Organized 1885

Official Organ of the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific

Volume LXXXIII No. 2 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Friday, February 21, 2020 President’s FY 2021 budget Cornonavirus disrupts Pacific shipping The coronavirus outbreak More than 80 blank sailings Tianjin and Ningbo. released with full MSP funding has sickened or killed scores of have been reported since late “It [congestion] is due to in- The Administration has sent fleet to replace two of the older people and put many millions January, and there are likely bound shipments that have ei- to Congress its proposed bud- vessels. The ships in the RRF more at risk. But the immense more due to delays in reporting. ther not been cleared by customs get for Fiscal Year 2021. For fleet average 44 years old. human costs that have set Chi- The cancelled sailings will in the brokers or for which delivery and maritime interests, the upside Unfortunately, the Admin- na on quarantine lockdown are near term reduce and delay ship- pick-up services could not be is that it recommends Congress istration’s proposed budget still uncertain as epidemiol- ments into the U.S., and retailers arranged,” said Resilience360, appropriates the full authorized would also completely elimi- ogists struggle to understand expect a slowdown in inventory which monitors risks across amount for the Maritime Secu- nate the PL 480 Food-for-Peace and control the spread. The replenishment, traditionally part supply chains and is owned by rity Program--$314 million-- and the Food-for-Progress economic costs are likewise of the spring shipping season. Deutsche Post DHL. which would provide each vessel programs which provide an undetermined, yet there is no Research suggests that several A broker in Singapore said enrolled in MSP with a $5.23 important source of cargo for doubt that the world economy European and Asian container there is an “acute shortage” of million stipend. U.S.-flag vessels. is stressed or that the virus has ship operators are preparing power plugs for refrigerated con- This amount will help offset wreaked havoc on global supply Both programs are covered profit warnings for the first half tainers that move fresh produce the higher cost of operating chains. Air travel in China is by existing U.S.-flag cargo pref- of 2020. Ocean carriers were op- in Ningbo because there are no vessels under the U.S. flag, approaching a standstill and the erence shipping requirements timistically expecting a return of workers at terminals. He said helping to keep the 60 privately government has declared force which mandate that at least 50 business activity after the easing some cargo has been diverted majeure to escape its contrac- owned, militarily useful U.S.- percent of these cargoes be trans- of tariff restrictions in Phase One tual obligations relating to the from several mainland ports to flag commercial vessels and ported on U.S.-flag commercial of China-U.S. trade deal. Now a purchase of liquified natural gas. Hong Kong, which some carriers their U.S.-citizen crews avail- vessels. Cargo preference is a different outlook is emerging, Corporate tech giant Apple Inc. and shippers are now using as an able to meet the requirements critically important program especially the longer it goes on. has warned of a virus related hit alternative entry point for goods of the Department of Defense that, when taken in conjunction “If this continues you will see to revenue, both as a result of that are then trucked into China. and to support American troops with MSP, helps maintain the a sea of red this year.” said the Chinese delayed manufactur- A group representing U.S. deployed anywhere in the world. strategically important U.S.-flag chief financial officer of a large ing and reduced demand. Now agriculture exporters warned This budget registers another commercial fleet. Asian box-ship company. comes evidence of a deep toll on its members this week to ensure milestone in the ongoing funding The $4.8 trillion budget is only container volumes emanating Sea-Intelligence said in a re- that ocean carriers can store challenge of MSP, whose re-de- a starting point. Rep. Joe Court- from the world’s manufacturing port this week that more than their goods on arrival in China, sign and program authorization ney (D-CT), who is Chairman hub. Blank or cancelled sailings 350,000 containers have been particularly items like meat, late last year was a major vic- of the House Seapower and Pro- are now routine in Chinese ports removed from global trade since vegetables and fruit that require tory and a critical goal of SUP jection Forces Subcommittee, and ocean carriers are bracing the outbreak of the virus led Chi- refrigeration. American export- political efforts. It is the second called it a “weak, pathetic re- for financial blows from the na to impose large travel restric- ers are seeing cargo backed up consecutive year that the MSP quest” and said, “like so much of diminished output. tions at the end of the country’s even at U.S. hubs because of the received full funding recognition the rest of the President’s budget, “Substantially less cargo is Lunar New Year holiday break. congestion in China’s distribu- from the White House. it is dead on arrival.” Over the being moved between China and Companies exporting goods tion networks. The Trump budget outline next few weeks, Congress will the rest of the world” said Lars into China are also facing prob- Brokers said crude and nat- is also friendly to the Ready hold hearings on the proposals Jensen, head of Denmark-based lems because only a fraction ural gas shipments are down Reserve Force with additional in the Administration’s budget. maritime research group Sea-In- of workers are back at work to by nearly half across China’s funding to not only support ex- The AFL-CIO released a telligence. “Last week we had an handle goods arriving at ports. main ports. Daily freight rates isting ships but also to bring in a statement expressing disap- additional 30 sailings canceled, That has backed up cargo at for big crude tankers have pair of used commercial vessels pointment in the President’s with 23 across the Pacific and the terminals and warehouses at big fallen to between $10,000 and that could be plugged into the continued on page 3 rest to Europe.” gateways including Shanghai, continued on page 3 House approves pro-union labor bill The House this month ap- The bill would make it easier al Franchise Association and legislative priority this year.” proved historic legislation for workers to certify unions, the National Retail Federation He noted that the PRO Act was aimed to protect workers’ rights change how employers classify among others lobbied against it. an update to labor law that was to unionize. workers, prevent workers from Top-tier Democratic presi- long overdue. The Protecting the Right to being denied rights because of dential candidates have largely However, U.S. Chamber Organize Act (PRO Act) was immigration status, eliminate supported the bill and Sens. of Commerce President Su- approved in a 224-193 vote. state right-to-work laws and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Eliz- zanne Clark said in a statement The bill, said to be one of the block laws that protect employ- abeth Warren (D-Mass.) have following the vote that the most comprehensive labor ees from not paying union dues, included provisions from it in pro-business lobbying group packages put forth in years, among other measures. their labor policy plans. was “disappointed.” is not expected to move in the The legislation was intro- “Make no mistake, this is the “Members of Congress will Republican Senate. duced by House Education and most significant step Congress not get a free pass on this vote Republicans Reps. Brian Fitz- Labor Committee Chairman has taken to strengthen labor just because the PRO Act will

Periodicals’ postage paid at San Francisco, CA (USPS 675-180) postage paid at San Francisco, CA Periodicals’ patrick (Pa.), Chris Smith (N.J.), Bobby Scott (D-Va.) and had laws in the United States in 85 not get through the Senate.” John Katko (N.Y.), Don Young 218 co-sponsors. years and a win for workers The PRO Act now faces an (Alaska), and Jefferson Van Labor lobbied for passage of everywhere,” said AFL-CIO uphill battle in the legislative Drew (N.J.), a former Demo- the bill while business groups, president Richard Trumka, “graveyard” of GOP Senate crat who switched parties last including the U.S. Chamber of declaring the measure “the Majority Leader Mitch McCo- month, voted for the bill. Commerce, the Internation- labor movement’s number one nnell (Ky.).

