francisco. constitution, issues to be voted on included the Honduras, and to recommend to the President, Sea. He makes his home in Bronx, He originally shipping rules, hospital and strike assessments Congress and the appropriate government agen- N.Y. shipped aboard and a constitutional cies a six-point program amendment that provid- of action against these the Cape MANUEL HOLGUIN ed that in order to runaway flags. “The run- Breton as a become a member a man away operator,” the SIU Brother Manuel Holguin, 65, member of the must be a citizen. The This Month asserted, “is a predatory donned the SIU colors in 1969 in steward depart- constitution was adopted parasite, roaming the seas the port of New York. He origi- ment. Brother by a vote of 1,225 in in search of profligate nally shipped aboard the Newark. Toomer often upgraded at the Piney favor and 180 opposed. In SIU History profits, meanwhile prey- In 1975, Brother Holguin Point school during his seafaring The votes on the consti- ing on the more poorly tutional amendment, the paid peoples of other enhanced his seafaring abilities at career. His most recent voyage was shipping rules and the lands in the worst tradi- the Piney Point school. He was a on the Lightning. Brother Toomer assessments likewise carried by large majori- tions of old-fashioned dollar imperialism and member of the engine department. was born in New Orleans but settled ties. economic colonialism.” Brother Holguin most recently in San Diego. sailed on the Nuevo San Juan. He 1949 1984 is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. CHARLES WELSH An SIU-backed bill to guarantee that 50 per- The recent Navy J-LOTS exercises, conduct- cent of the military supplies shipped to non- ed off the coast of Norfolk, Va., were an inten- Brother Charles Welsh, 65, joined JOHN HOLTSCHLAG JR. communist nations will be shipped on American sive test of the SIU’s Keystone State and her the union in 1988 while in the port vessels, manned by American seamen, was crew. The exercises were conducted continuous- Brother John Holtschlag, 66, of Philadelphia. passed in Congress last week. This is the second ly from Sept. 18 through Oct. 12, and the crews joined the SIU ranks in 1985. His He upgraded on victory for the SIU this year in the legislative were on call 24 hours a day. The crane operators first vessel was the Galveston. numerous occa- arena. Earlier this session, the battle waged by handled the cargo unloading operations in 12- Brother Holtschlag often took sions at mar- the union and other maritime organizations hour shifts, while the maintenance, QMEDs, resulted in the passage of a law requiring the engineers and oilers were on normal shifts plus advantage of educational opportu- itime training government to send at least 50 percent of overtime. The nine-man steward department nities available at the union-affili- center in Piney Marshall Plan goods on American-flag ships. To prepared hot meals four times a day. The ated school in Piney Point, Md. Point, Md. promote that bill, Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall smoothness of the month-long exercises was He was born in Quincy, Ill., and Brother Welsh warned the Congress that “the critical condition attributed to the professionalism and coopera- sailed in the steward department. initially sailed aboard the USNS of the United States Merchant Marine” made tion of the entire crew. Brother Holtschlag’s final voyage Wright. The engine department October 2009 Seafarers LOG 17 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:35 PM Page 18

