http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/bfb35b75fcf35e7d756f918d432e46df.PDF e6109280f4d24823b2ce1549208eea0e PDF Text Text Attack on Jones Act Threatens Jobs See Page 23 SEAFARERSALOG Vol. mill No. 6 OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO . ' V. Delta, Waterman Sign First Pacts Under Merchant Marine Act of 1970 I;K m ..#a " .fc See Page 2 fi If'- ]> >i •: • I i' *^>.11 , j"^ \ »•••• 1 V -• .»,- If. 'SSfm Educational Conference See Pages 3-IS. r [flf- SlU Scholarship Winners for 1971 Angeb Nnckob • i'-'j--; 4* - i,; " •• .• •'f '• Mary Covaceridi �Delta and IVaferman AAeany Hits First Subsidies Under'70 Act Awarded to SlU-contractors Grain Plan Meany AFL-CIO President Meany has attacked White House plans to set aside the requirement that 50 percent of shipments of grain to Communist-bloc na­ tions be transported in Ameri­ can-flag vessels. He said the proposal "con­ stitutes a repudiation of firm commitments made by Presi­ dents Johnson and Kennedy "and also represents an "unwar­ ranted blow at the livelihoods of American seafaring men." 20-year Freeze The White House plan is part of the new drive to open trade with Red China and serves to thaw out of 20-year freeze on Red Chinese exports and imports. The move recalls the battle that was fought in 1963 when the late President Kennedy proposed wheat sale to Russia, the wheat to be shipped on Russian or other foreign flag ships. Labor objected vigorously and President Kennedy subsequently issued an Executive Order re­ quiring that 50 percent of the grain be shipped in American bottom, where available. That order also had the support of President Johnson. Later, the International Long­ shoremen's Association refused to load grain aboard the foreign ships until the 50 percent re­ quirement was enforced. Here is the statement by AFL-CIO President George Meany, issued shortly after the White House announced its grain plan. "The action of the President in setting aside the requirement that fifty percent of any ship­ ments of grain to Communistbloc coimtries be transported in American vessels constitutes a repudiation of firm commit­ ments made by Presidents Johnson and Kennedy. Those commitments were intended to give proper consideration to the legitimate interests of American seamen and to the public interest in the main­ tenance of an American mer­ chant marine. "The availability of a surplus of grain for sale abroad is the result of Federal farm sub­ sidies and price supports which dwarf in dimensions the level of Federal aid now provided the merchant marine. The American maritime industry, which is now suffering acute economic adversity and wide­ spread unemployment, depends for a large part of its work upon the fifty percent cargo preference system and policy. The sudden abandonment to that policy, in the face of past commitments and assurances, constitutes a breach of faith and an unwarranted blow at the livelihoods of American seafaring men." THE PRESIDENTS REPORT WashiB^n, D.C. The first two government shipbuilding contracts under the new maritime program have been aWarded to two SIUcontracted companies—e 11 a Steamship Lines and Water­ man Steamship Corporation. In addition, Waterman has been awarded an operatingdifferential subsidy contract covering eight existing vessels operating on Trade Route 18. Waterman became the first new operator to write a 20-year operating subsidy contract since 1941. Announcement of the sub­ sidy award contracts was made here by Andrew E. Gibson, Assistant Secretary of Com­ merce for Maritime Affairs. The Delta and Waterman shipbuilding contracts are for six Lighter-A board Ships (LASH) vessels—three for each company. $170 Million The two contracts total nearly $170 million. The gov­ ernment will subsidize the dif­ ference between the shipyard price and the cost of building the ships in a low-cost foreign shipyard. This constructiondifferential subsidy tentatively has been established at approxi­ mately 44 percent of the con­ tract price, pending final review of foreign cost information. All of the vessels will be built at the Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans. The Delta vessels are slated for delivery between April and September of 1973 for use in the com­ pany's U.S. and Gulf to East Coast of South America trade. The vessels will be 845 feet in length with a 100 foot beam, and will be capable of carrying 74 Lighters and 288 contain­ ers. 1973 Delivery The Waterman ships, which will be delivered between De­ cember 1973 and May 1974, will operate on Trade Route 18 (between U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast Ports of Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean ports). Each of the Waterman ships will measure 983 feet 4 inches, including a 48-foot overhang of the lighter-handling crane at the stem, and will have a 100 foot beam. The Waterman ships will accomodate 89 cargo light­ ers. The LASH ship design is a new, innovative shipping sys­ tem, with each vessel equipped with a 500-ton traveling gantry crane for unloading and dischargiag the cargo lighters over the stem. The crane has the capacity to handle as many as four loaded lighters containing nearly 1,600 tons of cargo in an hour, according to the Mari­ time Administration. Captain Jay Qark, President of Delta Steamship Lines, signed the shipbuilding contract for his company, with Mr. Gib­ son signing for the government and Henry Z. Carter, President for the Avondale Slfipyards. For the Waterman Company, Edward P. Walsh, President, signed, with Mr. Gibson and Mr. Carter. ISfh SlUNA Convention Set for [Vashington, D.C. Washington, D.C. The 15th Biennial Convention of the Seafarers Intemational Union of North America will be held at the Statler-Hilton Hotel here froui June 21 to June 25. The SIUNA executive board will meet Wednesday June 16 at Piney Point, Md. Delegates from SIUNA affiliates in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean will attend the Washington sessions. They will be the representatives of more than 85,000 members of the SIUNA affiliates. The convention will consider matters of interest to the union and to the labor movement as a whole. Speakers from government, industry and labor will address the delegates. Also on the agenda are officers reports, reports of affiliates and several resolutions. Beginning of a New Day br PMK Httl Tne government's award of constraction differen­ tial subsidy funds to Delta Steamship Lines for the building of three LASH type vessels, and a similar award for another three LASH vessels to the Water­ man Steamship Cooperation, along with an operating differential subsidy award to Waterman for eight existing vessels on Trade Route 18 are hopeful signs for the American merchant marine and for Seafarers. The two SIU-(}ontracted companies received the first firm awards under the new maritime program to revitalize the American merchant marine. The building contract awards will ^ve Delta and Waterman an opportunity to build U.S. flag vessels which they otherwise would not have been able to do. It is hoped that these first subsidy contract awards imder the new merchant marine program will mark the beginning of a new day for American-flag ship­ ping. It also is the first step in the implementation of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970, which calls for a government-supported building program of 300 new vessels over the next ten-year period. The full implementation of the program cannot come about too soon. With 80 per cent of the Amer­ ican-flag merchant fleet 20 years old or over, the remaining life the greatest part of our shipping capacity is short, to say the least. Without govern­ ment assistance few companies are in a position to replace their rapidly over-aging vessels. Only those of the original 14 companies who enjoyed subsidy under the terms of the 1936 Merchant Page 2 Marine Act were in a position to replace ships. The Merchant Marine Act of 1970 changed that by extending the benefits of construction differentid subsidy and operating differential subsidy to all seg­ ments of the American merchant marine. The terms and conditions of the 1936 Merchant Marine Act, if they had been allowed to continue, could have meant slow but sime death for those com­ panies outside the range of the subsidy benefits. This was apparent to us more than ten years ago, when we began the campaign to attempt to bring about a change. The fight, as every SIU man is well aware, was long and tougji. But it was successful in that we achieved passage of the new Act. However, as we have stated so often, that achievement is only the first round of what must be a continuing battle to reverse the trend of the decline of American shipping. As heartening as the Delta and Waterman Steam­ ship developments are, we can have no illusions. In order to make the American merchant marine viable and competitive and capable of expansion, we must stay in the fight to help bring this about. It will be a tou^ campaign all the way. It will be a long up-hill struggle before this country has a competitively effec­ tive fleet that provide security for the nation and for the professional seafarer. The problem confronting all of us in maritime is not only to find the ways and means to put new vessels in the water. We must enable them to stay busy—and that means cargo must be available, whether of the commercial variety or that which is U.S. government generated. This means that American shipping must increase its participation in cargo carrying and that is what those of us interested in the future of the fleet must collectively attempt to achieve. We must find our way out of the tragic condition which finds our U.S.-fiag ships carrying less than 5 per cent of American foreign commerce. And we must increase om: participation in the carriage of government generated cargoes by insisting upon in­ creased usage of American-flag ships beyond the present 50 per cent application of the Cargo Prefer­ ence Law. These objectives will not be a cinch. One problem is the fact that the government agencies who contract for the carriage of government generated cargoes are constantly seeking ways and means to favor foreign shipping. Another problem is that foreign shipping interests are constantly seeking to prevent the rebuild­ ing of the American merchant marine. A case in point are the current attempts by foreign ^nd runaway-flag interest to assault the Jones Act which reserves domestic shipping to U.S.-fiag vessels, and to weaken the cargo preference laws. So while we fight to affect implementation of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970 which offers the opportunity for the revival of American shipping we must, at the same time, carry out a vi^lant battle against those who would remove it from the seas. For those in this country who are concerned about the present and the future of American shipping, and they certainly include Seafarers, the alternatives are clear. We must maintain the fight. Seafarers Log �Seafarers Educational Conference 100 Delegates Probe Union Goals and Problems Piney Point, Md. The value of membership participation—the involvement of each Seafarer in all aspects of his union—was stressed at the second SIU Edu­ cation Conference at Piney Point. Delegates, chosen from the rank-and-file SIU membership, solidly supported recommendations made by delegates at the first full-scale educa­ tion conference held in March. Those recom­ mendations were reported in the May Special Issue of the Seafarers Log. A third education conference at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship is now under­ way. The conferences are designed to give the SIU member an opportunity to learn first hand the problems of his industry and the prospects for the future. The conferences represent a commitment both to keeping members abreast of the latest devel­ opments in maritime and, through knowledge, making his participation in union affairs more meaningful. In each of the seven working days of the conference, delegates and union officials dis­ cussed problems confronting the SIU, and ways they can be met and overcome. The free-wheeling discussions focused on seven major topics, topics chosen to supplement the basic knowledge of all the delegates. The topics were: • Labor union history, with particular em­ phasis of the growth and development of seafering unions and the accomplishments of the Seafarers International Union. •\ ' • The SIU education program which included examination of the union's program in vocation­ al, trade union and academic fields. • The SIU Constitution and its provisions concerning the rights, privileges and obligations of each union member. • The SIU contract and the economics of the maritime potential of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. • The SIU pension, vacation and welfare programs. • Union meetings and shipboard behavior, including the ways the membership makes itself heard through participation. • Legal issues and political action. _ Delegates to the conference were given the opportimity to carefully review and question the union's efforts in all these fields, and thus to gain an understanding of the changing times and changing problems. Delegates also took a long look at the educa­ tion programs being pioneered at the Harry Lundeberg School in trade union education, career training and in the academic fields. Im­ portant and serious discussion was given the idea of expanding the union's educational role to embrace the entire membership. Delegates came away from the conference at the end of its ten-day run with a greater working knowledge of their union and of their importance to it now and in the future. It is that kind of knowledge that will forge unity in the SIU and enable it to meet the challenges of the future. I- June 1971 Pagr3 �SlU History: Our Key to the Future A topic taken up during the May Educational Conference covered the history of the Seafarers International Union and its development from the seeds provided by the first American trade unionists, who fought for the rights of the working man as early as the 1700's. The delegates foimd that the gains won by labor through the years were hard-fought struggles which often resulted in organiza­ tions of working man having to battle not only their employers, but hostile courts, police and militia and government as well. But primarily the session on SIU history showed the delegates, some of whom have been SIU men since 1938 and others recent newcomers, how the seaman had to fight through the years to lift himself from a virtual shipboard slave to his present status. The delegates learned that this achievement was not without a high cost. Be^nning with the birth of the seamen's union move­ ment under Andrew Fureseth and continuing through the years of struggles and strikes under Harry Lundeberg, many profession­ al sailors risked their health, their freedom and their lives to insure that the SIU would survive. The bitter organizing battles with Isthmian, Cities Service, Robin Lines and others showed the determination of the Seafarers to win freedom of representation. The struggle with Communistcontrolled factions in labor proved the determination of the SIU to secure political freedom in the labor movement. As the organization became stronger, the delegates learned, it was able to pioneer a better life for the professional sailor. A pension program was established; a health and welfare plan to help the Seafarer and his family was instituted and educational scholar­ ships opened the doors of many colleges to SIU families for the first time. The history discussion showed that such progress has been the result of the ability of the SIU to remain alert to changing times and adapt to new challenges. This is the result of an informed and active membership. And the membership that has coped with and overcome the problems of the past is now meeting the needs of the present. This was evident in the role the SIU played in working for and achieving passage of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. The SIU provided the leadership for the Administration's plans to revitalize the failing American merchant fleet. Through a campaign of information that brought the plight of the declining shipping industry to the attention of all segments of the American public—local, state and federal ofiScials, members of Congress and the Administration and the private citizen who keeps them in oflSce—^the SIU shaped public opinion so that the merchant marine bill was easily enacted into law by a Congress that listened to its constituents across the country and voted for its passage. The delegates talked about what this history of success meant for the future. After reviewing the many accomplishments along the long road from the union's beginnings, they considered the present and future of the industry. They heard of the history of the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and what it means to the future of any Seafarer who desires to advance in his job. They heard that the challenges that face the union in this day and age are not going to be fouj^t on the picket lines of the past but in the Congress, the courts and in the halls of government. The delegates learned that they have much to be proud of from the past—the result of an informed, active membership. And, if this participation continues as it has before, it will insure a proud future in the continuing history of the SIU and will bring a stiU better life to every member and his family. Chairmen Report on History Alton Booth New Orleans The SIU Charter came out, October 14, 1938. The old ISU gave birth to our great rmion. On the West Coast, West Coast sailors gave the SIU its birth, and at the time the SIU had 60 contracts. Our union was very young at the start of World War II. Seems as if the NMU was finking and still is finking on the SIU at various times. Our wages and conditions were poor at this time. At the start of World War II om: union struck for a bonus in September 1941. The Robin Moore was sunk in the South Atlantic Ocean. The SIU then took on the job of de­ livering the cargoes to the war zone. In the war years, two ships were named after two SIU heroes. Brother Paul Hall won elec­ tion and our union became the leader of maritime unions. Con­ ditions have improved 100 per cent. Pat Fox San Francisco We have all been part of Labor History and SIU History as members of the SIU, regard­ less of age. I feel these conferences are important and beneficial to the membership and should be con­ tinued as we have much more labor history to make in the future. At these conferences much can be discussed more clearly than at shore meetings or ship board meetings. We have^ the time now to think of the future, which I think looks sort of bleak. I hate to say it but it looks like we might wind up like the airplane industry. The time is now for us to bring forward our problems, to the public, to educate the public on our problems. Yes, Brothers I believe these confereiices are well worth the time, and should be carried on in the future. • Qyde Lanier New Orleans My name is Qyde Lanier and I come from way down yonder in New Orle^, the queen city of the south as we jJI know weU. In our workshop this morn­ ing we discussed in detail and at great length the history of our union in particular and the history of the labor movement in general. We had a very good exchange of opinions, thoughts and ideas in our discussions and, as a result, I for one learned a great deal more about the history and background of our union. You know, I don't want to sound like the Ancient Mariner or as if my first ship was Noah's Ark. But I have been around this union since its beginning and believe me brothers there is one lesson I have learned from our history. And that is that nobody ever gave us anything—anything we ever got we got by ourselves by our own efforts. Robert C. Thomas Philadelphia I caimot help from feeling with great interest, and with kind regards, the achievements and the establishment of the educational conference school, of the great importance of the training program, not only for the' trainee, but for each and everyone of us who are the body of this great union. And I must say I am very much impressed with the ad­ ministration and the direct re­ sponsibility, and dedicate de­ votion of our elected repre­ sentatives in the unity of the membership of this organiza­ tion. •• i:.ifflp I" Seaf^.iog �Chairmen Report on Education M. D. Brendle Houston Where do the kids learn the bad parts, from us. Overseas travel, a matter of teachers and proper instruc­ tion. Heard there was a good poker game, that's why I came here, but now that I've seen HLSS I am going to get my high school diploma. If you disbelieve me, go to the HLSS classrooms. We are learning more than these kids. Peter Gonzalez New Orleans I represent the delegation from New Orleans. I think that being here for two and naif days makes me a very proud member of this wonderful un­ ion. In our workshop this morning, we discussed the im­ portance and the theme of this seminar, education. I, for one, have always believed that a better informed man will be of better service in every aspect of job, duty and work. Remember that nobody is perfect, a con­ stant critic is never helpful. We believe in the way our train­ ees are being tau^t. My only regret is that I was not up here sooner. My own personal ex­ perience will account for an episode of what we are doing now here at Piney Point. In our workshop this morning we had the privilege of listening to some of the instructors in the school. To say I'm glad I'm a member is not enough. To say I am happy this union is grow­ ing is not enough. To say we are better educated and in­ formed makes me a very, very proud member of this union. Alexander McElhenny Philadelphia In our Workshop #3 this morning we discussed in great detail the education programs of our union and the Harry Lundeberg School of Seaman­ ship. I certainly want to ex­ press my amazement at what is being done here at the school. I, for one, have always re­ gretted that I was unable to finish school. I dropped out and started going to sea at the age of 16. I suppose that you could say that goiog to sea is my educa­ tion in itself and I guess that is very true. And we all know ^that sea­ men are great readers and many of us are self-educated as a re­ sult of our experience and our travels. But what we are doing here at Piney Point to help these young fellows improve themselves is simply wonderful. E. Sylvester Mobile In our workshop this morn­ ing we were given some of the finer points and history of the HLSS, and the SIU education program. This program is something we all should be proud of, and should support wholeheartedlyi because it is one of the first of its kind, and to me it is really grand. So we should all strive to try and help these new guys on board ship and try to give them a little of the ttdngs that we have learned over the years, because, Brothers, Piney Point and HLSS are the life line of the SIU. So keep up the good work. Brothers, you are doing a grand thing. Education: Building the Whole Man The delegates to the May Conference heard an education instructor tell them that education today is becoming a very important part of the Seafarer's life as a worker, as a union member and as a citi­ zen. They were told that education builds the whole man, the whole person. The technological changes in the maritime indus­ try require new skills and, to keep up with changes in the economics of the industry, a Seafarer must be informed, alert and aware of the need for change and political action. The delegates studied the pioneering educational program conducted by their union to prepare the membership for these new responsibilities—a pro­ gram that blends together the vocational, trade un­ ion and academic aspects of education to provide a program that is unique in the nation and one that is winning admiration and enthusiastic support from leading educators. They were reminded of the vocational program that has, for years, provided the membership with the skills that have enabled them to move up to more responsible and better paying jobs and an op­ portunity to guarantee a better life for their families. They discussed in depth the vocational training program at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seaman­ ship that offers a chance for a career in the American merchant marine. This entry-rating training program is strengthening the union by recruiting capable young men who will sign on their ships with an ap­ preciation of what the SIU stands for. Aji June 19)1 After inspection of the facilities for training these young men and talks with them and their instructors, the delegates were favorably impressed with the vo­ cational education and voiced opinions that the HLSS graduates would turn out to be good, capably-trained shipmates. The sessions on education also considered the aca­ demic aspect and reviewed the recently-established program designed to broaden the horizons of the HLSS trainees. It offers remedial reading under the guidance of professional specially-trained reading spe­ cialists to bolster students' reading skills and prepare them for further academic advancement. Another facet", the pioneering GEO (General Edu­ cational Development) study course allows young men who have dropped out of high school for one reason or another to undergo a period of person­ alized intensive instruction to prepare them for a high school equivalency diploma. In the short period since the GED instruction be­ gan, the delegates learned, HLSS has achieved a high degree of success. A total of 51 of 54 trainees who have taken the difficult state-administered examina­ tion were successful and earned their high school equivalency certificates. The program impressed the delegates to the May conference to such an extent that they recommended that it be made available to all Seafarers, whether at the school, at sea or on the beach. Acting on su<Jh recommendations, the SIU plans to launch corre­ spondence study courses for members at sea and ashore, in cooperation with the University of Ne­ braska. Since the inception of the SIU Scholarship Pro­ gram, nearly 100 Seafarers or children of Seafarers have been awarded college scholarships. The at­ tending members learned that these grants were re­ cently increased to $10,000 to cover tuition for a four year education. The May Educational Conference followed the lead of previous conferences and agreed on certain recommendations concerning the educational pro­ gram. They recommended: • That the SIU Scholarship program be reviewed with the possibility of making ffie benefits of higher education available to more members and their de­ pendents. • That a review be made of the recertification programs to meet the need and preserve the rights of members who will be maiming the more sophis­ ticated ships that will be coming into service imder the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. • That a study be made toward developing a com­ prehensive steward department training program to upgrade all members of the department. • That every effort be made to encourage full par­ ticipation in shipboard meetings by all crew mem­ bers to further their trade union education and espe­ cially their knowledge of the SIU and that education­ al material—trade union, vocational and academic— be placed aboard all SIU ships. �®SiiiiiiSlfiSigitt SlU Constitution Defines Our Rights The SIU Constitution often has been called the "backbone of the union." It sets down the rules and regulations which govern the union and its members. It defines the members' rights and obligations. It spells out the duties and re­ sponsibilities of elected officers. It is a guarantee of the individual rights of every member and it is a docmnent which pro­ tects the democratic rights of the majority. Delegates to the May conference probed the SIU Constitution to leam just how it affects the daily life of every Seafarer. They learned that the constitution defines the procedures and qualifications for elections and provides for trial and appeals procedures. They learned it requires the establishment of a finance committee; details balloting procedures and methods of amending the document itself. In short, delegates found that the SIU Con­ stitution is a special document which guaran­ tees and encourages full membership participa­ tion in the affairs of the union just as it spells out the conditions and rights and responsibilities of membership. In these discussions, delegates reviewed the history of the SIU to gain a better imderstanding of the document's meaning and purpose. Delegates learned that when the SIU was or­ ganized in 1938, a constitution had to be drafted not only to protect the democratic rights of the members, but also to guarantee his job security. The Preamble, and the Statement of Princi­ ples and Declaration of Rights set forth that, "All members shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges and guarantees as set forth in this constitution, and such rights, privileges and guarantees shall be preserved in accordance with its terms."It is a testament to the planning and fore­ sight of the drafters of the constitution, dele­ gates said, that it has stood the test of time. Since 1938, the constitution has been amended only a few times, to conform with changes in national labor laws, or to improve imion pro­ cedures. Delegates foimd that the constitution is a detailed document, and its provisions profoimdly affect every member of the SIU. In that regard, the SIU has given the mem­ bers every opportimity to become familiar with their constitution by publishing the full text every six months in the Seafarers Log. Delegates took advantage of the further op­ portunity to study and leam about the constitu­ tion offered at the educational conferences. They took the time to read, ask questions, and discuss this important document. No constitution is perfect, and none can an­ ticipate every possible problem. That is why, delegates found the SIU has a living constitu­ tion, one that will always be responsive to the nee^ of the members of the union. - K'', Gov. Luis A. Ferre of Puerto Rico Visits HLSS During Conference ^ Gov. Luis A. Ferre of Puerto Rico, center, pauses during a visit to the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship to talk with Seafarers from Puerto Rico attending the May Educational Confer­ ence. Delegates and school officials gave him a complete tour of the Piney Point facility during his visit. With Gov. Ferre are Resident Commissioner Jorge L." Cordova, second from right, and Keith Terpe, right, SIUNA vice president. Page 6 Chairmen Report^ Eugene Covert Houston You have