http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/c7abcb41b3d2cd1f5973953fa4135187.PDF 1084138e7968f8e3506b7e1886e6ebdf PDF Text Text • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THI SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO • •f i %y i f.:- •••* ••11 SIU CERTIFIED ON FOUR ROBIN SHIPS :iil '.If 4# ...r ..3 m '3i' •yi Stoiy On Page 3 ;• 'ft a ConfffOtul^'iionS Herbert Brand (right) accepts fost prize for the best news front page in annual La­ bor Press Ass'n competition. Ketiring ILPA president Gordon Cole presented prize, one of four %on by the LOG. (Story on Page 6.) Si' :8g®!S vM U * y Cs^mm for Robin Locksley once again DOCK, f O ujr* go up on the shipping board at SIU headquarters, following NLRB certification of SIU bargaining rights for the first four-Robin ships to vote. Dispatcher Scotty Aubusson does the honors. (Story bn Page 3.) Taking A Reading. steadies his ® arm as nurse Patsy Schexnayder checks his blood pressure at the temporary SIU medical center in New Orleans. Like a similar facility in Mobile, it provides no-cost medical exams for Seafarers and SIU families in the area. Permanent centers in both ports will be established eventually similar to the one in New York. • �—^'vr •- • -T''^ '• " FsfC.Tw* SEAFARERS j»«c^ber LOG AFL-CIO Votes M'time Policy, Ousts 3 Unions ATLANTIC CITY—Demonstrating their willingness to clean their own house, delegates to the 2nd merged convention of the AFL-CIO overwhelmingly faced up to the "disagreeable task" of-expelling three unions with corrupt leadership. This action dominated the six-day convention here, which adopted over 150 policy state­ union workers. SIU-A&G secre­ Herman E. Cooper, who is also the ments ranging from a demand tary-treasurer Paul Hall, Morris attorney for the NMU. on the Government for a "com­ prehensive long-range program" in maritime to a call for a national holiday on the January 30th birth­ day of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The statement on maritime policy was based on resolutions adopted ear­ lier by the Maritime Trades De­ partment convention. The MTD had submitted a program of 14 resolutions on maritime to the AFL-CIO. (See story on page 8.) Organized labor's traditional support of progressive legislation and a forthright statement on na­ tional and international affairs was likewise reaffirmed by some 900 delegates representing ISV^ million Weisberger, SUP; Sam Bennett, MFOW; Ed Turner, MCS; Hal Banks, SIU Canadian District, and Andrea Gomez of the SlU-affiliated Fishery & Cannery Workers Un­ ions comprised the SIUNA dele­ gation. New Union Chartered The expulsion orders cut loose million members with the Fed­ eration's ouster of the Teamsters, Bakery & Confectionery Workers and Laundry Workers unions. A new affiliate, the American Bak­ ery & Confectionery Workers, was immediately granted a charter to replace the ousted bakers group. Attorney for the ousted group was Bakers Out Of AFL-CIO; Cooper Out Of Bakers The expelled Bakery and Confectionery Workers Interna,-^ tional Union, ousted from the AFL-CIO for ethical practices violations, has let it be known that Herman E. Cooper has been replaced as the union's-f general counsel. Mr. Cooper,' lution In advance of the meet­ who is also attorney for the ing to sustain the charges pre­ National Maritime Union, had been identified with some of the occur­ ences leading up to the expulsion of the union by the AFL-CIO. A rival union, the American Federa­ tion of Bakery Workers, has been chartered by the Federation and represents a very sizable opposi­ tion group to the administration of James C. Cross, the president of the expelled union. Previously, -Mr. Cooper was dropped as coun­ sel by Bakery Workers Local 484. Cross had been ousted by the Federation after charges had been brought against him for misuse of union funds for personal purposes and for purging Curtis E. Sims, former secretary-treasurer of the international, who sought to bring Cross to account. The McClellan committee had investigated Cross' actions and also had questioned Mr. Cooper at some length. The questioning brought out that Sims had been bounced on Cross' coun­ ter-charges, and that Mr. Cooper had prepared a guilty verdict against Sims even before the charges against him had been heard. Mr., Cooper had to admit to the committee that he had not pre­ pared any acquittal verdict in ad­ vance, only the guilty verdict, A sample of the committee's ques­ tioning of Mr. Cooper follows: SENATOR ERVIN: . . . in other words, you drew a reso- ferred by Cross against Sims before the Executive board bad had. an opportunity to pass on those charges. MR. COOPER. Not at all sir. The suspension resolution which I drew related to the charges not yet heard. SENATOR ERVIN. That Is what I am talking about. That is exactly what I thought. Another phase of the commit­ tee's questioning dealt with Mr. Cooper's handling of $24,000 in special fees at the last Bakery union convention, $8,000 of which was in cash. Committee members expressed considerable curiosity as to why Mr. Cooper had taken part of the fee in cash and what was done with it. It was brought out that an $8,000 ca.sh deposit was made by Mr. Cooper after the com­ mittee started its investigation and some time after the payment of the fee. Sen. Kennedy Critical Following the conclusion of the questioning. Senator John Ken­ nedy (Dem.-Mass.) sharply criti­ cized Cooper's actions. A story in the "New York Times" of August 6 quoted Kennedy as follows: "We have seen lawyers do­ ing more than advising clients of their legal rights," he said. The "Times" story went on to say that Kennedy referred by name to Herman Cooper and< added this quotation: "I hope," Senator Kennedy Dec. 20, 1957 Vol. XX, No. 2 said, "that the respective bar associations are getting the transcripts of these hearings and will see if these lawyers are meeting their responsibili­ PAUL HALL, Secretary-Treasurer ties . . ." HEHBEHX BBAND. Editor: BEBDARD SEAICAN, Art Editor. HERMAN ARTHUR, IB^vlN Curran made oblique reference SrivACK, AL MAsxnr, JOHN BRAZIL. Stag Wrtters. BILL MOODT, GUU Area Repre­ to Mr. Cooper and the Bakers in sentative- • his report to the last NMU conven­ Published biweekly et the ticaUquarters tion, In one instance Curran said ef the Seafarers international Union, At­ the AFL-CIO should not intervene lantic « Gulf District, AFL-CIO, «75 Fourth Avenue Brooklyn M, NY. Tel. HYaeinth on an ethical practice basis in *•4*00. Entered es second cla.cs matter "fractional disputes" as a "sad per­ At the Post Office In Brooklyn. NY. undor version" of the codes. Since the the Acf of f us, 34/ 1f12. . Bakers ynlon was the only one in SEAFARERS LOG 1120 ia&: 'm ,, , ^, (C;on.lJe»jf41^ on jjagqJ),, n > •: Clean-up moves by the United Textile Workers and the Distillery Workers resulted in the lifting of their suspensions, pending their continued operation under Federa­ tion supervision. The expulsion of a Chicago Federal local official on corruption charges was also up­ held. ^ pair of SIUNA oldtimers With 114 yean of seotime between AFL - CIO president George Ihem pose aboard the ACS-operated SS Coal Miner on soiling Meany, secretary-treasurer William day in Norfollc. On the left, the senior member of the pair is F. Schnitzler and 25 vice-presi­ SlU-A&G veteran Oscar Rosmon, OS, who mode his first trip fd dents were reelected by acclama­ tion. Two pew vice-presidents, sed In 1898. In the galley^on the Miner is MCS brother Ridgwoy Peter T. Schoemann and Paul L. 6. .Thomas, galley utilitymon, who began sailing in 1902. Phillips, presidents of the Plum­ bers and the Papermakers respec­ FMB Acts On Charters: tively,, jyej-e named to replace John F. £^lish,^Qf the Teamsters and Herman Winter of the Bakers. A variety of conventional resolu tions rapped the Administration's labor policies and the strike-break­ ing practices made possible by the Taft-Hartley Act, and called for intensified union organizing drives WASHINGTON—The Federal Maritime Board has for­ despite the current anti-union hys­ mally ordered the Casimir Pulaski returned to the US boneteria. (See story on page 3.) They yard, cutting the American Coal Shipping fleet from seven to urged more political action by : labor as the only means of winning six. The Pulaski was one of-* terest in retaining the Government nine ships so treated in the improved social legislation such as improved wage and hour laws and FMB's formal review of out­ charters wa^ shown when it failed standing ship charters. The agency to send any representative to a De­ social security protection. The delegates derided proposals acted on the ground that condi­ cember 9 hearing on the subject for a national wage freeze and for tions no longer existed to justify called by the FMB. The hearing was scheduled to give the opera­ abolishing the 40-hour week now charters. tors involved an opportunity to A second ship, the Cleveland while prices and unemployment are rising. They called for broad Abbe, was reported next in line to object if they so desired. SIU of­ ficials said if ACS was really in­ Federal aid for schools, housing head for lay-up. terested in keeping these ships op­ and farmers, and for closing off tax Barring a sudden revival of the erating it would have showed up loopholes that-aid runaway indus­ dry cargo market, the FMB is ex­ tries, such as shipping, in order to pected to continue recalling other at the hearing. An unnamed company spokes­ give tax relief to low-income American Coal ships as, tliejr char­ man told "Business Week" maga­ groups. ters expire. Despite its grahdoise On the global front, the role of announcements as to future plans zine that the slump in rates wai the United Nations and the im­ for coal carriers, the company directly responsible for the comportance of continued negotiation owns only one ship of its own un­ within the UN and in direct rela­ der the ACS banner, the Liberty An informal NLRB confer­ tions with other nations was ship Coal Miner, and that has been ence was held Wednesday af ter­ stressed as a key to world peace. carrying grain for several months noon on the unfair labor pracr The work of the International Con­ now. tice charges filed by the SIU federation of Free Trade Unions American Coal's own lack of In- against American Coal. The and the International Labor Or­ NLRB attorney proposed a set­ ganization in combatting Commu­ tlement which would not fully nism was also warmly applauded. remedy these charges.. The pror In other action, the assemblage posed settlement did call upon praised labor's community service the company to stop recogniz­ program such as the voluntary re­ ing and assisting the NMU and lief efforts by Louisiana Seafarers to stop favoring the NMU over and other unionists after Hurricane the SIU in hiring and fking. Audrey. It urged speed in mer­ The company would be required gers of state and local central labor to post notices to that effect. bodies and the handling of all On ship or ashore. Seafarers will The SIU's position was that jurisdictional disputes within the be sitting down to enjoy Christmas such action would, in effect, su­ Federation. Day dinners next Wednesday. As percede the court order on hir­ has been the custom with the SIU, ing and give full control of hir­ Seafarers on the beach and their ing back to the company. The families are invited to attend a result would be to give the com­ Christmas Day dinner under SIU pany a relatively free hand, auspices in all ports. which was what was responsi­ Holiday dinners on Thanksgiving, ble for the court order in the Christmas and New Year's Day first instance. have been traditional with the SIU. In view of the lengthy com­ Because of the Christ­ More than 600 Seafarers, their pany history of discrimination mas holiday, the next SIU wives and children attended the against the SIU, the Union Thanksgiving dinner in the head­ membership meetings in quarters cafeteria this year with asked that the NLRB proceed with the pending charges aaginst oil ports will be held at the outports also pulling big the company. 7 PM, Thursday, Decem­ crowds. The menus, both from the ships ber 26 instead of Christ­ and the halls, usually include such pany's plight, "A US-flag ship mas night, December 25. items lis soup, turkey, ham or beef, hauling coal to Europe needs to $8 a ton to cover all its costs," Those who wish to be ex­ complete with all the triifimings. get he said. "It's the competition from In addition there are the usual nuts cused from the meeting and candy, pies and cakes for those foreign-flag ships that can get by for a little more than $3 a ton should request permission with, a sweet tooth. that's causing us to lay up our by telegrom. The follow­ Dinner will be served in the vessels." • ing SIU meetings will be: headquarters cafeteria from .10:00 Despite the fact that this is usu­ AM until 3:00 PM, For those halls ally the height of the coal-shipping Jonuory 8 which are not equipped with cafe­ season, recent coal charters to Euteria facilities, arrangements have Jonuory 22 . been made with:nearby hotels, and rppe hive been going at h0"more February 5 • - CCohtlnued on page" l5) ' restaurantfL, ;,H ^ Coal Ships Headed Back To Boneyard Set Holiday MealForSIU Ships, Halls NEXT MEETING DECEMBER 26 �it, IW SEAFARERS Par* nra« L0€> Robin Ships Back In SlU Another 2 Ships Won; NMU Crewmen Cast SlU Votes 5I • -i .' Robin Line jobs started going back on the SIU rotary hiring board this week as the National Labor Relations Board certified the SIU as collective bargaining agents for the first four ships voted in the Robin Line fleet, marking the beginning of the end of the NMU raidt — SIU halls for jobs, the NMU put Another ship, the Goodfelin the fleet. Seafarer Ho up what it called a "picket line' low, voted SIU byRobin 25 to 10 on Fung Chit was the first to outside the Robin pier in Brook Wednesday afternoon. lyn. Despite the so-called 'pickit Despite a campaign, of several be hired as he threw in pir line" all crafts—mates, engineer.s months' duration, during which all a passenger utility job on longshoremen and others—con­ replacements were hired from NMU the Robin Locksley on tinued to work and the NMU halls, the NMU managed to win Monday afternoon. Even after the certification, the NMU's desperate raid con­ SIU crewmen from the Robin Trent whoop it up at o gala party celebrating the 20-13 defeat they and two NMU men handed the NMU in last week's NLRB election. The sign points out that "18 SIU men vote unchallenged" but SIU gpt 20 of the 33 votes when two NMU crewmen cast their votes for SIU. Al Spanraft (kneel­ ing) asks "How come, Joe???" in a reference to NMU president Joe Curran. Holding the sign (I to r) are, A. Clemens, W. Hand and A. Arnold. tinued. The company agreed to call the NMU hall for five jobs aboard the Locksley after the com­ pany had signed an interim agree­ ment on hiring with the" SIU. SIU headquarters officials' stiw'thfe com­ pany action as further evidence of the NMU's decision to raid Sea­ farers' jobs at every opportunity. When this NMU tactic collapsed and the company started calling AFL-CIO Hits One-Sided Proposals On Labor Laws / ' ATLANTIC CITY—SIUNA president Paul Hall pinpointed the labor movement's reac­ tion to proposed new labor laws for 1958 at the AFL-CIO convention here last week. "We don't need any more legislation," Hall told the convention, "If anything, we have too much legislation now. fAn AFL-CIO policy statement Employer groups want the law missioner to prosecute any viola­ adopted later showed little to cover union funds only, and to tions, Federal laws covering brib­ enthusiasm for the legislative pro­ gram previewed at the conven­ tion's opening session by .Secretary -,.of Labor James P. Mitchell. The cabinet officer said the proposals he had outlined had the specific endorsement of the White House. Most of the trade union opposi­ tion to the Administration's pro­ gram centered on its one-sided approach and its efforts to impose Federal controls on internal union affairs. The only actual area of agreement between the AFL-CIO ahd the