CALIFORNIA PRIMARY COPE ENDORSEMENTS ON PAGE 9 Page 2 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, February 21, 2020 SUP Honor Roll Voluntary contributions from the membership to the following funds: Dues-Paying Political Fund Pensioners Ronildo Dimatulac...... 25 .00 Marvin Glasgow ...... 100 .00 Donald Cushing Book #4777 Paul Splain ...... 100 .00 Diane Ferrari Book #2251 Archie Bickford ...... 100 .00 Kaj E . Kristensen Book #3120 Dennis Murphy ...... 100 .00 Hannu Kurppa Book #3162 Dave Larsen Book 19078 David Reinking ...... 60 .00 Gunnar Lundeberg Book #4090 Ariel Odion...... 20 .00 Duane Nash Book #2437 Jordon Polon ...... 50 .00 Vince O’Halloran Book #2463 Ronald Brito ...... 40 .00 John Perez Book #3810 Quoc-Thai Hoang ...... 10 .00 Alex Romo Book #3093 Dave Connolly ...... 100 .00 James Savage Book #7488 Rogelio Berioso...... 10 .00 David Shands Book #7483 Nick Manessiotis...... 50 .00 Arthur Thanash Book #3249 Wilfredo Aquino...... 50 .00 Jacob Narkiewicz ...... 50 .00 SUP deck gang of Matson’s C-9 converted Ro/Con Mokihana gather on the sailors West Coast Scott Weideman ...... 50 .00 deck at coffeetime to memorialize their time onboard. L to R is AB Hamilton Parone, Sailors Stephen Rydberg...... 300. .00 OS Frank Peters, bosun Brian Yost, AB Michael Haslam, AB Raul Guillen, AB Edwin Mark Littlejohn ...... 100 .00 Narvasa, and AB Joe Nugent in Oakland. After the delivery of new-build Ro/Con Organization/ Lurline, the Mokihana laid up in Alameda CA in January and remains there in reserve Ronildo Dimatulac...... 25 .00 status. Photo: Roy Tufono. Robert Taylor ...... 50 .00 General Fund Marvin Glasgow ...... 100 .00 Ronildo Dimatulac...... 25 .00 Jack Post ...... 25 .00 Marvin Glasgow ...... 100 .00 Membership and Paul Splain ...... 100 .00 Kai Sorensen ...... 30 .00 Ratings Committee Noel Matthews ...... 10 .00 The Committee met on August 1, and found the following members eligible for Dennis Murphy ...... 100 .00 advancement in seniority and rating stamps in the various departments: Joseph Castege...... 25 .00 Name and Membership Number Seatime Rating Seniority Jordan Polon ...... 50 .00 Jeffrey Titco 3304 6 Years A.B. A Democratic Candidates Pitch Unions On Infrastructure Chris Thorsen 3305 6 Years A.B. A Democratic presidential candidates lion plan to rebuild roads, bridges and Nick Manessiotis 6549 6 Years A.B. A said Sunday that the U.S. faces an urgent highways and promote a high-speed rail Kenneth Carradine 19643 1 Year O.S. B need to rebuild the nation’s roads, bridges system. Ms. Klobuchar, who made infra- Robert Austin 19644 1 Year A.B. B and highways, appealing to union workers structure the subject of the first policy Sherwin Bongayan 19645 1 Year A.B. B ahead of Nevada’s Feb. 22 caucuses. rollout of her campaign, would spend $1 Beau Blacker 19646 1 Year O.S. B Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobu- trillion on the projects, including $650 John Fearon 19647 1 Year O.S. B char and Tom Steyer courted several labor billion in direct federal funding for in- unions Sunday at a forum sponsored by frastructure. Noel Matthews 2810 30 Days O.S. C United for Infrastructure, a nonprofit Mr. Buttigieg, former mayor of South Aurelio Ventura 2811 30 Days A.B. C organization made up of labor unions and Bend, Ind., has outlined a program to put Daron Johnson 2812 30 Days O.S. C trade associations including the Trans- $1 trillion into infrastructure in partner- Ron Antikoll 2813 30 Days A.B. C portation Trades Department (TTD), ship with states and cities, a plan that he Edward Hervias 2814 30 Days A.B. C AFL-CIO. The SUP is a member of TTD. says would create 6 million jobs. Mr. St- Richard Scott 2815 30 Days A.B. C The candidates said upgrading the eyer, meanwhile, has proposed dedicating country’s aging transportation system $2 trillion in public spending to promote Geremie Dean 2816 30 Days O.S. C has been a promise that President Trump “climate-smart” infrastructure. Membership and Ratings Committee’s Report: M/S to concur in the Committee’s failed to keep during his first term and The plans have also been at the center report. Carried unanimously. Membership and Ratings Committee: Terrence Lane that their own infrastructure plans could of how the candidates intend to address #4107, Xerxes Cunanan #19412 and Robert Richard #19543. serve as a counterweight to his re-election climate change. message. Mr. Steyer, a billionaire businessman, During his presidency, Mr. Trump has said that if elected he would declare a sought $1 trillion in infrastructure im- climate emergency on his first day in of- Final provements. Democrats have noted that fice, and infrastructure spending would his plan would press cities and states to work in tandem with his climate-change Departures provide at least 80% of the funding. agenda. Published monthly by the Sailors Union of “Do you remember one of the things “Everything we’re going to do we’re the Pacific (an affiliate of the Seafarers Inter- Dominic Gianocaro, #2930. Born in national Union of North America, AFL-CIO), that he promised? Infrastructure,” said going to do from the standpoint of cli- California in 1923. Joined SUP in 1948. Headquarters, 450 Harrison St., San Francis- Ms. Klobuchar, a Minnesota senator, mate,” he said. co, CA 94105. Phone: 415-777-3400. FAX: Died January 26, 2020. (Pensioner) recalling the president’s victory speech The Democratic candidates proposing 415-777-5088. Dispatcher: 415-777-3616. Toshimaru Honda, #5795. Born in Website: www.sailors.org. Periodicals’ post- after the 2016 election. “While Congress infrastructure upgrades said they would Hawaii in 1931. Joined SUP in 1957. age paid at San Francisco. (USPS 675-180). has kept the funding going in some of the pay for them largely by undoing Mr. Printed by Dakota Press Co., a Union shop. Died in California, January 3, 2020. areas, we have not seen the big infrastruc- Trump’s tax cuts for businesses, along POSTMASTER: Send address changes to (Pensioner) ture investment that he promised—not with a variety of other steps. West Coast Sailors, 450 Harrison St., San one that keeps our country competitive.” Brian Leprevost, #4101. Born in Francisco, CA 94105. One funding issue the next adminis- Dave Connolly, The candidates have offered plans to tration may be confronted with is how to England in 1939. Joined SUP in 1978. President/Secretary-Treasurer overhaul the nation’s transportation Died in California, February 1, 2020. Julia Preciado, Editor replenish the Highway Trust Fund, which network and create construction jobs, (Pensioner) BRANCH OFFICES gets its revenue from federal fuels taxes. The Seattle, WA 98199 intended in part to draw a contrast with th trust fund has faced a shortfall because fuel William Scott, #7151. Born in Mis- 4005 20 Ave. W. Ste.115 (206) 467-7944 the president, whose proposals have lan- taxes haven’t been raised ter-cen- souri in 1922. Joined SUP in 1946. FAX: (206) 467-8119 guished despite bipartisan attempts in in a quar Wilmington, CA 90744 tury while increased vehicle efficiency has Died in Missouri, October 29, 2019. Congress to forge a broad plan to repair 533 N. Marine Ave. (310) 835-6617 cut into gasoline and diesel consumption. (Pensioner) FAX: (310) 835-9367 the country’s infrastructure. The forum Sunday, at the University Carl Walters, #3619. Born in Oregon Honolulu, HI 96813 Organized labor has long been a political 707 Alakea St., Rm. 101 (808) 533-2777 of Nevada, Las Vegas, was well-attended in 1923. Joined SUP in 1948. Died Jan- force in Nevada and plays a more signif- FAX: (808) 533-2778 and broadcast on C-Span and streamed uary 26, 2020. (Pensioner) WELFARE OFFICE icant role in the state than in Iowa and live on Twitter. It was moderated by The The membership stood for a moment (415) 778-5490 New Hampshire, which held the first two Wall Street Journal’s Gerald Seib and of silence in memory of our departed PENSION PLAN OFFICE presidential nominating contests. (415) 764-4987 Jeanne Cummings. brothers. Mr. Biden has proposed a $1.3 tril- Friday, February 21, 2020 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 3 Number of US workers represented Natural gas won’t decarbonize by unions remained steady in 2019 shipping, but the fuel is here to stay Data released by the Bureau of Labor of dollars on anti-union campaigns and Shipping is going through its biggest at trapping heat than carbon dioxide.” Statistics showed that 16.4 million work- lobbying the government to weaken labor change since switching from coal to heavy Engine manufacturers and shipyards ers in the United States were represented laws,” Shierholz said. oil more than a century ago as it looks say the “methane slip” from burning nat- by a union in 2019. A recent EPI report found that employers for new fuels that will drastically cut the ural gas is small and that they are working Although there was very little change spend roughly $340 million annually on industry’s carbon footprint. to produce cleaner burns. But a report from the number reported in 2018, “union avoidance” consultants and that The effort is set to last until 2050, the released last month by the independent the share of workers represented by a companies are charged with breaking the deadline set by global marine regulator nonprofit International Council on Clean union—“the union coverage rate”--ticked law in 41.5% of all union election campaigns. the International Maritime Organization Transportation, and commissioned by down from 11.7% to 11.%. “Despite attacks on unions, we’ve seen to cut carbon emissions by half compared the environmental group Stand.earth, The decline in the union coverage rate a surge of strikes in the last two years, with 2008 levels. said ships using LNG would emit more was caused by more workers entering the showing that workers understand the One recent report estimated the cost of greenhouse gas than ships using conven- labor market, said Heidi Shierholz, senior importance of joining together with their achieving that goal would run to $1 trillion. tional marine. economist at the Economic Policy Institute. coworkers to demand better wages and Vessel operators are under growing For ship operators, the economics of The share of workers covered by a union working conditions,” Shierholz added. commercial pressure to make strides in fuel play a big role. contract in 2019 was less than half of what She also noted that survey data show 48 protecting the environment. The mari- LNG-powered vessels cost around it was 40 years ago, the BLS data showed. percent of nonunion workers would vote time world’s biggest shipping customers 15% more to build than vessels burning to join a union in their workplace if given “This is caused in large part by fierce are asking for proof that their cargoes are conventional heavy oil, but filling them the opportunity to do so. corporate opposition spending millions being moved on cleaner ships as corpo- up is about 20% cheaper and they may rations look more closely at cutting their get more cost-effective as natural gas Growing numbers of strikes “shows own carbon footprints. production grows. people are fed up with rigged system” Many shipowners and industry observ- The price difference has widened since Nearly half a million American workers disposal to win a better deal.” ers question whether the business can ships this year started using new fuel blends based on oil that emit less sulfur went on strike last year, according to data “These strike statistics represent nothing meet the carbon-cutting deadline, noting and cost roughly 50% more than tradi- released on Feb. 11 by the U.S. Bureau of less than a sea change in America,” he said. research on new propulsion systems is still in its early stages and that there is tional heavy oil. Labor Statistics. “Solidarity works. And we’re just no consensus on what type of fuel would “It pays after the investment to build “2019 was a banner year for working getting started.” people,” said AFL-CIO President Rich- carry oceangoing vessels into a new, such ships,” Mr. Leclercq said. “I see According to the Economic Policy cleaner future. LNG as the best available solution over ard Trumka. Institute, 2018 and 2019 accounted for Many shipowners believe that more the next 20 years.” “Over the past 12 months, nearly half the largest two-year average of striking oceangoing vessels will be powered by There are only 746 LNG-powered ships a million workers sacrificed the comforts workers in more than three decades. of today for the progress of tomorrow.” natural gas in the years ahead. in use and another 243 on order in a total Many of the strikes that took place last global fleet of about 60,000 oceangoing “Working people—completely fed up France’s CMA CGM SA, the world’s year were massive, with 10 involving at vessels, according to data by VesselsValue. with an economic and political system least 20,000 workers. fourth-largest container ship operator, placed a big bet with a recent order for But the lack of alternative fuels means that does not work for us—are turning Americans have not gone on strike in 22 ships that will be powered by liquefied hundreds more LNG-powered ships could to each other and using every tool at our such large numbers since the mid-1980s. natural gas, including nine megaships be built in the coming years. that will be among the world’s biggest Proposed power solutions like batteries, Australian court blocks Union cargo vessels. hydrogen, ammonia or biofuels are still “We are fully convinced that LNG years away from proving out, and many action in DP world dispute will be a key factor in our business,” said industry executives say privately that meeting the IMO’s 2050 carbon target Australia’s Federal Court has issued an reduced standards of living for all.” Xavier Leclercq, a vice president at CMA will be difficult. Some owners believe interim injunction banning wharfies from He says that in the last year, DP World CGM. “Our clients, the big ones, like LNG could become the default fuel over undertaking industrial action as part of management have cancelled approved Amazon, Walmart, Nike, IKEA, they are the near term as the industry looks for their fight for a new workplace agreement. holidays, attempted to strip away social asking us for solutions in decarbonizing. cleaner alternatives. The court order prevents more than benefits such as income protection, sacked We want to be that solution.” “If we want to power an oceangoing box 1,800 workers employed at DP World workers, docked pay, prevented workers Other big carriers operating LNG-pow- ship with batteries today it will take 146% Australia container terminals in Mel- from meeting with their union represen- ered ships include Japan’s NYK Line and of the cargo space,” Mr. Leclercq said. bourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle tatives, canceled Christmas bonuses and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Malaysia’s MISC ”Hydrogen, which must be compressed from taking any form of legally protected threatened the mass termination of 10 Berhad, New York-listed tanker operator or liquefied, will need six times the space industrial action until March 13, 2020. percent of the workforce. Teekay Group, and Norway- and Singa- and four times the weight of the current The Maritime Union of Australia said DP World Australia issued a statement pore-based crude and gas transporter the decision should send a shudder down saying it welcomed the Federal Court’s fuel storage. It will cut the ship’s capacity BW Group. by more than a third.” the spine of all working Australians, with decision. DP World Australia Chief Op- They are throwing big investment be- the Federal Court entrenching the power erating Officer Andrew Adam said the The IMO hasn’t taken a position on LNG, hind LNG even though it still isn’t clear but the fuel’s use is part of its deliberations. of foreign and local corporations and un- order meant it was business as usual at how far the fuel will take ship operators dermining the ability of workers to have the terminals, and customers could be “LNG used as ship fuel has significantly toward a carbon-free future. any chance of standing up against work- assured there would be no disruption to lower emissions of sulfur oxides and par- place greed, inequality and for justice in normal services. Liquefied natural gas is a fossil fuel and ticulate matter compared to fuel oil and its use won’t achieve the industry to meet the workplace. DPWA sought an injunction against also contributes to reductions of nitrogen the IMO threshold. Overall, it is estimated MUA Assistant National Secretary industrial action coordinated by the oxides,” a spokeswoman said. “There can the use of LNG reduces C02 emissions Warren Smith said the Federal Court Construction Forestry Maritime Min- be methane slip…and the IMO is consid- by around 20%, according to DNV GL, decision was just the latest in a long list of ing Energy Union (CFMMEU) on the ering ways to reduce it.” a Norway-based ship classification firm. aggressive moves by DP World Australia grounds at least one of the union’s claims For ship operators, LNG