heard on ships that the contract is your bible, but as our agent from Norfolk said this morning our Constitution is more important, because it is the backbone of our whole union, not just how we must work. We were lucky to have had, and I might add still have, leaders who were and still are foresighted enough to know that what they were making into law for us, was not just for the year 1938, but for 1971 also. That is why we are still on top today. Malcolm Cross Wilmington I've learned more about our SIU Constitution today than I have in all the years I have been a member of the union. I learned how important oin Con­ stitution is, and how it gives protection to each and every member of the union. I also learned about our responsibil­ ities to the union and to each other. I am proud of our Con­ stitution and our union, and I think that these kind of con­ ferences are the best thing that has ever happened in our imion or anywhere else. Andy Ellingsen Wilmington In Workshop #3 there was a general discussion on the constitution of the S.I.U. Brothers Fischer and Stephens explained the various stages of the constitution from the date of the charter in 1938 up until 1970. In a sense of speaking the constitution is a form of contract which says what can and cannot be done, which in general is protection for ail members. I learned th^ the constitution had to be changed for various reasons with the first change taking place in 1960, so it shows good planning in its original stage in 1938. That means 22 years passed be­ fore the first change took place. The second change was in 1969 to provide better protec­ tion for all members in our union. Thomas Ulisse San Francisco In our Workshop #4 this morning our topic for discussion was the S.I.U. Constitution. We had a very informative session with brothers Riley and Mc­ Cartney answering all oiu: ques­ tions and explaining in full de­ tail some points which were not clear in our minds and believe me, brothers, there were quite a few ^eas in which some of our members had widely dif­ ferent ideas and understand­ ings. But after our discussions many of these items were clari­ fied. H Therefore, I urge each and every one of you to make the necessary effort to acccomplish this, as it is in your interest to be well informed when it comes to the constitution. •I �Chairmen Report Archie Davis San Francisco This morning Workshop #1 unanimously approved adoption of the recommendations on our contract submitted at the last Educational Conference held at Piney Point, Md. What is a Contract? It is a written negotiable agreement between the SIU and the companies to set forth, the wages, overtime, rates, job security provisions, work rules, and living conditions aboard ship, in precise language, so that each party will know what is expected of them. In order to appreciate the benefits of working under a un­ ion contract, the union mem­ bers should look to the past, to the early days when there were no such written agreements be­ tween employer and employees. John Kucharski New Orleans The contract is very im­ portant, and we should all get to know it better. I know that I've learned a lot about the contract today, and a lot of questions were answered. The conference is a good thing, and I think we should talk it up when we get back to the ships. A lot of guys talk when they don't know what they are talk­ ing about. They should come to these conferences and leam what it's all about. Then they -would know what they are talk­ ing about. Andrew Lewis New Orleans I am very glad that I came to this conference, because I have learned much. Today we talked about our contracts, and we learned how important this document is to us. We also learned about the many fights we had to get. the kind of con­ tract we have today. It is im­ portant that every member get to know the contract and what it stands for. • I.. Frank Russo New Orleans I think we are all getting a great deal out of this con­ ference. I think the important thing now is that we bring the message back to the ship and discuss what we have talked about here. Talking about our union contract is very im­ portant because it means so much to us. A lot of us never took the time to study our con­ tract, and that's why I think these conferences are so good. I hope we keep them up so that as many of our brothers as possible can come and leam about our union. June 1971 Contract Spells Out SIU Working Conditions The SIU contract provides the Seafarer with a guarantee of the best wages, working condi­ tions and job secmity of any maritime nation, delegates to the May educational conference were told. In discussions of the contract, the delegates heard the proud history of its development from the early days of the union, to its present state of superiority. Delegates learned that each new benefit— whether in Wages, overtime, days off, pensions or other fringe benefits—^was hard won. None of the items, delegates learned, came without sacrifice and many were won only at the cost of personal danger and personal injury. But beyond that, the contract is the basic document of the union, and delegates to the conference were thoroughly informed of its provisions on the duties of a Seafarer at sea, his rights aboard ship, and its importance to him ashore, both now and in the future. And although the SIU contract is the best available for seagoing men today, it is not a static ddcument. Delegates and o£Scers of the SIU alike were firm on the point that the search for a better life for the professional sailor is a never-ending quest. To reach the goal requires skillful bargaining, delegates were told, bargaining that, on the one hand, advances the standards of living of Sea­ farers and on the other hand preserves the in­ dustry in which they work. Delegates were told that the SIU had used restraint at the bargaining table and that the restraint had produced the best jobs to members ratio in the maritime field. The same kind of restraint and care enabled the SIU pension fund to grow steadily, soundly and securely thus insuring a life of dignity to men who retire from the sea. Unions that failed to use the same kind of care have evaporated peiision funds, dele­ gates were told, and have risked the future of their members for quick and easy money. By demanding too much at the bargaining table other unions have jeopardized the pension rights of their members and their futxire security as well. The SIU's hard won benefits are secure and implementation of the 1970 Merchant Marine Act will provide an opportunity to increase the benefits in the future, delegates were told. And in their examination of the contract, the delegates matched their appraisal of benefits with those expressed by delegates attending the first SIU conference and concurred in the fol­ lowing recommendations for inclusion in future contract: • A provision for alternatives in case the designated ratings are unwilling or xmable to perform the duties of ship's chairman, educa­ tion director or secretary-reporter. • A provision for an alternative day for ship's meetings skipped because a ship is in port. • Raising deck maintainence vacation pay to the level of other Group I ratings. • New job descriptions in accordance with the changed technology of modem-era vessels. • Modernization of crew's quarters on older ships. • An upgrading program for cooks and stew­ ards. • Compensation for crews on containerships with rapid tum-aroxmds. • Review of Section 39, Article 2, relating to securing a ship for sea before it leaves the harbor. • Review of the six-month shipping limita­ tion "B" seniority members in the light of pres­ ent shipping conditions. • Development of an educational program to keep ship's committee members informed of latest developments. Delegates felt that these recommendations when implemented would prove once again that the SIU contract is a living document, adaptable to sensible change and written with a view to­ ward the security and dignity of the Seafarer. �? Fringe Benefits Make Up Seafarers' Quality of Life n ^1 -n -H The SIU, time after time, innovated changes in the benefit structure of seagoing unions, delegates to the May educational conference learned. For example, the SIU negotiated the first pension for seagoing workers in 1950. While that pension provided payment of $7Q a month, it also provided a foundation on which to build life-long security for Seafarers and to assure them a decent standard of living in their later years. All of the benefits of SIU membership today, dele­ gates learned, stem from the union's perpetud com­ mitment to the quality of life. Life's quality is an important focus of all trade unions, and of necessity the process of attaining quality is an on-going process of improvement and refinement. To illustrate the continuing growth of benefits, delegates to the May conference studied the cmrent SIU pension plan, which last year made a dramatic stride forward. The 1970 improvement was to allow a man to retire on full pension of $250 a month with 20 years of seatime. T^e extension of the benefits, delegates found, was achieved without altering the medical coverage given retired Seafarers and the coverage given their wives under the welfare plan. Also unchanged was the provision for a Sea­ farer's retirement at 65 years of age with 15 years seatime or at any age with 12 years seatime when retirement is forced by disability. But, the delegates concluded, the real value of a pension is in its effect on the quality of life. It rids the Seafarer of worries about retirement days, of fears that he will have to live in poverty while he should be enjoying relaxed contentment. For those reasons, delegates were told that a pen­ sion plan is nothing to tamper with, it is for the young and the older member and it is security with dignity forever. The SIU pension is secure and financially sound because the union has taken a responsible course in funding and pension management. Delegates were told that the pension fund of the National Maritime Un­ ion, on the other hand, is in trouble and NMU mem­ bers' pension rights are threatened because the lead­ ership took the easy course. There are other things that contribute to the quality of life. One of them is health care, and here the delegates found the SIU has a well-rounded program that in­ cludes concentration on the safety and well-being of the Seafarer and provision for the health care needs of his family. The SIU belief in preventive medicine, a belief that shows itself in the network of coast-to-coast SIU clinics, was explained to conference delegates. Staffed by professionals and equipped with the best medical tools, the clinics play an important role in the life of a Seafarer and his family. When serious illness strikes the Seafarer and his family have the umbrella protection of the Welfare Plan, delegates were told. The Welfare Plan benefits are the best in the maritime industry and are con­ stantly under review for improvement in accordance with the union's desire to assure its men and their families the best health care available. And there is still more to the quality of life, the delegates discovered. A key element in life is the amount and quality of leisure time. And the SIU program to assure Seafarers a pleasiurable vacation was explained to those attending the conference. Vacations for sea-going men were just a dream until the SIU obtained them in 1951. Like the pen­ sion plan, the first vacation payments were modest— $115 a year. But like the pension plan, the benefits grew through skillful negotiation. Today a Seafarer at entry rating qualifies for a $1,000 vacation payment; in middle ratings he earns a $1,200 vacation and for key ratings, the vacation payment is $1,400. Delegates learned that the Va­ cation Plan has paid more than $82 million in its 20 year history. Education, too, plays a role in the quality of life and the SIU plan to expand the educational horizons of its members and their dependents was explained to conference delegates. They heard the details of the SIU Scholarship Program under which Seafarers and their dependents can qualify for four-year college scholarships amount­ ing to $10,000 in aid. Nearly 100 students, a third of them working Sea­ farers, have been helped through college by the pro­ gram. In pension, health care, vacation and scholarships the SIU has made and keeps a deep commitment to the happiness of the member, to the quality of his life. Workshop Chairmen Report John Dehring New Orleans In our class today we were told we were here to get the answers on any questions we had to ask whether good, bad, or indifferent so we could im­ prove our knowledge of the SIU and the industry as a whole. Today in our workshop we concurred unanimously in the recommendations of the March educational conference in re­ gards to the pension, welfare and vacation plans and rec­ ommended concurrence by all delegates. Page 8 Calvin Price Norfolk This morning in Workshop #2 we had a very constructive meeting on pension, welfare, and the vacation plans. Our instructors answered many questions which we all learned from. I want to say that our pen­ sion program is very sound and our younger brothers will not have to worry about getting their pension when they retire 30 or 40 years from now. The leadership of the SIU should be commended for their foresight in looking out for our security. I am proud to be at Piney Point in this conference. John Sullivan Seattle For 30 years I have carried my union book and I am proud of it. I was in this union long before a pension plan ever came into effect. Now someone has to pay for this. You, me, the company, and our officials, and how do we do this? By keeping the jobs we do have and trying to get more jobs. And by being patient and back­ ing up our officials as they come up with various plans. We, the seamen, have been classed as second class citizens. But now we can walk proud only because our officials have fought hard and through this Piney Point and by talking to us we have gotten an education. W. Soltarez Houston My name is W. Soltarez or better known as Groucho from the port of Houston, Tex. This is not a brainwash school. This is to show all seamen where their money is going and what it is doing for you in Washing­ ton. There wiU be no more fights like we had on Wall St. There will be lawyers, Qmgressmen, governors, mayors, and Senators to fight for our* right. But we have got to back them up. We have one of the best pension and welfare and vacation plans. We should support our pension, welfare and vacation plans, they are the best we have. Seafarers Log V . V' • �Chairmen Report Vmcent DiCkicomo New York Brothers Frank Drozak and Howard Fisher were the in­ structors at our workshop this morning. The subject under discussion was SIU political education and legal issues affecting maritime unions. Brother Fisher gave a com­ prehensive talk on special in­ terest groups, and was followed by Brother Drozak who stated: "K we do not help the ship­ owners in the crucial days ahead, the day will come when we won't have shipowners. If we don't help them, no one else will. Whatever their gains are, their gains ultimately be­ come oiu* own. The political arm of the AFL-CIO and our contributions to SPAD has made their successes possible, likewise our own." Matt Guidera San Francisco This is the most important phase of this Educational Con­ ference, For all we have—constitu­ tion—contracts—^welfare and pensions — are all dependent upon continued political activi­ ties. For example, current is the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. A beautiful step in the right direction but only a step. To implement this step the con­ gress must appropriate funds needed to build these ships, the SIU must continue and expand political activity in Washington to make certain that this money is available on a continuous baBeau James Houston This morning in Workshop #3 we discussed in great depth politics and political ac­ tion and its importance and effect upon us as American merchant seamen. It is a continuing every day fi^t that we are involved in. A fight for oiu* very lives we have oiur enemies and they are strong. Deadly foes who would like to knock us out of action (and) I am talking about the foreign flag lobbyists in Wash­ ington who are doing their ut­ most to side step the laws al­ ready on the books such as the 50-50 law. Public Law 480 and the cargo preference laws on aid cargoes. And the only way we can do this is to be active politically and the best way of accomplishing this is to con­ tribute to SPAD. SIU Political Action: Preserving Union Rights The SIU is in the forefront of the struggle to preserve the citizenship rights of union members and the political ef­ fectiveness of unions, confer­ ence delegates learned. The U.S. Attorney General sought and is pressing indict­ ments against the SIU and some of its officers in a case which the AFL-CIO has de­ scribed as a thinly-veiled at­ tack on the politick education program of the labor move­ ment as a whole. Meanwhile, delegates were reminded, the SIU, almost alone, is leading a many- pronged effort to rebuild the American merchant fleet. A major success was scored with passage of the Merchant Ma­ rine Act of 1970, but much more is needed. Powerful oil and grain lob­ bies are waging well-financed campaigns in Congress to de­ stroy the Jones Act, further undermine the Cargo Prefer­ ence Act and otherwise squeeze out the American merchant marine, the delegates were warned. Even worse, perhaps, is the indifference by some in Congress and the Administra­ tion to the future of the mer­ chant marine, posing a con­ stant danger that existing laws will not be implemented. Political action in all its phases is the only way in whi^h democratic rights can be safe­ guarded and the economic se­ curity of the merchant marine promoted, the delegates found. And in addition to these crisis matters, legislation is of daily concern to seafarers, subject as they are to regulations of the Coast Guard, Customs, Public Health Service and so many other government bodies. Delegates concurred in the recommendations of the previ­ ous educational conference, and in the position taken by the membership in port meet­ ings and meetings atoard ship, to defend the union against po­ litical indictments and other harassment with every available weapon. They also reaffirmed the rec­ ommendation of the previous conference calling for increased political activities through SPAD to protect the interests of all Seafarers, and to secure maximum implementation of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. The conference urged full support for the Maritime De­ fense league to provide com­ petent legal protection for members faced with legal ac­ tions or threats to their person­ al liberties. Delegates praised the SIU for keeping the membership fully informed on the need for political activity, and called on the leadership to continue the fight that will guarantee Sea­ farers, and all American work­ ers, those rights and freedoms that are fundamental to free men in a democracy. '-'fe: -s' " - --.I in ..... • Delegates Attend National Merchant Marine Service Washington, D.C. The Gothic splendor of Washington Cathedral provided the setting for a national Mer­ chant Marine Memorial Service. Several conference delegates James Jackson attended the Service. Houston Leaders of government, in­ Today in our class we dis­ dustry and labor paid solemn cussed political education and tribute to the men of the mer­ legal. Both of these subjects chant marine who gave their are as important to us as our lives in time of war and time of contract and constitution, and peace to further the aims of the are very much a part of our nation. imion. We find that due to Andrew E. Gibson, assistant changes in maritime our major fight is now in Washington and secretary of the U.S. Depart­ not on the waterfront picket ment of Commerce, set the key­ line. In order to continue our note for the service with his fight going on in Washington opening remarks. "On May 30, the nation will to maintain a strong merchant pause and remember those marine we must continue om contributions to SPAD. who gave their lives in this nation's wars," he said. "Either through indifference to or ig­ norance of the role of the mer­ chant seamen, they will be largely ignored in that rememberance, and so we honor them here." Standing at the crossing of the cathedral, SIU President Paul Hall said that the men of the merchant marine who gave their lives for their coimtry, "would be well pleased by the tribute to them." But, said Hall, "the most fitting memorial we in govern­ ment, industry and labor could make to them would be to struggle for the continuance and preservation of the way of life of the professional seaman." Hall said that way of Iffe was threatened by the financial diflficulties of the martime in­ dustry and divisiveness within the industry. "I urge you to remember these men and their way of life and let us then join hands to assure ourselves tihat their way of life will be available for gen­ erations to come," Hall said. The ceremonies were begun by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Glee Qub who sang "America the Beautiful" from the choir steps. The Rev. Don­ ald F. Kingsley, a navy chap­ lain gave the invocation. Other speakers paying trib­ ute to the nation's merchant seamen were James Reynolds of the American Institute of Merchant Shipping and Edward Hood, president of the Ship­ builders' Council. Pace 9 �Chairmen Report on Meetings 'il 'J J: 'V? Pete Dolan Jacksonville Today in our Workshop #1, after we completed the reading comprehension test, we dis­ cussed union meetings both aboard ship and ashore and their importance to our union. We further discussed how im­ portant it is to make sure that accurate, correct, and complete minutes of the meetings are kept—^because after all if this is not done and there is no record made of what was said at the meetings, any decisions arrived at or motions and res­ olutions passed they are of no value, and will be deleted from the meetings. And these are points of vital interest to our union, points which could have considerable bearing on the lives of all Seafarers. So Brothers it is up to us, the rank and file members of this union, to make sure that we hold regular union meet­ ings at sea and conduct them properly and see that the opin­ ions and feelings of all are heard. We should make good use of the materials in our delegates' handbooks because this is the only way in which we can fully profit from these educational conferences. Jerry Kelly Seattle This morning in our work­ shop, the topic was shipboard behavior and union meetings. We are all familiar with ship­ board meetings and the pro­ cedure is always followed through. We always come to the point of good and welfare— now this is the chance for all the Brothers to speak up, whether you be a bookman or a permit. But remember one thing Brothers—don't cry in the messhall before and after these meetings, because you had your voice at the meetings. And another point, don't for­ get to mail all ships' meeting reports into headquarters, be­ cause if you don't how can the officials know what's going on? And before you make a beef, read your contract! And as you know, we can't settle beefs at sea. ITiis is why we have representation at the payoff. - They are our elected officials. And they will tell you if you're wrong or if you're right they'll back you up all the way. Floyd Mitchell Mobile In our workshop this morn­ ing we had quite a lot of edu­ cational enlightenment going on. First we had a test on read­ ing of which I think was very good. But in my preference I would choose the portion of the discussion on "How to Run a Union Meeting and Shipboard Behavior." Brother Hzdl ex­ plained to us the proper pro­ cedure for getting points and ideas over. Also the duties of the chairman and just what power he has in the conduct­ ing of the meeting. It was also explained to us just what re­ course could be taken when a speaker on the floor has dis­ agreed with the decision of the chairman. It was also pointed out the importance of know­ ing just what to say and just when to say it. I also learned a new term. The Roberts Rules of Order and just what that term means. In application to the conduct­ ing of imion meetings it simply means the right steps to follow to conduct an orderly meeting. W. E. Showers III Mobile Today in Workshop #4 we spent the first two hours taking the reading test. It was explained to us that this test woffid help our union better understand its member­ ship, and to help us educate ourselves of the problems of today and tomorrow. We in Workshop #4 fully support the educational pro­ gram here at Finey Point, and feel that every member should do the same. We also discussed union meetings and their importance, to both us and the union. We feel that an informed union is necessary, to cope with today's problems. There was also a discussion on shipboard and shoreside be­ havior. We felt that we should all conduct ourselves as profes­ sional seamen ashore as well as aboard ship. Let me say again that we all in Workshop #4 strongly sup­ port the union's program here at Piney Point, and that the entire membership should do the same. Strength,^ Unity Comes From Full Membership Participation Membership participation—the most important reason for the strength and unity of the SIU—and the proper conduct of union meetings to insure full participation for every member was one of seven topics discussed by the delegates to the May conference. The program stressed the point that each and every member can and should contribute his opinions and recommendations for the common good. The SIU is unique in that membership par­ ticipation and a voice in running the union is available not only to those who are able to attend shoreside meetings, but is also given to every SIU man aboard ships all over the world through weekly shipboard meetings. This right is guaranteed in the SIU Constitution. The delegates heard how this democratic right of workers to gather together to develop programs to better their lives was won only after bitter struggles against powerful resistance of ruthless big business and an often anti-labor government. As such, they were told, it should be cherished and used by every brother. The democratic system, be it in government or unions, pro­ vides that any group of people be ^owed to express their opinion through the vote. Seafarers are given ample opportunity to exercise such votes at regular monthly meetings in ports along the East Coast, West Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. And aboard ship, the membership is kept informed of the is­ sues through the w^kly meetings. 