Final Departures

DEEP SEA resident of Bronx, N.Y. shipped in the engine depart- LOUIS CIPOLLA Brooklyn, N.Y., and continued ment. He last sailed on a Piney Pensioner Louis Cipolla, 81, to call New York home. Brother THOMAS GATELY FELIX SERRANO Point Transportation vessel. passed away May 25. Brother Peterson became a pensioner in Brother Thomas Gately, 58, Pensioner Felix Serrano, 94, Brother Arthur was a resident of Cipolla sailed with the NMU for 1970. passed away June 21. He was passed away June 10. Brother Denton, Md., and went on pen- 38 years. He born in Jacksonville, Fla. Serrano joined the SIU ranks in sion in 1998. was born in JAMES STANLEY Brother Gately 1941 while in Smith, Pa., but Pensioner James Stanley, 86, started ship- the port of LEON BASINGER called Chicora, passed away May 27. Brother ping with the New York. His Pensioner Leon Basinger, 84, Pa., home. Stanley union in 1998 earliest trip to passed away June 26. Brother Brother worked in the in the port of sea was Basinger, a member of the deck Cipolla went engine depart- Mobile, Ala. aboard an department, on pension in ment. He was He primarily A.H. Bull began sailing 1983. a native of sailed on the Steamship with the SIU Chickasaw, John Company ves- in 1958 from GLYNDON DUCKWORTH Ala. Brother McDonnell during his SIU sel. Brother Serrano, a member the port of Pensioner Glyndon Duckworth, Stanley retired career. Brother Gately was a of the deck department, was New Orleans. 84, died May in 1988 and member of the deck department. born in Puerto Rico. His final He primarily 11. Brother resided in Biloxi, Miss. He continued to reside in his voyage took place on the San worked aboard Duckworth native state. Juan. Brother Serrano became a vessels operat- was a native of JUAN SOLIS pensioner in 1979 and continued ed by Dixie Maine. He Pensioner Juan Solis, 86, died EARL NEIDLINGER to live in Puerto Rico. Carriers. Brother Basinger became a pen- April 16. Pensioner Earl Neidlinger, 79, retired in 1985 and was a resi- sioner in 1971 Brother Solis died May 9. Brother Neidlinger ZAINAL SIREGAR dent of his native state, and settled in was born in became a Seafarer in 1946. His Brother Zainal Siregar, 64, died Louisiana. Baltimore. Puerto Rico. first trip was June 21. He was born in He went on with Sprogue Indonesia. Brother Siregar ELMER MURRELL GERALD HARMON pension in Steamship signed on with the Seafarers in Pensioner Elmer Murrell, 76, Pensioner Gerald Harmon, 81, 1984 and set- Company. 1980. The deck department died March 7. Brother Murrell passed away March 18. Brother tled in Bronx, Brother member originally sailed aboard first donned the SIU colors in Harmon began his maritime N.Y. Neidlinger was the Galveston. Brother Siregar 1951. He ini- career in 1944. The deck depart- born in was last employed on the tially worked ment member was born in Name Age DOD Chatham, Ga., Freedom. He called Brooklyn, with Colonial Washington State. Brother and worked in N.Y., home. Steamship Harmon retired in 1980. He was Alvarado, Ismael 85 May 21 the deck Company. a resident of California. Angarita, Rogelio 100 May 1 department. Prior to his retire- EJVIND SORENSON Brother Brown, Charlie 85 May 28 ment in 1986, he shipped on the Pensioner Ejvind Sorenson, 86, Murrell’s final CLAUDIO JOHNSON Champion. Brother Neidlinger trip to sea was Bryant, Frank 85 May 3 passed away June 26. Brother Pensioner Claudio Johnson, 82, settled in Rincon, Ga. Sorenson began his seafaring on an Allied Burdick, Robert 88 May 12 Towing vessel. He began receiv- died May 31. career in 1944 Brother RYAN REEDY ing his pension in 1996 and set- Calhoun, Lloyd 82 March 16 while in Johnson was tled in Leland, N.C. Cirlos, Benito 81 April 18 Brother Ryan Reedy, 34, passed Philadelphia. born in away Dec. 10, 2007. He joined He initially Honduras. He Cox, Albert 67 May 17 CLARK KING the SIU in 1992 while in Piney worked with went on pen- Diaz, John 75 April 2 Point, Md. Mt. Vernon Pensioner Clark King, 74, sion in 1971. Knight, Lethirre 76 May 25 Brother Reedy Tankers passed away June 12. Brother Brother initially Corporation as King was born in Michigan. He Johnson lived Ocampo, Bernardo 83 May 21 worked a member of joined the in New York. Olan, Jose 74 May 6 aboard the the steward union in 1961. Petitt, John 81 May 12 Sealift department. Brother Sorenson Brother King JOSEPH MATELSKI Antarctic. The was born in Denmark. Before first shipped Robinson, Lawyer 83 May 29 Pensioner Joseph Matelski, 84, engine depart- retiring in 1985, he sailed on a Merritt Watson, Charles 69 May 30 ment member aboard the Charleston. Brother Chapman & passed away May 16. Brother was born in Sorenson resided in Acworth, Scott vessel. Matelski was born in California. Brother Reedy’s last Ga. He was a deck Edwardsville, Pa. He started col- voyage was on the USNS Bruce lecting compensation for his INLAND department Heezen. He made his home in member. Prior retirement in 1968 and contin- Guam. to his retirement in 1998, ued to reside in Pennsylvania. FRANK ARTHUR Brother King sailed aboard an WILLIAM SCOTT Pensioner Frank Arthur, 73, died OLS Transport Ltd. vessel. He FREDRICK PETERSON June 21. Brother Arthur started Brother William Scott, 43, died continued to make his home in Pensioner sailing with the May 2. He first donned the SIU Michigan. Fredrick union in 1969. colors in 2000. Brother Scott’s Peterson, 87, He first sailed first trip to sea was aboard the died May 17. with Steuart Editor’s note: The following Overseas Boston; his last was Brother Transportation. brothers, all former members of aboard the PFC Eugene A. Peterson was Brother Arthur the National Maritime Union Obregon. He was born in New a U.S. Army was born in (NMU), have passed away. York and sailed in the deck veteran. He Virginia and department. Brother Scott was a was born in

