http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/213983a845c2d93e7048cb36c5ef0f04.PDF 32dffa9e0ed8c30b94fca5f22f9cbb5f PDF Text Text SlUNA 14th BIENNIAL CONVENTION ISSUE SEAFARERSWLOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO I^ ^^SIU Produces Youngest Merchant Marine Officer Page 3 Union Solidarity Stressed ]^rongh Ship Committees M * —f . A n �Page Two SEAFARERS 1969 LOG No—You're Not Seeing Double S/ff Seeks Expanded US-Flag Role In Shipping To Soviet-Bioi Coantries WASHINGTON — SIUNA President Paul Hall has urged Congress to expand the role of American-flag shipping in com­ merce with Soviet-bloc nations. Testifying before the Senate Banking and Currency Commit­ tee during hearings on the Ex­ port Expansion and Regulation Act of 1969, HaU called for language that would "clearly set forth that at least 50 percent of ail this cargo—and more, if pos­ sible — should move aboard American-built, American-own­ ed and American-manned mer­ chant vessels." Hall was sharply critical of language inserted in the bill by the Subcommittee on Interna­ tional Finance, which would have denied to the President the right to stipulate the use of American-flag merchant ships for the carriage of cargo to the Soviet Union and its satellites. The full Committee voted to reopen the record for the hear­ ings after receiving protests from maritime management and labor that the proposed language would, as Hall put it, "abandon certain minimal participation by the American merchant marine in still another phase of our na­ tion's waterbome commerce." Reflations providing for the participation of American-own­ ed shipping in the movement of cargoes to the Soviet Union and her satellites were issued during the Administration of the late President Kennedy and are still in force, although they have been watered down so that they now require 50 percent Amer­ ican vessel participation only in the movement of wheat and flour destined for the Red-bloc nations. Hall attacked the Subcommit­ tee proposal on five major grounds. He told the Committee: • "The proposed language . . . would run counter to the historic concept of providing preference for American-flag vessels in the carriage of our country's trade. • "The proposed language would serve as the opening wedge in a new assault on the entire cargo preference pro­ gram. • "The proposed new restric­ tions would work to the detri­ ment of our balance of pay­ ments—in which we have exper­ ienced a chronic deficit. • "The proposed language would have an adverse, and per­ haps fatal, impact on our al­ ready dwindling merchant marine fortunes. • "Finally, the proposal would give new impetus to the Soviet drive for world maritime supremacy." In calling for inclusion of language to give the merchant marine a share in the trade that is being developed, the SIUNA president noted that the legisla­ tion "is supposed to strengthen America's trading position in the world community." He urged the Committee to develop such a program "in terms of Amer- OH Reserves ef Alaska Seen Potential Been to US Tankers WASHINGTON —The dis­ cover}' of huge oil resems on Alaska's North Slope can lead to a multi-billioq-dollar shot in the arm for the American ship­ building and shipping industry, a prominent Washington attor­ ney asserted here last month. However, Marvin J. Coles, counsel for the Committee of American Tanker Operators, warned, this infusion of new life into the maritime industry will hinge on beating back any attacks on the 40-year-old Jones Act, which reserves domestic waterbome cargo for Americanbuilt, American-owned and American-manned vessels. Speaking at a meeting spon­ sored by the 7.5-million-member AFL-OO Maritime Trades De­ partment, Coles said that past attacks on the Jones Act con­ cept "have been defeated with minor exception. But the huge new stakes in the tanker pro­ gram for moving Alaskan oil may bring out fiercer attacks than ever. They must be re­ pulsed." Coles told the gathering of government, industry and labor officials that it would require more than 30 new tankers of 250,000 deadweight tons each to move the oil from Alaska to ports in the continental United States. He said this would provide "about $1.5 billion of construc­ tion work for American ship­ yards, wages for American ship­ building personnel, and then em­ ployment opportunities fpr the next 20 years for American sea­ men." He emphasized that the demand for tankers to move the Alaskan oil could ccmie "on top of our need to replace over 50 percent of our current tanker fleet in the next 10 years." The representative of the tanker operators put particular stress on the fact that the tankerbuilding program would result in vessels that would be "built and operated without requiring one penny of government sub­ sidy for construction or opera­ tion. There is no need for ap­ propriations or for new legis­ lation. These vessels will be built because of the economic needs of the American oil in­ dustry; and they will be built in American yards and operated by American seamen so long as the provisions of the Jones Act are maintained." ica's total resources," and asked that Congress "not discriminate against an American industry that, in the last analysis, is vitd to the development of our full trading potential." Inclusion of language guar­ anteeing a share of the ship­ ments for American vessels. Hall said, "would mean more jobs for American seamen, more jobs for American shipyard workers, more jobs in scores of related trades and services." He pointed out that this would mean "more jobs for thousands of American citizens who, after all, were customers of the Amer­ ican farmer long before the Soviet Union and her satellites, and will be customers long after­ ward." y-— •i, '7! 1 • "TKRV i yj 411 THE LOG photographer did a double-take when he spotted identical twins Kelly and Kim Murray strolling around SlU headquarters and looking very pretty. He found daddy, Dan Murray, who sails as FWT, and snapped this photo. That's Kelly, left, and Kim, right. Following SIUNA Protests: ICC Extends Barge Tow Mixing Rule; Gives Congress Six Months to Act WASHINGTON —The rule which permits barges to haul mixed tons of regulated nonbulk commodities in the same tow with bulk exempt commodi­ ties without subjecting all to reg­ ulation has been extended by the Interstate Commerce Commis­ sion for the duration of the cur­ rent calendar year. An extension had been re­ quested by Chairman Warren G. Magnuson (D-Wash.) of the Senate Commerce Committee as well as by Chairman Harley O. Staggers (D-W.Va.) of the House Foreign and Interstate Com­ merce Committee. Senator Mag­ nuson had asked for an indefi­ nite extension; Representative Staggers had requested six months. Both actions took place after four SIUNA officers — Vice President Earl Shepard; Paul Drozak of Houston; Gordon Spencer of Norfolk and Merle Adlum of Seattle — strongly urged support of legislation which would prevent "strangula­ tion" of the tug and barge in­ dustry on inland waterways. The SIUNA representatives had appeared before the Sub­ committee on Transportation and Aeronautics of the House Interstate Commerce Committee in support of three bills—^H.R. 8298, H.R. 8376 and H.R. 8509 — which would eliminate "unrealistic language" now in the Interstate Commerce Act. The wording of the Act de­ fines an entire string of barges as a single "vessel" and also de­ fines "bulk cargo" in a manner which, the Union pointed out, would tie the industry to prac­ tices prevalent 30 years ago, and now out-moded and impractical in view of the much longer barge tows of today, which move 50,000 tons of cargo at a time. Nevertheless, the IOC had recentiy proposed to implement these provisions, althou^ it had twice before delayed putting the requirements into effect in order to permit congressional action to change the law. Subsequently, the House Sub­ committee on Transportation and Aeronautics approved a compromise barge mixing rule which would require water car­ riers hauling dry bulk commod­ ities to file rates with the ICC on both regulated and non-regu­ lated commodities. This is regarded by Union and industry spokesmen as dele­ terious because it would, in ef­ fect, place all commodities un­ der regulation. Beyond this, the subcommittee bill would not change the out-of-date cargo definitions which state which dry bulk commodities may be carried exempt from regulation. Most important, the subcom­ mittee version would not lift the limitation which -prohibits the carriage of more than three dry bulk commodities in a tow of barges without subjecting the en­ tire tow to regulation. The SIU has pointed out that, unless this section is amended, "barge operators are going to be forced to split tows according to the number or type of commod­ ity carried." This, the Union warned, would mean lower util­ ization of equipment, causing increased rates for shippers which would be passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices for commodities. - II * il /4tk SIUNA Biemial Convention CMveaesin Washington My 28 WASHINGTON — Prepara­ tions are largely completed for the convening of the Fourteenth Biennial Convention of the Sea­ farers International Union of North America which will get underway at the Statler-Hilton Hotel here on Monday, July 28 and continue through Friday, August 1. The SIUNA Executive Board will meet on Thursday, July 24 at Piney Point, Maryland. Delegates representingSIUNA affiliates from the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean ydll attend what is expected to be the largest SIUNA convention ever held. The delegates, representing the more than 85,000 members of SIUNA district and local un­ ions, will deal with matters oi concern to the International, the U.S. labor movement, the mari­ time industry and the crafts and industries represented by SIUNA affiliates. T^ey will also map future International policies and programs and hear reports of the affiliated unions. Represented at the conven­ tion will be deep sea Seafarers, tug and other inland water boat­ men, railroad marine tugmen and dredgemen, fishermen, can­ nery workers as well as workers employed in the transportation services and other allied crafts. During its daily sessions the week of July 28 through August 1, the convention will hear from a number of speakers represent­ ing the maritime industry, the organized labor movement, and numerous governmental agen­ cies. * y �July, 1969 SEAFARERS Page Three LOG THE SEAMRBR AND EDUCOION m/Ot/- ^OeATtOMAL' ACAPeMIC Seafarer Bob McKay Licensed at 19 NEW YORK — Robert Mc­ Kay—a graduate of the SIU's Harry Lundeberg School of Sea­ manship — is the youngest li­ censed oflBcer in the U.S. mer­ chant marine. McKay, who be­ gan his sailing career at the age of 16 when he entered the Un­ ion's training school in Brook­ lyn, received his ""2# assistant engineer's license on his 19th birth­ day, the mini­ mum age for MeKav l^o^ing a license under Coast Guard regulations. Young McKay received his li­ cense June 20 in a brief cere­ mony at the 3rd Coast Guard District Headquarters on Gov­ ernor's Island here. The presen­ tation was made by Admiral Mark A. Whalen, Commander of the USCG Eastern District The story of Bob McKay's remarkable achievement is more than a story of setting a mari­ time record that can never be beaten. It is the story of an ele­ mentary school dropout heading for trouble, and the Seafarer's training program that helped him chart a new course. McKay was 15 when he dropped out of school. He had been in a few minor scrapes and, as he says, "I was starting out on the wrong track, and I could have been heading for big trouble if I didn't do something about it." He was lucky. Just after his 16th birthday, McKay enrolled in the SIU's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Brook­ lyn. It was at the school that he learned some of the basics of seamanship but — equally im­ portant—also began to un­ derstand the meaning of disci­ pline, cooperation and responsi­ bility. When he completed training in August, 1966, he went to sea for the first time, sailing as wiper aboard the Northwestern Victory on an ammunition run to Vietnam. He later shipped on the Forteleza and, in August 1967, enrolled in the SIU's up­ grading school. He successfully completed the comprehensive study course and received a Q.M.E.D. endorse­ ment as fireman, oiler, and water tender. He then returned to sea, sailing as oiler on the Monticello Victory, and later on Success in Varied fields Achieved Through Aimuul SlU Scholarships NEW YORK—During the last 16 years, the SIU has helped 83 men and women fulfill their vocational ambitions in life through the aid of individual college scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each. Awarded annually since 1953, the scholarships have gone to 25 Seafarers and 58 children or legal dependents of Seafarers. The SIU was the first mari­ time union to award college scholarships and this program has not only helped Union mem­ bers but has also served the com­ munity at large as well. All of the recipients of these scholarships not only had excel­ lent scholastic averages. They also expressed an intense inter­ est in the world around them. It is not surprising, therefore, that many SIU scholars are now following careers which directly aid their fellow men and the areas in which they live. For instance, two scholarship winners, Seymour Wallace and Alma Jimenez Colls are both medical doctors today, while a third recipient, Lembhard G. Howell, served as Assistant At­ torney General in the state of Washington for two years before opening his own law office. Dr. Colls was one of the first four students to receive SIU : ... Seafarers Scholarship Advisory Committee consists of (l-r): Dr. Eiwood C. Kastner, N.Y.U.: Charles D. O'Connell, University of Chicago; Edna M. Newby, Rutgers University: Richard M. Keefe, St. Louis University; Dr. Charles A. Lyons, Jr., Howard Uni­ versity; and Dr. Bernard B. Ireland, College Entrance Exam Board. the Houston and the Transeastem. In February, 1969, McKay was accepted for admission to the Engineering School, which is jointly sponsored by the SIU and the Marine Engineers Bene­ ficial Association, Efistrict 2. After an intensive four-month course of instruction, he was graduated with an 84 percent average, and sat for his license on June 9. On June 17, he was notified by the Coast Guard that he had passed the exami­ nation, but that he would have to wait three days—until his 19th birthday—^before he could receive his license. [More than 330 Seafarers have earned engineers licenses —^from third assistant through chief engineer—after complet­ ing training at the- SIU-MEBA District 2 school, and a total of 2,205 unrated Seafarers have received Q.M.E.D. endorse­ ments through the Harry Lunde­ berg School of Seamanship.] Although he is only 19, Bob McKay realizes that the train­ ing he has been given has opened the door to a new and more productive way of life for him. "The Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship gave me an opportunity that I never thought would be open to me," McKay said. "It has offered me, and a lot of other young guys I've known at school and at sea, a chance to make it." Commenting on McKay's achievement, SIUNA president Paul Hall said: "Bob McKay has been a credit to the SIU, and I'm certain he will be a credit to the MEBA, District 2. We are fortunate to have him, and other youngsters like him, as members of our Union. These young men are becoming the skilled professional Seafar­ ers of today, and they represent the future of this Union." Anyone can do it if he really wants to and is willing to work hard, youngest U.S. merchant marine offi­ cer Robert McKay tells eager trainee group at HLSS in Piney Point as he proudly displays new license. scholarships when the program was originated in 1953. She had placed 17th in a high school class of 396 and even then planned to become a doctor. In 1958 she graduated with the title of doctor from the Col­ lege of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico. Her father. Seafarer Pedro Jimenez of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, sailed in the engine de­ partment. Dr. Wallace, who was the first Seafarer to receive his M.D. un­ der the scholarship program, graduated in 1959 from Colum­ bia University's College of Phy­ sicians and Surgeons. When awarded his scholar­ ship in 1954, Wallace was a premedical student at Long Island University. While studying at Columbia, Dr. Wallace continued to sail with the SIU during his first two summers. He had been a Sea­ farer since 1948 when he was 18 years old. An AB, he usually sailed on Bull Line or Missis­ sippi ships. A 1964 graduate of New York University Law School, Lembhard G. Howell received his SIU scholarship in 1955 after graduating from New York's Charles Evans Hughes High School where he won the institution's highest award for character and scholastic achieve­ ment. He had been president of the school's General Organization and wrote for the school news­ paper as well as the Mathematics Seymour Wallace, AB to M.D. and Science Department publi­ cations. Attending Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., Howell covered the normal four-year course in three years and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He served as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve before at­ tending NYU's Law School. Howell later went to the state of Washington on a Ford Foun­ dation grant from the National Center for Education in Politics and eventually was appointed Assistant Attorney General in 1966. Two years later he went into private practice and in March of this year established the law firm of Miller and Howell in Seattle. In 1966-67 Howell was elected State President of the Young Democrats and for the past two years he has been a member of the Seattle-King County Municipal League. His father. Seafarer Cleveland Alexander Howell, retired on an SIU pension in 1965. These three men and women are typical examples of the many SIU scholarship winners who are leading varied and worth­ while careers today. And following in their path to higher scholastic achievement each year are new award recipi­ ents, each chosen by an impar­ tial committee of six prominent educators from institutions of learning around the country. Their annual selection of win­ ning recipients is based upon the candidates' performance on the / Lembhard G. Howell College Entrance Examination Board tests or the American College Testing Program, to­ gether with the candidates' gen­ eral scholastic background and qualities of leadership. �SEAFARERS P&ge Four July, 1969 LOG ' i • William Foley, A.B. on the Amer­ ican Victory, graduated from Piney Point in 1967 and earned his AB's ticket there in 1968. PINEY POINT, Md. — The Harry Lundeberg School of Sea­ manship—the largest training facility for merchant seamen in the nation—^is nearing the end of its second year of opera­ tion here. The product of joint SIUindustry cooperation, the school has developed extensive training and upgrading programs which have served the dual purpose of providing careers to many dis­ advantaged youngsters and fur­ nishing a flow of superbly-train­ ed manpower for the ships cf America's merchant marine. Beyond this, it has enabled hundreds of Seafarers to up­ grade to higher ratings up tp and including licensed officer status. The opening of operations here in August, 1967 marked the beginning of a program to consolidate all of the SIU's training facilities which had been operating at a number of ports since 1953. The Union's training activities had their beginnings in the peri­ od immediately following the Korean War. The program grew out of the Union's belief that the training of unlicensed sea­ men is labor's—^not govern­ ment's concern—and that it is the Union's task to provide qualifled manpower when and where needed aboard its contracted veissels. Over the years,, the training program focused on three key areas: • Trmning for entry ratings. • Tcaining for l^giading. bandy Seabrook, Installs a burner on the Boston. Seabrook is a Piney Point graduate who got his FWT ticket at the SlU school. Robert Brown, left, and Vincent Bermudez, both sailing as ordinary seaman, secure lines as the Asbury Victory prepares to sail for the Far East. Brown graduated from Piney Point in September. Bermudez, who completed training at the school in February was on his first trip, Richard McDonald, oiler on the American Victory, attended the HLSS school in February, 1968. and got his FOWT in October. vides the opportunity for the eventual development of a selfsustaining operation. It is hoped that eventudly housing can be developed on this adjacent land to offer accomodations for both active and pensioned Seafarers. There are several levels of recruiting and training in the school. At the entry rating level, recmits are taken from the ages of 16 to 21 years—^up to the age of 23 for military service return­ ees. Present facilities permit a normal complement of 120 enrollees for a 60-day course. Recruits get free transportation to the school, besides room and board and $20 a week spending money. Upon graduation, they are immediately assigned to an SlU-contracted vessel and trans­ ported to the ship to embark on their new careers. Entry rating trainees are given not only education in safety and shipboard duties, but also lifeboat training as well. They are given lifeboat examinations on the Piney Point base by the U.S. Coast Guard before ship­ ping on their first vessel. Hav­ ing passed this examination and completed 90 days of seatime, they can then apply for their liefboat endorsement without further testing. As a result of this training, young men going to sea for the first time are better equipped for the job at hand than has ever been t^ case in the past A measure of the effectiveness of the SIU program is the fact that the Lundeberg School has grad­ uated over 2,000 merchant sea­ men with fewer than 100 drop­ outs. The school also facilitates the upgrading of Union members to the ratings of Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders, ABs, Electricians and all qualified men for every department In addition to its contribu­ tions to entry upgrading the HLSS has also established, in conjunction with the MEBA, District 2, Marine Engineers and Deck Officers schools for the purposo of licensing qualified men from the Engine and Deck departments. Since its inception in February, 1966, this branch of the Lundeberg School has graduated hundreds of original Third Engineers and original Second Engineers. Many other seagoing affiliates of the SIUNA have similar pro­ grams for the training of person­ nel in their own organizations. The SlUNA-affiliated Staff Officers Association recently graduated its third class of Pur­ ser-Pharmacist Mates. The Ma­ rine Firemen's Union has a training program for upgrading in the engine department. The Sailors Union of the Pacific operates the Andrew Furuseth training school and some years ago instituted the first life­ boat training school in the in­ dustry. The Marine Cooks and Stewards maintain a steward de­ partment training program and the SIU Great L^es District has a School of Marine En^neering and Navigation to help Seafarers prepare for licensing. rM sf' • Preparing for licenses as land, where the Potomac meets deck and engine oflScers. Chesapeake Bay. Here there are As the program expanded it shops for instruction in welding, was desirable to acquire suitable electricity, machinery, rigging, facilities to centralize the train­ splicing and seamanship, as well ing activities. That's where Piney as a maritime museum and Point entered the picture. A library of maritime and trade former naval torpedo training union history. base it was ideally suited to car­ The school boasts modem ry out the objectives of the Un­ classroom facilities for lectures, ion's training program. discussions and instruction; a The school is named after variety of vessels aboard which Harry Lundeberg, the founder seamen can get practical on-theand first president of the SIU, job training; and a fully equip­ and operates imder the Lunde­ ped boat basin to teach them berg philosophy that the recruit­ the basics of vessel maintenance. ing and manning of vessels falls The Lundeberg School facili­ within the area of Uni<m re- ties include comfortable bunga­ sponsibili^, rather than that of low-dormitories for the students, government agencies. a gymnasium, auditorium, swim­ ft is located on S3 acres ming pool, laundry, cafeteria bordering St Geoige's Qeek <m and commissary. the soudiemmost tip of Mary­ Adjoining farm acreage pro­ - This group of young Seafarers bave completed all requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard for their lifeboat tickets. In the first rbvV (l-r) are Charles Cothran, Michael Pait, James Fleming, Gary Davis, Richard Welch, Tom Reed, DaVid Blevin, Sam Beck, Gar Doubleday, and Harold McDavid. Second row, Instructor Tom Brooks, Lindse^''Hood, Stephen Williams, Johnnie Ferguson, John LOtz, Mike Cashion, Johnny Roundtree, Ellis Crum ihd Armando Salazar. Trainees at Piney Point get fulhlifeboat. instruction. Graduates of Piney Point lifeboat class No. 8 were (front row l-r) Ronald Hoitala, James Pedaris, Thomas Abbadessa, Coy Dillow and Carl Smith Jr. Second row: Edward Bean, Robert Giordano, William Anglemyer, David Schlosnagle, Steven Williams and Albert Trinka. Trfllflpes receive hours of instructionijai\d jfpipenience in. the.iboats. f �July, 1969 SEAFARERS Page Five LOG Opportunity Unlimited Upgrading Ladder to licensed Status Climbed by Seafarers—Young and Old Through the unique Marine Engineers and Deck Officers Up­ grading Programs, jointly spon­ sored by the SIU, the MEBA District 2, and the Associated Maritime Officers, Seafarers in the deck and engine depart­ ments—from the youngest to the oldest—have available to them an ever-present oppor-. tunity to climb the seniority ladder to rewarding licensed po­ sitions in the U.S. merchant marine. Opportunity, according to the old ad^e, rarely knocks twice during a lifetime. How­ ever, a close look at these two upgrading programs, which were conceived and instituted by the Union to further the careers of members, disproves this. Hundreds of SIU members, ranging in age from 19 to 60 and over, from every possible background, have earned li­ censes as marine engineers or deck officers through these two Union - sponsored upgrading programs. Ronald R. Spencer, director of the School of Marine Engi­ neering and Navigation, through which the engineer and deck officer upgrading programs are administered, remarked on Sea­ farers and their approach to the schools in this way: "Behind each union member who has graduated from the upgrading program to a license, there is a separate success story to tell. For each of them, it is a story of applying themselves through hard work to overcome many obstacles to achieve a goal." A close look at just a few of the Seafarers from the deck and engine departments who have earned their licenses through the school offers a panorama of individual stories, created by the men themselves, in their quest for greater knowledge and recognition in their chosen careers. Sigwart G. Nielsen, 63, is an example of a Seafarer who de­ cided late in his sailing career to apply for an engineer's li­ cense. With almost 20 years of sailing time with the SIU behind him, and the rating of Chief Electrician, this New Jersey na­ tive entered the upgrading school in March, 1966. After completing the course of in­ struction at the school in De­ cember, 1966, he passed the Coast Guard's licensing exam­ ination and was certified as a Third Assistant Engineer. Niel­ sen distinguished himself and did credit to his union by prov­ ing the basic SIU principle that a Seafarer can upgrade at any time. Norbert Patrick, 31, bom on the island of St. Vincent in the Windward Islands, is a graduate Second Engineer's License when of the SIU's Harry Lundeberg accepted by the SIU-MEBA School of Seamanship. A bos'n School of Marine Engineering while at the school, he had and Navigation in February, sailed as FOWT before apply­ 1966. Along with a perfect rec­ ing for the engineers upgrading ord of attendance in the course. program in September, 1967. Brother Singleton racked up After passing the Coast Guard grades which were well above examination, following studies average. He was certified as a at the SIU-MEBA, Dist. 2- Second Assistant in May of sponsored school, he received 1966 and is now sailing as First his license as a Third Assistant Assistant Engineer. Engineer in March, 1968. Pat­ Michael R. McKay, 22, born rick plans to upgrade to Second in New York City and a grad­ Assistant shortly. uate of the SIU's Harry Lunde­ Herbert E. Valdson, 57, was berg. School of Seamanship, is born in Tartu, Estonia. A nat­ one of the new generation of uralized U.S. citizen, he joined Seafarers which the Lundeberg the SIU in Philadelphia in 1963 School has launched on seafar­ because he wanted to serve in ing careers to man U.S. mer­ the U.S. merchant marine. He chant vessels for many years was sailing as an FOWT