10 But, voting is not the only obligation for active participation, the delegates were told. For full participation, a Se^arer should keep informed on each issue that can affect him or his brothers. They were reminded of the duties of the ship's chairman while conducting meetings and of the necessity for him to know and understand the SIU Contract and Constitution to answer any questions that might arise during a trip. The need for the educa­ tional director to be up on union education and the reason why the ship's secretary-reporter must keep and forward accurate meet­ ing minutes for headquarters was also discussed. During the conference, the delegates made recommendations on membership participation and union meetings for the consid­ eration of members not attending. They recommended that all delegates use the kits and educational materials received at Piney Point and bring them aboard ship to spread the purpose of the educational conferences during shipboard discussions. The delegates also recommended that a procedure be estab­ lished for providing a substitute ship's chairman, educational director or secretary-reporter in the event any one of them is unable or refuses to serve. Tl;c delegates also reaffirmed that SIU m^tings, at sea or ashore, are a vitally important ingredient in the continuation of the SIU Constitution's guarantees to give every Seafarer a voice in the policies of his union. Seafarers Log �Seafarers Speak Out mm J During the May Educational Conference, the delegates were given the opportunity to present their comments on the conference program and on the union as a whole. In the pages that follow, the Seafarers Log presenis excerpts from the delegates' written re­ ports. Their comments and criticisms will help shape future con­ ferences to better serve the SIU members who attend. G. Barry Puerto Rico Let all SIU brothers know all about Piney Point which others know by now, and how we got along with each other. Also I know what is going on in the teaching room. I learned the hard way of going to sea and know why we put in our donations. By now I could have my own place bought and paid with what I made from going to sea. I like it fabre for vacation time imtil I get the right ship again. Thanks to the others guys who tried to help me on the West Coast. I think it's about time those who want to know what they are doing here found out. A. Arellano Wilmington As a privileged delegate to this educational convention I say, when I get back to my shipping port or go aboard my next ship and follow­ ing ships, I will make it my duty to talk to all union brothers about the curriculum here at Piney Point. Let these men know the knowl­ edge I and other delegates have received about the program carried here and the further education on policies initiated by the SIU. Most important of all, that all of us should support SPAD because through SPAD we can fight the anti-unionists. Contribute to SPAD and aid the cause for which it stands. In unity, we can defeat our en­ emies and be secure in our liveli­ hood. that we fulfill these two obligations. The first is help give our fellow members a better understanding of the union and problems that beset the maritime industry that we face today. The second is to those out­ side the industry, our family and friends and general public, so they know the problems that affect the maritime industry and how it affects them. For without the knowledge we have obtained here at Piney Point, we can inform these people giving them a better understanding of the problems facing the maritime industry today. That helps them to get legislation passed and enforce­ ment of policies vital to our indus­ try. J. H. Bradley New York I feel that the trip to Piney Point was both educational and iifformational. I also saw some of the results of the training programs of the H.L.S.S. We have been told what this union is doing to help itself in the years ahead. I personally think that it is a well thought and carried out program. We old-timers realize that these young men in training will contribute to our welfare and benefits. m John Ashley New York As I see it, we have two obliga­ tions when we leave here. One is pass on what we have learned here on to oiu> fellow members and to those outside of the mstfitime in­ dustry. It is of great inqtortance June 1971 Jake Cuceia New Orleans I think the ten days at Piney Point is very educational. Every member in the SIU should partici­ pate in the educational conference. I also think the SIU membership as a whole should support SPAD. I think that our president and elected ofiBcials have come a long way for the membership in the labor movement. We as a union have more now than we ever had. Yes we all want more. Good leadership we have. Sup­ port SPAD and give our leadership a free hand and I am sure we will have a lot more. Donations to SPAD is the answer. Remember, brothers, you only get out of a thing what you put into it. I also would like to give a vote of thanks to the whole staff of Piney Point for making our stay a pleasant one. Edward Going Chris Baily New York While being in Piney Point in February of 1968, I didn't think this place would amount to too much. I didn't have an opportimity to learn as much as they do now. I still don't have a high school diploma and I know I'll never get one through a correspondence course, it's too bad I can't come here for several weeks to get this big lease on life. I never thought as much about my union as I do now. Now I do understand a lot about the SIU and my membership and the trust I have in it. Although there must be problems, I know I could never find a better union which helps its members and their families. grow. I am mainly speaking of the education and training program set up so as to have a well informed membership. I have enjoyed my visit here at the Piney Point" Seafarers Educa­ tional Conference. George Campbell Baltimore As you know, we discussed vari­ ous aspects of the union and welfare and pension plan and vacation. I was surprised at the school be­ ing so nice and these boys sure have a future here if they want it. I only wish I had something like it years ago. Cameron C. Corr New York The pmpose of the SIU Educa­ tional Conference I believe has been a great benefit for all of the mem­ bership. After the study and discus­ sion on several subjects I believe everyone attending the conference has at least learned a few facts about our union. I think we all have a general idea of what it took to establish and what it will take to maintain the SIU. All of us here at Piney Point we can very well see what is taking place to make it Jacksonville My participation as a delegate to this jMucational Conference here in Piney Point is a great honor and I wish to thank Tony the dispatcher of Jacksonville, Ha., for talking me into coming up here. I am very much interested in the retirement homes that the union is planning on building near here. The school that is here for the young men that are coming into the union is very good. This place, Piney Point, is very good and everything is very weU planned. All I can say is keep up the good work. Charles D'Amico Houston In my opinion the education con­ ference at Piney Point, Md. is the greatest advancement to come into organized labor in recent years. It not only unites the rank and file and brinp them closer to the imion and its activities, but also unrolls the yam of outside interest to be knitted together to cover and warm our sick maritime industry. I think if this unity is combined with honesty and sincerity continu­ ously, the future seafarer will be strongest and most powerful in the world. The HLSS is the best program I been seen in my 27 years in the seafaring industry. I urge all mem^ bers to back and support all the issues brought out at this confer­ ence. Page 11 �A Good, Solid Program for Ail W. C. Flaek Baltimore The experience here at Piney Point has been most enlightening in all fields. The educational program is tojw with top educators at the helm. The newcomers or "school boys" should appreciate what is being done for them as a guide to better living in the coming future. The program is good and solid for all. Keep up the good work and when the old Seaman departs for Fiddlers Green, he can rest assured that all the struggles, heartaches and tears he went through have opened the gates to better conditions that will stand as his main contributions and a lasting one that will be car­ ried on. Keep the muscle "money" going where it will do the most good. John W. Curlew San Francisco In the past ten days I have listened to a great deal of talk. Out of all this talk, I have learned a great deal about the workings of our imion. Perhaps the most valuable thing I have learned is that there is a wealth of ioformation available to us all and that we should use it. I believe that when I return to sea and pass on to my shipmates what I have learned, it could be beneficial to all aboard. Leroy Guller Mobile I was in doubt about the educa­ tional conference in Piney Point un­ til I arrived here. I got a chance to see all of it for myself. I think it is wonderful and very educational concerning the union. As an activ­ ity in the classes we were taught how the union grew from its be­ ginning, explaining the contract, the constitution and also membership participation. Edward E. Edinger San Francisco I came to Piney Point to see men who will be in my job soon. I am 5'7". My job will be done by a much taller man. Our President, Paul Hall, said the young man of Piney Point is nine feet tall. I say the men are taller| but I will say 8T1". I spent some time in Workshop #1. Bill Hall and Ed Reilly from Boston did a good job. In talking to our President, Paul Hall, and Earl Shepard, and Lind­ say Williams, Bob Pomerlane, Marty Gold and Frank Drozak, I really feel like an SIU member. I got better food and better Page 12 board than I expected to. I can come away from this conference with the feeling of satisfaction. I also know the why of the school and the men in it. The men in it, the men in HLSS, are men and I think we can call them young men and not kids. No man likes to be called a kid. Ferdinand DeLeon New York As an educational conference delegate, I was very proud to come to this conference at Piney Point, Md. I believe to the best of my knowledge that I learned a lot more about the Seafarer's International Union, History and Labor Move­ ment, The Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Pension Welfare, Vacation, Union Meetings Aboard Ship, our fights in Washington, and our fights in Political Affairs throughout the nation. And about the heart of the Seafarer's Interna­ tional Union, it's constitution and contract with the steamship com­ panies. I'd like to say to the Brothers who haven't come to one of these educational conferences at Piney Point, take time and come, believe me, it won't cost you a red cent. I know that some of us think we know it all, when you come to the education conference, you'll see that you were dead wrong. It's also a place where you can meet old friends. I know, I did. Stephen H. Fulford Mobile On arriving at the HLSS, Piney Point, Md., I sure was amazed' at the improvements that had been made. I can say this because I was up here a short while back, and I can truly say, someone has surely been on the ball. I could write all day and then not cover all the things that are taking place here, and what I think about it, so, to make a long story short, I learned a lot from the Sea­ farer's educational conference which I am now attending, and this whole project is a wonderful thing, not only for the future Seafarers but also to the old-timer like myself. During the conference we covered, such subjects as Labor History, Ed­ ucation HLSS, Constitution, Con­ tract and Economics of the Indus­ try, Pension Welfare and Vacation Plan, Union Meetings and Ship­ board, Behavior, Legal Political Education. The movie films that were shown with each subject sure did help ex­ plain things. Duke Hall San Francisco Entering by name as a delegate to attend th^ educational confer­ ence was the wisest decision I have ever made. I have learned more about the inner structure of our union and how it actually is oper­ ated by the membership by partici­ pating in union business than I have ever known. I hope that every dele­ gate that attends these conferences ^ will do his part by teaching the membership on ships that he goes on so that all our members will learn and understand everything that we have learned and discussed here at this conference. This schod at Piney Point is the greatest thing that has happened in oiu: look to the future.' And it is so far above and beyond what I had thought it to be that I am sure I will never forget this School of Seaman­ ship and what it stands for. Now I imderistand what is hap­ pening in our union and why. And all the tough fights we still have to conquer, to survive, and remain a solid, strong union. But with the officials we have as oiu: leadership there is no doubt in my mind, we will succeed. Theociore T. Harris Mobile In attending this workshop at Piney Point, Maryland (Seafarers Educational Conference) I have been able to understand many things that I was in doubt about. Things about the Harry Lundeberg training school for young Seamen. I now know more about the Pen­ sion and Welfare program the Benefits our dependents can enjoy from our Seafarers Union Benefits that no other union has been able to enjoy thus far. And it all has been made possible because of our leadership. John Hayes New York Our arrival at Piney Point was met with courtesy, photo taking, and a lowdown on what was to take place for the duration of the con­ ference. I found it, just as it states, edu­ cational. Education as to what the union is all about, where its been, how far its come, where it is, and J most of all an idea of where it's I going. I It also gives the membership a better understanding what the func"• ^ tions of the officials are, how vital, an alert and sincere leadership is, to keep the industry alive. I am leaving here, not with the idea that I am qudified to take over the president's job, but that I am better informed as to the whys and wants of the imion. I wotdd advise members to attend this con­ ference, especially those who are in disagreement with many things the union does, not to learn how to agree, but to find out what your disagreeing about, then draw your own conclusion. Howard E. Monteton San Francisco Since attending this conference at this school, my opinion of this union and school has made a dras­ tic change. Eduction is the backbone of any industry. I believe that the young men who are being turned out of the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship will be a lot better than those men who are recruited out of bars and off the streets. The instructors and teachers have been very patient with us and teaching us of many thmgs which we vaguely thought of. We gained an insight of our un­ ion interworkings of how and why it works. I want to take this opportunity to thank this union and all of its officials for letting me see the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Seafarers Log �'This is Like a Homecoming R. Lee Hicks New York I have returned to Piney Point having been here in November and December of 1967. This is like a homecoming to a school that I would not have had a chance to ever have come to in the first place, if it had not been for Brother Paul Hall and all of the other Brothers in the S.I.U. This thank you note comes from within my heart more than you know. Henry Jankoski New York Brothers, in workshop No. 4, we have talked about every phase of our union. I feel that the educa^ ilf tional conference is the best thing p that has ever happened to the union so it can explain all the things that the membership does not imderstand. Myself, I have learned that things that I thought 1 knew all about were all wrong and I was a victim of false doctrine. However, now I see the light and am sure that the officials of our union are the best we can get and I have no -fear of foul play. And I am sure my job security is in good hands so just don't worry Brother. Thank you Brothers. Carl Johnson I r Philadelphia Being at the Educational Con­ ference I have enjoyed my stay, because I have seen so much beauty and have learned a great deal about my union—which I never knew before. It is very pleasant here and also I could say that I can bring U my family too, and they would en- ^ joy it too. The reporting was terrific and I would recommend it to any of our Brothers. Benjamin Laureano Puerto Rho When I came over here I didn't expect to have the experience I learned about my participation in this union and my rights. I am ^ad to learn about my union because that is the rice and bean for my family. And the second experience consist of seeing one of the most beautiful places, this Piney Point. I give a vote of thanks to ^ Piney Point personnel and HLSS for friendly treatment. Bacilio (Bill) Llanez Tampa, fla. When I first arrived to the school I said to myself, "This school looks more like a summer resort. How is it possible to teach these young kids any seamanship here?" Well, after a few days here at the confer­ ence I went and visited their kitchen and bake shop, which I found to be very clean and orderly and some of these boys with only a couple of weeks training turned out better food and pastries than most places ashore. I also visited various work­ shops and classrooms, I must say I was very impressed with them and the school staff. And let me tell you brother mem­ bers that I haven't had the chance to visit your school: In my way of thinking our union the SIU isn't June 1971 ship benefits, plus if they so desire, they can go through Piney Point and have job security and then their children. Now, how brothers, can you beat that? only building a school for young seamen, but building us older sea­ men a new and more powerful backbone for our future. So I like to say to our union officials top to bottom and school staff, that I, like the rest of the delegates here, feel from the bottom of our hearts that The Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and the Seafarers Edu­ cational (Conference is by far the best thing that has ever happened to the S.I.U. for our future. And I am very proud to be a part of it. Thank you. George Meaden Boston After a long hard bus trip from New York, I was a little disgusted. But since I have come here my eyes have been opened, and I do mean opened. There has been a lot of hard work gone into this school and con­ ferences by all our Port Agents and our great President, Paul Hall. We have studied our constitution and how hard our brothers fou^t to have what they have achieved, so that we have today one of the great­ est and I might add, the best union today. S. McDonald Norfolk I as an individual came to this conference on the SIU. I can say that I have just become familiar with the functions of my union and I have learned more about the func­ tions of the union at HLSS than ever before; political and financial. I enjoyed every minute. Ted Maoris New York On my arrival to Piney Point I was amazed at the layout. My union Brothers had told me what a good time they had while they were here, but after spending nine days here, I have to admit it was an understatement. Speaking for my­ self, I learned a great deal while I was here that I did not know and I believe I wiU be a better union member hereafter. The classes were very educa­ tional. In my opinion we have a great deal of unity between the lead­ ership and membership. In closing, I would like to thank Paul Hall and his entire staff in­ cluding the trainees for going out of their way to make us feel at home. P. H., I wish you continued suc­ cess and smooth sailing in the fu­ ture. Ralph C. Mills irvin Matthews Mobile Before coming to Piney Point, I never figured that the union had such a wonderful program going here. Let me say I am not only pleased at what I have seen but I have really learned a lot about the SIU, which I hadn't learned in my 25 years with the Union. Let me say that I fully support the union's educational and welfare program. It is doing a great thing for the rank and file members, and also for the young Seafarer of to­ morrow, who will have to carry on the policies of the SIU and the American seaman. John S. Metcalfe New York Piney Point is a place of oppor­ tunity for not just a seaman but his entire family. By his family, I mean he is pro­ tected through welfare; when a child is born, that child and the family is protected through hospital benefits; dependents' benefits and maternity benefits and it goes far behind this, it goes through sickness and acci­ dent benefits, physical examinations; special equipment for special braces and extras if necessary, and remem-. ber they have possibilities of scholar­ -•scalps San Franelseo To name the one thing that I de­ rived the most froni the Conference is next to impossible. First off, my preconceived idea of Piney Point has been knocked "Galley West." I cannot give enough praise to the man who had forethought enough to come up with something like this. I would have to give pref­ erence to om instructors and union officials that have given us so much of their time and effort in preparing the educational program. They have answered oiu- questions and given us instructions and information that will be invaluable in the future. To say that I have been greatly impressed with the school and the method of instructing the Trainees in putting it mild. We have been told of the Legislative battles that have been fought and of the battles to come. Now we are in a much better position to see what is hap­ pening. This in turn should cause us to support our officials with every­ thing we've got. In my humble opinion the "Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship" is one of the greatest if not the greatest thing that has been brought about in the SIU. The teachers and instructors are doing a job that will benefit all of us for years to come. Again I say that the men who dreamed up this whole idea are and should be give the highest praise. Felipe Naraexz Houston 1 came to Piney Point to see for myself what this Educational Con­ ference was. I attended every class and learned more about Welfare, Contract, Pension, and Politics. I hope that this conference con­ tinues and that every Brother at­ tends. Page 13 �It Takes Hard Work and foresight' money to make money, and these corporations and shipping magnates are willing to spend it in their Washington lobbies. Our only defense is to attack. We have to stop them or go on beans and rice diet, it's that simple. We can't use muscle in Washing­ ton, brains and old fashioned politicl^g are what we need to pre­ serve and build and grow. The only place to get the money we need is through our voluntary financial contributions to SPAD. We have a choice. Loosen up and give a little, or eat beans. Everyone has to help. Louie Hudson Mobile 1 have learned a great deal since I came up here to Piney Point, One thing I have learned at this Educa­ tional Conference is that it takes lots more than just talk to keep our job and benefits and all the rights that we now have, it takes hard work and foresight. The HLSS is one instrument of foresight and the Educational Conference is of great importance. We will and must sup­ port our ofScials and give them our assistance by supporting SPAD and encomraging all other members to do so to the limit of our ability. We never had it so good. Piney Point is the start in the right direc­ tion for many men who want to go to sea but it is much more to me, as I feel I am one of the people who helped to make Piney Point a suc­ cess. In closing I just like to say may our success continue. Thanks to Bro. Paul Hall and all fellow members. New York Coming to this educational con­ ference is a thing that everyone should do. It is what it says it is, an educational conference atout the union. How it started, and how it fought every foot of the way, by its members, so they could enjoy what they have today. We saw about benefits and learned our con­ tract. Also, we saw all the good that is being done for future Sea­ farers, and the training activities we have, not only for our young stu­ dents, but old union members as well. We should thank our Union 100 percent and not listen to peo­ ple who don't know about Piney Point. We should educate the Sea­ farers, and tell them to come to Piney Point, and find out for them­ selves. They should come here for a vacation, but also to learn. S. E. Powell Baltimore In the two weeks I have^ been down here at Piney Point, Md. at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, I have attended class­ es on the history of maritime and the labor strug^e for recognition and better working and living con­ ditions and better wages and short­ er working hours. I also learned about the history of my union, the constitution, and the contract and how they came into being. The school at Piney Point has come a long way since its inception in 1967 and it can go a lot further if the leadership and imderstanding that they have here continues on the same course that it is headed now, and if the caliber of the in­ structors continues the same. They have a wonderful thing here. Let's keep up the fine work that is being done here. Carlton E. Moore Baltimore To all union Brothers, I am glad to be able to attend &e Confer­ ence at Piney Point, Md. I am very g^ad that I came here, for I am very glad about what I have seen and heard. Our classroom instructors were very good and put everything over very well and in its proper place. I have enjoyed the trainees here and I really think they are doing a fine job here, and do hope that they will keep it up when they ship out and keep up the good work, for they have had good training. New Orleans I have been in the union since 1953. I have been working 23 years in Atlantic Refining Com­ pany. When the SIU organized the Atlantic Refining Company I hap­ pened to know a couple of per­ sons that worked as organizers for the SIU. Keith Terpe came to my house to explain the situation as to what he was working for. He convinced me to join his organization, to sign a pledge card in the SIU. I did sign the pledge card in this union. All the time I belonged to the SIU I didn't know what was going on. I paid my dues and never at­ tended meetings. However, since coming here to the Harry Lundeberg School for this educational conference I have learned all about my union, its in­ volvements in politics and antici­ pated future actions. I am proud to be an SIU member. Puerto Rleo In the 10 days I've been here in Piney Point I have learned more about the union than I have learned in the 5 years I've been a member. I am very impressed with what I've seen and learned at the educational conference at Piney Point. I think we have a very good thing going for us—^the SIU—so Brothers, let's keep it that way. Let's support it as much as possible. Brothers, take some time off and come to Piney Point and you will agree with me. I also would like to thank Governor Ferre of Puerto Rico for coming to Piney Point. We had a great time and at this time I would like to thank Pres. Paul Hall and his staff for making the Educational Con­ ference possible for the members. New Orleans This May crew conference at Piney Point has been a valuable ex­ perience. I've learned (rf the ef­ fort it took to make this union what it is and the reason for that effort. Our Constitution guarantees an equality for each of the member­ ship with rights, duties and respon­ sibilities. Our contracts, chan^g with the time, insures us an ade­ quate standard of living. We have the soundest pension program in the Maritime Industry due to the foresighted efforts of our leader­ ship with the support of the mem­ bers. I believe our welfare program is second to none. I've also learned that ^ this is in jeopardy. We face extinction. Big business is working in Washington to introduce and pass bills in Con­ gress to take shipping and cargo away from the American seamen. I can understand their point of view. If they are successful, they'll make a lot of money. It takes »•. MaxSarol Luis F. Rivera Patrick E. Riberdy 'm M A. Sanger Nelson O. Rofas New Orleans With my participation on this educational conference from the Port of New Orleans, is now and always will be the greatest honor I ever had in my seaman's life. The short stay I've spent here at Piney Point taught me a lot. Before attending this conference I was in some doubt about our un­ ion and after attending our daily workshop session I was able to un­ derstand more of all functions of our union. What I found is the finest train­ ing school for seamen and I am glad I came. Because I learned here everything and I feel qualified to answer the merits of this program. A vote of thanks for all Broth­ ers of the Sea involved in making this conference a big success. James Stathis San Francisco Having just finished the educa­ tional coherence of May 12 through 22, 1971, I found it both informative and interesting, liter­ ally going from A to Z on all top­ ics pertaining to the Union. Many questions were answered which at one time or another many of us were not too clear on in the past. I would say the conference is a must for the members who have not attended. Accommodations were first class at Piney Point and the recreational activities of the same order, and I hope to return here in the near future. All in all it was a great experience, and I am happy I attend^. -•V.. _ - A- •"•r, �, ,„;; ^ I'-'-"- -y ,'i-f'^ •"'• - wV.'Y •• • \^: '• ••'v.'" - V S' I-''., .7' ; • - • •"•'•'•^'/'''• Ai-•••»•-.' •'''•• V .'- • '•'"•''• .'r .r-'V- " •^''•-•w - K'^', \-,'Y' ''.. '" ..-J'.'*'- •'''''. '* • ,Y ••'. '" •• -• "•' • . 7 ISPift! ' \ '••- • ' •;. .f '/ ^>1/^^'::"^- -j'*-- V '-v: - "- •_. , • ^ -. • ' " .;- • -r •' •» yyy..'- • ': • ^ •••VY•>».' ' ^ '. Y '' Honor Roll The Seafarers whose names are inscribed below were delegates to the May Educational Confer­ ence. They are the men whose opinions and suggestions on how to improve our union will benefit all Seafarers. 