18 Seafarers LOG October 2009 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 2:35 PM Page 19

The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as Digest of Shipboard possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ Union Meetings minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication.

HONOR (Interocean American their skills. Treasurer reported Shipping), July 25 – Chairman $3,800 in ship’s fund. No beefs On the Job at Harley Marine Billy G. Hill Sr., Secretary or disputed OT reported. It was Patricia A. Sullivan, reported that ice machine and Safety Director Mark Von Siegel submitted these recent photos of SIU members at Harley Marine Educational Director Carlos coffee machine need to be fixed NY in Port Elizabeth, N.J. Seafarers at Harley Marine NY provide tug and barge service in New Dominguez, Engine Delegate or replaced. Motion was made to York Harbor, including bunkering. Bernard A. Smalls, Steward increase retirement benefits. Delegate Allen N. Von Buren. Next ports: Newark, N.J., Chairman reported proactive Charleston, S.C. and Norfolk, steps had been taken to deter Va. piracy, particularly during the Middle East portion of the voy- ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS (Maersk age. Crew members appreciated Line, Limited), Aug. 9 – those efforts. Secretary asked Chairman David Campbell, those getting off vessel to leave Secretary Rudolph Daniels, rooms clean and supplied with Educational Director Roger L. fresh linen. She also suggested Dillinger Jr., Deck Delegate members check dryer vent for Russell D. Haynes, Engine potential fire prevention. Captain Delegate Malachi L. Tannis, Kummernes requested that crew Steward Delegate Vincent members not wear work shoes in Chavez. Chairman noted the the house. Educational director Seafarers LOGs were received talked about the importance of and distributed at the start of AB/Deckhand Jack Sica and Barge Captains Mate Marcos Velez operates the 73.5-foot tug Raymond Churchill and Rexford Nunemaker tie up a reading the Seafarers LOG to voyage. He reported crew did an St. Andrews, pushing a barge. barge to a vessel. stay informed on issues affecting excellent job on piracy preven- the maritime industry. He tion, standing watches and fol- advised seamen to take advan- lowing Maersk policy. He tage of the Piney Point school to announced payoff on Aug. 22 in enhance their skills. Treasurer Jacksonville, Fla. Educational reported $2,000 in ship’s fund. director encouraged members to No beefs or disputed OT report- check out what the union-affili- ed. Crew reported outstanding ated school has to offer. No meals throughout voyage. beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to JOHN J. BOLAND (American increase pension benefits and Steamship Company), July 21 – lower seatime requirements for Chairman Paul S. Gohs, pension. Vote of thanks was Secretary Khaled M. Alasaadi, given to the steward department Educational Director Terrance for great food. Next ports: A. Pyrlik. Chairman informed Jacksonville, Fla., Charleston, Engineer James Mulhern, AB/Deckhand Jack members who had their TWIC S.C., Wilmington, Del. and Sica, Capt. Jess Canterbury and Mate Marcos card issued before October 2008 Portsmouth, Va. Seafarers move the 308-foot barge Chrestensen Velez are pictured aboard the tugboat St. that they will need to know their Sea closer to their targeted job. Andrews. PIN. Weingarten Rights were EAGLE (Maersk Line, Limited), explained to crew and informa- Aug. 16 – Chairman Timothy D. gratitude for help keeping public to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Educational Director Larry F. tion booklet was placed in recre- Koebel, Secretary John G. Reid, areas neat. He spoke about com- Political Activity Donation). Phillips. Chairman reminded ation room. Educational director Educational Director Ronald M. munication with the Tacoma hall Educational director advised crew to keep track of their over- encouraged Seafarers to upgrade Pheneuf, Deck Delegate Doug and it was reported that having a crew to upgrade skills whenever time and compare it to vouchers. skills at the Paul Hall Center in Hodges, Engine Delegate Daryl discharge was not necessarily possible at the SIU-affiliated Non-illness bonus voucher to be Piney Point, Md., to gain addi- D. Thomas, Steward Delegate enough to work in a specific rat- school in Piney Point, Md. No given at payoff, after 120 days tional training and to increase Maria Garcia. Chairman dis- ing. You must have completed beefs or disputed OT reported. accumulated, turn it in with their employment options. cussed dress