when to come. McKay had sailed as accepted to the engineers up­ an FOWT before entering the grading program in 1966. While engineers upgrading program in attending the school, he was November of 1967. At 20, he nicknamed the "Estonian Law- was the youngest student in the Moustakakis demonstrated a keen ability to quickly master the subjects in the course lead­ ing to a mate's license. He con­ sistently achieved high grades during attendance at the school and when he took the Coast Guard's Third Mate licensing exam in February of 1968, he scored one of the highest marks ever received on the exam by an applicant in the Port of New York. Moustakakis is now sail­ ing as a Second Mate and plans to return to the school for fur­ ther upgrading as soon as his duties permit. To say that Rudolph J. Loizzi merely picked himself up by his bootstraps—and he did—to earn a Third Mate's license would be a gross under­ statement of how he achieved his goal. He entered the mate's upgrading program in March, 1967. Until that time, the 32- license from the Coast Guard. Desire Le Berre, 49, was bom in France. He joined the SIU in the Port of New York in 1953 and before entering the mate's upgrading program in Septem­ ber of 1966, sailed as AB and bqs'n. Because of his seatime, Le Berre was able to work to­ wards a Second Mate's license at the SIU-MEBA, Dist. 2, School of Marine Engineering and Navigation. Brother Le Berre had to overcome the ad­ ded burden of a language bar­ rier in pursuing his studies at the school. He diligently worked not only on mastering the sub­ jects required for his license, but sought each day to improve his ability in English. Le Berre achieved fine grades in the up­ grading program and upon pass­ ing his Coast Guard exam, was certified as a Second Mate in May, 1967. As a token of his appreciation for the opportunity and help given him, he donated a sextant to the school for use in training his fellow SIU members. George T. McManus, 50, was bom in New York City. Brother McManus sailed as an AB be­ fore applying for the mate's up­ grading program in September, 1967. A college graduate with Nielsen Valdson Loizzi McManus a Bachelor of Science degree in education and social science, he also attended both the Univer­ sity of Miami in Florida and Fordham University in New York. With all of this, how­ ever, McManus joined the SIU in New York in 1963 because he "wanted to begin a seafaring career." While a student at the Patrick Singleton Moustakakis LeBerre Keelan deck officer's school, McManus attended classes on crutches be­ cause of an injury, but scored yer" by his fellow Seafarers. program. Upon graduation from year-old New Yorker's formal well in all of his subjects. Upon They had learned that he was the school in 1968, he held the education amounted to only passing the Coast Guard exam, a graduate of the University of unique distinction of being the three grades of grammar school he received a Third Mate's li­ Estonia Law School. Valdson youngest man in the U.S. mer­ and he had never learned math­ was certified as a Third Assist­ chant marine to receive an orig­ ematics. He had, however, a cense in December of 1967. Joseph F. Keelan, 57, was ant Engineer by the Coast inal Third Assistant Engineer's determination to overcome his Guard in July of 1966. His license after passing his Coast educational handicap and to bom in Pennsylvania and joined earn his license. Brother Loizzi the SIU in the Port of Mobile in wish to pursue a career in the Guard exam. American merchant marine was Just last month, however, studied nightly until at least 1949. He served on many SIUmade possible by the SIU and Mike proudly relinquished his midnight and for entire week­ contracted vessels as AB and was expanded even further by youthful position to his brother, ends. This was in addition to bos'n before applying for the his successful participation in Bobby. Also an HLSS graduate meeting family obligations by mate's upgrading program in the engineers upgrading pro­ and graduate of the engineer's holding down a parttime job. August, 1966. gram through which the SIU upgrading program. Bob Mc­ Because of his obvious will Although he decided to up­ encourages its unlicensed mem­ Kay is, at 19, the youngest li­ to learn. Spencer and Senior bers to seek the highest possible censed officer in the merchant Deck Instructor Nick Gullo grade somewhat later in his rank they can achieve. marine. (See story page 3.) worked a bit harder with Loizzi. career than some of the other Harry R. Singleton, a 53Impressive though the ac­ Within a little over six months, Seafarers taking part in the year-old New Yorker, is an old- complishments of engine de­ they had helped Brother Loizzi program. Brother Keelan was timer with the SIU who first partment Seafarers may have to raise his educational level by none the less determined to eam joined the Union during one of been, their brothers above decks seven grades. Spencer wrote in a deck officer's license. Through the first organizing campaigns have distinguished themselves Loizzi's school file, "Rarely his ability to call upon valuable in the Port of Baltimore in Jan­ equally as well—as the following have I seen a man with so lim­ experience gained during many uary of 1939. He had logged a brief histories will show. ited an advantage demonstrate good deal of seatime as an Alexios M. Moustakakis was such a desire to succeed." In years at sea. Brother Keelan FOWT before receiving his en­ born in Greece 26 years ago. September, 1968, Brother scored excellent grades at the gineer's license. Due to his ex­ From the moment he entered Loizzi did honor to himself and school and received his Second tensive seatime. Singleton was the SIU-MEBA, Dist. 2 School to the entire upgrading program Mate's license in November, able to study for an ori^al in October, 1967, Brother by receiving his Third Mate's 1968. \- I �Page Six SEAFARERS LOG Jnlr» 1969 APPLY NOW FOR SENIORITY UPGRADING The seniority upgraders above are seen as they took the oath of obligation as full-book members of the SlU. Left to right are John Doran, FOWT, and AB's Erick Sorensen, Robert Hester and Arthur Wills. The group is pictured at left during a class session led by SlU Representative Bill Hall. All upgraders are graduates of the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, have more than 12 months seatime, hold a rating in either the deck, engine or steward department and have a lifeboat endorsement. Joseph Simonetti, FWT on the Detroit, installs a burner as the vessel malces ready to sail. Simonetti completed training at Piney Point in June 1968, and got his upgrading at the Un­ ion's Q.M.E.D. engineering school in New York. All B Book Seafarers have the opportunity to upgrade their seniority at the SIU's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at Piney Point, Maryland. The Seniority Upgrading Program was estab­ lished to provide Seafarers with additional training required for steady advancement up the seniority ladder. The latest in modern training and teaching facilities are provided at the school for qualified Seafarers. Free room and board plus an allowance of $56 per week are given to each qualified man partici­ pating in the program. Transportation from all major SIU ports is also provided. Applications have already been mailed to all B Book Seafarers, and are also available from any SIU port agent. HOW TO QUALIFY Seafarers who wish to enroll in the Seniority Upgrading Program should meet the Seafarers Appeals Board's qualify­ ing standards which include the following: • RATING—Each applicant must presently hold a Coast Guard endorsed rating such as AB, FOWT, etc. • PREVIOUS TRAINING—Presentation of a certificate showing successful completion of training at either the An­ drew Furuseth Training School or the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. • SEATIME—Seafarers must have a minimum of 12 months seatime with any SlU-contracted companies. Lyie Sawyer, sailing as OS after graduating from Piney Point in May, works on a lifeboat on the Seatrain Delaware with veteran Sea­ farer Calixto Gonzalez, ship's bos'n. Sawyer plans to get his 12 month's of seatime as quickly as possible and then upgrade to A.B. William King, wiper on the Asbury Victory, com­ pleted training at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at Piney Point in February, 1968, and plans to enter the SlU's engine upgrading school after this trip to obtain his FOWT endorsement. • LIFEBOAT TICKET—Applicant must have a valid lifeboat ticket. The Seafarers Appeals Board may consider other qualifica­ tions or waive any of the above. Completed application forms should be mailed as soon as possible to: The Harry Lundeberg School of Seamans^ Seniority Upgrading Program Smnt Mary's County Piney Point, Maiyland 20674""'^ ^ �Julr, 1969 George Gibbons, cook-balcer and steward delegate on the Boston, makes a point at contract discussion. SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven SlU Representative Bill Hall holds a meeting with crewmembers of the Seatrain New York on the ship's fantail to discuss the new agreement. Thomas Anderson, A.B. and deck delegate on the Summit, expresses his views on the new SlU contract. I N keeping with your Union's unbroken tradition of securing for its members the best possible agreement obtainable with the shipping companies contracted to the SIU-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, we, the undersigned committee, sub­ mit and recommend to our fellow Seafarers the Freightship and Tanker contracts printed on the following two pages. The basic wage gains reflected in these agreements represent gains for crewmembers in all shipboard departments—deck, en­ gine and steward—which are unprecedented in U. S. maritime history. In addition to this, we consider of particular significance the major breakthrough achieved in the Freightship agreement relat­ ing to overtime. The principle of overtime for all hours worked in port between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. on Monday through Friday has been firmly established for the first time. The membership will note that these agreements deal primarily with wages. Negotiations are continuing with the shipowners regarding welfare, pension and vacation improvements. It will also be noted that under Additional Comments and Rec­ ommendations, your Headquarters Negotiating Committee has suggested a restructuring of membership representation aboard SlU-contracted vessels and recommends weekly Sunday meetings while at sea. SIU Representative Leon Hall outlines provisions of the new agreement at a meeting on the Transontario. After considerable discussion and consideration, it is felt that SIU crews can be most efficiently represented aboard ship by ac­ tive Ship's Committees made up of one elected delegate each from the Deck, Engine and Steward departments, the Bos'n as perma­ nent Ship's Chairman, and the Chief Steward as permanent Ship's Reporter and Secretary. The aim of the Ship's Committees should be the development and maintenance of stronger communi­ cations between Seafarers afloat and Union headquarters. In this way it will be better possible to implement SIU policies and programs and create a Union structure aboard ship which will allow greater participation by the entire membership in the Un­ ion's affairs. Fraternally submitted. i4<juL, ILss-, SPA Crewmembers of the Seattle study the special LOG supplement detailing the new one-year contract. Following discussion they voted 100% "Yes." I �Page Eight SEAFARERS Jalr, 1969 LOG FREIGHTSHIP AGREEMENT Your Headquarters' officers have reported to the membership over the past several monthly meetings regarding discussions with the shipowners relative to negotiations for a new Freightship Contract. These discussions and negotiations have in the main centered on monetary matters as well as welfare, pension and vacation matters. We have, subject to action by the membership, now reached agreement with the companies on wages, overtime and other monetary matters. Other issues which have not been finalized but which are now being negotiated are on welfare, pension and vacation matters. Printed below is a copy of the agreement reached as outlined above be­ tween your Union and the shipowners. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN Section 1. WAGES. The monthly rate of pay for the Unlicensed Personnel in the Steward Department, when the respective ratings are carried, shall be as follows: AMOUNT OF NEW RATING INCREASE MONTHLY RATE Chief Steward $52.74 $618.01 Steward/Cook 35.92 631.19 Chief Cook 45.76 549.22 Cook and Baker 44.35 535.30 Second Cook 24.18 470.33 * Third Cook 37.19 464.80 Messman 62.02 364.58 , 62.02 Utilityman i64.58 MARINER TYPE VESSEL * When passengers are carried, the Third Cook will be re-rated as Second Cook and will be paid wages in accordance with the agreement. SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT, AFUCIO and ^ WHEREAS, the collective bargaining agreement between the Union and various companies expires on June 15, 1969, and WHEREAS, the Union and the companies have been negotiating terms of a new contraa, NOW THEREFORE it is understood and agreed, as follows: FREIGHTSHIP AGREEMENT 1. Article II, Section 21 shall be changed to read as follows: Section 21. OVERTIME RATE, (a) The overtime rate of pay for members of the Unlicensed Personnel receiving a basic monthly wage of $464.78 or below shall be $2.73 per hour. (b) The overtime rate of pay for all members of the LInlicensed Personnel receiving a basic monthly wage of $464.79 or above, but not in excess of $535. 29 shall be $3.44 per hour. (c) The overtime rate of pay for all members of the Unlicensed Personnel receiving a basic monthly wage of $535.30 or above shall be $4.48 per hour. 2. Article III, Section 1 shall be changed to read as follows: Section 1. Wages. The monthly rate of pay for the Unlicensed Personnel in the Deck Department, when the respective ratings are carried, shall be as follows: NEW AMOUNT OF MONTHLY RATE RATING INCREASE $618.01 Boatswain $52.74 * Carpenter 45.72 566.53 525.33 43.34 A. B. Maintenance 470.33 Quartermaster 37.75 Able Seaman 470.33 37.75 367.18 Ordinary Seaman 62.28 O.S. Maintenance 397.97 39.44 MARINER TYPE VESSEL Boatswain * Carpenter $59.88 58.79 $682.97 593.24 * When the Carpenter is required in writing by the Company to furnish his own tools, he shall bepaidtwentydollars($20.00)per month in addition to his base wage. 5. The overtime rates set forth in Item one herein shall be paid for all work performed on Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and for any work in excess of eight (8) hours in any one day. The overtime rates set forth in Item one shall also apply to work performed in port between the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M., Monday through Friday and for penalty work performed on watch and other penalty time payments provided for in the Agreement. 6. ROOM AND MEAL ALLOWANCE Meal allowance shall be $10.50 per day; room allowance shall be $10.50 per day. 7. In order to partially defray the costs and expenses of the operation and mainten­ ance of the hiring halls, as provided for in the collective bargaining agreement, the company agrees to the establishment of a fund, and the company further agrees to contribute to such fund the sum of fifteen (15) cents per man per day of covered employment. 8. PENSIONS, WELFARE AND VACATIONS The parties hereto agree to continue negotiations with respect to improved pension, welfare and vacation. It is further understood and agreed that in the event agreement is not reached on improved pension, welfare and vacations, the Union shall have the right to take economic action upon seven (7) days notice. 9. SUBSIDIARY PROVISIONS It is agreed that any agreements that are presently in effect covering War Risk Insur­ ance and Area Bonuses be continued as is with no change. In addition, any and all addendums and/or supplementary agreements, the contents of which have not been incorporated into the collective bargaining contract shall be continued in effect. Except for the changes provided for in this Memorandum of Understanding all other terms and conditions of the collective bargaining contracts now in effect shall remain in effect. The changes provided in this Memorandum of Understanding shall be in­ corporated into and made a part of the full collective bargaining contract. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE All changes provided for herein shall become effective at 12:01 A.M. on June 16, 1969. 11. The Collective Bargaining agreement between the parties hereto shall terminate on June 15, 1970 unless extended by the parties. Dated June 12, 1969 For the Union 3. Article IV, Sertion 1 shall be changed to read as follows: Section 1. Wages. The monthly rate of pay for the Unlicensed Personnel in the En­ gine Departrnent, when the respective ratings are carried, shall be as follows: AMOUNT OF NEW RATING INCREASE MONTHLY RATE Chief Electrician $63.83 $727.20 Second Electrician 59.02 679.74 Unlicensed Jr Engineer (Day) 50.37 594.60 Unlicensed Jr Engineer (Watch) 44.35 535.31 Plumber/Machinist 53.00 622.93 Deck Engineer 48.54 576.59 Engine Utility 541.88 44.00 Evaporator Maintenance 497.99 40.56 Oiler 470.33 37.75 Oiler-Diesel 506.19 41.39 Watertender 37.75 470.33 \ Fireman/Watertender 470.33 37.75 Fireman 470.33 37.75 Wiper 436.82 69.35 Refrigerating Engineer (When (1) is carried) 59.02 679.74 Refrigerating Engineer (When (3) are carried) Chief 41.99 713.19 First Assistant 59.57 621.87 Second Assistant 572.73 47.20 Ship's Welder/Maintenance 50.37 594.60 44.29 Oiler/Maintenance Utility 535.25 AtARINER TYPE VESSEL $66.48 Chief Electrician ] $753.37 4. Article V, Section 1 shall be changed to read as follows: I GI /h dlZarK For the Companies • lUdiS. COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS COMMENTS: Your committee feels that these contracts as presented to the membership represent not only a substantial gain on wages, overtime, etc., but also establishes a basis for finalizing in the near future new contract terms and benefits in the other areas such as welfare, pensions and vacations. it is to be noted that the $10.00 differential between the entry ratings and the middle ratings negotiated in the last contract have now been eliminated. The original intent of creating that differential was to encourage unrated men to go up for endorsements. This has now been accomplished and the dif­ ferential will now cease. A major achievement has been accomplished in the Freightship Agreement with the establishment of the principle of overtime in port for all hours worked between 5:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. Monday through Friday. This applies to all crew members who work during these hours. Recommendation: Your Committee recommends the ratification of the Freightship contract as presented herein. - !l �SEAFARERS LOG Jnly, 1969 Pmge Nine TANKER AGREEMENT Your Headquarters' officers have reported to'the membership over the past several monthly meetings regarding discussions with the shipowners relative to negotiations for a new Tanker Contract. These discussions and negotiations have centered on monetary matters as well as on welfare, pension and vacation matters. We have, subject to action by the member­ ship, now reached agreement with the companies on wages, overtime and other monetary matters. Other issues which have not been finalized but which are now being negotiated on are welfare, pensions and vacations. Printed below is a copy of the agreement reached as outlined above be­ tween your Union and the shipowners. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Between SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT, AFL-CIO and WHEREAS, the collective bargaining agreement between the Union and various companies expires on June 15, 1969, and WHEREAS, the Union and the companies have been negotiating terms of a new contraa, NOW THEREFORE it is understood and agreed, as follows: TANKER AGREEMENT 1. Article II, Section 21 shall be changed to read as follows: Section 21. OVERTIME RATE, (a) The overtime rate of pay for members of the Unlicensed Personnel receiving a basic monthly wage of $436.84 or below shall be $2.73 per hour. (b) The overtime rate of pay for all members of the Unlicensed Personnel receiving a basic monthly wage of $436.85 or above, but not in excess of $5 39.26, shall be $3.44 per hour. (c) The overtime rate of pay for all members of the Unlicensed Personnel receiving a basic monthly wage of $539.27 or above shall be $4.48 per hour. 2. Article III, Section 1 shall be changed to read as follows: Section 2. WAGES. The monthly rate of pay for the Unlicensed Personnel in the Deck Department, when the respective ratings are carried, shall be as follows: NEW AMOUNT OF MONTHLY RATE INCREASE RATING Boatswain (Tankers 25,500 D.W.T. or over) $654.93 $52.74 Boatswain (Tankers under 25,500 632.70 D.W.T.) 52.74 A.B. Deck Maintenance 5 39.26 43.34 O.S. Deck Maintenance (when carried) 406.93 39.44 475.29 Able Seaman 37.75 62.28 376.14 Ordinary Seaman 3. Article IV, Seaioh 1 shall be changed to read as follows: Seaion 1. WAGES. The monthly rate of pay for the Unlicensed Personnel in the Engine Department, when the respeaive ratings are carried, shall be as follows: NEW AMOUNT OF MONTHLY RATE RATING INCREASE $666.64 Chief Pumpman $59.02 666.64 Second Pumpman/Engine Maintenance 59.02 540.18 Engine Utility 44.00 475.29 Oiler 37.75 Oiler/Maintenance Utility 44.29 535.25 475.29 Fireman/Watertender 37.75 436.84 Wiper 69.35 4. Article V, Section 1 shall be changed to read as follows: Seaion 1. WAGES. The monthly rate of pay for the Unlicensed Personnel in the Steward Department, when the respeaive ratings are carried, shall be as follows: AMOUNT OF NEW INCREASE MONTHLY RATE RATING Chief Steward (Tankers 25,500 D.W.T. $657.29 $52.74 or over) Chief Steward (Tankers under 25,500 52.74 635.06 D.W.T.) Chief Cook 45.76 569.43 Cook and Baker 44.35 553.82 Third Cook 37.19 491.97 Galleyman (when carried) 62.02 373.50 Messman 62.02 364.57 Utilityman 62.02 364.57 5. The overtime rates set forth in itfem one herein shall be paid for all work per­ formed on Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and for any work in excess of eight (8) hours in any one day. The Parties hereto shall continue to negotiate with respect to the rate of overtime to be paid for work performed in port between the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M., Mon­ day through Friday and for penalty work performed on watch and other penalty time payments provided for in the Agreement. Where Agreement presently provides for payment of overtime for work in port, after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. weekdays, those rates shall continue to be paid, subjert to further negotiations. 6. ROOM AND MEAL ALLOWANCE Meal allowance shall be $10.50 per day; room allowance shall be $10.50 per day. 7. In order to partially defray the costs and expenses of the operation and mainten­ ance of the hiring halls, as provided for in the colleaive bargaining agreement, the company agrees to the establishment of a fund, and the company further agrees to contribute to such fund the sum of fifteen (15) cents per man per day of covered employment. 8. PENSIONS, WELFARE AND VACATIONS The parties hereto agree to continue negotiations with respect to improved pen­ sion, welfare and vacation. It is further understood and agreed that in the event agree­ ment is not reached on improved pension, welfare and vacations, the Union shall have the right to take economic action upon seven (7) days notice. 9. SUBSIDIARY PROVISIONS It is agreed that any agreements that are presently in effect covering War Risk Insurance and A; ea Bonuses be continued as is with no change. In addition, any and all addendums and/or supplementary agreements, the contents of which have not been incorporated into the collertive bargaining contract shall be continued in effea. Except for the changes provided for in this Memorandum of Understanding all other terms and conditions of the collective bargaining contracts now in effea shall remain in effea. The changes provided in this Memorandum of Understanding shall be incorporated into and made a part of the full colleaive bargaining contraa. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE All changes provided for herein shall become effeaive at 1 2:01 A.M. on June 16, 1969. 11. The Collective Bargaining agreement between the parties hereto shall terminate on June 15, 1970 unless extended by the parties. Dated JUNE 12, 1969 For the Union For the Companies COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Comments: Your cominittee feels that these contracts as presented to the membership represent not only a substantial gain on wages, overtime, etc., but also establishes a basis for finalizing in the near future new contract terms and benefits in the other areas such as welfare, pensions and vacations. Recommendation: Your committee recommends the ratification of the Tanker contract as presented herein. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Comments: Our immediate task now is to continue to work in the direction of improving our welfare plan, pensions and vacation. To do this, it is nec­ essary to have full participation of all our membership in the discussions of and recommendations on these matters so that the maximum number of members' feeling will be expressed. To do this, it is necessary that we have full participation in all shipboard meetings by all SlU crews. We are confronted with a situation whereby on a number of SlU ships there has not been complete union activity on the part of the crews. This is best illustrated by thefact that numerous ships have' not elected a complete number of Ship Board Delegates. This, unless corrected, could hamper us in our desire forfull expressions on the issues as contained in this report. Your committee has had considerable discussions on this matter and feels that positive action is required. This positive action should be aimed specifically in the direction of: a. Guaranteeing regular shipboard meetings. b. The communication of those meetings and their recommendations and comments to the Headquarters of the Union for consideration by the membership in the deliberation in coming negotiations. Recommendations: 1. It is recommended: That the Bos'n shall act as permanent Ship's Chairman on board all SlU vessels. 2. That the members of the three departments on board all SlU ships elect from the members of their departments, the appropriate member to serve as Deck Department Delegate, Engine Department Delegate and Steward Department Delegate. 3. That the Chief Steward aboard all SlU ships act as a permanent Ship's Reporter and Secretary to all SlU meetings aboard ship. 4. That regular shipboard meetings be held each Sunday when the vessel is at sea. 5. It is further recommended that the Ship's Chairman, the three Departmental Delegates and the Ship's Reporter-Secretary shall consti­ tute the SlU Ship's Committee on the vessels on which they serve. 