Administration is on leg­ islation requiring public disciosure of the financial transactions of all welfare and pension plans, wheth­ er administered jointly, by unions or by management only. keep their own operations from public scrutiny. This position was reaffirmed at the convention of the National Association of Manu­ facturers in Chicago last week The "bosses union" came out instead for a national "right-towork" law and other restrictive measures directed against unions only. The American Farm Bureau Federation took the same stand as the NAM and other business groups on "right-to-work" pro­ posals last week. Other Limits On Unions In addition to the weifare fund disclosure law, the Government's lOBS labor program called for com­ pulsory union financial reports and appointment of a special com- '50-50' Props US Ships Against Slump The value of the "50-50" law as a prop for shipping in gen­ eral has been demonstrated strongly in the recent weeks of decline in the shipping business. "The December 7 issue of •'•Riioinocc Week" Woolr" reports rr>r>r>rto that tVint"*"Business rates for US tramp ship opera­ around $65,000 a month on longtors have slipped far less than term charters. Today, the rate on those for tankers or other carriers because of the "50-50" cushion. Last year at this timO, the mag­ azine reports, both foreign and domestic tramps had been getting ^Can-Shakers' Have No OK The membership, is again cau­ tioned to beware of persons soliciting funds on ships in be­ half of memorials or any other so-called "worthy, causes." No "can-shakers" or solicitors have been authorized by the,!S(lU.' ' foreign tramps is about $25,000 a month on the long term, but $45,000 a month for American-flag operators. The difference lies in the "50-50" law which provides that one-half of the Government's foreign aid and agricultural surplus shipments must travel on US-flag vessels. Foreign aid business is expected to pick up after the first of the year when shipments scheduled by the Government get moving. Were it not for the "50-50" pro­ vision, it is clear that many more US-flag ships would be laying up and large numbers- of seamen's Jobs Would go down the drain. ery and embezzlement of union funds and secret ballot union elec­ tions, and further restrictions on union picketing rights. AFL-CIO statements criticizing these proposals noted their failure to apply the same strict standards to corporations as on unions. The labor position has always been that where wrongdoing has occurred, it has stemmed from cooperation between corrupt unions and man­ agement, and that the responsi­ bility rests on both. The convention also compared the emphasis on labor abuses to the "slap on the wrist" treatment of management in hearings by a special Senate committee this year. It rapped the committee foy not showing the same vigor in dealing with union - busting tactics by management. Secretary Mitchell's pledge that the Administration would fight against a national "right-to-work' law or moves to make labor unions subject to the anti-trust laws was the only source or comfort in the Administration's labor package. even sent its own men through its own "picket line" to work aboard the Robin Trent. The Trent is one of the ships won by the Slf.' which The following by-play took place at Wednesday afternoon's election on the Robin Goodfellow: First NMU official: "I'm the NMU observer." Second NMU official: "No, you're not. They told me I'm the observer." SIU observer: "I don't care who the observer is as long as he stays in the corner and keeps quiet." 4; A crewmember approaches the table to get his ballot. NMU observer: "Stop the elec­ tion! That man's in no condi­ tion to vote! Hold everything!" SIU observer: "I don't know if you are interested, but I just want to tell you—^he's an NMU member." has not yet been certified bv the Labor Board. The NMU picketing may have been prompted by another severe setback in the fleet when NMU members aboard the Robin Trent voted for the SIU in the National Labor Relations Board election on that ship. Fifteen NMU members on the ship cast non-voided and unchallenged ballots on the Locksley but the NMU wound up with only 13 votes. Resent Curran Seafarers aboard the Trent re­ ported that NMU members on board had expressed burning re­ sentment against NMU President Joseph Curran. The final count on the Trent was SIU 20, NMU 13. just one ship in the fleet, the Robin Mowbray. The NMU got the ship simply because 11 Seafarers wera fired off their jobs by the com­ pany and replaced through th« NMU hall. The count on this vessel was 25 to 11. The first four ships, which ar* now certified for the SlU, are tha Robin Sherwood, Robin Gray, Rob­ in Kirk and Robin Locksley which voted over-all SIU 108, NMU 13. Total votes to date on seven ships are SIU 164, NMU 61. Talks On Contract Negotiations are expected to get underway shortly with Moore-McCormack, the owners of the Robin (Continued on page 15) Vote $25 In-Hospifal Holiday Gift Hospitalized Seafarers will again receive a Christmas bonus this year from the SIU Welfare Plan. Th« traditional $25 bonus will be given to Seafarers by the welfare servica department representatives vrho will call at the hospitals. The bonus, which has been paid every year since the Welfare Plan began in 1950, is given in addition to the regular weekly hospital bene­ fit. It will help the Seafarers in tha hospital do a little Christmas shop­ ping for their families and friends. Any Seafarer who is a hospital in-patient one day or more during the week of December 19th through 25th will be eligible for the bonus payments. In addition to hospitalized men, the bonus will be paid to all Sea­ farers on the disability lists. Tha checks will be mailed out with their regular $150 monthly check cover­ ing their SIU disability benefit. •"l Lk. Charles Has Decline LAKE CHARLES—Shipping fell off In the last period but still two "C" cards managed to ship out. One went in tlie black gang and one in the stewards department. .Calling into this area over the past period were the Government Camp, Bents Fort, Fort Hoskins, Bradford Island, Winter Hill, Chiwawa, Cantigny, Council Grove and the CS Baltimore (Cities Service); Petro-Chem (Valentine) and the Val Chera (Heron). All were in good shape wlHt-only'mihor beefs which - were settled at- the -pay<^. First Seafarar shipped to the Robin Locksley on Monday whan Robin Line pbs want back on the SIU shipping board was H. F. Chit, MM (front, left). Next to him is ACS oldtimar Aba Goldsmit, who was steward on tha coal ship Walter Hinas Page bafora the laid u)).'' Oiijiditehar Scotty Aubusson made tha'^ll. ^ �Pace Four SEAFARERS PecMnbeyJtO^ lUUT LOG Calif. Upsets Jobless $ Ban, UK's 60-Day Rule Backed by the weight of the seniority hiring rules set forth In the SIU contract, a Seafarer in California has just won a significant decision assuring state unemployment benefits for seamen who leave their t" on shoreside employment before he ships under the 60-day rule in returned to the sea early this year. the contract. He came into the SIU originally as The California ruling comes in an organizer in the successful the wake of earlier decisions up­ Cities Service organizing drive, but holding the 60-day rule in New quit the sea in 1950. He said his experience since then as a court York, Delaware and Alabama. Sea­ clerk and bail bondsman no doubt farer Ira Kenneth Coats pressed the helped him wade through the red appeal after he was denied state tape necessary to press the appeal benefits last June. He had paid off for immediate benefits. He sails as the SS Grain Shipper in Tacoma, an AB. In connection with applications Wash., in May. for future unemployment benefits According to the decision handed in all states by Seafarers with B or down by the Los Angeles Area C seniority, SIU headquarters con­ Referee's Office "on Coats' appeal, tinued to stress one major point he was wrongfully denied benefits concerning payoffs under the 60originally since he had left his day rule. The applicant must list ship under a specific provision of "contract rule" rather than "union the Union contract. Prior to this rule" as his reason for leaving a decision, seamen with B or C ship. Merely listing "60-day rule" Kniority leaving ships under the or "union rule" is not accepted as 60-day rule were considered to sufficient reason. Those who re­ have quit "without good cause" and member to carry along a copy of therefore denied benefits. the SIU contract spelling out the The men subsequei.tly had to seniority provisions can speed wait out a normal one-week waiting things along. period plus a four-week penalty SIU attorneys are studying the period before thej could obtain latest California decision to see if benefits. The ruling in Coats' case a uniform ruling for the 60-day differed with the pattern estab­ rule can now be obtained in all lished by a 1948 state decision states on the basis of the decision covering cases where seamen left in the key maritime states of New ships to conform with union ship­ York and California. ping rules only. A change in California law now requires seamen to wait out the penalty period if they left ships on or after September 11, 1957 to comply with union policy. This change penalizes members of some of the West Coast unions, including the Sailors Union of the Pacific, but does not apply to SlU-A&G men. The SUP rule is not stipulated under the contract. Seamen who left ships between Nine Seafarers and children of February, 1957, and September 11 Seafarers have completed all the are not penalized, however. The provision for a penalty waiting qualifications for the SIU scholar­ period was apparently dropped for ship contest. Another 15 applica­ a time and then reactivated. Ac­ tions are now being processed in cording to the "West Coast Sailors," the annual competition for five the SUP is seeking to have the law $6,000 scholarships twarded by changed again. the Seafarers Welfare Plan. Another aspect of Coats' case was Four of the nine applicants who that his claim was based partly have completed their requirements have already taken the standard College Entrance Examination. The results of the examinations are a primary factor in determin­ ing the scholarship winners. There is still time for additional applicants to qualify for the scholarship, provided they make arrangements to take the College Entrance Examination by March 15. To qualify for this examina­ tion, all requirements must be ^ Wow IN BOTH completed by February 15 plus a reservation for the test. Other material required by the Plan includes graduation in the upper third of the high school class, a transcript of the candi­ date's high school record and three letters of reference, one of them from the high school principal. Candidates must have three years' seatime on SIU ships either in their own right or through their fathers. Ninety days of the time must be in the previous calendar year and one day in the 90 before making application. Selection of the winners takes place each spring. A board of uni­ versity administrators decides on the basis of the record and the test results which of the candidates are most deserving of the awards. Of the five scholarships awarded each year, at least one is reserved for a Seafarer with the other lour open to both Seafarers and chil­ dren of #IU men. , . 24 Apply For Union's Scholarships , |||^ 'M . .is.- Do IVitb If M • • V . '7 7 ISi.- One job of a safeJy-conscIous crew ?s fo make )ll fire-fighting fir sure all gear is in top-notch con­ dition. The second, and equally-important task, is to know what gear to use in a given situation and how. Take fire extinguishers as an example. There are four types-—soda and acid, foam, carbon tetrachloride and carbon dioxide. Each of them have different functions and may be operated differently. Using the wrong one in the wrong place can be downright dangerous. When the emergency arises, there isn't always time to read the directions on the cylinder. Make a point of knowing where the extinguish­ ers are located, how they work, what they are for and what their pitfalls ore. Some day that knowledge may pay off in lives saved. An SIU Ship is a Safe I .,.1., -5.:. Mlt:. �lleoember 20,195f SEAFARERS Pare Fire LOG Bull Files Supreme Court Appeal On SIO's Strike WASHINGTON—Action by the Supreme Court on a decision of the Circuit Court of Ap­ peals upholding the SlU's right to strike the Bull Line is now being awaited here. The high court may take its usual holiday recess before then, however. • The SlU has appealed the-* ^^ limited stay of the Circuit ters, Mates and Pilots and the Ma­ District Court issued two injunc­ Court's ruling granted by Su­ rine Engineers Beneficial Associa­ tions, one against the SIU on Octo­ preme Court Justice John M. Har­ lan two weeks ago. In turn, Bull Line has filed an answer to the Union's application plus a petition of its own to have the full court review the case. Justice Harlan had granted Bull a limited stay until this past Mon­ day to file for review. The Union must now file its answer to the company petition and, in the in­ terim, the original anti-strike-in­ junction granted by District Court Judge Walter Bruchhausen re­ mains In effect. The appeals court had ruled a month ago that the lower court order "must be set aside." Coasi' Guardmen demonstrate the use of Geiger counters in searching cargo coming into the US from Iron Curtain ports. The A separate injunction proceed­ ing by the Bull Line in Nw York men check both American and foreign-flag vessels. SlU-manned State Supreme Court? postiprbhed Lohgview Victory got the treatment after returning from Poland, during the SIU's appeal against the original Federal injunction, is also still pending. The SIU struck Bull on August 19 following a breakdown in nego­ tiations under the wage reopening clause of the SIU agreement with the company. Two days later, in A checK fQr radioactivity was conducted last month on separate wage disputes, the Mas­ PoUsh Run Ship Gets Radiation Scrutiny the SlU-contracted Longview Victory (Victory Carriers), followiiig its return from Poland. The investigation, carried out ^by Coast Guard agents armed with- geiger counters, is the latest phase of the agency's US, Reds WASHINGTON — The Govern­ ment has signed a $21 million con­ tract with New York Shipbuilding Corp. for the construction of an atomic merchant ship. The con­ tract came on the heels of a Rus­ sian announcement of the launch­ ing of the hull of an atom-powered icebreaker. The American vessel, the NS (nuclear ship) Savannah, is ex­ pected to be launched in 1960. Ac­ cording to specifications the 21,000ton ship will be 587 feet long with « 78-foot beam and have an aver­ age service speed of 20 knots. A $9.8 million power plant is now being constructed by Babcock & Wilcox Company. Earlier this month the Soviet Union launched the hull of the atomic icebreaker, the Lenin. Ac­ cording to the releases, the ship will be as high as a six-story build­ ing with a 16,000-ton displacement. She is expected to run at an aver­ age speed of 16 knotCln clear water. Boston On Slow Bell BOSTON—The prior period's spurt of activity fell through during the last two weeks. All of the avail­ able jobs were quickly filled by class "A" men anxious to ship out before the holidays. The Robin Trent, Robin Mowbray (Robin); Steel Architect (Isthmian); Bents Fort, Royal Oak (Cities Serv­ ice) and the Pan Oceanic Trans­ porter^ (Penn. Navigation) called Into port during the period. The Winter Hill (Cities Service) was the only ship paying off and sign­ ing on during the last two weeks. tion also struck the company and set up thejr own picketlines. Company operations resumed about two months ago after the ber 1st, and a later one against th* officers unions. The SIU appeal was upheld unanimously by the Circuit Court on November 21st. Curran's Still The 'Man Out Of Step' Back on April 26, the SEAFARERS LOG characterized NMU President Joseph Curran as a "Man Out Of Step." His irresponsible action since then and on the eve of the AFLClO convention, while posing-*as an