1''" •" •'•- Baltimore George Campbell William Flack Carlton Moore Bobby Pomerlane Samuel Powell Lloyd Rexrode Joseph Wolansld Benny Wilson Mobile Harold Fischer Steve Fulford Leroy GuUoy Thedore Harris Louie Hudson Irvin Matthews Floyd Mitchell William Showers Edward Sylvester Boston Charles Connell Frank Connell George Meaden Ed Riley Houston M. Brendle E. Covert C. Damico T. Jackson T. James P. Narvaexz W. Soltarez F. Szoblik J. O. Thomas New Orleans Alton Booth Edward Cole Jacob Cuccia John Derring Billy Edelmon Peter Gonzalez John Kucharski Andrew Lanier Patrick Riberdy Nelson Rojas Frank Russp Max Sarol Buck Stephens Lindsey Williams Oliver Celestine Joseph Clowes Henry Courteaux Jean Cropeau Ferdinand DeLeon Vincenzo DiGiacomo Carrol Dwyer James Hall, Jr. John Hayes R. L. Hicks Hemy Janoski K.W. Johnson George McCartney T. Macris John Metcalfe Patrick Painsette Edward Rokicki Alf Sanger M. Sullivan Joel Talley James Tims John Urzan Jaclcsonviile P. Dolan E. Going J. Michaels June 1971 John Ashley James Bradley Cris Bailey Henry Bursey Camerar Carr G. Barry Sal Coll B. Loreano Luis Rivera San Francisco J. Curlew A. Davis Frank Drozak E. Eding^r P. G. Fox M. Guidera D. R. H. E. Hall Mills Monteton PoweU J. Stathis J. Surles T. M. Ulisse Seattle Norfolk Robert Mateo Calin Price McDonald Sgade Gorden Spencer Eugene Dore WiUiam KeUy John Sullivan Tampa Bill Llanes Sergio Roy New York I..' J Puerto Rico Philadelphia Carl Jackson Henry McCullough Alexander McElhenny Robert Thomas Wilmington A. Arellano M. M. Cross A. I. Ellingsen Page 49 �. • •iJiEVV Wife Appreciates Welfare Plan Help To flu Edlton I would like to express my appreci^on and thanks to the Un­ ion's Welfare Plan for the times it has aided me. Through you, I have an electric typewriter which enables me to keep up a cor­ respondence with my relatives, friends, and my husband when he is on a voyage. You have also made it possible for me to have a wheelchair, and an adjustable seat made for our car. Thus, I can go to the doctor, to the hospital for check-up, and outings for pleasure with greater ease and comfort You have also paid the hospital bills when it was necessary for me to be con­ fined because of sickness or tests. It has really been a Godsend to have the welfare plan to rely on. Thank you again for your aid. MIS. "Red" Braonst^ Wflmington, Calif. ^v,"^ ^vL V/^ " --_x / •--"y; g: - \A "5. „ '^OSPV-^^ --g...... . . .r' ^ -^/u Circus Tickets The Role of PHS Hospitals T ie Senate and the House have now held hearings on the threatened closure of the eight Public Service Hospitals, and in both the House and Senate subcommittees the impres­ sion was the same: these men want the hospitals to stay open. And well they should. The hospitals fill sev­ eral vital roles in the general medical picture of their conummities, and coupled with the 32 clinics across the country, form a comprehen­ sive and interlocking network of care and treat­ ment for their beneficiaries. Their primary role, of course, is that of caring for merchant seamen, coast guardsmen and other beneficiaries covered by statutes that date back to 1798 when the first Marine Hos­ pitals were opened. In that role alone they have made so lasting a contribution to the health and well-being of the nation at large that their continuance is justified. And their continuance is justified even more in human terms. For the men and woman who man these hospitals, men and women whose jobs are threatened by the proposed closings, have a deep compassion and liking for seamen. They have demonstrated a kindredness of spirit at ail times, and especially during the hours of greatest stress. The impersonality of private hospitals under contract to the Public Health Service and the To the Edltw: I wish to express my gratitude overcrowding of the Veterans Hospital system for the circus tickets received can never replace the human warmth the men from the Seafarers International and women of the PHS hospitals have shown Union. Sixty very happy boys and girls were able to see the circus their patients. last Friday night. A second, but not secondary, role played by The people of oln* parish are the PHS hospitals is that of the connecting link poor, and many activities that between government and private hospitals in average youngsters take for the training of medical and paramedical per- granted are special treats for a soimel. child from our parish. Thank you again for your gen­ Even the briefest glance at the nation's erosity. health needs, bring the need for doctors and Father Twn Foley other trained health personnel to the forefront. Chicago, DL In this role the PHS hospitals have no peer be­ cause they are, in general, well equipped for the most sophisticated medical procedures and, Grateful for thus, are able to show students, interns and residents elements of practice unavailable to Pension Check them elsewhere. To the Editw: I received my first disability Overcrowding of private hospitals and vet­ pension check for February and erans hospitals with the additional caseload of March. PHS beneficiaries will not increase the teaching I wish to express my apprecia­ function of those hospitals, indeed it will lessen tion for all the work and effort it. put into securing my pensicm for And all of that is additional evidence for the me, and thank you. If it were not for the SIU, we case against the closing of PHS hospitals. And all of that is why it was so heartening to hear so would still be without pension many Senators, Congressmen and medical ex­ and other benefits—thank you again. perts speak and testify against the closing. Thomas J. Same The strug^e to keep the hospitals open is River Rouge, Mich. by no means over. Indeed, it is becoming more and more a struggle for iiSl the people. A Salute to the Winners XTats ofl[ to the five SIU Scholarship winners ••^for 1971. We wish them good years of hard work at the colleges of their choice and success in their careers following graduation. We also want to mention those who entered this year's competition and didn't qualify for the $10,000 scholarships. The field was out­ standing and one of the members of the Schol­ arships Awards Committee said the task of selecting winners was made very difficult by the high caliber of the 29 applicants. You all deserve congratulations, and we wish you well. The scholarships won by Beverly Collier, Mary Covacevich, Angela Nuckols, Richard Schiiltz and James Smith are nearly as im­ portant to the SIU as they are to the winners. They continue an 18-year tradition of helping the members and their families over the diffi­ cult times, times like trying to find the money Page 16 Delight Sixty to send a deserving child to college. Prohibitive college costs have forced many a young person to go without a degree, and the SIU Scholarship Program helps provide a de­ fense against that kind of tragedy. Prohibitive college costs are also responsible for the in­ crease, from $6,000 to $10,000, in the mone­ tary value of the scholarships this year and in the future. Tuition, room and board, books and the other fees that are required of a college student have made it difficult indeed for a working parent to pay the bills. These scholarships, awarded in the best tradition of trade unionism, are also a defense against hardship at home while the child learns. So we're doubly proud of the SIU Scholar­ ship Program. We are proud of the people who won and those who applied and didn't win, and as union members we're proud to help our own to better their lives. Grateful to SIU for Kindnesses To the Editor: As one of the survivors of the ill-fated yacht Pionier which was participating in the Cape-to-Rio Yacht Race and which was struck by a whale and sank on 28th January 1971, I would like to inform your Union of the esteem and gratitude in which we, the survivors, hold the "Master, Offi­ cers and Crew of the vessel S.S. Potomac. It was at approximately 15:30 hours GMT when the Third Of­ ficer of the Potomac sighted our life raft and immediately altered course to investigate. The Master, on sighting the smoke signal, realised there were survivors in need of help and with a brilliant manoeuvre, brought the vessel within twenty yards of the life raft. Unfortunately a rain squall broke loose and complicated matters which necessitated the lowering of a life boat. This dan­ gerous operation in the rough sea prevailing at the time, was carried out in an efficient and seamanlike manner and in a short while all five of us sur­ vivors were safely transferred to the life boat and the life raft taken in tow. FiXKn the mmnent we stepped on the life raft we were treated with kindness and the crew were simply wondoful. It was not long before we were brought alongside and scrambled up the net which had been placed over the side of the Potomac. Once on board we were treated like VIP's and the overwhelming hospitality and kindness shown by all members of the crew of the Potomac nill be remembered for many, many years. It was with regret that we bade" farewell to all our friends on ar­ rival in Cape Town, but look forward to renewing the happy acquaintance should the vessel ever call at this port again. A. F. Keeney (On behalf of the crew of Pionier) Editor's note: For details of die rescue, see page 27. Seafarer Extends Thanks to Union To the Editmr: I want to express my great appreciation and that of my wife to the Seafarers Welfare Plan for the wonderful assistance the Plan and Mr. Robert O'Keefe have given me on my disability. I don't have enough seatime to retire, but I am proud to say I worked with and belong to such a wonderful organization like the SIU. Fred Dangjherty Tampa, Fla. Lauds Pension Plan To the Editor: I wish to thank the Seafsrers Pension Plan for the fine way it is taking care of SIU (fidtimen and for the prompt sending of monthly pension checks. I am 82 years old and still going strong. William J. McKay New Orleans, La. gEArAEBBS^LOQ June 1971 Vol. XXXm. No. 6 Official Publication of the Seafarers International Union of North America, AUanUc, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO Executive Board Paul Hall, President Cal Tanner Exec. Vice-Pret. Earl Shepard Vice-President Lindsey Williams Vice-A-esident AlKerr Sec.-Trees. A1 Tanner Robert Matthews Vice-President Vice-President Published monthly at 810 Rhode Island Avenue N.E., Washington, D.C. 20018 by the Seafarers Interna­ tional Unionj_Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, APLCIO, 676 Fourth Avenue, Brook­ lyn. N.T. 11232. Tel. 499-^. Sec­ ond class postage paid at Wash­ ington, D.C. POSTMASTER'S ATTENTION: Form 8679 cards should be sent to Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO, 676 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, N.T. 11232. 5rs~ •' •' 'A'.. • -/S-C. V �Senators/ Experts Call PHS Hospitals Essentiar Washington, D.C. A Senate Health Subcommittee recently heard several senators and experts in the medical field testify on the value of Ae Public Health Service Hospitals which are threatened with closing by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), chair­ man of the subcommittee, keynoted the hear­ ings with a prediction that "the Senate will in­ sist" that PHS hospitals remain available to merchant seamen. Expressing the viewpoint of the SIU was O. William Moody, administrator of the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department. In an opening statement. Sen. Kennedy noted the long history of the PHS hospitals, calling them "one of the oldest and most venerable health institutions in America." He said the hospital system represents "one of the earliest attempts by the Federal govern­ ment to respond to the specific health care prob­ lems of a segment of the American people— namely merchant seamen." Misuse of Health Facilities Sen. Kennedy said that the changes proposed by HEW, including a plan to admit merchant seamen to Veterans Hospitals, "must not result in the loss or misuse of these valuable health care facilities. "The Senate will insist that neither of these tragedies occur," Sen. Kennedy said. He was joined in his insistence by Sen. War­ ren G. Magnuson (D-Wash.) who said the pro­ posed shutdown of PHS hospitals would, "jeo­ pardize the health of nearly a million citizens who now rely on them for care." The closing of the hospitals, according to Sen. Magnuson, would also impair the training of medical personnel, whom he described as "vitally needed." He described the planned closings as "com­ plete folly for the Administration." Sen. Mag­ nuson said, "obviously closing PHS hospitals would be a destructive blow to the efforts of all these organizations and institutions," making valid attempts to deliver health care to the American people. Sen. Charles McC. Mathias (R-Md.) also ex­ pressed concern about the over-all effect of the closings on the health care system of the nation. "There are a lot of people not getting the kind of health care they deserve. Let's put the PHS Hospitals to work for them as well," he said. Sen. Mathias said he had made a study of the Baltimore PHS Hospital and said he doubted that HEW could support its statement that the hospitals are "under-utilized." He said, however, "if there is under-utilization there is also an opportunity" to make the hospitals function on behalf of the community. No Satisfactory Substitiite Sen. William B. Spong (D-Va.) said that there was no satisfactory substitute for the Norfolk PHS hospital. Sen. Spong explained that other public hospitals in the area are overcrowded and voluntary hospitals are far more costly. He praised the work performed by the Nor­ folk hospital, and said it was an "integral part of the health care system in my state." Among the medical experts testifying was Dr. John Walsh, coordinator of Health Sciences Programs at Tulane University, New Orleans, La. Dr. Walsh said that the New Orleans PHS hospital was such a valuable teaching facility that "it is easily called irreplaceable." He said the hospitals represent "an unrealized oppor­ tunity which may not be as available to govern­ ment in the future." Hall Calls for Joint Effort To Implement 1970 Act , I San Juan, P.R. SIU President Paul Hall, speaking to a meeting of the Propeller Club of the United States here, called on all phases of the maritime industry and labor to lay their differences aside and work for the imple­ mentation of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. Hall, reiterating a message given in an earlier address to the Propeller Club of Washing­ ton, D.C., said that it will take vigorous participation by all elements of maritime to make the potential of the 1970 act a reality. He said that the U.S. "must compete with foreign carriers," in order to find its way back to maritime prominence, and that such "competition requires co­ operation." And, said Hall, a great deal of U.S. competition will have to be waged in for­ eign ports because, "that is where the competition is." He said, "a long, hard road" lies ahead of the U.S. Merchant Marine, but if all elements of the industry cooperate, the U.S.-flag fleet would emerge from the fight a stronger unit. "We will give them hell," in the competition. Hall said, "and we will win. You can be sure June 1971 tenance its failure," the club said. Lease Financing—^The club congratulated the Congress for allowing shipping companies to take long term leases on ships built by financial institutions, instead of forcing shipping companies to build the ships with their own capital. Untying Foreign Aid—^The club voiced its opposition to proposals to untie foreign aid by channeling foreign aid pay­ ments throu^ world organiza­ ir tions and by allowing AID to purchase foreign assistance cargoes abroad. Instead the club of that." that "strong programs of urged The Propeller Clubs of the procurement from United States United States have chapters in sources including merchant 50 port cities and their memshipping," be adopted for the be-ship totals nearly 12,000. The clubs, composed of labor, foreign aid program. Maritime Unity—^The Pro­ management and government people with an interest in the peller Club "called on all seg­ merchant marine, have re­ ments of government, industry cently adopted position papers and labor to unite, dissolve and resolve differences; look to the on maritime affairs. Here are the clubs' positions best interests of their country and its citizens; and direct their on major maritime topics: Merchant Marine Act of efforts to implementation of 1970—The club "heartily com­ the 1970 Merchant Marine Act mends" passage of the act and and new programs to strengthen pledges its efforts to make the our merchant marine." Arthur Farr is national presi­ bill work. "Neither time nor world circumstance can coun­ dent of the Propeller Clubs. What They're Saying Following the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare's announcement of intention to close Public Health Service hospitals throughout the country, SIU President Paul Hall wrote to members of the 92d Congress to enlist their aid in preventing the shut-down. In reply, scores of Con­ gressmen pledged support for the campaign to keep USPHS facilities open to treat approximately 500,000 merchant seamen. Coast Guard and government employees. The following excerpts are representative of the many replies: "I note particularly the strong position •which your organization has taken in favor of keeping the remaining Public Health Service facilities open so that vital medical services to seamen and others will be continued." Edward A. Garmatz Maryland "Certainly maintaining and updating such facilities is of great importance to the well-being of seamen, Coast Guards­ men and other government personnel and I will work in every way possible here in the Congress to see that such legislation receives favorable considera­ tion." William Nidnds Alabama "I fidly agree that these facilities should be kept open and have been in touch with the Secretary of the Depart­ ment of Health, Education and Welfare vigorously opposing the proposal." Samuel S. Stratton New York "Since I share your desire to keep these hospitals open, I have joined Chcdrman Garmatz in co-sponsoring legislation to prevent the loss of these important health facilities." Wright Fatman Texas "I am strongly opposed to the closing of these Public Health Service hospitals and you may be assured I shall continue to do all in my power to keep them open." John D. Dingell Michigan "I agree with you that these hospitals should not be closed and have written the Secretary of Health, Education and Welare expressing my opposition to closing any of these facilities." Harley O. Staggms West Yir^a "The reasons for closing these insti­ tutions are far out-weighed by the need for the medical services provided by the Public Health Service hospitals." Jolm H. Dent Pennsylvania "We in the Washington State delega­ tion have written to Secretary Richard­ son protesting the proposed closure, and I personally participated in the hearings held by the Merchant Marine and Fish­ eries Committee to indicate my strong personal feeling about the Administration proposal." Brock Adams Waslnng;ton Page 17 �Five Talented Students Win SlU Scholarships Beverly Collier Angela Nuckols Five talented students, all children of Seafarers, were named winners of $10,000 four-year college scholarships sponsored by the Seafarers International Union. The 1971 winners, selected by the Seafarers Scholarship Awards Committee are: • • Beverly Collier, daughter of Seafarer and Mrs. Harry Collier, St. Albans, N.Y. • Mary Covacevich, daughter of Seafarer and Mrs. Edward Covacevich of Baltimore, Md. • Angela Nuckols, daughter of Seafarer and Mrs. Billy Nuck­ ols, Ansted, W. Va. • Richard Schultz, son of Seafarer and Mrs. Louis Schultz, Oregon, Ohio. • James Smith, son of Seafarer and Mrs. Stanford Smith, Metairie, La. Also, Peter Kondylas, son of Seafarer and Mrs. Nicholas Kondylas, Baltimore, Md., was chosen as alternate and will re­ ceive a scholarship should any of the five winners be unable to accept. Beverly Collier Mary Covacevlch Beverly Collier, 17, will graduate with honors this Jime from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Bayside, N.Y. From child­ hood, Beverly has looked forward to attending college and plans to major in mathematics. Throughout her high school career she has been an honor student in math with straight A grades. She plans to become either a computer scientist or a teacher of mathematics. Beverly is active in school and community affairs and has served in her school's student government and participated in community projects for voter registration and mental health. She hopes to attend either Boston University or Cornell University. Angela Nuckols James Smith Angela Nuckols, 18, is graduating from Ansted High School in Ansted, W. Va. In the words of her school's principal: "Angela is an outstanding student and has a very pleasant personality." In 1970, Angela, who ranks second in a graduating class of seventy students, was the winner of the regional "Junior Miss" contest, and first runner-up in West Virginia's state-wide contest. She is active in school, social and civic affairs and has an avid interest in athletics. She plans to attend West Virginia Institute of Technology or Concord College to major in mathematics, fol­ lowed by a career in high school or college teaching. Her goals for the future are clearly summed up by her own words: "I have been told by many that the truly educated person is the happy person and I want to be happy and live. I want to further my education so that I might help others to find the same happiness. "I know I am reaching for the stars, but, who knows, the moon has already been reached." Mary Covacevich Mary Covacevich, 18, is a graduate of Catholic High School in Baltimore, Md., and is presently attending Mercy Hospital School of Nursing there. At the end of the current semester, Mary will have earned 26 college credits and will transfer to St. Agnes College or Goucher College to study journalism. She served as editor of her high school paper and was very active in student government and other school and social func­ tions. Her ultimate goal is to work as a newspaper reporter for one of the nation's major newspapers or as a news writer in T.V. and broadcasting. Her father, Edward, is a veteran member of the SIUNA-aflSliated Inland Boatmen's Union. James Smith James Smith, 17, is currently a senior at East Jefferson High School in Metairie, La., and will graduate this June. James is in the upper ten percent of a class of 835 boys. He has achieved particular distinction in English and literature. James is one of five children, all of whom have earned or are working towards college degrees. He hopes to major in journalism at either Louisiana State University or Southeastern University. Directing his thoughts to his future goals James says: "I have discovered that I like to write and that I can satisfy people through my words. The classes I enjoy most are those of literature. "Whether I major in English or journalism, my final goal is creative writing. If by writing, I can help at least one person through his troubles, I will have contributed a small bit to the human race. To reach this goal I must go to college, but I know it is only the starting place." Richard Schultz Richard Schultz, 16, is in the senior class at Divine Word Seminary in Perrysburg, Ohio. Goals in Richard's life are to attend Divine Word or Bowling Green State University to major in psychology, and to become a priest. One of his teachers writes of him: "He is a very warm and friendly young man; sharp witted and intensely pensive. He has sharp insight and a scientific mind with an aim to work with people." Speaking of his college plans Richard says: "In college I hope to major in psychology and to eventually take post-graduate studies. I feel that a background in psychology will be very beneficial to me in the future as a priest. "A priest is not just a pious man who does nothing but pray all day. He is a human being interested in people, their thoughts, feelings, values, fears, desires and hopes. He dedicates his entire life towards making life more tolerable and happy for the people he meets. Someday I will join in that dedication." The winners are free to use their scholarships at any accredited college or university and to pursue any course of study. The SIU scholarship program, now marking its 18th year, has helped scores of Seafarers and their dependents through college. The value of the scholarships was increased from $6,000 to $10,000 beginning this year to better match the high costs of higher education. Competition for the increased scholarships was keen, with 29 applicants under consideration by a panel of educators from the nation's leading colleges and universities. Candidates were judged on the basis of results in either the College Entrance lamination Board tests or the American College Testing program. The test results, together with evidence of scholastic achievement, character and leadership ability formed the criteria for selection. The SIU Scholarship Awards Committee pores over applica­ tions for the $10,000 four-year scholarships awarded this year to five promising students. Members of the committee, from left, are: Dr. Charles A. Lyons Jr., presi­ dent of Fayettville State Univer­ sity; Richard M. Keefe, director of admissions, St. Louis Univer­ sity; Miss Edna Newby, assistant dean, Douglass College, Rutgers University; Dr. Elwood C. Kastner, dean of registration. New York University; Dr. Charles O'Connell, director of admissions. University of Chicago and Dr. Barnard P. Ireland, director. Col­ lege Entrance Examination Board. Seafarers Log 11 �The Senate all the Seafarer r- / / \ • \ II 11 II Delegates to the May Ediicatioiud Conference held at the Hai^ Lundebeilg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, Md., previewed a new nmvie —^The Senate and the Seafarer. In it, eight U.S. senators ^^ak words of h^ praise for the SIU and Its members. Here Is what tihe l^^latms ismd about us, preceded by the narration which opens tiie film. . This is Washmgton, D.C. Our hatioii's capital. The seat of gwemment for two hundred million Americans. As the kids would say, it's "where the action is." This is where the laws are written that affect everyljody's life. This is where the laws are carried out. The nation's Capital is important to all American citizens. It's par­ ticularly important to Seafarers. Because our lives, and our industry, have always been federally regulated. That's why the SIU has always been active in politics, in working for laws that benefit Seafarers, laws that benefit the maritime industry. And in working for the election of candidates favorably disposed to seamen, favorably disposed to unions. We ^1 know that the Congress of the United States has a lot of influence on our lives. And in the Congress, the most influential body is the Senate. The upper chamber of Congress. Just 100 men-—^two from each state. And what they do has a lot of impact on how we, as Seafarers, survive. Since the Senate has such a say in our lives, we have put together this film which presents some key members of the Senate , . . to let you know what these Senators have to say about us ; . . and about our union-^—the Seafarers International Upidn. 11 June 1971 Page 19 �• v: "•" • ' V;':; ':;--^^•• •"/; ,„s" - • 'i -^.-r'.Vv ."' -.I.''' € . ):'• : ;.' J; L. iX':'" ••'••,I''VV—' •, |£ ',. ^mSmm m v ) H '• '- %l €^\i SEN/ RUmLL I. ioilf R.La.:^ SEN.WIUIAMi.l|iM^J||. The Senate and the Seafarer I am happy to have played a part • > . as a member of the S^me and its Committee on Commerce ...in the passage of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. inis legislation establishes many new precedents for the American merchant marine. It offers a new opportunity for Amerfcan shipowners and American J Seafarers to man the vessels that we so urgently need. It offers a new opportunity to bring back to the American flag those ships which have been registered abroad and crewed abroad ... the ships whidi provide such devastating competitiQn for American-flag shipping. It offers American busines and in­ dustry a new opportunity to "ship American"—with the amfidence that; we have the maritime industry capatfle i of meeting their needs. i Most of all, it offers all Americans a new opportunity to be proud of their merchant marine . . . and to know i that the American flag will be making its presence known in every port ^bund the ^obe. Passage of this maritime bill wtis aided immeasurably by die supikirt # the Seafarers IntemalSonal Uhibn. r thank you for youi- efforts . . . and I am confident you continue your fight to make the United States once agam the foremost wapower in the world. ' Through the years I have been a strong backer of the American mer­ chant marine. As tme who served in the Navy at one time, it has been my privilege to know the very fine wcwrk that the merchant marine dora. We're particularly proud of it because we have one of the great ports of the United States at New Orieans. Even if I did not come from a maritime state, however, I would do what is within my power to assist the Seafarers International Union in main­ taining a strong American merchant marine because I know of the tre­ mendous cpntrilnition that the mer­ chant marine and the Seafarers have made to this nation—^to its economy, to its defense, and to the well-being of the entire world. It's been my pleasure to work with the Seafarers International Union down through the years in building a strong merchant marine, and in trying to see to it that it provides adequately for its seamen. I salute this fine unicm for the good work that it's done, and I look forward to working with you in the years to come. U • •! .J"'• , ' -i » • ... It.:(. Seafarers Log �' V'' j' .'fW tr' jte.v'- • • - The Senate and the Seafarer lif > . ' •''' jj SEi. HUOH SCOTT R-Pt. H I " :*x?;'i'X I I wish to commend the men of the Seafarers International Union for the Valuable role which they . . . and their Union . . . played in the passage of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. This was truly an example of unity . . . unity between maritime manage­ ment and labor,.. unity between gov­ ernment and industry . . , Unity be­ tween the Congress and the White House , . . unity between Republicans imd Democrats. And the SIU was an important link in tiiat chain of unity which led to the passa^ of President Nixon's maritime jpro^am . . . an important link be­ cause the SIU moblltzed its full re^urces in support of this legislation. I know there were many parts d this legislation which ... if you had your free choice ... your union would have changed and strengthened. Many other elements in your industry felt the same way about other aspects of this legislation. The important thing is that ... in the interests of harmony - . . and, more important, in the interests of getting started on a new merchant marine program . . . all of the parties involved sought areas of compromise that brought this industry and the gov­ ernment together. You can be proud of the SIU's role in achieving this major legislative vic­ tory . . . and I know you will continue to be proud of your union's on-going activities in promoting legislation thjrt Is good for the SIU member . . . that is good for the industry which employs him . . that is good for the nation which that industry serves. if June 1971 JS ' SEX CHARLES iWee. MATHIAS, JR. R-Md. ' SEN. DANIELX IROUYE D'Hawtll The merchant marme is vital to the economy of my State of Hawaii We are separated from the mamland by thousands of miles of ocean . . . and so the merchant marine is . . . in a very real sense . . . our eco­ nomic life-line. Reliance on Amarkan-flag shipping has posed an econt^c burckn on the people of my State, de^ite the ^neral reliability this service. The higher transportation cMts mean a higher cost of living for the people I am privileged to rei»esent in the United States. It has been a great source of in­ spiration to me that you ... in the Seafarers International Union . . . have recognked this economic prob­ lem of the people of Hawaii. You not only have recognized it... you have done something about it. Your union worked in dose co­ operation with my office in helping to amend the Merchant M^e Act of 1970 so that it provided some meas­ ure of relief for the people of my State. And 1 know that . . . if farther steps are needed . . . in 1^^ can continue to count on thb active involved support of the Seafarers Ih-^ t€MationaI Union. You are to be congratulated for your active support of legislation that wU benefit your mdustry . . . and for your compassionate un^rstanding of : the problems of other people. I am proud to know that I can Count on the continued support of the SIU . . . ^d I want you to know^ in return, that you can count on me. The State of Maryland has a place of honor in the maritime history of America . . . and we are proud of the fact that the Seafarers International Union has been such an important port of that maritime tradition. iFor years ... the members of your union have been active in the growth and development of the great Port oi Baltimore. For years . . . your unicHi has been active in the community and in the state . . . not only as a political force whidi s^es Maryland well . . . but also as a good nei^bor ... concerned rffiout aU of the protdrais of the peofde our state ... and committed to working with other community and State organizations in solving those problems. Now the SIU has become even more involved ih the State of Mary­ land . . . and I am proud that the un­ ion chose St. Mary's County . . . the mother county of our state ... as the site for its facilities for training young men who want to make a career of going to sea. The union's training facilities at Piney Point . . . and the fleet of ves­ sels which you have assembled for this training program . . . adds to the maritime traditions of our great State . . and increases the SIU's opportumties to continue to be a good nei^bor and a responsible dtizen of Maryland. We are proud that your union c»ntinues to play so important a role in Maryland's a^airs. m Page 21 �.... .i-,.. V*,-- l"V..-;^,i-,. ..4 . ••• .-.v. ' .i.-'-. . ' - •'.'*•"' . ': • ' '-- ' -i :r. SEN. EDWARD M. KENNEDY D>Mass. As many of you know ... I have been working actively in the Senate to help preserve the Public Health Ser­ vice Hospital system . . . the medical care system for the American seaman which has existed since the founding of our nation. I am proud to be able to say that . . . in this struggle on behalf of the Public Health Hospitals . . . I have had the unstinting support of the Seafarers International Union. These hospitals are vital to Amer­ ican seafarers ... to American fisher­ men . . to Coast Guardsmen ... to all who, as the poet said, "go down to the seas in ships." For nearly two hundred years . . . our country has provided the best of medical care for its seamen . . . med­ ical care that is of higher quality . . . and that is available at lower cost... than comparable care in any other medical institutions in the nation. Today, America faces a health care crisis of staggering proportions. Despite the billions we Americans spend for medical care each year ... the system of delivering that care is I inadequate . . . it is antiquated . . . j it is disgraceful. I And it strikes me as strange that I ... . in the face of this medical c^ crisis . . . indeed, after having acj knowledged that the crisis does exist . . this Administration seeks to add to its dimensions by taking out of servj ice . . . the Public Health Service Hospitals rather than retaining and developing them to provide quality health services for the overall com­ munity. . You know my commiteient to quality medical care for all Ameri­ cans. You know my particular commit­ ment to quality medical care for the American seamen who serve this nation in times of peace and in times •of crisis. ^ You c&n count on my active in­ volvement . .'