6. It is finally recommended that the SlU Ship's Committee on board all SlU contracted vessels be responsible for the implementation of union policies and programs in addition to representing the members of the crew aboard ship. CONCLUSION The contracts, as presented above represent significant monetary gains for all of our membership. It also represents a recognition of the necessity and desire to complete negotiations in the areas of certain working rules as desired by our membership, welfare, pensions and vacations. Of equal importance to the matters contained in the above report, is taking a step in the direction of creating a shipboard union structure which will allow for greater participation in the affairs of the union of all its members aboard all vessels. This program continues the policy of election by crew members of departmental delegates. In addition, the recommendations allow for the participation of SlU mem­ bers sailing in the capacity of Bos'n to act as Chairman and thus guaranteeing a regular weekly meeting as recommended in this program. The participation of the Chief Steward, who as a rule is the most experienced SlU member aboard a vessel in the matter of records and communications, will guarantee that the appropriate records of shipboard meetings and functions will be kept and that communication will be developed and maintained between the crew and union headquarters. Your Headquarters Negotiating Committee recommends that you adopt this report and all recommendations contained herein. A RECORD HIGH FOR MARITIME DOLLAR GAINS—NEXT—PENSION, WELFARE & VACATION. �Page Ten SEAFARERS LOG Jolr. 1969 VOTING TALiy ON NEW CONTRAlCT The proposed new contract presented in this section is now in process of being submitted to the membership for its approval or disapproval. As the LOG went to press, the following shipboard and membership meeting votes had been recorded. Additional voting results will be pub lished in the LOG as they are received. Vessel AFOUNDRIA ALCOA COMMANDER ALCOA MARKETER ALCOA TRADER ALCOA VOYAGER AMERICAN PRIDE AMERICAN VICT. AMERIGO ARIZPA ASBURY VICT. ACHILLES BALTIMORE BEATRICE VICT. BELGIUM VICT. BESSEMER VICT. BETHFLOR BETHTEX BIENVILLE BOSTON BRIGHAM VICT. BUCKEYE ATLANTIC BURBANK VICT. C/S MIAMI CALMAR CAPE CATOCHE CHARLESTON CITRUS PACKER CITADEL VICT. CLAIRBORNE COLUMBIA BROOKLYN COLUMBIA-I COLUMBIA BANKER COLUMBIA EAGLE COLUMBIA TIGER COLUMBIA TRADER COMMANDER COSMOS TRADER DEL ALBA DEL MAR DEL ORO DELTA URUGUAY DETROIT EAGLE VOYAGER ELIZABBIHPORT ERICKSON FAIRLAND FAIRVIEW FLORIDIAN FORT HOSKINS GALVESTON GATEWAY CITY GENEVA HALAULA VICT. HASTINGS IBERVILLE JACKSONVILLE JEFFERSON CITY VICT. JEFF DAVIS LAFAYEITE LONG BEACH LOS ANGELES LYNN VICT. MANKATO VICT. MARYMAR MAURY MAYAGUEZ MINOT VICT. MOBTTF, MOBIL.TAN MO'' MC iNG LIGHT MT. WASHINGTON NEWARK NEW ORLEANS NEW YORKER Port For Against San Fran. N. O. N. O. Tampa N. O. N. Carolina N. Y. San Fran. N.Y. N.Y. San Fran. Puerto Rico N. Y. Japan Norfolk Bait. Bait. N.Y. N.Y. San. Fran. Phila. Mobile N. O. Bait. Japan Bait. San Fran. Seattle Mobile Phila. N. Y. Bait. Japan San Fran. San Fran. Seattle Phila. San Fran. Japan N. O. N. O. Mobile Puerto Rico Boston San Fran. San Fran. San Fran. San Fran. Puerto Rico Boston N.Y. N.Y. Bait. Jax. Japan San. Fran. N.Y. 18 26 28 26 23 24 28 23 28 28 29 29 30 21 24 19 21 27 29 23 20 21 19 21 22 28 18 22 25 26 29 24 28 29 24 25 24 23 25 23 32 21 22 24 29 27 20 22 15 22 27 25 18 29 24 20 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N.Y. San Fran. Wilm. San Fran. Japan Jax. N. O. N.Y. San Fran. N.Y. Japan N.Y. Japan Charleston Seattle Singapore N.Y, Seattle N. O. 30 31 21 26 23 31 26 21 20 24 24 28 25 24 25 31 26 27 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Vessel OAKLAND OVERSEAS DINNY OVERSEAS EVA OVERSEAS EVELYN OVERSEAS SUZANNE OVERSEAS NATALIE OVERSEAS REBECCA OVERSEAS TRAVELER PANAMA PHILADELPHIA PONCE -PORTLAND PORTMAR PRINCETON VICT. RALEIGH RAMBAM RICE VIGl. RICHWOOD ROBIN HOOD ROBIN TRENT SACAL BORINCANO SAN JUAN SEAMAR S.T. DELAWARE S.T. GEORGIA S.T. LOUISIANA S.T. MARYLAND S.T. NEW YORK S.T. PUERTO RICO S.T. SAN JUAN S.T. WASHINGTON SEAllLE SPITFIRE STEEL DESIGNER Port Japan San Fran. Mobile Japan San Fran. Wilm. Wilm. N.Y. Japan Seattle Puerto Rico N.Y. Bait. San Fran. Japan N. O. Norfolk Japan N. 0. Mobile Jax. N.Y. San Fran. Puerto Rico San Fran. San Fran. San Fran. N. Y. San Fran. N.Y. San Fran. N. Y. N. O. Seattle Vessel Port For Against For Against 23 0 STEEL ENGINEER Wilm. 25 0 23 0 Houston 23 0 STEEL FLYER 0 24 STEEL KING San Fran. 29 0 0 21 STEEL SCIENTIST N. O. 20 0 0 12 STEEL SEAFARER Bait. 19 0 26 0 STEEL VOYAGER 30 0 Bait. 30 1 SUMMIT N. Y. 29 0 28 0 TRANSCOLORADO Phila. 26 0 0 22 TRANSONTARIO 0 N.Y. 28 0 21 TRANSSENECA 28 0 Seattle 0 27 TRENTON 0 San Fran. 24 26 1 0 VANTAGE PROGRESS 27 Wilm. 18 0 26 0 WACOSTA N.Y. 0 22 0 29 WARRIOR N.Y. 23 0 0 WESTERN COMET Norfolk 29 19 0 0 WINGLESS VICT. Japan 23 0 24 0 YORKMAR Bait. 19 25 0 8 0 Wilm. YUKON 0 28 3.134 A Totals 27 0 0 12 VOTE TAKEN AT REGULAR 29 0 26 0 MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 0 29 For Against^ Constitutional Port 27 0 0 144 BALTIMORE 0 24 37 0 PHILADELPHIA 29 0 285 0 NEW ORLEANS 29 0 160 0 SAN FRANCISCO 24 0 35 0 WILMINGTON 28 0 0 44 SEATTLE 409 1 NEW YORK r 28 0 83 0 HOUSTON 28 0 152 0 MOBILE 21 0 1,349 Totals 28 0 r The Score to Dote For Against On the Ships 3,134 4 In the Halls 1,349 1 Totals 4,483 �Jnlr, 1969 SEAFARERS LOG Pace Ekven Additioa of 18 Seafarers Boosts Pension Roster Growth The ever-growing SIU pen­ he sailed as third cook. He oiler. Brother Andrews now lives York. His last vessel was the full 366 days at sea. Brother sion list has added to the roster makes his home in Brooklyn in Daphne, Alabama, with his John B. Waterman. Dario's last ship was the Steel the names of 18 additional Sea­ with his wife, Mae. wife, Sara. Tonis Tonisson is calling it Artisan. farers who have completed thenRoy McCannon is closing out a career after 45 years at sea. Earl Cain is retiring on SIU long sailing careers. a sailing career that spans more pension after completing ki»Torolf J. Kismul, a native of than 25 years as a member of long career at sea. An active Norway, is ending his sailing the steward department. A long member of the Union since he days after more than 20 years time member of the SIU, he first signed up in the Port of at sea. Brother Kismul joined joined the Union in 1941. Broth­ New York, Cain took part in the the SIU in the Port of New er McCannon was bom in Okla­ Robin Line beef in 1962. Broth­ York. His last ship was the John homa, and will spend his retire­ er Cain sailed as cook and baker B. Waterman. Seafarer Kismul MacGregor Bennett and his last vessel was the Herment at his home in Philadel­ sailed as an AB in the deck de­ mina. He now makes his home phia. He last sailed on the PetroTotdsstm Dario partment. He now makes his in Boaz, Alabama. Arliss C. Johnson, who is a Chem. home in Seattle with his wife, native of Michigan, joined the Joseph Holsenbeck, who Ramon Irizarry, who has Sailing as FWT, his last ship Lilly. Union in Aim Arbor, Michigan. been going to sea for more than was the Steel Seafarer in 1967. holds ratings in all three departHe last worked for the Ann Ar­ Brother Tonisson was bom in bor Railroad Company in the 30 years and sailed as chief Estonia 65 years ago, and now steward department as a cabin makes his home in Hoboken, watch. Se^arer Johnson lives New Jersey. He joined the Un­ with his father, Louis, in Frank­ ion in the Port of New York. fort, Mich. Pio Dario, an active SIU Leon S. Bekier, a veteran of member since joining the Union the U.S. Navy during World in the Port of Philadelphia, is Kismul Burgesser War II, was bom in Providence, Cain HoiseiriMck closing out a long sailing career R.I. He joined the SIU in the in the steward department. Bom McCannon Idzairy Herbert F. Burgesser is stow­ Port of Detroit. Brother Bekier in Catbalogau, Philippine Is­ ments aboard ship, is closing ing away his sea gear after al­ lands, in 1901, he plans to re­ out a sailing career of 25 years. steward for the past 18 years, most 30 years at sea. Bom in tire to his home in Quezon City. He has shipped as AB, FWT is also retiring on SIU pension. Seafarer Smithsburg, Maryland, he joined Dario was a profession­ and third cook. Brother Holsen­ the Union in 1940 in the Port Bom in Puerto Rico, he now al Seafarer who shipped year- beck joined the SIU in the Port of Philadelphia. His last vessel makes his home in Chalmette, round during nearly all of his of Savannah. His last vessel was was the Southwestern Victory Louisiana, with his wife. Car­ sailing career. During the last the Summit He was bom in on which he was chief steward. men. Seafarer Irizarry joined four leap-years—1956, 1960, Milledgeville, Georgia, where he Brother Burgesser lives with his the SIU in the Port of New 1964 and 1968—^he put in the continues to make his home. brother, Carroll, in New York aty. Lawson Evans, who was bom last sailed for the American in Washington, D.C., wound up Steamship Company in the en­ 25 years at sea with a final gine department as fireman. He trip on the Seatrain Georgia as June 1, 1969 to June 30, 1969 row. He joined the SIU in the Port of New York in 1944. DECK DEPARTMENT Brother Evans lives with his TOTAL REGISTERED REGISTERED on BEACH TOTAL SHIPPED half-brother, Jerry Thomas, in All Groups All Grooi Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Port Class A Class B Class A Class B Class A Class B Class C John A. Witchen, Jr., who Boston 6 6 9 2 3 15 1 New York 127 96 68 69 189 162 22 was bom in Alabama, joined the Philadelphia 24 27 1 2 5 2 1 SIU in the Port of New Orleans. Baltimore 53 36 96 65 Bekier Wells 23 23 7 His last trip was on the Delta Norfolk 24 49 26 29 21 13 5 Jacksonville 31 30 30 24 23 7 18 Mexico as cook and baker. Sea- makes his home in Johnston, Tampa 9 23 6 14 17 4 8 51 19 30 32 19 0 84 R.I., where he lives with his Mobile New Orleans 60 53 141 63 45 43 2 wife, Lena. Houston 96 100 84 65 35 118 57 42 36 29 3 51 41 12 John E. Wells who is 67 years Wilmington 98 San Francisco ... 84 49 61 3 71 85 old, was bom in Warren, Rhode Seattle 43 33 26 34 25 16 55 Island. Brother Wells joined the Totals 860 550 638 537 484 163 413 Union in the Port of Baltimore and last sailed as chief steward ENGINE DEPARTMENT on the Hastings. His home is in REGISTERED on BEACH TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED Evans Witchen All Groups Catonsville, Maryland, where he All Groups All Groups Class A Class B Class A Class B Port Class A Class B Class C lives with his wife, Rena. farer Witchen makes his home 4 5 2 Boston 3 4 6 3 Leo Q. Strange, a native of New 200 122 62 38 York 119 82 in Mesa, Arizona, with his wife, 83 Massachusetts, joined the SIU Philadelphia 3 3 24 14 17 24 23 Ora Josephine. 43 53 19 26 7 Baltimore 32 36 in the Port of Baltimore. He last 19 42 James MacGregor was bom 6 18 9 12 30 Norfolk sailed on the Gateway City as 13 21 9 23 9 37 5 Jacksonville in Massachusetts and joined the 3 8 6 2 12 6 12 Tampa Steward. Brother Strange makes Union in the Port of Baltimore. 38 43 21 25 0 35 21 Mobile 86 74 26 56 1 45 72 Brother MacGregor's last ship his home now in Ridgewood, New Orleans 91 39 74 41 25 79 51 Houston N.J., where he lives with his was the Portmar on which he 21 3 19 13 41 23 45 Wilmington 57 12 64 116 53 95 144 San Francisco ... sailed in the engine department wife, Margaret. 37 7 32 14 22 33 47 Seattle as FOWT. Seafarer MacGregor 407 512 312 181 487 598 400 Totals makes his home in Baltimore. STEWARD DEPARTMENT Marvin P. Bennett, a native REGISTERED on BEACH of Georgia, joined the SIU in TOTAL SHIPPED TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups All Groups All Groups Lake Charles, Louisiana. He dassA dEsB Class A Class B Class A Class B Class C Port last sailed on the Tamara Guil5 0 2 3 0 2 1 Boston den in the deck department as 56 34 40 95 128 44 73 New York ..., 3 20 6 20 4 36 11 Philadelphia .. AB. Seafarer Bennett now lives Strange Andrews 20 43 11 10 20 29 62 .... Baltimore with his brother in Houston, 6 2• 30 24 11 35 20 Norfolk ...... 11 8 24 13 17 19 11 Texas. Carl B. Andrews, who was Jacksonville .. 2 9 7 3 5 1 8 Pedro C f --an, who is 62, bom in Alabama, joined the Tampa 24 Mobile ....... 36 18 55 19 18 0 36 42 67 65 17 122 1 is a native of the Philippine Union in the Port of Mobile. New Orleans .. 44 26 65 39 33 50 100 Islands. He joined the SIU in He has been sailing in the en­ Houston 26 22 20 17 7 24 15 Wilmin^on .. 48 125 52 104 11 the Port of Galveston. Brother gine department, in all ratings San Francisco 55 71 24 46 14 17 12 20 43 Esteban made his last voyage and his last ship was the Qai- Seattle 631 375 Totals 289 218 458 402 311 on the Steel Worker, on which bome, on which he sailed as �PmgK Twehre SEAFARERS' LOG Julr, 1969 -• • -L" '/• Meet Your Ships' Cemmittees BIENVILLE—(l-r) Felipe Aponte, ship's delegate; Joseph Leyal, chairman; Frank Fadino, engine delegate; E. D. Strait, steward delegate; Ben Ladd, steward and ship secretary; and Tim Holt, deck delegate. / OVERSEAS TRAVELER—(l-r) Ivar Anderson, ship's delegate; James McLiden, deck delegate; Calvin Sheridan, engine delegate; Antonio Lipari, the ship chairman. ARIZPA—(l-r in photo below at left) Juan Guaris, engine delegate; Abraham Aragones, ship secretary; Luis Rivera, deck delegate; L. A. Vila, steward del­ egate; William Doiley, ship's delegate, SiU Vice President Earl Shepard; and Alfonso Rivera, bos'n, who will act as ship chairman and conduct all meetings. DETROIT-—^l-r in photo below) George Burke, chairman; Alvero Vego, engine delegate: Pete Siems, steward delegate; Julio Colon, retiring ship's delegate, and John McLaughlin, deck delegate. Victor Perez, ship secretary w^s absent. ^-1 �Jnlr* 1969 The crews of SlU-contracted ships at sea have always been encouraged to take an active part in the affairs of the Union. The fullest possible expression of ideas and opinions on issues affect­ ing them as Seafarers is vital to the continued growth of the SIU as a viable, democratic trade union. With a new contract providing the best wage gains in U.S. mari­ time history already negotiated, the Union is now moving ahead to improve the welfare plan, pensions and vacations. To do this, it is necessary to have the broadest participation of the entire member­ ship—at sea as well as ashore—in discussions and recommenda­ tions, so that the feelings of a maximum number of members are expressed. Regular shipboard meetings, and the communication of the conunents and recommendations of these meetings to Union head­ quarters, is the key to this kind of democratic participation. Out of 23 ships visited recently in ports along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, 16 of the vessels did not have an elected ship's dele­ gate—and only four of those 16 ships had held regular meetings at sea. In an effort to improve this situation and to secure more active participation throu^ shipboard meetings, the membership has concurred in a headquarters recommendation to establish a Ship's Committee on every SlU-contracted vessel and to hold weeldy meetings while at sea. The five-man committee will consist of the bos'n acting as chair­ man, the chief steward serving as secretary, and delegates elected from the deck, engine and steward departments. The Ship's Committee is the vital link between SIU members at sea and the Union headquarters ashore. It is also the link be­ tween the crews of all other SlU-contracted ships throughout the world. By establishing the bos'n as permanent ship's chairman and the steward as secretary, and charging them with the responsibility of conducting weekly shipboard meetings at sea, there will be an assurance of maximum participation and exchange of ideas on matters affecting the Union, its policies and its programs. The bos'n will bring to the job of ship's chairman his experience as an SIU member, a seaman and a leader. The steward, with his long experience with the responsibilities of keeping records, will be best able to record shipboard meetings and maintain effective communication with Union headquarters. The department delegates, whose function is vital in the enforce­ ment of Ae contract, will play an important role in assuring the success of the program for shipboard Union activity. The Seafarer at sea—like his brother on the beach—wants to know more about the Union and its policies. He has a right to know what these policies are, and he has both a right and an obli­ gation to take part in formulating and carrying out those policies. The establishment of the Ship's Committee, and the requirement of regular weekly meetings, provides the opportunity and the forum to give every SIU member a voice in the affairs of his Union. SEAFARERS Page ndrteen LOG AMERICAN VICTORY—(l-r) Walter Czajkowsici, bos'n and ship chairman; Claude Hollings, steward del­ egate: Sven Larson, deck delegate; Gerard Bellenoit (standing), engine; William Underwood, secretary. MAYAGUEZ—(l-r) George McAlpine, retiring ship's delegate: Lucian Moore, sec­ retary; Jack Rhodes, bos'n, chairman; Fred Boyne, deck; Louis Hernandez, engine. "I\ '/ ASBURY VICTORY—(l-r in photo above) Rex O'Connor, secretary; Charles Carr, steward delegate: Harold Stevens, deck delegate; Edward Wallace, chairman; SIU Vice President Earl Shepard; Juan Reyes, engine delegate. The ship's committee represents the Union at sea. l| SEATRAIN NEW YORK—(clockwise in photo at right) A. Pedrosa, secretary; E. Pantosa, re­ tiring ship's delegate;.. Richard Williams, steward delegate; Pedro. Garcia, deck delegate; Joseph Palmer, engine department delegate, and A. T. Ruiz, bos'n who will be ship chairman. On Page One: SEATRAIN SAN JUAN—(standing l-r) Juan Vega, chairman; Julio Fieu^roa, steward delegate; (seated) Mike Salcedo, engine; Jose Pratt sacretary; Joseph Ebbole, deck. BBS? �Page Fonrteea SEAFARERS July, 1969 LOG See You Later! THE THUNDERING VOICE OF JOHN L. LEWIS, by David F. Selvin. (Lothrop, Lee & Shephard. 224 pages. $4.95.) John L. Lewis, who marked his 89th birthday on February 12, died quietly, on June 11, as he had lived in recent years, while time and events passed him by—this same man who so much dominated time and events for almost one-half a century. John L. Lewis, a huge, dramatic beetle-browed man, was a central figure in the labor movement and in the industry-labor revolution for some three decades. It was more than 70 years ago that he first joined the United Mine Workers. He guided the nation's coal miners for more than 40 years. During this period he led the dramatic split in orga­ nized labor in forming the CIO and becoming its first president. John L. Lewis had his devoted supporters and admirers and he had enemies both in and out of the labor movement. And even while he sat in his house in Arlington controversy raged about him. Lewis carved a niche for himself in the history books. He slugged it out with Presidents of the United States, toe to toe. His powerful roar and penetrating speech captured the imagina­ tion. The Mine Workers' leader's life is inseparable from labor history itself. To understand Lewis is to come closer to a better understanding of the modem American labor movement. The story of this unusual man is the subject of another in a series of labor biographies by David F. Selvin. It is designed for young people and it helps to create for today's youth some of the deeper meaning of labor's fight. Many of Lewis' words carry a meaningful bite today. Take the issue of occupational health and safety. In 1946 coal mining was at its peak. Miners, though, were increasing their eamings only by working longer hours. To achieve that peak production, Lewis declared "we killed in the coal mines outri^t an average of one thousand, nine hundred and eighty-one men a year. We crushed or injured in a year an average of sixty-six thousand, nine hundred and eigjityeight." "By the record," he charged the operators, "through misman­ agement, cupidity, stupidity and wanton neglect, made dead twenty-eight thousand mine workers . . . violently mangled, crushed and shattered the bodies of one million, four hundred thousand mine workers. . . ." "We demand abatement of this slaughter...." It was after this that the miners negotiated their historic health and welfare fund based upon royalty payments for coal. Lewis as a man, Lewis as a union leader, Lewis as a crusader makes fascinating reading. You may not agree with everything he stood for but he rarely made the error of being dull, and author Selvin captures all this. * * * BREADLESS BiAFRA by John R. Sullivan (Pflaum Press— $1.50) Tucked into a small part of Nigeria in the middle of a large continent, Biafra occasionally comes to our attention via the newspaper and television. We read of thousands starving and then all to often erase the thought from our minds with our morning ration of bacon and eggs. John R. Sullivan warns that we cannot afford "to stare too long into the vacant eyes of starving children unless we intend to feed them." He sees "a public lynching of the nations in­ volved" when "the scope of this international disaster" is known. Sullivan went to Biafra late in 1968 to obtain an impartial view of this lingering war. He found "the fruits of cold observa­ tion" to be not enough because Biafra has "a smell, a taste, a spirit all its own." Thousands have died of starvation and thousands more are expected to die—even if the war should end suddenly. The war promises to drag along, due in part to the pledge of the fierce Biafran Ibo tribe to continue fighting even if Biafra surrenders. Experienced relief workers estimate that when the impending staple food shortage "fully grips the country, the monthly death toll will equal the population of St. Louis, Missouri." Sullivan sees this as a form of genocide reminiscent of World War II. The effect of the war upon the rest of the world ranges from indifference to embarrassment to opportunity. Russia sees the opportunity to attempt to influence Black Africa. France sees a chance to gain control of rich Biafran oil fields and embarrass Britain at the same time. Whether Sullivan is sounding a vital warning or crying "Wolf" only time will tell. It doesn't take much time to read this little book of one hundred pages. Memories of the forty pages of photographs may linger a little longer and if Sullivan is right, the aftermath of the war coMd be with us for a long time to cmne. c I !, • i. •f f: y- I There is mounting evidence that Medicare and Medicaid, the two vital pro­ grams conceived to bring improved health care within the reach of all Americans, have become enveloped in increasingly widespread abuses which are milking the public funds more for the benefit of the medical profession than for the public. Instead of extending their life-saving art to the poor and the aged, too many doctors have treated the programs as a shameless means of getting rich quick in which outright fraud has become a way of life. Small wonder the cost of the programs now, runs $5 billion a year over previous estimates—^with no end in sight. Not only the physicians are guilty, either. Other providers of medical goods and services have also taken their turn at raping the program. Big-name drug companies have been indicted for price-fixing so as to maintain a higher profit level. Skyrocketing hospital charges have come about mainly through cost-plus contracts with Blue Cross, as well as through mismanagement. Apparently, the greedy thirst for wealth has become an unquenchable sub­ stitute for medical profession's traditional devotion to healing the sick. The Senate Finance Committee has uncovered some shocking examples of abuse. One general practitioner, for instance, billed Medicare $58,000 in 1968 for house calls to 49 patients. This works out to a visit every third day to each patient—^plus one every other Sunday. "Who says you can't get a doctor to make a house call anymore?" the committee chairman remarked in disgust. In a move that would push costs still higher for millions, the doctor-domi­ nated Blue Cross recently applied for a whopping 49.5 percent premium in­ crease in New York State. Opposing this, the state AFL-CIO demanded in­ stead "far-reaching changes in policies and operating methods aimed at bringing health care costs under control." Similar rate hikes sought by Blue Cross in other states have also been opposed by organized labor. It becomes increasingly clear that the administration of medical programs must be divorced from the deeply entrenched medical profession which has been caught with its hands in the till. Stringent controls must be developed to curb outlandish fees and charges. Equally necessary is the extension of group medical practice and an end to the artificially maintained doctor shortage by the establishment of more training facilities which are not controlled by the medica^urea^^ r| -'vl ^i ' 'i �; M I SEAFARERS^OG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO U r. U' -tj POLITICS ir : i» •*. PORKCHOPS! Labor in politics? That's hardly news. For years, the American trade union movement has exercised its right to participate in the political process of this country. It makes sense, too. For generations, organized labor has known that the gains you make at the bargaining table can he taken away in State legislatures or in the Congress. And so the labor movement has been active in politics ... hacking candi­ dates who would vote for hills that would help working people . . . fighting candidates who were against the working man. **Reward your friends and punish your enemies." That's labor's view on politics. Samuel Gompers said it—63 years ago—^and it still holds true. Seafarers in politics? That's hardly news, either. If we hadn't gotten into politics—hack around the turn of the century— there would have been no Soman's Act, and sailors might still he the '^slaves" that they were for half a century after Lincoln had freed the black man. It was maritime labor that fought to win passage of the Cargo Preference program—so that American ships would get at least some of the government cargo and so that American sailors would still have employment. It was maritime labor that fought so hard for a share of the wheat that this country was shipping to Russia that the White House finally agreed to set up the Maritime Advisory Committee—a hlue-rihhon body which recom­ mended major improvements in the government's maritime program. It's maritime labor that is fighting today to preserve the right of Ameri­ can ships to share in the carriage of government cargo .. . that is fighting for a maritime program that will mean more Jobs for American seamen . . . that is fighting against the efforts of the runaway-flag operators and the fore^flag operators—the ones who would like to drive the U.S. flag from the high seas. When you get into a scrap like this, you're hound to make enemies. They're the ones who would like to sink the merchant marine. But you make friends, too. Those are the people who want to see a strong merchant marine—a fleet with more ships flying the U.S. flag ... a fleet employing more U.S. seafarers. If you go into politics, you want to win. And you don't win elections by accident. It takes hard work . . . orga­ nization ... manpower ... and, most of all, money. That's where the Seafarers' Political Activities Donations (SPAD) comes into the picture. Voluntary contributions from SIU members are put to work for fliose candidates dedicated to a strong merchant marine. And they're put to work against those candidates who would short-change America's economy and defense by short-changing the merchant marine. Like all labor political operations, SPAD operates on the basis of com­ plete public disclosure of every dime and dollar collected and spent. SPAD reports regularly to the U.S. Department of Labor, and to the cleric of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Corporations, wealthy individuals and management front groups can use dozens of dodges to hide their political spending ... the SIU and SPAD operate in full view of the members and the public. And that's as it should he. Seafarers in politics? You bet we are—and proud of it, too. As far as we're concerned, politics is porkchops! -i �Page Sixteen SEAFARERS LOG July, 1969 j Who Does The Wall Street * ,\ The Waii Street Journal for the past two /ears has been engaged in a continuing attack on the SlU for its political activity. The two articles reprinted below illustrate the tone and tactics of the Joumal^s attempti to distort the Union's role in the political arena. These articles attempt to convince the reader that the Wall Street Journal is the champion of the American seaman—and that the Journals only concern is to protect the seaman from his Union. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL December 29, 1967 ful Eubgovemments," Paul Hall at least packs Maritime Muscle sufficient punch to hold the line for now against unwelcome maritime-policy shifts, such as a cut in the present multimillion-dollar subsidies. Seafarers Union Builds Tickets to Dinners In pursuit of Its legislative goals, the union Fund Aimed at Winning donates heavily to national political commit­ tees in Washington; prints campaign literature for friendly politicians in a union-owned shop; Friends in Congress buys tickets to testimonial dinners for various purposes. "If we were touchy about our spend­ ing, we wouldn't report it all," he says. Indeed, the SIU seems eager to display its political muscle by reporting even those contributions not required by the Federal Corrupt Practices Act—to local- candidates, for example. (The rival National Maritime Union doesn't trouble to file the required Federal reports under the corrupt practices law, nor has the Justice De­ partment taken stieps.to make the NMU identi­ fy recipients of $40,850 that the union itself office-holders, and finances an annual Congres sional sightseeing junket to New York City says it spent for political purposes in the year (this year's trip cost $4,201.70). Recently the ended June 30, 1967.) Despite the SIU's care in conforming vdth union hired a public relations firm at $2,000 a the Federal disclosure law, its reports seem month. But the SIU advances it aims, most of all, somewhat puzzling. For one example, the by heavy campaign contributions to the rela­ union swears it contributed $1,000 last year to tively 'few national lawmakers who take an in­ the campaign of Republican Rep. John Bymss terest in maritime matters—particularly those of Wisconsin. Yet none of three Byrnes cam­ who disagree with Transportation Secretary paign committees reporting gifts to Wisconsin Alan Boyd's belief that "you don't revitalize an authorities oa required by state law lists re­ industry by flooding it with Federal dollars and ceipts from the SIU; a Byrnes spokesman says the Congressman didn't handle the campaign imprisoning it within a wall of protection." By JERRY LANDAUEB funds himself and so can't account for any Largely to thwart that notion, the Seafarers SinW Jttpnrler of THE WALL STIIKET JOOBNAL discrepancy. Mr. Hall promises to find out NEW YORK-Big, florid Paul Hall, who spent $375,000 in the 1966 elecUms. At least what happened to the money. $17,000 helped chairman Edward Garmatz of works in a black polo shirt at his Seafarers In temational Union headquarters in Brooklyn, is the House Merchant Marine Committee scrape Disclaimer From Mir. Ford The union also reported contributing $4,000 busily building one of the fastest-growing po through a difficult Democratic primary In Bal­ litical war chests in the land. From it he is dol­ timore; no other lawmaker got that much from to reelect House GOP Leader Gerald Ford of ing out goodies to politicians in a way that any single source, according to records filed Michigan, saying it gave $2,000 to the Kent makes him a major power in shaping the na­ with Congress. House Democratic Wl^p Hale County, Mich., Republican Committee and $2,Boggs of Louisiana received $7,000 from the 000 to the Ford for Congress Committee. The tion's maritime legislation. Seafarers. Democrat E. L. Bartlett of Alaska, Kent Coimty group agrees that it got $2,000, but Mr. Hall is president of the SIU, a relatively chairman of the Senate merchant marine sub­ small union claiming just 80,000 members, committee, got $4,000. And Democratic Sen. no donation from the SIU appears on the report mostly common- seamen. Yet these men are Warren Magnuson of Washington, chairman of filed in Lansing by Mr. Ford, who acted as his campaign treasurer. "If the Seafarers say contributing more to their luiion for political the parent Commerce Committee, can surely own they gave $2,000 to the Ford for Congress purposes than the 1.4 million members give to count on as much help as Rep. Garmatz got if Committee, their report must be in error," Walter Reuther's United Auto Workers, biggest he'.s pressed for reelection in 1968. Rep. Ford asserts. "They did iK)t make a union in the AFLrdO. The SIU insists that all Demonstrating Union Power contribution directly to me." The imion also contributions are entirely voluntary, as Fedferis rechecking its records to try to find out Mr. Garmatz' victory (early polls suggested al law requires. But union dissidents say the what went wrong. occasional presence of what they term "goon he might lose) was a particularly vivid display In his office here, Mr. Hall scoffs at charges squads" at collection time emphasizes Mr. of union dollar power. In addition to the SIU's Hall's desire to build up the union's political generous gifts, Garmatz campaign committees by John Cole, a union rebel, that SIU agents collected $14,500 from a maritime reception extract political funds from union members funds. heavily attended by labor and industry repre­ through "high-pressure shakedowns by muscu­ However it's obtained, the money docs roll sentatives; $2,500 from the Marine Engineers lar squads of collectors." In any case, Mr. Hall in. As of Sept. 1, the combined bank balance of Beneficial Association; $2,450 from the Na- says, the importance of money in politics is the Seafarers Political Activity Donation icnal Maritime Union; $2,000 from the Interna­ exaggerated; manpower is more impor­ Committee and the Seafarers Committee on tional Otganization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, vastly tant, he suggests. Political Education totaled $432,249. Monthly and lesser sums from three other unions. A "If there were 100 guys down there," he recollections are averaging •JtS.OOO. At this rate, special Maritime Committee for Garmatz, to mtu-ks, pointing to the union hiring hall, "I'd labor leader Hall may control close to $1 mil­ which the SIU alone contributed $5,000, also bet 50 would volimteer to punch doorbells or lion for disbursement to cooperative office-hold worked in the Congressman's behalf. drive sound-trucks for our friends." ers and office-seekers in election-year 1968. "1 Indeed, the SIU sends campaign contribu­ don't know if we'll get that much, but we'll tions to candidates who haven't troubled to But the union leader agrees that cash can try," Mr, Hall says. ask. Republican Jack Edwards of Alabama, a count. Probably more than any other union, the Seeldng a New Subsidy member 6f the House Merchant Marine Com­ SIU supplements Cmigressional salaries by pay­ Whether he achieves that informal goal mittee, promptly returned a $4,000 SIU check ing honorarium.s to lawmakers for attending doesn't much matter: the SIU's kitty already last year. "I was astonished," Mr. Edwards legislative breakfasts, seminars and pep-rallies represents a formidable political force. Work­ says. "1 wouldn't take that much from any­ sponsored in Washington by the union or by the ing with allied unions, shipbuilders and certain body." Rep. Thomas Downing of Virginia, who AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD), shipowners, Mr. Hall will deploy it next year to also serves on the House Merchant Marine of which Mr. Hall is president. Fees for an help grease the ways on Capitol Hill for a big Ck)mmlttee, received $1,00 even though he hour's work, which may include a short talk new maritime subsidy package; the plan could wasn't ODDOsed either in the DemonratiA J«l- telling the assembled unionists what they like require spending $2 billion over the next five mary or the general election; six other legisla­ to hear, range from $250 to $500. The SIU gladly pays such fees (nearly 40 years tq rebuild the moribund U.S.-flag mer­ tors who weren't opposed for reelection got this year) from Its political fund because, as chant fleet. This push will get under way when $250 or $500 each. Mr. Hall bluntly puts It, "there's nothing like Congress reconvenes next month. On occasion, the SIU actually seeks out an honorarium to make a guy show up." For . For Mr. Hall, whose union post pays $40,000 (k>i]grft.^men who need money. Democrat their part, the honorarium-collectors become a year, more U.S. merchant ships would mean FraaktThompson of New Jersey, a member of acquainted with Mr. Hall's views. "The hard­ more SIU members, each paying annual dues the Hhuse Labor Committee, was fretting est salesmen for an American merchant ma­ of $120. New recruits also pay initiation fees of about an unpaid $2,200 campaign printing bill rine on Capitol Ifill. . . have been those people $300. And strange though it may seem, the SIU when he bumped into a Seafarers lobbyist not educated the MTD-SIU-Hall way," says one requires new men to pay all special asses-s- long ago. "As near as I can recall, I was talk­ specialist in maritime matters. ments levied for various nonpolitical union pur­ ing to Paul Hall or one of Ms men who asked poses since 1940—before some of the members whether I needed assistance," Mr. Thompson Mr. Boyd Backs Down As if to underscore the point, lawmakers were bom. relates, f/tflkng how the bill came to be paid. who often accept SIU honorariums scuttled two The accumulation of close to 40 such assess­ The Sdnucrs have never asked me to do any­ key planks In Secretary Boyd's merchant ma­ ments brings the price of SIU membership to thing I ONVt think was right," he adds. "I'm rine rebuilding program (plain-spoken Paul almost $800. "It's like joining a country club," glad they're my friends." Hall says the original Boyd ideas "stink") dur­ one young seaman remarks. Another member All told, the Seafarers ladled money into 150 ing hard behind-the-scenes bargaining this displays a long white sheet showing the "total Congressional races last year, either to "re­ year. One would have permitted U.S. shipown­ of all mcmies due" to his union. He still owes ward friends or punish our enemies," In Mr. ers to build some vessels in lower-cost foreign .i729, not Including donations to Ifo. Hall's polit­ Hall's phrase. SIU money also flowed into a yards, a proposition once considered "unnegotiical funds. dozen states to help elect governors, mayors, able" by Mr. Boyd. Now the Secretary Considering the Federal Government's budg­ state legislators, judges or prosecutors; in New reluctantly accepts the subsidy package being et squeeze, prospects for bigger shipbuilding York State alone, the union spent $45,000 in pushed by the maritime lobby even tiiough it subsidies seem dim right now. But as a key op- 1966 and 1967 to help elect friendly local can­ would prohibit building abroad. erStor in the maritime lobby, which former didates. The maritime-minded legislators also forced U.S. Maritime Administrator Nicholas Johnson Mr. Hall tells a visitor that his union care­ Mr. Boyd to drop an effort to transfer the subsi­ describes as "one of Washington's most power- fully records every penny spent for political dy-dispensing Maritime Administration from Bigger Shipbuilding Subsidies Sought; One Congressman Got $17,000 for 1966 Race $800 for an SIU Membership THE WALL SIWT JODMAL January 3, 1969 Feeding the Kitty Union s Political Fund Is Swelled by Donations From Far East Seamen Seafarers Use Money to Aid Democrats^ but the Donors Don't Know Who Gets It Some Give $500 at a Crack By JERRY LANDAUER R/nIT Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOVRNAL WASHINGTON—The most ardent opponents of Richard Nixon's incoming Administration » apparently are some Japanese and Filipino V merciiant seamen who have never even voted in an American election. That, at any rate, is the case if dollar dona­ tions to election campaigns are a reliable guide to political convictions. For, month after month, these sailors have been contributing as much as a third of their wages to American po­ litical candidates, mostly Democrats. The sail­ ors, hundreds and perhaps thousands of them, have given as much as $500 each after a sing[le sea voyage. . ^ But the contributions—many ot which vio­ late Federal law by going unreported—aren't simple, direct gifts to candidates tlut the for­ eign seamen happen to admjre. *1710 sailors don'T v.hnm they are contributing, and the recipients don't know the source of their windfalls. O.stensibly, the money comes in the form of voluntary donations, as the law requires, from members of the Seafarers International Union, the Commerce Department to his own Trans­ portation Department. A blizzard of SIU tele­ grams, which cost the union $3,419.14, smoth­ ered the plan In House-floor voting: "The Seafarers beat the bill damn near single-hand­ ed," says Ralph E. Casey, pre.sident of the American Merchant Marine Institute, an indus­ try group. Chairman Garmatz and his col­ leagues then pushed through the House a bill conferring independent status on the Maritime Administration; the Senate has not yet acted. Mr. Hsdl's brand of political activism is win­ ning praise in certain circles as the very model of labor statesmanship. "Paul Hall has used his Influence wisely and skillfully on behalf of the overall good of the maritime industry," says admiring Democratic Sen. Daniel Brewster of Maryland. Mr, Hall's prestige within the AFL-CIO seems to be climbing at the expense of arch-foe Joseph Curran, NMU president. And there's continuing speculation that the Seafarers' chief may some day succeed AFLCIO president George Meany. Maritime men find part of the explanatior for the SIU's lavish spending in this presumed ambition to succeed Mr. Meany. Mr. Hall "dis claims the ambition but agrees that his union spends substantial sums promoting the po litical Interests of other unions. "Often a contribution reflects requests from othei unions," he say^r "Where we can we like to do that," he adds, explaining that it's the duty of powerful unions to protect the weak. �Julr. 1969 • X/ A SEAFARERS LOG Page Seventeen Journal Really Bleed Fer? When you read the Wall Street Journal's editorials, you discover where that newspaper's sympathies really lie. The editorials below show quite clearly that the Journal: • Supports runaway-flag shipping. • Opposes the free exercise of unions' rights. The Wall Street Journal, in short, supports those positions which the SlU, through its political activities, has been fighting against. No wonder the Journal is upset by the SiU's vigorous political efforts. Generally, the foreign sailors who contrib­ an American maritime union affiliated with the AlXrCIO. In reality, though much of the union's ute .so generously come aboard the American • contributions represent payments accept­ ships as replacements for American union ed—or exacted—from alien seamen who work members at Subic Bay in the Piiilippincs. n. on higli-paying U.S.-flag ships bound for Viet­ stopping-off point for Vietnam-bound ships, and nam. Most of these seamen are not even mem­ at Yokohama in Japan, terminus of a shuttle bers of the union, which distributes the collect- service to Vietnam. The foreign seamen are needed because ' ed cash to favored political candidates. many of the original American crewmen get The Secret, Circular Route All told, several hundred thousand dollars sick, yearn for home or jump ship for pleasure spots after months of strenuous, high-paying have traveled this secret, circular route: duty sailing in the Far East. From the U.S. Treasury to operators of The unions, which handle hiring, have no •hips owned by the Government or chartered difficulty signing up the foreigners. Wages are by the Pentagon's Military Sea Trani^rtation • Service; from the operators to foreign seamen high, with seamen on Vietnam-bound ships get­ in the form of premium wages; from the sea­ ting $700 a month against $500 fca- other duty. men to the union, and from the union to elected With overtime and other extra pay, a foreign officeholders—some of whom try to tap the .sailor can draw as much as $1,000 a month Treasury for more dollars in the form of marl- working on a U.S. ship. "You can't imagine time subsidies that tend to strengthen the how eager those fellows are to sign on," .say.s one Naval officer. union. F'requently, however, the foreign .sailors Officials of the union won't comment on al. legations that the union takes political contri­ don't get to keep all they earn. Often, they butions from the foreign seamen. "We file all must pay so-called service fce.s to union agents the necessary information in Washington, and who control hiring, and if the agent is a Seafar­ that's all the information we give out," says a er, he remits all or part of these fec.s to Brook­ • spoke.sman at the union's Brooklyn headquar­ lyn, where the money goe.s into a special fund ters. But records the union files with the clerk for political actl ity. The fund is maintained by of the House of Representatives do not name one district of the Seafarers, the Atlantic, Gulf, individual contributors of over $100, as re- Lakes and Inl.and Wiitcr.s Distiict. Tlie fund is by far the lushe.st electioneering • quired by law. kitty nsrintained by any American union. Not In the most recent election, the union backed some winners and some losers. It put all the money in the fund comes from forcignup at least $185,000 for President Johnson, who cr.s. of course, but it is the alicn.s' payments "withdrew, and Vice President Humphrey, who that help explain how one union district, with lost. It contributed $20,000 to a voter-registra- just 12,800 men at sea, manages to raise more , ' tion drive to help Daniel Brewster, Democratic money for Federal candidates than the giant Senator from Maryland, and it gave another Steelworkcrs, Auto Workers or Teamsters unions. ' $7,000 to his campaign, but the Senator lost. If the American members were the only ' Backing Some Winners contributors to the district's fund, the average However, it contributed $15,000 to Washing­ gift from the 12,800 men would have to top $35 ton state's Warren Magnuson, chairman of the to yield Uie $in7..3,38 collected through Nov, 10 .Senate Commerce Committee; it had offered this year. In contrast, the average Stcelworkeihim even more. It gave $10,000 to Brooklyn's or Auto Worker gives $1 a year, at moot, lor Emmanuel Celler, chairman of the House Judi- union political activity. But the Seafarers ' ciary Committee. It gave $7,800 in cash and Union scc.s nothing extraordinary in its mem­ - kind (the union prints campaign literature for bers' munificence. . some politicians at its own plant) to New York "For years our members have voluntarily Congressman Jacob Gilbert who was recently l onti ihutcd to our politxal activity funds and ' assigned to the House Merchant Marine Com­ have thus expressed their right to participate mittee. And it contributed at least $9,000 to Ed­ in Ihe American pnlit'cai process." say.s a ward Garmatz of Maryland, chairman of that statement is.sued from the union's headquar­ House committee. These men, all Democrats, ters in Brooklyn. all won. "Our poi't:cal contributions to various eanWith friends sprinkled through Congress, didaie.s for pubbc office are made openly. They the union seems well protected on Capitol Hill, are made legally. They arc reported publicly. , no matter who rules in the White House. In­ •Any .suggestion that the e.xercise of this right is deed, observers say that the Seafarers, togeth- linked to any other situation or circumstance is - er with other maritime unions and associations completely without justification." of ship owners and shipbuilders, probably are rerhaps, as the union sugge.sts, .iailora arc strong enough to strangle any Nixon Adminis­ more interested in politics than land-based tration attempts to make the U.S. merchant wage earners are. But it seems significant that marine less dependent on subsidies. only the Seafarers district headed by Interna­ These observers say there is no reason to tional Union President Paul Hall operates a po­ believe the shipping interests will fare worse in litical .action arm of any size. None of the par­ ' the 91st Congress than they have in the past. ent union's 32 other affiliates has reported any . The 90th Congress, which was known for being political activity to Federal authorities. economy-minded, didn't tamper with the John­ At any rate, the union's statement that its son Administration's suggested appropriations contributions arc legal is at least partly right. , of $119.8 million for ship-construction subsidies In fact, in at least one respect the Seafarers and .$206 million for ship operating subsidies in exceed legal requirements to disclose political the fi.s(:ai year that started last July 1. income and disbursements. The loosely en­ ' In fact, the maritime bloc nearly succeeded forced Federal Corrupt Practices Act requires ^ in persuading Congress to boost construction public accounting of donations to candidates ' .sub.sidies. And it helped persuade Congre.ss to for oj'ly these posts: President, Senator and reject Johnson Administration pi-oposals to Representative. But the union, going beyond stop subsidizing the operations of passenger the law. this year reported $20,000 in spcakmg ' liners and to build some subsidized ships in fees paid to Congressmen and $313,000 in cam­ cheaper, foreign yards. paign contributions to candidates for state and local offices. . Helping ISO Congressmen At the same time, however, the union fails One major element in the maritime lobby's extraordinary strength is the secret payments to comply with another—and more significant • from - the alien seamen. Lacking these pay­ —legal requirement. It neglects to identify by ments, the Seafarers Union couldn't keep dol- name and address every individual whose con­ ing out sizable campaign gifts to as many as tribution to the political fund exceeds $100. Tills is a requirement the union could meet 150 Congressmen, from ship-conscious Maine to landlocked Utah. Nor could the union so easily only at tlie risk of exposing the undercover , have raised the $100,000 given to the Demo­ payments flowing in from Asia. If the donors' crats last summer, a contribution that, perhaps names were listed, of course, all would be le­ coincidcntaily, followed the State Department's gal. But a listing of hundreds of Asian contriburefusal to honor Canada's request for extradi­ !:ors to American political campaigns might tion of former Canadian ^eafar^-g^.boss Hal prompt investigAtiflOB.into whether the contri­ butions were voluntary. . Banks on a charge of perjury. THE WALL STBEET JOURNAL. December 24, 1968 Tilio t'lirox iiFJci llio IMseaw MIK II. of the rlanpror of the longlunning balance-of-paymcnts deficit .stems from the "solutions" it invites, such as Government controls on for­ eign investments and imports. The curbs on U.S. business invest­ ment abroad already are impairing the competitiveness of American firms. Import quotas, besides being costly to U.S. consumers, encourage foreign re­ taliation and consequoni. damage to American exports. Another "cure" that could be quite damaging is now b<^ing urged by mari­ time interests and their supporters. Their contention is that the payment.'^' deficit can be cut, if nol eliminated, by a new program of Federal aid to the nation's ailing merchant marine. In a speech the other day, for exam­ ple, Rep. James J. Howard said he will introduce a bill in Congress next year to require that all foreign-aid cargoes travel in U.S.-flag vessels, which usu­ ally charge higher rates than foreign ship.s, whenever American vessels are available. At present the requirement is that IJOCC of the aid cargoes must be shipped in U.S. ships. One trouble with the New Jer.«!ny Den-ocr;it's proposal—it .amounf.s to an increased Fcdei'al subsidy— is that Government officials say they cannot now find enough U.S. ships even to meet the present rule. Another dif­ ficulty is that Mr. Howard's proposal, along with other anti-foreign ship changes he suggests, would almost surely spur other countries to new dis­ crimination against U.S. shipping. The major problem of American shiIdling is not inadequate Federal aid but its own excessive costs. These costs arc inflated in part by the wage deinani!s, and frequent strikes, of power!ul. Government-encouraged labor iinioi!.'. Th'> unions, moreover, insist on ret.-jntiou of outdated work practices and inanni-'g standards that largely thwart any efforts to increase the merchant marine's efficiency. Letting more car­ goes go to American ships would at best only make it possible for U.S. shipping to continue somewhat longer along the same dismal course. It's true that additional cargoes for U.S. ships might bring some shortterm gains in the balance of payments. But if those gains must be purchased .ut the price of perpetuating an ineffi­ cient, noncompetitive merchant mar­ ine. it seems to us that sort of "cure" is no improvement over the disease. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL May 23, 1969 Stealing Jobs In a recent issue of Maritime, pub­ lished by the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, Rep. Jacob Gil­ bert was raising again the issue of "runaway" ships. "There is," said the New York Democrat, "no excuse for the moral and ethical perversity 'that impels a shipping company to reedster its vessels in another cotmtry, thus de­ priving American seafarers of jobs and paychecks that should belong to them." Well, we don't know enough ship­ ping magnates to testify as to their morals or ethics, but we do know some compelling reasons that lead many of them to register ships in coimtries such as Panama and Liberia. Promi­ nent among them are the U.S. unions' high and constantly rising wage rates, their make-work practices and reastance to innovation, their incessant strikes. Rep. Gilbert implies that if the "runaways" •were somehow forced back into U.S. registry there would be thousands more jobs for American sea­ men. The answer to that assumption is •that a number of ^pping companies are indeed operating under U.S. re^pstry, and, even •with Federal subsidies, are finding the going exceedingly hard. If the so-called runaways could not operate abroad, in other words, some of them probably would not operate at all. And that surely raises the question of just who, exactly, is stealing Ameri­ can seamen's jobs. The Wall Street Journal's attacks on American seamen make it clear that we're up against some powerful opposition. After all, the Journal is more than just a newspaper—it's the voice of big business interests who want to break unions, take away seamen's rights, and destroy seamen's jobs. There's only one way to deal with this kind of on enemy of American seament By continuing to make those contributions to the Seafarers' Political Activities Donations ... so that SPAD can continue to fight the seamen's battles wherever they have to be fought! �Page Eighteen July, 196^ SEAFARERS LOG \ You Be The Judge! Poblication of ^ kind of letter printed bdow Is not a normal procedure fmr the Seafarers Log. liVhile the Log welcomes expressions of opinion from the mem­ bers) it does not cuttomarily reprint letters ttiat deal in personalities. The Seafarers Log is making an excep­ tion in diis case because of the feet that Broths- Lipari*s letter has been widely circufeted throughout fee Union, and is the subject of a letter submitted to the Log by anottier Brottier. That being ttie case, it is appropriate ttiat the full tmrt be r^rodnced h«re jnst as Brother Lipari has presented it As a Seafarers' International Union member, I ask a few sim­ ple questions. After reading various papers and magazines, I am wondering what it takes to wake up Con­ gress, the Senate, Labor Dept. and Justice Dept. The SIU with about 8500 members declare donating $1,000,000 for political purposes. How did they get the money? The SIU, about 8500 members and 6,000 jobs as a massive training program, equal only by the U.S. Maritime Commis­ sion during World War II at a time that the U.S. Maritime Commission was building one ship a day, there is not much training going on except for carrying picket, driving sound car and marching in demonstra­ tion. What it costs to go through that course, the man after mak­ ing a trip or two may be able to tell the article in the Wall Street Journal January 3rd, 1969, "Feeding the Kitty," ex­ plain to some extent. What justified the difference in pay between a man that must sail the ship for $89.00 a week of 56 hours and one that relieves him while the ship is in port at $160 a week for the same job at 40 hours. Yet he' goes home at night to the wife and kids. The men that hold these jobs are chosen by the big shot of the union. To keep these jobs, they must attend all the union meetings, irritate any rank and file member that takes the floor and steam roll the big shot pol­ icy. John Bucci is relieving gang boss, watch dog and muscle man for the big shot. At all un­ ion meetings he is the cheer leader and gives the cue to his boy to start irritating or steam roll the policy of the big shot, He is there to see that his boys pay for their jobs or else they would find themselves back at the ship at sea. At most union meetings, these men outnumber the professional seamen and most of them have not been to sea for years. Calucci, what is his standing, where did he get his union book? How much sea time does he have as an unlicensed personnel on an SIU ship? What's his job now? What gives him the priv­ ilege to hold the floor for 25 minutes at a union meeting when a member with 25 years senior­ ity was denied the floor? Why does a man on physical or old age retirement receive $40 a month more in the form of a meal book when he lives in the vicinity of an SIU union hall, than the one who does not live there? These men are encouraged to be around the union hall in case of a special meeting to help the big shot of the union steam roll the policy; in return they re­ ceived small favors on special committee. Phillip Carlip bagman for Paul Hdl at $20,000 salary and $20,000 expense. It is ridiculous to think that this man has a bigger salary and expense than the president of the union. This man is not a union member. He does not appear on ballot. He knows nothing about sHip or the condition. He has never been to sea and don't give a damn about the seaman. There is a rumor that the generosity without dis­ crimination of the SIU in Brook­ lyn put them a class with angels. Anyone knows that angels do no wrong. At a time when elections are held by honest ballot committee under Federal supervision, the SIU print their own ballots, have their election run by men on their payroll for years. For each day a member is em­ ployed, there is a contribution by the employer of $11.04 that goes into various funds, of that we receive $2.73 and a fraction. Where is the rest going? There is big talk going around that Paul Hall put the SIU on the blocks to achieve his goal that of being called Mr. Labor. How big is our payroll and how much personnel do we need to run a union with about 8500 members and 6,000 jobs? Every­ thing that the member learns about SIU action and policy, he gets by reading the news­ paper and magazines. When we ask questions we are ridiculed or given a stall. S.I.U. members pay $52.00 a year more dues and assessments than the National Maritime Un­ ion. At a union meeting as a member with more than 25 years seniority, I ask that we go into negotiations to get priority with the NMU parity pay and pension This simple demand irritated union officials to the extent that I was threatened bodily harm •at, union officials who have beerliving off our backs for 25 years and never appear on the ballot. Fifty percent of officials 20 years in office and 20% not on bal­ lot, 75% had