code, FEMA emer- the applicable course or courses Request was made for a new vacation check application. He Treasurer noted $750 in satellite gency leave and computer/email and certification as well. Bottom DVD player and satellite radio. discussed importance of filing fund. No beefs or disputed OT time sharing. He also discussed line: Don’t put off upgrading. Steward department was thanked renewals for all necessary sea- reported. Members voted to each other shipboard protocol. Educational director urged for hard work and a clean ship. faring documents in advance so contribute to the satellite TV Secretary stated stores would be mariners to upgrade language you don’t get left on the beach. fund. Crew requested seniority received in Houston and thanked skills and reminded them of RACER (Maersk Line, Limited), Crew was asked to be courteous list be sent to the vessel. The fellow mariners for helping keep opportunities to earn associate or Aug. 9 – Chairman Thomas P. to fellow shipmates and limit importance of eye safety was ship clean. No beefs or disputed bachelor’s degree at maritime Flanagan, Secretary Milton J. time on satellite phone to 10 stressed. Crew members must OT reported. Motion was made training center in Piney Point, Sivells, Educational Director minutes. Secretary asked all wear goggles when paint is concerning cleaning penalty time Md. He also reminded crew of Paul M. Titus. Chairman departing crew to clean their being chipped and when using and next contract. Motion was scholarship grants that are avail- announced payoff on Aug. 14 in rooms and leave keys and fresh power washer. made concerning engine-depart- able to Seafarers and their Charleston, S.C. He asked those linen for reliefs. He thanked ment OT. Second dryer hook-up dependents. No beefs or disputed departing vessel to leave rooms Chief Cook Mario Fernandez MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line, is in progress. Crew would like OT reported. Seafarers were clean for next crew. He thanked for a job well done feeding crew. Limited), July 26 – Chairman satellite and internet service for asked to be considerate about everyone for “good work and Steward assistants and DEU Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary everyone. Next ports: what items are put in the dryer at safety awareness.” Educational were thanked for keeping house Rachael C. Figueiredo, Charleston, S.C., Houston, night and to keep lint trap clean director recommended all clean. Educational director Educational Director Donald M. Mobile, Ala. and Norfolk, Va. to avoid a fire hazard. Next mariners enhance their skills at talked about upgrading at the Christian, Deck Delegate ports: Tacoma, Wash., the Piney Point school. No beefs Piney Point school. He stated in Roberto Flores, Engine HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Anchorage, Alaska and Kodiak, or disputed OT reported. Crew light of rough economy, don’t Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji. Lines), Aug. 10 – Chairman Alaska. members would like new tread- just rely on your current Bosun stated payoff to take Christopher K. Pompel, mill. The need was expressed for endorsement to keep you place in Newark, N.J., on Aug. Secretary Alan E. Hollinger, MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, heaters and fans in rooms. Crew employed. Instead, increase your 3. He reported a great crew and Educational Director Jess Limited), Aug. 9 – Chairman thanked steward department for expertise. No beefs or disputed smooth trip. Mariners were Cooper, Engine Delegate Ralph James L. Joyce Jr., Secretary job well done. Next port: OT reported. Ship’s itinerary reminded to clean lint filter in D. Thomas. Chairman reported Osvaldo Ramos, Deck Delegate Charleston, S.C. was discussed and request was dryers and leave rooms clean payoff August 10 in Tacoma, Kadir P. Amat, Engine Delegate made for new furniture in crew and supplied with fresh linen for Wash. He advised Seafarers to Abdulnaser K. Saeed, Steward USNS LAWRENCE GIANELLA lounge. AB asked fellow crew reliefs. Educational director keep all necessary shipping doc- Delegate Jerry E. Stuart. Bosun (Ocean Shipholdings), Aug. 9 – members to be courteous and not urged seamen to take advantage uments, tests and drug screening thanked crew members for work- Chairman Bernardino R. Eda, slam doors in passageways as of Piney Point school to enhance up-to-date. Secretary expressed ing well together and urged them Secretary Karl E. Meyer, off-duty watchstanders sleep. October 2009 Seafarers LOG 19 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:40 PM Page 20