apostle of labor unity, groupings in NMU affairs by in­ merely adds detail to the pic­ troducing NMU resolutions against the SIU before CIO Central Labor ture. For some weeks prior to the con­ bodies. Just before the AFLvention, Curran had been making CIO meti Curran prevailed on the much of the "unity" theme. But California Industrial Union Coun­ to "condemn" the SIU for its what were Curran's "contribu­ cil action in American Coal. tions" to labor unity recently? They Such action on Curran's part can were as follows: only have the effect of establish­ • He continued his efforts to in­ ing a breach between the Califoiv volve former AFL and former CIO BME, SIU Win Big $ $ Gains For Willis Officers uaoffOT/ryljj nia CIO and the California State Federation of Labor, two organiza­ tions which have been discussing merger on the state level for many months. One 0)! the big unfinished jobs in completing the merger of or­ ganized labor has been the com­ bining of these state and local central labor bodies, with big or­ ganizations like the California cen­ tral bodies an important factor. Curran's action then, simply amounts to disruption of the mer­ ger process. Naturally, delegates to the Cali­ fornia CIO group knew nothing about the NMU's - collusion with District 50 against AFL-CIO ships* officers unions and the SIU. Nor did they know about NMU raiding in the Robin Line or in the Willis fieet where NMU attorneys did not program for maintaining port se­ curity. Between 15 and 20 Coast Guards­ PHILADELPHIA—Disregarding a raid by the NMU's men boarded the Longview at United Marine Division, the SIU and the Brotherhood of Ma­ Quarantine and made a two-hour rine Engineers have racked up sizable monetary gains inspection of cargo hatches, ma­ and other improvements for • chinery and other places that the deck and engine room of­ United Marine Division. The peti­ might hold atomic devices. Later ficers of the C. G. Willis fleet. tion was filed on the eve of the The gains, highlighted by wage in­ contract reopener. they followed the ship to drydock creases ranging from $135 to $218 SIU officials pointed out that the in Hoboken, and maintained guard a month, were scored while un­ petition stood in the way of nego­ on the gangway while it was serv­ licensed crewmembers of the in- tiations for similar increases for iced. Coast Guard boats also cir­ tercoastal tug fleet waited for ac­ the cooks, deckhands, and oilers. on an election petition filed Originally, the NMU affiliate had cled the ship all the time it stayed tion by the NMU affiliate. The- deck indicated that it would seek an at the dock. officers and the deckhands, cooks election covering all Willis em­ The Coast Guard has been mak­ and ullers are represented by the ployees. But at the time it filed, ing routine checks for several years SIU's Harbor and Inland Water it asked for the right to represent only the unlicensed crewmen. on ships returning from Iron Cur­ ways Division. The two-year agreement cover­ The HIWD signed a fir.st-time tain countries. Most of the inspec­ ing the Willis officers was nego­ contract with Willis last year after tions have been conducted on for­ tiated by five engineers and four it won an election over the United SIW eign ships. With the start of captains and mates off the boats. Marine Division by a count of 69 The men came in from various to 2. Prior to the vote, the boats American grain exports to Poland, American ships calling there can points along the Atlantic Coast at had been a non-union operation. union expense to attend the con­ The raid made use of a Taftexpect searches on their return. tract talks. The agreement, which Hartley law attack on the union hesitate to attack the union shop The Longview Victory sailed has been ratified by membership shop clause and other items in the clause as "illegal", a pitch identi­ existing SlU-HlWD agreement. cal to that employed by "right to from the Gulf several months ago vote, covers about 60 officers. with I cargo of grain for Poland. Under the contract, which takes This was in ironic contrast with work" advocates. She was in Gdynia for a week and effect January 1, 1958, deck offi­ NMU President Joe Curran's fre­ • Curran continued to defend his cers will receive increases ranging quent declarations that NMU raid on Robin Line, where the came back in ballast. from $135 to $213 a month. By would not use T-H against other NMU attempted to force Seafarers January 1959, captains will be paid unions. out of their jobs and thus deprive $720 a month, relief captains $684 them of job rights they had for a month, and mates $648. The 18 years. Curran's pitch is that List Details In crews work on a 20-day on, 10-day "Labor Will Fight Robin Line Rul­ off basis. which translated into factual Cables To Union ing," language would mean that labor Wage rates for engineers go up notifying headquarters would fight for Curran's right to from $160 to $218 a month.- Be­ byWhen cable or wireless that a Sea­ raid an opposing union's membei-fore the agreement expires, engi­ farer has paid off in a foreign ship and failing of that, have them neers will receive the following; port because of injury or illness, fired from their jobs. chief engineers—$695; relief chief ships' delegates should include Curran himself, on other occa­ engineers—$672; and assistant en­ the following information: sions, has expressed great indigna­ gineers—$648. The man's full name, his SIU tion against raiding. Yet even after The agreement also provides for book number, name of the ship, improvements in welfare benefits the port of payoff and the hos­ his union's own raid on Robin Line and working conditions. Under the pital where he is being treated. had failed miserably, and Seafar­ pact, deck officers will be covered The response of ships' crews ers, and even NMU men on the by the SIU deep sea welfare plan, to the Union's request ior these ships had rejected the NMU as and engineers will be entitled to notifications has been very good. their bargaining agent, he threw greater employer contributions un­ Sometimes though, not all of picket lines around the Robin ships der the BME Welfare Plaa the above information has been as the final act in his pattern of Negotiations took place while included. Be sure to list all of disruption. Curran then ordered his own unlicensed crewmembers of the this data so that the SIU can men, NMU members, to cross the Willis fleet awaited further action act as promptly as .possible. on a petition by Local 333 of the (Continued on page 15) '35 �Pace Sfac SEAFARERS December 20,, .1957 LOG Prize-Winning Editorial LOG Has Won 23 Awards In Labor Press Competition world a smkmg oi th. _ former .»•»»"?"» The addition of four more awards this year has boosted the LOG's impressive string of rizes in International Labor Press Association competition since 1947 to 23. Ten of these ave been won since' the competition was broadened following AFL-CIO merger in 1955. These and other statistics ^ reflect the fact that while the LOG made its debut, the SIU ty of Columbia University's Grad­ SIU-A&G District is numeri­ newspaper has accumulated 17 of uate School of Journalism, who I cally small compared to some AFL-CIO international unions, the LOG "as the organ of an expand­ ing, enterprising union" has con­ tinued to play a major role as a trade union and a maritime publi­ cation. The preceeding quotation was published just six years ago in 1951, when the current LOG for­ mat was first introduced in conJunction with the opening of the then-new SIU headquarters build­ ing in Brooklyn. Since the "new" its 23 awards, winning at least two in every contest category open to it in the annual ILPA competition. The LOG has placed first or second for the top award—general editorial excellence—among inter­ national union newspapers in fbur of the past six years. It won the second spot for 1957, when first place went to the Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union's "Rec­ ord." Judging for this year's awards was done by members of the facul- UtRSWPS SHIP BILLS commented on the LOG as follows: rest of the story. inadequate, what "Provides best coverage of its own field and combines interesting aspects from all labor. Layout bright and imaginative . . . A 16-page, bi-weekly tabloid since May, 1955, the LOG has pub­ lished issues of up to 32 pages in­ can beuwB have .only a hanaiu» g usually cluding special supplements from time to time. As the key link be­ tween the Union ashore and the short of °®"^®^asons these ship ®P"^h^way than mamseagoing membership, its function has always been broader than that accidents and of a shoreside union publication. It's no accident «^at -h^ The Maritime Paper Accordingly, it has long been recognized as "thfe'' newspaper in maritime and it has likewise kept pace with "the growing recognition of both fh# SIU and its member­ ship in labor affairs generally. Avoiding the pitfalls of "boiler­ plate" material and a variety of syndicated matter, it has been given freshness by the steady stream of news and feature items sent in by the Seafarers during of lea'^g . ijpr bv the day and the their travels all over the world. This, in turn, has given every Seafarer a stake in his Union's rnn»«»j , future.j^ure.- It's Ks up „ the-tvenu -trend:^"and newspaper as well as an identity with it, and the admonition "Sure, but it was in the LOG!" is enough to quench an argument. Again, editorial contributions are not the Editorial in August 3, 1956, LOG won prize for pinpointing safety whole story either, since-the LOG pr(}{)lems "in an interesting, convincing and specific way." has always been fully supported by membership contributions. birth and death announcements, of successes' has been broken only Thus endowed with membership letters, digests of ships' minutes three times, once when no entries were submitted since the LOG and Union support, the LOG has and other pertinent material. The LOG "package" demon­ editor was one of the judges. been constantly striving to live up to its trade union function in mar­ strates the state of 'the Union at Overall, the LOG's 23-award total prizes, 11 itime and in the trade union move­ any given time. Texts of the SIU includes eight first ment. A typical issue of the paper constitution. Union contracts, SIU seconds and four thirds. These may include about 30 timely news- V/elfare Plan agreements, shipping include five front page awards, stories, an equal number of photo­ rules and other special material four for editorial excellence, three for written editorials, six for edi­ graphs and cartoon features, a are also published regularly. SIU entries earned two. prizes torial cartoons, four for feature dozen or more regular columns and membership-originated items the first time the LOG entered an material and one "grand award" plus the usual routine notices. ILPA contest in 1947. The string from the 1956 contest. Robin Line Shipping Cheers NY Samples of LOG front pages (above) wfiich won first prize for "good lively molce-up" from 1957 contest judges. Cartoon by Art Editor Bernard Seaman (below) cited for award was in April 27. 1956, issue. NEW YORK—Headquarters, as well as the membership, again wants to thank the broth­ ers who stuck by their jobs on the Robin Line ships long enough for the NLRB to hold the elections. Many ports have put formal of thanks in the record. As was reported, the SIU Won the first four ships voted ing on and eight were in transit. Locksley (Robin) and the Armonk by a heavy majority, despite Among the vessels paying off (New Jersey Indust.). "tempting" offers of NMU books and the chance to work under the NMU contract. Some of the Sea­ farers on these vessels have in­ formed headquarters that their wives have received letters from the NMU in an attempt to convert them to their line. The Robin Mowbray voted NMU after most of the crew were either fired or left the vessel and were replaced by NMU members. Outlook Good Bill Hall, assistant secretarytreasurer, reports that shipping for the port has been good throughout the last two weeks. Some jobs were hanging on the board for several calls before they could find takers. The outlook for the coming period is also good with a sizable number of ships scheduled to arrive for payoffs and a couple of others com­ ing out of temporary lay-up and signing on crews. Most of the jobs came from the 27 vessels that paid off during the past period. This was the greatest number of ships paying off in this port within one period for over a ^^^r;iThere wer^ thr^e s4iips sigh-, here were the Alcoa Partner, Alcoa Runner, Alcoa Pegasus (Al­ coa); Beatrice, Elizabeth, Kathryn, Frances, Carolyn (Bull); Seatrain Georgia, New York (Seatrain); Steel Architect, Steel Designer, Steel Vendor (Isthmian); Almena, Morning Light, Andrew Jackson (Waterman); Robin Mowbray, Robin ^ B The Valley Forge (Penn. Nay.); Andrew Jackson .(Waterman) and the Mankato Victory (Victory Car­ riers) signed on while the Seatrains New Jersey, Georgia, New York, Savannah (Seatrain); Pennmar (Calmar); Val Chem (Heron); Sandcaptain (Const. Agg.), and the Michael (Carras) were in transit. A PORTO'CALL 675•-4w.A^«^nF -12/6 BCCOfeClJ/'Aj ©AU77MC»ee �IMT SEAFARERS DOUAR'S WORTH Guide To Better Buying By Sidney Margolitu Costs High On Second Mortgages LOG NewMEBA Unit formed for Lakes Par*. SeTM Checking Where The Money Goes DETROIT—Preparing for the all-oiit Great Lakes-Seaway organ­ izing drive planned in coordination with the Maritime Trades Depart­ ment, the Marine Engineers Bene­ ficial Association has consolidated all Great Lakes engineers in one local imion. The 93-year-old Local 3 of this city has surrendered its charter, with its members joining Great Lakes Local 101. The newly-formed organization will hold a convention in Cleveland early next month for the purpose of drafting an organ­ izing program, electing officers and attending to other details involved in its establishment. Other preparations for Lakes' or­ ganizing include the establishment of MTD port councils in virtually all major Great Lakes ports. The recent MTD convention stressed the considerable organizing oppor­ tunities that will be available on the Lakes once the Seaway opens. A growing number of moderate-income families are undertaking second mortgages at interest rates of as much as 15 jper cent. The use of second mortgages and other costly lending practices has reached such proportions that two Congressional committees are in­ vestigating the situation. FHA Commissioner Norman Mason has warned that reports from FHA field directors indicate these practices are growing fast. Three out of ten sales of houses currently are being financed with second mortgages, The Connecticut FHA director, for example, estimates that 30 per cent of conventional home-sale trans­ actions In his state currently involve second mortgages and land con­ tracts, a "dangerous type of conditional sales contract. Six months ago his estimate, was eight per cent. The reason for the growing number of second mortgages is that prices of bouses have gone up but banks and other lenders have held _down the amounts they will lend on first mortgages. They want to play safe by lending only 60 or 75 per cent of the appraised value of the house. Too, the appraised value often is lower than thfr ac­ Seafarers Ronald Burton, AB (loft), and Eugene W. Bent, FWT, tual market price the buyer jpys. check over the SiU secretary-treasurer's weekly financial report in Thus a family buying a house for the auditing room at headquarters. The Weekly reports are posted $15,000 nowadays often finds it after an audit by a rank-and-file committee. can get a first mortgage of only $10,000. Construction costs throughout the country rose three per cent during the twelve months thr&ugh Septembef, according to the T. W. Dodge Corp. The price of almost every type of structure shows a rise of 148 per cent over the 1941 MONTREAL—A break in the 170-day-oId strike by the SIU Canadian District against construction. Thus, a house that cost $8,000 to build in 1941 now the government-owned Canadian National Steamships, Ltd., now awaits the wind-up of this is tagged $19,840, exclusive of the week's North Atlantic Treaty Organization conference in Paris. cost of land and financing. Prime Minister John F. DieAs prices of houses have risen fenbaker of Canada is ex­ Halifax last month after being of North America and its affiliates. and mortgage money has gotten pected to take steps to resolve sailed by ships' officers under Key support is pledged by the tighter, lenders have demanded the strike issues on his return from cover of night. Three had already Seamen's & Waterfront Workers increasingly higher fees. In the the NATO talks. The Prime.