not spent time on ships for the last 15 years or more. There is a rumor going around the union hall and vicin­ ity that the word was out for a dumping. I am wondering if the condition tliat appears at the trial of Harold C. Bank in Can­ ada exists here in Brooklyn. I am wondering if by making these simple demands I have put my livelihood and the bread and butter of my wife and five small children in danger. Finally, I ask who runs the S.I.U., a Hitler, Castro, Musso­ lini or what? How long before he must render account? Again I demand an investiga­ tion of all aspects, of this union. I am ready, willing, and able to appear before any tribunal to ANTONIO LIPARI Hie circalar letter, and some of the cifcmiislanoes dis­ cussed in it, has prompted the following re^y from an­ other SIUNA member—^William Funk—which Is abo being r^roduced in its original form in the interests of feir playj anri to assist members ot die Union in making np their own minds <m the matters nndn discussion. To the Editor: Recently, on the floor of the hiring hall in New York, I was given copies of literature by Anthony Lipari, who was in the company of Sid Rothman, who was on our last union ballot run­ ning for president. What both of these men had to say I think should be told to the entire membership for very important reasons. First of all, they downgraded the union, its policies and a great number of its members in every possible way. They rapped individual SIU members by name who are oldtime SIU guys and who are good union men. On top of all this, these guys passed out the business cards of a lawyer, who they suggested the men visit for discussions on union mattere. They said they had advising them a lawyer with whom they were very close who had been advising them for more than a year and that his name is Ben­ jamin B. Sterling. Sterling is known as a seamen's personal injury lawyer, who is always looking for business. Sterling's game is always to make a connection so he can lock up the business he's in­ terested in. If he can't, as was the case when the SIU told him to get lost, he makes fixes with various types of prostitutes— members and non-members—^to destroy the union and the union members and representatives who stand in his way. I am enclosing a number of clippings from the daily news­ papers which pretty well de­ scribe Sterling. The newspaper articles repeat, in his own words, how Sterling works, how he handles tens of thousands of dollars which finally are used to pay off these prostitutes to as­ sassinate characters and confuse the members. I was shipping out of New York during the period these articles refer to. I can remember it like it was yesterday, when a- Reprinted briow Is one of the newspaper cll^ pings submitted by Brotbor Funk. This one is from the New York Daily Mirror of October 17,1956. couple of other people were talking along the same lines and passing out the same kind of phony literature then as Lipari and Rothman are now. It seems to me that the Union should do something about this because many of our members today do not know the charac­ ter of these two guys' advisor, Benjamin B. Sterling. It is the same old game that Sterling played before. Sterling and the people he worked with back in those days were out to break the SIU and harm its membership. That is exactly what he is continuing to do to­ day. I think the brothers should understand what it's all about. I hope you will print this letter and the clippings which I have enclosed on the activities of Ben Sterling and the group he worked with at that time. Some of the things Lipari and Rothman were saying and pass­ ing out in the handbills about union representatives and mem­ bers who had fought hard for this union were pretty raw. Lipari and Rothman told me and others that Sterling had ad­ vised them they could say what­ ever they wanted to and that if any trouble started it could be a good thing for them. These two men also brag they are meeting with people from other groups who have for years been trying to destroy the SIU. They said these people have some good connections. I am enclosing a copy of one piece of literature that Lipari had been putting out, I don't know whether Sterling has ad­ vised them to send it to the SEAFARERS LOG or not, but due to the fact that they are so busy talking these things up to our membership I think that it should be run in the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG and the whole matter be replied to so our members who are being contacted should know the full score in this case. FUNK Dehvered 27G To Defeat Hall, Says Attorney By CLAIRE CURRAN and WILFRED ALEXANDER Labor attorney Benjamin Sterling testified Tuesday that he acted as "errand boy" and delivered a $27,000 campaign fund to Ray White, a Seafarers' International Union official, to defeat the union's secretary, Paul Hall, but he denied knowl­ edge of any scheme to murder Hall. He was driven to the rendez­ vous, Sterling said, by Capt. William V. Bradley, head of the racket-ridden International Longshoremen's Assn., who is scheduled to testify today (Wednesday). STERLING, counsel to sev­ eral seamen's and waterfront un­ ions, was a prosecution witness at White's trial in Hackensack, N.J., on charges of plotting the ambushing of Hall at latter's home in Montvale, N.J., on Dec. 23, 1954. The slaying was foiled when police were tipped off. Sterling said the $27,000 was put up by Ihe Marine En­ gineers Beneficial A^., for whom he was attorney, and that he delivered it to White, who at the time was port agent In Tampa, Fla., hut was running bis campaign frmn a New York hotel. Sterling denied knowing whether any of the $27,000 went to James E. Cobb, 35, con­ fessed murder-for-hire convict who is serving time in New Jer­ sey State Prison for his role in the alortive plot on Hall's life, m * * COBB, WHO testified just be­ fore Sterling, described how he ran into "carloads" of police when he drove up to Hall's home in Montvale, N.J., to am­ bush him. He said he had been promised $15,000 for the mur­ der by White, and had received a $4,000 advance payment from the defendant. Charles Fromhurst, former Bergen County Investigator who was In the party which seized Cobb, said he later searched the home of Edward (One Eye) Taffe, 66, of West Milford, NJ., and found $2,000 that Cobb told him was a "payment" to Taffe for providing Cobb with a hide­ out. Taffe, called to the stand, ad­ mitted he knew Cobb and that Cobb had come to his home Dec. 14, nine days before the attempted assassination, but he insisted he ordered Cobb out when he saw him carry a shot­ gun in from his car. Taffe was still testifying when court ad­ journed for the day. �Jnlr, 1969 SEAFARERS Page Nineteen LOG Five More Seafarers Win Licenses; Engineer Upgraders Now Total334 Five more Seafarers have passed Coast Guard examina­ tions and were awarded their engineers licenses after complet­ ing a comprehensive training course at die School of Marine Engineering, sponsored jointly by the SIU and District 2, MEBA. This latest listing of success­ ful candidates brings to 334 the total number of men who have passed their license examina­ tions after completing the course of study offered by the school. Included in this listing is Robert McKay who became the youngest man in the history of the U.S. merchant marine to hold a license when he received his third assistant engineer's li­ cense June 20 on his 19th birth­ day. (See story on page three.) Douglas Gregory, who last shipped as oiler on the Seatrain Puerto Rico, entered the School of Marine Engineering in Jan­ uary and received his third as­ sistant engineer license in June. Gregory, who was born and raised in Washington, D. C., first went to sea in 1965 as a wiper on the Fairport after completing training at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in San Francisco. In 1966, he attended the HLSS upgrading school and received a O.M.E.D. endorse­ ment as fireman, oiler, and watertender. He last sailed as oiler on the Beauregard before enter­ ing engineer training in New York. Jim Dixon, a native of Eng­ land and former member of the British Seaman's Union, was awarded a second assistant en­ gineer's license after completing training at the SIU-MEBA Dis­ trict 2 engineering school. Dixon presently lives in Elizabeth, New Jersey, with his wife, Joan. He last shipped as third engineer on the Rice Victory. Frank Foster also received his second assistant engineer's li­ cense last month after complet­ ing training at the School. Bom in Michigan, he now lives in Hesperia, California. Foster has been shipping out for more than 15 years, and joined the SIU in the Port of San Francisco. Thomas Killion entered the engineering school in Febmary, and received his third assistant engineer's license last month. Killion, who was bom in Mas­ sachusetts, now lives there in the city of Dorchester. He joined the SIU in Boston. Killion last sailed as oiler on the Cabins. Rodney Danid Ellis, bom March 19, 1969, to Steafarer and Mrs. Fines A. Ellis, Pascagoula. Miss. Nellie Van Den Dnngen, bom April 3, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. John C. Van Den Dungen, Oakland, Calif. Denise Pavtdini, bom Febm­ ary 18, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Davey J. Pavolini, Long Beach, Miss. Douglas Gregory 25, at right, accepts congratulations from SlU Vice President Earl Shepard on receiving his third assistant engineer's license. Brother Gregory attended the Harry Lundeberg School, the Sll' seniority upgrading school, and the Union's school of engineering. Sea-Land expansion Continues $40 Million Conversion Job To Make 6 Ships Out of 3 A $40 million conversion contract has been let out by tlie SlU-contracted Sea-Land Service, Inc., to Todd Shipyards Corporation for work which will increase the operator's fleet carrying capacity by 20 percent and make six ships out of three. The big contract calls for construction of three neiw S33> foot-long forebodies which will then be joined to the upgraded stem sections of three of the present Sea-Land vessels, the shipbuilding company said. In turn, the existing forebod­ ies of the three ships will be joined to the stems of three oil tankers bought by Sea-Land from the government. The pres­ ently operating ships which will be sharply increased in size are the Baltimore, the Seattle and the Anchorage—all C-4-type containerships. Sea-Land had spent some $6 million in conver­ sion costs on the Baltimore just two years ago at the Maryland HI- \u 11 . SEAFABEBS^l^W July. 1969 • Vol. XXXI, No. 9 Official Publication of the Seafarers International Union of North America. Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. AFL-CIO Shipbuilding and Drydock Com­ pany. The Mission Delores, a for­ mer reserve fleet tanker, will also be converted to a containership at Todd under terms of the contract. Scheduled for completion by the end of 1969, so as to keep "out of service" time to a mini­ mum, the entire program will add four ships to Sea-Land's present fleet of 35 vessels.. The total gain in the company's con­ tainer capacity will be 2,350 of its 35-foot boxes. Todd had previously con­ tracted to rebuild two vessels for Sea-Land with similar jumboized forebodies, the company noted. The first of these— launched only 184 days after coming off the planning boards —will be joined to the stern of the former troopship General G. H. Muir and is scheduled to enter service on August 4. Construction work under the new contract will be done in Todd's Los Angeles yard, with its Galveston, Houston, San Francisco and Seattle yards fur­ nishing assistance in the tasks of severing, joining and upgrad­ ing. Dixon —4^— Jeaimie Potto-, bora April 5, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. John N. Potter, Belhaven, North Carolina. — Maria Elena Sanchez, bom May 13, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Jose Sanchez, Tampa, Fla. —4^— Helene Dixmi, bom May 22, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Robert J. Dixon, Philadelphia, Pa. Ronald Jones, bora April 14, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. John E. Jones, Marquand, Mo. Executive Board PAUL HALL. President EARL SHEPARD CAL TANNER Exec. Viee-Pres. Vice-President LINDSEY WILLIAMS AL KERR Vice-President Sec.-Treas. ROBERT MATTHEWS AL TANNER Vice-President Vice-President cardi ihoald be icnt to Ssafarin International Union. Atlantic, Gelt, Laket and Inland Wateri Dlitrlet, AFL-CIO, 675 Foarth Aeenae, Brooklyn, H.Y. 11232. —4f— Thomas Smkh, bom April 27, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Raymond J. Smith, Lakewood, Ohio. —4/— Teny McCari, bom March 31, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Robert E. McCarl, Lansing, 111. — 4/— Sonya Giddens, born April 13, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Reginald L. Giddens, Mobile, Ala. —4f— Ana Melissa Guerra, bom April 18 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Cesar A. Guerra, New Or­ leans, La. —4^— —4A— Diana Duracher, bum March 3, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Louis B. Duracher, Metairie, La. Staff Photographer ANTHONY ANSALDI POSmASTER'S ATTEHTIOR: Form 3579 —4^— Helen Dixim, bom April 25, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. George B. Dixon, Philadelphia, Pa. Robert White, bom April 8, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Melvin L. White, Jr., Mathews, Va. Editor HARRY WITTSCUBN Assistant Editors WILL KARP CHARLER SVBNSON Psbliihtd monthly at SIO Rhode liland Avenao N.E., Washiniton. D. C. 20018 by ths Soalaron Inlstnatlonal Union, Atlantic. Golf, Lakic and Inland Watin Dlitrlet. AFL-CIO. 675 Foirth Acenat, Brooklyn, H.Y. 11232. Til. HYaelnth 9-6600. Ssoond clan Rostan Raid at Waihlnitont, D. C. Foster 4^ 4^ Erin Colleen Kennedy, bom August 9, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Gerald C. Kennedy, Jr., Fairfax, Calif. 4/ — Thomas James O'Connor, bom August 5, 1968, to Sea­ farer and Mrs. Gerald J. O' Connor, Cleveland, Ohio. <I> Angelique Limiette, born Febmary 22, 1969, to ^afarer and Mrs. Wayne Linnette, Nor­ folk, Va. Rhonda Tuberville, bom March 3, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Ira L. Tuberville, Perdido, Ala. —4/— Richard Austin Wilkerson, bom May 1, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Richard Ray Wilker­ son, Orange, Texas. ANVTIME-ANYVfHCRE ^ IMEANS Arthin- Elliott, Jr., bom May 3, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Arthur Elliott, Queens, N.Y. NO MORE SHIPS —4f— Nebral Arnold, bom April 27, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Edward E. Arnold, Mobile, Ala. Chester Rayrikond Wescott, bom October 23, 1967, to Sea­ farer and Mrs. Raymond Wes­ cott, Jr., Mantee, N.C. Melvin Hsu, born May 20, 1969, to Seafarer and Mrs. Sung M. Hsu, New York, N. Y. —4^— <1> �Page TWenty SEAFARERS July, 1969 LOG agDgogpcopgiaogooytaMMfliuuuw Control of Worlds Seas Soviet Aim, Threat to U.S. Jobs Soon International Experts Analysis Finds In Cheap Foreign Imports BRUSSELS—The Soviet Un­ ion already surpasses the Unit^ States in certain important cate­ gories of sea power and is gain­ ing in others, according to an analysis recently issued by panel of American and Euro­ pean experts. This is all part of a develop­ ing picture of a maritime strat­ egy by the U.S.S.R. of challeng­ ing the United States, and other non-Communist sea powers for control of key waters around the Eurasian land mass, the findings of the study indicate. A report on the study's con­ clusions was issued here by 14 analysts assembled by the Cen­ ter for Strategic and Interna­ tional Studies of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. In furtherance of this Soviet policy, the group noted, a con­ tinuing expansion of the navy and merchant marine is taking place on an unprecedented scale, far beyond that of any other na­ tion. The study said it was clear that the Soviet Union will "at­ tempt to control the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and ultimately the Mediterranean." "The policy also envisions Soviet predominance in the Sea of Japan to the east, the Greenland-Iceland-Faeroe Islands gap to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south," it con­ tinued. A probable objective cited was control of the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, providing pas­ sage for the Soviet fleet to the Mediterranean. "Beyond these goals the So­ viets want to gain dominant influenee at several major junc­ tions of the world's seaways," the panel noted. These were Ro€ket-Bonie SOS Seen BOOH to Ships LONDON—An auto­ matic "Weeper" invented by a British scientist may go a long way towards facilitat­ ing the transmittal of dis­ tress signals from a ship on the high seas. Code named ROBERT— for "rocket-borne emer­ gency transmitter"—^the mechanism is designed to fit in the nose of a distress rocket and would replace the usual flares. It is ca­ pable of beaming signals over a 200-mile radius as it parachutes downward from its highest point. Tapes which would broadcast the distressed ves­ sel's position could be fitted within the transmitter. Its designer is Harry Wolf, head of the biomed­ ical engineering division at the National Institute of Medical Research Labora­ tories here. identified as the Suez Canal, the Bab el Mandeb—leading from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden —the Strait of Malacca between Malaysia and Sumatra, and the Strait of Gibraltar. In pursuit if this policy, the U.S.S.R. will exert increasing pressure on non-Communist naval operations in areas which they consider of strategic im­ portance, the report predicts. Already the Russians have many more conventionally pow­ ered submarines than does the United States, it noted, as well as "unparalleled" long-range surface-to-surface cruise-missile systems on surface ships and submarines and a considerablysized missile-equipped fleet of patrol boats. Soviet submarines are pres­ ently capable of firing a total of some 200 ballistic missiles. While this is overshadowed by the Polaris broadside of 16 longer-range missiles from each of 41 submarines possessed by the United States, the U.S.S.R. has begun production of a sub­ marine similar to the first Po­ laris vessels and may already have up to seven of these armed with 16 Serb missiles. The Serb missiles have an estimated range of 1,500 miles. Submarine Surveillance Reported The Soviet navy is reported to maintain one to three ballis­ tic missile submarines between 800 and 1,000 miles off the United States coast for periods of from six to eight weeks. This number is expected to increase substantially as the new 16missile vessels become opera­ tional. In addition, the Soviet sur­ face fleet includes two helicop­ ter carriers, 20 to 24 cruisers. CHICAGO—"We're not against free trade; we are against Americans losing their jobs , because of cheap foreign-made goods imported into this country," Representative John H. Dent (D-Pa.) told 400 delegates to the 87th convention of the Flint Glass Workers. Dent praised the union for its fight agaiast cheap imports, noting that the glass industry was the first hit and still the most vulnerable in the "competition" against low-wage stand­ ards in other countries. In the closing days of the two-week convention, delegates were preparing to debate and vote on a union policy on the import question. The convention also focused on craft prob­ lems and setting of contract goals for the next two years. Dent said the American public has begun to awaken to the dangers of cheap-made foreign imports. "Anything you can name—boots, shoes, clothing, food, steel and machinery—is brought into this country. . . . We no longer have the exclu­ sive knowledge and ability to produce goods; any finger— white, black, Asian or European—can push a button and turn out products." The Pennsylvania congressman called on the nation's lead­ ers to count job balances, not dollar balances, when making trade agreements. He said the economics of foreign trade should be taken away from the Tariff Commission and given to the Labor Department. When imports threaten American jobs, the flow of the goods into the country should be limited. Dent also called for efforts to raise employment standards around the world so that workers are given the means to con­ sume the goods produced in their own countries. 110 to 120 destroyers and frig­ ates, 92 ocean-going escorts, about 150 missile-armed patrol boats, 400 other patrol craft, 270 coastal escorts, 250 or more landing ships and craft plus a large number of mine­ sweepers, support and auxiliary vessels. Although still lagging in heli­ copter carriers, the Soviets are rapidly closing the gap, the re­ port points out. The Soviet Un­ ion's modem fleet and landbased power in the Mediter­ ranean is considered a "major political threat" to the United States Sixth Fleet. At a recent meeting, the North Atlantic Alliance took measures to meet this threat when the Defense Planning Committee agreed to organize a Mediterranean emergency na­ val force. However, the six des­ troyers to be so assigned are considered to be no match for the Soviet forces already there. Bill Would Grant Unemployment Pay To Ohio Seafarers on Great Lakes TOLEDO—^A bill introduced m the Ohio State Legislature would make Great Lakes sea­ men who make their homes in that state eligible to collect un­ employment benefits during the winter months. At present, Ohio seamen are eligible for unemployment com­ pensation only during the 40 weeks following the fourth Sun­ day in March, while other mari­ time workers—and all other Ohio workers—are not so re­ stricted. Co-spdnsored by Ohio State Senators Marigene Valiquette (D-Toledo) and David S. Holcomb (R-Dayton), the measure would correct a situation which singles out seafarers for discrim­ inatory treatment by amending Section 4141.33 of the Revised Code by striking from it the provisions specifically applicable to seamen. It is known as Sen­ ate Bill 394. Passage of the measure would permit the accrual of credits for unemployment purposes during the off-season months. Great Lakes ports are normally closed Tradition of Service Lives On The USS Samuel Gompers services warships in western Pacific. Named after founder and first president of the American Federation of Labor, the 20,000-ton destroyer tender has just returned to its home base in Sen Diego after six-and-a-half-mqnth tour of. duty, five of which were spent in Subic Bay, P.I. beginning with the last Sunday in December and continuing un­ til the fourth Sunday in March. Donald Bensman, SIU Port Agent in Toledo and Melvin H. Pelfrey, Vice President of MEBA-District 2, made the in­ itial requests for enactment of the bill and are continuing their efforts, with the backing of their Unions, to help its passage through the Legislature. The bill was assigned to the Election, Commerce and Labor Commit­ tee, of which Senator Holcomb is a member. Similar legislation was intro­ duced two years ago but failed to pass by a slender margin. Bensman and Pelfrey have stated that prospects are brighter for passage of the bill in this session of the Assembly. Point­ ing out that Ohio is the only state in the nation which ex­ cludes seamen from unemploy­ ment compensation in the win­ ter, they contend this discrimi­ nates against those Ohioans who work in the maritime industry. Seamen, and their friends, who make their homes in Ohio are requested to write to their state senators urging their sup­ port for this legislation. Among senators who should be contacted are: Douglas Applegate, D—Steubenville; Stan­ ley J. Aronoff, R—Cincinnati; Howard C. Cook, R—Toledo; Paul E. Gillmor, R-^TiflBn; David S. Holcomb, R—^Dayton; James K. Leedy, R—Wooster', Ronald M. Mottl, D—^Parma; William B. Nye, D—Akron; Oliver Ocasek,D—Akron; Wal^ ter E. Powell, R—^Fairfield; and Marigene Valiquette, D—^To­ ledo. �Special Pension Supplement SEAFARERSWLOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO IMPROVING THE PENSION PLAN The Seafarers International Union, in forthcoming contract negotiations, will move for improvements in the pension plan. The Union, as part of the preparation for these talks, has been surveying the features of various pension plans. Our purpose has been to consider every possible approach to the problem of assuring our members that they are properly protected in their retirement years. A pension program must be a living document—capable of changing to meet the chang­ ing needs of the membership it safeguards. The Union's responsibility, therefore, is to know the members' attitudes on a variety of benefits—for a pension program is a complex thing. There are many questions that must be answered: • Do the members wont a program geared solely to the monthly pension payment? • Or do they also want adequate protection against the heavy cost of long illnesses? • Do they wont a pension that provides benefits only for themselves? • Or do they also wont assurances that their dependents, too, will be protected? • Do they wont to gamble on staying fit for duty until they reach retirement age? • Or do they also wont a program that provides adequate retirement pensions in case of disability? To these questions, the Union must add one of its own: How do we develop a plan with the broadest possible coverage—and at the same time that is financially sound—that protects the member, goqd times or bad? In arriving at the answers to these questions, and many others, the membership will be deeply involved. Whatever proposals are made to management will come only after thorough discussion and action by the membership. For that reason, this brochure puts at the disposal of the members factors that will aid them in their discussion and decision-making. We have set down the features of the existing SIU plan—because every member should understand precisely what he has now, the benefits he derives from the present plan, and how it operates. The Union thinks it would also be useful to the membership, in considering possible changes, that it review the features of a plan in the same industry, dealing with problems which are the same insofar as the individual is concerned. Therefore the brochure makes comparisons between the SIU plan and that of the National AAaritime Union. This is not to say that one is better than another—it is done only to make possible an objective study by the membership. Each member is urged to study this document carefully, and to use it as the basis for continuing discussions aboard ship aiid in the union halls—because it is from these discus­ sions that the ultimate contract proposal will come. While these discussions ore being held, the Union will continue its study—calling on the best-traified expeifi in the pmsion field for advice. To assist with this part of the preparation for the fonhoofning contract negotiations, this brochure carries on the back page a Pension Data Questionnaire and a place for any comments whidi a member widies to make. Each member diould fill this out and forward it to Union Headquarters. In addition to asdding the Union, this form will enaUe each member to know pre­ cisely where he stands in reqpect to his own pension credits. �BENEFIT SIU-AGLIW DISTRICT PENSION CREDITS Pension credits are given for each day worked under covered employment. Pension credits are also given for inpatient and outpatient hospital time and for sickness and accident time, not to exceed 1,825 days of the total pension credit requirements of 5,475 days. For pulses of the disability pension credit re(|uirements 1,460 of the 4,380 days may be inpatient and outpatient hospital time and sickness and accident time. (Applies to All Pensions) Pension credits earned before October 1, 1967, cannot be lost by a break in service prior thereto. After October 1,1967, a seaman must have 90 days of covered employment in any one of 3 consecutive calendar years to avoid a break in service and loss of prior pension credits. BREAK IN SERVICE RULE (Applies to All Pensions) $250.00 per month for deep-sea sailors. Eligibility requirements: 15 years (5,475 days) of pension credits with no time limita­ tion, is age 65 or over, has 90 days of covered employment during the calendar year preceding his date of application, and has one day of employment during the 6-month period immediately preceding such application. Eligibility extended for military service, disability and certain non-seatime. NORMAL AND/OR SERVICE PENSION REDUCED AND EARLY RETIREMENT PENSIONS SEE NORMAL PENSION ABOVE •v.,, •v. • DISABILITY PENSION $250.00 per month for deep-sea sailors. Eligibility requirements: Permanent disability at any age, provided the employee has pen­ sion credits for 12 years (4,380 days) of qualifying time, and has accumulated at least 90 days of covered employment during the calendar year preceding his date of applica­ tion, and at least one day of employment during the 6-month period immediately pre­ ceding his date of application. Amount of Disability Years of Pension Regardless of Age Pension Credit $250.00 12 or Over Eligibility extended for military service, disability and certain non-seatime. DEATH BENEFIT $4,000.00 if the designated beneficiary is a pensioner's