Newly retired Chief Electrician Oswald Bermeo (center) recently stopped by the union hall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to pick up his first pension check. Pictured from left to right are boatmen from the Crowley His wife, Ana, accompanied him. Safety Director The Overseas Houston crew includes (from left) SA Mohamed tug Resolve: Capt. John Callaway, AB Sean Walker, CM Kevin Marchand (right) congratulated Bermeo on Ahmed, Chief Cook Abdullah Falah, Recertified Steward Roger Stanus and A/E Stephen Jones. the milestone. William Burdette and Recertified Bosun Lawrence Zepeda. WithWith SeafarersSeafarers inin FloridaFlorida

Crane Maintenance Electricians working at GFC Crane Consultants include Seafarers (from left) Peter Baranowski, Dale Janssen and Brian Wilder.

2nd Mate Mark Bailey (left) picks up his first pension Chief Electrician Michael Papaioannou SA Emmanuel De Gracia (right) receives his full union book from Patrolman check at the Jacksonville hall, where he is greeted proudly displays his A-seniority book after Brian Guiry at the Jacksonville, Fla., hall by Patrolman Brian Guiry. acquiring it in Jacksonville. Know Your Rights

FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Augustin Tellez, Chairman union receipt is given for same. Under no SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Seafarers Appeals Board circumstances should any member pay proceeds are used to further its objects Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 5201 Auth Way any money for any reason unless he is and purposes including, but not limited makes specific provision for safeguarding Camp Springs, MD 20746 given such receipt. In the event anyone to, furthering the political, social and the membership’s money and union Full copies of contracts as referred to are attempts to require any such payment be economic interests of maritime workers, finances. The constitution requires a available to members at all times, either by made without supplying a receipt, or if a the preservation and furthering of the detailed audit by certified public accoun- writing directly to the union or to the member is required to make a payment American merchant marine with tants every year, which is to be submitted to Seafarers Appeals Board. and is given an official receipt, but feels improved employment opportunities for the membership by the secretary-treasurer. that he or she should not have been seamen and boatmen and the advance- CONTRACTS A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file . Copies of all SIU con- required to make such payment, this ment of trade union concepts. In connec- members, elected by the membership, each tracts are available in all SIU halls. These should immediately be reported to union tion with such objects, SPAD supports year examines the finances of the union and contracts specify the wages and conditions headquarters. and contributes to political candidates reports fully their findings and recommen- under which an SIU member works and for elective office. All contributions are dations. Members of this committee may lives aboard a ship or boat. Members CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND voluntary. No contribution may be make dissenting reports, specific recom- should know their contract rights, as well OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU solicited or received because of force, mendations and separate findings. as their obligations, such as filing for Constitution are available in all union job discrimination, financial reprisal, or overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in halls. All members should obtain copies TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the threat of such conduct, or as a condition the proper manner. If, at any time, a mem- of this constitution so as to familiarize SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters of membership in the union or of ber believes that an SIU patrolman or themselves with its contents. Any time a District/NMU are administered in accor- employment. If a contribution is made by other union official fails to protect their member feels any other member or offi- dance with the provisions of various trust reason of the above improper conduct, contractual rights properly, he or she cer is attempting to deprive him or her of fund agreements. All these agreements the member should notify the Seafarers should contact the nearest SIU port agent. any constitutional right or obligation by specify that the trustees in charge of these International Union or SPAD by certified any methods, such as dealing with funds shall equally consist of union and EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEA- mail within 30 days of the contribution charges, trials, etc., as well as all other management representatives and their alter- FARERS LOG Seafarers LOG for investigation and appropriate action . The tradi- details, the member so affected should nates. All expenditures and disbursements and refund, if involuntary. A member tionally has refrained from publishing any immediately notify headquarters. of trust funds are made only upon approval article serving the political purposes of should support SPAD to protect and fur- by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund any individual in the union, officer or EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are ther his or her economic, political and financial records are available at the head- member. It also has refrained from pub- guaranteed equal rights in employment social interests, and American trade quarters of the various trust funds. lishing articles deemed harmful to the and as members of the SIU. These rights union concepts. are clearly set forth in the SIU NOTIFYING THE UNION SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s ship- union or its collective membership. This —If at any Constitution and in the contracts which ping rights and seniority are protected exclu- established policy has been reaffirmed by time a member feels that any of the the union has negotiated with the sively by contracts between the union and membership action at the September 1960 above rights have been violated, or that employers. Conse quently, no member the employers. Members should get to know meetings in all constitutional ports. The he or she has been denied the constitu- Seafarers LOG may be discriminated against because of their shipping rights. Copies of these con- responsibility for policy is tional right of access to union records or race, creed, color, sex, national or geo- tracts are posted and available in all union vested in an editorial board which consists information, the member should imme- graphic origin. halls. If members believe there have been of the executive board of the union. The diately notify SIU President Michael violations of their shipping or seniority executive board may delegate, from If any member feels that he or she is Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, rights as contained in the contracts between among its ranks, one individual to carry denied the equal rights to which he or return receipt requested. The address is: the union and the employers, they should out this responsibility. she is entitled, the member should notify Michael Sacco, President notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certi- PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies union headquarters. Seafarers International Union fied mail, return receipt requested. The prop- are to be paid to anyone in any official SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVI- 5201 Auth Way er address for this is: capacity in the SIU unless an official TY DONATION — SPAD. Camp Springs, MD 20746. 20 Seafarers LOG October 2009 56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:16 PM Page 21