^ Min­ been idled in Halifax. Trade Union in Port-of-Spain, Trin­ midcastcrn states, as New York ister actively stepped into the dis­ In addition to the AFL-CiO and idad, which has condemned the and New Jersey, lenders ask dis­ pute after the Canadian Depart­ MTD support, the strike has the company's "strikebreaking tactics" counts "of as much as 12-14 per cent, in addition to the interest charge ment of Labour was unable to come active endorsement of the Cana­ and advised local port authorities of six per cent. Thus, you might borrow $3,000 on a second mortgage, up with a solution. dian Labour 'Congress, Interna­ and Canadian officials that its but sign a contract to repay $3,400, and pay six per cent interest on The world-wide labor solidarity tional Confederation of Free Trade members will not handle the "hot" $3,400, not the $3,000 you actually got. in support of the SIU strike gained Unions, British Trades Union Con­ CNS ships. The SWWTU is the only California Squeezes Tm further support last week when gress, International Transportwork- recognized transimrt union in PortBut-it's in the house-hungry Southwest and West Coast that charges the AFL-CIO convention in Atlan­ ers Federation as well as the SIU of-Spain. for second mortgages have reached perhaps their highest level. Cali­ tic City pledged its backing to the fornia, for example, permits "trust deeds" instead of mortgages, and Canadian strikers. Earlier, the Maritime Trades De­ allows lenders to charge ten per cent interest on "second trust deeds" In addition to brokerage fees and service charges. The brokerage fees partment convention endorsed "the are regulated by law at five per cent for mortgages of one year, ten fight of our Canadian brothers to per cent for two years and 15 for three. Brokers build up their fees preserve trade union representa­ by influencing borrowers to take out the three-year mortgages on tion." An MTD resolution saluted which they charge the 15 per cent brokerage fee in addition to the "the maritime workers of the free ten per cent annual interest. On top of that, they charge borrowers- trade union movement... for their for costs and expenses of as much as four per cent more. Finally they prpmpt efforts and stirring display WASHINGTON—Appearing before the United States Tar­ calculate these charges on the basis of the face amount of the mort­ of international trade union fra­ gage, rather than the amount the borrower receives. Thus, the actual ternity in joining to crush the iff Commission, Lester Balinger of the SIU of NA's fish and Canadian government-sponsored at­ Interest rate on a second trust deed often becomes 15 per cent. cannery divisions called for additional legislative protection One homeowner reported to the Los Angeles Better Business Bureau tempt at union busting." CNS attempted to break the SIU for the domestic tuna and al-"^ that he had to agree to, pay a commission of $500 to a broker to get a union and the industry is calling second mortgage loan of $1,800. On top of that, he was supposed to strike, with government approval, bacore fishing industry. for limits on imports and increased pay interest of ten per cent, and not on the $1,800 he actually re­ by transferring its eight ships to Balinger pointed to a "ter­ Trinidad registry after the strikers tariff charges. ceived, but on the $2,300 amount which included the commission. turned down a take-it-or-leave-it rific" decline in job opportunities Trust Deeds Risky wage offer. The CNS offer Involved for West Coast tuna fishermen Trust deeds themselves are risky for home buyers, and should be a two-step 15 percent package, well which, since 1952, amounts to avoided if at all possible. A ti'ust deed is not the same as an ordinary below the already-trimmed-down about 30 percent overall. Boats mortgage. 20 percent demands for which the Under a mortgage you yourself keep title to your property, and men originally struck on July 4th. lost at sea, he said, have not been merely pledge ft as security. Under a trust deed you sign over your Present base pay for ABs is $204 ^replaced by American owners, and title to the property to a third party called a trustee. many boats have left the US to fish per month. (Continued from page 2) If you fall behind in your payments, you generally have 90 days to The company has already failed with foreign crews and deliver which there was such a dispute bring your account up to date by paying all back payments, interest in several attempts to import their catch to over the question of behavior of charges and any legal expenses the lender may have incurred. After strikebreakers, both from the West foreign ports. the union's president, it appears 90 days, when the notice of sale has been published, you have to pay Indies and England, with the result By contrast, he clearly that Curran's reference is off the entire balance in full if you want to keep your property. After that all its ships continue to lay said, fish imports ^eant for them. sale at auction by the trustee, you have no redemption rights. idle in Halifax. Five ships origi­ have been on the For the sake of a $1,000 loan, you can lose your home and all your nally tied up here were shifted to rise since 1951. The other Curran statement equity in it. praised Mr. Cooper as resolving The result has An even more dangerous way to finance a home is through a "land "to stay clear of union policy and been a tremen­ program." sales contract," sometimes called a conditional sales contract. Here dous turnover in the seller retains title to the property tmtil you have paid, usually, manpower in the It is interesting to note that the one-third or one-half the purchase price. (Jenerally, land contracts domestic fleet be­ Senate committee's criticism of The Post Office Department Balinger provide that you forfeit all the payments you already made if you has requested that Seafarers cause of a decline Mr. Cooper was based on his ac­ default on your payment schedule. Thus, you can pay off, say $5,000 and their families include postal in the men's earnings. Price cuts tively "taking sides" with Cross on a $15,000 house,* and if you fall behind, lose the house and all you zone numbers in sending in domestic fish upon which the against the opposition in the bak­ paid in. changes of address into the men's earnings depend on a share ers union irrespective of the merits Second mortgages and similar unsound home-financing devices got LOG. The use of the zone num­ basis have combined with a re­ of the situation and his role as many families in trouble back in the 1920's. Finally this practice ber will greatly speed the flow duced volume. union counsel for all the members. helped get the whole country into trouble by bringing about a wave of of the mail and will facilitate In 1956, he said, fishermen were Similarly, Mr. Cooper has been ac­ foreclosures in the early 30's. averaging about $4,900 a year. This cused by the NMU opposition of delivery. The Home Owners' Loan Corporation had to be created to help Failure to include the zone year the averages will work out to taking sides" on behalf of Mr. homeowners and lenders through the worst part of the big depression. number can hold up delivery about $3,950 for working 15 or 16 Curran. In one instance, as cited It refinanced more than a million homes in three years. by the LOG, Mr. Cooper actively of the paper. The LOO is now hours daily, seven days a week. Don't let history repeat itself at your expense. Stay away from in the process of zoning its The future of the industry is urged NMU members on the SS "trustors ' and other mortgage , brokers, and second mortgages. alto­ entiremailing. Hsit,: , entirely dependent on protective United States Jto vote,-fpr the Cur­ gether, if at all possible. legislation," BAlingei>Tlle<!lafed. The ran slate in an NMU election. w . TB - '^1 I • • y• .r. I -'fi Prime Minister Enters Canadian SIU Strike; See Settlement Near - '--'i I ••J -i I Urge Tuna Import Limit To Save US Fishery Jobs Cooper Out Of Bakers 3 aI I Put Postal Zone On LOG Address • •'^1 •3 �Pace Eisrht SEAFARERS i. December ^0, 195* « >• LOG MTD ACTS ON MARITIME PROBLEMS . Fourteen resolutions dealing with a variety of maritime prob­ lems including subsidies, national legislation, the hiring hall, the St. Lawrence Seaway and others were approved at the convention of the Mari­ time Trades Department early this month. In addition, the convention acted to broaden the executive board of MTD in recognition of the growth oif the or­ ganization and also took steps to imple­ ment its organizing program. As previously reported in the SEA­ FARERS LOG, the convention heard ad­ dresses from AFL-CIO President George Meany in which he called the Depart­ ment the "one place ... in the AFL-CIO trade union structure" for all marine un­ ions; from MTD President Paul Hall on the objectives of the organization and from AFL-CIO legislative representative Andrew Biemiller. In addition, the convention heard a pledge from John Livingston, AFL-CIO Director of Organization, to cooperate wholeheartedly in any MTD organizing campaign. Other speakers included James Brownlow of the Metal Trades Department and Nelson Cruikshank of the AFL-CIO Social Service Department. The executive board was broadened by the addition of three new membersHerbert L. Daggett for the Marine Engi­ neers Beneficial Association; A. J. Loughrey for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Russell Stephens for the Technical Engineers. The following is a digest of MTD con­ vention resolutions; '50-50' The convention noted that it is "im­ perative that we continue the fight on all levels to preserve '50-50' ... in the face of constant attacks on this legisla­ tion." Subsidies The -convention noted that no appre­ ciable'' progress had been made by the US on a more equitable subsidy pro­ gram. It reiterated its opposition to granting subsidies only to a limited num­ ber of companies as putting "a premium on bad management" and a "bar to a healthy and expanding industry." 4> Seaway With the coming opening of the Sea-Ivay, the MTD has been making prepara­ tions for the vast organizing potential involved. The convention recommended "a full-scale, coordinated organizing campaign . . . with a view to ultimate representation of all the workers in­ volved under the banner of the respec­ tive AFL-CIO unions." ii $• i> ILO The constructive contributions oL;||FLCIO delegates to the Internation^JLili^ Organization were lauded "despiW tre efforts of reactionary employer members to cripple the essential functions of ILO." 4" 4" J" MSTS The maintenance of a huge peacetime commercial fleet by the Military Sea Transport Service came under heavy fire. The convention called it "a service-un­ necessary and costly to the American taxpayer" and "usurpation of the func­ tions of private US shipping and the consequent deprivation of the benefits of trade union representation from the workers involved." 4- 4- 4- Marine Hospitals 4" 4" 4" Long Range M'time Program The Government was criticized for its "hit and miss" approach to maritime which was attributed to the lack of a "broad, long-range maritime program." The convention called for steps to effect such a program and to allow "member unions of the Maritime Trades Depart­ ment to participate in its development." t- • r,. t Anti'Labor Legislation 4^ The resolution warned that the ground­ work is being laid for another attack on the Public Health Service. It pointed out that maritime ranks third in accident rates and seamen "are constantly ex­ posed to pestilence and disease peculiar to the ports ... at which they must call . . ." It urged an end to the con­ stant threats to eliminate facilities. Convention guest Peter McGavin, special assistant to AFL-CIO Pres. George Meany; SlU Mobile port agent Cal Tanner and BME pres. Ray McKay make up a three­ some. Livingston Pledges Full Aid To MTD "maximum effort by the Maritime Trades Department" to promote revival of these trades and "US Government encourage­ ment of new methods of operation. They further recommended "Congressional Amendment of the 1936 Merchant Ma­ rine Act to provide construction subsi­ dies as an inducement to new enterprise in this field." .. ' Delegates denounced efforts by the enemies of labor to destroy trade unions and declared, "we must vigorously op­ pose any and all legislative attempts on national and local levels to invade, the, rights of free working men and women, . Urging greater organizing efforts . by all unions, AFL-CIO director of organization John Livingston pledged all possible Federation aid in drives by MTD unions. AFL-CIO Director of Organization John Livingston made a strong pledge of all possible aid to the Maritime Trades Department's campaign to organize on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Livingston declared, "As far as our. Department of Organization is concerned, within the limits of the manpower that we will have at the time, we will be very interested in your work and your project, and we will not be behind you—we will be right out there in front with y^u, no matter how rough some of your cahipaigns may get." Livingston also remarked, "I think it is extremely important that Depart­ ments such as yours exist because it is only by standing together and pooling your ideas and your forces that you can do a more effective job in your respec­ tive fields organizationally, on the leg­ islative front, and at the collective bargaining table." Hiring Hall The hiring hall method of employment was hailed as "the most effective means of insuring fair and equitable distribu­ tion of work." The resolve called for "proper federal legislation ... to guar­ antee that the hiring hall be recognized as the proper medium for employment in all industries in which its use has been an accepted practice." 4> 4' 4« Domestic Shipping The losses in this field were noted up until recently when new methods were put in play to revive the trades. Con­ sequently, the delegates recommended $ 4^ Fish Imports Cheap fish imports Mve depressed wPrk opportunities and income in the domestic fisheries. Consequently, the Department urged "the enactment of adequate legislation to protect the fish­ ermen and cannery workers." 4> 4> 4 'S-' Runaways The convention called the American maritime worker "one of the chief vic­ tims" of the runaways and charged that maritime workers' "welfare has been completely ignored by the Maritime Ad­ ministration." It called for "necessary remedial legislation to halt further ship transfers. . ." 4> 4" 4- Canadian Strike The convention denounced the trans­ fer action of the Government-owned Canadian National Steamship Lines as "one of the most vicious attempts at the destruction of union yyages, conditions and representation." It cited the vigor­ ous fight waged against the transfer by the SlU Canadian District and the ef­ fective support received from all over the world. The MTD went on record as supporting the fight and "salutes the maritime workers of the free trade union movement . . . for their stirring display; of internationar trade union frater­ nity. .." 4i 4> 4 ITF and ICFTU The convention saluted the Interna­ tional Transportworkers Federation and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions as democratic bulwarks and instrumentalities for the protection of the economic rights of maritime workers. 3rd Trailership Enters SerWce I ^\'r I ?