wife, child, step-child, mother, father, brother, sister, grandchild, grandparent, step or half-brother and sister, step­ mother or stepfather. $1,000.00 payable to any other class of beneficiaries not listed above. PENSIONERS' WELFARE BENEFIT Pensioners: Payment for life without limitation of all medical costs including surgery, hospitalization, drugs, nursing homes, dent^ care, artificial limbs, wheel chairs, hear­ ing aids, glassesi crutches, etc. - it Pensioner's Dependents: Eligible for schedule of dependent's benefits under Seafarers Welfare Plan which includes hospital room and board, hospital extras, blood transfu­ sions, doctor's visits at hospitals, surgical, diagnostic, medical extras, optical, etc. These benefits shall continue during the pensioner's life and for six months thereafter. (NOTE: The foresoiiw is sn analysis and synopsis of the salient and perUnent provisions of the trust SKieenSBntS and their'rules and regtiiations.' As td each specific provision, reference shouid be made to the text thereof.) �NMU % Pension credits are given as follows: . Periods commencing January 1, 1951: 200 days or more in covered emplovment, including certain disability time, counts as a year's credit (4 quarters). If less tnan 200 days are accumulated in any year, quarter' year unit credits are as follows: Days of covered Employment Quarters to in Calendar Year be Credited Less than 50 0 50 to 99 1 100 to 149 2 150 to 199 3 Periods before January 1, 1951: . To receive pension credit for any employment before January 1, 1951, must have at least 200 days of covered employment, including certain disability time, in the three year period between January 1, 1951 and December 31, 1953 and have ten years of - pension credits earned after January 1, 1951. . If a seaman does not work in covered employment for at least 200 days in any period of three consecutive calendar years after January 1, 1953, and for at least 300 days in - any period of three consecutive calendar years after January 1, 1969, it shall constitute a break in employment and his previous pension credits shall be cancelled. $250.00 per month for deep-sea sailors. - Eligibility requirements: 20 years (80 quarters) of pension credit within 30 consecutive ' years, at any age, for those employees who must work past January 1, 1969 to earn the > 20 years (80 quarters). The 30-year rule does not apply if 20 years (80 quarters) are earned before January 1, 1969. Eligibility extended for military service, disability and certain non-seatime. REDUCED PENSION $187.50 to $250.00 for seamen who are not entitled to a Normal Pension or a Service * Pension. Eligibility requirements: This pensidn available only to those seamen who were 65 years • old before January 1, 1969 and who had at least 15 years (60 quarters) of pension credits at that time in accordance with the following table of benefits: Number of Years of Amount of Qualifying Time Pension 15 $187.50 16 200.00 17 212.50 18 225.00 19 237.50 20 250.00 EARLY RETIREMENT PENSION - $131.25 to $235.00 as a Percentage of Normal or Reduced Pension. Eligibility requirements: This pension available only to the seamen who were 60 years " old before January 1, 1969 and who had at least 15 years (60 quarters) of pension credits at that time. Amount of pension is a percentage of the Normal or Reduced Pen­ sion he would have been entitled to if he were 65 years of age at the time when his Early • Retirement Pension first becomes payable. The following table of benefits indicates the amount of benefit payable: Age Seatime-Years 20 19 15 16 17 18 Benefit Amount $166.25 $175.00 $148.75 $157.50 60 $131.25 $140.00 190.00 142.50 161.50 171.00 180.50 61 152.00 205.00 194.75 62 153.75 164.00 174.25 184.50 220.00 63 165.00 187.00 198.00 219.00 176.00 235.00 64 223.25 176.25 188.00 199.75 211.50 . $50.00 to $250.00 for deep-sea sailors. Eligibility requirements: Permanent disability for those under age 65 provided they have credit for a least 15 years (60 quarters) of service. Those over 65 must have actually been employed in covered employment for at least 200 days after December 31, 1960 and must have credit for at least 10 years of service ' (40 quarters). The years of service on which a claim is based must be earned within a number of consecutive calendar years determined by adding 10 years to the actual years of service - at time of filing. Amount of Disability Pension Over 65 Under 65 Years of Pension Credit 10 to 14 $ 50.00 15 187.50 187.50 16 200.00 200.00 212.50 17 212.50 225.00 18 225.00 237.50 19 237.50 250.00 20 250.00 , Eligibilty extended for .military service, disability and certain non-seatime. $3,500.00, less any Pension payments received, but not less than $1,500.00 payable to . pensioner's wife, child, mother, father, brother or sister. Pensioner and Pensioner's Dependents: The total amount of benefits payable to the pen' sioner and his dependents collectively shall not exceed a lifetime maximum of $750.00. , In addition, a pensioner is entitled to a hearing aid benefit up to a maximum $325.00 once every four years. ' (NOTE: The forecoing i« an eiielyeia and lynopais of the salient and pertinent provisions of the trust agree­ ments and their rules and reguIaUonft, As to each speeifle provision, reference should be made to the text thereof.) f. •*ri!o ,-# A Guide to the Pension Data In comparing the features of pension plans, it is important not only to consider the amount of the pension payment, or the period of time required for eligibility, but the provisions which govern how you become eligible, and how you maintain your eligibility. Both the SIU and NMU full pensions provide for payment of $250 monthly. However, each carries with it certain fringe benefits which differ as- to the amounts payable, type of coverage and eligibility requirements. Regular Pension In both pension plans, the key is "pension credits," not necessarily years of service. Under the SIU plan, there is a simple formula—giving the seaman the broadest latitude in accumulating credits toward his pension. The NMU plan contains a more complex formula than the SIU plan with respect to past service in the industry, and a sliding scale with respect to future service. As the comparison of the various features of the two plans in the adjoining columns shows, eligibility for the SIU normal pension is attained at age 65 with 15 years of pension credits. There is no limitation on time for attaining eligibility, which means that an SIU seaman's pension credits began with the time he first began sailing. The NMU requires 20 years of pension credits within 30 consecutive years for retirement at any age. Obviously this is a very attractive feature; however, to achieve retirement at any age, the NMU plan, as of January 1, 1969, closed off pension credits earned prior to 1939 in computing future pensions. Furthermore, in order to maintain the 20-year pension, the NMU found it necessary to tighten up the break-in-service rule by adding 100 days to the previous time required to be worked in any three-year period to maintain eligibility, bringing the new level to 300 days. Prior to that it was 200 days for the same peri^. Under the SIU plan, a seaman must have 90 days of covered employment in any one of three consecutive calendar years to avoid a break in service. Disability Pension The SIU's disability pension provides a monthly benefit of $250 for a man disabled at any age, if he has had 12 years of service credits, one-third of which may be for in-patient and out-patient hospital time and sickness and accident time. The NMU's disability pension provides a scale of benefits from $50 to $250 a month, depending on the sailor's age and years of service, and provides credits for hospital time. No disability pensions are payable to a man with less than 15 years of pension credits, unless he is over 65 at the time of dis­ ability. And the $250-a-month maximum is available only to men with 20 years of pension credits—at which point they would be eligible, in any event, for full pension irrespective of disability. Death Benefits With respect to death benefits, the SIU's are paid to any beneficiary selected by the retiree, and remain constant throughout the years. The NMU death benefit is limited to fewer beneficiaries, is smaller to begin with, and is subject to being discounted by more than 50 percent as the years go by. Medical Benefits Medical benefits are an important element in a retirement plan because two factors come into play for the retiree: (1) As he advances in age, his medical costs go up; and (2) These higher costs are incurred at a time when his income is reduced. Under the l^U plan, a $750 ceiling is placed on all of the medical expenses ever incurred by the retiree and his dependents. This is an absolute maximum—no matter how long the pensioner lives, and no matter how many hospital bills he and his dependents, collectively, incur. The pensioner in the SIU has unlimited medical coverage for himself. His dependents, meanwhile, are eligible for the same schedule of Seafarers Welfare Plan benefits that have been available to them during his days as an active seaman—^plus the fact that these benefits continue for the pensioner's depend­ ents for six months after his death. Conclusion Obviously, any pension plan review can carry only the highlights of the respective documents. These are lengthy, they have been amended several tim^, and they deal in great detail with edch feature. Therefore, complete copies of both the SIU and NMU pension plans are being made available in all SIU ports so that members wishing to do so can examine them in detail. The foregoing comments are offered to help the members evaluate the relative merits of the various elements that make up a complete pension program. This evaluation will make it easier for the members to express their views on the direction in which the SIU should now proceed with respect to the future. (Now proceed to the next page and complete the Pension Data Questionnaire.) �Special Pension Supplement SEAFARERS *XOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO ? <" '••I I i " PENSION DATA - QUESTIONNAIRE In order to effect improvements in the current pension program, it is necessary that Seafarers submit the answers to the below listed questions, and fill in all seatime information in the place provided. Do not mail this questionnaire in until you have filled in all data. (Please print all answers.) Send to SlU Pension Study Committee, 675 Fourth Ave Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232. 1-^ I. Name : •. 2. Residence address Street I* Apartment No. I City State Zip Code 3. Social Security No. (Area Code) 4. Book No. 6. Date of Birth r Telephone No. 5. Z No. 7. Age last birthday 8. Height I j ^ Year 11. Age when you first sailed deep-sea Single j. Widowed Divorced Relationship Living in your home? Separated II • --1 va 13. Number of Dependents Name Date of Birth Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 14. Are you presently on pension? Type: "" :I ',• ' H" .-4 When issued Month 12. Married ^ ^ I • I • Weight Mo. Day Year 9. Date of Joining SlUNA-AGLIWD" 10. Type of book now held: "C" ^^ - t"-' ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ) ) ) ) ) ) ) No No No No No No No I Receiving Social Security? ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (' ) ( ) ( ) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) No No No No ( T-... • ( ( I No ( No ( No ( If yes, indicate as follows: Disability Normal From whom: Seafarers Pension Plan Other _ Social Security Other Name of Entity 15. Are you eligible for supplemental Medicare? 16. Fill in numbers of days of seatime for each of the years listed below: I Number of Days itW? 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 I960 For Pension Plan , Office Use Only / Number of Days 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 I For POnfioB Plao Number of Days : Offiba U«e Only 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 Number of Days 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 Number of Days 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 I -- I' I > - J "5^-'- , >/'' ! I I I ' . . a J I I hereby authorize the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dis­ trict, its officers, employees or representatives, to obtain, on my behalf, any and all information as to my seatime from the United States Coast Guard. Date Sign your name here Social Security Number Comments: "'i! '''''' I I. I r I• USSSlft ' •' ' ' / �SEAFARERS July, 1969 Page Twenty Five LOG p SABINE (SWp Operatdrs)v May f •^Chairman, Howard Wheelns; Sec­ retary, Raymond Perry. Pew hours ' disputed OT in engine and steward department. No beefs were reported by department delegates. ^SAGAMORE HILL (Victory Car­ riers), April 2S—Chairman, J. M. Davis; Secretary, C. Dillman. Brother Myers Thomas, Jr. was elected to serve as ship's delegate. No major beefs were reported. No disputed OT, A special ship's meeting was called by Bosun Jack Nelson, ship's delegate on the Steel Sci­ entist (Isthmian), to discuss the failure of some crewmembers to show up on time for the sched­ uled sailing of Nelson the vessel from Durban. He reported that most of the deck gang, including him­ Owens McConnell self, were required to standby for seven hours waiting for six board the Trenton (Sea-Land). crewmembers to come aboard. A motion was made by Richard William Harrell, chief electri­ McConnell, meeting chairman, cian, suggested that the minutes and John Owens, meeting secre­ of this meeting be recorded and tary, and was adopted unani­ given to the boarding patrolman mously, to have the SIU nego­ when the ship arrives in Hous­ tiating committee look into these ton. problems. Among the recom­ — mendations included in the res­ At the meeting aboard the olution, which was sent to Un­ ion headquarters, were: increas­ Yaka (Waterman) the new con­ tract was read, ing pension contributions, in­ as well as the creasing overtime rales for work opinions and rec­ performed in port between 1700 ommendations of and 0800 hours, providing long­ the negotiating er vacations on containerships committee, re­ because of fast turnarounds, and ports C. Dc Je­ securing reefer engineering jobs sus, meeting sec­ for the unlicensed personnel. retary. An open The resolution also called for drawing up a new tanker agree­ De Jesus and frank dis­ ment covering ships on the west cussion was re­ coast to Alaska run which would ported between the new captain provide for premium pay for and Ship's Delegate Walt Sibley, working tankers during the win­ and, based on that discussion, ter months. Sibley briefed the crew on the A full discussion on the spe­ cial problems of containerships, including fast turnarounds, K HOUSTON (Sea-Land),.May 18-r Chairman, L. Cevette; Secretary, V. cargo lashing and reefer mainte­ Silva. Brother Cevette was elected nance, was held at a meeting on to serve as ship's delegate. No beefs and no disputed OT. S SACRAMENTO (Ogden)L May 18 -i^Chairman, W. P. Link; Secretary, D. B. Sacher. Brother W. MacDonald was elected to serve as new ship's delegate Some disputed OT ip each department. fc^lRICAN: ^ VTCrOSV •(Htideon Wa^rwaya), May 18—Chairman, Nels Laron; Secretary, John P. Pifer, No beefs were reported by depsi(ment delegates. Vote of thanks was extended to the entire stevlrard department for a job well done. • I DELTA B7.ASIL (Delta), April 21 •^-Chairman, Michael J. Dunn; SeciSitary, Willie Braggs. Ship's dele­ gate reported that everything is in ood shape. $222.00 in movie fund, ote of thanks was extended to the steward department JTor a job well done. I BRADFORD ISLAND (Steuart Tankers), May 5—Chairman, Louis P. Hagmann; Secretary, Charles L. Shirah. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Discussion held regarding retirement plan. f DIGEST of SIU MEETINGS I'.' -« i: ANTINOUS (Waterman), May 4-T Chairman, Allen Myrex; Secretary, Paul B. Adams, Jr. Some disputed OT in engine department, otherwise everything is running smoothly. I SEATRAIN OHIO (Hudson WV terways). May il—Chairman, T. E. Yablonsky; Secretary,,W. P. Messeur ger; Beefs and disputed OT to be turned over to boarding patrolman. Vote of thanks to the entire steward department for a job well done. Special thanks to Brother W. P. Messenger, chief steward, for his efforts to please one and all. ENID VICTORY (Columbia), May I9-rChairman, Primo Preing; Secre­ tary, Lloyd Hull. Brother C. M. King was elected to serve as ship's dele­ gate. No beefs and no disputed OT. CALMAR (Calmar), May 11— Chairman, Richard H. Hufford; Sec­ retary, M. Kaminski. No beefs and no disputed OT. Vote of thanks was extended to the entire steward de­ partment for a job well done. s OVERSEAS NATALIE (Maritime Overseas), May 4 — Chairman, R. Knowles; Set'rstary.P. Hall. Brother P. Stonehridge was elected to serve as ship's delegate. No beefs and no disputed OT. S^EEL NAVIGATOR (Isthjuian)^ May 11—Chairman, Artemio Vaz­ quez; Secretary, Earl E. Gruber. $57,00 in ship's fund. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Everything is running smoothly. f BABINE (Ship Operators), Aptrll 9—Chairinan, Howard Wheelus; Sec­ retary, Raymond Ferry. No beefs and no disputed OT reported by dejpartment delegates, EL IZ A BE T H PO RT (Sea-Land), April 25—Chairman, J; A. Busheed; Secretary, Juan L. Pagan, Brother Rusheed was elected to serve as ship's delegate. $44.00 in ship's fund. This has been a good trip with no beefs. Little disputed OT in engine department to be taken up with patrolman at payoff. Vote of thanks to Ihe steward department for a job weH done. DAGAMA (Crest Overseas), May 2l-i-Chairman, P. D- Carrnthers; Secretary, Shbrman Wright. Brother Jerry L, Wolfe was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Disputed OT in deck and engine departments. Crew's •quarters, messrooms, heads and showers, pantry and galley should^ be - painted^ MatterJ^evrsfpriftd.; to headquarters. EENA ELIZABETH (ArDairosa). April 27—Chairman, Billy Brewer; Secretary, Dennis Brodean. Discus­ sion held regarding poor mail serv­ ice. Few hours disputed OT in deck department. LINPIELD VICTORY (Alcoa), May 11—Chairman, L. D. Richard­ son; Secretary, ft, Perehee. Pew hours disputed OT in deck and engine departments. Crew urged to co-operate in keeping pantry clean and neat. LAFAYETTE (Waterman Steam­ ship Corp.), May 11—Chairman, P. J. Johnson; Secretary, ft. Dupre. Brother Tony Notturno was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward department for a job well done. No beefs and no disputed OT. PENN EXPORTER (Penn), Janu­ ary 21—Chairman, William S. Rudd; Secretary, Z. A. Markris. Ship's delegate reported that everything is running smoothly, with no disputed OT or beefs. Patrolman will be con­ tacted regarding restriction to ves­ sel while in port. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward depart­ ment for a job well done. Special vote of thanks to Brother Z, A. Markris, steward.. OVERSEAS FR0GRE3S (Mdritime Overseas), April 18—Chairman, James Sumpter; Secretary, Charles Scott. Pew hours disputed OT in deck department. Vote of thanks was extended to the entire steward •' department for a job well done. The Steward, in return, thanked the crew for their fine co-operation. DELTA BRAsfL (Delta), May 11 —Chairman, Mike Dunn; Secretary, Willie Braggs. $269.00 in ship's fund. Brother Dunn was elected to serve as ship's delegate. Discussion held on pension plan. BAYLOR VICTORY (Victory Car­ riers), May 30—Chairman,- C. Walk­ er; Secretary, E, C. Martin. Brother C. Walker was elected to serve as ship's delegate. No beefs and no disputed OT. COMMANDER (Marine Carriers), May 31—-Chairman, J. Hoggie; Sec­ retary, K. Hatgimisibs. Motion was made to have wages paid on day for day basis, regardless of type of voy­ age. Long discussion held regarding pension plan. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward department for a job well done. captain's likely methods of run­ ning the ship. The crew was advised that ship's meetings will be held each Sunday at sea and that all crew members are ex­ pected to participate. The chief steward requested that all crew members bring back all soiled linen. — fire. The galley gang's four rated crewmembers are all over 60 years old—and their combined ages total 255 years! The "old- — Ship's Secretary Timothy Gal­ lagher reports no beefs so far from the crew of the M i d 1 a k e (American Bulk). At a meeting held aboard ship on the run to India, a motion was made by Broth­ Gallagher er Victor Bonura, and adopted unanimously, that crew quarters be air condi­ tioned on all vessels going to the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean and other tropical waters. Ship's Chairman Albert Wills reports that the steward department has been doing an outstanding job during the voyage. The Midlake is due to pay off in Houston on August 10. Steward Phil Reyes, ship's secretary-reporter on the Spit­ fire (General Cargo), is sending out a challenge to all SlU-contracted ships to beat a record being set this trip on the SpitOVERSEAS DAPHNE (Maritime Overseas), May 11 — Chairman, L. Santa Ana: Secretary, V. DiGiacomo. Brother William Brown resided as ship's delegate and Brother Pat Colonna was elected to serve in his place. Vote of thanks Was extended to Brother Brown for a job well done. There were no beefs reported by department delegates. SEATRAIN PUERTO RICO (Hud­ son Waterways), May 11—Chairman, John J. Carey; Secretai-y, Louis D. Groom, Jr. $4.19 in ship's fund. Vote of thanks was extended to the entire steward department for a job well done. No disputed OT. \ • DEL VALLE (Delta), May 25 — Chairman, A. Bourgot; Secretary, R. N. Rohr- No LOGS and no mail from headquarters was received this voyage. Some disputed OT in en­ gine-department. STEEL ENGINEER (Isthmian), May 13—Chairman, J. J. Beve, Jr.; Secretary, Angel Seda. Brother Daniel P. Toman was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Everything is running smoothly. POTOMAC (Ogden Marine), May^ RICE VICTORY (Victory; Car­ 18-r-Chairman, C. Bedell; Secretary, J. Brooke. No beefs and no disputed riers). June 1—Chairman, John H. OT, Two men missed ship in Phila­ Ratliff; Secretary, John H. Ratliff. No beefs and no disputed OT. Dis­ delphia. cussion held regarding pension ALDION VICTORY (Bulk), May 17—uhairman, Ed Norris: Secre­ LA SALLE (Waterman), May 21— plan. tary, Gilbert J. Trosclair. Disputed Chairman, George Dakis; Secretary, OT in deck and engine departments •Thorn Shelton. No beefs andrlo dis­ CHOCTAW (Waterman), June 1-— to be taken up with patrolman. puted OT reported by departmeTib Chairman, Enos Allen; Secretary, A. Beck. Everything is running delegates. smoothly. Vote of thanks was ex­ DEL SOL (Delta), May 4—Chair­ tended to the steward department OVERSEAS AIIDREY CM^ man, ft. E. Stough, Jr.; Secretary, Overseas). for a job well done, Ship laying up. May 31—Chairman, Lee W. J. Holland. Ship's delegate ex­ Secretary, Stanley Schuy­ tended a vote of thanks to the entire Harvey: TRANSGLOBE (Hudson Water­ ler. Ship's delegate reported that crew for their co-operation. Vote everything is running smoothly with ways), May 24 — Chairman, B, of thanks was also extended to the no beefs and no disputed OT. Dis­ Schwartz; Secretary, T. Conway. steward department for a job well held regarding safety equip-: $20.00 in ship's fund. Couple of done. $10.50 in ship's fund. Some cussion ment on deck. Matter to be taken hours disputed OT in steward de­ disputed OT in deck ahd engine de­ up with the Captain. ^ : partment. No beefs reported by partments to be taken up with department delegates. boarding patrolman. MOBILIAN (Waterman), May 12 JAMES (James River Transport), --Chairman, J. J. DeCulty; Seci!%SEAFARER (Marine Carriers), tary. L. B. Kelly. Brother James P. May 18—Chairman, H. Mobley: See«1 April 4—Chairman. K. A. Heliman; Balderston, baker, was elected to jretary A. W. Morales. No beefs: Secretary, E. A. Laftoda. Disputed serve as shin's delegate. Discussion were reported and everything is OT in each department. Vote of held regarding ice machine. Some running smoothly. Vote of thanks ? thanks was extended to the steward disputed OT in deck and steward was extended to the electricians and department for a Job well donev departihentlii othprwise there were engineers for repair work done on i clothes dryer and air-condltipneh; !;:ii ho beefs. Yaribus matters under discussion.- Gbsscock Caldara timer" of the group is Floyd Hillier, 69, who sailed as baker. Steward Reyes is 63, Chief Cook Amie Glasscock is 62, and Third Cook William Caldara is 61. The Spitfire is on a threemonth run to India, and not one of these veteran Seafarers has been sick a day "except for their usual lumbagos, and, rheuma­ tism," according to Seafarer Reyes, who first shipped as stew­ ard in 1929, The Spitfire is due to pay off in the Houston area this month. An "unexpected delay" oc­ curred in the Port of New York when the Steel Seafarer (Isthmi­ an) collided with a Greek ship in the C and D Canal, Ira C. Brown, meeting secretary reports. The Steel Sea­ farer ran aground Brown for about three hours. Some damage was sus­ tained by both ships, but no one was injured. As a result, the Steel Seafarer was diverted back to the States after sailing foreign. Additional cargo was loaded in the Port of Baltimore, and the ship is now headed for a Far East voyage of about four months. Copies of the new con­ tracts were received and passed out to every member. One was also posted on the messroom bulletin board. A motion was made by Meeting Chairman Roy Guild and seconded by Brother Brown to concur in the new con­ tract and to thank headquarters for the good coverage as well as copies of the new increase. The motion was passed unanimously by the meeting which was at­ tended by all the members. Sug­ gestion was made that every member fill out the question­ naire in the LOG concerning the Pension Plan and mail it from Panama. There was much dis­ cussion about the mail problem. Seafarer Brown reports that all repairs were taken care of ex­ cept a fire hydrant leak near the stewards' room. The ship's fund contains no money now, but the crew will soon build it up. With good cooks and a good crew, a good trip is expected. �Page Twentr Six 'Maru' May Mean Great Mariner To the Edifon The story in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG about <4^ the origin of the name "Maru" was interesting. I think I have about three suitcases full of reference material, and some­ place I have material on the Japanese language. I'm sure that "Maru" probably relates to the sea. "Mare" means "sea" in Latin, and was used in Caesar's time. As for the names of Japa­ nese boys ending in "maru," it could be that the parents intended it to be coincident with the sea. Japan is a sea nation. They have a fondness for the sea, and are often ro­ mantic about it. I recall that the Japanese language was adapted from many languages. Many words were corrupted, particularly the names of people and things. After many years, these corrupted terms were integrated into the Japanese language. You might know that the idioms of seaport people in Asia, including India, got into their language over the years because of the bumboat peddlers and other traders who got a smattering of every language spoken around the docks. (Many Japanese girls can speak Greek, French and Spanish fluently, but can only speak broken English. This is especially true around Yawata.) I have an idea—and this is only an opinion—^that "Ma­ ru" means "Great Mariner." This definition may not be found in dictionaries, but I do know an old lady in Yoko­ hama who certainly could give the answer, if you could get in touch wiA her. She is a teacher of classical music. Your article sure was inter­ esting, and I wanted to write to you about it. In closing, I want to say that the LOG and the International are looking good, and provide much in­ terest and information. T^liain Calefoto Seattle, Wash. .t. Graduate Thanks SlU For Scholarship Aid TotheEdSttm^ I wish to express my sin­ cere gratitude to the Seafar­ ers International Union for the scholarship funds alloted to me over the past four years. I graduated June 1 with a Bachelor of Science degree « in mathematics from the Y University of Notre Dame. It would not have been possible fOT me to pursue my course of studies at Notre Dame if not for the Seafarers International Union Scholar­ ship. Thank you. A. E. Cemosek SEAFARERS Pensioner Proud ^ Of SiU Membership To the Editor: Promptness — yes, this is always one excellent thing with our Union. The Union is always on the ball ready to give you a hand when help is needed. This is not only true when it comes to a member applying for retirement, vaca­ tion money, sick benefit, etc., but even in other matters where he is attended to promptly with no red tape at all. You are told what to do, where to go, and the oflBce personnel will even go out of their way just to serve you. I am really very fortunate as well as proud to be with the SIU from the beginning of my going to sea until I re­ tired. I believe this should be the case with every member of our Union. I would also give this as a hint (if they are wise) to those