Seafarers Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Schedule

The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Course Start Date of Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., for the next few months of 2009. All pro- Date Completion grams are geared to improving the job skills of Seafarers and to promoting the American maritime industry. Medical Care Provider December 14 December 18 Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Steward Upgrading Courses Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for These modules start every Monday. Saturday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. September 21.

Deck Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses Course Start Date of General education and college courses are available as needed at the Paul Hall Date Completion Center. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. Able Seaman October 12 November 6 The following opportunities are currently available: Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), a College Program and a Preparatory Course. ARPA November 16 November 20 When applying for preparatory courses, students should list the name of the course desired on upgrading application. An introduction to computers course, a self-study Bosun Recertification October 13 November 2 module, is also available.

Online Distance Learning Courses Government Vessels November 16 November 20 “Distance learning” (DL) courses are available to students who plan to enroll in Radar November 2 November 13 classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The online courses are not mandatory, but they are structured to benefit students who Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS)October 19 October 30 eventually attend other classes at the Paul Hall Center, which is located in Piney Point, Md. The online courses are: DOD Level 1 Antiterrorism Awareness Training, MSC Environmental Awareness, First Aid Preparation, Global Maritime Distress and Safety Engine Upgrading Courses System, Hazardous Material Control and Management, Hearing Conservation, Heat Stress Management, Bloodborne Pathogens, Shipboard Pest Management, Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) November 9 December 4 Respiratory Protection, Back Safety, Fixed Fire Fighting Systems, Shipboard Firefighting, Portable Fire Extinguishers, Fire Fighting Equipment, Shipboard Water FOWT October 12 November 6 Sanitation, Crew Endurance Management, Basic Math Refresher, Intermediate Math Refresher, Marine Engineering Mathematics Preparation, Introduction to Marine Electrician October 26 December 18 Navigational Math, Basic Culinary Skills, and Chief Cook Preparation. Students MUST have access to the internet and an e-mail address in order to take Pumpman October 5 October 16 the aforementioned classes. Each course must be taken online, not at the Paul Hall Center. E-mail addresses should be provided on applications (printed neatly) when Welding September 7 September 25 applying. Applicants should include the letters DL when listing any online course on October 5 October 23 the upgrading application form below. November 2 November 20 November 30 December 18 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever Safety Specialty Courses reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so Advanced Firefighting November 30 December 11 arrangements can be made to have other stu- dents take their places. Basic Firefighting/STCW November 9 November 13