• President William A. Calvin of the Boilermakers was elected vicepresident of the Building & Con­ struction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO to succeed Teamster President Dave Beck. Beck an­ nounced that he was resigning from the department because he would be terminating his position with the Teamsters "in the fore­ seeable future." 4i 4< 41 William Schnitzler, AFL - CIO secretary-treasurer, has announced the establishment of a one-year internship for graduate students starting July 1, 1958. The intern­ ship will Consist of a one-year po­ sition with the Federation's Re­ search Department working on economic analysis, labor legislar \ tion and collective bargaining: de­ velopments and will offer, direct experience and training of com­ petent young people for positions, MOBILE—The SS Fairland, the third vessel to be converted into a trailership, entered Pan-Atlantic's sea-land service early this month. The ship will service the ports of New York, Miami, New Orleans and Tampa. . The fourth vessel, the SS"^ Raphael Semmes, is scheduled entered its seventh week with little Corsair, the Steel Age and Steel for completion in several hope of a settlement. Port agent Appjentice. in trade union research. Graduates of universities having specialized units in the field of labor and in­ dustrial relations, who will not have reached their 26th birthday by July 1, 1958, and, who have com­ weeks. The Raphael Semmes will pleted one year of graduate work round out the first phase of Panwill be eligible for the positions. Atlantic's new service.' The com­ 4^ 4^ 4^ pany wilkhave two trailerships op­ Seven locals of the Meat Cutters erating between NY, Miami, Hous­ Union in Chicago have negotiated ton and Tampa; two between New a contract providing for wage in­ York and Miami, New Orleans creases from 32.5 to 38.75 cents an and Tampa; and two sea-land hour over a two-year period. The tankers between New York and agreements, ratified at local mem­ Houston. bership meetings, covers all chain Seafarers in this port are taking and independent supernaarkets in advantage of the new medical exr the Chicago area except Jewel and aminations being given by the SIU's National Tea Co. The' members Welfare Department. About seven rejected the proposals from the to ten men a day are being x-rayed two holdout companies, and voted and receiving cardiographs. It Is in favor of a strike if an agreement hpped'that the center will be! able could not be reached. The wage to expand and take in:dependents and welfare Increases are retroac­ in the near future. The city-wide bus strike here tive to Oct. 5, 1957. Cal Tanner continued to work with the fact-finding committee until he had to leave for the AFL-CIO Con­ vention in Atlantic City. Although making good progress, the com­ mittee has not been able to settle the dispute. While shipping has not been booming, many of the men are being choosy and leaving the jobs on the board for a couple of calls. It is expected that the freezing weather and the coming Christmas holidays will add to the number of men on the beach in this area. Among the ships in this port during the past period were the LaSalle, Wacosta, Warrior and Madaket (Watermanl, the Alcoa Planter, Patriot, Clipper Pilgrim, % PHOTOS sToRtes, ?oeTRY •y-4 �December 20i 19ST SEAFARERS Pare Nine ' LOG THt MT D CONVENTION @ Delegates of 12 unions rep­ resenting virtually the entire i maritime industry are shown ' at Atlantic Gity convention at which they worked out a pro­ gram of mutual action ''on common problems. •-V-. ''•A.-'}' Arnold Zuider (r) AFSCME. witli Grain Millers' K. Schneider. Ship officers ohattinr are E. N. Altman, J. Calhoun tmd Pres. Herbert Darrett, MEBA; Moe Welnstein, MM&Ft V. O'Reilly, MEBA. Listehinr to talk are (1 to r) M. Stephens, Technical Engineers; Joe Trainer, IBL; Stephen Leslie, Operating Engineers. SIU Pacific District was represented by Ed Turner, Marine Cooks; Morris Weisberger; Sailors; Sam Bennett, Marine Firemen. f M W. Pendergast, Boil­ ermakers and A. Matz, Firemen & Oilers. Harry O'ReiUy, MTD Secretary; James Brownlow, Metal Trades Dep't, and Jack McDonald, Operating Engineers, confer. Fred Farnen, SIU Great Lakes District; Rolla Johnson, MM&P, and Stanley Thomp­ son, Great Lakes Detroit agent, in huddle. Int'l Brotherhood of Longshoremen's huddle features (1 to r) E. L. Slaughter, secretary; Larry Long, president; Joe Trainor. ... m •• -••••IP ' •A'i'-f %: m., V-I • ••• V;'sT •' •V- \\:f. ...'••A Andre.IV Biemiller, AFL-GIO legislativb rep, wail, speaker. •. A 'l A; s.'-iry • '• '• - �Face T» SEAFARERS LOG Setting The Deck Straight November 27 Through December 10 Registered Fort Deck A IG 95 16 49 Boston 1 • .. a . ^ . .. New York ............1 *..... Philadelphia .. Baltimore .. Norfolk Savannah — Tampa Mobile ....... .. 3G New Orleans .. 4G Lake Charies Houston Wilmington San Francisco .. 15 Seattle .. ............ Deck A Total .. 354 1 ...... . V Deck B 2 13 0 22 3 3 4 7 22 9 16S 4 12 Deck B 122 Ens. A 7 69 12 3G 8 7 5 22 29 11 19 12 12 12 •nt. A 255 Ens. B ' 4 12 4 25 7 4 3 6 11 IG 2G 19 9 12 Ens. B 146 Stew. A. 5 53 8 33 1 2 5 3G 45 , 5 15 14 22 8 Stew. A 246 Stew. B 1 9 3 2G 5 1 1 6 11 7 11 7 10 4 stew. B 96 Totil A - 22 217 36 112 22 18 20 82 114 24 58 43 49 38 Total A 855 Total ;;totai B ' . RSs. '" 7• 34 7 67 15 8 8 19 44 26 47 31 23 28 Total B 364 -251?, . 43 170 37 26 28 101 158 . 50 105 74 72 66 Total . Res.. 1219 p: -•f £ Fort SiU-HIWD members J. W. Edwards (left) and L T. Squires, deck­ hands on the G&H tug J. Harris Masterson, team up to coil some line in Houston. The Masterson is one of 26 boots in the G&H fleet. Defense Council Affirms Need For Merchant Fleet WASHINGTON—^Reports of the impending death of the US merchant marine replacement program have turned out to be greatly exaggerated. The Office of Defense Mobiliza­ tion has notified Rep. Herbert —— — C. Bonner, chairman of the. had been suggestions to the effect House Merchant Committee that the merchant marine would Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Savannah /. Tampa Mobile New Orleans Lake Charles Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle Total . . . . . . . . . . - •. Deck A 7 76 5 64 8 1 6 35 32 8 IG 4 2 22 Deck A 28G Shipped Deck B 0 12 1 2G 9 0 1 7 13 6 5 4 2 3 Deck B 83 Deck Bng. C A 0 2 6 56 0 4 1 51 0 6 0 4 0 4 0 28 1 33 0 10 0 19 0 3 0 9 0 13 Deck Bnfl. C A 8 242 Ens. B 0 21 4 19 8 3 1 11 5 8 7 0 0 7 Ens. B 94 Ens. stew. 'C A 0 3 8 35 3 1 1 42 0 1 0 1 2 2 2 22 0 33 1 4 0 8 0 4 0 6 0 12 Ens. 1Itew. C A 15 176 stew. stew. Total B c A 0 G 12 9 2 167 1 G 12 17 G 157. 6 1 15 0 G 6 G 2 12 10 G 85 3 9 98 3 2 22 6 G 37 G G 11 0 G 17 2 G 47 Stew. Stew. Total B c A 65 8 698 Total B 0 42 6 56 23 3 4 28 27 17 18 4 2 12 Total B 242 Total C 0 16 1 2 1 0 2 2 4 3 0 0 0 Total Ship, 12 225 19 215 39 9 18 115 129 42 55 15 19 6 .59 Total Total Ship. c 31 971 Shipping lagged again during the last two weeks, despite the approaching year-end holi­ days. Both job activity and registration fell off; shipping to 971 and registration to 1,219. The usual holiday pile-offs and consequent job boom at year's-end has failed to develop -1 so far, although the last pe--*" —— •:— riod may have been too early for it in the face or the slug­ Hold Up Suez Canal Expansion^ Need $ gish shipping over a good part of no longer be considered as having this year. The holiday boom ordi­ any defense value in the missile narily extends into January as Sea­ age. farers pay off for vacations and Gordon Gray, the Defense Mo- to get time off with their families. Five SIU ports managed to im­ bilizer, wrote to Bonner that the Under a newly-adopted development program, the Suez matter had been considered by a prove their showing despite the Canal Authority plans to deepen the waterway to take tank-| special committee made up of rep­ general job fall-off. Mobile and ers of 65,000 deadweight tons and to increase traffic capacity resentatives of the Office of De­ Baltimore were particularly active. fense Mobilization, the Defense New York, Norfolk and Savannah to 56 vessels a day, and even--*Department and the Maritime Ad­ also rose. Seattle, remained "as is, tually 80 to 90 vessels a day. Colonel Mahmound Yunes, ministration, and that the commit­ but was still active. Declines were listed for Boston, board chairman and managing di­ tee's findings had been approved by the higher-ups on the Defense Philadelphia, Tampa, New Orleans, rector of the Canal authority, said Lake Charles, Houston, Wilmington that the authority plans to start its Mobilization Board. and San Francisco. The return of $2GG million program as soon as Gray also said that the Board favors a merchant fleet of approx­ Robin Line jobs on SIU shippin;^ possible. However, its Schedule for LONDON — Two British scien­ imately the present level as an in­ boards should help out in the near deepening the waterway to 45 feet SAN . FRANCISCO — Shipping depends on whether the authority tists have developed a long flexible terim goal and calls for a "long- future. took a dive in this port during the Registration and shipping ran can borrow money against future sea-going bag capable of carrying range program for the replacement fairly close in the engine depart­ toll revenues . past two weeks. There was only some 10 tons of oil at the end of of ships which will become obso­ In his status report on the ment, which shipped half the class lete." one ship, the Iberville (Waterman), a tow. The model, a tubular bag C jobs. canal development, Mahmound an­ signing on. 67 feet long and three feet wide Not spelled out in the letter, are A futher breakdown by seniority nounced that the canal was still in diamater, successfully passed a the methods by which this replace­ The Massmar, Marymar (Calmar) groups showed the class B regis­ 18 inches short of its pre-blockade series of tests in rough seas. ment program is to be accom­ tration slightly higher than in the depth of 35 feet, but that it would and the Hurricane - (Waterman) Professors W. Hawthorne and plished. The Maritime Trades De­ last period, and the B shipping reach that level by April or earlier. John Paige of Cambridge Univer­ partment convention had called for about the same as before. The de­ Daily transit through the Egyptian- pulled into port for servicing. sity built their sea-going bag out a union voice in long-range plan­ clines, therefore, were all in the nationalized waterway has in­ There were no reported beefs and of a thin but strong flexible mate­ ning for maritime and also has class A column. However, the class creased to 47 vessels from the 41.9 all were in good shape. rial similar to nylon. When empty been critical of the favoring of a A proportion of jobs shipped rose pre-blockade average. the container weighs less thay one limited number of subsidized oper­ to 72 percent of to total. Class B The Suez Company manager is two-hundredths as much as the ators at the expense of the rest of shipping also went up, to 25 per­ in the United States "contacting my cargo it carries and can be folded the US merchant marine. cent of the job total. customers"—the shipowners—"on and carried in the back of an Lending further emphasis to the The foUowing is the forecast port what services we can provide for automobile. When full the bag need for a US merchant fleet was by port. them." He is also meeting Eugene rides fairly low in the water with a series of articles in last week's Boston: Quiet... New York: Fair Black, president of the World Bank about 90 percent of it submerged. "New York Times" on the critical . . Philadelphia: Fair . . . Balti­ in an effort to raise the necessary Major oil companies are inter­ shortages in the United States in more: Good . . . Norfolk: Fair ... funds here. Mahmound reaffirmed ested . in the development of flex­ reserves of vital raw materials for Savannah: Slow . . . Tampa: Fair the Egyptian government's declara­ ible seagoing containers as an US industry. The "Times" articles Mobile: Good ... New Orleans: tion that the canal tolls wpuld not answer to the rising cost of tanker pointed out that such items as Good . . . Lake Charles: Fair . . . be raised more than one percent construction. The estimated cost chrome, tin, rubber, copper, lead, Houston: Good . . . Wilmington: a year. "For the present," he added, of producing such a bag is about bauxite, iron ore, manganese, and Fair . . . San Francisco: Quiet . . . "We have no intention of raising one-seventh that reqiiirea to build large amounts of oil have to be Im­ Seattle: Good. the tolls." comparable space in a standard ported—some of these items from tanker. Besearch on seagoing con- far off places such as Turkey, In­ ta ners will continue until one be dia, Malaya and the far reaches of can. produced capable of handling South America. Seafarers who are collecting state unemployment benefits whila j^GOG tons of oil. Since these shortages will get on the beach waiting to ship are urged to stay put and avoid ^ One present use of the smaller- worse as the years go by, that changing their mailing addresses if they want to continue re­ Bized bags may be in unloading means greater dependence on ship­ ceiving their checks regularly. Several Seafarers have already supertankers at ports which do not ping to maintain a flow of raw experienced interruptions of from three to five weeks in getting have sufficient berthing facilities. materials. Consequently, if the their next check after they notified the state unemployment They can be easily filled through United States should neglect its offices that they had moved and chjinged their mailing address. a hosepipe aUached to their stem, merchant marine, it would put its IN mriim An average delay of month is reported in most cases, causing bound with other containers, and entire economy at the mercy of . considerable hardship ato.the bJS'iff'AB r men involved., . •foreign flags. "• towed into port by tug boata "that the policy that an adequate merchant marine is essential for defense purposes should be re­ affirmed." It had been previously reported that the US merchant marine pol­ icy .was under review by the Na­ tional Security Council, and there . ] r ; , :• " This Seabag's Loaded With Oil SF Has LitUe Ship Activity Stay Put For Idle Pay 'WRT&CALl �l>e««ei|ilier so, 1M7 .skjt'-v SEAFARERS Paff« Elevev LOG start Work On 'Seaway' Between N' Orleans, Gulf 'Next Door' NEW ORLEANS—Coiistruction of a deepwater tidewater channel from the Mississippi River to the Gulf which will give New Orleans a second outlet to the sea commenced last week. "• • Start of construction of the channel, which will be 76 miles long on completion, brought reality to the dreams of Crescent City shipping and civic interests who have been trying to promote such a project for more than a century. Business, civic and political lead­ ers were present for cerenjonies which preceded a dynamite blast that started work on the first ex­ cavation. The channel, to cost an estimated $96 million, will cut through land except for >26 miles of open water in Chandeleur Sound near the Gulf terminus of the new route which will result in savings in time and distance for New Or­ leans-bound shipping. Engineers predict from five to ten years will be required to com­ plete the project. Kyska Takes Seattle Crew SEATTLE—It hao been a slow shipping period for this port with the SS Kyska (Waterman) supply­ ing most of the business. She had been in temporary lay-up but took on a full crew during the period. The Afoundria (Waterman) paid off while the Iberville (Waterman) and the Seamar (Calmar) supplied the in-transit business. There were only a^few minor beefs which were settled satisfactorily. Bait. Busy With Ships, Festivities Unions' Hurricane Aid ATLANTIC CITY—The Ameri­ can Red Cross has awarded two certificates to Louisiana union groups in appreciation of the aid organized labor gave victims of Hurricane Audrey which struck the Louisiana-Texas border early in August. Philip Piro, president of the Louisiana State Building Trades Council, accepted one in behalf of the skilled craftsmen of Louisiana who 3onate<f their time and efforts to rebuild 22 homes for hurricane victims in Cameron Parish, La. President