just beginning or starting to go to sea as SIU mem^rs. Stick with a Union like ours, for I assure you, you will never regret belonging to the SIU. Let me thank the people of our Welfare plans, our Union officers, as well all those others who have made it possible to have a good Un­ ion like our SIU. Snic»ely, P. C. Esteban E-178 Seafarer's Wife Grateful for Aid To the Edi^: My husband is at sea and I had to enter the hospital, but was uncertain as to how to go about filing a benefit claim. After contacting the SIU Hall in New Orleans, I was put in touch with the Welfare Plan and Jeanie LeBlanc. Because of the wonder­ ful understanding and help I received I was able to enter the hospital with my mind at ease. After all the informaation and bills were sent in, the checks were soon on their way. Many thanks to everyone. Sincerely, IVfrs. Jolui Homen SUdefl, La. Seafarer Thanks Shipmates for Help To the EdhtHR I would like to thank all the members of the crew of the SS Henry La Libertie who assisted me at the time of my accident aboard this vessel on May 2, 1969. Sincerefy, Chester B. Kaiser K.13117 July, 1969 LOG Seafarer Praises SIU Pension Plan To the EdittMR Mrs. Hill and myself want (o thank the SIU for the won­ derful service we received when I filed for my pension in March of this year. The Seafarers Welfare Plan is one of the best that I know, and I am glad that I was able to be a part of it. I received my fimt check shortly after I filed my ap­ plication, and again I want to thank you for the won­ derful service. Nicfcolai Hin Brule, Wisconsin 1965 SIU Scholar Expresses 'Thanks' To the Editon I received today a check for the $187.50 which rep­ resents the May and final in­ stallment of my 1965 Sea­ farers Scholarship Award and felt a need to write and ex­ press my thanks through you to the entire Union for mak­ ing this award available to me. Your generosity over the past four years has enabled me to pursue my undergraduate studies and to concentrate on them without undue concern for financing them. For this I am extremely grateful. You might be interested in knowing that my future plans include obtaining an M.A. degree in Philosophy next year and then the possibility of studying Theology in Eu­ rope, leading to ordination to the Catholic priesthood. I hope eventually to teach on the university level. Whatever the future may hold, you may be assured that your Scholarship Award has played an important part in my life—a part that I will never forget. Thanking you again and asking you to convey my thanks to all the members of your organization, I am Very truly yours, Peter J. Bakarich Welfare Plan Aids Seafarer and Wife To the E£tor: Just a note to try and show my gratitude and apprecia­ tion for the help the SIU Welfare Plan has given us. Without it, our present situation would be impossible to take care of. I have recent­ ly been plagued, or jinxed, by poor health. Here's hoping I will soon be back to my normal health which had been very good. So as not to feel sorry for myself, things could be worse. God and the SIU have been good to us. Mrs. P. H. Key Hpuslon, Texas IMBguel Luis Medina Please get in touch with your sister, Marina Reyes, Mrs. Justina M^ero, 288 Tenth Ave., Apt. 5-E, New York, N. Y. 10001, as soon as possible. The telephone number is (212) 5643242. Fhmk Wendali Cbllins Please contact your daughter, Mrs. Pamela A. Blackwell, at Holiday Mobile Home Park, 433 Frances St., Jacksonville, North Carolina, as soon as pos­ sible. Ad(^h P. DeMarco Daidel J. DeMarco Please write to your brother, Pasquale DeMarco, who is a pa­ tient at Central Islip State Hos­ pital, Central Islip, New York 11722. Robert Allen Ruilner Please contact your mother, Mrs. Marion Locke, 371 Kern St., Winchester, Virginia 22601, concerning your tax papers. Charles W. Tbompswi Please contact Ross Bennett, Waldman & Smallwood, Attorneys-at-Law, 320 College, Beaumont, Texas, as soon as possible. Emory Hughes Fred Greathouse will be on the beach for the next three months. It is important that you contact him at the Sampan in New Orleans. Jtdm Bertie Sr. Please contact your sister, Lfilian Spence, 149-11 117th Street, Ozone Park, New York; or JoW W, Helfrich, Attorney, 1527 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, L. I., regarding your de­ ceased father's estate. vl> Oscar D. Jidmson Please contact your wife at 1705 Ursulines Ave., New Or­ leans, Louisiana 70116, as soon as possible. Jerry L. Wolfe Please contact Joseph P. Stahl, attorney. He is represent­ ing Brother August LeBlanc and needs your testimony. His address is 804 Baronne Bldg., 305 Baronne Street, New Or­ leans, Louisiana 70112 — or phone him at (504) 523-2910. Richard D. Tapman Please get in touch with your wife at 2000 Ramblewood Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21214, as soon as possible. Abdulrab Saleh Ahdulrehman Please contact A1 George & Associates, 227 Cleveland Ave­ nue No., Canton, Ohio 44702, as soon as possible. — Merlin Frank May Please contact Door County Department of Social Services, Court House, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235. —4>— Arthur Hiers Ann Miller asks that you please call or write to her in New York. James W. McFarlln Please get in touch with your sister at 7220 Branch Street, Hollywood, Florida, as soon as possible. The telephone num­ ber is 961-5214. i Bohhy Gene McMidiad Please get in touch with your sister, Mrs. June Deneen, 216 B., E. Mt. Street, No. 45, Worcester, Massachusetts 01606, as soon as possible. ^ Bin Clegg It is urgent that you contact Mr. and Mrs. William L. Rob­ inson, 114 West Garfield, Se­ attle, Washington, as soon as possible. The phone number is AT 3-1038. ^ Hugh V. Miles Your family requests that you contact your home address im­ mediately on a very urgent mat­ ter. Editor, SEAFARERS LOG, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 11232 I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG—please put my name on your mailing list. (rriM infermattm,) NAME STREET ADDRESS OTY STATE. ZIP. TO AVOID DUPUCATIONi if you art an eU aubacribar and hava a dMnga ef acMratt, plana giva yewr fannar addraaa balow; cnr �Julf, 1969 SEAFARERS Retiring to the Beach ^Effective Control' Vessels Declined Slightly Last Year » J. • 11. T. f I* _ ,I II .. WASHINGTON —A slight decline in the number of ships, registered under foreign flags but considered under "effective U.S. control" for emergency use by the Defense Department, was reported by the Maritime Administration for the flnal quarter of 1968. Shown in the latest report were 401 such vessels, with an aggregate total of 15,493,000 deadweight tons. As of Septem­ ber 30, 1968 there were 412 suph ships and the end-of-l967 total was 422. Liberian-flag registry showed the greatest decrease, from 288 as of September 30,1968 to 274 as of December 31. At the end of 1967, the number of vessels was 309. Panama on Increase In contrast, Panamanian-flag registry has been increasing, from 104 at the end of 1967 to 115 on September 30, 1968 and 118 at the end of 1968. The number of so-called "ef­ fectively controlled" vessels under Ae flag of Honduras has been holding at nine for some time. At the end of 1968 the num­ ber of companies with "effective control" ships registered under the flags of these three coun­ tries was reported as 172— down from 191 the year before. In types of ships, the num­ ber of tankers so registered was 270 at the close of 1968, up from 263 at the end <rf 1967. Bulk carriers were 87, down from 97 and freighters declined to 36 from 53 a year earlier. The "effective control" theory has been much disputed by many members of Congress, as well as by the SIU. Congressman James M. Hanley (D-N.Y.), for example, has noted "the rather absurd concept. . . that we have some sort of magical 'effective con­ trol' over American-owned ves­ sels flying foreign flags." He pointed to the Cuban and the Vietnam emergencies and the Middle Eastern crisis, when U.S.-flag ships were "busily trading" with enemies of this country or other undesirable na­ tions and "thumbed their noses at our entreaties that they cease." Seafarers Angel Burga, at left, an oiler, and Pio Dario, at right, a utilityman, are about to be presented with their first pension checks from SIU Welfare Director Al Bernstein, at New York headquar­ ters. Both men spent many years aboard SIU ships and are looking forward to their well-earned leisure. Congressman, Shipping Co. Cxerutive Call for Cnd of 'Doable SabsUles' Ford emphatically pointed WASHINGTON—An end to out that "this 'double subsidy' the unfair use of the federal government's maritime subsidy practice must be eliminated—by program for 14 American ship­ the federal agencies through ping lines, which are actually their administrative practices, if reaping "double subsidies," was they are willing to do it; by the demanded recently by a mem­ Congress, through legislative ac­ ber of Congress and a shipping tion, if there is no other way." He said, "We simply cannot company executive. afford to pour the taxpayers' Speaking before separate dollars down a rat hole." meetings of the AFI^CIO Mari­ Speaking about the inequities time Trades Department, Rep­ of the subsidy program, Terres resentative William D. Ford (Dstated that "instead of building Michigan) and Edward A. Terres, vice president of the States up our fleet, the subsidy destroys Marine-Isthmian Agency, Inc., a part of our fleet." warned that the subsidies are Terres explained that the orig­ wasting taxpayer's dollars as inal purpose of the government well as threatening to destroy subsidy program was to help a large part of the American American ships compete with fleet. foreign-flag carriers on a com­ mercial level. This practice has been mis-^ used, according to Ford, who For Seafarers 65 or Over: noted that "these lines are not carrying as much commercial cargo as they could handle." Subsidies Permit Underbidding What is actually happening, he said, is that the lines are han­ dling government shipments "at Seafarers who have reached, or are about to reach the age preferential rates, using their of 65, are cautioned to protect their benefits under the Sea­ farers Welfare Plan—as well as benefits for their qualified subsidies to underbid the unsubdependents—^by making sure to enroll under Medicare sidized lines." (hospital) and Supplemental Medicare (medical). This ap­ This means that when federal plies to active members as well as pensioners. agencies accept the lowest bid Such enrollment is mandatory for continued benefits after on a cargo shipment, they are the age of 65—and no cost to the Seafarer is involved. in fact spending more money Medicare enrollment is free. Supplemental Medicare, because another area of the gov­ which provides medical coverage, costs $4 per month for ernment has given the shipping each enrollee. However, this cost will be reimbursed by the line a subsidy. Plan, on a quarterly basis, upon receipt of a photocopy of the Ford had explained this by enrollment card for Supplemental Medicare for the &afarer and each eligible dependent. asking if a bid is really "low" if Failure to obtain such coverage will render the Seafarer it is achieved through a subsidy and his dependent ineligible for any benefits from the Plan that comes from another fed­ which would have been furnished by Medicare and supple­ eral agency? "Of course not— mental protection. yet the practice persists," he de­ Medicare normally affords greater benefits than does the clared. "As long as the individ­ Welfare Plan. However, medical expenses in excess of Medi­ ual federal agency can show that care coverage will be covered by the Plan to subscribers, up it is operating on an 'econom­ to its schedule. ical' basis, apparently no one Following any medical expense, the subscriber should sub­ seems to care that, in the end, mit the bill to Medicare for payment up to the extent allow­ this practice is costing the gov­ able. Any remaining balance should then be forwarded to the ernment more money." Plan for allowable reimbursement in accordance with the schedule. At an earlier MTD gathering. Congressman Mario Biaggi (D- 'Medicare Enrollment Vital For Welfare Plan Benefits i Page Twenty Seven LOG N.Y.) declared anew the need for an autonomous Maritime Administration, separate from the Department of Commerce. Pointing to the worsening plight of the maritime and ship­ building industries, Biaggi stated: "Frankly, I think we're kidding ourselves if we think we're ever going to get a mean­ ingful maritime program — out of any Administration — until we have an agency of govern­ ment capable of drawing up such a program." Two-Part Program Biaggi outlined a two-point program for implementing the separate department, "first, that we move with all possible speed to give maritime back its inde­ pendence," and "second, that we follow this up with orderly, thoughtful consideration of the desirability of taking all of our ocean programs . . . and putting them into a single department whose sole responsibility would be the full development of the potential of the seas around us —and of our inland lakes and waterways, too." Sea-Land Opens Modern Terminal In Puerto Rico MAYAGUEZ, P. R. — SeaLand's new port terminal, an ultra-modem facility geared to receive and handle a larger amount of the company's grow­ ing ocean cargo trade, was dedi­ cated here recently by Mayaguez Mayor Benjamin Cole. Part of the SlU-contracted company's $2.2 million invest­ ment on the island which is scheduled for completion this year, the 41,000-square-foot structure is 410 feet long by ICQ feet wide, with 45 loadingunloading doors, erected on a six-acre lot at an approximate cost of $1.1 million. Sea-Land plans to double the Port of Mayaguez warehouse's capacity in the future. A loading crane with a 55,000 pound capacity, giving the port complete containerized cargo fa­ cilities, is expected to be in op­ eration by the end of this year, according to the company's Pu­ erto Rico manager David Tolan. In inaugurating the new ter­ minal, Mayor Cole noted that Sea-Land's development of the Mayaguez area had begun in 1958 with a small warehouse and trailer parking area and had shown continuous growth. SIU WELFARE, VACATION PLANS May l-Moy 30, 1969 Number of Benefits Hospital Benefits (Welfare) . .. Death Benefits (Welfare) Disability Benefits (Welfare) . . Maternity Benefits (Welfare) . . Dependent Benefits (Welfare) . (Average: $513.73) Optical Benefits (Welfare) . . . Out-Patient Benefits (Welfare) SUMMARY (Welfare) Vacation Benefits (Average: $429.19) Total Welfare, Vacation Benefits Paid This Period . . . 731 31 1,023 32 1,518 779 5,220 9,334 1,292 10,626 Amount Paid $ 15,349.73 95,775.77 232,993.00 6,400.00 77,984.26 9,065.73 41,220.00 478,788.49 554,507.53 $1,033,296.02 �Page Twentjr Eight SEAFARERS Jnlr, 1969 LOG Throwing In For a Berth MARAD Study Shows: U.S. National Cargo Carriage Surpassed by Most Countries WASHINGTON—Few coun­ vored segments of the U.S.-flag tries have permitted their na­ merchant fleet. Turkey, which the report tional merchant fleets to carry as little as 5.6 percent of their describes as having a fleet which import and export cargoes— is in "relatively poor condition," the amount carried by Ameri­ carries some 25 to 30 percent can-flag ships in 1967— a re- of its trade, despite a "pressing cent report released by the Fed­ need" for modem freighters. Japan carries 46 percent of eral Maritime Administration its trade in its own bottoms. shows. And those countries which Uruguay carries 18 percent, In­ do have so poor a record are all dia 13 percent and the Philip­ taking steps to improve the situ­ pines "only 17 percent," the re­ ation, MARAD's study shows. port shows. In comparing the various na­ Based recently on data for tional efforts of maritime na­ the years 1966 and 1967, the tions studied, MARAD discov­ study involves the nature of the ered that the U.S. merchant subsidies—^both direct and in­ direct—^that 49 non-Communist marine now plays about as im­ portant a role in the foreign AB John Bradford, second from left, throws in for a berth on the Robin Sherwood which was sailing from maritime nations with fleets of commerce of this nation as the Norfolk for a run to the Far East. Waiting to talk with Dispatcher Ted Babkowski in the New York hall are at least 50,000 gross tons use in 16 ships in the Moroccan com­ Henry Bursey, cook; Thomas Pastrano, cook; Louis Benmont, FWT; and Pedro Sanchez, an able seaman. support of their maritime in­ mercial fleet play in that coun­ dustries. try's trade. Of the countries included only The chief difference, the Measure Clears Congress; two receive no govermnent as­ agency points out, is that the sistance. African nation is pursuing a "This study clearly indicates," more aggressive policy to build Andrew E. Gibson, maritime ad­ up its merchant fleet. It is, for ministrator, pointed out, "the example, giving a construction types of competition with which bonus of 15 percent of the con­ the United States merchant ma­ struction cost to shipbuilders. rine must deal, and emphasizes WASHINGTON —A one- H.R. 265, had previously been of maritime legislation, teamed the importance which maritime year extension of the existing 55 approved by the House. The up with Senator John J. Wil­ nations accord to the mainte­ percent ceiling on construction measure—^which also includes a liams (R-Del.), an economy ad­ nance of their merchant fleets." subsidies for new ships has been 60 percent subsidy ceiling for re­ vocate, to force through an In furthering their merchant passed by the Senate. The bill, construction or reconditioning amendment cutting the House- fleet effort, the countries ex­ of passenger vessels—-is now on approved period in half. amined employ a variety of con­ the desk of the President await­ Rather than risk the possibil­ struction subsidies, import and ing action. ity of defeat by an anti-maritime export controls, and tax advan­ WASHINGTON—AFL-CIO Originally introduced in the minority which existed in the tages. The result is that the President George Meany has an­ House by Representative Wil­ Senate at that time. Represent­ fleets of most maritime nations nounced the appointment of liam S. Mailliard (R-Calif.), ative Edward A. Garmatz (D- carry considerably more of their James C. Gildea as his execu­ ranking minority member of the Md.), chairman of the House foreign commerce than does the tive assistant. House Merchant Marine and Merchant Marine and Fisheries United States, despite the direct Gildea, whose career in the Fisheries Committee, as a two- Committee, accepted the trim- and indirect subsidies applied labor movement spans nearly WASHINGTON The year extension, it was passed in med-down Senate version. in various ways to certain fa- three decades of service both at Yugoslav ship Cetinje of 8,299 the one-year form after word the national and state levels, gross tons has been added to the was received that this was the succeeds Lane Kirkland, who Cuba Blacklist, according to lat­ Administration's preference. became secretary-treasurer of est information from the Mari­ A new maritime program is the AFL-CIO on July 1. time- Administration. expected to be sent to Capitol Born in Hazleton, Pa., in Four other vessels were re­ Hill by the White House shortly 1922, Gildea started in the la­ moved from the blacklist at the and such a program could con­ bor movement as a member of same time because they had ei­ tain other provisions affecting VANCOUVER, B. C. — A ible figure for a great nation!" the Textile Workers Union. He ther been lost or were scrapped ship construction subsidies. "study syndrome" which has On the other hand, he noted, joined the staff of the CIO on recently. They are three CypIn its report accompanying been substituted for both na­ Canada has added 72 new ves­ July 23, 1941. riot-flag ships — the Acme of After serving with the armed tional policy and action in both sels to its Great Lakes fleet over 7,173 tons. El Toro, 5,949 tons the bill, the House committee the past 12 years—compared to forces from 1943 to 1946, Gil­ countries was blamed recently and the 7,257-ton Atticos—and pointed out that failure to pass only eight added by the United dea studied labor economics and by Edwin M. Hood, president also the 4,939-ton Panamanian- the extension would cause the States. other labor subjects at George of the Shipbuilders Council of subsidy ceiling to revert to 50 flag Yu Lee. Washington University and America, for the striking simi­ However, Hood concluded on Established by MARAD on percent, depriving ship operators larity in government neglect of American University here. January 1,1963, the Cuba black­ "of the cost parity contem­ the respective merchant fleets a note of optimism. In November 1958, after "The Nixon Administration," serving as assistant to the sec­ list now contains the names of plated" in the Merchant Marine in both the United States and he declared, "is presently en­ retary-treasurer of the AFL172 foreign-flag ships totalling Act of 1936. The construction subsidy ceil­ Canada. 1,237,025 tons. Vessels are so gaged in the formulation of a Speaking before the Canadian new approach to my country's CIO Industrial Union Depart­ listed because they have traded ing was raised from 50 percent ment, he became special assist­ with Cuba, and, as a result are to 55 percent in 1960 because Shipbuilding and Ship Repair­ pressing need for ships." While ant to the president of the AFLhenceforth forbidden to haul of the widening gap between ing Association here. Hood no details are yet publicly avail­ CIO, and in 1962 became assist­ U.S. government-generated or United States and foreign ship­ noted that, while the studies able, he noted, "Two things are ant to the president. financed cargoes. The agency re­ building costs. The Increase was have been going on "in a vacu­ Gildea is a former vice-presi­ designed as a short-term meas­ um", the U.S. fleet "has dimin­ particularly noticeable: For the vises this list periodically. dent of the Maryland State and first time in recent memory, the Vessels may be removed from ure but has been extended by ished by smne 1,000 vessels in D. C. AFL-CIO and a former the blacklist whenever their own­ successive sessions of Cbngress the past two decades and more attitudes of government have vice president of the Washing­ ers or operators pledge to keep as each new expiration date ap­ than three quarters of the ships changed; there is a new spirit ton Central Labor Council, presently registered, under the of co-operation and an entirely them^as well as any other ships proached. AFL-CIO. He has led a number under their control—away from Last year, the House passed American flag are 20 years of new outlook. Siecondly, there is of organizing campaigns for the agreement on the part of the International Union Cuban ports so long as it re­ the extension for a two-year age or older." Electri­ mains IJnIted States policy to period. However, when the He pointed also to the dwin­ architects of national policy cal, Radio and Machine Work­ divert shilling from that coun­ measure reached the Senate, for­ dling of the Canadian-flag deep that chronic proUems will never ers and, on occasion, has worked try. A similar blacklist is main­ mer Senator Frank J. Lausche sea fleet from 170 ships to four be solved unless the needed ships in organizational efforts for the (D-Ohio), a consistent opponent —which he called an "incred­ are built." tained for North Vietnam. Textile Workers Union. Nixon to Ait on One-Year Extension Of 55% Ship Construition Subsidies CiUeaAppiunted executive Ass't ToGeorgeMeany Yugoslav Ship Put On Cuba Blacklist; 4 Others Dropped 'StudySyttdrome'Blamedfar Decline Of Fleets in Both U.S. and Canada �Jalr, 1969 SEAFARERS Page Twen^ Nine LOG Maritime Authorization Bill Cleared Admiral Praises Seafarers For Quick Pescue of Flier By Senate Committee for Final Vote (Reprinted below is a letter of commendation from Rear Ad­ miral Charles Tighe, U.S. Coast Guard Commander of the Elev­ enth District, praising the alert action and high degree of training displayed by Seafarers of the Overseas Alice in the rescue of a downed aviator earlier this year. Addressed to the master of the vessel, the letter recalls highlights of the dramatic rescue originally reported in the April issue of the Seafarers LOG.) lj¥ Captain James P. Osnes SS OVERSEAS ALICE c/o Maritime Overseas Corporation ITew York, N.Y. Dear Captain Osnes; The District Commander notes with pleasure your rescue of the pilot of the ditched twin-engine De Haviland Dove on the early morning of 23 February 1969. The pilot of the De Haviland Dove, Mr. Warren Bullock, running low on fuel, with the right engine feathered, saw lights through intermittent breaks in the clouds. Mistaking these lights for the island of San Oemente, he descended to about 300 feet. By the time he realized that the lights were from your vessel, he was unable to regain altitude and ditched alongside the SS OVERSEAS ALICE at approximately 0315 (PST) in position 33-45.5 N; 122-04 W. The aircraft sank at 0326. eleven minutes after ditching. Due to the alertness of your crew, the No. 1 lifeboat was lowered and the pilot was recovered from the water at 0340 (PST), twenty-five minutes after the aircraft ditched. This rescue was made during adverse weather and sea conditions, and necessitated a co-ordinated effort between the vessel and the lifeboat by use of walkie-talkies to direct your rescue crew to the area of the downed pilot. Accordingly, in behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard, I commend you and your crew for the alertness, excellent seamanship and high degree of readiness that was displayed in upholding the finest traditions of the sea in performing your rescue mission. Sincerely, CHARLES TIGHE, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Conmander, Eleventh Coast Guard District St Onge Charges lax Enforcement Of 50-50 Role I, r- -• I * i* WASHINGTON — Repre­ sentative William St Onge (DConn.) has charged federal agen­ cies with failing to "rigidly en­ force" the 50-50 cargo reqiurement St Onge told a meting of the Maritime Trades Depart­ ment cff the AFL-OO that time was "hanfcy-pani^ In the car­ riage surplus agricultural products under the Food-forPeace fnogram. The Department of Agricul­ ture was Uamed for "juggling of shipping dat^ to coincide with the time when the least number of American ships are available," as well as "statistical juggling about what does or what does not constitute 50 percent carriage aboard American ves­ sels." St. Onge called for changing the cargo preference provisions of the Export-Import Act to en­ courage 100 percent carriage of govenunent-generated shipments abroad American ships—^just so long as they are available. ^ ..lOH'~ m>iTOW i>UIX3j WASHINGTON — Decks were cleared for action on the bill authorizing funds to be ap­ propriated for Maritime Admin­ istration programs for the fiscal year 1970 last month when the Senate Commerce Committee reported the House-passed H.R. 4152 to the full Senate with two minor amendments. Senator Russell B. Long (DLa.), chairman of the Subcom­ mittee on Merchant Marine, filed the report which retains the major part of the House version. Recommended by the com­ mittee was a reduction in the funds allocated for research and development from $15 to $12 million. Funds for aid to state marine schools were pegged at $2,270,000 — an increase of $230,000 over the House pro­ visions. As reported to the Senate, the over-all amount of funds au­ thorized for maritime is $384,608,000, an increase of $121,612,000 over the amount re­ quested by the Nixon Adminis­ tration. The amount for oper­ ating subsidies is $212 million and $145 million is recommend­ ed for construction subsidies. The report states that MARAD's research and development request for $7.7 million is "to­ tally inadequate in view of the .. . needs in the maritime field." Nevertheless, it lowered the House's sights in this regard be­ cause the Senate Committee concluded that "present staff and programming limitations" would prevent MARAD from fully utilizing the larger sum. Included in the financial as­ sistance authorized to state ma­ rine schools are funds for the inauguration of a Great" Lakes maritime academy at Northwestem Michigan College in Trav­ erse City, Michigan. The Mich­ igan State Legislature must first act on this. In allocating an authorization of $145 million in new funds for ship construction subsidies, to be used in conjunction with $101,600,000 in carryover funds—an aggregate of $246,600,000—^the committee stated this would be "a lean but feas­ ible amount to set into motion in fiscal year 1970 a merchant marine revitalization program." Such a fund would permit subsidizing the construction of 18 to 22 new ships plus 17 104 U. X Sh^s Stifled in '6B Eqwds Otte-Fourth of WwU Total WASHINGTON ~ Nearly one-fourth of all ships scrapped during 1968 because of age were U.S.