is a needed aimed at forcing workers to accept man- in enterprise bargaining was not permit- Methane is the main ingredient in nat- stop on a long route to decarbonization agement’s demands for a new workplace ted under the Fair Work Act 2009. ural gas, and some of that is released into even if it won’t get them all way to their the atmosphere when natural gas doesn’t agreement. “This injunction doesn’t just Adam said the statement by the union destination. burn fully. Methane is “far more potent as prevent wharfies from taking legally pro- over local worker rights is another at- “The IMO goal is ambitious, but we tected industrial action, it is an alarming tempt to distract CFMMEU members’ a greenhouse gas than CO2,” according to have no other option,” Mr. Leclercq said. attack on democratic rights that will give attention from its mismanagement of the Natural Resources Defense Council, companies open slather to strip all Aus- bargaining for new enterprise agreements which says it is “80 times more effective SUP Meetings tralian workers of long held workplace at DP World Australia’s terminals around These are the dates for the regularly conditions, which will effectively mean Australia. Coronavirus hits scheduled 2020 SUP meetings: shipping continued from page 1 Hdqtrs. Branch President’s FY 2021 budget released $40,000, from up to $80,000 at the start March 9 16 with full MSP funding continued from page 1 of the year. April 13 20 plan that proposes deep cuts to critical which would extend past 2025, benefit Shipyards are also feeling the pinch. The May 11 18 programs that benefit working families. the richest 20% of all taxpayers.” The China National Shipbuilding Industry June 8 15 They noted that the budget includes $2 budget also would cut Labor Depart- said more than 200 deliveries of ships July 13 20 August 10 17 trillion in cuts from safety net programs ment funding by 10.7%, Education under repair could be pushed back. China September 14 21 and $1 trillion from Medicare and sub- Department funding by 7.8%, Energy is the world’s biggest shipbuilder, with October Tues 13 19 sidies for the Affordable Care Act. An Department funding by 8.1% and the more than 960 vessels set to be delivered November 9 16 AFL-CIO statement said, “Two-thirds U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this year. (See SUP President’s Report on December 14 21 of the proposed $1.4 trillion tax cuts, funding by 26.5%. page 10 for more on coronavirus). Page 4 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, February 21, 2020 Coast Guard’s post-accident drug and A new mathematical model alcohol testing standards are too lax The National Transportation Safety traffic, postaccident toxicological testing predicts a knot’s stability Board on Tuesday issued a recommenda- for Coast Guard personnel should “at In sailing, rock climbing, construction, treating each strand as a chain of small, tion to the U.S. Coast Guard that would least be equivalent to the standards for and any activity requiring the securing discrete, spring-connected beads. The subject Coast Guard personnel involved merchant mariners.” of ropes, certain knots are known to be way each spring bends and deforms can in serious marine incidents to timely The NTSB’s recommendation is based stronger than others. Any seasoned sailor be calculated based on the force that is knows, for instance, that one type of knot applied to each individual spring. post-accident drug and alcohol testing as on investigations into five recent marine will secure a sheet to a headsail, while an- is required for merchant mariners. accidents including the 2007 Cosco Busan Kolle’s student Joseph Sandt had pre- other is better for hitching a boat to a piling. viously drawn up a color map based Currently, Coast Guard regulations allision with San Francisco Bay Bridge, a But what exactly makes one knot more on experiments with the fibers, which require that merchant mariners be drug 2008 collision between a passenger/car stable than another has not been well-un- correlates a fiber’s color with a given ferry and a coast guard cutter on Block and alcohol tested within specified time derstood, until now. pressure applied to that fiber. Patil and periods following a marine accident or se- Island Sound, and the October 2011 col- MIT mathematicians and engineers Dunkel incorporated this color map rious incident while Coast Guard military lision between a 799-foot-long tankship have developed a mathematical model into their spaghetti model, then used the and the equally large MSC Nederland and civilian personnel involved in similar that predicts how stable a knot is, based model to simulate the same knots that the containership in the Houston Ship Chan- events are subject to much lower, less on several key properties, including the researchers had tied physically using the stringent standards that only narrowly nel near Houston, among others. number of crossings involved and the fibers. When they compared the knots in defines a timeframe for testing. Specifically, the National Transporta- direction in which the rope segments the experiments with those in the simu- For example, although merchant mari- tion Safety Board makes the following twist as the knot is pulled tight. lations, they found the pattern of colors ners are required to provide a breath sam- safety recommendations to the US “These subtle differences between knots in both were virtually the same—a sign ple for alcohol testing within two hours Coast Guard: critically determine whether a knot is that the model was accurately simulating of an accident, no specific timeframe Align your standards for postaccident strong or not,” says Jörn Dunkel, associate the distribution of stress in knots. for the test is provided for Coast Guard toxicological testing of Coast Guard professor of mathematics at MIT. “With With confidence in their model, Patil military personnel; Coast Guard civilian military personnel with the requirements this model, you should be able to look at then simulated more complicated knots, personnel are not required to submit to specified in 46 Code of Federal Regula- two knots that are almost identical, and taking note of which knots experienced an alcohol test at all. And although the tions 4.06-3. (M-12-8) be able to say which is the better one.” more pressure and were therefore stronger than other knots. Once they categorized allowable blood alcohol level (BAC) for Align your standards for postaccident “Empirical knowledge refined over merchant mariners must be less than centuries has crystallized out what the knots based on their relative strength, Pa- toxicological testing of Coast Guard til and Dunkel looked for an explanation .04%, the Coast Guard has not specified best knots are,” adds Mathias Kolle, the civilian personnel, seeking appropriate for why certain knots were stronger than an allowable BAC for its own personnel. Rockwell International Career Develop- legislative authority if necessary, with others. To do this, they drew up simple The Coast Guard also does not specify a the requirements specified in 46 Code ment Associate Professor at MIT. “And now the model shows why.” diagrams for the well-known granny, reef, timeframe for post-accident drug testing of Federal Regulations 4.06-3. (M-12-9) thief, and grief knots, along with more Dunkel, Kolle, and Ph.D. students Vishal for its military personnel, while requiring Disseminate guidance within the Coast complicated ones, such as the carrick, Patil and Joseph Sandt have published their all merchant mariners to be drug tested zeppelin, and Alpine butterfly. Guard so that commanding officers have results today in the journal Science. within 32 hours of an accident. unambiguous instruction detailing the Each knot diagram depicts the pattern In 2018, Kolle’s group engineered stretch- The NTSB argues that considering requirements for timely drug and alco- of the two strands in a knot before it is able fibers that change color in response to Coast Guard personnel perform a number pulled tight. The researchers included the hol testing of Coast Guard military and strain or pressure. The researchers showed of safety-sensitive maritime roles similar direction of each segment of a strand as it civilian personnel whose work perfor- that when they pulled on a fiber, its hue to those of merchant mariners, such as is pulled, along with where strands cross. mance may be linked to a serious marine changed from one color of the rainbow to operating vessels and monitoring vessel They also noted the direction each segment incident. (M-12-10) another, particularly in areas that experi- of a strand rotates as a knot is tightened. enced the greatest stress or pressure. In comparing the diagrams of knots of Kolle, an associate professor of mechan- Use of hemp/CBD products could various strengths, the researchers were ical engineering, was invited by MIT’s able to identify general “counting rules,” math department to give a talk on the cause mariners to fail a drug test or characteristics that determine a knot’s fibers. Dunkel was in the audience and The Coast Guard has issued a Marine because it produces an intoxicating ef- stability. Basically, a knot is stronger if began to cook up an idea: What if the Safety Advisory warning mariners that fect on the user and poses safety risks to it has more strand crossings, as well as pressure-sensing fibers could be used to use of some products made of hemp or vessel operations. The U.S. Coast Guard more “twist fluctuations”—changes in study the stability in knots? cannabidiol (CBD) may contain enough prohibits THC use by mariners because of the direction of rotation from one strand tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cause an its known debilitating effects, and all U.S. Mathematicians have long been in- segment to another. trigued by knots, so much so that physical individual to fail a drug test. Coast Guard-required drug tests screen For instance, if a fiber segment is rotat- knots have inspired an entire subfield mariners for use of THC. ed to the left at one crossing and rotated In accordance with 46 CFR 16.201(c), of topology known as knot theory—the to the right at a neighboring crossing as an individual who fails a chemical test for Recent changes to federal and state laws study of theoretical knots whose ends, a knot is pulled tight, this creates a twist dangerous drugs must be removed from have resulted in a surge in the availability of unlike actual knots, are joined to form fluctuation and thus opposing friction, duties directly affecting the safe operation over-the-counter hemp products and CBD a continuous pattern. In knot theory, which adds stability to a knot. If, however, of the vessel, and is subject to suspension products throughout the United States. mathematicians seek to describe a knot the segment is rotated in the same direc- and revocation proceedings against his or in mathematical terms, along with all the Hemp products and CBD products tion at two neighboring crossing, there her credential under 46 CFR part 5. ways that it can be twisted or deformed are marketed to the general public in a is no twist fluctuation, and the strand is while still retaining its topology, or gen- Use of hemp or CBD products is not number of forms, including as food and more likely to rotate and slip, producing eral geometry. accepted as an excuse for a THC-positive medicinal products, dietary supplements, a weaker knot. drug test result. “In mathematical knot theory, you oils, cosmetics and hair products. They also found that a knot can be made throw everything out that’s related to Mariners wishing to avoid a positive In some cases, manufacturers market these stronger if it has more “circulations,” mechanics,” Dunkel says. “You don’t care THC drug test result should exercise products as “low in THC” or “THC-free.” which they define as a region in a knot about whether you have a stiff versus soft extreme caution when considering the where two parallel strands loop against Mariners should be aware that over- fiber—it’s the same knot from a mathe- use of any hemp or CBD product because each other in opposite directions, like a the-counter hemp products and CBD matician’s point of view. But we wanted such use could result in the loss of their circular flow. products have not been approved as med- to see if we could add something to the merchant mariner credential and imme- ications by the Food and Drug Adminis- mathematical modeling of knots that By taking into account these simple diate removal from safety-sensitive duties tration and are not regulated by the FDA. accounts for their mechanical properties, counting rules, the team was able to ex- aboard a vessel. Therefore, users lack federal assurance of to be able to say why one knot is stronger plain why a reef knot, for instance, is stron- This warning applies to hemp and CBD their ingredients, THC content, quality, than another.” ger than a granny knot. While the two are almost identical, the reef knot has a higher products in any form, including those effectiveness or safety. Dunkel and Kolle teamed up to iden- number of twist fluctuations, making it that are taken by mouth and those that tify what determines a knot’s stability. As a result, mariners using these prod- a more stable configuration. Likewise, are applied to the skin. The team first used Kolle’s fibers to tie a ucts put themselves at risk of having a the zeppelin knot, because of its slightly THC is the primary psychoactive com- variety of knots, including the trefoil and THC-positive drug test result. It remains higher circulations and twist fluctuations, figure-eight knots—configurations that ponent of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp unacceptable for any U.S. Coast Guard is stronger, though possibly harder to untie, were familiar to Kolle, who is an avid sailor, and marijuana are different strains of the credentialed mariner or other safety-sen- than the Alpine butterfly—a knot that is and to rock-climbing members of Dunkel’s Cannabis sativa plant and both contain sitive worker aboard a vessel subject to commonly used in climbing. group. They photographed each fiber, varying concentrations of THC and CBD. U.S. Coast Guard drug testing regulations noting where and when the fiber changed “If you take a family of similar knots THC is considered a dangerous drug to use THC. color, along with the force that was applied from which empirical knowledge singles to the fiber as it was pulled tight. one out as “the best,” now we can say why it might deserve this distinction,” The researchers used the data from says Kolle, who envisions the new model Let the nation and the world know the meaning of our numbers. We these experiments to calibrate a model are not a pressure group, we are not an organization or a group of that Dunkel’s group previously imple- can be used to configure knots of various organizations, we are not a mob. We are the advanced guard of a mented to describe another type of fiber: strengths to suit particular applications. “ massive, moral revolution for jobs and freedom. spaghetti. In that model, Patil and Dunkel “We can play knots against each other for - A. Philip Randolph, 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom described the behavior of spaghetti and uses in suturing, sailing, climbing, and other flexible, rope-like structures by construction. It’s wonderful.” Friday, February 21, 2020 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 5 Hundreds of coronavirus cases New poll contradicts earlier confirmed aboard Yokohama cruise ship Diamond Princess, the Princess Cruises’ 2,000, while confirmed cases top 72,000. surveys of A’s stadium plans A new poll shows that Oaklanders favor plan, 74% of respondents supported the ship under quarantine in Yokohama, has As the West Coast Sailors’ goes to the Athletics staying at the Coliseum instead new stadium and 20% opposed it. become the site of the highest number press, Japanese officials dealing with the of moving to the Howard Terminal site where of coronavirus infections outside China. Diamond Princess reported even worse The powerful interests in favor of the the team plans to build a new stadium, con- Five hundred forty-two cases had been numbers and began releasing passengers. project prefer their own poll results. “As tradicting previous polling results. you can see from our own poll results, confirmed as of Tuesday among the 3,711 Cybersecurity experts are warning the The East Oakland Stadium Alliance, Oakland voters overwhelming support passengers and members of the crew. public that hackers have created bogus which is actively campaigning for the A’s to a downtown ballpark, including one at In mainland China, the number of sites about the virus to spread malware stay at the Coliseum, commissioned the poll. Howard Terminal,” said Oakland A’s deaths attributed to the virus is nearing and steal login credentials. Five hundred Oakland residents were President Dave Kaval in a statement. “The OPEIU organizes new internet workers surveyed. They preferred the Coliseum Oakland Chamber of Commerce also to the new site, with 62% favoring the recently conducted their own poll with Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter PBC voluntarily recognize the union, which Coliseum and 29% choosing the Howard similar results to ours.” became the first white-collar tech workforce was declined, prompting mail balloting Terminal location. According to the poll, The Oakland Chamber of Commerce to organize a union when the National that started Jan. 23. 