. and my unswerving determination . . . to keep open these Public Health Service Hospitals ^ that they can continue to serve the seamen . . . who^ in their own tuiiiv continue to serve their nation. >^ ^ alUed with the Sly in this endeavor. SEN. TED STEVENS R'Alaska I have the utmost respect and ; ^miration for the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union for the job it has done . . . and is continuing to do . . .in the campaign to rebuild the American^ merchant marine. I have particular respect for the SIU for its interest and concern over J the prOWems of nty State of Alaska ! . . . not only Alaska's maritime probr lems ... but the problems of the total development of Alaska's economic potential. My office and the SRJ have wOrked closely together in the effort to develop the multi-billion-dollar oil reserves that have been discovered be-heath the North Slope. If that oil is to become easily availI able to the United States ... it must move by pipeline from the North Slope to a spot where port , facilities can be developed. The SIU has worked closely with me in my efforts to have that pipeline built on American soil V . . not on Canadian soil . . , because we both know that ah American pipeline 1 would be the best guarantee of job } opportunities for the people in my i State. It would also be the best guar­ antee of job opportunities for Ameiir can Seafarers . . . because the oil would then have to move exclusively aboard American-flag tankers. We all have a stake in this issue ... and I am delighted to have the full force of the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union arratyed Jon our side in this battle. SEN. HDWARD W. CANNON D>N«v. I come from a State—^from Nevada —which can hardly be said to have a maritime tradition. In fact, if you climb to the top of the highest mountmn in rhy State ... and we have some high ones . . . you still couldn't see the ocean. Yet I am firmly convinced of the importance of the American merchant marine in carrying this nation's im­ ports and exports . . . and I am happy to say that I have worked closely with your union . . . the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union . . . in bringing about the revival of merchant shipping. As many people know, I am a firm /advocate of America's total aerospace program . . . and I happen to know what most Americans are unaware of : That our space program relies directly ! I on the inland waters segment of the merchant marine. Those giant rockets which send our astronauts into space ... and "which make possible our exploration of tl^« moon . , . are built at Huntsville, Ala­ bama . . . and reach Cape Kennedy "only because we have a network of inland waterw^. I These rockets . . . too large to be carried by train or truck . . . move oft barges down the Tennessee River . . ; the Ohio River .. 4 and the Mississipfu . . . and then aOross the Gulf and around to the Atlantic, t In short, I know that . . . as much to any other American workers . . . it is American Seafarers who put our Jastronauts on themoon. You should be proud of your union . . . proud of its accomplishments . . . and proud of its continuing efforts to yrin legislation that is of value to your industry and your country. I certainly am proud to be asso­ ciated with you in the Seafarers Inter­ national Union in pursuit of these im­ portant goals. J \ Page 22 Seafarers Log 'Vx'/!V-,T ;iv �Jobs of Seafarers on Line In New Attacks on Jones Act Washington, D.C. The jobs of Seafarers are on the line in the renewed attack on the Jones Act, a body of laws that demands that all domestic shipping be moved on American-flag vessels. The heavy assault on the Jones Act is being led by the oil industry, which wants oil from the rich Alaskan fields carried in runaway-flag tankers. They would rip the heart out of the Jones Act so they could transport Alaskan oil from one U.S. port to another in foreignbuilt, foreign-manned tankers— paying slave wages and at the same time escaping the taxes that must be paid by Americanflag operators. They are condemning the Jones Act—^which provides the nation's only protection against foreign control of all U.S. oceanbome commerce—^in vi­ cious language. One oil com­ pany president, Fred L. Hartley of tihe Union Oil Co. of Cali­ fornia, referred to the Act as "archiac," and those who sup­ port it as "arrogant and stupid." They are feverishly working on Capitol Hill to weaken the Jones Act as they, along with other runaway-flag operators, can make enormous profits at the expense of the Americanflag merchant marine. Leading Campal^ The SIU is leading a cam­ paign to muster Congressional support to strengthen the Jones Act. This latest campaign follows in the wake of a Conference on the Noncontiguous Trades, sponsored by the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. That conference brou^t to­ gether top federal, industry and labor representatives and the leadership of the noncontiguous areas of the nation, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. They joined in giving unan­ imous support to programs that would add muscle to the na­ tion's policy of reserving do­ mestic shipping for the Amer­ ican-flag fleet. Congressman Thomas R. Pelly (R-Wash.) has spotted one weakness in the law and has sponsored legislation, strongly backed by the SIU, to plug the hole. The Pelly bill would amend a 1950 act of Congress which empowered the Secretary of De­ fense to waive vessel inspection provisions of this old emer­ jobs of all Seafarers, the impact laws and regulations in the in­ gency law on the groimds of could be far wider. It is the Jones Act that terest of national security. Some national defense." stipulates that all ships carry­ runaway-flag operators have Pelly said "the Congress used this law in an attempt to should assure itself that the act ing domestic cargo to domestic escape Jones Act regulations. of 1950 is not used as a device ports must be built in U.S. The 1950 act, Pelly said, was to waive the Jones Act for shipyards with American-made parts. passed "for legitimate defense purely commercial purposes." Without the Jones Act, lowreasons" at the time of the He added that shotild paying foreign shipyards would Korean War, but that those another emergency dictate reasons are not valid when ap­ waivers of vessel inspection threaten the very existence of plied to the Jones Act today. laws, the Congress would pass the U.S. shipbuilding industry new legislation, as it did in —and the thousands of jobs Felly Warning that it provides. "However," the Congressman World War II and the Korean Indeed, without the protec­ warned, "the Bureau of Cus­ War. tion of the Jones Act, the en­ Wide Impact toms and other agencies, includ­ tire U.S. maritime industry ing the Department of Defense While any weakening of the would be in danger of disinte­ and the Coast Guard believe Jones Act could jeoparidze the gration. the (1950) statute does cover waivers of the Jones Act." Pelly called for speedy adop­ Seafarers Asked To Join tion of his bill, because "in con­ nection with the Alaskan North Fighf To Profecf Jones Act Slope Oil Development, there is strong pressure, I am told, The jobs of all Searfarers are on the line in the battle to by certain oil interests for protect and strengthen the Jones Act. As in most battles in waivers for foreign-flag tankers which we are involved, the action is on Capitol Hill—^in to carry petroleum to the West the halls of Congress. Ctoast and other ports. Seafarers make their points with Congressmen through SPAD—^the Seafarers Political Activities Donations orga­ "Indeed, there are rumors," nization. Pelly told the Congress, "that The Jones Act is a gut issue. Without it's protection, we there have been discussions in lose. Seafarers can help their SIU in its fight to strengthen the Office of Management and the Jones Act, by supporting SPAD with volunteer dollars. Budget and some support for the granting-of waivers under Tuna Boat Hearings Due ii: - . 'I.-;- ;, ', •- Hearings are expected to be­ gin soon on several proposals to strengthen the Fisherman's Protective Act in the wake of recent seizures of tunaboat vessels in international waters off South America. Proposals under considera­ tion by the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Commit­ tee include bills that would re­ quire the Secretary of State to pay any fines levied against seized ships immediately, and deduct the amounts of the fines ^ from foreign aid payments to the foreign nation. Previously ship companies have paid the fines and sought reimbursement from the State Department. Up until now, de­ duction of fines from foreign aid, while authorized in law, has never been done. The Senate Commerce Com-' mittee has under consideration a measure that would require the government to reimburse ship owners for the value of fishing time lost while in cap­ ture, and for the value of any catch lost Directory Of Union Halls SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Inland Boatmen's Union United Industrial Workers PRESIDENT Paul Hall ri EXECTJTIVB VICE PRESIDENT Cal Tanner VICE PRESIDENTS Earl Shepard Lindsey Williams A1 Tanner Robert Matthews SECRETARY-TREASURER A1 Kerr 1971 Mantime Posfer Winner Winner of the 1971 National Maritime Poster Contest, Michael C. Diem, 2d from right, is congratulated on the steps of the U.S. Capitol by, left to right: Victor R. Lalli, Diem's art teacher from Amherst Cen­ tral High School in Snyder, N.Y.; Edward A. Garmtaz (D-Md.), chairman of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee; Diem's Congressman, JseSr E. Kemp (R-N.Y.); Diem and Under Secretary of Commerce James Lynn. The poster, promoting the American Merchant Marine and the Ship American campaign, won a $500 prize from among 6,000 entries. It was displayed in government buildings dur­ ing the month of May, National Maritime Month. June 1971 HEADQUABTEBS ...67S dth Ave., Bklyn. (212) HY 9-6600 AlPENA, SOeh. ... ....800 N. Seeond Ave. (BID EE 4-3616 BAETIMOBE, Hd. ..1216 E. Baltimore St. (301) EA 1-4900 663 Atlantle Ave. BOSTON, Mass. ... (611) 482-4116 .Jim Franklin St. BUFFALO, N.Y. . SIU (116) TE 3-92S9 IBU (116) TE 3-92B9 ..9383 Ewtnr Ave. CHICAGO, ni. SIU (312) SA 1-0133 IBU (312) ES 5-9510 CLEVELAND, 0 1420 W. 25th St. (216) MA 1-5450 DETROIT, Mich. 10225 W. Jefferson Ave. (313) VI 3-4141 DUEUTH, Hliia. ...X014 W. 3d St. (218) BA 2-4U0 P.O. Box <81 FBANKFOBT, Mlell. .... 41SBIainSt. (616) EE 1-2441 HOUSTON, Tta ......S804 Canal St. <m) WA 8-3201 dACKSONTILLE, Fla. ....JSOI8 PeHl St. (904) EE 3-0981 JEB8EY CITY. NJT. .D9 Udntcomerr St. (201) HE 5-8424 ..ISontbEawieneeSt. UOBIEE, Ala. (205) HE 2-11B4 NEW OBEEANS, E». ....630 Jnekson Ave. (504) 529-1546 NOBFOEK, Va. .115 3d St. (103) 622-1892 FHIEADEEPHIA, Fa. JSe04 S. 40l St. (215) DE 6-3818 FOBT ABTHUB, Tex. A34NinaiAve. SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. 1321 Hfadon St. (415) 626-6193 SANTUBCE, F.B. ..1313 Fenandex Joneos Stop 20 124-2848 SEATTEE, Waah. .2505 Flmt Ave. (206) MA 3-4334 <ST. EOUIS, Mo. .. ...4511 Giavola Ave. (314) 152-6500 312 HanUoB St. TAMFA, Fla. (813) 229-2188 TOEEDO, O. . 935 Smnmlt St. (419) 248-3691 WILMINGTON, CaUf. ....450 Seaside Ave. Terminal Island. CaUf. (213) 832-1285 YOKOHAMA, Japan Iseya Bidz., Boom 810 1-2 Kalzan-Dorl-Nakahn 2014911 Ext. 281 Page 23 �Seatrain's Transindiana Pays off in New Jersey N• -^ -^ imnnTri-T • rw^he 632-foot-long containership Transindiana glided X smoothly into her berth at Weehawken, N.J. last month after a voyage from Europe and the British Isles. Built in 1944, the 14,458 deadweight ton containership was originally named the General W. J. Langfitt. In 1969, SlU-contracted Seatrain Lines purchased the vessel and converted her C-4 Unes into that of a contain­ ership capable of carrying more than 400 forty-foot con­ tainers. The Transindiana is usually assigned to the European run with turnaround ports of New York and Baltimore. Topside aboard the Transindiana deck department member S. Kroll secures lines. In the background are some of the empty trailer bodies that will each carry one of the Transindiana's 40foot containers. Cook R. Trotman arranges dishes of freshly baked pie as lunch is about to be served aboard the Transindiana. Fresh fruit pies are a specialty of the galley. When you have a chief cook like Felix Looey aboara every voyage is smooth sailing. Brother Looey is preparing a beef dish for the evening meal at sea. Surrounded on all sides by the Transindiana's engine room guages, oiler O. Ortiz keeps a watchful eye on the readings. Pantryman D. Rodriguez looks through the latest issue of the Log while awaiting payoff of the Transindiana. Seafarer Robert O'Brien (right, foreground), a recent graduate of the SlU's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, is assisted during payoff by SlU Patrolmen Luigi lovino (right) and "Red" Campbell. Brother O'Brien sails as ordinary seaman. Page 24 Seafarers Log �'{ ,, A Step Closer fo Reality i V' I"-:-.; i ^", House Okays $507 Million For 1970 Merchant Marine Act Waslyngton, D.C. Implementation of the provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970 has come a step closer to reality with House passage of the $507 million MARAD au­ thorization bill for fiscal year 1972. The measure now awaits Senate action. By a roll call vote of 360^11, the House proved funds for the initial phase of the long-range program which calls for the construction of 300 Americanflag ships over the next 10 years. The program is designed to lift the U.S. Merchant Marine from the "throes of neglect" and return it to its former posi­ tion of superiority on the hi^ seas. The authorization bill has gone to the Senate Commerce Committee for consideration. ^ In testimony submitted to the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee in support of the funding authorization, Paul Hall, president of the Seafarers International Union and the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, said the legislation marks the beginning of "a long voyage" for the American Merchant Marine. ^Beginning of Transition* "This is the beginning of transition—transition from the narrow concepts of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, which ultimately failed to meet the test of changing times and changing technologies; transi­ tion to the more sweeping and more appropriate ap­ proach to maritime affairs embodied in the Merchant Marine Act of 1970," Hall said. The House-passed bill provides $229 million in construction differential subsidies and $239 million in operating subsidies. An additional $25 million was hllocat^ for research and development. As the SIU statement points out, "for the first time in the nation's history, we have maritime legis­ lation aimed at establishing a fair and equitable pro­ -am that will reach all segments of tihie U.S.-flag ocean-going fleet—dry bulk, tanker and container operations as well as the declining liner trade. "For the first time in the nation's history, we have maritime legislation that will make public funds available to all operators, engaged in ^ aspects of foreign commerce," the SIU statement said, adding that the bill provides a number of challenges for America as a nation: "For the American taxpayer \^iio deserves a dol­ lar's worth of value for every dollar's worth of taxes invested in this industry. "For the American shipper, who deserves a mer­ chant fleet capable of carrying imports and exports, carrying them at rates more nearly competitive with those of foreign lines, and capable of carrying them with the maximum of speed and the minimum of delay. "For the American government, which needs a fleet which is the 'first arm of our commerce' in peacetime, if it is to be the ffomth arm of our de­ fense' in time of crisis. "For the American shipyard and its workers, which, up until now, have suffered imder a com­ petitive attrition vis-a-vis foreign shipyard, at least part of which competition resulted from the invest­ ment of one billion American tax dollars in mod­ ernizing the same foreign yards in the wake of World Warn. "For the American ship operators and the American seamen, who have been the first and the most direct, victims of the past years of governmental and public negject of this industry." Unequal Policies Hall said that problems remain and he pointed to the inequality of segments of the fleet and to gov­ ernment shipping policies as two of them. Although the new bill includes formerly unsubsidized operators. Hall cautioned that their "footing is not yet equal" with the one-third of the fleet that received subsidies over the past 34 years. "It would be a travesty, therefore, to suggest that all of the American ship operators get in the same line and be treated on a first-come, fiirst-served basis," the SIU statement said. SIU President Hall said that the answer to that problem is to "consciously adopt a catch-up arrange­ ment for the operator who existed so long without subsidy and who is at the point of desperation." Here are other highlights of the SIU statement: Measures to relieve that despair, mi^t include a federal policy allowing formerly unsubsidized owners first crack at the new subsidies; assistance in the ac­ cumulation of tax-deferred constructions funds; and first call on government cargoes. On government cargoes, the former unsubsidized operator "should not have to compete" with formerly subsidized owners because of their economic strength, built-up during the years when only they were eligible for subsidies. Furthermore, "imrealistic shipping policies" of several government agencies must be amended. "The American operator should not have to compete with the foreigner to carry the military hardware, the foreign aid supplies and the surplus agricultural products which our own government is shipping abroad." The statement declared there was "something ludicrous" about the government embarking on a revitalization of the merchant marine, and not supply­ ing cargoes for it; and for the government to exhort American industry to "ship American" when, "the pattern over the years has been for the government itself, to 'ship American' only reluctantly, only in half-hearted fashion, often only as a last resort." Although none of those problems gets direct con­ sideration in the authorization bill, "all of these points are embraced implicitly in this legislation." The statement said that "at another time the AFUC30 Maritime Trades Department and the Seafarers International Union of North America would have been inclined to challenge the adequacy of the funds called for in the authorization measure, and the number of ships which the measure envisions could or should be built." Acceptable Start The 10-year goal of 300 new ships stands "at odds with the concmrrent goal of carrying 35 percent of America's waterbome commerce by the middle of the decade." We are in a time of economic troubles, and, "even though we feel that more should be spent now to launch this new maritime era," the $507 million are an acceptable start. "Another year," Hall said, "and we shall be back to ask for a more realistic appraisal of our ur^nt needs, and an even larger commitment of our re­ sources to meeting these needs. "For now, we feel, that as inadequate as these funds are, they will at least make it possible for us to enter into this period of transition—^they will make it possible for us to build the foundation for maritime's future growth." Ecology Panel Meets at HLSS Piney Poin^ Md. The Environmental Advisory panel of the U.S. Senate Public Works Committee discussed ways of curbing pollution and saving America's ecology at a recent meeting at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seaman­ ship here. The panel, which makes recommendations and drafts bills for consideration of the Senate committee, is composed of scientists deeply involved in study of the environment. Joining them on the fantail of HLSS Zimmerman were four members of Congress, including Rep. John A. Blatnik CDMinn.), chairman of the House Public Works Committee. I. " ••:•• Richard B. Royce, clerk of the Senate committee, said the panel of technical experts was convened by committee chair­ man Sen. Jennings Randolph, (D-W.Va.) in response to a need for guidance on the broad June 1971 range of problems plaguing the nation's air and water. Members of the panel at­ tending were: Prof. Ross Beiler, University of Miami; Robert R. Curry, University of Montana; Jean H. Futrell, University of Utah; Gene E. Likens and Raymond C. Loehr of Cornell University, James H. Sterner, University of Texas; Lawrence Tribe, Har­ vard University; Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, Children's Cancer Re­ search Foimdation; Ralph Lapp, Quadri-Science Inc. and George M. Woodweil, Brookhaven Na­ tional Laboratory. Congressmen attending with Rep. Blatnik were Rep. Mike McCormack CD-Wash.), Rep. Glenn Anderson (D-Calif.) and Rep. LaMar Baker (R-Tenn.). Summing up the session. Rep. McCormack said, "I be­ lieve we are making very sub­ stantial progress in making im­ provements in a number of critical problems." He added that there are several problems left to be overcome.. "We can no longer live in a frontier economy where you use what you need and throw every thing else away," the con­ gressman said. "There is no place left to throw it." In the photo above, congres­ sional representatives to a meet­ ing of the Environmental Ad­ visory Panel listen intently to the discussion of pollution prob­ lems. At table, from left, are: Rep. Mike McCormack Washington; Rep. LaMar Baker of Tennessee; Richard B. Royce, clerk of the Senate Public Works Committee; Rep. Glenn Anderson of California and Rep. John Blatnik of Min­ nesota, chairman of the House Public Works Committee. Reps. McCormack, Baker and Ander­ son are members of Rep. Blatnik's committee. Page 25 �' •• 'v'"^-" '' "' •;i •. ':. V . '. ; • "f • Seafarers Vacation Center **Hoiiie is the Sailor, Home from the Sea." Robert Louis Stevenson Seafarers Vacation Center Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship Piney Point, Md. 20674 The life of a Seafarer is one of privation. During his long days at sea he is without the companionship of his family, his shoreside friends and even without mail from home. He deserves a place to relax when he is home; a place where he can meet shipmates and their families and talk of things that every Seafarer has in common. The Seafarers Vacation Center at Piney Point, Md. is such a place. In the "land of pleasant living," as southern Maryland is called, the SIU has set up a vacation retreat to offer the com­ forts of a resort to the professional sailor at a fraction of the cost of a profit-making establishment. Sound like a good deal? Some of the inducements to SIU men include inexpensive lodging for the family, inexpensive and well-prepared meals in a spacious dining room with a view of an outlet to the Chesapeake Bay. Rooms are $4 per day for single occupancy and $7 for a double. Breakfast and lunch cost 99 cents and supper costs $1.50 from a varied menu prepared by professional chefs. The motel grounds are in the midst of 54 acres in historic St. Mary's County, bordered by St. George's Creek and the Chesa­ peake Bay. A short drive wUl bring the vacationer to many his­ toric landmarks including the site where Lord Calvert landed in 1634 and founded the &st colony free from religious prejudice. Nearby is a replica of the first Maryland State House. For those who want more activity than the sightseer, there is sailing, softball, swimming, fishing, water skiing, basketball, volley ball, billiards and table tennis. Seafarers and their families will find that the Harry Lundeberg Motel has activities for every member of the family, whatever their age. One of the most popular activities is sailing. The Harry Lunde­ berg Motel and the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in­ cludes a marina with different types of sailing and power craft, ranging from 21-foot Columbia sailboats to the 250-foot S.Y. Dauntless, the flagship of the entire United States Navy during World War H. One of the more popular sailing vessels for family cruises is the Manitou, formerly a week-end retreat and floating White House wlule President John F. Kennedy was in office. From reports of Seafarers who stayed at Piney Point last sum­ mer, the meals, the facilities and the activities siupassed their expectations. Many of them voiced their intentions of returning this summer and many of the members who attended Crew and Educational Conferences plan to take advantage of the vacation center. Reservatimis are now being accepted and many Seafonrs already are scheduled for a vacatimi at Piney Point this summer. If you are interested in visiting Piney Point, better reserve now to insure accommodations. Just fill out the coupon and mail to the colter. IPs the best way to assure yourself and your family a well-deserved vacation at tim lowest possible cost Seafarers Log �Labor Kicks Off Campaign For National Health Insurance Washington, B.C. The AFL-CIO has opened its campaign to gain passage of the National Health Security Program now before the Senate. "It is time that the people who pay the bUls—^the health consumers—have a means for controlling the inordinately high cost of health care and a method for gaining accessibility to medical care for the millions of Americans who do not now have a chance to get it," Andrew J, Biemiller, director of the AFL-CIO Department of Legislation told the Senate Finance Committee. "Only health security tackles all the real problems: quality care for all Americans, financing, cost con­ trols, development of new health care delivery sys­ tems and restructuring of the present wasteful, ineffi­ cient system," he asserted. Biemiller told the Senate committee that the profit motive "is not an acceptable philosophy for medical care." The Health Security Program, sponsored by Sena­ tor Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), would provide: • Full payment of all physician and surgical serv­ ices. • Full payment of all hospital services, hospitalaffiliated nursing home care, outpatient services and home health care. • All medicines provided by a hospital or by a prepaid group practice. • Optometrist, podiatrist, pathology, radiology and ambulance services. • Dental care for children imder 15. Coverage of Labor-Management Council Attacks Administration Plan New Yorit City The New York Labor-Management Council of Health and Welfare Plans, of which the SIU is a member, has attacked the Administration's proposal for national health insurance, calling it weak and un­ workable. The council said that "the Nixon program doesn't even try to relieve the effects of skyrocketing health costs—^much less solve the causes of the problem." The plan, the council said, would be a windfall for private insurance companies. The council said that for years insurance com­ panies have done little but "pass on to consumers the soaring costs of hospitalization and medical care." To relieve the problem, the council said, a plan should be foxmd that, "offers real help to the people, one that is tied to the long-tested Social Security system, one that has built-in cost and quality controls." the entire population, regardless of age, would be provided under extensions of the program. • Treatment for mental illness, including 20 con­ sultations with solo practitioners, 45 days of inpa­ tient care, 60 days in mental health day care centers, and unlimited care when provided through prepaid group practice organizations. Biemiller testified that 34 million persons under 65 have no health insurance. More than 38 million Americans have no surgical coverage, he added. The National Health Security Program wotild be financed through a Health Security Trust Fimd, sim­ ilar to the Social Security Trust Fimd. 50 percent of the monies would come from fed­ eral revenues. Based on 1970 expenditures for med­ ical care, the federal cost would have been $20.5 billion. Biemiller said that the federal government spent more than half of that amoimt on personal health care last year. 36 percent of the cost would be financed by a 3.5 percent tax on employer payrolls. 12 percent would come from a 1 percent tax on the first $15,000 of an individual's income, and 2 percent would be provided by a 2.5 percent tax on the first $15,000 of income of the self-employed. The current Medicare tax, now taking .8 percent of the first $7,800 of a wage-earners pay, would be eliminated. Whale Batters Yacht; Seafarers Rescue Crew t BARBER EQUIPMENT— Wahl Qipper Corp., pro­ ducers of home barber sets. (Int'l. Assoc. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) CIGARETIES—R. J. Reyn­ olds Tobacco Co.