Victor Bussie and E. J. Bourg, secretary of the Louisiana State Labor Council, also received one for their organization's "out­ standing cooperation" during the relief operations. Many Seafarers from Lake Charles and New Orleans had joined with other union members to help clear the sites and then sup­ plied the muscle and brawn re­ quired in the many manual con­ struction jobs as aids to the build­ ing tradesmen. In addition to the union supplying manpower, many SIU ships made large donations to help feed and clothe the hurri­ cane victims. .. •hi The forthright action taken by the AFL-CIO to clean its own house of corrupt influences—admittedly a "disagreeable task" involving the expulsion of 1^^ million flsade union­ ists—is now on the record. It remains to be seen whether the bosses' "unions" will take a similar position on abuses in their own backyard. QUESTION: The SUP membership has gone on record for motor­ No one even expects the NAM to bring General Electric ized lifeboats on all ships. Do you feel that this is necessary? up on charges becaus^its salesmen provided "call girls" for Matthew Fanes, wiper: One big big appliance buyers. The newspapers put a "boys will be Jorge Vega, carpenter: Yes, boys" label on this sort of thing, so it's conveniently over­ think motorized lifeboats are neces­ difference in using motors is that sary for the safe­ fewer men are looked along with that multitude of sins known as "common ty both of the required to man business practices." These may range from bribery and crew and passen­ the boats. This price-rigging to arson and tax evasion, of course, but who's gers. I know leaves more room to throw the first stone anyway? from my own exto pick up vic­ Thus the current offensive by business groups to get more perience that tims of a crash, "right-to-work" bills and punitive labor laws passed has they would have or to carry more a certain smell about it. Contrast the AFL-CIO's unequivo­ been welcome passengers and during the last cal endorsement wtih the business spokesmen's own cries of c r e w m e mwar when you bers when the outraged innocence over such proposals as those calling had to get away ship is sinking. for the financial dealings^ of all welfare and pension funds, the ship fast when she was Two or three men could handle a including those run by management alone, to be put under from hit. Taking care of the lifeboats motor boat, but it requires some public scrutiny. is part of my job on ship and I handle the oars. Furthermore, despite the anti-labor emphasis of the Sen­ would rather sec motors on them. seven men to $> • ate committee's hearings this year, it's pretty apparent t J" Rafeal Caraballo, 2nd cook: I that for every union representative who allegedly took a Dimitrios Giafis, OS: Lifeboats think that lifeboats on every ship bribe or kickback there was a businessman who gave it. In with motors are much more valu­ should have both the same way, industry's crimes of strikebreaking, union- able than ones oars and motors. busting and exploitation of workers via "sweetheart" con­ with oars. They The oars may be are faster, easier tracts is viewed as "business expediency" and dismissed needed if the to man and han­ lightly. Some kind of a clean-up is badly needed there. motor conks out. dle, and don't put BALTIMORE—It has beert fairly busy period in this port Shipping picked up a great deal, running far ahead of registration The biggest increase was in the deck department where over ,80 Class "A" and "B" men shipped out. Everyone is getting ready for the Christmas holidays. The hall is be­ ing decorated and the turkeys are on order for the Christmas dinner. The dinners will be served in the Union's cafeteria for the men on the beach here and their families. All are invited to come iiT and eat to their heart's content. On the shipping side, there were a strain on the 17 vessels paying off, nine signed men. I am at on and nine in transit. The Royal home with both Oak, Cantigny (Cities Service); types but would Santore, Venore, Oremar, Feltore, The appearance of Robin Line jobs on SIU shipping boards prefer a motor to Chiiore (Ore); Joseiina (Lib. Nav.); Bethcoaster (Calmar); Citrus once more is a tribute to the spirit of the Seafarers forced an oar any day. Packer (Waterman); Robin Locksley to work under heavy -pressures, including an inferior -Na­ t Regino Vazquez, messman: I (Robin); Steel Age (Isthmian); tional Maritime Union contract on these ships. An interesting sidelight on the SIU victory is that despite agree with the SUP membership Evblyn, Jean, Emilia (Bull); Seastar (Traders) and the Charles Dunaif the lures dangled before the Robin men to win support for that every ship (Colonial Nav.) all paid off while the NMU raid, even two NMU members on the Robin Trent should have mo­ the Venore, Oremar, Feltore, Sant­ voted SIU. All Seafarers salute their brothers in Robin Line torized boats ore, Chiiore (Ore); Kenmar, Beth- for their unanimous endorsement of the SIU. aboard. Men act coaster JCalmar); Joseiina (Lib. differently under Nav.) and the Evelyn (Bull) signed pressure and Recognition for the SIU and the SEAFARERS LOG in the on. some might find form of four 1957 International Labor Press Association it difficult to han­ The, in-transit ships were the dle an 040*, but i Alcoa Runner and Pegasus (Alcoa); awards in a contest involving 300 varied AFL-CIO union motor would help Calmar (Calmar); Steel Vendor publications come at an appropriate time of the year. The them get away (Isthmian): Cubore, Baltore (Ore); LOG staff would therefore like ,to thank all Seafarers for Morning Light (Waterman) and; the their unending support over the years and wish season's irom the «hlp »uch faflk4r than •'toarii would. Cabins (rexrci^)." }^^^ Jrgrqetm^ and smooth sailing to all hands.' • . Back $1 $1 Again All But I think the motors are pre­ ferable since they are much better in fighting a strong tide than oars. Teddy Wiatrowski, FWT: Motors are a must. I was on a ship near the Andrea Doria when she sank. We had to man the oars and "idiot" sticks to try to help out. • If it had not been for _^the motorboats^ on the II d' F r a ri c e, the death toll would have been much higher. •111 •0 �Page Twelve SEAFARERS Robin SIU Crews Welcomed Back An enthusiastic commendation and welcome from Seafarers on the 88 Fairland has gone out to the crews of the first four Robin Line ships to come back under the SIU banner. Shortly after individual letters went out to crewmembers on the Robin Gray, Robin Sherwood, Robin Kirk and Ro­ After The Haul Was Over bin Locksley on December 10, the SIU received formal cer­ tification as bargaining agent for the ships from the NLRB. To­ gether, they had rolled up a vote of 108 for the SIU to 13 for the NMU). Two other Robin ships, the Robin Trent and Robin Goodfellow have since boosted the SIU victory string. (Story on page 3.) The message signed by the Fairland's delegates on behalf of its SIU crew lauded the Robin Line men for "your sacrifices. It is such spirit as you recently demon­ strated which makes our organiza­ tion second to none in maritime. "We, the rank and file members of the SIU aboard this trailership, wish to compliment you for the bang-up job you did," it stated. The letter also issued a welcome "to the new members who have been rewarded to come under the SIU banner" as a result of the vote. "We are confident that you will find you made the best choice." Full text of the Fairland's mes­ sage was as follows: Bosun Frank Gospor (left) surveys the wreckage. left over after the Steel Navigator discharged a lQCid.-$l.deck cargo at Inchon. Joe Duffy, DM, looks like he'd like to wash his hands of the whole mess, too. They didn't say just what the stuff was. The ship was on the Gulf-Hawaii-Far East run. Photo by G. F. Abundo. LOG-A-RHYTHM: Sea Song By Thurston Lewis Hi ho! Let's go! Out where the breezes bloiv! There's where in salty air Our hearts must be. Hi ho! Cast off the lines! Let's go! This is our wine. O'er the waves, be they our graves We're out to sea!^ Hi ho! Distant shore! Bombay or Singapore;. From Capetown to Baltimore, This is the life for mel We are the SIU; From Pensacola or Kalamazoo, Seafarers, strong and true. The Brotherhood of the Seal SEAFARERS IN THE HOSPITALS i USPHS HOSPITAL MANHATTAN BEACH Manuel Antonana Archibald McGuinan H. C. Mclssac Eiadio Aris Fortunate Bacomo Leo Mannaugh Albert MartinelU Joseph J. Bass Vic Milazzo Meivin W. Bass Joseph B. Murphy James F. Clarke W. P. O'Dea Juan Denopra C. Osinski John J. DriscoII George G. Phifer Fabin Furmanek G. A. Puissegur Joseph M. GiUard Winston E. Renny Bart E. Guranick Everett Haislett G. E. Shumaker Kevin B. Skelly Wade B. HarreU Henry E. Smith Taib Hassen Michael Toth BUiy R. Hiil Harry S. Tuttle Antonio Infante Ludwig Kristiansen Virgil E. Wiimoth Frederick Landry Pon Wing Patrick McCann Dexter Worrell USPHS HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS. LA. George Hubcr William Bargoiie James Hudson Cleophas Bcaslcy Edward G. Knapp John W. Bigwood Antoine Landry Claude Blanks Leo Lang Charles Cantwell WUIiam Lawless L. CarrasquiUo Isidore Levy George Curry Huminado Llenos Donald Dambrino Edward Moore Sidney Day Michael'Muzio Harvls Dyas Chas. Nicholson Ben D. ..Foster Faustina Orjales Floron Foster Winford Powell Adelin Fruge Allen Ritchie Dennis Gomez Wert A. Spencer Leon Cordon Jay C. Steele, RusseU Grantham Nicholas Tala . , Alvin Henderson Charles'E. Taylor. George Hobbs • a better world to live in if there were more unions like the SIU and the men who work wiik it. I would like you to print this in To the Editor: Along with the free health the -SEAFARERS LOO. God examinations furnished to our bless you. Mrs. Mary Kelps SIU membership, medicinal and 4 t 4 hospital care should also be Broader Medical Benefits Asked provided for brothers who are in good standing but are on the beach for any great length of time. This would cover the brothers who, perhaps because of poor shipping, are not eligible for Laud Crews For Hospital Visits To the Editor: We would like to express our thanks first to Mr. Green, the Bull Line agent in Ponce, Puerto Rico, for the very fine attention he has given us in every way. We don't think any better atten­ tion could have been gotten any­ place. We also have been visited by Luis Ramirez, ship's delegate from the Elizabeth, who brought us things that came in very handy. When the Jean came in All letters to the editor for on Thanksgiving Day, Mr. Green t^blication in the SEAFAR­ told the crew we were in the ERS LOG must be signed hospital and they went all out by, the writer. .Names will to give us a real holiday dinner. be withheld upon request. They also brought us magazines, cigarettes and a cribbage board USPHS services after a period wl^ich we really needed to pass of 90, days. After an examina­ the time. tion by the doctor's at our SIU Two Union brothers on the medical centers, prescriptions beach here, Anthony Gonzale's would be given for medications and Victor Carbone, also visited which they could otherivise not us, for which we both are veryafford and the brothers who re­ thankful. quired hospital care would be We should be back in. the protected. States soon, so we'll close for This is really a must for our now with thanks to everyone. entire membership in the near 2 SIU Brothers future, and is sincerely and (Names withheld) fraternally submitted from the 4 4 4 Grain Shipper for appraisal by the brothers. John J. Jellette Abe Partner To the Editor: 4« 4I am writing this letter to ex­ press my heartfelt appreciation,' to the SIU for its wonderful kindness to my mother in her To the Editor: bereavement on the death of I would like to thank the SIU my father, Francisco L. Perez. Welfare Services Department Toby Flynn of the SIU Velfor all the help It has given my fare Services Department was husband since his heart attack. especially very helpful and sym­ Without this aid and kindness, pathetic. I wish to thank each he would have been lost. and everyone on behalf of all It is wonderful to know that my family. God bless all of you: ,': Mrs. Lucille Hale there are such nice men work­ ing with the SIU. I also wish 4 4 4 to express my gratitude to the trustees of the Seafarers Wel­ fare Plan for the disability ben­ efits my husband will receive. To the Editor: This is just a note of thanks I don't know what we would have done if we did not get the for the prompt and courteous check from the Seafarers Wel­ service provided for my wife fare Plan today. I was laid off Mary when she was in need of from work Nov. 14 and my hus- hospital care. The SIU Welfare , band was admitted to the Services Department really USPHS hospital in Staten Is­ came through in style. land on Nov. 3. I Rm aboard the Steel Ad­ At least now my husband will vocate in Calcutta right now. not have to worry, and with Thank you all again for your God's help he will get well from help. his heart attack. This would be George O'Roiirko Letters To The Editor To the Crew, SS Robin Gray, Robin Sherwood, Robin Kirk and Robin Locksley; Dear Sirs and Brothers: At our last regular meeting of December 7, 1957, a discussion was held on the result of the recent bargaining election held aboard your ship where you overwhelmingly voted for representation by Seafarers International Union over the NMU. We, the rank and file members of the SIU aboard this trailership, wish to compliment you for the bang-up job you did. To the SIU members who stayed on these ships and endured the inconveniences and inferior provisions of the NMU contract which you were forced to work under during the last several months: We thank you for your sacrifices. It is such spirit as you recently demonstrated which makes our organization second to none in maritime. To the new members who have been rewarded by coming under our SIU banner: Welcome to our organization. We are confident that you will find you made the best choice when you voted to be rep­ resented by the Seafarers International Union, the best Union on any waterfront. To you all, Greetings, Smooth Sailing, and Merry Christmas. For the Crew of the SS Fairland: Charles E. Wells Bud J. Lowrey Ship's delegate Engine delegate Joe Holsenbeck Robert C. Tripp! Deck delegate Steward delegate USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND, NY L. nhino E. Matllicws N. Gaylord J. Cil 0. Adams P. Scidenbers N. Katoul - R. Lopez A. Verdemar^ J. Miniz 1. Sieger F. Hannaford H. Jurgenson S. Swienckoski W. Shaw I. DeNobriga H. Simmons Dee^W 20, 1957 LOG Gerald L. Thaxton Lucien Theriot James E. Ward Francis Wasmer Thomas White Marion C. Willey Jr. Clifford Wuertz Jacob Zimmer USPHS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE, MD. Ben L. Bone Thomas Mungo E. Bueno F. L. O'Laughlin Rosario Copani John Ossmon David Caldwell Murray A. Plyler Ben H. Faulk Matias Puchero Clarence Gardner Alexander Rever Gorman T. Glaze Stanley Rodgers Sam Hacker Joseph Roll Frederick Harris G. H. Seeberger Walter Jackson August A. Smith Jan .S. Kozerski John A. Smith Alejandio Lopez Lloyd Wilson Waller MitcheU Joseph Williams USPHS HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. Joseph H. Berger L. A. Ready Raoul P. Cabrera Fred Reimolt John P. Cox Chas. J. Sincere A. B. Ismail William C. Watson Olus J. McCann Lewie A. Wilkerson Quitting Ship? Notify Union A reminder from SIU head­ quarters cautions all Seafarers leaving their ships to contact the hall in ample time to allow the Union to dispatch a replace­ ment. Failure to give notice be­ fore paying off ipay cause a de­ layed sailing, force the ship to sail short of the manning re­ quirements and needlessly make the work tougher for your ship­ mates, . ' USPHS HOSPITAL BOSTON, MASS. Florenclo Letle George D. Rourke James A. Patrice Steven A. Wimami William J. Powers USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH, GA. Jimmle Littleton James T. Moore Roy H. McCance Willie C. Sanders Fred Miller Luther Vaughn Jr. USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON, TEXAS B. F. Grlce Nighbert Stratoa Louie HoUlday USPHS HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. -B. E. McLeod F. R. Napoll USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK, VA. Dewey GUlikln Joseph C. WaUacs USPHS HOSPITAL SAN JUAN. PR Florlan J. GUnski USPHS HOSPITAL MIAMI. FLA. James W. Canard USPHS HOSPITAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS B. F. Delbler W. E. OrzechowsU Siegfried Gnittke John C. Palmer James R. Hodges A. J. Panepinte VA HOSPITAL HOUSTON. TEXAS John P. Williamson EASTERN SHORE STATE HOSPITAL CAMBRIDGE, MD. Thomas R. Lehny VA HOSPITAL BOSTON. MASS. Thomas W. KiUion SAILORS SNUG HARBOR STATEN ISLAND. NY Victor B, Cooper USPHS HOSPITAL MEMPHIS. TENN, Charles Burton MONTEBELLO CHRONIC DISEASE HOSPITAL BALTIMORE,. MDj.,-. !; • • FHinclsco Bueno Welfare Assist is Appreciated Union Benefits Called Big Help Offers Thanks For SIU Help All Set To Go On The Town The gang's all spruced' up ready to go ashore after the pay­ off of the Yaka on the West Coast. Included are Kramer, bosun; Pricll, deck engineer; Bob White, AB, dnd Chandler, steward. Sam Joseph handled the, camera work. , : �December tO, 1957 fTIIL DISIONIR (Itthmlan), Sapt. t-^halrman, a. Wriihti Saeralary, J. RMC. Roma rapal?» mada, Diacuiiion t>ai improper handling of repalra. Vet* o< thankf to delegate. New delagata and reporter elected. Proper •ttire to he worn In meaahall and pentrr. Keep paaaagewaya clean: cota ta ba put away aaiely. Laundry to be aleaned up after uaing. Return hooka to library after reading. Nov. 10—Chairman, C. Wright; Sec­ retary, (none). Special meeting. New delegate elected. Present delegate hospitalized in Karachi; DIL MAR (Miss.), Nov. S—Chair­ man, R. Steugh; Secretary, C. Dowl- ing. Two men hospitalized—Hq. notiSed. Ship's fund S127. Purchased movies^ repaired machine: S50 given to two hospitalized men: SIO to re- ;patrlated seamen. Some disputed ot. Reports accepted. Movies to be purChased next trip. Leaks in silver locker to be repaired—unsafe. ARMONK (Overseas), Nov. 10— Chairman, A. Ressko; Secretary, J. Sulllvsn. Repairs to be made. Beefs to be taken to dept. heads. Reporter elected. One man missed ship. Re­ port accepted. Need hot water In laundry. Need new line for hot water. General cleaning in passageways, meashalls A foc'sles. Ship being laid up. Repairs to be done in messhalla and recreation room. Dogs to be re­ paired. Donations for ship's fund re­ quested. OCEAN iVA (Maritime Overseas), Sept. IS—Chairman, H. Hutchlns; Sec­ retary, W. Anderson. All rooms in crew quarters painted: all other re­ pairs made. Report from PH read tocrew re: coal beef. Vote of thanks to men taking these Jobs. Vote of thanks to delegate for good Job in keeping men on the ball; also to steward dept. for good food and service. ELIZABETH (Bull), Nov. 17—Chair­ man, F. Dunn; Secretary, H. Dombrowskl. Some repair lists prepared. Some disputed ot. No heating facili­ ties in bosun's room. Safety delegate elected. Report aceepted. Welfare plan list posted. Laundry to be closed in port and key to be retained by ' gangway watch. ; JOHN B. WATERMAN (Waterman), Nov. IS—Chairman, C. Walter; Secre­ tary, D. Pontes. New delegate elected. Report accepted. New treasurer and reporter elected. Discussion on linen change. Bread from shore is dry. MICHAEL (Carres), Nov. 11—Chair­ man, B. Brown; Secretary, J. Harty. Floral wreath sent to deceased mother of brother—paid off in Corpus Christ! and flew home. Collected S22 for flowers—will make another donation at payoff. Few hours disputed ot. Vote of thanks to steward dept Col­ lection to be taken up for ship's fund at payoff. HASTINGS (Waterman), Nov. 17— Chairman, D. Byrne; Secretary, J. wells. No beefs. New delegate elect­ ed. Repair list to be checked for repairs. ^ FELTORG (Ore Nav.), Nov. 27 — Chairman, C. Locke; Secretary, D. Pearre. One man missed ship. One man hospitalized in Canal Zone. New delegate elected. Bathrooms need re­ pairing. ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), Nov. 24— Chairman, C. DeHospedeles; Secre­ tary, R. Hall. Report on Robin Lines, longshore beef. Beefs to be taken to dept. delegates. Ship's fund S4.20. Requested shelves for rain and cold weather gear. Reports accepted. CAROLYN (Bull), Nov. 26—Chair­ man, J. Pachece, Jr., Secretary, A. iSela. .Sick man paid off in PR. Few hours disputed ot. To see patrolman SEAFARER& about washing marhlne. thanks to steward d>ipt. Vote of Hiy Gang! WILLIAM H. CARRUTH (Penn.), Nov. n—Chairman, L. HInson; Secre­ tary, M. Oswald. New delegate elect­ ed. Four men missed ship in Mobile. No ice water in scuttle butt. Tank broken—^needs replacing. STEEL ARCHITECT (Isthmian), Nov. 17—Chairman, C. Saver; Secretary, C. GATEWAY CITY (Pan Atlantic), Nov. 2a—Chairman, J. Martus; Secre­ tary, J. Austin. Repairs to be made. One man hurt in Tampa. Ship's fund $2.30. One man missed ship. Repair lists to be turned in to mate and engineers. See patrolman about heat during hot weather In aft quarters. Suggestion ot have cold drinks in hot weather. SEATRAIN NBW YORK (Seatrain), Nev. 2$—Chairman, H. Lynch; Secre­ tary, C. Oliver. Few hours disputed ot. Three men getting off. Vote of thanks to steward dept. for Job well done in culinary dept. STEEL ARTISAN (Isthmian), Oct. 27 —Chairman, J. Justus; Secretary, D. Grant. New washing put aboard. Dinner party held at NY from safety award was huge success. Everyone had wonderful time. Ship's fund $22. Discussed mall situation. Due to diffi­ culty in sending mail: steward con­ sented to handle maU where possible. CITIES S E R V I C B BALTIMORE (Cities Service), Nev. 29—Chairman, H. Waller; Secretary, L. P. Hagmann. All repairs completed. Two men fired due to drunkenness. Reports accepted. Sanitary men to do all cleaning of quarters and passageways. Members requested to keep cigarette urns clean except for cigarette butts. List of rules posted. Messhall to be clean at all times. Vote of thanks to cook for very fine Thanksgiving dinner. LA SALLE (Waterman), Nev. >— Chairman. J. Ballay; Secretary, G. Bales. One man missed ship. One man hospitalized. Men did not turn to for securing. Ship's fund $S.40. One man created disturbance on ship. OREMAR (Ore Nav.), Nov. 21 — Chairman, B. Flmovicz; Secretary, E. A. Boyd. Ship's fund S33.76. Rec­ ommend that members be more order­ ly in using night pantry. Suggestion .to post instructions near washing ma­ chine for proper use. TurkeyDay'ColdLimch' Had 'Em All Shook Up Elvis Presley may have everybody "all shook up" on the musical front, but the steward on the Neva West easily nlatched him when he pulled a fast menu switch on the top­ side gang last Thanksgiving-f — in Brownsville, Texas. of fare for Thursday, November The day began innocently 28: "Dinner . . . Cold Lunch." SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Seatrain), Nov. 27—Chairman, C. Lee, Jr., Sec­ retary, R. May. Ship's fund $44.22. One man missed ship. Few hours dis­ puted ot. Discussion on electrician dissatisfaction. To be referred to boarding patrolman. Chea. Milk shortage. One man missed ship in Long Beach—reported to SIU hall. Few hours disputed ot. Reports accepted. Motion to discuss sanitary conditions with patrolman and get better living conditions. Only dele­ gates to report beefs to patrolman. Need more logs. No lava soap on ship. Discussion on new shipping call —crew in favor of old system. See patrolman about repairs. Ship to be fumigated for rats and roaches. Dis­ cussion on painting of rooms and decks. Lack ot cooperation and in­ sufficient funds for painting—^to be referred to Board of Health. Pare Thirteen LOG Beaming smiles on these two handsome youngsters -broad­ cast a cheery hello to all hands. The boys are Jimmy, 5 (left), and Joey, 3, sons of Seafarer Partha Jernigan, oiler, of Brentwood, LI, NY. enough. Steward Walter R. Geis typed out the day's menus for top­ side and then sent them up. Soon after, the Neva West's skipper. Captain Snodgrass, came down to the saloon for coifee and found a "hell of a roar going on" with all the officers trying to talk at once. When it finally quieted down enough for the captain to ask what was the matter, the answer was, "By God, captain, have you looked at the menu for today yet? This is Thanksgiving Day—and In port— and what do we have but a cold lunch!" And there it was on the bill 'SPOT PHOTOS RECORD CARGO MISHAP ON ROVER The knack of being in the right place at the right time with your camera loaded and ready is one of the sure-fire ways of getting good "spot" pictures when something's happening. Right on tap at pierside in-* Honolulu when a shoreside crane it was trying to put aboard crane failed while loading and smashed into the ship. The deck cargo for the Steel Rover, Seafarer Lawrence Chapman was able to grab his shots long before local news photographers even heard about the mishap. Chapman's photos covered all phases of the mishap from the time the shoreside crane failed until a floating crane was put to work the next morning to right things once again. No one was reported hurt but some of the handrails and awning supports on the fantail of the Rover took a beating when the dock crane lost an 18-ton Navy deck cargo fell into the drink at pier 19 and was finally retrieved when divers hooked up its lines to a floating crane brought in to tackle the job. The accident delayed the sched­ uled sailing to l/orfolk, since the collapsed shore crane had to be removed from the ship and the deck cargo had to be. retrieved after its. overnight stay in the wa­ ter between the ship and the dock. The Rover finally got away after divers checked the ship's screw and reported no damage. SANTORB (Ore Nav.), Nev. 24— Chairman, J. Hayes; Secretary, A. Myrax. Ship's fund $12.26. New dele­ gate elected. Need new washing ma­ chine. Cups to be returned to mess hall. ROBIN LOCKSLBY (Rebin Line), Nev. 24—Chairman, E. Smith; Secre­ tary, A. Beck. Voting to take place at 2 PM. Delegate asked men to stay aboard until after election. 40 hours disputed ot. Repair list submit­ ted. Crew requested to wash clothes' in laundry before 10 PM to avoid dis­ turbing men. Keep washing machine clean. SEATRAIN GEORGIA (Seatrain), Nov. 24—Chairman, S. Charles; Sec­ retary, R. Matarahgelo. Safety meet­ ing attended by delegates—60 day shipping rule in effect and clarified. Letters to officials In Washington sent and acknowledged. Ship's fund $17.61. Report accepted. Request three kinds of ice cream, books for crew from headquarters. Crew should write Social Security Administration for accounts data. M V FONCi (Fence), Nov. 21 — Chairman, F. Miller; Secretary, W. Heater. Patrolman settle disputed ot. Ship's fund $1.33. requested to build to meet ship to Reports accepted. Donations of 80c up fund. By now all shook up like the rest of the officers, the skipper headed for the galley to find out the score. When he got there, the chief cook calmly told him that It was a holi­ day, so the steward department was going to take off for town and have Thanksgiving dinner ashore. While this seemed like a pretty reasonable thing to do, "the cap­ tain looked like he was going to blow a fuse," reported Duke Hall. Turnbuckle (1) from an unseen floating crane' astern of the Steel Rover was later attached by drivers to lines which held deck cargo (2) suspended in the water overnight. Diver (photo at right) checks his air lines before going down. A failure in a shoreside crone which was lifting on 18-ton Navy crone onto the Rover caused some damage to the ship, which left Honolulu late. at- But unable to keep it up much longer, the chef admitted the whole thing was a joke. Dinner for the Neva West, lik* on all SIU ships that day, natur­ ally included the traditional roast turkey and trimmings, among a variety of other items provided for the holiday. Other SIU ships that came in for high praise on their menus and service for Turkey Day included both Cities Service supertankers, the Miami and Baltimore, plus the Longview Victory and Jean Lafitte. No other menus have been re­ ceived by the LOG to date, but it can readily be assumed they matched all the others. 1 •~A �SEAFARERS All's Well With The Falrpert SIUHAU DIRECTORY SlU, A&G District Sa BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Earl Sheppard. Agent EAstern 7.4900 BOSTON 276 State St. James Sbeehan. Agent Riuhmond 24)140 HOUSTON.... 4202 Canal St. Robert Matthews. Agent Capital 3-4089: 3-1080 LAKE CHARLES, La 1419 Ryan St. Leroy Clarke. Agent HEmlock 6-5744 MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Cal Tanner. Agent HEmlock 2-1754 MORGAN CITY 912 Front St. Tom Gould, Agent Phone 2156 NEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St. Lindsey Williams. Agent Tulane 8626 NEW YORK 675 4th Ave., Brooklyn HYacinth 9-6600 NORFOLK .......127-129 Bank St. Ben Rees, Agent MAdlson 2-9834 PHILADELPHIA..,. 337 Market St. S. Cardullo. Agent Market 7-1635 PUERTA de TIERRA PR .... 101 Pelayo Sal Colls. Agent . Phone 2-5996. SAN FRANCISCO . 450 Harrison St. M^rty Breithoff, Agent Douglas 2-5475 SAVANNAH .2 Abercorn St. B. B. McAuley. Agent . Adams 3-1728 SEATTLE, 3505 1st Ave. Jen GiUette, Agent Elliott 4334 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. Tom Banning, Agent Phone 2-1323 WILMINGTON, Calif.... 505 Marine Ave. Reed Humphries, Agent Terminal 4-2874 HEADQUARTERS....675 4th Ave.. Bklyn. SECRCTARY-TREASURER Paul HaU ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS J. Algina, Deck C. Simmons. Joint J. Volplan, Eng. W. Hall, Joint £. Mooney, Std. R. Matthews. Joint Lined up for some picture-tak­ ing, Seafarers on tne Fairport take a breather in the messhall during coffeetime. In­ cluded in the gang (above, i to r) are W. McBride, DM; Woody. Pesen, deck engineer; Robbie, OS; Jimmy, DM; J. Nagy, wiper, and Ted, AB. At right are R. M. Godwin, night cook and baker (left), and chief cook J. B. Fernan­ dez in the messhall. The pic­ ture-taken in both cases were not identified. LOG-A-RHYTHM: SUP HONOLULU Chasing Memories By M. Dwyer And saw once more the wrinkles Last night I chased a memory. deep And caught it on the fly; You'll never know the thrill In the corners of blue eyes. it brings Until someday you try. The leather-tanned skin. From sun and wind. From too much ocean spray; The utter splendid ecstasy These features Forgotten now and then, By too much living in the present, Sometimes I can see. Forever and a day. And forgetting when. Oh, count your blessings, women fair. Whose men still till the sod. Who crave no more to sail the sea, Though seamen's hearts Last night I chased a memory. Through bright, star-studded skies Were made by God. Your heart will sing And thrill once more. To happy days And countless bliss. Editor, SEAFARERS LOG, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn 32, NY I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG — please >ut my name on your mailing ist. (Print Information) NAME STREET ADDRESS For when a man the ocean roams And leaves behind his home. He sometimes wakes in dead of night Or thinks on watch alone. Then memories are all you'll have To cling to, fast and true. And jealousy will fill your heart Lest he's forgotten you. You'll wonder, if it pays to be So faithful and so true. Then count the months. The weeks, the days. Til he sails back to you. H/IVB encoH UNO ZONE .. STATE TO'AVOID DUPLICATION: If you • ra an old fu|>tcribai and have a ehanga of addrett, pieasa give your former addrett below: ADDRESS .............. CITY .........ZONE... ST^KTE' . . •a a', ."a a a a a a a a Canadian District HALIFAX, N.S 128Mi HoUis St. Phone 3-8911 634 St. James St. West PLateau 8161 FORT WILLIAM 408 Simpson St. Untario Phone; 3-3221 PORT COLBORNE 103 Durham St. Ontario Phone: 5591 TORONTO, Ontario 272 King St. E. EMpire 4-5719 VICTORIA, BC 617% Cormorant St. EMpire 4531 VANCOUVER, BC 298 Main St. Pacific 3468 SYDNEY, NS 304 Charlotte St. Phone: 6346 BAGOTVILLE, Quebec 20 Elgin St. Phone: 545 THOROLD, Ontario 52 St. Davids St. MONTREAL CAnal 7-3202 [HOW VO VOO 44 Sault-au-Matelot Phone; 3-1569 177 Prince William St. OX 2-5431 Great Lakes District ALPENA 1215 N. Second Ave. Phone: 713-J BUFFALO, NY 180 Main St. Phone: Cleveland 7391 CLEVELAND 734 Lakeside Ave., NE Phone: Main 1-0147 DcTROlT 1038 3rd St. Phone: Woodward 1-6857 DULUTH 621 W. Superior St. Phone: Randolph 2-4110 SOUTH CHICAGO 3261 E. 92nd St. Phone: Essex 5-2410 'Sea-Spray' I'U CITY 16 Merchant St. Phone 5-8777 PORTLAND 211 SW Clay St. CApital 3-4336 RICHMOND. Calif 510 Macdonald Ave. BEacon 2-0925 SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harri.son St. Douglas 2-8363 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. Main 0290 WILMINGTON 505 Marine Ave. Terminal 4-3131 NEW YORK 675 4th Ave., Brooklyn HYacinth 9-6165 QUEBEC Quebec SAINT JOHN NB Deceoiber so; Ml LOG Kirk Raps Pay Under NMU Pact went so helpful to, me'at the time of his death, and to his shipmates from the SS Robin Hood for their coot>eration.