63 percent of respondents don’t believe polled 601 Oakland residents at the end Labor Relations Board certified the Office “So many people worked incredibly hard the claim that the new stadium would be of October and beginning of November and Professional Employees International to earn Kickstarter’s employees a seat at the entirely privately funded. last year. Their poll found that 59% of Union as the workers’ labor representative. table, and now they have one. Kickstarter A poll conducted by the Oakland A’s respondents supported building a new, Accountants, creative content directors, is now a place for collective action through in July 2019 that surveyed 1,000 Oakland privately funded downtown stadium and and senior software designers were among and through,” Clarissa Redwine, a former residents had almost the exact opposite 34% opposed it. the employees who voted, 47-36, for union Kickstarter employee who helped organize result. Of those surveyed, 63% favored When given more information, these representation, the NLRB said Tuesday the workforce and was terminated last fall, building a privately funded downtown numbers rose in favor of the project with after votes were counted in the agency’s tweeted after the vote. stadium and 29% opposed it. When given 68% supporting and 24% opposing a new Brooklyn, N.Y., office. Kickstarter, a fund- The vote means the union and company more details and the Howard Terminal Howard Terminal stadium. ing platform for creative projects including will start negotiations on a first contract. films, games, music, art, design, and tech- Kickstarter CEO Aziz Hasan said the nology, had 88 employees eligible to vote. company supports and respects the staff’s Pangolins identified as potential “To my knowledge, this is the first time decision “and we are proud of the fair and full-time, white-collar tech workers have democratic process that got us here.” intermediate host of coronavirus organized an NLRB-sanctioned union. “We’ve worked hard over the last de- Media in China are reporting the results in particular are believed by some to But it comes amidst an uprising of mass cade to build a different kind of company, of a study by South China Agricultural treat a range of ailments from problems collective organizing and action across one that measures its success by how well University, who announced their discovery with lactation in women through to the tech industry—in white-collar jobs, it achieves its mission: helping to bring of a 99 percent genetic match between the asthma and skin conditions. blue-collar jobs, and across white- and creative projects to life. Our mission has new corona virus (2019-nCoV) and a strain Evidence is mounting about the cir- blue-collar jobs,” said Veena Dubal, a been common ground for everyone here of the virus found in pangolins. cumstances under which viruses are University of California Hastings associ- during this process, and it will continue Human infection with 2019-nCoV has likely to mutate such that they gain the ate law professor. to guide us as we enter this new phase potentially fatal consequences, with cur- ability to cross the species barrier into “I think that this win for workers together,” Hasan said. rently more than 600 fatalities out of tens humans, say experts. These are basically reflects two important things. One, it The new Kickstarter United union of thousands of cases reported globally. unsanitary, cramped conditions where shows that white-collar workers in the said its goals are equitable compensation Suspicion as to the source of the out- animals are kept in close proximity to tech industry can and will find ways to across all positions, creating equal pay break has focused on a seafood market each other and also to people. Such con- form collective structures to best reflect for equal work, along with diversity and also illegally selling wildlife in the Chi- ditions are prevalent at poorly-regulated their needs and visions. And two, the win inclusion in hiring, professional growth, nese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the or illegal wildlife markets. underscores the importance and promise and product development. outbreak. In response, authorities in Chi- Research published in 2017 found an of worker self-organizing in the tech in- Kickstarter, since launching in April na announced on January 26 a temporary average of 20 tonnes of pangolins and dustry,” Dubal added. 2009, has helped raise $4.8 billion to suc- ban on all wildlife trade in the country, their parts trafficked internationally every OPEIU Local 153 asked Kickstarter to cessfully fund 177,558 projects. with immediate effect. Bats are also sus- year. The study was released in the wake of pected hosts of coronavirus. the world’s largest ever pangolin seizure, Second cruise ship held in Last week, a study published by Nature when China announced the seizure of 11.9 found the probable origin of the virus tonnes of scales from a ship in Shenzen. quarantine for coronavirus testing in bats. Such a link had previously been In July 2018, Hong Kong’s Customs Another cruise ship has been quar- authorities identified 10 more individuals found to the viruses behind Severe Acute and Excise Department seized over seven antined in response to suspected cases from Diamond Princess who tested posi- Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Mid- tons of pangolin scales in a shipping con- of the Wuhan coronavirus. Officials in tive, and they were evacuated by the Japan dle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). tainer that arrived from Africa bound for Hong Kong have denied permission to Coast Guard for treatment and isolation In the case of SARS, Civets were identified mainland China. disembark to the vessel World Dream on shore. The individuals affected includ- as an intermediate host in the jump of the Last year, 14 leading courier and and are testing the 3,600 people on board ed one American national, three people virus from bats to people. logistics companies in China signed for signs of infection. from Japan, three from Hong Kong, two Pangolins are considered the most a voluntary code of practice to refuse Three previous passengers who had Australian nationals and one crewmem- widely trafficked mammal in the delivery of illegal wildlife and products been aboard World Dream between Jan- ber from the Philippines. world. Trade involves all eight spe- to demonstrate their commitment to uary 19 and 24 were diagnosed with the Japanese officials reported that many cies, four of which are native to Africa curbing illegal trade in wild animals and illness after they left the ship, operator additional people tested positive for and four in Asia. With reported steep plants. Signatories of the voluntary code Genting Cruise Lines said in a statement. coronavirus aboard Diamond Princess. declines in Asian populations, the ani- are: EMS, SF-Express, ZTO-Express, About two dozen crewmembers of the They will be transferred to a medical mals have increasingly been trafficked UTO-Express, TO-Express, Yunda-Ex- World Dream have recently reported mi- facility ashore for treatment. from Africa to Asia where they are con- press, Deppon-Express, Best-Express, nor cold symptoms, according to Hong The Diamond Princess’ 2,666 passen- sumed as food and for their supposed JD-Logistics, ZJS-Express, Suning-Logis- Kong’s health department. Three others gers include about 428 American nation- medicinal properties. Pangolin scales tics, China Air Express, DHL and FedEx. reported symptoms of a fever and have als. All are expected to be quarantined on been transferred to shore for isolation board for at least the next two weeks, and and potential treatment. the ship’s crew are making provisions for Local officials are also attempting a long stay. Some Americans have elected to locate 200 Hong Kong residents to be evacuated by the United States and who were on board during the World undergo a new quarantine at American Dream’s previous voyage and have since military bases. The delay has caused fear returned home, according to Leung Yiu- and confusion. Hong, the chief port officer of Hong In mainland China, the number of Kong’s health department. confirmed cases has reached 28,000 and The World Dream is the second cruise the number of fatalities has risen to more ship quarantined this week over fears than 2000. The numbers may represent of coronavirus infection. On Monday, an undercount: shortages of testing kits, the Diamond Princess was held at an laboratory services and hospital capacity AMERICAN anchorage off Yokohama after a former have been reported in Hubei province, COMMON passenger tested positive for the disease. the epicenter of the outbreak, and health After testing people with flu-like symp- experts believe that many additional SENSE toms and those who have had contact cases are not being identified. China has with the known infection case, Japanese changed its reporting standards twice. Page 6 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, February 21, 2020 Report: U.S. sealift lacks ILWU court decision looms and Unions nationwide await outcome personnel, ships, strategy The union that handles every ship- Enrique Razon has plenty of money for An aging and inactive government fleet were used, the report estimates the Pen- ping container that crosses West Coast legal fights. dependent on a shrinking pool of mer- tagon would still need to charter about docks is bracing for a court decision The ILWU pushed ICTSI Oregon to a half-million square feet of additional that could change the outlook for labor give it the jobs after the company signed chant mariners to get underway is how a nationwide. cargo capacity on either U.S. or for- a lease with the Port of Portland in 2011 new report describes the U.S. military’s The International Longshore and to begin running the container yard. eign-flagged ships. strategic sealift capability. Warehouse Union traces its roots to ICTSI said it could not reassign the The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Part of the shortage is because the ex- a 1934 strike that claimed the lives jobs because the port controlled them. Assessments took an in-depth look at the isting fleet is old. Part of the shortfall was of strikers, sometimes marked on a During four years of slowdowns, inter- caused by a decades-long decrease in the sidewalk in front of Local 10, the orga- national shipping lines stopped calling health of the nation’s maritime industry nization’s San Francisco chapter. The number of U.S.-flagged ships, caused by on the terminal. ICTSI paid the port – including the fleet of U.S.-flagged ships ILWU’s motto — “An injury to one is an $20 million to get out of its lease and in the sealift fleet, the public and private a combination of tax policy, competition injury to all” — attests to the wariness sued the union, listing that amount and shipyards asked to build and maintain against state-subsidized foreign shipping and solidarity of its 15,000 waterfront other losses as damages. The ILWU the vessels and the workforce expected lines and changing global economics. members, blue-collar workers that al- continues to dispute the validity of the ready face other threats, such as port to serve aboard the fleet. claim. The Department of Defense’s fuel automation. If a large-scale troop build-up were tanking capacity is even more dire, ac- If Simon upholds all or part of the Few of those workers could have award, the ILWU could appeal. But needed to occur quickly overseas, the cording to the report. The Pentagon has imagined that an obscure feud over two unless the union managed to post bond, U.S. strategic sealift capability would access to about 10 percent of the tankers dockside jobs in Portland could cause ICTSI could start attaching the orga- be unlikely to meet the Pentagon’s dry needed to supply an overseas force. The such trouble. But a $94-million federal nization’s bank accounts for incoming cargo, munitions or tanking needs, ac- Pentagon would need to hire 76 more fuel jury award Nov. 4 to ICTSI Oregon Inc., dues money. tankers to meet the anticipated demands a cargo terminal operator, has forced A Chapter 11 filing by a union on the cording to the report’s authors, Bryan union leaders to warn that a filing for Clark, a senior fellow at CSBA; Timothy of fueling a force. scale of the ILWU would be unprec- Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection is edented, bankruptcy attorneys said. Watson, a research fellow at CSBA; and “DoD’s sealift capacity gaps will likely possible. Previous filings involved local Team- Adam Lemon a former research assistant only worsen. Most government sealift ILWU attorneys during a Feb. 14 sters and service workers chapters in at CSBA and currently a staffer for Sen. ships will need to be retired during the hearing in Portland argued to persuade California and Texas. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas.). next decade, and DoD’s fuel require- U.S. District Judge Michael Simon to The ILWU is liable for 55% of the jury reduce the award, which dwarfs the award — less than $3,500 per longshore “To effectively compete, the U.S. gov- ment is expected to grow as military San Francisco-based union’s declared services adopt operational concepts that member, a relatively low figure, but in ernment should stop considering the assets. Judges tend to be reluctant to caucus meetings so far, members have commercial and national security con- rely on distributed forces and maneuver overrule juries. opposed individual assessments. Its tributions of the maritime industry as to improve survivability and lethality,” If Simon lets the award stand, it Portland chapter is on the hook for largely distinct,” the report concludes. according to the report. “The gap in could provide a dangerous precedent, the rest. cargo and tanker capacity will require said Donald Marcus, president of the Union President William Adams told “Instead, the United States should adopt International Organization of Masters, a new approach that recognizes the inher- either recapitalizing and expanding the members in a Dec. 5 memo that a bank- Mates & Pilots, a Maryland-based but ruptcy would not affect their contracts, ent linkage between the two and fosters a MSC and MARAD surge sealift fleets or national licensed-mariners’ union. “It’s working conditions, pensions, savings healthier private maritime industry that bringing more oceangoing commercial an attack on the trade union movement plans and health benefits. He wrote that can support U.S. national security.” ships under U.S. flag.” and could have very negative reper- union leaders would “be alert for any cussions for union workers and labor The report’s authors call for establish- employer or politician who thinks they If the Pentagon were to mobilize a generally,” he said. large expeditionary force quickly, the ing a national maritime strategy to ad- can take advantage of this temporary “We won’t recognize labor on the setback.” first wave of ships carrying equipment dress the various reasons why the nation’s West Coast in the maritime industry sealift capacity is in such poor shape. ILWU attorney Dan Jackson argued to theater would come from two sources if the ILWU is no longer there and at that ICTSI grossly inflated its estimate – the 46 vessels in the U.S. Department Already, the benefits of a unified strate- the forefront,” Marcus said. “They set of economic damages. He also said of Transportation Maritime Adminis- gy can be seen by looking to China, the re- the whole tone and pace of progressive ICTSI had not shown that the slowdown unionism for maritime labor.” tration (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force port states. The Chinese government has was solely motivated by the illegal mo- The award could embolden em- and the 15 vessels in the Military Sealift invested heavily in building the People’s tive of putting pressure on a third party, ployers, as organized labor deals with as opposed to other ongoing disputes Command (MCS) surge fleet of fast Liberation Army Navy, the Chinese Coast setbacks including the Supreme Court’s with ICTSI. sealift and large Medium-speed roll-on/ Guard, the People’s Maritime Militia, and 2018 Janus ruling that public employees Judge Simon could leave the jury roll-off ships. heavily subsidized state-owned shipping cannot be forced to pay dues or fees award as is, reduce the amount, or or- companies. The result is the world’s larg- to support their unions. The ILWU’s der a new trial that would focus just on U.S.