—Camels, Winston, Salem, Tempo, Brandon, Doral, and Cava­ lier. (Tobacco Workers Un­ ion) CLOTHING—^Reidbord Bros., Co., Siegal (H. I. S. brand) suits and sports jackets, Kaynee boyswear, Richmond Brothers men's clothing, Sewell suits, Wing shirts, Met­ ro Pants Co., and Diplomat Pajamas by Fortex Mfg. Co. Amalgamated Clothing) Judy Bond Blouses—(Inter­ national Ladies Garment Workers Union) CASKETS—Cjq>itol City Cas­ ket Company—(United Fur­ niture Workers) FLOURMILL PRODUCTS— Pioneer Products, San An­ tonio, Texas (United Brew­ ery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drinks and Distillery Work­ ers) FURNITURE—^James Sterling Corp., White Furniture Co., Brown Furniture Co., (Unit­ ed Furniture Workers) Economy Furniture—^BiItRite, Western Provinicial and Smithtown Maple. (Up­ holsterers) Jiine 1971 LIQUORS—Stitzel-Weller Dis­ tilleries products—Old Fitz­ gerald, Cabin Still, Old Elk, W. L. Weller. (Distillery Workers) MEAT PRODUCTS—Poultry Packers, Inc. (Blue Star label products). (Amalga­ mated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen) PRINTING—^Kingsport Press "World Book," "Childcraft." (Printing Pressmen, Typog­ raphers, Bookbinders, Ma­ chinists, Stereotypers, and Electrotypers) NEWSPAPERS—Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. (10 tmions involved covering 2,000 workers) Britannica Junior Encyclo­ pedia (Int'l. Allied Printing Trades Assn.) RANGES—Magic Chef, Pan Pacific Division. (Stove, Fur­ nace and Allied Appliance Workers) SHOES—Genesco Shoe Mfg. Co—^work shoes . . . Sentry, Cedar Chest and Statler; men's shoes . . . Jarman, Johnson & Murphy, Crestworth (Boot and Shoe Work­ ers) SPECIAL—All West Virginia camping and vacation spots, (Laborers) TOYS—^Fisher-Price toys (Doil & Toy Workers Union) Four men and a woman forced adrift in a six-by-fivefoot rubber liferaft when their yacht was struck and sunk by a whale had a very small chance to be found still alive. The small chance came through, however, and it came in the form of a 13,000 ton SlU-contracted ship named Potomac. Even though they could have survived for almost six weeks, the sailors of the South African yacht Pionier had little hope that a ship would find them in time. On the deck of the Potomac, however, an alert third officer, Roy Newkirk, was about to go off watch when he spotted an orange object far in the dis­ tance. "It looked like a big orange ball, clearly visible about three miles and eleven degrees off the port bow," said Newkirk. His next words were to Captain Vernon W. Hansen: "Request permission to investi­ gate object on the port bow." And so began the rescue of the yacht's Skipper Gordon Webb, his wife, Jenifer, Willi Schutten, Peter Hockemann and Tony Keeney. When a lifeboat had to be lowered from the Potomac, Newkirk "asked to be put in charge of the boat" because he "wanted to see those guys and find out what they were doing way out there where nobody ought to be." Besides Newkirk, the men who volunteered for that mis­ sion were chief engineer Henry Dillon, boatswain Charles D'Amico, third assistant engi­ neer G. Bogley and able bodjed seamen Ray King and Ken The Potomac brings back five happy survivors to Cape Town, South Africa. From left are: Tony Keeney; Jenifer Webb; Gordon Webb; Willi Schutten and Peter Flockemann. Kremlich. The expertise of the lifeboat crew as they worked in a squall and rough seas was cited by one of the survivors, Tony Keeney, in a letter to ffie Log. "In real seamanlike manner they . . . came alongside our liferaft and hauled us aboard," he said. He noted the "friendliness" that "greeted us and immedi­ ately packets of cigarettes were handed around." As they approached the ship, Keeney wrote, "the Master, not wishing to take any risks, had arranged for a net to be draped up forward in preference to the pilots ladder and, as the swells were pretty big, it was quite a feat on the part of all concerned in com­ ing alongside the Potomac. This was done without any fuss, bother or panic and wonderful teamwork On the part of all concerned." He continues that "once alongside we were coached and guided as to the most opportune time to jump onto and scramble up the net. This risky opera­ tion went without a hitch." Once on board, the survivors were treated with great hos­ pitality, Keeney says, noting, "we were overwhelmed with kindness. The chief steward, Mr. KeUy, in a calm and homely manner, met and con­ ducted us, still scantily clad and very wet, to the messroom for coffee and dinner." He says that the Potomac "is manned by one of the finest group of diplomats of whom the United States of America can be truly proud." Because of the Potomac, the five survivors had spent only 16 hours in their rubber life­ raft, 16 hours that came to a happy ending because of the skill and concern of the SIUcrew of the Potomac. Page 27 �Indictments Against SlU Termed 'Assault on Labor Movement' New Orleans federal law," the resolution join our fleet "in the graveyard Indictments against the SIU said. of economic enterprise." and several of its officers The Louisianans recorded And while it is dangerous for brought by the Justice Depart­ their concurrence with the • industry to neglect the Ameri­ ment have been labeled a bla­ AFL-CIO Executive Council can-flag fleet, the delegates tant drive by Attorney General which condemned the indict­ said "it is catastrophic for gov­ John Mitchell "to emasculate ments as "a device to coerce ernment to do so." the effective political activities working men and women and U.S. Ships Wait of organized labor." their unions to forego their ba­ The federal government has The attack upon the Attorney sic constitutional right," and been utilizing foreign-flag ships General was issued last month charged Mitchell with "seeking for government cargo — fre­ by delegates attending the 16th to silence the American trade quently in violation of the law annual convention of the Loui­ union movement for purely po­ —at the same time that U.S. siana State AFL-CIO in a reso­ litical reasons." ships "wait in harbors or are "Ihe resolution pledged the prematurely laid up." lution pledging complete sup­ port to the SIU and its political state body's "full and unstinting "The tragedy is that the support of the Seafarers Inter­ action program. funds going to foreign shipping The indictments claim the national Union in its fight interests are not used for food SIU violated federal rules in against the attempts by the At­ and clothing for American . donating fimds to both Repub­ torney General to destroy la­ workers, nor do those funds lican and Democratic campaigns bor's political machinery." create more jobs for a nation 'Symbol of Vigilance' during the 1968 elections. with an unemployment rate al­ The convention said the SIU ready at recessional levels, nor The Louisiana trade union­ "stands as the symbol of or­ do they return in the form of ists asserted that "despite the ganized labor's vigilance taxes," the resolution declared. warning of organized labor, the against those who would de­ The Louisiana organization American people have re­ stroy the trade union movement indicated its fear that the loss mained generally apathetic and who would silence the of the American-flag merchant about the threat to strip work­ trade union movement's voice fleet would cut the supply line ers of their right to join together on behalf of all of the people in behalf of politick causes and to U.S. armed forces around the SIU Vice President Lindsey Williams, center, holds plaque presented of America." to him as chairman of the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO Committee world. political candidates. Delegates also took strong on Education hy Victor Bussie, left, president of the "Defense cargoes would anaPolitical Lawful Action stands calling for both govern­ AFL-CIO. The New Orleans COPE committee was honored tor "Nowhere is this assault on ment and private support of the have to await the ships of an­ "inspired" leadership and for "repeatedly conducting the kinds of the trade union movement more need to "Ship American" and other land, ships that might not campaigns that brought victory to our friends." At right is A. P. "Pal" Stoddard, president of the Greater New Orieans AFL-CIO. clear than in the indictment of to preserve and strengthen the come for political reasons" the resolution warned. the Seafarers International remaining eight Public Health They said that to switch the The delegates called for the brought from the convention Union and its top officers for Service hospitals. a call to appropriate $140 mil­ patient load of the PHS hospi­ what the Attorney General has They said the practice of federal government to adopt a lion "to return these vital tals to facilities of the Veter­ policy that would give top pri­ called a 'conspiracy' to violate sending American cargo via American health resources to ans Administration would be ority to American-flag vessels federal law," ffie resolution de­ foreign-flag ships is "not only their fullest and most modem wrong. for all government cargo, with clared. "For years, the Sea­ foolish, it is one that could "The Veterans Administra­ farers—^like other American eventually spell economic dis­ second choice going to the operation possible." ships of nations receiving U.S. tion Hospitals are already ^ The resolution noted that the imions—^has engaged in lawful aster." assistance cargoes and last crowded and could handle very quality of care and attention political action. "Should the maritime indus­ preference reserved for thirdfew, if any additional patients to hedth needs provided by the "It has received voluntary try falter and die through the flag ships. PHS hospitals "has been un­ —and even if there were extra contributions from its members, apathetic neglect of the duties The convention also called equalled in the world and has beds, seamen would have the in strict compliance with fed­ of its other partners in the na­ eral law," delegates to the tion's economy then a vacuum upon American industry "to made the men of the American lowest priority in filling them," state body's convention said. would result and the alternative remember its partnership with merchant marine the healthiest the resolution said. "It has put these contributions clearly would be foreign-flag the maritime industry and that in the world." To place PHS hospital pa­ to work on behalf of candidates ships," an alternative the dele­ it take advantage of every op"To close these vital health tients in private hospitals dedicated to the same goals as gates found would lead to "eco­ portimity to send cargoes in care and training facilities at a would cause a "staggering bur­ the SIU, and these contribu­ nomic disaster and potential ships that fly the American time when so many Americans den on an already overloaded flag." tions have been made in strict mUitary disaster." cannot obtain adequate medi­ federal budget," since private PHS Hospitals compliance with federal law. cal care within the private U.S. • hospital costs approach $100 The convention warned that "It has reported these con­ the entire American economy, The threat by the Adminis­ health system would be a trag­ per patient day, nearly double tributions fully, openly and reg­ should it spurn the American- tration to close the remaining edy," the Louisiana unionists the $55 figure for the eight ularly, in strict compliance with flag merchant marine, could Public Health Service hospitals asserted in the resolution. PHS facilities. Page 28 Seafarers Log �Converted Tanker Pays Off in New York Now assigned to the New York-San Juan route, the SIU contracted Seatrain Dela- ware visits New York approximately once every ten days, making for a pleasant coast' wise trip. Built in 1944 as a T-2 tanker, and christened as the Mission San Gabriel, she was converted in 1966 to containership lines, and now carries 277 mixed cargo containers per voyage. When she dropped anchor in New York at the end of her last voyage, she was met . by SIU Patrolman and the Log photographer, and her smooth payoff was recorded on fiM. r Recent Piney Point graduate Michael Pel! is sailing as ordinary seaman aboard the Seafrain Delaware. Brother Pell makes his home in New Orleans, La. Pantryman O. Gonzalez sorts dishware in the galley while awaiting payoff aboard the Seafrain Delaware. Ordinary seaman M. Sherard (foreground) uses a winch to wind in heavy-duty lines topside, with an assist from C. Figueroa who sails as deck mainten­ ance man. ii-: Seafarer C. Serkizis, who sails as wiper, turns out the work in the engine room. Messman V. M. Pacheco climbs passageway stairs after payoff. Brother Pacheco is looking forward to some free time in port after a smooth voyage. Many fine meals were prepared under the direction of chief cook L. Gardner during the voyage. Brother Gardner glances through the last issue of the Log to keep up to date on his union's affairs. A hot cup of coffee offers a welcomed break for Seafarer L. Revere during the payoff. June 1971 Page 29 �Karth Calls For Fourth Seacoast .fi Rep. Karth Birthday Wishes Extended Seafarer Joe (Tiger) Harrison celebrated his 72iid birthday last month while at sea aboard the Inger (Reyn«dds Metals). His ship­ mates prepared birthday cake for him and idl hands joined m widiing him many more years of happy sailing. WasUngtoB, D.C. Rep. Joseph Karth (D-Minn.) called for re­ newed commitment to making the Great Lakes into America's fourth seacoast in a speech given at the weekly luncheon of the AFL-CIO Mari­ time Trades Department. Rep. Karth said he was appalled at the pres­ ent condition of the Great Lakes fleet, calling it a "tiny fleet and a slow and obsolete one at that" He said that Ckmgress was shocked to hear that the deep-sea fleet had had an average age of more than 20 years, "and my horror is no less uhen I thiidc that the Great Lakes fleet averages 45 years in age," he said. "It's not that they aren't hardy," Rep. Karth said, "their age proves that they are. It's not that their owners and crews aren't willing to try. Hie jMroblon is that they are so obsolete and unproductive that they just can't attract the necessary cargo." Soioiis ^tnation Rep. Karth said that it was a serious situa­ tion in many ways, a situation we have only just begun to fight "It's a serious situation," he said, "because so much of America's produce must be ex­ ported from areas served by the Lakes." He said the Lakes district produced ore, grain, machinery and a host of other products needed for consumpticm in both the U.S. and abroad. "There's a great market for ships out there and it is passing the American-flag fleet by," Rep. Karth said. He said the first step in restoring the Great Lakes fleet was inclusion of the ship owners on the Lakes in the provision for accumulation of tax-deferred construction reserve funds, a provi­ sion of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970 ex­ pected, he said, to "induce the construction of 15 Great Lakes ships this year." And, said Rep. Karth, "if our reascming was valid in passing the Merchant Marine Act of 1970—and I believe it was—then it is e<iually valid to apply those same principles to our Great Lakes fleet." He said that Great Lakes ship owners oug^t to "be entitled to the same operation and con­ struction subsidies as the deep-sea shippers, since they are "partners in waterbome com-* merce." *Golden Chafai* He said the Great Lakes could be a "golden diain" of inland waters for commerce im­ portant to the nation. "Instead we have, through neglect of the fleet, turned the gtfld to rust along with the 45-year-old ships," Rep. Karth said. "If we are willing to bring the same commit­ ment to Lakes trade that we brought to deejv water trade, then we will have made the dream of a fourth American seacoast into a reality," he said. "And for millions of residents of the Great Lakes region, the reality cannot come too soon." Alaska Pipeline Means More Jobs for Sailors Rep. Begicb Nine Seafarers Affa'in Book Status Nine more Seafarers joined the ranks of book membership in the SIU last month. From left, front row, are: H. Bondreanx, E. Gray Sr., D. Maupin, T. Venable, S. Pastoriza and J. Makavewicz. Back row: E. Powell, R. Seabreaze and W. Foley. A Real Whopper Baker Francisco A. Cruz, left, and Cbief Steward Lorenzo Bennett, cur­ rently aboard the Columbia Banker, proudly display a 70-pound wahoo they caui^t off Canton Island in the South China Sea. Some of their lesser prizes are also on diq^y. Page 30 Washington, D.C. Rep. Nicholas J. Begich (D-Alaska) said that the proposed trans-Alaska pipeline from oilrich Prudhoe Bay to Valdez represents an imparalleled opportunity for American maritime. The Ctongresanen-at-Large made his remarks to a weekly luncheon of the AFL-OO Mari­ time Trades Department in E. L. Bartlett Memorial Auditorium which was named for the late Senator Bartlett of Alaska, who was a friend of maritime. Rep. Begich said the pipeline will mean, "American tankers plying between Valdez and the west and east coasts, will provide jobs for seafarers, jobs for shipbuilders and profits for employers." He noted that conservationists had attacked the pipeline idea saying that it would "melt the frozen tundra and thus destroy one of the last, untouched natural sanctuaries in this nation." But, said Rep. Begich, American technolo^, now able to send men to the moon, will dis­ cover a way to avoid ecological damage along the 789-mile pipeline. For that reason he said, conservationists must take the wider view. Included in that view, he suggested, is recog­ nition that America depends on troubled areas of the world for its oil supplies now, areas that include the Middle East and Southeast Asia. "Development of the oil resources of Alaska would reduce—and perhaps even eliminate— our reliance on foreign oU supplies," he said. "This would make possible at a wery minimum, a revaluation of some of our political commit­ ments, and some of our foreign economic com­ mitments as well." He pointed out that coastwise shipping of Alaskan bil would also, "end our reliance on foreign-flag vessels—many of them of the run­ away variety, whose owners have put them under forei^ flags and manned them with foreign crews, and in the process avoided American taxes and American wage scales." He said that all of those advantages "far out­ weigh any possible damage to the ecology of the frozen tundras of my state." He concluded, "I think we should develop the oil fields, build the pipeline, and get this oil moving in Ameri­ can t£^ers to American consumers." Congress Takes Action On New Barge Bill WasUmlra, D.C. The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill which will protect the jobs of Sea­ farers while boosting shipping in general. A companion bill is under consideration in the Senate. The bill approves the entry of foreign barges into U.S. ports but jurovides that the barges must be towed by vessels carrying American crews. The provision concerning American crews was an amendment to the original bill, an amend­ ment worked out by the committee and the SIU legislative staff. In its favorable report on the bill, the com­ mittee said, "it is not the purpose or intent to alter in any way existing jurisdiction of Amer­ ican labor with respect to the transfer of cargo between specialty barges within our territbrial waters. We have been assured that foreign crews of these barge carrying ships will not perform this work." Thus, while foreign barges will be allowed in port, the barges must be "non-self propelled" according to the amended bill. They wfll thm require towboats to take them for unloading under existing union rules. The changes in the original bill add a measure of protection of Seafarers jobs, while encourag­ ing reciprocal maritime trade in the field of barge-cari7ing vessels. Seafwars Lof �K^?|j ;i • SlU Amvals - ,1'"'•"f,vi'"',i;' r-DISPATCHERS REPORT I' - April 1.1971 to April 30.1971 %^ ' > TOTAL DiCK DBPAKTMINT KEGISTERED TOTAL SHOPPED ' All Groups Class A Class B 11 5 n6 116 19 14 49 23 52 7 21 21 17 9 56 28 74 53 145 111 22 27 96 82 34 25 712 521 ............... lew York .,.W..». ladelphia ........ laltimore ............ lorfolk .............. lilacksonville ........ l'> .. ............... lobile ................ jNew Orleans........ JlHouston i|Wilmington ......... * San Francisco - Seattle . Totals ... ^ Timothy Brown, bom Jan. 28, 1971, to Seafarer and Mrs. Bobby L, Brown, Crestview, Fla. Anita Robichanz, bom Jan. 30, 1971, to Seafarer and Mrs. Alvin J. Robichaux, Marrero, La. 70072 Migud Roqne, bom Dec. 19, 1970, to Seafarer and Mrs. Pedro Roque, Norfolk, Va Wendy Jo McGraw, bom Feb. 25, 1971, to Seafarer and Mrs. Joseph G. McGraw, Cameys Point, N.J. Jason Cooper, bom Feb. 24, 1971, to Seafarer and Mrs. Rob­ ert L. Cooper, Pasadena, Texas. Mark Owens, bom Dec. 31, 1970, to Seafarer and Mrs. Ollie D. Owens, Memphis, Tenn. Francis Mclntyre, Jr., born Feb. 27, 1971, to Seafarer and „ ' AD Groups Class A Class B Class C 9 3 0 74 45 2 6 7 0 21 21 0 7 6 2 11 12 0 4 2 0 30 7 1 49 28 1 104 97 11 18 9 2 82 83 1 22 18 0 437 329 20 ENGINE DB>ARTMiNt TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED iPttrt ' • New York iphiladelphia . ...... REGISTERED ON BEACH i|Baltimore ............ iNbrfolk .............. ijacksrmville.......... iTinpa . iMobile INCW Orleans ....... iHouston ............. Wilmington ........ ISan Francisco...... sttte .................. ................ AUGnraps Class A Class B • iiL S 88 112 17 34 14 7 10 26 49^ 94 14 67 23 447 6 16 17 31 6 28 116 21 104 32 555 All Groups Class A Class B 13 8 199 193 32 31 113 59 51 43 !! 83 165 145 43 119 55 1105 REGlSTiSED ON BEACH ADGroups Class A Class B Class C 0 4" 8 57 56 6 ' ^ 14 11 1 1 8 49 64 15 72 ,13 311 OwsA ClassB 7 ^ 155 137 2 14 14 15 1 12 44 89 16 87 ,18 374 JO ^ 115 127 68 91 32 885 2 0 3 0 0 0 It 0 4 ® 34 2? 91 27 . » lo 50 | i? 7 ^ n w ^ S ' ^ 20 85 ill 724 1^ ^ ^6 8^ -^ SflWARD DEPARTMENT TOTAL REGKflERED TOTAL SHIPPED REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups ADGroups AD Groups Class A ClassB dassA ClassB ClassC CbmA ClassB 4 4 6 2 3 3 4 lioBton ...... 99 147 15 45 36 75 65 [New York 15 16 1 6 9 7 10 jPhUadelpbia 65 99 1 8 8 11 40 Baltim(H-e •••••••••as* 33 41 5 7 2 14 13 Norfolk ... 34 21 4 5 4 13 11 flackscmville 10 22 0 1 0 6 6 iTVunpa 20 70 1 16 7 17 26 iMobile 53 121 I 21 28 37 59 I# New Orleans 46 73 21 56 39 57 49 fHouston 26 16 rt; 1 4 14 17 9 iVinhningtoh 77 82 15 54 44 57 61 San Francisco 43 15 /5 4 16 9 20 tetle 497 755 76 215 323 373 s>. ; iliild 1971 . ,. Mrs. Francis Mclntyre, Anaheim, Calif. E^ Martinez, bom Jan. 4, 1971, to Seafarer and Mrs. San­ tos E. Martinez, Metairie, La. Michael Wiliiams, bom Nov. 8, 1970, to Seafarer and Mrs. Michael Williams, Brooklyn, N.Y. Aivin Lofton, bom Jan. 31, 1971, to Seafarer and Mrs. Roy Lofton, Eight Mile, Ala, Wade Mwritt, bom Jan. 19, 1971, to Seafarer and Mrs. Rob­ ert A. Merritt, Femdale, Pa. BUty Hill, bom Mar. 21, 1971, to Seafarer and Mrs. Billy Hill, Clifton, Tenn. Karen Abrams, bom Apr. 3, 1971, to Seafarer and Mrs. John B. Abrams, Bronx, N.Y. Evans Sets Mark Representing HLSS Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship Director of Athletics "Pappy" Gault, right, congratulates Lee Evans on the trophy he just received for winning the 500-yard run in worid record time of 54.4 seconds at the University of Maryland. Evans, representing the SIU's Harry Lundeherg School at the meet, heat a field of international champions. Gault is a former coach of the U.S. Olympic boxing team. i' Page 31 �E. I Mldiael G. LnbM Michael G. Lubas, 69, passed away on Apr. 4 of natural causes in Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, N.Y. A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Sea­ farer Lubas was a resident of Brook­ lyn, N.Y. when he died. He joined the union in 1952 and sailed in the engine department Brother Lubas stood picket duty watch in 1961, 1962 and 1963. Among his survivors are his wife. Vera. Burial was in Green­ wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, N.Y. Marcelo ABcea Marcelo Alicea, 60, passed away on Mar. 4 from heart trouble in Hos­ pital Universitario in Monacillo, P.R. A native of Puerto Rico, Seafarer Alicea was a resident of Bayamon, P.R. when he died. He joined the un­ ion in the Port of Philadelphia in 1957 and sailed in the engine depart­ ment He had been sailing 16 years when he passed away. Among his survivors are his wife, Bemarda. Burial was in Bayamon, P.R. Edgar James Henchel Edgar J^es Henchel, 48, passed away on Mair. 1 of heart disease in San Pedro and Peninsula Hospital in San Pedro, Calif. A native of Min­ nesota, Brother Henchel was a resident of San Pedro, Calif, when he died. He joined the union in the Port of Wilmington in 1967 and sailed in the engine department. He had been sailing over 18 years when he diM. Among his survivors are his wife, K. Mardel Eleanor. Naflian Joe Hawkins Nathan Joe Hawkins, 22, passed away on Dec. 14, 1970 at Third U.S. Army Field Hospital in Saigon, Viet­ nam of lung trouble. He was a crewmember on board the Steel Vendor when he became ill. A native of Red Warrior, W. Va., Brother Hawkins was a resident of St. Albans, W. Va. when he died. He joined the union in the Port of New York in 1967 and that same year graduated from the Harry Limdeberg School of Sea- manship. He sailed in the deck de­ partment and in 1970 attended the seniority upgrading program and re­ ceived his full book. Among his sur­ vivors are his father, William Hawkins of St. Albans, W. Va. The Steel Vendor carried Sparer Hawk­ ins' body back to the United States for bmid. EVank Hflb Frank Hills, 53, was an SIU pen- ' sioner who passed away on Mar. 3 of lung trouble in Moimt Zion Hospital, ' San Francisco, Calif. One of the early members of the union. Seafarer Hills joined in 1939 in the Port of Mobile. He sailed in the steward department. In 1961, Brother Hills was issued a picket duty card. A native of Mobile, Ala., Seafarer Hills was a resident of San Francisco, Calif, when he died. < * ' < ' ^ < J Thomas VirgO Raines Thomas Virgil Raines, 54, passed away on Feb. 28 from heart disease at Stevens Memorial Hospital in Ed­ monds, Wash. A native of Illinois, Brother Raines was a resident of Lynnwood, Wash, when he died. He joined the union in the Port of Seattle in 1955 and sailed in the engine de­ partment. Seafarer Raines had been sailing 35 years when he died. Among his survivors are his wife, Olive Leona. Burial was in Floral Hills Cemetery in Alderwood Manor, Wash. Jobn R. Mlna John R. Mina, 65, was an SIU pensioner who passed away on Feb. ^ 3 of lung trouble in Baptist Hospital, New Orleans, La. He joined the union in the Port of New York in 1948 and sailed as a steward. When he retired. Brother Mina had been sailing for 45 years. A. native of the Philippine Is­ lands, Seafarer Mina was a resident of New Orleans, La. when he died. Among his survivors are his daughter, Ann C. Poland of New Orleans, La. Burial was in St. Roch II Cemetery in New Orleans. Girard Earnest Doty Girard Earnest Doty, 60, passed away on Mar. 17 in Port Arthur, Tex. He joined the union in the Port of Baltimore in 1941 and sailed in the engine department. He was skilled as a steam-fitter and pipe-fitter when he entered the union. In 1961 he was given a personal safety award for his part in making the Steel Surveyor an accident free ship. A native of Ohio, Brother Doty was a resident of Port Arthur, Tex, when he died. He had been sailing 34 years at the time of his death. Burial was in Oak Bluff Cem­ etery in Port Neches, Tex. Homer L Nichols Homer I. Nichols, 68, was an SIU pensioner who passed away on Mar. 22 after an illness of a few years in Seattle, Wash. A native of Mississippi, Brother Nichols was a resident of Seattle, Wash, when he died. He joined the union in 1940 in the Port of New Orleans and sailed in the en­ gine department until his retirement in 1966. He had been sailing 39 years when he retired. Among his survivors are his wife, Lillie. Burial was in Abbey View Cemetery in Seattle, Wash. Albert C. May, Jr. Albert C. May, Jr., 43, passed away on Nov, 4, 1970 in New Or­ leans, La. He joined the union in the Port of New York in 1954 and sailed in the deck department. A native of Alabama, Brother May was a resi­ dent of New Orleans, La. when he died. Seafarer May is a Navy veteran of World War II and also served in the Navy from 1951 to 1953. Among his survivors are his sister, Doris May Miller of Charleston, S.C. Brother May's body was removed to Charles­ ton Cemetery in Charleston, S.C. Walter John Lanior Walter John Lanier, 26, passed away on Dec. 2, 1970 at sea while a crewmember on the Stonewall Jacksort. He joined the union in. the Port of New Orleans in 1963 and gradu­ ated that same year from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in New Or­ leans. He sailed in the steward de­ partment. A native of New Orleans, he was a resident there when he died. Among his survivors are his mother, Dorothy Blanchard of Chalmette, La. Andrew VIdal Andrew Vidal, 73, was an SIU pensioner who passed away on July 18, 1970 while suffering a diabetic coma in Barcelona, Spain. One of the first members of the union. Seafarer Vidal had joined in 1938 in the Port of New Orleans and sailed in the deck department. A native of Spain, Brother Vidal was a resident of Barcelona, Spain when he died. He had been sailing for 45 years when he retired in 1962. Burial was in SudO^te Cemetery in Barcelona, Spain. Antoni Bflyk Antoni Bilyk, 63, was an SIU pen­ sioner who passed away on Feb. 7 of pneumonia in Brooklyn, N.Y. A na­ tive of Poland, Brother Bilyk was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. when he died. He joined the union in the Port of New York in 1943 and sailed in the deck department as a boatswain. He had been sailing 40 years when he retired. Among his survivors are his sister, Anastasia Kulyk of Brooklyn, N.Y. Burial was in St. Charles Cem­ etery in Farmingdale, N.Y. Luden Fred Drew Lucien Fred Drew, 64, passed away on Mar. 14 in Norfolk General Hos­ pital, Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, Brother Drew was a resi­ dent of Norfolk, Va. when he died. He joined the union in the Port of Norfolk in 1951 and sailed in the ( steward department. When he passed away. Seafarer Drew had been sail­ ing 30 years. Among his survivors are his wife, Lillie. Burial was in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk, Va. John H. Baridey John H. Barkley, 68, was an SIU pensioner who passed away on Feb. ' 10 in St. Mary's Hospital, Roswell, N.M. after an illness of four months. He joined the imion in Cleveland in • 1948 and sailed in the steward de­ partment. When he retired in 1969, Brother Barkley had been sailing 42 years. A native of Pennsylvania, Sea- , farer Barkley was a resident of Ros­ well, N.M. when he died. He was an * Army and Coast Guard veteran of War I and World War n. Among his survivors are his wife, Eleanor. ^ J James Leon Hobbs James Leon Hobbs, 20, passed away on Oct. 23, 1970 as the result - . of injuries received in an auto acci- . dent in Holly, Col. A native of Ken- tucky. Seafarer Hobbs was a resident " of Granada, Col. when he died. He . joined the union in 1970 and gradu- ated that same year from the Harry ' Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He ^ ' had recently returned from his first * voyage -aboard the Archilles as a messman when the accident occurred. Among his survivors are his mother ' Nell Donoho of Granada, Col. His . body was removed to Kentucky for burial. William Harvey Field William Harvey Field, 52, passed away on Sept. 30, 1970 while sailing as a crewmember on board the Overseas Progress. He was injured during a storm and subsequently died of heart failure. A native of Missouri, Brother Field was a resident of Texas City, Tex. when he died. He joined the union in the Port of Houston in 1956 and sailed in the deck depart­ ment as a boatswain. He had been sailing for 20 years when he died. Among Seafarer Field's survivors are his wife, Linda. His body was re­ turned to Houston, Tex. for burial. Lam Ching Lam Ching, 60, passed away on Feb. 27 of natural causes in the USPHS Hospital in Staten Island, N.Y. He joined the union in 1948 in the Port of New York and sailed in the steward department. He was is­ sued picket duty cards in 1961 and 1962. In 1960, Brother Ching was given a safety award for his part in making the Raphael Semmes an acci­ dent free ship. He had been sailing 36 years when he died. A native of China, Seafarer Ching was a resident of Manhattan, N.Y. when he passed away. Among his survivors are his wife, Oi Che. ^ ' ^ ' ' ^ < A �NOTICE The President's Pre-Balloting Report was made to and approved by the May membership meetings. The President's recommendations as approved by the membership and as provided by the Constitution makes the following offices and jobs subject to the forthcoming nomi­ nations and elections: HEADQUARTERS 1 President 1 Executive Vice-President 1 Secretary-Treasurer 1 Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Lakes and Inland Waters 4 Headquarters Repesentatives NEW YORK MOBILE 1 Agent 10 Joint Patrolmen I Agent 4 Joint Patrolmen PHILADELPHIA 1 Agent 2 Joint Patrolmen kl," NEW ORLEANS 1 Agent 4 Joint Patrolmen HOUSTON BALTIMORE 1 Agent 4 Joint Patrolmen 1 Agent 4 Joint Patrolmen DETROIT 1 Agent ?