-flag vessels — this country once again leading all other nations in the continuing depletion of its merchant fleet. According to the Maritime Administration, 104 of the 463 ocean-going ships scrapped last year were American. This clear­ ly indicates the progressive deterioration of the U.S. mer­ chant marine, a process which is widely deplored, but about which, up to now, almost noth­ ing has been done by the gov- Ship Meeting on the Brooklyn Ship's Delegate Frank Gaspar, right, who sails as AB pn the Brooklyn (Sea-Land), talks with Oiler Frank Harris, left, and Bosun John Cabral after a meeting on board ship. Brother Gaspar reported a lot of rough weather on the recent coast-wise run to Puerto Rico. He claims you'll see more rough seas on this run than you would encounter in the Pacific in a year, but it gives the green OS's a chance to g6t their sea legs. "" "• iJfj - - — major conversions. Operating differential subsidy money included in the bill—a total of $212 million—encom­ passes $17 million to be avail­ able "in the event that it is pos­ sible for the Maritime Admin­ istration to initiate additional contracts during the coming fis­ cal year." This would envision enlarging the scope of such sub­ sidization beyond the 14 oper­ ators who are presently included. However, this is a policy ques­ tion which must await the pres­ entation of the new maritime program promised by the Ad­ ministration later this summer. Completion of congressimial action on the authorization bill is a necessary prerequisite to the actual appropriation of funds, which must be done under sepa­ rate legislation. n emment. The 97 freighters scrapped by this nation averaged 25 years in age. Also scrapped from the U.S. fleet were three combination ships with an average age of 21 years and four tankers, averaging 27 years old. A 20-year age mark is regarded as the limit for the economical operation of any ship. Most of the vessels scrapped by the U.S. were built during the World War II period and had long outlived their useful­ ness, even in the federal reserve fleet. Two-thirds of the 1,000 ships which remain in the U.S. merchant fleet will be over 25 years old by 1972—^if they last until then. This total includes all vessels now in reserve status. Forty-one countries-=including Communist-bloc nations— were covered by MARAD's re­ port, which was limited to mer­ chant ships of 1,000 tons or more. Although no other nation ap­ proached the U-S. figure, Liberia scrapped 79 ships and Panama's figure was 52. Many of the vessels regirteied under those flags, however, were binlt in tiie U.S. during World War n and later sold. Greece had a total of 47 ships scrapped, while the United Kingdom was next with 26. World-t^lde scrai^ings last year includ^ 409 freighters, 39 tankers 1^ ecanbination ships. Tt^^veraged 24 years of age. Oldest dCShe vessels disposed of was theTvido, an Italian-flag freighter built in 1889. Among the U.S. ships scrapped, the bulk carrier Edward Y. Townsend, built in 1906, was the niost ancient. ^ In 1967 the number of ships scrapped was 532, with an ag­ gregate total of 3,558,056 gross tbns. �SEAFARERS Page llirtjr Robert Swords, 48; Brother Swords was lost overboard is the East China 'Sea on February 25 while sailing as A B on the American Pride. A native of Flor­ ida, he had been living with his wife, Anne, in Norfolk, Virgin­ ia. Borther Swords was a 19year veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1941 to 1960. He joined the SIU in the Port of Houston. <t>Clarence Gates, 50: An auto­ mobile accident claimed the life of Brother Gates on April 27 in Lorain, Ohio. He had been working as tug fireman for Great Lakes Towing Com­ pany since 1956, and joined the SIU in Lorain in 1961. Brother Gates is a native of Michigan, but had been residing in Lorain for a number of years. He is sur­ vived by his wife, Margaret. Burial services took place at Ridge Hill Memorial Park Cem­ etery in Lorain. Evit Ardoin, 59: Brother Ardoin died January 4 at the Vet­ erans Hospital in Houston after suffering a heart attack on board the Penn Sailor. Sailing as FWT, he had been shipping out for more than 20 years. Seafarer Ardoin joined the SIU in the Port of New York in 1948. He was a lifelong resident of Ville Platte, Louisiana. Brother Ar­ doin is survived by a son, Lion­ el, and a sister, Mrs. Lillian Mullins. Burial took place at Tee Mamou Cemetery in Ville Platte. Randy Adams, 17: Brother Adams died March 24 in his home town of Westwego, Lou­ isiana. He had graduated from the Harry Lundeberg School of Sea­ manship in New Orleans in June, 1 9 6 8, and shipped as crew pantryman on the Overseas Dinny. His last vessel was the Steel Vendor. Brother Adams is survived by his father, Robert J. Adams, and his mother, Alice. Burial services were held at Westwego Cemetery. Harold Borup, 62: Brother Borup died at Memorial Hospi­ tal Southeast in Houston on Manuel Meza, 40: Brother April 14 follow­ Meza died December 31, 1968, ing a heart at­ in San Francisco. tack. Bom in He had been Rockport, Tex­ sailing since as, he had been 1954, after serv­ living for many ing three years years in Hous­ with the U.S. ton with his wife, Army. Rated Margaret, and a son, Harold, Jr. FOWT, his last Seafarer Borup had been work­ vessel was the ing as tug captain for G«S:H Depauw Victory. Towing Company since 1957 Brother Meza joined the SIU in and had previously worked for the Port of Seattle. Born in San Intercoastal Towing. He joined Jose, he continued to make his the SIU in Houston in 1957. home there throughout his life. Burial services were held at For­ est Park Cemetery in Houston. Brother Meza is survived by a sister, Mrs. Jovita Flores. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in San Jose. Clarence Oliver, 58: Brother Oliver passed away August 18, _ 1968, at the Lee Biggs, 41: Brother Biggs USPHS Hospi­ succumbed to heart disease in tal in San Fran­ an Army Field cisco. A long­ Hospital in Sai­ time member of gon after being the SIU, Brother stricken aboard Oliver joined the the Del Alba. He Union in Savan­ had sailed as nah in 1939. He cook-baker, and had been going joined the SIU to sea for more than 35 years in the Port of and last shipped as steward on New Orleans. the Northwest in 1968. Brother Brother Biggs, a native of Ten­ Oliver was bom in Savannah nessee, had been making his but maintained his home in home in New Orleans at the Newark, New Jersey, when he time of his death. He is survived was not sailing. He is survived by his wife, Helen, and a daugh­ by his wife, Dorothy. Burial ter, Theresa. Burial services was in Savannah. were held in New Orleans. <I> July, 1969 LOG Donovan Turner, 37: Brother ' "Turner passed away at the USPHS Hospi­ tal in New Or­ leans on March 30 after a brief illness. Bom in Brooklyn, New York, he had been living in New Orleans at the time of his death. Brother Tumer was a graduate of the Harry Lunde­ berg School of Seamanship. Af­ ter completing his training in 1967, he shipped as AB on the Topa Topa. His last vessel was the Loma Victory. Brother Tumer is survived by his wife, Sylvia. Burial was at Rockfish Cemetery in Wallace, North Carolina. John Kerschnar, 49: Heart disease claimed the life of Brother Kerschner on Decem­ ber 17, 1968, in Wilmington, California. Bom in Iowa, he had lived most of his life in Long Beach. Seafarer Kerschner had been sailing for 23 years, and joined the SIU in the Port of Houston. He last sailed as oiler aboard the Afoundria. He served four years with the U.S. Army during World War II. Brother Kerschner is survived by his mother, Mrs. Delia Kerschner. Burial was at Inglewood Park Cemetery. Elizar Martell, 59; Brother Martell was lost at sea Novem­ ber 25, 1968, while sailing as cook aboard the Sagamore Hill. Bom in Con­ cord, Connecti­ cut, he had been making his home in Port Henry, New York. Sea­ farer Martell had been sailing for more than 23 years and joined the SIU in the Port of Boston in 1945. Hs is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Cynthia Durkin. Earl Rivers, 65: A heart at­ tack claimed the life of Brother Rivers on May 10 at the USPHS Hospital in San Francisco. Bom in Grinnell, Iowa, he had been making his home in Long Beach, Califor­ nia, since retiring on an SIU disability pension in 1966. He had sailed as a member of the engine department for more than 17 years, and joined the Union Michael Ray, 43: Brother Ray died October 7 while sail­ ing aboard the Afoundria. Bom in Brooklyn, he had maintained his residence in Kent, England, for a number of years. Seafarer Ray sailed as Paul Strickland, 63: Seafarer wiper, and had been going to Strickland died May 16 at the sea for 21 years. He joined the USPHS Hospi­ SIU in the Port of New York tal in Baltimore in 1951. Brother Ray had after a brief ill­ served with the U.S. Army dur­ ness. He was a ing World War II. He is sur­ veteran of 39 vived by three brothers and two years at sea as sisters, all living in England. a member of the Burial was at Long Island Na­ steward depart­ tional Cemetery, New York. ment when he retired on SIU pension in 1964. ——He last sailed as cook on Domingo Molina, 51: Brother the Losmar. Brother Strickland Molina was lost when the tug joined the Union in 1945 in Theresa F., Red Philadelphia. Bom in North Circle Trans­ Carolina, he had made his home port, capsized in in Baltimore for many years. the Gulf of Mex­ He is survived by his wife, on January ico Eleanor, and a son, William. 9. Bom in Texas, Burial services took place at St. he had been liv­ Stanislaus Cemetery in Balti­ ing in New Or­ more. leans with his wife, Consuelo. Seafarer Molina was rated AB and had been sail­ HwoldRosenaraiis, 61: Heart ing for more than 30 years. His failure claimed the life of Broth­ last ship was the Beloit Victory er Rosencrans in 1968. A long-time member Febmary 26 at of the SIU, Molina joined the the USPHS Hos­ Union in the Port of New Or­ pital in Savan­ leans in 1940. nah, Georgia. He <|> had been sailing since 1943, the Francisco Rodriquez: 39: same year he Brother Rodriquez passed away joined the SIU April 13 at St. in the Port of New York. He Mary's Hospital was rated bosun, and last in Hoboken, shipped on the Steel Seafarer New Jersey. A in 1968. Bom in New York, native of Puerto he had been living in Riviera Rico, he had Beach, Florida, at the time of made his home his death. Seafarer Rosencrans in Hoboken. is survived by his stepmother, Brother Rodri­ Mrs. Rhoda Rosencrans, and a quez had sailed as messman, brother. Nelson. Burial was at and joined the SIU in the Port Harts Mortuary, Macon, Geor­ of San Francisco and his last gia. ship was the Fanwood. Seafarer Rodriquez is survived by his mother, Maria, who lives in Puerto Rico. Burial took place Robert Statham, 61: Brother at Puerto Real Cemetery in Statham died of a heart attack Cabo Roji. , on board the <|> Seattle March 17 while the vessel Melvfai Grant, 61: Brother was tied up at Grant died May 22 at the Vet­ Long Beach, erans Hospital California. in Chicago, fol­ Rated AB, he lowing a brief had been going illness. Bom in ^' to sea for more Dundee, Illinois, ..N he had been liv­ than 25 years. Brother Statham ing in Elgin at was one of the SIU old-timers, / the time of his joining the Union in 1943 in death. Brother the Port of New York. He had last sailed on the Columbia Grant had sailed as steward, chief cook and baker. His last Banker. Born in New York, he vessel was the Midlake. Brother had been making his home in Grant's wife, Marilyn, passed Seattle. Seafarer Statham is away several years ago. He is survived by a brother, Arthur. survived by a daughter, Mrs. Burial services were held at Bernice Bradley. Burial services Oakdale Memorial Park Cem­ were held at Bluff City Ceme­ etery. tery in Elgin. .,. , . in Wilmington. He last shipped as electrician on the Ames Vic­ tory. Brother Rivers is survived by his wife, Theresia. Burial was at Westminster Memorial Park Cemetery in Westminster, Califomia. 4^ n �Jnlr, 1969 SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirty One I VANTAGE PROGRESS (Pioneer), play 4—Chairman, Jimmie Bartlett; ^Secretary, Kenneth Roberts. Brother G. A. Allen resigned as ship's dele­ gate and Brother W. R. Mask^was elected to serve in his place. There were no beefs and everything is running smoothly. ^20.00 in ship's fund. PENN CARRIER (Penn Shipping), April 6—Chairman, J, J. Connors; Secretary, C. Roblee. No beefs and no disputed OT. Long discussion held regarding improvement in pen(fiion plan. Vote of thanks W&B exftended to the steward department for a job well done. i OVERSEAS REBECCA (Maritime *,Overseas), May 24 — Chairman, R. iByrd; Secretary, A. Arellano; Ship's l)elegate, John R. Nelson. No beefs ere reported by department dele^ stes. Motion made that twenty years, dues paying members with twelve years S.I.U. sea time be eligit)le for retirement pension, regard;Iess of age or physical condition. V^ote of thanks was extended to the fiteward department for a job well done. SiATRAIN GEORGIA (Hudson , May 4—Chairman, Wiljliam Douglas; Secretamr, John Mursphy; Ship's Delegate. rV;ank Smith; }eck Delegate, „ . Rodi„ r Swanson; Engine Delegate, A. B. Stevenson; Stewards' Delegate, John Murphy. No beefs were reported by depart- Jnent delegates. i STEEL APPRENTIC^Isthmian), April 18—Chairman, William W, Stevens; Secretary, Paul P. Lopez; Ship's Delegate, Pat Bucei; Deck Delegate, Thomas S. Kline; Engine Delegate, Marcelo Eimar; Stewards' Delegate, Macario Caairpuee. Motion was held to hold a safety meeting. Mo beefs were reported by depart­ ment delegates. PENN EXPORTER (Penn Ship­ ping), June 1 — Chairman, Phillip Wagner; Secretary, Z. A. Markris; Ship's Delegate, Blackie Wagner; Dec^ Delegate, Claude S. Dick; £nine Delegate, Miguel Luis Medina; tewards' Delegate, John R. Epper­ fson. Some disputed OT in engine department to be taken up with boarding patrolman. Repair list was turned in and repairs have been started. il. I< i- DIQEST of SIU I, /- MEETINGS i JOHN B. WATERMAN (Water­ man), May 18—ChairmM, Jqegph D. Blanchard; Secretary, b-reddlck R. Sullivan; Ship's Delegate, Jol^h D. Blanchard; Deck Delegate, Josenh D= Blanchard; Engsne Delegate, Stan­ ley Ganzor; Stewards' Delegate, Les­ lie Sigler. No beefs were reported. Ship's delegate extended a vote of thanks to the entire crew for their fine co-operation. Seafarers and their families are urged to support a consumer boy­ cott by trade unionists against various companies whose products are produced under non-union conditions, or which are "unfair to labor." (This listing carries the name of the AFL-CIO unions in­ volved, and will be amended from time to time.) Sdtzel-Weller DistiUeries "Old Fitzgerald," "Old EOc" "Cabin Stin," W. L. Weller Bourbon whldieys (Distillery Workers) ! i L^ .r*' t Gypsum Wallhoard, American Gypsum Co. (United Cement Lime and Gypsum Workers International) ^ R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Camels, Winston, Tempo, Brandon, Cavalier and Salem cigarettes (Tobacco Workers International Union) <I> Kingsport Press "World Book," "Childcraft" (Printing Pressmen) (Typographers, Bookbinders) (Machinists, Stereotypers) Genesco Shoe Mfg. Co. Work Shoes . . . Sentry, Cedar Chest, Statler Men's Shoes . . . Jarman, Johnson & Murphy, Crestworth, (Root and Shoe Workers' Union) ^l> Boren Clay Products Co. (United Brick and Clay Workers) ^ "HIS" brand men's clothes Kaynee Boyswear, Judy Bond blouses, Hanes Knitwear, Randa Ues, Boss Gloves, RIchman ^ Atlantic Products Sports Goods (Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America) Jamestown Sterling Corp. (United Furniture Workers) RIchman Bros, and Sewefl Suits, Wing Shirts (Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America) i : White Furniture Co. (United Furniture Workers of America) Comet Rice Mills Co. products (International Union of United Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drinks and Distillery Workers) Pioneer Flour Mill (United Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drink and Distillery Workers Local 110, San Antonio, Texas All California Table Grapes (United Farm Workers) Magic Chef Pan Pacific Division (Stove, Furnace and Allied Appliance Workers International Union) ^ Tennessee Packers Reelfoot Packing Frosty Morn Valleydale Packers (Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America) Fisher Price Toys (Doll and Toy Workers) Economy Furniture Co. Smithtown Maple Western Provincial BUt-Rite (Upholsterers) DEL SDD (Delta), June 2—Chair­ man, Ewing A. Rihn; Secretary, H'cs Spisgsl; Ship's Delegate, Hans Spiegel; Deck Delegate, John H. Dehring; Engine Delegate, Alfred S. DeAgro; Stewards' Delegate, Paul S. Huseby. Everything Is running smoothhr with no beefs and no disputed OT. Vote of thanks to all delegates. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dlatrict makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed CPA audit every three months by a rank and file auditing committee elected by the membership. Ail Union records are available at SIU headquarters in Brooklyn. OV£I»EAS SUZANNE (Maritime ' Overseas^ May 11—Chairman, J. A. TRUST FUNDS. Ail trust funds of the SIU Atiantie, Gulf. Lakes and Inland Stevens; Secretary, J. Ollveri; Ship's Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. Ail these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds Delegate,. Herbert Archer; Deck shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only uimn appros^ by a majority of the trustem. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. of thanks was extended to Brother.;^ Archer for a job well done as ship's ® SHIPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively delegate. Some disputed OT in en-, by the contracts between the Union and the shipowners. Get to know your shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are nosted and available in all Union hails. If you gins, .depsrtssent.' . . there has been any violation of your shipping or seniority rights as contained in .^fed the eontraets betvreen the Union and the shipowners, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified maU, return receipt requested. The proper addrcM for thU is: BUCKEYE ATLANTIC Earl Shepard, Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board 17 Battery Place. Suite 1980, New Yoric 4, N. Y. , Pull eopies of eontraets as referred to are available to you at all times, either by writing directly to the Union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. Moore; En^ne Delegate, Bill Iveyj • CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in ail SIU haiia. l%ese Stewards' Delegate, J. Bucala, Dis­ contracte specify the wages and conditions under which you work and live abo^ cussion held regarding preparation ship. Know your contract rights, as well as your obligations, such as filing tor OT of food. on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU imtrolman or other Union official, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract righto prop­ erly. eontaet the nearest SIU port agent. MONTICELLO VICTORY (Victory Carriers), June 8 — Chairman, L. Relnchucfc; Secretary. A. Rudhicki; Ship's Delegate, James J. Garner; Deck Delegate, V. Giima; Enrfne Delega^^Wiluam L. Sutton; Ste-1 wards' D. Loche, I21.p0 ita^eWp'e fond. Few hours disputed OT in — ' * • EDITORIAL POLICY-dBAPARERS LOG. The LOG has teadltlonally rained from pnblishing any article serving the political purposes ^ My Individual In the Union, officer or member. It has also refrained from publWng artides deoued harmful to the Union or its collective membership. This establisbed policy has been reaffirmed by memberahip action at the September, 1960 meetings In dl tonititutional porta. The responsibility for LOG poli^ is vested In mn editorial boaid whl^ eonsiats^ the Esaeutive Board of the Union. 'Hie Ezecntive may ddegate, firom fm««g ito ranks, one individual to carry out this rssponslbility. SIU-AGLIWD Meetings New Orleans Aug. 12—2:30 p.m. Mobile .... Aug. 13—2:30 p.m. Wilmington Aug. 18—2:00 p.m. San Francisco Aug. 20—2:00 p.m. Seattle .... Aug. 25—2:00 p.m. New York .. Aug. 4—2:30 p.m. Philadelphia Aug. 5—2:30 p.m. Baltimore .. Aug. 6—2:30 p.m. Detroit Aiig. 8—2:30 p.m. Houston . . . Aug. 11—2:30 p.m. United Industrial Workers New Orleans Aug. 12—7:00 p.m. Mobile Aug. 13—7:00 p.m. New York .. Aug. 4—7:00 p.m. Philadelphia Aug. 5—7:00 p.m. Baltimore .. Aug. 6—7:00 p.m. IHonston .. Aug. 11—7:00 p.m. Great Lakes SIU Meetings Detroit .... Alpena .... Buffalo Chicago ... Dnlnth Frankfort .. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. 18—2:00 p.m. 18—7:00 p.m. 18—7:00 p.m. 18—7:30 p.m. 18—7:00 p.m. 18—7:00 p.m. Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Section Chicago .,. Aug. tSanlt Ste. Marie Aug. Buffalo Aug. Dnlnth ... Aug. Cleveland . Aug. Toledo ... Aug. Detroit ... Aug. Milwaukee Aug. 12—^7:30 p.m. 14—^7:30 p.m. 13—7:30 p.m. 15—7:30 p.m. 15—7:30 p.m. 15—7:30 p.m. 11—7:30 p.m. 11—7:30 p.m. SIU Inland Boatmen's Union New Orleans Aug. 12—5:00 p.m. Mobile .... Aug. 13—5:00 p.m. Philadelphia Aug. 5—5:00 p.m. Baltimore (licensed and un­ licensed) Aug. 6—5:00 p.m. Norftdk ... Aug. 7—-5:00 p.m. Houston . .. Aug. 11—5:00 p.m. Railway Marine Region PUIadelpbia Aug. 12—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Baltimore Aug. 13—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. •Norfolk Aug. 14—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Jersey City Aug. 11—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. t Meeting held at I.abor Temple, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. • Meeting held at Labor Temple, New­ port News. . f Meeting held at Galveston wharves. IBHlCWSiHAiiii SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Inland Boatmen's Union United Industrial Workers PRESIDENT Paul Halt EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Cat Tannar Earl Shapard A1 Tanner VICE PRESIDENTS Lladiay Wllliaini Robart MaHhawi SECRETARY-TREASURER Al Karr HEAD9UARTERS «7S 4th Ava., Rklyn. (212) HY f-UOO ALPENA. MICH 800 N. Second Ave. (517) EL 4-3ili •ALTIMORE, Md 1214 E. •allimora St. (30!) EA 7-4900 BOSTON. Mais U3 Atlantic Avanua (417) 482-4716 BUFFALO. N.Y 735 WaiHaoton St. SIU (714) TL 3-92S9 IBU (714) TL 3-9259 CHICACO. Ill 9141 Ewinq .Ava. SIU (312) SA 1-0733 IBU (312) ES 5-9570 CLEVELAND. Ohio 1420 W. 2Sth St. (214) MA 1-5450 DETROIT, Mich I022S W. Jattanen Ava. (313) VI 3-4741 DULUTH, Minn FRANKFORT. Mich HOUSTON, Ta« JACKSONVILLE. Fla JERSEY CITY. N.J MOBILE. Ala NEW ORLEANS. La NORFOLK. Va PHILADELPHIA. Pa 2014 W. 3rd St. (218) RA 2-4110 P.O. lex 207 415 Main St. (414) EL 7-2441 5804 Canal St. (713) WA 8-3207 2401 Paarl St. (904) EL 3-0987 99 Montflomary St. (201) HE 5-9424 I South Uwranea St. (205) HE 2-1754 430 Jackson Ava. (504) 529-7544 115 3rd St. (703) 422-1892 2404 S. 4th St. (215) DE 4-3818 PORT ARTHUR. Tax 1348 Savanth St. SAN FRANCISCO. Calif., 350 Fraamont St. (415) DO 2-4401 SANTURCE. P.R 1313 Famandat Juncoa Stop 20 724-2840 SEAHLE, Wash 2505 First Avanua (204) MA 3-4334 "• TOLEDO. Ohio 935 Sumfnit St. (419) 248-3491 WILMINSTCN, Calif.. 450 Seasida Ava Tarminal Island, Calif. (213) 832-7285 YOKOHAMA. Japan..Isaya BIdg.. Room 801 1-2 Kaigan-Dori-Nakaku 2014971 Ext. 201 PAYMENT OP MONIES. No monies are to be paid tc anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official Union receipt is given for same. Under no circumetances should any member pay any money for any reason unless be is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such pajrment he made without supplying a recdpt, or if a member is required to make a paymmit and is given an official receipt, but feels that he should not have been required to make such iiayment. this should immediately be reported to headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The SIU publishes every sU months in the SBAFARBBS LOG a verbatim copy of ito constitution. In addition, copies are available in all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiariie themselves with ito contents. Any time you feel any membn or officer is attempting to deprive you of any constitutional right or obli­ gation by any methods such as dnling with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, then the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. RETIRED 8EAPARERS. Old-time SIU members drawing disability-pension bene­ fits have always been encouraged to continue their union activities, including attend­ ance at membership meetings. And like all other SIU members at these Union meet­ ings, they are encouraged to take an aetive role in all rank-and-file functions, in­ cluding service on rank-and-file committees. Because these oldtimers cannot take shipboard onployment, the membership has reaffirmed the long-standing Union pol­ icy of allowing them to retain their good standing through the waiving of their dues. EQUAL RIGHTS. All Seafarers are guaranteed equal righto in emidoyment and as members of the SIU. Theee riiritto are elearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contraeto which the Union has negotiated with the employera. ConsequenUy, no Seafarer may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, national or geographic origin. If any member feds that he is denied the equal righto to which he is entitled, he should notify headquarters. SEAPABERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIONS. One of the basic righto of Seafarers is the rQtht to pursue legislative and political objectives whieh will serve the best intensto of themselves, their famOles and their Union. To achieve these objectives, the Seafarers Political Activity Donation was establbhed. DpMtions to SPAI) are entlrdy voluntary and constitute the funds through whieh legislative and political activities are conducted for the benefit of the membenhip and the Union. If at any tima a Seafarer feds that any af tha above righto have been rioUted. •r that ha has bswx danied hia coutltMlMMl right af accaas to Unlan ramids or ^ toMMttoB, ha sharid immadUtdy natlfy BIU Prasldent Parf HaO at hcadgaartara by eartifiad maU. ratam racalpt raqMstad. *, �SEAFARERS^OG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC. GULF. LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO ,+ |Steel Vendor (Istiimian) crewed-up and took on cargo : at £He Basin in New York recently as she pt^ared fcNr a four-month Toyage to India. The ship was scheduled to stop at other east coast ports to take on more cargo before begin­ ning the long run around the Cape of Good Hope and up into the Indian Ocean. SlU representatives held a meeting aboard ship with the crew, and elected a ship's committee who will conduct weekly Union meetings at sea and represent Seafarers in aU departments. Ift -s. •m ' t/K ..p''.v. Jmi :'a&' • • 4 vV-, m m Frank Bakun, who sails as FWT, ehaeb fha readings af the boiler| combustion control board as the Steel Vendor takes on cargo in Erie Basin. The vessel, a 04, was preparing for a long voyage to India. ;el1#' rvH '-m Jack Mayo Mundine, baker, checks the day's menu for the crew signf ing on the vessel for the long haul to India. Mundine is a veteran in the steward department so this ship should be a good feeder. ^ ® ^«rles Michael 2ncl assistant engineer, at right, and Dale Chambers, oiler, make fa final check on the boiler drum safety valve drain line before sailing. Michaels got his 3rd assistant's license in 1966 after training at the SlU-MESA, Distfivt 2 EnigioeOfing Schooli and received his 2nd assistant's license through the sehoeljn 1968, Hi' r^r «.r I J7 \ if' y \\ I i P.. Parker Holt, chief steward, gets squared away with SlU Representa-.. tive Bill Hall, after Hall ard other Union representatives held a ship­ board meeting to discuss the pension plan and other Union matters^ „ 4«. JJ F/'f-'fJiiifle m kT < J • i Z-' - i AB Richard ^bbons keeps a strain on the bow-line under the watchful eyes of veteran Seafarer Ivan Tarkov. Gib­ bons was making his third trip since graduating from SlU's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship last Oct. Tarkov, who sails as carpenter, joined the SlU in the Port of New York 1939. 4 KSSSF I ,> • ^ ^' i Thomas Shamblee writes a letter to mail home before the Steel Veh3 dor gets under way. Shamblee graduated front the Harry Lundeberg^'^ School of Seamanship In 1967. Sailing as OS, this is his first trip. "j � 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 1960-1969 Description An account of the resource Volumes XXII-XXXI 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 July 1969 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU SEEKS EXPANDED US FLAG ROLE IN SHIPPING TO SOVIET-BLOC COUNTRIES ICC EXTENDS BARGE TOW MIXING RULE; GIVES CONGRESS SIX MONTHS TO ACT THE SIU’S HARRY LUNDENBURG SCHOOL OF SEAMANSHIP UPGRADING LADDER TO LICENSED STATUS CLIMBED BY SEAFARERS – YOUND AND OLD WHO DOES THE WALLSTREET JOURNAL REALLY BLEED FOR? CONTROL OF WORLD’S SEAS SOVIET AIM, INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS ANALYSIS FINDS BILL WOULD GRANT UNEMPLOYMENT PAY TO OHIO SEAFARERS ON GREAT LAKES CONGRESSMAN, SHIPPING CO. EXECUTIVE CALL FOR END OF DOUBLE SUBSIDIES NIXON TO ACT ON ONE YEAR EXTENSION OF 55% SHIP CONSTRUCTION SUBSIDIES MARITIME AUTHORIZATION BILL CLEARED BY SENATE COMMITTEE FOR FINAL VOTE CREW UP ON STEEL VENDOR 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 07/1969 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. XXXI, No. 9 1969 Periodicals Seafarers Log