- In To the Editor: addition. Marty Breithof and This is to inform you that Leon Johnson at the San Fran­ everything is running smoothly cisco hall have been and a^e on the SS Robin Kirk, despite the fact that we are still work­ still a great help to me, and are never too busy to give in­ ing under the NMU contract. formation and advice. We, the crew of the Robin Lastly, words cahnot express Kirk, by experiencing the con­ ditions of the NMU contract my appreciation for the kind and by our payoffs, know that and sincere letter from Paijl the NMU has played into the Hall, which I will always keep. hands of the shipping com­ Friends are wonderful to have panies with which they have in time of sorrow. Mrs. J. C. Cardan negotiated contracts. As you know, when 4" 4the NLRB election was held on board this ship, this crew voted To the Editor: 10 0 percent It looked like" old home week SIU. there in Pusan recently. Be­ The result sides our gang on the Fairport, of this elec­ the La Salle, Wild Ranger and tion expresses Rivera Maiden Creek, all V/atetman better than ships, and Ocean Evelyn and anything else hoW we feel about our Union, Hs policies, its prin­ Rebecca, two other good SIU ciples and all the progress it ships, were all there at the has made throughout the years same time. A good time was had by all in working conditions and as a lot of old buddies got to­ wages. We expect to be leaving soon gether again over a beer and from Jacksonville for Cape­ sailed a few ships from the town, which means that we bars and clubs. I know they are shall be at sea for Christmas. also looking forward to such a get-together again Normally it is nOt my habit to , pleasant soon. ask for anything, not even for Robert M. Godwin Christmas, but, on behalf of the Ship's reporter crew of the SS Robin Kirk and myself, I would like to say that 4* ii" if the best Christmas present you could give us is a cable from you stating that the Robin Kirk has been certified by the NLRB and that we may once again To the Editor: have the privilege of working Enclosed is a letter from under an SIU contract and Senator John M. Butler in under SIU conditions. answer to our compiunication Robert Rivera urging the continuation of the Ship's delegate US marine hospital program (Fd. note: Merry Christmas! as is. Santa came by early and the It should be of interest'to first four Robin ships to vote, Seafarers since Sen. Butler is including the Kirk, has have on the Senate Merchant Marine already been certified. See the Committee. ; v story on page 3.) The following is the text: "Dear Friends: i"' 4« "It is a particular pleasure to me to have the benefit of your recommendations concern­ ing the continuation of the our To the Editor: Public Health Service Hospitals. I would at this time like to "For some time now the im­ express my deep and sincere gratitude to the former ship­ portant question outlined in mates and friends of my late yoi^ letter has been of the husband, John C. "Red" Caro- greatest concern to me and I lan, who have been so kind and have always endeavored to assure the continued availabili­ thoughtful to me. . Letters and messages from ty of- these hospital facilities to many ports of the world have the American Merchant Marine. "iRest assured that I will been received, many of them since his death was reported in have your Interest in mind in the October 25th LOG. Special connection with this important thanks to the SIU men who matter during the months to were in San Francisco at dif­ come.'* ferent times during his illness The letter was signed by and visited him at home and in "John M. Butler, United States the USPHS hospital, as he really Senator." enjoyed those visits. Crewmemiiers Thanks also to the ones who SS Sanfore Ships in Pusan Hold 'Reunion' Sen. Butler Vows Aid To Hospitals Widow Lauds SIU Kindness .By Seafarer "Red" Fink tlKF �SSAFARERS ^Df^iidMr SO. 19OT r*g» iFUtfem LOG Pastrano Pays A Social Call fMt Resumes Run Undet Trusteeship MIAMI—Trustees of the bankrupt TMT Trailer Ferry, Inc., have received permission from R Federal court to put the 1 company back into service between Jacksonville, Fla.> and Puerto Rico. The court has approved in principle plans by TMT trus­ tees to negotiate with a group of businessmen interested in operat­ ing the SlU-contracted company's assets, including the heavily-mort­ gaged Carib Queen. ^ The business group has advanced the trustees $20,000 to cover ex­ penses and possible losses for a 20Tday period involved in getting three TMT barges back into serv­ ice hauling cargo now piling up on i piers in Jacksonville and Puerto Hico. In addition, the business group ihas offered to charter the Csrib jQueen for iO or 15 years at a guar­ anteed annual rental of $500,000 and has offered to finance repairs on the vessel estimated at between $350,000 to $500,000. Robin Ships Again SlU .*/• (Continued from page 3) Line fieet, on a new contract for the Robin ships. ' Seafarers on the Robin Line ships had been put under heavy pressure since the NMU raid be­ gan. They were urged either to quit the ship or come into the NMU and were promised full NMU books without payment of initiation fees as well as other advantages if only they would support the NMU. Personal pleas by NMU President .Joseph Curran were included in ^the sales pitch. •' However, as the crew of the ^Robin Kirk noted in a letter in this 'issue of the SEAFARERS LOG, working under the NMU contract convinced Seafarers that the NMU had absolutely nothing to offer them. The best Christmas present they could get, the Kirk crew said, was news that they were back un­ der an SIU agreement. Out Of Step I '"J-.. (Continued from page 5) NMU picket line. Having igpored many other picket lines such as those of AFL-CIO mates and , en gineers, the NMU president's order has^ become habitual. Curran attempted to cover up his activities in having SIU men ^ fired off Robin ships by declaring that Seafarers "were allowed to ^keep their Jobs" when Moore-McCormack bought the ships. That explains why 11 Seafarers " were fired off the Rot)in Mowbray, the only way, incidentally, the NMU could win a ship. • Caught flat-footed in his raid on Willis, which the SIU organized ^st year and won by a 69-2 count, ^rran has taken no steps to with­ draw his charge that the union shop is "illegal" and should be abolished. The Willis affair is raid­ ing of the purest and most primittve kind, with NMU representa­ tives waiting until the contract was fp be rernegotiated and then movIbg in and petitioning for disallow­ ance of the SIU-HIWD agreement ih the fleet. : These actions by Curran are un­ fortunate, and revealing of his ir­ responsibility. But they will not and have not stopped the construe-f ive program of the rest of the mariUme labor movement and nf the• ."-jps'v.s The deaths of the following Sea­ farers have been reported to the Seafarers Welfare Plan and the SIU death benefit is being paid to their beneficiaries. John H. Bove, 57j Brother Bove died of natural cauaea at the US Public Health Service Hospital in Staten Island. He became a full member of the SIU in 1944 and sailed in the steward depart­ ment on SIU ships. He is survived by his wife, Frances Jean Bove, of the Bronx, New York. Burial was in St. Ray­ mond's Cemetery, Bronx, NY. 4" 4* 1, Popular with ,SIU fight fans in New Orleans, heavyweight contender Willie Pastrano, son of Seafarer Frank Pastrano, 2nd cook, pays a social call at the SIU hall in the Crescent City. Pictured 11 to r) are Seafarers Red Gleason and Bill Storey; Dave DiVincenti, of Pastrano's camp; Pastrano; Seafarer Vic Miorana; New Orleans lightweight Ralph Dupas, and Seafarers Clyde "Whitey" Lanier, Manfred'Osborn and Joe Stocker. Both boxers began their careers gf^Sf^ii^ary's CYO gym in New OrlMns' famed French Market quarter. Pastrano's last bout was in London,, where he whipped Britain's Dick Richardson. - RECENT ARRIVALS - 4" Alfred Bokan, S3: A maUgnant tumor caused the death of Seafarer Alfred Bokan in Baltimore. Broth­ er Bokan Joined the SIU in 1943 and sailed In the deck depart­ ment. He is sur­ vived by his mother, Mrs. Helen Yager, of Georgetown, Dela­ ware. Place of burial is not known. All of the following SIU families Guy Michael Cuccia, born No­ 20.1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Fran­ have received a $200 maternity vember 21, 1957, to Seafarer and cisco Nicolas, Catonsville, Md. benefit plus a $25 bond from the Mrs. Jacob J. Cuccia Jr., New Or­ 4 4 4 Union in the baby's name: leans, La. Leon Roy Curry Jr., born Octo­ 4 4 4 ber 26, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Jane O'Krogly, bom October 24, Leon Curry, Fletcher, NC. Bessie C. Nicolas, born October 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Alfred H. O'Krogly, Plains, Pa. 4 4 4 Nature In Raw (Walled In) Is Latest Cruise Steven Carroll Poufids, born June 2, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Edwin B. Pounds, Houston, Texas. 4 4 4 Regina Lynn Tucker, born May Moore-McCormick's new vessel, the SS Brasil, will offer 19, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. John the latest in luxury cruise features next year—that of abso­ D. Tucker, Cumberland, Md. lute communion with nature, or in the language of the lay­ John William Little, born Feb­ man, nude sun bathing. The Brasil, due to enter have a secluded ar-ea where they ruary 2, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. service next year, will have a can enjoy the full benefit of the John Little Jr., Bayonne; NJ. sun." 4 4 4 Yeah, but how can the passen­ Perry Charles Bennett, born Oc­ (Continued from page 2) gers show it off? tober 27,1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. than $4.50 a ton. Huge stockpiles of coal in Europe and increasing Rodney J. Bennett, New Orleans, exports to "West Europe from Po­ La. 4 4 4 lish mines are helping to depress Sandra Allen Stringfellow, born rates. At present, the company has two November 22, 1957, to Seafarer and of its six ships stiil in operation. Mrs. Charles L. Stringfellow, Mo­ One ship, the Coal Miner, is carry­ bile, Ala. 4 4 4 ing grain. The other, the Thomas Erik Melvin Smith, born Novem­ Paine, is making its last chartered Joseph Robert Lordan delivery and wiil probably Join the ber 9, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Important that he get in touch Melvin H. Smith, Glenburnie, Md. other vessels in lay-up. with Benjamin Chex-ry, attorney, 4 4 4 "Early last year," the "Business at 1522 Race Street, Philadelphia Robin Elizabeth Thompson, born Week" article declared, "fright 2, Pa., concerning settlement of rates on coal shipped from the US October 9, 1957, to Seafarer and his mother's estate. Anybody Mrs. William R. Thompson, Mobile, to Western Europe ran as high as knowing his whereabouts urged to Ala. $22 a-ton." Had American Coal notify the above. 4 4 4 not attempted to operate with a William Wayne House, born No­ company union of deck and engine 4 4 4 officers, it probably would have vember 19, 1957, to Seafarer and Anyone knowing the whereabouts gotten 30 ships out and capitalized Mrs. William A. House, Ormond of chief mate Thomas Heaney or Beach, Fla. on the rate bonanza. Nick Leone is asked to contact 4 4 4 Even after the beef began, the Michael Lewis Tulp, born No­ special solarium deck built atop the Robert Welker at 219 48th St., dispute could have been quickly Union City, NJ, or call Union settled to the benefit of the com­ vember 18, 1957, to Seafarer and liner's dummy funnel. To keep 4-8627. pany and the unions on the basis Mrs. John Tulp Jr., Galveston, within the limits of respectability, the deck will be split by a "solid" 4 4 4 of AFL-CIO president George Texas. wall forming two rooms, one for Tony "Art" Cornman, FWT Meany's proposal last February 21. 4 4 4 Edward V. Giiabert, born August the ladies and one for the men. Get in touch with your wife, Meany called for the SIU to with­ draw from the fleet if the NMU 5,-1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Ven­ (How high is that wall, anyway?) Mary, at 3119 Baldwin St., Los would agree to support the li­ tura Giiabert Colas, Brooklyn, NY. The sun worshippers will relax be­ Angeles 31, Calif., as soon as pos­ hind a curved solex glass wind­ sible. Very important. censed officers' unions in their bid 4 4 4 Vincent Joseph MllauesI, born shield and toast to their hearts' for a contract. The SIU agreed to 4 4 4 the Meany proposal but the NMU October 22, 1957, to Seafarer and content. Federal income tax and state In announcing the new feature, Mrs. Eugene MilanesL Brooklyn, refused. Robert Lee, vice-chairman of the social security refunds are being In the view of SIU headquarters, NY. board, said that the company was held for the following men by F. P. had the NMU gone along with the 4 4 4 Jose Romero Jr., born August 24, merely keeping up with the times Corcoran, Room 201, SUP Building, Meany proposal, the. company would have had no alternative but 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Jose L. "There is a demand for solaria of 450 Harrison St., San Franciscn, this kind. They are very popular Calif.: to contract for officers with - the Romero, Houston, Texas. iir tropical regions. On our thirtyKarl E. Eriksson, Walter F. AFL-CIO licensed officers' unions. 4 4 4 James Lewis Perclvai, born Oc­ one day cruises to South America Hudgens, Walter J. Oaks, Don L. In that instance, the coal fleet op­ eration would have heen the bon­ tober 3lii 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs, opportunities to get a good healthy Pagel, Sverre R. Pederssen, Charles anza it was originaDy ekpected to James L. . Percival, Charleston coat of tan are Unsurpassed. So Russeli, Carl E. H. Snygg aAd Luis • . iWA/Vljy not let the sun worshippers: E. Torres. Heights,-: Coal Ships To Go In Boneyard i - 'aj •'.'rs f -^1 I �••ai • •' •. • sfs-r •1'-' ^ { •. " i- - '. SEAFARERS LOG • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL U N IO N • AT LA NTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO • t: h I nl\ ^o9t } iiiliT * 4,1 .1 11 ii . S'-' / J" SiJ-: t'-fw- , ers I»«e''»""°."f ^tcIO & Gulf � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959 Description An account of the resource Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 20, 1957 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU CERTIFIED ON FOUR ROBIN SHIPS AFL-CIO VOTES M’TIME POLICY, OUSTS 3 UNIONS BAKERS OUT OF AFL-CIO; COOPER OUT OF BAKERS COAL SHIPS HEADED BACK TO BONEYARD AFL-CIO HITS ONE-SIDED PROPOSALS ON LABOR LAWS ’50-50’ PROPS US SHIPS AGAINST SLUMP CALIF. UPSETS JOBLESS $ BAN, OK’S 60-DAY RULE 24 APPLY FOR UNION’S SCHOLARSHIP BULL FILES SUPREME COURT APPEAL ON SIU’S STRIKE POLISH RUN SHIP GETS RADIATION SCRUTINY BME, SIU WIN BIG $$ GAINS FOR WILLIS OFFICERS US, REDS SPEED ATOM SHIP PLANS ROBIN LINE SHIPPING CHEERS NY NEW MEBA UNIT FORMED FOR LAKES PRIME MINISTER ENTERD CANADIAN SIU STRIKE; SEE SETTLEMENT NEAR MTD ACTS ON MARITIME PROBLEMS 3RD TRAILERSHIP ENTERS SERVICE DEFENSE COUNCIL AFFIRMS NEED FOR MERCHANT FLEET HOLD UP SUEZ CANAL EXPANSION, NEED $ STARTS WORK ON ‘SEAWAY’ BETWEEN N’ORLEANS, GULF BALT. BUSY WIH SHIPS, FESTIVITIES ROBIN SIU CREWS WELCOMED BACK TMT RESUMES RUN UNDER TRUSTEESHIP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/20/1957 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XX, No. 2 1957 Periodicals Seafarers Log