-flagged commercial ships would predicament reminds some labor man- then be hired by the Department of est government and commercial fleets. the damages. After three hours of legal agers of the pre-1930s era, when judges arguments by the two sides, Defense to conduct sustainment sealift The Chinese government, through its Belt hit unions with fines and injunctions Simon didn’t say how he’s likely to – the resupply of forces and gear to the and Road Initiative, has also gained port before Congress passed federal pro- tections. rule, but at various points he did say theater. If needed, the Pentagon would access around the globe for commerce, he found some of ILWU’s arguments also charter foreign-flagged ships to logistics and naval operations. But in Portland it was a jury of six persuasive. One expert witness called deliver supplies. women and two men, not a judge, who by ICTSI had cherry-picked data to “In contrast to China’s integrated ruled for ICTSI Oregon and set the The U.S. strategic sealift capability is maritime strategy, during the past few inflate damage calculations, and his award amount. And ILWU leaders had model had assumed that ICTSI could decades the United States has adopted a facing a myriad of challenges, including displayed unusual defiance at a time raise prices and still increase volume, in an aging fleet comprised of ships in many predominantly military strategy designed when its prosperity seemed assured, violation of accepted economic theory. cases more than three-decades-old, an ag- to synchronize missions and capability riding on booming trade at West Coast ports. ILWU has said ICTSI is trying to ing workforce to crew the ships and work priorities between the U.S. Navy, Marine get the union to pay for losses that Corps, and Coast Guard, but not at the The ILWU has parlayed its handling members weren’t responsible for, and in the yards building and maintaining the ocean cargo worth trillions of dollars to fleet and insufficient numbers of vessels in whole-of-society level,” the report states. reimburse for profits that the company land lucrative labor contracts with the wasn’t likely to make. the fleet. These problems have been form- The U.S. must expand participation in Pacific Maritime Assn., an employers’ The Port of Portland had been losing ing for decades, without a unified strategy the Maritime Security Program – which group of shipping lines and terminal operators. money at Terminal 6 for years; partly to address them, according to the report. provides U.S.-flagged ship operators the cause that privatized the terminal As contract renewals approach, ne- In September, the U.S. Transportation with stipends to help defray the costs in the first place resulting in a 25-year gotiations sometimes stall, leading to lease agreement with ICTSI. Terminal Command tested the ability of the nation’s associated with being part of the U.S. massive freight backups at the West sealift capability. 6 has several disadvantages that make maritime Ready Reserve Force to set sail Coast’s 29 container ports. For leverage, it less than competive with other West on short notice. However, only about 40 The U.S. needs to attract more people the union has developed “working to Coast ports: It’s far upriver from the percent of the vessels deemed ready to sail to become merchant mariners and to rule” into an art form, using legal literal ocean, and shipping channels in the interpretation of regulations. left port, according to retired Rear Adm. stabilize the workforce at shipyards. Columbia River aren’t deep enough Mark Buzby, the administrator of MA- In Portland in 2012, Simon wrote in for the new generation of bigger more U.S. officials should consider replacing his jury instructions, union members RAD. Buzby detailed the exercise during cost-effective cargo ships. No other the government-owned prepositioning drove trucks slowly, parked vehicles to terminal operator has stepped in since an appearance at the 2020 Surface Navy fleet with MARAD-chartered commer- block containers and reported bogus ICTSI ended operations in 2017. Association symposium. cial ships. The ships in the prepositioning mechanical problems. But this time, If Judge Simon finds that the jury Part of the problem, according to fleet would then join the MSC surge fleet, instead of dealing with the coastal damage award isn’t supported by ev- employers’ group, the ILWU was up idence of real economic damage, he the CSBA report, is the U.S. Merchant which would be assigned to MARAD. against a subsidiary of Manila-based Marine is short by about 2,000 mari- could reduce the award to $27.6 million: “The U.S. government can continue International Container Services Inc., $20 million for equipment ICTSI had to ners to properly crew ships if the MSC, misallocating increasingly scarce funds a global port operations giant aiming abandon when it ended operations at MARAD and MCS Surge Sealift Fleets on a flawed model. Or, guided by a new to establish a U.S. beachhead. Terminal 6 and money it owed the Port were all activated to deliver equipment national maritime strategy, the nation The company has attracted criticism, to terminate its lease agreement; plus up and resupplies during a prolonged U.S. which it disputes, for maintaining sub- to $7.6 million in direct damages due can adopt a whole-of-society approach to standard wages and working conditions military engagement. to lost productivity during the period cultivating a vibrant maritime industrial in less-developed countries. (Attorneys in question. The fleet also doesn’t have enough ships base that spurs innovation and enhances for ICTSI Oregon wouldn’t comment For some, the dispute can be seen as to operate during a prolonged period. If American prosperity and security,” the on the record, citing the ongoing lit- an outgrowth of problems stemming all available MSC and MARAD ships report concludes. igation.) Yet one thing is certain: The from the privatization of public assets. company headed by Filipino billionaire Friday, February 21, 2020 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 7 Bouchard ordeal evokes 19th century Supreme Court decision By Sal Mercogliano ping articles, are not in conflict with the On July 7, 1895, the barque Arago Thirteenth Amendment forbidding slavery arrived in San Francisco with four of its and involuntary servitude, and it cannot be crewmembers in irons. The deckhands open to doubt that the provision against had jumped ship while in Portland, Or- involuntary servitude was never intended egon prior to the ship embarking on a to apply to such contracts. The contract cruise down to Chile. The master of the of a sailor has always been treated as an vessel signed out warrants for their arrest exceptional one and involving to a certain and had the men returned to the ship, but extent the surrender of his personal liberty they refused to work. Upon arrival at the during the life of a contract. Golden Gate, he turned them over to the Indeed, seamen are treated by Con- authorities for breaking their shipping gress, as well as the Parliament of Great articles. The case worked its way through Britain, as deficient in that full and the courts on the legality of a justice of the intelligent responsibility for their acts peace delivering the crewmembers to the which is accredited to ordinary adults, master of a vessel, with a final decision and as needing the protection of the law determined by the Supreme Court on in the same sense in which minors and The SUP deck gang in the Matson Aloha-class containership Daniel K. Inouye in Oakland January 25, 1897 in Robertson v. Baldwin wards are entitle to the protection of From L-R AB Ed.Pastalero, (Bosun Teofilo Rojas ,OS-D’Marco Horton. F-R AB Jaime 165 U.S. 275, better known in history as their parents and guardians…The ancient Acosta, AB and Delegate Dave Erickson, and AB Alan Peightal. Photo: Roy Tufono. the Arago Decision. characterization of seamen as “wards of A hundred and twenty-three years admiralty” is even more accurate now Work stoppages reach highest later, the crews on board the tugs Kim than it was formerly. M. Bouchard and Danielle M. Bouchard, In other words, mariners surrendered along with other tugs of Bouchard Trans- their Thirteenth Amendment rights level in nearly two decades portation Company, find themselves when they signed shipping articles and Labor unrest reached its highest level The UAW strike was the first at GM in a similar situation. Much like the required special protection under the in nearly two decades with 25 labor-re- since 2007, and the longest nationwide crewmembers of Arago, those on board law. This decision, along with others lated work stoppages—including strikes walkout at the company in a half-century. the two tugs find themselves prisoners in the Progressive Era, led to wholesale and lockouts—involving 1,000 or more The work stoppage crippled GM’s U.S. upon their vessels. In this case, it is not changes in the maritime industry. Senator workers in 2019, the Labor Department manufacturing operations and dented the the master of the tug keeping them on Robert LaFollette pushed through the said Tuesday. auto maker’s earnings by $3.6 billion last board. Instead it is the Coast Guard’s Seamen’s Act in 1915, giving protections That was the most since 2001 and came year. The effects also rippled through the Captain of the Port who have threatened to mariners and, supposedly, reversing the during a year of solid economic growth broader economy, resulting in temporary the crew with felony charges and the loss 1897 Supreme Court decision regarding and the lowest unemployment rate in a layoffs for thousands of other workers as of their merchant marine credentials if the status of merchant mariners. It was half century. Labor disputes tend to in- the strike dragged on. they abandon the vessel. followed by the Merchant Marine Act of crease when the job market is tight and New GM hires received higher starting The two tugs have been held out at an- 1920, specifically Section 31 that allowed workers feel they have more leverage; the pay, temporary workers got a path to full- chorages since November 26. Bouchard crew to demand one-half of their pay unemployment rate fell to a half-century time status and employee health-care con- Transport experienced financial issues in owed to them when in port. It goes on to low in 2019. tributions stayed at roughly 3%—far lower the past, and this latest round resulted in say, “Any failure on the part of the master The level of labor disputes has moved than the private-sector average—under the ships being told to anchor and await to comply with this demand shall release higher in the past two years—driven by terms that ended the strike. further orders. Not only did those orders the seaman from his contract.” work stoppages by teachers—and is well Chris Eubanks, a UAW-represented not arrive, but neither did pay for the crew A century later, the crews on board above the record low of five in 2009, the worker at GM’s assembly plant in Orion after January 1, according to a local 12 Bouchard Transportation Company tugs year the recession ended—despite union Township, Mich., said he expected more News report citing an anonymous crew find themselves in a situation akin to John membership falling in the past decade. out of the new contract after the extended member. A month later, two crew appar- Bradley, Philip Helzen, Morris Hansen, The total number of strikes last year was walkout. He is still feeling the personal ently paid $1,100 to have a launch pick and Robert Robertson at the end of the small compared with the hundreds that financial toll after falling behind on bills them up in Sabine Pass and return them nineteenth century. In the present day, occurred annually in the 1960s and 70s. during the strike. The UAW paid striking to shore, while the remaining mariners the crewmembers are not being held by Richard Trumka, president of the workers $275 a week, a fraction of their all threatened to leave the ship as their the masters, but instead by their own 12.5-million-member AFL-CIO labor normal pay. 35-day tours ended. government, specifically the United States federation, said workers are frustrated Still, he said the strike was a necessary In response to this, Captain J. M. Coast Guard. Bouchard forfeited their because they don’t think they are receiv- action. “We really do have to fight, be- Twomey (USCG), Captain of the Port of rights to direct the crews on board the ing benefits from a record stock market cause they won’t willingly give us what Port Arthur, issued letters to the masters vessels when their contracts ended, and and the longest economic expansion on we deserve,” Mr. Eubanks said. on February 10, 2020. Citing the Code they failed to pay them. The US Coast record. “After decades of seeing flat wages, A GM spokesman declined to comment. Guard should seize the vessels, make the of Federal Regulations, he mandated benefits taken away and pensions taken “General Motors was in a relatively necessary arrangements to secure them that the ships maintain proper watches away, workers are ready to stand up and good financial position...and settled on and their cargo, and release the crews. to safeguard the tugs and their cargoes. fight back,” he said in an interview. an agreement that controlled their labor Violation of the order could result in a civil Unfortunately, this story is not uncom- Strikes can be costly to businesses and costs going forward,” said Marick Mas- fine of $94,219 and a Class D felony, pun- mon to mariners around the world. Many workers in the form of lower revenues, ters, a management professor who studies ishable by up to six years in prison and a find themselves subjected to foreign laws, productivity and lost wages. In total, 3.24 labor relations at Wayne State University fine up to $250,000 per individual. In Port dealing with international companies, and million days of labor were lost to labor in Detroit. Aransas, Barbara E. Bouchard received a very little protection. The legislation that disputes last year, the most of any since While the labor market remains tight, similar notice, but she was pier side and overturned the Arago Decision and aimed 2004, the Labor Department said. separate data released Tuesday suggested it not at anchor. It is probable that all other to prevent this from happening in the Unit- “There are the direct costs of disrup- might be loosening a bit, which could affect Bouchard vessels were given like warnings. ed States, does not appear to be helping the tion such as mothballing facilities and worker leverage. There were 6.4 million job mariners on board Bouchard tugs. For all At the end of the nineteenth century, stopping supplier deliveries, as well as openings at the end of December, a 14.9% practical purposes, they are indentured the Supreme Court heard the appeal from the competitive losses in market share, drop from the same month in 2018 and the servants and their Thirteenth Amendment the mariners of the Arago. The Sailors’ sales, and profits,” said Douglas Holtz- largest annual drop since December 2009, rights remain, once again, in question. It Union of the Pacific funded their suit Eakin, president of the American Action the Labor Department said. through the local courts, to its final ap- will take judicial action to alleviate this Forum and former economic adviser to Still, the number of job openings has peal in Washington D.C. The question issue; maybe a future Bouchard Decision Republican Sen. John McCain and Pres- exceeded the number of unemployed before the court was can a master have a will finally put to bed the Arago Decision ident George W. Bush. “Unfortunately, Americans, which stood at 5.75 million mariner arrested for breaking their con- for American merchant mariners. in a strong labor market, there are lower in December, for 22 consecutive months. tract? The decision handed down by the Salvatore R. Mercogliano is an associate costs to labor and the probability of a “The trend in job growth has remained justices stated: professor of history at Campbell University strike goes up.” strong through January,” said J.P. Morgan in Buies Creek, North Carolina and teaches Insofar as they require seamen to carry Most of the 425,500 workers involved in economist Daniel Silver. “But the recent World Maritime History. This article first out the contracts contained in their ship- labor disputes last year and 13 of the work decline in job openings signals that job appeared in Gcaptain.com stoppages came in the education sector, in- growth could slow at some point.” cluding walkouts of public-school teachers Corrections & Amplifications in Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. Last year, around 32,000 Chicago Pub- The United Auto Workers’ 40-day walk- lic School teachers struck for 11 days in out at General Motors Co. ’s plants was the October. An earlier version of this article largest strike started last year, resulting in incorrectly stated the strike occurred this 1.33 million days of cumulative lost labor. year. (Feb. 11, 2020) Page 8 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, February 21, 2020