> As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open on July 15, 1971 and close August 15, 1971. All documents required for eligibility of candidates for Union office must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15, 1971 and no later than August 15, 1971. Read your Con­ stitution carefully. The election will be held as provided for in Article XIII, and the voting will take place commencing on November 1, 1971, and continuing through December 31, 1971. Read your Constitution carefully. Battle Over Credit Charges Could Mean You Save $$$ By Sidney Margoilns The nationwide battle is shaping up over the amoimt of finance charges that retailers charge for "revolving" charge accounts. Even as labor and consumer groups in various states are seek­ ing lower rates through legislative and court actions, large retailers are threatening that lower credit rates will force them to raise mer­ chandise prices. The main issue is the rate of IV^ percent a month on the declining balance of the widelyused revolving credit and bank charge-account plans. Figured as an annual percentage rate, this comes to 18 percent a year. Sometimes the true annual rate is even hi^er since many re­ tailers calculate the fee on the previous month's ending balance without first subtracting the pay­ ments made for the current month. They nick you for a little more interest this way. In several states now legal steps have forced a reduction in the rate and the retailers are get­ ting worried. The Washington State Labor Council led the way in 1968 by getting a public referendum which voted to establish a maximum of 12 percent a year on all retail credit plans. Soon thereafter the AFL-CIO called for a na­ tional campaign by state councils to bring retail credit rates down to no more than 12 percent a year. Then, in 1970 the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that interest rates over 12 percent are usurious, and the leading retailers there cut their rates accordin^y. Minnesofa Suits In Minnesota the state labor council brought a lawsuit charging that the 18 percent was usurious. The lower court ruled that an annual interest rate of more than 8 percent for charge accoimts did violate Minnesota's anti-usmy law. The retailer involved, Montgomery Ward, is now appealing this decision to the state Su­ preme Court. Meanwhile the Minnesota state a^omey gen­ eral has filed suits charging that banks sponsor­ ing the Master Charge credit-card plans are vio­ lating the anti-usury law by charging 18 percent a year. In Iowa, too, the state attorney general has filed suits asking the court to order Sears, Younker's (a leading department store there), and the Standard Oil Co. of Indiana to stop charging 18 percent a year. The attorney geaeral contends that lowans are legally bound to pay only 9 percent interest. Oregon labor organizations also called for a 12 percent ceiling. It had become noticeable that consumers in neighboring Washington were able to save up to $110 on financing a new car, and as much as $328 on financing used cars. (Used-car financing rates are especially high. In many states, laws permit rates of 21 percent a year and more on used cars.) You can imagine how worrit the retailers and banks are by the rising tide of successful legal actions against the 18 percent rate. Now the backlash is starting. A bill sponsored by dealers and banks has been introduced into the Washmgton legislature to raise the credit to 15 percent. Profits—Or Else Leading retailers also are warning that if they can't make money on credit fees they will have to raise prices on the merchandise itself. Mont­ gomery Ward annoimced that its profits on credit sales had gone down last year. It made less than $6,(X)0,0(}0 on credit sdes of a little over one biUion dollars. The company said it would continue to resist efforts to reduce credit fees. Actually the battle over interest rates is flushing the retailers out in the open. They now are being forced to admit publicly that most of them do make money on the finance charge, as well as on the merchandise. The fact that some may not have made as much profit last year as the year before is at least partly a temporary phenomenon resulting from the higher interest rates they themselves paid other lenders in 1970 for funds to finance credit sales. These rates have gone down considerably in 1971. The specter of higher prices for the merchandise means that stores would try to get cash custo­ mers to help subsidize credit customers. But the threat is a hollow one. If stores fea­ turing credit plans charge more for the mer­ chandise, stores which do most of their business for cash will have lower prices and get the cus­ tomers. Consumers traditionally are sharper about comparing prices than comparing finance charges. know your rights . FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes spe­ cific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by Certified Public Accountant® very three months, which are to be submitted to the membei-ship by the Secretary-Treas­ urer. A quarterly finance committee of rank and file mem­ bers, elected by the membership, makes examination each quarter of the finances of the Union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting repots, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agree­ ments. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of Union and management representatives and their alternates. All expen­ ditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund finan­ ce records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIFFING RIGHTS. Ypur shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the shipowners. Get to know your shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all Union halls. If you feel there has been any violation of your shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the Union and the shipowners, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Eail Shepard, Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board 275-20th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 1121S Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to you at all times, either by writing directly to the Union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. June 1971 CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU omtracts are available in all SIU haUs. These contracts specify the wages and con­ ditions imder which you work and live aboard ship. Know your contract rights, as well as your obligations, such as filing for OT on the proper sheets and in the proi»r manner. If, at any time, any SIU patrolman or other Union official, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract rights prop­ erly, contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY—SEAFARERS LOG. The Log has traditionally refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the Union, officer or member. It has also refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the Union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September, 1960, meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for I^g policy is vested in an edi­ torial board which consists of the Executive Board of the Union. The Executive Board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official Union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a re­ ceipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he sho^d not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The SIU publishes every six months in the Seafarers Log a verbatim copy of its constitution. In addition, copies are available in all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time you feel any member or officer is attempting to deprive you of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, then the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. RETIRED SEAFARERS. Old-time SIU members drawing disability-pension benefits have always been encouraged to continue their imion activities, including attendance at mem­ bership meetings. And like all other SIU members at these Union meetings, they are oicouraged to take an active role in all rank-and-file functions, including service on rank-andfile corrunittees. Because these oldtimers carmot take ship­ board employment, the membership has reaffirmed the long­ standing Unicm policy of allowing them to retain their good standing through the waiving of their dues. EQUAL RIGHTS. All Seafarers are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the Union has negotiated with the employ­ ers. Consequently, no Seafarer may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied the equal rights to which he is entitled, he should notify headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIONS. One of the basic rights of Seafarers is the right to pursue legislative and political objectives which will serve the best interests of themselves, their families and their Union. To achieve these objectives, the Seafarers Political Activity Do­ nation was established. Donations to SPAD are entirely voluntary and constitute the funds through which legislative and political activities are conducted for the membership and the Union. If at any time a Seafarer feels ffiat any of flie above riglits have been violated, or that he has been denied his constitntional right of access to Union records or infonnation, he should immediately notify SIU President Paul Hall at head­ quarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. Page 33 �Social Security Ready for First Ships Benefits Computed On Average Earnings New York Dispatcher Jack Bluitt and three Advanced Seamen joined Qass 65A for their graduation photo as the class prepared to leave the Harry Lundeherg School for New York and their first ship. The Advanced Seamen are, left to right, Albert Alexander, Rick Daly and Thomas Duke. Graduating trainees, kneeling left to right, are G. Parsons, G. Paschall, B. Tagtmeier, J. Holt, R. Stewart, G. Welstead, D. Powell, R. McComa, and C. McKee. Standing are A. Shearhouse, M. Godrey, W. Pichon, M. Soto, G. Mastreandreas, Bluitt, K. Modean, J. Neff, R. Powell and P. Long. By A. A. Benstein From time to time, some of our brothers, who are nearing the age when they will be eligi­ ble for Medicare benefits, visit the SIU Pension and Welfare Plan office to get information on these benefits. From their questions, the staff has com­ piled a list of the most often asked questions for the infor­ mation of Seafarers and their families. Anyone who has a question relating to Medicare and Med­ icaid or any other social secu­ rity benefits should write to A. A. Bernstein, Director of Social Security Services, Sea­ farers Welfare and Pension Plans, 275 20th Street, Brook­ lyn, N.Y. 11215. Q. When my husband re­ tired he was earning $1,000 a month. Some of Us ^ends, who made less, are collecting as much as he is. How come? I thought social security cash benefit amounts are figured on earnings before retirement. A. You're right. Social secu­ rity retirement benefits are computed on average earnings over a period of years. But tUs average is based on earn­ ings actually covered by social security contributions. For in­ stance, the most earnings any­ one could have credited was $7800—^the maximum amount on wUch social security con­ tributions were based. TUs yearly maximum was as low as $3000 before 1951, and it was increased over the years as earnings levels increased throughout the U.S. So, no matter how Ugh your hus­ band's pre-retirement income was, his average earnings for social security purposes is based on the amount actually covered by social security con­ tributions. Q. I have been offered parttime work by my employer ,when I retire next month. Since I have already applied for monthly social security retire­ ment benefits, will my enq>loyer still have to withhold social security contributions from my wages? A. Yes. The fact that you draw montUy social security benefits has no bearing on the requirement that your employ­ er withhold and report social security contributions on yotir wages. Q. I recently received my Medicare card, but it has my husband's social security num­ ber on it. Since I have my own social security number, shouldn't it be on my card? A. Not necessarily. The number on your card is deterr mined by the work record un­ der which you have your social security coverage. K you are drawing benefits as a wife, your card will have your husband's social security number on it with a "B" after the number. If you are drawing benefits as a widow, your card will show his numter with a "D" after it. Q. I get social security pay­ ments as a widow. I do not work, but I own a small apart­ ment building. Does my rental income count toward the $1,680 a year that I can earn before social security payments are reduced? A. No. Only wages and selfemployment income count as earnings for social security pur­ poses. Rental income will not affect your cash benefits unless you are a real estate dealer. MOBH.E (Sea-Land), Feb. 21— Chairman H. Libby; Secretary A. Alfonso. $13 in ship's fund. Repairs have not been completed. Nev/ list to be made up and given to patrol­ man at next payoff. No beefs were reported. JEFF DAVIS (Waterman), Feb. 14—Chairman T. Chilinski; Secre­ tary R. Barker; Deck Delegate Howard F. Hall; Engine Delegate Jack B. Davis; Steward Delegate George Frazza. Discussion held re­ garding slop chest. $100 in ship's fund. No beefs. Everything is run­ ning smoothly. NEW ORLEANS (Sea-Land), Feb. 7—Chairman J. V. Fernandez; Secretary D. B. Sacher; Steward Delegate H. Roskamp. No beefs were reported. It was suggested that the company get some kind of an­ swering service in Seattle so that men can find out when the ship is sailing. STEEL EXECUTIVE (Isthmian), Feb. 14—Chairman W. K. Dodd; Secretary Topy Caspar; Deck Dele­ gate E. Dwyer; Engine Delegate E. Arnold; Steward Delegate James P. Ferryman. Ship's chairman ex­ pressed his appreciation to all hands. Delegate Ole Poulsen; Steward Delegate Cecil Thomas. No beefs were reported. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. STEEL DIRECTOR (Isthmian), Feb. 28—Chairman C. Miller; Sec­ retary J. Baliday; Deck Delegate J. E. Todd; Engine Delegate R. S. Cossiboin; Steward Delegate S. Dong. $290 in ship's fund. Repair list has been turned in and some minor repairs have been taken care of. It was suggested that the patrolman be contacted regarding the ice machine and fumigating the ship. WACOSTA (Sea-Land), Feb. 28— Chairman A. Skallis; Secretary Manuel F. Caldas; Deck Delegate Daniel J. McMullm; Steward Dele­ gate R. Ramos. $13 in ship's fund. Disputed OT in deck department to be taken up at payoff. ARIZPA (Sea-Land), Feb. 28— Chairman D. Fitzpatrick; Secretary W. Lescovich; Deck Delegate Frank Rodriguez; Engine Delegate Daniel Butts, Jr.; Steward Delegate H. Connolly. $7 in ship's fund and $5 in movie fund. Disputed OT in en­ gine and steward departments. BRADFORD ISLAND (Steuart Tankers), Feb. 28—Chairman James R. Thompson; Secretary Leonard Livingston; Deck Delegate Arthur P. Finnell; Engine Delegate Eddie E. Jordan; Steward Delegate F. R. Strickland. Some disputed OT in steward department to be taken up with boarding patrolman. FANWOOD (Waterman), Feb. 14—Chairman N. F. Beavers, Secretary Ken Hayes; Deck Delegate A. W. Carter; Engine Delegate H. F. Welch; Steward Delegate H. Laiche. No beefs were reported. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. OVERSEAS ALEUTIAN (Maritime Ovearseas), Feb. 28—Chair­ man A. Anoniou; Secretary E. Donner; Deck Delegate Anthony Debelick. $32 in ship's fund. $110 was donated by officers and crew to the mother of a shipmate who passed away. No beefs were reported. THETIS (Rye (Marine), Jan. 31— Chairman F. F. Domey; Secretary, R. P. Taylor. Some disputed OT in deck and engine departments. Vote of thanks to the steward depart­ ment for a job well done. Bill Hall, Director of Union Education, joins trainees of Oass 64 for their graduation picture as the group made ready to ship out of the Harry Lundeherg School after completing their 12-week training program. Front row, left to right, are R. 01me«la, E. Morton, J. Maldonado, Hall, P. Roberts, H. Smith, and C. Capo, who shipped out as third cook. Back row, left to right, are A. Woods, E. Wilson, T. Nelson, T. Madison, and B. Temple. ,«d. Page 34 $12 in ship's ftmd. No beefs were reported. OVERSEAS CARRIER (Maritime Overseas), Jan. 17—Chairman Richard F. Ransome; Secretary Louis J. Clayton. Everything is running smoothly with no beefs and no disputed OT. Madaket (Waterman), Feb. 14— Chairman J. Landron; Secretary B. B. Henderson. Everything is run­ ning smoothly with no beefs and no disputed OT. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. ANCHORAGE (Sea-Land), Jan. 28—Chairman aBmey E. Swearingen; Secretary Ernest M. Bryant. $25 in ship's ftmd. Few hours dis­ puted OT in deck and steward de­ partment. OVERSEAS ALEUTIAN (Mari­ time Overseas), Feb. 28—Chairman A. Anoniou; Secretary E. Donnet. $32 in ship's fund. No beefs. Every­ thing is running smoothly.' Minor repairs in deck department have been completed. WALTER itICE (Reynolds Metals), Feb. 28—Chairman T. Martineau; Secretary L. P. Hagmann. Everything is running , ---•wr. ^ • .• ,4c.. ,i„ smoothly. Some disphted OT in deck department. STEEL AGE (Isthmian), Feb. 21—Chairman Bowman; Secretary Lynch. $2 in ship's fund. Some dis­ puted OT in engine department. ANCHORAGE (Sea-Land), Feb. 23—Chairman B. Swearingen; Sec­ retary E. M. Bryant; Deck Dele­ gate M. B. Silva; Engine Delegate William Cachola; Steward Dele­ gate Robert Lee Scott, Sr. $25 in ship's ftmd. Few hours disputed OT in deck department. STEEL DIRECTOR (Isthmian), Feb. 21—Chairman C. Miller, Sec­ retary J. Baliday; Deck Delegate J. E. Todd; Engine Delegate R. S. Cossiboin; Steward Delegate S. Dong. $290 in ship's fund. No beefs and no disputed OT. HASTINGS (Waterman), Feb. 14—Chairman Ray Hodges; Secre­ tary G. Trosclair; Deck Delegate T. E. Colbert; Engine Delegate El­ ton Wilde; Steward Delegate Leslie Burnett. Disputed OT in engine de­ partment. MT WASHINGTON (Victory Carriers), Jan. 24—Chairman E. B. Flowers; Secretary O. Oakley; Deck Delegate O. B. O'Brien; Engine • ' _• > . - ^ ' « Seafarers Log - �"-I Ready for First Ships Soviet Fishing Vessels Work Only In Reverse Soviet shipbuilders are wear­ ing red faces these days over the failure of a new series of fishing vessels built for use in both tropical waters and fishing grounds in the Antarctic seas. Among the mechanical bugs found by members of the crew of one of the vessels were such inconveniences as having to place the ship's telegraph in the "engine's reverse" position in order to go ahead, and freezer holds that didn't freeze fish but heated them. In a letter written to the Soviet newspaper Pravada by three crewmembers of the new trawler Pioner Latvii, Russian maritime ofi&cials who had ordered mass production of the vessels were criticized for okay­ ing designs that did not corres­ pond to modem requirements and allowing defective equip­ ment to be placed aboard the fishing boats. The blueprints for the vessels were formulated by the Lenin­ grad shipbuilding firm of Morpromsud which according to critics "tried to stufl[ heavy, un­ tested, and poorly assembled equipment into the hull of an old design." The final cost of building the Pioner Latvii and her sister ships, Volzhanin and Salekhard, was 50 percent more than the original estimates, yet the ves­ sels were ordered constructed. Much of the automatic equip­ ment was installed without be­ ing tested first and fishermen found the machinery "totally inadequate to the task of commercii filshing," according to the article in Pravda A special committee of Soviet maritime experts was convened recently and asked to make suggestions on how to put the vessels into ship-shape condi­ tion. After some thought, it was decided to retum to the blue­ print stage and start from scratch. i:' 'ffrmprffffffrfffff 'ttitfrr'rt"fr frrrrr vr«r'rrrfrrr Ml ii-lUr Members of Qass 65 pose for their graduation picturewith Ted Babkowski, SIU Patrobnan from New Yoik, as they prepared to leave the Harry Lundeberg School after completing 12 weeks training. Kneeling left to right are: Daniel Davis, William Gregory, Mitchell Bailey, Bill Katsanevakis, Dariel Gallet, Rudy Carrasco, Gerald Cooper, Larry Bayes, and John Johnson. Standing are Babkowski, Richard Illson, Keith Sabot, Edwin Colon, Dave Carhart, Kevin Cooper, Corhen Kendrick, Darrel Lone, and Louis Anderson. hi* Reminder Seafarers who have reached the age of 65, or are nearing it, are reminded that there are two parts to Medicare. Although Part A, which is hospital insurance, is auto­ matic when age 65 is reached. Part B, which is medical insurance is not automatic and you must enroll if you wish to be covered. You will receive full medical insurance pro­ tection only if you sign up for it within a specified period. You wUl have the earliest possible protection if you enroll during the three-month period just before the month you reach 65. You may also enroll the month you reach 65 and during the three following months, but your protection will not start until one to three months after you enroll. The SIU strongly urges every eligible Seafarer to apply for Part B and to apply at the proper time. Otherwise, you will not only miss out on immediate coverage but may dis­ qualify yourself permanently. Further you will not be taking full advantage of SIU benefits if you do not enroll for Part B of Medicare since the monthly medical insurance cost is reimbursed by the union. MT. WASHINGTON (Victory Carriers), Jan. 24—Chairman E. B. Flowers; Secretary O. Oakley; Deck Delegate O. B. O'Brien; En­ gine Delegate Ole Poulsen; Stew­ ard Delegate Cecil Thomas. $12 in ship's fund. No beefs were re­ ported. Vote of thanks to the stew­ ard department for a job well done. PONCE (Sea-Land), Feb. 28— Chairman Dan Butts; Secretary A. McCullum; Deck Delegate Ben Vemer; Engine Delegate D. L. Coyj Steward Delegate Oscar Sorenson. $193 in movie fund. No beefs were reported. PITTSBURGH (Sea-Land), Feb. 13—Chairman Mike Love; Secre­ tary P. S. Holt; Deck Delegate Eu­ gene N. Dore; Steward Delegate Leo DeKens. $79 in ship's fund. No beefs and no disputed OT. Vote of thanks to the steward depart­ ment for a job well done. STEEL TRAVELER (Isthmian), Mar. 14—Chairman W. Hale; Sec­ retary I. R. Llenos; Deck Delegate R. O. Spencer; Engine Delegate R. J. Anderson; Steward Delegate Rob­ ert G. Black. $14 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT in deck and stew- ard departments. Otherwise every­ thing is running smoothly. Vote of thanks to the entire steward de­ partment for a job well done. STEEL ROVER (Isthmian), Mar. 14—Chairman H. Treddin; Secre­ tary A. Maldonado; Engine Dele­ gate P. P. Pappas; Steward Dele­ gate Alex Alexander. $41 in ship's fund. Everything is ruiming snioothly. Few hours disputed OT in deck department. STEEL SURVEYOR (Isthmian), Mar. 7—Chairman William Bushong; Secretary John C. Reed; Deck Delegate Clifford Leahy; Engine Delegate Robert F. Ellenson; Stew­ ard Delegate Antonio Trinidad. $12 in ship's fund. No beefs were re­ ported. BETHTEX (Bethlehem Steel), Mar. 7—Chairman Joseph R. Broadus; Secretary Claude Gamett, Jr.; Deck Delegate Jack B. Rhodes; Engine Delegate Antonie Gumey; Steward Delegate Frank Ridrigs. Everything is running smoothly with no beefs and no disputed OT. WARRIOR (Sea-Land), Mar 17— Chairman Thomas Holt; Secretary Frank Naklicki; Deck Delegate John Alfano; Engine Delegate Louis Twelve of the young men who graduated from the Lundeberg School last month in Class 64A had in their possession a prized possession—the High School Equivalency Certificates they achieved througji the school's G.E.D. Program. Kneeling left to right: Marshall McGregor, Ernest House, Dan Rogg, Lee Amaradio Jr., Eric Tome and George Wine. Standing are: Edward Richards, Frank HoweU, Gary Reno, Charles Yates (graduate of the Third Cook Training Program), Tom Brooks (Commandant of Trainees), William Grizzle, Gary Brandon, and Mike Noble. A. Sidebottom, Jr. $52 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT in engine department. Discussion held regard­ ing slop chest. Vote of thanks to the sanitary men for doing a good job cleaning. STEEL FLYER (Isthmian), Mar. 7—Chairman Stanley Jandora; Sec­ retary M. Hauklahd; Deck Delegate Calvin McGahagin; Engine Dele­ gate R. E. Lawson. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks to the steward de­ partment for a job well done. OVERSEAS ALASKA (Maritime Overseas), Mar. 7—Chairman J. M. Richburg; Secretary Wm. H. Rhone. No beefs were reported. WALTER RICE (Reynolds Metals), Mar. 14—Chairman T. Martineau; Secretary L. P. Hegmann. No beefs were reported by department delegates. DEL RIO (Delta), Feb. 28— Chairman Joseph Catalatto; Secre­ tary Roy M. Ayers. $26 in movie fund. No beefs. DEL RIO (Delta), Mar. 7— Chairman Perry Konis; Secretary Ivan Buckley. Discussion on rusty water. Some disputed OT in deck department. JACKSONVILLE (Sea-Land), Mar. 7—Chairman Perry Konis; Secretary Ivan Buckley. Discussion on rusty water. Some disputed OT in deck department. YORKMAR (Calmar), Mar. 7— Chariman Irwin Moen; Secretary Sidney A. Gamer; Deck Delegate C. Psanis; Engine Delegate James McDonald; Steward Delegate Luther Gadson. Everything is running smoothly. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. BETHTEX (Bethlehem Steel), Feb. 28—Chairman Joseph R. Broadus; Secretary Claude Gamett; Deck Delegate Jack B. Rhodes; Engine Delegate A. Gumey; Stew­ ard Delegate Frank Ridrigs. Dis­ puted OT in deck department. STEEL SURVEYOR (Isthmian), Feb. 28—Chairman William Bushong; Secretary John C. Reed; Deck Delegate Clifford Leahy; Engine Delegate Robert F. Ellenson; Stew­ ard Delegate A. P. Trimdad. No beefs were reported. All repairs have not been completed. PONCE (Sea-Land), Mar. 7— Chairman Dan Butts; Secretary A. McCullum; Deck Delegate Ben Veiner; Steward Delegate Oscar Sorenson. Beef in deck department to be taken up with boarding patrol­ man. Voyage has gone well thus far. The chairman thanked the crew for their efforts in making this a good ship. Vote of thanks was ex­ tended to the deck sanitary man for a job well done. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. Vote of thanks to Brother A. McCullum for his rfforts in obtaining good movies. DELTA URUGAY (Delta), Jan. 17—Chairman Paul Tumer; Secre­ tary Bill Kaiser; Deck Delegate Irvin Glass; Engine Delegate V. M. Fredericksen; Steward Delegate F. P. Engel, Jr. Beef in steward de­ partment. $39 in ship's fund and $8 in movie fund. STEEL VENDOR ^thmian). Mar. 1—Chairman Daniel Dean; Secretary George W. Gibbons. Few beefs and disputed OT in deck and engine departments. Each crewmember contributed $5 each to be sent to the family of the late Brother Nathan J. Hawkins. Vote of thanks was extended to the en­ tire steward department for a job well done. Page 35 June 1971 e • �Now Enjoying Retirement on the Beach Ernest Lee Alexander Ernest Lee Alexander, 66, joined the union in the Port of Wilmington in 1951 and sail^ in the engine de­ partment. A native of Ulinois, Broth­ er Alexander now makes his home in Cudahy, Calif. He had been sail­ ing 23 years when he retired. Wfflfaun Robert Nelson William Robert Nelson, 67, is a native of Green Bay, Wis., and con­ tinues to make his home there. He joined the union in Milwaukee in 1945 and sailed on the Great Lakes as a wheelsman. Brother Nelson re­ tired after 26 years of sailing. Jos^h Stanley PftshMig Joseph Stanly Preshong, 65, is a native of Massachusetts and resides in East Boston. He joined the union in the Port of Boston in 1938 and was an early SIU member. Seafarer Preshong retired after 38 years at sea. Jos^h WOfred Brodenr Joseph Wilfred Brodeur, 63, is a native of Rhode Island and is now spending his retirement in New Or­ leans, La. He joined the union in the Port of New York in 1943 and sailed in the engine department. Brother Brodeur has served as a departmrat delegate. Retirement ended a sailing career of 28 years. J. FVeeman William J. Freanan, 70, joined the imion in the Port of Detroit and sailed in the steward department. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Brother Freeman now lives in Toledo, O. He served in the Army in 1919 and 1920. When he retired. Seafarer Freeman had been sailing 41 years. George 1. Knowles George I. Knowles, 55, is a native of Key West, Fla. and now lives in Opa Locks, Fla. Qne of the first members of the union. Brother Knowles joined in 1938 in Miami, Fla. He sailed in the deck depart-, ment. Adolph Loids Danne Adolph Louis Danne, 57, is a na­ tive of Alabama and now makes his hmne in Mobile, Ala. An early mem­ ber of the union. Seafarer Danne joined the SIU in the Port of Mobile in 1939 and sailed in the steward de­ partment Otto William EdwaB Otto William Edwall, 75, a native of Jonkoping, Sweden, now makes his home in Miami, Fla. He joined the union in the Port of Tampa in 1951 and sailed in the engine depart­ ment. Brother Edwall served as de­ partment delegate while sailing. He retired after sailing for 45 years. Stewart Marvin Swords Stewart Marvin Swords, 58, is a na­ tive of Georgia and is spending his retirement in Savannah. He joined the union in the Port of Savannah in 1939 and was one of the first mem­ bers of the union. Seafarer Swords sailed in the engine department. He had been sailing 33 years when he re­ tired. He stood strike duty in 1961 during the Greater New York Harbor Strike. MOBILE (Sea-Land), Apr. 4— Chairman H. Libby; Secretary E. Cruz; Engine Delegate S. Rodriquez; Steward Delegate Antonio Colon. $15 in ship's fund. Every­ thing running smoothly. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. THETIS (Rye Marine), Feb. 21— Chairman F. F. Domey; Secretary R. P. Taylor, &igiiie Delegate James E. William; Steward Delegate W. Hughes. Few hours disputed OT in deck, engine departments, otherwise running smoothly. THETIS (Rye Marine), Mar. 21— Chairman F. F. Domey; Secretary R. P. Taylor; Engine Delegate James William; Steward Delegate W. Hughes. 50 cents in ship's fimd. Everything running smoolMy. Few hours disputed OT in deck and en­ gine departments. Vote of thanks to steward department for a job well done, and to messman for showing movies. AZALEA CITY (Sea-Land), Apr. 41—Chairman V. T. Nielsen; Secre­ tary A. M. Pwagopoulos. No beefs reported. Crew's quarters need painting. Vote of thanks to steward dq>artment for job well done. Pfige 36 •' \ OVERSEAS AUDREY (Maritime Overseas), Mar. 28 — Chairman Richard Wardlay; Secretary Stan­ ley F. Schuyler. Everything running smoothly. No beefs, no disputed OT. Vote of thanks to steward de­ partment for job well done. PONCE (Sea-Land), Mar. 28— Chairman Dan Butts; Secretary Alva McCullum; Engine Delegate Emerson C. Walker; Steward Dele­ gate Oscar Sorenson. $390 in movie fund. No beefs. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. STEEL SCIENTIST (Isthmian), Mar. 28—Chairman James Parker; Secretary R. Macaraeg; Deck Dele­ gate Peter D. Sheldrake; Engine Delegate Paul J. Crabtree; Steward Delegate Sherman Phillips. $6 in ship's fund. Everything running smoothly. No beefs. WACOSTA (Sea-Land), Mar. 28 —Chairman Anthony Sakellis; Sec­ retary Manuel Caldas; Deck Dele­ gate Daniel J. McMullen; Steward Delegate R. P. Ramos. $12 in ship's fund. Disputed OT in deck depart­ ment. TRANSPACIFIC (Hudson Water­ ways) Mar. 14—Chairman James Robot Canroll Dndn Robert Carroll Drain, 60, is a na­ tive of Washington and makes his home in Seattle. He joined the union in the Port of New York in 1948 and sailed in the deck department as a bosun. His retirement ended a sailing .* career of 34 years. Paul Everett Hi^giiis Paul Everett Huggins, 56, joined * the union in the Port of New York in 1944 and sailed , in the engine de­ partment. A native of Ft Dodge, la., i Brother Huggins now makes his home in Baltimore, Md. Seafarer Huggins' retirement ended a sailing care^ of 29 yean. Guy Sorcnson Guy SOTenson, 65, joined the union in Elberta, Mich, in 1953 and sailed in the engine department. A native of ^ Arcadia, Mich., Seafarer Sorenson now makes his home in Frankfort Brother Sorenson retired after 22 years of sailing. Emmett W. Mqro Emmett W. Mayo, 59, is one of the first members of the union, having joined in 1938 in the Port of Mobile. He sailed in the engine department. A native of Florida, Brother Mayo now makes his home in Jay, Fla. His retirement ended a sailing career of 37 yean. • • •"'•"•a Charles Everett Rlchley Charles Everett Richley, 65, is a native of Arcida, Mich, and now makes his home in Panama City, Fla. He joined the union in the Port of Detroit and sailed on the Great Lakes in the engine department Brother Richley is an Army veteran of World War II. His retirement ended a sail­ ing career of over 35 years. Elwell; Secretary Maximo Bugawan. No beefs reported. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. MARYMAR (Calmar), Mar. 28 —Chairman Leyal Joseph; Secretary Nick Kondylas. Very pleasant voy­ age. No beefs. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. BRADFORD ISLAND (Steuart Tankers), Mar. 21 — Chairman James R. Thompson; Secretary T. Savage; Deck Delegate Arthur P. Finnell; Engine Delegate Eddie E. Jordan; Steward Delegate F. R. Strickland. All repairs have been taken care of. Some disputed OT in engine department. INGER (Reynolds Metals), Mar. 14—Chairman J. Mann; Secretary H. M. Karlsen; Deck Delegate Joe R. Bennett; Engine Delegate Wil­ liam J. Jones; Steward Delegate ictor O'Briant. $21.00 in ship's fund. Some dispute OT in deck de­ partment. ALBANY (Ogden Marine), Mar. 14—Chairman D. L. Parker; Secre­ tary John E. Samuels; Deck Dele­ gate H. J. Peterson; Engine Dele­ gate Robert D. Arnold. Some dis­ Heniy Joseph Wtatzel Hemy Joseph Wintzel, 57, is a native of Mississippi and now makes his home in New Orleans, La. One of the early memben of the union. Brother Wintzel joined the SIU in the Port of New Orleans in 1939. He sailed as a steward. Brother Wintzel retired after 33 yean at sea. puted OT in deck and steward de­ partments. $1.00 in ship's fund. PORTLAND (Sea-Land), Mar. 21—Chairman H. J. Bentz; Secre­ tary R. Hernandez. Few hours dis­ puted OT in engine department. Happy crew on board. No beefs. Vote of thanks to the steward de­ partment for a job well done. SEATRAIN DELAWARE (Hud­ son Waterways), Feb. 28—Chair­ man Walter Nash; Secretary J. Prats; Engine Delegate Donald Cox; Steward Delegate Paul Mar­ tin. Some disputed OT in deck de­ partment. Vote of thwks to the steward department for a job well done. TAMPA (Sea-Land), Mar. 21— Chairman Juan Vega; Secretary Eloris B. Tart; Deck Delegate C. Mann; Engine Delegate G. Salazar; Steward Delegate E. Pappas. Some disputed OT in engine department, i THE CABINS (Texas City Re­ fining), Feb. 18—Chairman Raul Eglesia; Secretary Sid Berger; Deck Delegate George B. McAuley; En­ gine Delegate M. E. Carley; Stew­ ard Delegate Ernest Cox. Motion submitted to headquarters regarding paying off procedure. Delayed sail­ ing beef. Vote of thanks to the baker for a job well done. MONTICELLO VICTORY (Vic­ tory Carriers), Jan. 31—Chairman W. Johnson; Secretary F. O. Airey; Deck Delegate James C. Baudoin; Engine Delegate James Shelton; Steward Delegate Vincent A. Hebert. $14.00 in ship's fund. Every­ thing is running smoothly. SEATRAIN DELAWARE (Hud­ son Waterways), Mar. 21—Chair­ man Walter Nash; Secretary Jose Prats; Deck Delegate Edward Czosonuski; Engine Delegate Donald Cox; Steward Delegate Raul Mar­ tin. No beefs reported. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. EAGLE TRAVELER (United Maritime), Mar. 21—Chairman John Bergeria; Secretary Algernon W. Hutcherson; Deck Delegate George F. McKenna; Engine Dele­ gate Octavian Bogdan; Steward Delegate Emanuel Lowe. ARIZPA (Sea-Land), Mar. 14— Chairman D. Fitzpatrick; Secretary W. Lescovich; Debk Delegate Frank Rodriguez; Engine Delegate Daniel Butts, Jr. Repair list made up and turned in. �Transhawaii Pays Off In order to meet the needs of the containership trade, the SlU-contracted Transhawaii underwent a compre­ hensive conversion during 1970 and is now a permanent addition to the North Atlantic route. Formerly known as the General James H. McRae, be­ fore she was acquired by Seatrain Lines in 1968, the Transhawaii was built in 1944. During the remaining year of World War II, she rendered distinguished service as a troop carrier. Today, on each voyage from New York to ports in Northern Europe, she carries more than 480 forty-foot long mixed cargo containers. R. De La Paz, who sails as messman, prepares fable settings for the noon meal aboard the Transhawaii. Brother De La Paz is a fifteen year veteran of the SlU. SlU Patrolman Ted Babkowslci (center) assists Seafarers D. Kenny (left) and J. Parish (right, seated) with union busi­ ness during payoff. Engine department member E. Hall, who sails as wiper, attends to routine mainten­ ance as the Transhawaii prepares for a quick turnaround. Able seaman J. Basham (left) talks with SlU Patrolman Ted Babkowski about the Transhawaii's voyage to Europe. Saloon messman E. Scott reads latest issue of the Log in ship's galley while awaiting payoff. V , 5.' 1 « '"C. EAGLE TRAVELER (United Maritime), Feb. 28—Chairman. John Berger, Secretary Algernon W. Hutcherson; Deck Delegate George F. McKoma; Engine Driegate Octavian Bogdan; Steward Delegate Emanuel Lowe. $5 in sh^'s fund. No beefs and no dis­ puted OT. Vote of thanks was ex­ tended to the galley force for the excellent meals. STEEL FLYER (Isthmian), Feb. 21—Chairman S. Jandora; Secre­ tary F. Costango; Deck Delegate Calvin McGahagin; Engine Ddegate Delmar Flynn; Steward Dele­ gate Guy DeBaere. Crew was giv­ en a vote of thanks for making this a good trip. Vote of thanks to the steward department for the excel­ lent food and service. Vote of thanks to the Captain for every­ thing he did for the crew and for making it possible to have movies on board. COLUMBIA BANKER (Colum­ bia), Feb. 14—Chairman C. We' b; Secretary L. B«inett; Deck Dele­ gate Salvatore Brunetti; Engine Delegate Albert F. Knauff; Stew­ ard Delegate F. A. Cruz. The C^tain and Chief Mate thanked the iuot 19^ deck department for their a^istance in unloading heavy lifts. Some dis­ puted OT in engine department Vote of thanks to the steward de­ partment for a job well done. FAIRLAND (Sea-Land), Feb. 28 Chairman Jose Gonzales; Secre­ tary S. Piatack; Deck Delegate Leonard B. Meeks; Engine Ddegate Robert Gustafson; Steward Delegate W. Madison. Some dis­ puted OT in engine department. Heat problem still exists. SEATRAIN OHIO (Hudson Wa­ terways), Jan. 24—Chairman Tom E. Kelsey; Secretary Grover C. Turner; Deck Delegate Paul L. Whetlaw; Steward Delegate C. E. Nelson. No beefs were reported. Everything is running smoothly. Motion made to drop pension time down to 20 years in the Union, not 20 years seatime. OVERSEAS VIVIAN (Maritime Overseas), Feb. 27 — Chairman None; Secretary R. M. Boyd; Deck Delegate Charles H. Fox; Engine Delegate Harry Meredith. No beefs. Vote of thanks to the steward deEverything is running smoothly, partment for a iob well done. SEATRAIN OHIO (Hudson Wa­ terways), Jan. 31—Chairman Tom E. Kelsey; Secretary, G. Turner. No beefs and no disputed OT. Mo­ tion made to drop pension time down to 20 years in the Union, and not 20 years seatime. ANDREW JACKSON (Water­ man), Feb. 21—Chairman Donald E. Pool; Secretary Thomas Liles, Jr.; Deck Delegate E. Frank Homsby; Engine Delegate Lester J. ear­ ner. Disputed OT in deck and en­ gine departments. Everything run­ ning smoothly in steward depart­ ment. STEEL MAKER (Isthmian), Nov. 22—Chairman Charles Stennett; Secretary H. Bennett. $10 in ship's fund. Everything is running smoothly in all departments. STEEL APPRENTICE (Isthmi­ an), Dec. 28 — Chairman A. J. Surles; Secretary Paul P. Lopez; Deck Delegate C. Callahan; Engine Delegate Paul Aubain; Steward Delegate C. Modellas. $45 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT in engine department. THE CABINS (Texas City Re­ fining), Feb. 18—Chairman Raul Iglesia; Secretary Sid Berger, Deck Delegate George B. McCurley; En­ gine Delegate M. E. Cariey; Stew­ ard Delegate Ernest Cox. Beef re­ garding delayed sailing to be set­ tled by patrolman in Houston. Vote of thanks to the new baker on board. DETROIT (Sea-Land), Feb. 21— Chairman P. Semyk; Secretary Vic­ tor M. Perez. No beefs were re­ ported. Motion made to have main­ tenance and cure rate increased from $8 to $15 per day. SEATRAIN FLORIDA (Seatrain Lines), Feb. 15—Chairman G. B. Smith; Secretary Roy R. Thomas. Some disputed OT in deck depart­ ment. Vote of thanks to the stew­ ard department for a job well dcme. AZALEA CITY (Sea-Land), Feb. 14—Chairman A. E. Jansson; Sec­ retary A. Panagopoulos; Deck Del­ egate Rufano Garay; Steward Dele­ gate C. Wilson. Everything is. run­ ning smoothly. CARRIER DOVE (Waterman), Feb. 21—Chairman T. S. Hillman; Secretary J. R. Prestwood; Deck Delegate John J. Hazel; Steward Delegate Theodore Williams. No beefs and no disputed OT. CLAIBORNE (Gulf Puerto Rico), Feb. 7 — Chairman Cecil ^ggins; Seecretary C. J. Nail; Deck Delegate Robert J. Callahan; Engine Delegate A. Trraner; Stew­ ard Delegate Leo J. Grnner. Few minor beefs in deck department PITTSBURGH (Sea-Land), Jan. 24-^hairman P. S. Holt; Secretaiy L. Leache; Deck Ddegate A. J. Evanosich; Engine Delegate Jcrim Der; Steward Delegate Leo DeKens. $129 in ship's fund. No beefs and no disputed OT. CLAIBORNE (Gulf Puerto Rico), Feb. 14—Chairman Cecil Wiggins; Secreta^ C. J. Nail; Deck Delegate R. J. Callahan; Engine Delegate A. Tremer; Steward Dele­ gate Leo J. Gomer. Everything is running smoothly. Ship is sched­ uled for European run next voyage. SEATTLE .(Sea-Land), Feb. 23— Chairman W. Eshuk; Secretary J. Davis. No beefs were reported. Dis­ cussion held regarding safety. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job wdl done. STEEL SCIENTIST (Isthmian), Feb. 21—Chairman James AParker; Secretary R. R. Macaiay. $6 in ship's fund. No beefs and no disputed OT. Everything is nmning smoothly. Pl^37 �SlU Members Added to Pension Rolls ».) Edvtvrd Jerome ZebrowsM Edward Jerome Zebrowski, 42, j(^ed the union in Tacoma, Wash, in 1949 and sailed in the deck de­ partment He was issued a picket duty card in 1962. A native of Cleveland, O., Brother Zebrowski continues to make his home there. He served in the Army frwn 1952 to 1954. l^[Aro8 D. Casshnlg Spiros D. Cassimis, 65, is a native of Othonous, Greece and now makes his home in Long Island, N.Y. He joined the union in the Port of San Francisco in 1958 and sailed in the steward department. Brother Cassimis had been sailing 27 years when he re­ tired. Lnia F. Rfrera Luis F. Rivera, 65, joined the un­ ion in Puerto Rico in 1944 and sailed in the deck department as a boatswain. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Rivera now makes his home •in Rio Piedras, P.R. David C. PoBte David C. Polite, 73, is a native of South Carolina and is now spending his retirement in Savannah, Ga. He joined the union in the Port of New York in 1943 and sailed in the stew­ ard department. In 1960 and 1961, Seafarer Polite was issued safety awards for his part in making the Steel Surveyor an accident free ship. Antonio M. Diaz Antonio M. Diaz, 55, joined the union in the Port of New York in 1944 and sailed in the steward de­ partment. A native of Puerto Rico, Seafarer Diaz now makes his home in the Bronx, N.Y. Brother Diaz re^ tired after nearly 30 years at sea. Sam N. Bowser Sam N. Bowser, 51, joined the un- * ion in the Port of Seattle in 1957 and < sailed in the steward department. A native of Texas, Seafarer Bowser now ^ lives in Seattle, Wash. He is an Army veteran of World War II. When Brother Bowser retired he ended a sailing career of 20 years. Thomas J. Same Th(»nas J. Same, 61, is a native of Bessemer, Mich, and now makes his home in MeUen, Wis. One of the first members of the union. Brother Same joined in the Port of Duluth in the late 1930s. He sailed in the deck department. Jmnes Martin James Martin, 64, is one of the first members of the union. He joined ^ in 1938 in the Port of Baltimore and sailed in the deck department as a boatswain. A native of Virginia, Brother Martin is now living in Balti- * more, Md. His retirement ended a sailing career of 46 years. ^ Ernesto Torres Ernesto Torres, 59, joined the SIU in the Port of New York in 1939, only a few months after the union was formed. He sailed in the en^ne department A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Torres is now making his home in Ponce, P.R. When Torres re­ tired he ended a sailing career of 32 years. Vincenzo Phillip DiGiamcomo Vincenzo PhiUip DiGiacomo, 54, is a native of New York and now makes his home in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. He joined the union in the Port of Baltimore in 1940 and sailed in the engine department as a chief elec­ trician. He stood watch in the Greater New York harbor strike of 1961. Brother DiGiacomo is an Army vet­ eran of World War H. Herbert Ame Svanberg Herbert Ame Svanberg, 65, is a native of Sweden and is now pend­ ing his retirement in Beachwood, N.J. He joined the union in the Port of New York in 1944 and sailed in the deck department as a boatswain. He was issued picket duty cards in 1961 and 1962. Brother Svanberg had been sailing nearly 54 years when he retired. In 1961 he received a safety award for his part in making the Seatrain Georgia an accident free ship. Paul Kronbergs Paul Kronbergs, 65, joined the un­ ion in the Port of Norfolk in 1944 and sailed in the deck department as a bosun. He was an active union member and was issued picket duty cards in 1961. A native of Latvia, Seafarer Kronbergs now lives in Bricktown, N.J. When he retired. Brother Kronbergs concluded a 44 year sailing career. FMts Nlisen Frits Nilsen, 66, joined the union in the Port of New York and sailed in the deck department. He served the union as department delegate while sailing and was issued a picket duty card in 1961. A native of Nor­ way, Seafarer Nilsen now makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. He is an Army veteran of World War II. When he retired. Brother Nilsen had been sailing for 34 years. SEATRAIN MARYLAND (Hud­ ways), Jan. 3—Chairman W. GregMOBILE (Sea-Land), Mar. 28— son Waterways), Feb. 7—Chairman oiy; Secretary Bemard Mace; En­ Chairman H. Libby; Secretary E. Enos E. Allen; Secretary James B. gine Delegate Robert M. Thomas; Cruz; Engine Delegate S. RodArchie; Deck Delegate M. Jones; Steward Delegate J. Lynch. Every­ riquez; Steward Delegate Antonio Engine Delegate Jose Guzman; thing is running smoothly except Colon. $15 in ship's fund. Some Steward Delegate Alfred Flatt. for some disputed OT in each de­ disputed OT in deck department. Some disputed OT in deck depart­ partment. Vote of thanks to the Chief engineer contacted regarding ment steward department for a job well galley repairs. PENN RANGER (Penn), Mar. done. ALBANY (Ogden Marine), Apr. 7—Chairman Perry A. Burnett; MANHATTAN (Hudson Water­ 4—Chairman D. L. Parker; Secre­ Secretary Mario Canalejo; Deck ways), Dec. 13—Chairman W. tary John E. Samuels; Deck Dele­ Delegate W. L. Osborne; Steward Gregory; Secretary Jack E. Long; gate W. J. Peterson. $2 in ship's Delegate Edward J. Wright. No Engine Delegate Robert M. Thom­ fund. Some disputed OT in deck beefs were reported. Vote of thanks as; Steward Delegate J. Lynch. department. Everything running to the steward department for a job Some disputed OT to be taken up smoothly in steward department. well done. with boarding patrolman. BRADFORD ISLAND (Steuart STEEL VOYAGER (Isthmian), STEEL KING (Isthmian), Feb. Tankers), Mar. 28—Chairman J. Feb. 28—Chairman Melvin Keefer; 21—Chairman Earl J. Brannan; R. Thompson; Secretary T. Savage; Secretary J. W. Sanders. $14 in Secretary Leon W. Franklin; Deck Deck Delegate Arthur Finnell; En­ ship's fund. No beefs and no dis­ Delegate J. B. Brown; Engine Dele­ gine Delegates Eddie C. Jordan; puted OT. Vote of thanks to the gate D. R. Convey; Steward Dele­ Steward Delegate F. R. Strichland. entire steward department for a job gate P. P. Gaiyelin. $30 in ship's No beefs reported. Motion made well done. fund. Everything is running smooth­ for retirement after 15 years sea OAKLAND (Sea-Land), Feb. ly. Few hours disputed OT in en­ time, no age limit. Motion made 28—Chairman Albert Ahin; Secre­ gine department. Vote of thanks to for no more than six months ar­ tary J. Doyle; Deck Delegate James the steward department for a job ticles on foreign voyages. Lear; Engine Delegate Floyd well done. OVERSEAS ALEUTIAN (Mari­ Dominski; Steward Delegate Cecil STEEL SEAFARER (Isthmian), time Overseas), Apr. 4—Chairman H. Martin. $28 in ship's fund and Mar. 7—Chairman W. Felazques; Angelo Antoniou; Secretary E. $57 in movie fund. No beefs were Secretary W. Kouzounas. $24 in Danner. $9 in ship's fund. Every­ reported. ship's fund. No beefs were reported thing running smoothly, no beefs. MANHATTAN (Hudson Water­ by department delegates. MOBDLIAN (Waterman), Mar. Page 38 Jose N. Castro Jose N. Castro, 53, joined the SIU in the Port of New Orleans in 1947 and sailed in the Steward department and often served as department dele­ gate. A native of Puerto Rico, Seafarer Castro lives in New York City. He was issued a picket duty card in 1961 and served picket watch in the District Council 37 Beef of 1965. Brother Castro served in the Army in World War H. Camirt Cans Camiel Caus, 65, joined the union in the Port of New York in 1943 and sailed in the engine department. He served the union as dep^tment dele­ gate while sailing and was issued a picket duty card in 1961. A native of Belgium, Brother Caus now makes his home in New York City. His re­ tirement ended a sailing career of nearly 30 years. 28—Chairman B. C. Jordan; Sec­ retary C. Perkins; Engine Delegate A. B. Kennedy, Jr.; Steward Dele­ gate Clifton Aaron. Ship in good condition, very good crew on board. Vote of thanks to steward depart­ ment for job well done. STEEL TRAVELER (Isthmian), Mar. 21—Chairman William Hale; Secretary Duminado R. Llenos; Deck Delegate Richard O. Spencer; Engine Delegate Raymond Ander­ son; Steward Delegate Robert Black. $13 in ship's fund. Few hours disputed OT in engine, stew­ ard departments. Crew requests patrolman be present at payoff in Houston. PONCE (Sea-Land), Mar. 21— Chairman Dan Butts; Secretary Alva McCullum; Engine Delegate Emerson C. Walker; Steward Dele­ gate Oscar Sorenson. $390 in movie fund. No beefs. Trip going well. Steward thanked crew for keeping messroom and pantry clean. STEEL SCIENTIST (Isthmian), Mar. 7—Chairman James W. Parker; Secretary R. R. Macaraeg; Deck Delegate Peter D. Sheldrake; Engine Delegate Paul J. Crabtree; Steward Delegate Sherman Phillips. $6 in ship's fund. Everything run­ ning smoothly. Vote of thanks for steward department's job well dcme. AZALEA CITY (Sea-Land), Mar. 21—Chairman V. T. Nielson; Secre­ tary A. Panagopoulos; Deck Dele­ gate Rafino G. Garay; Steward Delegate Charles Wilson. Every­ thing running smoothly. Very good crew on board, pleasant voyage. SAN FRANCISCO (Sea-Land), Mar. 8—Chairman M. Woods; Sec­ retary H. Galicki; Engine Delegate y Paul M. Hartman; Steward Dele­ gate H. Bixford. $13 in movie fund. Everything running smoothly, no £Jbeefs. Vote of thanks to Brother Carruthers for fixing movie projec­ k tor. Vote of thanks to the steward d^artments. IBERVILLE (Waterman), Mar. 14—Chairman F. R. Chameco; Secretary J. Williams; Deck Dele­ gate C. Howell; Engine Delegate Charles E. Perdue; Steward Dele­ gate Edwin Mitchell. No beefs re­ ported. OVERSEAS ALEUTIAN (Mari­ time Overseas), Mar. 28—Chair­ man Angelo Antoniou; Secretary Elmer C. Danner. $7 in ship's fund. Everything running smoothly. Seafarers Log .fess^SS>-.-'K- <S53d^ •% �/ -< SlU Ships' Committees -ft - • I- ' ""ill T ii " ''i' ' • vV '-' h* . • • ITIT "IMlt I ' *""t--••••; i'.V; V'' " ' - ,'. J " "• ' t3-.^ 4^- S i* * , TAMPA (Sea-Land)—^The Tampa was welcomed to the port of New York by bright sunshine last month. From left are: L B. Tart, secretary-reporter; J. Napleoni, steward delegate; E. F. Armstrong, educational director; K. Wright, deck delegate; J. C. Vega, ship's chairman; S. Broano, engine delegate. Wherever an SIU member goes, he has the right to full participation in the workings of his union. Since seamen are unique in the respect that fliey are usually dispersed on ships all over the globe, the solution to full participation for every member is by holding regular shipboard meetings—ship's committee meetings— to keep them informed and learn their opinions on issues affecting the whole membership. This contact between the ships-at-sea and union headquarters is a two-way communication. Ship's committee minutes are sent to Brooklyn and are examined for proposals and suggestions that can later be submitted to the whole union for consideration. Headquarters, in turn, stays in touch with vessels dotting the oceans, relaying to them items of interest to members and linking them with the results of meetings in union halls all over the country. In this way, every Seafarer can participate in and be aware of everything his union is doing. Each Sunday while a ship is at sea, the ships' committee chairman calls a meet­ ing for all unlicensed personnel. There are six members of the standing ship's committee with three elected and three appointed delegates, but every Seafarer is urged to attend each meeting and become involved in the proceedings. The six include the ship's committee chairman, the education director, the secretaryreporter, and elected representatives of the deck, engine and steward departments. The chairman is responsible for calling the meeting and preparing an agenda. He also moderates the group to insure proper parliament^ procedure is used to guarantee every member's right to be heard. The education director is charged with maintaining a shipboard library of union publications and must be able to answer any questions relating to union upgrading and educational programs. The secretary-reporter serves as a recorder of the minutes of the meetings and is responsible for relaying the minutes and recommendations to SIU headquarters. Each of the elected department delegates is concerned with questions relating to the entire crew, in general and the members of his department, in particular. The SIU ships' committees have succeeded in bridging the communications barrier between a far-flung membership and the oflBcials entrusted to head the union. They have succeeded in keeping the membership informed and active in the highest democratic traditions. ^ WW: i ' PORTLAND (Sea-Land)—It was a smooth voyage from San Juan for the eontainership Portland. Her committee includes, from left, seated: D. Mendoza, deck delegate; J. Rigehtti, steward delegate; H. Hall, education director. Standing from left are: H. Bentz, ship's chairman; R. Hernandez, secretaryreporter; E. Cuenca, engine delegate. SEATRAIN DELAWARE (Hudson Waterways)—Aboard the Seafrain Delaware at her dock in Weehawken, New Jersey are, from left, seated: J. Prats, secre­ tary-reporter; L. Gil, deck delegate; R. Maltin, steward delegate. Standing, from left, are: W. Nash, ship's chairman; D. Cox, engine delegate; N. Paloumbis, educational director. 'm W Wm / /-r MOBILE (Sea-Land)—^A veteran group of Seafarers comprises the Mobile's ship's commitee. Seated, left to right, are: H. Libby, ship's chairman; B. Pinder, educational director; E. Cruz, secretary-reporter; J. L. Gibbons, steward dele­ gate. Standing, left to right, are: S. Roclriquez, engine delegate; J. Walker, deck delegate. June 1971 GATEWAY CITY (Sea-Land)—The Gateway City's ship's committee relaxes topside after a good voyage. From left are: A. Verwilt, educational director; W. Reid, secretary-reporter; V. Morales, ship's chairman; G. T. Aquino, steward delegate; W. Fischer, engine delegate; V. Genco, deck delegate. Page 39 �SEAFARER LOO 1971 r '( J OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERWATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO' jr,. t, 1 IVarcotics: The 'Grim Reaper J v- i J When it comes to problems that affect the American people and their society, it's quite obvious that this nation's No. I con­ cern is with the question of narcotics. That word "narcotics" covers the entire range of drugs. It in­ cludes everything from marijuana to heroin. It includes barbitu­ rates and amphetamines—the so-called "uppers" and "downers" —and everything in between. The government has mounted a full-scale campaign against narcotics. In this fight, it has enlisted the press, radio and televi­ sion, the medical profession, the churches, the schools—every­ body. The attack is based on three key points: • The use of narcotics is illegal. • The use of narcotics is dangerous to the health- »ven the life—of the user. • The use of narcotics involves a serious "moral issue.' These are legitimate points. But for the Seafarer, the question of narcotics comes down to an even more basic issue: Any Seafarer using narcotics—ashore or asea—loses his sea^^jj^ man's papers forever! A man who gets "busted" once on a nar­ cotics charge gets busted economically, too—because he loses his right to go to sea—not just for awhile, but for the rest of his life! ^ k That's a tough rap—losing your passport to life—but that's the way it is. A single "stick" of marijuana . . . just a couple of grains of the hard stuff... and a man is through in the maritime industry! It's almost as tough on the shipmates of the man who uses—or even possesses—narcotics. ; i' - i . Any Seafarer caught with narcotics in his possession makes his ship—and his shipmates—"hot." It subjects the men and their vessel to constant surveillance by narcotics agents in this country and abroad. And, of course, any Seafarer who is an addict—who uses any drug that affects his mind and his ability to function normally—? endangers the lives of his shipmates. The possibility of an emer­ gency is always present aboard ship—and only alert minds can react to an emergency. Talk to Seafarers about the "grim reaper" and they'll tell you about accidents or storms at sea ... or about the hazards of com­ bat service. They should put narcotics at the top of the list—because it can claim more lives, or it can threaten more livelihoods, than any other peril. Narcotics. The "grim reaper." It's sure something to think about. , ..y --l *y a .r 1- 1 � 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 1970-1979 Description An account of the resource Volumes XXXII-XLI 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 June 1971 Description An account of the resource Headlines: MEANY HITS GRAIN PLAN FIRST SUBSIDIES UNDER '70 ACT AWARDED TO SIU-CONTRACTORS 15TH SIUNA CONVENTION SET FOR WASHINGTON, D.C. FIRST SUBSIDIES UNDER '70 ACT AWARDED TO SIU-CONTRACTORS BEGINNING OF A NEW DAY SEAFARERS EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE SIU HISTORY: OUR KEY TO THE FUTURE CHAIRMEN REPORT ON HISTORY CHAIRMEN REPORT ON EDUCATION EDUCATION: BUILDING THE WHOLE MAN SIU CONSTITUTION DEFINES OUR RIGHTS CONTRACT SPELLS OUT SIU WORKING CONDITIONS FRINGE BENEFITS MAKE UP SEAFARERS' QUALITY OF LIFE WORKSHOP CHAIRMEN REPORT SIU POLITICAL ACTION PRESERVING UNION RIGHTS DELEGATES ATTEND NATIONAL MERCHANT MARINE SERVICE STRENGTH, UNITY COMES FROM FULL MEMBERSHIP PARTICIPATION SEAFARERS SPEAK OUT HONOR ROLL THE ROLE OF PHS HOSPITALS A SALUTE TO THE WINNERS SENATORS, EXPERTS CALL PHS HOSPITALS 'ESSENTIAL' HALL CALLS FOR JOIN EFFORT TO IMPLEMENT 1970 ACT FIVE TALENTED STUDENTS WIN SIU SCHOLARSHIPS THE SENATE AND THE SEAFARER JOBS OF SEAFARERS ON LINE IN NEW ATTACKS ON JONES ACT TUNA BOAT HEARINGS DUE SEATRAIN'S TRANSINDIANA PAYS OFF IN NEW JERSEY HOUSE OKAYS $507 MILLION FOR MERCHANT MARINE ACT ECOLOGY PANEL MEETS AT HLSS SEAFARERS VACATION CENTER LABOR KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN FOR NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE WHALE BATTERS YACHT; SEAFARERS RESCUE CREW INDICTMENTS AGAINST SIU TERMED 'ASSAULT ON LABOR MOVEMENT' CONVERTED TANKER PAYS OFF IN NEW YORK KARTH CALLS FOR FOURTH SEACOAST ALASKA PIPELINE MEANS MORE JOBS FOR SAILORS BATTLE OVER CREDIT CHARGES COULD MEAN YOU SAVE $$$ BENEFITS COMPUTED ON AVERAGE EARNINGS SOVIET FISHING VESSELS WORK ONLY IN REVERSE TRANSHAWAII PAYS OFF 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 6/1/1971 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. XXXIII, No. 6 1971 Periodicals Seafarers Log