With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twen- UPGRADING APPLICATION ty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union Name ______book indicating your department and seniority, qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested, 1995 STCW Certificate, valid SHBP Clinic Card and TWIC. Street Address ______City ______State ______Zip Code ______BEGIN END COURSE DATE DATE Telephone ______Date of Birth ______Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member  ______If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be ______processed. ______Social Security # ______Book # ______Seniority _____ Department ______E-mail ______U.S. Citizen: Yes  No  Home Port ______Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ______LAST VESSEL: ______Rating: ______

______Date On: ______Date Off: ______Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No SIGNATURE ______DATE ______If yes, class # ______NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before If yes, course(s) taken ______departing for Piney Point. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189.

 Yes  No Firefighting:  Yes  No CPR:  Yes  No The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admis- Primary language spoken ______sion, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 10/09

October 2009 Seafarers LOG 21 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:44 PM Page 22

Paul Hall Center Classes

Fast Rescue Boat – The following mariners (above, in alphabetical order) on Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Fourteen individuals completed their training in Aug. 21 completed this 30-hour course: Marie Acosta, William Dowzicky, this 60-hour course June 12. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Malcolm Adams Jr., Ernie Frank, Felix Garcia, Rick James, Kjell Liadal and James Tyson. Their Shawn Bising, David Chavez, Daniel Conner, Andrew Gronotte, Kevin Hanmont, Nita Holly, Ricky instructor, Stan Beck is standing third from left. Howard, Boyko Kovaichev, Amin Mohamed, Jeremy Salas, Sutthipong Ticer, Antoine White and Matthew Wiese. (Note: Not all are pictured.)

Medical Care Provider – Seven upgraders on July 24 completed this 24-hour course. Those grad- Welding – The following Seafarers, above, in alphabetical order, completed uating, above, in alphabetical order, were: Alfred Drake, Owen Gallagher, Geoffrey Gavigan, Steven this 103-hour course July 24: Daniel Chisom-Coffey, Bryan Clark, Joel Haver, Christopher Paul, James Robinson and Troy Tadlock. Their instructor, Mike Roberts, is at Encarnacion, Arthur Kately, Emilio Ordaniel, Ronaldo Quinones and Lamont left. Robinson. Buzzy Andrews, their instructor, is standing fourth from left.

Basic/Advanced Fire Fighting – Four individuals on July 31 completed Medical Care Provider – Ten upgraders completed this course on September 4. Graduating (above, training in this 41-hour course. Those graduating, above, in alphabetical in alphabetical order) were: Daniel Avery, Jose Boza, Helbert Esquivel, Nat Lamb, Raymond order, were: Joseph Matte, Richard Saunders, Mark Turner and Joseph Maldonado, Karl Mayhew, Robert Ott, Paublito Ramos-Ortiz, Travis Rose and Aaron Wood. Mark Weller. Mark Cates, their instructor, is at left. Cates, their instructor, is at right.

STOS – Nine Seafarers on Sept. 4 finished this 70-hour course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Oheneba Ackon, Ali Ali, Angelito Basa, Kenneth Benton, Noel Coralde, Fethanegesi ARPA - Four upgraders completed this course on July 24. Graduating Demor, Nathaniel Rana, Salahuddin Saleh and Dannal Williams. Tom Truitt, their instructor, is at right. (above, from left) were: Carron Richardson, Rafael Linila, William Johnson (Note: Not all are pictured.) and Cesar Runatay. Their instructor, Stacy McNeily, is at right. 22 Seafarers LOG October 2009 56207_p1_p24:January 08 9/26/2009 1:44 PM Page 23

Paul Hall Center Classes

Tank Ship Familiarization (DL) – Nineteen Seafarers on Aug. 7 completed their training in this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Marie Acosta, Noli Aguirre, Leonard Ajoste, William Bolden, Donato Camandang, Noel Coralde, Desiree Crockett, Virgilio Demegillo, Koksal Demir, Inland DDE Test Prep – Four individuals on Sept. 4 graduated from this Joel Encarnacion, DeCarlo Harris, Everett Henry, Bryan Maddox, Emilio Ordaneil, John Parkuhrst, course. Completing the training (above, in alphabetical order) were: Dallas Bernabe Pelingon, Stephen Roell, Gerard Rogers and Rodolfo Vecino. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is Hemmenway, Joseph Matte, Art Schwendemen and Joseph Wellez. Their at left. instructor, Jay Henderson, is at right.