New sculpture at Port of Oakland Welfare Notes honors merchant mariners February 2020

REMINDER ACTIVE MEMBERS AND PENSIONERS

When submitting claims for reimbursement, please be sure the following is submitted with ALL receipts: • Patient’s name • Date of service • Description of service or itemized bill . If you have other insurance, you must submit your EOB (explanation of benefits) • Register receipts without the above information will be denied. • Proof of payment (bank statement, canceled check or paid receipt) • Pensioners-please separate your claims from your spouse’s claims, • Balance due bills are not acceptable without the itemization portion of A new sculpture honoring the lives and sacrifices of merchant mariners now welcomes visitors to the the bill International Maritime Center at the Port of Oakland. The sculpture, called “Sea Remembrance,” is a work by SUP member and sculptor James King, bosun in Cape Trinity. YOU HAVE 90 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF SERVICE TO SUBMIT "Sea Remembrance," a turning ellipse with a circular but oblate central negative space, YOUR CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT defined by threaded, contoured and curving surface reminiscent of heavy cable on ships, is now installed in the Port of Oakland as abstract sculpture. Michelle Chang, Administrator [email protected] “Seafarers make costly sacrifices being away from home at sea for months at a time,” Patty Martin, MPP Plan, 401(k) and Death Benefits [email protected] said Margaret Reasoner, an official with the Oakland chapter of the International Mar- Gina Jew, Claims [email protected] itime Center. “The sculpture honors them for their hard work and perseverance, and Michael Jacyna Eligibility [email protected] serves as a memorial for the mariners who gave their life at sea,” Reasoner said in a press release Friday announcing the sculpture’s unveiling. Training Representative Berit Eriksson 206-551-1870 [email protected] The artist, James Allen King, is a merchant mariner sailing on deck with the Sailor’s SUP Welfare Plan 730 Harrison Street, #415 San Francisco, CA 94107 Union of the Pacific. His duties include rigging and maintaining the ship’s gear, anchors, Phone Numbers: 415-778-5490 or 1-800-796-8003 Fax: 415-778-5495 cables and all the other systems and equipment on deck. SIU-PD Pension 415-764-4987 SIU-PD Supplemental Benefits 415-764-4991 Seafarers Medical Center 415-392-3611 First Nation protests Prince Rupert rail With concerns growing over fuel shortages and layoffs, Canada’s Prime Minister

Justin Trudeau came under increasing pressure Tuesday to end a rail blockade From the SUP Constitution by Indigenous protesters that has shut down the eastern operations of Canada’s “We the Seaman of the Pacific Coast, members of the Coast Seamen’s Union largest freight railway and curbed passenger rail service across the country. The and Steamship Sailors’ Union, having been organized separately since 1885... have blockade by First Nations people opposed to an oil pipeline started in the west, determined to form one union which shall be based upon the following principles: but now the protest has now spread to the east. Whatever right belongs to one member belongs to all members alike, as long as While Canadian National Railway said it has successfully sought a court order to they remain in good standing in the Union. end a blockade in Vancouver and two in Vaughan, Ontario, the railroad said Saturday First of this rights is right of each member to receive fair and just remuneration the illegal blockage of CN tracks at Tyendinaga, Ontario, continues because court for his or her labor, and to gain sufficient leisure for mental cultivation and physical orders have yet to be enforced. CN said the shutdown of its eastern Canadian network recreation… would continue until the blockades end.CN said Saturday the illegal blockage of We consider it our right to receive healthy and sufficient food, and proper fore- tracks at Tyendinaga, Ontario, continues because court orders have yet to be enforced. castles in which to rest. Canadian National Railway intermodal rail service serving the Port of Prince We consider it our right to be treated in a decent and respectful manner by those Rupert in British Columbia is continuing without interruption after resuming in command. We consider it our right of engagement without the interference of late last week, according to port officials. CN’s eastern network is “more or less crimps. We hold that the above rights belong to all seamen alike, irrespective of shut down,” with limited trains operating in the Halifax/Montreal corridor, Ha- nationality or creed and pag-Lloyd told customers in a Tuesday advisory. The carrier said it was exploring Recognizing the foregoing as our inalienable rights, we are conscious of corre- options to divert cargo out of Halifax. sponding duties to those in command, our employers, our craft and our country APL told customers Tuesday that blockades at Vancouver and Belleville, Ontario, and it is among our objects are delaying rail shipments, affecting vessel and terminal operations. Coming in midst To use our influence individually and collectively for the purpose of maintaining of coronavirus scheduling problems, the effectiveness of Prince Rupert as a major and developing skill in seamanship and effecting a change in the maritime law alternative port to U.S. west coast terminals has been called into question. of the United States, to aid the development of a merchant marine and a body of American seamen, to support a journal which shall voice the sentiments of the seafaring class. ATTEND YOUR MONTHLY To assist the seamen of other countries and other bona fide labor organizations and SUP UNION MEETINGS! To regulate our conduct as a Union and as individuals so as to make seamanship what it rightly is – an honorable and useful calling . Editor’s Note: To receive the West Coast Sailors via first-class mail it’s $25 per year U.S. mail; $50 per year international. Receive the West Coast Sailors via First Class Mail

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U.S. $25; International $50 per year Send check or money order to: The USNS Red Cloud arrives for shipyard period in Bayonne NJ. The Red Cloud is part of the Watson-class fleet of Large Medium Speed Roll on/Roll off ships operated for the West Coast Sailors Military Sealift Command by Patriot Contract Services with SUP sailors on deck. In the 450 Harrison Street distance to the right is the Verrazano Narrows Bridge spanning between Staten Island San Francisco CA 94105 and Brooklyn at the entrance to New York Harbor. Friday, February 21, 2020 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 9 California Labor’s Primary COPE Endorsements United States Representatives in Congress Congressional District 39 Gil Cisneros (D) Assembly District 24 Marc Berman (D) Assembly District 65 Sharon Quirk-Silva (D) Congressional District 1 Audrey Denney (D) Congressional District 40 Lucille Roy- Assembly District 25 DUAL: Anna Song (D)/ Assembly District 66 No Endorsement Congressional District 2 Jared Huffman (D) bal-Allard (D) Anne Kepner (D) Assembly District 67 Jerry Carlos (D) Congressional District 3 John Garamendi (D) Congressional District 41 Mark Takano (D) Assembly District 26 Drew Phelps (D) Assembly District 68 Melissa Fox (D) Congressional District 4 Refer to Executive Congressional District 42 Regina Marston (D) Assembly District 27 Ash Kalra (D) Assembly District 69 Tom Daly (D) Council Congressional District 43 Maxine Waters (D) Assembly District 28 Evan Low (D) Assembly District 70 Patrick O’Donnell (D) Congressional District 5 Mike Thompson (D) Congressional District 44 Nanette Barragan Assembly District 29 Mark Stone (D) Assembly District 71 No Endorsement Congressional District 6 Doris Matsui (D) (D) Assembly District 30 Robert Rivas (D) Assembly District 72 No Endorsement Congressional District 7 No Endorsement Congressional District 45 Katie Porter (D) Assembly District 31 Joaquin Arambula (D) Assembly District 73 Scott Rhinehart (D) Congressional District 8 Chris Bubser (D) Congressional District 46 Lou Correa (D) Assembly District 32 Rudy Salas (D) Assembly District 74 Cottie Petrie-Norris (D) Congressional District 9 Jerry McNerney (D) Congressional District 47 Alan Lowenthal (D) Assembly District 33 No Endorsement Assembly District 75 No Endorsement Congressional District 10 Josh Harder (D) Congressional District 48 Harley Rouda (D) Assembly District 34 No Endorsement Assembly District 76 Tasha Boerner-Horvath Congressional District 11 Mark DeSaulnier Congressional District 49 Mike Levin (D) Assembly District 35 Dawn Addis (D) (D) (D) Congressional District 50 Ammar Cam- Assembly District 36 Jonathon Ervin (D) Assembly District 77 Brian Maienschein (D) Congressional District 12 Nancy Pelosi (D) pa-Najjar (D) Assembly District 37 Cathy Murillo (D) Assembly District 78 Chris Ward (D) Congressional District 13 Barbara Lee (D) Congressional District 51 Juan Vargas (D) Assembly District 38 No Endorsement Assembly District 79 No Recommendation Congressional District 14 Jackie Speier (D) Congressional District 52 No Endorsement Assembly District 39 Luz Rivas (D) Assembly District 80 Lorena Gonzalez (D) Congressional District 15 Eric Swalwell (D) Congressional District 53 Georgette Gomez Assembly District 40 James Ramos (D) California State SenateSenate District 1 No (D) California State AssemblyAssembly Dis- Congressional District 16 Esmeralda Soria (D) Assembly District 41 Chris Holden (D) Endorsement trict 1 Elizabeth Betancourt (D) Congressional District 17 Ro Khanna (D) Assembly District 42 No Endorsement Senate District 3 Bill Dodd (D) Assembly District 2 Jim Wood (D) Congressional District 18 Anna Eshoo (D) Assembly District 43 Laura Friedman (D) Senate District 5 Susan Eggman (D) Assembly District 3 No Endorsement Congressional District 19 Zoe Lofgren (D) Assembly District 44 Jacqui Irwin (D) Senate District 7 Marisol Rubio (D) Assembly District 4 Cecelia Aguiar-Curry (D) Congressional District 20 Jimmy Panetta (D) Assembly District 45 Jesse Gabriel (D) Senate District 9 Nancy Skinner (D) Assembly District 5 No Endorsement Congressional District 21 T.J. Cox (D) Assembly District 46 Adrin Nazarian (D) Senate District 11 Scott Weiner (D) Assembly District 6 Jackie Smith (D) Congressional District 22 Phil Arballo (D) Assembly District 47 Eloise Gomez Reyes (D) Senate District 13 DUAL: Josh Becker (D)/ Assembly District 7 Kevin McCarty (D) Shelly Masur (D) Congressional District 23 Kim Mangone (D) Assembly District 48 No Endorsement Assembly District 8 Ken Cooley (D) Senate District 15 David Cortese (D) Congressional District 24 Salud Carbajal (D) Assembly District 49 Ed Chau (D) Assembly District 9 Jim Cooper (D) Senate District 17 John Laird (D) Congressional District 25 Refer to Executive Assembly District 50 Richard Bloom (D) Assembly District 10 Mark Levine (D) Senate District 19 Monique Limon (D) Council Assembly District 51 Wendy Carrillo (D) Assembly District 11 No Endorsement Senate District 21 Kipp Mueller (D) Congressional District 26 Julia Brownley (D) Assembly District 52 Freddie Rodriguez (D) Assembly District 12 Heath Flora (R) Senate District 23 DUAL: Kris Goodfellow Congressional District 27 Judy Chu (D) Assembly District 53 Miguel Santiago (D) Assembly District 13 Christina Fugazi (D) (D)/ Abigail Medina (D) Congressional District 28 Adam Schiff (D) Assembly District 54 Sydney Kamlager (D) Assembly District 14 Tim Grayson (D) Senate District 25 Anthony Portantino (D) Congressional District 29 Tony Cardenas (D) Assembly District 55 Andrew Rodriguez (D) Assembly District 15 Buffy Wicks (D) Senate District 27 Henry Stern (D) Congressional District 30 Brad Sherman (D) Assembly District 56 No Endorsement Assembly District 16 Rebecca Bauer-Kahan Senate District 28 Elisabeth Romero Congressional District 31 Pete Aguilar (D) Assembly District 57 Lisa Calderon (D) Senate District 29 Josh Newman (D) Congressional District 32 Grace Napolitano Assembly District 58 No Endorsement (D) Assembly District 17 David Chiu (D) Senate District 31 Richard Roth (D) Assembly District 59 Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D) Congressional District 33 Ted Lieu (D) Assembly District 18 Rob Bonta (D) Senate District 33 Lena Gonzalez (D) Assembly District 60 No Endorsement Congressional District 34 Jimmy Gomez (D) Assembly District 19 Phil Ting (D) Senate District 35 Steven Bradford (D) Assembly District 61 Jose Medina (D) Congressional District 35 No Endorsement Assembly District 20 Bill Quirk (D) Senate District 37 Katrina Foley (D) Assembly District 62 Autumn Burke (D) Congressional District 36 Raul Ruiz (D) Assembly District 21 No Endorsement Senate District 39 Toni Atkins (D) Assembly District 63 Anthony Rendon (D) Congressional District 37 Karen Bass (D) Assembly District 22 Kevin Mullin (D) Yes on Prop 13 - Education Finance Assembly District 64 Mike Gipson (D) Congressional District 38 Linda Sanchez (D) Assembly District 23 No Endorsement Tom Larkin -- SUP poet and American maritime hero On the Monroe, my second trip, Oh this poor old rusty ship. The paint is bleeding, it’s mighty thin. And there are places it’s never been. Lashings are neglected, the wires dry, It’s almost enough to make me cry. To make some overtime, it’s almost a fight, They run on a budget and it’s mighty tight. Up through the Aleutians where the cold winds blow, Work out on deck in the rain and snow. Now the weather’s warm and the sun is out. But you can’t turn-to or the Mate will cry We’re over our budget, and that’s no lie.