BAPO –Thirteen upgraders and Phase III apprentices on Aug. 14 completed their requirements for graduation from this 140-hour course. Completing the training GMDSS – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on Aug. 7 completed their (above, in alphabetical order) were: Brandy Baker-Days, Latiffe Brooks, Derrick training requirements in this course: Alfred Drake, Felix Garcia, William Johnson, Rafael Lanila, Clark, Ricardo Fuentes, Kevin Hunt, Keith Jordan, Rafael Leon, Nicholas Pratt, Karl Mayhew, Charles Mull, Christopher Paul, Korron Richardson, James Robinson and Troy Keven Reyes-Velez, Gary Richards, Danielle Smith, Jose Smith and Melvin Tadlock. Their instructor, Joe Curtis, is at left. Smith. Jay Henderson their instructor, is at far right

STCW/BST (Hawaii) – The above individuals (pictured in no particular order) on Aug. 1 STCW/BST (Hawaii) – Fourteen individuals on July 25 completed this course at the graduated from this course at the Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center: Kirsten Lindsay, Barbers Point, Hawaii-based Seafarers Training Center. Graduating (above, in no par- Edwin Menes, Kyle Davis, Mitchell Maggin, Tchafikah Buissereth, Krystal Sanchez, Maria ticular order) were: Christopher Pritchett, James, Johnson, Adrian Szmigielski, Ochensius, Steven Donohue, Cynthia Salazar, Philip Sandoval, Javonte Smith, Christopher Anthony Ang, Megan Bachant, Lisa Hyman, Sarah Ewing, Esin Yapa, Brian Kasper, Mims and Erica Robinson. Yoan Nieves, Zachary Harris, Austin Lamont, Andre Pines, and Jason Talbot.

STCW/BST (Hawaii) – The following individuals (above, in no particular order) com- STCW/BST (Hawaii) – Eight individuals completed training in this course Aug. 8 in pleted this course July 18 at the Seafarers Training Center in Barbers Point, Hawaii: Barbers Point, Hawaii. Graduating (above, in no particular order) were: Andrea Saltsgraver, Angela Bollie, Ryan Brown, Bryan Fishburn, Jose Guerra, Eric Hassard, Jeffery Kyle Blair, Derek Johansen, Jennifer Geib, Elena Koriavaya, Sotirios Goutzoulis, Catherin Hosaka, Hector Ramos, Hector Martinez, Cvijo Music, Angela Nichols, Kenneth Roth, Corby and Victor Lopez. Benjamin Tansel, Gudron Tucker, and Kourtney Wilson. October 2009 Seafarers LOG 23 56207_p1_p24x2:January 08 9/28/2009 7:16 PM Page 24

Volume 71, Number 10 October 2009 Seafarers Volunteer For ‘Paint Tacoma’ 2009 - Page 6

Assorted cheeses, deviled eggs and cranberry aspic are on the menu. Chief Cook Abdul Hasan Good Feeder Horizon Kodiak Calls on … Kodiak These photos of the SIU-crewed Horizon Kodiak fellow members from the galley gang, they also can recently were submitted to the LOG as the vessel “make room” for the next meal by utilizing the ves- completed a port call in Kodiak, Alaska. Seafarers sel’s well-equipped gym. The workout area was built sailing aboard the containership not only may take and furnished last year through a joint effort by the advantage of the appealing menus offered by their unlicensed crew and officers aboard the ship.

GUDE Abdulsalam Mohamed

QMED Ralph Thomas AB Obaid Ali QEE Jess Cooper

Scrumptious Bread Aboard Overseas Boston Recertified Steward Carl Poggioli sent these images of some steward- department handiwork aboard the Overseas Boston.

SA Abdulaziz Saleh, SREC Alan Hollinger