What a life! We all work hard, there is little rest, Each one of us is put to the test. Someone once said, there’s a place called hell On the Madre working bell to bell. Watched by eyes throughout the day, Just to be sure we earn our pay. When in port the spies come down SUP crew in President Roosevelt in 1994 protest the APL gag order Just to be sure we’re not standing around. on termination of Capt Rick Nelson Dogging doors each and every night (reinstated) who flew the American Just to be sure we’re backed up tight. Friends, family, and shipmates of recently departed Tom Larkin gathered at the SUP Revolutionary War flag during APL There are a lot of places I’d rather be Wilmington Hall for a celebration of his six decades dedicated to the seagoing life re-flagging threats. Tom Larkin with Than on the Sierra Madre out at sea. and the Sailors' Union of the Pacific. "Don't Tread on Me" flag replica. Page 10 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, February 21, 2020 SUP President’s Report

the vessel during transit. Agreement. CORONAVIRUS Cruise ships have been quarantined in Hong Kong To be clear, it is a condition of employment under the and Yokohama. Back in China, some experts estimate preferential hiring clause of Section 2 of the SUP Work From the mid-January outbreak and rapid spread of more than 700 million people remain in quarantine as Rules that the contracting company employs SUP dues the deadly new strain of coronavirus in China, the Union the virus plays havoc with economies, supply chains, air- paying members shipped from the Union’s hiring halls. mobilized to protect the safety of its members. To fight lines and shipping. Our status as itinerant international Shipping Rule No. 11 confirms that “all jobs in all ratings infection and contamination, we called for immediate workers put us squarely in the midst of the crisis. So we shall be called through the SUP hiring hall.” Shipping access to any necessary medical treatment as well as the confront the epidemic with resolve and steady dedication Rule 18 requires that “all vacancies occurring in the ship best methods of prevention and protective equipment. to the task, just as we do the dangers of war or the routine shall be filled by the SUP dispatch office.” Furthermore, Moreover, in letters on January 24th and in other daily hazards of our maritime labor. But we deserve a violators must at minimum forfeit the job or shipping communications, the Union demanded a range of safe and humane workplace and the Union is determined card and well as endure a suspension of registration information and action from shipowners, making an that shipowners satisfy that responsibility. rights under Article XIX of the SUP Constitution. effective emergency response plan both a catalyst and The case in question appears limited in scope, and a goal of comprehensive crew safety. And despite the there may be mitigating factors, but to ignore these basic backdrop of widespread fear and quarantine, we re- dispatch rules is to defy the principles of fairness and minded shipowners that the Union would enforce its SAN FRANCISCO BAR PILOTS transparency that are embedded into our rotary shipping contract language on restrictions to ship and true to system. It’s unacceptable, and we will take such action as its intent remain opposed to any arbitrary or otherwise After dozens of preliminary meetings and bargaining may be appropriate and keep the membership informed. inappropriate restriction. Sailors are entitled to reason- sessions over a three-month period including a marathon able and customary embarkation and disembarkation final day of meetings, collective bargaining with the in non-affected ports. San Francisco Bar Pilots for a new contract ended on FOSS MARITIME CO. Coronavirus is a highly contagious respiratory illness January 14, 2020. that can lead to pneumonia, which can be severe. Signs The result was a four-year agreement retroactive to As reported in January, the SUP collective bargaining and symptoms of infection can include fever, cough and January 1, 2020 and carrying through December 31, 2023 agreement with Foss Maritime Company expires on shortness of breath and sometimes sore throat. Infor- with increases of 4% in the first year, 3% in the second February 29, 2020. The membership will recall that in mation about the illness and methods of prevention and and third years, and 2% in the final year. Additional eco- late 2019 the Union made formal notification to the Com- treatment were immediately disseminated to all agents nomic impact came to bear in work rule improvements pany of the Union’s intent to bargain a new contract. The and posted in our Halls. Briefly, they include frequent in the context of an increased workload. New meal break Company responded favorably but given the uncertainty washing of hands, using alcohol based hand sanitizers, rules and compensation for missed meals, for example, of the marine fuels business asked on two different occa- avoiding close contact with people who show symptoms, complemented by better use of a wider relief pool, more sions if an extension or short-term agreement was accept- avoiding uncooked or undercooked meat and eggs, and rest facility options, and scheduling improvements able to the Union. Following communication with many seeking on symptoms immediate medical care. should help ease some of the strain on the run boats. members employed at Foss, I related our willingness to The shipboard guidance and emergency plans that A garbage handling premium, an improved vacation consider all proposals and we agreed to set February 14th emerged from APL and Matson management after conversion option, and a cost of living protection among as the date for commencement of bargaining. Will keep our informational demand responded in part to our other minor improvements in a concession-free deal the membership informed on progress. recommendations and concerns, including the speedy been met with the approval by the members employed medical guidance on infection prevention, contingency there. Therefore Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Ne- READY RESERVE FORCE planning, and distribution of protective equipment for gotiating Committee, I recommend ratification of the hand and respiratory hygiene, such as masks, gloves Agreement. [Attachment 8] The Union’s Ready Reserve Force contracts, stemming and sanitizer. Moreover, the prophylactic measures at Shortly after bargaining for the Marine Personnel from the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between Chinese marine terminals especially the screening and concluded, bargaining for a separate unit, the Dis- the SIU-Pacific District Unions with Patriot and Mat- limitation of interior space access of terminal workers, patchers, commenced. After another series of prepara- son covering 10 ships, required the parties to meet and surface disinfection, as well as ship stores sourcing tory caucuses and communications, the Union and the negotiate the pricing for Option Period 1 (Years 5 and safeguards, and other port call protections remain in Company began formal talks in the first of eight sessions 6). The ships are the Admiral Callaghan, Cape Orlando, the Union focus. APL also cancelled scheduled Chinese on morning of January 23, 2020. Proposals addressing Cape Taylor, Cape Trinity, Cape Texas, Cape Victory and shipyard periods for President Wilson and President workload, cost of living, transportation, wages, retire- Cape Vincent for Patriot, and the Cape Henry, Cape Horn, FD Roosevelt. Both Matson and APL guidance noted ment, holiday pay, work rules, vacations, meal breaks, and Cape Hudson for Matson. the likelihood of restrictions to ship and their intent to night shifts, and schedules were presented and debated. deny associated claims, although Matson delivered the In the end, the parties agreed to a four-year term with R.J Pfeiffer to a Chinese yard without crew limitations. increases of 4% retroactive to January 1, 2020, with 4% In August of 2019, the Unions agreed to submit a three There is much fear and uncertainty about the virus, in the second year, and 3% in each of the following years. percent (3%) increase for each of the option years. In and although the emergency will likely fade, there is also There were additional improvements in vacation overlap October of 2019, the Unions were notified that the U.S. a real and immediate danger. On January 24, the U.S. scheduling, shift differential of 5% for night dispatchers, Maritime Administration (MARAD) had objected to Coast Guard (USCG) issued a Marine Safety Informa- a meal breaks provision and associated compensation, the Union’s proposed total labor cost increases as not tion Bulletin (MSIB), noting precautions on ship arrivals an increase holiday rate premium, and a cost of living “fair and reasonable.” After more discussion, maritime required by law for notification of sick or deceased crew protection. On behalf of the members of the Committee labor (AMO, ARA, MEBA, MFOW, MMP, SIU and or passengers and potential quarantines. On January including Chief Dispatcher Peter Winter, Austin War- SUP) officially objected to the MARAD position and 30, the World Health Organization declared the coro- riner, Matt Henning and in consultation with the other its interpretation of the Service Contract Act and the navirus a Global Health Emergency of International dispatchers, Mr. Chairman, I recommend ratification of Federal Acquisition Guidelines and voiced those con- Concern, acknowledging the risk extended far beyond the Agreement. [See Attachment 10] cerns in a meeting with MARAD in Washington on China. The next day President of the United States is- Almost every member of both units was directly December 12, 2019. sued an Executive Order banning all non-citizen travel involved in these negotiations and the results bear the The Union has since then been engaged in a construc- from China to the U.S. subject to certain exemptions. mark of the resolve that comes with the unity of the tive but so far incomplete discussion with the MARAD Then the Center for Disease Control issued a China rank-and-file. Shortly after the conclusion of bargain- and contracted companies. On January 14, 2020, the travel warning Health Notice – Level 3. The U.S. State ing the Trustees of the SUP SFBP 401(k) Plan, (SUP MFOW and the SUP submitted new pricing of 2.5% of Department followed that by raising its “Do Not Travel VP Matt Henning and myself), were informed that our total labor cost in each of the option years effective Janu- to China” warning to Level 4. Major airlines cancelled previous cost control initiatives helped reduce Schwab ary 27, 2020 and January 27 2021. The situation however all flights to and from China, and any travelers to the participant fees for those accounts associated with the remains unresolved as we await the response of MARAD. U.S. from the outbreak epicenter in Wuhan, China are Morningstar managed feature from between 5 to 25 Will keep the membership informed. being quarantined in military bases for the incubation basis points (depending on account balance amounts) period of 14 days. On February 3, the USCG issued its beginning on April 1, 2020. CHEVRON SHIPPING CO. second MSIB on the topic, clarifying that U.S. citizens in U.S.-flag commercial ships that have called in Chi- nese ports but are without symptoms will be allowed MATSON NAVIGATION CO. Beginning on Martin Luther King Day, another SUP normal entry and disembarkation subject to certain Negotiating Committee met at Headquarters to finalize conditions. Foreign-flagged commercial ships will be The Union learned last week that a uncreden- proposals and preparations toward bargaining with allowed entry but non-citizen crews will be restricted tialled standby worker who was neither a registrant or Chevron Shipping Co. Comprised of Thor Erikson, Ron to ship. In Los Angeles, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol member turned to for work aboard a Matson ship under Gill, SUP Vice-President Matt Henning and myself the imposed then backed away from U.S.-flag restrictions SUP contract without SUP dispatch. The preliminary Committee in a concentrated period of four days col- in President Cleveland on orders from the Captain of investigation indicates that besides a variety of poten- lected, vetted, debated, wrote and prioritized a broad the Port, but the Coast Guard considers it a hazardous tial violations of labor, immigration, and port security portfolio of proposals. condition under 33 CFR 160.216 if a crew member was law, the incident runs afoul of the SUP Work Rules and On January 21, the Committee met at SUP Head- in China within the past 14 days and is brought onboard the SUP Shipping Rules contained within our Matson quarters in San Francisco with Company management Friday, February 21, 2020 WEST COAST SAILORS Page 11

SUP President’s Report continued Vice President’s representatives including Assistant Fleet Manager Chad Culbertson, labor relations and crewing specialist Stella Gonzales, Senior Labor Relation Counselor Courtney Report Janes, Matt Cox Human Resources Analyst, and Capt. Amanda Wallace, Riding Superintendent. Towards the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement with Ships checked: Chevron, both sides exchanged proposals and debated the issues that generated them as well as all other aspects of seagoing employment at Chevron. APL President Kennedy- Jennifer Corner, delegate. Several members returning from The Company declined to accept most of them, such as a Union security clause, for trip off. David Ibarra, bosun. example, designed to strengthen the voice of sailors in Company ships. At the same President Cleveland- Reginald Clark, delegate. Majority of crew just joined in Wilming- time, the Committee rejected Company initiatives to revive the one-man watch, limit ton. No major beefs. Marc Calairo, bosun. shore leave, eliminate the hour-for-hour anchor watch, and introduce new bridge President Truman- Gabriel Sipin, delegate. Investigation ongoing, with shore restriction maintenance responsibilities for the helmsman/lookout on watch, among other things. due to Coronavirus. Dale Gibson, bosun. Late on January 23 the parties reached a three-year Agreement that includes increases in each year (retroactive to February 1st) of 2.5%, 2.75% and 2.75% on all wages and APL Gulf Express- Marc Dulay, delegate. Continuing run in Persian Gulf. James Lind- an additional 1% increase in bosun and steward base wages. The full package includes erman relieving Aaron Weibe as bosun. a $1.00 per billet training contribution for the first time, an increase in the Industry APL Guam- Clarification with pay due to drills exceeding one hour. Ben Ashton, delegate. Fund of .50 to $5.50, change to bosun and steward titles, upgrades to washers and USNS Sisler- Ed Zepeda, delegate. At anchor in Diego Garcia for the foreseeable future. dryers, a new provision for culinary work clothing and gear, as well as other minor Jon Clark relieving Jeff Nicholas as bosun. improvements and clerical changes. The deal also renews the appendices covering USNS Dahl- Eduardo Rojas, delegate. At anchor in Saipan, possibly heading for Guam our Maintenance Agreement, Catering Superintendents, and Ordinary Seaman/ then Korea. Xerxes Cunanan bosun. Apprentice Agreement. USNS Watkins- Jonathan Pampilon, delegate. RAV status back in Bayonne shipyard. In general, it was hard bargaining, as expected in a negative business environment Camilo Moreno Jr., Bosun. for major oil companies. The corporation announced in December that despite a USNS Red Cloud- Activated to take ship into yard with no issues. All billets filled within profit of more than $12 billion for 2019 a major restructuring was under way due 24 hours. Gearoid De Cleir, bosun. mainly to upstream charges. Management at the table said that Shipping had posted a net loss of more $823 million over the last ten years. The U.S.-flag operation had Cape Vincent- Napoleon Ramon, delegate. Finished trip to Saudi Arabia and back in contributed a negative $50 million over the last three years and was projected to lose Beaumont, Texas on Jan 13th. Jordan Polon, bosun. another $3.3 million for 2020. In that light our concession-free gains are substantial, Cape Henry- ROS status in San Francisco. Yvette Cavan, bosun. and the Committee is confident that nothing was left on the table. Mr. Chairman, Cape Hudson- Mark Relojo, bosun. Recently departed Okinawa, Japan and heading they recommend ratification and I so move. [See Attachment 10] for Thailand. Clarifications on pay increase. Expected to be 2.5% retro January 27, 2020. HOLIDAYS Mississippi Voyager- Rory Alexander, delegate. In and out of Richmond Long Wharf with no beefs. Matt Frazier, bosun. Lincoln’s Birthday: This holiday falls on Wednesday, February 12, in accordance the Florida Voyager- Staying on the US West Coast for the near future. Ken Dooley, bosun. agreements with APL, Chevron, Matson and the San Francisco Bar Pilots. Texas Voyager- Chris Thorsen, delegate. Continuing run between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Pascagoula, MS. Boarded in Pt. Everglades. Full discussion of new contract terms and Presidents’ Day: All SUP halls will be closed Monday, February 17, in accordance conditions. Romio Racoma, bosun. with the Agreements with APL, Foss, Matson and Patriot Contract Services. Due to California Voyager- Scott Oliphant, bosun. Boarding in Port Canaveral, FL after a delay the holiday, Branch meetings will be held Tuesday, February18. due to berth congestion as WCS goes to press. Reminder for all hands to inspect their documents for impending expirations. Worked Washington’s Birthday: This holiday, which also falls on Saturday, February 22, this in the front office and assisted with negotiations at Foss, Chevron and SFBP. year, is observed under the Chevron Agreement, and for all Marine Employees and Dispatchers employed by the San Francisco Bar Pilots. Matt Henning

ACTION TAKEN

M/S to ratify SFBP Dispatchers agreement. Carried unanimously. Bulker captain missing M/S to ratify SFBP Marine Personnel agreement. Carried unanimously. The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force deployed the Super Hercules aircrew and regional partners are searching for from Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, to M/S to ratify Chevron agreement. Carried unanimously. the master of a Panamanian-flagged bulk support in the search. JRSC Guam watch- M/S to concur in the balance of the President’s report in its entirety. Carried unan- carrier who has gone missing about 174 standers are also assessing the availability imously. miles northwest of Chuuk, Federated of any Automated Mutual Assistance Dave Connolly States of Micronesia. Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) ships in At 5:44 p.m., Tuesday, JRSC Guam the region to assist. watchstanders received a report from “In cases such as this one, we often rely Rescue Coordination Center Australia on our partners in the region to coor- watchstanders stating they received a dinate effective searches and cover vast call from the first mate of the 751-foot areas,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Colby Rising Wind reporting the vessel’s Anderson, a Joint Rescue Sub-Center 47-year-old master was missing. The Guam watchstander. “The Air Force is master was last seen in his cabin, feeling augmenting our air asset with another ill, wearing a dark-blue winter jacket, aircraft to cover more search area faster brown pants and slippers. than we can do alone.” Upon realizing the master was missing, An Air Station Barbers Point HC- the Rising Wind’s crew, which was en- 130 Hercules aircrew, Air Force 36th route from Japan to Australia at the time Wing C-130J Super Hercules aircrew, of the incident, turned the vessel around and the crew of the Rising Wind are and began retracing their course. JRSC conducting searches of the area. JRSC Guam watchstanders diverted the Air Guam watchstanders are coordinating Station Barbers Point Hercules aircrew with local partners and also reaching from a maritime domain awareness flight out to good Samaritans in the region nearby and reached out to the Air Force to assist. 36th Wing for assistance. The weather on scene is winds of 8 miles The Air Force agreed to assist and per hour and seas up to 13 feet.

ATTEND YOUR MONTHLY SUP

In the galley aboard the Mississippi Voyager at Richmond Long Wharf stands Steward Amelia Geist alongside messperson/steward assistant Ahm Bohannon. The SUP represents UNION MEETINGS! all three unlicensed departments in Chevron's U.S.-flag ships. Photo: Matt Henning. Page 12 WEST COAST SAILORS Friday, February 21, 2020

SUP Branch Reports Business Agent’s Report Wilmington Seattle October 12, 2019 January 2020 January 2020 Maunawili: Doug Boe, Delegate. Robert Morgan, Bosun. In good hands. In at Shipping: Bosun: 7, AB/W: 12, AB/D: Seven Navy AB’s shipped, one steady Oakland #62 for a short stay. Ship sailed with no issues on the southern triangle for 12, OS/STOS: 3, GVA/GUDE: 0, and billet and six to activations, filled with sometime now. standby: 50 for a total of 84 jobs shipped. 3 B cards and 4 D registrants; one C Mahimahi: Gerry Marshall, Delegate. Mike Worth, Bosun. Ship arrived late in the Registered: A: 23 B: 43 C: 5 D: 6 member OS to activation; one Maunaw- evening. Matson called for Stand-bys on arrival to assist with Coast Guard inspection. The gang worked though the late night to complete and passed the inspection with Ships checked: Daniel K. Inouye, R. J. ili relief AB Dayman to a permit; four flying colors. Pfeiffer, Manulani, Manulei, Lurline, Ma- Standby AB’s taken by 1 C and 3 D cards. noa, Kaimana Hila, Maunalei, President Registered: 5 A cards for a total of 8; Daniel K. Inouye: Dave Ericksen, Delegate. Teofilo Rojas, Bosun. Running smooth. 15 B cards for a total of 21; 1 C card for a Kennedy, President Truman, President In at Oakland #62 Middle Harbor terminal. Members taking trips off should leave total of 3; 2 D cards for a total of 6. Roosevelt, President Eisenhower, President rooms clean and soogie it out. Especially if you’re a smoker, that’s common courtesy Cleveland. Shipping in Seattle was slow this and good seamanship. month, but due to the prior full crew Shipping has been very good in Wilm- Mokihana: Michael Haslem, Delegate. Brian Yost, Bosun. Ship discharged final activation of Pomeroy all crew is timed ington, rotary jobs on Matson and APL cargo and then shifted forward to Berth 60 for expected long-term layup. Ship had a turning over every week and activations out at once, so I expect February to clean pay-off, no beefs. of Military ships by Patriot. This time of pick up. Permits don’t be picky; we have Admiral Callaghan: Dennis Sumague, Bosun. Continued maintenance work. Ready year is the best for junior members who plenty of time when paid off to have fun to activate if needed. want to ship out. and do as we please. Sailors have ideas of Cape Orlando: Taufiq Wasel, Bosun. On-going maintenance work to keep her ready the ideal cruise, but your bank accounts When your dispatch is complete, clean to activate at any given time. don’t share that dream. Make money and your room before leaving the ship. Cape Henry: Yvette Cavan, Bosun. Continuing maintenance work getting her back seniority while the opportunities present up to standards since the fire last year. There’s talk of activating in a month. Keep your dues current and be sure to themselves. Bend a Sheep Shank before check your documents, dues and docu- the line parts and you will become an A Cape Horn: Robert Leeper, Bosun. In at Pier #50. Keeping up the Maintenance ment must be current to ship. When you card talking about the good old days when work ready to activate if needed. get new documents let me know so I can sailing was fun. President Eisenhower: Michael Weber, Delegate. Dave Reinking, Bosun. In at Oak- update your records. This is your Union land #56 SSA Terminal. In from a 42 day trip. Clarification on overtime, in good hands. participate, come to meetings, read the Some members were caught off guard President Wilson: Dimitri Seleznev, Bosun. In at Oakland #56 SSA terminal. Ship West Coast Sailors and stay informed. when they didn’t realize they were in arrears. Members check your current sailed for the far east with no beefs. Leighton Gandy, Branch Agent quarter paid, Delegates check the joining San Francisco Bar Pilots: Big Mike Koller, Delegate. Leo Moore, Bosun. In at Pier crew membership book, and all hands be #9. Finished up Negotiations with the Bar Pilots last week. prepared to pay dues to the agent meeting These activations come when we least expect them. It is vital to the Union that Honolulu your ship. we fill these jobs. Members that step up show loyalty and dedication. It does not go January 2020 Brendan Bohannon, Branch Agent unnoticed. Worked in the front office and dispatched. Shipped the following jobs in the Roy Tufono month of August: 2 Bosn steady, 2 Bosn Dispatcher’s return, 5 AB Day steady, 2 AB Day relief, 7 AB Watch steady, 1 AB Watch relief, 0 Report AB Maint, and 4 OS Watch steady. The Headquarters—January 2020 shipping jobs were filled by 6A cards, 11 B cards and 6 C cards. Deck Shipped 18 standby jobs. The standby Bosun...... 3 jobs were filled by 1 A cards, 3 B cards, Carpenter...... 0 8 C cards, and 6 D cards . Registered in MM ...... 4 Honolulu: 11 A cards; 30 B cards; 6 C AB ...... 9 cards; 9 D cards. OS ...... 9 Ships checked: I visited the RJ Pfeiffer, Standby...... 14 Maunalei, Manoa, Mokihana, Mahimahi, Total Deck Jobs Shipped...... 39 Maunawili, Kaimana Hila, DK Inouye Total Deck B, C, D Shipped...... 31 and the Paint and Rigging gang. All are Engine/Steward running with few or minor beefs. QMED...... 0 Pumpman...... 0 APL Guam-no major beefs, APL Saipan- Oiler...... 0 no major beefs, USNS Charlton-no major Wiper...... 0 beefs, USNS Watson-no major beefs. Steward...... 0 I represented the SUP at the Hawaii Cook...... 0 Ports Maritime Council meeting, and Messman...... 0 the Hawaii AFL-CIO executive board Total E&S Jobs Shipped...... 0 The Schuyler Line Navigation Company’s product tanker PAX at anchor off Wake meeting. Total E&S B, C, D Shipped...... 0 Island in the western Pacific awaiting berth. Because of continuous high performance in challenging conditions, the PAX contract with the Military Sealift Command I would like to thank everyone who Total Jobs Shipped - All Depts...... 39 and operated through Patriot Contract services has been renewed and extended has been donating to the SUP Political Total B, C, D Shipped-All Depts...... 31 multiple times. The ship is crewed with tanker-qualified and trained members of Fund. This is a Presidential election year Total Registered “A”...... 22 and we will need all the help we can the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific on deck. PAX calls routinely in Japan, Kwajalein, Total Registered “B”...... 41 Okinawa, and recently delivered aviation fuel cargo to Brisbane, Australia. muster to try and check the anti-union Total Registered “C”...... 7 lobbyists and anti-union politicians from Total Registered “D”...... 10 taking back our rights and benefits that we have worked so hard for over the years. Steady as she goes! Remember to check your documents and anything with less than six months Defend the to expiration you should start the renewal process. Jones Act Michael Dirksen, Branch Agent Some day, there will come the brotherhood of man. Some day, industrial warfare, as well as warfare between nations, will be Support the seen to be ridiculous and a waste of life and money. Some day, “ men will work together in a grand cooperative scheme. But until that day, the trade union must stand as the only safeguard of SUP Political the working man; the only instrument by which he can maintain himself and his family. t?” Fund - Clarence Darrow